“Well, I could use more men.”
Louis Helwig was quick with an objection, and Coates sustained him.
“The area of the city has not increased,” he said. “We have ample police coverage. More officers would mean a new appropriation—”
“Which we are anxious to avoid — ” came from Coates.
“Because of the appropriations for the extending of the board walk,” added some one, “and also the fund for the completion of the municipal auditorium.”
These were persuasive arguments which Mayor Cruikshank could not ignore. He had been elected on the crest of a reform wave, but the promise of Seaview’s development had been an important plank in his political platform.
“I’ve got enough men,” interposed Chief Yates hastily. “We can always use more, but I won’t need them—”
“Then we are equipped against crime,” declared Cruikshank.
“Absolutely!” said Yates.
“It is agreed, then,” questioned Cruikshank deliberately, “that we shall retain the present maximum of our police force?”