Little Triggers Read Online Free

an actress’s range, she was perfect for the job. Larkin wondered what it was that drove her.
    “Stephen?”
    “Yeah?”
    “Graced us with your presence, for which we are eternally grateful. Now – Newton Aycliffe bypass, crusty protestors versus landowners. Head to head piece. How’s that coming?”
    “Well, I’ve got some tameish landowners ready to comment and I’ve got some Newbury veterans eager to talk. Which d’you want?” said Larkin.
    “Does it matter?”
    “Depends who wants the story.”
    “Well,” said Bolland, “we’ve had some interest from the quality tabloids.”
    “Now there’s an oxymoron,” said Larkin, raising a half-hearted laugh. He checked Bolland’s face; he was annoyed, but wouldn’t admit it. He hated anyone else to be the centre of attention. Larkin ploughed on.
    “OK, I’ll visit the landowners. The
Daily Mail
’ll lap it up.”
    “If you’re that bothered about balance you could also visit your veteran protestors and get a
Guardian
story from them.”
    More half-hearted laughter. Larkin, tactfully, joined in. Bolland, his authority restored, continued. “Take Houchen with you – when he eventually shows his face.”
    Larkin nodded; Bolland continued. “Anything else?”
    “Yeah,” said Larkin, “I’m still doing this local thing about people in the community. Bravery, not conforming to the accepted stereotype, that sort of thing.”
    “Oh – that. Yes. Any interest?”
    “Colour sups. You know.”
    Larkin felt Carrie Brewer snigger behind him. He made a mental note to throw her down the lift shaft at the first possible opportunity.
    Bolland appeared not to have noticed. But he allowed a sketch of a smile to appear on his lips. “Right. Onward and upward…”
    Bolland rambled on, believing he was imbuing his troops with the power to accomplish superhuman feats. Finally he left the room. Larkin crossed to Rigby and pestered him into lending him a camera; Rigby, reluctantly, complied.
    As Larkin was about to leave, Bolland unexpectedly beckoned him into his office. Sitting down behind his matt-black desk, he motioned Larkin to one of the pieces of black leather and twisted chrome trying to pass as a comfortable chair. Larkin managed to perch. Bolland leaned back and steepled his fingers, giving the impression of entrepreneurial pensiveness. After plenty of brow-furrowing, he spoke.
    “How are you doing, Steve?”
    “Fine, thanks.” Larkin felt he should say something in return. “And you?”
    “Oh, wonderful. Wonderful. The point is, Steve, I did have some initial misgivings when I offered you this job. I know we used to be friends way, way back, and that’s why, as soon as I heard you were in Newcastle again, I rushed to see you.”
    Larkin felt the scar tissue on his right hand itch. “Aye. You heard what had happened and wanted an exclusive.”
    “Which you gave.”
    “In return for a job.”
    “And a handsome salary. Yes.” Bolland allowed himself a smile. “That’s why I want you to know that I’m very pleased with the progress you’re making with us. Very pleased.”
    “Thank you. Sir.”
    Bolland reddened slightly but persevered. “I know you – have a reputation for – having – unorthodox working methods—”
    “You mean, I’m a pain in the arse to work with?”
    “Well, I wouldn’t have put it quite like that…”
    “Oh, that’s OK. I’ve heard it that many times it doesn’t bother me anymore.”
    “Mm. Well, what I mean is, you have a reputation for allowing … a higher sense of morality to creep in and inform your work.”
    Larkin attempted to stifle a smile as Bolland tried to dig himself out of his hole.
    “Yes, well. What I’m trying to say is, I’m pleased you have adapted yourself to our work ethic so readily.”
    Larkin shook his head. “Needs must.”
    “I mean, if there are any prizewinners in this agency, you’re the one.”
    “I think Ms Brewer would disagree with that.”
    Bolland smiled. “She