Katharine had managed to contain herself until we reached the middle of the infirmary courtyard. Then she planted herself in front of me and set to. “He’s a gangbanger,” I said, knowing already that this was an argument I wasn’t going to win. “He and his pal were stealing citizens’ vouchers.” “And that gave you the right to break his wrist?” she shouted, her eyes wide. “Christ, you’re no better than one of the guard’s beaters.” I tried to step round her but she moved to cut me off. “The beaters go looking for trouble,” I said, avoiding her gaze. “I came across the robbery by chance.” Katharine jabbed her finger into my chest. “My hero,” she said sarcastically. “Edinburgh’s knight in a shining donkey jacket. Has it ever occurred to you that the city’s young people need sympathy and help?” She shook her head. “What good is more violence?” I stared at a pair of guard drivers who were leaning against their vehicles’ doors and watching us avidly.
