'I had thought to give you a cloth to clean up, but you would only assume it poisoned,' said Laurent, returning that look with rare fire. Half broken or not, Damen's assailant was still a danger, and the situation required control. Knowing that Damen still doubted him made it more difficult to reach, but Laurent took a breath. He knew what it was to stand alone. He had not expected nor desired to do so again, but he could.

He turned his head, wishing for a reason for John to open fire and put an end to this. 'Shall I call their police service or would the pair of you like to insult me further?'