‘No. You have a couple of days to complete the report. And don’t go throwing your weight around. You know it’s a pathetic trick.’

‘Who said –’ Cardilini started aggressively but stopped, partly because he knew it to be true, partly because of Robinson’s expression.

‘Facts. Leave speculation to the coroner,’ Robinson encouraged.

Cardilini nodded. Again he asked himself why he wasn’t doing that anyway.

‘Salt will pick you up the next few mornings, just like he would the top brass. Try not to spend all your time in the pub.’

‘I don’t need Salt, or picking up . . .’ Cardilini stopped when he heard the front door close.

From the kitchen doorway came a surprised, ‘Mr Robinson?’

‘Paul, great to see you,’ Robinson was quick to smile. ‘How do you feel about the news?’

‘News?’ Paul asked and turned to his father.

‘Dad didn’t tell you? Well, I’m going to be the first to congratulate you. Tell him, Cardilini.’ Robinson took Paul’s hand and held it expectantly, ‘Cardilini!’

‘Paul, Mr Robinson has dropped by to . . .’ Cardilini addressed Paul then turned to Robinson, ‘Don’t you think we should wait?’

‘What’s to wait for?’

‘Paul might’ve changed his mind,’ Cardilini replied.

‘Paul, do you still want to go to the academy?’ Robinson asked, still holding Paul’s hand.

‘Yes. I told Dad that, didn’t I, Dad?’

‘Yes, son.’

‘There. Congratulations, you’ve been accepted into the ’66 intake.’ Robinson shook Paul’s hand vigorously.

‘Really?’ Paul stared back wide-eyed as his grin spread. He turned his head from one to the other, ‘I didn’t think it possible anymore.’

‘It’s true, your dad and I have been working on it for a while.’

‘Dad?’

‘Your father had trouble keeping it secret. But we wanted to be sure. And now we’re sure. Right, Cardilini?’ Robinson held Cardilini firmly by the shoulder. Cardilini nodded in the affirmative.

‘Is that why you came home early?’

‘That’s why,’ Robinson filled the gap.

Paul exhaled heavily, ‘This is, this is . . . fantastic. I’ll go and tell Aunty Roslyn.’

‘How’s your aunty? Still single?’ Robinson asked.

‘Yes. Dad, are you happy for me?’ Paul enquired, ‘You look miserable.’

‘He’s worried about you. He’s beyond happy. Aren’t you Cardilini?’

Paul walked to his father and hugged him tightly. ‘Thanks, Dad,’ he mumbled, before turning to Robinson and shaking his hand firmly. ‘I won’t let you down. I won’t let you down. It wasn’t my fault, you know. Honestly, it wasn’t my fault.’

‘We know, Paul. Just needed to get a bit of water under the bridge before the record could be voided.’ Robinson put his arm around Paul’s shoulders and gave him a squeeze, ‘Now go and tell your aunty while your dad and I finish up.’

With a last glance at his father, Paul ran out.

‘He looks like he’s matured bloody well. He’ll make a good copper.’ Robinson eyed Cardilini shrewdly, ‘You’ll need to set a good example.’

‘If he gets disappointed now, I don’t know what I’ll do,’ Cardilini said evenly.