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and smiled. ‘That sounds a little too kind, even a little sentimental, though I’m grateful for Mr Gibson’s thoughts. I operate in the way which seems most efficient for my unit. I also enjoy myself much more operating that way, though one can’t speak publicly of enjoyment when the investigation of serious crimes is one’s concern.’
    â€˜You enjoy what you’re good at, like most of us. In your case, that’s the direct business of investigation at the crime face.’
    â€˜Fair description, sir. But I’m part of a team. I don’t neglect the coordination of an investigation and the efficient filing and cross-referencing of the huge amount of information that accrues round any major crime. Inspector Rushton is far more efficient in those things than I could ever be.’
    â€˜And the doughty DS Hook is an efficient bagman for you, as you put yourself about among those involved in major crimes.’
    This man really has done his homework. Treat him with due respect, Lambert. ‘DS Hook is a remarkable man, sir. He has twice refused to put himself forward for Detective Inspector rank because he enjoys his present work. That is unique in my experience: a man who recognizes that he is happy and efficient in his daily work and does not wish to jeopardize that for the sake of promotion. Hook completed an Open University degree last year, after five years of part-time study – one of the very few policemen who have done that. I like to think he complements whatever skills I have in dealing with the vast cross-section of humanity we encounter.’ He grinned. ‘Bert Hook is far shrewder than he looks, and that in itself is an advantage.’
    â€˜Plainly, loyalty to your staff is one of your great virtues, John.’
    He’s determined to use my first name whenever he can. Why on earth should I be so grudging and suspicious, when it’s probably well meant? But Lambert heard himself sounding priggish as he said, ‘I speak as I find, sir. And I confess I’ve been selfish, over the last few years. I’ve hand-picked staff who suit my way of working and set up my own team. If I tell you that they’re efficient in their roles, it’s no more than the truth.’
    â€˜And I’m assuring you that I don’t propose to interfere with your methods. That’s one of the reasons for this morning’s meeting.’
    â€˜As long as they continue to produce results, sir.’
    Gordon Armstrong was not at all discomfited by this prickly reminder of what he’d said earlier. ‘That would apply to any system, surely, John? If it wasn’t producing results, we’d want to examine it and see what improvements we could introduce. I suppose that would be “hands-on” for a chief constable, wouldn’t it?’
    Lambert grinned again and felt a little easier. The man had a sense of humour. Why had he assumed that a GSOH was surgically removed once you reached the higher echelons of the police service? ‘It would indeed, sir. I like to think I’d be studying my team even more intensively than you, if it came to that.’
    â€˜I’m sure you would. What would you say is the greatest problem facing the modern police service, John? Or the CID section of it, if you prefer to confine yourself to that.’
    A sudden switch, this. John Lambert had come here prepared to defend his methods and to receive bland assurances that they were acceptable. Now he was being asked for more general opinions. Was he being tested, or was his opinion genuinely sought? He said abruptly, ‘Corruption, sir.’
    There were a couple of seconds of silence before Armstrong nodded and said quietly, ‘What sort of corruption, John?’
    â€˜It’s not a new problem, sir. The service generally is much more honest and less corrupt than it was thirty years ago, when I was a young copper. The Met was a disgrace in those days.