smallhobbit

It was opened and one of the DCs came in, followed by a stranger.  “Inspector Donovan,” the DC said, “this is DS Jones, who’s here on secondment.  I was told to introduce her.”

“Come in, Jones, and take a seat,” Sally said.  “Thank you, Warren.”

Sally looked at the new sergeant, who she felt was vaguely familiar and realised she was being looked at in a similar fashion.  Then she said quietly, “Twist me and turn me…”

“And show me the elf,” Jones added.

Sally nodded.  “I do remember you.  You were a new Brownie in my six and absolutely terrified when it came to making your promise.”

“That’s right.  We’d only recently moved from Wales, because my father was working at Paddington Station and my mother thought it would be good for me to join the Brownies to get to know some other girls.  You were really friendly and held my hand.”

“I was surprised you never moved onto Guides.”

“Dad had a promotion and we moved back to Wales, and I’ve lived there ever since.  I joined the force down there, and now, rather like my dad, I’ve been sent here to gain some more experience.”

“There should be plenty of opportunity for that.  And plenty of twists and turns to encounter, a lot of it a great distance from what we met as Brownies.”

“I don’t doubt it.  Although one thing it did teach me was to ‘Be prepared’ and that’s something which has always been the case.”

“Well, Sergeant Jones, I think you will enjoy your time here.  I’ll introduce you to the team and we’ll find you somewhere to lend a hand.”

“Thank you, Inspector Donovan.  I’m looking forward to it.”