Ernie Curtin

In the novel The Clocks, Ernie Curtin is the young son of Mrs Curtin. His age is not stated but he is playing with a small metal model, possibly a rocket ship, when Inspector Hardcastle arrives at the house. Ernie is likely to be a mischievous boy as when he tells his mother that a police car has stopped outside their house, his mother tells him not to lie. Later, when it is confirmed that policemen are walking up to the door, his mother assumes it must be because Ernie has gotten into trouble, possibly with some gangs like his friend "Alf". His mother is relieved when Inspector Hardcastle explains that the visit is not about Ernie but about Mrs Curtin's job cleaning at No. 19 Wilbraham Crescent.