‘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.’
‘OK. Thanks. I’ll talk up the police support.’
‘Good. Thank you.’
Amanda stands.
‘Lovely view from here.’ Matthew turns to take in the panorama. ‘It’s a beautiful campus.’
‘Yes. How’s your daughter doing, by the way? I meant to ask.’
‘Oh, much better actually. The counsellor you recommended was really helpful. Thank you.’
‘I’m pleased to hear that.’
‘So do you normally take a break yourself? Over the summer? Do you have family? I never asked.’
‘No, not me. Married to the job.’ Amanda smiles.
Matthew sips at his coffee and raises his hand by way of farewell as Amanda makes her excuses and retreats. He watches her walk back across the terrace and takes in her smart navy suit and expensive handbag. He thinks fondly of Sally, who juggled part-time work with days in jeans with playdough under her fingernails. He hopes they’re having a good day today. Not too many worries for the jar.
And then as he turns, Matthew’s surprised to see a woman he recognises, checking her watch on the concourse below. He leans closer to the glass barrier to make sure he’s not mistaken. No. It’s definitely her. Wendy March. Another private investigator he’s come across at a couple of networking functions. She’s a very different kind of operator and he doesn’t much like her. Matthew frowns, wondering what the hell she’s doing on campus.