Elliot was losing it, and fast, which Darlene didn't seem to care about much at all. John's amused look disappeared and didn't return while Darlene reveled in the power she'd given herself with her cyber-thievery, even though it was just the kind of thing that would normally have gone on delighting him forever as a petty thief. He couldn't seem to stop frowning at Elliot in concern.

He sure got that hint, though, loud and clear. If Elliot needed to be left alone with Darlene... well, John could see why, and he didn't think it would be any major threat to him now. By the looks of things, Darlene had adjusted to the idea of his being here (and maybe even liked him a bit, if that last look she'd given him was any indication, and he was absolutely arrogant enough to believe it was), so she wasn't likely to convince Elliot this was all fucking insane while John was out.

"Yeah, it's been awhile. C'mon, Flipper, get off your ass." He slid into his shoes, got the leash hooked onto Flipper's collar, and ducked out the door. They'd go for an actual walk, he thought, not just to let Flipper do her business.