"Thank you." He does appreciate that.

"No, not really." César shrugs a bit. "You understandably need proof. ... and understandably, can't get most of it until after you decide to risk moving forward."

He does feel for the man, though, quite clearly. "I wish I had an easy solution for you, Mr. Smith."

César feels so much younger using the man's last name after insisting on his first name being used. It's not a bad feeling. Just a curious one.