"Of course," he says, mild. "I'm not offering because I don't think you can take care of yourself."

Chloe's like Ray, quick to assume an insult or a personal condemnation. He'll have to remember that. "I think a lot of people did."

Fraser reaches to rub at his eyebrow with the tip of one thumb, a small tic, a little sign of stress and strain. "I know the person who attacked me wouldn't have down it if they hadn't been influenced by something outside themselves."