"That was the idea, yes." He's palpably relieved that she thinks that way, and grins, feeling the bit of anxiety that always crept up when the truth loomed starting to fade. "If I could still see everything, I'd feel a little bit better about leaving them ... but ..."

He shook his head. There wasn't really anything for it, after all.

"Janet, my assistant - no. My best friend - will look after them."

Because they'd come way too far together for him to insult her by calling her anything less.