"One of those things is not like the others, John," he deadpans. It's easy to keep this distant, more than half-cynical thing going between them, but John says curses, and something in Darlington comes to alertness. He says mystery, and it stirs further, a hound scenting the air.

Monsters hits somewhat differently, but like so much else, it's only a moment before the feeling fades again. He shakes what lingers of it off, as best he can.

"How much have you all figured out so far? During or after the pool parties, obviously."