Truscott shows his true colours

Gerry Truscott had aspired to be a detective rather than a beat constable, for many months. He observed Temple and Cantwell at work and thought their way of policing would suit him just fine. For about a year, he had been reading Mickey Spillane novels. So far, he had devoured three of them: 'I, the Jury', 'My Gun Is Quick' and 'Vengeance Is Mine!'. Though he did not quite see himself as the Devonian version of Mike Hammer, he had strong fantasies. The one thing that Truscott did have going for him was tenacity. At age twenty-two, he was nothing if not determined.

He had a healthy respect for Temple and had done some investigating about his past history. Temple's military record alone gave him a heroic tinge in Truscott's eyes. He had also discovered as much as he could about Temple's work at Scotland Yard and that had intrigued him still more. Unlike Cantwell, who never asked too many questions, Truscott was full of queries about everything and everyone. He had immediately spotted Temple's interest in Redbourne and Dr McBride and this had led him into his own digging around their patch.

So it was with shock and disbelief that he watched as Temple sent people scurrying off to the docks. He was as sure as hell certain that it was not at the docks that the answer to Cantwell's shooting lay. However, he nearly bit his tongue off, when he heard himself telling Temple to be straight with him.

Temple had just told him to get on with what he had been assigned to do. That was something that Truscott did not intend to do. If it was good enough for Mike Hammer to go sleuthing, then it was good enough for him. He would much rather have done it with Temple's blessing and encouragement. But if he couldn't have that then ...

***************

Temple was at first furious then curious about Truscott's unexpected attitude. He had never taken much notice of him. In fact, the incident on Eager Beaver's boat was the first time he had really spoken to him. He had done a good job of observing McBride's surgery and the report was well constructed. However, when he had asked Cantwell about the boy, the opinion was that he was too keen for his own good.

Drumming his fingers on his desk, Temple considered his situation. It would be useful to have someone on the spot who he could use. He went to the door and bellowed down the corridor: "Truscott! Come back in here. Now!"

The other officers who heard the stentorian voice looked sympathetically at Truscott. The Duty Sergeant allowed himself a laugh: "Gawd, lad, sounds like you'm for the 'igh jump, don't it?" Everyone laughed.

Truscott walked down the corridor and opened Temple's office door. He was determined not to be cowed.

"Gov?"

"Truscott! Just what did you mean that I needed to be 'straight' with you? Who the hell do you think you are that I should be straight with you?" He narrowed his eyes and stared at Truscott. If the boy blanched, then he'd know he couldn't work with him or take him into his confidence.

"Gov, I meant just what I said. I know that you don't think the answer to Sergeant Cantwell's shooting is at the docks."

"I see! You're a bloody mind-reader, as well as a cheeky young sod."

"No, Gov. I've been watching you and Sergeant Cantwell and I know it's Rex Redbourne who you think is behind the trouble in Starmouth. And from what I've seen ..."

Temple sat back then banged the desk: "From what you've seen, Truscott! You're paid to see what you're told to see nothing more and nothing less!"

"That's not strictly true, Gov." He paused. "If you'll pardon me for saying so. I see what I see. And I've seen that Redbourne is a right bastard."

Temple couldn't avoid the hint of a grin cross his face. "I see. That's your studied view, is it?"

"It is, Gov."

"Well then, Truscott, you'd better join me, hadn't you? I'll ask Superintendent Baker if you can act up in Sergeant Cantwell's place - just for the time being. But one thing, Truscott, you do not discuss this with anyone else. One thing you've got to learn is that if you work with me then you answer just to me and nobody else."

Truscott grinned from ear to ear. He was almost speechless, 'Mike Hammer eat your heart out.' If he worked with Temple then whatever Temple said was alright by him.