Disclaimer :

A very short 4 chapters story totally unbeta'd. English is not my mother tongue, so feel free to make any comments if it's a pain to read due to mistakes :)

I don't own Reddington, though it's on my to do list.

~~~ Music mood - The Truth by Handsome Boy Modeling School~~~

It had all started with an argument, again. He was used to it but it had always turned his stomach upside down. This time it was about his way of life, just that. He had invited her to a party with important guests. Well, that's true, some of them were international criminals. But fascinating persons. Sharing a glass with such important figures was always a tremendous opportunity.

The fact that Madeline Pratt was hosting the festivities may have sealed her decision.

"You're mad", Liz ended the discussion, heading to the door.

"I'm mad. I used to be a monster, now I'm mad. I take it as an improvement," Red teased.

"You're not a monster," she said slowly turning back to him. "I'm sorry. Truly. I should never have said that … But yes, you're crazy. Going to such a party when there's a price on your head. And hosted by this … I mean, it always ends up badly with her!"

"Oh dear … Madeline is an amazing person. Life would be boring without people like her," he paused and try to soften his voice. "But this time it's just a party with selected people, it's totally safe. You should come!" He was desperately trying to convince her though he knew it was pointless. He had crossed a line.

"Don't even try to insist! I won't come to your fancy gala evening, playing the stupid doll in the middle of your criminal jet set friends."

"The what?" It never came to his mind that she would think he was using her in such a way. "Lizzie! It's not at all the reason why I invited you … I just wanted to share that evening with you. You may enjoy meeting some of the guests … I'm sorry you understood it that way, I didn't want to hurt you."

"Anyway, I can't come. I'm attending a seminar with Ressler this same weekend."

"Those absolutely boring meetings where they show you amusing slides about how life should be in a perfect world?"

"Enough with your sarcasms please! It's in Paris, and I want to visit the place. I've never been there."

"Paris! Why haven't you told me?!"

"Should I ask for your permission any time I step out of the Post Office?"

"I didn't mean to … But It's Paris! We can take my jet, I'll show you the nicest places …", he was excited about the idea of travelling to the French capital with Lizzie.

"No luxury jet and private scotch bar. I'm going with Ressler, he booked us seats on Air France. That will better suit my way of life."

"Okay, understood. But may I … can we at least meet there? You cannot go to Paris and miss a dinner in one of their finest restaurant. Let me invite you to the Ambroisie at La Place des Vosges. It's an amazing restaurant in a unique place."

"You and me? I don't think it's a good idea …"

"Why not, Lizzie?"

"What about Ressler?" she tried to elude the question.

"I'll book him a table at Le Moulin Rouge, VIP seat with all the extras. I know the patron, he'll take care of him. He will never forget his trip to Paris."

She smiled. She tried to hide it but she smiled.

"Agreed. One diner," she finally said. But the look on her face clearly showed that she was doing him a favor. "We'll meet there in a couple of days."

And she left.

To be continued ...