Lazarus Thorn: scratching the butter knife on the sotch Long time, huh? Years of betrayal, and here you are.
Fuck off, Lazarus. You never cared about this family, anyway.
leans forward, eyes narrowing Oh, Fleming, still spitting fire, huh? But you know what? Maybe I didn't care about the family name, but I cared about you.
Sure, you did. That's why you left without a word.
stands up, fists clenched Left without a word? Is that what they told you? That I just up and left?
They didn't have to. It was pretty obvious.
takes a deep breath, trying to calm down Look, Fleming, I didn't leave because I didn't care. I left because I had to protect you.
Protect me? From what, Lazarus? Our family isn't exactly a target for assassins.
pauses, avoiding eye contact It's not about assassins, Fleming. It's about something darker...something we can't talk about here.
Fine, then don't talk about it. But stop treating me like some goddamn child.
sighs heavily, walks towards the window and looks out You want to know the truth, Fleming? I was protecting you from the darkness within our own family.
Darkness? What the hell are you talking about, Lazarus?
turns around, eyes filled with regret There were things I discovered...things our family was involved in, Fleming. Things that could have destroyed us all.
Jesus, Lazarus, what the fuck did you stumble upon?
paces back and forth, hands shaking Drugs, weapons, money laundering...it was a goddamn nightmare, Fleming.
Shit, Lazarus...why didn't you say anything?
stops pacing, looks Fleming in the eye Because I was afraid you'd be dragged into it, Fleming. Afraid that by speaking up, I'd put you in danger.
You really messed up this time, Lazarus. What now?
runs fingers through his hair, frustrated I don't know, Fleming. I've been running for so long, trying to make things right, but I don't even know where to start.
We'll figure it out, Lazarus. Together. But first, tell me everything. No more secrets.
nods, takes a deep breath Okay, Fleming. Here's what happened... pauses, recounts the events that led him to leave the family
Damn it, Lazarus. Why didn't you come to me first? I could've helped!
clenches his fists, voice trembling Because I couldn't risk it, Fleming. I couldn't trust anyone, not even you.