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‘It’s impossible marks like that could have happened at school, isn’t it?’ says Mr Cockrun.

Mrs Dudley forces a concerned frown. ‘Yes, impossible. Absolutely impossible.’

Mr Cockrun shakes his head. ‘I mean,injectionmarks – the implications are very heavy indeed.’

Mrs Dudley’s concern is mask-like. ‘Have you asked Tom how he got them?’

‘He doesn’t remember,’ I say. ‘And I believe him. Tom is used to blocking things out. If you knew his father, you’d understand.’

The sentence hangs in the air, an unswept cobweb.

‘Well, I hope we’ve put your mind at ease,’ says Mrs Dudley. ‘Something like that couldn’t have happened here.’

‘Indeed,’ says Mr Cockrun again, his voice firmer now. ‘We have extremely high levels of safeguarding. You only have to look at the building to know we keep the pupils protected.’

‘Mr Cockrun works very hard on safeguarding,’ says Mrs Dudley. ‘He’s turned this school around. Four years ago we were failing. Now we’re exceptional. So let’s not start accusing the school of ... well …’ She glances at Mr Cockrun. ‘Silliness. It won’t do anyone any good.’

‘Quite,’ says Mr Cockrun.

‘Some of the parents were talking about bullying,’ I say.

‘Everychild here is successfully managed,’ Mr Cockrun interrupts. ‘No matter where they come from.’

‘Yes, yes,’ Mrs Dudley quickly agrees. ‘We’ve eradicated bullying in the school.’

‘Tommusthave got those marks at school,’ I say, hands on hips.

‘It’s simply not possible,’ says Mr Cockrun. ‘Look, I don’t see what we can do to reassure you further.’

‘There’s nothing more we can say.’ Mrs Dudley glances at Mr Cockrun for approval. ‘My advice is that you talk to your son again.’

I glare at them.

Mr Cockrun puts his hands together and tilts his head. ‘Listen. Sometimes, when children start a new school, parents feel anxious. It’s a big change. You’re probably still adjusting yourself. I’ll bet in a few days you’ll think of an explanation for these little marks. Or Tom will tell you himself.’

‘They looked likeinjectionmarks.’

Mr Cockrun nods understandingly. ‘Probably as simple as brambles on the path. Something like that.’

‘Brambles would cause a scratch. The marks were nothing like that.’

‘Mrs Dudley will keep an extra close eye on Tom in class. Put your mind at ease.’

‘Of course, Alan,’ says Mrs Dudley. ‘You have nothing to worry about, Miss Riley. Support us and we’ll support you. I imagine Tom just needs to settle in.’

‘We’d better get on with things now, Miss Riley,’ says Mr Cockrun, sitting and placing a hand on his computer mouse. ‘Mrs Dudley will show you out.’

‘But—’

‘If you still have concerns in a month or so, we’ll talk again.’ He doesn’t look up.

Suddenly it feels like before. With social services … and no one believing me.

I’m not going to let that happen again.

You’re not taking this seriously. Youallneed to take this seriously …

‘No,’ I say. ‘We’re not finished. My son got these marks in your care. Yes, okay, there could be an explanation. Something less sinister than an injection needle. But until Igetthat explanation, I will be watching this school closely.’