Jackie wasn't surprised to find Brian outside her door later that evening.
"I heard about Michael, may I come in?" he asked.
Jackie shrugged and walked away, leaving the door open behind her.
"I didn't come for a repeat of earlier, Jackie, I just came to see how you were doing," he explained as he watched Jackie silently take a seat. "I thought you might need a friend," he added as he took a seat near her.
"I can't do this," she said finally, looking up at him. "Us," she clarified, "I can't marry you when I...when I'm..." she struggled to find the words.
"When you've been in love with Michael all the time," Brian supplied for her, "don't look so surprised Jackie, I'm not stupid. He's always been the most important person in your life," he added.
"I'm sorry, I've been so unfair to you..." she trailed off as Brian shook his head.
"Forget it Jackie, I'm just glad this all came out before we were married," he told her, regarding her with sad eyes.
Jackie bit her lip, "I can't believe he's gone, Brian, and now I can never tell him."
At the sight of the tears in her eyes any bitterness that Brian may have been nursing dissolved, "I know, Jackie, I'm sorry," he told her gently, taking her hand.
"Burke seems to think he killed himself, even Robbie thinks so," she shook her head, "but I know he wouldn't have done that Brian, I just know it."
Brian regarded her, seeing the conviction in her eyes he nodded, "I believe you Jackie, but how are we going to prove it?"
"We?" she asked softly, looking up at him through her tears.
"Even if you don't love me, Jackie, I still love you," he squeezed her hand, "I'll help you," he promised.
"You're a good man, Brian," she said finally, not knowing what else to say.
Brian gave a self-deprecating snort, "Aye, well, so was Michael."
Jackie nodded, her eyes taking on a faraway look, "Yes he was," she agreed.
Brian covered her hand with his, "We'll find whoever did this Jackie, I promise."
She gave him a sad smile, "Thank you."