Lord Vetinari barely looked up from his paperwork as Commander Vimes of the City Watch staggered in, looking slightly punch-drunk. He had been caught up by several officers on patrol on his way to the palace, and things weren't looking good. It was nearing Koom Valley day again, and despite the truce, the citizens of Ankh-Morpork were being worryingly liberal in their possession of big clubs and axes.
"Yes, sir." Vimes settled himself comfortably into his upright pose, his eyes finding that familar spot on the wall to stare at slightly above and to the left of Vetinari's head. The crack in the wall seemed to have changed a little since last time.
"I've heard that there's a plot to take down the City Watch." Vetinari said, looking up and giving Vimes a sharp look - which he determinedly ignored.
"Yes, sir."
"Vimes."
"Yes, sir."
"Look at me."
"Yes, sir." Vimes continued to stare at the wall. This meeting was particularly bad, he thought to himself. I can feel his gaze on me. He could probably cut through paper with it.
"They've infiltrated the Watch House."
"Yes, sir. Not difficult, sir. The door sticks and I'm sure half the windows don't-"
"That's not the problem, Vimes. They're going to attack your men. And then you."
"Yes, sir. We'll look into it, sir."
"I don't think you'll need to look very far, Vimes. Warn the men, will you?"
"Yes, sir."
Vetinari sighed. It was always the same.
"Very well then Vimes. You may go." Vimes saluted and turned to leave. He continued walking calmly away from Vetinari's office until he was sure he was out of earshot. That was when he broke into a run, then a sprint, shoving the palace guard out of his way as he charged through the gates. Someone attack his officers? Bring down the watch? Not on
There had been a call for the special constables to report to Pseudopolis Yard. Sgt Fred Colon
"Uh." Sgt Colon grunted by way of greeting. A.E. Pessimal turned with ferocious discipline and saluted.
"Sir."
"Where is everyone?"
The look of concentration on Pessimal's face turned more into one of worry - or at least, as much worry as his face could manage after serving for 10 years in the civil service being shod of all emotion. With unusual carelessness, he jerked a thumb towards the dressing room. Colon pushed open the door, and stopped in his tracks. A cluster of most of the watch, at least 30 of them, were gathered around something on the floor, stood in furious conversation. On the floor lay the special constables who had turned up early. All of them dead.
Special Constable Boggis, TOWNIE, has been killed.
Special Constable Harry "Can't Remember his Nickname" Jones, TOWNIE, has been killed.
Colon turned away, turning faintly green, as Commander Vimes stood up on one of the benches and called out to the dozens of assembled watchmen.
"No-one leaves this room! No-one goes off alone until we find the killers! It's someone here..."