The newly completed lecture hall at the University of London was packed with reporters from news agencies big and small across London.
Arthur, clad in a full Scotland Yard senior officer's uniform, sat on the stage, stretched out his hand to take the signing pen from Louis, and with a flourish, signed his name on the document in front of him.
Though his signature was as stylish as ever, a careful observer might still notice something different about Arthur today.
If expressed in artistic terms, it could be said that the burden on Mr. Hastings's shoulders had grown heavier.
In plainer language, there was now a baton added to the epaulettes on his shoulders, complementing the Order of Saint Edward already there.
Of course, with the addition of this baton, his business card had also been accordingly updated.
Assistant Commissioner of the London Metropolitan Police,
Director of the Greater London Police Department's London Police Intelligence Bureau,
