Considering their earlier adventure with Tom Keen, the day had evolved into a rather fun one full of animated conversation, laughter and lively music.
It was well after sundown when people reluctantly started creeping towards the exits, waving away Red's attempt to compensate them for all they had contributed this day.
Red smiled at them as they passed, shaking their hands, sending his gratitude in his own fashion. Intermittent sounds of engines revving filled the night. Liz and Red stood on the driveway as they waved their guests off into a cooling night before returning to the house.
"Is he still out there?" Liz's mouth twisted in wry humor. She hadn't had time to actually check nor had she cared, truth told.
Red shrugged, pulling the radio from his belt. "Is our Mr. Keen still haunting the front gate?"
"He is," Silas confirmed. "I hope you don't mind, but we took the liberty of ordering Chinese for his stay."
Red chuckled and to his surprise, Lizzy did as well. "Ever hospitable, Silas. Good man."
"Red..." Francis came out from around the corner, followed by Ben. "Are we interrupting? Well, never mind." he continued on, with Ben offering a hesitant scowl for such behavior. "We need to talk."
"It's all right, Francis," Red held his amusement for the boy's rudeness. "What did you need?"
"I'm staying here tonight, so is Ben." he invited them both without further consultation.
"...Any particular reason why?" Red was interested but unconcerned. Francis was always welcome. Seemed he knew as much without actual confirmation.
"In case that dick tries anything." he hooked his thumb in the needed direction.
Red smiled, placing a stilling hand on the tense young man's shoulder. "The boys are watching him. Even ordered food delivered to his car for his stakeout."
Francis narrowed his eyes, "Are we killing him with kindness?" he needed the game plan explained.
"Annoying him, is more like it." Red murmured aside. "Enough about that asshole."
Francis pouted, obviously upset they would not discuss this further.
"Francis, you know you are always welcome here. But I assure you, we're perfectly fine. She's safe." he assured, "You stay, you play. Rules of the house." he stopped any further protest. "There are multiple guards here to ensure that is possible."
"Leave him alone, Red." Liz chided playfully. "You're limiting his play time by not letting him shoot at something."
Francis nodded emphatically, agreeing with the statement.
"Do forgive me, Francis. I wasn't aware I was stifling your creativity." Red replied pseudo-seriously. "I'll tell you what, if Tom should make it through those doors, you may fire at will."
"Well, okay then." Francis smiled happily.
Ben seemed okay with the notion too, smiling as contentedly.
"We're going swimming, you?" Francis changed subjects all together, a new novelty come to mind.
"I'll be in soon." Liz smiled at the man.
Francis and Ben headed to the pool, talking animatedly about their day as they went.
Red put his hand on her lower spine, guiding her physically back to his sphere. "If you go anywhere this week, please give Silas ample time to prepare, all right?"
She shrugged. "I'll try to keep any trips to a minimum, and of course, I will give ample consult time."
"You live your life, Lizzy. Don't let Tom, or Silas for that matter, hold you back." he said, following slowly as she traversed the corridor leading to their room. "I know it may seem a hassle to take Silas with you, but..."
"But what?" she asked, kicking her shoes off, rubbing the insole of her foot. Her leg was beginning to ache again.
"I am in no way saying that you can't take care of yourself, I just..." he reasoned his protectiveness aside.
"I know you aren't insulting or disrespecting me, Red." She entered the closet, dropping her top and bottoms into the hamper, smiling back at the man. "You just worry for my well being... and that's nice." the woman arched a pretty brow, gesturing to the bastard outside. "Especially given the alternative."
Red inclined his head, pleased that she was aware he wasn't meaning to slight her abilities.
"For all we know," she said, sliding into her bikini bottoms, "because Tom keeps failing, he may employ assistance."
Red had been thinking along those lines himself, but hadn't said anything so as not to worry her unduly.
"Maybe when I'm back on my feet I might try a jaunt to the store..." she turned her back to Red, holding up the ties of her swim top. The man dutifully tied the bows, planting a sweet kiss on her shoulder when finished, "but right now, I'd just end up getting somebody hurt."
Red's brow furrowed, having not followed along.
"If Tom or even Carver took off with me," she touched his brooding mouth tentatively, kissing him lingeringly, "you'd have the entire Eastern seaboard underground hunting for me." her lips twitched with contained amusement.
"And if people didn't have the answers you wanted..." she trailed off, both knowing where she was headed. "Well, you can be very determined when you wish. Has anyone ever told you that?"
Red wouldn't argue the fact. Because that's exactly what he'd do. "I just want you safe..."
"I know..." she smiled softly, laying an affectionate kiss on his lips. "Giving Silas an extra thirty minutes to prepare for a store run isn't going to kill me, especially, if it doesn't kill him. He's a bitch most of the time," she crinkled her nose, "I can just imagine what a grump he'd be if he were shot."
Red recalled one instance the man was shot and had to listen to him bitch for hours, not about the hole in his thigh, but that his cigarette pack had been the real victim in the skirmish.
Leaning into the counter, Red crossed his arms as he watched her twist her hair up into a bun.
"Now, are you going to come out and watch us frolic?" she asked, grabbing a towel from the pantry.
Red grinned and pushed off the counter, "I am, yes."
Heading to the bar for drink, Red sighed internally when Dembe joined him. The intent look on the younger man's handsome face told Red all he needed...
He was about to be scolded. Worse, he knew Dembe would have sound reasoning behind the reprimand.
"Why did you allow him to follow Elizabeth?" Dembe voiced the doubt on everyone's mind.
Red knew, Dembe had a valid concern, of course.
"Keep your enemies close..." Red reminded. "I know where he is, I know what he's up to, Dembe." He sighed, uncertain how deep he wished to delve into this conversation. It had been a nice day so far, after all.
"I know you." Dembe persisted. "Are you hoping he will try something stupid that one of us, or preferably you, will be justified in putting an end to him?"
Red sipped his scotch slowly, taking his time in cultivating an answer. "Would it be so bad?"
"I do not know." Dembe conceded. "But neither do you. You have withheld any harm to the man because of how Elizabeth might react to you."
Dembe knew how Red thought and the man did not deny the statement for clearly, it had not been an accusation.
"So many times, Raymond, in the past," Dembe continued, "the opportunity presented itself and each time, you hesitate."
Red knew all this, sitting his drink aside.
"Do not allow your concern for Elizabeth's reaction... to lead to your death, I beg you my friend."
Red was silent.
"Do you think he will hesitate to take the shot?"
Red shook his head minutely, "...No."
"No, he will not because he believes you are Satan when it comes to Elizabeth's welfare. Never mind he has been hired to do a job." Dembe dismissed with a curt wave of his hand. "It would do irreparable harm to the woman were she to lose you at this stage. I implore you..."
Red turned his head, seeking the man out for the words had both pleased and shocked him.
"If the choice must be made, allow me to make it." Dembe requested, his eyes quiet. "I am in a much more unencumbered position to do so... are you in agreement?"
"You believe Elizabeth..." Red didn't know how to state something so very personal, "...that I am, good for her? In some fashion?"
"In every fashion." Dembe never minced words. "I had my doubts in the beginning, as you know... but now," the man shook his head, "those doubts no longer exist."
Red swallowed a lump in his throat, hastily glancing aside, needing time to master his emotions. He had not realized how much the other man's approval had meant.
Dembe, unbeknownst to the man, had become Red's conscious.
"...It means a great deal, Dembe," Red could admit, if only to this man, "that you think that now."
Dembe inclined his head, the dark eyes observing Red critically. "You must not allow Tom Keen to come between what you have created for Elizabeth and yourself."
"I'm trying to walk that tight rope." Red acknowledged.
"You are too close to the matter, Raymond." Dembe advised quietly. "Today, you lost perspective, did you not?"
"All right, fine." Red waved an impatient hand. "Maybe I allowed my anger to sway my judgement a bit."
"And when Silas would have ended the obstacle once and for all, you deliberately tied his hands." Dembe wasn't going to let this go.
"Elizabeth wasn't ready for Silas' particular brand of ending an obstacle." Red felt called upon to defend his decision. "Did you see her face?"
"I did." Dembe replied eloquently. "Perhaps what you mistook concern for Tom Keen, as something it was not."
"Like what?" Red practically snapped.
"Like, concern for Silas."
Red's face must have said it all.
"We know Silas' level of competency exceeds the norm." Dembe pointed out. "Elizabeth, she only knows what she has seen, which is very little in comparison to what we have seen where Silas is concerned, yes?"
"All right, granted but she still is not ready for Tom Keen to be ended." Red countered. "Which is what Silas would have done."
Dembe did not argue the point, "It is very likely for the best. Keen will not try anything here."
The cup of coffee was lifted to his lips as he sipped the iced brew. "He has her under surveillance, he can afford to relax for the moment."
"And we have him." Red felt better knowing where the little fucker was and what he was up to.
"The stalemate will not last." Dembe reminded. "His Superiors will expect results sooner rather than later."
Red nodded absently. "When the time comes," and the man knew it would, "I will take full responsibility. I don't want any bad feelings between you and Elizabeth."
Dembe clearly did not approve of the statement.
"Please observe my wishes on this matter, Dembe." Red asked. "I trust her only to you if something should happen."
Dembe lifted his head, keeping his thoughts private.
"Listen," Red wanted to speak of more pleasant things, "why don't you take an evening out to enjoy yourself? Make use of the safe house? It will do you some good, my friend."
Dembe declined the offer politely. "The off-duty guards and I have elected to watch the Super Bowl game we missed while dealing with your insane off-shore prison scheme."
"Luther Braxton?" Red questioned.
"Was there another off-shore prison scheme you were involved with set during the Super Bowl that I am not privy to?"
"Dembe, I do believe you are garnering a rather dry sense of humor." Red enjoyed the jibe to his rather dubious plan. "Go, enjoy your evening."
"And Tom..." Dembe questioned.
"He can't join you." Red managed with a perfectly straight face. "And he gets no more snacks on my dime."
"Not very generous." Dembe pointed out. "Say goodnight to Elizabeth for me, please."
Red watched the large shouldered man walk away. He moved with a grace of a panther. Few knew what truly lurked beneath the seemingly mild-mannered demeanor Dembe portrayed.
But Red knew and the fact somehow made him feel more secure.
The next few days passed by in a blur of work, play and watching the guards make Tom Keen's life a living hell. It had been amusing watching grown men attack their foe with such imaginative panache.
They had done everything from shooting the man with paintballs to even having his vehicle towed... Liz suspected, all was done for her amusement.
She couldn't love the guys more for their loyalty and desire to brighten her spirits. She didn't think anything could top that feeling... until Red unexpectedly arrived home earlier in the evening from his unexpected trip.
Not only had the man gamely eaten his dinner while enjoying a movie night with her. She had been especially thrilled they participated in a very satisfying bout of lovemaking before retiring for the evening.
Even the storm increasing in intensity outside couldn't dampen her spirits...
Which is why Elizabeth's fitful sleep, bothered by segments of disturbing images in her fractured dreams, was so damned confusing.
It was well past midnight when the woman jolted upright from these dreams, jostling her bed partner as well.
Red stirred sleepily, a fixed scowl on the handsome face. "What's the problem, baby?"
Liz stared out into the vast darkness of the night the large bay window allowing a view of a rain splattered pane.
Flashes of lightning lit the interior of the massive room she occupied with streaks of vivid illumination, casting eerie shadows.
"Did you hear something?" she whispered shakily. Sitting her hand on his chest, she leaned towards where she thought the sound had originated, listening intently to the unnatural silence about her.
Red held his smile, rubbing his hand slowly up her back, "No more scary movies for you..." he philosophized. "Were you dreaming?" he had felt her restlessness all night.
"I'm sure I heard something." she had been sure, before waking from a questionable state of heightened nerves.
"The guards would have alerted us if anything was wrong." Red reminded tactfully.
The woman sat clutching the covers to her chest, her body unnaturally tense.
"You sure it wasn't the echoes of all those chainsaws you were subjected to tonight?" the man could not resist the jibe. "Or maybe it's just Francis clearing us out of lasagna." he softened the blow deliberately, before stretching lazily.
She turned her head, searching him out, "You really didn't hear anything?" she knew the folly of the question having asked it anyway.
"I'm sure it was nothing, probably just the wind and that damn tree limb tapping against the window." he added pressure to the hand rubbing her back, eliciting a burst of goosebumps along the curve of her spine. "Go back to sleep."
She searched his face carefully.
"The radio has been silent all night long." he motioned to the side table.
Liz glanced at the object.
"I could check the house." he offered magnanimously.
"No." she stayed his intended rising, "no, I'm just... being a wussy," she realized as much, "like Francis."
"Oh, you're not that bad."
"And as you said." Liz smiled at Red's comment, "Joe is out there."
"He would alert us if your safety was in question... we would immediately move to a more secure location." Red explained the established protocol.
The woman glanced to the radio. It sat silent, mocking her.
"See," he lifted the object, "I'm on channel two. The guards... on channel three. If anything is amiss, they simply switch over and we're set to go. Otherwise, they don't bother us."
"It's no bother." she was quick to assure.
"It is to me." he chuckled. "My time with you means a lot. I'd like to keep it just between the two of us, if at all possible."
Liz nodded, "...Yes." their time was precious.
Red knew recently the guards had apprehended a neighborhood thief while they slept, peacefully unaware.
Liz rose, scooting to the side of the bed. "I'm thirsty." she bolstered herself, slipping a pajama set over her nude frame.
"I will get–"
"No," she stated firmly, "I will not give in to these childish feelings. There are no ghosts or goblins." she said stoutly. "Only in Hollywood's nefarious little minds." she shuffled to the door, calling back over her shoulder, "I'm a big girl. About time I acted the part."
Those brave words diminished after a few steps down the dark, shadowy hall.
"I'll keep your side of the bed warm." Red's voice drifted down the corridor giving her added incentive to move forward.
"Don't you do anything unseemly on 'my side' of the bed." she scolded.
"Then you better hurry up and get back, huh."
The woman chuckled, continuing on down the hardwood path. "Stupid movies," she rolled her eyes at her own foolishness, "jumping at shadows, seeing zombies behind every potted plant."
Pushing her way into the kitchen, she headed for the fridge, the dim light hurting her eyes after the prolonged darkness of night. She secured a bottle of water for herself and one for Red.
She bumped the door shut with her hip, shrouding the room in darkness. But unlike a few minutes ago, she felt fine in the inky blackness.
The sound of the fridge whirring, the low hum of the air conditioner and the repetitive click of the seal breaking on her bottle cap all left her feeling centered.
Walking through the dimly lit archway, she looked out towards the garden in passing, pulling up short when the shadowy figure of something danced over the windows and lace curtains of the French door.
Squinting out at the darkened recesses of the outside patio, she slowly inched forward. The woman gasped audibly, stepping back, jolted by a blinding flash of light illuminating the room with startling clarity.
Turning away from the stark glare she startled, gulping her shock. The sound of a loud thunderous boom shook the night air.
"Jesus!" she whispered shakily, clasping her chest, forcing her nervous system to calm by sheer force of will.
Lifting her eyes to the arched windows, she saw the flicking light of yet another approaching storm. She became even more unsettled.
"You used to chase storms," she sighed her discontent, "... now you run from them."
Readjusting the bottles in her arms, Liz took a deep even breath, determined to conquer the unreasonable fear she was experiencing once and for all when the sight of the shadowy figure reappeared out of the corner of her eye.
"It's just the trees." she reminded herself. "Just the freaking trees." but suddenly, the shadow was looming closer, growing in size.
Stepping forward quickly, her eyes focused on the reality taking place outside the house.
A rush of pure adrenaline coursed through her veins. Dropping the bottles to the rug beneath her, Liz bolted for the door, yanking it open.
Running across the length of the patio, she ignored the bite of the cobbled stone against her bare feet. Liz jerked back, stumbling on the hard pavement as the combatants lurched her way.
Two men fought ruthlessly against one another, throwing solid punches, swinging hard and fast.
"Get back inside!" a familiar voice growled viciously through gritted teeth as a swift upper cut was delivered to his opponent's chin. The recipient staggered back, catching his balance on the wall before hurtling himself back into the fray.
Liz gasped with fear seeing the glint of a blade shine in the low light as a sharp crack of lightning streaked across the sky. Kevin, Liz's newest guard, threw his arm up as the weapon veered in a downward arc, stopping the intended jab.
"Go! Get Joe!" the guard hissed as he grasped the other mans hand and wrist, sharply twisting the appendage.
Turning his upper body, he gained a small advantage of control then rushed his opponent roughly back and away from the woman. The men toppled over the stone bench, driving the air from their lungs on impact.
Grappling with the hand which held the knife, Kevin threw his head back, connecting full force with his enemies face.
Spinning about, Liz looked around frantically for a weapon of some sort... anything! Grasping the heavy metal vase, she neared the melee, cracking Kevin's rival over the head.
The reverb stung her hands, making her drop the ornate urn to the ground, their foe following suit.
Pushing away from the disoriented man, Kevin grasped Liz's arm, rushing her back to the house. As they reached the step, the sound of quickened footsteps approached. Pushing Liz aside, Kevin turned, already on the defensive.
Liz lunged for a walking stick which stood dormant by the side of the entrance door. Gripping the makeshift weapon, she hoisted it over head, ready for action.
Gasping sharply, Kevin lurched forward towards the French doors.
She watched the man falling as if in slow motion, the blunt end of a knife stuck grotesquely from the guard's back.
The glass door shattered with the heavy weight of his impact. The vague sound of running feet neared her position.
Gripping the cane tight in her hands, Liz swung about, connecting squarely with the intruder's face. The blow offered a momentary reprieve. Rushing for her fallen guard, she grimaced as her arm was gripped painfully before being bodily hauled to her feet.
The assailant swung her about abruptly, lashing out with a beefy fist.
The blow knocked her backwards, her cheek stinging painfully with the hit.
Liz's heel caught on the step, disorienting her. In a useless attempt to catch herself, her hands shoved haphazardly into a potted plant, knocking the thick blue pottery to the ground, leaving it in shattered pieces.
Resting his head onto his arm, Red stared out into the dark room watching the clock roll, his brow furrowing.
What was taking Lizzy so long?
Too restless to lay still, Red sat up, absently listening for her footsteps to come down the hallway.
A squawk pealed from his radio, sounding inordinately loud in the silence of the room. He turned his head toward the table, zeroing in on the black device.
"Now that, I heard." Red muttered tightly, as the sound of shattering glass sharply split the still air.
"What the fuck!" he was up, grasping his slacks in milliseconds. Having collected his weapon from beneath the pillow, he was on his way down the dark corridor in record time.
It seemed it took him forever to cross the area needed. Red pulled up short, hearing the distinct sounds of a scuffle of some sort.
He eased closer, keeping to the wall, weapon raised.
"Take it easy, bitch." a male voice was breathing heavily. "You're wasting my fucking time."
"Let me go!" Liz's voice was laced with fury. "I need to help Kevin, he's hurt!"
"Kevin is beyond help." the amusement found in the reply struck Red as singularly sickening. "You worry about me... now, let's go find all those pretty little gems you have hidden in your bedroom."
Liz stopped struggling for a beat, the statement stunning her senses, "You're here to rob the place!"
"I'm not here to redecorate."
"This house?" she was stupefied, "You pick this house!"
"I don't discriminate." the voice was losing patience. "I rob any house. Now, shut the fuck up and–"
"You must be the most idiotic man in the entire universe!" she had concluded. "Don't you know who owns this place?"
"Impress me." the man did not seem easily swayed.
Liz settled, "Look, if you let me help my guy, I'll give you anything you want."
"You'll give me anything I want anyway," the tone had turned suggestive, "don't kid yourself."
Red's hand tightened on the hilt of his gun.
"Yeah, whatever but we can do that the easy way... or not." Liz bargained for time. She knew Red had to have heard the ruckus. "I don't care about the jewelry... or anything else. Kevin could be bleeding internally. Don't add murder–"
"What are you, my lawyer?" the man turned the woman about. "Stop playing fucking games and–"
Liz looked at the face. Kevin had done a job on the guy. It was hard to tell where the blood stopped and his features began. He must be hurting.
He was younger than she had thought by his voice but his eyes were hard. He was not a normal run of the mill criminal. She sensed as much.
"I know you from somewhere." he was studying her face.
Liz glanced anxiously to where her guard lay, so unnaturally quiet and unmoving.
"...Well, I'll be damned." the man chuckled. The sound was perverse under the circumstances. Liz returned troubled eyes for the fact. "You're that bitch everyone's looking for. I saw your picture."
The woman was instantly on alert.
"My luck is changing."
"That's what you think." she scoffed. Where the hell was Silas!
"Quite a haul tonight." he seemed impressed, waving a careless hand about. Liz noticed the glint of the weapon. "Tons of shit to hawk and now... a pretty price on your head."
Liz jerked on her captured arm, "You are a first class moron!"
The man's temper flared. He pulled her roughly into his arms, deliberately chastising in the worst way possible. His hand ran over her stomach, grasping at a convenient breast.
Liz struggled in earnest preventing his intended move, "You touch me again and I'll–"
"You'll what?" it was snapped. "Don't want a man to touch, don't show the merchandise."
Red's temper flared. Only the emergence of Dembe to his far right stopped his intended advancement.
The large man waved his weapon to indicate another's arrival on scene.
Francis crept low, coming in from the opposite direction.
Red was able to calm his reactions.
"You disgust me." Liz's voice held her contempt.
"Yeah?" the man's retort was tight with controlled rage. "Bet you'll change your tune after I'm between your legs for a spell... I could use a good fuck."
"You're gonna get fucked all right." Liz laughed hollowly. "My fiancé is gonna fucking kill your ass. He will end you, you son of a bitch!"
The man laughed darkly, "I believe he's indisposed, did you forget?"
Liz kept her mouth shut.
"You have one chance of getting out of this alive." Liz tried another route. "If Kevin is all right, I'll talk to Red. If you let me go... if you let me get help for–"
"Shut the fuck up!" The man's patience was at an end.
"You should practice what you preach."
Red's head hung forward, relief converging in his body. He recognized that surly, impatient voice.
"You picked the wrong house, asshole." Joe continued to do what he did best... intimidate. "You let her go, you live. It's that simple."
"I let her go," there was a desperation to the intruder's statement now, "I die."
"You're going to die one way or other." Joe seemed relatively certain of the fact. "Where do you think this fucking weapon is pointed exactly."
Francis stepped around the corner of the dining room wall, weapon raised and fixed, "Or this one?"
Dembe joined him seconds later. His own gun held in steady hands, aimed at the man's head.
Red entered quietly from the opposite entrance, his features deathly quiet. He moved forward ever so slowly out of the bastard's eye sight.
The assailant twisted his head about, sweat glistening on his forehead and upper lip.
"Hey," he tried for damage control, "this is getting out of hand... tell you what," he held the gun to Liz's neck, "I'll just take the little lady with me and when I get a safe distance away from you gun-totin' cowboys, I'll just... let her go."
"Yeah," Joe laughed cruelly, "that's gonna happen."
Dembe's eyes were dark and menacing. Francis' jaw worked angrily, his features cold and distant.
Joe stepped once, purposely.
"Stay back!" the intruder's weapon trained on the guard instinctively.
Red took the opportunity presented, closing the space needed.
The assailant froze, feeling the cool steel barrel shoved into the back of his head. Red had moved with remarkable agility, his Glock pressing painfully with all the rage he was feeling.
"Let her go." Red's clipped and icy rejoinder washed over the man.
The intruder tightened his hold on Elizabeth in response.
"Release her." Red growled menacingly.
The man stilled all movement, keeping his hold on the woman while he silently weighed the options.
"Sweetheart, you're gonna be all bloody in a second." Red warned her assailant more than Elizabeth.
"I don't care." she struggled under the man's tight hold. She heard the click of the hammer on Red's weapon pull back.
The man instantly released her, showing his arms to his captors.
Liz instantly rushed to Kevin's side but Silas was already there.
Dembe stepped casually, relieving the asshole of his weapon having grasped the man's wrist, twisting expertly until the hold was forfeited.
Men came out of nowhere, one stooping to examine Kevin, the others preparing a transport for the still silent individual.
"...Silas?" Liz's blue eyes lifted, asking the rhetorical question.
"He's strong." Silas muttered, too concentrated on the injured man. "Easy, he's lost a lot of blood." he snapped when the medical team jostled Kevin.
Red lifted the woman, his hand gentle on her shoulders. "Let them do their job, Lizzy." he just wanted to feel the woman safe in his arms.
"We need Mr. Kaplan." Liz sought out the man. "She will help Kevin."
Silas' eyes met Red's, "We had it under control." his attitude suggested as much.
"Then what the hell happen–"
"I happened." Liz turned on the man. "Kevin was watching out for me. He could have handed the intruder." she realized the fact early on. "He told me to get Joe... to get back in the house so he could do his job!"
The emotions were catching up to the woman. "It's my fault... I should have listened!"
"Yes, you should have." Silas gravely stated.
"And you," Red wasn't going to allow this, "should never have let that fucker get as far as he did."
"We need to know the weak spots in our defense perimeter." Silas snapped right back, ignoring Liz for a beat. "The doors were secured."
"I wanted to help..." Liz said listlessly.
"How did that work out for you, sweet cheeks?" the intruder chuckled his mirth.
Francis cuffed the man on the side of the head with the butt of his weapon.
"Geez man," the guy shook the blow off as best he was able, "what the fuck?"
Francis cuffed him again, "Watch your mouth or I'll shut it for you permanently."
"What are you guys?" the man squirmed about, unable to wriggle too much as Dembe had bound him up good and proper. "Ease up can't ya? That hurt!"
Red's hostile utterance washed over the man, "Keep your mouth shut until I get around to you."
"Take your time old man."
Francis cuffed the guy... harder this time.
Red nodded curtly and Francis hit the guy again across the cheek, this time, bringing blood.
"Fuck!" the thief gasped his shock. "What the fuck, man!" the guy seemed genuinely perplexed. "Why did you do that?" he spit blood on the spotless floor.
"Would you like me to do worse?" Red stepped, his weapon placed against the man's head. "No problem, just say the word! I'm a little hard of hearing though, being so old and all so... speak up."
"You guys are crazy!" was the general consensus suddenly. "Just call the damned cops... get me out of this loony bin."
Red's eyes met Elizabeth's, expecting to see revulsion for his behavior. Her gaze was clear, unfettered. "Do what you have to do."
"That's cold bitch!" the man squawked incredulously.
Francis lifted his arm, his intention more than evident.
"Don't hit me again... I'm sorry already!" it was belligerently pleaded. "Are you guys nuts or what?"
"Who are you?" Red demanded.
"I don't have to answer any questions, Pops. I got rights." the man smirked. "Haven't you heard?"
Red backhanded the guy, his fury behind the action.
The burglar fell from the chair Dembe had placed him in, clattering noisily to the floor. He lay, moaning his despair.
"For someone kissing hardwood," Joe pointed out, "you could lose the attitude."
"It could very well be the death of you," Dembe intoned quietly, "if not."
"Speaking of which," Red's manner indicated stressors were present, "he's bleeding all over Lizzy's floor, take him out of here!"
"The atrium has a drain." Dembe reminded one and all.
"Oh, a drain..." the statement had once again amused their 'guest', "yeah, right... a drain. I'm shaking in my boots." he disdained, squirming about aimlessly in his bonds. "Just call the cops all ready. I can make bail and be out in time to make sure this night isn't a complete bust."
"He just doesn't learn, does he?" Francis was not impressed by the theatrics.
"Take him." Red snapped. "Get him out of my sight!" he had enough.
Joe motioned for one of the many guards who had come in seconds after the little shit was taken down. "Boss wants him to wait in the atrium."
The orders were immediately carried out.
"I'll sue you for everything you own!" was the hollow threat which echoed after the departure.
Red turned his attention to Lizzy immediately. "Are you hurt?"
She shook her head, her expression troubled, her demeanor, unsettled.
"Before you explode," Joe stepped forward hastily, "it was all an unfortunate misunderstanding."
"Don't give me that shit," Red turned, a force to be reckoned with. "Just give me the details."
"We tracked him as he cleared the fence," Joe lost no time on preliminaries, "the neighbor's tree limb is a problem. The rains this year have–"
"I don't want to hear this shit." Red was taking his anger out on any and all. He knew it, but he also knew, the man could handle it.
"We were tracking the little asshole," Silas resumed his narrative, "like last time, we tracked him to see if the perimeter of the house was penetrable."
Silas had all ready informed him of the 'incident'. The lawn crew had spilled gasoline in the garage and had forgotten to relock the window. An almost thief had found the vulnerable spot.
"...Last time?" Liz scowled.
Red glanced at her.
"Did Tom manage..."
"It was nothing, we eliminated the threat." Silas' waved a beefy hand.
"You eliminated..." the woman's eyes were large, "you... killed someone?"
Silas tugged on his ear, "Nah, we phoned in a tip after a few days... I'm sure the cops got him out."
"Out of what?" Liz wasn't sure she wanted to know.
"Lizzy, please." Red wasn't interested in any of that. "Go on." he turned impatient eyes to his head guard.
"The back yard has no cover, it was hard for Joe to close the distance without being seen." Silas clearly hated having to explain his methods, "how do we judge our defenses if we can't allow someone to test them."
Red was more patient now for it was clear, Silas was bothered greatly by what had gone down.
"Why did you go out the door." Silas was angry again. "You were safe inside. Why didn't you get Red?"
"No more questions." Red snapped for clearly Lizzy was floundering.
"It c-could have been too late." she had run all the scenarios through her head at the time. "I thought if I could distract the guy long enough, Kevin could..." she trailed away. "I'm so sorry, Silas."
Red's temper was at its boiling point but he managed to choke back his own ire for Silas' treatment of the woman.
The head guard sighed heavily, "I know, kid." he held up a staying hand, all the emotion draining away. "At least you didn't run from a fight." he chuckled mirthlessly at his own questionable wit.
"Look," he faced Liz taking her shoulders between large hands, "what's done is done. We move on from here, okay?"
She swallowed the threat of tears, nodding.
"We all know," he indicated those about him, his men, "what we are signing up for. We hold no illusions as to exactly what the job might entail." he referred to Kevin's predicament, of course.
Liz's eyes flicked from one hardened face to the next.
"We also know, a moments hesitation, a lapse in concentration can get us dead real fast." Silas soothed in his own way. "Your only crime was that you wanted to help someone in trouble, don't let it eat at you. There were extenuating factors which led to the outcome."
Liz listened attentively, her mood deadened.
"Review the decisions you made tonight, think about the things you could have done differently, remember the mistakes for future reference." Silas finished the lesson. "Never repeat an error. Each encounter is a chance to learn... grow."
Liz hung her head, taking in the advice for all she was worth, "My mistakes could cost Kevin his–"
"Kevin is still here." he hoped as much anyway. "Don't count him out so quickly." he released her shoulder. "She's cold.." Silas' protective side came to the fore.
Red ran his glance over the almost see through fabric of her night clothes, "Francis, could you..."
"Oh," the kid kicked into action, understanding the two men needed to discuss something, "come on, Lizzy." he put a brotherly hand about her shoulders.
Liz didn't argue. She felt she had caused enough trouble for one night.
Red watched her exit, his thoughts varied.
"You were too fucking hard on her." the minute the woman was out of ear shot, Red let his feelings be known. "Elizabeth isn't one of your men." he reminded.
"You want her strong enough to face what's on the horizon?" the guard stepped closer, glad to have an outlet for the despair he felt. "Shit happens. Tonight's fiasco for example, we can't always be there. You know that! No matter how well we plan."
Red was reminded why he kept competent people around him.
"Don't tie my hands," Silas' inflection was low, almost menacing, "if we're not there, I want her to be able to defend herself until we are. I thought we were in agreement on this point!"
Red seethed, "Yeah," he ran a weary hand across his brow, "yeah, we are." he waved a dismissing hand.
"Best laid plans." Joe eased the transition for both men. "We can try every avenue of recourse but in the end, Fate might kick us in the ass."
"I want to talk to the little bastard," Red grumbled, "get things straight in my head."
The men journeyed to the atrium. Even before they arrived they could hear that the fucker's bravado had returned.
"Silas, upgrade to that new Biometric system you wanted." Red halted just outside the room, rubbing at the tension in his temples. "He recognized Lizzy, but from where?"
"He mentioned a picture." Joe reminded and Red nodded.
"Maybe the Ex," Silas jerked his head in the direction of the street, "could be upping the game. Hoping to catch us off guard by these little diversions. He might be orchestrating them."
"If that bastard has spread Lizzy's face to the entire fucking underground..." Red's temper returned in a flash, "I will put a bullet in what little brains he has, so help me God."
"I've got one that has his name written on it." Silas remarked helpfully.
Red drew in an even breath, motioning to the trail which awaited.
Nathan Tuttle was hitting his stride, spewing venom. "If that stupid bitch had just..."
Red reached the man in record time, his fist connecting with the upper jaw area of the foul mouth. Blood split from the gash his knuckle made.
Red stood directly before the guy, his eyes empty of any emotion. "Here's what we are going to do from this minute forward," he spoke almost civilly, "I speak, you respond."
"If I weren't tied up like a pig on a spit, old man, I would..."
Red delivered two rapid hits, one to the face, the other to the gut.
"You are tied up and as you so aptly stated," it was reminded, "like the pig you are. Let's begin anew, shall we?"
"I'll remember you, you basta–"
Red silenced the man effectively, his knuckles bloodied and aching from the punishment inflicted.
"I speak," he repeated patiently, "you respond."
"When will we hear anything?" Liz paced the wood floor aimlessly as she had now for a few silent moments.
"Let Mr. Kaplan do her thing. She knows the drill." Francis advised.
The silence returned for a long beat. "Did you know him?" she inquired, seeking the man out.
"He's the new guy." Francis knew that much.
"He's a nice guy, Francis." Liz's eyes softened, "a really nice guy. I was just getting to know him."
Francis wisely allowed her to vent. Liz tried to control her thoughts and emotions... and was failing in her endeavor.
Walking into the master bedroom, Red casually removing the bloodied shirt he had donned earlier this night.
"Nathan Tuttle," Red informed Francis Holbrook who had waited patiently with Elizabeth the entire time Red was tending to business.
Francis removed his hand from the pockets of his pants, his brow furrowed. "It sounds... familiar." he heard that name before, he'd swear it. "Let me make a call," he turned to business, his steps headed out of the vicinity, "give me a few minutes."
Red washed up in the bathroom, slipping into a new shirt. He returned to the room, crossing to Elizabeth.
"Are you tired?" Red glanced toward the bed.
She shook her head fiercely, "I'm fine. Did... did that creep say anything about anything else? Besides his name?"
"A picture of you has been floating around now for a few days." Red stated, leading her to the large chair, wrapping a throw around her shoulders. "He didn't know who was circulating it. He gave us a few names to run down but Silas thinks they will lead to a dead end."
She nodded absently pulling the cover up to her chin, a cold shiver traversing her body.
"He isn't from the Cabal."
"You're sure?" she lifted hopeful eyes.
"He's just an idiot in the wrong place at the wrong time... with the wrong people."
The woman processed, "Red, what... what are you going to do with him?"
"What would you like me to do with him?"
She considered the implications of such a statement coming from the man. She took her time in a reply.
"...He... hurt one of my guys."
"He did that," Red couldn't help her on this one, he knew.
"Kevin might..."
Red remained silent, allowing her to work through the dilemma.
The moment was interrupted as Francis came breezing through the door. "He works for Anthony Burke," the man held the phone from his ear for a beat. "...Damn right he's upset, wouldn't you be?"
Red had arisen from his stooped position beside the woman's chair, his attention for the conversation taking place.
"This is bad, Tony." Francis conveyed the general consensus. "He is not happy if she isn't happy! He could and rightfully so, misconstrue this incident as an attempt on his organization–"
The man listened for a goodly spell, "He's right here if you need to speak personally on the matter."
The phone was given over, "Reddington here." he spoke quietly then fell silent.
Liz tried to read his face but it proved impossible. She exchanged an impatient glance with Francis' benign one.
"I will expect you then." was all Red finally said before shutting down the connection. He radioed Silas of the expected visitors estimated time of arrival.
Liz sensed Red's anger, "What will happen now?"
"We'll have to wait and see."
"Did they send him and if so..." she was stumped, "whatever for?"
"They said they didn't." Red muttered.
"Do you believe them?"
Red smiled down at her when Lizzy placed her fingers in his strong grasp. "Tony will deal with the problem, I assure you."
"Yeah, the prick will get what's coming to him." Francis said just as the radio at Red's hip squawked.
"We've set up the large living room as the meeting place." Silas directed.
"Thank you, Silas." Red had lifted the device. "We'll be there momentarily."
Minutes later, Red was comfortably ensconced on one of the long divans in the designated area, drink in hand.
Francis waited to escort Liz who hastily dressed in something more suitable in which to greet visitors.
It was almost three in the morning. Greeting visitors at such an hour seemed suddenly commonplace in the world in which she now resided.
She entered the room only a minute or two before Silas ushered in the guests.
Even Red stood when he realized Anthony Burke has not arrived empty handed.
"Antonio..." Red came forward to greet the older man, his smile genuine, "you honor our home by your presence."
The robust man inclined his head regally, still exuding power and vitality. "I can only state how sad it makes me that it is under less than pleasant circumstances."
He turned to Elizabeth, lifting her hand to his lips. Liz was charmed by the gesture, her eyes softening.
"Greetings, little angel." he spoke in his native language, but his eyes spoke the universal language that any woman could understand.
"Mr. Crocetti." the woman's smile was full of gentle welcome.
"I thought we had decided on, Antonio," he feigned an imposition. "Has this incident harmed our budding friendship? I will not be pleased if so."
"Oh no," Liz was quick to reassure, "not at all." she cast a hasty glance at Anthony Burke who, until this moment, had stayed in the back ground.
"Rest assured, Elizabeth," Burke stepped forward, his manner seemingly sincere, "this matter will be handled with the upmost efficiency, to the satisfaction of all concerned."
Elizabeth managed a weak smile, "Well, you see... one of my guards... he was..."
"We have been given the particulars." Anthony nodded to Francis who stood unobtrusively beside Dembe and Silas over by Red.
"A regrettable, not to mention, unforgivable act of depravity." Antonio continued where Burke left off. "One that will not go unpunished."
"Please," Red offered refreshments and a seat. Antonio smiled his pleasure, once a Cognac had been placed in his hand.
"The small pleasures in life," he held up the warm liquor. "The night is chilled, these old bones welcome such a treat."
Red joined the man, "Salut."
The wise old eyes had been examining the woman who had crossed to Red's side for some few moments now. "You were unharmed, sweetheart?"
Liz's face fell, a shuddering breath escaping. "No, I am..." she shook the descending depression, "he didn't hurt me," she lifted solemn eyes, "K-Kevin," she needed to convey how very important that aspect was, "he is my friend, my..."
Antonio beckoned her with a wave of his hand. Liz instinctively moved closer, kneeling before the man's chair.
He studied her face, his fingers cupping her chin, "It is all right now," his touch was warm and soothing. "I am here... it will be put to right."
Liz closed her eyes, believing the words. The man gently drew her into his comforting bulk. He smelled of expensive aftershave and cigar smoke. She was instantly at ease.
"I know we can not fix what happened," the man's smoky voice mollified, "but we can make certain such occurrences never happen again." it was a promise, clear and simple.
Liz leaned enough to see those penetrating eyes, "You will trust me with this, yes?"
She read the intense depths as they watched her so hypnotically.
"Yes," she answered readily. "I will trust you."
"We will see to this young man, your friend," he consulted Anthony Burke who nodded solemnly, "we will see his family wants for nothing."
"I will do that, Antonio." Red offered quietly.
"I would deem it an honor to do so personally." the matter was clearly settled. The old man rose, taking Elizabeth in his wake.
He smiled down at her. "Such innocence", he marveled, "still exists. It warms my heart." he passed her gently off to Red.
"Now, to business." his expression and eyes hardened, "lead me to this impertinent fellow, that we may discuss this problem at hand... personally, just he and I."
Red exchanged cryptic glances with Dembe.
"It's this way, Sir." Silas took the lead in the matter.
Antonio stepped kissing Liz's forehead paternally, "You are exhausted," he held her hands at length, his eyes softening once more, "you promised to trust me."
She nodded that she had... and did.
"Then humor an old man." he released the girl from his care, "I will need your fiancé for but a brief spell."
Red stepped aside, allowing the move.
"Go, allow us to do what must be done." he glanced to Francis.
"Come on, Lizzy." the other man took his cue.
Liz hesitated, leaning back to impulsively kiss the weathered cheek, "Good night, Antonio." she murmured.
Red stepped forward, cradling the small face. "I'll be along shortly."
Plucking absently at a button on his gaping shirt, she nodded before accepting his warm mouth against hers.
The men exited, Dembe closing the double doors behind them.
Liz swallowed hard, "Kevin didn't make it, did he?" she knew for certain.
Francis closed his eyes, feeling his friends pain, "...No."
Tears welled and were allowed. She bit her lip harshly, "I... I did this."
"That fucker did this!" Francis manner shocked the woman, so much so, she startled.
"Don't you be thinking shit like that." he snapped. "Don't you dare! He did it! No one else and in a few minutes... the bastard will realize the magnitude of his actions."
Liz's bottom lip trembled visibly.
Francis calmed with visible effort. He sighed, placing his arm about the woman. "Come on, Lizzy, you have to go to bed. Red will kill me if I don't get you in there."
She docilely followed the man to the back, her mood one of infinite sorrow and regret.
In another part of the house, other emotions were taking precedence.
"I am truly sorry Elizabeth is so distraught, Reddington." Anthony Burke said sincerely.
Red watched the now unconscious Tuttle being dragged down the corridor, his thoughts his own.
"If there is anything else I may do to make amends?" Antonio too, had witnessed Nathan Tuttle's removal, rather impassively at that. "Whatever are we to do with that... trash." he mused before seeking out Red's knowledgeable eyes, "Well, of course we know what we will do... a rhetorical statement only."
"He cannot be allowed to return for Elizabeth, which he threatened."
"They threaten and boast, do they not." Antonio nodded sagely. "Anyone under my lead will not involve themselves in this so called 'bounty hunt'." the shrewd gaze shifted to Red. "I will find who placed the sum and eliminate the threat. We will make an apt example of Nathan, rest assured."
Anthony Burke crossed his arms over his chest, his expression a pensive one, "This ex-husband business. I am curious, of course, why have you not eliminated that threat?"
"She's here," Red scowled darkly, annoyed for having to explain.
"Of course," Antonio understood right away. Anthony, not so much.
"Well, it's your affair, but if you wish assistance..." Anthony spread his hands politely.
Red nodded his acquiescence, "Appreciated."
"Increase your security." it was not a request, "I do not like many people, as you are well aware," Antonio would always have the last word, "but your Elizabeth... this woman, I like. I should be most displeased if any harm should befall her."
"Elizabeth's safety is paramount with me." Red assured.
"Then accept my offer of assistance."
Red could hardly refuse. "I will absolutely do so." he chanced a glance at Dembe and Silas who had stood stoically aside.
"Nothing is going to happen to that girl." Antonio scowled as he headed for the door. "I will contact you tomorrow."
Red stayed to see his guests off, then returned to the house.
"Arrangements are in the process."
Red knew Silas was referring to Kevin's body. He had been notified when Anthony was in the process of chastising his man, Nathan Tuttle. He felt the weight. Another life for which he would have to atone.
It was with a heavy heart, he started off to seek out Elizabeth Keen.
"Raymond..." Dembe halted his trek.
Red followed the man's meaning. His hands were once again, bloodied, his knuckles cracked, gashed open from the hits he had inflicted.
He too, had said his farewell to Nathan Tuttle in his own inimitable fashion. He went to the kitchen to wash up.
But then, he always had blood on his hands, metaphorically speaking. Why did it trouble him so deeply of late? It never had before... what a somber thought.
"We need to revisit an issue." Silas asked quietly, for he was in a certain mood now. "Why won't you let me kill him?"
Silas offered a hand towel for the man to dry off with.
"He is Anthony's pr–"
"I'm not talking about that piss ant." Silas grumbled. "Tom." the man snapped.
Red lifted his attention, "I told you we aren't going that route." he snapped. "Let it go, Silas."
Silas mused thoughtfully.
"She was going to have children with Tom, she had a life with him..." Red stressed, reminding Silas of the life Liz once had.
"She has gotten to the point she has literally turned her back on that asshole." he was in no mood to revisit this subject matter. "It would be nice if she had time to process that revelation before I kill the son of a bitch."
The guard merely shifted to the other foot.
"When that inevitable conclusion comes," Red calmed a little. "I want it to occur away from this house."
"It's just..." Silas rolled his neck, pulling at the mounting tension, "the guy pisses me off. Dembe and I watched those surveillance videos..." the man shuddered. "That fucker is mental, he needs to be put down. Hell, the entire fucking Cabal needs to be put down." the man seethed.
Liz's privacy had been invaded to a disgusting degree. Silas and Dembe had watched countless hours of the video collected from Liz's last residence.
They had hoped, at some interval, whoever set up the actual surveillance might be caught on camera.
Tom Keen's dirty work had surprised even the seasoned voyeurs. To have actually seen that fucker turn off the geeky exterior he exuded every time Liz walked out the door was kind of disconcerting.
The Cabal bastards had watched as she slept, showered, dressed... had sex with that asshole haunting the gate outside.
Thankfully, she didn't have to worry about those factions here.
"Do you hear me disagreeing?"
"It goes against my natural instinct. Letting him sit out there, day in, day out." Silas voiced his displeasure.
"She feels like this is her home now." Red tried to explain but why he felt the need, he wasn't sure.
Silas' brow furrowed, "Yeah, except he's out there mocking us... her."
"You feel that as well now, don't you?" Red knew his way around the subject.
Silas clearly objected to the subject change. It made him uneasy. "What are you talking about?"
"You have found something here as well, just like Lizzy."
The silence was uncomfortable for the guard.
"She has found serenity... a sense of peace... belonging." Red continued but less acerbically, "I hope that applies to you as well."
Silas looked like a brooding child, head bowed, expression petulant.
"I don't want that taken away from her."
"If he breaches the property–" Silas warned.
"Lizzy would expect you to do your job." Red confirmed. "To snipe Tom as he sits out there innocently minding his own business..."
Red waited for the man to work it out himself...
"Would make me no better than Tom fucking Keen, in her eyes," the guard laughed hollowly, "... and less than a man, in my own."
Red relaxed.
"Give her time to acclimate to how she feels about him, to grow wary of his surveillance..." it was advised. "Tom will give just cause at some point, Silas. I know him. I've always known..."
Dembe adjusted his stance, lacing his fingers together. The closest the man would come to, albeit silently, agreeing with Red's assessment.
"Stage one," Dembe ticked off on his fingers, "give her time away to clear her head and adjust to her new independence."
"Stage two," Red took up the cause, "breaking the repetitive cycle of mind games... seeing past the asshole's charade."
"Stage three," Silas finished dejectedly, "reconciling herself with past mistakes and hopefully... moving on."
"This has been a set back." Red could not argue the fact. "Kevin was not something we could foresee."
All contemplated the fact.
"She's becoming stronger...healing everyday," Red took hope, "in part, due to your encouragement and support."
"Your combat training." Dembe injected.
Silas shrugged off the praise.
"She punched Tom in the throat." Red continued. "She could have killed him and was fully aware of the fact." he stressed.
"She couldn't have done that three months ago." Dembe stated knowingly.
"I didn't teach her very well if she didn't succeed." Silas pointed out the obvious.
"How does one get to Carnegie Hall?" Dembe asked seriously.
Red held his grin, "Practice makes perfect, Silas."
"Practice doesn't make perfect, practice reduces the imperfection." the guard quoted Toba Beta.
"The fact is, she delivered the blow, knowing the consequences." Red reminded. "Her well being trumped Tom's and even Tuttle's." Red tried not to show his pride. "She tried."
Silas nodded once in agreement. Liz was getting stronger, self assured.
His thoughts were already swirling with what else he should teach her? He knew she was getting better with the barbs, they were almost second nature now.
A million ideas came to Silas, what he could do to improve upon what he had taught her... to enhance that new found belief in herself. To amplify her empowerment.
Red smiled, he could almost hear the gears turning in the guards head. "Before you come up with a detailed plan to make Lizzy an assassin," the man suggested, suddenly very tired, "...get some rest. Both of you."
Bidding both men a good night, he headed back for the master bedroom. Stepping through the door, Red pulled up short. Lizzy was fast asleep, resting comfortably against Francis' shoulder.
Granted, they were sitting up against the headboard, but still the sight slightly irritated Red.
But Liz needed comfort right now, so he refused to allow his own petty jealousies to take that from her.
He could not shake that old nagging reality, it still bothered him, truth told. They were both so young, vital... they looked so natural together.
Francis waved lamely, careful not to jostle the woman. "Everything back to normal?" he whispered.
Red turned off the overhead light, leaving only the side table lights on. "Everything has been resolved... thanks in part to your timely intervention with Anthony Burke."
Francis chuckled quietly, a smile gracing the handsome face. "Antonio put you in your place?"
"Yes." Red sighed. "How long has she been asleep?"
"Not long." the man admitted. "She's run the gambit. She's feeling the guilt over Kevin."
Red pulled back the blankets, removing his shirt. He glanced at the picture presented, forcing his emotions aside. "You're good for her."
Francis glanced at the unruly top of Liz's head. "I make everyone's life better by existing." he stated emphatically, "Now if I could just convince the lovely Nora of the fact." he sighed morosely.
"This position is killing my arm, you know." Francis grimaced. "But I will stoically hold up, regardless the cost to my body."
"Toughen up you pussy." Red rumbled his amusement.
"First you praise Caesar, then you disparage him." Francis extolled. "I'm confused."
"A constant state for you, I should imagine."
Liz shifted, mewling softly, Red lowered his voice. He gazed upon her peaceful features. "I do not like people that disrespect women." the thought occurred to him.
"Especially this one." Francis smiled, before it slipped away. "Where did that come from?"
"Just thinking back over tonight." Red admitted. "...I wanted to kill him so badly."
"I should have killed him," Francis grated, then corrected himself, "...them." he looked questioningly at Red. "Why aren't we killing him? I am of course talking about the human speed bump out front."
"As I said," Red half chuckled, "it's handled... for the moment."
Francis sighed his annoyance, then brightened. "I'm well within my rights to kill him if I see him outside this area though?"
"As you always say: I got dibs.", Red sat in the high back chair, crossing his legs, "I've waited a long time for that privilege."
Francis scowled minutely, then shrugged. "I make no promises."
Red mused overly long. The silence was growing uncomfortable for Francis.
"I may be leaving the day after tomorrow for a quick trip. Will you be here?"
"Red, I'll be here whenever, you know that." he was assured. "Mark has also offered–"
"Besides being the only one that I know for certain won't stab me in the back," Red shook his head minutely, "I know Lizzy prefers your company."
"I like hanging with Lizzy... and Nora," the man was suddenly all smiles, "a lot! You'll probably have to throw me out, especially if Nora is making her world renowned chili and beans."
"She gives you beans?!"
"Soon I will have that woman in my clutches and she will give me anything I want." he nodded knowingly. "I'll break her down."
"She will break you." Red muttered knowingly.
"Why does everyone keep saying that?" his agitation caused Lizzy's head to slip from his shoulder. The man rubbed the area soothingly.
Liz looked around, disoriented.
"Shift change." Francis slid from the bed, kinking his body this way and that.
Red arose, sitting beside the groggy woman. "Thank you, Francis." he found he meant the praise, "for taking care of her."
"Well, it's your turn now." Francis yawned and stretched. "I'm going to bed. Good night, don't let the bed bugs bite."
"Eww," Lizzy groaned at such a notion as the man shut the door behind him.
"Come here, baby." Red murmured quietly, lifting the blankets for her snuggle closer to him.
"I hate bugs and he knows it." she frowned her disgust. "Can't you do something about him?"
Red smiled to himself, "And what would you do if I did?"
The woman raised her head, "Send you a 'Thank you' card?"
Red chuckled quietly, his arm bringing her closer. The stillness settled across the room. Outside, the storm still had not abated.
Glancing to the limb beating intermittently against the window pane, Red checked on Lizzy.
She looked so peaceful, her hands tucked beneath her chin, the naturally alabaster lids closed to the world. Snuffling softly, she inched closer hiking her leg over his thigh, settling instantly. Smiling warmly, he nuzzled her hair line laying a gentle kiss in the thick strands, his eyes softening.
She had exhausted herself, the emotional turmoil of the day taking its toll.
Red lay very still, listening to her breathe, taking a measure of comfort in the sound.
He knew he would have to deal with the consequences of Nathan Tuttle's actions sooner or later. The man had touched so many with his thoughtless deeds.
Red closed his eyes, breathing in Elizabeth's fragrance. The lilac of her hair, the delicate scent of her baby lotion.
His world fell back into place. He would deal... could deal, now. So simple a thing really. The scent of a woman.
But it now meant everything to the man.
Red Reddington closed his eyes, allowing himself just a measure of the tranquility Lizzy had found.
His eyes grew heavy, lulled by the soft, even breathing of the woman beside him.