Roderick straightened his posture, wiping his eyes on the back of his sleeve. He sniffed, then looked plaintively to the window.

He had the distinct impression he had just made a terrible mistake. Too many drinks at the academy-great, and he had the tattoos for life from that night.

How did he get rid of this man? Maybe if he stayed very still and didn’t look him in the eye, he’d … jump back on out, or something.