This question provoked a stronger reaction than had the blood, found in a brief widening of Laurent's eyes. Perhaps he could not fault Damen for his suspicion - he had not gone through all that Laurent and the Damen of home had done - but despite any expectations that Damen might have of Laurent being false, he had not been false. He had been very much the opposite, and Damen was alone among all men to appreciate what that meant.

Laurent repressed a sudden, childish urge to request that John Riley adjust his target and said, 'You, Damen. If not I have summoned reinforcements.'