"A team effort, Guv," Boulton replied - but was unable to hide a melon-boy's grin of triumph.
"You should have seen Tonkins and Willis' faces, " chimed in Lennox.
Holmes giggled a little. "Willis thought it was his 'escort' arriving and he was in the bath so he just called out 'Come in, sweetheart - I've been dreaming about you'-"
"And Sergeant Boulton said," cut in Proctor, successfully spoiling yet another story, "Only in your nightmares, sunshine."
Boulton stood there grinning. It didn't get much better than this. It had been one of his never give up cases. Willis had slipped through his fingers two years ago after a raid Don Beech had helped to organise. Deakin had given him a right bollocking, then told him to forget it. After a couple of days of sulking other cases had to take precedence but he'd never forgotten, never stopped chasing up scraps of information. Now he had Willis bang-to-rights and Tonkins as a nice bonus. Sure, if he ever had the time or inclination to look his ribs would look like a herd of cows had stampeded across them. Right now though the pain was almost enjoyable, as he stood there, surrounded by his people, looking forward to a few more words of praise from Deakin and then some celebratory drinks.
Deakin came out to join the melee. Ignoring Proctor, who started to tell the Willis-in-the-bath story again, he patted Boulton on the shoulder.
"John, good work - my shout tonight."
Amongst the cheers and cries of 'Make mine a double!' Deakin handed Boulton an envelope.
"You might want to see this."
Boulton took it cautiously. In his experience official looking letters usually heralded a disciplinary charge but there didn't seem to be any malice in Deakin's smile. He tore it open and read it quickly twice and slowly once then looked up with a blinding smile.
Deakin shook his hand. "I heard a whisper from a robbery squad contact.
We'll miss you, John."