He acknowledges the savvy of reservation short of outright expectation with a nod, understanding and approval through a haze of business tobacco and business liquor. No offense taken.

Particularly within the sinister architecture of this office, all severe shades of black and polished steel.

The glass is so clean and clear it might as well be open to the sky beyond -- floor to ceiling. No border, no balcony. The drop off behind William’s desk has the feel of a cliff edge, dark floor that terminates sheer into nothing.

“Mighty presumptuous of you,” he observes, late in place of an answer. Busy smoking, in the space in between -- content to take his time in the same way crocodiles are, at the edge of the water. Home turf advantage.

As much as he can have one, without immortality on his side.