The nonchalance of Gabriel's answer provoked a quirk of eyebrows from Chilton -- would it be much of a reach, he wondered. A quick calculation concluded his down-drift of a gaze; he stopped himself from pondering on the conundrum for too long. He hadn't any proof that anatomically correct angels were even sincere in their innuendo.

"You're right about that," he concluded, nodding in Gabe's direction. "I wouldn't know if it was indeed anything remotely related to some holiness." Lapsed Catholic. "But -- clearly you've been moved to a higher calling."

Chilton jerked his head to the side, indicating his wish to walk.

"Do you need company? I'm in no rush, just on my way to lunch, and I won't protest a cup of coffee," he said. A tinge of memory ionized -- "I'll buy."