The Lazy Detective · Chapters

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Chapter companions for The Lazy Detective by George Dilnot.

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Chapter 1
I
Divisional Detective Inspector Harry Labar is warned by Chief Constable Winter that crime in his division must be cleaned up or he will face consequences. Labar, known for his laziness, is preoccupied with the elusive crime organizer Larry Hughes, whom he knows to be behind much of the professional crime in the West End but cannot prove. After a meeting with his colleague Moreland, Labar is handed a hundred-pound note by a girl in a speeding car—an obvious but clumsy bribe. Later, at his office, Sergeant Malone reports a major jewel robbery at Streetly House, worth a quarter of a million pounds, which Labar immediately suspects is the work of Larry Hughes.
Chapter 2
Chapter II
The discovery of the Streetly House jewel robbery is investigated by Detective Inspector Labar. Despite the flawless execution of the crime, Labar suspects Larry Hughes but lacks evidence. He faces pressure from the victim, Mr. Solly Gertstein, and anxiety about his career standing with his superiors. The Assistant Commissioner and Chief Constable arrive, and Labar is left to manage the investigation.
Chapter 3
III
Labar interviews all the household members about the robbery, focusing on Penelope Noelson. He suspects her of involvement and confronts her about a hundred-pound note she allegedly gave him earlier, causing her to faint.
Chapter 4
IV
Labar hesitates to fully disclose his suspicions to Solly Gertstein, who trusts Penelope Noelson implicitly. Despite Gertstein's faith, Labar remains unconvinced and places Penelope under surveillance. He confirms with Scotland Yard that he will continue leading the investigation. Reports come in, including a forged cheque linked to the case. Late that night, after parting from Malone, Labar is attacked near the police station by a woman who attempts to rob him, but she escapes. Labar suspects the attack is connected to the cheque.
Chapter 5
V
Detective Inspector Labar visits Larry Hughes at his Hampstead home to investigate the Streetly House jewel robbery. During the interview, Labar reveals he has a photograph of Penelope Noelson taken from Larry's mantelpiece, exposing Larry's initial denial of knowing her. Larry admits knowing Penelope but insists she is innocent. Labar threatens to detain Penelope, causing Larry to lose his composure. Larry then pulls an automatic on Labar, retrieves and destroys the photograph, and orders Labar to leave. After Labar's departure, Larry decides to disregard the danger and take immediate action.

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Chapter II

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