Ben had been about to stand back and leave when Jasper put in her request for equipment and he decided he might want to see this after all.
Esras's approach initially gave Ben a flash of annoyance. Damn it, he wanted to stay. And he didn't want Madison to see that he was weakened by the exertion of their "conversation". But as soon as he felt the anger flash through him it was gone again, and Ben knew that Esras was right. Besides, staying behind would've given Madison another sense of importance. This way he was letting the bastard know that Ben didn't give a damn what happened to him. He let Esras lead him out of the room without complaint.
Once the doors closed behind them, he was glad of the other man's support since his legs seemed to sag slightly and he became far too aware of just what he'd done to himself. He groaned with discomfort and shook his head, trying to force the aches back to the back of his mind again. He nodded when Esras mentioned going back to Delora. After all, that was where he really wanted to be. He wanted to get back to her before she woke up.
"Jasper? Why? Aren't we all on the same side?" he asked with very slight effort.