'Just as you like, sir,' said Vimes.
'Now, men,' said the Patrician, leaning forward, 'we have heard some remarkable accounts of your magnificent efforts in defence of the city ...'
Vimes let his mind wander as the golden platitudes floated past. For a while he derived a certain amount of amusement from watching the faces of the Council. A whole sequence of expressions drifted across them as the Patrician spoke. It was, of course, vitally important that there be a ceremony like this. Then the whole thing could be neat and settled. And forgotten. Just another chapter in the long and exciting history of eckcetra, eckcetra. Ankh-Morpork was good at starting new chapters.
His trawling gaze fell on Lady Ramkin. She winked. Vimes's eyes swivelled front again, his expression suddenly as wooden as a plank.
'... token of our gratitude,' the Patrician finished, sitting back.
Vimes realized that everyone was looking at him.
'Pardon?' he said.
'I said, we have been trying to think of some suitable recompense, Captain Vimes. Various public-spirited citizens…' the Patrician's eyes took in the Council and Lady Ramkin,'…and, of course, myself, feel that an appropriate reward is due.'
Vimes still looked blank.
'Reward?' he said.
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