The Annihilation Score (52 page)

*
There are some disturbing exceptions—I'm still not privy to the analysis of how Iris Carpenter perverted her geas to the point where she could survive questioning—but in general we have a lower level of internal threats than other security organizations. And
no
whistle-blowers. Even though the existence of the Iris loophole means there is no room for complacency.

*
We do not use the Z-word; it's a violation of our group-wide policy on respect for diversity and equality to refer to metabolic status.

*
What
is
the collective noun for a group of very senior police officers, anyway? In their uniform tunics and white shirts they remind me of magpies or crows, but referring to a murder of chief constables seems somehow inappropriate . . .

*
It arrived early last week. When I phoned Harry the Horse at the New Annex and he said it couldn't be fitted before next month, I snarled semi-politely and referred him to the Senior Auditor: it's
amazing
what taking God's name in vain can accomplish, when you've got God on speed dial and he considers your needs to be an urgent priority.

*
It's not as if MPs don't die at random intervals during a parliamentary session—or even commit suicide—and if that happens, a by-election is called to fill the empty seat. Nor is it likely that a promising candidate with a golden tongue and high-level backing won't get elected if he stands in a safe seat, weeping crocodile tears for the MP who killed himself . . .

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