[There is a considering beat. Or at least an intervening one taken up by a pull of smoke and the rearrangement of which leg he has thrown farthest out in front of him.]

Not the relationship. The pair of you hold it too quietly. But I'm afraid from that point, the inconsistencies begin. I see only three options. That he is either more dull or more honorable than he lets on, that you are rather less strictly professional than you'd have people believe, or that--

[A pause. It lengthens, as the thought which has only just occurred to him is turned slowly over.]