Doctor Who_ Warchild - Andrew Cartmel [57]
Pangbourne must have seen the spasm of alarm that crossed Justine’s face. His manner immediately softened.
‘That was tactless of me. I’m sorry. You’re clearly worried about your husband now. It must be difficult being married to a man whose job involves those kinds of... demands and hazards.’
‘I can’t talk about any of that.’
‘Of course not. But forgive me for bringing up your husband’s job at what is obviously a sensitive time. It’s just that I have this fundamental sense of outrage. I am legally entitled to look at your son’s school records.’ Pangbourne’s hard blue eyes had softened. Now they were almost imploring. ‘Damn it, it’s my job. I need to know about this boy and his problems in a school environment. But the Agency has blanked all that from his records.’
‘I honestly don’t think they have,’ said Justine. ‘That’s what I meant about you being paranoid.’
‘Well, why is there so obviously some kind of discipline problem with Ricky but no information at all on what the problem is?’
‘Because none of the schools wanted to go on the record with what they saw.’
‘Why?’
Justine hesitated. ‘I’d appreciate your frankness,’ said Pangbourne.
‘Frankly,’ replied Justine, ‘because I think they were spooked.’
‘Spooked?’
‘They didn’t want to look silly so they didn’t describe what they saw.’
‘And what did they see?’
Justine shrugged. ‘Ricky’s problem.’
Pangbourne almost moaned with frustration. ‘But what exactly is his problem? Does he extort money from other kids at knife-point? Does he wet himself in class? Does he expose himself in the playground? Forgive me, but I’ve had all of those in the past.’
Justine was giggling. ‘God no. It’s nothing like that.’
‘What is it then?’
Justine frowned. ‘It’s kind of hard to put into words. But Ricky just seems to draw trouble.’
‘He would hardly be the first trouble-maker I’ve been saddled with.’
‘I didn’t say he makes trouble. He draws it. Like a lightning-rod. But not just trouble. He draws all kinds of things.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘I don’t know. Events. Things. Things just have a knack of happening around Ricky.’
‘You mean he becomes the centre of attention?’
‘Sort of. There’s just sort of a vibe about him.’
‘Which draws the attention of the other children?’
And the teachers,’ said Justine.
‘That’s not necessarily a bad thing,’ said Pangbourne.
‘No, not necessarily. But most of the time, for Ricky, it seems to be. He draws a lot of hostility.’
‘The other kids dislike him.’ Pangbourne took a pen out of his pocket and began making notes in a small calfskin book.
‘It’s not even a straightforward dislike,’ said Justine. ‘The kids just all seem to become irritated with him.’
‘Irritation versus dislike? We’re splitting hairs, aren’t we?’
Pangbourne smiled.
‘No, when I say irritate I mean irritate,’ said Justine. She hadn’t meant to confide in Pangbourne but the words were pouring out of her. ‘Irritate like an itch. The other kids become intensely aware of Ricky. And it makes them uneasy. And then uneasiness turns to hostility.’ Justine realized that she was sweating profusely. She looked up at Pangbourne and saw that he was listening with great attention.
‘I see,’ he said, when it became evident that Justine had nothing else to add. ‘I must say that after all this it really doesn’t sound so bad.’
‘Well, you wouldn’t believe what a relief it is to talk to someone about it.’
‘You seem almost ashamed.’
‘It’s just a bit weird, that’s all,’ said Justine.
Pangbourne smiled. ‘I’m used to weird kids.’
‘That’s probably what they thought at all of Ricky’s other schools.’
‘Scopes High School is not like other schools,’ said Pangbourne. There was suddenly enthusiasm in his voice.
‘We pride ourselves on achieving miracles with even the most demanding teenagers. I’m not saying that their heads rotate and they spew green bile, but we have seen some fairly startling behavioural disorders. Ricky may even find that he’s put in the shade by some of our current students.’
‘You mean you’re accepting him?’ said Justine.
‘He can start tomorrow if you like.