Either Freddie Webb was in on it—
Or he’d never got close enough to Jude to see the ink for what it was.
Because any officer trained in street and gang crime would know that tattoo. The difference between art and allegiance. Between decoration and declaration.
Warren hated the first possibility.
The second stirred something far more dangerous. Something he didn’t want to name.
So he turned his attention back to Alfie. “You into history?”
Alfie barely looked up. “S’alright.”
“What made you pick it over geography?”
A shrug. “Better teacher.”
Perfect. “Like Mr Ellison, then?”
Alfie stayed glued to his phone. “He’s alright. Don’t shout.”
Warren breathed out a laugh. “Yeah, the shouty ones are the worst, right?”
That got a glance. An eyebrow rise.
Warren clutched his chest in mock offence. “Ouch. I only shout on the pitch.”
A crash from across the room interrupted as if on cue. One of the tables had knocked over a cup of tea, followed by a shriek of laughter from the class.
“Oi! Reuban!” Warren hollered over. “Clear it up.Now!”
“How am I meant to, sir?”
“Get a cloth from the staff, you pillock. Or I’ll make you mop it up with those nice Jordan’s.” He glanced down at the pristine pair of trainers. “They new?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Suggest you get a cloth then.”
Reuban tutted and wandered off.
Warren turned back to Alfie. “Sometimes shouting’s necessary.”
Alfie snorted and went back to scrolling.
“Bet your old man can shout.” Warren leaned in a little, drumming the table with his fingertips. “Ex-army, right? Getting on the wrong side of him’s gotta be unwise.”
No answer.
“Bet having a dad like that, and a copper keeping an eye out for you, makes you feel a little safer, right?”
This time, Alfie looked up, brow creased. “Why you askin’?”
Warren shrugged, aiming for harmless curiosity. “Heard you had a few close calls. Making sure you’re alright.” He widened his eyes. “Are you? You feel safe? Around Mr Ellison?”
Alfie dated his gaze to the window where Jude was still talking to the coach driver. “Wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for Mr Ellison, would I?”
That landed differently. “You mean the history trip?”
