He rose stiffly from his chair -- furnished now with a little more intel, he could retire to his apartment and think on how best to next approach this wild-haired woman. When he expected savagery, he was met with unprecedented kindness. When he expected genteelity, he was meet with brassy boldness. It kept him on his toes. He liked it. But he wondered how much of it was her and how much of it was her time.

He delivered his mug to the sink, giving it a good washing out before upturning it on the counter. He had learned how these sinks worked, at least. "It were nothing. Pretty plants for a pretty woman." Even his smile was stiff.

Sharpe turned. "I...hope to see you again soon."