"And you think he'd be giving up if he stepped aside," Corbie murmured.

She considered his hands. Then she got up briefly and went into her bathroom to get a wet washcloth. When she came back, she started to dab away at the blood. She should have before, but there were more pressing issues. Now that Alec at least seemed to be calming down, her focus didn't need to be so narrow.

"I don't think he's talking about giving up," she continued, as thought she hadn't gone. "I think it sounds like he's trying to think of her. And that takes a lot of strength, too. Stepping aside takes courage. Though I'll point out, neither of you can tell Liz what she wants if it does happen."