My telling of the end of series nine with the proviso that Albany was real, rather than just a deterrent.
"Get to Ruth, get to her now." Harry waited, holding his breath. Nothing could happen to her, he didn't know how he'd cope.
"She's gone," Dimitri said through the earpiece. "He's taken Ruth." Harry closed his eyes waiting for the phone to ring, knowing it would soon.
"Yes?" he said before the first ring had died away.
"I don't want to mess around Harry. A straight swap, Albany for Ruth. Today, or I'll kill her."
"You hurt her and I promise I will not rest until you have died a very painful death."
"I'm not messing around Harry. I need Albany today. You know I've killed people. I am not lying when I say I'll hurt her if you don't do what I want. I'll call in ninety minutes, that should give you enough time to get hold of it."
"Wait…" Harry said, not wanting the connection to end. But it was too late. Harry sighed. What the hell was he going to do? He had no idea.
Ruth was sitting in a nameless empty dark warehouse when Lucas removed her gag but left her hands bound. "What are you doing Lucas?" she asked immediately. He ignored her. "You really think this will get you what you want."
"I know it will," he said quietly while typing something on a laptop she couldn't see. "He won't risk you being hurt and he knows what I'm capable of."
"He won't give you Albany. I know he won't," Ruth said surely. "It'll kill millions of people."
"Shut up Ruth," he said. Lucas didn't want to think about how this could harm people. They were nameless faceless people. He wanted to concentrate on how Albany was his escape ticket. Out of the UK and staying out of prison, as well as remaining friendly with the Chinese.
"Do you really think Harry would trade me life for the millions that will die? Do you think so little of his principles as that?" Ruth shook her head, wanting to get through to him.
"He loves you," Lucas said. "Which makes you my best shot. Stop talking, I know you're trying to make me see this is a mistake. But I know he won't let you die."
"Lucas…"
"Do you want me to gag you again?" That was enough incentive for her to be quiet. At least for the time being. According to her guessing Harry had about forty five minutes until Lucas called him again. She had no idea what he'd do. The only thing she knew with absolute certainty was that he wouldn't give Albany to Lucas. Because that was not the man she loved.
I know its a tiny start up chapter but thought I'd see if people were interested in it. Review and let me know.