The Shadow of Great Britain-Chapter 720 - 346 Mr. Hastings Appoints_2

Tom felt more dread than joy at his rocket-like promotion.

Arthur turned around and joked with his anxious old friend, "The Bath star badge suits you well, but if you want to handle the Police Intelligence Department’s record center adequately, the vocabulary you learned from Sunday school won’t cut it; you really need to study hard."

Tom put down the file in his hands, sat in his chair, and sighed, "Arthur... I... I’ll definitely study hard. But after all, I’m just a farmer at heart. I can’t compare to those grammar school-educated middle schoolers when it comes to clerical work. If it really doesn’t work out, could you... maybe speak to Director Rowan and have me returned to front-line physical labor?"

Hearing this, Arthur took out a document from the drawer and threw it at Tom, "Stop saying such discouraging things. Whether you’re capable or not isn’t for you to say; I write your annual evaluation report. But, Tom, you’re right, you indeed can’t compare to a grammar school middle schooler right now."

So, to address this issue, I’ve signed you up for a police training program hosted in collaboration with the University of London. While you’re training, Louis will temporarily take over the work at the record management center. Of course, the training isn’t for slacking off."

It’s not only us from the PIS participating in the training, but middle-ranking officers from other departments at Scotland Yard will also be there. Thus, while recommending you for this training, I also want to timely ask you for this: your end-of-training evaluation must be at least not lower than your son’s."

I’ve already seen Adam and Allen, those two young scamps’ report cards; they performed quite well in their school’s final exams, achieving A’s in Greek and Latin. The last time they visited Scotland Yard, they even recited a passage from Homer’s ’Iliad’ and ’Odyssey’ to me, which truly astounded me. Tom, you surely wouldn’t admit to having a lower intelligence level than an eight- or nine-year old, would you?"

At this, Tom’s face instantly reddened, "How could that be possible? My unease comes from not having had the opportunity to receive education. Since I now have the chance to further my studies at the University of London, I’m sure my work ability will be unquestionable after I complete my studies."

Arthur looked at his old friend finally taking a stand and finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Although Tom’s capabilities at Scotland Yard weren’t outstanding, to Arthur, the Police Intelligence Department was not in dire need of capable officers but of morally sound individuals like Tom.

In many critical departments of the intelligence unit, Arthur needed someone who could resist temptations and wouldn’t plant hidden dangers for him, not just someone capable of achieving results.

Gathering intelligence is certainly important, but keeping secrets is fundamental.

Of course, Arthur needing honest people doesn’t imply that progressive youths have no place in the intelligence agency.

Thinking this, Arthur asked, "Has Ledley arrived?"

"I came here specifically to notify you of that," Tom turned and shouted toward the door, "Ledley, come in!"

No sooner had Tom spoken than a series of crisp, firm footsteps sounded from outside.

Scotland Yard’s Progressive Youth of the Year, Ledley King, jogged into the room, fists clenched at waist height to match his belt, fists inward, elbows slightly bent inward.

From his precise arm movements, one might think he wasn’t a Scotland Yard police officer, but rather a rigorously trained Guard Cavalry.

Ledley snapped to attention, lifted his leg, turned to face Arthur, and saluted, "East London Division, Tower Hamlets District, Police Secretary Ledley King, at your service!"

Louis and Tom exchanged glances, spotting a hint of amusement in each other’s eyes.

But Arthur wasn’t the least bit amused; he had heard of this young man’s reputation long ago.

If put eloquently, the young man was ambitious but lacked experience due to his age, so his work methods were sometimes unconsidered.

If put plainly, he was unscrupulous in his pursuit of promotion and wealth, disloyal and dishonest to Scotland Yard, two-faced and deceitful, and his behavior in both politics and practice had a detrimental effect on Scotland Yard’s social reputation.

Ledley’s actions should warrant an internal or severe warning. It wouldn’t be out of the question to consider revoking his police duties for further observation or even promoting to dismissal from the police force as a stern discipline.

Arthur lit his pipe and tossed the matchbox onto the table. He stared at Ledley for a long while, puffing out a cloud of smoke.

"Ledley."

"Present!"

Arthur slightly raised his hand, nodding at him: "Don’t be nervous. I called you here today for nothing serious, take a seat first."

"Yes, Sir!"

Ledley shifted a step and sat upright and proper.

If one were to judge merely by his upright and resolute demeanor, seemingly flawless, who would guess what kind of scoundrel he really was behind the facade? fгeewёbnoѵel.cσm

As for just how much of a scoundrel Ledley was, Louis, by Arthur’s side, had quite the authority to speak.

After all, the first step of Ledley’s rise to power had been forcefully entering the Regency Crescent to arrest him, a distant royal relative of the Bonaparte Family.