“I don't know about the rest of you, but I find all this formality rather grim with so many of you police officers around,” Howell interjected.
“I'm Charles, and Gareth won't mind you using his name so I suggest we dispense with all this Detective Inspector this, and Detective Inspector that, and the same for the two sergeants as well if that's agreeable.”
“It would certainly save some time and breath,” Ross smiled. “I'm Andy, Sergeant Drake is Izzie, and our friends from Falmouth are Brian and Carole.”
“Righty-o,” said Charles Howell, “glad we've sorted that out. We must of course maintain our ranks in front of the men, I hope you understand but for now, if you will show our friends to the wardroom, Lieutenant, I have work to do. I want to be under way in less than an hour.”
Ross than
