Fragile Sanctuary

On her back deck after the accident, Rhodes sits with Fallon. Rhodes admits she is hurt by Anson’s secrets but realizes she is falling in love with him. She recognizes that she keeps relationships temporary out of fear of loss. Fallon urges her to choose a full life instead of avoiding pain.

Anson arrives unannounced. Fallon and Biscuit give them privacy. Anson tells Rhodes he cannot stay away, confessing she has broken through his emotional defenses. Rhodes runs to him, and they hold each other.

Anson carries Rhodes inside to the couch. At her insistence, he explains his past: He earned a doctorate in psychology and worked as an FBI profiler. He recounts the Hangman case, in which a serial killer fixated on him and made the investigation personal.

Anson shares that the Hangman murdered his sister, Greta, to torment him. Soon after, his father died, and his mother blamed him for both deaths. Rhodes steadies him, telling him he is not responsible for a killer’s crimes. Her acceptance begins to loosen his guilt.

Anson tells Rhodes that she revives his dormant emotions and that he wants her in his life. Their vulnerability turns physical. He undresses her with care, kissing her scars from the