[i]She’s playing you Joseph[/i], Rhea’s warning stuck in his mind as Elissa told him of their past relationship together, the unknown that preceded his current life was a soft spot for him, and he knew it. Joseph deemed this need to convince him as an attempt at manipulation, particularly when she mentioned his father. He didn’t want to hear it nor talk about it, it felt like too much, and he remained silent.

“You’re welcome” Joseph responded and managed a half smile as Elissa complained about the beer - sure it wasn’t great, but it was better than sea water. Elissa asked if he still had the ring, a very specific one, his heart missed a beat and he felt almost nauseous, he had to refrain from clutching it at his chest, suspended by a golden chain around his neck - it was hidden beneath his shirt. It had been so when they’d pulled him from the water, and he’d figured he’d continue to wear it. “I don’t think I have anything like that” Joseph lied, getting up from the chair - he needed to walk it off.

No maybe he needed to get out of here.

Elissa was creeping too close for comfort, whatever she knew he didn’t know, and he didn’t like that. Before, he could hold some belief that she was an elaborate liar, but there was surely evidence of her truth now? Unless she had glimpsed it at some point? Joseph was searching for a reason to doubt her.

“I need to attend to some duties, please take some rest” he instructed, grabbing only his pistol from the desk he made a swift exit from the room.