11us

“imagine? The not knowing?” I moaned. My lower lip quivered uncontrollably. “Hey! A little respect here,” Dad whispered harshly to the ladies behind us. He stood, shuffling past Mom and me, bumping our knees, and then sat, bookending me between himself and Mom. He pulled me into his side, becoming my shelter against the whispered gossip and curious stares. The organ blared as the funeral ceremony commenced. Everyone surged to their feet. I rose slowly, my entire body feeling achy and aged, and gripped the pew in front of me to keep from collapsing back into my seat. All heads turned to the rear of the church, where the pallbearers”
― Kerry Lonsdale, Everything We Keep

“talked into a stupid investment in exactly the thing he disapproved of. He was like that: easily persuaded against his”
― Alastair Reynolds, Revenger

“make a good showing among all the monied bigwigs in the Mazarile chamber of commerce, he’d brought both of us along for the evening. We were meant to be on our best behaviour. Prim and proper educated young ladies.”
― Alastair Reynolds, Revenger

“operation was for me. I had been in town less than a half-hour. The other five had probably been here all their lives. Any problem with any of them and an embarrassed sergeant would have shuffled in. He would be apologetic. He would mumble to them.”
― Lee Child, Killing Floor