Rupert stared out the bedroom window and looked forward to the day.

"Good morning, Commander," said Joyce on her return from the bathroom. "I suggest a good breakfast and a relaxing paper read. I'll call you when someone leaves."

He smiled at her. "I can always rely on your common sense. I admit I did not fancy bumping into him. A full English fits the bill, and I'll cook it myself. Care to join me?"

"Marmalade on toast and a coffee is all I've time for. We have a new governor starting today, and he's a hard taskmaster."

"Do you know him?"

"I sleep with him."

"You're close then."

"You could say that. Have you seen my handbag?"

"You left it in the lounge last night. Right, I'm off for a shower.

***

The eleven o'clock news was starting when the telephone rang. Rupert lifted the receiver, "Rupert Parsons."

"Julian has left the building and taken his bits and pieces. He did not say goodbye to anyone."

"Thanks, Joyce. You can tell everyone their new governor is on the way."

She laughed. "I never said a word, but they know.

"In fifteen minutes, it won't matter."

"See you soon." Joyce rang off.

Wearing his uniform, he left the house, jumped into his car and drove away. It was a grey morning; it was not raining, but a thick mist coated the air. He couldn't fathom the traffic. It was the lightest he had ever seen. As his mind wandered, he knew he would regret it if he didn't take this opportunity. Today, his gut feeling told him it was right, and he would see it through.

He waved to those waiting as he parked his car. On alighting, he said. "You're all mad standing outside in this weather, but thank you anyway. Let's go inside, where I'm sure it will be much warmer."

In reception, he stopped. "Sergeant, have all those here today to convene in the canteen. I have a few words to say."

The middle-aged sergeant nodded. "Yes, Commander Parsons. There's a Superintendent Chalmers in your records office. I told him to help himself to coffee."

Rupert smiled. "I prefer, guv. I need to speak with him. Both of us will be in the canteen in fifteen minutes."

"Whatever you say, guv. It's good to have you back."

"I never really went away."

"True. "

Rupert turned, strolled to the lift, pressed the call button and waited."

After exiting the lift, he entered the records room. Through the glass partition, he saw Chas Chalmers seated in front of the desk.

"Morning Chas. You know why you're here."

Chas smiled. "I don't wear my uniform these days unless it's an official visit. Can I ask a question?"

Rupert remained standing. "I have a question for you. Do you want the job?"

"The boss told me you asked for me. Why?"

"Because you'll never stab me in the back. Secondly, you are a bloody good copper, not a politician. But most of all, I trust you."

Chas grinned. "Can I have that in writing? They brought you out of retirement and made you a commander. They could have given me the job."

"Chas, you do not have a university degree. You're a rough diamond and at the top of your ladder. The force needs good officers, and I believe if I can smooth away a few rough edges, you're the right man to command this station if you are promoted to chief. "

"I'm no different to you, Rupert."

"Correct, but I got in before the door closed. Norman Roberts is the last of his kind. When he retires, any officer without a university degree will be lucky to make chief inspector."

Chas snorted a laugh. "I can live with that. How long have I got?"

"I told Norman I'd give him five years. In truth, the moment my wife hands her warrant card in, I'm out of here. You have, at best, two, maybe three years."

"Okay, guv. When do we start/"

Rupert removed two tumblers plus a bottle of whiskey from the bottom drawer. Filled with a generous measure, he handed one to Chas. "To your future."

The glasses clinked, and the spirit downed in one gulp.

"We have a meeting with the troops, Chas. I'll say a few words, and then the floor is yours."

"You know I don't do speeches."

Rupert grinned. "You do now."

***

When Rupert and Chas entered the canteen, the clamour ceased.

Rupert glanced at his watch. "I'm sure you know Chief Superintendent Archer has left. I have been recalled to manage the station and records department."

A cheer erupted, drowning his words.

Without pausing, Rupert continued. "Superintendent Chalmers is from now the acting station commander. I now hand you over to your new governor."

Chas took a step forward. "Most of you know me if not personally by reputation. My life is the force. I intend to change nothing but will discuss any difficulty with the appropriate officers. Together, we will resolve the problem. I may be your governor, but that does not make me better or smarter than you. I make mistakes, and you do, too, but we will learn from them. Any questions?"

The room went silent.

With a warm smile, Chas glanced at those in front of him. "I'm sure there will be questions. Enjoy your lunch." He turned to Rupert, "Sir."

"Chas, we need to sort out our office. We have to share an office whether we like it or not. That was a great speech, by the way. I liked the fact that I'm not better than you touch."

Rupert found it surreal to return to his old office. "Never thought I'd be back, Chas. I have a suggestion."

Chas laughed. "You're the boss until I move up or out. What's on your mind."

Rupert pointed. "Next to this office is another smaller room with an adjoining door. These days, it's the dumping ground for tables and chairs. I'll have it refurbed and make it mine. The troops need to see you in the governor's office. In the meantime, we will share."

"Sounds good to me, sir."

"I'm pleased you think so. It's not my intention to hold your hand. The Chief constable has other work for me to undertake."

"Such as?"

"Station inspections. He wants me to visit and check the operational capability of every station in the county."

Chas raised his eyebrows. "You know you'll be as popular as a pork chop in a synagogue."

"I don't see a problem if they have nothing to hide. If they need a kick-up on the backside, so be it. How hard it is will depend on their attitude.

You must have heard Joyce eventually agreed to marry me. The wedding is in two weeks. We are going on a luxury cruise for our honeymoon, so I'll be away for four weeks. That's the time you have to sort out your office and mine. When I return, I expect the correct name on both doors."

"Jumping in the deep end comes to mind."

"I don't do this often. Fancy a beer?"

"I could murder a pint or two."

"What do you know about budgeting?"

"Enough, but from how you said that, not enough."

***

Days passed in a blur as Rupert guided Chas through the essential operation of the station and its staff.

On the top floor, Chief Inspector Roger Brown followed Acting Sergeant Julie Oddman as she familiarised him with the storage layout.

"Have you seen the time, Julie?"

She glanced at the office wall clock. "And we do not get paid overtime. Strange, I never noticed Linda and Wendy leave."

"They did wave. I meant to tell you, but you described how you log reports, and I forgot about it."

"Not a problem. You go home, sir. I'll lock up."

"Have you seen the sky? I suggest you hurry before the storm breaks."

Julie peered out of a window. "It's going to be a wet night. See you tomorrow."