The following days passed by relatively well, if Liz said so herself.
She thought staying with Reddington would be awkward, but really... it hadn't been bad at all. Red proved to be a considerate and kind host, seeing to all her needs. She also felt very secure here with Red and his men.
In fact, she would go so far and say... she rather enjoyed her stay with Red and Dembe.
At Red's insistence, and with little else to do at the moment, Liz took the day from work. Finishing her book, she toured the house walking room to room.
The place was enormous. Just on the east side of the two story building she had found two sitting rooms, two bathrooms, a game room, an entertainment room and an atrium.
In her search, she found Red Reddington sitting in a semi-enclosed porch, drink and cigar in hand, enjoying the evening air.
"There you are." she said as she neared him. "I've been looking all over for you."
"What did you need?" he reached to knock the cherry off the end of the fragrant smoke.
"That smells good, please don't put it out."
He put the tip back to his lips, tonguing the end then drew on the cigar, blowing the smoke out in a thin stream.
"Anything new on the western front?"
"No, nothing yet." He waved his cigar aimlessly, "Not that I mind, to be honest."
"Tired?"
"Yes."
She was a little shocked that he had answered her so simply.
"There's something to be said for the quiet before the storm."
"There's something about this one that's bothering you, isn't there." Elizabeth stated.
"From what I know of Carver, when he does surface, it'll be messy and eventful." he rubbed his eyes tiredly, "I'm not looking forward to it."
"We've dealt with worse, haven't we?" Something was making the hair on the back of her neck stand on end.
"There are too many unknown variables in play." he thought aloud.
"And Tom isn't helping any."
"He needs to get the Fulcrum and will do whatever it takes."
"I don't know anything about the Fulcrum." she exasperated.
He lifted consoling eyes, "That's enough for today, Lizzy, not to worry. I have it covered."
"He won't give up."
"He'll get it or you," Red mumbled, puffing on his cigar, "over my dead body."
Winding down from the day, Red and Liz sat enjoying a quiet evening of discussion and drinks, when the woman's phone rang, breaking the relaxed atmosphere.
From the tone of the call, it appeared Carver was in town... and making his presence known.
Insisting they accompany Elizabeth to the site. Leaving the woman to do her thing, Red and Dembe unobtrusively surveyed the area... keeping a watchful eye.
Leaning against the trunk of Ressler's car, Red looked at the gathered crowd.
Frowning at the, he wondered what was it about 'tragedy' that called to people? And where the hell had they come from?
It was an eclectic bunch. Men and women in business suits, teenagers, parents with a stroller.
Meeting the eye of more than a few, he made a quick game of their interest in him. Staring at them until they inevitably looked away.
While nosy, people would forget what made them uncomfortable. The chance of seeing a dead body in a bag would make great story telling to their friends over the next day.
A man in a three-piece suit that made them uncomfortable, would be forgotten by the time they made it down the block.
"Scaring the tourists?" Lizzy asked as she approached.
"It's sad, Lizzy." he pouted, "I'm on the Most Wanted list. My face is plastered in Post Offices across the world and no one recognizes me."
She patted his shoulder consolingly. "Take heart," she opened her notebook jotting down her notes, "they may think you're in police custody."
Red scoffed before snorting.
"Or, even with the substantial reward on your head, the danger of getting involved with you just isn't worth it." she finished writing her notes then looked at the man.
"You're just saying that to make me feel better. " he dismissed airily. "Speaking of which, you have a little color back now. Do you feel better?"
"I don't know what you mean?" she lied convincingly. When she had seen the condition of the body, it had turned her stomach.
Red had sought a trash can had she needed it, but was in a quandary. How to find one without contaminating the crime scene. He had been proud when she had pulled herself together, continuing her work in a professional manner.
"I don't know how that didn't bother you?" she practically accused.
"I've seen some of the worst mankind can do to one another, Lizzy." he readily explained, "Adults," he dismissed entirely, "they did something to get in their predicament." Red's eyes narrowed and turned ice cold, "Kids on the other hand... then you'll see emotion."
Elizabeth Keen shivered involuntarily. The man did not have to finish his thought.
"I can honestly hope I never have to experience that emotion coming from you."
He thought maybe she meant that as a put down, the way it had been said, but then he realized she didn't want to ever see it because it would mean a child had been hurt.
"I hope you don't either." he commiserated.
"Keen," Donald approached gingerly.
"Yes?" She turned to him, taking the file he held out. "What's this?"
"Statements from the people who found the body." Ressler settled his hands on his hips, turning to Reddington, "You sure you don't know him?" he asked Red yet again.
"You can keep asking and I'll keep telling you no, I don't know... " Red stopped, turning his head slightly as though listening for something.
"What?" Liz picked up on the change in the man.
The man hesitated for a long moment, "Carver's here." he spoke brusquely. "He's watching us."
Ressler was more than annoyed, "How can you know that?"
"It's called intuition. I haven't survived twenty years without trusting my gut." Red's tone sharpened, not suffering idiots easily at this time. "I'm telling you... he's here."
She hesitated to look, "In the crowd maybe?" she had picked up on his tone.
Red shook his head sharply, "He's behind me, I can feel it."
"This is ridiculous." Ressler snapped. "Now we're relying on your Spidey sense."
Removing his hat, Red scratched his head, casually tossing the fedora on the trunk. "Switch positions with me." he instructed quietly, taking her vacant spot slowly but surely.
"Talk casually amongst yourselves." the agents stared blankly back at him. "Something? Anything!" he exasperated instructions. "The pets you had as a child, new apps on your phone... Ressler's love life. I need to look bored."
Liz narrowed her eyes at Red, then perked up a bit. "How is your love life Ress?"
"Better than yours," Ressler shot back.
"Score for Donald," Red mumbled as he casually scanned the area.
"Hey! I only recently got divorced you know." Liz defended herself.
"You never did tell us how that date went, Donald." Red leaned into the car, crossing his arms. He schooled his features into the most put upon expression he could muster, tilting his head up, looking at the roof tops.
"It went fine!" Ressler replied heatedly.
"Doesn't sound like it to me, does it you Red?" Liz snickered.
Red shook his head 'no' in complacent camaraderie.
"We have plans this weekend, just so you know." Don preened. "We're going – "
"Second building back. Rooftop." Red said succinctly, focusing his eyes a short distance away. "Don't look, you idiot." he warned Ressler tightly.
There it was again. A slight movement on the roof top, two buildings back. Blocking out all other vision, his eyes centered on that dark shadow. Then he saw the glint.
Scope! His mind screamed.
"Gun!" Red grabbed Liz, shoving her behind the wheel well of a nearby police cruiser, covering her with his own body as Ressler dove behind his car.
Seconds later there was a pop, then a whistling fizzle in the air before a bullet smashed into the gravel where they had been standing, followed by another.
Ressler snapped out commands to seal the area. The crowd panicked, running amok, trying not to become targets. Cops and agents scattered, hiding behind anything of use, weapons drawn.
Red heard the crunch of tires driving over gravel, nearing their position. Turning Elizabeth around, he crept in behind her, shielding her smaller body with his own.
"Stay low, lay down on the seat." he urged Liz forward when the car came to a stop alongside Ressler's vehicle, allowing them a perfect shot to the backdoor.
Dembe's low velvet voice came out of the night, "Raymond."
"Get in the back." Red commanded.
"I can't leave!" Liz protested, pushing back at his insistent hands.
"Where the hell are you two going?" Ressler demanded.
Grasping her arm, Red pushed her roughly, "You're going!" he barked as a bullet hit the ground, spraying them in a fine mist of dirt.
"Go, Keen!" Ressler yelled at the pair as the bullets grew closer. "Get out of here!"
Peering over the car, Red watched the lens move upwards, his mind clicking into gear.
The bastard was reloading.
"Get down." he hissed, his palm cupping her head when the following shot tore through the bumper of the car they were hiding behind.
"Go!" Red dragged her beside him, crouched over her small body. "Now, dammit!"
Scurrying towards the opened door, Liz crawled over the door frame into the back seat.
Crawling in behind the woman, Red covered Liz's body with his own. Hastily glancing back, he checked Ressler's position, finding the man hidden and safe for the moment.
"Dembe," Red alerted his friend to go just as the window on the door shattered.
The car lurched forward, slamming the door closed. The tires threw gravel as they made their getaway.
A block down, Red put his leg into the floor board, then raised his chest off her back. "You can sit up now."
"I thought you said he wasn't after you?" Liz caught her breath, pressing her rib cage.
"You all right?" he gestured to her torso.
"Yeah, seat belts aren't comfortable when they dig into your chest." she squirmed aimlessly about. "You didn't answer me."
"I don't think he's here for me specifically."
"Well, someone was shooting at you." she reminded.
"There's a running bounty on my head. Maybe he thought he'd get lucky and collect on it?" he pulled his phone from his pocket. "For all you know, he could have been aiming for you."
"Me?!" she squealed breathlessly. "What for?"
"You're just as popular out there as I am." Raymond reminded. "The Fulcrum, Lizzy." he sighed lightly. "Do you not listen to me? What you have is priceless. There are a couple dozen groups out there willing to kill you just so they can get their hands on it."
Falling silent, Liz wondered for the first time that what Red said was true. She just assumed he wanted the Fulcrum for himself... and maybe he did, but he wasn't out to kill her to get it.
If anything, he had gone out of his way to protect her.
Why hadn't he killed her, ransacked her belongings and taken it? She asked herself that on a daily basis.
"Cooper," Red spoke into the phone.
"Is Keen all right? Ressler said your car had been hit." Cooper's voice held his consternation. He missed being out in the field, seeing the action first-hand.
"She's fine." Red looked the woman over, assuring himself that she was fine.
Liz leaned, straining to hear the conversation.
"Ressler said the shooting stopped when you two left." Cooper said, grateful for the little things in life these days.
"I expected as much." Reddington shifted, pulling his jacket down in the back.
"Tell me where you are, I'll send a couple of men to bring Keen back to the Blacksite?" Cooper took charge, as was his way. "We'll make sure she's sa–"
"No, she'll come there when I bring her in and she leaves when I do. I'm not letting her out of my sight unt–"
"They want her debriefed. Find out if she's noticed anybody following her."
"Don't you think she would have mentioned that?" Red shook his head when she opened her mouth. He didn't think this had anything to do with Tom, so there was no reason to mention it. Not in his world at least.
"They think it would be better to separate you two in case this has something to do with your business ties."
"That is not going to happen." Red vetoed the idea completely.
"I told them that, so they offered a safe house with rotating guards," Cooper tried reason, "maybe they'll catch this Carver character with a twenty-four-hour watch. She's become a valuable agent and they want to protect their asset."
"She was already valuable." Red snapped peevishly. "Who are they? Who said?"
"Tom Connolly's people, for one."
"I'm sure he did." Red stated sarcastically. "It's not happening."
"Damn it, Red, they aren't going to be happy about this." Frustration poured off the man. "At least let me give you a detail, maybe it might appease them."
"The FBI's protection detail is bullshit." Red stated his humble opinion. "We'll be just fine on our own."
"They're going to insist."
"Then you tell them that if they can find us, they can put as many people on us as they like." He snapped the phone shut, tossing it out the window.
"What did Cooper say?"
"Cooper's higher ups want to know where we are, give us a battalion of men in FBI jackets and ear pieces, see if they can catch Carver." Red abbreviated the conversation. "Like that won't draw attention. The idiots."
"Maybe we should... " She stopped when he looked at her, just begging for her to finish her thought.
"All they'll do is delay his approach," Red sighed.
"Isn't that kind of the point?"
"Generally, it's easier to catch someone when they're in the same vicinity as you."
"What now?"
Leaning back into the headrest, Red closed his eyes. "I think I might have an idea about what to do tomorrow."
Upon their return to the safe house, Red spent the better part of an hour setting a time and place to meet Edward Costa.
The next morning, they ventured to the Post Office. Directing Lizzy to go to her office, Red headed upstairs to Cooper.
"It's a party, Harold." The agitated man tapped his hat against his knee. "Not a drug deal."
"What about Agent Keen's safety? She's walking into a den of criminals." It was subsequently pointed out. "Who's to say something won't go wrong?"
"Due to my invaluable tutelage," Red reminded, "Agent Keen is quite capable of maneuvering the underworld. Stop discounting her so quickly." he glared at the man opposite him. "Besides, Dembe will be there. I'll be there. And you know I won't let anything happen to her."
Tapping restlessly against his desk calendar, Cooper nodded. "All right, she may go, but you watch her."
"Sure, I'll have her home by curfew." Red disgusted.
A discrete knock interrupted the tension. "Come in," Harold called out tersely.
Liz breezed into the room, sipping her ever present coffee. "You wanted to see me, sir?" She smiled in Red's direction as an afterthought.
"Agent Keen," Harold broke the news gently, "I hope you have a little black dress on hand."
Liz scrunched her face, grimacing. "Eh...yes, sir." The woman immediately glanced suspiciously at the man to her right.
Red frowned back, a little put out by her attitude. He thought they had been getting along well lately. Maybe he'd been wrong?
"Your assignment is simple. You're to stay with Reddington or Dembe." Cooper dropped into his 'Task Force Director' mode. "Observe, listen, stay quiet. Let Red work his angle."
The woman looked decidedly uncomfortable and confused.
Red sighed loudly, dropping his head into the wall before standing and walking away.
"Yes, sir." She frowned as Red swept past her, watching his back as he left the room. "Is there anything else?"
"Reddington will give you all the pertinent information." Harold waved her off.
Liz, who had waited for the dismissal caught up to Red as he walked down the corridor.
"Red! Wait up," She shuffled quickly up to him. "Where are we going?"
"You don't have to go if you don't want to, Lizzy."
She pointed back to his office. "But, Cooper said... "
"I know what he said." Red interrupted. "I'll get the needed information and deliver it later." he decided with finality. "You do not leave the Blacksite until I return, understood."
"You don't want me to go?" She frowned.
"You didn't look like you wanted to go." Red stated.
"No, I want to go," she offered a wane smile, "it was the thought of heels that I didn't like."
"Excuse me?" Relief washed over Red.
"My feet are killing me," she lifted her foot, showing her new boots, "breaking them in."
Red felt a little lighter than he had a moment ago, "Wear short heels, go barefoot... I don't care."
Liz shrugged, "So what's this thing we're going to?"
"I'm going to reconnect with some associates and hopefully get a line on Carver and his whereabouts."
"You think he'll be there?" she shivered involuntarily at the thought.
"No, not his kind of crowd." Red's smiled at Lizzy's confused frown. "The closest he'll come to wearing a tux is if it's printed on a t-shirt."
Liz snickered at the mental picture, then pouted. "So it is black tie?"
"Afraid so," he did feel for the woman and her pain.
"Wait, Red, I have to get a dress!" she panicked. "The one I mentioned is hideous! I also need to feed Hudson and get ready at my place, all my stuff is there but–"
"Breathe," he smiled, slightly amused by Lizzy's babbling.
Pulling his wallet free, he handed her a card. "Get Samar and Dembe and go here. They'll put you in a private room."
Absently glancing at the card, she frowned at the man, "Don't you need Dembe?"
"I need to speak to Cooper about something." he decided. "Tell Dembe I'll be there at seven."
Red Reddington looked like a million dollars when he stepped from the freshly washed Mercedes.
Jauntily walking to Lizzy's door, he slowed in his steps, a deep frown creasing his forehead.
Stepping forward, he removed the neatly folded note tucked carefully beneath Liz's windshield wiper, scanning the typed words.
You really are a beautiful woman. Not that I haven't noticed before. I know that you're going through a hard time. Just know . . . I am here.
Red's scowl deepened just as Dembe returned from his patrol of the South end of the street. Removing his fedora, he motioned the man forward.
Hurrying in his steps, Dembe reached the rendezvous point, sensing a problem.
Handing over the note, Red waited patiently for the man to read it before gesturing to Lizzy's windshield.
"This was not here seven minutes earlier." Dembe's scowl matched Red Reddington's. "There has been no traffic, no people on the street... nothing of concern."
Red touched the man's shoulder, trusting Dembe implicitly.
"Don't worry Dembe," Red decided to put it out of his mind for the present. "We'll find this would-be poet laureate, sooner or later."
Straightening his bow-tie, he headed up the stairs. "Tonight we're not going to worry about anything."
Dinner turned out to be a delightful affair. Liz was very impressed in spite of herself when Red ordered the complete course in French.
Liz felt very sophisticated in her new ensemble. She found herself sitting straighter, decidedly watching her table manners.
All in all, it was a totally delightful episode.
"What's our cover, Red?" she hated to break the moment, but business called.
"If we want all access at this gathering, the only way to achieve that is for you to arrive as my... fiancée." he held up a restrictive hand, "Cliché, yes, but effective."
He cut her a look, "Trust me on this," a frown creased his intelligent brow. "I know these people, I know how they think and what they expect."
"Why don't I rate the lofty position as wife?" she half-way quipped, a little uneasy with the new role assigned her, truth told.
"Even were it to happen within the day, it would have gotten around that I had married." he stretched luxuriously. "Good news, as they say, travels fast."
"But a fiancée..." Liz was still perplexed.
"In this business, you don't get romantically involved with someone you can't shut your eyes around." Red leaned, placing his hand on the back of the seat, "They'll talk more freely because it's apparent that I trust you."
Liz pondered all that had been said. "And when we don't marry?"
"We'll tell them we have planned a private, intimate ceremony on the back of a camel with a Bedouin holy man." Red's voice held a measure of amusement. "The women will think I'm charming, but the men will find me totally in character."
She grinned at the thought of Red on the back of a camel. "And the back story?"
"We met at an art exhibit. We've been dating a little over a year. We've been engaged for four months."
"I have to ask, if we've known each other and been engaged this long, isn't it odd that you've never introduced me before?"
"No, I'll handle that part, you just follow along." She shrugged, making mental note of the request.
Reaching in his pocket, Red extracted an enormous diamond ring that sparkled translucently in the moonlight filtering through the car window.
Disregarding Elizabeth's slight gasp of awe, Red gently slid the ring on her slender finger, then twisted it until the setting gleamed upward. His warm fingers gently stroked hers as he reluctantly broke contact.
The gorgeous diamond and sapphire wrapped band shimmered when she rotated her hand back and forth, marveling at the weight, for it was much heavier than her old one. The stone, while also impressive, fit her hand perfectly as did the size of the band.
"I could put an eye out with this thing." She watched the light bounce off the diamond. "Probably my own."
As they pulled into the circular drive, she had the hardest time not gaping at the enormous house.
"And they say, crime doesn't pay." She muttered, craning her head to take in her astonishing surroundings.
The two story house and grand porch were warmly lit. A soft bathing blue light highlighted the gigantic columns lining the gothic veranda. Guests walked up the decorative path lined by beautiful and lush gardens that were all neatly trimmed and tended.
As they glided to a stop, two valets stepped forward, one heading for the driver side, the other for her door.
Exiting first, Red waved away the valet on Elizabeth's side, he held his hand out, helping her ease out of the seat.
Fidgeting with the new weight on her finger, for one horrible moment Liz wondered... what if she accidentally lost this thing.
"How much does this ring cost?" she whispered anxiously.
"How gauche a question." he teased, holding his amusement. "Take a breath. You'll do fine." The man felt her body tensing with each step. "Just be yourself." He smiled absently to one of the couples ascending the stairs beside them.
"Red, I don't belong... I don't fit in here." She inhaled shakily. She felt more than awkward, unsure of her own abilities suddenly.
"You could go anywhere you please and belong, Lizzy." He felt the frustration rolling off her. Pulling her to a secluded spot on the long porch, he turned her to face him.
Dembe stood a short distance away, blocking guests view of the private conversation.
She stared back at him, attempting to settle her nerves, "Do I really look okay?" she blurted. "Is this dress all right?"
"Do you really not realize how stunning you are?" he seemed taken aback.
He didn't think he'd ever seen a more stunning woman than Elizabeth. He remembered he stood transfixed, taking in the beauty before him as she came down the stairs.
The gown was unlike anything he thought Elizabeth would have been comfortable with... even with him assuring her many times she was absolutely breath taking.
The form-fitting blood red gown accentuated the woman's curves... in all the right ways. Following the line of the plunging neckline, Red eyed a tasteful flower broach at her waist holding a sash that directed his eye line to the mid-thigh slit in her dress.
The dress hugged her body, curving tight to the woman's backside before flaring out in small train. The shimmering beadwork blinked like diamonds in the low light, casting her body in a warm glow.
In short, Elizabeth was simply enchanting.
"I don't want to embarrass you in front of your friends." she drew in a shaky breath. "I knew I should have picked the light blue."
"Lizzy, you're going to turn a lot of heads in that dress." his hands tightened around hers.
The woman rolled her eyes until Red gripped her chin and aligned their eyes, "Listen to what I'm saying... hear the words." his brows lifted meaningfully.
"Only someone confident enough to deal with me would be confident enough to wear this dress." He lifted her hands to his lips caressing the soft skin briefly. "Besides, I could give a damn what the hell they think."
"How I come across to them reflects on you..."
"It's a different type of women behind those doors." he pointed absently to the large entranceway behind them. "Unlike them, you're beautiful, charming, can carry on a conversation."
"And I can do math... up to a point." she tried to lighten her own mood.
Red chuckled softly, sending chills up and down her arms. She suddenly felt better. "Let them see what I see." he held her gaze.
"Those women are beautiful, yes, but you will come to know," he continued, "that is all that they are. There's no substance. They are purely decorative pieces. You are more than that."
Taking a deep breath, she blew it out slowly, controlling her nerves. "I'm more than that," she repeated verbatim.
"You can do this." He bolstered. "Just relax and enjoy the evening. Everything will fall into place. Trust me."
The magic words. Trust me.
Liz felt the panic ease.
Though he didn't reveal anything he didn't need to and kept her on edge all the time, Red had never given any reason not to trust him. He always came through for her and he would this time.
Meeting his eyes, she nodded, ready.
Entering the front door, she tried her best not to gawk at all the opulence. She had never seen so many people so obviously of the elite class.
All were clothed in the best designer names, festooned with jewels that literally took her breath away. Each female she passed seemed to exude poised sophistication.
Liquor was free flowing, while unobtrusive wait staff floated among the crowd with heavy laden trays holding countless delicacies. Red gripped her hand reassuringly, before handing their coats over to a coat check girl.
Steering her into the throngs of people, he leaned, mumbling quietly, "There's our host. We should make our introductions. You ready?"
Smiling wanly, but straightening her posture, she nodded.
"Good girl," Red's rough voice comforted her, settling her nerves.
They neared the man, Red calling out jovially. "Francis, it's good to see you again."
Red's hand slipped down, catching hers in support, his free one wrapping around the other man who slapped his back with great affection.
"Red!" They each drew back, smiling before gripping shoulders. "I didn't think you were going to make it."
She was never really sure how Red felt about anyone. He greeted this man like he was a long lost brother, but she had seen him do that before and later turn on the person in the blink of an eye.
"Who is this breathtaking lovely on your arm?" Francis smiled genuinely at her. "Let me guess," he said, "this your pissy brunette?"
Red held his smile, as Liz's head spun hastily toward him, eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Francis, this is Elizabeth Scott, my fiancée." Red stepped back, allowing the other man closer. "Lizzy, Francis Holbrook."
Francis... the man she had heard on the phone with Red a couple of days ago. Liz smiled her recognition, offering her hand in greeting.
The younger man took the offering, bowing slightly over it, before laying a gentle kiss on her knuckles.
"It's a real pleasure." Francis artfully managed to put himself between Elizabeth and Red. Red rolled his eyes at the maneuver, huffing shortly under his breath.
Liz couldn't help but be charmed. Sure, the man was a criminal, but he was so polite and welcoming, she felt instantly at ease.
"It's so nice to meet you," She stepped back, taking her place beside Red once more. She didn't fully understand it, but knew the move was deeply symbolic to males, especially in Red's crowd.
Red's arm settled around her waist, calming her some. Any other day she might swat him away, but right now, he was an anchor in the rough seas.
"Where's Dembe?" Francis looked around.
"He's probably following the waiters around, eating you out of house and home."
"Still the healthy appetite, eh? Don't you feed that man Red?"
"Every minute of the day." Red stated offhandedly. "Speaking of which, I've been here all of five minutes. Who do I have to kill to get a drink?"
Sticking his fingers in his mouth, Francis whistled over the din, catching a waiter's attention who scurried over to them.
Jumping at the unexpected action, Liz settled instantly, hoping no one noticed her momentary lapse.
"Such class, Francis." Red sighed, tapping her hip consolingly before taking the pre-offered glass, handing it to Liz.
Floating the room for an hour had been advantageous for Red. He had reacquainted himself with old allies and made new ones.
Liz occasionally spoke with another wife or girlfriend when called upon to do so, but for the most part, listened intently to all happening around her.
All in all, it had not been a terrible evening so far. She could even admit, she was glad she attended.
She didn't even mind when Red slipped into protective mode and touched her. It had been strange at first, but quickly realized Red did so to thwart any undue interest she generated for whatever reason.
Sitting side by side, both enjoyed quiet conversation with another couple when Red turned to her, nuzzling her neck which made her jump slightly.
Covering her faux pas quickly, she rubbed her neck gently, scolding him. "Red, you tickled me!"
She felt his soft lips curve into a smile against her neck, "Would you care to dance?"
Smiling at the woman she'd been chatting with, she excused herself. "I'd love to." He stood, offering her a hand.
Following along docilely, Red wrapped an arm about her waist, guiding her along.
Making their way to the floor, she asked under her breath, "Did you learn something?"
"I did...but right now," he searched for a convenient spot on the crowded floor, "I just want to dance with you."
She slowed, cursing slightly under her breath, her attention diverted suddenly.
"Is something wrong?" he halted his steps, waiting patiently.
"My heel strap slipped," she sighed lightly.
Red held out his hand in offer, which she readily clasped for support. She bent slightly, readjusted the strap, the movement pushing her breasts together for his viewing pleasure.
Having fixed the problem, Lizzy righted herself, smiling. The man stared blatantly downward, so much so, the woman's eyes followed the same path.
Finding nothing amiss, she lifted questioning stare. "What?"
Reddington more than reluctantly left his pleasant pastime, meeting her gaze stalwartly.
Taking his hand, her arm slid to his shoulder as he pulled her into his body, wrapping his arm low about her waist, fitting her form snuggly to his more masculine one.
Swaying gently with the music, Liz felt the man's warmth and strength transmitted through his touch. Hating to break the comfortable mood, she sighed...
She pulled her head back, looking up at him. "Were you staring at my breasts?"
"Yes," the man nodded jauntily.
Liz's mouth feel agape, her eyes blinking at the open honesty. "Oh..."
Settling his palm on the small of Lizzy's back, Red's fingers casually rested on the gentle swell of her rounded bottom. He felt her breath deeply then straighten.
Rubbing a thumb along her spine, Red held his smile for he felt her body tremble in response and step closer as they moved in time with the music.
"Are you having a nice time now?" he inquired.
"It's not as bad as I thought it would be. I've met some very nice people." she tumbled over the words rapidly attempting to maintain the same level of casualness he adopted. "They've all been very welcoming." she had been pleasantly surprised. "I believe we were speaking about..."
"Not now...later." he cut her off short, nodding in the direction needed. "Doesn't look like a very pleasant chat, does it?" he indicated the stocky man speaking with Francis over by the fireplace.
"Is that Edward?"
Halting in his steps, Red nodded minutely, sighing. Squeezing her one, he dropped a kiss to her bare shoulder, regretfully guiding her off the dance floor.
"Could Francis be..."
"Lizzy..."
She fell silent, obeying his reminder... save the shop talk for later. "Where are we going?" she whispered.
Guiding the woman closer, Red plastered an easy smile on his face, listening to the rather heated conversation.
"Everything all right Francis?" he asked.
The perturbed young man turned thankful eyes Red's way, "Red, tell this idiot he shouldn't take..."
Francis trailed off , shifting a subtle look at Liz before glancing back at Red.
"Go ahead," Red acquiesced.
"He wants to take the shipment through Zapopan on the way to Guadalajara." Francis continued in a rush. "Tell him it's insane. You know the area well."
"It is faster," Red glanced at Edward, who was already puffing up with arrogance. "But there's a higher chance of merchandise vanishing. You have to be in good graces with Fermin." He looked at Edward. "Do you know Fermin, Edward?"
"Uh, no. I don't." Red had to give the man credit for owning up to not knowing his connection. Then again, Edward would have been a fool to lie, as the information could be easily checked.
"Francis, if you like, I could call Fermin and clear the way."
"Yes, would you? You, I trust." Francis breathed easier. "I know these hotshots have to learn the trade routes, but I wish they wouldn't cut their teeth on my supply."
"I'll do it now." Red gestured to Liz. "Francis, if you could?" Francis stepped closer, picking up the cue. "Thank you," he headed to a quiet room, "if you'll excuse me."
"Are you having a good time Elizabeth?" Francis stopped a waiter, grabbing champagne, handing her a cool glass.
"I am, it's been wonderful." she forced a pleasant smile, her thoughts with Red Reddington. "Thank you for having me."
Edward inched closer, making his presence known.
"I beg your pardon, Elizabeth." Francis' tone, while not exactly friendly, was polite. "This is Edward Costa."
Taking the pre-offered hand, Liz smiled awkwardly when the man retained possession for too long a period.
"Francis, aren't you going to introduce me?" A remarkably handsome young man came forward eyeing the two men, before smoothly taking her hand out of the Edward's grasp.
"Ah, Elizabeth," Francis made the introductions, "this is Mark Donovan."
The young man's eyes hardened as he noticed the interplay between Edward Costa and Mark Donovan.
Costa had not liked the intended slight one bit, clearly.
"Edward," Francis warned, frostily, "back off."
Edward narrowed his eyes, then stood erect when Francis stepped into his space, "You're no match for me asshole," the man all but snarled. "let alone Reddington... so back off."
Liz was never so glad Red insisted on their ruse as she comprehended... Edward had wished to further their acquaintance.
Any other time, Liz might feel embarrassed to be viewed as Red's territory, but in this case... it hopefully prevented Edward from making a scene of some sort.
It wouldn't be good if she caused problems in Red's circle of contacts, particularly on her first meeting.
Thankfully, in Red's absence, Francis and Mark stood by not only their friend, but her. Though she didn't need the protection, she was grateful to both men, whether they knew it or not.
Edward Costa relented, however reluctantly, when faced with such opposition.
As though the incident never happened, Francis offered a charming smile, "Elizabeth is Red's, uhh..."
His face twisted comically, his eyes alight with a shared confidence Mark quickly understood.
Turning cold eyes on Edward, Mark too hastily adopted a teasing smile as he glanced at Elizabeth, "... Main squeeze?"
Liz cut sheepish eyes up at the man, "I am not... that."
"Numero uno?" the man supplied another questionable adjective.
Grimacing slightly, Liz held her smile. "I really prefer to be called his old lady... maybe even, ball and chain."
"They just got engaged." Francis piped up happily.
Liz did not miss the fact both men were making a very conscious effort to exclude Edward Costa from the conversation.
Were she honest with herself, she would have admitted the guy's unwavering gaze gave her the creeps. Even now Mark's eyes constantly stared a hole through the man.
"Congratulations," Mark smiled, literally pushing Edward aside. The bulky man's eyes darkened considerably, and for one brief second, Liz was sure a confrontation was inevitable.
"Is there a problem here?" Red stepped into the fray, breaking the mounting tension.
"No, just meeting everyone." Liz smiled brightly in hopes of putting a halt to what could possibly turn out to be a bad situation.
Sizing up the situation in one glance, Red was already well aware of what transpired in his absence.
Offering Edward a glare, Red placed a protective arm about Lizzy's waist, pulling her closer... nodding his gratitude to the two men standing beside her.
"Thank you," he acknowledged their efforts, holding Liz close.
"Francis, I informed Fermin you had a line in his area and to provide escort to ensure its... safe arrival," Red related the needed information. "As a sign of good faith, I paid a safe handling fee."
"And that is why I let you win at poker." Francis slapped Red's shoulder, grinning.
"You keep telling yourself that if it helps you sleep at night, Francis." Red replied in a deadpan tone.
"Red, you really should have a signal crew preceding Elizabeth. I was about blinded by this rock on her finger." Mark tilted her hand, making a show of blocking his eyes from the shiny bauble. "Why is it I'm just now hearing about this lady of yours?" He asked.
"Because first and foremost, it was none of your business. For obvious reasons," Red stared hard at Edward, then straight-faced at Mark. "I've kept her hidden from you lecherous assholes."
Mark laughed his delight, "Ahh, afraid she'd fall for my overwhelming charm and sophistication." He made a show of straightening his cuffs and tie.
"No, I thought she'd be bothered by the smell of bullshit." Red explained patiently. "It clings so heavily to you."
Liz giggled quietly at Red's unexpected quip. It was so rare to see the man having fun, real, honest to goodness fun.
"Now my dear Elizabeth, don't you believe everything he says. I have a heart of pure gold."
"Oh my God, it's news to me that he has a heart." Pouring Mark a drink from a bottle Red had acquired from some unknown source, he handed it to the laughing man. "Here, drink that. Get the taste out."
Red had never thought of Mark and Francis as much more than close allies.
Though, after Francis confirmed his suspicions concerning the earlier incident, Red revised his opinion of the men, especially after witnessing their efforts on his behalf tonight to ensure Costa did not cross paths with Elizabeth again.
Settling back into the luxury sedan, Liz sighed, genuinely sad to see the evening end.
Easing the exquisitely crafted heels Red gifted her from her feet, she moaned her relief... pushing hard into her arch. She didn't care what anyone said, eight-hundred-dollar shoes still hurt.
Adjusting his silky black vest, Red sat into the plush leather. "See, now that wasn't so bad, was it?"
Shaking her head, Liz offered the man a wry glance, "No, it wasn't that bad."
It truly had been an enjoyable evening. She not only danced again with Red, he even relinquished her to Mark and Francis a couple times. Mark had also issued an invitation to join them for a party he hosted every year.
She had to admit, though Red had cooled their interest quickly enough, she had enjoyed the appreciative looks she received from interested gentlemen.
It was quite an ego boost... one of which she had been unaware of needing.
While she understood the circumstances which led to her divorce from Tom... it didn't mean the entire debacle hadn't left her feeling undesirable, unwanted, and unworthy.
Yes, it was incredibly twisted people instilled that man into her life for whatever reasons, but the most unsettling part was; after two years of marriage... Tom felt nothing for her.
As more of Tom's treachery was revealed, she often found herself wondering... had the man ever held any affection for her?
She had stopped asking herself that question shortly after their physical altercation, for it was no longer of importance to her.
His actions that day spoke louder than any words ever could. Tom Keen, or whoever the hell he was, essentially ceased to exist that day. No matter what he said or did from that day forward... he was dead to her.
The only question that mattered anymore was... why had her life become such a twisted maniacal mess?
So many thoughts, so much mystery, so many questions unanswered. Dizzy from the turmoil, Liz dropped her head into her hand, her fingers easing the tension in her temples.
"Are you all right?" Red placed a light hand over hers, "You look..."
"Tired?" Liz said, having heard it enough from her colleagues the last few days.
"No," Red shook his head, frowning,"...overwhelmed."
Dazed by Red's astuteness, Liz blinked surprise. How did he always know just by looking at her?
"I want to know what's going on in my life. I want to know," she fell silent, inhaling a shaky breath. "I think too much... maybe I'm a bit impatient." her lips turned up slightly, but fell silent when the man did not return the gesture.
Crossing his legs, Red shifted his body to face her. "You will know all you want in time... then look back and wish you had appreciated the freedom, the simplicity."
"You call this simplistic?" She said, perturbed.
"In comparison, yes." Red rubbed at the tension in his forehead. "Enjoy your life right now, Lizzy. When you have your answers, you'll have a deep desire to come back to this time, when things were seemingly more complicated."
She fell silent, suddenly afraid of her future. She had always assumed Red was offering her empty platitudes to placate her.
But now... she felt herself second-guessing those assumptions. If Red was telling her these things, to enjoy what she had now, no matter how terrible and unfair it seemed... there had to be a reason.
"Trust me, Lizzy," Red's eyes bored into hers, "you won't like a lot of what you learn... but you will have answers." placing a comforting hand over hers, he silently begged for her understanding. "Please be patient... it is the safest path at this time."
"That's easy for you to say." she idly played with a crystal on her dress.
"Did you believe me when I told you about Tom?"
Knowing damn well she hadn't... she held her intended desire to answer in the affirmative.
"To believe the truth," Red sighed his woe, "you'll need to unveil most mysteries yourself
Dropping her eyes back to her dress, Liz frowned... knowing she brought that on herself.
"There are times I wish I could reveal all you wish to know," he told the truth, "but to prevent you believing I'm manipulating a situation for my own agenda," he said, "it's best you investigate the leads and arrive at your own conclusion."
Considering all said, Liz reconciled herself to facing her own impatience and unknown fears.
"I can't say I won't be a pain in the ass sometimes," Liz nodded, slowly lacing her fingers with Red's thick ones, "but I can promise to trust you and not get so frustrated with you." her mouth quirked into a mischievous grin.
Bringing their clasped hands to his lips, he kissed the small flesh, smiling. "Don't make promises you can't keep, Lizzy."
Pulling up to her door, Red stilled his friend with a gentle hand on his shoulder. "I've got it Dembe."
Exiting the vehicle, he made his way to Lizzy's side, offering a hand to help her from the back. Looping her arm through his, they made their way up the steps.
"You truly do look beautiful tonight. I'm glad, even though it was work related, you had a nice time." he made small talk, "And I must say, I find bare feet on a woman extremely erotic."
Glancing down at her still bare feet, her cheeks flushed a vibrant red. "I love these shoes," she held his gift aloft, "... but I feel a bit like one of Cinderella's step-sisters. I don't think I could fit into them right now." she teased.
Red smiled gently, allowing a genial silence to ensue.
Nearing the top steps, Red glanced at the woman beside him when he heard her small snicker of amusement. "What?"
"I was just wondering what my neighbors think of me," Liz turned, coming eye-to-eye with the man one step below her.
Red cocked his head curiously, not understanding the reference.
"They can't have missed the unfolding drama that happened," she shrugged, "especially since Tom left."
Good riddance, Red thought.
"Now, with you here tonight," she gestured to Red's tuxedo, her evening gown and the flowers in her hand, "I'm surprised I didn't return home to a Scarlet Letter painted on my door."
Red's rage flared remembering how he found Elizabeth the night that bastard left, sitting broken and alone amid the shattered remnants of not only her home... but marriage.
"If they knew what occurred in your house," Red smiled sadly, gently caressing the now faded bruising on her face, "... they would be greatly relieved to see you with a gentleman now."
Knowing what Red envisioned, a tear slowly trekked a path down her cheek... remembering his comforting words to her that fateful night.
At the one of the lowest points in her life, she had never felt so cherished. So special.
Liz wondered at the man before her. He was a complete contradiction of everything she had learned at the academy.
How was it this man, considered to be the embodiment of evil and a self confessed killer, could show her such amazing understanding and unrelenting kindness?
How was it the hands which caused so much destruction and deaths; were always so incredibly gentle with her?
Though she had given Red ample opportunity with her uneven temperament an outrageous agitation... Red had never once raised his hand in anger to her.
How was it, she had grown to believe Red when he vowed never to lie to her? There were times her own stubbornness barred that belief, but each time... she would be proven wrong.
Red's temper was legendary, yet to date... she had never once experienced it first hand.
He was the only one to treat her with the upmost respect and dignity. He was also the first to remind her of her self-worth.
Ironically, she felt Red was the only person she could rely on to never harm her in any way, shape or form.
He understood her like no one else; always giving her what she needed to hear, see or understand to keep going and not go insane.
Like now for instance, he understood her need for quiet contemplation. It wasn't an intimidating silence. It wasn't to punish or to hurt. He saw it for what it was... an inner need.
Waiting, Red came up a step, standing in front of her. He twirled the loose curl laying along her neck.
"I would never hurt you, Lizzy." The man stressed, his deep voice resonating with a mixture of emotion.
She wasn't sure if he was speaking in general or referencing her battle with Tom. It didn't matter really, she guessed.
"I know..." lifting to her toes, she kissed his cheek, marveling at the fleeting touch of his five o'clock shadow against her smooth lips. Another minor comparison between him and Tom.
Tom could shave in the morning and be fine until the next day. But Red, by midday, a soft growth shadowed his face. Not that it was unattractive, he looked quite handsome.
Maybe it had to do with his virility. Red screamed Alpha Male more than anyone she knew. A fact he had proven repeatedly tonight.
What was she saying?!
Flushing a deep crimson, Liz ducked her chin as she felt it creep across her chest and face.
"You're blushing," he grinned, enjoying the beautiful glow. "May I ask why?" he laughed softly, enchanted by the change.
"No," the embarrassed brunette further hid her face.
While he wasn't sure what set Lizzy off, he wouldn't push her... not just yet, anyway.
Red glanced at the house, his mood shifting to a more serious one.
"I wish you would reconsider staying here. Security hasn't finished, meaning the system is not working properly yet." he scanned her house with alert eyes.
"I'll be with Mark and Francis for a little over two hours, think of all the things you could snoop into." he teased gently. "My place has armed guards, and let us not forget, a whirlpool bath."
The added enticement gave the woman pause for thought. She really enjoyed that whirlpool bath.
"All right, I'll make a deal with you," she compromised. "You go have your meeting and I'll pack and get a few things in order here. When you're done, come back and get me."
Scowling, Red frowned his disapproval. "I don't like it... something isn't setting right with me."
"You know, I am a big girl, Red." It was her turn to tease. "I have a real FBI badge and everything."
"I still don't like it." Something was itching at him, gnawing at his stomach.
"It's just a couple of hours," she appreciated the man's concern. "If I am staying with you for a while, I'll need time to gather some things anyway, right?"
"All right, two hours. Not a minute more." he glanced at his watch. "And though it pains me to say, I should let you get into something more comfortable."
He pulled back, his eyes raking Elizabeth's form fitted gown which delighted him just as much now, as it had earlier in the evening.
When the woman blushed that time, Red felt a sense of accomplishment, for he was certain... that reaction had been all for him.
"I'm warning you," he warned, "if you don't answer when I get back... I'm coming in."
"I guess I better get inside then." She said somewhat reluctantly. "Thank you for tonight, I had a good time, Red... R-Raymond."
Smiling, he picked up her hand, kissing the palm. "Elizabeth."
Bowing his head ever so slightly, he eyes held hers hypnotically... rather enjoying the way she stumbled over his name.
Waiting patiently as Lizzy fumbled with the key in the lock, Red came in behind her, his warm hand steadying her suddenly shaking fingers.
His mouth pulled at the corners when the woman exuded a small sigh of awareness due to his close proximity and his warm breath tickling her neckline.
The woman's returning flush of cognizance was charming as hell. Deftly opening the door, Red lay a hand just above her rounded bottom, ushering her inside.
Liz's eyes fluttered closed as the warmth of his hand imprinted on the flesh beneath the rich linen of her dress.
"I'll be back... soon." Red reminded, brushing his thumb over the soft rosy flush of her cheek.
"Lock it, Lizzy." he advised silkily before pulling the door closed.
He smiled through the glass when, without complaint, she obeyed the request. His eyes held hers spellbound for a long beat before the man turned and took his leave.
Jauntily bouncing down the steps to the waiting car, Red ignored Dembe's teasing remarks as they pulled away... too content to do otherwise.
Watching his lights disappear down the street, Liz cupped her flaming cheeks, releasing the shaky breath she had been holding.
Not that she was relieved to see Red go, quite the opposite, actually. She hadn't wanted him to leave and already she was second guessing her decision to stay behind.
Not that she meant for anything sexual to occur, exactly.
Oh my God, why do I keep going back to that?
She clarified to herself that, what she had really meant was that... in the right setting, Red relaxed and regaled her with many different interesting topics that she found quite fascinating. She really did enjoy spending time with him.
And she was only staying with him as a safety precaution until they figured out what the deal was with this Carver creep.
That was all... she nodded with finality, feeling a little better for her lapse.
Leaning against the downstairs door, she dropped the low pumps to the hardwood floor, thankful she had chosen to wear the pair Red had given her. She bent slightly, massaging her feet absently, her thoughts with the night's events.
She sighed, hearing the low rumble of thunder in the near distance. A good thunderstorm, especially at night, helped her sleep better.
Laying down her flowers Red had given her earlier, she stared at the colorful bouquet as she pulled off her coat, hanging it on hook. She would have to find a vase somewhere, but for the life of her, couldn't think of any secret hiding places where one might be found.
Lifting the heavy train of the gown, she trudged up the stairs, smiling, remembering Red's earlier expression when she had come downstairs to greet him.
It warmed her to know that he had found her pretty. FBI agent or not, she was still a women and it was nice to be told she was attractive after so much work.
Isn't that why they, women, did it? For the compliment? Praise, even?
Entering her room, she grabbed her night clothes, laying them on the sink.
Shedding the dress and hanging it, she hastily rid herself of her undergarments then slipped the soft cotton shirt and boxers on, relishing the freedom. Washing off the heavy makeup, brushing her teeth and combing out her hair, she felt the day melt away.
Running the brush through her hair, she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror, "Oh, damn."
She held her hand out, wiggling the finger that still held the huge diamond. She had forgotten to give it back.
Well, Red would be back soon enough and she could right the error.
Now though, in the privacy of her own home, she stared at the beautiful ring, fascinated by how the large stone caught the light. It really was a astonishing ring. While it was lavish, it was not ostentatious and it fit her so perfectly.
She wondered where he purchased it. Or even if he had purchased it. Why did he choose diamonds and sapphires? Better yet, how did he know her size?
Her other rings, even as light as they were, kept rotating on her finger throughout the day. This one didn't move an inch, even though it was considerably heavier.
A bright flash of light bathed the room, followed by a clap of thunder. Liz shielded her eyes momentarily. The storm was getting closer.
Walking to the door, she hesitated, grabbing a soft button down shirt and a pair of long pants to slip over her cami and boxers. Red was coming back after all.
Deciding on a cup of tea while packing, she literally skipped down the stairs, a thought hitting her.
She should let Hudson out before the rain starts. Rounding the corner, she instantly stilled.
Hudson.
She hadn't heard or seen the dog since she'd entered the house. While he didn't normally greet her at the door, he did come wandering in a few minutes after, seeking a treat, if nothing else.
"Hudson?" She whispered cautiously.
Listening intently to the house, she didn't hear anything. Didn't see anything. Nothing seemed out of place. But suddenly the air felt... off.
Creeping closer to where it felt most unsettled, if the hairs standing on the back of her neck were any indication, she entered the kitchen, cautiously. Her eyes raked the darkened room, seeing familiar objects here and there...
Her eyes widened with fright, a loud gasp escaping her throat.
Sitting at her bar, a large shadowy figure slowly eased himself into an erect position.
Turning, she ran, her bare feet pounding loudly on the hardwood floors, her panicked heart drowning out the sound.
A couple of blocks away, Red was still feeling the buzz in his body left over from having spent a fantastic, non-violent evening with Elizabeth Keen.
Red held the soft petals of the single rose to his nostrils inhaling the fragrant sweetness. And to think, he had second guessed himself where the flowers were concerned. While a gentlemanly thing to do, he had wondered at Elizabeth's reaction to such a gesture.
How would she perceive the offering? Just when he was about to hide them from sight, Samar had answered the door.
But then, Lizzy had enjoyed them, much to his surprise. Only when they had left the car, did she let go of her prize. And upon returning, it was the first thing she retrieved.
A good memory.
Now, if only he could get rid of the feeling of unrest in his stomach, everything would be fine.
He wished he could say that his insistence that she stay with him was solely for her protection, but he'd be lying.
Over the few short days that she had stayed with him, he had grown accustomed to her light footfall, laughter and that she was just there, with him.
Leaving her now left him feeling agitated, uneasy. He wondered if it was because he wanted to be near her or was it something more?
He stretched further in the seat, pushing his leg into the side floorboard, hitting a small bundle with his heel.
Sitting up, he felt for whatever it was in the darkened car, finally hitting a jeweled embellishment with his hand. Picking it up, he saw it was Lizzy's bag from tonight.
Opening it, he found the expected items. Lipstick, mints, and her badge. He could wait and give it to her later.
But... if a case should come up in the next two hours, she would need her badge, he thought. A good enough excuse.
Waving the bag in the mirror's view, he said, "Dembe, turn the car around." Neither man, one more than the other, the least bit put out by the five block trek back.
It's funny, what one thinks of while fighting for one's life.
Maybe it was a survival instinct or that she had been hanging out with Red too long and had become flippant while staring down the face of evil. But it didn't seem normal that there were only two prominent thoughts racing through her head at this exact moment.
One being, that with her attacker's modus operandi, her life as it was, and the occasional flashes of lightning highlighting his murderous face... all had the makings of a horror film, minus the musical score.
And the second being, that in less time than it had taken for all her new things to be delivered after her fight with Tom, she was already on the brink of having to order more furniture and other sundry.
Which was a very optimistic attitude, given her current situation.
The house was tossed, her throwing everything in her wake, trying to slow him so she could get to her gun.
She felt the thin blade her attacker held, slice through her skin once again. The sudden split of her flesh feeling warm, then stinging hotly, as cool air met the fresh flowing blood seeping from the widening wound, all which was slowing her progress.
At some point in the melee, she had not only bloodied her face bad enough that she had to keep wiping the ooze from her eyes, but she had sliced a foot deeply enough that she could retain no traction on the slick floor, which hindered her retreat further.
Stumbling to her gun box, she felt a hand grip her ankle, yanking her off her feet. Kicking with all she had, Liz fought for purchase, pulling with her upper body. Her fingertips grazed the edge of the wood, finally tumbling the box to the cluttered floor, spilling its life saving contents.
She grasped the black metal, attempting to flip, but she was stilled by a steel-like grip on her arm and wrist.
Pushing harder at the weight on her back with all she had did little to dislodge the heavy burden which held her flat to the floor. Beefy hands suddenly became painfully tight as the man shifted, coming heavily down on her right forearm.
The resounding snap of the bone was almost drowned out by her pained scream. The adrenaline coursing through her terrified body gave an extra push, allowing her to flip, the pain a lesser of two evils.
And at this moment, Elizabeth Keen was an expert where evil was concerned.
She kicked towards his groin, missing by mere inches. Her ankle was caught easily, grabbed harshly then yanked viscously, popping it from its proper place.
The combination of the arm and ankle were too much for her body and mind to process.
Liz turned her head, throwing up the evening's meal and drink.
His engaging laughter sounding over her sickness made her stomach rebel again. This man was enjoying every second of this sick game he played.
He stood over her for what seemed an eternity as the woman attempted to regroup which only seemed to amuse the sociopath more.
He reached, deliberately tugging sharply on her injured leg, ignoring her cries of agony before dragging her carelessly towards the kitchen. Liz wondered, having read the guy's file, if he was going to retrieve his kit.
She knew all about the contents of that kit and their purpose.
With a last ditch effort to escape, she turned to her stomach, grasping uselessly at the floor, her finger nails scraping the thin cracks, breaking as she was pulled along.
"Help!" An ear piercing scream passed through her parched, dried lips.
The man halted his movements abruptly, a latex glove covered hand going to her face silenced her effectively for a brief moment.
She bit the hand as hard as humanly possible. "You son of a bitch!" she spat her fury and frustration.
Struggling with all the strength she had left, she kicked the little table on her right, sending it crashing down the hall.
No one could hear her struggles. No one knew she needed help.
Red wouldn't be here for another two hours, and when he did come back, he'd find her... dead. The very thing he had been worried about happening was going to happen.
She was going to die.
God, if I ever needed help, now would be the time.
With all that she had in her, she let out a loud terrified scream.
Grabbing the bag, Red exited the vehicle, sticking his head back in the opened door. "Leave it running, I'll only be a minute."
Unfortunately, he thought regretfully.
He looked up to the sky, squinting after a particularly bright flash lit the heavens in a strobe of varying colors. He loved night time storms, they relaxed him like nothing else. Maybe tonight he would get more than his usual couple hours sleep.
Glancing at the house, he thought better of his decision to return for a moment. The house was pitch black. But surely she couldn't be asleep by now? He had only left about fifteen minutes ago.
A low crashing sound drew his attention. Looking down the street both ways, he didn't see anything out of the norm. The area quiet of traffic or pedestrians even.
As he went up the first step, his senses tingled. The hair on his neck stood on end.
Reaching for the pistol at his back, he hesitated, listening out into the night.
Dembe shut the car down, before quietly opening the driver's side door.
Red held up a hand to still the man behind him. Silently taking the second step, he was brought up short when a bone chilling scream filled the air.
His name bounced down the brick facades lining the street in a nightmarish echo, making his blood run cold.
"Lizzy!"
The frame of the door and nearby windows shuddered with the force of the door being kicked, then a heavy crashing sound indicated the first door giving way.
Liz took heart, unreasonable hope rising in her chest. "Help!" she continued her entreaties hoping someone was now out there to hear.
Hitting out with her good hand, Liz heard a crunching sound, glad she had been able to inflict some sort of injury on the bastard.
He didn't cry out, but it was enough for her to know he would be feeling an ache for a couple of days, or maybe not at all, if whoever the hell was at the door got in and was hopefully armed.
The sound of a body or foot connecting with the main door and shattering glass stopped both combatants in their struggles. Instantly, the heavy weight on her lifted and she was able to breath again.
The sound of his footsteps retreating to the back, allowed the woman's brain to begin functioning again.
"Elizabeth!" Reddington searched the blackened area religiously, only able to make out a few discernable shapes and objects. His gun arm was lifted at the ready as he swept the room with a professional detachment. But in his mind one thing and one thing alone, screamed out in alarm.
She could see his silhouette lit by the street lamp in the darkened entryway, followed by that of his friend.
Dembe's large frame was unmistakable as was the lethal weapon he hoisted.
"Here!" Liz gasped weakly, rolling to her back with great effort. She whimpered with the pain, black spots blurring her vision. "Kitchen!" she croaked out hoarsely.
Both men moved forward, scanning for unseen enemies in the darkness as they neared.
Red slipped in the wetness covering the floor, sliding the last few inches to her. He threw his hat, hovering over her protectively, his hand braced by her shoulder.
"Where?" Red spoke quickly, quietly. His eyes having adjusted enough to see her condition.
Red glanced up to see Dembe disappear out the opened back door. The house fell silent except for Liz's labored breathing.
"Tom?" he whipped off his black scarf, pressing it against a spot where he could see blood flowing on her face in the hazy beam given by the street light.
"Carver," she weakly whispered.
Even in the low light, she could see the grimace cross his face. "Are you sure?" The note he had found left on her windshield, flashed vividly in his mind.
"Oh, I'm sure." She felt the dozens of cuts stinging her skin more acutely now that the adrenalin was leaving her body.
Red leaned forward, looking at the gash on her head, before adding more pressure to the wound.
"You really do come when called." she laughed, stopping short when she felt the deep ache in her chest.
Red blindly felt for a light switch, "Where do you hurt."
"Be better to..." she panted with the pain, having moved her leg, "ask where I don't."
She gasped as broken bone rubbed against a raw nerve ending, sending a searing pain twitching through her body. "I'm not sure," she strived for a lightness after such a dark menacing moment, "but I think my arm is broken." She sought his eyes. "It is still there right?"
Light suddenly bathed the hall in a warm glow. Red had left her long enough to find the switch.
Turning back, he choked on the air, seeing her bathed in blood, head to toe.
Her clothes were a tattered mess of cuts and holes, the blood seeping through the dozens of slashes where the bastard's blade had made contact. Her arm and ankle were bent at an awkward, unnatural angle.
"Jesus..." he said breathlessly.
"That bad?" Liz, now that she didn't feel overpowering horror, continued to try to lighten the moment when a sharpness in her back left her breathless. Adjusting her position to stop the jabbing agony, a burst of air escaped her battered body.
"Don't move." Red brushed a hand over her drenched brow, wiping away the sweat and blood on his tuxedo pants, uncaring that he was ruining the expensive fabric. "God..." he whispered brokenly.
"Something hurts," She arched her back as much as she could without jostling her broken limbs. She tried to move the object herself.
Gently reaching under her back, Red pulled out a piece of broken pottery, gripping it rigidly. The colored clay bit into his palm, cutting deeply into his skin. It seemed a small penance for being too late, again.
After a few moments, he hurled the piece against the wall, shattering it further.
A sound from the back had Red turning fluidly, arm up and gun aimed. His arm steady. His eyes cold and unwavering.
"Raymond," Dembe's soft voice sounded from behind the safety of the wall before venturing out. Red Reddington shot first, then if the person was still breathing, maybe questioned later, if he was in the mood.
Raymond Reddington was in no mood at present, it was abundantly clear.
"Call the Doctor." Red turned his troubled eyes back to Liz, his lips pursed tightly. "You'll be okay, I promise." he stroked Elizabeth, feeling down her body gently.
She didn't even mind as his large hand brushed over her breast. She didn't even think he was consciously aware of having done so, not meaning to give an arousing touch, but a reassuring one for them both.
His touch reminded her that she was alive and breathing.
And funnily enough, as his hand brushed her bare thigh, she realized that she hadn't put her pants on. She had left them laying on her bed upstairs. If she wasn't hurting so much, she knew she'd be embarrassed for him to find her in only a tank top and panties.
There was something seriously wrong with her to be thinking of something so trivial, when she was laying broken and bleeding, on the floor.
"I'll be fine... now." Her head lolled to the side, the adrenaline having left completely, she felt the heavy weight of sleep coming.
"That's right. You'll have the best doctor and care." Red attempted to smile, but his lips quivered with the effort, "Don't go to sleep."
"So t-tired." Liz slurred.
"I know, I know you are. You have every right to be. You fought hard." his hand shook as it wiped away the blood still seeping heavily out of her head wound. "Are you dizzy? Blurry vision?"
She opened her eyes with effort, looking around. "Not really." her eyes fluttered shut. "Just tired."
Dembe came back, crouching beside them, "He wants to meet at the safe house, cut our time in half."
After a few short commands to Dembe, Red turned back to the broken woman on the floor, feeling the bile rise in his throat, knowing what he had to do.
He cupped her forehead, under the clamminess, he felt the cool. Tiny tremors traversed the entire length of her body. Her eyes were glazed and fixed on his.
She was going into shock.
Liz's heavy eyes struggled to stay open and aware. "Is he coming?" she asked almost timidly.
"Is who coming Elizabeth?" the man thought perhaps she was still in the throes of the horror she had just experienced. "He's gone. You're safe with us, safe with me."
Liz's brow furled quizzically as she shook her head slightly, "Doctor."
His eyes watered at the reminder, what he was going to do, what he had to do to her.
"I'm going to have to pick you up." Red smoothed her brow, then touched his forehead to hers, "And it's going to hurt like hell, but we have to get you out of here." Raising a few inches from her face, his tear filled eyes locked with her own. "I don't want to hurt you."
She reached to his face, her weak hand shaking with the effort. Touching the outside corner of his eye, a single drop fell, mixing with the ones coming from her own eyes.
Brushing away the remaining wetness, she streaked his skin red. Her blood marking him.
Shaking her head negatively, "Helping." she panted with the effort of talking.
Taking a few deep steadying breaths, he grabbed the scarf off the floor.
"I'm sorry." he whispered hoarsely.
She nodded, then he moved her arm to her chest. She sharply inhaled, the pain agonizing. Her face paled visibly.
"God, I'm so sorry."
He wasn't sure if she heard his repeated mantra as he continually apologized for the pain he was causing her, but he felt it deep in his soul, so he continued as if it would cleanse them both of this awful moment if he said it enough.
Pushing back her anguished cries to a corner of his mind, he secured the arm as best he could with the soft fabric. While under the heavy weight of pain, he swiftly wrapped a scarf supplied by Dembe securely around her ankle, holding it in place.
Red wiped the sweat from his brow with the sleeve of his tux. He fought the tremors of rage and sickness racking his body.
Swallowing convulsively, he kept down what so desperately wanted to come back up but, just barely. Its acid burning at the back of his throat. The anger roiled inside his mind radiating from him so much, his skin actually burned.
Finished with his task, he waved away Dembe's silent offer to take her.
"The blanket." He pointed to one laying on the floor, near the door.
"C-Cold." She mumbled incoherently.
"I know." He took the blanket, wrapping it around her then hooked his arm under her legs and one behind her back, lifting in one sure motion. The small movement jostled her ankle slightly, she groaned so deeply, he felt it ripple up his arms.
There had been no strain on her part, but it had exhausted her. She sagged limply into Red's firm chest. Her head fell back, to hold it up just too much effort on her part.
"Elizabeth!" Red's stern voice cut through the fog. Mindful of her arm, he cradled her higher on his chest, rubbing his face against her wet one. Her blood and tears mixed with his sweat.
"Resting," She fought to keep her eyes open. "You came." Her head bobbed before resting on his shoulder. "You... came."
"How did you know?" Red questioned, remembering she had called out for him during the attack.
"Didn't," she slurred, "only hoped."
And with that, she blessedly passed out.