( An excellent deduction, detective — he is, in fact, trying to earn a rise. When he gets one, the only thing hiding his smug, self-satisfied beaming is the fact that Nate's tucked up against his neck. )

Oh, I'm sorry, was that-

( Is he skirting right back to that little patch of success? You bet your ass. )

Was it- there, that I shouldn't, or- I just wanna make sure. So I know. For the future.