Isidro Bashford

“The statesmen leaving the Berlin Congress smugly convinced themselves that the people of Bosnia would benefit from the diplomatic finesse of having the Western Austro-Hungarians replace the Eastern Ottomans. What they had actually done, however, was quite the opposite, sowing seeds of resentment that would eventually destroy the status quo of the entire Western world.”
― Tim Butcher, The Trigger: Hunting the Assassin Who Brought the World to War

“Eyes shining, mouths open, triumphant, they savored the right of domination. They were lifted up: were friends.”
― William Golding, Lord of the Flies

“This time they picked up their hand luggage and moved away from their son, following Lieges towards the air-van. But instead of changing his stance, Alain Pen just dug in hull-down. “They won’t go without me,” he told Morley confidently. “So what are you really up to, eh? I know we’re not going to Bull Crater on holiday.”
“You’ve got a vivid imagination, kid.”
“Stop calling me kid,” Alain objected. “I know something’s going on and I’ve reported it to my section leader.”
― Andrew R. Williams, Samantha's Revenge

“It’s the crudest insult he could fling at me, yet I manage to remain calm because nothing he says can hurt me now. I simply don’t care. Instead I laugh. “You know, I’ve just realized something about you. You really are a bastard.” “At least I’m not the one who wants to fuck the bush guide.” “How do you know I haven’t already?” He flings himself onto his side, turning his back to me.”
― Tess Gerritsen, Die Again