Honor

Eli wasn't so sure himself why Tal had suddenly taken off, but he gave Ryan a reassuring smile anyway. "Yeah, I'm sure he's fine. He's been sitting here almost as long as I have, and stayed til you woke up before I sent him for coffee. He's probably just going stir crazy."

It would take Eli a while to talk to the right doctors, but he was determined to get his sister home today, and after a few hours, he finally succeeded in having her released. By now, most of the day was gone and he was exhausted, but he wouldn't even think about sleep. He got Ryan settled on the couch and did his best to get whatever she needed before eventually making a light supper of chicken soup. 

Stirring the soup once more, Eli took his phone out of his pocket to text Scarlet.

Home. Ryan is doing ok. Is gonna need help working thru some emotional issues. Long story. But we're good for now. Can't wait til you're home.

After sending the message, he turned off the stove and took supper into the living room. It wasn't until he'd given Ryan a bowl that he fianlly brought up the subject once more of getting help. 

"So...you'd really be okay if I found someone you could talk to?" He eased down next to her on the couch. "About...the whole Alec thing, I mean. 'Cause I know a guy who's pretty good at helping figure stuff out..." He didn't want to pressure her, and this was awkward enough the way it was, but he didn't want to wait too long.


Garret closed his eyes for a moment, wishing he had the right words to say. Wishing he could convince Victoria of the things he felt could work for them. But he'd given her all he could. He knew it was a big decision, and he'd thrown it at her all at once, but they simply didn't have time to think through every detail. 

"Please just..." He was cut off as the door opened, and he turned quickly, automatically putting himself between Nate and Victoria in a protective stance. No...no, he didn't have his answer yet. Their time couldn't be up yet. He didn't know what Victoria was going to do. He couldn't walk away until he knew! Desperation flickered in his eyes as he looked back and forth between Nate and Victoria. He'd given Nate his word - and if he didn't keep it now, he'd be doomed for sure. 

His shoulders dropped, and he gave Victoria one last glance. His quiet words to her were not spoken in English, but in Russian, knowing full well that Nate would not understand him, but she would. "Think quickly. I can't change paths now. The future is in your hands." 

Swallowing the lump in his throat, he turned back to Nate and nodded, even though every fiber in his being wanted to stay. He knew now that he'd be questioned again. That Nate would be searching for better answers as to what was going on, and Garret had given him his word. And right now, all he had in his defense was his honor. He had to keep his promise. "Okay," he relented.