15

"Thanks, boss!" says Sam, beaming in genuine pleasure. "Sure was a blast pulling one over on those Nazi schmucks. We should do this kinda thing more often."

Esme is looking at Abdul. "Any trouble?" she asks.

"No trouble I would not willingly undergo for you, my Rose of Albion," he replies, eyes twinkling. Esme smiles back at him conspiratorially.

What an odd way for a manservant to address his mistress.

"Well then, enough with the tearful reunions," she says. "Let's get a look at this manuscript thingy. Let's see what all the fuss is about."

She takes the manuscript case from Sam and walks over to a large oakwood table in the suite's dining room. The four of you take seats around the table as Esme opens the case, extracts the manuscript, and lays it out for inspection.

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