"Blathering is about all I'm good for sometimes," Owen said with an indulgent grin. When he wasn't much of a physical presence, making himself known through using his voice was his only option. "George—er, my husband... he'd worry if I smoked too much. Just got my new start away from it."

Whether that was an attempt at pardoning himself or simply explaining why he had not lit up another cigarette, it was hard to say. Getting back to George (Ken?) would be a good idea; much as he appreciated the short reprieve, he would also appreciate time back at the flat before work started.