I have a title, actually, but it’ll give the ending away, dagnabbit.
…
Alas, Carteaux was no fool. Once Citizen Major Legume was sent off to meet the other officers of the demi-brigade (Kraemer was not sent for at all), the general grew serious on the instant. “My apologies, Citizen Représentant. That was necessary. The citizen major needed to be distracted, lest he ask too many questions while we were still in garrison.”
“No fear there, Citizen General.” Joseph quirked a smile. “Legume asks very few questions at the best of times. I suppose that I am to be allowed the privilege of being inquisitive?”
“You will find it no privilege,” Carteaux informed him. “But we cannot speak of that here. Follow me: a room has been prepared for our conversation. If it is not safe from sneaking ears, then nowhere in the Republic is.”
