9.
OF DIVISIONARY
CONSTERNATION

The Director’s Record

October 31st 1893 (Tuesday)

SEVERED HEAD. –– Urgent. The most important piece of evidence yet to be housed in the Dallyangle Division has disappeared. Last recorded sighting in the morgue on eve of Monday 30th. Cassandra is currently searching the town. All Divisioners to be involved in the recovery – but not to be sent out simultaneously, or in any quantity that might cause alarm.

Mem. – We have witness testimony claiming Lawrence Tickering was in charge of the chest prior to and during the head’s appearance. Obviously, this must be handled carefully.

DIVISION SERGEANT SEPTIMUS. –– Altercation this morning between the aforementioned and Pip Property. Ensure Septimus is not left alone with Property in future. The Division Sergeant must not be permitted to squander her former potential on unhelpful squabbles.

MISS HYSSOP. –– As discovered today, our newest recruit possesses the ability to transcribe spoken testimony with perfect accuracy and unprecedented speed. I never encountered such a trick at Bedford – is it something they teach at Girton? Her penmanship still leaves much to be desired, and Cassandra would only sulk if I were to transfer any of her writing-work to a newcomer, but – well, it is certainly worth bearing in mind.

ASSAULTS. –– I had hoped not to have to document this kind of setback. But – somehow – news of the missing head is already circulating, and the consequences are being felt. Millicent Musgrove and Oliver Skull were harangued by the public in Market Square, and Septimus (off duty at the time) was struck across the face in the same quarrel. All three are recovered and resuming full service tomorrow, but – all the same. Septimus reports angry demands for the New Police.

I shan’t let it come to this. We will find that head, and we will meet the council’s ultimatum, and public ill-feeling will dissipate. It has to.

Keturah St. Clare Ballestas, Director of the Dallyangle Division