Catherine Standish said, “He told us we’re useless because he wants us to prove him wrong.”
“No he didn’t. He’s covering his arse, that’s all.”
“But supposing he wasn’t?” said Catherine.
“What difference would that make?”
“It would mean he wants us to prove him wrong.”
“I’m not desperate for his approval.”
“Hassan Ahmed might appreciate it, though.”
— Slow Horses (Mick Herron), Loc. 4846–51