"Then we have a deal," he says softly. Gabe forces himself to stand, mostly because he felt a little degraded having to sit in the cell, and he leans against the wall. He tries to mask it as a simple move, something subconscious, but he's still tired. He still needs someone there, and close.

"I won't tell your dirty little secret, or spill mine, and i'll stay with...whatever you're doing with that. Fine. Yes--I'll do it. Works better for both of us."

Thank God. He can do his usual thing, now--and maybe get something good out of it. Maybe it's not a lost cause.