Friend or Foe
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters, Kudos does.
CHAPTER ONE
As the wind whistled along the river, he stared out across the water. Something must have happened, he thought. It wasn't like her to be this late. Sighing, he began to turn away to begin his solitary journey home. Suddenly, from the right, he heard hurried footsteps and turned in their direction.
"Wait! Don't go. I'm here"
The most beautiful words he'd heard all day!
She hurried up to him, touching his arm briefly with her hand.
"You're late" he said. Harsh words said with a gentle smile
"I was handed an urgent message just as I was leaving. I tried to call your mobile but you must have turned it off."
"You're right. I didn't want us to be disturbed."
He reached out and took her hand, bringing it gently to his lips. They turned, hand in hand, and walked along the riverside. When they reached a coffee stand, he ordered their usual: a coffee – double double – and a hot chocolate with whipped cream. They found a bench and settled on it, sipping the steaming liquids slowly.
"What was the urgent message?" he asked, secretly wondering if he should have stopped back by the Grid before meeting her.
"Nothing that can't be dealt with tomorrow." She ducked her head when he looked at her.
"Are you going to tell me now or am I going to have to force it out of you?" He winked at her and began to move his fingers along her back and around to her side. She began to wriggle away. He moved in close, kissing her neck.
"All right. All right." She playfully slapped his hand. "It was strange actually. A message came in saying, 'The Archer seeks the Farmer'. That was it. I ran it through every code program I have but I couldn't break it. I'll hand it on to Tariq tomorrow." Harry had stilled as Ruth recited the message. His head turned away and his face looked distant.
"Harry. Harry?" Ruth prodded him, concerned by his stillness. "I'm sure Tariq will solve it tomorrow." Harry shook his head.
"No. Don't give it to Tariq."