As uneasy as Inara was with strangers coming to look for River, she could find no flaw in the man's presentation and introduction. River seemed to have made a good deal of connections already here, and the story was all the more believable if he was telling the truth about having gone through something similar. She was, however, honestly baffled that the girl would've given her life story to a man she didn't know. Again, River Tam was an unpredictable force, and her eyes saw things that other people didn't.

Inara snaked her arm around Kaylee's shoulder, seeming more comforting than protective. The girl had been through quite a bit, most notably that incident with the bounty hunter, Early, before coming here, and it was understandable that she'd be nervous or even wary.

This Jack Doughter, Fox as he seemed to prefer to be called, seemed genuine, though Inara had to admit that it was difficult to truly pick up any hint of emotion to betray a false motive. The look that he sent Zoe, however...

"I suppose one should not ask a name without being willing to give one in return," she began evenly, still gently holding onto Kaylee. "I'm Inara Serra. We've not run into River yet tonight, though I'd at least be personally willing to accompany you if you'd like to find her."

Inara cast a veiled glance at Zoe, hoping she'd understand her meaning. Genuine though the stranger might be, it would still be best if someone went with him in case he did find River, and his intentions were less than noble.