[Claire opens her mouth in surprise, then closes it, feeling her cheeks warm. So Alfie hasn't told John about the other night. It shouldn't have taken her aback, but it does, a little.]

Um. Yeah.

[She doesn't want to tip her hand - if Alfie wants to talk about her to John, that's his prerogative.]

I've left getting the group back together to Alfie. He's the best one to do - even if I wanted to help anyway, I'm too new. He's already been talking to Royce, I'm sure. He's doing well, all things considered.