Softly, Softly

A policeman is missing. Is there anything sinister in his disappearance, or is there a simple explanation?

A quiet morning: a milkman on his round in a residential street. But the peace is soon shattered.

Watt thinks the piece of Wedgwood china he buys for his wife is expensive enough, until he has to investigate a theft.

Snow and Nesbitt are enquiring into a crime which has happened. Evans is asking about a crime which may happen. John Watt is concentrating on the present.

Why is Hawkins preparing his latest operation behind closed doors? And why is he so interested in a small-time thief?

John Watt receives a tip-off which he believes could lead him to a 'crime boss'.

Watt and Hawkins are baffled by a couple of crooks; Hawkins is angry with a probation officer and Evans is hurt by a brick. It's a dog's life being a policeman!

Hawkins takes his wife's dog for a walk one night. They meet a drunk who tells him a disturbing tale. Hawkins has to tell John Watt. Together they have to do a job hated by all policemen: looking into the private life of one of their own men.

A barn is burned down. It could be arson, but the insurance is hardly worth claiming. And of course, fires do happen. But Evans is suspicious, and he goes in for a spot of bricklaying when the new barn is built.

Jackie Warren is dangerous. He has escaped from jail and no-one knows where he is. Then a Post Office van is robbed in Kingley and Watt finds him on his own doorstep.