Johnny offers to help and I wish I'd thought to offer help, especially with the smile Valmont gives him for it. Our host asks him to cut some bread while he pours the wine.

I heard about that business at the tavern,I'm sorry you boys went through that. I hope you know you are welcome at the Whitechapel, and I will make sure no one troubles you.

"Thank you." I say, not sure what else to add. I haven't been to the Whitechapel since That night Verdi called me to her tavern and let me play her anything I wanted on the piano. And with more recent happenings there were actual reasons not to visit. But with Valmont offering protection, maybe we ought to consider dropping sometime. "We'll visit sometime." I promise with a smile.