"I couldn't have sent them. Nell has never been out since we've been here. How credible would that be?" he asked. "Dom has barely left as well. You have been out more than he has. No, John. You two were the right choice. You're also very valuable now. As far as the government is concerned, you are dead. You have a freedom that none of us have. I am truly sorry of the repercussions, but this was the right decision for this team as a unit, and the people who left have raised the same objections over and over. They would have been unlikely to adjust to life on this island." He might not like that they were away, but that was because he didn't trust them not to do something stupid and get on the government's radar and then they'd have to save them "It is best this way."
Leon sighed. "Honestly? He was too drunk to even think about changing into anything, let alone doing it, but I had a tracker on him. I had ears on him all the time. I would have had eyes, but I didn't think any of us wanted that." He squeezed John's shoulder. "I don't apologize to my agents, but I am sorry for the pain you and he are feeling, but you know him. Did you really think he would let someone else take your place that quickly? He wouldn't have and he shouldn't have and if this had been real, then I would have spoken to him, but I felt that it would have been counterproductive considering that you were not dead."
He smiled a little. "You don't have to defend him, John. I know what he can do. He started out as a pain in the ass and he's currently running my office together with Nell. I also know what he does for the people around him, but I also know that he doesn't really let the people in. He likes to give and dismisses what he does, but receiving is a different matter. However, don't think he was left alone. He and Mr. Callen have spent quite some time together. I can't say either was very talkative. Derek and Callen have spent time together. Sam has been extremely attentive as well. We might not have done it the proper way, but we've tried in our own way." It seemed that it wasn't enough, though. "Still, if this were to happen in the future, I will act differently. I promise, and not just because you're asking, but because he deserves the help."