The Man I Think I Know by Mike Gayle

Author:Mike Gayle [Mike Gayle]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Hodder and Stoughton
Published: 2017-10-18T16:00:00+00:00

23

Danny

James has pulled a disappearing act.

One moment he’s right next to me, listening to his mum interrogate me on what it feels like to be back at King’s Scrivener after all these years, and the next it’s as if he’s vanished into thin air.

‘I didn’t even see him leave,’ remarks Mrs DeWitt, scanning the marquee. ‘Do you think he’s all right? Should I look for him or leave him be? It’s so difficult to know what the right thing to do is these days.’

‘He’s probably gone to get himself a drink,’ I reassure her, ‘but to be on the safe side, I’ll check. I’ve got your number so I’ll ring you when I find him.’

Despite a thorough search of the scrum waiting at the bar to be served, I don’t see any sign of James and so I send him a text and continue my search outside. My first stop is the posh Portaloos located out by the sports pavilion and, clutching my drink, I take up residence on a nearby bench, hoping to catch sight of him emerging from one. While waiting, I receive nods of acknowledgement from people I’m guessing have heard about my newfound Hollywood fame. But in the fifteen minutes I’m waiting, there’s no sign of James and after another call to his mobile I begin to worry.

As much as James’s confidence and ability have improved in recent weeks, I’m also aware of his limitations, particularly in the light of his recent seizure. It doesn’t take much to imagine a scenario where he’s got himself into difficulty. I try his number once again but it just rings out. When it goes to voicemail, this time I leave a message asking him to call me back urgently.

Much as I know it will embarrass James to hear his name announced over the PA system I start looking around for someone official who might be able to help find him. After a short search I spot Dr Baines, my old Biology teacher, looking very dapper if a trifle fragile in his evening suit. Though he was well on his way to being deaf even back when he taught me, I still consider him my best bet for finding out who is in charge of the ball but as I walk over to him, my phone vibrates with a text. It’s from James: ‘With an old friend. Do not worry. Will explain later. J.’

Relieved that he’s okay but frustrated that he’s chosen today of all days to be mysterious, I text back, ‘No problem, see you later,’ and then call Mrs DeWitt to let her know that James is safe.

Determined to give him space and yet unwilling to rejoin the DeWitts, I’m at a loss what to do for the rest of the evening and on a whim take a walk around the school grounds for old times’ sake.

Heading away from the marquee, I walk towards to the main school entrance wondering if I might somehow be able to gain access to the building and have a poke around my old classrooms.

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