Ryan had never been introduced to Anjali; in fact Justin took great pains to make sure that Ryan wasn't likely to ever run into Anjali in even the most remote of chances. Though Ethan knew Anjali and, Justin was aware, spent time with her on occasion, Ryan was still believed, by both, to be dead.

Long dead.

And, as far as Justin were concerned they would never be the wiser.

Thus, it was rare that Justin had Ryan over to the manor and only did today as Anjali was on holiday for a few weeks with friends and had left earlier that morning. This would make the third time in years that Ryan had darkened his father's door. And when the young man - the hardened, cold version of Ethan - entered into the parlour, Justin found himself, for a moment, wishing he'd done things so vastly different twenty years back.

The past, however, can't be altered.

"Afternoon Ryan," he said with a sweep of his hand at an open armchair as he rose and headed to the bar. "I wasn't expecting you for another hour," he said as he poured out two whiskey's crossing to hand one to his son, "though, really, it's for the best. We have a long discussion ahead of us."

Taking the drink without comment, he tilted it back downing the harsh liquid in one swallow before letting his gaze settle onto the man who was father only in name. An uncertainity ate at Ryan as he sat there; something about this meeting felt off though he couldn't have given words to precisely why he felt it to be the case.

"Then, by all means, father, let's not keep me in suspense, shall we?"

Ryan wasn't much one for small talk.

"Fair enough. You remind me so much..." he trailed off, raking a hand in an ages old habit through his hair. "My services for Lamont are no longer an option. I would suggest, strongly, that you work towards ending your own services with the man and find a more solid path in life."

Silence engulfed the room for the span of heartbeats before Ryan guaffawed; he waited on the punchline.

It didn't come.

"A sudden attack of morals?"

"The realization that I can't lie to those I love anymore."

Ryan's lip curled in disgust.

"I know what you're thinking, son. You think me weak. Touched in the head. You believe that my wife has managed to bend me to her will. Think what you will; I'm at peace with my decision and will rest easy. Can you say the same about your day to day existence?"

"Lamont will never allow you to walk."

"Lamont and I go back before you were born. I can handle myself. What I can offer you is sanctuary if you need it; he won't let you go without a fight."

Justin could have sworn he saw a flicker of hope in his son's eyes; it died so fast it could have been nothing more than the shifting afternoon light reflecting in his boy's lifeless eyes.

"I don't need anything from you. I am here only because Lamont wishes for me to learn from you. He'll be disappointed at the betrayal."

He couldn't have expected more from the youngest Haddock; that he knew. Solemnly he nodded, his gaze focused on his, as of yet, untasted shot.

"He will be; his victory in having you brainwashed will more than make up for it, I'm sure."

It was likely that the two would have continued with the thinnly veiled threats had a light knock not resounded on the parlour door. Assuming it to be nothing more than the butler ready with some afternoon tea, Justin called out enter.