[Historically, when he's tried to keep things from becoming personal, it hasn't worked. It's backfired magnificently, actually. Last time he ended up having feelings about people, which was really inconvenient. This time he doesn't bring it up, because he sort of suspects Dr. Pierce already knows.]

If you think it's best, I'll take time off, but otherwise I'd rather not. Without something to focus on— [He stops short, rephrases:] It helps. [Not without it I'll lose my mind, that's not going to help either, even if it's true. He doesn't look in the direction of the back room, so pointedly that he makes it obvious he's trying not to.]

[There's the other thing, too. Trish is still here. She's got the deadman's switch, but the emphasis in the name isn't exactly comforting. He hesitates, uncertain how much he should say. Accusing Doppio outright of homicidal intention towards a teenager who lives with him isn't going to make this any easier to navigate, but—]

[What a mess.]

Could you— [Hm.] The girl I mentioned. Not that I expect you would, but please don't share that information. She's here, and she doesn't like to be talked about. Especially not when it comes to that.