"Oh, he won't have a mental breakdown," said Erskine with a dismissive wave of his hand. "He already knew we were planning this. He's a smart man. He'll figure it out. I've never seen Doctor Who, Dex, but did you know Tipstaff has? Convince him to have a drink or two with you, and he won't stop talking about it."

Solomon knew about that too, apparently. Well, being a soul-reader, that could only be expected. Erskine was forced to seek out more conventional ways of getting to know the people he was technically entrusting his life to, and while a little less efficient, they were just as good, if not better. And definitely more enjoyable.

"I would appreciate a few hours of warning if you manage to get the entire Sanctuary upset with you," China spoke up from her spot on the floor. "A minimum safe distance, too. Perhaps I should work on befriending Tipstaff. That is," and she glanced up at Wreath with an impish gleam in her eyes that threw Erskine off-guard, "if Solomon gives me his permission to see other men."

Erskine was imagining it. They were joking. They had to be. Deciding for himself that a joke was definitely the case, Erskine grinned and leaned back against the wall. "If you're going straight to the Cleavers after this, I'd like to come along with, if nobody minds." He nodded towards the unfamiliar man keeping well out of China's way. "Greetings, my good man. I don't believe I've had the pleasure."