Business partner Quote by Simon Kernick
““Chapter 1 I was sitting in Tina's Sunset Restaurant, watching the outriggers shuffle lazily through the clear waters of Sabang Bay, when Tomboy took a seat opposite me, ordered a San Miguel from Tina's daughter, and told me someone else had to die. It was five o'clock in the afternoon, there wasn't a cloud in the sky, and up until that point I'd been in a good mood. I told him I didn't want to kill people anymore, that it was a part of my past I didn't want to be reminded of, and he replied that he understood all that, but once again we needed the money. 'It's just the way the cookie crumbles.' he added, with the sort of bullshit 'I share your suffering' expression an undertaker might give to one of his customer's relatives. Tomboy Darke was my business partner and a man with a cliche for every occasion, including murder.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Last Mile by Simon Kernick, 2005
A character wrestles with moral conflict over returning to violent work for money, highlighting desperation and rationalization.
In simple terms: He feels forced to kill again for cash despite wanting to stop.
Key Takeaway
Recognize when desperation clouds ethics.
Themes
morality
desperation
money
violence
Mood
tense
grim
reflective
Type
narrative
dialogue
character study
When to use this quote
- underworld dealings
- financial crisis
- personal crisis
- ethical decision
Key Concepts
ethical dilemma
rationalization
survival
crime
Questions to Reflect On
- Can you separate survival from morality?
- What alternatives exist when money pressures you?
A Different Perspective
The justification may ignore long‑term consequences.
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