That gets a tiny hint of a smile out of him, though he might be hiding a slight tremor when she mentions working for the police. "At least you're putting your skills to good use, to a noble cause, helping those who...serve and protect."

The barkeep, polishing glass beer mugs behind the counter, has by now spotted them. "Don't moind yer comin' in, but are ye orderin' or meetin' oop?" he asks.

Herbert might dart a look between the barkeep and Kristin. "I guess I owe you a drink, at least, for getting me away from those ruffians out there."