While Lizzy played on her scooter, Red got busy on the rest of his day's routine. He opted for a quick call to Dembe through the walkie.
"Dembe, did the mail come yet today?"
The large man came in a minute later, carrying a box full of envelops.
"Is Elizabeth's in here as well?"
"Yes..." Dembe frowned as he watched Red pull out a handful, swiftly tossing aside letters, before picking up another stack. "Is there something wrong?"
"It seems Sleeping Beauty back there has a stalker." Red shared. "A stalker who enjoys writing. I was looking to see if he sent any new delightful thoughts for the day."
Dembe picked up a stack, searching through it, finally finding her name, typed on a plain envelope. "Is this it?" He held up the small letter.
"That's it." Red snatched it out of his hand, working on opening the tab.
"You know, it is a federal offense to open someone else's mail."
Red eyes flickered with amusement. "How ever will I live with myself?" he asked as he pulled the letter out, reading it aloud.
Where are you? I know you've been injured. You're not with family or at the hospitals.
I checked. No one has spoken with you. No one has seen you. Reddington seemed upset,
so obviously he doesn't know where you are either. Liz, call me. You know how to find me.
I can help you.
"Seems he knows about her injuries." Red breathed easier. "He's a bigger idiot than I thought, if he doesn't think I'd have her with me."
"Raymond..." Dembe held up more envelopes, frowning. "Is this from the same person?"
"It appears to be." He took it, looking at the post date. "Let's make sure there aren't anymore."
They quickly sorted out all the mail, finding nothing else. So Red sat back, reading them aloud as he had the first.
I'm positive he has you now. He mentioned you. If you could somehow persuade him to
bring you out. Use your injury to your advantage...I could find you and get you to
safety. Try, Liz. Don't get lost in his lies.
"When have you mentioned having her?" Dembe enquired.
"I don't know?" Red muttered, thinking back. "Cooper and her team knew the first day, the team asked about her on one of the phone calls when we talked about a victim." Red ran his hand over his forehead, lost in thought. "I don't recall ever mentioning Lizzy to anyone."
Dembe racked his brain, coming up empty.
"If I start to say anything in regards to her outside these walls or the car, slap me, will you."
"Most assuredly."
Red cut amused eyes to the man, "You're a good friend, Dembe."
Over the next couple days, they came to an understanding and developed a routine of sorts, one both found comfortable.
Red hadn't gone any further than her voice carried, which made him comfortable. The only times he left were for quick trips to the Post Office, none of which lasted more than an hour... which Liz found reassuring.
She would have thought she'd feel awkward as hell, being in such close proximity to Red, but she hadn't. They were all adults here and the circumstances unusual. It hadn't been as bad as she had anticipated and believed they were handling the situation very well, all things considered.
But one day, Dembe had hinted towards some business deal that needed Red's attention. She noticed that the man immediately waved off the task. It was then Liz realized, Red had literally been putting off everything to be here with her.
While she had enjoyed his company, he had a business to run. Traveling to do. Carver to find. He couldn't put it off for the next six or seven weeks.
One morning shortly thereafter, business reared its ugly head and Red needed to address the problem.
Assuring the man she was perfectly comfortable where she was and promising to not tell anyone of her whereabouts... did Red finally concede and attend to the matter at hand.
Liz sat in the back pool area, book in hand, her foot elevated to a comfortable position. Sitting the paperback in her lap, she reached for her ice tea, smiling softly as she watched Hudson pout on the floor near the doorway.
For the first couple of hours, the dog had sat by the front door, looking forlorn and lost with Dembe's departure. She had coaxed him with treats to follow her. Even so, it was clear how much he missed Dembe. The animal would raise his head hopefully each time he heard the door open.
Red and Dembe had been gone two days now and, as promised, she hadn't left the house nor told anyone her location. And she hadn't wanted to.
Aside from the heavy casts, the slightly stoned feeling she carried throughout the day and the maniacal killer hunting for her... this was the most relaxed she had been in a long time.
Maybe taking a little breather wasn't so bad.
She felt her mind clearing a little more each day. After being away from work, she felt fresh and renewed. Which probably made sense, considering she hadn't taken a vacation since working with Red.
Not that he was to blame. Oddly of late, it seemed she had blamed him for everything wrong that had happened in her life.
She knew, without doubt, had she even hinted that she needed a break, he would have shipped her off to a private tropical island, knowing Red.
But things had been so tense at home, work was her salvation.
This break from Tom and his untimely visits and calls, had been needed.
In the quiet, she had finally taken the time to process, to reflect, on their relationship and had found, in this instance... absence did not make the heart grow fonder.
Liz had let the familiarity she had once felt with Tom, blind her to how seriously clouded her judgement had become. She needed to let the past go and move on.
It was not certain if the man would actually leave her alone, however.
He wasn't her husband any longer. He certainly wasn't the man she had married.
Tom Keen wasn't even his name. He was a virtual stranger. Everything she thought she knew about the man, was a lie. The Tom Keen she knew... didn't exist.
It was all a charade.
Red, on the other hand, had tried to be as up front as possible. And he had been right, she hadn't always believed him.
When he had taken a chance, giving her more information, she believed he had manipulated the situation. And in the end when she found that he hadn't, she never apologized for her earlier assumption.
She was abrupt, sometimes down right rude with the man, but he was always there when she needed help. No matter if it was work or of a personal nature...
She looked around the beautiful room, sighing. And even here, he was seeing to her comfort and safety.
He had handled her tantrums about Tom with understanding patience. Then picked up the pieces left behind when her world had unraveled.
Which said a lot about both their characters.
While Red offered a shoulder to cry on, supporting and encouraging words, and in the end she, having realized the truth about Tom, being presented with that beautifully restored music box had touched her heart and in a manner of speaking... restored her soul.
While she, on the other hand, was always the first to say, I told you so. To rub salt in open wounds.
What was more disturbing, she had that character trait before Red had even come into the picture. She had been called single-minded more than once in her life. 'By the book', black and white, no gray areas.
That was Elizabeth Keen.
The muffled sound of the front door closing broke her reverie.
One of the guards was making his afternoon rounds.
"David?" She set her book aside, expecting to see the young guard. Hudson stood, wagging his tail, excitedly dancing in place.
"Two days I've been gone and you're on a first name basis with the guards." Red stepped through the archway casually, tossing his hat on the couch.
"Red!" She smiled, happy to see him again. "I didn't expect you back so soon." she sat up straighter, her smile widening. "How did it go?"
Hudson sniffed him, waiting for his customary pat on the head before taking off in search of Dembe.
Red poured a drink, then sat down next to her. "As well as could be expected." he took a long drink from the tumbler, rubbing his neck, "God forbid I should take some real time off. Everything would fall apart."
"What happened?" She took the glass out of his hand, bringing it to her own mouth.
Red took her chin in his hand, making her face him.
She offered him a puzzled look.
He quirked his brow, then took the glass out of her reach.
"I am of legal age, you know." Liz's brow crinkled, a derisive sound escaping her throat.
"You are also high as a kite." the man reached over, substituting her ice tea, placing it in her hand. He smiled when she scrunched her nose with disdain, but she sipped the cool beverage regardless.
Just shipping issues," he waved aside the problem, for the whole trip was a waste of time, in his humble opinion.
On top of that, Ressler had called with a new victim. The pictures were the same as the first. Bloody and gruesome. And they still were nowhere near to closing in on Carver.
Red hadn't known the victim, but there was something about her that spoke volumes to him. It was frustrating as hell because she was trying to say something that he simply could not hear at this point. But he would soon, hopefully.
Red dismissed all else, leaning into the woman's sphere. "I want to hear all about what you've been doing."
"You're looking at it," she waved her hands expressively about. "They wouldn't let me do much of anything. The guards and nursing staff... they've been bossy, but very attentive."
"Were they unkind to you?" Red's scowl deepened.
"No, not at all." she laughed musically. "Red, I was just grabbing my water from the side table and they came running. It was ridiculous." she pulled a cute grimace. "Oh, they started me on some minor exercises to keep the arm and leg flexible, I guess."
While he had left instructions for staff to make sure Elizabeth didn't fall, they perhaps had gone a little overboard in their attention. Still, she was well and no accidents occurred, so really, he wasn't going to actually complain.
"You'll be thankful later," it was prophesied. "Did the Post Office make contact?"
"Yes," she brightened. "Aram wanted to send a card, but I told him you'd pick it up when you came by. I didn't know if that was okay to say?"
"It's fine," Red dreaded the fact. "I have to go in shortly anyway."
"Can't it wait? You look exhausted." Liz noticed the dark circles under the man's eyes.
"I want to get it out of the way and come home."
"Is there a problem?" she was suddenly on alert. "News on Carver?"
"I have their next Blacklist name."
"The next... but what about Carver?" she asked anxiously.
"Don't concern yourself with him. Everything that can be done..." he dismissed airily. "This next case should be cut and dry. A couple days out at most."
"Who are you going to give it to?"
"Who do you think?" Already knowing the answer himself, he was curious if she thought the same.
"Ressler?" she practically giggled her glee.
Red smiled his amusement.
Later that day, Silas came through, after Red had left. An easy camaraderie had developed between he and Elizabeth Keen.
They often chatted frequently of late, the woman found the man interesting, articulate and amusing.
"Any problems today?" Elizabeth had noticed a particular twinkle in the grey eyes this afternoon.
"Just that annoying neighbor kid tossing his ball into the yard again." Silas checked a window lock. "Joe's gonna pop it one of these days."
Liz held her smile, "What is it with you guys and that kid? Why does he bug you so much?"
"Every time he throws that ball over, he tries to scale the fence, which sets off the alarm, which someone has to go check out."
The radio on the man's belt started chiming an alert. Silas sighed heavily.
"This makes three times today." He raised the radio to his mouth, clicking the button. "Anyone got that? I'm with..." the grey eyes filled with mirth as he glanced at the other occupant of the room, "... her."
"Copy," He received a reply, absently hooking the radio back to his belt.
"Why don't you guys ever say my name?" she was curious.
"Truthfully?" he asked innocently.
Elizabeth spread her hands slightly. "Of course."
"Most of the guards forget your name."
She gasped her shock. "But I know their names."
"Those aren't their real names." he managed very straight faced. "If we told you that, we'd have to kill you."
The beautiful mouth fell agape. Silas burst out chuckling.
Elizabeth's eyes narrowed suspiciously, getting the jest. "Oh, very amusing, you big oaf."
"You wouldn't happen to know if Red's picked up my mail, would you?" she continued, her tone less acerbic "I ordered stuff and I'm sure it's being delivered and my bills..."
"I saw a box in the foy– " Silas' reply was interrupted by Joe's deep voice bitching morosely. The radio sounded crystal clear, almost as if the man was in the same room.
"I don't wanna do it, but I have to take this kid out." Joe grumbled belligerently.
Liz held her fingers to her ears, grimacing slightly as the berating continued at a slightly higher magnitude.
"Hey, you little bastard!" the man screeched at his new adversary. "You want this ball stuck up your ass!"
"How many times has he set off the perimeter alarm in one day?" Liz chuckled her appreciation of the situation.
"Twelve," Silas tried to hold his own amusement.
"Pop the ball." She shrugged casually.
Silas laughed, but she continued, "I'm serious. He's just jacking with you now. He knows it's pissing you off." The guard was directed. "Tell Joe, I said to pop it and toss it back over."
"You're serious?" Silas was happy.
"Yes, he's going to keep doing it just to spite you."
Silas shrugged, keying the mike. "She says to pop the ball."
"Really!" Joe came back excitedly. "She said that?"
Liz waved him forward, taking the radio. "Yep, and throw it back over the fence."
"Your orders will be followed to the letter, Ma'am." she could hear the glee in the hardened ex-military man's retort.
Liz smiled, when they heard a loud pop and what could possibly be misconstrued as maniacal laughter over the radio.
"That man enjoys his job too much sometimes." Silas smiled warmly at her.
She held up the radio, thumbing the button. "If he throws anything else over, keep it. And if he tries to climb over again, call the cops on him. His parents need to step up and corral that kid."
A round of the Security 'copying' her orders came in quick succession. She grinned, returning the communication device to it's rightful owner.
"You just made everyone unbelievably happy. I'll go check that mail for you." the man nodded his approval, the action meaning much to the woman. "By the way... my name is Silas."
"Your real name?" she queried.
He pulled a face, shrugging apologetically. "We can't go there, Ma'am... remember?"
"Oh, get out." she exclaimed, exasperated.
He came back a minute later, carrying a large basket.
"Is that all mine?" She asked aghast, clapping her hands together gleefully.
"No, I think some of Red's is in here." he glanced down to his burden. "You want me to sort it real quick?"
"Just bring it to me each day and I'll do it." she waved him over. "It might help Red out."
"All right. I'm gonna go check on the guys, especially Joe." he threw out a careless thumb over his shoulder. "See that he hasn't aerated the kid."
Liz's shoulders shook with amusement as she sorted the stack of mail. Seeing as there were so many different aliases for Red, it took a few minutes to organize it all.
She opened an early festive birthday card from her Aunt, smiling. As expected, the inevitable gift card she knew would be inside slid from the hidden folds.
A hundred dollars for Victoria's Secret. Not bad. Much better then whatever Gypsy outfitter her Aunt had picked last year.
Liz didn't know what the woman had been thinking. Not once in her entire life had Liz ever dressed like a hippie/gypsy. But she had purchased some nice candles and funky jewelry, so it wasn't a complete loss.
Elizabeth read the inside, smiling at the birthday wishes, which also included a quick update on the family. The woman was pleased to hear that everyone seemed to be doing so well.
She sat the card aside, reaching for the next letter, her thoughts still with the lovely sentiments expressed.
Absently sliding the single sheet of paper free, she automatically perused the neatly typed script.
For someone who claims to care for you so much, I find that bastard Reddington has left you injured and alone. I'm sure he's given you no chance to escape or even call for help. Probably surrounding you with armed guards who watch your every move. Putting you under lock and key, like the prisoner you are. I've been searching, but still haven't found you. But I will, have faith.
Scowling darkly, Liz examined both sides of the letter and envelope yet again, looking for clues as to who might have sent such a disturbing letter.
There was no address or name aside from hers.
Picking up her phone, her decision made, she dialed with trembling fingers.
Red and Dembe waited patiently as the elevator did its thing.
Red glanced at his friend. "I miss elevator music."
"No, you do not." Dembe was relatively sure.
Red held his smile with difficulty, appreciative of the other man's amazing delivery. The doors slid open, both men exiting in unison.
"My dear Agent Navabi." Red removed his hat, smiling as the beautiful woman approached. "How are you this fine day?" The man literally oozed charm and sophistication.
The dark haired woman nodded a hello, more to Red's associate than himself, Reddington noted... his amusement returning two fold. "I'm well," she reluctantly gave her attention over. "You?
"Glad to be home."
"I'm sure you are." She chuckled at the happy man.
Ever since Liz had been staying with Reddington, he seemed more relaxed and cheerful. Not that he wasn't normally, but this was genuine. No façade in place.
Red's smile widened, his thoughts turning introspective for a beat, thinking about who was waiting at home until he noticed Navabi's lips quirking slightly.
Red smiled back, his eyes twinkling mischievously.
Dembe ducked his head, hiding his smile. Obviously, he wasn't the only one who noticed the change in Raymond since Elizabeth had been staying with them.
"What are you doing here, Reddington?" Ressler enquired, having entered the Pen. It was odd to hear Donald actually sound pleasant for once, or as pleasant as he could. Red didn't believe it came natural to the Agent.
"I have a new name." Red glanced around expectantly, frowning. "Where's Aram?"
Samar pointed at the second floor landing.
Aram glanced over the metal railing having noted the attention suddenly directed at himself. He offered a quick wave, picking up his pace, the man beside him doing the same.
As he reached the bottom floor, Aram fidgeted with his tie and straightened his hair. Red assumed he was preening himself for the beautiful ex-Mossad agent. And who could fault the man?
"Mr. Reddington, you're back." Aram clumsily shuffled a pile of folders from one arm to the other, holding out his hand in greeting.
Red took the offering, smiling kindly at the man. He liked this young man who didn't put on airs. Aram was truly a kind, caring person. As genuine as they came. It didn't hurt that the computer expert could be offhandedly amusing and was more often than not, Red's inside man.
Red took great pains not to take advantage, or get Aram reprimanded, seeing as he often went out of his way to help or call Red when Lizzy was in trouble.
Aram put down the files, taking his seat, hands hovering over the keyboard as he awaited instructions.
A man about Ressler's age and build, hovered in the background. Reddington had noticed of course. And now, the guy slowly approached the group.
Samar's lovely eyes chilled, shifting her position closer to Red.
Red turned staring at the woman, wondering if there was a problem.
"Shouldn't he be in the box?" The tall brunet man asked brusquely, eyeing Reddington belligerently.
Red checked with Navabi, "Red," her eyes darkened with open hostility, "meet one of Liz's replacements, Richard Moore."
The man couldn't have been here for more then a couple of days and there was already tension among the troops. Red checked his theory once again, glancing at Samar whose lovely face harbored an unsociable scowl.
Aram's eyes avoided the other man altogether, which to Red, signified a great lack of respect. Ressler had his head in his notebook, clueless, as usual.
"What do you mean, one of Lizzy's replacements?" Red asked.
"They honored us with two new shiny fill-ins. We got him," she stared peevishly at Moore, "and Andrew Wilson." she glanced around furtively. "He's somewhere around here. You can thank Liz for me when you see her next, by the way. It's been such a joy having them around."
"And what's this about the Box?" Red asked innocently.
"It's a secure location, one of which, you should be in while here." Moore made his feelings known.
"Mr. Reddington comes in voluntarily," Samar snapped right back, putting her lovely frame between the two would-be combatants.
"I think that as long as he's on government property, he should be placed in custody." Moore did not back down.
"I have an idea, Moore," Samar countered, smiling. The woman backed up slightly, waving an imperious hand. "If you can put him in the box, I'm sure Reddington will stay there for you."
"Or... I could just leave." Red picked up his hat, setting it on his head. "I do have other things to do today."
Like sleep, see Lizzy, talk to Lizzy, be with Lizzy.
"Or, you could leave when we allow it." Moore stated sarcastically.
Red halted his steps slowly, giving over his attention. His eyes easily held the other man's until Moore finally shifted, losing the battle of wills.
"When you loose the shrub, let me know." Red spoke directly to Samar, resuming his steps.
Dembe cast Agent Moore a steely glare before following his friend toward the exit.
"Agents, secure that man!" Moore ordered, as two passing agents glanced dubiously to a reticent Red Reddington, obviously confused, then back at the new agent, their confusion deepening.
Dembe stepped forward, the two agents backed off slightly, still holding their open files, as they continually checked with their counterparts as to... why is this asshole causing problems.
"You said he had to put me in the box." Red laughed his growing amusement. "No one said anything about having any sort of assistance. But still..." he once again turned a challenging stare to Agent Moore, "I believe that's cheating."
"It is, yes." Samar agreed cheerfully.
He turned to the woman, ignoring Moore completely, his hands spreading in a puzzled manner, "What the hell is going on?" he demanded. "Did no one bother to explain the rules to Agent 86, here?"
Dembe's brow lifted slightly and Red's hand lifted instantly. "I will explain the obscure cultural reference later, my friend."
Harold Cooper approached, feeling the tension emanating from the group. He held out his hand in greeting, as he neared Red. "Reddington, you're back earlier than I expected." he smiled warmly. "I assume you have new information–"
Red took the man's hand, "Has something changed in my absence? Agent Krycek here," he nodded in the appropriate direction, "wants me in custody."
Cooper shook his head no, silently asking for an explanation, his brow arching quizzically.
Dembe stepped forward fluidly, leaning slightly. "Another obscure cultural reference... The X-Files." he explained readily before resuming his vigilant stance behind his friend.
Red's mouth pulled at the corners in open amusement.
"He's new." Cooper smoothed over the incident, motioning to Agent Moore who stood fuming inwardly.
"He's an idiot." Red corrected matter-of-factly.
Harold shrugged, "He's new." he repeated, as if it was explanation enough. "Now, what's going on?"
Red tilted his head, shrugging. "As I was about to say, I have a new name." he finally got down to business. "Nathaniel Gage.
"What about Carver?" Ressler chimed in.
"When I hear something..." Red left it hanging. "We'll find him, eventually."
Trust me...
"Wait... you're giving us a new name?" Ressler said. "What's the catch?"
Red laid it all out for them. Normally, he'd add a little flourish to the narrative, but in this instance, he really just wanted to get this over with and go home.
Twenty minutes later, the task was done, and he was ready to go. But the team evidently, had countless questions to address.
I miss Lizzy
If he had any trust in these people, he'd just call it in, but they needed to be walked through it sometimes.
Only Samar and Aram seemed to be on the ball. Donald still didn't quite trust him, and the new guy kept throwing daggers at him the whole time, probably not having heard a word said.
The dynamics were all off and someone would pay for it, sooner or later.
Yet another Agent approached, this one younger than the rest, about Lizzy's age, actually. Red exchanged enigmatical glances with Dembe.
"They're coming out of the woodwork, these days." Red quipped.
"Like cockroaches." the large black man transferred a willful stare directly at the young Agent as he passed.
"Director Cooper, here's the information you requested." the guy handed over a file, clearly intimidated by Dembe's undue interest.
"Thank you, Wilson." Cooper glanced at the file absently. "Red, have you met Agent Wilson yet?"
Red ignored the kid all together, before returning his interest to Cooper. "Wet behind the ears and an idiot. This is the best you have?" Red's eyes shifted lazily to Moore.
Ressler lowered his head quickly, for some reason finding that particular remark funny.
"In their Specialty." Cooper smiled slightly, secretly amused by Red's disgust as well.
"And those would be, what? Finger painting and playing 'doormat'?" Red was losing patience fast. "My God, Harold. Ressler looks like a genius next to these two."
Ressler rolled his eyes then returned to his report. It was nothing he hadn't heard before.
"Moore is Foreign Counter Intelligence." Red barked in laughter at that remark, "And..." Cooper ignored the man's disrespectful ways, "Wilson, Organized Crime, Domestic Threats and one of our best Linguists."
Red huffed his annoyance, his jaw tensing. "Have they been vetted?"
"They have, and passed."
"Forgive me if I don't find comfort in that." He pulled the quietly buzzing phone from his pocket, answering, "Yes?" he practically snapped.
"Red..."
"Sweetheart," his tone changed instantly, "did you need something?"
"When will you be back?" Elizabeth asked quietly.
"Is there a problem?" He asked, instantly alert. Her voice told him, something was wrong. Grabbing his hat, he started for the elevator, Dembe falling into step beside him.
He ignored the calls for him from her contemporaries, continuing on his way. Their questions only irritated him now. He had other priorities.
"I... " she began uncertainly, then altered to a more sedate, "well, there is something I wish to show you... but it's not all that urgent."
"Fifteen minutes." Red advised, checking with Dembe. "We'll be home then."
They reached the car in minutes and were on their way. "Is Silas there with you?"
"He's making his rounds."
"Call him."
"It's just that..." she took a shaky breath, "I got this letter."
"Who gave you the mail?" it was demanded heatedly.
"Silas brought it to me before he went out."
Damn it! He hadn't told anyone not to give her the mail. It hadn't occurred to him that she'd even ask for it.
"I ordered things, I was wondering if they had arrived." she explained, not really knowing why. "Silas only knew about the paper mail he had seen in the foyer." she babbled, which was her way when nervous.
"And my birthday is coming up, I thought my Aunt may have sent a card." she looked at the door as if the man would walk through any second.
"What did the letter say?"
"She said the family was good and wished me a happy birthday, sent a gift card."
He had meant the other letter, but she was distracted for the moment, which was good. Not that he wasn't dying to know what it said.
"What did she say about the family?" he patiently enquired.
Liz read the letter aloud, filling in the needed info when a family member was mentioned, as she went along.
Red vaguely remembered a few of the names mentioned, but not all of them. It didn't really matter, as long as she was distracted until he got there.
When she finished, he filled the silence immediately. "What kind of gift card?"
"Victoria's Secret," she held a smile.
"That was nice of her. What will you buy?"
"Oh there's so many..." Liz had been browsing the catalogues.
He leaned on the arm rest. "A new blouse, maybe?" he suggested lightly.
"You really hate that olive shirt, don't you?"
"I do, yes." he confirmed readily. "Fine then, a new dress."
"I would have figured you'd say lingerie next." He could hear her smile over the phone, which was great.
"What kind of lingerie?" He lowered his voice suggestively, smiling when he heard her giggle.
"Maybe I'll buy some pajamas." she tried to match his mood.
"Well, now I'm disappointed. You got my hopes up for nothing." he truly sounded disappointed. "We're pulling up. I'll be inside in a minute."
Setting his hat down on the foyer table, he headed back for the pool, holding out his hand for the letter as he walked through the archway. He sat beside her, while she curled her leg under her, turning to face him while he read it.
Anger crossed his features as his eyes scanned the note, his jaw ticking feverishly.
When he was finished, he sat it down beside them. "Why didn't you tell me you had been getting these?"
"What do you mean?" she was genuinely surprised.
"I got the others Lizzy. He's obviously been sending them for a while."
"There are more?" she was stunned.
"You've never received one of these before?" he held it aloft.
"No, I think I would have mentioned it if I had." she was adamant and a little offended.
"You would have told me?" he needed clarification.
"You think I wouldn't?" she was definitely offended.
"I hope you would trust me enough to, but no, I didn't think you would."
"I would have, just on the off chance you knew who it might be." she took umbrage. "Do you? Know anyone that sends letters like that?" she motioned to the disturbing object he still held aloft.
"I just assumed it was Tom." He tilted his head, as she took the envelope from his hand, rereading it.
"It doesn't sound like something Tom would say." She handed the envelope to him, rubbing her fingertips, as if wiping away the bad feeling holding it had given her. "But don't take my word for it, I didn't know him at all, apparently."
Red looked down at the letter in his hand, frowning. If it wasn't Tom, who the hell could it be?
It couldn't be from Carver? Or could it? It wasn't his usual style. Red had never heard Carver sending letters before, ever.
But then, he'd never had a 'client' get away from him before, either. Lizzy could literally be, the 'one who got away'. A fixation now.
If Carver had been targeting her, it wasn't impossible for him to have been following her.
Who ever it was, the letters would be stopping soon when the house sold. With no new address, what then?
The letters needed to continue if any chance of finding the creep was to be had. Whoever was writing this shit, probably would escalate sooner or later.
Red had an idea how to solve the problem, but right now, he needed to deal with Elizabeth.
"We should talk about the letter."
"What's there to talk about?" Liz glanced at the white sheet of paper fretfully.
"Do you feel like a prisoner here?"
"No! Why would you even ask that?"
"Do you believe the guards would allow you leave, if you truly wished?"
"Not only that, they'd drive me where I want to go." she lifted knowing brows.
"Do you feel like I'm neglecting you, leaving like I did."
"I feel very cared for here." the woman's voice softened, as did her eyes. "And I remember... some of what happened that night."
"You do?" Red's own thoughts wandered back. So much had happened that night that she might deem, inappropriate, for that time and place. But his only priority at that moment, had been the woman's welfare.
"I remember you telling me it would be all right." she smiled. "That you were sorry you had to hurt me." she hesitated for the man's face allowed, that he too, was remembering that time.
Liz placed her hand on his, grasping it consolingly. "It's all right, it's over." she smiled just for him. "I remember being cold and then I wasn't, and you were talking to me."
When he had laid against her. Well, that was going to be interesting when she fully remembered that little tidbit.
"Was there anything else?"
"Some little things, I get snippets in the middle of the night. They're slowly piecing together, but not full pictures yet." she struggled even now to recall the events. "Why?"
"Just wondering." He shrugged. "Most of it's a blur for me as well."
Which wasn't a lie. He'd only recently started playing back that night, wondering if he saw Carver's face when he kicked in that door. He may have seen a glimpse of him going around the corner, but it wasn't clear yet.
When he had heard his name being screamed like that, he clicked to auto-pilot. His only goal was finding and securing Lizzy.
"Don't worry about these." he nodded toward the envelope between them. "He doesn't know where you are."
"Are you sure?" she needed reassurance.
"If he did, he'd be sending them here, not to your house." Red reminded.
"Of course."
"Have I let anything happen to you here?" he reassured.
"No," she was already calming.
"Has Silas been there when you've needed him." it was a statement, not a question.
"Yes," a soft smile graced her lips.
"Do you think I'd let any harm come to you?" his voice softened.
"No, but..."
"There are no buts, Lizzy. You are safe here. And will continue to be safe." his tone brooked no argument. "Don't worry."
After a delightful dinner, Dembe went out to do his usual laps in the pool. Lizzy's dog sat at the edge, following the man back and forth as he swam, perfectly content to do so.
Red walked leisurely through the area, laying a fresh towel on the lounge chair, waving a 'goodnight' as he passed.
He headed for their room. More specifically, he headed for Lizzy.
"Who was at the door?" She had heard the bell earlier, but stayed out of sight, as directed by Silas.
"I met the neighbors." Red smiled his greeting. "Seems their little darling was inconsolable after his ball was thrown back over the wall, deflated." his hands went to his sides as gave his complete attention over.
Liz hid her smile, her eyes innocently following along as he continued. Red was not fooled for one second.
"The kid claimed he heard a woman's voice telling someone to maim his toys and keep anything else that was thrown over the fence." he exclaimed, pulling his tie free. "You wouldn't know anything about that, would you?"
He looked at her expectantly. "Does that sound like something I would do?" she asked intently.
"Pop the kid's ball?" Red hung his tie over a nearby chair. "The old Lizzy, no... this new and improved one, I would hope so."
"Well, I didn't say it exactly like that." she lied through her teeth. "Were the parents a problem?"
"For me? No." Red told the truth. "As a matter of fact, I don't think they'll be a problem at all any longer for anyone."
"What did you do?" she was momentarily waylaid.
"Told them you were a child psychologist that said junior was troubled." he was proud of his inventiveness. "They're so worried about the bad seed over there, I suspect he'll be enrolled in some private academy by tomorrow."
"And here I thought you didn't lie."
"I don't lie to you." he clarified. "Everyone else is fair game. Well, except for Dembe and Kate Kaplan..." he quirked his brow, "especially Kaplan."
"Why don't you lie to me?" she asked, rubbing her hand and arm, which had been aching for an hour.
"Don't you think you have had enough lies in your life?" he sat down beside her, lifting her arm onto his lap, massaging the sore muscle.
Liz stiffened slightly at his touch, his behavior surprising her, all of which Red ignored.
"I may not be able to tell you everything that's happening, but I can promise to never lie to you when you need questions answered."
She didn't want to think about it anymore. It had been a good night and she was tired of dwelling. "What did Ress say about the Blacklist name?"
"You mean after he was convinced it wasn't a joke?" Red took hold of her hand, massaging each individual finger in turn.
Elizabeth felt the ache ease, the man's administrations feeling wonderful.
"Aram put the info on the screens," Red continued, "but Ressler kept giving me sidelong glances until Samar smacked him."
"You're kidding?" she chortled shortly.
"No, whacked him right across the back of the head." Red remembered fondly. "Told him to get with the program."
"Who was it?" she probed artfully, hoping to catch him off guard.
"Who was who?" He pushed his thumb into the palm of her hand, working on the tension there from handling the crutch. "Does this hurt?"
"The Blacklist name," she snapped, annoyed her subterfuge clearly hadn't worked. "And no, it doesn't hurt." she softened her tone as Red kneaded the sore area expertly.
"No one you need to worry about." Red sat her arm aside, before scooting down the bed. "Let it go." he advised. "You're on medical leave and should concentrate on resting." he tapped his finger against her cast as a reminder. "Let Ressler have his moment... even if it is freaking him out."
"How are they doing?"
"Your team?" he shrugged minutely. "They're fine, busy." he grinned. "Tense."
"Why, what's going on?" she perked up instantly, always ready and willing to hear any juicy tidbit of gossip.
"They brought in some replacements, Richard Moore and Andrew Wilson, to fill in while you're gone." he fed her the tidbit. "And I get the feeling Samar and Aram dislike Moore intensely."
"What about Ress?" Liz watched the man opposite her, lift her leg carefully.
She balked, preventing the move. "What are you doing?" she was suddenly a little awkward having sensed his intent.
"I thought you were college educated..." he motioned accordingly. "Isn't it self explanatory?"
The woman stared at him blankly.
"This is helping with your injuries, correct?" he smiled benignly. "Should I stop?"
Liz gave the question due process. Within in seconds, she offered her leg tentatively laying it onto his lap.
Red patted the cast approvingly, continuing his efforts.
"Ressler is focused on the job, as always." Red had long sense accepted the other man's foibles. "Blind and deaf to what's happening around him."
"What's wrong with this Moore guy?"
"Well, he wanted me in the box, for starters."
"If he's new, he probably wouldn't know–"
"He still wanted me in the box after Samar explained our arrangement."
"What did you do?" she questioned, moaning slightly as Red had hit a particularly troubling spot, "...Yes, right there." she was grateful.
The man dropped his head, pleased she was so easily accepting his assistance. He pushed his fingers into the area indicated, working his magic.
"Are you asking if I did something to warrant being placed in the box?" he lifted a steady gaze.
"No, I'm not asking that?" she sat forward, her expression sincere for all of two seconds. "No, wait a minute, of course I'm asking that."
"I did nothing, was saying hello to Aram as a matter of fact, shook his hand and everything." Red remembered things his own way. "Don't worry Lizzy, I can handle Moore without putting a bullet in him." he pulled a sad face, then brightened. "Samar on the other hand..."
"She really doesn't like him?" Liz clarified to herself, then shifted about anxiously... "Right here, it aches." she pointed to her calf area.
Red obediently kneaded the tight muscle harder until she visibly relaxed.
"I'm getting a vibe that Moore doesn't think much of her either, or maybe women, in general." Red disdained. "Which makes him a bigger idiot than I thought."
"What about the other one? Wilson?"
"Young, wet behind the ears." he had all ready dismissed the man. "Probably lives in his mother's basement... just like Glen."
"How young is he?" relaxing into the pillows, her eyes fluttered shut as the man rubbed her aching foot. The damned cast prevented him reaching vital areas, but what he was doing felt amazing.
"Well, he's around your age, actually." Red grinned, her little toes fascinating him. He had always found women's feet sensual. He cupped her entire foot in his palms, rubbing the coolness and in seconds, the flesh was warmed.
His thoughts turned introspective for a beat, his mood altering.
How that fucker, Carver, could hurt her... could cause her so much pain... Red steamed at the reality. How could any man wish harm of any sort to something so precious, so valued a thing... when all he fervently wished was to kiss the cute little toes, was beyond him?
Clenching his jaw, Red pushed out the anger, instead focusing on the activity he pursued, marveling at how easily her entire foot fit into his hands.
"You think I'm wet behind the ears?"
"No..." he drawled lazily, refusing a smile. "Not anymore."
"You thought I was!" she was more than incensed.
The man shifted a scolding stare as the woman pulled her leg away.
Considering her options, Liz settled instantly. Red smiled happily as she slowly but surely gave over into his keeping... her other leg.
Watching the man slowly ease the sock from her foot, Liz blinked her confusion when she found the task oddly sensual in nature.
She narrowed wary eyes when Red's quivered slightly as he now sat, simply looking at her appendage. Impatiently wiggling her toes, Liz shook her foot about, loath to remind the man... he had a job to do.
"Well, yes, you were." he reminded needlessly, taking her foot in hand. "You had never dealt with my level of criminal activity."
Well, she couldn't argue with that. And really, she wasn't supposed to, being a profiler. "And now, what do you think?"
"I think you're still very young."
"In other words, inexperienced." she took for granted.
"In some things, yes. But you're learning." he was quick to mollify. "Lizzy, there's nothing wrong with not knowing everything." he motioned to himself. "Even I don't know all there is to know."
"Yeah well, you wouldn't know it." Liz muttered. "Anyway, aside from them being young and gung ho, how are they working together, do you think?"
"Someone's going to get killed." Red prophesied.
"That's not funny!" she pouted, moving her foot into Red's warm hand, curling her toes when he pushed into her aching arch.
"It wasn't meant to be. The dynamics are all off." he could sense as much. "Samar and Aram listen, they're on top of their game. Donald, is getting his shit together." Red mused to himself. "I have to see the other guys in action, but as of right now, they're a hot mess."
"It's that bad?" she grimaced.
"It's that bad." Red confirmed. "But don't worry, I'll be there, watching."
Bending at the neck, Red kissed the tip of her toes as he rubbed his thumb the length of Lizzy's foot... grinning his amusement when the woman's head fell back and she released a long purr of delight.
Upon their return from the Post Office a couple days later, Lizzy convinced Red to rest after shockingly finding the man asleep at his desk.
Believing the task Samar provided would take only a few moments of his time, Red had not performed his usual check on Elizabeth which is how the woman found him in such an unusual position.
With little effort on her part, Elizabeth coaxed him to follow her bidding and return to their room. He must have been in dire need of a nap for the man could not even remember closing his eyes.
A short time later, a low vibration woke him from his sleep.
Reaching under the pillows, he grabbed the offending phone, just barely holding back from throwing it against the wall when he realized it was Lizzy's.
He stabbed the answer button, growling into the phone, "What?"
"I need to speak to Elizabeth." A faint voice answered back, muffled by background noise.
Red became fully alert, recognizing the voice. "You know, when I told you to not see her again, that did not mean phone calls were an acceptable form of communication."
"Why do you have her phone?"
"It's none of your business why." Red kept his tone even and calm. "You gave up any rights to her."
"I want to talk to her." Tom's tone was adamant.
"Red, who is it?" Liz awakened, stirring slightly.
"Go back to sleep, sweetheart." Red held the phone away, his tone completely altered.
"Was that her?" Tom demanded. "Put her on the damn phone."
Liz looked at the man, then the phone.
"You are not talking to her." Red stated quietly.
"Is it Tom?" Liz lifted to her elbow, her expression unreadable.
Red held out the phone, giving Liz the chance to make the decision, wondering what she would do.
He didn't want her to speak to the younger man, but that was not his decision.
He was inordinately pleased when she shook her head negatively, laying back into the pillow.
"Obviously, you have nothing to say that could be of any interest to her." Red felt a surge of pride.
"So what? You two are sleeping together now?" it was disdained. "I should have seen that coming. I knew you'd try and get between her legs at some point, I just didn't realize she'd be such a–"
"Finish that sentence and I won't hesitate to put a fucking bullet in you next time I see you." Red stated all too quietly. "And rest assured, it will be in a most vital area."
"If you had really wanted to, why didn't you last time?" Tom stated sarcastically.
"I thought it might upset Lizzy, but I'm finding that perhaps, that isn't the case anymore." he smiled pleasantly, relaxing his head onto the crook of his arm.
"Does she know? Have you told her?" Tom asked.
"Have I told her that I hired you to protect her and that you went behind my back and started working for Berlin and then married her because you're a heartless prick?" Red glanced over at the woman whose large blue eyes stared back at him blankly. "Yes, I just did... haven't had the chance to before now. Thank you for reminding me."
"You're a bastard." Tom spat.
"I'm a bastard?" Red nodded slightly. "I'm not the one that beat the hell out of his wife. And let's not forget the charming moment you held a gun to her head."
"She broke my fucking thumb!" Tom defended his actions peevishly.
"That's not all she should have done to you." the older man assured. "Now, what have you gotten into, from which you need her help extracting yourself." Red held up a warning finger. "Which isn't going to happen, by the way."
"Dammit Reddington," Tom seethed, "put her on the fucking phone."
"She doesn't want to speak with you." Red's voice held a finality Tom disliked intensely. "And before you ask, I did offer the phone to her." he pushed off the bed, sitting up.
"She's done, Jacob." the man taunted. "Or perhaps, do you prefer Christopher?"
"What?" Tom was visibly thrown.
"I suggest you don't contact her again." he reached to his side, helping Lizzy into a sitting position beside himself. "And just so I'm perfectly clear. You are not to call, text, see, write or try any other forms of communication from here on out." Red warmed to his task.
"If you so much as walk on the same side of the street as her... I will kill you." There was something chilling about the casually stated warning. "Do you understand me?"
The sound of the dial tone in Red's ear was the only reply given. "I'll take that as a 'yes'." He set the phone aside, waiting for the explosion.
"What did he say?"
Red knew to what she alluded, be he evaded the enquiry. "You heard most of what was said Elizabeth."
"What did he say that made you so angry."
"Just the sound of his voice pisses me off."
"Red..."
"He was about to make an unkind remark about you, and I didn't want to hear it."
"What kind of–"
"Elizabeth, let it go." Red fumed.
Liz replayed the conversation in her mind. She could pretty well guess what Tom had said.
"Oh, that's rich! Coming from him!" Liz laughed sarcastically. "Especially given he was screwing around when..." She clenched her fists, reigning in her temper.
"He's an asshole. He was just trying to get a rise out of me because I wouldn't give him what he wanted." he cupped her head consolingly. "Don't let it bother you, all right."
She took a deep breath, then released it slowly, nodding.
"Why did you hire Tom?"
"To protect you."
"Did you tell him to get close to me?"
"Absolutely not." Red's voice was firm. "I hired him through a mutual acquaintance, got him into the college and paid for his education." he turned to her, his expression an earnest one. "Aside from getting an education, he was supposed to watch out for you from a distance. Not to interfere."
"So what happened?"
"I was in Hong Kong for a couple of weeks getting regular updates that you were safe. Then he changed, was evasive." Red told the truth. "I came back immediately and found the two of you cozy on a coffee shop couch."
"Why didn't you do something?"
"Well, I did fire him."
"But that was it?"
"At first, his infatuation with you seemed genuine." Red remembered it as a conflicted time. "It wouldn't be the first time a bodyguard has fallen for a client." the man shrugged. "I watched from afar, you seemed happy. I backed off." It was succinctly stated. "Who better for you to have fallen in love with than the man I hired to protect you."
"When did you..."
"I heard information about you that could have only been obtained in... intimate circumstances." Red glanced away, wondering how much more to say on the matter. "I knew he had to be working for someone else. I watched him, people he met, and gained information. Finally found who he was contracted through."
"I still don't see why you didn't step in."
"I did. I stopped a lot of plans they had for you. I also stopped different groups from getting hold of you." Red set the record straight. "Oddly, leaving you with Tom at that moment, was safer because if there was anything he had to do, it was keep you alive."
"What changed?"
"I came into the picture." he stated simplistically. "After I gained more allies, I knew I was in a place to go directly for who had hired Tom." he held her eyes. "It wasn't until I showed up that Tom got nervous. I was hoping he would foul up and go to his boss." he cocked a brow. "And in a way, he did."
"I want your word that you didn't tell him at any point to get involved with me."
"Then have it. I would never do something as distasteful as that."
"Since you've given me no other reason to date, I'm going to trust what you say." she decided. "Please don't make me regret it." Liz said softly, her hand smoothed the blanket near his, then she hooked her fingers over his thicker one.
Red gently rubbed her skin with his thumb. She flipped her hand over, lacing her fingers through his. Having always been the one to initiate the contact, it meant a great deal to him that she had taken the initiative this time.
"I won't." his eyes softened, lifting their laced hands to his mouth, kissing the small fingers. "I promise."
The next morning, Red received a call he needed to attend to and was very pleased with the results that call had garnered. Now if Lizzy was as happy, all would be well.
As he stepped through the doorway, the woman looked up from the tv screen. "If I order this thing right now, on tv. I get a free one if I pay shipping and handling."
Red glanced at the screen, "Do you really need a Hurricane Spin Scrubber?"
"Who doesn't?" she held her smile. "And it's only three payments of nineteen ninety-nine."
"I'm glad you're in such a good mood... because I have something to tell you that is going to piss you off, but I want you to hear me out before going ballistic."
"Okay..." Liz drawled nervously. "But are you going to buy me the Hurricane Spinner?"
"I sold your house." he stated bluntly.
Liz's mouth dropped open, shocked. "You... I... what?"
"Now, before you start throwing things, I did it because too many people knew where to find you, obviously." he held his hand out, stilling the woman.
"Plus, they splashed your house across the news. Harold stopped them from showing your picture, but if anybody researched..." Reddington always thought three or four moves in advance. "You need better security, Lizzy, and you weren't going to get it there."
Sputtering, she tried to form some sort of response, finally asking the first coherent thing to come to mind, "...How much?"
"If I told you that I got two hundred thousand more than what you paid for it, would it make you feel better?"
Her eyes bugged out, "Did you?"
"I did."
She sat back heavily into the pillows, mentally drained for a second.
"I don't know what to say..." she told the truth, a thought suddenly occurring, "Weird... I'm homeless."
"No, you are not." Red tsked, waving a hand above their heads. "I don't know if you've noticed, but there is a roof on this house."
"Uh, yeah. The roof of your house." she made mention.
"A house that has your name on the deed." her mouth fell agape once again, her senses reeling. "Actually, come to think of it, a lot of the properties I own have your name on the deed." he stated conversationally.
"I need to lay down." she was suddenly certain of the fact.
Red helped her adjusted the blankets and pillow behind her head. "You're upset." he took for granted.
"I think you mean, overwhelmed." she corrected.
"Oh? Well... that's not so bad." he decided.
"Red, do you not realize how weird this is, putting my name on these houses?" she had to ask or die.
"Why would you say that?" he was perplexed. "I always figured that if something happened to me, you and Dembe would handle my estate, split the profits, maybe hand some over to my daughter if you ever found her." he tilted his head, quirkily, his expression saying it all. "I know you two would do the right thing."
"Isn't that what a lawyer is for?"
"Oh, please." Red scoffed. "I trust lawyers about as far as I can throw one."
"Which isn't saying much where you're concerned if there's a tall building around." She muttered.
"No, this way is better." he totally ignored her implication. "Don't think about it right now. Just concentrate on what you would like to do." the subject was closed in Red's mind.
"Shop around a bit, have fun with it, don't settle for anything." he forewarned. "Besides it's not like you have to make any decisions at all, really, since technically, you're home right now, remember?"
Elizabeth's eyes glazed over. She could not wrap her mind around the fact that this amazing house was technically ... hers.
"Did you see who bought the old house?" she enquired absently. "Was it a couple?"
"Oh, no." Red laughed. "Francis bought it. Took my suggestion and will be making it a guest house for out of town business visitors."
For which Red was thankful. With Francis owning the house, the letters would continue to come uninterrupted.
Red fell silent, watching her face as she absently fanned the pages of her book with her thumb, apparently lost in thought.
"What are you thinking?" he asked.
"How big is this house?"
Red chuckled under his breath at the very unexpected question. The way her mind wandered sometimes was just... captivating.
"Around two hundred thousand square feet, if not more."
The woman's mouth fell open, her eyes widening. She knew it was large, but...
"Lizzy, it has three stories." Red pointed out.
"But..." she drew back, envisioning the house, "it's only two stories tall."
"No..." Red disagreed, "the third floor is beneath us."
"Oh, you mean, like a basement."
"I would not consider it exactly that."
"What's down there?"
"Let's see... there's a wine cellar. There are media, exercise and entertainment rooms." the man stared off into the room, envisioning the downstairs.
"An apartment for staff. I believe there's a couple bowling lanes. A library..." he shrugged. "I can't really think of everything that's down there. You haven't explored?" he asked.
"Well, I couldn't really get up the stairs..." she twisted her mouth, "or downstairs, for that matter." she muttered. "Not that I knew it was there."
"So, take the elevator." Red's brow scrunched.
"There's an elevator!?"
Over the next couple days, when Red wasn't spending time with Lizzy... he was handling his business transactions and finalizing his deal with Francis.
After agreeing on a time and place to give him the keys to the house, he went off again in search of Elizabeth to inform her he would be going out soon.
He found Silas, Dembe and Lizzy, performing their workout for the afternoon.
More specifically, yoga.
His eyes instantly fell on Elizabeth, in a tight sports bra and the tiniest shorts he'd ever seen... thank the Lord above. The man began to sweat. He pulled absently on his expensive vest, craning his neck, trying to cool off.
The woman was resting on her hands and knees, then she lifted slowly, her tight bottom lowering, pushing her hips into the floor. Her torso elongated, redirecting his line of sight to her full breasts which were pushed together.
She held the pose and his complete attention for a few moments, before a softly cleared throat made him blink, breaking his focus.
He glanced over, finding his head guard staring benignly at him. Silas' mouth pulled into a jaunty grin.
Red subtly flipped the man off, heading for the bar. He poured himself a stiff drink. His eyes absently wandered back towards the silent woman.
Liz stretched out her body, feeling the pull, her mind cleared of all recent debris.
Dembe softly called out each position change.
Red wasn't sure how long he stood there, time seemed to have slipped away. His eyes watched Elizabeth slide effortlessly into different poses, her body at once graceful and yet vital with youthful suppleness.
What he did know, what he was acutely aware of... was with each new movement and sip of the warming liquor, he found himself slipping further into a quandary.
As he watched the tension in her body release, he felt his own increase. While she released her stress, his grew exponentially. As she became limber and flexible, he stiffened... in the most inopportune place.
He stared openly at her firm bottom as it lifted high in the air, as though for his viewing pleasure, before her legs parted somewhat. It was just enough to give him, the very avid voyeur, a tantalizing glimpse of her softly rounded mound pushing at the tight fabric.
He could almost visualize the hidden treasure beneath the clingy material.
Exhaling a calming breath, he finished his drink in one gulp before lowering the glass to the bar. So focused on her pert little ass was he that he sat the glass down too heavily, making a thick jarring sound as it met granite.
Silas peered over his shoulder at the distraction, releasing a knowing chuckle before returning to his pastime.
Red ignored the exchange, slowly making his way up behind Elizabeth. He watched her strain to stretch beyond her already extreme pose, further opening herself to his gaze.
"Lizzy..." Red enquired softly.
"Hmmm?" she purred, wiggling herself into position.
Any other time, that fucking sound she just made and that amazing ass writhing in the air would be considered an invitation to mount that luscious body, in his world. At least his body seemed to think so. His shaft twitched heavily in his pants.
But this wasn't 'any other time', more was the fucking pity.
"I'm going to meet Francis shortly." his voice roughened on its own accord as she dipped her chest to the floor, her heavy breasts threatening to spill from her minuscule top.
Red wiped at his brow, his thumbs pushing into his eye sockets, hiding the temptation from sight. His fist clenched into a tight sphere, his hand wanting to touch her breast so badly, it was the only way to physically halt the action.
"Did you need anything while I'm out?" the words sounded so hollow.
Shit. His voice sounded strained to his own ears, who the hell knew what that bastard Silas was hearing.
"Umm," she hummed, pushing up on her toes, she raised that perfect ass towards him once again and the man suddenly knew how Adam felt when Eve offered him the apple. "I don't think s–"
The woman lost her balance mid-sentence, a sharp intake of breath alerting the man to her predicament.
Red lunged forward quickly, catching Liz's light weight before it toppled to the floor.
Their momentum pushed them forward until he threw out his free arm stopping their rapid descent. His form hunched over hers, his large palm wrapped around her bare waist, yanking her ass into his crotch as they came to a sudden halt.
He easily balanced both their weights.
"You all right?" he muttered against her nape, his warm breath stirring the damp strands of hair on her neck. "Did you hurt yourself?"
"No..." she panted, "no, I'm okay."
Elizabeth opened her eyes, finding only her feet touching the floor. The rest of her form was held against Red's body. Getting her bearings, she reached out, laying her good hand against the hardwood, followed by her knee as he slowly lowered her.
"Good?" he asked.
"Yeah..." she reassured, her limbs finally coming to rest on the floor. "The casts... they put me off center." she apologized.
Red's muscled forearm supported her abdomen, making her very aware of his proximity, more specifically, the buttons on his vest which tickled her spine. His belt buckle pressed into her bottom.
She drew a shaky breath, when his thick fingers skimmed along her flesh as he released his hold on her.
"Raymond, are you ready?" Dembe enquired, disengaging himself from his prone position.
"Twenty minutes." Red practically snapped. "I need to grab something..."
Silas snorted under his breath, hastily averting his profile to hide his ever growing amusement.
"I need the keys to Lizzy's house and my phone." Red clarified, giving the man a steely glare of pure hatred which only increased the guards mirth.
"You need me to get them?" Liz asked politely.
Red looked back at the woman, finding her stretching away the last of her workout. Her breasts flexed under the tight shirt, and the man's mouth suddenly felt like the Sahara desert.
"No..." he grunted moodily, "I know where they are." he replied, quickly heading for the doorway, ignoring Liz's parting remark.
"What are you laughing at weirdo?"
Silas' evil laughter echoed in Red's ears. So help him God... he was going to kill that man.
Reddington rushed though their doorway, making a beeline for the private toilet area, slamming the door closed behind him.
He yanked at his zipper, releasing his hardening shaft, pumping it once, easing the ache instantly.
Red exhaled harshly, teasing his fattening crown with his thick thumb, slicking the taut skin with the beaded moisture leaking from the tip.
Stroking the length, bringing the erection to full mast, Red pumped the rigid flesh. He closed his eyes, his mind's eye, supplying the needed visions for his impromptu fantasy.
He had never understood the fascination with workout gear... until today. But then, he hadn't seen Lizzy in them yet, either. They were so damned tight, showing him every single nuance of that delectable body.
God, that ass of hers was amazingly beautiful. The sculptured mounds would fit perfectly in the palms of his hands.
And her breasts, he knew were full and soft, but he hadn't paid attention until now how they might overfill his hands, and how tiny her nipples were as they strained against the tight top.
The rest of that wonderful little package; her thighs, arms, tummy... that back... he had fantasies about running his tongue along her spine until he could nibble on that gorgeous neck.
He focused on that vision, having no trouble what-so-ever picturing his large hands bracketing her tiny hips, before easing those tight shorts off, showing him that firm, warm flesh he wanted so desperately to see.
Hell, he'd have a damn hard time getting the shorts past her thighs, but then, that's all he really needed. That was more than enough clearance to allow him to plunge himself into her hot, wet depths... the ones she had been so carelessly waving about earlier.
When she was cradled in his arms and her ass was pushing into his groin, the need to give her his arousal had been damned near impossible to contain. Especially when that warm bottom grazed his fattening length.
Shortening his stroke, Red increased his grip, pushing him closer to the relief he craved. Bracing an arm against the surface, he leaned into it, his fingers curling into the wall when he hit a particularly good spot.
Damn, he bet she was tight. Those few seconds he had glimpsed the prize between her thighs, the outline of those succulent lips was so well defined, he thought he was going to cream right on the fucking yoga mat.
He tightened his grip further, a strangled breath escaping his throat. Pulling at his belt, he tugged it free, letting his pants drop heavily to the floor as his other hand cupped his balls, pulling them up against his body.
He wanted her so badly, it hurt. The need to touch her, to share the emotions she stirred within him.
Tom Keen could never begin to match what Red knew he was more than capable of supplying.
While Tom wasn't willing to give up, to stop his life of crime.
Red was.
He'd give everything he had for one moment to show Lizzy how much...
"You love her..." he breathed through his exertion, admitting out loud something he tried so hard to keep inside, hidden.
He wasn't supposed to feel like this, wasn't supposed to love her as much as he did. But he did and... his heart ached for want of her.
He felt tears prick his eyes at the pain, even as his balls tightened against his body. The conflict tore at his warring sides, deepening the ache, even as the sweet taste of relief neared.
"God, Lizzy, please..." he shook visibly, his orgasm upon him, "let me..."
He trembled with the release of his arousal, his emotions crashing in from all sides. They combined in an explosive force, that left him drained more mentally, than physically.
Red leaned his forehead into the wall, fighting back against the emotional release threatening, an outlet he needed more than anything.
His eyes slammed shut against the threat, feeling tears skirt down his cheeks until he tasted them at his mouth.
He drew in a shaky breath, exhaling the pent up torment in his soul. He leaned wearily back against the support offered, taking the time to compose his thoughts.
He absently put his person to rights, glancing down at the mess on his marble tile. He just didn't have the energy at this moment.
Red groped for the stool, sitting heavily. He dropped his face into his hands, a deeply pained sound tearing at his throat before he could smother it.
"You fool," he berated himself quietly. "Get your head out of the fucking clouds." his jaw clenched tensely. "She'll never see you as anything aside from Red Reddington. Face it."
His palms pushed into his temples, staving off the looming headache he felt building behind his eyes.
If she only would believe him, believed his intentions were honorable. Would she see beyond who he had become?
Yes, he was Red Reddington. Now. He hadn't always been this way.
Believe it or not, his end goal had been to bring those in power, those who had cheated and killed to get to their lofty position, to their knees.
But he was one man going against a virtual army, as it were. Not that the crooked politicians got their hands dirty. Oh, hell no. They hired their dirty work out. But it was still just him against a powerful establishment that had excessive funds to get what they wanted.
He wasn't fighting fire with fire...
Which is where his fortune came into play. A fortune he could give a shit about. It was just a tool to get what he needed. Money bought silence, loyalty... people.
He had been much like Elizabeth at one point... the thought amused him in a sick, twisted way.
Trusting that justice would prevail. That the system would actually work.
What a load of shit.
That part of Raymond Reddington was gone. But the idea, that he would make those men pay for all they had done... that was alive and well.
But then, she wouldn't see that. She would see that he had abandoned his family, left his life of military service... for money.
And why shouldn't she. He had more money than he knew what to do with. He had houses, cars... a fucking jet.
She wouldn't see that the man who he had been; the decorated officer, the loyal family man, the good man. He still existed somewhere. He was still in there, wanting to love her.
"Red?" Elizabeth tapped softly on the door, breaking his concentration and thought patterns. "You okay?"
Red reached forward, laying his palm flat against the door facing, and could swear he felt her warmth.
"Yes," his answer was strained.
"You sure?" she questioned. "You took off rather fast."
"I'm fine." he nodded to himself. He arose, hastily cleaning the evidence of his activity, throwing the tissue into the toilet, flushing leisurely.
He straightened his tie then opened the door, smiling brightly. "Just got lost in thought.
Liz tilted her head, studying the man, her mouth drooping as he brushed hastily past her.
"I better get my shit together," Red stared at his watch. "I'll be late meeting Francis." he explained his reasoning. "I have to make a quick drop by the Post Office as well."
She stared after him, feeling somewhat at a loss. Something was not right but she could not put her finger on anything tangible.
The man bent, kissing her temple, hovering for a moment before pulling away, "If you need me..." he let it hang.
He gently stroked her arm, walking from the room.
She watched him disappear around the doorframe, her mood dropping. She could not have said why, but she could almost swear... that Red had just lied to her.
But then, he said he'd been lost in thought. Maybe what was wrong, and there was something wrong, was of a personal nature.
His thoughts were his own and none of her business, really. So maybe she had read his omission as more than what it was. But Liz found herself feeling... hurt. Hurt that he didn't feel he could confide in her. To share some of his burden with her.
He had been a shoulder to lean on many times, allowing her to unload what troubled her. So why wouldn't he allow her to return the favor?