That was a hint Lyall could easily take. He wasn't stupid. Just angry. So he shut his mouth, took a moment and a deep breath, then said, "Of course. And I will want that ride." And explanation. There had better be a good one.

He sat at the desk opposite Richard-- Karl? Was his name Karl, really?-- and took up the pen to hurriedly fill in what blanks were there for him. "I hope whatever this whole mess was turned out worth it for you," was his annoyed-sounding and still quite British comment as he signed his name at the bottom of the first form. He wasn't up to keeping his emotions and accent in check at the same time, after this day.