"If you do need to get away, I've always a couch," he says. Verity will vouch for him, as will some of the other children, he's sure. And he'd be happy to let Kat talk to Eponine as well. "We've only got to make sure we do that through the proper channels. I need to keep my volunteer position in order to help whoever it is that might be possessed."

And, if he lets himself think about it honestly, he needs his volunteer position just because he needs it. Because it gives him something to do besides think about his life and draw. Marcus doesn't need the money or he'd find work, but if he can't work with the Church again, then he knows the Children's Home is the right place for him to be. It's a place where he can truly help people, even if it's just with their homework.

Besides, he's always liked kids.

"Bridges," he echoes, shaking his head. "What bridges?"