Friends
"Shaw's got friends. You could do with some." He turns around, leaving Erik outside. Erik walks away and ends up in the nearest bar. He spends the evening drinking and remembering. He has always been a loner. The loss of his mother, Shaw, his gift: it has increased his need for solitude, enhanced his carefulness, developed his distrust of others. It's the best way he knows how to live. Look after yourself 'cause no one else will. "Shaw's got friends."
He opens the file and reads all the information. There's not much he doesn't know already. Still, it could prove useful, especially the information on his acquaintances. He just has to figure out a way to deal with them. A diamond lady, a red teleport, Shaw himself…. It's not that simple. His next drink doesn't taste as good. How is he going to do this? Shaw knows he is after him. No element of surprise…
The irritating telepath had saved his life. He didn't have to. He'd rescued him, in a way he owed him. But he also had this horrible power. Probing people's minds, just like that. Awful. And able to control it as well. Not someone you'd want as your adversary, but maybe? "Shaw's got friends."
As the evening progresses, his mood darkens. Shaw's powerful. Taking on Shaw on his own is hard enough, let alone in the company of his friends... He definitely has the advantage. He might win and that's the last thing Erik wants. Shaw cannot win this battle. He needs to! The failed attempt has dampened his spirits and the information on Shaw's friends hasn't helped. Perhaps he should return. He could use some friends.