Rafael had seen the confrontation from the corner of his eye, and he had seen the relatively hasty exit that followed it. As soon as he was able, he excused himself from Isobel, leaving her alone at the pool table, his own cue returned to its proper place. Then he fled the room, long strides carrying him out into the lobby in what he hoped was not an overly obvious hurry. He did not speak until he reached Chris's side. Then, quietly, he called the man's name.
"Chris?" he said again. "I didn't know you lived here. It's..." It's good to see you, he almost said, but stopped, uncertain if it was the truth. "Do you, um, do you have a moment?"