"So, from the top: Why didn't you tell us you were working there?" Taako asks, for what must be the third time.

"Because I didn't think it mattered." Angus says into the table, before sitting up. They've been going around in circles for nearly half an hour.

"Ango, last week you spent half of lunch going over your notes analysing if NerdLord is dating one of his lab assistants." Lup chips in.

"That does matter-!" Angus argues. He was going to point out about protocol breaches, staff relations and how he's certain said lab assistant is only there because they're stealing research material. Plus it's unethical. Not that that's ever-stopped Lucas Miller.

But Taako cuts him off.

"It doesn't. not compared to 'Hey Taako forgot to say I have a job at a shitty little café.' That compared to this is small roast potatoes." Taako said. "Wait! is this where you were two Fridays ago? You said it was a case!"

"It's not a shitty café sir. But I was on a case. Just a really short one. And as I told you earlier, this Friday you asked me last minute and I'd already agreed to cover a shift. One of the others had childcare issues. I couldn't just bail."

"Pam with the two-year-old twin Tieflings?" Ren asks. Angus nods. "Ooft."

Taako is still not impressed. "You blew off an afternoon chilling with me and whoever else was there because you were bussing tables at fantasy starbucks?"

"It's nicer than Fantasy Starbucks Taako. There's less of a rush and Mrs Cosie's coffee is actually good. She makes sure everything is either local or ethically sourced. Plus both the hours and the wages are better." Angus argues. "Why are you making such a drama out of this? It's not like I've been getting into trouble at school or- or I don't know- smoking weed."

"Have you?" Lup asked. "Gotten into trouble?"

"No I haven't!"

"Nerd." Lup teases, sliding off the counter she'd been perching on. "Come one 'Ko, lay off him."

"ABSOLUTELY not. I want to know why he's busting a gut in a café, when he's A: smart enough to solve frigging murders at ten! And B, when he could be getting paid as a teacher here, at my school."

"And I will! Once I finish school. Schooling. Once I finish this school I'll come to your school. Come on Taako, don't start that again. We have a contract and everything." Angus said, wincing at how winey it sounded.

"Yeah a contract we had to rewrite 'cos then you decided to carry on at Lucas Fucking Miller's for longer. Again."

"Like we didn't do, what- five degrees? Plus two grads and a doctorate between us for funsies." Lup mutters turning around at the counter to make a fresh pot of coffee. "Nine, if you count Barry's."

"I don't mind the extra education-!" Taako started.

"No it's just the fact it's at Lucas's school not yours! And because he also keeps offering an TA position." Angus interrupted. "I don't need to be a detective for that bullshit."

"Angus. Dear." Lup warns. Not so much for swearing but for fighting with her brother. "You too, Taako, chill out a sec."

Taako sulks. Then sniffs.

"What can that failed necromancer teach you that I can't?" he said. "Or what can Miller teach that you don't already know better than him?"

Angus groans and puts his head on the table again. How did Captain Davenport ever cope with this?