"You told me you'd kill anyone that came after you," Jack responded. "And with the way you were going? Someone would have. What would have happened if it was someone from here? What if it was someone from your home that arrived and found out?"

He paused to let that sink in, and his voice quieted again. "You might not want help but I think you need it. You don't have to do everything by yourself, Oliver. Trust me, I know what that feels like."

Jack finally sat back, leaning his head against the wall and closing his eyes. Suddenly he felt drained and outside, the snowfall slaked sharply. "Of course that's why. It sure wasn't for the charming decor."