Havelock is not under any misapprehensions here - he is very sure that if Puck decided so, he would be out of his hold in an instant. The fact that he isn't is therefore a circumstance to be closely examined.

Very closely, apparently; as despite the pointlessness of holding onto Puck, he does not step back or let go. They stay pressed against one another for a few heartbeats while Havelock examines him, cool and focused.

"Maybe not," he allows eventually. "May I ask why?"

There is always some angle.

Havelock is usually much better at figuring out what it is.