Gavin bade Dr. Park farewell, and joined Abby in the corridor—a decidedly safe distance from the pantry, and the wrath of its keeper. He fell into a contented silence as they began winding their way down the passage, with Abby speaking about microchipping the staff, and the likelihood of finding Antoine in his quarters.

In all honesty, Gavin was only half listening to Abby’s words. His mind was still yet divided between the various scenarios in the case of Sylus Adams, as well as the lingering headiness the brief moment in which Abby had taken his hand inside the pantry had granted him. The latter was a juvenile perception, Gavin was aware enough of that, but nonetheless that singular instance had sowed a seed of emotion he had not felt since his days at university. 

There was little doubt that Abby’s taking of his hand had been nothing more than a means to get the lot of them, Dr. Park included, up and out of the kitchen area before Josey returned. The contact itself had been only fleeting, and wholly a movement of function, and not of sensuality. 

[i]Or was it?[/i] said one half of Gavin’s thoughts with a pleasant coloring of happiness. 

The other half scoffed. [i]Are you truly doing this right now? Dissecting the intricacies of your hand being held?[/i]

[i]You’ll shut it,[/i] the first half retorted, [i]if you know what’s good for you, damn it![/i]

It was only then, amidst his inner turmoil, that a part of Gavin realized he had been walking for some time in silence, with Abby walking somewhat nonplussed beside him as she awaited a reply. 

Clearing his throat, his face reddening slightly, Gavin at last regained his full mind. “Oh, um, yes. Please forgive me, I seem to have taken a leave of my own senses for a moment.” He chuckled, as much to emphasize his apology, as to poke fun at himself. “I suppose in this instance, I’m keen to give our man’s quarters a go. Although,” Gavin said with a twinkle in his eye, “we may yet need to visit the vet—she might need to examine me after that little out-of-body experience I just had.”