He isn't lonely, but being immortal has its downfalls. The recurrence of loss, the memories, and the continual need for a new identity before everyone questions why he looks so young. From the start he knew that Richard Ridley didn't feel safe; dying in infancy, and apparently unloved. He has no intention of being Richard. But then Gilbert Hawkins turns up claiming to be from the Special Investigation Department; and he's forced to take on Richard's identity, or be locked up...forever. Gilbert wants to be his friend, stating that he too is immortal but gets lonely and would like to have someone in his life who won't die. They could work together, and it's an easy task, all the department wants is for him to help them find other immortals. Only he must accept Richard's identity, without question.
He is terrified at having his life controlled by others, but cannot rest until he's discovered why Richard's short life upsets him so much. Defying the department's instructions he sets about investigating his history. Uncovering Richard's past proves extremely dangerous, even for an immortal.
