Howard Perkins is Chester's Mill's Chief of Police – has
been for some years now – and he's well-respected by most
of the townsfolk.

Howard – or Duke as most people call him – has been married
to Brenda for 43 years. He's got a sharp mind but a weak heart
and Brenda's always reminding him to take it easy and watch
his pacemaker.

Duke can't stand idleness in a man and for this reason doesn't
like his Assistant Chief of Police Peter Randolph. He doesn't
like Randolph's pals either – particularly the town's second
Selectman, Big Jim Rennie.

Duke may be in his twilight years, but he knows something
about Big Jim that could blow his reputation out of the water.