title: The Arrest of Scotland Yard
author: Donald Thomas
description: Set in 1879, Inspector Swain investigates two deaths, which lead him to hunting grounds in Victorian Brighton and Pimlico. One of the dead men is rumoured to be Lord Byron's illegitimate son, but as the threads of extortion ensnare Scotland Yard, Swain realizes that he can trust no one.
zlib_text: 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  TWENTY TWO
  
  
  
  
  
  Saturday morning, Preston Police Station.
  
  
  
  
  
  Striker sat on a comfortable leather chair in the centre of Detective Chief
  Superintendent Errol Graham’s office.
  
  
  
  
  
  Graham sat behind his desk. To his left was, ACC Peter Lancaster, to his
  right, John Steven Phillips, of the Crown Prosecution Service.
  
  
  
  
  
  “Are all interviews complete?” asked Lancaster, playing with his phone.
  
  
  
  
  
  “They are, Sir,” offered Striker. “Other than to confirm their identity and
  request legal representation, not one of the prisoners has spoken a single
  word since their arrest.”
  
  
  
  
  
  Lancaster nodded. “So, where do we stand? I need to update the press, post
  haste. This case has gone viral.”
  
  
  
  
  
  “I’m sure it has, Sir,” said Striker wearily.
  
  
  
  
  
  “Ewan,” prompted Graham. “Play nice.”
  
  
  
  
  
  Striker gave Lancaster a cheeky wink.
  
  
  
  
  
  “It would appear that the Police and Crime Commissioner’s golfing buddy is
  looking at some serious time, Sir.”
  
  
  
  
  
  Lancaster shot Striker a fierce l