The sound of a showers hissing in the background alerted Red to Lizzy's location in the magnificent suite of rooms Antonio had provided.
Taking a moment, Red glanced about his surroundings. He could see Maria's touch on the stylish furnishings, fine art and delicate decor. He could find no enjoyment in the beautiful lines and hues this evening.
Sighing heavily, Red divested himself of his tie, vest and shoes. Pushing though the half-closed door, he removed the last of his clothing, entering the bath.
The steamy scent of Lizzy's shampoo instantly assailed his senses
His skin prickled in the warm mist emanating from the occupied shower. The need to be clean again... to rid himself of the stench of dried blood. He suddenly longed for the heated spray.
Lizzy moved sensing his presence, but otherwise stayed silent. It struck Red that he didn't even find the fact odd at the time.
He absently gripped his bottle of shampoo, working the richness in his hands for a long moment. The feel was luxurious. He lingered over it.
"How are you doing?" he sought his companion.
Liz stood, back to the shower wall, allowing the second spray to pelt her body with a vibrating rhythm.
"...Getting there." she had a head start on the relaxing activity. "...You?"
Did Red feel anything out-of-the-ordinary after a night like tonight, she wondered? Her thoughts drifted, and it was only after a few minutes, she realized the man had not replied.
"I killed him, didn't I?"
Kaplan would have the scene cleared by now, a couple hours had passed. A body count would take priority, surely.
"That... man." she opened her eyes to seek Red's face. "In the hallway? The one I shot?"
"It's not an issue." Red lathered his body repeatedly, rinsing absently after each application. He still didn't feel clean.
He turned a critical eye, "Is it?"
She hesitated a moment, then thought better of what she was going to say.
Red's hands halted slowly, "It is bothering you? Do you need to talk?"
"Probably." she realized. "But... not tonight." she would speak to Timothy later... tomorrow maybe.
"He would have had no compulsion about killing you, Lizzy." Red reminded. "Make no mistake about that."
"I know." she turned about laying her cheek on the warmed tile.
Red watched the creamy suds float slowly down her back, over the rounded fullness of her buttocks on down the shapely legs.
"...I was scared." she scowled.
"So was I." he admitted tensely.
"Not for me." there hadn't been time for that. She opened those eyes, meeting his gaze.
"There were so many." her tone was almost conversational but Red sensed the turmoil boiling just below the surface. "One would fall and another... would take his place."
"You were surrounded by capable men, Elizabeth." he reassured. "And I was..." he trailed away.
He was off on some fool's errand. "...On my way. Something of that nature will never happen again... I promise you."
She stood under the hot water, allowing it to wash away the night's terrors.
Red stopped, placing his hands alongside the same wall. He leaned, kissing her neckline.
"I don't make the same mistake twice."
Liz opened herself to his nearness and the pummeling waters, her tension lessening.
"You were there when it counted." she smiled warmly. "You will always be there when it matters... I know."
Perhaps, hopefully, this purifying process would relieve them of the vestiges of stress clinging to their dispirited souls.
Liz turned about, her dark hair laying against the cream of her skin, "I was afraid for Nora... and the guys."
Red remained silent, waiting.
"They were there for me... weren't they." she had come to grips with the reality. "Nora and the men... they would have been hurt, maybe worse... because of me."
They had discussed the men. Silas had drilled it into her head, Red knew. They signed up for the deal. It was already their life's work. If it wasn't Red, some other person would be there. Some other job... some other danger.
Nora was a legitimate issue. Liz would have to work it out for herself.
"They could have been there for me." he put out the possibility.
Liz didn't think so but she remained moot on the matter.
"I used to think," she lifted her arms to his shoulders, "about just giving myself up to them but..."
That 'but' helped Red keep his perspective.
"That wouldn't end it. Silas said," she snuggled into his embrace, "a life... anyone's... means nothing to such people. After my life they would always find a reason to take another life."
Red's features hardened, but he kept his cool.
"They want the Fulcrum today." she sighed heavily. "Tomorrow it will be some other power play. Yet another secret something they want control of."
Red knew the truth of those words.
"We're just all pawns in their stupid, senseless quest for power... control."
Her heart and conviction hardened. "I meant what I said," she lifted determined eyes, "I will not allow them to run me out of my home!" She scowled darkly, "You meant what you said... we are going home soon?"
Red's countenance softened. He moved a stray strand from her cheek.
"I mean it, I'm holding you to your promise." she semi-scolded. "I trust you to keep your word. I want to go home... sooner rather than later."
"There is another thing to consider," he stated, "since you brought it up."
Elizabeth had said, she now fully recognized the fact, there were fighting against extraordinary criminals. Some even more devious and cold-blooded than any Blacklister alive.
Could she truly brush away that line in the sand so easily or... were the events of this night coloring her perspective... her judgement call. It was ingrained in Elizabeth to obey the law. To go by 'the book'.
Tonight, Kate Kaplan would discretely dispose of bodies, cover-up a crime-scene in hours...that would take the actual police months of investigation to unravel...if they could make heads or tails of it all.
"You trust me." he inclined his head. "And Kaplan? Do you extend that trust to her? Think carefully before you speak, please." he cautioned. "Kaplan is the polar opposite of all you hold dear in life, Lizzy."
The woman listened intently.
"We are fighting men hired by the very people who wrote the laws you took an oath to uphold." he straightened his form. "The 'book' which you and your friends' so staunchly defend."
Red disliked this conversation, which was getting worse by the minute in his opinion.
"That 'book' was thrown out decades ago. What those people preach... they have never practiced." he shook his head woefully. "The irony, eh?"
Liz hugged herself to ward off a sudden chill.
"Not that Kate and I are much better." he looked from those probing eyes hanging on his every word.
"We sweep everything under the rug just like they do. We make it disappear... make it all go away."
"Is that what you do, Red."
Red held his tongue. He had said enough.
"That job you said I hold so dearly?" she scoffed. "Those cars that pulled way from our house tonight?" she drew in an even breath. "...They had government plates."
Red shifted his attention. "Not that it surprised me but... how do you know they had government plates?"
"I could see them on the monitors... in the safe room," she touched his arm. "This needs a new bandage."
Red glanced at the burn, dismissing it in the next instant.
"You and Mr. Kaplan didn't invade my home tonight." she continued, reaching for a towel, handing a spare to Red. "They did. You and Mr. Kaplan didn't hurt my guard... they did."
She fluffed her hair, "A part of me wants to expose their asses." there was a hardness to her tone which surprised Red. "Tell the entire world what they do, show their underhandedness... their hypocrisy."
She looked hard in the mirror. "But another understands you need to remain out of the glare of public scrutiny."
Red stood, towel wrapped about his waist. Their eyes met in the mirror.
"If they have no qualms about making problems like me disappear," she questioned, "why should I hold any about shamelessly bringing their asses down in every way conceivable... or hiding their bodies."
Both sensed a sudden shift in the house's activity, interrupting Liz's thoughts. Before the stately home was quiet and sedate but suddenly, the rooms outside their private suite seemed abuzz with a subdued energy.
They could hear voices from the lower floors, as Red's assigned area was located on the third level.
He vacated the bathroom, quickly donning his clothes. "I'll check it out."
Liz hastened as well for she was hoping against hope that she already knew the reason behind the altered energy.
"Silas!" she whispered gleefully, hurrying to select her clothing.
When she came down the last flight, she belatedly remembered there was an elevator available just a few feet away from the actual stairs.
Her face beamed as she instantly recognized the bulky outline of her guard in the expansive doorway of the front entrance. Her feet took flight and in seconds she was fast approaching the individual in question.
Joe maneuvered the wheelchair which housed Silas' massive bulk over a difficult spot in the threshold, popping the wheels stoutly up and onward.
Silas grunted deeply, instantly cradling his injury. Liz could see the wide array of bandages covering the wounded flesh beneath his opened shirt-front.
"Why don't you just kick me next time, it'll be less painful," the man complained, "you little fuc–"
"Joe!" Liz admonished, kneeling beside the rolling contraption.
A somewhat believable contrite expression took the place of Joe's humored grin.
"Be careful!" she gripped Silas' arms, her expression full of concern. "Silas, are you all right?" She studied the chalky face anxiously, holding her breath for his reply.
"You're impeding the blood flow in my arms." the man shifted a lazy stare.
Elizabeth gasped, immediately releasing her hands grip, "Oh!...I'm sorry... but you are all right, aren't you?"
"Do I look all right?" Silas winced again as Joe stumbled over the ornate rug beneath his feet, jerking the chair turbulently.
Elizabeth scolded, "Joe!"
"No, seriously," Silas grimaced painfully, "do I look all right? How's the hair?" he shook his glorious mane free of his shirt collar.
"He made me wash it before he would consent to come here." Kate Kaplan bemoaned her lot in life.
"I wanted the nurse to wash it." Silas corrected. "Did you see the nurse?" he questioned the woman. "Of course you saw the nurse." he winked in open camaraderie.
"You are the most vain man I have ever know."
Silas dismissed the accusation in the next instant. "I can't sleep if it's–"
"You wanted to look good!" Kate snapped. "Nothing more."
"I always look good." Silas scoffed. "Again, did you see the nurse? I deserved to have her..." the man lifted his hands, cupping the air in lieu of the breasts he spoke of, "shoved in my face."
Liz swallowed the threat of tears. She had never appreciated hearing the man's crude, surly, bitching tone more.
"Oh, Silas," she gifted him a smile of pure joy, "I'm so happy you're back."
"I wish I could say the same!" Silas groused. "This has been a hell of a night and then to top it off, Mario Andretti here hit every pothole in D.C on the way over."
Liz sympathized eagerly, hanging on the man's every word. She hovered about close as humanly possible without pissing Silas off.
"Hey, is it my fault you went and got yourself banged up a little?" Joe was feeling better too, Liz could tell. The guy was all smiles again... even if he was putting up a brave front for...
"Banged up?!" Silas exploded, motioning curtly only to halt mid-motion for it hurt too much to continue the follow-through. "You call this... banged up?!"
"Stop being a baby." Kaplan suggested... strongly. "You're up and about, aren't you?"
"No thanks to your gentle womanly TLC." Silas shot right back. "I thought females were supposed to be sympathetic to injured males."
"We're not." Kaplan turned about, intent on searching out the source of the wonderful aroma wafting through the house.
Red stood off to the side, taking the scene in. It felt good to see Lizzy so animated and happy again.
"Oh, Silas!" Liz leaned, wrapping her arms about the man's broad shoulders careful of his numerous injuries.
"You look," tears welled in her eyes but there was an enormous smile on her face, Red noted, "...horrible!"
She quickly assessed the visible marks, bruises and gashes and mayhem that was his upper torso.
The man's face allowed his aplomb, "Like hell I do... you don't know a fine specimen of manhood when you see it, apparently!"
He sent Red a meaningful glance. Which the other man shrugged off with a light-heartedness he was only beginning to feel.
"Maybe she's just not looking at the right part." Red quipped.
"Obviously!" Silas agreed then his face showed... doubt. "Hey, what the hell do you mean by–"
"Is there anything you need, Silas?" Liz was back to coddling. "Anything you want? A pizza? Some beer?"
Silas halted his tirade, "Just find me somewhere to lie down, will ya?" his tone had altered and Liz sensed the exhaustion behind the façade he presented. "Then give me pizza and beer. Maybe the whole six-pack."
Liz's face fell, a fact Silas did not miss. "...I see you neglected to follow my training. Talk about which one of us looks worse."
"I most certainly did!" the spirit was back in the ice-blue eyes. "I stuck my gun up into that goons gut and blew him away." she lifted her chin obstinately.
"...Tom?" Silas scowled.
"Well, no," Liz admitted she failed in that objective, "I did cut him with a knife though." she stated proudly.
"Where?"
"His arm." she frowned, wondering why it was so important.
"You always go for the throat." Silas narrowed his eyes. "It's like your calling card." he said. "Did you freeze up?"
"No!" she took exception. "The position was awkward."
Red sighed under his breath, sharing an exaggerated look with Antonio. For a man who was supposedly knocking on death's door... Silas sure had no problems provoking Elizabeth.
"And...and..." she stuttered, her fists settling on her hips, "need I remind you, I'm the one standing here... and not you!"
Red held his amusement for Silas' chagrin.
"Barely." Silas reported, glancing her disheveled look up and down. "What's this? While I'm lying on my deathbed at the mercy of Dr. Jekyll here... you're off having sex?"
"What!" Liz gasped, glancing quickly at Antonio, her face flushing. "I...I most certainly was not! Not at all!"
Antonio lowered his eyes to alleviate some of the girl's trepidation. Red scratched the back of his neck absently.
"Oh, you two didn't just shower... together?"
Red realized her guard's ploy. Silas was pulling Liz from her doldrums... yet again.
"Well, y-yes. Of course, we showered. I was dirty, bloody and..." she faltered for a beat, "you washed your hair!"
Liz lifted her chin, gearing up for the fight. "Does that mean you and Mr. Kaplan had..." she halted, realizing her mouth was getting ahead of her brain, her flush deepened. She felt all eyes on her...
"I would rather douse myself in gasoline and light a match." Kaplan's droll dryness broke the mounting tension.
"An hour in my bed," Silas lifted a sweltering gaze to the older woman, "...you'd be just as hot."
Kaplan sighed more than heavily around the bite of croissant, her look saying it all. "Where do you think I was going to light that match?"
"Why don't we continue this fiasco tomorrow?" Red had noted Silas' hand on the arm of the wheelchair. His knuckles were white with exertion, so tightly the guy was holding on to his cool exterior.
"We all need a little downtime, I think... agreed?" Red exchanged a knowing glance with Dembe.
"I will see Lothario to his room," Dembe took the reins from Joe, easing Silas from the other guard's less than gentle handling.
Silas did not object, Red noted.
"Kate," Red sensed the woman's expertise was still very much needed, "would you see Silas is settled in comfortably?"
"Oh, joy..." Silas' tone lacked the usual crisp sharpness. Red was positive Lizzy didn't notice at all.
Lizzy's smile was back. Red came alongside, feeling the tension melt by degrees the longer she spent seeing Silas was truly better.
Silas was putting up such a front for the woman's sake who stood beside him, Red didn't know just how 'better' the guy was as yet but he was pleased and grateful.
He glanced down at Lizzy, "I will go with them," he motioned his intent, "see that he's comfortable for the night, all right?"
"Of course, Red." Liz sighed happily. "Should I get him pizza and be–"
"He will have something light." Kaplan vetoed the choice menu.
"Pizza and beer is light." Silas snapped.
"As in cottage cheese and peaches... light."
Liz pulled a face but it couldn't compare to the one Silas offered.
"Get this lunatic away from me, Red!" he barked. "She's trying to finish the job those bastards started."
"If I were," Kate philosophized, waving Dembe onward, "... you'd be dead. And I'd be sleeping peacefully."
Red kissed Lizzy's forehead gently, "Get up to bed... I'll only be a moment."
"Should I sneak in the other food or..." Liz whispered her uncertainty.
"Kate knows best." Red grinned.
Liz scowled, "Since when have you listened to Mr. Kaplan?"
"Let's follow her rules for a day or so, hmm?" Red suggested.
"He'll be mad." Liz bit her thumbnail anxiously.
"He stays mad."
"And grouchy..." Liz nodded, wide eyed.
"That too." Red's mouth quirked.
Minutes later, Red, with Dembe's help, assisted Silas into bed.
Silas had fallen unusually quiet.
"What's really going on with you?" Red asked when the guard was finally settled in the adjustable bed.
Silas placed his arm over his eyes, shaking his head minutely. "I'm getting too old for this shit." he lamented.
Red totally understood the statement. He checked with Kate Kaplan.
"There is a slight fever which troubles me." she hung a bag of fluids on a nearby hook. "I'll keep administering antibiotics for a while." she gave over her attention. "We'll keep a close watch on him tonight."
"I just need a couple hours sleep." Silas grumbled, removing his arm from over his eyes. "What the hell!" his mood was volatile. "Those bastards came at me like locusts. Cut me some slack, huh?"
Red pushed his hands in his pockets. "Take all the time you need, Silas." he soothed the man's concerns. "You've more than earned your reputation tonight and I'm eternally grateful for what you did to protect Elizabeth."
Red nodded curtly, "I'm in your debt." he had no qualms about the fact. "...Again, I'll not forget that fact either."
"You don't owe me shit." Silas snipped. "What the hell... am I really about to check out?" he sought Dembe's earnest eyes. "They keeping something from me?"
"I'm just saying," Red waved such a ridiculous assumption away, "I know your value, Silas. It was brought home tonight. I wasn't there for Lizzy... but you were. It meant the world to me, knowing you were there with her."
Silas' brow furrowed.
"You kept her safe," Red continued, "when I couldn't."
"All well and good but I want Samson here to get some rest." Kaplan cut things short. "Everything else can wait."
"I'm fine." Silas retorted.
"I'll tell you when you're 'fine'." Kaplan retorted right back.
Matthew cleared his throat, alerting them to his presence. Kaplan waved the man in, stepping aside as he sat a large tray on a nearby rolling table.
Red looked over the meal, nodding his approval. It was much better fare they had before the likes of Nora and Matthew came along. He didn't care how much Silas bitched, that soup looked delicious.
"I hope lemonade and tea is all right?" Matthew enquired, pushing the table within reach.
"Uh, yeah..." Silas gruffed as Dembe slowly lifted the bed to a more comfortable position. "It's fine... thank you."
"If you want more," Matthew inclined his head, "just press this button here." he gestured before taking his leave.
"Stop whining. Eat your dinner and get some rest," Kate pointed, "you two... out!"
Red and Dembe could take a subtle hint.
"I'm not eating that slop." Silas was arguing as the shut the door being them. "I need a beer, woman!"
"You need a keeper." Kaplan seemed pretty certain of the facts. "Now pick up that spoon and shut up for a change... a refreshing one."
Dembe chuckled. "I do not envy the man his lot in life."
"Keep me apprised of his condition tonight, Dembe... all right?" Red asked. "Even if you have to...interrupt. It will be fine until Silas is out of danger."
"He is strong, Raymond. You know this." Dembe allayed Red's fears. "Kate will take good care of Silas. This you know."
Red nodded. He placed a hand on Dembe's shoulder. "I've screwed this one up big-time, old friend."
Dembe watched the man's steps as they took Raymond down the way. He turned a corner and was gone from sight.
"How is he, Red? He's good, right?" Liz met the man at the door, her face beaming. "Wasn't it good to see him up and about... so to speak? I mean..." she stopped for a breath but hastily continued, "what a difference from... " she let that part go. "Well, you know."
"He's a little tired." Red stopped her anxious chatter. "Silas will be better tomorrow. Kate will see to it."
"You really believe that though?" the blue eyes searched his face eagerly. "Silas is going to be just fine... isn't he?"
Red nodded. "Absolutely." He tried to dispel the image of the large guard's hands noticeably trembling when he left.
What did it all mean? Had Silas come that close to...
"He'll get through this." Red refused to accept anything less.
He went about his routine. He didn't even notice it had become routine... closing the shades, drawing the curtains to any room they occupied of late.
Was this going to be their lives from now on? Hiding behind curtains in darkened rooms? Having his most trusted people face near death situations week in, week out?
"Don't let them get to you, Red." Liz had been watching him closer than he thought.
"...What?" he pulled himself from his doldrums.
"It's been one thing after another, I know." she moved closer, those blue eyes all too perceptive. "But... we can do this. We can fight the bastards. They're not going to win this one."
Red looked at the woman in an entirely new light.
"It was one thing," he shook his head, cursing the depression blanketing him, knowing it for what it was, "when it was just me... and the guys." a scowl came and went. "It was different." the scowl returned.
"Nora and I will be okay, Red." Liz stated. "But, worst-case scenario... if something happened to you... or any of my guys..."
"Don't even think about finishing that sentence," the man warned. "You would go on... end of discussion, Elizabeth."
She smiled softly. "All right, that aside." she granted. "The point I'm trying to make is, we have to concentrate on our common enemy. We have to stop them from hurting us... the ones we care about."
Red listed his head, his eyes giving away nothing.
"Which is exactly what we did tonight, isn't it?" she reasoned. "They threw everything they had at us... but we prevailed."
Red stared stonily at her.
"We will prevail in the end as well because..." she stepped closer, "we are the good guys. God is on our side. He has to be because the alternative is unthinkable."
"He may be on your side... on Nora's," Red was incredulous, "why would He give a second thought to me... or anyone associated with me?"
Liz opened her mouth to speak.
"We are every bit to blame as... every bit responsible."
"No!" Liz snapped. "Absolutely, no!"
Red was taken aback by such vengeance.
"You don't get it." she took a deep breath. "You just don't get it."
"I guess I don't." he agreed cryptically.
"We're just tired." Liz explained the reason for this conversation. "We're... exhausted. So much has hit us over these past few months, Red. Who wouldn't be a little... dispirited?"
Red rubbed his neckline. She had a point.
"Sit down, please." Liz indicated a chair by the bed.
Red questioned her with his expression.
"It's all right just... sit." she waved her hand. "Please."
The man did so albeit with reservation.
Liz stepped beside laying a hand on his shoulder. She leaned, placing a kiss on his cheek.
Seconds later Red was groaning his appreciation as the woman worked on the tension emanating from his neck and shoulders. The deft fingers easing the kinks and stress with slow, methodical thoroughness.
Liz wasn't certain how to ease the man's distress so she worked on instinct.
He understood she wanted to forget about what happened tonight... perhaps even wanted a release to fully relax, but he was sure a nice back rub and snuggle would work just as well.
Liz sensed the turmoil inside Red. It translated to his body.
But she needed this. She needed to feel him close. She hoped he felt some of the same emotions.
The man felt the edge leaving; the doubts lifting. He sat under Lizzy's gentle attention, basking in the moment.
What the hell was he so down about? What happened tonight that hadn't happened numerous times in the past?
Silas was a breed of man who got back up after someone knocked him down. How had Red forgotten that for even a short amount of time?
Liz remained quiet, diligently kneading the knots and kinks from the muscled torso.
Red's short abrupt grunts and long drawn out moans of release heartened her efforts on his behalf.
He often offered a back rub... why had she never thought to reciprocate? It was such a small thing and yet... it wasn't. At least in her world. It comforted... and healed.
"I don't know, baby." Red admitted his failings easily to this woman. He was so accustomed to keeping his thoughts... his fears... his doubts covered up.
Maybe it was a good way? Maybe he should just shut the hell up.
"This one hit me hard for some reason." he shifted into a more comfortable position, unaware of doing so. "Just... there." he winced. "Yeah, to the left sweetheart."
Liz kneaded her thumb hard into a wadded muscle.
Red sighed, the pain verging on pure bliss. "I made a mistake," the thought still plagued him, "an unjustifiable one."
"Red Reddington is human," Liz stated lovingly. "I'll alert the media."
Red refused to take it so lightly. "My decisions often cost lives."
Liz realized how heavy a weight Red carried.
"Tonight, it almost cost me... everything I hold dear." he grimly reminded himself. "What I find most precious in this world... you, Elizabeth."
"How do you know that?" Liz's hands halted their excruciatingly pleasurable pastime. "You can't say that for certain."
Red lifted a weary stare. She stood before him, hands on shapely hips.
"I was never so glad to see you, it's true but you're discounting my abilities... the guys that were out there doing their jobs!" she had heard Kaplan's report. "They lost twelve. We lost... none!"
The pretty features set, "None!"
"All I care about," he gritted his teeth, his hands gripping the chair arms angrily, "... is you!"
"That's a fucking lie!" she disdained. "I saw your face as you worked over Silas! You," she backed off a tad, "... care."
Red sat quietly studying the enigma before him. Yeah... he cared. Silas had been by his side so long, even longer than Dembe. Red didn't know how he would feel without that stoic bastard by his side.
He reached, pulling the tie at her waist, she grasped his hand halting its slide beneath the fluffy robe, her eyes defiant for a long beat.
Red's hand instinctively curved to her waist, his thick forearm brushing the thick robe aside baring the beginning curve of her breast. The heavyweight of her mound settled against his hand, beckoning him closer.
He arose to his full height, looking down at the petulant little expression. He tugged her off-balance, his features set.
Stepping, Liz leaned into his sphere, lifting to her toes. Her bare breast brushed against the linen of his shirt as she captured his mouth in a exploring kiss.
All forgiven, all forgotten for the moment.
Red's arms wrapped about her body, steadying her as he deepened the kiss, making his intentions clear.
"...You make the difference." he murmured against her mouth. "...You, Elizabeth."
Her tummy flipped in anticipation, ever so pleased Red set aside his doubts and the guilt eating away at him, lessened.
"It's the same for me," she whispered breathlessly, her fingers clenching at his collar. "You are what keeps me afloat most days... don't you know that?"
"I do now." Red murmured his amusement.
"Keep me afloat now..." she coaxed desperately as Red's hand slid lovingly down her back, his fingers cupping her bottom.
Shrugging her shoulders, the heavy robe slipped from her naked body, puddling on the floor at her feet.
Red glanced down at the bared flesh; the plump breasts, the flat stomach... the dark patch of heaven now within his reach... his breath quickening.
Liz's nipples tightened as Red's darkened eyes traveled a slow trek up her body until the heated gaze met hers. The ache between her legs surged at the sight of Red's cock pushing urgently at the zipper of his trousers.
"Come here, baby." he urged, lifting her effortlessly as she clamored into his hold.
She gasped as Red bent, smoothly lifting her slight weight in sturdy arms.
"I know we aren't home." his mouth parted hers for a goodly while.
"I'll be quiet, Red." she eagerly kissed his soft mouth. "I promise."
"No," he nuzzled her neckline, "... you won't be." he was sure of that fact. "I promise you that."
Her body wriggled closer into his hold, the tantalizing feel of the rich linen of his shirt and trousers brushing erotically against her bare flesh, a stimulant she cherished.
She wrapped her legs about his waist, her arms embracing his neckline.
Her heart beat hard against her rib cage, stealing her breath away as Red eased her to the soft bedding.
Before she knew it, the heavy, comforting weight of Red's body settled atop her trembling one.
Teasing her engorged clitoris, Red relentlessly pushed against the resistant flesh teasingly.
"...Give me everything you have, Lizzy." he leaned, connecting his eyes with hers. "Let me experience every emotion you are..."
Red nudged his thick head between her swelling lips until she fully relaxed under his demanding presence.
"Yes..." Red breathed as his crown slid easily into her body as a rush of emotional warmth enveloped him.
Liz's eyes misted as Red lay against her, slowing his movement to the barest minimum, allowing her to feel every nuance of the man.
A surge of love tore at his heart as he cupped her small head in his palm, his mouth ardently searching for hers.
"Please," he whispered shakily against her mouth, "don't hold back from me tonight, baby."
Liz opened herself in response... giving Red everything he needed.
"God, Red," she tucked herself against his comfort, "I love you so much..."
"What do you mean, flimsy evidence?!" Liz was livid.
In a rush, all the wonderful feelings of last night evaporated in the light of another challenging day.
"What the hell does that judge want?" her coffee cup clunked down nosily, her arms falling dejectedly to her sides.
"Careful love," Nora admonished, "it's not our China, remember."
Liz glanced absently at the coffee cup, regretting her impulsive reaction but sure enough her exasperation returned as she listened to the voice on the phone.
"Well, I could have the guy sign a confession in the judge's blood after he's slit her throat if that would constitute, plausible evidence, if she'd prefer."
Red glanced up from his newspaper but only sighed lightly before returning to the former.
"It's part of his M.O. after all." Liz was on a roll.
She turned about, lowering her voice for Francis Holbrook was strolling down the adjoining hallway even as she spoke.
"I'll have to get back to you. I'm on my way in." Liz cut it short.
Red moved aside his paper on the large table to make room for the new arrival.
"Whose M.O.?" Francis sat, glancing about for something he could not find as yet.
Liz blinked, thinking fast. "My hairdresser," she pulled a face, "what the hell, do you have bat ears?"
How could he have possibly heard any conversation from that far down the hall?
"What about him?" Francis smiled brightly as Nora handed over a fresh cup of coffee.
"Who?" Red asked tongue-in-cheek.
"... The hairdresser." the heaping plate set before him diverted Francis' attention. "Ah, Nora, my lovely wench... what would I do without you?"
"Francis, have you ever heard the old adage... curiosity killed the cat?" Nora asked pleasantly, sensing the rising situation could only prove more problematic if left unchecked.
"...Yeah?" Francis was all ears suddenly.
"Don't be the cat." the woman warned lovingly.
Francis revisited the conversation. "Okay..." he decided. "Is there no more bacon?" he turned wistful eyes to...
"What was I thinking?" Nora patted his cheek in a kindly manner.
Red noted Francis' plate which was already heaping with... bacon.
Liz sensed a catastrophe averted. "I have to run," she apologized to all concerned, "but I want to stop in and say hello to Silas before I go."
"Where are you going?" Francis enquired around a mouthful of... bacon.
"To hell in a handbasket." Liz murmured, juggling her purse and computer bag. "I told you, the hair-dresser." she rolled her eyes.
"Dressed like that?" Francis scowled his confusion.
Liz frowned, looking down at her sky blue top and dark blue blazer and matching skirt.
"What's wrong with what I'm wearing?" she frowned, rechecking her ensemble.
She thought she looked quite stylish, especially considering... someone she didn't know played her stylist this morning.
In her haste to vacate their house, she forgot to pack clothes for work and this morning... panicked.
Red held up a calming hand, called Kaplan and by the time Liz was coming out of the shower... three complete ensembles, including delicate jewelry and matching shoes, were all laid out on the bed, waiting for her.
"Nothing," Francis admitted, "it just seems a bit... put together for a haircut."
"He has a dress code." Liz growled.
Francis' interest in... everything that was not his business, amused Red.
"She's attending a fundraiser afterwards, Francis." he covered.
Red knew the moment the boy brightened, he wished to accompany Lizzy.
"And no," Red sipped his coffee, "you can't go. It's ladies only."
Francis bit dejectedly into his bacon, falling blessedly silent.
Red shifted his attention to Lizzy, finding the woman glancing thoughtfully down at her attire.
"You look beautiful." Red smiled when she fidgeted with the lapels of her jacket, smoothing the already clean lines.
Francis threw his hands out to his side when Liz narrowed her eyes suspiciously.
"What?" he mumbled around his toast. "I just wear jeans and a t-shirt when I get a haircut. Don't you?" he looked to Red for help. "That's all I meant."
Liz once again looked to Red, twirling slowly to give him the whole picture, her eyes on his expression the entire time.
"Very... professional." Red assured, easing any further questions.
She leaned, kissing Red, "I'll call you."
He nodded, "Take Joe."
"I was going to!"
"...Lizzy," he smiled when she rushed back, offering another kiss as she grabbed her travel mug of coffee. "I love you."
She took off, calling back over her shoulder. "I love you."
Red watched the saucy sway of her hips until she was out of sight.
The bright kitchen cheered him. He craned his neck, once again looking at the large glass panes of skylight above his head. He wasn't aware he would enjoy the greenhouse like design covering the entire kitchen and its adjoining nook, but he did.
While he would normally feel like a sitting duck in the glass enclosure, he instead found tranquility and solace as he looked out at the rain washing the lush greenery of the garden.
It also didn't hurt he knew for a fact, Antonio would equip the space with bullet resistant glass.
"I like this effect."
Francis glanced up. "Yeah... so this ladies only fundraiser–"
"...You going to eat that bacon?" Red had his own way of diverting the boy's attention.
Francis pulled his plate closer covetously, an injured looked on his face.
"Nora," Red diverted his attention, "would you like a kitchen like this?" he asked seriously. "Would you enjoy a view of the gardens?"
It was an overcast, rainy day.
Liz checked her make-up in the mirror of her purse. The bruising on her face barely noticeable, even in the light of day. Which was a good thing considering...
Liz glanced at the man sitting beside her, The Special Agent in Charge, Brian Hempstead. His badge announced his position proudly: SAC.
She smiled absently, a thought nagging at her.
She wished her students could be here in this man's stead. They deserved the recognition that would be bestowed if... when... the maniac they hunted was brought down... not this guy.
"Nice vehicle." the guy was speaking. "The Agency's budget restraints don't seem to apply to you, Agent Keen."
"This is my car." she snapped. "Be happy I decided to share it today."
"I'm just thinking out loud." Hempstead was pretending to check over the data sheets in his hand. "Not every Federal employee can afford something like this." he waved his hand. "Must have set you back a tad."
"I'm a single woman, why shouldn't I spend my salary on what I want in life?" she smiled that insincere smile right back. "Can I help it if you burdened yourself with a wife, two point five children and have to drive a Nissan?"
Hempstead's spine stiffened at Joe's not-so-subtle snickering from the front seat.
Liz held the other Agent's eyes easily.
"I don't consider my wife and kids a burden."
"But you evidently resent the hell out of that Nissan." Liz turned her attention elsewhere. "Perhaps we should limit our conversations to the business at hand and keep personal remarks aside."
The Agent cleared his voice, slightly embarrassed, "I wasn't aware I had made a personal remar–"
"Well, now you are." Liz shifted cool eyes. "I've set-up a meet tonight with the Unsub," she indicated her laptop. "I've kept him at bay for as long as I think advisable. I'm assuming the operation is a 'go' from your standpoint?"
The man cleared his throat once again. "Yes, we're ready. We only require the time and location."
"I'll contact my fiancé..." she hesitated, rethinking her phraseology after this morning's run-in with Francis. Would this conversation get back to Cooper?
Well, if it got back to Cooper, who was in the dark about the new state of her and Red's relationship.. Liz would just explain it was a by-product of being 'under cover'.
She smiled secretively, realizing the word 'undercover' had suddenly taken on a whole new dynamic where she and Red were concerned.
Liz checked on Joe, their eyes meeting in the rearview mirror. She would explain to him... later.
"Why would you have to contact your fiancé?"
"We had plans this evening... his mother is making fondue for the family."
Hempstead realized his faux pas... another personal remark.
Liz settled, "I'll pick the time and place. You'll have plenty of time to set-up anything you and your agents find suitable."
Hempstead seemed satisfied, sitting back in his seat.
They finished the journey in relative silence, to Liz's great relief.
Liz walked determinedly to the garage elevator that would lead her to the Blacksite, searching her bag for her access card.
Joe matched his steps to hers. "What was with the hesitation?"
Liz stopped in her steps, her expression perplexed.
"When you were talking to the dip-shit." Joe jerked his head to the recently vacated ride-along. "You hesitated over the word." he was of course, referring to when she called Red her fiancé. "Is there a problem of which I should be made aware? Seeing as Silas is–"
"Oh!" Liz breathed a sigh. "On, no. No, of course not... I've just been so flaky today. I was second guessing myself again."
"Again?"
She relayed the 'Francis' fiasco.
"That boy has ears like–"
"A bat! I know!" Liz gestured wildly. "I think Red and Nora covered nicely but Francis is like a..."
"Dog with a bone." Joe finished, sagely nodding.
"Uhm... Joe?" Liz confided, stepping closer, lowering her voice. "You won't mention this to Red, right?"
Joe scowled unsure of any reason why he should not.
"I mean.." she flustered slightly, "that word." she rolled her eyes. "It conveys... so much pressure. Don't you think?"
She waited for a response, all of two seconds.
"Maybe Red will think I expect him to...well..." she glanced anxiously at the man, "...you know? Oh! Not that I don't want him to ask. I do!"
Joe held his grin.
"I just want it to be on his own terms... if it happens, I mean." she explained patiently. "Not that I expect it will... just... if it does."
"Uh huh..." Joe nodded gravely.
"Oh... good." she breathed a long sigh, holding her passkey to the electric panel. "I knew you would get it."
They continued on.
"I don't know where my mind is these days, making slips like that."
"Maybe with your head guard?"
Liz brightened instantly. "Did you see him today?" her pride was showing. "I've never seen him so horribly bitchy! It was wonderful!"
"Yeah... glorious." Joe guided the woman into the empty elevator.
"And Mr. Kaplan gave him real food, and he walked all the way to the bathroom himself."
"Yeah... that, I've got to shit, remark brought tears to my eyes."
Liz giggled happily. "Oh, it just warms your heart, doesn't it?"
Joe looked to the woman, a bewildered scowl lacing his brow when he realized, Liz was truly ecstatic over the developments concerning Silas.
"It's so good he's on the mend." she clasped her hands together joyously.
The elevator door lifted, drawing an unexpected disgruntled groan from Liz.
After almost two months away, she understood Red's distaste for the place. She never realized how antiseptic the War room was until just now.
With everything taking place at the time, she didn't realize how unstimulating, stuffy and lifeless the Blacksite truly was. The black, grey and stainless steel encompassing the vast space was a stark contrast compared to the warm, colorful and inviting situation she now thrived in.
"We need to get some plants in here." she muttered to her companion.
"As opposed to the pod people already in place?" Joe questioned seriously, drawing a small chuckle for Liz.
Taking a resigned breath as they neared Cooper and her team, Liz straightened, ready to tackle the matter at hand.
"I wanted us all on the same page." Liz was animatedly presenting her case to a patiently listening Harold Cooper.
"Reddington will know a good place that will suit our needs." Ressler stated his belief.
"That's what I thought as well." Liz turned, hearing the hum of the elevator.
It clunked to a stop on their floor. The door clattering open. She immediately recognized the two figures standing center-stage.
Red had his fedora in hand and beside him Dembe's stocky frame filled the remaining space.
Liz returned to her narrative, "Oh good, they're here."
"We can get this show on the road." Ressler disliked inactivity.
Red sauntered forth. Any space he occupied the man seemed to own, Liz noted. Dembe immediately sought out the coffee and pastry table as was his way.
"I need a Danish." Red called out over his shoulder.
No one said much of anything when both men made themselves at home for the simple reason, it was Reddington's money that kept the break room supplied with a wide variety of treats and beverages.
Liz wondered silently if it was a small way Red attempted to brighten the space? To make it more habitable. Homey...
He had taken great care stocking it with all the comforts they would need for a long day. State-of-the-art appliances, free vending of every assortment, the best coffee, fresh pastries.
He even provided a ping-pong table which she and her team admittedly used countless times, comfortable couches she often slept on before Tom's departure and sound machines that played nature sounds with private headphones when the stress became too much.
While all the Agents had been grateful for his contribution. It was when he went to bat for them to keep those luxuries after some higher-ups demanded their removal... that Red garnered a strong support from the Agents on site.
It had upset her at the time, that her fellow Agents caved to Red's charm. Now, she couldn't wait to be alone with the man to thank him for his generosity.
She settled for walking beside him, grabbing a folder as a ruse to hook his fingers with hers... quickly squeezing them, hopefully conveying how much she loved him in that small gesture.
Red returned the affection, laying the fedora aside to hide their intimacy.
On the drive over, he wondered how he would handle this new facet of their relationship at the Blacksite.
Lizzy's team, while resigned to he and Lizzy possibly sharing sexual relations... were not yet open to an actual romance between them.
And Lizzy was in no hurry to inform them of their status.
At first, he believed she may be embarrassed to be romantically involved with him. But learned quickly it wasn't that she wanted to hide what they were... she just wasn't in the mood to be interrogated about what they were.
It was hard enough trying to find a balance in any relationship, especially in a new one. It was harder when everyone gave unsolicited advice.
Until they were ready for more... what they did in the privacy of their own home was no one's business but their own.
Besides, this was Lizzy's work. He would try his best to respect her in the workplace and not accost her the moment he saw her... no matter how much he wished to.
Giving her one last squeeze, he turned his attention. "Harold, new suit?"
Harold grinned, running his hands down the sharp crease of the lapel, "You set such a high standard, how could I not follow your lead?"
"Superb cut!" Red measured the man admiringly.
"You're such a liar." Cooper smiled his amusement. "It's off the rack."
Red sought in his wallet, handing over a card. "Call my tailor. It's on me."
Cooper... pocketed the card.
Ressler followed the movement, his brow raising questioningly.
Cooper pointedly gestured to the shoes Ressler wore which Reddington had gifted to them all after a trip to Italy.
Ressler looked sheepishly down at his feet, shrugging lamely. "They help my arch."
Liz interjected, "Red an interesting development–"
"One moment, sweetheart." Red held a hand upon Dembe's arrival.
"No Danish." Dembe managed a 'sad' face.
Red was not a happy camper, in fact, he seemed bereft over the fact. "No Danish?"
"Chocolate glazed?" Dembe brightened as did Red, who took the pre-offered cup of coffee as well.
"Elizabeth?" Dembe's smile brightened, handing her a cup. She took the cup, inhaling the rich aroma.
"The world is kind." Red bit into the donut with relish.
"Silas!" Liz's eyes widened, her mouth dropping agape as yet another individual lumbered into view.
Liz pushed past Red, bodily shoving the man aside.
Red juggled his coffee and donut, a fixed scowl on his once content face for the disturbance to his nirvana like moment.
"Silas! You're here!" Liz stopped short of pouncing on the large man, but the guard's warning glare reminded her in time... he disliked people in his space.
Samar offered the guard an amused look.
Liz noted the guard's features softened just a tad, but he was back in form when he shifted his eyes back.
She reached, grabbing his hand instead. She smiled happily when his large fingers gripped her in return. "Should you be up and abo–"
"Woman!" Silas was acutely aware of a certain woman listening in. "...Red" he wanted his friend to call off Liz's 'mother' routine.
"Elizabeth..." Red sighed, taking another bite of his donut.
Liz ignored Red entirely. "I'm so happy to see you up but I'm not all sure you should be pushing your body–"
"My body," Silas bellowed, "is perfect! There is nothing what-so-ever wrong with my body!"
Samar looked the man up and down seeming to agree with the statement.
Liz blinked, "Well, you don't have to be so grouchy about it." she pouted. "I'm only looking out for your welfar–"
"You... are looking out," Silas was incredulous, "for my welfare?!"
"Calm the hell down." Red waved his coffee about recklessly in Dembe's opinion. "You'll stroke out. She's only worried about you."
"Why is she worried about you?" Samar asked.
"She's a reactionary." Silas waved the question aside. "I was in a little tussle–"
Liz gasped, "A little tussl–"
"I have a feeling we missed something." Ressler stated wryly.
"Is this something we need to discuss?" Cooper wanted to know.
"We have it covered." Red smiled pleasantly.
Liz's face fell, her sad eyes looking to Red for help. "He's hurting." she knew. "Do you have his pain medication?"
Dembe pulled the pills free of his light jacket, tossing them to the woman. Silas was always like a wounded bear when his injuries were that extensive.
Liz deftly opened the bottle, holding the pills and her coffee aloft for him to take them.
"I'm fine." Silas gritted, refusing the provided drugs.
Liz frowned her upset, shoving her offerings towards the man. "You take these right now or..."
"Or, what!" Silas snapped.
"I'll tell Kaplan to deliver them in suppository form!" Liz threatened.
The warring pair glared hard at one another, neither moving an inch... until Liz's bottom lip began to tremble.
"Dammit!" Silas bitched, snatching the pills and cup from her hands downing both quickly. "Happy now!"
Red shifted his eyes towards Dembe, shaking his head minutely. It surprised him Silas caved so fast. He and Dembe had been on the man to take the pills for a little over an hour.
He should have known Lizzy and those sad doe eyes would make the man cave in less than ten minutes flat.
"You'll feel better soon." Liz murmured quietly, dragging a stool over for the man to sit. "...Rest, please."
Silas' teeth clenched irritably, side glancing Samar only to find the woman staring at him just as anxiously. Sighing, he slid his ass on the edge, easing the ache in his middle.
"Hey, Keen," Ressler broke in, motioning for young man across the way, "you know Andrew Wilson, right?"
Squeezing her guard's hand, Liz offered the man a relieved smile before turning to the man approaching.
"He came over from Organized Crime and Domestic Threats a couple months before you..." Ressler shrugged.
A memory stirred, "I do know you," she managed a smile, "the break room about... what was it, four months ago? It was still cold outside." she remembered that part vividly.
The man took her hand, shaking it, smiling sheepishly, "I spilled coffee... well, everywhere."
"Been there," Liz made him feel more comfortable, "done that... too many times to count."
"Four," Ressler counted, "to date."
Liz slipped him a wry side glance catching Samar out of the corner of her eye.
The woman was discretely poking fun at Wilson's 'bright' choice of tie. Samar feigned momentary blindness.
Liz was hard pressed to hold her smile, but managed, "I love your tie." she hoped she sounded sincere. But she wasn't. "It's so... stylish."
Wilson seemed genuinely pleased, "We're always accused of being so traditionally boring." he shrugged unassumingly. "Don't know if it works, but it brightens a long day." he quipped.
Liz liked him instantly, "It brightens mine too." she decided.
"It's so good to finally, formally meet you," Wilson continued, his manner open and friendly, "I've learned so much about you from your team and I understand you are an excellent profiler as well?"
"Don't know about excellent," she modestly denied the praise, "but I enjoy that aspect of the job, yes."
Red stared hard at the hand holding Lizzy's, more specifically the thumb stroking her.
"Yes, well..." Red interrupted, causing Wilson to step back away from Elizabeth and redirect his attention, "would someone like to inform us, why we were summoned?" he checked his watch. "I do have a few matters to attend to this fine day."
"I'm sure all of them highly illegal." a man said, sauntering onto scene.
Narrowing her eyes, Liz turned towards the voice... her eyes darkening further.
"...Moore." Elizabeth's tone had definitely altered having recognized the guy.
Red's brows lifted slightly, intrigued by Lizzy's tone... and cool demeanor.
"I thought you would have been assigned to a field office in Nowhere, Idaho by now. What are you doing here?"
"Scott," the same acerbic response met her ears, "good to see you too."
"It's Agent Keen, actually." Liz corrected coolly, ignoring the rest of his statement.
"He was in Nowhere, Nebraska." Samar interjected, more than intrigued by the animosity between the two agents. "And before that, it was Nowhere, Alaska wasn't it, Dick?" she smiled pleasantly at the man.
"You two should take it on the road." Moore bitingly replied, "You're hilarious."
"And you're still an asshole," Red replied flippantly, hoping he hid his anger well enough.
As if he hadn't hated the little prick anyway, to see Moore speak in such a tone to Elizabeth... his desire to kill the man grew to new heights.
"Again... why are we here?" Red asked Elizabeth specifically.
"Oh, yes, right..." Liz was jarred back to the reason they were all here. She quickly relayed the news on the Unsub and their plans.
"...You did what?" Red bellowed.
In her excitement, she had not taken Red's reaction into consideration. Perhaps she should have waited until they were at home... alone, to discuss this with him.
Liz grimaced, wringing her hands together. "Well, that was always the plan... wasn't it? Sooner or later?"
"Later... than sooner!" he snapped. "We need more time to–"
"He was getting antsy. I could sense it, Red." she countered.
Joe involuntarily stepped forward. "We have a comfortable window of opportunity, Red... really."
"Where the hell were you when this happened?" Red hissed, his fists clenching.
"Right beside her," Joe stood upright, sensing Red's anger was quickly reaching a boiling point. "...Sir."
Liz nervously bit at her thumbnail, grimacing for her guard's predicament. She sought out Silas who waved her concern off with a negligent flip of his hand.
"Of all the..." Red trailed off. "Did you not once think to discuss this with me first..." he grumbled angrily, not sure exactly what he was so upset about in truth.
She hadn't, actually. Not at the time, anyway. Once she spoke to the SAC... she questioned her reasoning. But upon reflection, she believed the action to be the correct one.
"It was the right decision!" Liz stood up to his anger, hers piqued.
"Harold!" Red shifted stormy eyes towards the tall man.
"I was made aware of the situation about ten minutes ago." Cooper sighed. "While I question the timing, I wasn't in discussion with the man," he shrugged, "Agent Keen was."
"What are you going to do about this farce!" Red seethed.
Ressler and Samar shared a look, unused to the anger Reddington was displaying.
"I was awaiting Agent Keen's decision on the matter." Cooper told the truth.
"You are her direct superior." Red glared daggers at the man.
"I am," Cooper acknowledged, "but I also know Agent Keen is exemplary at her job. If she feels she is ready for this task, who am I to disagree."
"Thank you, Sir." Liz beamed before the full force of Red's displeasure stared her in the face.
"I am highly displeased, Elizabeth." Red eyed the woman with dark eyes. "What about our arrangement, my little asset?"
Liz's heart admittedly fluttered, hearing the deeper connotation in those words.
Red conveyed his unhappiness before turning his anger full force once more on Cooper. "I need her to carry on the charade we've been..." he grasped at straws.
"Yes, yes..." Cooper sighed, "all well and good, but this is one night... and the chances we can get a serial killer off the–"
"She hasn't been released for active duty yet!" Red interrupted, reminding any and all triumphantly.
"It was my understanding," Cooper reminded in turn, "this was a simple dinner date and that undercover agents would be on site."
"Oh, that's reassuring." Red muttered angrily. "Yes, I'm sure Elizabeth will find comfort having back-up from a SAC who has never led such an assignment before!"
Liz did frown at that. "He's never–" knowing Red performed background checks on people she worked with, she trusted his word. "Sir, do you think I could have my team as back–"
"A moment, Harold." Red grasp Lizzy's elbow, leading the woman away from her contemporaries before voicing his misgivings.
"What the hell are you doing?" he hissed, his tone low, intense.
"...Red," Silas sighed. The man had been silent up to this point, listening as events unfolded.
"We got this." Joe assured both men. "We can do this."
Red and Silas shared a dubious look.
"Should I take offense?" Joe scowled, taken aback. "You act as if I can't do my job."
Joe fell silent when Silas gave a curt shake of his head, his hand subtly gesturing to back off.
"Liz can do this," Silas supported, "she can handle it fine."
"Need I remind you," Red bitched, "this man is a serial killer."
"A serial killer who picked the wrong target." Silas was positive. "I've been training her to deal with trash like him."
Red's anger simmered beneath the cool surface, but his instincts said, at least hear out the advice he paid for.
"And, no offense," Silas lifted a hand stilling the woman's pique, "but he'll under estimate her."
Liz held her tongue, listening to the man's insight. Silas had been there right beside her as this all unfolded. Did he see something she hadn't?
"Like Dahmer, he's gotten cocky," Silas explained, "too comfortable. He thinks he won't get caught."
"He's so much smarter than we mere mortals." Joe knew the type.
Liz had to agree, she had profiled the creep after all.
"She's a trophy kill." Silas said. Liz glanced hastily at the phraseology. "What?" he continued undauntedly. "You know he believes taking down an FBI agent will be a crowning achievement."
Red's brows lifted as if to signify his point.
"He thinks Liz won't be on guard for an innocent date," Silas continued. "But little does he know how brutal Liz can be when backed into a corner."
"I can be brutal." Liz was certain, adding her two-cents eagerly.
"Just think about Tom." Joe muttered aside. A wry grin tilted his mouth when Elizabeth instantly went on the defense, ready for a fight.
Red didn't like it, not one bit.
"Send the full security detail with her if it makes you feel better." Silas suggested.
Liz snapped her mouth shut when her guard shifted narrowed eyes her way. Meaning, shut the hell up, I got this.
"But I'm telling you," Silas stressed, "I believe she'll handle this prick just fine."
Liz understood what Silas was doing. Red needed to have the scenario mapped out down to the smallest of detail. He needed to be reassured nothing would go wrong.
"Stop underestimating her." Silas' tone dropped to a menacing whisper meant only for Red's ears.
"I am not underestimating Elizabeth." Red snapped. "I..I'm worried." he voiced his insecurity. "You won't be there." he finally realized the problem with this whole mess.
Joe remained silent, taking the slight in his stride. He knew Red trusted him and knew he would protect Elizabeth at any cost but...
Like Red's relationship with Dembe, Liz had her own with Silas. They had built a trust, language and timing in their time together.
"I can be there." Silas said. "I know her tells, I can direct the team." he suggested. "They'll perform the take down if one is warranted."
Red reached, gripping Elizabeth's hand in his.
"Let her team be there for the formality," Silas continued. "She'll be fine. I promise."
Red turned staring down at her deep blue eyes, his jaw tightening.
"I want you wired." Red conceded. "And a safeword in place should you need an out."
"Vacation." Liz supplied instantly. "I'll say, I can't wait for a vacation."
Silas and Joe made a mental note, listening for further details.
"I want trackers on her phone and her person." Red directed to the two guards. "Dembe, make reservations at Eduardo's please."
"Red, I'm a lowly government employee," Liz reminded, "could I have access to such a place on my dime?"
Red huffed under his breath, "Fine... call Chico. He has private rooms accessible to everyone and within your budget."
"Raymond, they have connecting rooms." Dembe reminded.
"Yes, yes..." Red warmed to the idea, "we'll definitely want that."
Dembe nodded, setting about the task.
"Anything else?" Liz opened herself to his ideas... if nothing else, but to ease the man's nerves.
"No touching, no holding hands..." Red further stipulated, but quietly, hoping to keep it a private matter.
Liz fought the smile creeping around the edges, keeping her expression neutral as possible.
"No kissing." he urged tightly. The thought she would get that close to the son-of-a-bitch was unsettling.
"Red," Silas' head fell back, "she's going on a date. Some touching may be required."
Forgetting Lizzy's ever present shadow was that close, Red narrowed his eyes dangerously. "...Fine. No kissing." he reiterated to an amused Elizabeth Keen.
Liz nodded passively, easing Red's worry. She hadn't planned on doing any of the aforementioned but... if it meant delaying her death a few moments, where was the harm, right?
That wasn't funny, she reminded herself. Was she spending too much time with these guys? Was their cavalier attitude rubbing off?
"Raymond," Dembe addressed the tense man, "I secured two rooms for eight tonight."
"Tell your team to get their asses in gear," Red jabbed a finger towards Liz's laptop, "and before I come to my senses and change my mind, tell that bastard you're on for tonight."
Dembe stepped alongside Elizabeth, supplying her with the finer details before she sent the reply.