"I think I might be using hats as a defence mechanism," Skulduggery admits. "But until I start getting sick or falling apart, there's no reason for me to change that."

He's admitted it's weird, and admitted to the possible use of a defence mechanism. Surely that's all he has to admit to, isn't it? Skulduggery isn't a shining example of a well-adjusted man, but most well-adjusted men probably don't have to deal with being killed and brought back to life twice over. Skulduggery will take what he can get.

"Since you've displayed a stunning lack of an ability to follow simple directions," he adds after a moment, "you must have something important you need my help with. What is it?"