[He heads to the designated spot and leans against the table, the very image of being at ease even as he's not. Being invited here for pleasantries wasn't the way things went. Something's off. It's a trap, but who is it for? Someone here, or the person yet to come?]

Of course, [he confirms.] Most shrikes cross paths from time to time.

[Does he need distance, or should he seem more friendly? Distance is probably the strategic choice. It's almost always safer, and it's not like he's the closest of friends with Lance. Friendly, and that's about as far as he gets with almost anyone.]

I tend to keep my profession under some wraps, but there are times when backup is useful.