[ he hates to admit it, but his face falls when ST begs his help, ultimately giving him away before he can make another excuse. ]

If you were counting on my reputation, mate, you'll be sorely disappointed, I'm afraid. This is the one thing I can do, for now. There's no telling when it'll be taken from me as well.

[ he appears to one side of alec, then the other and then right in front of him with a shrug, joint traded for a lit hand-rolled cigarette that he now takes a long drag from. ]

Wish I could help, really I do. [ are you convinced?? ]