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He changes Bran into his pajamas and tucks him into his crib. Rian could get lost completely in this nighttime routine, if not for the faint humming noise of the coffee machine coming from the kitchen. The sound is a stark reminder that George is waiting for him, and they have work to do.
He finds George by the kitchen island, stirring his coffee. He seems to have found the biggest cup in the kitchen, yet it looks tiny in his large hands. Some of the tension loosens in Rian’s chest. George tiredly smiles at him and pushes a smaller, much more reasonably sized coffee cup in his direction.
“I figure you’re still running on adrenaline, but I’d appreciate the company.” Rian bobs his head in agreement and slides on one of the breakfast bar stools across from George.
His lawyer is right. Rian is so wired up that he doubts he’ll be able to sleep for days. The legal tangle he is in and the constant chatter he has been drowning in for the past day, have left him somewhat speechless. George seems to sense that, and he patiently moves his laptop and some of the paperwork from the kitchen table and takes a seat next to him.
He gives him another moment and gulps most of his coffee while organizing copies of statements Rian and Margarita have given.
George turns to him and clasps his hands on the counter. He is leaning sideways, looking perfectly relaxed, but Rian can tell it's all for show to put him at ease. He appreciates the gesture, but he can't help but worry.
“First thing’s first,” George begins. “Bran is yours. They can’t take him away from you. You’ve done nothing wrong. In fact, all your actions were consistent with you taking him out of a potentially dangerous environment. Considering the significant financial power Harris Kelly has at his disposal, and clearly showcasing how he has been systematically depriving you of your own earnings should be sufficient to illuminate your circumstances. You are his adoptive father. Legally, Harris Kelly has remained his uncle. He had no right to accuse you of kidnapping Brandon. I suspect that’s the reason why the reports circulating the media were quickly pulled out. Some journalists actually did their research.”
Rian swallows hard, then looks him straight in the eyes. “There's a video ––”
George raises his hand to stop him. “I know. It's of no importance. I've already gotten Rick’s signed testimony.”
“Rick? He...How...? Where is he? Is he okay?” Rian can’t believe this is the first time he has considered Rick’s status. He’s ashamed to have waited this long to ask about him in the first place. After everything Rick has done for him, Rian owes him the world.
“Harris threw him under the bus when you and Tayida were located, right after the arrest,” George helpfully supplies. “Harris figured out that the falsified power of attorney, found at the villa you guys were living in, could have only been issued with Rick’s help. When he got fired and questioned by the police, his lawyer contacted my uncle, and August sent me to assist in the case. We came to an agreement, and I was able to get him a deal with another government service that is currently investigating Harris. I took over from his public defender and got Rick out of his troubles. In return, he simply did the right thing.”
“Is he alright? Where is he? Can I... I want to see him. I need to see him.”
George shook his head. “That won't be possible for a while. Considering the new accusation, he has become a very valuable witness. You can write to him, and I will make sure he gets that correspondence from you. I will pass back any letters he produces for you.”
Rian isn’t able to hide his concern. He knows the lives of all involved in this shitshow will be irrevocably changed but he’s worried about Rick the most. While Rian has his beloved Ty, he very much suspects Rick is on his own.
Not anymore. He’s got me.
Rian needs to comfort Rick and make him see that he can count on him and Tayida by extension. That he doesn’t need to struggle alone like Rian had.
George is quick to reassure him, “He’s alright. I’m going to call him tomorrow, to check on him.” He chuckles. “I can see you are worried about young Mr. Landon. But, I promise you, that man is rock solid. Hell, I envy his balls of steel. Rest assured, his handler is the best. Rick is safe hands.”
“I'm glad. I'll write to him. So much has happened since the last time we talked.”
George smiles and bobs his head. “Anything you need. I’ll make sure he gets it.”
Rian adds hastily, “But if you can relay a message to him before I give you my letter, please tell him I didn’t waste the chance he gave me. I will forever be indebted to him. Please tell him, he’s not alone. Should he wish to, he always has a safe place in my home and people who will embrace him like family.”
“Will do, Rian. I promise.” George smiles at him softly.
Next up is the really unpleasant part of their conversation. Rian is ready.
“What about Harris? What can we do with the evidence Ty was trying to procure?” Rian asks.
“The allegations against Harris will still need to be proven, but one thing is for sure – we can prove the conspiracy to commit murder in regard to Sebastian Scott. There are units of criminal investigators gathering evidence on the Kelly property as we speak. The evidence Tayida has been able to provide is being meticulously categorized and put together to build a case against Harris. I’ve been reassured of that by a reliable source.
“We have all the evidence we need to nail him for Cyril’s murder.”
George says that quietly and gently places his hand over Rian’s. Somehow he knows, talking about Cyril is too much right now.
Rian musters enough strength to murmur, “Thank you. For everything.”
George sighs heavily and as his hand retreats, he delivers his next not so happy news.
“Unfortunately, the rape allegations by Sebastian’s mother may be difficult to prove. Without Lincoln, it would be hard to pull together a viable case. It has been more than twenty years and if my experience in cases like that is any indicator ––”
Rian rubs his eyes, utterly tired suddenly. “So what? WeneedLincoln?” All of this is so confusing. How did Lincoln manage to slip by Sullivan’s people anyway? Why is he still at large? “This isn't right.” Rian mutters. “Harris ruined her life. You and I both know he is most definitely involved in the murders of Cyril and Sebastian. There has to be a way to prove his involvement.”
