"Have you got any plans then, Jo?" Ros enquired. Not that she was particularly interested, but it was a common topic of conversation and she'd be seen as more of a bitch if she didn't involve herself in it.

"Seeing family mainly. I'm not really one for beaches. Sand is horrible; it's everywhere and just refuses to leave."

"Funny," said Ros. "Bit like our JIC friends." She nodded towards the swarm of angry Joint Intelligence Committee staff gathered in Harry's office, Oliver Mace amongst them.

"I'd rather brave a beach than that lot any day," Jo concluded, with Ros' agreement.

...

"C'mon mate," Zaf wheedled in that irresistibly charming voice that he could conjure up at the drop of a hat. "Who else would? Jo and Ros would roll their eyes, Ruth would look horrified-"

"Why not ask Malcolm?" Adam deadpanned.

Zaf grinned. "The summer whiskey challenge is something I doubt Malcolm would be a part of."

"And something I don't intend to be a part of either, Zaf," said Adam, although he was lying through his teeth in an attempt to seem professional.

"Okay. A compromise. A summer whiskey day. Just a day. We haven't been to the pub for ages," Zaf pleaded.

"Alright mate. What does the winner take?"

"The pride of being champion," Zaf decided. "Yes, I shall like that very much."

"And I shall like taking that title from you very much," replied Adam with a grin.

"Not a chance, Carter."

...

"One week of freedom, then?" Ruth began hesitantly. "How will you spend it?"

"It's funny, really. I'm so used to working that when I get the chance to relax I find that I can't." Harry was frowning.

"I have the same problem. I usually end up reading books," Ruth confessed. Harry nodded, a smile beginning to warm his features.

"Well, that's not a bad habit to have, is it?"