'That's exactly why I want to do it,' Frank replied. 'You're just about to retire! Don't you want to take it easy?' 'I'll make sure I'm with a couple of tough young officers, but, yes, of course I want to do it.' 'Are you sure you want to do it, Frank? It could be dangerous.' But he couldn't deny the plan would work.įrank continued, 'Of course, you need to ensure the arresting officer is someone you know is reliable.' OK.' Spencer was uncomfortable with the methods Frank was suggesting. You search the car to find the diamond, and you've caught them red-handed! Plus, the owner of the pub is protected, and you have all the evidence you need.' Then, apparently by chance, stop them for speeding as they escape the crime scene. 'That's why you let them commit the crime. And there are laws about tricking criminals like that, you know!' 'But, Frank,' said Spencer, 'we'd need the approval of the Babbington family. If you catch them red-handed, you've got all the evidence you need, no problem.' 'What you need to do is let them commit the crime. 'Listen, do this the clever way,' said Frank, leaning towards the younger officer. Which he was, but not quite in the direction Inspector Spencer expected. He put his fingers together under his chin to look as if he was thinking deeply. The sound of a car horn brought him back to the case. He didn't want to be alone in his retirement, but the money wouldn't even be enough to buy a cat to keep him company. We've got nothing concrete to arrest them on.'įrank looked thoughtfully out of the window. 'What do you think is the best thing to do? After all, it's only a rumour. But our officers have made some discreet inquiries that seem to confirm what Peggy says.'įrank nodded again and waited for the inevitable question. She's asked that we keep her identity secret of course. 'Peggy, the owner of the Dog and Duck pub, heard a couple of local criminals talking about it. 'We've had some secret information about a plan to steal the Babbington diamond!'įrank raised his eyebrows in an attempt to look suitably impressed. Spencer paused for dramatic effect, then explained. The case stood at the end of a long, red carpet. Under the protection of a sophisticated alarm system, the diamond sat in a large gold and glass case. Most recently, they had invited the press to take photographs of the enormous diamond Ronald had bought for his bride. They often appeared in magazines like Hello!, with their gorgeous house and collection of sports cars. Together they enjoyed nothing more than showing off how rich they were. Ronald Babbington was the millionaire owner of Babbington Oil, and his wife Tabitha was a model. 'Hey, Frank, do you mind if I ask your advice about something?'Įveryone had heard of the Babbingtons. In fact, it was pretty much the only time Spencer spoke to him. As a result, the younger man often asked for Frank's help. That nose meant Frank could get inside the mind of the criminal and solve the trickiest of cases. It was true he had neither the looks nor charm of Spencer – sorry, Inspector Spencer – but the younger man didn't have Frank's 'nose for crime'. Frank, in comparison, had worked for the police for forty years and been passed over for promotion three times. Now he had the position of inspector at the young age of forty. Three years earlier, Spencer had been promoted. Just as Frank was sighing heavily, Inspector Spencer came up to his desk, with his perfect white teeth and enthusiastic smile. There was no way he could afford the round-the-world, luxury cruise he had always dreamed of. It was barely enough money to take a short holiday on the cold and rainy east coast of England where he lived. This was his final month before he retired from the police, and, for Frank, retirement couldn't come soon enough.įrank frowned as he considered the terrible retirement package he had been given. Outside, a steady stream of traffic passed by, each car moving slowly in the cold, grey rain.įrank looked down at the grey hairs on his arms, and his round stomach, which pushed against the desk. Sergeant Frank Spike sat behind his desk and stared out of the window.
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