'I can explain that anyway, somehow. He wanted an inside at the office - he kidnapped my mum to get one, shouldn't that be enough?' He sighed. 'I really didn't want this to reflect on you if it blew up - it was why I pushed you away in the first place. It was an idiot idea, but you have to believe that I only did it because I wanted to protect you.'
As Percy continued he sank deeper into the pillows, feeling the strain start to overwhelm him. The fact that Percy was calmer helped. He hated seeing him upset, he hated more that he was the reason for it.
'I really am sorry,' he said. 'If I could change things I would.'