Pat was having a morning coffee with Lina in the coffee shop across the road from the police building when Derek Ryan joined them.
‘How’s the old warhorse treating you, Lina?’
‘Who’s calling who old here?’ said Pat.
‘He’s taking good care of me,’ said Lina. ‘I gather you two have worked together before.’
‘We go way back,’ said Derek. ‘If you ever want any background on Pat, come and see me. I’ll set you straight.’
‘Don’t listen to him, Lina. He’s full of shit.’
‘And you aren’t?’
‘Can I get you a coffee, sir?’ said Lina.
‘You’ve got this one well trained, Pat,’ said Derek, giving Pat a dig in the ribs. ‘I’ll have a flat white to go, no sugar, thanks.’
Pat and Derek watched Lina make her way over to the counter to order Derek’s coffee.
‘She good value, Pat? I’ve heard a few dispara
