Alexander’s candle burned low on the desk, the flame flickering as he scratched out yet another letter. His office was a mess of papers, quills, and ink stains, but he hardly noticed. His wife and children were gone upstate for the summer, yet he had stayed behind, buried in his work.

His head ached, his eyes stung, and he felt as though he might go mad if he read one more report. He was clearly very stressed and in desperate need of something to relieve him. A sudden knock startled him. He pushed back his chair and opened the door.

“Laurens?” Alexander blinked in surprise. He definitely noticed how drunk Laurens was. His coat was half-buttoned, his hair in disarray, and Laurens carried the strong scent of alcohol with him. He was, in no doubt, hanging around with Lafayette and Hercules Mulligan again.

“Alex!” Laurens slurred with a grin. “Missed you tonight.”

“You’re drunk,” Alexander said flatly, bracing him by the shoulders. “Out with Lafayette and Mulligan again?”

Laurens laughed, leaning heavier against him. “Maybe. You should’ve come. Too much paper’s gonna kill you faster than the war.”

Alexander rolled his eyes but tightened his grip as Laurens stumbled. “You can hardly stand.”