I do not own Spooks. BBC television and kudos productions own all. No copyright infringement is intended nor should be inferred. Set series 3

There's something about Ruth

It was turning out to be the day from Hell. Danny's death hung heavily over the team. Fiona quieter than he ever remembered. Adam clearly angry at the world while Colin and Malcolm kept to themselves. Meanwhile Ruth had become so introverted that he wondered if she was having some form of breakdown. He felt sorry for the new boy Zaf who had literally walked into a crisis. Now he had to contend with Juliet breathing down his neck.

"Harry."

"Ruth." He looked up. "Have you heard of a little custom we British have?" Ruth frowned slightly. "The one where before entering a room with a closed door we curl our hand onto a fist and then hit it against the wooden panel of the door?"

"Oh yes." Ruth blushed slightly. "Reports on Shining Dawn."

"Thank you."

"You need to sign them." Her voice almost devoid of emotion. It had been nearly a week since the memorial service for Danny, since his name had been added to the glass wall of remembrance.

"Ok, Ruth?"

"Adam and Dan er Zaf are going to Fishers place of work. Fiona is with Debra Langham and I have work to do."

"As do we all. Samantha has requested a transfer to GCHQ with immediate effect." Harry watched as Ruth nodded. "I thought you should know."

"She loved Danny."

"Yes."

"We all did."

"Ruth." Harry stood up. "If you."

"I'm fine." She turned to leave as Harry fell silent. The door clicking shut before he could finish his sentence.

Xxxxxxxx

Adam returned to the Grid a few hours later. The normal buzz of activity of the place looking and feeling subdued. He'd been Section Chief almost a year and had already seen so many changes. First Tom and then Zoe had left them. Each departure seemed to affect the team more and more. Ruth quietly got on with her work; barely speaking to anyone other than Danny and Harry. Then Danny had been murdered and Fiona almost killed. It seemed to be one blow after another. With Sam leaving he wondered how much more his team could take.

"Adam?" Colin walked over to him. "You ok?"

"Always." He smiled at the other man. "What's up?"

"The device in Natasha's jacket. The one I had sewn in?"

"Was a genius idea that saved her life and dozens more at the hospital." Adam stated. It was a fact. It was the Grid based staff like Colin that kept them alive. He had no idea what they did but he knew it worked.

"Thanks but it was a prototype. I'd like you to test a more powerful version. This." He handed Adam a tie pin. "Has a camera on it as well as audio."

"Ok." Adam turned the small device over in his hand.

"Is Ruth ok? Only I saw Harry watching her earlier. He looked worried."

"He is. We all are. Fiona is barely coping and Danny was Ruth's best friend here." Adam sighed. "It's a difficult one." He looked towards the analyst who seemed to be aware their boss was watching them. "I'll talk to Harry. Don't worry."

"Ok." Colin retreated to his work area as Adam approached the office. Knocking once he stepped in just in time to catch Harry watching the brunette at her work station.

"What!"

"Juliet bought a flying pig and Zaf's run away with the circus."

"Very good."

"Harry."

"Adam."

"What's wrong?" Adam paused. "Is Ruth alright? She's barely spoken to anyone for weeks. I'm concerned."

"You have Fiona to worry over."

"Yes." Adam held his gaze. "But who does Ruth have to look after her?"

Harry's eyes darkened. He knew exactly what Adam was referring to. The night Danny had died he had spent with Ruth. Just talking and being the friend they both needed. Nothing inappropriate had happened. That was when he knew. Any other woman he'd have tried it on. Anyone else would have probably let him. But not Ruth Evershed. There was something about her. He didn't know what, but she was special.

Xxxxx

A/N not sure about this. Please review