Upon their arrival home from Las Vegas, the mob of security, and he meant that in the literal sense, that greeted them rivaled what it had in Vegas.
And Red was more than fine with that.
Once they were in familiar surroundings, his sense of security returned. It was a more confined space, easier to secure.
Which, after having received a relatively reliable tip concerning Carver's location, made the difficult decision to fly back out the following morning leaving Lizzy in the very capable hands of Silas and Francis, an easier one.
Falling into a structured routine, Liz returned to her profiles or trained with Silas. The guard constructed a program of rigorous physical training, infiltrating new defensive techniques and a certain street savvy awareness not present before.
Truth told, she gravitated towards any sort of activity to fill the time in between training and profiling.
Red had been gone a few days, calling frequently to share his whereabouts and rising frustration always being one step behind Carver.
She had shared in his frustration, and it wasn't just because Red hadn't caught Carver.
She missed the man terribly, especially today, for it was the beginning of a three day holiday for her.
Having worked yesterday, splitting her time between profiling and running background on yet another Blacklister for her team, Cooper had assured them all that work would be on hold until Tuesday. Meaning no calls, no working on profiles...
Just rest and relaxation for the next few days. And Red wasn't here to share it with her.
She wouldn't begrudge the man attending to his business, or this Carver issue, but she did wish he were here to share in the downtime.
A bright spot was that Francis, and even Ben Gilchrist, were coming to celebrate Memorial Day weekend with her.
The morning of the planned activity, Francis had called to say he was on his way, she went out to wait in the front garden with Silas. A short time later, a low rumble of motorcycles filled the air.
The sound came closer then three cycles actually pulled up into the drive. The three riders slowly approached. Liz threw Silas a questioning glance, but her guard didn't seem fazed by the third rider's presence.
The bikes rolled to a stop, the men removing their helmets.
She gasped her surprise, joyously rushing across the driveway as Red's face came into view.
Red kicked his stand, then eased the bike down before sliding off the seat.
"Hey, baby." he laughed quietly, opening his arms quickly to wrap the rapidly approaching woman up in a tight hug.
"Why didn't you tell me you were coming home!" she hugged him right back, before pulling away to seek out the humor-laden eyes.
"I wasn't sure what time I would get here." he murmured softly, kissing her smiling lips gently.
"Silas?" Red squeezed around her waist, holding out the other hand to the large guard behind her.
The man grinned and pulled out her own helmet and jacket from thin air.
"Ohh! How cute!" she clasped her hands together excitedly at the stylish, though rather heavy jacket.
"Won't it be too hot?" She asked as Red helped her slide the small jacket on.
"No, these are for warmer weather. Plus, once we get going, the wind can be cool." He pulled her hair out from under the jacket. "And they have armor in them in case we have an accident."
Red helped the woman mount the large, sleek Harley. "Don't touch that pipe, it's hot." he indicated.
Situating herself, Liz marveled at the shiny chrome and cushy leather seat of the jet black bike she occupied.
Donning his own helmet, Red lowered the dark tinted visor. He looked every bit the sexy space hero.
"Can you hear me?"
Liz twirled her head this way and that as Red's sensual voice resonated deeply inside her helmet.
"Stereo!" she giggled.
His quiet chuckle surrounded her. "We're wired. You're coming through loud and clear."
"Can they..." she enquired of the other 'bikers'.
He shook his head. "I want you all to myself."
She smiled prettily for him, the words pleasing her. Red smartly fingered her visor down, sliding into the position in front of her.
The huge bike roared to life as the man hit the ignition button. Liz felt a powerful, thrumming vibration between her legs. Not an unpleasant sensation at all.
"This could prove interesting." she lifted stylish brows enjoying Red's throaty laugh.
"That's my girl." he nodded slightly as they waited for their companions to join them. "Keep that thought uppermost in your mind, will you."
"I don't know how I couldn't." she philosophized. "This is the most expensive vibrator I've had the privilege of having between my thighs." she admitted freely, her reward, yet another rumbling chuckle.
"So far anyway..." Red murmured intimately, "the day is young." he said, acknowledging Silas with a lift of his hand as the passed the impressive figure.
The next couple hours were a whirlwind of new discoveries, emotion and revelations.
Liz had always looked at Memorial Day simply as cookouts and a long weekend.
It wasn't until Red took her on a tour of monuments, she remembered what this day was all about.
First, they visited the Rolling Thunder Motorcycle rally, where she met a group of Red's associates, more specifically, bikers... one of which was referred to as, Mad Dog.
The highlight of the event was watching a Marine stand erect and saluting the riders for the entirety of the rally.
Only when the man finally lowered his arm, did she allow herself to sob into Red's chest, understanding not only that lone Marine's respect and gratitude... but the sacrifices Red had made throughout the years not only for his country... but for her.
Next, they visited the Wall where she learned Red's uncle, Jackson Reddington, was one listed as KIA. Not only had they located Jackson's name, but met a man who shared fond memories of Jackson, a man he had obviously clearly respected.
She had been so touched Red trusted her enough to share a deeply personal part of his history, she secured an etching of Jack's name to frame and flowers in honor of the uncle Red so obviously held in high regard.
After seeing the mass which visited the monument, and the vast size of the Wall itself... she didn't think anything could be so powerful.
She was wrong.
Arlington National Cemetery was quite simply; staggering, stunning and heartbreaking.
Never had Liz felt such raw emotion as they rounded the corner and came face-to-face with a sea of pristine white stones, one after another as far as the eye could see, laid out in all direction.
She remembered quite vividly how the air left her lungs and her eyes grew wide with wonder and incredulous disbelief.
Her reverence of the hallowed grounds strengthened as she watched a Sentinel guard a fallen unknown. She was amazed to learn, they guarded the tomb twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week... with honor and respect.
Before their planned departure, and after careful sleuthing on Francis's part; did they learn Jackson Reddington was buried here... unbeknownst to Red.
After his initial shock, Red regaled them with stories and pictures of Jackson. In the end, she felt a deeper connection with Red for sharing a part of his life with her.
Their time there unfortunately came to an end as Red remembered he had yet to fulfill a promise to an associate. They got on the road a few minutes later, heading for the rally's Vendor Row.
She had been silent since their return to the bikes. As they headed back over the bridge, she sighed, "Why didn't you ride in the rally? You're a Vet."
"To be honest, I'm not sure what I'm considered, Elizabeth." he replied all too quietly.
"Technically, you are." she debated.
"No, I'm relatively certain the act of treason laid against me has stripped me of my Veteran status."
Not wanting to start an argument over a dead issue, Liz turned the conversation to her original point. "I guess what I meant was, you should have ridden in honor of your Uncle."
"To ride for him would have been a slap in the face." he stated flatly, maneuvering the bike artfully through traffic. "I managed to do the exact opposite of Jack. He honored the Reddington name... I tarnished it."
"There were extenuating circumstances."
He didn't have to see her face to know she was pouting.
"Lizzy, you and the boys helped me honor Jack today in a way that was very meaningful, I think, to both of us." he pointed out the positive. "Jack would have liked how we've spent the day."
Liz sighed, resting her chin on his shoulder, "You think so?"
"I do," he concluded. "We celebrated the living, remembered the MIA's and POW's." he lifted an expressive hand but the bike didn't wobble one bit. "We visited the Wall and found a buddy of Jack's who spoke very highly of him... that was very special to me."
He turned his head slightly, moving over a lane.
"We paid our respect to the Unknown Soldier." she had enjoyed that tremendously. "And we found Jack's resting place... then spent and hour talking about how wonderful and handsome he was."
He grinned when he felt her laugh against his back. "He would have appreciated that we took the time, Lizzy." he patted the leg nestled against his comfortingly.
Pleased that Red seemed content in how they had honored his Uncle, Liz watched the scenery go by, listening to his soft breathing in her ear. She had missed that sound.
"You are staying with me..." she questioned, "while you're here, right?"
Red smiled at the hesitancy in her voice. He had been hoping that she would extend an invitation to stay with her.
Or he had hoped she would accept his invitation to stay with him...
"I would love to spend the weekend with you." he replied.
"So you're here..." she paused, "just for the weekend?"
"Well, I had no definite plans, except to spend this holiday with you." he said. "I only meant, if your team should call after the fact or..."
"Right, yes." she nodded. "I understand."
She smiled happily, knowing for the next three days, Red was hers. If no calls should come in from her team or his associates, he would of course stay longer, if she wished it.
It was a heady feeling, having Red Reddington at one's beck and call.
She tightened her arms about the man, hugging him. He rubbed her exposed hand slowly, just as happy with their confirmed time together, steering the bike in behind Francis and Ben.
After setting down their gear, they walked into the Vendor section, casually strolling the area.
They purchased the goods, continuing their aimless wandering, looking at the other products available.
Francis and Ben bought some leather items, new wallets, several new belts. Red bought Liz some pretty little bracelets that had caught her eye.
They continued on with their shopping, until Red noticed the woman was once again favoring her leg. "Your leg hurts."
"I'm okay." she was quick to deny the accusation.
"No, we're going." he gestured to Francis that he was taking her to the bikes.
"Red, I'm really okay." she protested. "We can keep looking... this is fun."
"You're limping." he motioned. "You don't want to strain your leg anymore than we already have. We're going."
"Damn leg!" she grumbled her irritation. "You guys don't have to leave, I'll just sit here." she pointed to a bench, hope gleaming on the pretty face. "I don't want to be a downer."
"Lizzy, it's okay. I did what I came here to do." he had accomplished so much to his way of thinking. The day had brought them closer. "We can go home."
One of the large biker guys came up to Red, breaking the stalemate, mumbling in his ear. Red frowned, his expression altering visibly.
"Tell him I'll be right there." The burly biker took his leave.
"What's wrong?" she sensed something amiss.
"An old shipmate of mine is here and saw me." Red motioned in the needed direction. "He'd like a minute."
"Okay, well like I said. I'll just sit here and when you're done..." she smiled, then sat on the shaded bench.
"If you wouldn't mind?" Red glanced around finding what he sought, Francis and Ben were only a stall away but... the man curtly crooked his hand and two rather menacing men appeared out of nowhere.
"Yes. Now, go. I'm fine." she raised her foot to the bench, sighing in relief, her eyes watching the mammoth bikers approach.
"Stay with her." he muttered to the new arrivals.
Standing at opposite ends of the bench, they smiled at buddies as they walked by, seemingly cordial, passive beings. She would not have wanted to cross either, personally.
Tracking Red walking across the greens, she watched the waiting man smile as Red grew closer. She couldn't see Red's expression, but he appeared to hesitate when the man stuck a hand out in greeting. Seconds passed before Red finally lifted his hand to make the expected contact.
Was his hesitation due to his dislike of the man? It was obvious, no love was lost on Red's part.
Perhaps Red just assumed that everyone he had worked with believed him to be a traitor and wouldn't give him the time of day. Not that she thought Red would care either way. But this guy must give pause for thought, surely.
Relaxing back into the curved bench, she breathed in the warm air. Even with the crush of bodies, here in the shade... the wind felt fantastic.
It had been an eventful day. Thought provoking, to say the least.
She was surprised that even with Red's sullied military past, the man seemed to hold high esteem for his one time comrades. She would have thought he would shun those who had shunned him.
Liz reflected on moments throughout the day. Red had seemed... different somehow. She couldn't put her finger on it.
Was he missing being a part of the military, regardless of what he said. Or was it an ingrained respect he had carried over from his childhood, for the Uncle he had admired so much.
She felt her heart warm at the thought that Red had shared something so very personal to him... with her. Something that wasn't in his file.
She knew so little about his family, but today, he had let her inside his world a little bit more. And because of it, she felt closer to the man than ever before.
It had been a good day, full of wonderful surprises.
"Liz..."
The woman started at the recognized voice.
This was one surprise she could do with out.
"...Tom." she muttered dejectedly.
"I was going to just come over and say hello, but you've got quite the entourage there." the man who was around Red's age, but did not hold the years as well, had inclined his head to the ensemble across the way.
"So I just caught the nicest looking one of the bunch's attention and made an appointment, so to speak." he held out his hand until Red finally took it. "It's good to see you again, Red."
"Is it, Matt?" Red's tone was acerbic.
"I never believed the shit they pinned on you." the chill in the air was dispelled by a careless wave of the hand. "And not many of the others did either." the man's eyes held a certain sincerity that surprised Red.
"You are maybe one of the very few."
"Not so few. A lot of us think you got the shaft." Matt Henson was pleased he could set the record straight. "We've been watching your progress over the years. We didn't know how to show our support... exactly. But we would have given you a pat on the back."
It was still a touchy subject if Red's expression, or lack thereof, was any indication.
"Yes, well. Not all I do is reported." Red replied irreverently.
"I'm sure." the man chuckled. "Look, I just wanted to say, hey." the awkwardness was lessening on both parts. "Let you know you got some supporters out here. Speaking of which," Matt searched out his wallet, extracting a card, handing it over, "take this."
Red read the neat script absently before returning his arresting gaze returned to the man's earnest face.
"It's got my number on it and we're all linked on the Net. You ever need anything... really. You have help."
"Are you my groupies?" Red grinned, placing the card into his own wallet.
"Well, a couple of us do have your wanted poster pinned to our walls." Matt replied pseudo-seriously. "I'm not one to blow kisses at it, but I can't say for the others." he nodded amiably. "You know, don't ask, don't tell."
Red chuckled quietly, this day was proving most interesting in more ways than one.
He wasn't sure how he felt about this new development but, who the hell knew, what he thought would turn out shitty, even become confrontational... was taking a different slant.
"You've done well, Red. Sticking it to the establishment and all." it was chuckled appreciatively. "Hear tell, you've made a little on the side as well, huh?" Matt could tell the man's clothes were of an expensive cut.
"I do have my own jet." Red replied straight faced, though his eyes were lit with merriment. "Well, it's just a small jet." he regretted his impulsive jibe. "And the gas mileage will kill you." he made the man laugh.
"Okay," Matt nodded amiably yet again, "anyone can own a jet, you're right, but still I'm even more jealous truth told." the man's eyes cut to the cute brunette across the way.
"I'm a dirty little traitor. What's to be jealous of?" Red's brows furrowed critically.
"You are that." the ruddy faced man chuckled greatly to take the sting out of the words. "I meant," he pointed with a lift of his head, "I saw you with that girl earlier, the one kissing you." impressed brows were lifted.
"She's a little... young, isn't she?" Matt teased but admiration showed in his envious eyes.
"Young?" A slow smile crept over Red's face. "...Not for me."
Matt took the veiled insult in his stride, "You're right there." a slight scowl appeared on the still rugged face. "I couldn't handle the pressure... say, it looks like you may have a little competition there bud."
"I doubt it." Red's reply was lost in the din of engines approaching, as a formation of WWII planes thundered overhead, the deafening sound disrupting further conversation.
"It's okay..." Liz held up a restraining hand to the two guards Red had left in charge. "It's just my ex." she pulled a disgruntled face which subsequently allowed the men to relax their vigilance to a degree.
Two pairs of belligerent eyes scanned Tom's frame with the open threat of mayhem should anything out of the norm prevail in the upcoming minutes, however.
Tom chose the better part of valor... discretion. "Liz, we desperately need to talk." he threw a cautionary glance at Red's back, which was still turned from the, the man's attention elsewhere for a moment. "Away from here!"
"Don't you get it?" the woman was mystified by the guy's lack of common sense. "I don't want to talk to you... not ever, ever again!"
"You don't know what the hell you're doing! Trusting Red Reddington, for God's sake." Tom was beside himself. "What is in your head?"
"I will tell you what is out of my head," Liz kept her voice low that passerby's might not be pulled into yet another endless confrontation, " all the lies and pretense you put there... you better leave if you know what's good for you." she glanced hastily to Francis and Ben's location but thankfully, both seemed occupied.
"You're ruining a perfectly amazing day, if you must know... as usual." her tone turned angry as did the light blue eyes. "I don't want these innocent people pulled into one of your sick attempts to turn me to the dark side."
"You know my abilities, Liz." the man's own eyes chilled. "I have information about your little friends you need to hear. We can do this the easy way," he shifted, showing a weapon inside his light weight jean jacket, "or the hard way. It's up to you. I'm in no mood to suffer one of Reddington's noble attempts at rescue."
"It wouldn't be an attempt." Liz sneered. "One of these days, he's going to take your ass down and I fervently hope that I am there to witness it!"
"Yeah, whatever. Are you going to get these people in between a fire fight just because you're afraid to hear the truth?"
"I know the truth." she disgusted. The woman cast a hasty glance Red's way. He looked so relaxed and happy today.
She wasn't going to let Tom spoil that. "You've got three minutes." she shot the man daggers.
The man jerked his head indicating a secluded spot in which to speak.
Liz felt relatively safe, it was just a hundred meters away over a small knoll.
Small grassy knoll... bad things happened on small grassy knolls.
"Hey guys," she forced a brightness and big smile for the guards Red trusted to watch over her, "can I have just a few seconds?" she pointed out the spot. "I won't go far, I promise. You can see me."
The two men exchanged guarded, wary glances.
Liz's forced smile remain fixed. "I'm just going to be right over there." she reaffirmed. "It'll be fine. Take just a minute... really."
It was clear the men did not want to relent but... in the end, they did.
"No further, ma'am." a dark scowl followed the warning but if was for Tom, clearly.
Tom held up his hands in a sign of 'peace'.
Liz hobbled a little, the rest had helped her leg.
"Alright," she continued, "what is this great truth you are to impart, oh, Sage One?"
Tom was antsy and impatient, constantly throwing glances Red's way.
"Yeah, you better err on the side of caution." Liz had noted the comical state, amused by the man's jitters. "He catches you within ten feet of me, he'll kick your ass from here to New York."
"You mean he'll have someone do it for him?" Tom's eyes shifted to the two guards who watched him like a hawk.
"He doesn't need assistance for the likes of you." Liz disdained. "He would have put you down years ago if it hadn't been for me, and you know it."
"What I know..." the man had more important things to discuss, "is that you are in grave danger and you're too stupid to see the fact. I have proof!"
"Oh, you do..." Liz nodded sympathetically, smiling tightly for the guards sake only. "If you mean from your feeble attempts to lead me to the Cabal..."
"I mean from him!" Tom gestured angrily then calmed seeing the guards inch closer. He got himself under control with stressed difficulty. "Look, we can't talk freely here."
"Spit it out!" the woman snapped her waning patience. "I'm not standing here all–"
"The evidence is in my car." he gestured just as snippily. "You think I would bring it here in case Reddington–"
"There is no way in hell," Liz was positive, "I'm moving from this spot, so you had just better–"
Tom's patience snapped, seeing her intractable stance was a genuine one. He pulled his weapon, aiming with deadly accuracy.
A formation of WWII planes thundered overhead, masking the sound of the weapon firing.
Following the planes path until they flew out of sight, Red's movements continued, glancing over his shoulder searching out Matt's meaning. His body tensed instantly, coiled for action.
"Son of a bitch!" Taking off at a clipped pace, Red raced across the crowded grounds in a desperate dash.
"What the hell?" Matt scowled at the unexpected turn of events. Shots rang out and like everyone else in the immediate vicinity, he dove for cover.
One guard fell heavily, clutching at his knee, blood spurting between clenched fingers.
Tom snapped off another clean shot, taking the other rapidly approaching guard out of commission.
He could see Red Reddington making rapid progress, the man having a clear path now that the crowd, like a herd of wild mustangs, scurried in all directions, seeking shelter from the raining gunfire.
Tom sneered his contempt, gripping Elizabeth's arm in a tight clench, one objective in mind as the rapidly unfolding drama played out.
Gaining ground on their position, Red closed the distance between Elizabeth and her assailant.
"Elizabeth!"
"Come on!" Tom grated his growing annoyance. "Stop fighting me, dammit!"
"No!" Liz pulled at her arm, as she planted her feet uselessly. Her right foot stuck, but her left couldn't withstand his relentless tugging. He had already dragged her a good twenty feet away from her original position.
"Let go!" she struggled against his iron grip as he pulled her across the greens. "You're hurting me!" she pulled uselessly on her arm, unable to break free.
"Dammit, Liz! Come on!" he didn't want to hurt her but she was narrowing his options.
"Leave me alone!" she swung out, only to have Tom knock her arm away, backhanding her across the cheek.
It was for the greater good, surely. He disliked striking her but he had priorities.
A group of onlookers protested the action. A few of the more courageous, regaining their equilibrium. A large ensemble grouped, starting for the pair.
Tom fired two shots to discourage such a stupid recourse.
Liz had spun about with the hit, losing her footing for a moment. Tom dropped the weapon to his side, unceremoniously jerking her back towards him. Swinging her arm in a vicious arc, she caught the asshole across the mouth, drawing blood.
Brushing at the red dribble with his knuckles, Tom tightened his hold on her arm. He could make it... the car door was a few feet away, if he could just get inside.
Punching out again, Liz knocking the bastard across the windpipe like Silas taught her, causing the man to release his tight hold, but also strike out himself.
Choking and coughing, Tom sputtered helplessly for a beat.
Stumbling back, Liz snagged her heel on a concrete parking block, falling to the ground. Wincing painfully, she shook off the hit and uncontrolled drop. She felt hands grip about her waist as Tom bent over, yanking her lax body up off the ground.
Just as he gripped her thigh, meaning to boost her over his shoulder and end all this ridiculous, useless struggling once and for all... a heavy blur hit him out of nowhere, the momentum of the hit, tackling Tom to the rough texture of the parking lot.
Falling from his hold, Liz hit the ground hard, knocking the air from her lungs and jarring her jaw painfully. Pushing back with her feet, she distanced herself from the altercation when large hands reached under her arms, lifting her to gently to her feet.
"Time to go..."
Guiding her away from Ben and Tom, Red pulled her close to his chest, dodging Francis arriving on scene like the Seventh Calvary. The young man eagerly joined the brutal skirmish.
Liz ducked her head, mortified, embarrassed, by what had just occurred as Red steered her forward, pushing through the crowds. She hid from the gawking, mouth gaping onlookers.
Protectively shielding the woman, Red held his temper admirably. Not for the crowd, his fury ran deeper and it was for one individual alone.
The sound of running feet gained on them quickly. Instinctively reaching for his weapon, he dropped his hand hastily when he realized it was Ben and Francis who approached.
The crowd once again crouched quickly, becoming unseen entities at the sight of the glinting metal of the gun.
"He got away?" Red demanded tersely.
"I flung his ass towards Francis and he got up and bolted." Ben apologized. "That bastard can run!"
"He's had a lot of practice." Red seethed quietly. "It was her ex-husband." he spoke in deference to the questioning faces.
"The stalker asshole?" Francis scowled irritably. "I should have popped that fucking bitch harder."
Liz hobbled quickly, wincing with each step, commencing their trek which had momentarily been waylaid.
Red snagged her elbow. "Slow down, baby." he advised calmly. "We are leaving, but we are not running away... there's a difference."
Liz who was still attempting to acclimate herself to all that had happened in such a small span of time, took a cleansing breath, nodding minutely.
"No, we are not." she was determined to adopt the same stoic attitude.
Red had pulled up short having reached the motorcycles, his face a grave etching of studied concern.
"Ben, will you see to the men?" he motioned to the crowd that had gathered across the way around the two guards who lay, wounded, but visibly conscious.
One was seen to irritably shake off any assistance offered. The other sat up, allowing a pretty woman to attend to his shoulder wound.
"Call Kaplan," Tossing his phone to Francis, Red continued, absently packing away their packages that Liz had left on the bench.
His acquaintances, the ones who had accompanied them on this outing earlier in the day, had arrived on scene moments ago.
"We just heard, man." Mad Dog was expressing his regrets. "So what's this all about? Who started it? You want we should talk to them for ya, Red... explain how very rude they have been?"
Red grinned, his mood mellowing.
"Do you fucking believe this?" Francis pointed, his mouth agape, his features incredulous. "That fucker is standing right there!"
All eyes turned.
Tom Keen took the new notoriety in his stride. He shifted into a more comfortable position, clearly favoring his right side. The one that had hit the pavement with Ben's less than gentle tackle.
"I'm going to cap his fucking ass." Francis started off, incensed for such blatant disrespect. Ben by his side.
"Francis!" Liz was aghast. "He has a gun!"
"So do I..." the young man resumed his determined steps. His eyes, had Elizabeth been able to see, turned a glacial green.
"You will do no such thing!" Liz snapped. "Stop being ridiculous... Tom is..." she trailed off, seeking Red's assistance but none was forthcoming.
"You expect me to stop them?" the man's voice was brittle. "The fucker hit you... again!"
"This is my fault." Liz relented, feeling the weight of her words, glancing shakily back to the two fallen men.
"...Yes... it is" Red grated his fury for one alone but his anger was expressing itself in boundless capacity.
Liz was stung by the words and his actions.
"Two men are down because you decided it was okay to let that bastard near you again!" Red motioned curtly to the patiently waiting individual.
"What is this spell he has over you?" Red was beside himself. "That you feel you must give him every opportunity to prove his sincerity?"
"It– it wasn't like that." she faltered.
"Then what?" Red exploded. "Explain it to me. Why would you put yourself... my men, in such a position?"
Red knew he was being unfair, unreasonable, belligerent; all of the above and Lizzy's stricken face tore at his heart strings, but dammit to hell... enough was enough.
Tilting Lizzy's chin up to look at her face. Red's grey eyes twitched angrily, finding her cheek swelling and reddened. His thumb gently stroked the injury, a stark contrast to Tom Keen's touch.
"Why do you allow him to do this to you?" the roughened voice lowered painfully.
Liz's eyes fell to his mouth, willing the answers that swirled about madly in her head, to come into focus. Her brow furrowed painfully, trying to make sense of the madness... to find a starting point.
"You still love him." Red accused...concluded bitingly, after the long silence.
She jerked back, shaking her head slightly, "No..." she whispered her shock.
Red lifted his eyes, staring out over her head... the distrust apparent to her way of thinking.
"He threatened to start something." Liz disliking being placed between a rock and a hard place, found her focus... her backbone. "What was I supposed to do!" she raised her own voice. "He could have killed any number of those people!" she lifted a pointed finger to the holiday crowd. "Just as he could have the men he shot."
Red was reminded of Tom Keen's lack of empathy for other's than himself.
"I thought if I at least... placated the son-of-a-bitch," she was close to tears, "I might save some lives... you know what he is capable of."
"Can you guess my capabilities?" Francis did not like to see his friends hurting, more determined than ever. "He's trying to drive a wedge and you're letting him!" he accused Red to his face. "Now, let's end the fucker."
Francis and Ben began the needed journey with a few decisive steps yet again.
"...No." Red stated all too quietly, knowing truth when he heard it.
Francis turned, flabbergasted.
"Francis," Red tempered his anger, his shoulders set, but resigned. "We'll handle this in another fashion... later. We have to vacate."
Sirens could be heard in the distance. Speculative gestures and attention from the gathering crowd was growing.
"He'll tail us," Ben reminded. "You want her location known?"
Red weighed the options given him. He shifted non-committal eyes.
There was a leak in his organization. Their whereabouts had obviously been broadcast to the lowlifes in the city...
He already knew Carver's methods. The man would never really attempt anything in the light of day. The Vegas incident had been 'play time' only.
But Tom Keen was a different type of psycho.
A psycho that may or may not have a certain magnetizing pull, the likes of Charles Manson... with Elizabeth Keen.
She had stated her case as to the why, but there was still doubt...
How could he protect her, when she blindly followed after that psychopath. It hurt that there was this wedge... this distrust... between them.
He lifted a steady gaze which Tom returned.
There had to be a reckoning. This had to stop, one way or another. Red refused to live under another man's terms or conditions.
"Are you coming?" he asked quietly, straddling the bike.
Elizabeth's heart hurt. He had to ask? She stepped slowly, taking her place beside him.
Mad Dog helped her mount the large bike. She could feel the tension in Red's body as she settled in behind him.
"There are lots of ways a car can take out a few bikes." Mad Dog remarked casually, glancing over to Tom Keen. "Want an escort?"
Francis was the one balking this time. He paced restlessly back and forth, having a decision of his own to make obviously, his eyes never having left Tom Keen.
"There are too many witnesses man." Mad Dog laughed at the absurdity of the move Francis was contemplating.
"Don't end her day like this." Red asked rather than told, his eyes placid now. "Don't end her day with you in cuffs."
"Oh, now you're solicitous of her feelings?" Francis was glad to have an outlet for the fury he felt. "Look at her face, man!"
Red hesitated then shifted slightly, turning his head.
Liz's cheek was swollen more than it was moments ago, a nasty red welt marking the lovely skin.
Red eyes closed, fighting the return of the rising fury.
"He fucking belted her!" Francis snarled. "Don't you think that was a mood killer in itself!"
Red took a deep breath, quelling his desire to blow Tom's fucking head off himself.
He curtailed such pleasant thoughts, instead turning his attention to his gut feeling. He had always trusted his gut and right now, it was gnawing at him... telling him to leave and get Elizabeth to the safety of the house.
"Getting her home safely, is more important." Red rationalized to them all and himself. "We'll get him later." he promised the boy... and himself. "I give you my word, Francis. Will you take it?"
A battle of wills ensued for along beat. Liz held her breath wondering what more she could say to sway Francis' will.
"Francis, we need to go." Red jerked his chin towards the people pointing their way and the uniformed cops taking note of them in the distance.
Francis cursed under his breath, signifying his displeasure, but nodded curtly, stalking to his bike.
"We'll get you home, little lady. Safe and sound." the large biker stated, grinning. "Don't you even think about it for another second."
"Thank you." Red replied, firing the bike to life. He watched all take their mounts, then nodded to the boy who watched with a sullen expression. "Francis, you lead."
"There's no need to get these guys involved." Liz was remembering the guards. She had watched Red don his helmet, before following suit. Mad Dog's words haunted her. 'There are lots of ways a car can take out a few bikes'.
"I don't think he set out to hur–" she trailed off, sickened. It sounded as if she were defending him. "I can handle Tom."
Red pulled out behind Francis and Ben. As they hit the street, they were immediately surrounded by a veritable sea of Harley and Indian motorcycles.
"No, Lizzy, you can't handle Tom." Red shook his head. "You're too emotionally invested." he sighed heavily. "Tom will always hurt you." he grated the words. "That's what he does and will always do. Be it emotionally or physically." he growled low in his throat, the anger returning with a vengeance.
Liz knew he was right, and what's worse, she didn't know how to break the chain. She thought she had been doing well. Had pushed Tom from her mind.
"You could walk away from me..." his jaw pulsed at the remembrance of their earlier relationship.
Truth told, he had always liked her spunk. How she didn't kow-tow to him.
"Where is that Lizzy? The one who called me on my bullshit." Red questioned. "Why can't you walk away from him?" he finished quietly.
Silence fell between them. Red searched his mind for something to say to lessen the impact of his words but he was too distraught and besides he had to keep his prospective... he knew Tom Keen would not give up so easily.
He would make things right with Elizabeth when he could... when the emotions were not running so high.
They finally hit a good stretch of road that offered him a straight shot, allowing him to get good speed. Glancing past their plentiful escort in the rearview mirror, his eyes darkened when he saw a dark blue car fishtail around a corner.
"So it begins..." he muttered absently, his mind working the logistics of the new problem rapidly. He caught Francis' attention, jerking his head to the rear of the roaring pack surrounding them.
Francis glanced in his rear view mirror watching a blue car gaining momentum toward their little entourage.
Mad Dog had picked up on the commotion, signaling his people who instantly were alerted. The signal passed down the line, one after another having glanced back at the 'blue' car fast approaching their locale.
Liz heard the loud rumble as they sped up and before she knew it, they were on all sides of them, blocking sight of their bike.
Ben slowed, having sensed a problem. Francis kept craning his neck, keeping tabs on Tom's location.
Francis let go of his steering, gesturing to Red, something Liz could not quite 'get'. Red's low chuckle thrilled the woman after such a long silence, but couldn't enjoy it to its fullest as she had other priorities at the moment.
She too, kept a running check on the recklessly weaving driver of the blue car.
Mad Dog had understood Francis' gesture all too well, a heavy laugh escaping the individual. He held up his hand, waving his fingers outward and in an instant, his riders parted like the Red Sea, giving their tail car ample time to pass.
Mad Dog even offered a gallant sweep of his burly, tattooed arm as Tom took the 'opportunity', gunning his engine, steering the vehicle thought the heavy Harley's.
Offering a tight scowl as he passed, Tom sensed a trap but it was a chance he would have to take to reach his objective. He was used to taking risks in life.
"Hold on tight, Lizzy." Red instructed, watching Francis drop back behind their position.
She squeezed Red's middle, tightening her thighs around his as he 'hit it'. They flew down a long stretch of ramp, merging into traffic on the interstate without slowing, one iota.
Why make it easy for the asshole, Red philosophized. There was always a good chance Keen would lose control of the car, after all. Pity if that were to happen.
"It will be fine." Red said calmly, feeling the mounting tension in the woman's body.
Liz inhaled deeply, easing her nervousness just as she caught a glimpse out of the corner of her eye of a flash of blue.
"You asshole!" she growled angrily as Tom came up alongside them. She flipped him off, then hastily wrapped her arm back around Red. "What the hell is he trying to do? Kill us all!"
Red chuckled low in her ear, appreciating her moxie. "He's rather persistent, isn't he?" he sighed, as the plan slowly fell into place. "Uh oh..."
Liz turned her head as Francis appeared out of nowhere to their left. The young man causally moved between their bike and the speeding car. He even more casually produced a weapon from the confines of his jacket, before taking aim and without a seeming thought or care... he fired.
Tom's window shattered, making the man weave dangerously on the road. Francis let off another shot and glass tinkled merrily on the pavement as the entire passenger side glass disintegrated, the jagged pieces spraying Tom's front seat and the man himself.
Mad Dog's men wanted to play as well evidently for several joined in on the fun. Shots from behind shattered Tom's back glass.
"Who are these guys?" she asked in wonderment, having noted several lethal looking guns being discretely deposited back to their original hiding places.
"Veterans." Red laughed his delight as Tom swerved radically, his car not really having the maneuvering capabilities to evade the bikers.
Mad Dog looked to Red for a clue. He, personally, wanted to chase the bastard down and make short order of the guy but Red seemed okay with just allowing him to 'coast'.
But there was a method to such madness. Mad Dog could see the off ramp fast approaching. Their turn off was just meters away.
'Blue car guy' was already too close to make it safely but with this looney, who knew.
To ensure that eventuality not take place, Mad Dog issued a plan of his own. His guys followed instinctively.
His guys had great instincts.
He took the lead, the large Indian passing even Red's ride easily.
Liz's head swirled from side to side as the loud motorcade zipped up.
The convoy split effortlessly, forming a well armed line on either side of the three lone riders.
Red understood the gesture, picking up speed, barreling down the opening with Francis and Ben fast on his six.
He veered unexpectedly, shooting down the off ramp while he watched Tom Keen miss the same exit entirely.
The man crossed three lanes of traffic, his plan evident. He was going to take the next one and circle back but by then Red would have the advantage. He swore he could hear the colorful metaphors Tom must be cursing, grinning widely.
"Shit..." Liz clenched her thighs tightly as she and Red accelerated down the ramp. Francis and Ben sped past them, coming to a light hastily, giving an all clear.
Only slightly dropping his speed, Red took the corner wide, causing the woman to squeal her dismay, before he gunned the big engine which moved them effortlessly forward yet again.
A part of the woman felt elation, it was a thrilling ride after all.
"He won't give up so–" before the words left his mouth, Liz's elation had turned to fury.
They got down a couple blocks, suddenly out of nowhere, the blue car came barreling towards them.
Liz had enough! She glanced down, seeing the black metal protruding from Red's holster, she fumbled with the weapon, determination overtaking her.
"Don't even think about it."
"Why not!" she snapped her growing rage.
"Because Francis is coming up alongside us." Red replied dryly. "He's on our side... I think." he quipped. "Let's not kill him until he does something to irritate me to the point of doing so, which should be within the hour, if I know him."
Liz craned her head, finding Francis zooming up alongside, blocking sight of her. He aimed accurately, shooting, taking out Tom's front glass.
Tom could be seen dodging the shot and dangerously splintering spray of glass. The car jerked hard to the right, hitting the curb erratically, coming to an abrupt and jarring stop.
"Almost home," Red stated evenly, slowing the pace to a casual speed now.
The entrance to the driveway loomed closer. Dembe, Silas and the guys rushed towards the street. They had heard the shots, always the vigilant group, wanting in on whatever action which might be heading their way.
Red slowed, though not by much as he sped past the gathered throng, all with weapons at the ready.
Easing from her seat behind Red, Liz offered a slight grimace, her backside abuzz.
She didn't have time to worry about aches and pains. Fifty rumbling motorcycles were following them into the spacious drive. Silas' head man acted as parking valet.
Silas was more interested in the blue car, replete with numerous bullets holes and minus any window glass whatsoever, limping to a slow crawl outside the gate.
Mad Dog skidded to an artful stop just outside the looming gates, offering a friendly wave to Tom Keen.
"Why aren't they shooting at him?" Liz demanded an explanation.
Red sat his helmet on the seat, turning his attention from the scene.
"I told them not to when we pulled up. This means," He held up his fist, "don't shoot the fucker or I will shoot you... in very painful places."
Incensed, Liz took on Francis' viewpoint now that she was safe at home. "Why?!"
"Because Lizzy," Red held her eyes steadily, "I would like to spend just one weekend with you where there isn't any blood shed... you think we could manage that, just once?"
Liz felt her blood pressure rise the longer he sat there. "Well, that ship has sailed." she stared out across the driveway to find Tom Keen staring back at her with belligerent eyes, the downed guards coming to mind.
Clenching her fists at her sides, she took off at a clipped pace towards the gate.
Francis slid off his bike, quickly heading for the woman, his intent clear. A hand gripped his arm, halting him in his tracks.
The young man jerked a warning glare before seeing the culprit who would dared to intervene in any path Francis chose.
"She has to figure this out for herself." Red reminded himself along with the man at his side. He watched Liz march angrily across the paved stones.
Silas cast a hasty check Red's way then slowly stepped aside to allow Elizabeth towards the perimeter of the property.
"This is something she had to do alone." Red reiterated.
Silas pointed an index finger, thumb cocked, aiming straight at Tom Keen who had exited the vehicle and now stood, waiting patiently for Liz's arrival. Silas 'shot', his eyes saying so much more then the gesture ever could.
Tom sensed the guard meant the promise, for clearly, it was a promise as opposed to a threat.
Francis kept throwing tense looks Red's way, the closer to danger Lizzy walked, he wanted to do... something, anything, but Red knew the value of patience.
In fact, all of them were tense. Though Red tried very hard not to be.
He had protected Lizzy, he had done what he could to bolster her confidence, he had shown her how a gentleman was supposed to act. How someone who truly gave a damn about you... would behave.
Now it was up to Elizabeth to decide how to handle the matter at hand.
Red watched her get ten, fifteen, twenty feet from him...all the while, nearing that fucking gate. He took a calming breath, readjusted his grip on Francis and waited.
The woman slowed mid-step, her steps coming to a hesitant halt.
He watched her for a long moment as she glanced around; looking at the sky and trees, then back down at her feet.
Listening to her inner thoughts, Liz tried to push the anger aside and think rationally.
Glancing about the beautiful tranquility of the grounds, she looked up at a clear blue sky and fluffy white clouds. The shade of the trees offering a cool respite from the sunny day. She pondered her feet for a goodly spell.
Red released Francis, "Give me a minute." he told the younger man.
Stepping towards the woman, he took in the tense line of her jaw as he came alongside.
The quiet contemplation continued, but the woman had turned her profile, having heard his approach.
"I was having a good day." she said after a long moment. "I was really enjoying it, spending time with you and..." she scuffed her toe along the ground, sighing quietly, "and now, he's come along and ruined it."
Red held his tongue, letting her work through the emotions. She needed to voice her thoughts. He could only hope what direction they might take.
"But it's not just him, is it?" she suddenly realized. "It's me too. I'm allowing him to ruin a perfectly wonderful day."
Red felt the weight that sat on those slender shoulders. Couldn't she have just one damn day to be... normal. To enjoy the world around her without these constant intrusions from those who wanted something from her.
While everyone else was enjoying barbeques, touch football and a day on the lake.
Lizzy was faced with the ex-husband from hell.
"He tried to kidnap me in a park filled with hundreds of people." she fumed. "He embarrassed me..." she snapped her fury. "He hurt your friends!" the blue eyes flashed fire as they sought out Tom Keen.
Her small hands tightened, the slender fingers curling into the palms of her hand.
"The asshole he hit me... again." There was pure venom in her delivery. She touched her cheek line tentatively, the white teeth clenched tightly.
Red could feel the woman boiling with anger and indignation... rightfully so.
"But he lost." she nodded once, taking a few deep breaths, her body losing a little of that fury. "I'm home, I'm safe with Silas... and you."
His heart swelled with a peculiar type of gratitude. He almost choked on the emotions generated by the simple statement.
Tom was sensing something amiss, she was taking too long. He stalked his way to the fence line.
Silas waved in an incongruous manner, motioning for the man to enter, but Tom was no fool. He could do what he had to from this safer distance.
"He's mad." Liz's tone deadened, having watched the man. She half smiled, "No..." she corrected herself as Tom came a step closer and she could read his face, "he's livid."
Red side glanced the asshole, finding the boy in a fine state, indeed. He was about to blow his top and part of Red hoped he did. Tom's face was reddened, blotchy with growing rage. He was shifting from one foot to the other, repeatedly. He was glaring at Elizabeth. He was steaming mad.
"His job is to take me to his employers and he keeps failing." Liz quirked her head to one side. "Poor baby." she felt nothing for the man in reality, except a certain type of loathing.
Red's mouth lifted minutely as he watched her spine literally take shape.
Tom was confused. What the hell was going on? Why had she stopped? What was Reddington saying but... Tom knew, Red had said very little in actuality. He sensed Elizabeth needed his particular type of encouragement.
He glanced at Silas, chancing another step forward. "Liz, can we talk? Just the two of us?"
"I have two options here." she stated quietly to herself, disregarding everything else for a moment. "I can go out there, thereby continuing this never ending cycle of lunacy," she sighed, the slump in her shoulders returning with a vengeance, "lash out and fight, which obviously will get me nowhere..."
She lifted weary eyes to the man unwaveringly, as was his custom, looking through her.
The air was suddenly awash with the savory mix of barbequing meats, which Silas had been toiling over all morning and the pungent sweetness of blossoming flowers.
She felt a sense of peace, the weight on her shoulders lifting once more.
Her eyes suddenly unfocused, staring sightlessly at the man across the way, an unexpected tinge of excitement tickling at her.
But why? Her subconscious mind had just made a discovery, but what?
She replayed the last few moments, thinking everything through analytically. Was this Red's type of thought process? How he always seemed two steps ahead of everyone else. Weighing his options...
The weight...
She had felt relaxed, carefree and content all day.
Now Tom was here and her shoulders were tight. Her gut was in knots. She was agitated. She felt suffocated. She literally felt beaten, both inside and out. Downtrodden.
Tom was a heavy burden that she felt in every fiber of her being.
Her eyes slid shut of their own accord, her senses savoring the unusually clean air, the smell of leather and the comforting scent Red's cologne.
The sudden cognizance hit her full force.
"...Or I can take the high road." she whispered, the strain ebbing in waves.
Red watched the process meticulously.
"He doesn't care about me." she had finally understood, all too well. "He never has." she should be hurt, but she wasn't. Just resigned to the fact, she had wasted too many years. "It's all about the money, the power... the end game."
The words were like music to Red's ears.
"I can keep having a wonderful day, surrounded by my friends." she shifted a serene glance. "I can spend time with you..."
Red's eyes met hers, careful to show no expression, in no way swaying her thought process one way or other.
Liz searched out Tom Keen, her own expression rather bemused. A slight smile broke through on the full lips.
"I can stay here, with you." she repeated, another thought occurring. "While Tom has to go back and tell his Masters he fucked up again."
Red sing-songed his head. "It won't be the first or last time." he reminded.
"I am validating his existence by standing here." It suddenly dawned.
The revelation shocked the man even though it was exactly what he had hoped would happen.
Red blinked once, then stilled. It was a universal signal which most, if not all, of the men present picked up on.
Blink once for yes, twice for no.
Dembe smiled gently having seen Raymond's secret little message, one obviously missed by Elizabeth.
But Raymond, having had his say, though silently, was now totally relaxed and tension free.
Elizabeth must have conveyed her decision somehow. Tom felt his power over the woman evaporating into thin air.
He had one last ploy, usually the most effective of all. Ignoring the large looming guard, he actually retreated a few steps, his hands going out to his sides in an almost submissive manner.
His anger visibly diminished, although inside, it still simmered deep. He softened his eyes forcing a sympathetic face. The man's brows furrowed as the ploy seemed to fall short.
The woman shook her head disgustedly. The chameleon had adapted his skin to his new surroundings. Literally shifting personalities right before her very eyes.
"He thinks I will forget he slapped the shit out of me in front of all those people back at the park."
She supposed that he believed the sad eyes and solemn expression would still work.
Her body tensed, the anger renewed but in the next instance having taken a few deep breaths she was able to let it go. She smiled gently for Red Reddington.
"I'm hungry..." she announced cheerfully.
Seeking Tom Keen out one last time, Liz flipped the bastard off, spinning on her heels... symbolically turning her back on the fucker, but more importantly that chapter of her life.
Red smiled, all the worries of the incident put behind him as well. It was with great enthusiasm he loudly announced to one and all who had been waiting patiently throughout the entire introspective soul searching.
"Gentlemen, we have food on the grill." he waved to the house, inviting her protectors inside. "Silas, show our guests the way." he deliberately chose the large guard for such a task.
"I'll be right there, Boss." Silas had other priorities. "After I take care of this guest." he started for Tom who instinctively retreated, his survival instincts well honed.
"Silas," Red's word stopped the man in his tracks.
"Aw, come on!" the suggestion was met with childlike disappointment. "Are you kidding me?" Red was petulantly consulted.
Tom waited the moment out but even now, he was checking available escape routes.
"...Please," Red knew how to get around the anger, "if you wouldn't mind." he extended a hand to the waiting crowd who seemed to take great delight in Silas' predicament.
"You hired me to do a job." Silas wasn't above pouting, Liz was stunned to see. "Why don't you let me do it?" he gritted. "I've had enough of shit for brains here to last me a lifetime and now the little fucker... pardon my language ladies," he was gentleman enough to acknowledge the ladies gathered who all shared a good laugh over the small breach of etiquette.
"Yeah, fuck you, Silas." one particularly out spoken lady called out jovially.
"Later, baby..." Silas dismissed. "Daddy's talking business right now." he clearly wanted to return to the subject of disintegrating Tom Keen.
"Daddy," Red implored the use of the colloquial term, "has a job to do, and that is to make certain that side of beef I purchased doesn't burn to a crisp. If it does, it comes out of your paycheck."
"That's damned gratitude for ya!" Silas asked commiseration from the bikers and got... none.
Silas was clearly torn. He glanced at the man outside the gate, his massive fists clenched at his sides.
Red waited patiently allowing the man his own introspective soul search.
Mad Dog sighed his understanding, sidling closer to the guard who was fighting his natural instincts.
"You can maim and kill the fucker," the large biker murmured, "...next time."
Silas cut stony eyes to the man beside him, the tension radiating off his bulky frame.
"Today is not that day." Mad Dog murmured. "Come on, sweetheart," he pursed his lips, planting a sloppy kiss on the disgusted guard's scruffy cheek, "I'll let you watch me and my old lady get it on, after you feed us. A man does not live by bread alone... but it helps keep up the stamina."
"What would you know about stamina?" Silas pushed roughly from the man's grasp, swiping at his cheek.
"If you didn't want to feel my soft lips, you wouldn't have allowed it."
"It got you to promise to let me watch you and your old lady, didn't it." Silas goaded.
Red was happy to see the standoff end. While he would actually pay to see Silas take Tom down a notch or two, today was not the day for such things.
Especially now that Lizzy had come to the conclusion she had concerning her former ex-husband.
Today was to enjoy life because those who were not here had given everything to ensure life was lived to the fullest and Red would be damned before he allowed anything to mar such a sacrifice.
"What's he doing?" Liz had sighed lightly, turning to Red, the others filed out noisily to the food and planned entertainment.
"He just sitting out there... in the car." Red had noted Tom's retreat.
"It must be hot." Liz stated absently. "What with no air conditioning or... windows."
"Yeah," Red shrugged. "Do we need to talk?"
"Do we?" she quietened a little.
"It can wait." he decided, guiding her towards the back gardens.
She stepped out into a beautiful sun-filled day, a slow smile curving her lips. Friends abounded, good food was plentiful and spread out on carefully laden tables.
It was going to be a wonderful end to an amazing day. She wasn't about to allow one bad incident to mar such a precious time.
Liz was going to have the time of her life.
Her relaxed and tension free disposition said as much...