Usually people would leave it at that, take the hint as the atmosphere tenses (little Colette had) but not this Collette and somehow that doesn't surprise Lavi at all. She's the nosy sort, just like him. Although now he's even less certain of how to answer. There's a pause as he contemplates before eventually settling on the simple truth.

"I can't say."

Because he's certain 'it's a long story' wouldn't work on her and even though this answer is bound to raise more questions, it's just how it is. Bookman might not be here to punish him when he shares sensitive Bookman clan information, but that doesn't mean that he should. If anything, without the old man ever present by his side to correct him when he blabs too much, he would have to learn how to restrain himself even more.

He pats her fur in a silent apology.