by Allan Martin
STEWART Brody was proud of his professional reputation, and did all he could to maintain it. He kept himself fully informed on latest developments in the industry, including the most up-to-date technological aids. He practised the skills needed, maintained his equipment in excellent condition, and kept himself generally fit. He prepared meticulously for each project, and always carried out a post-case assessment, noting ways in which he could further develop his technique. He was not a technician, but a professional. That meant being aware not only of the material context, but the political and social background too. He’d turned down a few projects because he had been unhappy with the possible effects. Talk in the industry suggested that had only enhanced his reputation; people knew he had standards. The personal elimination business was very competitive, and he needed to maintain his position in the industry’s premier league, well above the sad psychopaths in the division below him, and the brainless thugs operating in the lesser leagues.