Speed

Lucas had insisted on driving, knowing Harry was in no fit state to be behind the wheel. Foot firmly pressed on the accelerator he wove through the London traffic determined to get to Ruth as quickly as possible . It was clear Harry was barely holding himself together, Lucas didn't know who he was more worried about. If Ruth was dead there was a fair chance Harry would die of a broken heart.

"Malcolm, are you sure of this?" Lucas asked as Harry checked his gun.

"Certain. It's a prototype, still needs work. Ruth was looking at it in the van before all the happened. Tariq believed she'd put it back but it's a motion sensor. If she's activated it she's moving. Also it's not in the van."

"Ok. How big is it?"

"I told her to slip it under her wedding ring. Small enough to fit under a gold band." Tariq stated calmly. "Overlooked by anyone who doesn't know it exists."

"The Boy Genius strikes again." Harry smirked. "If they say Ruth is alive that's good enough for me."

"Ros? We may need back up."

"She's dealing with Arkady." Malcolm sighed. "Erin is with her. I've dispatched Adam, Zaf and Beth to your location."

"Thanks." Lucas prayed Ros was keeping her cool.

Xxxxxx

"Bugger." Ruth mumbled. She had no idea what was going on, clumsy at the best of times she could barely focus on keeping air going in and out of her lungs. Tears threatening to fall she dragged herself from her knees into a sitting position. Closing her eyes for a moment she fell badly, landing on her side she hit her head falling into unconsciousness.

Xxxxxxx

Adam broke every speed limit in the Greater London area as he drove through the city towards the location Malcolm had given them.

"Doesn't this thing go any faster?" Beth asked. Adam narrowed his eyes.

"I swear if either of you ask if we're nearly there yet I'll throw you out the car. Without stopping." Zaf and Beth smirked slightly as Adam took a corner in fifth gear. The back wheel lifted off the Tarmac as they sped towards the docklands.

"It's where we lost Ruth the first time. When she died." Zaf sighed remembering the night he had spent trying and failing to think of another way. He frowned at the memory.

"Zaf?"

"Before she went into deep cover." Zaf sighed. "Long, sad story."

Beth nodded. She knew her friend hadn't taken the op lightly, why it had gone tits up leaving her vulnerable had never been discussed.

"Hope Ros and Will are getting something out of Arkady."

"She will." Adam smiled as he brought the car to a halt at the same time Lucas arrived.

Xxxxxx

The tension on the Grid was palpable as Malcolm watched the cars on his computer. The digitalised maps showed Harry and Lucas stop outside a modern block of flats that was still under construction.

"Harry, that signal won't go through concrete. She has to be in one of the unfinished areas. I know that area has poor funding, the company building has gone into receivership." Malcolm frowned as he saw Ros walk back into the Grid.

"Anything?"

"We have a location for Ruth." Calum frowned. "The Stick Insect is with Alec."

"Ok."

"Arkady senior?"

"Dead. Really this time."

"What? How?" Malcolm turned to the blonde woman.

"Nothing to do with me. Cyanide pill. He was dead before I got him back to Thames House. The FSB are going to be royally pissed off." Malcolm raised an eyebrow as Ros glared at the computer screen. "This time he's staying dead."

Xxxxx

Harry flung the car door open as Zaf and Adam headed towards the partially constructed building. He felt sick but his legs propelled him towards the building. Adam grabbed him by the shoulders as he reached him.

"If she's in there."

"She is." Harry glared. He had to find her, memories of her terrified at the hands of Mani came to mind. Adam nodded, he didn't doubt Harry. It was almost as if he and Ruth had a sixth sense when it came to the other.

"It might be better if you hung back."

"Adam."

"I just know what I'd be like if it were Carrie." Harry nodded. He'd had the same argument with Lucas minutes earlier.

"I'm not waiting outside." Adam glanced at Lucas before following his friend into the building.

Xxxxxxxxxxx

A/n please review. One chapter left before Return to Baghdad.