"More cleanup because of those utter morons! I'm logjammed as it is!"
Klaus instructed Z to pick up the scattered papers, leaving the remains of the overflowing ashtray for Lawrence. Z had already brought a broom and bucket to the disaster area that had resulted, unsurprisingly, from the Earl's appearance in their office—a place the Major had probably taken for granted as an Eroica-free zone up till now.
"—And you! You laughed!"
Z winced at the Major's glare. "Sorry, sir." But he couldn't suppress another smirk as he added with a sidelong glance, "It's true, y'know. The part about the tank."
Klaus glared again, though less sharply. "We can't take any chances. If there's even the remotest hint of..." He trailed off, the implications clear.
Z instantly popped to mock-attention. "I shall redouble my efforts to remain discreet." He made a show of locking the door and checking for bugs, then wrapped his arms around Klaus. "How's that for vigilance?"
Cleanup forgotten for the moment, Klaus grudgingly reciprocated. "Lucky we don't have security cameras in here."