So what was a man to do after that particularly bewildering conversation? Why, investigate the matter, of course. This strange Phoenix had presented some potentially damning speculations, and if proven true, Kristoph would have to cover beyond what his rival knew. As easy as it was to playing the ignorance card, the act was hardly conducive when it came to Wright. If he faltered, he was bound for trouble later down the line.

Except investigating required, well, other people, which Kristoph found to be solely lacking in Doyleton. Most everyone was away on their own merry adventure, and approaching the few stragglers felt like overexertion. He'd rather his snooping be less conspicuous; the man could not accomplish that by openly throwing questions at strangers. Better to wait for an acquaintance (i.e., Crane) to conveniently pass by.

So when Kristoph spied a pair of men--one familiar, one not--climb into the last bus of the day, he followed after. Despite the distance and the time it took for the former attorney to finally be within their vicinity, a seat was open in front of the two, a fortune he immediately took advantage of. Without so much as a look to either men, Kristoph settled into the vacant seat and feigned unawareness. It would be easier if Crane recognized him first.