Shay responded to the offered hand in a firm and courteous manner. The Irishman sat, mulling over the definitive words. [I]On a soldier's honor.[/I] A curious sentiment. While it was true veterans had an unspoken, tight-knit agreement, it was a tricky thing to reconcile honour with the actions they were undertaking as gang members. It wasn't that Shay felt guilty for his criminal leanings, hardly the case, but a soldier was sworn to uphold His Majesty and the United Kingdom's interests with selfless integrity, not subvert their laws for personal benefit. It wasn't a soldier's honour that drove Shay; it was making amends for his father leaving his own family in a time of need, and leaving for a place where people would accept him for who he was. His English name and family ostracized him in Ireland, and his Irish birth and accent demonized him in England. He suspected there weren't many places in the world that would take him as is without reservation.

Finishing his drink in a steady gulp, Shay set his cup down and slid it to the edge of the table so the staff could get at it easier. When Vera mentioned her opinion on the highborn society, Shay couldn't help but smile affectionately. "I suspect, miss Vera, there shan't be an issue in that regard. I am a humble man of common origins, so perhaps it will be a joy to play make belief for an evening."

When Vera mentioned to Sam that Shay would tell him if anything happened to her, she rose from the table as well, looking Sam in the eye. "And it won't come to that. You have my word."

Slipping on his peacod and buttoning it up, Shay walked with Vera towards the doors. "Driving, miss Vera. I was given custody of the car until our business is concluded. Hard to convince people we're made of money when we're walking everywhere, aye?" he said, stepping ahead to hold the door for his charge. When she cleared the threshold, there was no need to mention where he'd parked; it had only been a matter of minutes, time for a drink and a quick chat. Once again grabbing the car door for Vera, Shay cranked the car's engine and climbed in the cabin, not needing to adjust anything on account of him having been the last driver. Putting the car into gear, Shay pulled out into the streets, of which the traffic was mercifully light. "Begging your pardon if you had other intentions," Shay said, "But I figure it would be best if we took care of our purchases first before heading back to my flat to retire for the evening. We can also stop by the market and pick out some things for meals, if it pleases you."