Joe noticed the girl's downcast eyes and the feelings that bubbled inside him both hurt and angered him, like some inedible soup.

Shades of Rose again, and their conversation about how they were no longer kids. Was he growing up? Maybe, but deep down inside there was still a young Joe, the same one who played games with Rose, the same one who cared deeply about others. That Joe was sad that someone else was in pain. Adult Joe was annoyed that his work to help her tonight had been for naught. Annoyance had turned to anger at this cocky bastard Robert and the way he treated her.

No, she wasn't a girl, she was a woman, he corrected his thought. She had no cause to be ashamed. A bloody remarkable woman, frankly.

"You're no bother, Miss. A pleasant evening to you." He raised his cap to her, while dismissing the existence her brother.