( it's fine, Matt's catholic, he doesn't know what to do with compliments anyway. let's just pretend it never happened! )

I can. My father was a boxer, he taught me a few things. ( true, but not at all why Matt can beat the shit out of people. it's just so awkward to bring up secret kung-fu teachers, is all. ) I wouldn't ask if I didn't think I could be of use, I don't want to waste anybody's time.

( if Javert rejects him, well, he'll just find another way to make his rounds. Matt is that way. but he'd much rather do it this way, it makes his life a lot easier. )