Don't Say A Word by Robert Enright

Author:Robert Enright [Enright, Robert]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-06-14T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

As Townsend pulled into the car park of the school, it was significantly harder to find a parking space than at the weekend. With lessons in full flow as the curriculum headed towards the end of the year, the entire faculty was in house, meaning Townsend had to park in one of the reserved bays.

If anyone had a problem with it, his identification would probably calm them down swiftly.

As he marched from his car to the front door, he could see interested faces peering from the windows, as the teenagers that comprised the school's intake were intrigued at the mystery man who was arriving at their school. He paid them no attention, keeping his eyes on the automatic door to the reception and his mind on the task at hand.

Who was Gemma Miller?

As he entered the reception area, he noticed Carly Roberts, who he’d spoken to a few days before, and her head shot up like a meerkat from behind the desk. She quickly rose from her desk and scurried through the door and welcomed him.

‘You’re back?’ she said, somewhat startled.

‘Indeed, I am,’ Townsend said with a smile. ‘I need some more information I’m afraid.’

‘I mean, it’s the middle of a school week,’ Roberts said, seemingly anxious. ‘Let me call Mr Hollis.’

Townsend had done enough research to know she was referring to the head teacher, and after a quick phone call, a confident man came striding down the corridor towards him. Roughly the same age as Townsend, Mr Hollis had lost his battle with his hairline and given up the ghost, but made up for it with a thick, greying beard. Dressed in a well-pressed suit, the head of the school greeted Townsend with a tight handshake.

‘How can I help you, officer?’ Hollis asked.

‘DS Townsend.’ He corrected him. ‘Can we maybe speak somewhere a little more private?’

‘Of course.’ The head teacher motioned for Townsend to follow, and he shot a glance back towards Carly and the other woman who worked in the front office. Hollis opened the door to his office and welcomed Townsend inside. Townsend let out a whistle at the nicely furnished room, which was immaculately tidy. The desk was small, but neat as a pin, and there were two comfy looking chairs opposite it. The wall was lined with a bookshelf that was stocked with the usual ‘high performance’ books, written by gurus who promised self-development by the chapter. The wall was adorned with numerous framed certificates, presenting the man’s credentials, and as Mr Hollis took his seat behind his desk, Townsend stood to admire them.

‘Ah, those old things.’ Hollis faked his embarrassment. ‘It seems to put the parent’s minds to rest to see I’m at least qualified for my job.’

‘You should be proud of them,’ Townsend said, without turning. ‘Nothing wrong with being well educated.’

‘Indeed. You’d fit in well here.’ The joke caused Townsend to smile, and he turned and took the seat being offered by the head of the school, who placed the tips of his fingers together.

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