[ a tick of his mouth, amusement or mild irritation it's hard to tell. it's been a long night, that much is for sure, and it's clear enough to see that John's preoccupation has had its knock-on effect on Prior too: he's not quite sure how long ago somebody slipped in to let him know that someone was here for him, but it was definitely a while. long enough to find the bar, for certain.

so as weary as John might be, it's not a feeling he's unused to. and it's also not one he's going to let bleed into this interaction if he can help it. ]

No fear of that. Unless you're looking to pay for it, which as I remember you're not. Free to come and go as you please. [ a moment of silence, watching him - then, because he may just as well ask early: ] Are you in for anything I ought to keep you for? If I were a self-satisfied American golfer with a nice office and free trim booked for the weekend.