[They sound like the Templars, he thinks. They brought Hornigold on as Nassau fell and his ideals turned to ash, and despite all the good works they claimed, they had an ulterior motive behind all of it and no compunctions toward less than savory actions to achieve their goals. Edward says nothing for a long moment, then lets out a breath.]

Aye. Who would even remember you in the Order? [It's an extreme action to take, especially since just now he had to be convinced to put Caroline's record back for fear of forgetting her, but desperate people will do anything to get out of their situation, and it sounds like the Black Order preys on desperate people. Doesn't that sound like a familiar tune.]

It doesn't seem entirely foolproof, though, if you've found that loophole somehow. Otherwise you wouldn't know what my taking Caroline's book would do to her memory. [He lets out a breath. He'll figure out what it means, that somehow that loophole was found anyway, despite what he imagines were the best efforts of the first one to find it.] Take her. Please. I don't...I can't forget her. Or our girl. [He has a daughter, they have a daughter.] But I can't let go of her either.

[He can't trust himself not to turn around again and walk out the door, books in his bag anyway, ready to roll the dice that he'll keep the memories somehow. He's missed her so much.]