Ryan glared at Eric.

"What the hell is wring with you man? One minute you proclaim Natalia to be the office whore to the feds and the next you're all lovey – dovey?? I swear, if you just once would think with your brain instead of with some other body part, you'd see what a bad idea this is. She snitched on all of us, now you tell me how we can ever trust her again? I'm sure not going to cut her any slack!"

Eric had become increasingly angry during Ryan's rant.

"First of all, I've never called Natalia anything like that!"

Ryan smirked and rolled his eyes at Eric.

"Yeah, well, guess what, everyone more or less knows what you said. The feds are not exactly known for their delicacy and discretion, you know!"

Eric had the good taste to blush. Damn, he wished he hadn't said that. He was going to talk to H to make that particular part of his statement disappear.

"Well, I didn't mean it. And I don't think with any other body part than my brain! I know you're angry, but don't take it out on me! You know very well that Cooper was the one to blabber on about you eye problem, and for the rest of it, if H is content this way, I'm going to trust him!"

Eric was thisclose to tell Ryan what Natalia had said about the evidence in her case, but stopped himself at the last second. He had promised, after all.

Eric sat down. He had this feeling of complete exhaustion overcome him. Ryan must have noticed because he looked contrite and said:

"Hay pal, I'm sorry. I'm a total ass for yelling at you, ok? I'm so sorry. Do you want me to get you some water? You don't look too well all of a sudden."

"Nah, that's ok. I'll go for a walk and clear my head. Can you process the rest of the evidence on your own?"

"Yeah, sure, don't worry!"

Eric got up and as he reached the door he turned around.

"Hey Ry? Can you do me a favor?"

When Ryan nodded he continued:

"Don't be to harsh on Nat, ok? I know you're angry and feel betrayed and all, but just try to give her a second chance ok? When I come back from my trip, we'll talk some more, ok, man? But right now, can you just promise me to give it a try?"

Ryan was dumbfounded. What the hell? Something was going on. He could feel all his cop alarms going off and his spine tingle. He was sure Eric was hiding something from him, but the poor guy looked so tired, Ryan decided to let it go for the moment.

"Ok, man, I'll try. I'm not promising 100 , but I'll try." Secretly he was thinking he wasn't going to let Natalia off the hook all that easily, but for now, all Eric needed was some reassurance. Ryan had already figured out that H and Eric were going to Brazil to hunt down Marisol's killer. He'd been present when their express – super rushed passports had been specially delivered. But he was smart enough to keep him mouth shut.

Eric suddenly smiled at him.

"Take good care of the girls, ok? And we'll be back as soon as possible."

And before Ryan could even think of a smart come back, he was gone.