Sheehan studies him for a moment. "I think I know where this is going."

He leans forward, hands folded.

"He is...well, not difficult. He's hurting. And sometimes hurt people can be...prickly. But I know what you mean. I care for him, John. I care for him when he's funny. I care for him when he's drunk. I care for him when he's prickly or difficult or angry. That doesn't change."