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‘They started life as Brussels sprouts,’ said Grace, ‘and over the years the B became small, and the s disappeared, until finally everyone has co us’

‘Like the OED,’ suggested Marjorie, shter

‘And if you have passed,’ said Sir Julian, refusing to be distracted by the ety will it be before you become a detective?’

‘Six months, possibly a year I’ll have to wait for a vacancy to arise in another patch’

‘Perhaps you’ll go straight to Scotland Yard?’ said his father, raising an eyebrow

‘That’s not possible You have to prove yourself in another division before you can even apply for a job at the holy grail Although I will be visiting the Yard tomorrow for the first time’

Sir Julian stopped carving ‘Why?’ he demanded

‘I’m not sure myself,’ admitted William ‘The super called me in on Friday and told , but he didn’t give any clue why’

‘HawksbyHawksby’ said Sir Julian, the lines on his forehead growing more pronounced ‘Why do I know that name? Ah yes, we once crossed swords on a fraud case when he was a chief inspector An impressive witness He’d done his holove on him Not a man to be underestimated’

‘Tell me more,’ said William

‘Unusually short for a policeer brains He’s known as the Hawk Hovers over you before swooping down and carrying all before him’

‘You included, it would seem,’ said Marjorie

‘What makes you say that?’ asked Sir Julian, as he poured hilass of wine

‘You only ever reet the better of you’

‘Touché,’ said Sir Julian, raising his glass as Grace and William burst into spontaneous applause