The Writing on the Wall

Ryan POV

I'm slightly less on edge than I was a few minutes ago considering we're back inside the hotel and away from the girls. And by slightly I mean not at all. It took a while after Luke took his time dragging his feet, sulking like a child. I don't know what his deal is but he's acting out of character. I've got to see what information I can get out of him and then call T. This is getting ridiculous and dangerous.

I can't wrap my head around his actions and the lack of empathy he's showing. I can barely contain my frustration when I snarl as I question him. "What the fuck Luke?! What is wrong with you? Why would you do that?"

Luke looks between Reynolds and me, his face forlorn. "I never meant to hurt her. I just wanted to get her alone and away from that guy so I could talk to her and have a chance. I'm sorry. I can't say any more that will even matter." He says, then continues, with a sigh, "See you back at the room." And with that, he walks away and we watch him step into the elevator.

I look at Reynolds when he clears his throat, "My God he's losing it. PTSD maybe? I don't understand the nonchalant way he's reacting to what happened. It's like he doesn't care how she reacts. Something's got to be done. We can't let this happen again. I wish we knew what was in her records, it would make handling this a lot easier. However, at least she has Kate and Ana. You can tell from their reaction that they don't play around where Rhiann is concerned." The concern is clear in his voice, mimicking my own.

I agree with him completely but I have no idea how we're going to fix this. We need Taylor to help figure out what to do from here. It would sure be nice if Welch could provide more information on Rhiann. It's frustrating and perplexing why we can't find anything. Why it's locked up and seems like she doesn't exist.

I sigh, "You're right, Kate and Ana are definitely good protectors of her, especially in this situation. Although I highly doubt she's ever been in anything this intense. Go on up to the room and keep an eye on him. I'll call T and let him know what's going on. Maybe we can get him to fly here or have Luke fly home. Either way, it'll still take some time to have anything happen to remove Luke from the equation. Hopefully, this can be fixed without anyone getting hurt or in any more trouble than they have already."

Reynolds nods in agreement and walks away, heading toward the elevator where Luke disappeared only a few moments ago. I have no idea how T is going to react to this news. I take a deep breath to clear my head and as I'm letting it out I dial T's number.

Taylor POV

My phone rings I see caller ID and sigh. "Fuck." I mutter to myself.

T: "Ryan, what's the status? And before you say anything, I've had a lovely call from Elliot already. Please tell me things are better than what he said?" I ask, irritated about the whole situation already. "It's my understanding that Rhiann was traumatized or something? Elliot still won't give any information, but just from my expertise and history of profiling, I'm pretty sure something big happened to cause her to break. What the fuck is Luke doing? Does he have any idea what could happen?"

I know it's a question no one can really answer, I don't even think Luke can answer it himself. This has turned into a shit show and it's going downhill fast. Grey doesn't know anything yet, but we're going to have to have a sit down soon.

I hear Ryan take a deep breath and release a huge sigh, like he's preparing to drop a bomb. It gives me a chill and the hairs on the back of my neck stand up with trepidation. Fuck, am I going to want to hear this?

He exhales the words like he won't be able to unless there's force behind them pushing them out of his mouth.

Ry: "T, I think Luke is losing it or something. He's totally gone off the deep end and can't see anything other than Rhiann."

I'm silent for a moment, indicating for him to continue.

Ry: "Here's the breakdown of how it's been since yesterday. The first time we interacted with them, they were drinking and not paying attention and we had to basically grab them to keep them from falling into the street and getting hit by a car. When he grabbed Rhiann, she freaked and when off on him. It was actually kind of amusing, to be honest, because if you could see the size difference it was quite comical." He chuckles a little.

T: "Ryan, let's move along to what's important." I chastise him to get him back on track.

Ry: "Right." He clears his throat. "Sorry T, but when you see her you'll understand. The size difference is quite comical, especially in that situation, trust me. Anyway, she was visibly upset and shaking, the anger in her voice palpable, the whole nine yards. Last night when you pulled him off surveillance he was not happy at all. He was visibly irritated but did what you ordered. He made sure that we were aware of the importance of watching them and reporting to him. Well, the guys they spent time with yesterday walked the girls up to their room and three of them left shortly after. The bearded guy apparently stayed the night and didn't leave until almost 9:00 am this morning."

He stops speaking like he's waiting for a response of some sort, but I'm not sure what it is so I encourage him to continue.

T: "Go on."

Picking up where he left off, he continues,

Ry: "As Reynolds and I were heading back to our penthouse, we saw Rhiann and that guy leaving her room. He was dressed in regular clothes and she was dressed in a bathing suit. We figured she was meeting the girls at the pool. Unfortunately, we mentioned something about it to Luke and he flipped. T, he looked like a creepy stalker because he slowly opened the door and peeked around the corner to watch. I could tell he was irritated, borderline angry, because his grip tightened on the door frame and his body stiffened." Taking another breath, Ryan continues. "When Luke closed the door he suddenly goes to his room and when he comes out he's in his swim trunks and announces he's going to the pool and left."

Finally, he stops. I'm sure there's more to the story because we've not gotten to any part that would trigger Kate and Ana to threaten them. Well, not in my opinion, but that doesn't mean she didn't take it that way.

Sighing quietly, I probe,

T: "I'm sure there's more to the story? I'm not seeing where any of this is detrimental to Rhiann. Well, it's concerning the way Luke is acting so I get that part, but what else is there? What happened?"

He hums,

Ry: "Mhmm," and continues. "Reynolds and I rushed to follow him and caught up to him in the elevator. We tried talking sense into him but he said something about having to try. That she should be with someone who lives in the same city as her, whatever that means. We tried to tell him that we don't know anything about her and that whatever her history is he could be making it worse because it's obvious there's something wrong. Unfortunately, he didn't listen."

Great. As if I didn't have enough shit to deal with.

Ry: "So, when we get outside, the girls are on the other side of the pool in their cabana. We're getting settled in our chairs and one minute Luke was there, the next he's gone. When we finally find him he's standing there in front of Rhiann. We couldn't tell if they were talking or not but she freaked out a few minutes later and rushed to get away from him, all the while he's just standing there watching her." His irritation flowing through his words. "The next thing we know is he's back with us sitting down acting like nothing happened. When the girls come over they are livid and Ana unleashes on us. Luke apologizes but shows absolutely no empathy and it sounds like he couldn't care less about his actions."

There's a long pause. I know he's still on the line because I can hear his breathing. I decide to wait for him to continue.

Ry: "When the girls came over to chew us out Ana said something about us causing her to regress and undo what they've accomplished it's our fault. She mentioned something about us destroying her and if they can't fix things we're the reason and we will regret it. T, there's seriously something wrong here. I don't know what it is, but this girl was terrified of Luke."

I can hear the concern in his voice and honestly, I'm glad someone is concerned about this because we've all been focusing on the wrong things. I'm pretty sure Reynolds is right along with Ryan, they're usually on the same wavelength.

I vocalize my thoughts,

T: "Ryan, I'm glad someone is concerned about this and how it's affecting her. It's obvious we've all been focusing on the wrong things. Luke on her, Grey on Ana's safety and me on why we can't find information on her." I pause, not wanting to say this but I need to so I can officially hear myself say it's not my focus any longer. "I'll admit, I was interested in a possible hookup with her too, but now more things are involved and that's no longer an issue. I bet she gets that kind of attention all the time. If you say anything I'll deny it and kill you in the process." I smirk with a laugh.

There's silence for just a quick moment then I hear a deep chuckle.

Ry: "T, I've just got to say one thing. You, me and Reynolds, we're all in that same boat but something's changed along the way and that's no longer an issue for us either. I can't explain it but it's definitely for the better. Now if only we could get Luke to do the same."

I laugh and shake my head. Leave it to these guys to switch their thought process mid-assignment and turn the tables. That's why I keep them, they look at the whole picture instead of just one aspect. Especially Ryan. He's got that psychology shit down to a science and analyzes any situation for the potential of any mental or emotional issue, no matter who the subject is.

Ry: "So, what are we going to do about Luke?"

He breaks my thoughts with the most important question yet. Honestly, I have no fucking clue. Unfortunately, I can't say that to Ryan because it wouldn't make things any better, so I rattle of something that sounds intelligent.

T: "I don't even know where to begin. Obviously, this would be a lot easier if we had access to her history. Unfortunately, that seems to be missing or locked up tighter than Fort Knox. Elliot seems to know everything but won't say a word. He says it's not up to him to say anything and he's made a promise and won't break it under any circumstance. I admire his loyalty but fuck, it's driving me insane not knowing. It's like a huge black hole we're trying to navigate and we're doing it blindly."

Ry: "It's a mystery, that's for sure. Elliot has always been loyal, which is definitely a quality that I admire. Unfortunately, in situations like this, when information would be helpful, he's like a roadblock."

I contemplate my options and decide I need to share my thoughts with the guys because, after all, they are right in the middle of it. Keeping my voice strong and firm I let him know my thoughts.

T: "Luke has never acted like this. He's always been my best guy on the force, no offense guys." I chuckle and continue, "I'm going to have to talk with him and maybe do a psych eval. Obviously, something snapped in him and if he's not careful, he's going to end up hurting a lot of people."

We're both silent for a moment, each of us unsure of what to say about the dire situation. I need to see what information they know so far, if anything.

T: "Do you know how long the girls are going to be out here?"

I'm hoping it's a short period of time and they return soon because things would be a lot less stressful if everyone was back home in the same city. I'm not sure what's going to happen when everyone returns but I'm sure it won't be all sunshine and roses. My hope is quickly smashed to pieces and disappointment sets in at Ryan's response.

He sighs apologetically,

Ry: "No, we have no idea, but I'll work on getting the information. Maybe we should ask Elliot too, he might know. I'm betting that he does considering he seems to know everything so far. Oddly, he seems to be the keeper of all the information." Ryan replies. "So, what are we going to do boss? About Luke? Should we send him back to Seattle or let him stay here and hopefully not cause any further issues?"

He asks a simple question and one I don't have the answer to. Maybe I'll ask Elliot because he seems to know that Luke is the common denominator in this whole mess going on right now.

I respond honestly,

T: "I don't know yet. Let me talk to Elliot and see what he thinks. It's hard trying to solve a riddle without knowing what the clues are. I'll get back to you as soon as I know anything. In the meantime, try to keep Luke away from the girls and anyone they happen to be with. Strippers included. The last thing we need is him winding up in jail for assault."

I hang up and dial Elliot's number. Fuck, I hope he cooperates and at least lets us know how long they'll be in Vegas.

Elliot POV

My phone rings and I see it's Taylor. Man, I'm not in the mood to talk to him or anyone right now. They've completely fucked the entire situation up for the girls and Rhi is getting caught in the crossfire. Sighing, I answer the phone, my tone clipped. I'm trying to convey the fact that I don't want to talk to him. At all.

E: "Taylor, what do you want?"

T: "Elliot we've got a situation right now and I need your assistance so I can figure out what to do. I'm sure you're aware of the situation with Luke and Rhiann. Ryan and Reynolds are handling things, with Ryan in charge. Reynolds is basically babysitting Luke to keep him away from Rhiann. What do you suggest we do from this point moving forward?"

Of course that's why he's calling.

E: "This is fucking ridiculous. Why can't you guys just listen to me and leave them the fuck alone? Trust me, you don't want this to fall on your shoulders as the cause of…" I stop myself from saying anything that could alert him to anything about Rhi's mental and physical state. "Just stop. For fuck's sake, get Luke under control, any way you need to. You don't need me to tell you how to do something. Just DO IT and leave them to enjoy their vacation. Fuck! How hard is that?"

I'm really getting angry about this whole thing and I'm trying my best to reign in my anger but it's getting more difficult with each passing moment. There's a pause on the line and I hear him exhale loudly.

T: "She's in danger, isn't she?"

It's not a question, more of a statement of fact. I choose not to acknowledge his comment.

E: "And stay away from anyone they are with, strippers included. Just trust me, ok Jason?" I respond, as vaguely as possible. "Some situations are best handled a different way than you're accustomed to."

T: "Do you know when they're supposed to return to Seattle?"

I pause. Do I tell him? Will it help the situation? I don't know.

E: "Hang on a minute."

Placing him on hold I call Kate:

E: "Hey babe. How's it going? How's Rhi?"

I need to make sure she's ok. I'll lose my mind if my brother fucks her up even more because of his fucking control issues and paranoia.

K: "Hi baby. We're doing better. Alcohol seems to help out any situation where Rhi is concerned."

E: "I wanted to let you know that I'm talking to Taylor about the Luke situation. He's accepted that this situation is unique and can't be handled like he normally would. He's willing to work with us on this. Our way, not his. He wants to know when you will be returning to Seattle. Should I tell him or just make him wait? You know, this is driving them nuts not knowing anything and me knowing everything. He's pretty pissed at me for not even telling him. I get it, but you and Ana and Rhi are more important than them knowing everything and making things worse."

K: "I'm glad he's working on things our way, finally. That's the way it should be. After all, they're not involved in this at all. I'm sorry he's upset with you but thank you for keeping your promise. I love you so much. Go ahead and tell him we should be back sometime Saturday. Keep it vague though, please. We don't need them waiting at the airport for us. Fuck they're infuriating. What are they doing about Luke? He's fucking lost his mind and I think he needs some sort of therapy."

E: "Thank you babe. I've got Jason on hold right now so I'll let him know. I'm not sure yet what he plans to do with Luke but I'll let you know as soon as I find out. Right now, Ryan is having Reynolds babysit him and keeping him away from you guys, including anyone who is with you. I can just imagine Luke going after Alex and getting arrested for assaulting him."

K: "Thank you Elliot, for handling Taylor. He's royally pissed Ana and me off and I don't know if we can have a civilized conversation with them at the moment. I'm glad to hear they'll leave him alone and I'll let Rhi know. I think she really likes him, but then again sometimes I wonder because she puts up walls and pulls away. It's to be expected, self-preservation at its finest. It's weird because I can tell he's really smitten with her. I threatened him."

When Kate mentions she's threatened Alex I can't help but laugh.

E: "You threatened him? Why?"

K: "I told him if he had anything other than honorable intentions that he needed to walk away and leave her alone and so far he hasn't done anything questionable. Last night she broke and we found her sleeping by the window. He seemed genuinely concerned about her and wanted to take care of her. I don't think they've had sex yet but I've not asked her either."

E: "I hope he's truly a nice guy and actually cares because I don't want to see her hurt. If he makes her happy and she wants to be with him, then I say let her and encourage it. Maybe he will end up being the source of her recovery. I'll kill him and I'm sure Ana will too if he causes more damage than has already been done. We'll all be in jail and have a party. I'll keep you updated on the situation. I love you babe."

K: "Thanks El, for everything. I love you too."

I take Jason off hold,

E: "Ok, Kate said they're scheduled to come back sometime Saturday, that's the plan anyway. That's all she's willing to divulge. I want to reinforce that you need to make sure that anyone they're with are to be left alone. Period. Understand?"

I keep it vague; they don't need to know any names. I hear him sigh and I totally understand his frustration but it's not his life they're fucking up.

T: "I understand. Thanks Elliot, for at least working with me on this, with the limited information you're giving it will be difficult, but we'll get it done. I'll keep you updated." He hangs up with nothing more than a 'click.'

This is exhausting. I can only imagine how Rhi is feeling. What a nightmare this has got to be for her.