The Shadow of Great Britain

252: Chapter 169 LPS’s New Army (5K)_3 252: Chapter 169 LPS’s New Army (5K)_3 Hmm…

Arthur, I…

I don’t know how to bring this up to you…

Sigh…

it’s all my fault for being incompetent.

I know the department doesn’t employ child labor, but this kid insists he can do it and begged me to give him an opportunity, you see…”

Seeing Tom’s awkward predicament, Pinkerton also felt somewhat apologetic.

All along the way, he had caused Tom quite a bit of trouble, but not only did the officer not blame him, he was actually very attentive to his rebellious behavior.

Tom listened patiently to all his grievances and complaints.

Tom also tried to help with his difficulties and ideas as much as possible.

And now, Tom had to make the uncomfortable move of asking his superiors for an unreasonable favor because of his moment of impulsiveness.

Although Pinkerton was still a teenager, he had experienced the gamut of human kindness and cruelty.

He held Tom’s hand, mustered his courage, and looked up into Arthur’s deep black eyes: “I…

Mr.

Hastings, I hope you can give me a chance.

I’ve never been a police officer, but I’ve watched my dad do it before.

Don’t be fooled by my age, I won’t hold anyone back.

If I do well, you can pay me a salary; if I don’t, you can send me straight to the poorhouse, and I won’t complain at all.”

Arthur leaned against the doorway, looking down at the little rascal who did not even reach his chest, and asked in an unchanged tone, “Did Tom teach you to say all this?”

Pinkerton’s face showed a trace of panic as he hurriedly waved his hands, “No, sir, please don’t misunderstand, these are all my own thoughts, and they have nothing to do with Officer Tom.”

Arthur simply smiled and patted his head: “It seems I set my expectations for you too high.

I thought great detectives were born that way, like musicians.

But now it seems detectives are cultivated over time.

Allen, you have a long way to go before you become an excellent detective.”

Allen, hearing this, first froze, then his eyes misted with tears: “Mr…

Mr.

Hastings, by saying that, do you mean you want to reject me?”

Arthur slowly nodded: “I’m sorry, Allen, Scotland Yard does not consider hiring any minors, it is an internal regulation, and I do not have the authority to change it for you.

If you are really looking up to your father the police officer, you can totally come to apply after you reach adulthood.”

Although Tom had been prepared for this outcome, when Arthur spoke the words, he couldn’t help but feel a twinge of disappointment.

He removed his hat and apologized to Arthur: “I’m sorry, Arthur, I’ve put you in a difficult situation.”

He started to leave with Allen, but no matter how much he tugged, the stubborn Allen, with tears streaming down, refused to turn around.

With no other choice, Tom had to pick up Allen and carry him on his shoulder, and while patting his back, he consoled him, “It’s not a big deal, it’s getting late, let’s go home for dinner.

As for your job, I will think of something else for you.

I remember your Uncle Tony has a relative in London who is a carpenter; if all else fails, I’ll take you there tomorrow to inquire.”

But as they were about to step away, he felt a hand on his shoulder.

Then, a warm voice came from behind him: “Tom, I only said Scotland Yard doesn’t take in children, but I didn’t say the LPS doesn’t take child soldiers.

Tom stopped short, and Pinkerton, sobbing on his shoulder, also looked up, meeting Arthur’s smiling face.

After a moment of astonishment, Tom, with a face full of joy, began: “Arthur…”

However, before he could express his thanks, Arthur interrupted him: “But let me say something unpleasant first.

This brat is recruited by you, so naturally, you are responsible for managing his day-to-day life and job training.

If anything goes wrong in the future, you’ll also be half responsible.

If you have no objections, I can provide him with a work agreement right now.”

No sooner had Arthur finished speaking than Tom immediately agreed without hesitation, saluting Arthur excitedly: “Of course, sir!”

Seeing his response, Arthur didn’t directly reply to Tom.

Instead, he bent down to lock eyes with Pinkerton: “Kid, working for the LPS is not as easy as you think.

If I find your work unsatisfactory, I won’t send you to the poorhouse; I’ll send you off to the Royal Navy’s Beagle.

You might not know, but the pocket watch you stole last time belonged to a crew member of the Beagle.

So, you know, if you go there, life certainly won’t be easy for you.

I’m giving you one last bit of advice: it’s still not too late for you to choose to go back to barrel-making.

I give you one minute to decide whether to stay or leave; it’s your choice.”

Pinkerton’s eyes were fixed on Arthur, his jaw clenched, his body trembling, fists clenched, as if he was struggling with the decision.

He looked at Tom standing before him, sweating and smiling, and finally, in a moment of silence, Pinkerton imitated the salute he had seen Tom and his father do, and slowly raised his arm to Arthur: “Sir, yes sir!”

Arthur, seeing this, just smiled.

He reached out and took Pinkerton’s saluting hand, lifting his palm upwards: “Correct, a police salute is the same as the Army’s, with the palm facing outward, aligned with the temple.

The palm facing down is the Royal Navy’s etiquette because they work on ships and their palms are usually not clean.”

Pinkerton asked blankly, “Are a policeman’s hands usually very clean then?”

Arthur shook his head with a light laugh: “Of course not, policemen’s hands are also full of blood, which is why we wear white gloves to cover up the deeds we have done, or are planning to do.

Allen, the things you’ll be doing for the LPS are similar.

Are you ready?”