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‘As opposed to the usual socks?’

‘Fingers crossed. What do we owe the pleasure of your company to today, anyway? You don’t usually come over on a Friday.’

‘I’m trying to track someone down,’ Jacob said. ‘A woman called Clarice Toad.’

‘Never heard of her, but if I had, I don’t think I could forget.’

‘She has a son called Billy. That’s all I know. I wondered if one of the kids knew him.’

‘Let’s find out.’

They went into the common room. Lisa clapped her hands and the kids all looked up, except for Danny, who quickly played a bishop move, then clenched a fist and muttered, ‘Yes!’ before turning around.

‘Any of you know a kid called Billy Toad? Jacob here’s trying to get in touch with his mother.’

Michaella glanced at Johnson, then put up a hand. ‘He’s in our class,’ she said.

‘Your class? That’s Ms. Harding’s class, right?’

‘Yep.’

Lisa turned to Jacob, unable to keep the grin off her face. ‘There’s your magic ticket, right? Seriously, I can practically hear sleigh bells ringing.’