"Oh yeah, I remember that," said Heiji. "Saw him cleaning up in the washroom. That wasn't the reason I wanted to talk to him, but I did offer to give him some bandages. And then he turned me down, too. But I ain't think it was anything personal. Just one of those people who don't think anything's free.

"I can understand why, though. He don't want to feel like he owes anyone, especially if he's going to be up against them." Heiji looked thoughtful. "Ain't the way I'd handle it, but he's actually a good guy to have on your team."