Post 9.8 consequences. Nicked the idea of a letter between Harry and Ruth from a couple of you guys, hope you don't mind.
Disclaimers and stuff.
Harry went home. Tomorrow he would go to work and tell them he was offering his resignation to the Home Secretary, he had no doubt it would be accepted. It wasn't a difficult decision, his chances of surviving the inquiry were low and he had no great desire to have his past exploits, good and bad, dragged through the corridors of Whitehall. He would miss Ruth, he would miss the eager eyes of his team at the morning meetings, he would probably miss the power, but this was his time.
He knew what he would say to the Home Secretary, he knew what he would say to Beth, Dimitri and Tariq, even Alec. He knew what he wanted to say to Ruth but suspected he still never would and yet it had to be said.
I should have more courage than to write you a letter, forgive me Ruth.
As you read this you will know that I have resigned and left the service. I thought it was my turn to die but I find that it is merely my time to go.
I regret none of the decisions I made over Albany, they were my decisions and I must face the consequences and I face them gladly because it means that you are safe. That I can never regret.
When you read this I will be gone, not merely from Five but from London, probably from England. I don't believe I will ever see you again. I feel like I am back standing by the river and it breaks my heart once more but I think this is the way it must be.
I never told you, Ruth, though I believe you have always known, I love you. I love you more than I have the words to express, this is but a very sorry attempt. I will think of your face everyday and it will bring me both joy and the deepest of sorrow.
My life has many regrets, loving you is not one of them but loving you from afar without ever telling you is.
I miss you already.
Be happy, Ruth.
Goodbye.
Harry.
He knew the house was empty, he had watched from the car and seen both Ruth and Beth leave for Thames House.
He posted his letter and left for Whitehall.
"Where's Harry?" asked Ruth.
"Home Secretary." Dimitri pulled a face.
The pods opened and Harry paused to look at the Grid.
"Are you ok?"
"Yes, thank you Dimitri. Get everyone to the meeting room, will you?'
"Sure, now?"
"Yes, it may as well be now."
"I have offered my resignation to the Home Secretary and he has accepted it, rather enthusiastically if I may say. He may not appreciate the work we do here but I do. I would like to thank all of you.
Some of you, I haven't worked with for as long as I would have liked but know that you have my respect and my admiration. Others I have know for much longer."
He paused and found himself unable to look at Ruth.
"I'm sorry that I can't tell you who will be succeeding me or if there will be any changes to the department but I'm sure whoever comes in will recognise your talents and rely on you much as I have don,trust you as much as I have done.
Take care of yourselves and each other."
He got up and left the table. He had given them no chance to speak. They sat. Abandoned. Silent. One by one they looked at Ruth. She said nothing.
Harry packed his few personal effects into his briefcase.
"Can't we do something?" said Tariq.
"They were always going to want a scapegoat for Albany, Harry's it."
"Thanks, Alec, thanks for your support." Beth snapped.
"What shall we do, then?'
"Say goodbye" said Dimitri simply.
They all got up, Ruth lingered.
Dimitri and Tariq stood in Harry's office and shook his hand.
Neither knew what to say.
"Thanks for the chance, Harry" said Alec, wondering if he'd be unemployed again imminently.
"I've recommended you stay," Harry said, reading his thoughts.
Alec shook his hand and nodded "Thank you."
Beth stepped forward and hugged Harry, he looked a little embarrassed but smiled warmly at her.
The door opened and there stood Ruth.
Harry was immediately aware of her, as were the others. Nothing was said but they all filed out and left them alone.
"Harry."
"Ruth."
"Is there no other way?"
"No, afraid not."
"What will you do?"
"Something, nothing. Potter like Malcolm. Sit in the garden and read books."
She tried to smile as she met his gaze, "It won't be the same."
"Perhaps not, but all things move on, Ruth, except perhaps for us."
She looked away from him, guilty and regretful that she had never let him get too close, wondering if now was too late.
He saw her look and thought it was a rejection, felt she had not wanted to move on with him, not since she returned.
"You may not be in your office, but I know where you live Harry."
"Maybe you'll knock for once."
"Maybe I will," she said and smiled.
He picked up his briefcase and moved to the door.
"Harry," she called
He turned.
"Take care."
"Bye, Ruth."
The mood on the grid was subdued.
Beth turned to Ruth absentmindedly, "I found this, for you."
Ruth looked up questioningly.
"I had to nip back home and it was there."
She handed Ruth a hand written envelope.
Ruth stared at the handwriting, it looked awfully familiar.
Prob more to come maybe.