Warning

Garret didn't reply to Nate immediately, still trying to calm himself down. Never had he felt so out of control so many times in such a short period of time. At least not in many years. He finally stood up straight and folded his arms before he shook his head. "I don't know. Yeah...yeah, I'm fine." Physically all he had was a scrape on his arm from when he'd taken Susanne down. Mentally though...he was not alright.

He glanced to where Katie was making Victoria get back into the vehicle. He understood why they might be upset - Susanne could have been hit if Victoria had missed. Granted, Garret knew she was too good of a shot for that, but the others didn't know that. And Garret himself was not happy Aaron had been hurt. But even so, he didn't like the way they were manhandling her.

He finally looked to Nate. "I know I've already asked too much, but please make sure Aaron is taken care of. I know he's your enemy but..." He sighed. "He and I have been through a lot. I don't want him to suffer because of the choices I've made." 

He then started for the SUV door, but stopped and glanced back over his shoulder. His tone was colder this time. "And I won't tolerate cuffs again. Whoever tries has been warned." He meant it, too. He'd done all he could not to really hurt anyone, but he would not continually be treated as a prisoner when all he was trying to do was help.

Letting himself back inside the vehicle, he didn't wait for anyone else. Even now, he could easily drive away and take Victoria with him - but he didn't. 

Easing in next to her, he eyed the cuffs and felt his irritation burning hotter. Nor caring anymore about Elite protocol, he reached into the front seat and fished for just a moment before finding a paperclip. After that, he'd picked the handcuff locks within seconds to free Victoria's wrists, and tossed the cuffs up onto the dashboard. 

Still having not said anything, he simply took her hand and brought it up to his lips to kiss. He was upset with what she had done. He'd had it handled, and by drawing a gun, she'd caused even more distrust, and now Aaron was hurt as well. Yet at the same time, he couldn't blame her, and refrained from chewing her out. This was a different world...and he'd dragged her into it - and that was his fault, not hers. 

"Thanks for the warning," he mused. "I hope Aaron can walk again...but I'm glad the woman is safe. This whole thing is my fault."


Back outside, another vehicle joined them, and Rick emerged to see to Aaron - first sedating him, then tending to his wound enough to have him moved safely at least. 

Pete was still with Susanne, but waved Katie over for assistance. Susanne looked up as she approached, the fear still in her eyes. The sunlight showed her black and blue face, and scrapes from fighting back with Aaron. She had no serious injuries, but emotionally she was struggling to hold it together. "Has...has Chuck... I mean, does he know? I need to tell him I'm okay." She tried to stand, but cringed as she out weight in her ankle, and sank back down before looking up at Katie. "Guess I twisted my ankle..." 


Deep down, Eric knew Stacy was right. He knew he had support here - more than most people had. Yet the weight of responsibility was still his to bear...and right now, it felt awfully heavy.

"Thank you... I'm glad you're here." If she wasn't, he didn't know what he'd do. "Everyone knows, right?" That was the worst part...that everyone else had heard before even he did. And it still might not even be true. "And...Ash? Does she know what's going on?"