By preference, Bodie carries a Browning. He could sign out any other gun, but this is the one he wants. He explains to Doyle that the Browning has history. When Belgium was overrun in 1940, the Germans began manufacturing the gun for their own army. Belgian workmen sabotaged production lines and smuggled the plans to Canada…

Doyle pretends to fall asleep.

Bodie finishes his story anyway, because he knows Doyle is still listening. And because when Doyle’s eyes are closed, Bodie can look as much as he likes.

“You’re a romantic,” says Doyle, later.

“You have no idea,” replies Bodie.

~end~