Everywhere but where I'd like to go, huh? [ It's said with a saucy sort of wink, but he eases off shortly thereafter. He likes Cloud; he's easy company, and less uptight than so many of the others who spend their days in this poky little town, more consumed with what their neighbours are doing than what's happening under their nose. If Cloud responded in kind to any of his flirtations, he'd jump on him in a second...

But alas, Cloud has never shown any sign of returning his affections. No matter. He's got other takers in the meantime. ]

Sorry to hear about Zachariah, though. Give him some time to rest up and he'll be right as rain in no time. But speaking of excitement... [ He leans forward, a conspiratorial air to him. He doesn't mind gossiping with Cloud for free. Not everything can be an exchange. ]

There's more newcomers here than ever before. Everyone's a bit shaken up by it. Especially since things have been going missing here and there. At first, I thought it was just wives unaware that their lazy husbands have been gambling away their house and home every time they come here - [ that's because you've been fleecing them, Claude ] - but now I'm not so sure. You watch your back out there. The gossips might turn on you next.