Shadow of great britain

London, Tower Hamlets, a pair of riding boots stepped on the muddy puddles on the streets in the early morning, and the messy steps sounded like the drums of a symphony orchestra.

The Scotland Yard police officers, wearing dark blue tuxedo uniforms and black top hats, all armed with guns and ammunition, lined up to surround a small building on the street.

Many East End residents who were still sleeping were awakened by the sudden movement like a storm. Ladies who were light sleepers rolled out of bed one by one in crumpled pajamas and lay on the window sill looking out.

They either covered their mouths and exclaimed, or they couldn't help but shake their husbands who were snoring behind them and shouted at them: "Oh my God! My dear, stop sleeping like a donkey. Look at what's happening outside." Got it!"

Among the police officers in neat uniforms, it is easy to distinguish who is the leader.

He was a young man with a tall and upright posture. Almost all the police officers kept a certain distance from him. The early morning mist moistened the tip of his brow, with a few thin layers of water droplets hanging on it, but the young police officer did not seem to care. He just raised his hand to dust himself off, then put on his spotless white gloves little by little, and finally held the police officer's knife hanging at his waist.

Beside him, stood a young police chief who looked slightly older than him, respectfully standing. The police chief lowered his head slightly and held a thin pamphlet in his hand, as if he was talking about something. What to report to his boss.

"Superintendent Hastings, according to your instructions, all available police forces from the Whitechapel Police Department have been assembled. Next, shall we directly break down the door and conduct a raid?"

Arthur looked at the sweat on Sheriff Jones' forehead and knew what he was worried about.

He took out a document from his coat pocket and threw it over: "According to intelligence from the London Police Intelligence Bureau, after the notorious slave trader Fred was hanged, a small number of his followers were still secretly engaged in the slave trade, and this building The building is one of the strongholds they occasionally use. This morning, the arrest warrant applied by Scotland Yard to the local court for the fugitive gang members of the slave trade criminal Fred has been officially issued. This arrest raid mission is fully in line with the requirements of Great Britain and Ireland. The due process of the United Kingdom and the internal regulations of Scotland Yard. Sergeant Jones, now, carry out the order."

When Jones heard Arthur's formal reply, he was so frightened that the hand holding the document trembled. He quickly clarified: "Sir, it's not that I don't believe you. Your order must be in compliance, but if you don't get the document, , so many people were suddenly moved at once, and it was difficult for me to explain when I looked back. Now that you have been transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department, here in Tower Hamlets, it is definitely not as convenient for me to do things as before."

Arthur turned his slightly stiff wrist: "Jones, I know you have your difficulties, so I don't make it difficult. However, I believe that things are difficult to solve in Tower Hamlets very soon. It will be solved. You should also know that there are rumors circulating internally recently that Inspector Klein, who is in charge of Tower Hamlets, will be promoted soon..."

When Jones heard this, he immediately understood what Arthur meant. His eyes widened slightly and the corners of his mouth lifted up little by little.

"Ah... I... I heard a little bit about it, but I just don't know. If Inspector Klein is promoted, who will take over his burden and shoulder the important responsibilities here? Director Rowan... and Superintendents, do you have a suitable candidate in mind?"

Arthur didn't say anything. He just took out the pipe and put it in his mouth. Before he could take out the match, Jones was already lighting the fire for him.

Arthur took a puff of cigarette, took off his hat and smoothed his hair covered with water droplets: "Everyone knows that Tower Hamlets is different from other places. The forces here are complex, and there are a lot of people from the West India dock. The violent sailors who disembark from the ship come from all over the world, and the crime rate ranks first in all areas of London all year round. Therefore, I think it is probably impossible to transfer people from other places and bring in newbies who are not familiar with the local conditions."

Jones grinned: "You're right, you have to be a local veteran in Tower Hamlets to do it. You have to know how to coordinate local relations and understand the priorities. There are so many criminal groups here. There are new ones popping up every day. If we don’t focus on attacking them, where do we have so much energy? And there are so many foreigners here. How can we do it if we don’t master a few foreign languages? Look at me, I’m just an ordinary person. Sheriff of culture, even so, I forced myself to learn a few words in Russian during this period."

Arthur nodded slightly when he heard this: "The other thing is to see whether this person can carry out the orders from Scotland Yard and resolutely maintain the British tradition of rule of law. You probably also know that in the past two days, because of Bernie Harry Regarding Senator Mori's case, we have been frequently questioned by MPs. They said that Scotland Yard is simply lawless and treats the Magna Carta as toilet paper. Minister Rowan also specifically mentioned this at a high-level police meeting. This matter was brought out and emphasized again. As the Sheriff of Tower Hamlets, you should have also received the propaganda document issued by Scotland Yard, right?"

When Jones heard this, he quickly recalled the document.

Although there was a lot of eloquent writing on the document, as a police secretary who once assisted Superintendent Clemens in office paperwork, he felt that the tortuous document could be summarized in one paragraph - in the process of getting things done. Before this was understood, all police districts refused media interviews and were not allowed to admit their mistakes. If anyone wants to admit their mistake, please also prepare a resignation letter.

At this moment, Jones immediately showed his highly correct political position: "The "Greater Metropolitan Police Internal Management Regulations" Chapter C, Section A, Section 1, police officers must maintain a high degree of political neutrality. No personal emotions or political inclinations should be involved in police operations. Maintaining the safety of lives and property of London citizens and reducing the overall crime rate are the absolute core and sole work content of the police."

Arthur nodded again after hearing the words: "I know it well. It seems that you are really interested in this aspect. But when you mentioned the management regulations, it just reminded me of one thing. You should know that, after a while, management The regulations are about to be revised again. Some new content may be added. For example, in order to prevent inexperience or internal nepotism and corruption, Scotland Yard will set seniority limits for promotions to police ranks based on the Royal Navy Management Regulations. From now on, promotions will A sergeant is required to serve at Scotland Yard for at least three years, a police inspector for more than six years, and so on, up to the most senior position, the Inspector General of Police.”

When Jones heard this, he couldn't help but widen his eyes: "Superintendent Hastings, is this...is this coming for you?"

Arthur didn't bother to play Tai Chi with Jones in this regard: "Maybe, but that was something before, but now Director Rowan and I have moved on. The positions of Police Director and Assistant Superintendent are now filled. It’s full, and I’m not interested in pushing it up for the time being. And in the long run, the passage of this revised ordinance will be a good thing for the overall development of Scotland Yard, so I don’t intend to oppose it. But, although this kind of thing It doesn't matter to a person like me who has no desires and desires, but for those police officers who are determined to forge ahead and seek to go higher to dedicate themselves to the citizens of London, it will definitely dampen their enthusiasm. Therefore, Young police officers who are aspiring to be promoted should have some good results recently. Jones, in this regard, I also wish you continued efforts!"

When Jones heard this, he felt a chill in his heart. An idea flashed in his mind, and he glanced at the small red brick building in front of him. He finally understood why Arthur specifically ordered the Whitechapel Police Department to dispatch the police early this morning.

When Jones thought of this, the remaining complaints and worries about the superior police inspector's investigation disappeared.

Damn it, Inspector Klein is a guy who is about to get out, as long as he doesn’t cause any trouble, okay? He can't stop me, Jones, from getting promoted and making a fortune, right? If he really does this, I will throw two guns at him tomorrow and won't let me go up, so he won't go up either! It just so happens that due to the recent case of Senator Bernie Harrison, Parliament is keeping a close eye on Scotland Yard!

As soon as Jones' thoughts became clear, his whole personality immediately opened up, and even the dirty air in the East District tasted a bit sweet.

Arthur held his neck and twisted it. He took a puff of smoke and said, "By the way, I made an appointment with the journalist Charles Dickens at the Whitechapel Police Station today. You must have met him a few times, right?"

Jones suppressed the joy in his heart and nodded repeatedly: "Of course I know him. Mr. Dickens is an upright and well-educated journalist. He has come to Whitechapel for several news investigations before. You asked me to send someone to accompany him and protect him." of."

Arthur blew out a smoke ring: "Today is different from the past. Mr. Dickens's "The Pickwick Papers" has recently been serialized in "The British" and is very popular. I heard him say that he is considering resigning. As a reporter, he devotes himself full-time to the field of literary creation. This interview may become his final work in journalism, so I believe he will write it with great care."

Having said this, Arthur put his hands in his pockets, raised his arms and waved at Jones: "Then I will go to the police station to wait for you, Jones. I'm waiting for your good news."

After saying this, he disappeared into the fog of London's early morning.

With a solemn face, Jones paid attention to the back figure for a long time, until he could no longer see the trace of Arthur's tailcoat.

Almost instantly, Jones's expression changed.

The police sergeant who had been so kind and gentle just now, and even spoke with a voice as calm as an autumn lake, suddenly became like a violent devil who had just been killed from hell to the world.

If Arthur were here, he would definitely be doubly surprised. If he hadn't observed carefully, he wouldn't have known that this young policeman who acted cautiously and harmlessly more than half a year ago had changed his face after more than half a year of field experience. They actually grew a lot of flesh.

Sure enough, Tower Hamlets' simple folk customs are still very nurturing.

Jones spat on the ground, stepped on hard riding boots that were as cold as ice, pushed aside a group of police officers blocking him, and walked to the door.

He first glanced at the police officers around him. After making sure that everything was ready, he took a deep breath, kicked open the door in front of him, pulled out his flintlock pistol and pointed it into the dark room, shouting: "Police! You guys!" These sons of bitches, all get down here!"

However, Jones was met with silence.

In his eager eyes, what appeared was neither a vicious criminal nor a large amount of hidden contraband, only a man whose hands were tied behind his back, stripped naked, with only a pair of underwear left on his body, and who was constantly performing Carp beat the young man who wanted to break free.

Upon seeing this, Jones instructed the police to search other rooms, and at the same time walked up to the young man and took out the rag stuffed in his mouth.

He asked: "Who are you?"

The young man's left eye was bruised. He endured the pain and opened his eyes to look at Jones. When he saw the uniform on Jones, he was stunned for a moment, and then shed tears of emotion and joy: "Thank God! You were sent by my uncle to save me." Mine, right?"

"Your uncle?" Jones was also stunned, but soon he said in awe: "Are you the nephew of Superintendent Hastings? No wonder he was so anxious and wanted to leave quickly to avoid suspicion."

"Hastings?" The young man was also stunned: "Isn't it my uncle who reported the case?"

"Who is your uncle?"

"Joseph Bonaparte!"

"do not know."

"Then you know my second uncle, Napoleon Bonaparte, right?"

When Jones heard this, the police officer who was pressing behind Louis Bonaparte and preparing to untie the rope suddenly stopped. He suddenly stopped a young police officer next to him and ordered: "Ford, I told you to remember, It will be used when being interviewed by reporters later. The victim has suffered from mental problems after being abused by the criminal group for a long time. This situation is particularly distressing, and it also illustrates the importance of Fred and his remaining gang. With the cruelty of the criminal methods and the shameful sinfulness of the public, the Whitechapel Police Department, with the help of the Criminal Investigation Department, will continue to speed up the rapid and effective cleaning up and crackdown on the gang..."

When Louis Bonaparte heard this, his eyes widened: "Are you British guys crazy?"

The young police officer just glanced at him who was pinned to the ground and couldn't move, and whispered back: "Sir, you are the one who is crazy."

…

Half an hour later, in the Sheriff's Office of the Whitechapel Police Department.

Arthur and Jones sat on either side of the desk, while Dickens, who had changed into a beautiful outfit, was taking notes in a strict manner while wearing a hat.

Arthur followed his recording speed and recited in a gentle tone what he had already drafted: "This operation relied on the rapid response of the Whitechapel Police Department, so that like last time, it did not wait until the criminal group The victim was transported to sea and then intercepted. But we must also note the shortcomings in this incident. For an area like Whitechapel, even with an excellent leader like Chief Jones, There is no complete solution to the problem of under-policing, which is the most important reason why the whole of Tower Hamlets has become a haven for criminals.”

When Dickens recorded this, he quickly and forcefully clicked a period on his notebook. He whistled: "That's enough. This will be a good report!"

When Arthur heard this, he also smiled and said, "I'm troubling you by asking you to run so early. Do you want to have tea with me afterwards?"

Dickens smiled and said: "Well, you can drink tea later, but before that, Arthur, why don't you introduce to me if there are any good places for fishing nearby? I've been obsessed with this thing recently."

"Huh?" Arthur joked: "You're asking me where to go fishing? Charles, I'm afraid you're looking for the wrong person. Although I'm an expert at fishing, I'm not fishing in the river."

Dickens laughed when he heard this and said: "Arthur, don't be ridiculous. As a police officer, you must know where you can fish. You may not know that after I finished writing a few days ago, I followed my old habit of squatting by the river in front of my house. Fishing to relieve boredom.

But after waiting for a long time, no fish took the bait. At this time, someone next to me talked to me and asked me if I was fishing. I thought he was mocking me for not catching a fish for a long time, so I explained to him that I caught more than a dozen fish here yesterday.

I thought he would be discouraged, but unexpectedly the boy's voice got louder. He said, 'Sir, do you know who I am? I specialize in fishing inspections here. I want to advise you that fishing is strictly prohibited in this river! ’

Then he took out an invoice book from his pocket and planned to issue me a ticket. I saw that his attitude seemed to be serious, so I quickly changed my words and said, 'Sir, do you know who I am? I am Dickens, and I specialize in writing novels. You know, it's a novelist's nature to make up stories. ’

He was stunned by what I said, and while he was stunned, I quickly ran away with the bucket. He chased me for a long time but didn't catch up with me, hahaha! "

When Jones heard this, he couldn't help but laugh out loud. Perhaps because he had just made a meritorious service, he also became interested in joking.

Jones raised his thumbs and pointed at Louis Bonaparte, who was sitting on the bench in the corner and was tied up, and said to Dickens: "Mr. Dickens, you are already a master when it comes to making up stories. But I bet you are definitely Still not as good as that young man over there.”

Dickens was surprised: "What? Did he make up some good story?"

When Arthur heard this, he pretended to be confused and said, "He said he was a relative of Napoleon."

As soon as these words were spoken, a burst of cheerful laughter immediately erupted in the office.

When Louis Bonaparte saw this, he couldn't help gritting his teeth and roared: "Don't think that because I am French, I don't understand English. I have received a good education! Do you know? You are humiliating an authentic royal family member. !”

When Dickens heard this, he laughed even more happily, and he said: "Like Alexander, it seems that the French humor has always been consistent."

As soon as he finished speaking, he heard a bang and the office door was pushed open.

Standing outside the door was a fat French man with a big belly. When he saw Arthur sitting in the office, he couldn't help but proudly patted the holster hanging on his waist, pointed at the pistol inside and said, "Ah. Ser, look, what a good thing I got in exchange. This gun is newer than the guns you have at Scotland Yard. It has a revolving wheel and can shoot three bullets with one charge. By the way, leave me a note at home. Why do I come to Whitechapel Police Station to find you after I go back? Is there anything new here?"

When Arthur saw him, he just smiled and spread his hands. He raised his head towards the corner: "Come, Alexander, meet your French emperor."