6A

Why do you think Painter had become more closed off with Safia?

He doesn't seem to understand her connection to the other women.

that seemed really strange on his part. Safia thought it was because she'd caught a glimpse of his dangerous side when he held the knife to her throat but I thought it was more than that - like he was upset that he could have killed her by mistake. This goes back to my thoughts of him being "soft" - he often appears a bit too emotional in situations like this when he should instead be focused on the mission.

>3 bhabeck: I agree and also think that he has watched Omaha and Safia together and realizes that there may be something starting up again with them. I really think Omaha would be willing to die for her. >2 EadieB: I think you are also correct that he doesn't understand this connection she has with them.

I don't think he trusts his own emotions. He had feelings for Cassandra before he knew she was a traitor, and this realisation is messing with his head.

I think he cares for Safia but knows they couldn't have a happy future together.

>5 Sergeirocks: I agree he is in turmoil with what happened to his relationship with Cassandra, but also agree >6 Olivermagnus: that he doesn't see a future for them together. Also I agre with you >4 Carol420: he is struggling to see how close Omaha and Safia are and is trying to minimise his hurt by cutting himself off from this situation before she does. I think it is a complex situation and a mixture of all these reasons.