The argument hadn't lasted long. It was very much along the lines of the previous argument, now with added outrage that Jeff was allowing Alan to marry but not Scott. It wasn't going anywhere further, and Jeff left before he did something he regretted – again.
But it didn't stop him feeling guilty.
Jeff paced around his study. Some of the points Scott had made were valid. Kaya already knew about International Rescue – after all, that was how the two had met, she'd saved his life, and they would forever be grateful to her. And, yes, Lady Penelope had thoroughly vetted her and passed her as clear.
But inviting an outsider…even one in such a position, it was a risk he just didn't feel was justified. He only met the girl once, despite everything. Scott's brothers had all met her multiple times, even his mother had – he'd endured an hour lecture on how wonderful the girl was and what a beautiful couple they made – but he had not been able to free up enough time to take a trip off the island to meet up with Kaya properly. Something he was beginning to realise was totally unfair on his son.
Even as he thought this he began to berate himself. Being too busy was just an excuse. Why he couldn't just tell his eldest son the truth, to admit to a weakness?
He didn't want to lose his boys. Any of them.
Even though he knew that he'd offered Scott the choice of leaving, Jeff had gambled that he would stay, would not be able to allow his brothers to be out there without him.
And didn't that just make Jeff the worst father in the world? Manipulating his son using his close bond with his brothers?
Jeff groaned and buried his head in his hands. What on earth was he doing? Had he even thought about how Scott would react to Alan's announcement? When Alan had asked Jeff hadn't even considered his other sons at all, he was just pleased that the pair were going to make their relationship official. If anything, Scott was being the mature one here. He didn't scream or shout in front of his brothers, and from Jeff could ascertain, he hadn't mentioned the incident in the storeroom to anyone, not even Virgil.
The chime of an incoming call distracted him, and before Jeff was even aware of it happening, he had shifted from Father to Businessman as TI claimed him once again, pushing all other thoughts aside. It took up all his thought processes, until the flashing light on his desk told him that a rescue was needed. He made his excuses and put his Commander head on and made his way to his desk in the lounge.
Scott thought he had done well. He hadn't decked his father. He hadn't yelled at Alan. He wanted to. He so, so wanted to. But it wasn't Alan's fault. Scott hadn't told any of his brothers about the conversation in the storeroom, even though he still felt Virgil's questioning eyes on him from time to time. The only one he had told had been Kaya.
Truth be told, Scott was still processing the whole scenario. When he had fled the island he had gone straight to Kaya. They had talked for hours, there had been tears from both of them. Then he had kissed her, given her the ring he had bought for her, and had left.
He hadn't spoken to her since. Scott didn't know how to; he just knew that if he heard he voice he probably wouldn't be able to stop himself leaving. She had been so understanding that it hurt. Every day Scott felt like there was a fist clenched around his heart, every hour that passed was more painful than the last. He'd been listless and depressed before, but this was like nothing he had previously experienced. He'd tried to put on a good face for his brothers, but this announcement had blown everything up again.
His father had tried to justify allowing Alan and Tin-Tin to marry. It wasn't as if it was the same as Scott bringing Kaya to the island. Tin-Tin already lived here, was already privy to the deepest secrets of International Rescue. It wasn't the same scenario at all. And damn if Scott just didn't know how to get through to his father. The man's arguments were…difficult.
Scott was pleased when his dad threw his hands in the air and stormed out. Not because he enjoyed upsetting his dad, he just needed some time on his own. Scott lay back on his bed and stared at the ceiling. What was he going to do? He really needed to find Alan and apologise, but he knew his youngest brother's temper would take a long time to dissipate, especially with Tin-Tin and Grandma off the island, and if Scott went in too early he would only be asking for trouble.
So Scott lay there, searching his heart for the best course of action, until the klaxon sounded and he rushed out of his room.