Choice words

For a moment, indignation flashed in Phil Armstrong's eyes ... but then he remembered the attack in the alley near Cotter's flat. The memory of the old woman's speed and strength made him decide against picking a fight with her.

Alice tutted and began to speak, but Molly interrupted.

"Salty language or not, Alice - I think Margaret's hit the nail on the head. No matter how much they've tried to control people's minds, you can't get round the reality of the situation. These people aren't zombies, Mr Armstrong. They're our friends, neighbours and family; and deep down, they know something's not right."

Margaret was glaring at Armstrong, as if daring him to give her an excuse to do him some physical damage.

"Part of them knows that what they're buying is worthless, shoddy tat. In fact, there's a word for what's troubling the people of this town," continued Molly.

"What's troubling the people of this town is this bunch of b -" began Margaret.

"Thank you Margaret," interrupted Molly. "But that's not the word I had in mind. What I'm talking about is called cognitive dissonance."



Part Three begins here.