Ian Rankin, Saints..., EBB. Page 7.

The eight regional Scottish forces were soon to be amalgamated (to join or unite to form a larger organization or group) into something called Police Scotland.

A perfunctory (done quickly and without taking care or interest) attempt had been made to turn the canteen into a festive location - meaning a couple of banners, some streamers (a long narrow strip of brightly coloured paper that is used as a decoration) and even a dozen or so party balloons.

Clarke smiled and sipped her orange juice. Rebus held an open bottle of lager, but had no intention of finishing it - too gassy (containing a lot of gas), not cold enough.

How long are we going to keep this up (to make something continue at its present level and not allow it to fall)?'

Take it or leave it,' he'd been told.

I think I can string it out (to make an activity last longer than necessary) a little longer,' Clarke was saying now, her smile widening.

'I was looking up (to try to find) an old friend.'

     'You don't have any.'

     'I could point to a dozen in this very room.'

Rebus seemed to ponder (to think carefully about something) this.