BOOK 4

The chatter stilled to the required silence. The bell shrilled through it, but the class waited.

'That's it, then,' Amy said. 'Off you go.'

They straggled to the door, and she checked round the room. Kate Campbell, the head of English who also taught a little drama, worked here next. Partly because she liked Kate and partly out of pride, Amy made a point of leaving everything in good order for her. Blinds up, lights off, blocks against wall, chairs piled; yes, everything was fine except for this piece of junk mail on the floor where it had dropped out of her notebook. She had no idea why she had put it there, but then she hadn't been herself this morning when that thing came in the post.

She stooped quickly and picked up the bold-printed envelope, then called to the last pupil drifting out. c Jill!'

Overgrown, sallow Jill Gann trailed back, returning the packet of crisps to her bag.

'You know you aren't supposed to eat in here,' Amy reminded her gently. 'Is that your lunch?'

Jill nodd