‘They also said it’s too early to say any more and that her condition was still critical.’
‘I wish there was more I could do for Jacob.’
‘The only thing we can do is what we all do best. Catch the person who did this to her and find Annabel.’
‘You’re right, Paula. Let’s go and see what we can find out from her colleagues. If Annabel was in a relationship with someone she worked with, we need to find out who.’
As they entered the building a woman looked up from the computer. ‘Can I help you?’
‘Yes, we’re here to talk to someone about Annabel Braddock. DI Harte and DC Wyre. A colleague called earlier from Cleevesford Police Station.’
‘Oh yes. Ms Law is expecting you.’
‘Who’s Ms Law?’
‘Head of mathematics. Annabel’s manager.’
‘Thank you.’
The woman hurried from behind the desk and beckoned them through the staffroom and back out. After a five-minute walk around the huge building, the woman gestured through a glass pane in a door that led to a class full of teenagers. The teacher said a few words to the pupils and came out. ‘I’ve given them some exercises to do. Should keep them busy for half an hour. Can you sit with them?’
The woman nodded.
‘Thanks, Miriam. Follow me. We can talk in the maths office.’
The tall woman’s black hair stood an inch high. With her chin held up, she looked almost regal.
‘Take a seat.’ Gina and Wyre sat.
‘Thank you for seeing us at such short notice, Ms Law.’
‘Kirsty, please.’ She fell into her leather chair at the other side of the desk, clasping her hands together in front of her. ‘I just want to say how upset we are to hear of Annabel’s disappearance. She is a remarkable teacher and much loved by her students and the other staff. Do you have any news that you can share with us?’
Gina clenched her teeth before speaking. ‘I’m afraid not. She is still missing. Her husband is now missing too.’
‘Is it looking like he did it?’
‘I can’t discuss the investigation, I’m afraid. I know you’re busy but I’d like to ask you a few questions. We’re just trying to get to know Annabel a bit better.’ Gina gave her an apologetic smile.
Wyre opened up her notebook.
‘Go ahead. I think we’re all in agreement that we just want her home and back at work.’ The woman placed her palms on the desk and leaned back a little.
‘What does she do here?’
‘She teaches maths.’
‘How long has she worked at Cleevesford High?’
‘She started just before me so that would be just over six years.’
‘Do you know Annabel well?’
‘I can’t say that we’re really close, like best friend close, but we do talk and have lunch together. I know she’s married and has a little girl. She loves her job. I’ve been out with her to the pub a few times. We’ve had a few good nights out with a few of the other members of staff that have involved a lot of drinking and greasy food. We normally talk about work, films or music, that sort of thing. Normal things.’
‘Does she confide in you?’
The woman swallowed. ‘A couple of weeks ago she said she wasn’t happy in her marriage but didn’t know what to do. She said her husband had got them into a lot of debt. She also said he was sleeping with someone else.’
