He frowns at that question, at the tears. He's pretty goddamn sure he never told Neal that. His hands tighten on reflex. Feels like he just got a punch to the gut for a moment.

"... To keep me safe. Felt like she was still there with me. Without Lucille, I was-- I am absolutely nothing... and I'm talking about my wife, not a stupid goddamn bat." A bat he'd gladly take back in a heart beat, like a fucking embarrassing security blanket if he could.

"How'd you know, Neal?"