"I chose a long time ago," he replied, not a little testily. But he sniffed and smoothed down the front of his jacket and suppressed the quick flare of irritation, because he had what he'd come for. She seemed willing to be reasonable, which was a pleasant surprise, and perhaps even to help him - or try. "I hope to have that opportunity sooner rather than later. Presumably it will involve fewer midnight meetings." And that would be a small blessing, whatever else happened. He didn't really care to think about what the end of all of this would mean for him, but, in any case, there would likely be sleep. "Thank you. I expect it will sound better coming from you."