Order Only: Private message to Rachel Brodie

Had a helluva hangover this morning, but the potion cleared it up quickly enough. Thanks for not deserting me right away when you saw what shape I was in, even though I...wasn't quite in the mood you hoped when you arrived at my flat. And I'm sorry about that, too.

I told you the truth last night: I just don't do that--drinking alone, I mean. Frank warned me against using it as an escape, once I started working under Mulciber, and I've followed his advice, honest. It was just a couple of things that set me off, and they were such little things that it sort of took me by surprise. Like a conversation with Mum over dinner on Sunday. And a book I picked up casually last night to read. I'd forgotten all about the note Percy had written on the flyleaf.

I won't do it again.

Anyway, I'm glad you came over so I wasn't alone after all. And I liked hearing about your mum. I've never heard you say much about your own family before. I'm not sure if you believed me, but I really do understand your reasons why you don't think it's a good idea for me to meet her. It feels odd, I suppose, especially since you've met everyone in my family, but it makes sense.

I'd like you to believe

I haven't told you enough lately how brilliant you are.