Gabriel sat back, his story relayed for the third time. Mitch immediately insisted on a repeat.

That was enough for Chandler. The same story four times in one day was something he could do without so he exited the booth to the belly of the station. Mitch’s team was working without respite, displaying an impressive work ethic but a distinct lack of individualism, clones of their erstwhile leader.

Chandler found himself drawn to his own team: Jim, Luka and Nick milling around the front desk watching on, Tanya locked in the booth, likely to be there for another hour at least listening to the rerun.

‘Is this police work?’ asked Jim, looking at Mitch’s team scurry around. As ever it was hard to tell if he were being serious or exercising his dry sense of humour.

‘Serious police work,’ replied Luka.

‘Do we get involved?’ asked Jim.

Chandler responded. ‘If you want to. You might have to force your way in, though.’

‘I’ve always liked a challenge,’ said Luka.

Chandler thought that if anyone were going to worm his way in, it would be Luka. He was the most opportunistic amongst them.

Behind them Nick removed his headphones. ‘Sarge?’

‘Yeah, Nick, you can try too.’

‘No, it’s not that, Sarge. Ken’s called in. Says there’s something burning up in the woods behind Turtle’s.’

‘How far?’

‘He says, and I quote: “Far enough that I’m not fucking checking it out.” ’

Chandler wondered if it was the place they were looking for.

‘I’ll go,’ said Chandler.

‘I’ll come too,’ volunteered Nick.

‘No, you stay here.’

The young officer slumped back into his chair.

‘Luka, Jim, who wants to go?’ asked Chandler.

Jim raised one eyebrow and glanced at Luka, his expression suggesting that he had no desire to trek through Gardner’s Hill in the height of summer.

‘Looks like I’m up,’ said Luka, grinning.

Disappearing from the station was easy with everyone occupied. With Luka driving, they sped out of town towards the Hill. Leaning forward to peer out the front window, Chandler couldn’t spot any smoke on the hillside and hoped this wasn’t Ken getting petty revenge for earlier. He wouldn’t put it past the wiry old bastard.

As he continued his search for a trace of smoke, Luka spoke up.

‘I know you don’t think so, but I think he’s done a good job.’

‘Who?’

‘The inspector. He’s come in, taken charge, got shit done.’

‘And pissed off a lot of people.’

‘Mainly you, Sarge.’

Chandler ignored the comment.

‘Sometimes you’re a bit too soft,’ continued Luka.

‘You want me to treat you like robots?’

‘Sometimes the law has to be tough. People respect that. They need that.’

Chandler glanced over at his young colleague. ‘What self-help management shit did you steal that from?’

‘It’s true. Sometimes people have to see us use some force.’