- Goren, you have to tell me why you left like that, overnight!
Goren listened to Carver, but glanced at Eames, who had not let go of his hand and was looking at him, urging him to speak.
How could he tell the real reason in front of Eames?
Yes, he had come back to tell her how he felt, by the persuasion of his niece, but he had also left New York to escape from her and hide deep inside what he felt.
How could he say that without risking hurting her, or worse, being rejected!
Goren nodded, and Eames, pained by his stubbornness in keeping silent, withdrew his hand.
Did he not trust her?
Was that why he had left?
Because he didn't trust her?
She felt deeply hurt, and looked away.
Goren would have liked to catch that hand, that look that turned away from him.
But how could he say what was in his heart.
As always, he had hurt her again, so would that never change?
Carver sensed the unease that was building between Goren and Eames.
- Eames, can you please come out?
Eames looked at Goren and Carver in turn.
What did that mean?
Was she too much?
Then why had she called him, if that meant she had to leave and not stay?
She was deeply hurt.
She stood up, not looking at either man in the room, and walked out.
She needed to get a cup of coffee.
Maybe that would help calm her nerves.
Eames had just left, and Carver turned his attention back to Goren.
- Now that Eames is out, are you going to tell me why you left New York?
Goren shook his head in denial.
He couldn't, shouldn't tell her.
It was too personal, too intimate.
Even if Carver was a loyal friend, he couldn't tell him!
- Is it because of Eames?
Goren flinched at his words, fidgeting in his seat, which Carver did not fail to notice.
He had touched a nerve!
Goren had left New York because of Eames!
But why?
- You left because of Eames! Why did you leave? Carver looked Goren straight in the eye, which made him uncomfortable. You got along well... right?
-Too well...
Damn!
Goren realized that he had spoken his words aloud.
And the way Carver looked at him.
He had just said his words and there was no turning back.
Carver could see Goren staring at his reddened fingers and not daring to look at him again.
But he had heard the words he had said.
- Does Eames know that you have feelings for her?
Goren blushed violently at his words, turning his attention to the door that Eames had just closed.
Carver had guessed right, and only with two words!
How was that possible?
- Listen Bobby...Goren turned his attention to Carver who had just removed his glasses and was scratching his eyes. I've known you for many years and I've noticed what even you haven't noticed about each other! So Carver knew about his feelings? Carver smiled. Deakins knew it too, that's why he refused to separate you! And besides, she was always the only one who could calm you down and do what she wanted with you. He put his glasses back on, his elbows on the table, he put his head in his palm. It was not difficult to understand! Especially that look you gave her!
Goren grabbed Carver's hand.
Carver gasped.
He knew that Goren was very expressive.
- You won't tell her anything! Promise me that!
Carver nodded.
Of course he wouldn't say anything!
It wasn't his place to do so!
- Let's get back to your accusation, shall we?
Benson, who was behind the glass with Rollins, heard the discussion between Carver and Goren.
She had heard Goren's confession, about his feelings for Eames, and that this was why he had left New York.
All because he loved his partner!
Everything became clearer in his mind.
The sadness and longing that Eames felt when she had told him about her ex-partner.
Could it be that it was mutual between them.
She had seen Eames leave the interrogation room, red with anger.
It had hurt her deeply that Goren did not want to confide in her.
But she understood why now.
But Eames had no idea that her ex-partner had loved her for many years and in silence.
But then...
This accusation of rape, from Nicole Wallace, wouldn't it just be revenge, as Rollins had told her a few minutes ago.
Rollins had asked around and she had found out some not-so-pretty things about this Nicole Wallace and her stubbornness in harassing and harming Goren, killing her own brother.
But still, if he had really done that, it was a crime and no woman deserved that, even the worst woman.
- I know you're starting to doubt Olivia! And you should! Rollins walked to the door and before leaving turned around. I'm going to see Eames and try to calm her down!
When Rollins was out of the room, Benson turned her attention back to the window, where Carver and Goren were having a great discussion.
She had to admit, she didn't know anymore.
And her judgment was starting to go awry.