Page 114 of Child's Play

He nodded. ‘And a very good one.’

Again, Kim couldn’t help wondering what was at the root of the animosity she’d witnessed between this private tutor and the event organiser.

She turned her attention back to Damien Crouch. ‘You have quite a history with this event?’

‘By quite a history I assume you mean my two visits to the event when I was a child?’

She nodded and waited for him to speak. He met her gaze with confidence.

‘Please ask me anything. I have nothing to hide.’

‘You knew all three victims?’ she asked.

‘Absolutely. Everyone knew Freddie Compton. He made a point of having a quick chat with all the kids to tell them to have fun. Serena and Jared don’t seem to do that but hey ho. I had one counselling session with Barry Nixon after losing my first chess game, and Belinda Evans asked me a few questions when I won the entire tournament for the second time.’

‘And you only came twice?’ she asked.

He nodded.

‘Why?’

‘Truthfully, Inspector. I got bored. Chess was my life from the moment I pulled myself to a standing position using my parents’ marble chess table. I played every minute of the day and when I wasn’t playing it I was thinking about it or reading about it or watching famous games on the internet. At night I lay in bed replaying in my head the games I’d watched, analysing any games I’d lost. I played and I practised and I played and I practised and loved every minute of it. I was shit in other areas, don’t get me wrong. Couldn’t spell for toffee and my maths was limited but I didn’t care. It was all about the game.’

Kim leaned forward, intrigued by this man’s refreshing honesty. Even Bryant had taken a seat and was listening intently.

‘Until?’ she asked.

‘Until I discovered something that puzzled me way more than the game, officer.’

‘Which was?’

‘Girls.’

‘I hear ya,’ Bryant muttered beside her.

Kim couldn’t help the smile that teased at her lips.

‘Puberty,’ he continued. ‘Hit me like a torpedo. Suddenly the opposite sex was not the disgusting enemy I’d always assumed them to be. So, lost interest in chess, discovered girls and told my parents I didn’t want to play any more.’

‘And?’

‘And what?’ he asked, looking puzzled.

‘How did they take the news?’

His frown deepened. ‘Not sure what you mean. They seemed a bit relieved to be honest, but you seem surprised.’

‘Just what I’ve learned about pushy parents over the last few days.’

‘Not all parents are pushy and not all gifted kids have a shit childhood if that’s what you think. My parents were and still are supportive of my choices and my childhood was great. Sure, some kids could be mean because I was a chess geek and I kept myself to myself, but kids pick on anyone who is different. It didn’t bother me.’

‘And yet, here you are again?’ Kim asked, not totally convinced.

‘She likes spelling. What can I tell you? She’s a performer and likes to show off,’ he said, smiling fondly at the back of her dark, curly hair.

‘She’s got another round in about half an hour and she’ll be wiped out by the older kids,’ he said, shrugging. ‘But she’ll still want to stay and watch the quiz cos a little piano playing girl is already through and they’re best buddies,’ he said, raising an eyebrow. He tipped his head. ‘Oh, hang on, you think I’m one of those pushy parents myself forcing my daughter to attend this event?’

Kim shrugged. ‘She’s taking private lessons in between events,’ she challenged.