You said he respects you. He knows you. Right now, you’re probably the only person in the Carnival he can probably be sure isn’t going to hurt him. Maybe he doesn’t see you as an enemy, either.

[ You know ... because he’s also the least threat to him right now, logically. Lambert will tactfully refrain from saying that. He won’t tactfully refrain from saying— ]

I’m not asking you to seduce the guy, and if I even get a hint he’s using you to get to the Miracles or the Carnival, I’m kicking your ass. But it’s something different. So it’s worth a try.

[ Strange can’t make things worse. Oh god, Strange is absolutely going to make this worse. ]