Slippery Creatures (The Will Darling Adventures, #1)

by K.J. Charles

Back in Blighty he’d become a young man again, one with little training and no experience.

Britain was full of men like him, trying to find something to do in a country that had managed perfectly well without them.

“But it isn’t a deterrent. When Jerry gassed us, we didn’t surrender. We gassed him right back, with the same evil stuff, and he didn’t stop once we took it up. It wasn’t a deterrent to either side that the other one had gas, any more than that they had guns. They both had it so they both used it. I don’t think the world needs new weapons.”

He had no idea what civilians, or civilised people, would say in these circumstances. Thanks for that, old chap, much obliged, perhaps? Ought he apologise for coming in his mouth? Would this be a good moment to restart the conversation about where Kim had learned to use a knife? Thank God they were British. He took a deep breath. “Cup of tea?”

I strongly suggest you stop playing with fire. You are swimming in deep waters, Mr. Darling.” “Wouldn’t that put the fire out?”

People who already have power and wealth and don’t feel like sharing; who see things like universal suffrage and the labour movement and higher taxation as an attack on their divine right to sit at the top.

the next arsehole who insults you for enjoying yourself when you fuck, bring him round to my place and I’ll teach him some manners.” Kim winced. “That obvious?” “Afraid so.” “I will bear that offer in mind. Actually, I’ll take you up on it. Thank you.”

“You stole that ticket in front of me while I was chained up. That was shitty.” “It was, yes.” “I really don’t understand,” Will said. “You’re better than that. You’re clever and brave and determined. You ought to be a man whose family are proud of him, with friends who trust him. Why aren’t you?” “Your ability to inflict damage with words as well as knives is noted. Can we agree I behaved appallingly and get on to the part where I apologise and remove myself from your presence?”

Kim rolled his eyes. “Oh, please. You know who you are, and you wear it well. I really don’t know why you listen to me.” “Nor do I, you corkscrew-tongued bastard. Jesus wept. You could open wine bottles with that.”

In any case, I trust the assessment of her callipygous pulchritude is correct and that you’ll be very happy.”

“My name, since you raise the topic, is Arthur Aloysius Kimberley de Brabazon Secretan. What would you do in my place?” “Leave the country,” Will said wholeheartedly. “You poor bastard, you never stood a chance.”