Monster

Lucas winced as he parked the motorbike out of sight of the 4x4. He knew he was back at work far too early after the shooting in the church but there was no way he was going to sit at home and worry. He made a mental note to go back to the church to thank Sue for saving him. He smiled slightly wondering if it was Devine Intervention that had really saved him. He pulled the crash helmet off his head as he watched the black 4x4 pull into a secluded alcove on the edge of the Thames Estuary.

"Shit." He mumbled as he saw Ruth manhandled from the vehicle by a man roughly twice his size. He knew there was no way this was going to be a simple observational run, Ruth looked half dead. There was no way he could leave her to the mercy of the thug currently hoisting her into his arms. Lucas swore once more, suddenly realising how small his friend was.

"Tariq?" He tapped his ear. "Could do with some back up."

"Dimitri, Will and Beth are nearest." Tariq spoke calmly. The younger man was worried sick about his friends but knew there was little he could do other than make sure they were given all the information he could give them. "And."

"Go on." Lucas winced as his wound stung.

"Harry has gone AWOL. I think he went looking for Ruth."

Lucas frowned. He knew how he would react if Ros was in the danger Ruth was in but he didn't like the idea that his boss had gone rouge.

Xxxxxxx

The kick in the back sent Ruth flying forward. The crunch of boot on bone made it clear that ribs had been broken. Knowing she was as good as dead if she showed any reaction she tried to shut her brain off, knowing that it was her best chance of survival.

"Up." The man dragged her to her feet before dropping her into the small chair. Her hands were cuffed behind her back as he cupped her chin, forcing him to look at her. "Ruth, you should be proud of yourself. Spencer begged for his life. Pathetic really, especially considering that he started all this. It was him who employed me originally."

Ruth frowned slightly as the hand ties cut in her skin. He gently brushed the hair away from the wound on her chin. "He got weak, play his obsession paid more. Funnily enough I'm under instruction not to let you die for a little while. Bait." He smiled slightly. "I was told to have some fun." His hand trailed down her neck pulling at the blood stained blouse. "No wire? Don't tell me they really had turned you?" He laughed . "Suddenly I feel better about killing a traitor." The punch to her face sent her back to the darkness.

Xxxxxx

Harry checked his gun once more. He felt numb, all emotion shut down. The coping mechanism used in his younger days as a field officer was almost like a reflex. He couldn't let any emotion in otherwise he knew there was no way he was going to be able to do what he had to. Ruth's life depended on it. Glaring at the gun in his hand he pressed the call button in the car, connecting him straight to Adam.

"There's several viral bombs planted around London."

"Harry?" Adam walked alongside Zaf as he listened to his boss. "Where are you?"

"Irrelevant. Find them. I've had reliable warning, if we don't pay Tessa what she wants they will be remote detonated."

Adam stopped walking. "You spoke with her? When?"

"Focus." Find the bombs before they go off. "Where would a viral bomb cause most deaths? Not an IED - a virus to be released." Hardy paused. "I'm relying on you and Ros. I've already spoken with her." He frowned. "She has her instructions and now you have yours." He ended the call, knowing Adam would understand. A moment later he pressed the button again - knowing Tessa would answer.

"We meet."

"Cottage safe house. Let's say 15 minutes?" Tessa smiled as she spoke. Harry ended the call without saying another word.

Xxxx

(AN - i have no idea if anyone us reading this. Please review & let me know what you think)