"Thank you," he replied, the absent 'sir' still feeling like a physical force. He knew well how Narvin could be, and the uncertain (to him anyway) structure of dealing with other 'departments' probably wasn't going to change that.

He gave the waiter his order, dithering over whether going for water or milk, as milk promised to settle stomachs. He ended up going for the safe option.

"How is your work… proceeding?" he asked awkwardly.