MRS FFINCH-ROBINSON arrived at Elmhurst police station ten minutes later and was shown into Rafferty's office. She proved not only entirely sober and respectable, but less than understanding of the slow police response.
Rafferty did his best to soothe her ruffled magistrate's feathers. 'It's nearly Christmas, Mrs ffinch-Robinson. A very busy time for us and—'
'I understand that, Inspector. But I would have thought a report of a man's body hanging in the woods would take precedence over public house brawls.'
'Normally it would, of course. Unfortunately, all the uniformed officers were out or otherwise engaged when your call came through. All I can say is that an officer was despatched in response to your call as soon as possible.'
Thankfully, Mrs ffinch-Robinson didn't pursue the compla
