[The subtle unnerved response is just what Bill had hoped to see. With every increased bit of worry he manages to draw forth he feels himself grow more smug.]

"Your 'LOYALTY to your FRIENDS' isn't what's being QUESTIONED here, but say we GO with that ANGLE. You wouldn't need to PROTECT them at ALL if you TAKE OUT THE THREAT before it HARMS ANYONE. Ever heard of TACTICALLY THINKING ahead?"

[Although... hearing this one has allies strong enough to not worry about potential threats is useful knowledge too.]

"Must be pretty CONFIDENT in those ABILITIES of theirs..."