It was probably the relief, that this side was okay. And the excitement, of finding some facts, probably. Or maybe Piper's own smile. But he gave Hartley another of the bright, full-on smiles, like the day before not so far from here.

"Absolutely."

He held the key in a slightly-sweaty palm, and started out of the car, letting Hartley lock up and then striding to the garage entrance.

"Hi!" He showed the key to the watchman there. "I think I left my car, here, got a bit turned around after the boom yesterday. Mind if we come in?"

"'course not." The guard looked bored. That worked, right? He flashed another smile at his new friend and led the way into the cool shadow.