The Truth (Discworld 25)

1 want to see Lord Vetinari,' said William.

'You what?'

'It's a reasonable request, sir.'

'No. Firstly, he is still unconscious. Secondly, he is my prisoner.'

'Aren't you even letting a lawyer see him?'

'I think his lordship is in enough trouble already, lad.'

'What about Drumknott? He isn't a prisoner, is he?'

Vimes glanced up at Sergeant Angua, who shrugged.

'All right. There's no law against that, and we can't have people saying he's dead,' he said. He unhooked a speaking tube from a brass and leather construction on his desk and hesitated.

'Have they got that problem sorted out, sergeant?' he said, ignoring William.

'Yes, sir. The pneumatic message system and the speaking tubes are definitely separated now.'

'Are you sure? You do know Constable Keenside had all his teeth knocked out yesterday?'

They say it can't happen again, sir.'

'Well, obviously it can't. He hasn't got any more teeth. Oh, well...' Vimes picked up the tube, held it away from him for a moment and then spoke into it.

Tut me through to the cells, will you?'

'Wizzip? Wipwipwip?'

'Say again?'

'Sneedle flipsock?'

'This is Vimes!'

'Scitscrit?'

Vimes put the tube back on its cradle and stared at Sergeant Angua.

'They're still working on it, sir,' she said. 'They say rats have been nibbling at the tubes.'

'Rats?'

'I'm afraid so, sir.'

Vimes groaned and turned to William. 'Sergeant Angua will take you to the cells,' he said.

And then William was on the other side of the door.

'Come on,' said the sergeant.

'How did I do?' said William.

'I've seen worse.'

'Sorry to mention Corporal Nobbs, but--'