Fumel

It was Fumel, who, feeling he had chosen an unpropitious moment, shrank back timidly.

Maigret and the Lazy Burglar Simenon, Georges, 1903- 1963

Maigret and Fumel felt no less embarrassed than she, as they watched her expression of astonishment give way to one of alarm.

Maigret and the Lazy Burglar Simenon, Georges, 1903- 1963

Whereas Fumel, with no car at his disposal and no assurance that if he ventured to take a taxi the fare would be refunded to him, had sole responsibility for the Cuendet investigation.

Maigret and the Lazy Burglar Simenon, Georges, 1903- 1963

He shook hands with her, to her great surprise, and Fumel did the same, more awkwardly, as though in the grip of emotion.

Maigret and the Lazy Burglar Simenon, Georges, 1903- 1963

Fumel ordered coffee and brioches, while Maigret — who had drunk too much coffee during the night and whose mouth felt clammy with it — asked for a small brandy.

Maigret and the Lazy Burglar Simenon, Georges, 1903- 1963

Kernavel hesitated, on the point of offering to drive him there; but the superintendent was already walking away, after a little wave of the hand to Fumel.

Maigret and the Lazy Burglar Simenon, Georges, 1903- 1963

In spite of his admiration for the superintendent, Fumel felt uneasy, and puffed nervously at his cigarette.

Maigret and the Lazy Burglar Simenon, Georges, 1903- 1963

Maigret and Fumel exchanged glances in silence, and the inspector was the more moved of the two; he always had a soft spot for women, in spite of all the trouble they had brought him.

Maigret and the Lazy Burglar Simenon, Georges, 1903- 1963

Lognon, busy with some other matter, had mentioned his discovery to a colleague — who had seen no great importance in it, for he had spoken of it quite casually when Fumel rang him up.

Maigret and the Lazy Burglar Simenon, Georges, 1903- 1963

Poor Fumel had stuck at the bottom of the ladder because he could never learn to spell or to draw up a report!

Maigret and the Lazy Burglar Simenon, Georges, 1903- 1963