Chapter one

'Red I need to talk to you'

'not a good time Lizzie as you can see I am busy'

Lizzie scanned the room searching out a relatively comforting or at least friendly face but she found none and brought her eyes back to one pair of black eyes.

'now Red its for your own good'

While Red's important meeting with his associates was of the utmost importance to him and his business Lizzie's pleading tone and the concern she expressed piqued his interest.

And interest always won out over his best intentions a human weakness of his if you will.

'excuse me gentlemen I shall be back momentarily to resume business' in particular he glared at one man who though built like he was a resident of a gym, squirmed under Red's glare Lizzie presumed in fear.

'now what is it your mind is consumed with Lizzie?'

It all came out in a rush since Lizzie didn't want to delay the inevitable as well as trying to give them as much time as possible.

'Director Cooper is coming for you, they found Diane Fowler's body, I just came from the briefing, they bugged all the major Intelligence officials during the investigation for the mole'

'there is video?'

'no we just got the snapshots but its not looking good they are going to find you and close in on your location'

Red was glad Lizzie was spared the events as they happened, that was of some comfort to him even though she was as distressed as she was.

'he had his suspicions about her when she made her choice to hunt you down make you top priority'

Even as Lizzie shuffled anxiously awaiting his response what she did not expect was a chuckle, his throaty chuckle which made your own vocal chords tingle.

'well it seems I rather underestimated Harold, it seems he isn't just a puppet in a rather well rehearsed play'

'Red we haven't got much time they are going to use this as leverage over you they will lock you up for good this time you will have no bargaining chip,do you understand no three piece suits, fine foods,fresh air'

One more thing she couldn't admit out loud: no more one on one chats about her past.

As a second hit to Lizzie's strained nerves, Reddington glanced down at her with unadorned devotion.

He waited while she inhaled a deep breath.

'Lizzie by doing this you may have destroyed your reputation with your superiors? I am intrigued as to why this sudden change in allegiances'

'my allegiances lie where they have always been, the belief and ability to do what's right to get justice for people who have been hurt and if I were to say this act was driven by purely selfish motivations in that I can no longer get my answers were you to be caught what would you say?'

'I would say I see a person before me who has lost something massive in her life and in your confused state you are making rash decisions'

'in this case I am very glad for this, but I am concerned Lizzie'

As he said this he laid his palm flat against her cheek and pressed ever so lightly. He felt the heat there..he could almost feel the remnants of the her tears.

'but for now Lizzy, I must take my leave'

Her heart broke as she watched him go, his back retreating into the shadows once more. Who knew when she would see him again, she let the unshed tears fall.