I wrote the previous chapters before s8 was screened. This chapter was written after, and was a lot more difficult, but I wanted to resolve it somehow. I tried to keep the same (or as close as possible) level of tension as I had in the earlier chapters, but not sure if I managed that or not.

Hope you enjoy the conclusion.

Harry and Ruth found themselves alone in the locked room for longer than they expected. They talked quietly for a while. Discussing inconsequential subjects like their favourite books, cooking, and Ruth's cats. Once they had succumbed to talking, passing the time like that was amazingly easy and calming.

Both were surprised that their captors had not returned, but neither voiced their surprise. They simply hoped it meant something, or someone, had stalled them long enough for them to be found and rescued. They had settled into silence again, and the cogs in Ruth's mind had been working overtime.

"Harry?"

"Yes?"

"It doesn't look to me like they're watching us in here. I mean, I know there might be cameras hidden, but I haven't been able to spot them yet."

It didn't take long for Harry to catch onto Ruth's train of thought. "If they're not watching, they won't know what to expect when they next walk through the door."

Ruth grinned at him. "Surely we can do something?"

"I'm not sure I'm up to overpowering them just at the moment."

"It wouldn't just be you would it?" Ruth went on to explain to Harry what she had in mind, and he could feel a semblance of energy returning to his body as the adrenalin began to trickle forth.

Despite the sparseness of the room, they did have several items to hand. To start with there were the two chairs. They were the wooden kind with long flat slats loosely attached to the seat. Loose enough that they could be detached with a strong, swift movement.

Then there was the blind hanging in the window. Harry hadn't taken much notice of it before. Partly because he wasn't in any state to do so, but also because it was raised high, out of sight, letting in the light. It was made from flimsy strips of metal held together by strong cord, all of which were very useful.

The chairs and blind combined, were enough for Harry and Ruth to form a plan to mount an attack on their captors. They would only have one chance of success though. And if it didn't work, they would be back to square one. Or worse.

After the previous hours of turmoil, Harry and Ruth knew the end was in sight. They knew that it wouldn't be much longer, and both were silently wishing it to come sooner rather than later, no matter what the outcome.

They had briefly talked tactics, then quickly and quietly prepared what they needed, moving into their agreed positions. Harry returned to a slumped pose on the floor, giving the impression of him being asleep. Ruth was seated on one of the chairs, which had been placed with military precision not far from where Harry lay.

When the door finally opened, everything happened in the blink of an eye. One man strode over to Harry and crouched to see what state he was in. The other headed for Ruth. He reached her just as the first man bent over Harry.

In a flash, Harry rolled over. The slat of wood which had been hidden beneath his body, and was now gripped tightly in his handcuffed hands, slammed into the side of the man's head.

WHAM!

At exactly the same time, Ruth yanked up the the cord she had held hidden in the folds of her skirt, threw it around the second man's neck and pulled tightly.

Both men were rendered unconscious. One from the solid thump which had dropped him straight to the ground, the other strangled with the remnants of the blind. Faced with the reality of committing grievous bodily harm, Ruth had wavered slightly, but was helped by Harry who took charge as soon as he was able to scramble to his feet.

Flashing a quick look of triumph at Ruth, Harry grabbed her hand and they ran to the open door. Pausing just long enough to check that the corridor was clear, they made their way down the lone set of stairs, and this time found themselves in a dark service corridor. Light at the end of it indicated the way out.

As they headed for a clump of trees at the end of the driveway, Harry and Ruth heard the half-muffled sound of a helicopter approaching. Conscious the threat was returning, they ran for cover with a new sense of urgency.

It wasn't until they reached the trees, and Harry took a moment to look back and gather his thoughts, that he realised the helicopter belonged to MI5. As it hovered closer to the ground, preparing to land, he could even make out a familiar face.

Ruth recognised Lucas as he leapt from the chopper, which had scarcely touched down. She turned to Harry, rubbing at her still bound wrists.

They locked eyes and smiled at each other.

One final review ... please?