[Content warning: Reference to domestic violence]

It may have been a month, maybe two months since Ben had fallen out with Elijah. As far as he was aware, none of the children had talked to him since, and he had strictly forbidden them to do so. Now and then, doubt gnawed at him - that he might be on the wrong side, that he was being too harsh, that he missed Elijah. Especially in prayer or in church, doubt, shame even, would plague him. He tried to be more patient with Simon, although his son didn't seem as conciliatory from his side. 

Autumn was settling in now, and still Ben refused to reconcile with the person he had once thought of as an own child. At times, his mind went back to Elijah's father, with whom Ben had been closer than brothers. Would he have been disappointed with his friend, for how he was treating Elijah? But Ben would tell himself that he too would have disapproved of Elijah's actions - arresting him, breaking into his family sphere, criticizing him, no, scolding him like he was the parent and Ben the child. Pointing out his so-called wrongdoings. Saying that he was cruel to his children. Being disappointed with Ben. The anger returned whenever he would think of it, and what little remorse had grown during prayer and moments of reflection would evaporate. Ben knew he wasn't wrong. He knew he wasn't cruel. He knew Elijah had no right to be disappointed with him. He had done what he could under the circumstances, when Simon had been in need of some tough love. He was only seeking to protect

It was a Saturday afternoon and he was at the upper harbour with Simon and Will, unloading the boat. He was just heaving up a barrel, when he spotted Elijah passing by. He turned back to the boat to pretend not to see him. Will too suddenly seemed very occupied.
"Hi Elijah!" said Simon.
Ben clenched his teeth together.

Things had been noticeably getting to the constable. As the days passed without the Wards around, his already overwhelming loneliness became worse and wore his spirit down. He couldn't press the issue and make opened wounds worse. The man didn't even mean to come into the docks that morning, but he had to ask someone a question in something he was investigating.

Seeing the familiar figures up ahead, he drooped his head seeing the back of Ben already turn. Just before he could begin to pass, one of the voices reached him. He perked up immediately and smiled towards Simon.

"Morning, Simon. How've you been?"

"Been okay. How've you been?" Simon asked.
"Simon. Get back to work!" Ben grunted. He didn't look at Elijah.
William looked from his father, to his brother, to the constable nervously, but then continued working.

"That's good to hear. I've been about the same."

He nearly jumped at the loud and angry voice that came out of the man he had thought of as a father figure for so long. He looked from him to the boys, showing some concern. "Perhaps I shall let you work. You appear busy. You will take good care of yourself, alright?"

Did Simon get high on getting under his father's skin? One would think so.
"Oh, don't mind that," he said carelessly.
But his father put a hand on his shoulder and pushed him in the direction of the boat. "Don't start." And for the first time since 'the incident', Ben looked at and addressed Elijah directly. All warmth that had once been there was absent from his eyes and voice: "You'd better go."

Elijah stared at Ben, it was painful to see him treat him so cold. He frowned and glanced down then back. "Afraid I can't do that. I am here on business after all. I'll leave when I'm good and ready." It was unnecessary but he couldn't let Ben think he controlled him. He wasn't his father, though at moments like this he wondered if it was a good thing. He turned to walk so he could find the man he was searching for, but looked over his shoulder to make sure the boys were alright.

Simon, standing behind his father, looked at the two in disbelief for a second when he heard Elijah's answer. And then a very entertained smirk crossed his face. Will had climbed back into the boat to gather more items and was not looking at anyone. He was working slowly though, as if every other sense was focused on the little scene.
Ben clenched his teeth so tight, he looked as if he was about to break his jaw. He was not used to being contradicted. But rather than say anything, he turned back to work, grunting a reprimand at Simon: "I said get back to work."

Elijah shook his head at Ben's attitude and how he wished it hadn't been like this. He made sure to catch Simon's eye and mouthed clearly 'Stay Safe' to him before he went to finish his business. He knew he'd be back down that path quickly enough if he could find who he was looking for. Perhaps they'd still be there, he didn't know how close they were to setting sale until he came back that way fifteen minutes later.

Simon had given Elijah a curt nod. Not that he would stay safe.

Fifteen minutes later, they were still there, putting new lines, and new barrels in the boat. Once again, Ben and Will pretended not to spot Elijah. Simon, however, looked up. "I hope your business went well!"
Ben instantly cuffed him upside the head. "Stop it."

Elijah was about to reply when he saw the movement. He frowned instantly and shook his head. "Ben! What was said about laying your hands on him? Stop striking him just because you are angry." He looked at Simon. "You're alright?" He was sure he would be, but this was really getting to him.