The Cop Killer by Harry Nankin

two officers were found, simply sitting in the bloody car, siren blasting and lights blazing.”
    “I thought there was going to be worse when the poor fellow who found them and reported it, panicked left the scene and was nearly shot by two firearms officers in the bargain”. 
    “Think what shit there would have been over that now?”
    The men smiled, rose for their seats and parted.
     
    Miles arrived home a little late. His two friends, the Everett’s were waiting.
    The ladies put on their large hats and fine new outfits for Ladies day at the races. 
    The men took their morning suits and top hats with them. It had been decided they would dress at the Force Headquarters it was all arranged with Chief Super Denton-Smyth who was also attending the races with his wife.
    Miles phone rang, it was Denton-Smyth.
    “I am awfully sorry Chief but due to a sudden family bereavement my wife and I will be unable to attend the races today”.
    “I am sorry to hear that Craig” said the Chief
    “Well it can’t be helped Sir, in fact I was thinking of taking a few days compassionate leave, it being the wife’s mother”.
    “By all means, get your Inspector to stand in for you”.
    “I would rather not Sir; it is Miss Ling she has the rank but no experience”.
    “Oh yes I see, who will you get at such short notice?"
    “I will get Sergeant Striker to cover. I realise he is only a sergeant but he is qualified to Inspector I was putting him up for promotion on the next board anyway, I could make him acting”.
    “Yes do that Miles, you can quote me, make him up to acting Inspector whilst you are away, that is, if you are certain about this Inspector Ling not coping”.
    “I am sure Sir, have you heard the gossip about Inspector Scott-Ling her flashing her tattoos in unmentionable places”.
    “I did hear but thought I would speak to her about it myself Miles when I next see her, no need for you to bother with it”.
    “OK Chief, I am sure it is correct to put Striker unofficially in command especially it being the races”
    “You know with all the trouble that can occur we need someone who can handle such situations especially if violence is involved.” 
    “I wouldn’t want to risk having this female officer in charge”.
    “I understand Craig, imagine we, that is my wife and our friends being involved and from what you say had to rely on this Inspector Scott-Ling”.
    The call ended, Striker was pleased to be told he was promoted acting inspector, albeit temporarily, seems promotion was definitely on the cards.
     
    It was a very sunny and pleasantly warm Saturday afternoon, for the first Chester Races of the season.
    Doris Scott-Ling left her office and went down stairs, on arrival her friend and supposed mentor Sergeant Striker saw her and instantly said.
    “Ling, I am now acting Inspector, seems you have nothing to do, take this new probationer around the city centre, roust some of those bloody buskers all that noise and begging, you have my permission to kick their arses.”
    “Ok” she replied. “Come on son what is your name?”
    “Chris Thomas” he replied
    “Come on Chris let us take a walk. It is race day you may see some funny costumes”.
    “Oh” said Striker, “be on your best behaviour, the Chief Constable is about, his wife and her lady friends have a charity stall in the main street, its race day anything could happen”.
    She nodded but said nothing, turned and left.
    Tarporley Ladies Circle were holding their annual charity day, selling balloons and various small-donated items in the main street.
    “It should be a good day for the ladies Miles,” said Rupert Everett the Chief Executive of Cheshire Council, his wife Fiona was this year’s chairperson of the Tarporley Ladies Circle.
    “Indeed, yes indeed”, replied Miles Ridwell hoping to forget his role as Chief Constable of Cheshire, at least for today.
    It would be useful later when he and Everett arrived at the races as it had been