A/N: Set after 4.8, in March 2006.

Back in 1985, I was in my early teens and hopelessly addicted to a spy drama called "Scarecrow and Mrs. King." Spooks it was not, but it included a handsome leading man and his amazing chemistry with a brunette with a knack for trouble in the field (sound familiar?) I was watching one of my favorite episodes a few months back and decided to try and apply the storyline to Spooks. This is that attempt.

The original SMK episode story was written by Nelson Costello and the teleplay written by Robert Bielak. SMK is owned by Warner Brothers and Shoot the Moon Productions. I have borrowed the episode title, the plot and a few snippets of dialogue, but all names have been changed.

Spooks is owned by Kudos and the BBC. Despite my fervent wishing, I did not receive them for Christmas, Valentine's Day, my birthday, or Mother's Day. I'm not going to hold out hope that I'll receive them for my anniversary, so I promise to try and put them back how I found them. The story is completely written and will be posted over the next few days. It hasn't been beta'd however, so all mistakes are mine alone.


DOA: Delirious on Arrival

Harry parked his car and double checked his mirrors to ensure that he hadn't been followed. He hadn't used this dead drop in years, but the message he received late this afternoon seemed to suggest that the matter was urgent. He'd thought about sending Adam or Zaf to pick up the information, but as the park wasn't that far from his home, he decided to leave the Grid at a reasonable hour and make the pickup himself.

Thankfully the park was fairly deserted. The weather had been cool with rain on and off, which discouraged all but a few determined souls. He made a pass through the park and didn't see anything suspicious so he doubled back to check a statue near the park entrance for information. Not finding anything and thinking that perhaps his contact was running late, he took another stroll through the park. The wind had died down and the rain was holding off for now and the fresh air refreshing after the recent long days on the Grid. He didn't spot anyone following him and when he returned to the statue, there still was no information. Deciding to check again tomorrow, Harry returned to his car.

As soon as he turned the key in the ignition, the radio sprang to life and a voice that Harry had not heard in years came from the speakers. The message was simple but cryptic, "Harry, old friend. It's been far too long since we've crossed paths. I'm looking forward to doing business with you again." Harry made no attempt to disguise his displeasure at the message. He called Malcolm and asked that he and Colin join him early on the Grid tomorrow morning.

As Harry's car pulled away, a man stood from his crouched position behind some bushes. He turned and walked down the street with a smile on his face.

Harry arrived at Thames House earlier than usual the next morning. Malcolm and Colin weren't due for another 20 minutes so Harry used the time to walk to the Caffe Express van for his usual espresso and almond croissant. On his way back to the office, Harry bumped into a senior officer from Section A and they chatted about the recent Test Match. Once back on the Grid, Harry found Malcolm and Colin waiting so he left his uneaten croissant in his office. The trio of men headed to the garage while Harry explained what happened the night before and asked them to try and find out something in time for the morning briefing.


Ruth lazily turned over in her bed, thinking that she hadn't woken up this refreshed in ages. She glanced at the clock on the nightstand and refreshment turned to panic as she realized that she'd overslept and was normally on the Grid by now. She scrambled out of bed and grabbed a quick shower before dressing and racing out the door.


"Late yesterday afternoon, I received a message directing me to an old dead drop. I went, but found nothing until I got back into my car. When I turned the ignition, I heard this." Harry played the message for everyone and when it was finished, he added, "That's Gunther Zigter. He and I crossed paths in Berlin in the early 1980's. His specialty is the acquisition and sale of plans, preferably of military hardware and weapons. The last time I dealt with him the operation soured and we lost two agents. Adam?"

Harry turned the briefing over to Adam, who assigned tasks for everyone and set a time later in the day for an update. As they all filed out of the room, Harry fell into step with Ruth and walked with her to her desk. "Ruth, Zigter used to make regular visits to Salzburg and it probably wasn't for the Mozart chocolate. He also used the alias Wolf Roth, so you may have some luck under that name." When they reached her desk, Harry leaned back against it, so he was positioned next to her chair. Reaching over, he picked up an apple from the desk and played with it while Ruth settled into her seat.

"Harry, are you concerned that Zigter may try to do more than just make you look bad?" She watched him handle her apple and was glad for the usual level of office noise to cover her growling stomach.

"He may, but I'm not worried about that right now. I'm more concerned with what his target is and finding out what he intends to do with it." Harry stood and turned around to look over the Grid. As he did so, Ruth's phone rang. When she turned back to Harry after answering it, she realized he was gone, and so was her apple. She slouched against the back of her chair as she realized it was going to be a long morning.

Harry walked into his office, but before he sat down he decided he needed to make some inquiries of his own. He walked quickly to the pods and finally out the main entrance of Thames House. Unlike the day before, the weather today was beautiful with a sunny blue sky and not a cloud in sight. He enjoyed his walk to the embankment before sitting on his usual bench. He pulled his mobile from his pocket and made a few phone calls before connecting with the person he was seeking.

Harry dispensed with the pleasantries. "Sully, you are a difficult man to get ahold of."

"Yeah, well, talking to you isn't exactly one of my favorite activities. Somehow it doesn't usually work out to my benefit." Thomas Sullivan was a small time dealer of anything that could be bought or sold who was caught up in a large operation 15 years ago. Harry recognized his value as an asset and rather than send Sully off to jail, he made a deal with him to provide information as needed.

"This isn't a social call, so I'll keep it brief. Have you heard anything about Gunther Zigter or what he's after?"

"Harry, I'm clean these days. I don't even know anyone by that name." Sully's voice was higher than usual, a sign Harry didn't miss.

"Sully, you are about as clean as my dog after she's jumped in the neighborhood pond. If you prefer, I can call my contact at the Customs and Excise. He's familiar with your name and wouldn't turn down a chance to meet with you." Harry knew this was something that Sully feared and Harry wasn't afraid to play the card.

"See, this is what I meant when I said talking to you doesn't work out to my benefit." Sully paused for a moment before proceeding. "I've heard that there's a German in town looking to acquire plans. I'll ask around and let you know what I find out."

"You do that, Sully, and do it quickly or my finger might find the speed dial to Customs and Excise." Harry disconnected the call before Sully could reply. Harry rose from the bench and headed back towards Thames House.

Once back on the Grid, Harry stopped at Ruth's desk for an update before going to his office. She looked up from her computer screen then tilted her head as though pondering what to say. Harry knew from previous experience not to rush her, knowing that her brain worked much faster than her mouth.

"I'll make a deal with you," she said, a serious look on her face.

It was Harry's turn to tilt his head, though he did so in confusion. "Ruth, I don't think I need to remind you that this isn't the time for fun and games."

"I agree, Harry. I bought an apple at the canteen this morning as I'd overslept and didn't get to eat at home. I planned to have it after the morning briefing but after you visited my desk, it seemed to disappear." A small smile graced her face to show that she wasn't angry with him.

"Ruth, I'm sorry. I was so distracted with this Zigter thing that I didn't even realize I'd taken it. Just a minute." Harry walked quickly to his office before Ruth could get a word in. He came back a moment later and placed a croissant on her desk. "I bought it this morning but didn't get a chance to eat it. Please take it. I feel bad that I stole your breakfast."

"Harry, this isn't necessary," she started but Harry interrupted her.

"Ruth, I took your breakfast and the least I can do is give you mine. Besides, I've lost my appetite trying to figure out why Zigter is back."

Just then, Ruth's stomach rumbled and the noise of the Grid wasn't enough to cover the sound. "See, your stomach agrees with me." He smiled at Ruth as she took a bite of the croissant.

She smiled while she finished chewing the croissant. "Thanks, Harry. I appreciate it. As for an update, I've only found the basics on Zigter, likely nothing that you didn't already know. I'm putting it together and hope to have better information in a few hours." Ruth took another bite and turned back to her computer.

Harry returned to his office and after sitting down he mentally mapped out his next steps. A knock on the door caused him to look up to Adam and Zaf, who stopped by to give him an update. Just as they finished telling him that they haven't heard anything from their contacts, Harry's office phone rang. He asked Adam and Zaf to wait, but when he answered the phone and recognized the voice, he quickly put the phone on speaker.

"Gunther, I'm not going to lie and say it's nice to hear from you." Harry pointed at Zaf, who left Harry's office quickly in search of Malcolm to try and trace the call. Adam quietly moved into Harry's office to stand next to his desk.

"Harry, I'm going to make this brief. I want the plans for the new Future Lynx Helicopter. You have eight hours to deliver them to me," Zigter replied.

Harry looked up at Adam before replying. "And why exactly would I be so generous as to share those plans with you?"

"Well, it's up to you, of course, but I rather thought you'd like the antidote."

Harry and Adam exchange a confused look. "Obviously I missed something. The antidote to what?" Harry asked.

"The poison in your almond croissant. I hope you enjoyed it." At these words, Harry's head turned to look at Ruth through the window, with Adam following Harry's line of sight. As they watched, Ruth looked up and smiled, then took another bite of the croissant.