Rapunzel
He wakes up with a deep hunger.
He's a light sleeper. He was trained to be always on guard. Survival of the fittest. Always do the right things. Of course his first marriage failed. There was no love involved. He had, and still has, too many goals to achieve.
He will never forget the day he woke up in a military hospital in Germany. He was shot and lost a lot of blood. He survived. The others weren't that lucky. He can't say he didn't have survivor's guilt. He constantly felt the urge. To become somebody. To do something. That's why he built this company. That's why he took his job seriously. A part of him wanted to reestablish the order. A part of him wanted to laugh in the face of the hypocrites. A part of him wanted to be wild and be free.
He has a daughter. She's his responsibility. He has exceeded his family expectation. Yet he still feels this longing.
He has to protect Stephanie. She's now more vulnerable than ever. She has been forced off the trail of breadcrumbs. There are wolves hidden in the shadows. She made her choice and he respected that. They both knew he could live without her. But things have changed. He has to take hold of her hands and lead the way.
To where?
He heads to the shower. Water washes away his fatigue. He recalls the look on her mother's face. Reluctance and relief. Now that Joe Morelli is officially out of the picture. And the way Stephanie blushed and smiled at him. Too young. Too innocent. Too naïve. That's what permanent memory loss will do to you.
He dries himself and gets dressed. He will have to think of a way. To help her restore her life. To keep her safe. And out of harm's way. She will always feels guilty about her father death. Even if her mother and sister have forgiven her.
At least she won't feel guilty about Morelli.
The door locks automatically behind him. The day hasn't dawned yet. His morning has begun. A promise is a promise.
He's a man of his words.