Behind a polite smile, Arthur felt irritated. What poor excuse was 'it happens elsewhere too'? And it wasn't true! He had seen many places, and he felt Whitby was worse. Then there was all those disappearing bicycles as well! But his face was a mask of civil smiles. He was a politician after all.

"Well, I am glad to hear you mean to improve it. The Longbottoms are probably one of the notorious families. Somewhere in that slum down by Tate Hill Pier, I believe. Drunk swindlers, by the reports I've heard, and the children are just as bad. Some boys in prison or reform school or whatever - I believe those are the lucky ones really, being extracted from that family, and God alone knows what horrible situations the girls are placing themselves in, if you get my meaning. They're a real blight on this town, and I hope they shall be dealt with swiftly, now that there is an effective police force. The older children, I believe, are spoilt already. They'll be best suited to prison or a reform school. They would all be in there already if..." He stopped himself, as if he had accidentally said too much. It wasn't an accident. "But the younger ones my organization might still be able to help. If you find any child in that home below the age of ten, we'll try to resocialise it."

Before alasdair cound say a word Chester spoke "we will do everything in our power to help those children and work alongside your organisation my lord" he continued "we understand your concern and as my colleague has said this problem is not alone to whitby. We have seen it where we have all served before and yes whitby is one of the higher end areas we have seen it"

Chester continued "is there any other families you would like to bring to our attention. I hope you understand that we have inherited a force from a former police sargeant who didn't know which end of a pencil to write with so we are picking up the pieces as best me can and building up a picture"

Arthur offered a gracious smile, like a king forgiving a subject. "Of course I understand. I am most grateful for both your efforts to reorganize the force. It cannot be an easy task. I do not know any specific names, but besides Tate Hill, the Cragg needs clearing out. That place is a breeding ground for all sorts of vice. From what I've understood, one of the constables, Crane, was friendly with the fisherfolk and let some drunk brutes run the place." Crane should be sacked. "If you remove any children under the age of thirteen from homes and they have no other suitable guardians, we'd be happy to take them."

Munro continued "Crane is a good man, takes of alot of flak from people who don't understand him. He's got his finger on the pulse and knows the workings of this town"

Chester wiped this mouth with the silk handkerchief in his pocket before continueing. "The Constabularies are changing, they are moving with the times and rather than just the brutal peelers of years gone by they are becoming more a figure in the community that can be trusted" he looked to alasdair who didn't say much but let Chester continue

"I'm happy to pass on any children that require care. May I ask about medical requirements? Or anything else you may require prior to them arriving in your care?"

[CW: Ableism]

Was the policeman contradicting him? “Of course… but not all communities can be trusted, can they?” Arthur said with a thin smile. “The rest of the community suffers if the thugs in the Cragg and Tate Hill are allowed to live by their own laws.” As had been the case under Crane. From what he had heard, the incompetent constable had been half-raised by the fisherfolk like a feral child, and his loyalty lay with them more than it lay with the law. “Anyway, we cannot take any children suffering from infectious diseases obviously, or from insanity, though our staff will be happy to find a place for them in an asylum. No physical impairment that cannot be cured. They’re unlikely to be adopted. They’re better off in the workhouse or an orphanage. Never mind fleas at the like, they will thoroughly washed and given clean clothes upon arrival.”

Chester nodded "indeed, but it is our duty to find out the truth and the lies. We have a good Constabulary here, including Crane, Wood, Cockburn and others who have all grown up in the area and sworn to protect the crown and its interests. A local knowledge and understanding can go further than just sheer brute force. You hit a dog once. A dog understands its done something wrong. You repeatedly bear the dog the dog learns your nothing more than vermin and will not listen"

Chester nodded once more "we will keep that in mind and I will form the entire station and make them aware of what you are putting on the table so they fully understand what's acceptable"

He knew about the two areas in which he had mentioned. Alasdair and Chester had spoke at length about the trouble areas and patrols needed to be carried out. He sensed that Arthur had a dislike for crane and the other constables but regardless they were there to do a Job and they preformed well under Alasdair who had turned the force round

Arthur's fake smile faltered ever so slightly when Munro spoke of the value of the local police officers, including Crane, and defended a soft approach with the town's thugs. Some dogs needed to be locked up. This country had been so much better when they could still transport lawbreakers to Australia. At least they could still do the next best thing: transport their children.

At least the other constables would be informed of the programme. "Very well," he concluded. "Thank you both very much. We shall be in touch then. And thank you again for all you do for this town." Then he nodded at the two men and took his leave.

His face fell once he was outside and realized that a gang of seagulls had shat all over the open barouche.