Krem stiffened as Cole reached for his side; one of the ribs was cracked, the one that was directly under the dent in his chestplate. As soon as the pain started to drain away, he slouched just a bit, murmuring his thanks then scooping the bat off of Cole's shirt, letting it hang from his fingers then huddle in his palm.

"Because you two get on well and at some point he'll come to talk to me at length about things involving you, I've no doubt."