‘What?’ prompted Lorna.
‘Nothing.’
But she knew what Carol had been about to say. It wasn’t the school, it washer. She hadn’t had the brains or the ambition. She was a disappointment. The shame of it burned in two pink dots on her cheeks.
Her mother looked awkward and, worse, sympathetic.
Lorna was furious. Her children would be going to Kingsgate. She would make it happen somehow. Her eyes blazed.Just you watch me, Mother.
TWENTY-FIVE
Friday 2 October
RIPTON GAZETTE
SECOND DOG DEATH
By Erin Mackie, Editor-in-Chief
In a shocking discovery, a second dog in as many weeks has been found dead in the pretty, desirable village of Ripton. The dog was found by local Caroline Smith, who was enjoying a run across the footpaths that cross Hilldale Farm to the west of the village. ‘It was horrible,’ said Mrs Smith. ‘I was out training for my marathon when I stumbled upon the poor creature.’
Mrs Smith reported the dog immediately to local vet Stephanie Prosser. Mrs Prosser came up to the farm to retrieve the animal. It had no collar but the pooch’s microchip identified it as belonging to a local Ripton family, who are devastated by their loss. Mrs Prosser, who performed a post-mortem, said all indications pointed to the dog having ‘died from poisoning’. Conker,as the dog was called, had been missing for two days and the owners had been frantic with worry. It’s the worst possible news for them.
With two animals now dead in what appear to be suspicious circumstances, this reporter asks: Do we have a Canine Killer on our hands?
3 October
RIPTON PRIMARY, YEAR 6
Lorna Fielding, Phoenix’s mum
Did you see the news? Sad about the dog. 11:12
Nicole Wilson, Bella’s mum
What, another one? Where was it found? 11:12
Lorna Fielding, Phoenix’s mum
Near the farm. Like the first one. 11:13
Nicole Wilson, Bella’s mum
Maybe one of them was responsible for the sheep deaths. Have you been taking your revenge, Hannah? 11:13
Hannah Chapman, Jakob’s mum
Is that supposed to be funny? 11:14
Imogen Wood, Rosie’s mum
I wonder what the poison is? 11:14
Lorna Fielding, Phoenix’s mum
You know there’s loads of blue-green algae down at Heron Water this year. It’s really poisonous to dogs. 11:16
Sarah Ramsay, Noah’s mum
