24
When Thad entered the bar, cheers erupted from the drinkers assembled there.
There were shouts of, “Come an’ ’ave a pint with us,” and, “Thad, over ’ere, mate,” from the regulars. But Thad simply waved and smiled, while he scanned the area for Jacobs.
Finally, he noticed a stranger standing by himself at the far end of the bar, without a drink in his hand. He assumed that had to be the copper his wife was referring to.
Thad walked over and offered his hand.
“Thad Beanie, Officer. My wife says you want to ’ave a word with me concernin’ our food. I ’ope there ’asn’t been any complaints.”
Jacobs shook the offered hand. “No, let me assure you, it’s nothing like that,” he replied, holding Thad’s gaze. The innkeeper’s hands were like shovels and completely encased Jacobs’s one. “Do you
