A Bowl of Bitter Medicine

Carrying a dark porcelain bowl, Thomas stepped up to the desk with a slight nod. Steam drifted off the brew, spreading a sharp, earthy bitterness into the room.

Seeing Winston slumped in his chair, chest heaving and one frail hand trembling on the desktop, Thomas's face tightened with worry.

"Sir," he urged, "the doctor gave strict orders not to get worked up. If your blood pressure shoots up ag