Yes, hello Hakuba-san – it’s a pleasure to see you again. I’ve been fine, in the sense of… there is nothing particularly terrible happening in my life.
*If the occasional night terrors about being executed, and getting stressed out over a skeleton equaled fine. Kyouko didn’t feel fine (the directional possibilities of this case didn’t help to ease her either), but there was no point in talking about it. So she would just keep to simple phrases and a calm face, and give just enough to keep the conversation and curious questions away from herself. Nothing she couldn’t handle.*
Don’t worry about any compensation. Being out and mobile is enough for me – I believe I’ve been getting a bit lazy as of late… Anyways, how about you – how have you been?
“That’s somewhat dour, isn’t it? Hm. I’ve been well enough, myself,” Hakuba lied, thoughts ranging in a similar circle- though, sans the skeleton and all- regarding his own situation. “Just very busy. As for compensation, I’m going to insist that I pay your invoice but we can discuss that after the case if you like."
With the supplies safely stowed, Hakuba shut the trunk and moved to open the passenger side door. "If you’re ready, we can leave straight away. I’ve actually managed to make an appointment with my contact, so the sooner we leave, the better."
He then hesitated. "Ah, and, Kirigiri-san, do you know how to use a firearm?"