Michael took Gabe's paw and held it, a handshake with a kitten, reinforcing his teasing tone through the touch. Gabriel had always been the one having the most trouble with free will. Before he was gone, after he came back, and even now. He was the first of the angels to understand that free will might mean greater personal choice, but it came with an equal increase in personal responsibility. Unfortunately, it also meant he was the hardest on himself when something went wrong. He'd taken immeasurable risk in striking out to save Skulduggery, and while Michael still wished Gabe had confided in him about that - and wasn't afraid to gently broadcast that wish - he couldn't be prouder of what Gabe had managed to accomplish. He wasn't afraid to broadcast that, either.

Lucifer worked in their blind spots. It was what he did, and what he was so good at.

"I have," Michael confirmed out loud, for the benefit of those who weren't used to other forms of communication. "He's not quite finished yet. He did manage to find some help. I have to say," and here he directed his words at all of the non-angels in the room, "you're very good at finding help in places most people wouldn't think to look. Churches, taxis. Hospitals."

Skulduggery frowned, and pulled the blanket off his head. He was careful not to dislodge the part on his shoulders in the process. "What are you talking about?"

"Paddy Steadfast. Where did you think Merlin would be able to do his spellwork?"

"Ah, Paddy." The frown disappeared, even if the concern did not. "I liked him. He held onto a pair of sunglasses for me."

"He mentioned that."