The Finder [ABANDONED]

The Other Finder

Friday arrived with no further leads. I dutifully went to Ysgol Gynradd y Brenin, the school where, until six months ago Tobar had worked. At the gate a venerable old woman stood, straight of spine and strong of character.

“Megan Corfield?” I asked as respectfully as I was able, given that she wore her dislike of me or my taking over her investigation (I’m not sure which – it could be both) like a mask.

“Yes, yes. Hurry up girl! You’re late!” Actually, I had made a point of being five minutes early; but it would be manifestly unwise to argue with the person who had the rest of the available information on my target.

“I apologise for my tardiness.” Pacify, but don’t patronise.

“Hmmm.” She grumbled.

“Let’s get going then; we have a meeting with the Principal.”

“Ah, Ms Corfield! Welcome back, Principal Rosser is ready for you and your guest...?” The receptionist trailed off as a gesture for Finder Corfield to introduce me; but I thought better of it.

“I’m Agent Poole with the Missing Persons Bureau.” The receptionist gaped slightly and then held out her hand for me to shake.

“Lovely, go on through.” Finder Corfield glared at me from the corner of her eye; I could practically hear her growling.

“Ms Corfield, lovely to see you again. I’m afraid that I have no new light to shed on the tragic disappearance of your nephew. Ah, I’m sorry I had no idea that Ms Corfield was bringing anyone with her. I’m Principal Rosser.” The genial man held his hand out to me with a smile, which seemed genuine.

“Agent Poole, Missing Persons.” I stated as I shook the proffered hand. He started slightly at my introduction, causing him to grip my hand a little harder than he had intended.

“Oh my. Well, we’re pleased you’re on board. Darren was a valued teacher and a favourite among the year fives. All the year fours would come to the office before room assignments and beg to have him the next year.” I smiled as he sounds like a good teacher; it is always hard on those who rely on the person who has disappeared.

“Did you ever have any problems with Mr Teague?” The Principal laughed.

“Only that most of the year fives were disappointed not to be in his class.” I smiled.

“There would be the occasional jealous teacher; Darren had a way with the children. He could get even the most disruptive student to sit fairly quietly and pay attention. But the jealousy never lasted long, it always turned into a quiet sense of awe; and he did always have a higher percentage of difficult children, so no one really envied his classes.”

“I see.” And I was beginning to. The beloved teacher and colleague, who makes the other teachers lives easier by taking a higher percentage of the ‘difficult’ children; and then just disappears without a word of warning. The house looks like they left in a hurry – and potentially fleeing danger. Yes, I was beginning to see.

I could also see Finder Corfield glaring at me whenever Principal Rosser wasn’t paying attention to her. She still seemed to think this was her rodeo; and while I have no desire to insult her, she must know that I will see her back to Dutera Zelos tomorrow – in a spinal brace if need be. It is time for me to take over this investigation; and I have no doubt that she is still as sharp as the day that she became Finder.

“How are you doing Ms Corfield? Is there anything that we can do for you, to help you out at home?” Finder Corfield sent Principal a withering glance that would have any reasonably intelligent Phynsae quaking in their boots. I shot a quick and hopefully expressive glance in Finder Corfield’s direction. When she didn’t respond with anything beyond a glower, I gave a discrete throat clearing cough.