A/N Originally written and posted elsewhere before The Apothecary aired. Tweaked ever so slightly to make it fit the episode as aired.
Putting the Band Back Together
"It's not Dembe."
Gently, Elizabeth pointed out. "Who else had the knowledge and the access?"
"It's not Dembe." Reddington said it again and closed his eyes in exhaustion.
Cooper frowned. "If that's true – and I don't think that it is - we may have managed to stop the poison, but we are still no closer to figuring out who it is targeting you."
As the nearby elevator dinged, Reddington opened his eyes to find Ressler and Aram carrying in his doppelganger. He commented. "I take it I am about to have a relapse."
Cooper nodded. "It's time to play possum. Let word get out that you're dead. See who that shakes out. See who steps forward to take credit."
Reddington nodded. He was still having trouble catching his breath. "I have a safe -"
Cooper cut him off. "- No. We're not using any of your resources or any of your people. We're going low key with your protection to try to fly under the radar. Reports of your death are already starting to be leaked."
"How low key?" Reddington asked.
"Very low key. Keen, get him out of here. The rest of the task force will be staying with the other you. "
Lizzie gave him a shoulder to lean on, but before they could get out the door, Cooper added one final insult. "I'm going to need your hat."
Raymond looked in horror at the baseball cap Cooper offered him in trade.
As, they entered the elevator just the two of them, he asked. "Where are we going?"
"You wanted to see my new place. There's no time like the present."
Raymond shook his head. "I won't put you and Agnes in danger."
"You won't. Tom took Agnes away for a few days."
OOO
Not that he looked like he could make it anywhere on his own … still Liz told him. "Wait here while I do a quick sweep of the apartment."
She left him leaning against the wall outside her door as she entered from the back through the kitchen. Entering the living room, Liz spotted her.
That hadn't taken long was Liz's first thought seeing her.
"Mr. Kaplan!"
tbc