Prosper exhaled, and there was more relief in it than he would have liked to admit. Herbert was his longest friend — and also his employer — and their friendship was important to him. (Certainly more important than the tumble he had been trying to have in his office, no offense to the fellow involved.) "I think I need a drink," Prosper said, "I would offer you one, but — we can go downstairs and pretend you have one."

---