Petrie was dogged as usual. “If she picked up gear from a fishingboat or it was dropped from a small plane, we wouldn’t know that.” “No more HMS Manchester patrolling down there.” Tosh looked surprised. “Stopped patrols, have they?” “February 2011. Government cutbacks. Just another sign Britain’s going to the dogs. Bust, buggered and bankrupt.” Ratso scowled as he warmed to his theme. “We’re fighting a war against guys with unlimited cash and Britain can’t even afford a naval vessel to stop the drugs from reaching the UK anymore. HMS Manchester did a great job. Besides our government licking the hairy arse of the bastard in Kabul.” “The world’s mad,” volunteered Petrie, flicking her head in an act of defiance. “Subprime mortgages in the USA. That’s what started it,” suggested Tosh as he reached for a crumbly Danish pastry. “Greedy bankers,”
