Red Side Story (Shades of Grey #2)

by Jasper Fforde

As the enforcers of the Rules, Yellows were universally loathed within the Collective. Some said it was a coincidence, but accidental face-down drownings in swamps were three times more likely if you were a Yellow.

I knew instantly who she was, as I rarely, if ever, forget an interesting nose: small and snub, like a child’s. It was as though her nose had ceased development at age nine, and her adult body had simply grown up around it.

“An innocent person would also leave no evidence,” said Jane. “I think that’s pretty obvious.” “So you say,” said Celandine, “but how can we believe a single word that comes out of your mouth when you have been lying all your life?”

“These aren’t,” he said in a subdued, frightened voice, “the travellers I’m looking for.” “They can go about their business,” said Mr. Baxter in a low voice. Colman bit his lip but could do little. He wanted to uphold the Rules, but he didn’t want to be dead. And he couldn’t do both. “You can go about your business,” said Colman. “Move along,” said Mr. Baxter. Colman stepped aside and waved us past. “Move along.”