Page 51 of Silent Scream

‘What did you do?’

‘I checked on Lucy then ran across the road. Arthur had got most of the girls out but he was choking so I ran in and did a final sweep to make sure there was no one left.

‘Miss Wyatt and Tom Curtis were the first to arrive and there was a lot of confusion. Everyone was doing lists to make sure all the girls were accounted for. The paramedics were removing girls for small cuts and smoke inhalation but not informing anyone. I was trying to help but just seemed to be making it worse. I left as the other staff members began to arrive.’

‘And what time was that?’

‘I’d say about one thirty.’

‘Did they identify the cause of the fire?’

‘I don’t know. I’m not sure how hard they looked. No one was seriously injured and the place was being wound down anyway.’

‘You know that both Teresa Wyatt and Tom Curtis have been murdered?’

William stood and approached his daughter. ‘Sweetheart, I think it’s time for a bit of music, eh?’

Kim didn’t see the blinked response but William fitted the earphones and switched on the device.

‘Her hearing is perfect, Detective. A normal fifteen-year-old would have been asked to leave the room. This is our equivalent.’

Kim could have kicked her own behind. Without realising it, she had treated Lucy as invisible because of her disability.

It was a mistake she would not make again.

‘What can you tell us about the victims?’

‘Not much. I rarely saw the day staff. Sometimes Mary, the housekeeper, would stay until I arrived to give me the gossip.’

‘What type of gossip?’

‘Mainly about Miss Wyatt and Mr Croft arguing. It was a power thing, Mary said.’

‘Can you think of anyone who would wish to harm any of the girls?’

William visibly paled and then looked to the window. ‘You can’t possibly think that anyone ... you really think that body in the ground is one of the girls from Crestwood?’

‘We haven’t yet ruled it out.’

‘I’m sorry but I really don’t think I can offer anything to help.’

William stood abruptly. His expression had changed. Still softly spoken, he had decided it was time for them to leave.

Bryant persisted. ‘What about the girls? Were they much trouble?’

William began to move away from them. ‘Not really. There were a few rebellious ones but they were generally good kids.’

‘What do you mean by rebellious?’ Bryant asked.

‘Just normal things.’

It was clear that William Payne wanted them to leave and Kim began to understand why.

‘What kind of ...’

‘Bryant, we’re done,’ Kim said, standing.

William looked at her gratefully.