A/N: So, I am assuming since Liz is showing a little that it's been a couple weeks since the last episode. I'm gonna go with 4 and hope it doesn't bite me in the ass later lol. So, Haylie is still at home and that is the beginning of our tale.
Haylie had gotten into a very nice routine with the baby since coming home from the hospital. Thomas was amazing so she was able to work a little from home, cook and clean. She frequently sent Mr. Kaplan away, politely because she had it handled.
"Dear, I'm off to discuss the next case with Lizzie," Red stated as he took the baby from her and cradled him in his arms. "Do you need anything before I go?" he asked.
Haylie smiled at him, he'd been a lot more hands on than she could have ever expected, "I think we're good. Go have fun for me," she finished with a smile.
Red leaned down and placed a soft kiss on the baby's forehead before handing him back to her. She stood to take the baby before Red leaned in and kissed her tenderly. "I'll be back as soon as possible. I miss having you out there with me," he mused as he disappeared out the door.
Haylie smiled at the baby as she laid him in his swing, "What are we going to do today, Thomas?" she asked him in her baby voice.
Just as she stood back up from buckling the baby in, there was a knock at the door. Haylie thought that was strange because everyone who knew Red lived there just came in. She grabbed her gun and walked over to open the door, cautiously.
When she got it open enough to see, she saw Samar on the other side. "Samar, did Red give you this address?" she asked, beyond surprised.
Samar smiled, "He trusts me as much as you and Liz. I came on business and because I wanted to hold the baby," she proclaimed as she came in. Haylie hugged her.
"He's in his swing if you would like to get him out," Haylie gestured toward the swing.
Samar wasted no time grabbing Thomas out, "So, how are you feeling?"
"Perfect. I'd go back to work if Red would let me. I am being forced to wait until the doctor officially clears me at six weeks. So, what kind of business brings you over?" Haylie asked.
Samar smiled coyly, "It's not exactly business but we're going to throw Liz a baby shower and I wanted your help," she admitted her second motive for the visit.
Haylie beamed, "I'd love to! Has she decided to keep the baby?"
Samar's face took on a look of surprise, "Is she debating that?"
Haylie bit her lip, "I haven't talked to her since she first found out so she is probably over all the shock now," she backtracked.
Samar shrugged, "Well, hopefully she'll tell me when I find out where she's registered. I should probably get going. I heard Reddington has a case for us," she announced as she passed Thomas back to Hailey.
"Yes, he left to let Liz know who just before you got here. Please call if I can do anything from here," Haylie requested with a giant smile on her face.
Samar nodded as she hugged Haylie once more and left.
Haylie put the baby back in the swing before she got started on some laundry. She did all the housework when Red wasn't around because he detested her doing things like that.
A few hours later, Liz walked in and she looked a little panicked. "I'm so sorry I haven't been by," she began as she entered the room, "I've been busy but I need to talk to you."
Haylie stood to greet her with a hug, "What do you need? I'm here with all sorts of free time to help. By the way, who are we after?"
Liz smiled at Hailey's inquiry. "It's some guy who's brokering a mob wedding for a huge profit. I'm sure in some way Red is doing it for his own gain," she explained then went on, "Samar is trying to throw me a baby shower but I found a family who wants the baby. I'm afraid to tell her because she seems so excited."
Haylie nodded, "She came by earlier and asked for my help. I might've acted surprised that you were keeping the baby so she kind of already has an inkling. I'm sorry," she admitted.
Liz shook her head, "It's ok. I'm just conflicted and Tom is out of town working on some job prospect so I'm on my own."
Haylie nodded, "You know I will do anything you need and I support whatever decision you make. You will do whatever is best for the baby," she said to try to reassure Liz.
Liz smiled as she looked over at Thomas who was asleep in his pack n play, "How do you do it? You are a natural," she commented.
"I've had a lot of help," Haylie replied. "Red should be heading back this way soon so if you're still upset with him, you might want to head out," she warned.
Liz smiled, "Thanks for the heads up," she said as she got up and headed to the door, "I'll come back soon, I promise," she stated before walking out.
Moments after Liz left, Red walked in just as Haylie said he would. He looked very tired or like he'd just woken up, "Are you feeling ok?" she asked as she got up to grasp his cheek with her hand.
Red nodded as he placed his hand on hers, "I simply fell asleep in the car. We've had a few late nights recently," he admitted.
Haylie shook her head, "I've told you to stay asleep a million times. You need your sleep. Did you have any good dreams?" she asked with a sly smile as she walked back toward the kitchen to stir her chili in the crockpot.
Red's face took on a look of darkness at her question and he didn't answer, instead he said, "I'm headed to Paris this afternoon once we catch Mr. Alistair Pitt."
Haylie never questioned his business but the look on her face made it where she couldn't resist, "Why do you need to go there?"
Red hesitated momentarily before coming clean to her. He took a seat at the table as he began a tale, "There was once a woman named Josephine. She and I had a very intimate relationship which ended abruptly four years ago," he watched the color fade out of her face as he spoke, "Alistair Pitt arranged a marriage for her and her husband abused her. She called me to come help her but when I got there, the damage was too much. I killed her husband before I held her in my arms as the life faded from her eyes. I plan to take Mr. Pitt to the very apartment and kill him there. Josephine is still alive but she is in a home, damaged beyond repair."
Haylie thought she was still standing but she had actually sunk down to the floor as he told his story. Red made his way to her, kneeling down onto the floor. "I know this is a lot to take in but I assure you this is a mission of revenge," he explained.
"I'm not jealous," Haylie began, "I mean if you had saved her on time then we probably wouldn't be but I can't believe all the pain you keep locked up inside," she admitted as she raised a shaky hand to his face, pulling him in for a kiss. She wanted to comfort him in anyway she could think of.
Red pulled back, "Don't tempt me, dear. You still have two weeks before we can engage physically once more. Don't be sad for me. It is a terrible tragedy but I will right the wrong in the best way I can. I'm going to have Kate join you tonight," he said as he stood and then pulled her up as well.
Haylie wrapped her arms around his waist, pressing her head firmly against his chest. He hugged her back as he sighed and wrapped his fingers into her thick curly brunette hair. "Be careful," she pleaded.
"I will be back before Thomas wakes for his first feeding of the night," he said as he leaned down and kissed her once more. "Kate will be here in moments."
Haylie smiled bravely as he walked out the door.