Elijah nodded immediately. "I understand. I am glad to have the help, it's been building for a while. But I'm sure we can finally make a huge dent in this work." He wanted to think positively on having an inspector. It was a small town but a lot was going on, beyond stuff a simple constable can do on their own after a while.

"Should you be encouraging him? Francis is great at some things but.." telling him to get rid of things made the man worry important things could disappear too.

He might have said more but then someone came in. He looked surprised and relieved. "Ruth!" He walked towards her with the baby and said in a light voice, "Look! It's mama. " He then handed her over. "I am sorry, but I had to go to work. But I've taken care of them. You know I wouldn't let them out of my sight." He then oh'd and looked to Alasdair. "This is my friend, Ruth, sir. Ruth, this is my new sergeant Alasdair Maclellan."