Nico had been sitting on Dr. Santino's couch for three minutes without saying a word. The truth was he had no idea where to start. Or how much to say. Nico's morality may have been a bit more flexible than that of the average man, but he did have his own code to which he adhered. Simply put he tried to return good for good and bad for bad. Dr. Santino had done a lot of good. It was this fact that made him think that this was the best and worst place for him to go to for help right now. He had already chosen Juliette's welfare over her father's wishes. Now he needed to make another decision.
If Pittman found out Nico had disobeyed him then Nico would lose his job. He had reconciled himself to that. What he couldn't make up his mind about was if he should involve Dr. Santino. Nico didn't want the wraith of Pittman to extend to his favorite Hawk's asset, but he didn't feel comfortable trusting Juliette's recovery to anyone else. So what was the right move here?
"Nico?" Nico's focused snapped back to the present and on to the attractive therapist sitting across from him. Her eyebrows were knit together in concern. It almost made him smile. It may have been irrational in the midst of so much potential disaster but her look of worry made him feel…good. Not that he enjoyed causing her stress, but it was a novel occurrence, someone being concerned over his well-being.
"Dr. Santino, I have situation which I am not sure how best to handle."
"Is it something I can help you with?"
"Yes. But I am concerned about what the consequences might be for you if you do."
"I don't understand."
"Do you remember when I asked you about how best to help my friend?"
"Of course. You said she had problems with drinking and men."
"Right. I arranged for her to enter a rehab program. She gets out today. I'm worried about her relapsing."
"There are no guarantees, but the best defense against relapse is a support group of some kind. I could make a few phone calls-"
"I want you to take her on as a patient."
"Before I give you an answer, I want to know what you meant by 'consequences'."
"Fair enough. My friend's name is Juliette Pittman."
"Juliette Pittman? As in-"
"As in daughter of our illustrious boss, Marshal Pittman."
"OK, so what, you're worried Pittman will fire me if I don't 'fix' his daughter fast enough?"
"No, I'm worried he'll fire you for treating her against his wishes."
"He doesn't want me as her therapist?"
"He doesn't want anyone as her therapist. He thinks therapy is for lesser mortals, not Pittmans."
"Ah. And you would disagree?"
"I think problems don't fix themselves."
"So what about you?"
"What about me?"
"You said Pittman might fire me for helping Juliette. Wouldn't you get in trouble too?"
"It's a risk I'm prepared to take. You don't have to do the same. I could find someone else. It might even lessen the risk of exposure to use someone not associated with the team."
"So why come to me at all?"
"Because you are better at fixing people than anyone I've ever met."
"This is important to you, isn't it?"
"Yes."
"Okay. When can expect her?"
"You'll do it?"
"When have I ever said no to you?"
"Plenty of times actually."
"And how often have you taken no for an answer?"
"But that was all related to your job. This is NOT your job. In fact, it could cost you your job."
"Nico, take yes for answer."
"I'm just concerned you haven't fully considered the potential impact of your-"
"Nico, I've considered it. What I've also considered is that you've asked for my help. Anytime I've needed yours, I've always gotten it. That PI Ray had following me, the loan sharks who came to my house, and Ray Jay and Lindsey, when they were caught selling TKs memorabilia."
"I was just doing my job."
"That may be, but it meant something to me."
"Dr. Santino, you don't owe me anything-"
"It's not about repaying a debt, Nico. I'm not looking for you to return my marker or something."
"I don't understand."
"I'm saying I'm your friend, Nico and as your friend I will do this for you. And don't worry, I don't require reciprocity Mr. 'I was just doing my job,'"
"I didn't mean-"
"Just tell me when to expect Miss Pittman."
"When are you free tomorrow?"
"Wow, we're scheduling an actual appointment? Pinch me, I must be dreaming. Does 11am work for you?"
"I'll make sure she's here."
"Good."
"And Dr. Santino?"
"Yes?"
"Thank you."