Chapter 4

Dimitri Voloshin had strolled into Rikers like he owned the place and was promptly placed under arrest for robbery, kidnapping and a whole slew of other charges by Detectives Carter and Fusco. Then they retrieved Anton from the floor of the empty office building before he bled out and arrested him as well. Fusco had declared it just another day of good works completed, which wasn't too far from the truth.

The time between Finch's kidnapping to the reunion of the two partners was approximately 7 hours. Reece had returned Finch to the library and stitched up some of his deeper wounds, redressing his arm. He tried to seem nonchalant, but Reece kept a careful eye on Finch and his mood. Past experience suggested that Finch wouldn't be talkative as his brain processed the ordeal he had gone through, and Finch seemed to prove that to be true. He was quiet during the trip back to the library and the medical care. It was only after Reece had cleaned up, and they were about to part ways did Finch dare to speak.

"It seems I'm deeper in your debt, Mr. Reece."
"I owe you for leaving you this morning to deal with this on your own, but you seem to have provided enough clues for us to find you."

Finch paused a moment to consider, "Perhaps we should stop keeping score then?"
"Perhaps," he replied. Reece knew the truth; he could never fully repay the debt he owed to Finch. He could only continue to try, and if that meant saving Harold Finch's life over and over, he would gladly do it.

They said goodnight outside the library. Finch, Bear's leash in his right hand, walked the dog back to his apartment for the evening. Reece was to return to his own apartment, but they both knew he would silently follow Finch until he saw him safely home, then wait there, a silent sentinel, until he felt comfortable with Finch's safety. Reece then retired to his own place to rest and change, and was back up early the next morning to once again follow Finch back to the library. The threat against Finch may have been eliminated, but both men needed that quiet reassurance before everything returned to their odd sense of normal.

After seeing Finch safely ensconced back at the library, Reece left to grab breakfast and hot beverages for them. When he returned, Finch was finishing up at the computer. He glanced up at the monitor to watch Bear greet his master.

"Mr. Reece. I was just finishing up some things from yesterday. I set up scholarship funds for Mr. Escobares' children, and payed off some loans he had taken out on his kiosk. Hopefully this will free up some of his money, and they can move to a bigger apartment. Perhaps he can adopt that dog his children wanted."

"That's generous of you, Finch."

"It's the least I could do after my presence caused so much trouble yesterday," he stood up and shrugged on his overcoat.

"That's not exactly an accurate description of yesterday's events. Where are you going, now?"
"My weekly chess match with Elias is this morning."
"Are you sure that's such a good idea?" he asked, handing Finch his tea.

"Mr. Reece, I'm actually very confident that I'm safe visiting Mr. Elias. I do not wish these past experiences to impede my ability to help you with the numbers or in the performance of my duties. Nevertheless…" he had taken the lid of his tea, and stared into the cooling liquid.

"Nevertheless, there's no shame in asking for help from a friend, Harold. If you're feeling uneasy about anything, I would be happy to accompany you today."

Finch looked up, a small grateful smile on his lips. "I would appreciate that. Thank you John."

(SCENE BREAK)

Finch had decided not to inform Elias of what had transpired, but when he arrived for their chess match, Elias informed him that he was already aware of the previous day's events. He apologized to Finch that their relationship had placed him in such a precarious situation, and promised that swift retribution had already been dealt. The promise was also made that Finch would not be placed in such a situation again, for word had been put out through the underworld, that anyone trying to get to Elias through any of his visitors in prison, would regret their actions immediately and repercussions would be severe and far felt. Finch decided that he would not inquire after any more details, and Elias provided none. They spent the next hour playing chess. Finch lost twice, understandable off his game that day.

Reece was waiting outside when Finch return. His time had not been idle, having conversations with both Fusco and Carter. He found out from Carter that the Voloshin brothers had decided to abduct Finch after Viktor saw him at Rikers visiting Elias. Their plan was to use him either to return to the good graces of the Yogorovs, or barter him back to Elias as leverage in his organization. Either plan had been thrown out the window in favor of having Finch spring their brother from prison and creating, what they thought would be, their own super criminal organization.

Their own greed and naivety was their downfall, once they had given Finch their laptop. Anton had been recovering at the hospital, when he suddenly died in the night. Both Viktor and Dimitri had been attacked and killed as well overnight. It was a testament that no one went against Elias or the people under his protection. Fusco finished detailing this information just as Reece saw Finch limp towards him.

"Good game?" Reece asked, pocketing his phone.

"Not particularly."

"Carter and Fusco send their love."

"How kind."

They traveled most of the way back in the car in silence. Reece wasn't sure how much Finch knew, and vice versa. Neither was particularly willing to share during the ride home. On the walk from the car to the library, they passed a pay phone and it began to ring. Finch glanced at it, then at Reece, who nodded in approval, so Finch answered it. It was time to get back to what they were good at. They had a new number.

A/N: Thanks for sticking with me through this whole thing. I hope you enjoy this last little epilogue. I'd love to hear what you thought of the whole story. Do the chapters work, or should I have left it a big one-shot? Till next time!