Dead Lions (Slough House Book 2)

She didn’t like to say ‘dealer’: dealer implied habit; habit implied problem; and Shirley didn’t have a problem, she had a lifestyle.

It’s a phrase, black swan,” she said. “Means a totally unexpected event with a big impact. But one that seems predictable afterwards, with the benefit of hindsight.”

alcohol had been the most enduring of her life, but like any abusive partner it had shown its true colours in the end.

They’ll say whatever we want to hear and do whatever they want to do.

somewhere her daughter belonged, somewhere safe from aspiration. It was better to build your life’s ceiling low.