�Look, Danny,� Andy began after several excruciating seconds, �when Diane and Bobby tried to work together, Bobby got real protective of her. It made it real hard for her to do the job. What are you going to do next time she�s in danger? Are you going to blow her cover?�

�I�ve been giving that a lot of thought. The difference between Bobby and Diane and Diane and me is that the two of them started a relationship before they ever worked together. Now, me and Diane, we�ve been working together for a couple of years. And I don�t see that changing anything. Our new relationship, I mean.�

�There�s something else,� Andy said. Danny looked up at him with dreadful expectation. �You know I�m Diane�s sponsor in AA, right?�

�Right.�

�So, as her sponsor, I have to ask you about using alcohol around her.�

�That�s got to stop, definitely. I agree.�

�Because that would not be any good for her.�

�No more alcohol. Done,� Danny said.

Andy looked Danny in the eye, and Danny returned the gaze resolutely. Andy stood, walked around the desk, and grabbed Danny�s hand. As Danny stood to shake his hand, Andy pulled him close for a good hug, with several firm slaps on the back. �Now, don�t disappoint me, partner,� Andy said as he pulled away, both his hands on Danny�s arms.

�I promise.�

�Hey, what�s going on?� Diane said from the door, where she was hanging her overcoat on the rack.

�Aw, just New Year�s greetings,� Danny replied, sheepishly.

Diane couldn�t keep her eyes off Danny�s bulging pocket. If she had any remaining hopes that Danny would have forgotten the aftermath of his New Year�s Eve party, his excessive paperclip collection dashed those for good. When Danny saw her nervous demeanor, he knew he had not dreamed the events in his bed, even though physical evidence in his room the next morning had proven to him without a doubt that they had actually occurred.

�So, gotta minute?� Diane said, nodding toward the coffee room.

�Yeah,� Danny stammered, and jumped to his feet a little too eagerly. Andy smiled and winked after them.