"Frank and honest," Mike repeats. Laughs not because he thinks it's funny, but more because the whole thing seems absurd.

"You sound more and more like a cop, Billy. " he's joking, if lightly. Trying to lick his wounds. Going back to his normal self. He scrunches his nose, offers a small , humourless smile.

"I'll keep it in mind, though. " and he leaves.