‘Couldn’t say, sir. But you can have him any time for illegal betting. And Adam’s practically under the Act already.’ They drove towards Battersea Hospital. The park on their right looked black and hostile behind the street lamps. ‘What’s under the Act?’ asked Smiley. ‘Oh, he’s only joking. It means your record’s so long you’re eligible for Preventive Detention – years of it. He sounds like my type,’ Mendel continued. ‘Leave him to me.’
