[ Hans nods. He can't say he knows what the Management is planning either, but The Balladeer's worries are as founded as his own. Who knows what they'll do. ]

That's... very possible.

[ He sighs. ]

Not that I would. [ Really! ] I mean, I promise, I've been trying to get them off your back as much as I can.

[ Does the Balladeer even believe him? Would Hans believe himself, if he were in his shoes? ]

But you have no reason to believe me... Maybe the Management is banking on me lying myself into a corner.