When Kitty was behind the bar on check-in days, much of the time she also handled requests for hot beverages. Therefore Xavin did not consider himself on duty. Instead, he'd accessed the espresso setup long enough to make himself a caramel macchiato - iced, out of deference to the early-summer season - then repaired to a table with a library book.

There was little chance that any new arrivals would be 'for him', but little chance wasn't no chance. It was better to be present.