"Beautiful women and warm weather," he lies smoothly. His nose twitches just a little, faintly protesting, when she pats his cheek. How undignified.

He takes the bottle without question or complaint, drains several healthy mouthfuls from it, and seems much fortified. Then he wipes its mouth and hands it back to her. "Now, there's a fresh batch," he says. "Where does Miles get it from?"