"This way, Miss." and together they set off at the dignified plodding pace of a policeman on patrol. With tradesmen and women shouting around them for custom, Bert stopped at a stall that sold flowers.

"'Mornin' Liz," Bert said to the older woman.

"Good mornin', Mister Hailey."

"Anything up?" Bert asked. Informal information gathering from women like Liz helped Bert and his colleagues keep the peace in this town.

"Not much today Mister Hailey. I seen the Longbottom kids earlier."

"Really? Ten pounds o' trouble in a Five pound bag, that lot are."

"Aye. Well, aren't you goin' ta introduce us, Mister Hailey?" the older woman asked pointedly staring at the Irish beauty at his elbow. Bert was flustered.

"Oh! Liz, this is Miss O'Connor - she is.. uh.. a new acquaintance of mine."