Cole's appreciation of Archer's silence caused the scientist to incline his head slightly. "You're welcome," he said, raking his bony fingers through his hair. "You possess an unusual quality. Very few people would be willing to aid a stranger in burying a deceased human body." It probably helped who the body had once belonged to, but still. What evidence did Cole have that Archer himself hadn't killed the boy, or that he wasn't some sort of killer that would do the same to Cole? None. Absolutely none. Perhaps that made Cole stupid as well, but it was an admirable kind of stupidity.
"It's unique," he continued. "And I appreciate that. Therefore, I have no interest in seeing you punished for that." His smile was thin yet present as he leaned back, resting his palms behind himself and relaxing just slightly. "It will be as if we had never met. And if, for some reason, this should come to light." He paused, expression unreadable. "I would expect you to act as if you never knew me."