[ With everything else that had happened and the relentless daylight hours, Tommy had been convinced he'd dreamed (within a dream) about Alfie asking after Arthur's health. Even now, the details of that conversation are nebulous, if it had really happened at all.

The result is that he's not shocked to hear Alfie's voice, even though he had yet to see the man himself around town. And as to missing it? It would take a lot more time and blood for Tommy to miss that growling mumble. ]

Mr. Solomons. [ in greeting, formally. ]

I possess a product in demand, and I needed a location out of which to move it. What more reason is there?