At Cuttleson Secondary they were ushered into the principal’s office. Jade looked around as they waited for the principal to arrive – filing cabinets, shelves of books and trophies, the smell of sharpened pencils and wood polish.

“I feel guilty, like I’m going to be punished,” Debra whispered. Jade smiled. She felt the same way.

The door opened and Ms Coetzer entered. She held out her hand to the detectives. “Excuse me for keeping you. We had a disturbance in the gymnasium. What can I do for you, Detectives?”

“We’re looking into the disappearance of one of your students, Lana Fourie,” Debra said.

“Yes, I know about this. Lana is a top student in the Grade 8s, always a well-behaved girl. Her sister was here about her being missing. I was very surprised; it’s very much out of character for Lana. Of course, her sister is another story, but Lana? I would never expect such behaviour.”

“We need to speak to some of her friends, maybe teachers too. We wondered if we might speak to Mindy Williams first. I understand they were close,” Jade said.

“Yes, of course. I think it’s best you interview her here. Do you mind if I remain in the room? We have many guidelines we need to stick to regarding children in our charge,” she said.

“That’s fine,” Jade said.

She phoned her secretary to fetch Mindy and to bring in some tea. The tea arrived, and they busied themselves with that while they waited for Mindy.

“So do you know much about Lana’s mother, Ms Coetzer?” Debra asked.

“Well, I met her when we had all of the problems with the sister, Ruby. Of course, I’m a very disciplined person, and perhaps that’s easier since I don’t have children of my own, but I found her quite lax with Ruby. There seemed to be a general lack of supervision. But I understand she’s a single mother and works quite a few jobs to make ends meet, so I try not to be judgemental. There may be some substance abuse as well.”

Just as she finished speaking the door opened. The secretary ushered in a thin, nervous girl, with dark hair pulled back into a severe ponytail, and a man.

“Oh, Mr Reynolds, you didn’t need to come,” Ms Coetzer said.

“I thought it was about Lana’s disappearance and I might be able to offer some insight. You know she’s a member of the Kids’ Club, so we’re quite close.”

Mr Reynolds was young. He didn’t look like any teacher Jade remembered having. He wore jeans and a pressed shirt. A tie was added, she suspected to appease Ms Coetzer. His blonde hair was shoulder length, thick and golden, and with his blue eyes and good looks he looked like he’d just walked off a photoshoot for Surfing Magazine.

Ms Coetzer turned to them. “Detectives, this is Mr Bill Reynolds. He teaches Lana Biology and, as he’s said, he runs Kids’ Club. It’s a sort of guidance and counselling club for kids going through difficult times.” She indicated the girl. “And this is Mindy Williams, Lana’s very good friend.

The group moved to a conference table on the other side of the office.

Jade found herself looking at Mr Reynolds – it was not common to be in direct contact with something so handsome.

***

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