Departure

Harry had to admit he was pleased to get a seat at the back of the aged bus. It gave him the perfect view of his fellow passengers while still being near the emergency exit. The stifling heat was beginning to get to him, tugging at the collar of his shirt he knew he had to do his best to ignore it and concentrate on his surroundings. He nodded to Will who worked his way to the other corner of the bus as Lucas and Adam found seats further down. Adam was exhausted but knew he had to keep awake. Every breath seemed to zap his energy. Glancing at Lucas he sighed.

"I said nothing."

"We know." Lucas smiled slightly. "From what Zaf and Erin told Ruth before you came here if you had said anything you'd have been killed. You were, are still useful to them."

Adam gritted his teeth, still able to taste the blood on his gums. He was going home. A few hours time he'd see Carrie, Wes, Izzy and his mum. Lucas watched him for a moment before focusing on the other passengers. Dubai seemed a long way from where they were. He knew they weren't out of the woods.

Xxxxxxxxxx

Ros crossed towards Malcolm as they older man glared at his computer. The Grid was a hive of activity as he stepped back.

"Those files." Ros sat in Tariq's abandoned chair. "There's enough on there to have Fortesque and Fairclough put in prison for the next fifty years."

"I'm aware of that."

"You've put yourself on the line. If they trace that back." Ros let the implication go unsaid.

"Which I've no doubt won't take them too long." Malcolm turned to his friend. "Ros, you, Ruth, everyone here puts themselves on the line to stop these monsters. I should be and am no different. You and I are friends and I appreciate your concern but please do not think that this is something new for me."

"I know you're a brave man, Malcolm." Ros smiled slightly. "I also know we are days from Colin's anniversary and with Harry away."

"Yes. I'm aware of the time of year thank you." He looked away. "The Redbacks have impeccable timing." Ros' lips quirked into a half smile.

"I know what that day means to you. It was seven years ago today. Your best friend." Ros knew the pastoral care thing wasn't her specialty but Malcolm was different. She'd always feel responsible for her father's actions where Colin was concerned and protective of the man that had gone out of his way to befriend her when no one else had. He watched her for a moment.

"Ros, you are the most senior officer here. You put your neck on the line by going after a government aid." Ros narrowed her eyes. "Worry about what happens next not what has gone before."

Xxxxxxxx x

Dimitri poured boiling water into the mug in front of him. The coffee was going to be desperately needed if he was going to get through the rest of the op. He stared at the black swirling liquid deep in thought.

"If it counts for anything, I'm glad you didn't go on the op. I'm glad Harry took Will." He turned to see Beth tuck a strand of blonde hair behind her ear.

"I know." He reached for another mug as Beth walked further into the small kitchenette. "I know, I just don't like feeling useless."

"You are not useless." She wrapped her arms around him from behind placing a kiss in between his shoulders. "You are not useless."

"My running days are over." He held her hands before turning to face her. Beth raised an eyebrow.

"If you were too slow or not capable do you think Harry would have pushed to have you back? You lost a leg. Half a leg! Not your brain and frankly Dimitri you are the only one letting it stop you. You are the only one making it an issue." Beth snapped. "You and Erin are too alike. You really are."

"How did you work that out?" Dimitri really couldn't see it. He frowned as Beth really seemed to be working up into a full blown rant.

"Neither of you can let go of the past! She's in love with a dead man and you mourn a limb you are never going to get back." Beth shook her head. "Erin could be happy - if she let herself. So could you." She shook her head sadly as the door to the kitchenette opened.

"Ros wants us all in the Briefing Room." Erin stated calmly before walking away. Beth closed her eyes wondering just how much she had heard.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxx

The bus was soon overcrowded - the heat and body odour making Adam feel nauseated. He swallowed hard, grateful of the bottled water Lucas pushed into his hand. He winced in pain as his fingers curled around the small bottle.

"You ok?"

"Yeah." Adam gulped the water. "Considering I've been hit by a truck."

"Harry has spoken to the Grid they know we're out of the target are." Lucas explained. Adam nodded, he knew he needed medical help but knew the Redbacks could reappear at any time. Gritting his teeth he looked out of the bus window, knowing he had to hold on.

Xxxxxxxxz

Ruth looked at the head of the table. The seat normally occupied by Harry remained empty as Ros stood in her customary place as the rest of the team joined them. Catherine glanced at Ruth, clearly worried as she and Malcolm took their seats.

"Good news?" Alec asked wryly. Ros nodded once.

"Zaf is alive and back in England." Ros stated. "Tariq's on the way back in."

"Small mercies." Malcolm sighed. He was genuinely relieved that Zaf was home. Ruth smiled slightly, she knew Zoe and Carrie had been going through Hell. She couldn't help but feel guilty that Carrie and the children were still waiting for news.

"What about Fortesque? Does he and the witch get away with this?" Erin looked up. Ros smiled slyly.

"No." She stepped away. "Fortesque had IA rip this place apart. Sold secrets and the locations of MI 5 officers. People have died due to his greed. Ruth?"

"Helen Flairclough has been transferred to the secure police unit in Piccadilly." Ruth explained. "I've been going through evidence and it seems she is the link. It was her that had a relationship with Boscard and facilitated the selling of state secrets. She's been formally charged with Treason." Ruth knew it was of little consequence but the woman would at least serve a prison term.

"Fortesque?" Dimitri asked.

"Resigned, immediate effect." Ros watched as Calum rolled his eyes. "Problem?"

"That's it?"

"No." Ros quirked her lip. "He's currently being very publicly arrested in relation to 'suspect' conduct and behaviour. Malcolm found files that should keep the clowns busy for a while. I'm sure a friendly magistrate won't grant bail, seeing as treason and terrorist activity is in almost every file. He's got enough questions to answer, the Foreign Secretary is not a happy man."

"I bet he's not." Catherine bit her lip.

"It's not over yet." Ros leant on the table. "We've still got four officers in the field. Let's get them home."

Xxxxxxxx

A/N please review