CHAPTER 9
Next morning Ben’s in the staff room banging mugs and the milk bottle onto the kitchen area surface with a complete lack of regard either for the noise he’s causing or the risk he’s running of smashing things.
‘What on earth’s got into you this morning, Ben?’
‘I’ve been trying to placate Barry; not an easy job.’
‘Why? What’s got his back up?’
Ben leans heavily on the work surface, his frustration obvious.
‘It seems the police have been in touch with Principal Whitlow and insisted that Barry doesn’t go on the residential course I told you about. They’re saying he’s still very much part of their investigation and they’re not prepared to take the risk of him absconding.’
‘But surely he could abscond from here if he wanted to. It’s ridiculous.’
‘I know but they’re adamant, ap
