[It is petty, he knows, to find any amount of satisfaction in picking at Rowntree's veneer; it's not as if it's difficult to get a fingernail in under it. That said, the minor twist of annoyance that ripples over the surface serves as a welcome spur on. Blunts some edge.]

Will be acting as my runner between here and there for the duration of the posting, [is honest, and nominally where he might cut the answer short.] The aim being to see him occupied without rousing his suspicion or anyone else's.

[A pointed look.]

I would appreciate it were you to keep these details to yourself.