Malcolm raised a finger. "He's an orphan? So he's spent his life searching for a father figure. This whole mentor thing makes even more sense now. He's found someone who encourages his interests; nurtures them, even. It's not even about his friends rejecting his lifestyle as much as it's his search for a family. Depending on who this mentor of his is, if he knows Quarles' background... well, a 'fixer' with no qualms about violence and desperate to please you would come in pretty handy if you're stuck in prison, wouldn't it?"