The scene is The Blue Boar in the High Street, Lulverton. The occasion: the stag party planned to celebrate Sergeant Bert Martin's retirement after thirty years' service.
"It was good while it lasted," said Bert, putting down his empty tankard with a reflective sigh. "Bein' in the Force, I mean. Lookin' back over the long vista of the years..." But Bert had still until midnight before Bradfield was due to step into his shoes.
At nine twenty-five...