‘Oh, thank God for that,’ said Esther. ‘First time I’ve ever had to call 999. Hopefully it’ll be the last. Is she still in hospital?’
Rebecca nodded. ‘They’re keeping her in for a few days. How’s Charlie?’
‘Gone home. His mum picked him up a couple of hours ago.’
‘Good. Right, better get in,’ said Rebecca, walking towards the door that led into the school.
‘I’ll buzz you in. No doubt Jenny will be delighted to see you.’
No doubt she would, thought Rebecca. But she wasn’tgoing to relieve her TA just yet. She pointed back towards the car park. ‘There’s a taxi outside. Needs paying.’
Esther looked at her, befuddled, but Rebecca didn’t wait to explain further. She headed towards Mr Whitman’s office, knocked, then pushed the door open. He was alone.
‘Rebecca! You’re back!’ He quickly got up. ‘Why didn’t you call? Is everything OK with Lara?’
‘I didn’t have my phone,’ said Rebecca. ‘No time to get it, the air ambulance didn’t wait around.’
‘No, of course not. I did call the hospital. They couldn’t give out any information...’
‘She’s fine,’ said Rebecca. ‘Luckily.’
‘It was extremely unfortunate that she had her attack at the point you were away from the field,’ said James. ‘I understand you had another medical emergency at the same time.’
‘Yes. Charlie Green was vomiting.’
‘You mustn’t feel guilty about not being there at that exact—’ continued James.
‘It’s not me who should be feeling guilty,’ said Rebecca.
‘Pardon?’
‘I said, it’s not me who should be feeling guilty. That privilege belongs to Rosie Wood.’
James frowned. ‘I don’t follow.’
So Rebecca filled him in. Told him what Lara had said: she had been running, had needed her inhaler, and would most likely have been fine if she’d been able to use it, but Rosie had withheld it and Lara’s attack had magnified into a full-blown emergency. When she finished, she waited for James to speak.
‘You believe this tale?’
‘Yes.’
‘That’s quite a shocking version of events.’
‘It is.’
‘We will have to bring Rosie’s mother in. Have a talk with both of them. See what Rosie has to say about it all.’
‘I would like to be there.’
‘That’s not necessary. Claire can join the meet.’
No, not your deputy, thought Rebecca,who effectively does whatever suits you to secure a promotion.
‘It should be me,’ she said. ‘I’m the class teacher of both girls. It’s going to be me,’ she reiterated and even though she was shaking inside, she held firm until he capitulated with a terse nod.
SIXTY-TWO
Friday 8 January
