‘Sure.’ Ed gets to his feet. ‘Is she all right?’
‘Not sure.’
‘Send her my love. I’ll put the shopping away while you’re doing that.’
‘Thanks.’ I don’t dare look up at him in case he can read the lie on my face. I leave the kitchen and go into the lounge, my heart pounding. I read the messages again and try to decide what I should do. But my fingers take over and I text back:
When?
The reply is almost instant:
Tonight.
Thirty-One
Ashridge Falls teacher faces multiple charges of sexual assault
Married father of two, Brian Lawson (41) – who teaches history at Ashridge Falls Senior School – appeared in court today, just two weeks after his arrest.
Lawson is charged with committing sexual offences against three girls under 16. One of these offences is alleged to have taken place last month. The other two incidents are alleged to have happened last year. However, the previous victims have only recently had the courage to step forward and speak out.
Mr Lawson appeared before Ashridge Falls Magistrates Court on 24 July and was released on bail until 20 September, when he is due in the dock at Portreach Crown Court. His bail was set with conditions that prevent him going near the school. He has also been ordered not to attempt to contact his alleged victims.
Presiding magistrate Penelope Fitz told him: ‘That means no contact at all – physical, verbal, electronic, or getting someone to pass them a message.’
Carl Beasley, Portreach Council’s director of children’s services, said: ‘We have worked closely with the police, and will continue to do so, in conducting enquiries that led to the arrest and subsequent charging of Brian Lawson for offences relating to minors.
‘We would like to praise the prompt action of both the teaching staff and police in taking action and dealing with this quickly once aware of the concerns.’
Detective Inspector Leonard Pagett from Portreach Constabulary’s Public Protection Department said: ‘Specialist officers from our Child Abuse Investigation Unit have visited several families as part of our enquiries. Police are working closely with the County Council to identify, contact and speak with anyone who may have further information.
‘Detectives are responding swiftly and sensitively to ensure families are supported while the court case continues.
‘At this delicate early stage of the legal process, it’s important for people to avoid jumping to inaccurate assumptions about this situation. We know there will be concern in the community, but please work with us by contacting police to discuss any information or queries you may have directly.’
Colin Williams, headteacher of Ashridge Falls Senior School, said: ‘It is upsetting to inform parents that a member of teaching staff has been charged with offences relating to children.
‘This is distressing for both parents and staff at the school, who are obviously shocked.
‘We are working with the police to support this investigation, and I am reassured how quickly this has been dealt with so far.’
He added: ‘I can understand that this situation will be of huge concern to parents and carers of pupils at the school, but I hope they can accept that, because the legal process is under way, we are unable to comment further at this time.
‘I would, however, ask that parents and students refrain from speculation about the case, as such talk can be misguided and could even affect the legal process.
‘The safety and protection of children is our first priority and all staff are subject to enhanced CRB checks before they are cleared to work.’
Lawson has been suspended by the school pending the outcome of the trial.
Thirty-Two
Sunday
KELLY
Fiona turns off the engine. It’s strange to be back home. Feels like weeks since I was last here. I can hardly believe the regatta was only yesterday. I get out of the car, stretch and gaze around a street that seems all at once strange and familiar. The ground-floor curtains to the house opposite suddenly close, which is a little strange, seeing as it’s bright daylight outside. Maybe they’re having an afternoon nap. I turn back to see my next-door neighbour, Margo, look up from tending her front garden, her grey hair dishevelled and the knees of her trousers grass-stained. I manage to smile and give her a short wave. I should ask her about her husband Bob’s broken wrist. She’s always been a lovely neighbour, but I don’t have the energy for a conversation right now.
‘Shame on you,’ she says, gathering her gardening tools and heading back towards her front door.
