Chapter 7

“So what do you have to tell me?” Drew asked when they sat with their coffee.

“My editor has got you a nomination for the ‘emergency services workers’ category for the Britain’sBravest awards.”

“That was you? I got a letter this morning. I thought it was a hoax until I rang them up. They wouldn’ttell me who nominated me.”

“It was actually the mayor. Him and my editor play golf together.”

“But it was you, wasn’t it? Your idea, I mean.”

Paul tried to look casual. He wouldn’t flat out lie. He was a great liar, of course; it went with the job. But he felt a reluctance to lie to Drew. “I may have suggested it. You’re a hero. You deserve recognition.”

“I was just doing my job.”

“You know that isn’t true.”

“Then I was in the right place at the right time. I told you, Paul, lots of people would have done the same.”

“Maybe,” Paul conceded. “But you did it, and you deserve the nomination.”

“God, this is going to be so embarrassing at work.”