Elle was laying on the couch in front of the fireplace. Athos had brought her a warm cup of tea, and a book. She was under strict instructions to take it easy. She'd been released from the hospital for two days now. Athos had insisted that she come to the ranch to stay for a while.

"We don't know what's going on with Rebecca, or what her end game was. I'll feel better knowing you're safe with me."

Elle didn't really have a problem with staying at the ranch, but it was odd to see Athos in the role of semi-caregiver. She was usually the one looking after him. And, in the back of her mind she was worried about the whole Rebecca business.

Athos, Aramis and Porthos were sitting at the table going over their notes, and calling in favors. No leads so far, and Elle could hear the frustration in Athos's voice.

"Did anybody run a background check on Rebecca?"

"We didn't think to in the first place, but it's been done now. We should have the results tomorrow." Porthos said.

Athos sighed. It was time to call it a night. As he saw them to the door Elle sat up on the couch. Her head was pounding, but she'd never let Athos know that. He felt guilty enough.

He stopped in the kitchen and rummaged through the pantry. She heard him sigh before making his way to where she was.

"Hey, how about ordering a pizza?" She offered.

Athos seemed visibly relieved. "It's not that I can't cook-"

"Don't be silly. I know you can cook. You take care of yourself quite well without me, usually."

"I'm just exhausted."

He sank down into the recliner and tipped his hat down over his eyes. Fifteen minutes later he reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone to order the pizza. He glanced over to the couch where Elle's eyes were squeezed shut.

"Are you alright?"

"Mmhmm," she mumbled.

He knelt down beside the couch and turned her to face him. "What is it?"

"My head,"

"I'll get your medication."

He was gone and back again in a shot. She swallowed the pill with what was left of her tea. Athos sat beside her on the couch and pulled her close against him. He had failed to protect her. The least he could do was make sure she was comforted.

"Hey, we are going to get this figured out. I promise." He whispered.

"How much longer do you plan on waiting?"

Rebecca stared at the man sitting across from her. She blinked rapidly and shook her head.

"After all I've done for you you'd think you could manage to be a little more appreciative."

He snorted. "Your plan fell completely apart. You didn't really do anything except make Athos and his friends suspicious."

She rolled her eyes. "It'll be fine." She tapped her fingers on the table in front of her and sighed. "From what I've learned about Athos he's probably brought his housekeeper back to the ranch. She was released a few days ago..."

"Great," the man shrugged, "So your little stunt did nothing to get her out of the way."

She looked defeated. "Nothing I did worked. I'm sorry. I thought it was going to be easier."

He reached across the table and took her hand. He suddenly felt sympathetic. She had indeed done a lot for him lately. "Hey, we'll get it done. Don't worry. What's your plan from here?"

"Action." She tossed her hair over her shoulder. "No more waiting."

Hey guys, sorry for the short chapter here, but don't be too mad :)