Not a Pukka Gentleman by Malcolm Archibald

Author:Malcolm Archibald [Archibald, Malcolm]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Next Chapter

Shaw slumped into the chair opposite Watters desk. “That’s another break-in,” he said, “and another clock smashed. There’s no rhyme or reason for it. One day he’s snatching somebody’s pocket watch, and the next, he’s breaking into a house. I’ve gone round all the jewellers telling them to be extra careful, and I spend half the night checking their doors and windows. I can’t tell everybody in Dundee to guard their clocks and watches, can I?”

“You can’t,” Watters agreed.

“And with this child stealer on the prowl, people are more scared of him than of losing their clocks.” Shaw buried his head in his hands. “I’m dying of frustration, Sergeant. I haven’t achieved anything.”

“You don’t know that,” Watters said. “You don’t know how many crimes your presence has averted or how many break-ins your warnings have stopped. Prevention is better than detection after the fact.”

“That’s no consolation when burglars are on the loose.”

Watters brought out a map of Dundee. “Show me where the thefts and attacks were and when they took place.”

Shaw did so, with Watters marking each point on the map, adding the time and date. “We don’t have a pattern of place or time,” he said. “The attacks and thefts appear random.”

“Sergeant,” Shaw said, “you remember you tried to trap the watch breaker with me acting as a gull.”

Watters felt his throat. “I remember.”

“Maybe we could try that idea again, but not quite the same.”

“What do you suggest, Shaw? I’m open to any suggestion.”

Shaw had been giving his idea some thought. “Rather than have a flat displaying his watch, which might attract any old garrotter, why don’t we have a house with a fancy clock in open display? Have it in full view of the window to tempt the time thief.”

“I have some reservations about that,” Watters said. “Firstly, the idea is good, but you might attract, in your own words, any old burglar. Secondly, where could we find somebody brave or foolish enough to leave their clock in such a vulnerable position?”

“Me, Sergeant. I live in a ground floor flat on Exchange Street. The time thief has struck twice in my neighbourhood, so we know Exchange Street is in his area. If I’m in the house, I can watch for him.”

“You won’t be alone,” Watters said. “That will be more overtime at night.” Marie will not be pleased.

“Yes, sir, but if we catch him, we’ll be able to concentrate on the other cases.” Shaw looked up. “I know catching a child abductor is more important than a mere watch thief.”

Watters nodded. “If you’re willing to act as decoy, Shaw, that’s what we’ll do.”

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