Jean-Claude raises a wry eyebrow at the other man in response to his words. "Do not tempt me," he says. "Life would be far simpler without Phillip on my hands. Phillip in my hair. Phillip getting himself into trouble, time after time. It is a wonder that I have not given up on him already, but he is very good at what he does." He offers a gallic shrug. "So I must do what I can."

That, and Phillip is his pomme de sang, or so his mistress termed it, back in France. One of them, at least, along with Jason. And although it is tempting to search out another, because Phillip donates blood to him regularly, Jean-Claude must offer his protection in turn. It is traditional. However tempting it might be to give up on him at this point.