This story was written for the prompt "a classroom" at the story_lottery on livejournal.
Disclaimer: The characters of Lewis, Hathaway, and Superintendent Innocent belong to Colin Dexter and/or ITV. I merely borrow them for this story which is making me no money.
Detective Sergeant Hathaway cast a quick glance at his Inspector's reading material as he set two cups of coffee down on the outside table of the little café they had chosen for their lunch break.
"I take it you still haven't decided on a course for professional development then?"
Lewis looked up from the list of classes he had been studying and sighed. "No. I still have no idea what any of these courses have to do with my profession."
"Widen your horizon?" Hathaway sat down opposite Lewis.
"What are you going to widen your horizon with then?"
"Digital photography," came the prompt reply as Hathaway comfortably leaned back in his chair, placing his sunglasses over his eyes. It was a perfect spring day.
Lewis nodded. "Ah." He picked up his cup but found the liquid too hot to drink and put it down again.
"What did you short-list?"
"Short-list? Nothing really, though a cooking course sounds like I might at least get a proper dinner if I already can't get home on time. But Innocent's been hinting at the creative writing course."
"I'm sure she'd be very impressed with more creativity in our reports," Hathaway commented with a totally blank face.
"Very funny, Sergeant."
Hathaway looked at him, his face still a blank mask. "You know, you once told me I called you Sir when I get mean. You call me Sergeant on such occasions."
"Well, good you worked that one out. I'm sure being aware of it will help our understanding along a great deal, Sergeant." Lewis picked up his cup again and blew on the hot beverage it contained.
"Oh, I'm absolutely convinced of it, Sir."
Lewis glared at him over the rim of the cup but didn't comment any further on the subject.