AN: A little bit with a tiny plot and a possible second part.

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Leaning over, the man whispers urgently "I think you need to tell her."

"It's a rumour at this point, nothing else. Why would I tell her when we're not sure of anything?" The blonde woman whispers back, looking from her monitor to the man.

"We are sure. He's been having all those secret dinner meetings these past few weeks and when you called The Savoy, they confirmed the Pearce-Rennings wedding was tonight."

Glaring, the woman gives him a final look before turning back to her research. "So? It could be anyone with the last name Pearce."

"Right, because there's more than one Henry Pearce living in London who would have a small wedding and reception at The Savoy." Picking up a paperclip, he throws it at her. "I think you need to tell her. It's going to be all over the Services and we both know it'll hurt worse coming from a stranger than from you."

"It's Christmas Eve Zaf; do you really want to ruin her holiday?"

"Not particularly, but what if she happens by the Savoy and runs into Harry or his wedding party, Jo? She needs to hear it from a friend; well it should have been him; but you'll do. It'll be a hundred times worse later."

Head lifting, she stares at him in shock and amazement. "I'll do? What exactly do you mean by that?"

"That came out wrong!" Eyes wide, Zaf backs up in his chair, hands raised in the air. "What I mean is you're not Harry, who should be telling her himself. That's all. You're perfect in every other way."

"Kiss ass." Shaking her head, she smiles though, and goes back to her report. "Besides, we have nothing to worry about. Ruth is off today, tomorrow, and Boxing Day; she probably went home and won't even notice. We'll tell her when she's back on the 27th."

"Jo…"

"Didn't the two of you learn anything about gossiping about Harry and Ruth?"

Both look up guiltily at the man standing before them.

"Malcolm you don't…"

"No, I don't Jo. But I do know Ruth was hurt very badly by our gossiping about Harry and herself before. And that in turn hurt Harry. So whatever you have heard, leave it be."

With a final glance between the two, he walks off.

Jo, intent on getting her report done, turns back to her computer only to feel Zaf staring at her a moment later. "What?"

"I know Malcolm said to forget it, but we should do something."

"Zaf, he's right, we should just forget about it."

Moving his chair over, he leans on her desk and whispers. "I think we should go to the Savoy tonight, see what this woman has that Ruth doesn't."

"No! If Harry were to find out, there'd be trouble for both of us."

"We're spies – he'll never know."


"This is such a bad idea." Mumbles Jo, looking around the lobby. "We're too exposed here."

"Relax. It's a crowded room. He's not going to spot us."

"Who's not going to spot you?"

Jumping both turn to see Ruth standing behind them.

"Ruth!" Pausing, Jo's eyes go wide as she takes in her friends outfit. "You look fantastic."

And she does.

She's dressed in a gray floor length sleeveless gown, her hair swept up in a twist. Around her throat, a simple silver chain holds a diamond heart pendant; from her ears simple diamond drops; and around her wrist, a matching bracelet to all.

What both fail to notice is the simple diamond on her left hand that matches the entire set.

Turning red at the compliment, Ruth says, "While that's nice of you to say, I wasn't aware we had someone under surveillance here."

"Errr…well, you see…" Jo stutters along, trying to think of a reason for their being there.

"We don't." Zaf says, smiling up at Ruth. "But Jo met a man she's interested in. He said he had a dinner here tonight and we're…seeing if he's telling her the truth when he says he's single."

Arm reaching out, Jo slaps Zaf in the chest and hisses his name.

"Right." Ruth says, smiling at the two of them. "Well, I'll leave you to it then. I'm running late for a date."

They watch as walks across the lobby towards the banquet rooms and restaurant, both having forgotten for a moment why they were there.

"Shit – she could run into Harry."


Shaking her head, Ruth steps off the elevator and onto the fifth floor. It's quiet here, most of the guests already seated in the closed door suite. Making her way down the hall, she turns a corner and spots Harry pacing back and forth. Crossing to him, she smiles when he senses her presence and looks up, his face lighting up in a boyish grin.

"You're late." he says softly, wrapping his arms round her waist to pull her close. "You only had to come two floors."

"And you're nervous." Reaching up, she carefully fixes his bowtie. "Relax."

"She's my little girl." Leaning down, he lowers his mouth to hers in a gentle kiss. "And I just got her back in my life, I don't know if I'm quite ready for her to get married."

"Her husband lives and works in London, you'll get to see her more often. Be happy for her."

"I am." He sighs, leaning back in for another kiss. "Have I told you how beautiful you look?"

"No." smiling, she wraps her arm around his neck, pulling him back down for another kiss. "And I've some news."

"Hmmm."

"You've gotten your Christmas wish."

"How so?"

"Zaf and Jo. They're downstairs. Or were. If their lackluster cover story is any indication, they'll be following me upstairs."

He squeezes her tightly, smiling brightly. "So you're saying..."

"Merry Christmas."


AN: Hope you enjoyed this little bit. If you've a moment, please leave a review.