The man's smile changes its shade just a little bit. It turns just a little sharper. His dark eyes narrow just a touch. It gives a fleeting impression of an intelligence far sharper than might be suggested by the louche indifference of Rutyer's prior expression.

(Ralston, it seems, is an open, bleeding wound. Is this truly a good idea? Is he like this with everyone? How simple it is to manipulate a man when he opens his chest and invites you to grasp his heart. Is he safe?)

"What a cruel thing that would be to do," Rutyer says after that flicker of his eyes, a droll little smile lifting his lips as he echoes his previous statement. Then - "Do you think so little of your work?"