101 Conversations in Intermediate English

26. Five scenes

After finishing her call with Adam, Detective Smith calls Peter to her office. While she is waiting for him, she stops to look closely at the hundreds of details and characters that are displayed all over the painting.

Peter: What’s happening? Any news?

Laura: Peter, how many years did you work patrolling the streets of London?

Peter: Almost five years… But I really prefer working in the office.

Laura: Okay, have a coffee and refresh your memory. Right now, we could really use those five years of experience.

Peter: What do you mean?

Laura: Do you see the painting? Do you see that there are five different scenes taking place in five different places?

Peter: Yes, sure, and there are lots of people in each scene.

Laura: However, if you look at the details, you can see what’s happening. Look at this, do you see what this person has in his hand?

Peter: A weapon?

Laura: Exactly! Peter, tell me if I’m wrong but I think this picture is showing us five crimes… In five places in London.