Disclaimer: The characters and credit for the original stories belong to Anthony Horowitz and the creators of the TV show .

Chapter 1

'Didn't we have one of these last week?' Gillian moaned as soon as Steph locked the classroom door.

Steph laughed, leading the way to the staff room.

'Surely they could have emailed us, though I suppose it must be important if we're having another whole school meeting. But why am I wasting another Thursday night? And after sports day! Surely, we're all too knackered for this. I'm already half asleep. See? I can barely walk straight.'

Steph patted her friend's arm.

'If you need, have a nap and I'll give you my notes. I know how much marking you have to do tonight.'

'You're the best Steph. You're also the smartest. Why did I think teaching year 12 biology was my life's passion? You had the right idea, teaching year 1s.'

Steph rolled her eyes at the friendly, but over-used, taunt.

'Anyway, I don't think they could email us about this. Don't you remember, it's about the OSAs we have to sign to keep working here.'

'Oh, right. Ugh, my feet hurt. Why did I meet you all the way in junior school?'

'Because you needed someone to vent to?'

'Whatever,' Gillian said smiling, but as they drew closer to the office building it turned into a frown.

'Look at all the bobbies.'

Steph realised she was still wearing her reading glasses but once she took them off, she saw at least five uniformed men patrolling the office block and checking staff IDs.

When they reached the doors the women both handed their IDs to one of them. The man nodded at the cards and smiled. For a moment Steph thought he looked familiar but she brushed it away quickly. It was probably just the dim lighting. Besides, she didn't know any police officers.

'Have a lovely evening Miss Kester and Mrs Harris,' he said.

'Thank you, sir, you too,' Steph said as she and Gillian headed inside.

'How did he know that?' Gillian hissed as they made their way to the staff room.

'What?' Steph asked.

'That you're married? You're wearing gloves.'

Steph laughed, something she found she did a lot when she was with Gillian, which wasn't nearly as often as she would have liked.

'You, Miss Kester, have been listening to too many conspiracy theory podcasts.'

'They're entertaining,' her friend said, rolling her eyes as they took their seats. Meanwhile Steph quickly scanned the room for her husband and found him, surprisingly, sitting near the front. As she and Gillian were a few of the last people to arrive they took up seats near the back. (Let it be noted that the only reason there were seats vacant at the back as opposed to the front was because of the school policy around setting good examples for the students… even when the students were not around.)

The meeting commenced a few moments later.

Gavin Ridley, the headmaster, stepped to the small podium and a tall man stood behind him.

'Thank you for all making the effort to be here this evening. I know you're all likely exhausted after today's successful sports day, congratulations again to Montague for winning and having the largest turn out.'

The man behind him coughed meaningfully.

'Ah, yes, well tonight we have some important business to attend to as you know. I'll hand over to Sargent Daniels,' Gavin said gesturing to the man behind him.

'Good evening, everyone. I'll try to not take up too much of your time, however I need you to all understand that what we cover tonight is very important and highly confidential.' He stared down the crowd.

'You have already been made aware that you will all have to sign the Official Secrets Act to continue your employment here at King's College. You were given a week to think about it and discuss it in vague terms with your families. If it is something you are uncomfortable with, I ask that you please leave immediately. We want to assure you that you will be provided with an equally good, if not better, job and pay.'

After a few moments Mr Clarke, one of the math teachers, spoke up.

'What's an OSA got to do with teaching kids logarithms and statistics?'

'I'm afraid I cannot answer that until those that would like to leave have done so,' Sargent Daniels said.

One of the receptionists raised a hand.

'Are administrative staff able to secure employment elsewhere?'

'Absolutely. Cleaners, groundsmen, administrative staff, laboratory assistants, teachers, anyone that works here at King's College will be provided with new employment, effective immediately.'

'How do some bobbies have the power to give us new jobs?'

The sergeant smiled.

'We are working with some employment agencies. I assure you that the jobs being made available are highly sought after. Are there any more questions?' After a few moments' silence he continued, 'Well if that's everything, could anyone who would like to opt out of signing the OSA please stand and leave. Officer Kyle will hand you some information about who to contact about the jobs.'

Steph was surprised at the number that stood to leave, however she was stunned when Tom stood too.

She knew he was bad at keeping secrets and terrible at lying– which was kind of ironic since he essentially made a living out of telling people how to lie– but he loved this job! Surely he wouldn't leave like that, especially without talking about it with her first?

Then she realised he was coming towards her.

'Hi honey,' he said as he bent to kiss her cheek. 'This is some crazy stuff, huh?'

'You could say that again, I thought you were about to leave.'

Tom laughed, but it sounded strained.

'Nah, I promised my class we would get the field trip to The Battle of Boat, they're stuck with me.' He rubbed the back of his neck.

'But, if you felt like you wanted to leave, that's fine. I'm sure they'd find you a great job.'

Steph frowned.

'What are you talking about? Why would I leave?'

'I don't know, it's just, we didn't really talk that much about it–'

'Yes, because someone insisted on scheduling rehearsals every evening and then decided to go kayaking with James on the weekend,' Steph reminded him.

'Yeah, sorry about that,' he said, rubbing his neck again, 'But, "Official Secrets Act". It sounds kind of, heavy. Do you really want whatever this secret is to hang over you?'

'Do you? I mean, if I did leave, would you be able to even handle it without me knowing what was going on? You had to tell me you skipped my favourite song on the way home yesterday when I wasn't even with you because you felt bad about keeping it to yourself. Of course, I'm staying! I love my job here.'

'And she's not allowed to leave me!' Gillian said grabbing her arm.

Tom nodded seriously.

'Awesome,' he said, but he was picking at his nails. Something was wrong, but before Steph could question him the Sargent started talking again.

'Anyone else?' He scanned the room and seemed to lock eyes with Tom. Steph was puzzled when her husband shook his head slightly.

Something was definitely up.

'Just to make it clear. Anyone who remains in this room will be required to sign an OSA and may be required to sign more in the future if new information is disclosed or made aware to them. Very well.'

He took a breath.

'As of next term, you will have some knew students joining your school. This meeting is about ensuring their safety. Let's begin.'