Traps And Riddles

Let me get this straight, says Victor. You arrived with three crabs, relocated from Henley.

That is correct, says Gaius. And now, as you see, one has died.

I must ask you to retrieve it from the waters of Middleton, says Victor. And dispose of it thoughtfully. If you refuse...

I shall not refuse, says Gaius. Arthur!

Arthur comes over, Monte Carlo crumbs round his mouth.

You like eating biscuits? says Victor.

Sometimes, says Arthur.

After potatoes? says Victor.

A leading question. Arthur notes it, and does not reply.

Lend me your notebook and pen for a minute, says Arthur.

Certainly not. Police property. says Victor. But you might like to tell me what for.

No, says Arthur. I wouldn't. I'll write it down for you.

Victor now has a dilemma.

But these are strange times.

All right, says Victor. One page only. And don't lick the pen!

Arthur lifts his eyebrows. A crumb falls to the sand.

No one licks a pen these days, says Gaius.

Who asked you? says Victor.

He gives Arthur the pen, and the notebook, which is open at a page on which Victor has written:

illegal crabs...3 ...located at Middleton.

illegal gathering (excuse given).....potato race? (no evidence of potatoes observed)

Arthur turns the page and starts making a copy of his poem The Short Tempestuous Life of Alexander-Curly.

Victor looks into the salad bowl where Alexander-Groovy awaits reparation.

Hello? says Victor. Claw missing. What happened?

I'm the lucky one, says Alexander-Groovy.

How so? asks Victor.

The survivor, says Alexander-Groovy. One claw was found and I'm to get it.

Victor is suspicious. A possible motive has arisen.

He needs his notebook back from Arthur.

He looks across to where Arthur is busily scribbling, without (so far) licking his pen.

His eye travels back to Alexander-Groovy who does not look capable of foul play.

Policing is full of traps and riddles.

But.... yes (thinks Victor) .... weren't there three?

He scans the nearby sand, looks under the table.

A crab. Two claws intact. Surrounded by knucklebones.

He gets down on all fours, the better to see.