Malcolm Bright

"I'm used to being judged as effete," Malcolm told him. Expensive suits. Precisely knotted ties. Wool coats. Italian leather shoes. An anaemic look to him. A big vocabulary. "There are few advantages as effective as being underestimated."

He understood.

"I've very occasionally enjoyed a glass of scotch. Or red wine."

Just one. He was heavily medicated.

"I mostly drink tea. That probably doesn't help fight my image, but I'm pretty much embracing that these days."

His hands continued their absent wringing.