Heine takes a second before answering. Once he gives the dog an inch, it wants to take the mile; after dealing with Professor Eichel a good part of him wants to put away the other half of the ugly business by blocking Jade out of his life completely.

He settles for a vague shrug. No, he's not ready to talk, but he'll try.

"Has he come near you?" he asks, for a start.