It was going to be hard not to dwell, with her sitting right there. It's not as though he hadn't encountered other redheads, but Valdis hit some of the other markers rather strongly. He would manage.

Devin nodded. "There are a few possible outcomes to what you've done. One: nothing. The cultists count your dismissal as a win and don't come calling. Two: they come after you, and make it look like they were tying up a loose end, or similar. Three: they attack the police headquarters - not necessarily any individuals but the building. Four: they make a random attack elsewhere in the city," he listed off. "My money would be on one or three; the latter exacerbates the instability your 'departure' has already caused. You may have pushed people away, may have made it look like it was only you at fault, but some shade will fall on the entire department. I'd suggest very quietly reinforcing the structure, and publicly ensuring that the Justice and Arbitration guild is working with the police very, very closely. They need to project strength."