Prompt from trustingHim17: What does the Yard do when work is slow?
Slow Times at the Yard
"Hopkins, if you want to free that ace, you need to move the king and queen."
"I know. I just don't see where, Lestrade. I was thinking of moving this eight and seven, but that doesn't do anything for me."
"No, no. You should move the seven of hearts over to that eight of spades and then put the six of clubs and five of hearts on them. Then you could move your nave of diamonds onto the queen of clubs and you can set the trio on the free space."
"Oh aye! That'll work. Thanks Lestrade. How is the basket coming along, by the way?"
"I finished the one for the apples yesterday. Started a new one. My sister needs something to put onions in and I think it will be a good Christmas gift."
"Oi! Either of you up for a game of squash?"
"It's bloody cold, Gregson. Why you want to play squash?"
"Yeah. I thought you had a monograph to write. Something about the importance of ears in the detection of crime, wasn't it?"
"I finished that last evening. My proofreader has it. Should get it back tomorrow. Neither of you wants to play?"
"No."
"Too cold."
"Pansies."
"Would you three keep it down? I'm trying to concentrate."
"Concentrate?"
"On what, Jones?"
"My portrait of Wellington. Just doing some of the details on his medals and I need to focus so I get them right."
"Wellington? Thought you were working on Nelson."
"No, Lestrade. I told you it was Wellington."
"Could have fooled me."
"Very funny Gregson. Laugh it up. When it's hanging behind the commissioner's desk, I'll have the last laugh."
"Oh, leave him be, Gregson. We all need dreams."
"So neither of you want to play?"
"Have you asked the sergeants?"
"They're practicing for the concert. Harper has really improved on his bass playing. And, you should hear Turner. He's gotten especially good on the xylophone. Did a solo this morning."
"Well, maybe check with one of the prisoners, Gregson. I've got a basket that won't weave itself. Good luck with the game, Hopkins."
"Thanks, Lestrade."
"Would you please be quite?"
"Very well, Jones. Perhaps you should close your door."
"Go weave your baskets and mind your business!"
"Touchy, touchy. Damn, I hope things pick up soon."