title: The Tin Boy: Tale of a Scottish Football Misfit
author: Brandon Wilkinson
description: Brandon Wilkinson was born and raised in Scotland. He graduated with a bachelor's degree from the University of Glasgow in 1995, moved to the United States in 2001, and now resides in Michigan with his wife and two sons. Visit him online at www.brandonwilkinson.net
zlib_text: 
  
  
  # Towards Zero
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Towards Zero
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # Towards Zero
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ## II
  
  
  Half an hour later Major Robert Mitchell, the Chief Constable, was speaking
  gravely to uncle and nephew.
  
  
  “It's early to say as yet,” he said, “but one thing seems clear. This wasn't
  an outside job. Nothing taken, no signs of breaking in. All the windows and
  doors found shut this morning.”
  
  
  He looked directly at Battle.
  
  
  “If I were to ask Scotland Yard, do you think they'd put you on the job?
  You're on the spot, you see. And then there's your relationship with Leach
  here. That is, if you're willing. It means cutting the end of your holiday.”
  
  
  “That's all right,” said Battle. “As for the other, sir, you'll have to put it
  up to Sir Edgar” (Sir Edgar Cotton was Assistant Commissioner), “but I believe
  he's a friend of yours?”
  
  
  Mitchell nodded.
  
  
  “Yes, I think I can manage Edgar all right. That's settled, then! I'll get
  through right away.”
  
  
  He spoke into the telephone: “Get me the Yard.”
  
  
  “You think it'