I'll keep you safe

Chapter 93

Rachel was tidying away some paperwork in her office. The door swung open, Tom storming in, looking flustered.

"Rachel, I'm resigning as Head of Pastoral Care" he told her

Rachel frowned, taken aback by the sudden declaration.

"What's going on?" she frowned

"The Kelly's. I can't be Head of Pastoral Care while they're still here" he explained

Rachel sighed

"I know I had my concerns about you and the Kelly's. But I never had any doubts about your ability to do the job, Tom!"

"Well, you don't need to concern yourself anymore! I quit!" he huffed, turning away

"Tom, wait! Tell me what's happened!" she pleaded

Tom turned around. He couldn't bring himself to tell her. The words were on the tip of his tongue, but he just couldn't say them. He couldn't admit what he'd done.

"I- I almost hit Earl Kelly" he admitted

Before Rachel could respond or even process his words, Eddie dashed in.

"I think Davina was right!" he said, a little breathlessly

"Can you just wait a minute?" Rachel requested abruptly, turning her attention back to Tom

"I'm not sure I can stop myself next time. In fact, I know I won't. He came into my office, goading me... I was so close to putting him through a window, Rachel" Tom explained

"Earl Kelly?" Eddie checked

"Yeah" Tom nodded

"When?" Eddie asked

"Ten minutes ago" Tom confirmed

Eddie sighed

"I've put it down in writing straightaway, in case I changed my mind" Tom added, handing Rachel his resignation letter

"Tom, you need to think about this" Rachel reasoned

"This isn't up for debate, Rachel. I'm resigning!" he said firmly, walking away

Rachel groaned

"Come on, Tom, please!" she called after him

The office door slammed behind him

"Oh! Great! That's all we need!" she huffed

"Maaka Lacey is responsible for this, Rach" Eddie informed her

Rachel frowned at him

"What are you talking about?"

"He let Earl wander around the school when we specifically told him to keep him in lessons. He's let half his class wander round the corridors!" he explained

Rachel sighed heavily, putting a hand to her head. Perhaps Davina had been right.

...

Davina was stood outside, trying to gather her thoughts. She was trembling with anger and frustration. Unless something changed, she didn't want to be at Waterloo Road anymore.

"Davina? Can you come with me a minute?" Rachel requested

Davina looked at her wearily, reluctant to move.

"Come on" Rachel encouraged, smiling reassuringly

Davina followed her up to Maaka Lacey's classroom, Eddie joining them. Rachel had wanted to catch him in action, and the only way to do that, was to take him by surprise.