10.

It had been a couple of days since they got back home. Everything returned to business as usual. The rest of the team were not at Nate's apartment, so it gave him and Sophie some much needed alone time. They sat at the table eyeing one another; Nate was sipping his whiskey, and Sophie was enjoying a brandy. It had been grueling for everyone on the team. Dealing with Hardison's mother; then his old foster parents. The news reports demonized them both; calling the Lyleson's the absolute worst criminals in that states' history. With that entire debacle said and done with, everyone went to their routines.

Sophie :( to Nate) So, you ready to take our private soiree upstairs?

Nate: (grinning) Lead the way Ms. Deveraux.

They started walking toward the spiral staircase, when Eliot opened the door. They were startled by the urgency in his eyes. Parker was right behind him.

Nate: (annoyed) What gives? And make it snappy.

Eliot: Parker, tell em'.

Parker :( fidgeting) I went over to Hardison's place. I, um, found this on his bed.

Sophie: He wasn't there? It's 2 o' clock in the morning. (Realizing) Parker, why were you there so late?

Parker: Sometimes I watch him sleep.

Nate: Watching him sleep?

Parker: (nonchalantly) Yeah I watch all of you sleep at times.

Eliot: Yeah that's not weird at all.

Parker :( to Eliot) You have a lot of women come in and-

Sophie :( hand up) That's enough Parker.

Nate: Can we get to the point?

Parker: His bed was empty. All that was on the bed was this.

She handed the flash drive over to Nate. There was nothing special about it; just your usual usb flash drive. He went over to the computer on the coffee table, inserted the flash drive and turned on the television. After a second an icon appeared on the screen. He moved the cursor to it and double clicked. After a few seconds, Hardison appeared on the T.V... It was a more mature-looking version of him; there was none of that youthful exhuberance there. He looked way too serious for any of their tastes. He opened his mouth to speak.

Hardison: Hey mama. I knew you'd be the one to find this and give it to the rest of the team. Listen, I've had a great run with you guys. We got to help a lot of people, take down bad guys, and learn that being in a team ain't so bad. I'm sorry that I had to do it like this, but there was no way yall would let me go.

Eliot: Dammit Hardison!

Hardison: I know Eliot.

Eliot looked surprised.

Hardison: listen, bro, however long yall continue to do this, take care of them; watch their backs, make sure that nothing happens to any of them. And please (showing prayer hands) take care of Parker, she needs you. And know that, I consider you my best friend, I'm gonna miss us screwing around all the time. Please just do this one thing for me though.

Eliot nodded to the screen.

Parker looked at the screen in disbelief; it had to be a cruel trick he was playing. This had to be payback for all the roofs she's pushed him off of. He'd come walking through that door, and shout surprised, Eliot would lovingly beat him up, all normal.

Hardison: Sophie, thank you for keeping my head in the game, reeling me in when I went too far, and keeping my confidence up when I thought I sucked. You are a beautiful lady, please keep Nate's ass in line.

Nate; Hey wait a sec!

Hardison: Relax man, I'm getting to you. But let me just finish this.

Nate: Okay Hardison.

They all looked at Nate, wondering what the hell he was doing.

Hardison: Can I please do this? Sophie, keep being the person you are to us; the lady we go to for advice. Keep helping Parker with her transitions. It's been an honor to be taught by the world's greatest grifter.

Tears were streaming down her face; she started wiping her eyes as she nodded to the screen.

Hardison: Nate, you're a piece of work you know that? You've manipulated me, hypnotized me, and at times made me feel like I was bad at doing this. But like I said before, I have focus issues. You kept my head in the game. You boosted me up, letting me know how good I was at all this. I know you only pushed me because you knew what I was capable of, saw the potential in me or something; thanks man. I don't know what it feels like to lose a father; I never got to know mine, when I try to remember him, your white face pops up.

They all chuckled a little at that, but it wasn't making them feel better.

Hardison: Thanks for being like my dad. I can't even think of what it would feel like to lose you. Keep leading the crew, and making sure the bad guys get punished for what they do.

Nate took a long sip of whiskey. Parker could feel herself tensing up. She was next.

Hardison: Parker, mama. I'm sorry I lied to you when I said I looked for you for six months; I actually found you in two. I know what all of you had been up to. I have this problem, where I always need to know where the people I care about are at. You needed time Parker, trust aint something that you would be willing to just throw at anybody. I said I'd be there for you, (head hanging low) but I was there at the best capacity I could be. I know you said you needed me, but you don't. You are a strong, hot woman. The world aint ready for you girl, but sometimes I had this feeling; that you thought I wanted to transform you into some kind of normal person. That wasn't it at all. I liked the way you turned out; I just wanted to show you that you could always have more. No changing, just add-ons to a perfect package. Anyway, just know that I care for you deeply. More importantly, thank you for teaching me what love feels like. I only ask that you keep being you, aint nothing better to me than that.

She stood completely still; no one noticed her heart tensing up, or the heavy barrage of thoughts running through her head. But everyone had a different feeling as they watched Hardison tender his resignation through a video.

Hardison: I think I've said what I needed to say. You are all in my heart, you my people. I watched you all willing to murder for me, now I'm willing to die for all of you. Lucille isn't done, and I'm tired of all of this. I'm going after her alone. Please do not come looking for me. Find another hacker, and keep helping those who need it.

The screen went blank. Parker headed straight for the front door, Eliot stopped her.

Eliot: Parker, what are you doing?

Parker: Getting my gear and going after him.

Eliot: Not without me you aren't, jeez.

Sophie: How dare you two think you can just waltz out of here and think that I wouldn't come with you?

Nate: Guys. The right thing to do is to respect his wishes.

Parker: Nate that is not gonna happen!

Eliot: Hardison's one of us, he would search for us no matter what we say!

Nate: I was just saying—

Sophie: (glowering) What Nate? What were you about to say?

Nate: I said the right thing to do is respect his wishes. When have we ever done the right thing? We're thieves.

The team all perked up, readying themselves.

Nate: (walking towards the door) Let's go steal ourselves a hacker.

I couldn't help it; I had to get this chapter put up today. I hope that you are liking the story. If not, I can end it here. If so, send a review, thanks.