[ There are a few ways to append to that sentence starter, and Loxley muses over a few before settling; ]

Only trying to help, [ rather than being overly coy. He speaks a little with his hands as they go, making the effort to explain. ] The man keeps his homestead about as locked down as a prison, and I'd offered only to open a door for her to make an escape through. A quiet exit in the early morning hours didn't go as smoothly as we'd both hoped, and so.

She is fine, and rest assured, Poole's locks are still in working order. His windows intact. His dignity, perhaps, a little bruised.