Honestly, the apparent disinterest does more to provoke Lambert's interest and desire to poke and pry more than having a regular conversation would. Like worrying at a loose tooth with his tongue, Childermass' more visible reaction only encourages him, leaning his elbows on the edge of the table.

"I don't." Childermass' response to his question is annoyingly vague, so he could leave it at that, but this isn't going to be a productive question and answer session if they stick to responses under five words, is it?

"Normally, I'd be trying to figure out how to stop something like this, not working for it. But since she could give me what I wanted, I made a deal." Simple as that. "What'd you ask for?"