[he sits back, dazed and digesting the information. if it was someone else it would be easier for denial to kick in but martin- no, out of anyone he knew martin couldn't throw this sort of thing around. after a long minute he blinks as if to start up again, reaching to pull off his glasses and rub his face.]

Martin... if I had done what you said would it have saved her? [he asks quietly before swallowing and continuing stronger.] No, no I... I asked. You have nothing to be sorry for.