Page 23 of Dying Truth

These folks were getting in early.

The principal’s face turned thunderous before he remembered prospective customers were right behind him.

‘May I ask…’

‘My apologies for relocating,’ Kim said, pleasantly. ‘But the office allocated for questioning and taking statements was not particularly suitable.’

She wanted to ensure that the young couple were under no illusion as to who they were.

They both frowned towards the principal whose face was colouring with rage. The woman’s hand had remained against her stomach.

‘Alternative facilities will be found, Inspector,’ he said, with a slight flare of the nostrils.

He offered her a look as he guided the young couple past, leaving Kim in no doubt they’d be rehoused at the earliest opportunity.

Joanna Wade smiled at her ruefully. ‘Does Inspector Kim Stone normally get everything she wants?’

‘Most times,’ Bryant answered for her.

‘So, Miz Wade, what more can you tell us about Sadie’s accident?’ Kim asked.

‘Not much,’ she admitted. ‘I wasn’t there.’

‘How did you come to know about it?’

‘I was in my classroom preparing for a lesson when I heard a commotion in the hallway. I heard her name and the word roof. I can add two and two like any other person.’

‘And where is your classroom?’ Kim asked, wondering how far away from the action she’d been.

‘I’m at the front of the house facing the second row of elm trees.’

‘To the left of the metal grate in front of the daffodils?’ Kim asked.

Joanna thought for a moment and then nodded. ‘Pretty much,’ she answered.

Kim realised that if Sadie had jumped she would have sailed right past the teacher’s window.

‘Okay, thank you, Miz Wade.’

‘Finished with me so soon?’ Joanna asked, allowing her voice to drip with disappointment.

Kim hid her smile. Different case, different location but Joanna Wade had not changed one bit.

‘If we need anything further we know where to find you.’

‘At the Waggon and Horses on a Thursday night playing darts, as I already told you.’

‘Thank you,’ Kim said, holding the woman’s intense gaze.

Joanna offered her a smile as she stood, turned and walked away.

Kim took out her phone as a thought occurred to her.

‘Yeah, boss,’ Stacey answered on the second ring.

‘Stace, you got the witness reports there from Plant yet?’

‘Yep. He dropped ’em in about an hour ago.’