She looked at him with her trademark grin and started to write.
When the teacher brought Shell home, she was most concerned.
“What on Earth has been happening?” she asked. “I haven’t dared let little Shell out of my sight since your phone call”.
“Did anyone come for her, Maria?” asked Lek.
“No, but you sure frightened me, Soom”.
They told her the long story, while Craig made coffee and found some biscuits.
“I see”, she said, “well, I am prepared to be here when the police talk to you, if you like”.
“Oh, would you?” said Lek, “that would be such a comfort, wouldn’t it?!” Soom and Craig agreed enthusiastically.
When the police arrived not long afterwards, a lot of the conversation was between them and Maria, but that suited Craig and his family. They knew the teacher and trusted her
