This one happens in the week after chapters 8-11, chapter 12 during the weekend in-between.


"Mr Rob, can I have a word?" Crocodile asks, and Lucci nods, heading towards the Alpha. "You go on, Mr Wolff, I'm sure Mr Rob will catch up with you."

Jabra hovers anxiously in the doorway until Lucci waves a hand at him in dismissal and he reluctantly leaves. Crocodile examines his student carefully, but can find nothing out of ordinary.

"You frightened us last week, Mr Rob," the older man says and Lucci nods, looking away. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"My grandfather and I had a bit of a spat, and I was feeling sick; that's all."

"You were in shock," Crocodile says gently. "It took Law fifteen minutes to get through to you." Lucci's frame is tense and the older man puts his hand on the teenager's shoulder. "You don't have to tell me anything, but if you wish to discuss things - if something's going on you feel you need to tell someone - you can come to me. I'm always ready to listen, and I won't take what you tell me further if you don't want me to. I'm here if you need me."

"Thank you, Mr Dracule, I'll keep that in mind."

Crocodile can tell the teenager doesn't intend to confide in him with anything, but that's all right. He understands perfectly.