The turn of phrase strikes him as particularly odd, notable–The idea that he's in the dark implies willful subterfuge, that he's been left in that dark on purpose. Not that this is altogether surprising when it's S.H.I.E.L.D. they're talking about, with all of its secrets locked neatly away until someone like Stark or Cap shakes them loose. Once, he'd been satisfied to stay ignorant, far too many of his own problems plaguing his mind without piling S.H.I.E.L.D.'s dubious ethical practices on top of it all. Now, though, the box has been opened–There's no putting any of the demons back inside.

"I think I can pretty firmly say that I'm certain," he replies, and twists his hands against one another as he waits for whatever she has to say.