“Neat trick with the ankle-tap. Where’d you learn that?” continued Alex.
“Picked it up from some Aussies who were over in Sweden on a training tour,” said Grant, maintaining the slightly thick accent he used for Tor.
“Well, you’ve put yourself ten rungs up the ladder compared to these other dummies,” said Alex, casting a disparaging wave towards the retreating security. “Perhaps you’d like to come and work for us.”
“That’s a kind offer but I was just doing this job as a favour.”
“Don’t worry, I wouldn’t want you as a gofer or security. Your speed was impressive, and the tackles were perfect, but the anticipation of the problem, and the execution of the solution are the things I need. Those two were just dummies waiting to be caught. But we are part of an international group and we need more people like you. Troubleshooters and analysts, people who can look at an event or a situation and anticipate potential attacks that are out of the ordinary.”
“You’re very kind, but …”
“No, I’m not kind. I’m always looking after number one – that’s me. The more skilled people working with me, the better. They get to display their talents, and I get the praise.”
An excerpt from Brian’s Red Diamond, part of the Women out of Time trilogy.
