[Rich's thoughts on using alcohol to cope are the furthest thing from his mind right now. He doesn't know why Jeremy was here, but he can tell the guy was in trouble with Linden also around. He distrusts Linden, but he's a little more focused on the crude language than on his inebriation. Especially since Linden still hasn't gained any muscle or any physically intimidating traits. The comparisons are there, certainly, but Rich is too concerned to get tangled up in them.

He raises an eyebrow at the money being pushed back, and especially at Linden's bizarre speech. He looks back at Jeremy, who still looks intensely guilty, and shakes his head.]

Jeremy can take that money if he wants, though I don't know what exactly you were hiring him for...

[That's a question he can ask Jeremy later.]

Whatever it was, I'd rather you not recruit him again. I'm not here to cause you any problems. I just wanted to make sure Jeremy got home safe.

[His voice is shockingly level and even soft, his usual brash volume absent... and it's hard to be angry at Linden recently, anyways.]