"It's beautiful."

"You're far too kind." He waves a hand in the direction of the couch. "Make yourself at home."

"You are very generous," he chuckles.

He has questions for Jing Yi but he's genuinely fine with her staying there, and he's not gonna ask those questions in front of her.

"I know this isn't ideal," he says to Terrence, looking sheepish. "But he knows where she lives, so."

To explain it's Parker, or not to do that, that is the question.

"It looks like you two have some things to talk about," Evie says cheerfully. "I might go out for a coffee for a bit and let you two settle it."

"That is fair enough." He would rather not talk about her behind her back, but... it is a necessity in this case.

(He trusts her, he reminds himself. He's just paranoid. And even if he doesn't trust her... he should do right by her and their child.)

"Oh - no trouble at all. I'm sorry circumstances have forced you here but it's a pleasure to have you, I hope I can help in whatever way."

"It's very nice to meet you, Mr. Markham," Evie says and departs.

"Is there something we need to settle?"

"Not settle, persay - listen, my dear, I am more than happy to help out a young woman in a tight spot. The world is a cruel place. I understand. It's good of you to do. Of course.

Just - you're engaged?"

He laughs. "It's a bit of a surprise to me, too. We're not legally engaged, yet, but that's because she got all but sold off to the person she's running from."

"Certainly, certainly." He takes a deep breath. "As your friend, I find it my duty to ask - do you love her, or do you want to get her out of trouble?"

"I love her," because that's the answer he wants to be true.

"I only found out about all of this when I tried to get down on one knee for her."

Terrence blinks, then a grin breaks over his face and he claps a hand on Jing Yi's shoulder. "Well, congratulations, my dear Jing Yi. We will keep her as safe as these walls allow." He knocks on a wall. "If there is anything I can do, to help, you need only ask."

"Thank you. It's been a bit of a whirlwind, but it's worth it.

...if you know anything about Parker, people he has killed, or book deals, that would be very useful."

"Well, I know he's a bit of an ass.

...Wait, what does this have to do with Parker?"

"He's the fiancé she's running from."

"Oh dear."

"You can see why I would be motivated to find proof that could get him arrested. --The book deal is because Randolph Carter is only willing to talk to the police if I get him one, and in hindsight... well, I could ask Oscar, but that's not a good plan."

"Hm. Yes. I - don't really have ties to the fiction world. Oscar is, I think, more sympathetic than he lets on, but... well, it depends if he thinks Carter is worth reading or not, I suppose. I love his work but Oscar and I rather disagree on some art, so..."

Terrence frowns. "I'll keep an ear out, at the least. Goodness, what a ghastly situation."

"It's a whole situation. It looks like they're might be some ties to the Roby stuff, so I give it points for efficiency, I guess."

Terrence snorts in laughter, surprised. "That's almost a benefit."

...he should maybe say something about Evie's whistle that involves saying her name in connection to it.

"Roby used a whistle on the night of the murders. Parker has a whistle, and appeared to murder someone with it. ...and Evie has a whistle too. I don't know what this means yet, but... you can understand why I'd be concerned. --Not that I think she's a murderer, just. I know she's already tied up in some stuff she shouldn't be."

Terrence's mouth opens and closes. He is CONCERNED about this whistle.

"...Why does she have a whistle?"

"I'd love to know too! She was uncomfortable when I asked, so I didn't press. For all I know, Parker gave it to her as an engagement present or something."