True, it hadn't been in Solomon's nature to want help. Some part of him was almost begging for guidance, for someone to tell him what to do, but he'd actively fought that at first. And Paddy had the distinct impression, even before all his suspicions were confirmed, that Solomon went through a personal hell before he stooped to considering the church. Paddy wasn't Solomon's first stop. Nor was he the last.

But there was a large difference between wanting help and needing help, a difference Saffron seemed to understand better than Solomon had. There were people who wanted help, but didn't need it, and there were people who needed help but refused to accept it. It was very rare when a person recognised that discrepancy for themselves. The fact that Saffron did piqued Paddy's curiosity.

He sat down at the table and rested his chin on his hands while he observed her. Leaving for the shelter was going to have to wait. This was a conversation they needed to have. "Everyone could use some help now and then," Paddy said slowly, doing his best to pick the words carefully. "From the most self-sufficient hero to the lowest of criminals. You're no exception. Neither is Solomon. What makes you so sure he doesn't need any help?"