At that moment, footsteps approached from outside the room, prompting me to quickly close the drawer. Just as I finished concealing the file bag, AlphaDevon appeared outside the door.

"Did you get the wine?" he asked.

"Yes," I held the bottle and replied, "I was just about to open it."

"The wine glasses are in the kitchen. Get some ice cubes and mint while you're at it," he said as he entered the room.

I passed him with the bottle, pretending that nothing had happened.

"Aren't you coming with me?" I asked tentatively.

"I forgot there are still some documents to be processed," he explained, closing the door behind him....