Page 110 of Don't Tell Teacher

‘I’m Kate Noble from Child Services. I’m looking for your son, Olly Kinnock.’

‘Who is it?’ shouts a male voice from somewhere in the flat.

Margaret puts a hand to her chest. ‘Olly’s not here. That’s my partner shouting.’

‘Can I come in?’ I ask.

Margaret looks flustered, checking behind her. ‘We’ve only just finished breakfast.’

‘Who is it?’ the male voice demands.

‘Just someone from child something,’ Margaret shouts. ‘Here for Olly.’

A short, elderly man with a shaved head appears, holding aDaily Expressnewspaper. ‘What doyouwant?’

‘Freddy!’ says Margaret. ‘Excuse me, Mrs Noble. This is my partner.’

‘Husband,’ Freddy snaps. ‘Say husband. I hate the word partner. That’s what gay people say.’

‘Husband then,’ says Margaret. ‘Common law.’

‘I asked her what she wanted,’ says Freddy, brown eyes glaring. ‘Fair enough question, isn’t it?’

‘I’m looking for Olly Kinnock,’ I reply. ‘Your … stepson?’

‘He ain’t here.’ The man stalks off.

Margaret turns to me. ‘Why don’t you come through to the lounge? Let’s not talk on the doorstep.’

‘Yes. Okay.’

As I follow Margaret through to the perfumed living room full of china cats and teddy bears, my phone rings.

Tessa Warwick, Social Services Manager.

I can almost feel Tessa’s rage through the phone display. She’s rung four times now and left a text message:Neilson report – WHERE IS IT?

Yes, hell has finally frozen over. I missed a deadline.

There was an eighty-page report to do yesterday, plus two home visits, and there’s no way a normal person can do that.

Something inside me snapped.

I’m rebelling.

Sod the paperwork – I’m going to do my job properly instead.

‘Would you like a cup of tea?’ Margaret asks.

‘I don’t really have time,’ I say.

‘Have you seen my grandson?’ Margaret’s eyes crinkle with worry. ‘He was very poorly last time I saw him. But his mum moved him to a different hospital and I haven’t heard from her since. She’s not taking my calls.’

‘I can’t discuss that,’ I say. ‘You’ll have to talk to your daughter-in-law. I’m sorry to visit unannounced but I heard Oliver Kinnock was staying here.’

‘I haven’t seen him in a while. The next time he comes by—’

‘Do you have an address for him?’

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