Mr. Shiney-Pate COMMISERATES!
Sokel relaxed in his chair, hands folded in front of him, smiling at Otto. Otto wasn't impressed by his bald head. Otto himself had tried to go bald once and failed, but he didn't think it was a big deal.
What was a big deal was that Sokel wanted him to kill somebody. He wanted Otto to kill:
Ethel's alcoholic ex-husband!
Time at the beach, engaging in his favorite hobby!