‘That’s right,’ the head said to no one in particular. ‘Now, let’s get down to business.’ He held up a piece of paper. ‘Before we get into the minutes from last week, has anybody got anything new to raise since last Monday?’
Someone raised their hand and said, ‘Jake’s bike was stolen a few minutes ago.’
Jake had been staring out of the window. He fixed an annoyed gaze on the colleague who’d spoken. He did not want the meeting going on any longer than necessary, and certainly did not want the issue of his stolen bike raised.
The head looked at Jake. ‘Is that right?’
‘Yeah.’
‘Have you phoned the police?’
Jake shook his head.
‘Why ever not?’ He held up an exasperated hand, indicated the door. ‘Go.’
Jake said, ‘Pardon me?’
‘Go – make that call. Do what you have to do.’
Jake slowly got out of his seat. Was the head seriously letting him go early from the meeting?
‘Right now!’
Jake sighed in relief as he closed the staff room door on the head, who was looking at the minutes and saying, ‘Let’s start with absenteeism …’
Jake swiped Faye’s car keys from her desk as he passed by,ensuring nobody was looking. Then he made a show of getting out his phone as he left the room, just in case the head was eyeing him as he walked out. But he wasn’t calling the police – he was calling Lydia to say he was on his way.
Chapter 6
Jake was standing by the lift, tapping his foot impatiently, when Faye joined him.
He looked at her, surprised. ‘I thought you were in the meeting?’
She folded her arms.
Jake sighed and held out her keys. ‘I’d better phone for a taxi.’
She took the keys. ‘Don’t bother. I’m coming with you.’
‘But I don’t know when I’ll be back!’ Jake blurted without thinking.
Faye nodded. ‘I guessed that. I just called our supply teacher. I’ve booked him in today, to cover for you, just in case.’
‘I could hug you,’ Jake said. Then he realised that he’d better not. He was still treading carefully after the weekend, although he was very pleased that Faye wasn’t giving him the silent treatment anymore.
‘What did you tell the head?’ Jake asked anxiously.
‘That if you end up down at the station, giving a statement, you might be some time. And that as I was a witness, I should go with you.’
‘You said that?’
‘Well, it’s true – isn’t it?’
Jake nodded.
‘As I don’t have any teaching commitments this morning, and I can catch up with paperwork when I get back, I decided I’d accompany you. As I said, I told the head we might be some time at the station.’
Jake looked at her sheepishly. It might be true, if he had phoned the police.
