Her Perfect Family(60)
He closes his eyes to regroup, then opens them to look around properly. He’s surprised at the age range. Mostly mature – clearly not students. He’s just processing this as a waitress appears and he orders coffee, water and a panini.
‘I’m surprised you’re so busy?’ he says as she sets out his cutlery and napkin. ‘I thought everything would be winding down.’
‘Far from it. Conference and summer-school season straight after the graduations. Busier than ever.’ She tucks her order book into the pocket of her black apron. ‘Just as well. I need the overtime.’ And then she’s gone and Matthew realises there’s much he doesn’t know about the rhythm of university life and finances. No wonder the chancellor’s paranoid about the bad press. The question mark still hanging over the inquiry. No wonder she wants tomorrow’s final ceremony. The confidence boost. The signal that life must go on . . .
Across the courtyard in front of the building, Matthew watches a small group of teenagers following a woman wearing a university tabard. She has a clipboard and is pointing out various buildings and then waving her hand towards the blocks of accommodation in the distance. Some kind of open day? Summer course?
The teenagers are asking questions just as his waitress reappears with his order. Matthew leans back as she puts the panini down, thanks her and is just reaching for his cutlery when he looks up to see Amanda staring at him.
‘News travels fast.’ He tries to make his tone light. She’s been very helpful, recommending the counsellor for Amelie, and he doesn’t want to fall out with Amanda. But she won’t be pleased. Him poking around the campus. ‘Do you fancy a coffee? I’m treating myself to brunch.’
‘No time, unfortunately. Just wondered if I can help you?’
‘Oh dear. Am I in trouble?’ Matthew bites into his panini to find it too hot. Melted cheese scorches his tongue and he takes a gulp of cold water. ‘Sorry. Always do that. My wife says it’s because I’m greedy. No patience.’
Amanda smiles and sits in the chair opposite. ‘Some members of staff contacted my office. Said you’d been asking questions again. Just wondered if I can help?’
‘No. I’m fine. Just routine stuff. Still trying to find out if the rumours are true: about Gemma having a fling with one of her professors. I don’t suppose you’ve heard anything more about that?’ Amanda will know that all the tutors have been interviewed formally. That’s drawn a blank but Matthew is now looking for informal tips.
Amanda shakes her head and her expression falters. Matthew is well aware that the last thing the university needs is a scandal involving the shot student and a member of staff. He doesn’t want to make Amanda’s life difficult with the chancellor but the bottom line is they have very different priorities professionally. She’s here to warn him off.
‘It’s unsettling people. All these questions.’
‘Yes, I know. And I’m sorry. But it is an attempted-murder inquiry.’
‘Of course.’
The truth is he’s found out nothing on any of his trips to campus. It’s Thursday – eight days since the shooting. The students are no longer around and, while sympathetic about Gemma, staff are either wary or openly hostile when he tries to question them about her relationships. He’s spoken to just a handful today – most winding down admin in their offices. He wonders who alerted Amanda. Probably that guy in the politics unit. Do you have permission to be here?
‘I had no idea the summer’s such a season for the university. I thought the campus would shut up shop.’
‘Quite the opposite.’ Amanda takes in a long breath.
‘So have there been cancellations? Summer conferences, I mean?’
‘A couple.’
‘Which is why the chancellor’s so twitchy.’ Matthew tries his panini again and is relieved to find it more manageable. Good too.
‘So are you allowed to say if Alex is going to be charged? Do you think it was him?’ There’s a hopeful look on Amanda’s face. ‘We’re all longing for this to be over. It would be such a relief to see a charge before tomorrow’s ceremony.’
‘I’m sorry. You know I can’t say. But trust me, we want this over as much as you do. Which is why I need to find out if Gemma really was having an affair with someone on the staff. However uncomfortable for the university.’
Amanda looks down at the floor and then back up. ‘Actually, seeing as you’re here, there’s something I wanted to bounce past you.’
‘Fire away.’
‘The Hartleys have been in touch with me via my sister. Looking for some advice about how to handle the media – especially tomorrow. A bit awkward for me, if I’m honest. I feel a bit compromised. Tried to steer them to the police comms team but the mother, Rachel, sounds quite at sea.’ She pauses. ‘I mean – I’d like to help them in theory. To be honest, I still feel guilty for fobbing Gemma off about the work experience. It’s tricky.’
Matthew thinks for a moment. ‘I’ll mention to Mel Sanders that they may need some more support. They’ve said no to a family liaison officer for now. Don’t want someone else with them at the hospital. Privacy, I guess. I don’t see why you shouldn’t speak to them but steer them back to us if you can, please.’