Even the comforting pat made Bentley jump. He played it off (horribly) as straightening up in his seat, his legs crossing, but his brow was still wrinkled with worry.

"I-I see," Bentley said, his hands clamped together in his lap. "Thank you, doctor." Bentley already had respect for the older doctor from speaking briefly with him on occasion; most being work-related issues. They only worked together once or twice. But now, his respect was becoming much more profound. How nice it must be to feel so calm in this sort of situation.

"And yes, Evan, you're doing a great job. Ha. Keep it up."