"Good job." Badou replied, mildly surprised that Artemis had managed it. He couldn't dodge a speeding turtle so it was kind of an accomplishment there. "Next time don't justify it. It was touching your man so you kicked its ass."

Badou could be dense about some things, but it was damn well impossible not to notice that Artemis was changing the topic. He raised an eyebrow, but he didn't say anything about it.

"We were in the bar. Pressurized beer directly into the brain." He wasn't overly bothered by it aside from the fact that it stank like Haine's face and looked a bit like the leftover pasta in his fridge. And speaking of food, it wasn't helping his appetite any. He hadn't even thought of eating this morning. "Huh? I'll eat later. Two brunch shifts."