[Buddy... buddy, you have no idea.

There's a quiet, noncommittal "hmm" from Messer's side of the homemade range, and he fires at another pair of the cans before he responds.]

It's been my duty to protect her for two years. I would be unworthy of my position if I didn't make sure that she's safe here as well, and that means knowing those she shares her time with.

[And if - hah, if - she means any more to him than that, well... that's not for a stranger to know.]