Christmas
Not mine. Belongs to Kudos/BBC (Thanksgiving explains how Zaf returns)
The team was safely back on English soil having spent far less than the time initially planned in the U.S. Ruth had escape the CIA and other U.S. security services attempts to shanghai her. Now they had sent Zaf to the Grid in an attempt to bring her into the fold, or at least retrieve the name of the one leaking top secret information via the Internet. Ruth had left an encrypted answer, but Langley's best had been unable to decrypt it.
The only answer was to send Zaf. Besides Harry, Zaf was the only living person Ruth had allowed to get close to her. He had been the one to help her make her way out of the country when she had to escape murder charges. He had been there for her like Danny once was. As Zaf entered the Grid she smiled but her eyes were tinged with sadness as memories of Danny flowed through her brain.
"You know Ruth you are the only reason the CIA let me set foot on British soil. They want the name. They still want you, but I told them to leave it alone and hope you will occasionally help them."
"Well hello to you Zaf. All business? That's not the Zaf I remember. You are more charming with a twinkle in your eye and some cheeky remark."
"Well that's before you ran for the hills with Harry and crew. Left the Yanks looking a bit foolish when they couldn't find you and the team. Needless to say they weren't happy. I assume you and Harry have things all sorted now."
"I'll give you the name and where to find the traitor, but first I want to know what you want in life. Do you want to stay with MI5? Do you want to return to your benefactors? No matter your answer I will give you the information. If you want to stay with us, we can make it happen."
"I really don't know," Zaf pondered the question. "I always used to wonder British or Asian, Asian or British, now everything seems to be shades of gray. Maybe it would be good to be back here to sort things out." Zaf didn't have to say another word.
"I'll talk with Harry and determine his thoughts. You make up your mind. Then we'll meet with CIA at a secured place. I've had enough kidnappings to last a lifetime." She didn't want to explain that between now and Thanksgiving Lucas had turned into John, and almost killed her. He probably knew already she thought.
"Ruth, are you happy? Really happy?"
For the first time in many years Ruth could answer yes. Instead she said "Harry and I seem to have reached an understanding. There are no major threats. The new team is coming together, but I think you could be a major asset for this team. Are you interested?
"Like I said, I think I'd like to stay, but I'm not sure. You know I always liked you don't you?"
"Zaf, you are being cheeky again."
"No, Ruth. If I stay I may decide to give Harry a run for his money where you are concerned."
Ruth realized he was serious and at that same time Harry made his presence known, having just heard the last of Zaf's statement. He quelled the anger rising within, and met Zaf eye-to-eye, held out his hand and welcomed the agent back on the Grid.
"So shall I consider this a challenge to a duel Zaf?" Harry was smiling when he made the comment, but there was fire burning in both eyes.
"Harry!" It was Ruth calling his name. "Don't even go there."
Zaf had his own response. "Well you took long enough to appreciate what was right in front of you. I knew it the moment I saw her. Then I also saw she only had eyes for you. Doing a little light reading and keeping up with her in recent years, I think I could persuade her."
By now Ruth was standing between the two men.
"I thought you wanted to return to the Grid Zaf," said Ruth.
"No. I think I will accept the offer of the CIA to be the new liaison officer between the CIA and MI5. Much better position. You really might want to think about a job change Ruth."
Ruth was shocked to see Zaf acting in such a manner. Harry looked like he wanted to punch him but also knew that Zaf could probably take him in a one-on-one fight. Ruth was afraid how much damage Zaf might do to Harry.
"Just give me the name Ruth and I'll be on my way."
Harry interjected, "I'm not sure she should give you the name until we have cleared everything with all agencies."
Ruth and Zaf both knew Harry was pulling rank to respond to Zaf's unspoken challenge for Ruth's affections. He looked at Zaf and saw a man 20 years younger, full head of hair, and a young man's body. He felt lacking in all areas except he was sure of Ruth's feelings. Or so he thought.
Then Zaf quickly pulled Ruth into a kiss that was anything but chaste and Ruth couldn't stop herself from responding. She shocked herself. Then Zaf stepped back and through the pods saying. "I'll wait for the name. Call me. You know the number."
As soon as Zaf was gone, Harry looked at Ruth and then turned around and stormed into his office unsure what to think about Zaf's actions and her own response, Ruth followed Harry into his office.
