Chapter 105

Just an Observation

Taylor POV

"Hey T." He greets.

I can tell he's uncomfortable and doesn't know what to say or do. I totally understand how he feels. I would too but I want him to know how pissed I am at him and that we have some talking to do. I also want him to know that he still has his job, though I might make him wait on that little bit of information until we get back to Seattle. You know, just to torture him a little and make him squirm. He deserves it.

I watch him walk over to the kitchen and pour himself a cup of coffee, finishing off the pot and making a fresh one. The guys look at him, drinking their coffee. Reynolds smirks. "So, Luke, did you sleep well? It was nice and quiet, wasn't it?"

I raise my eyebrows, not really shocked that he'd say something like that but shocked he'd do it just to antagonize Luke. Luke has his coffee cup poised to take a drink but he stops at Reynolds words. He raises his eyebrows. His eyes widen in surprise but then narrow in irritation.

He replies cooly, "Yep. Slept perfectly fine. How about you?"

He's pretty good at keeping his cool, not letting on that Reynolds has gotten under his skin. However, I can tell he succeeded because I know Luke and I know he's not happy about hearing Rhiann and Alex fucking. That is my first indication that he's not completely 'over' her. I let it go, he's like a brother to me and I'll stick up for him no matter what. Don't get me wrong, I'll call him out on shit too, especially if he fucks up. Like this assignment that he fucked up royally and he knows we're going to have a long chat. I'll bring up Flynn, if he doesn't first, and I hope he does. We need some answers.

I want to get more information from Ryan about what he's seen and heard that's caused him reason to be concerned. "So, Ryan, can you elaborate about what you've seen or heard that has concerned you? I'd like to get as much information as possible while we're still here. There's a lot of missing information that gives me an uncomfortable feeling about the security of everyone involved."

Ryan takes another drink of his coffee, finishing it off, and gets up to fill his cup again. Retuning to his chair, he sighs, "T, there's something going on with her. I've heard her break down at night when it's quiet. I can't make out exactly what she's saying or what's happening but I can tell you this, something huge has caused it." He glances at Luke before continuing, "Luke's little episode didn't help, but there was something before she even came to Vegas. It's obvious by her reaction to different things that have happened while they've been here. Not to mention the way Kate and Ana act around her. She's very lucky to have them as friends. They are super protective of her and won't let anyone or anything hurt her." He's takes another drink of his coffee and when he looks at me again his eyes are full of concern. "I'm telling you T, something major happened in her past that's impacting the present."

We're all silent for a minute or so. Taking in what he's just said and I wonder what everyone's thoughts are. "What makes you say that?" I ask.

"Some of the things Kate and Ana have said to us, when we've had any contact with them, have been cryptic and a little concerning." He pauses, "For example, the day at the pool when they confronted us. They both said she wasn't scared; she was terrified by the whole situation. They also said there's a possibility that we've 'undone everything they've worked so hard on to get her to where she is today. That we could have just destroyed her. Not to mention the threats that if she has a setback we're the ones responsible and that we would regret it." To me, that sounds like she's struggling to deal with something that happened in the past."

"What's your take on this Reynolds?" I ask him.

"While I'm not a psychologist, I am observant. We all know that looks can be deceiving and no matter how 'normal' she seems, it doesn't sound like her life has been perfect at all." His response sounds like he's really paid attention to things. He smiles, "As a matter of fact, I think that everything she's been through, whatever it was, has made her into a total bad ass."

Ryan nods, "I agree. I think she's had quite an abusive and painful past. She was dealt a bunch of shit in her life and is stronger because of it. I can tell there's also a fragile side to her that can shatter with the right pressure. Just my opinion." The expression on his face is unreadable when he looks at Luke, who's been silently listening this whole time.

I'm not sure what to think about the information he's revealed. I trust his judgement because he certainly knows what he's talking about and he's able to read people. He's had plenty of practice in various situations.

"What kind of breakdowns have you seen?" I ask. I'm not sure how bad they can be. I know Elliot has hinted at some but he's never elaborated.

He answers, "They've been pretty intense and I've heard the girls talk about some of her coping mechanisms. One is alcohol. Apparently she always has Patron with her. That's her go-to booze and from what we've seen, she drinks the hard stuff too. I've never seen her drink any of those fruity 'girly' drinks, other than the frozen daiquiri's you can get from daiquiri bars."

I look at him, perplexed, "How do you know all this?" I ask him. "Do you have inside connections that we're not aware of? I'm curious because Welch and I can't find ANY information on her."

Ryan looks at me like I have two heads. "T, come on, it's not that hard to pay attention and listen, as long as you're focusing on getting the right information. We've been close enough to them to hear some conversations and obviously these walls aren't exactly soundproof. Besides, I have a master's in psychology, remember?" He looks at me like I'm crazy and laughs.

Reynolds cuts in, "The interesting thing is that considering the amount of Patron she drinks, she's never given any indication that she's been drinking." He laughs, "On a side note, I'd love to see how much she can actually drink before she can't take anymore. Not that we've ever really talked to her, but she seems like someone that would be cool to get to know on a personal 'FRIEND' level." He makes a point to look at Luke and me.

OK, OK. I get it. This attraction, whether it be sexual or informational, has consumed everyone and Ryan and Reynolds seem to be the only ones trying to figure the important things out the right way.

He glances at Luke before continuing. "I've overheard Ana and Kate telling her that the Patron isn't going to keep the pain away forever and that she needs to see a doctor for her hand. They always sound frustrated with her and they're always jumping on her for not taking care of herself. Either she's really tough, extremely stubborn or kind of dumb and uses pain as a reminder of something or to prove a point." He shakes his head.

I nod in agreement. "I would totally agree with Ana and Kate. I mean, controlling the pain of a broken hand with only alcohol? Or waiting until after a vacation to get treated? Who the fuck does that? None of us could even do that and we have been trained to withstand a lot of shit."

Luke looks at me, confused, and asks, "You're telling me that she's drinking Patron by the bottle, self-medicating, for her hand injury?" He shakes his head, "How bad is her injury?"

I can't believe he doesn't know. No wonder he's acting so nonchalant about it. Well, I'm about to enlighten him so he feels like shit. "This doesn't leave this room, understand?" I ask and wait for their agreement. When they all nod, I continue, "I got this information from Elliot. Her hand is broken, in at least two places. The day after you were treated was when she finally went in to see someone for treatment. From what I understand, she was forced to go, by the girls and Alex, otherwise she would have waited until tomorrow or early next week when they go home." I pause, letting that sink in a little before continuing. "So yes, Luke, she's self-medicating with tequila for almost 24hrs after the incident; instead of being treated right away and having pain meds."

It's silent for a few minutes. I'm not sure what the guys are thinking and I'm really curious about Luke's thoughts. I need to continue so they know. "She received treatment yesterday and from what I understand is that it was only temporary. The doctor set the bones the best he could to help keep them from starting to heal wrong. Though, when she returns to Seattle, she'll have to have surgery to repair all the damage."

I'm still waiting for a reaction from Luke but he says nothing, he just looks at me. I hope he feels like a complete asshole and being the cause of her getting hurt. From the look on his face I think he does. I also see something else in his eyes. Could it be regret?

I continue, "I've also seen the pictures of her hand and it's not pretty. According to Elliot, she's one tough cookie."

Ryan chuckles. "I would have to agree with him. She sounds like she's a bad-ass and can handle herself in Special Op's."

Reynolds laughs, "Can you imagine tiny little Rhiann in fatigues kicking someone's ass?" He looks a Luke and smiles, "I mean, she did take down Luke."

Luke narrows his eyes and then laughs. "Yeah, she got me pretty good, didn't she?" He laughs harder, "I will tell you this, she's got some power in that punch too. She'd be a perfect decoy. That tiny little thing can kick some serious ass. Fuck."

Reynolds responds, "Well, you would know." We laugh at the good natured teasing Luke is getting and how well he's taking it. This is how we should be, like brothers.

He pauses briefly, "I totally deserved it too. I lost control and freaked her out. I feel terrible about it too." Looking up at me, he quietly says, "When we all get back to Seattle, I'm going to tell Ana and Kate to get a message to her, apologizing for my stupidity and responsibility for her injuries and trauma. It's the least I can do."

No one responds to his statement, there's no reason to. Though I do have my suspicions that he has ulterior motives but I'll just wait and see.

Ryan looks at me, "You said you saw the pictures of her hand? How did you manage to do that?"

I sigh, "Kate has been communicating with Elliot this whole time. Elliot has been trying to mitigate the damages that we've caused. She told him about the situation with Luke and her hand. She sent him pictures of her hand before her treatment. Elliot asked if he could show them to Grey and me, I guess to prove how bad things really were. When we saw them, we were floored." I pause, making eye contact with each of them to make sure they understand what I'm about to tell them. "You know how tiny she is, right? You've seen how small her hands are. Imagine the back of her right hand swollen to almost double it's normal size. Imagine it black and purple too from the bruising. It's absolutely sickening to look at and I'm totally blown away that she's only used tequila as a pain killer. Let me text Elliot and see if he's willing to send the picture to me for reference."

Picking up my phone, I send a message:

T: Can you send a picture of Rhiann's hand please?

E: Dude, why?

T: I'm discussing the situation with the guys and wanted to see if you could send it so I can

show them the severity of how badly we fucked things up. Rhiann is innocent in this and it

never should have happened. Your brother knows this too.

E: Let me call Kate

T: Thanks

Elliot POV

I get a text from Taylor asking for a photo of Rhi's hand. I appreciate him asking for evidence to show the guys, especially Luke so he can see what he did, but I don't want to put her injury on display just for morbid amusement. The way his text sounded, maybe he really is trying to make things right, holding everyone accountable for their actions. Including his.

While I have it in my phone, I'm not going to just send it to him. I promised Kate I wouldn't. This has been fucked up from the beginning and I won't risk my relationship for these idiots.

I pick up my phone and text Kate to make sure she's awake.

E: Hey babe, you awake?

I go to the bathroom and start making coffee while I'm waiting for her to respond. I hope I didn't wake her up. I'm actually surprised that she responds so quickly.

K: Hey El yes we're awake. What's up?

E: You're up early. Is everything OK?

K: We're fine. Rhi's healing and seems to be in good spirits after sleeping all night

E: That's good to hear. Hopefully, things just get better from now on

K: I hope so too

E: Taylor just text me and he's with the guys talking about the situation. He wants to make sure

they are aware of the severity of the situation and asked if I could send him the photo of Rhi's

hand. I told him I had to talk to you first

K: Thank you for asking first. Let me ask Rhi and I'll get back to you. After all, it's her hand.

It might be a little while though

E: Is everything OK?

K: Yes Ana and I think Rhi and Alex are having a sex marathon Lol

E: OMG I did NOT need to know that! TMI lol Thank you. I'll let him know it'll be a while before

I get an answer

K: Hey, at least YOU don't have to be here listening to it! My god they're LOUD! Lol

E: OMG! PLEASE STOP WITH THE DETAILS!

K: LOL If we have to suffer so do you! I think Alex is staking his claim. You

men are animals lol

E: If that's the reason, I hope it works. Otherwise, you're getting an audio only porn show. lol

Maybe you'll come back ready for a sex marathon yourself ;P I love you babe

K: I love you too El

Oh my god! I totally did not need to hear about Rhi and Alex's activities. I'm glad she's doing better though. Well enough to have sex anyway.

Way to go Rhi! Good for you! I'll encourage anything if it makes her happy, within reason. She deserves to be happy. Even if I don't want to hear about her having sex. Ha! At least I don't have to actually HEAR them. Poor Kate and Ana.

I send a text to Taylor and let him know what's going on.

E: Kate has to talk to Rhi to make sure it's OK before I do. It might be a little while though.

Rhi's…busy right now

T: Thanks. Yeah, I've heard she's… busy lol

E: I'll text you when I hear anything

T: OK

Yikes, that was awkward. Rhi would have loved that conversation. She's got a fucked up sense of humor. Just wait until the guys and my brother meet her. I'm pretty sure she'll be around now. I can't wait to see the sparks fly between her and Christian.

Kate POV

How in the hell am I supposed to ask Rhi if Elliot can send the pic of her hand to Grey's CPO that's handling the situation? I'll ask Ana first for her opinion.

"Hey Ana? I know you're awake, and I know WHY you're awake. I need to talk to you about something." I say to her, poking her in the shoulder.

She laughs. "I can only imagine you're awake for the same reason. What's up?"

I sigh, "Elliot just asked me if he can send the pic of Rhi's hand to Taylor so he can show the guys how bad her injury is. I guess he wants to make Luke feel like shit about it. I guess Luke already does but Taylor wants to make sure he truly understands what he caused. I DEFINITELY don't want to interrupt her and Alex." I fake a shiver and laugh. "Should I give the OK and tell her after they're… done?

Ana rolls over to look at me. Her eyes are wide and she has a huge smile on her face. She laughs, "I'm so glad she's getting fucked… in a good way." She laughs loudly. "In a VERY good way!" We dissolve into a fit of giggles until our tummy's hurt.

Trying to catch my breath I breathe out, "The icing on the cake is that they're right next to the guys' room. Hopefully, they're loud enough for them to hear."

Ana chokes on a laugh. "Kate, I'm pretty sure they're loud enough. I just wish I could see their faces. Especially Luke's." She pauses, thinking for a minute with her finger resting on her chin. "What I wouldn't give to be getting fucked like that right now. By Christian, that is. Not you Kate. Sorry, but you're not my type." She busts into another round of laughter and I can't help but join her.

After a few minutes, we get control of ourselves and I still don't have an answer. "So, what do you think I should do?" I ask.

Ana replies immediately. "Give him the OK and let's see what happens. We will tell Rhi later when we get a chance to. I'm sure she'll be OK with it." She smiles, "I can already tell her old self is making her appearance, emerging from the depths of hell. She'll enjoy making them squirm." She laughs wickedly.

Shaking my head I laugh and pick up my phone to text Elliot.

K: OK El. Go ahead and send it. Let me know what happens

E: Thanks babe. I'll talk to you later. Love you

Elliot POV

That was faster than I expected. I bet they didn't even ask Rhi. I can almost guarantee she didn't interrupt them just over a photo. I laugh. I'd be pissed if someone did that to me.

I text Taylor and give him the news.

E: Kate gave me the OK. Are you ready?

T: Thanks. I'm ready whenever you are