He would be in control here, much less nervous than if he had been on their ground at Oldford police station, the alternative venue they had suggested. He told himself that repeatedly. They came precisely at half past ten, the time they had specified. A tall, watchful man with a slight stoop who identified himself as Chief Superintendent John Lambert and a shorter but more powerful man who looked much less threatening, introduced as Detective Sergeant Hook. ‘Your reputation goes before you,’ said Michael effusively. ‘I’m sure everyone in the town hall has heard of the achievements of John Lambert. Coffee, please, Mrs Barrett! And a few biscuits, if your skill and influence can conjure them up for us.’ He turned his automatic beam on his PA and dispatched her to the task he had already agreed with her half an hour earlier. Then he seated his visitors in the chairs he had carefully positioned for them before they arrived and sat down opposite them. ‘This is quite intriguing. I can’t think what help the education department can offer to you, but it goes without saying that we are willing to offer whatever assistance we can.’ Lambert gave him a grim smile, watched Mrs Barrett set the coffee tray down on the table beside him and said, ‘It is not your department but you personally who will be able to help us this morning, Mr Wallington.’ The PA was studiously calm and inscrutable, but her boss was not.
