Page 107 of Don't Tell Teacher

There’s a long pause.

Then another knock – louder this time.

I creep to the window, peeking through the line of daylight shining between the curtains. If it’s my mother, I can’t handle her right now. I just can’t.

In the front garden, I see the top of a woman’s head. Black, curly hair. A leather holdall over her shoulder. Glasses.

Thank God. It’s Kate Noble. I need to talk to her.

I pull on my jeans, doing them up as I hurry down the stairs.

Common sense tells me Kate won’t wait long. Social workers don’t have time to stand on doorsteps.

Sure enough, the letterbox rattles as I reach the bottom step.

I cross the living room at speed, but I’m too late.

Kate is gone, leaving an unstamped brown envelope on the doorstep.

Inside is a letter:

Dear Miss Riley,

I’d like to arrange a strategy meeting as a matter of urgency. Dates and paperwork will follow.

In the meantime, if Tom is absent from school this must be accompanied by a medical note.

Please call or email using the details below.

Sincerely,

Kate Noble

Oh my God. A strategy meeting. Social workers don’t organise those for no reason. And that line about needing a medical note – they’re trying to stop me keeping Tom off school.

I feel there is a net hanging over our heads.

And it’s about to drop.

Kate

10.03 a.m.

‘Ineed that reportnow, Kate.’ Tessa stands over me, hands on hips.

‘I haven’t done it.’ I don’t even bother looking up. ‘I need to set up a strategy meeting for Tom Kinnock. He’s had another unexplained injury, which in my opinion means he’s at risk of serious harm.’

Tessa considers this. ‘Who reported the injury?’

‘A consultant paediatrician at Westminster Hospital.’

Tessa raises a thick, dark eyebrow. ‘Well, you can’t ignore that one, I suppose. Yes, for once I agree with you. Fine. Make Tom Kinnock a priority. What are you doing now? A report for the mother to read?’

‘Yes. It’ll go to Lizzie Riley by first-class post this afternoon.’

‘Get all the facts in there,’ says Tessa. ‘Don’t worry about saving her feelings. Make sureeverythingis outlined.’

‘I have done.’

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