‘Talk the other one down when they’re starting to lose it?’

‘You’re not starting to lose it.’

‘Aren’t I? Laura made good points in there and all I did was try and twist her head off.’

Izzy shook her head. ‘Laura’s so new at this she’s still got the price tag on. You and I have been around the block a few times, we know how this is done. She’ll get it.’

‘Will I?’

She knelt next to him, placing a hand on his shoulder. ‘Yes. You will. You just take it day by day.’

Nash nodded, still looking straight ahead. ‘I saw him, the other day.’

‘Joe?’

‘Yeah. He’s still with the newer model. Even looks a little like me, just…not as tired.’

She squeezed his shoulder, not knowing what to say. Nash filled the silence for her. ‘They were having an argument.’

She nodded emphatically. ‘Good. I hope they get miserable and fat.’

Nash laughed and forced himself upright; Izzy was suddenly struck by how tired he looked. ‘Time to get back to it.’

‘About that, I’ll read the Drop.’

She saw his shoulders rise, saw the tension move up his body. ‘I’m sorry?’

She was surprised by how calm she felt. ‘I’ll do it. I’ll read the memory.’

His eyes were glazing. ‘Not going to happen.’

Now she felt anger rising within herself. ‘For God’s sake Martin I’m not an addict! I keep my usage within required limits, I sit through a voluntary psych test every six weeks and pass it and I’m a police officer! Who is better qualified to sit through this?’

‘Anyone.’ He turned and walked back to the stairs, leaving Izzy alone high above the city.

She felt like she was going to float away. The audience roared their approval as the next graduate took the stage and finally she was next in line. Her uniform felt tight and starched around her and her cap, which she was sure made her look faintly ridiculous, seemed to grip her head. She felt sick and frightened and happy and proud all at once. She hoped she wouldn’t giggle and the very thought of it sent goose bumps cascading up her arms.

.