"You know, the first time I heard that title, I didn't think it could possibly be a real book." The recruits whispered about it when they thought he was out of earshot. It amazed him how deaf they seemed to believe the officers were. "So what would ours be called? I'm almost afraid to ask."

He nodded slowly, shifting so that he was leaning partially on his hip and facing her more. He propped his arm on the bench seat now at his side, elbow bent and tucked to hold some of his weight on his forearm. "I suppose that wouldn't be an awful message to send the recruits, particularly when they join the drunk and disorderly ranks." Just because they weren't supposed to do it didn't mean they didn't. It wasn't like at the tower where a dangerous lake kept them in check.

"And I succumbed to it." He watched her take the drink before answering the smile with one of his own.