“I’m not comparing. Just stating a fact. Here’s another: I don’t need your fucking pity.” He sits back upright, crossing his arms and making like he was gazing out at the sea (but really he is just avoiding making eye contact with James’ sympathetic expression. Gross.)

…Hang on, though, wasn’t that last question weird? Why would someone would ask where Topaz was? Was this guy an idiot?

“Topaz is the region. Have you never read a book?” He snorts a derisive chuckle. “You’re right about one thing, at least: you can’t keep the old man down for long, even if you try.”