"Gill, B.M. - Death Drop" - читать интересную книгу автора (Gill B M)

"I've kept it a matter of hours. I saw it for the first time this afternoon. David drew it for Jenny a week or so ago on his last day in the infirmary. Jenny gave it to me."

Brannigan felt the blood thrumming in his head. He saw a whole kaleidoscope of possibilities including one in which Jenny was in collusion with Fleming to the tune of whatever damages they managed to milk from the school. And then in

he became calm again and dismissed them. He didn't understand and until he did understand he would try and keep an open mind.

He asked Fleming to explain the significance of the drawing and listened without interrupting while he did so.

"And he hadn't drawn the caterpillar since he was -- how old?"

"I think the last nightmare-linked drawing was when he was seven and a half going on eight."

"You took him to a psychiatrist?"

"No. We -- his mother and I -- tore up the drawings. We sensed that was what he wanted and it worked."

"You think he suffered some shock that pushed him back into this?"

"Shock. Or a long period of unhappiness. I don't know. That's what I mean to find out."

"And you believe that the state of his mind was disturbed -- perhaps to the extent that the fall into the hold was suicidal -- is that what you're saying?"

"I think it's possible. And if it's proved true then God help you, the school, and everyone in it."

Brannigan was suddenly aware of the coldness of the room. He repressed a shiver. The isolation of command was like a cloak of ice on his shoulders. His own conscience in the matter was clear, but ultimately he was answerable for his staff and the boys.

"A little teasing -- a caterpillar in David's bed -- that's the easy and most likely explanation." He managed to say it quite smoothly, almost persuasively.

"The caterpillar was linked with the terror of waking alone in a dark unfamiliar house -- it's a symptom, not the disease."

"And what do you believe the disease is in this particular instance?"

Fleming answered flatly, "A prolonged period of bullying -- perhaps sexual assault."

He had expected Brannigan to flare up into a quick denial, but his answer when it came was measured and thoughtful. "The two old bogies of the system. It would be naive of me to discount either possibility. I'm prepared to investigate both. But unless either is proved you'd be wise to say nothing to anyone."

"I shall say nothing provided the investigation is carried out without bias. I want to be around to see that it is."

Brannigan stood up. "Very well, Mr. Fleming. You shall be around. It's my school and your child. There is common ground for concern."



Three


JENNY WAS IN the staffroom watching a film on television when Brannigan and Fleming came in. She could tell by their faces that the interview hadn't been a quiet pussyfooting over delicate areas of dissent. Swords had been out on both sides. If they were sheathed now it was an uneasy truce.

Brannigan, relieved that Jenny was alone in the room, indicated the television. She went over and switched it off.