Jane Jackson was an ordinary woman. There wasn't anything particularly special about her. She worked forty hours a week as a mail processor at her local post office and found it to be a rather boring job, one that she didn't want to stay at for the rest of her life. Her husband had been injured five years ago and hadn't been able to work since, so she did what she had to do to support him and their three kids. She'd been at this job for over three years and nothing interesting had ever happened to her. No suspicious packages, no armed robberies; she hadn't even been yelled at by a customer. The post office that she worked at was too small for those kinds of things to happen; she should have been more careful what she wished for.
OOOOOO
"Hey Rob, how are you today?" Jane said as she walked in the backroom, ready for yet another monotonous afternoon of mail sorting.
Rob looked up from his work and said sarcastically, "Oh, I'm wonderful. Just another day in paradise."
Jane laughed and walked over to her station, not paying any particular attention to what was in front of her. She picked up the first envelope and glanced down when she felt lumps at the bottom of it. She narrowed her eyes and shook it, hearing the sound of powder moving around at the bottom; It sounded like sand, and she figured it was probably a prank by a stupid teenager. It was marked for Washington DC, but there wasn't a return address. She needed to check what was inside before she sent it on. Since nothing had ever happened to her like this, she didn't follow proper protocol. It didn't cross her mind that there could be something dangerous inside. She opened the envelope slowly, then peered inside with her face close to opening. A cloud of red dust surrounded her that caused her to cough and her eyes to water. She waved her hand in front of her to clear the dust and began to laugh when Rob said, "Hey, what's going on?"
She shook her head and opened her mouth to say something, but found that she couldn't breath. She started gasping for breath as her vision blurred and horrible lesions began to break out on her arms and face. She opened her mouth in a silent scream as her last thoughts were for her husband and children, and how she hoped they would be taken care of.
OOOOOO
Liz rolled over on her bed and reached for the ringing phone on her nightstand without opening her eyes. It was Ressler judging by the song, and she SO didn't want to deal with him right now.
"Keen," she said, her voice raspy from disuse.
"Liz, we've had another attack by The Mailman, this time in a small town in Arizona."
She opened one eye and squinted at the clock on her nightstand; it was 6:30 PM.
"Ressler, everything you've told me suggests that this guy only attacks areas with a lot of people. It doesn't make sense for him to-"
Ressler cut her off. "The envelope was addressed to DC. The mail processor didn't follow proper protocol and opened the envelope. As a result, everyone in the building died a horrible death; it's not pretty."
Liz yawned and sat up on the edge of her bed. "So I guess that means we're going to Arizona?"
"Got it in one. We have a plane waiting for us at the airport."
She ran a hand over her face and shook her head. "I'm pretty sure Reddington will want to go, and he'll want to take his jet. I think I'd rather go with him, his seats are more comfortable."
Ressler was quiet for a moment, then said, "I'm sure." The tone of his voice suggested that he was implying something else, but she wasn't in the mood to play games with him.
"See you in Arizona, Ress. Bye." She hung up the phone and flopped back down on the bed with her free arm over her face. Her phone began ringing again a couple of minutes later, and she put it to her ear and said a muffled, "Keen."
"Lizzie, are you ready to meet my contact?"
Liz moved her arm and said, "You haven't heard?"
She heard rustling on the other end, and wondered what he was doing. "Heard what? He said tiredly.
"There's been another attack by your blacklister. This time is was premature though, and happened in a small town in Arizona. I've been ordered there to investigate; I'm assuming you want to come?"
"Of course, but we're going in my jet; it's faster. I'll pick you up in fifteen minutes." He hung up without another word and Liz closed her eyes again and groaned. Her eyes felt like sandpaper and her body felt heavy and weak; she wondered if she was getting sick.
She sat up slowly and trudged into her closet to pack an overnight bag, then walked in the bathroom and tried to make herself look presentable. There were dark smudges under her eyes, and her hair looked like she'd been thrown in front of one of those powerful fans. She pulled it back into a ponytail, then quickly touched up her makeup to cover up any evidence of her exhaustion.
As she walked out of the bathroom, her text message notification went off. She walked over to the bed and scooped the phone up and looked at the screen.
Red: We're here. I have dinner for you, we'll eat it in the car on the way to the airstrip.
She didn't bother to answer as she picked up her bag and shuffled downstairs slowly. She locked up her house, then nodded at Dembe holding the car door for her as she slid into the backseat; the door shut behind her and Dembe stepped into the drivers seat seconds later.
"Lizzie, you look like hell."
She sniffed and almost gagged at the smell of food in the car, then looked over at him with a glare. "Thanks. That's just what I needed to hear. Anything else you want to comment on?"
He closed his eyes momentarily, then opened them, looking apologetic. "You know I didn't mean it like that. What's going on with you?"
She blew out a breath and leaned her head against the headrest. "I think I'm getting sick. I feel like shit."
"Are you sure you're up to going? I can call Donald and tell him that we have a lead here that we need to follow."
She didn't bother to look at him as she said, "No, I'll be fine. I need to be there."
He reached over and took her hand then interlaced their fingers. "If you say so."
She squeezed his hand lightly and allowed herself to sink into the leather seats; falling asleep soon after.
OOOOOO
"Lizzie, wake up." She felt someone shake her shoulder lightly.
She tried to bat the hand away, but didn't make contact with anything as she groaned quietly; it felt like she'd just fallen asleep.
She opened her eyes and sat up as she watched Red get out of the car and close the door behind him. She felt an odd weight on her chest and looked down to see Red's long gray jacket draped over her; she pulled it up to her neck and inhaled his scent, then shivered as her door opened and a cold gust of wind blew in. Red leaned down in the doorway and looked at her with concern. "Lizzie, you need to stay here in Washington." He put his hand on her forehead, then reached over and unbuckled her seat belt. "You have a fever and you're shivering. I think that's a pretty good indication that you have the flu, or something of the sort."
She shook her head and tried to get out, but he stopped her with a hand on her shoulder. "Red, I need to do my job. I'm fine. Let me out," she said with a hint of anger in her voice.
He sighed and stood up then stepped back to allow her to get out of the car. She slid out and stood next to him as the cold wind whipped her ponytail around her face. He took his jacket from her hands, then held it up so she could slide her arms in. After it was on, he turned her body to face him and buttoned up a few of the buttons so it wouldn't fly around; his face was inscrutable, but she could see a hint of concern in his eyes. When he finished with the buttons, he pulled her into a tight hug and kissed the side of her head, then murmured quietly near her ear, "I wish you would listen to me, but I understand why you won't."
She nodded and wrapped her arms around his back, hooking her fingers in the little loop in the back of his vest; he felt cold, and she felt guilty for wearing his coat.
Instead of answering him, she pushed him back and kissed his stubbly cheek softly, then pulled away and began walking towards the plane; she heard him heave a sigh then follow behind her soon after.
They were in the air within fifteen minutes. Liz was already curled up in the chair next to him, sound asleep. She had her head on his thigh as he stroked her hair softly and found himself worrying about her health. In the back of his mind he knew it was most likely just the flu or a bad cold, but he couldn't help but think of all the worst-case scenarios.
OOOOOO
They landed at the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport five hours later and had another ninety minute car ride until they arrived at the crime scene in Sedona. Liz was sprawled out on the backseat with Red's coat still wrapped around her tightly as she snored lightly. Red sat in front with Dembe as they quietly discussed what they knew about The Mailman; which didn't happen to be much. It frustrated the hell out of him because he was knowingly putting his fiancé in danger, and he hated every minute of it. He wouldn't ever tell Liz that though, because she wouldn't stand for his over-protectiveness.
Liz's phone begin to ring from her pocket, but she didn't stir as it stopped after five or six rings. Dembe's phone began to ring soon after and he pulled it out and answered it, then handed it to Red without comment.
"Yes?"
"Reddington, it's Ressler." Red rolled his eyes, but didn't comment as he continued, "The local police aren't allowing us to investigate tonight and are making us wait until 8:00 tomorrow morning. We have a hotel that we're all staying in, but I have a feeling it's not your kind of scene." Red could hear the sarcasm dripping from his voice, but didn't rise to the bait.
"Very well Donald, I'll let Agent Keen know."
"Wait, are you going to drop her off at our hotel or is she staying with you?" The way that Ressler worded his comment had Red narrowing his eyes.
"I'll make sure Agent Keen has her own room with a nice view." Red emphasized "Own" so Ressler would understand his meaning.
Ressler cleared his throat in amusement and said, "Ok, we'll meet you at the post office at eight tomorrow, don't be late." Red hung up before Ressler could say anything else and handed the phone back to Dembe with a sigh. He knew that Ressler and Meera were already suspicious of him and Liz; they had to tread carefully.
OOOOOO
They arrived at their hotel and checked in while leaving Liz to sleep in the back seat. They purchased three rooms, if only for appearances sake, then walked out to wake her up. Red opened the door near her head and ran his fingers through her hair softly as he said, "Lizzie."
She made a small grunting noise, then opened her eyes slowly and blinked at him slowly. He bent over her and kissed her on the lips softly, then pulled back and said quietly, "We're at the hotel. Donald called and said that the local officials won't let you investigate the crime scene until tomorrow."
Liz nodded and stretched her arms over her head, brushing his chest in the process. "How are you feeling?"
She cleared her throat, then swallowed a few times. "Like crap, and I really need some water."
He nodded and watched as she sat up slowly. "Let's get you to your room then."
Red helped her out of the car and slipped an arm around her waist to help her walk as Dembe followed behind them with their few pieces of luggage.
Their rooms were on the bottom floor, so they reached the first room quickly. Liz turned to Red and said, "Are we staying in separate rooms?" It warmed his heart to see the disappointment in her eyes.
He nodded, "Our rooms are connected, but I think it may be best if we sleep in separate beds while we're so close to Donald and your other FBI friends. We'll leave the connecting door open in case you need anything."
He took her bag from Dembe, then followed after her and closed the door behind him; leaving Dembe to find his own room two doors down. Liz turned to him as soon as the door was closed and said, "I'm going to take a shower then go to bed. I'm hoping a little sleep will help me function tomorrow."
Red nodded and bit his lip. "I'm going to take a shower myself, then I'll come back over and tuck you in." He said the last bit teasingly, but she didn't seem to notice.
She nodded and turned to her bag as Red walked over to his own room and took a quick shower.
He opened their connecting doors dressed in a white undershirt and cotton pajama pants. Liz was just walking out of the bathroom dressed in a tank top and shorts as he came in. She walked over to him and wrapped her arms around his back, then pulled him close and breathed him in. He smelt clean, and like home; and she immediately felt a little better. She moved one of her hands up and caressed his clean-shaven cheek and sighed against his neck. "Are you sure you don't want to sleep with me?" She said tiredly.
Red huffed a little laugh as he ran his hands down her back soothingly and kissed her hair, "As much as I'd love to, I keep feeling that the FBI's going to barge in and see us together; it's better to be safe than sorry."
She kissed his neck and he hummed in approval as she moved the hand that was still wrapped around his back under his shirt, then under the waistband of his pants momentarily before moving it back up.
His arms teased the hem of her shirt before she pulled away from him reluctantly. He leaned down to kiss her goodnight, but she stopped him with a hand on her chest. "I don't think you want to kiss me, you might catch whatever it is that I have."
He shrugged and kissed her anyway, temporarily deepening it before pulling back and giving her a small smile. "It doesn't matter, I'll kiss you at every opportunity I have."
She kissed his jaw, then his lips once more time before pulling away and walking over to her bed. He followed behind her and pulled the covers down, then watched as she slid in and laid on her side towards him. He pulled the blanket over her, then kissed her cheek and whispered good night against her skin, turned her light off then walked into his room. He turned his own light off, then slid into bed tiredly. His last thoughts were of Liz as he fell into a light, troubled sleep.
OOOOOO
"Nooo, No, no, Red. Don't die, please don't die!
Red shot up and blinked at the darkness surrounding him. He wondered if he had been dreaming until he heard her cry out again. "Reddington, NO!"
He stumbled out of bed and walked towards the connecting doors, stubbing his toe on the dresser as he passed it. "Dammit!" He whispered, trying not to alert her neighbors even more.
He limped blindly to her room, then his eyes adjusted and he saw her thrashing under her covers moaning unintelligible words. He walked up to her quickly and shook her shoulder, "Lizzie, wake up. You're dreaming."
She kept thrashing, so Red knelt on the bed and held her shoulders down, "Elizabeth! Wake up!"
Her eyes shot open, then she put her hand over her mouth and said loudly, "You have to let me up, I'm going to throw up."
He released her and watched as she ran on unsteady legs into the bathroom. He winced as he heard her retching, then stood up and grabbed a bottle of water out of her mini-fridge. As soon as he heard the toilet flush, he opened the door and saw her leaning against the tub with her head in between her legs. He walked over and sat next to her, his knees and back creaking as he did so, then nudged her leg with the water bottle.
She groaned and lifted her head slightly to look at him, then took the bottle from his hand weakly and let it hang from her fingers; her engagement ring glinting in the harsh overhead light of the bathroom. He ran his hand over her sweaty forehead and was shocked to feel how hot her skin was. "Lizzie, sweetheart, we need to get you something to get this fever down."
She nodded her head and said quietly, "I'll take anything at this point, I feel like hell."
He squeezed her thigh, then stood up to call Dembe; all the while wondering what kind of sickness could hit her this hard and fast.
AN: I know it's been forever since I last updated this fic, but I hope there's still interest! If not then I can end it soon, but it's kinda fun writing them in a secret relationship..haha. Thanks so much for reading and I would love to know what you all think. *hugs*
