Fire at Much-Piddling Estate Agents!

DCI Hawley thinking on his feet, has dispatched 'Fancy' Smith and Maggie Habib to the premises of Blush, Cringe and Flinch - Quality Estate Agents of Much-Piddling. The intention is to obtain more detailed information regarding the layout of Snapcase Hall.

Here is an extract from Frank Hawley's briefing and planning session.

Get me a plan of the Hall from that estate agent, I don’t care what time of night it is send the blues and twos and get them out of bed and those plans in my hands in 2 hours. Smith you take Habib and don’t take no for an answer from the Agents. At the very least I want to know where they might be holding the target, my bet is either in the top of the house or the basement but I need more information.

Accordingly, the two coppers get in the Hillman Imp squad car and switch on the 'blues and twos'. Travelling at high speed (in excess of 40m.p.h. in some places) they head towards the offices of Blush, Cringe and Flinch in Much-Piddling.

As they near there destination, Maggie starts to think there may be a problem. She can hear other 'blues and twos' in the vicinity. "somethings not right, Sarge" she says. As they brake to a halt, the startling truth becomes clear. The offices of Blush, Cringe and Flinch are ablaze.

After having a word with the Fire officer, one Captain Flack, Maggie discovers that the firemen suspect arson. Meanwhile, 'Fancy' is having a word with a near neighbour about the whereabouts of the occupants of the blazing office. It transpires that they and their families have gone on an all-expenses paid holiday to the Caribbean. Apparently an anonymous well-wisher thought they deserved a decent break, away from the stresses of business in Much-Piddling. 'Fancy' and Maggie confer and decide that undoubtedly 'Swiss' Tony has had a hand in this and is clearing away any loose ends. The pair of disappointed coppers return to the nick empty-handed, ready to face the wrath of DCI Hawley. Not a great start to Operation Hampton Wick!