"He's done well to handle a lot of things and a lot at once. But I understand that and have seen it already. His ability to hide." But he didn't just mean in general. He meant feelings, choices, his lifestyle. The man chose to hide. Even his invitations at times were denied and if Tyki lingered too long near the man he was often sent away. After that Manor, he hadn't sensed hide nor hair of the man for a good week until his punishment was due. "I disagree. The Acquisitioner never really has to step out if he has pawns to move around at his will."

It's interesting, isn't it? Tyki loved to talk and gossip. He loved to tease and speak of others with a hint of mischief. Yet here he was tight lipped about anything that Childermass had told him.

"So do I. It's why I ask directly. Sometimes he tells me things and sometimes he doesn't. The boss has his reasons. But I am grateful for the man. He didn't have to come get me at the Manor and yet he did." He didn't have to take care of his drunken self out in the snow but Childermass had let him stay the night. "His past, his present, his thoughts for the future."