# XXI explained — The Lazy Detective

> Chapter companion for The Lazy Detective by George Dilnot.

## What happens

Labar receives advice from Chief Constable Winter to focus solely on capturing Larry Hughes, delegates divisional duties to Myson, and begins a methodical search in the Romney Marshes area, disguising himself as a naturalist to locate Larry's hideout.

## Themes in this chapter

### Professionalism and Morality

Winter advises Labar to separate personal feelings from duty, emphasizing the need for undivided professional focus on capturing Larry Hughes.

### Obsession and Ambition

Labar's personal determination to capture Larry, described as a 'little personal feeling,' drives his methodical and covert search.

## Character check-ins

### Harry Labar

Labar is advised by Winter to concentrate on capturing Larry Hughes, delegates his divisional duties to Myson, and begins a covert search in the Romney Marshes disguised as a naturalist.

### Winter

Winter, the Chief Constable, counsels Labar to focus solely on Larry Hughes, hints at Labar's personal interest in Penelope Noelson, and orders Myson's return to take over divisional duties.

### Larry Hughes

Larry is the primary target of the manhunt; Labar believes he is hiding in the Kent-Sussex area, possibly in the Romney Marshes.

### Penelope Noelson

Penelope is mentioned by Winter as a 'nice girl,' implying Labar's personal feelings toward her, though Labar denies any distraction from duty.

### Malone

Malone is seen by Labar in a decrepit Ford car near Rye, also searching for Larry, but no recognition passes between them.

### Myson

Myson is ordered by Winter to return from holiday immediately to take charge of divisional matters, freeing Labar to pursue Larry.

## Key lines

> You've got Larry Hughes out into the open at last, my boy. All you have to do now is to worry him. Keep him on the run.

Winter tells Labar that Larry is now exposed and must be kept moving and under pressure.

_Winter encourages Labar to maintain relentless pursuit of Larry._

> Doesn't always do to mix sentiment up with our business, though, Labar.

Winter warns Labar against letting personal feelings interfere with police work.

_Winter hints at Labar's interest in Penelope Noelson._

> You'll want your mind free of everything else if you're going to play the game out with Larry.

Winter insists Labar must focus entirely on capturing Larry without other distractions.

_Winter orders Myson to take over divisional duties._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lazy_detective_se/chapters/xxi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lazy_detective_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lazy_detective_se/chapters