Alasdair flicked through file after file and was loosing the will to live with what he was reading. All had been left like this due to simply being short staffed. The force was almost at double its strength now compared to the dates on the reports.

His cousin had been helping with the files to clear some of them but alasdair wanted to clear them before the new inspector came and that was any day now

Alasdair walked off to find Elijah. He was knowledgeable about alot of things and might be able to shed some light on the matter. He found him after not long searching "Elijah, can you shed any light on this?" He said as he placed the folder on the desk

Elijah had been sitting at his desk with what at first could be mistaken for a tea with milk, but was actually a coffee weak with enough milk to make it barely have any color. He looked up as Alasdair entered the room and immediately stood at attention. "Ah, sir!" He was trying to make up for not being at his best recently. There was so much stress on the man lately, and even more on his mind.

He glanced at the file and rose his brow. "Ah, a missing woman? A piece of her clothing was found on the beach by the cliffs. She had no family, so they thought it might have been suicide except.." He frowned. There had been a number of deaths there, but those with family or friends insisted they weren't the type. Very recently a man and woman had ended up there.

"It is very troubling. We retraced her steps, it seemed she had been looking for a maid job. The trail sort of goes cold after that, but we can always ask around." He had an idea on where or who to ask, to at least start.

Alasdair laughed "for the love of god min, sit down i aint the bloody pope!" He knew elijah was nervous and he looked at him "and as I've already said. Lose ranks between these four walls if its just us. If there's officials, or inspector or public the thats different but for christs sake, call me alasdair"

Alasdair listened intently to what Elijah was saying before replying "ok I think we should have a look. I know its probably been done but this is the kind of thing this new inspector is gonna look into and I want the buck to land with me. Not you guys because you were understaffed at the time"

He walked to the rack and put on the last part of his uniform he would require before heading out into the street to uphold the law "come on lad. Let's go for a wander and have a look at all this. I don't fancy sitting here all day do you?"

Elijah nodded slightly and relaxed a bit, but still seemed nervous. "I know, I just... I don't want to seem too unprofessional." He admitted and glanced down. Between the articles that have come out on him in the last two years, and the trouble with some people, he really wanted to at least appear capable at his job somewhat. "Thank you, for all this. We have needed the extra help."

He perked up and agreed wholeheartedly. "Yes!" He finished off the cold coffee very quickly. "I know someone we can start with, if you don't mind. He's ah.. somewhat unusual type. But he hears a lot, so he's good for information. If you can get it out of him that is." He barely ever went to the homeless man, but there had been rare times. Aslan had suggested him once. It wasn't too hard to get the man to talk, but then he'd heard a lot about Elijah and felt he had some power over the particular constable. He wasn't sure how it would work with Alasdair, but didn't hurt to try.

Alasdair squared away the remainder of his uniform while Elijah sorted himself as well "sounds like a good start. We will see where it leads from there." Jamie wouldn't be too far away by now as he was patrolling his beat and would soon be back in the station and be able to man the station while they were away "my cousin should be back soon so the station will be ok and I think Wood is due back aswell"

Alasdair made his way outside of the station. The sun was beating and it was a stunning day. Too nice to be stuck in an office. He knew it would help clear Elijahs head if he got him out of there and focused on something else. "Lead the way Elijah"

Elijah nodded as he trusted the man completely and started to head out, holding the door open for the man to be polite. "The problem is finding him. He could be almost anywhere." He considered the time, it seemed too early he'd be around looking for someone to get him a pity drink just yet. But then if he'd had a bad night. "We will try his regular haunts and work from there. "

He started off and decided to try the market if he was begging and then work his way out towards the pubs. He really didn't want to waste the sergeant's time too much. He was finally in relief as he found the man sitting off to the side on the floor just leaning against a wall and staring up at the sky. "Ah, there he is."

Alasdair followed Elijahs lead "yeah I completely understand what your saying. Let's start there" he followed him to the market and was relieved when Elijah spotted him.

He took Elijah to the side before walking over to him "I'm guessing cash is king here?" He looked at elijah "you lead it and ill follow suit. I've not had dealings with him before so I'm sure how he works. I've got cash on me anyways if we have to use it"

Alasdair walked over towards the homeless man that Elijah had mentioned. He had to hand it to him Elijah had some useful local knowledge

Elijah nodded to Alasdair and started towards the man as he spoke quietly. "Usually, yeah. Money or taking him to get something to drink. But the most important thing is to act nice to him, I mean to a point. Don't try to play it up too much or anything. He's a bit odd, but he is usually harmless, if a bit of a.."He seemed deep in thought on how to describe him. He let the thought die as they came up to the guy.

"Francis, hello.." He said with a smile as he approached. The man looked to them and he glanced towards his sergeant then back. "Surprised you're just sitting out here.. Well, this is my sergeant, Alasdair. He's a very nice man and we wanted to ask you some questions?"

Francis looked from the weak constable to the newcomer. He hadn't been in town long, from what Francis remembered hearing. He had been worried when there were more law people coming in, but so far it hadn't been any trouble. He stared hard, studying the man's face. Slowly an easy smile appeared. Perhaps, if they needed information, he'd get some money out of it.

"Well, nice to finally meet you, sergeant. You've been working hard, I hear." He slowly leaned to the wall as he slid to his feet and stretched his arms. He scratched at the back of his head and then leaned against the wall. "Well, to what do I owe this visit. Was something about information?" He looked back to Elijah before settling his eyes on Alasdair.

Alasdair watched closely as Elijah interacted with Tully. This type was rife around Perthshire and Jamie had also dealt with similar in Strathclyde. There memory would be hazy until the silver was shown. The old adage of the queen's shilling would more than likely be used just now.

He looked straight at him and watched him closely. He stood in a position that he could see Elijah in his poriforal vision. He spoke. "We are looking into the disappearance of a woman a few months back. Any ideas?"

Alasdair watched him closely. Alot of criminals exploited the homeless and used them to cover their actions and or be look outs. Alasdair watched with interest how this would go down

Francis was quiet for a moment and seemed to be in thought and then rubbed the back of his neck as he noticed he was being watched so carefully. He chuckled, "you're watching me so much, see something you like?" The man laughed a little. "Please, I'm kidding. Don't lock me up for a comment, all you'll do is waste money on giving me free food and shelter. I'm already suffering."

The other constable called out his name sharply, and she shrugged holding up his hands innocently towards Elijah. "I'm joking! Seriously, you all should get a sense of humor." He started to scratch at his head again. "I think, maybe.. I know something. Was she like.. brown hair? Green eyes? Like yay tall." He held up his hand. "Kind of not all that comely?" When the other nodded he clasped his hands together. "I do know something. She had gone to an agency. Seems they've lost a couple of girls. Not great at keeping track on their books though, that place. Maybe that's why they are so popular. Cheap help is so disposable." He shrugged.

Alasdair wasn't sure what to make of the information. He looked at Tully "im a fair man, I'm willing to pay for good information but I also don't take kindly if people are giving me false information. Play the game and you will walk away with some coin. Dont play the game and I bring one of my constables round who has a thing for using force. Either way I get the information I need" he looked at Elijah and then back at Tully. "This a one trick pony. We are tying up lose ends with cases so there will be no repeat visits. You choose" He thought for a moment. "I'm still new to this beat but I know My constable here has been here for a while and knows alot about the goings on"

He thought for a moment as he waited on Tully to reply. If he was laying to him the next Constable he would be meeting is Francis Cockburn who he knew would get into information

The lighter haired man stuck up his chin and placed a hand on his chest dramatically. "I'm insulted. Do you think you'd be here if I gave bad information? It may Bea dead end, but I didn't lie. It's just a misstep somewhere in the clues." He waved a hand dismissively.

"And you say it's a one truck pony. As if crime will stop because the place finally has someone good in charge. Try me and be amazed. I hear a lot and pick up a lot." He smiled brightly. "I gave you some information. Follow it up, consider it a gift. And come back when you're satisfied I'm not messing with you?"

Alasdair nodded "then that's fine by me" he said as he handed money to Tully for his troubles. He walked away and started walking down the street towards the information. He looked to Elijah "what you make of that?"

He walked along via a street vender and got some fresh coffee and handed a cup to elijah. "Where should we go next?"

He continued to think ahead about the information he had been given. Elijah knew alot about this town and knew he would lead him places. He stood and sipped on the coffee as he took in the view

Francis had crowed like a rooster, he'd been so happy with the money he had skipped off literally. Elijah shook his head and followed close to Alasdair's side. "Well, I mean.. He wasn't totally honest. He has given bad information and lied. But usually because someone broke a deal or something. We should still be wary that the information is useless. She might have been there, but it doesn't mean it's what caused her end."

He stopped and smiled a little when he was handed the warm beverage and thanked him for the coffee. Elijah lifted his head to look at the horizon. "We can ask around more? Or go to the place he suggested? " He tilted his head. "Or, we can ask around people who commonly hang around or live near where the bodies were found? It might be useful but its just a possible shot."

Alasdair leaned back against the wall and sighed "most of the information was useless but its broken the ice with him and given us leverage" he winked "more than one way to skin a cat" he laughed "next time it won't be so friendly, told you if its totally useless Francis can speak with him" he joked.

He stirred his coffee and looked at Elijah "can't be arsed with this bollocks but we have to do it to close these cases. Otherwise this new bloody inspector will be looking at anything to punish us. We will start by going to the area where the bodies were found and see if that turns up any leads" he looked at Elijah "I know about the articles with you aswell, don't worry about anything like that with me. I judge you on you. Not what is published and your not the only one that has been dragged through the papers. Jamie has aswell for an incident in Strathclyde"

"Francis speaking to Francis?" Elijah said with a small smile, though secretly he was bothered by it. If someone gave them bad information, he wasn't sure using violence settled well inside. He felt like he knew better though, so he hoped the information was good.

The man was about to say something, but then he mentioned the articles. His face fell and he looked away with a tight frown. He sipped his coffee and winced at the bitterness, it could use some milk. He took a deep breath. "I know. It's all in my head to still be bothered by all of it, but I do feel like I have to prove myself."

He then oh'd, he'd have snapped his fingers but gloves. "I forgot. We could also talk to Aslan, he's a brilliant detective. He's closed a few cases around."

Alasdair nodded "your a great constable Elijah. Your what this force needs and I don't just mean in whitby u mean the whole program of constables regardless of force. The modern force will change and it will be alot more hearts and minds"

He took a sip from his coffee "you are the future of the force the way I see it. Everyone has a role to play in the force. For example. The new inspector will be the firm hand of the law. A bit ruthless but he will be what we need. Constable Cockburn is your muscle. A little bit hot under the collar but you can use her in a situation to clear space. Jamie has the two dogs. Those are also your muscle. That's your crowd control and peace keeping" he took another sip from his coffee "you on the other hand. Have a brain in your head and a heart in your chest. Your what the future is. Hearts and minds. Not police brutality"

He turned to look at Elijah "so you see regardless of what those articles say. Ill take you and everyone else on my team at face value. Youve nothing to prove. Ill use your skillset in the right environment like everyone else" he raised his and in a gesture "after you, ill follow your lead"

Elijah was nodding but stopped and stared at the sergeant. He sipped his coffee and his expression was mostly blank but a small frown appeared. Finally he looked away and put a hand over his mouth. He hung his head. "Sorry..' He managed to mutter. "It's just.. the nicest thing I ever heard about how I did my job. I've always heard the opposite and sometimes it makes it hard to come into work. Thank you sir, I .. I really mean that." He wasn't crying, the coffee was just so hot it made him tear up even as he kept drinking.

Alasdair looked at Elijah. "This Constabulary, the whole policing system will change and alot of the dinosaurs aren't gonna accept change. The future of this whole thing is people like you who have a heart in their chest and a brain in their head"

He continued with another drink of his coffee before continuing "it doesn't matter what we do. We will receive flak for it its part of the job. Do not let those articles get to you. Jamie had exactly the same in Strathclyde and if their is heat on you. We move you around and let it die down." He finished his coffee before throwing the cup in the bin.

He straightened himself up and continued "no need to thank me. I want this whole Constabulary to be the best in the area and that includes you and everyone on the team. Your a good lad and you will to far if you play your cards right"

Elijah nodded but looked down. "I have felt like I was alone for years here, so .. it does mean a lot. I am sure you are used to much bigger and busier places s- Alasdair." He had almost called him sir but corrected himself. He also wasn't certain he was right about this place being quiet, for a small town it seemed always buzzing with something like a wasp nest.

"York was different too, but I didn't work out there. That's why I came back here. I hope you are right. I want to make a difference, it has been my dream since I was a boy."

Alasdair sighed "most forces are the same and they are heading for change. The newspapers make us out to be the bad guys when we are trying to uphold the law. Regardless of what we do. We will always be made out to be in the wrong. That's why I intend to protect everyone on this force as best as we can. And that includes with out new inspector aswell"

He continued "I wont feed you to the wolves or anyone else. Ill put my neck on the line first to protect us. We all make a difference. The problem with your last sargeant is he was a short timer counting paychecks till retiring and would do anything to save his pension. You have nothing to fear with me. Stick with me and you will be ok"

Elijah nodded in complete agreement. "That's right. Thank you for helping us." He had been alone the last few times, and he wanted to believe in Alasdair completely.

"I will. I will do all I can to help the public while keeping you safe." He certainly didn't think he'd need to, but he was sure the man would not protect someone who was obviously in the wrong. Like sometimes with Francis' desire to lay a heavy hand on people for minor things. He would trust in his sergeant and hope for the best. "Is there anything more I can do to make things easier on you?" He almost said sir, but caught himself.

Alasdair stood and looked at him "all i ask is that you do your job to the best of the of your abilities and leave the rest to me. If your not sure about it then by all means ask and I will help. As I've said you all have skills and have a part to play in this machine."

He finished his coffee before putting the the cup in the bin.

He continued "if your willing to learn. I'm willing to teach. You might replace me one day as Sargeant Crane" he didn't hesitate for moment in saying that. He hoped deep down that elijah would replace him as Sargeant in the new police force when it came time for change and him to step down

Elijah nodded along as he tried to finish his own cup alongside the other. He paused in surprise. "M-me? Sergeant?" He laughed weakly and shook his head. "I am grateful you believe in me and I always hope to make you proud but.. that's a bit of a reach, isn't it? I mean.. maybe.." Cockburn? No. Roberts? He might go back to York if things get better sooner than later. "There's other options."

He looked down, knowing he shouldn't talk down to the other's ideas. "I mean.. I really would love to think about such a thing. But I'm not sure I have what it takes." Roberts had said he was too soft and weak. He wasn't the only one.

Alasdair looked at him "we've all had run ins with people that's effected our confidence and I'm no exception. It doesn't matter where you go in the Constabularys there's always someone out there who wants to ruin things for us but I believe in you. Youve got a good heart and you've got a brain in your head. If you want to go further i can make it happen and I don't mean transfer. I've only got this sargeant post for a set time and someone will replace me if I move up the ranks"

Alasdair looked at him sincerely. "If your willing to learn I'm willing to teach"

It was nice to hear he wasn't alone in at least some of his worries. He nodded along and finally threw away the empty coffee cup before looking towards the sergeant. He tried not to look touched by the compliment, but it was nice to hear. "Thank you, sir." It was hard not to speak to him like that and he knew it would keep up. "I know, and I want you to move up but .. I think it'll be too soon when you do go." It was so nice to have a coworker that was kind to him.

His eyes scanned the area, it was quiet but he wanted a distraction to give him a few more minutes to think. Still, he knew his answer just putting it out into the world made it true. "I.. would like to learn."

Alasdair smiled "i have no intention to move from whitby. I've settled here quite nicely. The kids like it and so does my wife. I'm currently in talks with the our constablary and am trying to get us more resources. If this comes off I will be promoted to Station Sargeant and I will require a Sargeant as my second in charge. Right now we have only a handful on our force. Id like to see us expand and if I go to station sargeant I will handle the role of inspector on smaller cases allowing us to see less of the inspector and act as our own entity"

He smiled "thats my boy! That's what I like to hear. Together you and me can help shape this station towards a brighter future"

Elijah relaxed when he said he'd like to stay. It was nice having someone to be able to talk to about the job and get advice or ask questions about difficult decisions. The idea of having more resources was appealing too.

He smiled a little as the other had such confidence in him and nodded. "Yeah, together. I like that. I want a better future."

Alasdair relaxed his shoulders and breathed a little bit easier. "I want us to be the model station that places base themselves on. I want us to be at the forefront. It might not appear obvious but we have a good team here and its going to get better. We are short staffed still but I am to fill the gaps and also bring in a railway constable" alasdair snorted "I aint bringing in cavalry constables we are safe there" he laughed.

He smiled "and together we will see a better future. Now who was it you said we had to go see?"