He didn't want to accept this. He didn't want to follow along the path he was given and admit that there was no other way out. He had been free.

But there was no alternative.

He did not acknowledge the hand, but he did speak. < It seems I have no choice, > he allowed grudgingly.

It was not a "we", he would not group himself into a "we" with this stranger. Perhaps she could be useful to him, but if he found an opening he would take it without hesitation or concern for this other.