The poor constable was definitely trying to avoid conversation. Malachi couldn't have said why, and didn't know him nearly well enough to make a guess.

Maybe he had made him uncomfortable when they'd met. He'd hardly be the first.

"It's nice to see you as well, constable," he returned with a smile. Malachi observed him as Nettie introduced herself, but could not find anything... out of place, exactly. Constable Crane's offer brought his attention back to the man's face.

"Actually," Malachi shoved a foot in the metaphorical door Crane sought to close.

"We were hoping you could point us to a good place for Nettie to stay, semi-permanently. I'm sure you know your way around very well, being a constable and all."