Goodsir's mouth compresses into a thin line and he frowns, though none of his anger is directed at Kate at all.

"To gain advantage," he says, "to ingratiate himself with others and try to earn their good will. You're very perceptive. And I am sorry that he was unkind—I've no doubt it angered him, to discover that he couldn't get any change out of you. He didn't threaten you in any way?"

Because if he did, there will be words, Mr. Hickey.