Three Days Before
"Ruth, where's Beth?"
"Gone to meet an asset. Can I help?"
"No, it's fine."
She follows him, she doesn't know why, there's just something in his tone.
As he sits at his desk he is not surprised that she stands opposite with that look, the one that half invites, half challenges him to tell her what he has failed to do so already.
"She's been following a Georgian group.."
"Juba?"
He nods.
"And I'm concerned she's getting too close."
"What do you mean?"
"Barashvili, their leader….he's highly persuasive, charming and ruthless."
"A man after your own heart," her eyes twinkle with mischief.
"Charming?" he smiles his most charming smile.
"Occasionally," she accedes.
"Ruthless?"
"When necessary."
"But not persuasive enough, hey, Ruth?" and there is sadness in his voice even though the smile is still caught on his face.
She does not answer, her eyes slip away.
And for a moment they both hear his question and they both hear her refusal. And they both regret.
"Well, as charming as he may seem he's capable of many things and I just have this feeling that Beth is immersing herself too much, getting too close to him."
"Have you spoken to her?"
"Yes, she says it's all fine, that he trusts her, that there's no reason for me to worry."
"But you are."
"Yes."
"You never had these worries with Ros?'"
"Ros would have eaten him for breakfast."
"She's a big girl Harry, I'm sure she knows what she's doing."
He nods and his eyes linger on her.
She turns and is gone.
Sunday Morning
The tea is cold and untouched in her hand. The rain has slowed to a gentle, rhythmic shower. The cat decides the time right to return across the fence.
Ruth sees none of it. She sees Harry stroking Beth's face, sees her small frame nestled under his arm, sees the gentleness in his touch.
And it won't leave her alone.