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We’ve talked about her at PTAs? I suppose I don’t keep track of every single member of staff and Smith is such a common name. There’s a Mr Smith who teaches geography.
But the round-ups, I read every one. I cock my head. ‘I don’t think so…?’
He nods, clicks something and turns his screen. He points at a paragraph in an email:
Bad New/Good News! As Mrs Haynes will be finishing for maternity leave earlier than expected and won’t be returning post-Christmas, we have had to find a replacement sooner than expected. We have been very fortunate to secure the talented Georgia Smith, an alumna of PES and drama graduate of Manchester University, with a masters in educational psychology and over twenty years of secondary teaching experience. Georgia comes highly recommended from the prestigious Redmoor College, where she is known for reinvigorating their dramatic productions and her award-winning Acting Up programme. We look forward to welcoming her this December.
She’s been here for six months? I almost ask to check the email recipients, but it’s not like I could have just randomly dropped off the list. How could I have missed this?
Maybe I skimmed the email. Maybe I saw that heading and thought it was inconsequential – a mix-up with a raffle, something about the ill-fated hockey team – not about the hiring of a member of staff who once attended this school and left in disgrace.
Or maybe I read it and forgot.
That’s not possible though, really, is it?
But then I think of the photograph of Dan and his mistress. I didn’t even look at it properly before I stuffed it in the bin.
‘I wonder if a slightly less opaque heading would have been more useful?’ It slips out before I can catch it.
‘I don’t think you should worry about Miss Smith.’
I nod, trying to seem calm and reasonable. ‘Probably not. But still, I’d like to speak to her myself.’ Even though it’s the last thing I want to do.
He holds his breath then lets it out. I can feel him calculating how to manage me. ‘Look, I’m not sure what happened between you, but, under the circumstances, I wonder if it might be best if I act as a go-between, for now. I don’t believe she has much more to add and if – if – Jenna is missing, then she will of course cooperate with the police.’
I can feel myself bristling, but the word ‘police’ rings like a bell, filling my head till it’s all I can hear.
If it comes to a fight between me and Georgia, do I want to look like the crazy one? And could I face her without falling apart completely? Even after all this time, the thought makes my stomach turn all the way over.
Twisted. Evil. That’s what she is – what she must’ve become. She could do something to a child – a Beaufort-Bradley child. She hates me and my family with a passion so bright it surrounds her like an aura.
I have to speak to her. I’ll know if she’s lying. But then I remember my brother telling me to tread lightly. He’s the politician. He knows how to get things done.
I force myself to smile. ‘Yes, I see, that’s understandable.’
But deep in my gut I feel it: Georgia has done something to Jenna. Georgia isn’t here because she got a job teaching. She’s back in Port Emblyn to destroy my family. And I’ve known it since the second I saw her.
15
NOW
I sit in Neil’s office as the replies to the emergency tree messages come in. Reports of Jenna in art doing strange things with black paint, Jenna on the steps with her headphones on at break, Jenna washing her hands in the bathroom. Nothing after English class this morning.
Mr Whitlow frowns at the screen.
‘Is something wrong?’ I ask.
But he shakes his head. ‘No – nothing.’
‘Nothing?’
‘I… The replies seem a bit slow. But it is a Friday.’
I bite my lip. ‘What could that mean?’
‘Most probably nothing. Did you say some of them were at a party?’
‘Yes, but the mother checked. Jenna isn’t there.’
