[Seeing his retreat to silence, she grew a tinge of guilt for asking that question. Her eyes studied the somber expression on his face and thus directly meeting his gaze when he looked back up. "Hoping". "Might". "Trying". It never gets easier after all, perhaps.]

I guess those practice dummies are good to have in more than one way...

[The corners of her lips curled slightly up hearing his concern.]

Thank you, Gene. Ah... I know I'm not planning on going into any caves any time soon.

But speaking of gathering what I can... I seem to remember you mentioning about a walkie-talkie project. Any news on that? [She added a bit later, memory of that night of murders in her mind.] I bet the Watch would benefit from having something of the sort.