I had a review of the ebook, saying that whatever way you look at it, River was highly unprofessional, and that may be the case. However, he was in a very difficult position. He was trying hard to put his own growing attraction to Silver aside to be professional, but it wasn't easy for him. Yes, he could have walked away and handed Silver over to someone else, but I think he knew full well that Silver would never have responded to anyone else as he had with river. Walking away would have been dooming Silver to a half life. I think by this stage, River didnt care how professional he was being 'or not' but only about how he can help Silver 'come back'.