“Who applied for this summons? Was it a keeper with a grey moustache?”
P.C. Bloke stared.
“What summons, madam?” he said blankly.
Amid a roar of laughter, Virginia clapped her hands to her mouth.
“I have said the wrong thing, haven’t I? Never mind. Constable, I’m sure from your face you know when to be deaf.”
P.C. Bloke grinned respectfully.
“I ’ope so, madam.”
“That’s right,” said Virginia. “And now what can we do for you?”
The constable turned to Derry.
“Major Peruke, sir?”