Hello to you too. [ smart-alecky, then down to business: ] Most of 'em are okay. Carlos, Clementine, Wade, 'n Travis are the only ones I know, but I can vouch for them all. Whatever my word's worth.

[ a beat ] Wade's the kinda dude who could kick your ass without blinkin', but he's a good guy. Wouldn't ever hurt a little girl. Clem's as dependable as they come. An' I'll do whatever I can to watch Ellie's back.

[ jesse can infer why joel is calling and what he probably wants to hear, yes. ]