He holds onto the list just a moment longer when she reaches out to take it, and tries to catch her eye again. "My thanks," he says softly, then lets go of the list.

Without another word of protest, he returns to the work table and methodically begins the process of assessing what books are currently at his disposal, and what tedious research he can complete for the Inquisition until more materials arrive. Whether Benedict forks over his letter or not is beyond the purview of things Atticus cares about. He places a pair of spectacles low on the bridge of his nose and gets to work.