Shaded Lane!
Arthur continued petting Pendragon while Simon added,
"I've already sent someone to notify the people in charge of Lilith's and Vivian's shops. They should be here soon."
As he spoke, the newly appointed probationary officer looked at his Chief with a hint of nervousness.
He was waiting for an affirmative response from Maltz.
Had he done well?
Or poorly?
"Good work!"
Never one to be overly demanding, Maltz gave Simon's upper left arm a firm pat with his right hand.
The newly appointed probationary officer immediately relaxed and cast Arthur a grateful look-in his mind, it was Arthur's guidance that had allowed him to handle everything in an orderly fashion.
A smile appeared on his face as well.
Only then did Maltz quietly remind him,
"Go talk to Truda again about his oversleeping."
Simon froze, then caught on, shame spreading across his face.
But Maltz gave his arm another two gentle pats.
"Go on. I'm sure you can get more out of him."
"Understood!"
Simon turned and left, pulling off his belt as he walked.
Clearly, Simon intended to give the man a taste of the Shire District Police Department's traditions.
"He'll make a fine lad, won't he?"
Maltz smiled as he withdrew his gaze.
"Remember to soak the belt in alcohol."
Arthur was joking.
But Maltz blinked, missing the point of the joke. He wondered whether Arthur was hinting at something.
Looks like I'll have to prepare a belt soaked in alcohol!
Despite that thought, Maltz wasted no time getting to work.
"Andy, wait here for the people in charge of those two shops-remember to ask how many mannequins they brought yesterday before letting them see the mannequins."
Maltz issued his instructions.
"Understood, Chief."
Andy sounded utterly drained.
Arthur glanced discreetly at Andy-he noticed that the newly