"S'what I've always heard," he agreed and started for the door, expecting Alex would follow. He was silent on the elevator ride up, lost in thought, but he watched Alex out of the corner of his eye, reflected in the mirrored walls of the elevator. How long had he had this kid fighting his battles? Years, now. And the kid had stuck around. Wordlessly, Nick reached out and gave Alex a brief squeeze on the shoulder before he shoved his hands into his coat pockets and trained his gaze on the steadily ascending numbers above the elevator doors. When they dinged open he stepped out and strode quickly down the hall, his mouth set in a tight line. This was serious and they needed to realize it the moment he stepped in the front door.