Night Watch1973

Inspector Walker:
When did you plant these trees, Mr. Appleby?

Appleby:
Odd question. Last night. Best time to plant is after a rainstorm. The leaves are cool, soil is saturated, the enzymes are active. I planted them just after you left.

Inspector Walker:
You knew we were here?

Appleby:
Oh, yes. I wondered what was going on. Do you know anything about trees, Inspector?

Inspector Walker:
No, as a matter of fact I don't.

Appleby:
These are the Burham Abdumai. Graph hybrid. Produces the colors of two species. Extraordinary.

Inspector Walker:
Do you often stay up all night, Mr. Appleby?

Appleby:
Yes. Sometimes all night. Sometimes all day. Living alone has it's perks. My late wife used to say that...

Inspector Walker:
Do you mind if we ask you to dig these trees up?

Appleby:
[angry] I certainly would, not even for Mrs. Wheeler's piece of mind! You can have a dog look at them. Sniff at them. It would serve the same purpose.

Inspector Walker:
Not quite.

Appleby:
You would need a court order. And I would do my best to make it extremely difficult for you!