THE HEADMASTER FROM HELL

Part 35 - REWARD AND PUNISHMENT Part 2

Inspector Grace was with Stephen at the hospital. Stephen had his own private room

''It's bad news i'm sorry to say Stephen'' Grace told him ''I'm charging you with arson''

Stephen shook his head and wept ''Please Sir i swear i didn't start the fire''

''Then tell me who did?''

''I don't know who it was i swear'' Stephen was angry and he wanted to name Darren but he was too scared. Stephen felt ashamed to be such a coward and angry that Darren had put him in this situation

''Then i can't help you if you won't even help yourself. You're the only suspect and you will be put on trial for arson''

''But its not fair. How long could i get?''

''Arson is a very serious crime and the maximum penalty is life''

Stephen's eyes nearly popped out of his head ''Life?''

''Don't worry though like i said that is only the maximum sentence. Not every arsonist gets life. You probably won't but you may still get a lot of years!''

Stephen was terrified

Sean arrived at that moment and Grace and Stephen were both surprised to see him

''Ah Mr Lewis what a surprise to see you'' Grace said

''Yes hello again Inspector'' Sean replied and he was not very happy to see the inspector again 

''I was just talking to Stephen about the fire'' Grace explained to Sean ''Sadly we are now charging Stephen for the fire''

Sean looked at Stephen before answering ''Are you indeed? So did Stephen confess then?''

''Oh no he did not but since he was found at the scene of the fire we have to conclude that he started it''

''Yes i see...''

''Anyway i'll be off now'' Grace said ''I have other things to do today. I'll be seeing you again soon Stephen''

Stephen was silent and scared

Then Grace looked at Sean before leaving ''And i expect i'll be seeing you again soon too Mr Lewis

''Oh i'll look forward to it'' Sean replied sarcastically

Grace left and Sean and Stephen were alone at last

Sean took a seat by the bed ''How are you feeling Stephen?''

''Lousy how do you think? I was burnt on my limbs and it hurts like crazy''

''Yes i know''

Stephen paused before he continued ''Look i know you saved my life so...well... thanks i guess. I am grateful''

Sean chuckled at the half hearted way Stephen said it ''You don't sound very grateful''

Stephen gave him a look of hate ''Yes well i still blame you for Joe's death. Just because you saved me from the fire doesn't mean i have forgiven you. Joe is still dead. That hasn't changed'' he said openly and wasn't even bothering to try and hide it any longer

''I know you blame me and i also know you teamed up with Darren to get at me right?''

''How do you know that?'' Stephen was surprised

''I just guessed. The other staff told me you and Darren were hanging out together and i figured out you were both teaming up for a reason. So now i must ask you did you start the fire?''

''No i didn't''

''But Grace seems to think you did since he is charging you for it''

Stephen was bitter and resentful ''Grace is just a lazy idiot who wants to charge me without any actual evidence that i did it''