"A bullet in the heart seems a rather permanent sacrifice to prove the depth of your affections."
Travener laughed, and despite his exasperation, Ian found his lips inclined to tilt at the boy's ardently romantic declarations.
And it had become very obvious that, no matter Travener's age, he was still a boy, much like those who had once served under Ian's command.
"It won't come to that," Doyle said confidently. "What makes you so sure Mayfield won't recognize he was the one in the wrong and delope?"
"The fact that I knew his son, I suppose," Ian said. "Hot headed and hair triggered. And I should imagine he inherited those qualities from his father."
"You liked him."
"Of course."
Travener nodded. "I won't hurt his father," he promised. "This is all symbolic, as most affairs of honour are these days. You're welcome to join us, if you wish. As a matter of fact, I should be honoured if you would accompany me."
