Chief Inspector Malin wanted to throttle his alarm clock as its ringing dragged him from a sound sleep. Throwing the heavy blankets back, he staggered to the window and peered at the new day. A bright blue with long streaks of white clouds scattered across the sky.

"Don't tell me the sun is shining," said his wife.

"It's a beautiful morning, not a hint of rain for a change. Stay in bed. I'll make my breakfast."

"I'll do it. You make more mess than the kids."

He laughed, knowing she was right. "I do not have to shower this morning as the better part of today will be in a drain."

She watched as he rummaged in his wardrobe. "What are you looking for?"

"My old jeans, a jacket and a shirt."

"They are in the spare room."

"Thanks."

After breakfast, he kissed his wife, jumped into his car and headed for town. Much to his surprise, the high street was closed off, and only when he produced his warrant card did the council workman allow him through. Parking for a change was not a problem. The street was empty.

He strolled the fifty yards to where a group of men stood chatting. His two sergeants nodded.

"Good morning, Chief Inspector," said Mr Senior. He turned. "This is Vince Woodward, our senior engineer. He and two of his team will be accompanying you and your men."

Vince held out his hand.

Malin shook it. "What's the procedure?"

Vince smiled. The covers are off, and we have tested for bad air; much to my amazement, it is breathable. But to be safe, we carry battery-operated alarms just in case. Can't be too careful. Once we have entered, an electric fan will force fresh air into the drain. You should wear our council overalls in case there are some nasty's down there, plus they are waterproof up to the waist. Go with my foreman Douglas, and he will ensure you have a pair that fit, a safety harness, and a hard hat."

Malin appeared bemused, "Why the harness?"

"To lower you and your men into the drain."

"Isn't there a ladder?"

"There is, but we never trust them. They might not be fit for purpose after a hundred years."

Malin laughed. "I feel that way every morning."

***

Twenty minutes later, the first member of the six-man team hooked onto the hoist directly above the hole in the road and began his descent into the dark.

Malin peered into the void and smiled as the council worker switched on his headlamp and thought. I must remember to do that.

Five minutes later, Malin began his journey to the bottom. He let his hands slide over the sides of the steel ladder, ready to grab if the worst happened. The heavy smell of damp grew as he descended. A sigh erupted from his lips when his feet touched the bottom of the drain. Council worker Mick unclipped Malin's harness and flashed his torch. The hoist vanished in an instant towards the surface.

When six men were at the bottom, Vince spoke. "Chief Inspector and you two Sergeants. On the surface, you have authority. In the tunnels, I'm the boss. If I say shift your arse, I mean it. So, don't even think of arguing. Chief Inspector, you come with Mick and me. Douglas, you're responsible for the two sergeants. Don't let them out of your sight. One more piece of advice if you feel unwell or find breathing difficult. Tell me." His eyes scanned the group. "Any questions?"

No one said a word.

"Chief Inspector, as this is your show, you can choose which way we walk." Vince pointed. "That way, about three miles leads to the sea, the other to the dam, and I would rather not walk for miles."

"Not that it makes a great deal of difference, but I choose the dam."

"Vince shrugged. Radio check, guys." The council workers checked their walky-talkies, and everyone worked. "Ready? Let's do it."

They walked with purpose, the ground sloping slightly upwards, their torches illuminating the walls.

"You'd never guess labourers constructed this over a hundred years ago," said Vince to break the silence. "The brickwork is in excellent condition."

"Apart from the damp smell, it's clean. Far too clean," said Malin. "I did hope to find something."

"When they drained the dam, the strength of the current would have been vicious. Unless bolted to the brickwork, it's long gone."

Malin stopped. "Are you saying I'm wasting my time?"

Vince looked along the tunnel in both directions. "Chief Inspector, you have to eliminate all possibilities, but I believe whatever you're looking for has been washed away."

Malin smiled. "What I'm looking for, I haven't a clue. All I know is twelve men ended their lives in this drain. What I want to know is why they were here?"

Vince stared forward. The light from his torch lit the way ahead. "I can't see much. How far do you want to continue?"

Malin glanced at his watch. "We've been walking for fifteen minutes, same again, and we turn back."

"Whatever you say," said Vince as he picked up the pace and smiled at Malin. His message was clear.

It was another ten minutes before Vince stopped and pointed to his right at a pile of rubble. "A cave-in." He lifted a brick, "These are from the drain wall. Must have been a weak point."

"Did you expect it to be perfect after a hundred years," said Malin.

"The records don't mention the last inspection. That's even if there was one. The drain is clean, and I reckon it's time to go back."

Malin shrugged as he shone his torch one more time along the drain. "Can you tell me why the hole we entered had a full-length ladder and the others I've noticed stop at roof level?"

"Vince rubbed his chin. "Good question. The workers always used the built-in steel ladders to descend. A block and tackle were the preferred methods to lower heavy equipment while constructing this tunnel." He lit the bottom rungs of a ladder with his torch. "The metal uprights have recently been cut through."

Malin stared at him. "How can you know that?"

"Take a look at the rungs. The rust on them formed over time and created a bubble effect. A light coating of oxidation covers the bare ends of the uprights. I would guess they were cut away during the last month, maybe two."

Malin tilted his head. "Always plan your escape."

"Why do you say that?" asked Vince.

"Because if I were setting a trap, I'd make sure I could get out. Where we entered, the brickwork was damaged, and your first thought was years of heavy traffic. One ladder remained intact, and the metal road cover loosened. That tells me the entry and exit points. Unfortunately, I've no idea why, but opening the floodgates was not part of their plan, and it killed them."

"For what it is worth, the Little Brothers were not popular. A lot of people will not miss them," said Vince.

"Who told you it was the brothers?"

Vince chuckled. "It's a small town, and the word soon spread."

Malin's brain went into overdrive. "Sorry, Vince, I need to take another look. There must be a good reason why twelve men were in this drain. I need to find it, or my boss will kick my arse, and I'll be in traffic for the rest of time."

"Vince crossed his arms across his chest. "Okay, but what are we looking for?"

Malin shrugged. "If I knew, we could go home, but I don't fucking know. So, the sooner we find whatever, the better."

"Where do we start?"

"Let's go back to where the drain wall collapsed."

Twenty minutes elapsed before they began a detailed search of the drain.

They inspected every brick from the floor to the arched roof, slowly walking forward.

As they approached the vertical concrete wall, Malin asked. "Why's that wall different?"

Vince removed his copy of the drain plans from his jacket. "The drawings show no indication of a change in the original design."

Malin removed a covering of mud that had lodged into a crevice with his bare hands. "Bingo, take a gander at this."

Vince peered over Malin's shoulder at the numerous holes in the concrete. "Cutting into this stuff is bloody hard work."

"So, what is this place."

Vince forced a smile. "If I'm correct, it's the bank in the town square."

"That's why twelve men drowned. Time to go home and tell my governor the good news."

Malin and Vince counted their steps to where the bank stood on the surface. "You were spot on, Vince. Thanks for your help. I need to visit the bank and find that wall."