Ravire Road Robbed: Chapter III

Hugh Hamilton

"Wait," said Hugh as a thought struck him on the head, "why are you hiring us? I mean, who are you to hire us? Why is it in your interest? Why aren't the police taking care of it?"
The man backed away from the questions and carefully paced himself.
"I am," he began slowly, "Francis Cartwheel. The person responsible for the Great Ravire Road Robbery."
Hugh and Ben attempted a gasp.
"That is why I didn't go to the police. Sure, they are investigating, but they won't succeed."
"Why?" said Hugh and Ben.
"Why? Well, basically they are all corrupt."
"Every one?" asked Ben.
"Every one. And they won't even want to solve this case. They will undoubtedly use it a pretence for sneaking around in snooker bars. The longer it's open, the better for them."
"Right," said Hugh, "but why are you hiring us to catch you?"
"I'm not hiring you to catch me, I'm hiring you to work out how I did it."
"Why?" asked Ben.
"I'm a bit of an egomaniac, you see."
"Go on," said Hugh.
"And I want to find out if it is possible for anyone to solve the mystery. And to see if they can actually acquire evidence to link the robbery to me."
"So you're a nut," said Ben under his breath.
"Yes. Indeed I am. But I am one who can pay, unlike your last client."
"What's stopping us from turning you in though?" asked Hugh.
"Evidence, money and the fact that you don't care."
"You know us well," said Ben.
"Is there any chance," said Hugh, "of this case spiralling out of control, leading us to uncover something big?"
"Yes," said Francis slowly.
"Good," said Hugh. "We'll take it."