Does he really want to see Death's Shadow again? Really? The guy is a bastard and delights in it. In the possibility of murder - not violence. He will cause violence in the hope of murder. And it is murder not killing someone.

The rat is fine, they've seen worse, and goes off to get the drink replacements.

Shortly after Alec does reappear. Literally. He's wearing a different t-shirt. "Oh. There you are. Good. I didn't flub up my timing that bad." And a pause. "What's wrong? You don't look so good."