Spook Street (Slough House, #4)

by Mick Herron

“And what about Coe?” Lamb said, “Yeah, Coe, you know, I think he might work out.” “He shot an unarmed man, Jackson! Who was tied to a radiator!” “Okay, so whoever coloured him in went over the lines. But he was doing a job. You think I was going to watch that French punk taken away in a Black Maria? When I’ve got a joe plastered over a wall downstairs?” “So you were letting him do your dirty work? That doesn’t sound like you.” “A good boss provides opportunities for personal growth and development. I think we were all winners, on the day.” “Lamb, this isn’t a laughing matter. Coe needs arresting or he needs help. One or the other.” “I don’t care. I’m losing staff at a rate of knots here.” She said, “You once told me it didn’t matter about staff leaving. That there’d always be other fuck-ups to take their place.” “I like it when you talk dirty. Are you going to drink that?” “Isn’t that why you gave it to me?” “Force of habit.” Catherine said, “Yes, I’m aware of how habits work, thank you.”