Chapter 261: The Law is the Law

Thomas was at Ffarquhar station, picking up a load for the junction. He was just about to leave when:

"Hullo, hullo, hullo. What do we have here?"

Thomas groaned in annoyance. He knew that voice anywhere. Sure enough, the same policeman from all those years ago came strolling up, smacking his club against the palm of his hand.

"Its just a train of fruit, constable. Nothing out of the ordinary."

"I'll be the judge of that! This train isn't going anywhere until I've completed my inspection."

The officer looked the train up and down, refusing to let him leave until he had inspected every inch of the train.

"Hmm, so it is. Alright, you win this round, but I'll catch you yet!"

Thomas rolled his eyes and left. He was still cross when he got home that evening.

"Something bite your butt, Thomas? You seem tense."

"Its that stupid constable! Bad enough he ran me off the tramway, now he's hounding me like a hawk!"

Percy groaned in agreement.

"Ugh, tell me about it! I tried to be nice and whistle to him, and he gave me a ticket for a noise violation! I was at a crossing, I had to whistle!"

"Settle down, you two. He'll get his comeuppance, just you wait."

"I know, Toby. I just hope it comes soon."

None of them knew that their wish would come soon. The next Sunday, the constable was doing traffic duty. He hated it.

"Bah, handing out parking tickets. Hardly worth my talents."

His mood soon changed when he came across the church. His eyes went wide. Cars lined the street, a major traffic violation and he rubbed his hands together gleefully.

"Aha! I count at least 10 lawbreakers here alone! No cars shall be parked on the street on Sunday. Oh, my Sergeant will be pleased! This will earn me a promotion for sure!"

He soon set to work, and in an hour he had the whole lot booked. He decided to wait and watch justice be dealt out. Soon, the church let out, and the congregation filed out to their cars. But when they saw the tickets on their windshields, their faces turned to anger. They swarmed the constable like flies, but he stood firm.

"You all know the law, and you broke it anyway! I shall bring this up with my captain."

"No need Wallace. I'm right here."

The constable gulped and his boss stormed over, a ticket clutched firmly in his hands.

"Oh sir, I didn't realize-"

"I suppose you also didn't realize that law you're referring too was repealed two years ago by the council. As was the law regarding the tramway you ticketed the railway for. I've also heard about how you've been bullying them lately, and I shall not have it."

"But sir, i-"

"My office. NOW."

Wallace gulped. He didn't like the sound of that.

Later that evening, The Ffarquhar crew had a good laugh.

"Did you hear? He was demoted and transfered to Wellsworth for his actions. We'll get a new constable Monday, and the Captain promises he won't be as tough."

"Toby, you would've passed them earlier. Did you catch what he said?"

"I did, but I'd rather not repeat it. It wasn't very nice."