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."