Okay, a file was good. That was something she could hand them and then he could leave, get out from under her too-knowing gaze. James was already preparing excuses in his head, about taking advantage of being at the base to grab a quick wash and some hot food. Something, anything.

His gut was tying itself in knots. Surreptitiously he dropped back beside Len for a moment, letting their shoulders brush together, using the contact to steady himself.