*** barry didnt like fieldwork at the best of times , and if his career had not been at risk he would never have entered this pit of a staircase . these things are hanging all over the square . and while i was comfortable in his presence , the entire situation had something way too intimate about it . of course , i was lying to both of us . ash had also relaxed into his chair . there 's more to blood-taking than i think you or i can understand . 