Gabriel didn't know where the question came from, but he felt more uncomfortable under the very radiant smile than with the thanks. He lowered his eyes, while he thought of what to say. Before he could, however, Cherub answered his question. Someone he had traveled with? Cherub looked hardly older than a schoolboy. A parent? A sibling?

He nodded to show he understood, although he didn't and then asked: "Why would I not want you to thank me?"