“I’ve every right!” he was yelling. “Every bloody right in the world! But I might’ve known to expect nothing from you lot but utter bloody downright obstructiveness!” Grant Hood, liaison officer on the case, had come to the doorway.

“You’re welcome to your opinion, sir,” he tried remonstrating.

“It’s not an opinion, it’s an absolute, undeniable fact! You got egg all over your faces six months ago, and that’s not something you’re ever likely to forget or forgive, is it?”

Rebus had taken a step forward. “Excuse me, sir…?”

Bell spun around to face him. “Yes? What is it?”

“I just thought you might want to keep your voice down… out of respect.”

Bell jabbed a forefinger at Rebus. “Don’t you dare start playing that card! I’ll have you know my son could have been killed at the hands of that maniac!”

“I’m well aware of that, sir.”

“But I’m here representing my constituents, and as such I demand to be allowed inside…” Bell paused for breath. “Who are you anyway?”

“The name’s DI Rebus.”

“Then you’re no bloody good to me. It’s Hogan I need to see.”

“You’ll appreciate that Detective Inspector Hogan’s up to his eyes at the minute. It’s the classroom you want to see, is that right?” Bell nodded, looking around as if seeking out anyone more useful to him than Rebus. “Mind if I ask why, sir?”

“None of your business.”

Rebus shrugged. “It’s just that I’m on my way to talk to DI Hogan…” He turned away, started walking. “Thought I might be able to put a word in on your behalf.”

“Hold on,” Bell said, voice immediately losing some of its stridency. “Maybe you could show me…”