254 Updates and plans 1 (1/2)
~ Seattle, Hunter's and Mia's apartment ~
From the hospital, Liz and Max went to Mia's and Hunter's apartment. They need to update them on the current situation.
Liz and Max agreed not to mention Ashton. They will leave that big reveal to Sabrina.
Mia and Hunter listened about the events from that morning. Max and Liz skipped the part of Ashton punching Jackson (because in their version, Ashton was not there), so their story started with a phone call from Sabrina and then jumped onto a scene of Jackson on the floor when they arrived.
Hunter noticed a gap in the story. ”How did Jack end up on the floor?”
Max shrugged and responded with a straight face: ”How do I know? I was not there. Ask Rina.”
Hunter was confused. How is it possible that Max didn't ask Sabrina about how Jackson ended up having a seizure? Something triggered it... But Liz was talking already about her sedating Jackson in the ambulance, and how the reports showed that the seizure was not due to epilepsy but due to the drug he ingested.
Again, Hunter wanted to ask: how is it possible that Jackson took a pill in front of Sabrina and she didn't notice it? It was just the two of them in the living room... But Max was talking about Sabrina explaining while they waited in the hospital for Liz to finish the exam: how Jackson showed up at her apartment, she broke up with him and he didn't like it. Max could not say that Jackson tried to force himself on Sabrina but even without that, Hunter knows that the experience was not a pleasant one.
Again, Hunter didn't hear the part of how Jackson ended up with a seizure. It should be one of the most important parts because they all want to know about Jackson and his alleged epilepsy! Is it possible that he needs to ask Sabrina?
”So, where are we now?”, Mia asked Max and Liz. ”The two of you seem convinced that Jackson is not alone in this. His parents are exploiting the engagement with Rina, and his doctor is part of that as well. Will Jackson be left unpunished? What about his parents? Why did you allow some other doctor to take care of him now? Isn't it better for Liz to be in charge? Why don't you just bankrupt them? Without money, they can't do anything…”
Max lifted his hand for Mia to stop raining questions. ”We need to talk to Sabrina and see what she thinks. This is her fight and she told me not to meddle unless she asks me to. The current situation is that Jack is in the hospital, and he will probably stay there for some time. After he is discharged, Jack will have consultations for his addiction, and Liz will have access to those reports. Liz had to let go of him because she can't be Jackson's doctor for long; she is not his primary physician and she didn't diagnose his epilepsy. As soon as his doctor showed up, Liz lost the power to make decisions about Jackson, she would need to consult Jackson's doctor for anything because Adams' didn't sign the documents where they are authorizing Liz to make decisions for Jackson. But addiction is different. It is marked as a new condition, so even if Jackson changes doctors, Dr. Peltz will be informed.” Max explained and made a pause before continuing.
”What we know is that Rina broke up with Jack and his parents are aware of it. If we don't do anything, they will feel the consequences soon. I will make sure that the word spreads out how the engagement is off. Jackson's business deals will dwindle, and they will experience financial impact and their so-called friends will abandon them as well.”
Hunter exhaled. ”Jack does not appear like a guy who will take that peacefully.”
Max agreed. ”His parents are not much better either. Jackson is a slimy twat. We agreed that I will increase the number of people around Rina, to protect her and…” He wanted to say Ashton, but he stopped himself on time.
”And?” Hunter was curious why did Max cut off his sentence like that.
”Her business.” Max was happy to come up with this instead of saying Ashton's name.
Hunter agrees that Sabrina should be protected, but his lie-sensor was tingling. Max was never good at lying and the more they are talking, the more holes Hunter is noticing. One of the major things which are off is... ”Max, why are we talking about this without Rina?”
Max glanced at Liz. It was her idea to conceal Ashton, so now she needs to answer.
”Rina is under stress. She said that she wants to be alone at her place and unwind. We should give her space and talk to her tomorrow.”, Liz said right away.
Max was impressed by how smoothly Liz said this. He would believe if he does not know better. Max wondered if Liz ever lied to him. He would not notice. Ah, this is his Elizabeth. If she says that the sky is pink, he would believe her.