"I don't take it personally. Mandrake's children are too proud to show their appreciation until much later and more subtly.

And as for the young man, I have high hopes myself. We should know in the next few days how they will be met."

Rachelle lifts one bare foot from the floor and pokes Brix lightly in the calf.

"And how do they match you--your new friend, your new patron? I find myself craving gossip."