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“Yes, the Catholics of Mercy Project in East Africa.”

“Africa! She’s in Africa?”

“Yes, with Father Higgins.”

I frowned. “Wait. Isn’t this about Malone?”

“Malone?”

“Johnny Malone.”

“No, it’s about your grandmother.” Father Sutherland slowly closed and opened his eyes. “We, the church that is, should’ve given your grandmother more support. And now, I’m sorry to say, she’s had a nasty fall. Earlier today, she was in the garden burning some rubbish?—”

“What rubbish?”

Sutherland drew a breath through his bulbous nose. “I don’t know. That’s not the… listen, she’ll be in hospital for some time, I’m afraid. The good news is that Miss Bray has very kindly?—”

“The lady from church?”

The priest raised his fingers to his temples. “Yes, Ruth— Miss Bray — is a lay sister. Lucky for you, she’s very fond of your grandmother. She’s offered to live in and watch over you and your brother, at least until your grandmother is out of hospital. It may be a while, as she sustained some burns on her arm and will need an operation.”

I blinked rapidly, my thoughts sprinting too fast for me to keep up with them. I had so many questions, but I could sense the headmaster’s thinning patience, so I tried to focus on the most important ones. “You said my mother’s in Africa? I’d really like to speak with her. It’s been months. Do you know how I can reach her?”

“That’s not possible.”

“Why not?”

“If I were you, I would save all my thoughts and prayers for wishing your grandmother well. Your mother has given herself to another purpose now. It’s unlikely you’ll be hearing from her again.”

“What? No, she said she would send for us.” Panic clutched at my throat, and I sprung to my feet, now the same height standing as the priest was seated.

Father Sutherland shuffled through the paperwork on his desk. When he spoke again, he did so without meeting my eyes.

“You’re dismissed, Mr Shaw.”

“But—”

“Miss Bray will keep me updated on your and Bernard’s behaviour, so ensure it’s at its best, or else we’ll have to come to some other, less favourable arrangement.”

“But—”

“Please close the door on your way out.”

Rooted to the spot, I stared at the priest for a moment, but he acted as though I’d already left and continued to busy himself at his desk. I darted out and raced along the corridor, skidding to a stop outside Bernard’s classroom. I inhaled a fortifying breath before opening the door. Thirty young heads swivelled in my direction as I edged into the room. I gulped when met with the incendiary glare of Sister Mary Assumpta.

“Yes, Mr Shaw?” said the nun without blinking.

I cleared my throat, which had decided to seal over at the sight of my audience.

“I need to speak to Bernard, please.”

“Can’t it wait until after school?” She still hadn’t blinked.

“No, it can’t, sorry. Bernard, get your things. We have to go.”

Bernard started to rise to his feet.

“Sit down, Bernard.”