I watched Liz's hands make Alex's bruises fade to nothing. Kenith leaned on the counter that I sat on, passing Liz various things she requested.

"So," she said. "Who roughed you up so bad?"

Alex shrugged. Even with the makeup evening his complexion, I saw him turn red. "N-no one," he stammered.

Liz pulled her hand away to look at him with the therapist eyes. It was the look she'd given me when I'd learned who Dad was.

"Family or friend?" She pressed.

"I said no one," he repeated.

"Lying to her won't work," Kenith said with a smirk. "She sniffs out lies better than her cop dad."

I nodded in agreement. "This bitch is crazy."

Kenith glared at me. "Don't call her a bitch."

"Bite me."

Liz shot us glares. Kenith rolled his eyes and looked away.

"I'll ask again before I start Sherlocking you," she said.

Alex stubbornly shook his head.

Liz sighed, disappointed. "Female," she said. "I can see the ring imprints. A promise ring. Someone much shorter than you, and, judging by the lack of bruised and broken knuckles, someone you care deeply for." She frowned. "Girlfriend's Gracie Robins, right? Did she do this?"

I thought about the whimpers and smacks I'd heard. "My god..."

"She didn't mean it," Alex whispered.

Liz's frown deepened. "Don't you cover for her. No one deserves to be hurt like this."

"You don't understand..."

I saw Liz losing it before she did. "Don't understand?" She fumed. "Alexander, you don't understand. I didn't let Kenith suffer and you're no different.

Kenith coughed a bit. "Actually I am different. We're dating, Liz."

"Hush up, dork," she said curtly. "How could you let her do this, Alexander?"

Alex shrugged.

"Answer me," Liz angrily demanded.

"Because I can't lose her," he muttered.

"She doesn't deserve you. Why stay?"

This wasn't like Liz at all.

"B-Because..."

"Because why?!" She cried.

"Because I am completely dependant on her!" Alex yelled.

That was what Liz was looking for.