Alfred relaxed slightly, relieved that she wasn't angry. "Ross is a good man," he said. "The rest of the Ministry might be a wash, but he's a good man."

A beat of silence stretched out. Alfred wasn't sure what to say next. After a second he awkwardly joked, "Anyway, they'd better fund the repairs if they want me to bail them out next time something terrible happens. They don't know anyone else who owns a boat."

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