Disclaimer I don't own Spooks. All copyright belongs to the BBC and Kudos productions. No copyright infringement is intended nor should be inferred.

1

The rain bounced off the pavement as Ruth headed towards the coffee shop at the end of the river bank. The experts on television had said the hurricane was now just a storm but the rain plastering her hair to her scalp and soaking her to the skin felt just as awful. She was frozen. Sighing she headed into the little Italian coffee house as the waitress headed towards her.

"Can I help you?"

"Large latte please." Ruth sighed, peeling her coat off. She knew her asset was not known for her punctuality but it was unlike Maria to be deliberately late. Ruth glanced out at the rain, deciding that even if Maria Chen stood her up there was no harm in enjoying a coffee and a little time to herself. The peace was soon broken by a few city types who arrived just as the waitress placed her drink in front of her. The men were laughing and joking while Ruth did her best to stay inconspicuous in the corner of the cafe. She checked her watch. Maria was much more than the 'fashionably late' she usually was.

Xxxxxx

"Where's Ruth?" Catherine looked around the Grid as Tariq stared at the computer screen. The Grid was uncharacteristically empty as she reached her desk.

"Luigi's Coffee House." Tariq answered. "Meeting her asset."

"Oh yeah." Catherine smirked. "Plenty if time for you to tell me all about your date with the lovely Kyla."

"No." Tariq paused. "No it really isn't." He tapped a few keys as Catherine raised an eyebrow.

"Not go well?"

"Ruth is in trouble. Parker Lewis has just walked into the coffee shop." Tariq paused as Zoe crossed to them.

"No way."

"Yes way." Tariq nodded as their city boy target slipped into the chair diagonally opposite from Ruth. "I had Ruth wear my latest gizmo. Video tracker with gps."

"Good. I'll pretend to understand." Zoe smiler slightly as Tariq pulled a face. A telephone rang in the background as Tariq began to text Ruth's mobile. He saw her hand reach into her bag for the phone. Ruth glared at the screen, reading Tariq's warning just as a hand squeezed her shoulder painfully. She felt her blood run cold as she realised Maria had betrayed her.

Xxxxx

A/N do I go on?