In Darcy’s office, Frank was doing most of the talking, but he was pretty sure he had Darcy’s full attention.

‘I have a lot of contacts,’ Frank was telling the man. ‘If I was to come across numerous items that needed to be sold quickly and discreetly, I could make it happen. For a small commission of course.’ Darcy sat studying the young man in front of him. His face was unreadable. Frank desperately wanted Darcy to ask him a question, but it seemed he wasn’t prepared to until he was completely sure Mr. Jeff Brown was who he said he was. Finally, Darcy took his hand away from his chin, and spoke.

‘I’m curious as to why you think I have certain items to pass on to you for sale, Mr. Brown,’ he told Frank. ‘It is rare that I have anything more than a few confiscated cigarette lighters.’

Frank faked a smile and wondered where to go next. He watched as Darcy began to drum the desk with his fingertips. Frank remembered his little brother describing how Darcy had wrapped those fingers around his neck. Recalling the purple marks on Joe’s neck, Frank resolved that he would get the evidence Black needed to arrest this pathetic excuse for a human being.

‘I’m acquainted with a couple of young men at this school,’ Frank began. ‘I’ve been told you may have recently come into the possession of a number of cameras. My good friend David tells me a buyer is required.’ Frank saw Darcy raise an eyebrow. The man was definitely interested in what he had to say! Darcy got up and began walking around the room, pausing to gaze out of the window.

‘I’m very interested in what you have to say, Mr. Brown. I’m familiar with David,’ Darcy mused, still looking out of the window. ‘A nice boy. Very obedient, but not terribly bright. If he has been telling you about cameras being available, I’m afraid it may mean he is involved in the theft of them. It’s getting a bit chilly in here don’t you think?’ Darcy shut the window and changed the angle of the blinds a little. Frank watched as Darcy sat down again. The Deputy Principal opened his desk drawer and seemed to be searching for something.

‘I think I can probably help you Mr. Brown,’ Darcy said, smiling. ‘I just need to find a document I promised to have signed by lunchtime. Ms. Fisher will be in here nagging me for it any minute. Are you in a hurry?’

‘No. Take your time,’ said Frank.

………………

‘Are you sure?’ Joe asked AJ urgently.

‘Positive!’ replied AJ. ‘I’ve been in that office enough times to know. Even in the days before Darcy.’

‘Okay. Have Brad’s number ready to ring. As soon as I tell you to, press ‘send’. Is he gonna do it?’

‘Definitely,’ grinned AJ. ‘He owes me about twenty dollars. I told him this will wipe out the debt.’

Joe wiped the nervous perspiration from his brow, wondering what Frank would think of him risking the success of a possibly life-saving plan on some stranger’s desire to wipe out a $20.00 debt!

‘Okay, let’s get to the office,’ he told AJ. ‘My feeling is we don’t have that much time.’

…………………

Darcy had taken a document from his desk drawer and seemed to be meticulously reading the fine print. Frank paid the price for a momentary and rare lapse in concentration. He turned his head to look at a striking Picasso print on the wall. Captivated by the image, he did not anticipate Darcy savagely pushing him to the floor and simultaneously ripping the listening device from beneath his jacket. Seeing the action had severed the wires, Frank began to struggle against the man, but ceased as a gun was pressed against his chest.

‘Now we can have the kind of conversation I like,’ purred Darcy.