Focal Point: Condensed Version

by Daniel Davies

(Lizzington) A dangerous serial killer targets Elizabeth Keen as the newest Blacklister hits too close to home for Red Reddington. She must rely on the one person her instincts tell her she can trust. Liz finds herself inexplicably drawn closer to the only man capable of protecting her from this insidious new threat. (Mature Content)

31. Chapter 31

Red's anger spiked, a raging fire burning in his gut as he awaited word on the situation. He continued stroking Lizzy, as if nothing was wrong in their world.

Any would-be voyeur would be no wiser the guards alerted him a problem existed.

"I was scanning the channels and picked it up by happenstance."

Red knew Silas had a habit of constantly scanning the surrounding areas on their comm-link no matter their location at the time. He was grateful for that little idiosyncrasy.

"Identity?" Red's jaw pulsed.

"Unknown. Too garbled." Silas replied. "We thought a couple guards were peeping in at first..." he explained.

Absently kissing a slow path across Lizzy's furrowed brow, Red mellowed somewhat when it relaxed.

"...But the guards are accounted for," Silas continued, "and we still hear the chatter."

"Are they sure it was about us?" Liz asked sotto voce so as not to disturb the flow of conversation.

She side glanced the window just as the gauzy impression of a guard passed by as though nothing was amiss. The guards were keeping up the pretense of normalcy very well.

Red shrugged, asking the needed question.

"Positive." Silas replied tightly. "Guards circling the block, we're searching the perimeter. Will keep you apprised."

Red shook his head, cursing the bull-headed guard, "You know... there was a new word Antonio taught us," he reminded, "and it was, delegate. Perhaps you should do that."

"I'm fine." Silas advised. "Resume your activities."

"He must be higher than this house, Red." she rolled her head, allowing Red a chance to look.

He glanced quickly at the window, agreeing with her hypothesis. There was only a filmy curtain over the window but there was also a low hedge in the way.

Whoever watched was out of security's range of operation. There were a few medical and professional buildings a couple blocks over but none taller than three stories.

"How did they find us?" Liz questioned.

"I don't know, but we're sure as hell going to find out."

"Be advised," Joe came through the comm, "we have a blue car at three o'clock... but its cruising at a normal rate of speed."

"Copy." Silas returned. "Occupants?"

"Unknown." Joe relayed. "I'm on the roof, no visible line of sight."

"Dammit!" Red felt useless and ineffectual. He hated the feeling!

Red grimaced when Lizzy shifted to a more comfortable position beneath him. Maybe he wasn't so useless... he was doing as he should and that was staying with her as Antonio suggested.

Liz felt her already present anger simmer to the surface. "I should have killed him when–"

"No, you shouldn't have." Red disagreed. "It wasn't time, you would've regretted it."

Liz fell silent, inwardly brooding.

"It may not be Tom." he considered all options.

"I think it is." she differed.

"Do you want to go to our room?"

Liz instantly ran through a list of scenarios, each of them centering on one common theme. Provoking Tom to react.

"No, I think if we keep shutting him out... he won't snap."

She drew in a shaky breath, subtly looking at the window. "You said we could end this?"

"You want to use me to piss off your ex-husband?" Red chuckled, pushing her hair back behind her ear.

"We've just let him play us, Red." she presented her case. "We can push him into action. I know how to do that."

"To what ends?" he was curious how far she wished to go on the matter.

But regardless of the circumstances, Red rather preferred to be on this side of the issue for a change... with Lizzy.

"What's your end game, Lizzy?" he asked, stroking his thumbs into her nape.

"I don't know?" she answered honestly. "I've had enough, Red. I'm tired of him watching me." her brow furrowed.

Red smoothed the worry lines, reading her expression well enough.

"Well, let's get this show on the road..." he trailed off, his decision cast.

He rolled off the couch out of view, grasping the radio in his hand as he went. She fixed her shirt as Red moved to the end of the couch.

Refreshing her drink, Red waited until Lizzy got situated before coming into view, glass held aloft.

He felt a prickling sensation on his flesh. He had felt it often in the past knowing it for what it was. He dismissed the danger, moving forward.

Taking the fragile stemware, Liz absently sipped the dark liquid. She sat the glass aside, focusing on Red.

"Anything legible yet?" Red asked the head guard who he knew was on the other end of the communication device.

He kept the radio down at his side, inconspicuously hidden.

"Switch to channel four." Silas advised.

Turning the dial, they heard nothing but static.

Red's eyes shifted to the small device as a voice crackled over the line.

"I have a visual on both subje–"

Red's eye ticked irritably as a loud hiss of static burst from the speaker.

Liz breathed a sigh of relief.

She didn't necessarily give a damn if Tom saw Red being intimate with her. In fact, the idea rather delighted her.

It was the idea they were being watched at all that rankled her nerves. Intimate moment or not.

"Relax, Lizzy." Red interrupted her thoughts. "Just act normal. We're just buying the guards time to get in position."

Liz shifted on the couch, casually lifting the remote. She flicked the screen off, leaving them in silence just as Red subtly eased his weapon to its usual spot at his back.

"Do you think you should do that?" Liz questioned.

Before Red could reply, a disembodied voice filled the room.

"Hey, we might have a problem here–"

Red silently cursed, damning the interruption. The fucking static allowed only bits and pieces of the running commentary.

"What do you see?" Another male voice immediately responded, anxious and edgy.

"...Reddington's arming himself. Possibly leavi–"

Controlling his ire, Red focused on the problem at hand. A sudden idea came to mind, one that could work to their advantage and allow them to leave the property safely, if he played the cards close to the vest.

He flicked the channel, returning to Silas.

Liz tried to stay relaxed and natural, her eyes watching Red's face religiously for any sign of warning... communication he might transmit.

"Recognize them?" Red lifted his tumbler, casually sipping the warm scotch.

Liz shook her head negatively, "...No."

The transmission was so weak and garbled. If it were Tom, even she couldn't say.

They were so distorted; it was hard enough deciphering what they were saying at all.

"Did you?" she sought hope.

"No," Red's eyes darkened angrily as he hit the radio's button. "Identities unknown." he alerted Silas.

"Copy." Silas muttered.

Red tapped the radio against his thigh, sighing.

"I have an idea," the woman had been formulating it. "Come at me, grab me off the couch, something like that," Liz directed, "...like you're angry."

Red whipped his head about, a deep scowl furrowing his brow. "Excuse me? What the hell is in your head?"

"Tom thinks your evil, right?" Liz explained quickly. "He thinks you're controlling me, that you will eventually get me killed..."

"I couldn't give a damn what that–"

"Be what he expects." Liz lifted cold eyes, gearing herself up and setting the mood, as though Red was saying something she didn't appreciate.

She winced when she came face to face with his stony features. "Provoke him..." she snapped, "make that idiot show himself to Silas."

Red's instinct told him to dismiss the suggestion. "...Go upstairs."

"I'm not hiding anymore, Red." she narrowed her pretty eyes. "I'm sick of him invading my life... our life!"

Red warily watched the woman push from the couch, her features set.

"Elizabeth, the men will secure him, give them time." he tensed as the woman took a step towards him.

"I won't keep living like this." she muttered.

She sucked in a mournful breath when the man's face fell. He obviously misunderstood what she was hoping to convey.

Red's fingers gripped the radio tight, holding himself in check. The constant threat of Elizabeth being taken from him weighed heavily on his heart.

"You want to have a family with me?" Liz whispered. "...A home?"

His heart beat wildly over the very idea, the air rushing from his lungs.

"I do," Red's jaw twitched, "very much."

"I want that too." she blinked away the sudden wetness in her eyes. "I would prefer that happen without the threat Tom presents hanging over our head day after day."

Red had to agree. No matter how flippant Elizabeth had been about Tom stalking her and the whole sordid mess... it grated on his nerves.

Intellectually, he knew Elizabeth could and would defend herself against Tom. Watching her skills this evening proved she would give that bastard a good fight at least... but was that good enough.

He also found comfort in the fact her guards would act appropriately were she in danger and assistance was warranted again... a now proven fact.

As capable as Elizabeth was... she was also his partner and lover. It went against his very nature to not act in her defense or do whatever he felt necessary to ensure her protection.

He tried to curb certain tendencies where she was concerned so she wouldn't think he believed her incapable.

But if Lizzy were to become pregnant with his child, he knew all decorum would cease to exist.

Just the mental picture of Elizabeth carrying his child made something inside his soul demand he move heaven and earth to keep his mate and offspring free from harm.

The very thought of Tom stalking Elizabeth and his child made Red sick to his core.

"We need to set things in motion." Liz demanded a change to what had become the status-quo. "Make him react. Give us just cause to–"

"Elizabeth, just–"

"Drastic times call for drastic measures." She struggled to maintain the façade as her eyes locked with his.

Red scoffed his derision. "I would hardly call Tom's voyeuristic tendencies drastic."

Side glancing a nearby decorative vase, Liz took a deep breath. She could not fight this man. Especially at such a time. But matters had to come to a head, eventually. She preferred a measure of control when it occurred.

"I'm sorry..." she muttered before grasping the glass vase. She pivoted, hurling it past Red's position.

"Shit!" Red instinctively moved clear of its path, seconds before it hit the fireplace behind him.

The bits of glass tinkled against the marble, leaving a shiny mist on the floor. "You can pay Antonio for that tomorrow–"

Rushing for the doorway, Liz reached for the door handle only to be caught in the strong hold of Red's embrace.

"Elizabeth!" Red hissed, stopping her intent... whatever it may be.

He truly wasn't sure what her plans were at this point. Either she was instigating a response... or knowing her headstrong tendencies, had been on her way to confront Tom personally.

Liz fought the urge to cease her struggles when the sound of the radio crackled to life.

"Be advised," the voice said, "assault in progress."

Red stiffened as the words echoed over Elizabeth's struggles.

"What the hell is he doing!" the other disembodied voice demanded to know. "Do you have him!"

"Not as yet." The calm response served to settle Red's nerves. This was a professional at least. He wouldn't be hurried in his task.

Liz took the opportunity presented, spinning in Red's hold, grappling for his waist.

Sensing her objective, Red caught her hand, lifting it away from the gun at his back.

"Dammit, Elizabeth!" Red bitched, turning her about. "Stop this ridiculous–"

"He'll hurt her..."

Liz's momentum left them stumbling against the couch. Falling forward, she bent, her middle cushioned by a large decorative pillow on the back of the couch.

"...Too much movement–"

Pushing roughly against the curve of Red's body, Liz tried to wriggle free of his grasp.

"Protect yourself..." she warned just seconds before her elbow connected with his side.

"...Giving him a hell of a fight."

Red heeded the warning, dropping the radio from his hand, catching the hit before it connected.

The comm fell against her box of chocolate, silencing the voices. The radio blipped as it scanned through the channels before catching the next live feed.

Red followed the trek of his lost link absently. It spun merrily around on top of the chocolate box.

"Son-of-a-bitch!" Red grumbled irritably. In his distraction, Lizzy pulled free, scrambling back out of his reach. "This is the most insane–"

"Head's up!" Liz blindly swung her arm, hoping like hell Red saw it coming.

Red caught her wrist just before the open hand connected with his cheek. Mindful of his hold on the woman, he tugged her into his chest roughly.

"Baby!" he snapped as Lizzy's panted breaths tickled his chin. "Stop!"

"The signal is more consistent." Silas broke in through the radio. "I don't know what the hell you two are doing... but keep doing it. It's causing some action."

Growling low in his throat, Red reaffirmed his hold on Lizzy, knowing the information just fueled the fire, further igniting the woman's determination.

"It's working!" Liz breathed her excitement. "I told you he's a narcissistic bastard... let Silas take care of him, Red!"

In her haste to wrestle herself free of his hold, she stumbled against a nearby ottoman. Red made a grab for her, halting her free-fall.

"Lizzy!" he exclaimed, his eyes widening in alarm.

A glass table loomed just behind her, a tall crystal obelisk sitting as the centerpiece. Sickening visions of her falling flashed vividly in his mind's eye.

"Jesus!" he swallowed at the rush of bile produced by the disturbing images. "God, baby...you almost fell into the fucking table!"

Liz glanced at the object. "I'm fine, Red." she grasped hold of his biceps, steadying herself further.

He attempted to tug her closer, to feel her safe in his arms a sudden need.

It troubled her to hear how distraught Red was, but they were making such good progress... they would be fools to not follow through...

"I would have caught myself." she reassured.

No, damn way was she going to be responsible for breaking another of Antonio's lovely things. "...Really."

Red gave her an irritated glare which she tried hard to ignore.

"Come on, guys!" she whispered urgently, unsure how much longer she could stand his displeasure. "Get your asses in gear!"

It troubled her Red seemed so unsettled. Perhaps she acted impulsively in instigating a response.

"This is not a fucking game, Elizabeth!" Red's patience waned, his temper flaring. "Some bastard is out there with one of us in his sites!"

"And he'll always be out there," Liz snapped right back, "if we don't stop him right now and make an example of him!"

The venom displayed took Red aback. The blue eyes flashed heatedly.

"Let's send a message to the next son-of-a-bitch who might think about doing this to us."

My God... she was beginning to think like him, Red realized. That could not be good, surely.

"He sits outside my house on a daily basis and we allowed it!" she wasn't faking her reaction now, her gestures sharp and jerky. "Then... then he tries to take me again... again!"

Red's eyes fell. He had his reasons for allowing Tom leeway. At this moment, he wasn't sure if they had been good enough.

Had Lizzy hated the guy's presence that much? She had played it off cool...

Had she felt this the entire time?

"And now," she gestured wildly, "he's doing it to us... yet again!"

"We don't know it's Tom." Red reminded. "He wouldn't need anyone else to..." he trailed off, "assist him, not really."

"I don't give a damn what he does or doesn't need!" Liz's tone was tight. "I want him, whoever he is... stopped. I want him brought down."

Red could not argue with the issue for he wanted the same thing. They simply had differing views on how to manage the problem at hand.

"We need to go on the defense." Liz was adamant. "Who do they think they are?" she raised her voice. "Who do they think they're dealing with here?"

She gestured to the man's status. "You're Red Reddington!"

Red jerked his head side-ways, unable to look her in the eye any longer.

Yeah… he was Red Reddington and normally he would easily handle such a situation.

To stand here, exposed... knowing someone had a weapon trained on Lizzy...

If he were the target, so be it... but, Lizzy?

"Pull your head out of your ass, Red." Liz snipped. "What would you do if I wasn't in the picture?"

"You are in the picture!" he grated angrily.

"Pretend I'm not!" she yelled back. "Do something!"

Red drew in a shaky, uneven breath. Was she right? This could go so horribly awry...

The moment was beyond tense.

Liz waited on tenterhooks. "We're a team, Red. We have to work together to stop these unconscionable people who refuse to leave us the hell alone!"

Red was of the same accord, in reality but...

"We don't bother them. We don't go looking for trouble. They go out of their way to seek us out." Liz reminded. "You said yourself, I am not responsible for my parents' sins! So why do we constantly pay for them?"

Red lifted his head, staring at the recessed panels of the smartly styled ceiling. He knew this moment would arise someday. He dreaded it... had and did.

"If it's not my past, it's your present, and vice versa." Liz was winding down, it was her turn to sigh heavily. "We can't change who we are but we can change how we react to the threats imposed upon us."

"You are an Agent of–"

"A system that is deeply flawed." Elizabeth knew his reasoning by heart. "I can see that now. I couldn't before, it's true but things change, don't they?"

Red doubted the sincerity of her statement. She was angry and caught up in this horrible moment, reacting out of–

"We can't keep living this way." she stated with such simplicity it nullified his convictions.

"Can we?" Doubt showed in the blue eyes.

"What is it exactly," Red wondered, "you want from me, Elizabeth?" he would have to push her boundaries. "Are you saying... you truly want Tom Keen out of the picture? Do you want him dead?"

Elizabeth hesitated. "...I want him to leave us alone! And he won't do that." she knew Tom Keen. "Not of his own volition."

"No!" Red snapped. "You say the words, I want Tom Keen dead... because I've told Silas and the men," he had in the past, "to tread lightly because of your past relationship with the son-of-a-bitch."

"And now he's out there pointing a weapon at you... or me." Elizabeth put it in perspective. "Because of his deluded sense of the absurd."

"So..." Red lifted his hands out from his sides, his expression carefully controlled, "what is it you want me to do about it?"

"...Stop him," she found the words surprisingly palatable, "by any and all means."

Red refused to allow her to look away, holding her gaze willfully. "I hope like hell you really means those words."

Elizabeth lifted her chin defiantly, "I mean them."

Red stared unwaveringly at her. "So you want to provoke the bastard," he nodded slowly, a plan forming, "to give away his position."

"What other recourse do we have?" she wondered. "Has Silas found him?"

The both sought the black communication device lying on the chocolate box.

It lay silent. It had no answers either.

"He will take his shot if provoked." Red reminded.

"He could do so any second he wishes." she shrugged. "Why he hasn't yet is a mystery to me. We're standing like clay pigeons giving him every opportunity."

"That window... all the windows are reinforced." Red stated. "He will have to weaken the glass with the first shot to insure an accurate take down in the next."

"And with the first shot, his targets fall off the grid." Elizabeth nodded her understanding. "Or at least, I plan to hit the dirt, how 'bout you?"

"The only real cover is the fireplace." Red motioned with his head. "High caliber ammunition would easily penetrate any other surface."

"How lovely." Liz drew in a resigned breath. "Do you see why I might be a tiny bit opposed to these situations occurring?"

Red did. "So you're gambling on Silas capturing the man before he makes his escape. Or kills one or both of us."

"Well, put like that," Liz scowled, "the plan sounds a little iffy, granted."

"He hasn't taken his shot because," Red stated the obvious in his opinion, "he is not the one in charge."

Elizabeth listened intently.

"Which gives me pause for optimism."

The woman did not secretly share the man's outlook. She kept it to herself.

"It probably means the other sicko is concerned for your safety." Red had worked it out diligently in his head.

"He wants me." Red rolled his eyes. "To attack when we're in Antonio Crocetti's stronghold... to go against impossible odds with all the security about? He's obviously not playing with a full deck."

"The guy's a whack job, we are in agreement, but the reality is," she tilted her head, "...here we are."

"They have a plan in place," Red granted, "we will have to improvise and work quickly to disrupt those plans."

Liz studied the grim features. "You're wondering how we came to be at this point, aren't you?" she knew she had similar thoughts. "How our lives became so twisted."

Red was quiet for a long moment. "The letters Tom set, or whoever the hell it is... say I am a perverse, manipulative narcissistic son-of-a-bitch."

"My journal says... other things about you." her voice had softened, as had her eyes.

"You have a journal?" his interest was piqued.

She held her smile. "You don't believe any of what that dumbass said about you... do you?"

She was suddenly concerned he might have taken some of the filth to heart.

"And yet... here we are." Red repeated. "Life with me has been nothing like the one you deserve, Lizzy."

"That's because we've let them dictate the terms so far." she shrugged. "That will stop tonight, won't it? Besides," her ire flared, "what's wrong with our lives if they keep the hell out of it?"

Red enjoyed the spirit displayed despite the moment they were experiencing.

"You are an exciting, vital man, Red Reddington," she welcomed the opportunity to tell him so. "A remarkable, kind, generous and loving one. I am lucky to have found you... as you often tell me."

He withheld his amusement, though his eyes twinkled. "You are a unique woman, Elizabeth Keen. And I," he inclined his head regally, "am the fortunate one."

"Yes, you are," she did not disagree, "but we digress."

Red hoped Silas would have chimed in by now. He glanced morosely at the silent comm-link.

"Red..." A disembodied voice drifted through the closed door. "Can you hear me?"

Liz and the man exchanged oblique glances. "...Joe?"

"I have the link open." Joe got down to business. "Can you hear yours?"

"I can't get to it." Red frowned at the 'link'. "Any suspicious move might alert him. Don't open the door."

"They are carrying on a running tirade," Joe informed the man, "we thought something was amiss as Silas couldn't raise you."

"What are they saying?" Liz was bursting with curiosity.

Joe held the comm aloft, allowing snippets to filter through the door.

"Maybe I can get lucky." the static came and went much to Liz's consternation. "...Just standing there..."

"We have him this time," a triumphant trill colored the other voice.

"You have nothing until the job is complete." the other corrected.

"We can't let him get away, but under no circumstances is she to be harmed."

"I know that." There was a slight vexation to the steady, calm voice. The one who Red knew was truly in charge of the next few moments. "Don't tell me my job."

"I want it under–" the stream vanished completely for a long beat.

"He's too near her. If he leaves the room..."

"They don't know anything. We have time."

"Reddington, nor his men are stupid. Our time is running out."

"If you can't do the job, then you can always return–" the static blocked the end of the sentence. "I thought you didn't rattle easily."

A curse came through loud and clear at the obvious taunt. "Are you totally certifiable? That's Antonio Crocetti–"

"He's a glorified mobster–" Liz's brows lifted at the stupidity being displayed, "doesn't concern me–"

"We can't just stand here." Liz cut into the conversation. "The guy is getting antsy, Red."

"Boss," Joe's voice held a tinge of excitement, "we've got the location. The Medical Plaza Unit, two blocks over but..." he was listening, relaying the information as it was given, Red knew, "the side facing us has at least thirty offices they need to sweep."

Red knew something else. Their time was coming to an end. The sniper would act shortly. His instincts would be telling him to shit or get off the pot.

"All right," Red sensed the same thing, "we'll try something... against my better judgement. You," he waved, "be ready to move your ass to the fireplace when the shit hits the fan. The far wall will be out of his line of sight. I don't care how good the guy is."

The second disembodied voice was in charge, causing the sniper to hesitate... deviate from his usual mode of operation.

But Red wondered, who employed the so called, man in charge? There had been a slight hesitation in communication when he directed the sniper to take the shot or not, as if he too waited on the signal to shoot.

"If we get him to take a shot at me..." Red leaned casually, lifting Elizabeth's glass off the table and in doing so, his other hand switched the radio link on.

Immediately, the comm-link blinked to life...

"Might be winding down. He's offering her a glass of wine."

The silence was eerie.

Liz sought out the man.

"Stand still, do not take this offering." Red's tone was calm and steady, as were his eyes.

Liz stared at the glass.

"All right," pleased with her response, Red continued to hold the glass, his arm outstretched. "React normally to everything I do. Do not second guess yourself, Lizzy."

Liz lifted her head, hoping to signify; I'm ready when you are.

Red worked on instinct. Allowing his men a clear visual of the flash of the weapon barrel... they would have the bastard's hiding spot.

He threw the glass aside angrily.

Elizabeth startled as the fine glass shattered into a thousand pieces across the gleaming hardwood floor. The grotesque imagery of the dark red liquid spotting the cream wall like blood splatter was startling.

Red moved forward with remarkable speed.

Elizabeth retreated involuntarily.

"Give him a good show, baby." Red's hands secured her arms roughly.

"The son-of-a-bitch just snapped." the sniper shifted into position. He grunted slightly, having lost his line of sight for Reddington had unexpectedly moved.

"W-What?!" the other voice was taken aback, why was anyone's guess. "Don't let him hurt her!"

Red wrenched the woman up closer against the solid bulk of his chest, trapping her arm behind her back.

"Does that hurt, sweetheart?" he cautiously allowed a little lax in his hold but it would appear... he was not.

"No," she quickly reassured, "you can go tighter if you need to."

"Take the shot!" the voice commanded.

"It will go right through him, dammit!" the sniper knew his business. "Is that what you want–"

"I can't stand it if he hurts her!" the guy seemed frantic which would work to Red's advantage. "I can't– "

"What... do... you...want?" the sniper's tone was brittle.

Red knew the man had a clear shot; a tingling, restless energy crawled along his spine.

"Red!" Elizabeth's eyes pleaded with him. "Take cover now!"

She tugged his body willfully toward the looming marble side of the fireplace directly behind them.

The struggle only aided their efforts.

Red acted on his own body's dictates, his hand pulling the weapon from his back. In one millisecond, he had thumbed the clip release.

The heavy metal object fell out of sight, making a clunking sound on the floor.

"Get down, now!"

The woman reacted to Red's urgency, stooping low, crouching about Red's legs.

It was odd, the things one noticed in such a perilous moment. The crease running the length of Red's slacks were meticulously pressed. That he wasn't wearing shoes...

She gasped her terror when she realized Red's true intent. Why he had made her drop from view.

Red palmed her head, keeping her down out of firing range.

He brought the now empty weapon down hard.

To any would be voyeur, it would seem he had just struck Elizabeth with the butt of the weapon.

In reality, it was his own upper thigh he bruised. That would leave a mark.

The bullet smashed into the window behind the stylish divan...

A loud crack sent icicle-like splinters bursting out into wildly absurd patterns.

Elizabeth gasped audibly, forcefully pulling the man down. Her fingers gripped hard into the material of Red's shirt at his waist.

Red did not resist at all, in fact, he was glad for the assistance.

"Shit! I've been made." the sniper warned his co-conspirator.

Moving with easy agility, Red tucked the woman's body under his.

He lay prone, pressing her hard into the floor. His eyes darted frantically to gauge the distance to safety.

They were about three foot from the marble fireplace.

The bullet-resistant glass had saved his ass once... but knew his time had run out.

"Your status..." Joe called out anxiously through the door.

"Get the bastard!" Red yelled back.

Another shot permeated the breached glass, followed by the sound of expensive pottery shattering overhead and the door crashing against the wall.

The bullet embedded hard into the solid wood floor, just inches from Red's thigh.

Joe rattled off a speculated trajectory through the comm, grimacing for the situation he now witnessed first hand.

Was Red aware how close he had come to being hit?

Knowing the man had to reload, Red scrambled frantically, his arm tightly wound about Elizabeth's slight frame.

"Stay low." he urged her forward, staying hunched protectively over her.

He moved her effortlessly, his strength tripled with an adrenaline rush his fear for her safety provided.

"I'm gonna kill him!" Liz hissed her scorn. "I swear to God, Red!"

Scooting her body into the corner of the marble sidebar, a large chuck of the stone exploded in Red's face as the sniper released yet another attempt.

Red ducked, ignoring the pain of the chalky dust in his eyes.

"Stay!" he bellowed the command, his hand pushing hard on Elizabeth's abdomen.

Another shot issued forth, an inch... maybe less, from his head.

Red could swear he felt the air waver as the projectile buzzed past his ear.

Elizabeth's outcry brought him to his senses.

"No!" the man's hands held her fast. He pushed her back hard into the shelter of the fireplace's decorative side panel. "You stay!"

Red sensed the next shot would land its mark.

The guy had ample opportunity to line it up correctly but he couldn't take the chance of moving...

Elizabeth would follow... try to help.

He pressed his face into the cool wood he lay upon. All he could do was wait and make certain Lizzy was not going anywhere.

She wriggled hard under his persistent hold, cursing him soundly, and of long duration... a desperation in her voice.

He held firm... and waited. Where would it hit? He hoped it was fast. Not for his sake...

So Lizzy would see for herself, he hadn't suffered.

The silence astounded him...

Was he dead already? Had it come that quickly?

No! He needed to see Lizzy one last time... look into those wondrous blue eyes.

God would not be so–

"What's happening?"

In the silence, after the chaos, the room seemed abnormally quiet.

Red subtly lifted his head. His own body tense, still in 'wait' mode.

"We got the bastard, boss." Joe sauntered through the door, holding his comm-link aloft. "They're bringing his ass over."

Liz released a shaky breath of relief, her head laying back against the marble that had been her safe haven. Her eyes closed in gratitude to a benevolent God for keeping Red safe... her safe.

Red crossed rapidly, offering his hands to lift the woman bodily. He mentally and visually checked for any harm or damage but he remained stoically silent.

"Is it Tom?" Liz was hopeful.

Joe shook his head negatively, a wry look on his face. "Silas knows this guy."

"And his accomplice?" Red snarled.

Joe's slight grimace gave him the answer.

Red realized Silas' objective would be the shooter, first and foremost.

The secondary target would have been long gone by now but that didn't negate the fact... they had one of the sons-of-bitches.

Red would get his answers to many vital questions rattling around in his head.

"That fucking bastard could have hit you." he grated his rising fury.

And for that... the bastard would die.

"I'm okay, Red." Liz reassured. "Are you?"

"No!" he snapped, unreasonably affected. "I am not all right!"

Liz's eyes once again traveled about his taller frame, realizing the source of his anger stemmed elsewhere.

"Well, we took a calculated risk." she explained her part in the fiasco, reminding him stalwartly. "And it worked. Silas got that asshole."

Red snapped angry eyes her way but then... seeing those blue eyes, he was reminded God had come through for him, yet again.

Considering his chosen profession, he was well aware the hypocrisy of his belief, but when it came to Elizabeth... it's all he had absolute faith in.

Red made a pact with the benevolent being, offering his life in trade for Elizabeth's. As long as God left Elizabeth safe and unharmed, he could maim or kill Red anytime he wished.

Red believed it was a code that would be honored.

"Yeah," he softened his stance, "I guess it did."

Liz was seeing past him, a quizzical look on her face.

Red followed the direction needed.

"Francis?" his face as well, took on a bemused expression. "...What the hell are you doing here."

"I have an open invitation."

"Yeah...okay." Joe scoffed his disbelief.

"I got here a few minutes before the fireworks began." Francis snubbed the guard with a superior glance. "I left my laptop at your house, Amir told me dickhead left a few minutes before I arrived, tearing out like he was at Pomona Raceway."

The young man surveyed the shattered remnants of the room with critical eyes, "Maria loved that vase."

Elizabeth gasped audibly, a guilty look on her face.

Red smirked when the woman bit her nail pensively.

"Is he responsible for all this?" Francis asked.

"That's something I intend to find out." Red turned to the woman. "Lizzy–"

His intent was cut short for the front door burst open abruptly.

Instinctively, Red stepped in front of Elizabeth, blocking sight of the woman. In turn, Joe and Francis jockeyed for the most forward position in front of the pair.

"Hey!" Joe muscled through. "It's my job." he reminded the younger man. "Get in line behind me where you belong, junior."

Elizabeth smiled gently, feeling suddenly very much loved and cared for.

Francis secured a throw from a nearby chair, shaking debris from the soft material before draping it about the woman's shoulders, offering the guard a smug look.

Liz craned her neck, peering over Red's shoulder at the sounds of angry voices filtering across the foyer.

Red pushed through Joe and Francis, leading the way, his steps purposeful and direct.

Liz held back but only because Joe refused to allow anything more. She could see the scene well enough in her position, anyway.

Granger physically dragged a large man deeper into the foyer. The guy was huge and was still struggling against impossible odds.

"We caught a big one." Silas grated, roughly shoving the stocky bastard forward away from the door.

Liz looked at the man closely, searching her memory for any recollection of who this person could be, nothing coming to mind.

"You remember Meyers, don't you?" Silas gritted, roughly cuffing the man across the back of the head.

Red did remember. He hired Ethan Meyers to take down Harris Hall... a disgusting excuse of a human being who assassinated one of Red's longtime and trusted associates.

Normally, Red would have gladly taken the shot himself but Elizabeth had been delivered into the hands of the Stewmaker.

Wishing to keep the guards close to Elizabeth, Red hired Meyer's to remove Hall from the face of the planet. The man agreed, accepted payment...

And then double crossed Red, intent on seeking a higher payment from Hall. When all was said and done, Red handled Hall himself. Meyer's on the other hand, had been in the wind ever since.

Until now.

Red slowly came face to face with the man...

The man who almost...

The force of Red's fist hit the man with every bit of the rage that had manifested itself.

Unsurprisingly, the bastard went down. No one offered to help him up.

Blood dribbled from Meyer's upper lip and smashed nose, Liz noticed grimacing.

"Who the fuck sent you." Red's tone was pure ice.

The man lay quietly, meeting Red's stare almost vacantly.

Staring down at the prone victim, Silas shook his head minutely. "Why do they always make everything so damned difficult?"

Elizabeth's mouth fell agape. As if her guard would have reacted any different what-so-ever.

"We're going to have a long talk, you and I." Red began setting the parameters for what information he desired.

Granger bent, manhandling Meyer's to his feet.

Liz startled when the sniper jerked back, smashing his head into Granger's face.

Squeezing his eyes tight against the sudden pain and stinging bite of tears, Granger instinctively made a blind grab for the enemy, mindless of the blood pouring down his face.

Swinging out with a beefy fist, Silas blocked the intended blow. Meyer's next attempt connected soundly with Silas' mid-section.

"Son of a bitch!" grunting painfully, the action rocked Silas' stout frame.

"Silas!" Liz gasped her fear, rushing for the guard as he struggled with their prisoner.

Reaching, Red quickly grasp her arm in a secure hold, swinging her out the way of the continuing fisticuffs.

Twisting Meyer's arm about, Silas rammed it angrily against the man's back, propelling his captive forward.

The man's head bounced off the wall streaking it with blood. The man's face scraped along the textured surface, leaving dark red abrasions along the entire right side of his face.

Jerking Meyer's off center, Silas rammed his knee into the man's gut which produced a loud crack in the fucker's chest.

Dembe stepped almost casually, delivering an abusing blow to Meyer's chin, sending him staggering.

Joe jumped into the fray, tackling the man at his thighs. Both men fell hard into the marble floor.

The snipers head impacted with the unforgiving fall, a mist of blood spraying from his mouth.

Joe scrambled upward, securing the man's legs. Dembe made a grab for the asshole's arm.

Grappling with the cuffs at his waist, Joe slapped them into Dembe's hand. Meyer's struggled valiantly even as Dembe easily secured one bracelet around the right wrist.

Silas wrangled the other arm, twisting it about until Meyer's elbow gave way, popping out of joint.

"Fuck!" the man spit, a dribble of blood pouring from his mouth.

Dembe yanked on the uninjured arm, securing it to the other.

Granger slid into place, kneeling on the side of Meyer's neck, increasing the pressure until the man eased in his struggle and fell limp into the floor beneath them.

Silas sat back on his haunches, his hands resting on his toned thighs, his breathing unnaturally heavy.

The others took the opportunity to catch their breaths.

"Silas..." Liz rushed towards her guard, "are you hurt?" She asked a purely rhetorical question, sensing the answer, her tone implying as much.

"I need Kaplan." the man gritted through clenched teeth, pushing hard into his wound with a doubled up fist.

Red knew the depth of Silas' pain for the guard actually said the words with Elizabeth present.

Francis was already on the phone, ensuring the needed assistance was on its way, his features grimly set.

Dembe stepped to the side, lifting the radio.

Red crouched beside Silas and Lizzy, gripping the man's arm, mindless of Granger's men dragging the unconscious sniper from the room.

Liz's worried gaze connected with his, her hand fluttering nervously over Silas' abdomen.

"You have got to stop doing this shit." Red grumbled his own worry.

"What do you need?" Dembe knelt, his focus intent on his friend.

"...A curvaceous broad would be pleasant." Silas bit out. No one commented on the attempt at levity. It was clear... Silas was in trouble.

Taking a couple steadying breaths, Silas pushed to his knee, until Dembe stopped his intent to stand.

"No," Dembe's tone brooked no argument. He motioned curtly when two of Granger's men came from a side door, a cot in hand.

The relief in Silas' eyes spoke of the pain he felt. The macho shit could wait.

Francis and Dembe took the makeshift frame, holding it aloft as the two large men eased Silas off the floor and to the flat surface.

Trading hands, the two men eased off towards Silas' room, leaving Lizzy to look forlornly after them.

"Go with him." Red urged. "Francis, you too." he glanced at the boy, his eyes shifting to Lizzy. The look passing between them conveyed a wealth of information.

Francis nodded his understanding, "Come on," he hooked Liz's arm with his, "let's get Silas situated before Kaplan gets here."

Without a backward glance, Liz took off towards the guards, her hand reaching for and grasping Silas' as she came alongside him.

Red closed his eyes, settling his rage in the silence. Taking a deep breath quelled the desire to put a bullet in Meyer's the moment he saw the asshole.

Just barely.

"Raymond," Dembe broke the quiet after a couple moments, "we have little time."

Red checked on Lizzy. She walked in behind the guards, disappearing into Silas' room with Francis by her side. Content she was secure for the time being, Red turned in the needed direction.

"Let's get this over with." he could, in reality, not wait to begin.

---

Liz closed the door behind her with a definite click, stalking down the hallway.

Nearing the spacious foyer, she pulled up short when a muffled pop echoed down the long corridor. The sound carried past her, reverberating off the expensive marble.

She glanced back, the sound a vaguely familiar one. Craning her neck, she looked about for the others when Red and Dembe emerged from the far end of the opposite hall.

Red glanced upward, catching sight of her. He headed her direction, as stiff in his stride as she was in hers.

Hesitating, Red frowned. "Is something wrong?"

No one informed him of Silas' condition during the interrogation of their unwelcome visitor.

"Kaplan kicked me out." Liz scowled, her pretty lips pinching their irritation.

Red's frown deepened, he had never heard Lizzy address Kate in such a perturbed manner. "Is Silas–"

"He's okay. In pain, granted." If she wasn't so worried, she'd kick her guard's ass for getting that involved. "Had to redo some stitching and give him pains meds, but otherwise, he's all right."

"Then, what's the problem?"

"She made me leave because they were changing him and he needed to pee." she rolled her eyes. "As if I've never seen a naked man piss before."

Dembe ducked his head, hiding his smile for her put out manner.

Red felt a reluctant smile pull at his lips, his anger over the evening events lessening somewhat. But Lizzy always had that effect on him.

She was his calm in the storm.

"Well, a man is entitled to some privacy, Lizzy." Red leaned, kissing her.

"I just don't think Silas would have minded." she pouted. "In fact, he seemed comforted that I was there." she lifted her chin obstinately.

"Probably because he knew where you were," Joe smiled as he came near. "Haven't you noticed, trouble follows you like–"

"Yes, yes..." Liz scoffed her disgust.

Joe gasped a humored grunt when the impact of Liz's pointed elbow jabbed his side hard as he came alongside her.

"I'm like a magnet for lunatics..." she quoted her guard, "like I haven't heard that before."

Joe chuckled under his breath, idly rubbing his stomach.

She pulled a face at the guard before directing her attention to Red. "What happened on your end."

"I would be to blame in this case," Red gave Joe a scolding look for antagonizing her.

"How?" Liz demanded to know, ready to defend Red.

"They used the damned chip." Red gestured to the tracker in his shoulder.

Kate Kaplan exited the room down the hall, a critical look on her face.

Dembe took off towards the woman, meeting her halfway. They exchanged murmured statements.

"What?" Liz's eyes widened with surprise at the information. "But Red, only certain people knew about–"

"Like Tom?" Red lifted his brows as Kaplan approached. "I am in need of your services." The woman was summarily informed.

"I heard..." Kaplan said with a simplicity which nullified any response. She sat her bag down, rifling through its contents.

"Red, what are you doing?" Liz bit her lip nervously.

She had a pretty good idea what the man had planned the minute he sat and unbuttoned his shirt.

"What if something happens and we need to find you?" she protested his intended actions. "You can't remove that... please."

Kaplan continued her motions, sitting her scalpel aside before preparing a syringe.

Dembe threaded a needle, and then another, sitting the prepared objects alongside the rest of Kaplan's gear.

"I will replace it with one of my own," Red soothed Liz's worry.

Joe stepped forward, then hesitated when Liz gave him a deep, angry frown. He side-stepped her, making a wide arc towards Red, sitting a small tube on the table.

"I am the bearer of better quality spy gadgets." he indicated the new device.

Liz winced when Kaplan stepped forward, poking Red, slowly depressing the plunger.

"We...we can change the frequency or..." Liz inched closer, her hand grasping the one Red held aloft.

"I will not risk your safety." Red relaxed the more the numbing agent took effect. "It'll be fine, I promise."

Kate probed the area, keeping her fingers in place when she felt the imprint of the tracker below his skin. Dembe stepped forward, handing her the scalpel.

Liz squeezed Red's hand hard watching Kaplan cut into Red's flesh with practiced ease. A rivulet of blood trailed down his chest as Kate ran her fingers under the pocket of skin, easing the chip free.

Dembe tapped the tube in his palm, releasing the other, smaller tracker into Kate's capable hands.

Joe smiled happily at Liz for his part in solving the stumbling block.

Squinting, Kate slid her fingers back into the open wound, situating the new device in place.

"Check your system," she advised, her curt tone no-nonsense, "before I close him up."

Dembe and Joe pulled phones free, swiftly finding the frequency of the activated tracker.

"I want that thingy," Liz pointed aimlessly, "on my phone too."

"It already is." Joe said. "Silas hijacked your cell when you were doing PT. It's already uploaded."

"We need to vacate." Red interrupted the prattle.

"No." Liz shook her head adamantly. "Silas is in pain. He needs to rest, and this time... he better actually do it."

Red shifted, allowing Kate room to work on sewing up his collar-bone, "...Lizzy–"

"No, we aren't going." Liz lifted her chin stubbornly. "They can find us anywhere, Red."

Lizzy was right. There really were only a few places that were completely safe. And even those weren't foolproof.

Completing her task, Kaplan tossed her essentials in a protected baggie.

"Besides," Liz reasoned, "we have a tactical advantage here. The place is crawling with security, the house is reinforced, obviously." she reminded, gesturing to the windows that prevented the earlier threat. "There really is nowhere more contained."

Dembe and Joe nodded absently for both agreed with her assessment.

Sighing, Red shifted his attention to Dembe and Joe, "You're all in agreement with this?"

Joe looked to Dembe, seeking his acceptance.

"We got this." Joe assured. "Granger's got men everywhere. Hell, they came out of the woodwork when the shit hit the fan. They're in the bushes, closets... storm grates."

Red needed to find a way to thank Antonio for his thoughtfulness. It was because of the older man, Red's team were all able to rest and recuperate, knowing Granger's team covered their backs.

"With all the men on hand," Joe added, further sweetening the pot, "the shifts are shorter, allowing everyone to be more alert."

"If you're set on added security," Liz suggested, "we could give the impression we're leaving."

"I think I get where you're going with this," Red said, "...Joe, get a couple cars lined up, please."

"I will alert Granger of the new plans." Dembe excused himself as well.

Liz looked after the man. "...They don't know the plan yet." she whispered to Red.

Red grinned at her, confidant Dembe actually did.

"Thank you, Dembe," Red called after his departing friend. "Kate, if you would stay a moment."

"Let me guess," Kate snapped her bag closed, her expression a staid one, "I'm playing bait."

Liz frowned, not liking the idea at all. "Red, you can't expect Mr. Ka–"

"All I want her to do," Red eased any worry, "is drop the chip in an appropriate area." he soothed Lizzy's worry. "Justin will see to Kate's welfare."

"Don't worry, sweetie," Kate assured Elizabeth herself, "I know the drill."

"If you would pack a bag?" Red asked. "I'll be along in a moment."

"Where are you going?" Liz asked, hesitating at the elevator.

"Alerting Silas of the game plan." Red sighed. "Keep him in the loop."

A few minutes later, Red took the first step to head upstairs when the elevator door opened, revealing Lizzy struggling with several suitcases. She pushed one out of the lift with her foot.

Red rushed over, grasping the two remaining. He glanced expectantly at the lightness of the usually heavy suitcases.

"I wasn't packing all our stuff for a fifteen minute drive." Liz rolled her eyes.

She tapped the lightweight bags, smiling. "Pillows."

Red looked them over, smiling his approval. They looked packed to the brim from the outside.

The others gathered quickly, heading for the cars... Lizzy making a good show of lugging her bags to the front stoop until Joe stepped forward, 'assisting' the woman in her struggles.

"Take the other bag," Liz sighed heavily, when the man made to grab her smaller make-up bag, "you twit."

"It would appear sexist if I didn't believe you could handle the larger bag." Joe grinned at his own wit.

"Unless you want me to fold you in half," Liz narrowed her pretty eyes, "and stuff you in that bag..." she motioned to the little one.

Red grasped the large bag, shoving it hard into Joe's chest, breaking the man's amused chuckle off with an 'oof'.

"It is not sexist," Red arched his brow, "if you are being a gentleman."

Liz pulled a face, crossing her eyes at her guard, taking Red's outstretched hand as she stepped off the raised step.

"If you only packed this light all the time." Joe smirked, following behind the two.

"Like that's gonna happen." Liz came back readily.

With an exaggerated grunt, Joe tossed the bag into the back of the SUV.

Red opened the back door, placing himself between the guard and his ticked off better-half.

Joe made quiet a show, stretching his 'aching' back as he passed.

"You can fold him in half," Red promised, "when we get back."

Liz climbed up in backseat, thumping Joe's head in passing, ignoring his mirth. She glanced at the others as they efficiently took their place before pulling from the drive.

"We got a possible tail." Joe confirmed, having checked in the rear-view mirror. "Car just pulled out a block back"

Red shrugged his indifference, relaxing into the comfort of his seat. Granger would take care of any difficulties should they arise but...after all, it was expected they would be followed. They were prepared.

"How long do you think it will take," Liz yawned, "to shake them?"

"Not long." Red smiled softly, beckoning the woman to lean against him.

Making their way out of the neighborhood, Joe kept a running tab on their shadow until they neared the interstate.

"Lay down, Lizzy." Red patted his lap. "Keep low."

"...And quiet." Joe called from the front. "Men are working up here."

"That's a change from the norm...loser." Liz snapped but was hard pressed to hold her amusement.

Liz lay her head on Red's thighs, as asked, after a fashion. "Why am I doing this again?"

"The other cars only had three occupants," Joe reminded. "Now, ours does too. It will be harder to distinguish between the vehicles."

Losing herself in the soothing sensation of Red massaging her scalp, Liz barely registered the large vehicle as it began a serpentine like motion across the lanes.

Joe and Dembe's low conversation with the other teams, a comforting white noise.

"You still awake?" Red murmured.

"Barely." she yawned once more. "But I'm ready for anything!" she readied herself to be on high alert, shaking the pleasant sensations determinedly.

"Yeah," Red smiled down at her, "you should be ready to hold on tight. Just in case."

"To what?" she wondered.

"Anything that's available down there." Red grinned at his joke.

Narrowing her eyes, Liz purposely nuzzled her cheek against the bulge in Red's pants. She smirked her own amusement when the man sent her a scolding look.

"You said... anything." she batted her eyes.

Joe sniggered quietly in the front as he aligned their vehicle with the other of Red's group.

A mile down, the cars neared each other once more, waiting patiently for their window of opportunity.

A window, fast approaching.

"Here we go," Red alerted Lizzy, seeing the moment on the horizon.

She gripped the center seat belt tightly, edging closer into the seat, bracing her foot on the door's panel.

The car bounced lightly as their speed increased, giving Liz a sense of flying.

Speeding past the semi-trucks, the vehicles quickly assumed the frontal position.

The large semi crept in behind them, blocking the tail car's access, allowing all three in their convoy to swap places discretely.

Once the semi passed the other semi, Joe sped down the open stretch in front of the other two SUV's.

"You have a go." Joe muttered to Kaplan's escort as the tail car came directly abreast of the lead semi.

Kaplan's team broke free from the middle of the pack, aiming for an off ramp. Granger quickly closed the gap, denying the enemy a much-needed exit.

Hovering in the right-hand lane, Granger watched Kaplan's team, shadowing their movements on the service road. Justin made a sharp turn on a side road which lead to a more white-collar residential area of town.

Red could see the headlights of their pursuers nearing.

"You're up." Granger advised Joe.

Gunning the large vehicle, Joe sped past Granger's team, speeding down the nearest exit.

Granger's team kept pace, once again blocking the tail car should they wish to follow.

Once on the service road, Joe sped down the open stretch, running a light just moments before it flicked to red.

Liz giggled as she jostled haphazardly in the seat, her nose poking Red in the tummy.

"What the hell are you doing!" she tittered softly as they swung in a wide loop, heading back the direction they came.

Red looked just in time to see Granger break away from the tail, driving like a bat out of hell, leading them south.

"Where are they going?" Liz asked for she couldn't see what was happening.

"Francis has a nice reception planned, small but intimate affair." Joe smirked. "Invitation only."

"And Kaplan?" Red enquired as to the woman's wellbeing.

"Five miles north-east of us," Dembe alerted. "She's dropping the chip... now."

Red breathed a little easier knowing Kaplan was safe. "Take us back to Antonio's before they get wise to the dupe."

In less than fifteen minutes, they were pulling behind Antonio's place. Joe pulled the SUV into a garage, now hidden from view.

Shaking Lizzy from her light doze, Red chuckled. The woman sat up, her heavy eyes blinking. Emerging from the vehicle with eyes half-mast, she muddled a barely legible good-night to the guys. She waved a half-hearted gesture, stumbling into Red's solid frame as he led the way.

The man's eyes softened, cuddling her close, guiding her towards the door and through the kitchen.

"You had a long day." Red commiserated, gently guiding her to the elevator.

Nodding, she turned in his hold, laying her head against his chest once inside the lift. Red pushed the appropriate buttons, waiting amiably. The elevator came to a gliding stop, then opened.

"Well then," he led her towards their room, a small smile playing at his lips, "as exciting as this has been..."

"Something even more exciting awaits?" she yawned, tittering softly under her breath. "Right?"

Red had meant the statement to be an innocent one, Lizzy was clearly exhausted from her turbulent day.

Who knew the woman would perk up to such an extent, hearing what she believed was sexual innuendo.

"No, sweetheart," Red kissed her temple, "I wouldn't do that to you." he grinned after a moment's hesitation. "Well, normally, perhaps but... no," he sighed mentally, "not tonight."

"I never thought I would hear those words," Liz teased, "out of your mouth."

"Blasphemy, eh?" he teased right back.

The sound of the elevator stopped them dead in their tracks.

Red glanced at the bedroom door which waited a mere hair's breadth away.

They were so close, just a few more steps and they would have been ensconced in their sanctuary.

Antonio emerged from the lift, looking resplendent as ever in a dark tuxedo complete with a masculine pocket square and a flower in his lapel.

"Elizabeth, mio piccola..." he held out his hands, stepping forward, "don't you look lovely this evening."

The woman clasped his hands warmly, having hastily rushed to meet the man.

She glanced down to her matching grey t-shirt and sweats she donned before the road trip, gulping nervously.

Red grinned when Lizzy pulled self-consciously at the tails of her open-front cardigan, discretely hiding the thin 'V' neck that allowed a beautiful glimpse of her cleavage and cold nipples.

"Oh, no... you," she corrected politely, deflecting the attention, "take my breath away!" she gushed but the man was impressive and still very handsome.

Antonio chuckled, his manner putting the woman at ease... for all of two seconds.

"How charming," his attention turned almost casually. "Reddington, might I impose? Just a few seconds from your beautiful lady's side."

It had not been a request although Antonio had made it sound so.

"I," Liz stepped forward, the nervous tick in her stomach acting up once again, "broke Maria's lovely vase."

"... Did you?" Antonio's eyes twinkled mischievously. "Well... I'm certain it was an accident."

"Well..." Liz bit her lip anxiously. How could she possibly explain the events which lead up to the shattered keepsake?

"No matter. A vase is easily replaced." Antonio caressed her cheek gently. "You on the other hand, are irreplaceable." he leaned, kissing her forehead. "It is family which is more important, yes."

Liz threw Red a desperate look. "Family is so important," she agreed hastily, "but priceless treasures are also..."

Antonio waved the issue aside. "I will take Maria back to Italy that she may find a replacement. Do not concern–"

"It was from Italy?!" Liz was astonished.

"I will take care of... matters below, Antonio, as I'm sure you know." Red interceded.

"...He was there too." Liz pointed at Red. "He broke a wine glass."

Red coughed to conceal the small snort of amusement. The little imp threw him under the bus.

"Did he now?" Antonio shifted amused eyes Red's way, holding his smile when Elizabeth nodded emphatically.

"You will be curious as to the 'why', I imagine?" Red continued, reading the man's expression well enough.

"An old man's curiosity must be satisfied."

Red knew the words were another way of saying, Antonio wanted the names of anyone stupid enough to invade the sanctuary he established for his family and friends.

"You aren't old!" Liz was aghast, fixated on the other man's words. "No one could ever apply that word to you, Antonio! Ever!"

The man chuckled again, bringing her hand to his lips in turn. "You amuse me, bella."

"I'll only be a second." Red's fingers trailed from hers.

Liz stood, watching them traverse the short distance to the elevator at which time, both men turned... looking back at the rather comical expression on her face.

Liz blinked, unsure of exactly what they were waiting for.

Red discretely motioned to their bedroom.

"Oh!" she jarred to reality. Antonio wished her to the safety of the bedroom until Red's return.

"Sweet dreams, angel..." Antonio threw a small kiss her way.

Red held his smile, enjoying Lizzy's flush of pleasure. Wishing the man a good evening, in seconds, she ducked into the sanctuary of the bedroom, shutting the door behind her.

Releasing the hold on the elevator, the door closed, blocking sight of the hallway.

---

Liz gratefully leaned into the door, taking a few brief seconds to allow its support.

Surveying the room absently, she rushed to close every blind and curtain available to her. Once in the darkened room, she felt comfortable enough turning on the small light by her bedside.

She was lost for a few moments, both in thought and deed.

Automatically, the woman began her nighttime routine without conscience thought. By the time she rinsed off, brushed her teeth and hair... the day's events caught up with her.

With eyes half-mast, lids weary with the need for sleep, she crawled into the beds comfort, snuggling into the pillows awaiting her.

The small light on the table soothed, not troubled. She sighed happily, pulling the covers closer about her bare shoulders.

She would just lay here, get warm and rest her eyes and Red and Antonio...

Her blue eyes few open wide. Liz drew in a small gasp of a whimper. "Antonio!" her eyes widened further. "... Maria!"

She had deliberately broken their vase! Maliciously and with malice of forethought! All because she wanted to provoke a sniper into taking a shot at–

"Oh my God!" Visions of Antonio's stylish, correction... formerly stylish, drawing room..

"Oh, hell!" she irritated, sitting straight up in bed, hastily throwing aside the blankets.

She padded to the end of the bed, grabbing her robe in her rush to the laptop.

"We managed to single-handedly demolish Maria's beautifully decorated room within the matter of moments!" she bemoaned. "What kind of people are we?"

Antonio was likely reaming Red's ass at this exact moment, for something that was her fault!

Well, not the sniper part. Who Meyer's was there for exactly, was still in question.

This could be all Red's fault.

She plopped into a nearby chair, opening her laptop, her fingers swiftly flying over the keyboard.

"What do I Google?" she waved her fingers nervously about in the air. "What the hell do I search?"

She typed in 'expensive Italian vases', quickly replacing the search with 'ridiculously expensive Italian vases'.

Hastily surveying the page as it loaded, she groaned her dismay. No prices were listed. Meaning... these things were priceless!

Dropping her face into her palms, she whined pitifully.

"What am I gonna do?" she wailed to no one in particular, her voice sounding oddly hysterical even to her own ears. "What... am I going to do?"

Nothing came to mind.

She stared at the Google search bar, racking her brain, willing it to arrive at a sensible, logical... inexpensive solution.

And that is exactly how Red found her upon his arrival.

He halted in his leisurely trek, something alerting him to... a problem. "What are we doing?"

He expected to find her, well... asleep. She was clearly worried, the wild blue eyes lifting soulfully abject.

"What are we going to do?"

Red mistook the mood. He drew in a long breathe, exhaling slowly.

"I'm sure after we receive another correspondence, rifled with threats and a list of our shortcomings within the next few days, we'll be better able to form our future plans." he shrugged, "I wouldn't be overly concerned, were I you."

Liz's brow furrowed attractively. "I meant," she slid the laptop aside, clearly ready to admit defeat, "about Antonio's house and Maria's vase!"

Red was taken aback by the rising temperament.

"I attribute this to you." she had time to consider all aspects. "I don't know how but... I'm pretty sure... it's your fault."

Red took his time in thinking the issue through. "Antonio's house..." he mused.

"And," she wasn't going to let him forget, "Maria's vase!"

"The one you threw at me for no reason what-so-ever?" he was enjoying this conversation... now that he understood its parameters.

Those blue eyes closed with mortification. "It was priceless, you know."

"All things have a price." he had lived long enough to know.

"Well, none that I can afford!"

"Then why did you throw it?" he barely kept his growing amusement under wraps.

"You're not helping!" she pouted.

He chuckled his mirth. "Antonio doesn't care about–"

"I care!" Elizabeth brought her hands to her breasts.

"Little nipples are still cold, I see." Red noticed her pert breasts.

Elizabeth gasped her indignation. "This is not funny!"

"It's a little amusing." Red differed. "I will replace everything we demolished, Elizabeth... you know that."

"I broke the vase." He just wasn't getting it.

"Let me have my way with you, and we'll call it even." his eyes swept her frame once more.

Red ran a brushing stroke against his wayward cock for responding to the woman's deepening pout. It used to surprise him, the things she did that would turn him on.

He had since become accustomed to the sensation and enjoyed it.

His new favorite today; Lizzy in a panic state. It was an adorable sight.

Especially since he knew... there was no reason to worry.

"You're impossible!" she turned, her mind still working out the 'impossible' situation she now found herself within. "You're such a... man."

"I am that." Red couldn't have agreed more. "But... I can wait." he philosophized, sensing her mood would not be changing tonight. "There's something to be said for accosting you first thing in the morning." his eyes softened, imaging the picture suggested.

He particularly enjoyed their lovemaking in the morning. Lizzy was especially cuddly in the morning.

Liz offered a glare.

"...Or not." he hid his grin. "I'll take care of everything. Don't give it a second thought."

The glare deepened.

"All right," Red crossed his arms, "I will put it another way."

He walked to the woman, his eyes steadily holding hers. "Either you trust I will do as promised and stop worrying or–"

"Or, what?" she narrowed her eyes dangerously.

"Or, I'll call Antonio up," Red poked the woman, "and tell him his little angel is distressed... anxious. "

Liz frowned... anxiously.

"Elizabeth," Red sighed, "Antonio would forgive you anything." he stressed. "But if you do not do as he suggested and rest... he will be very displeased."

Liz's shoulders slumped in defeat before allowing Red to guide her back towards the bed.

"You'd tell him too..." she grumbled, "you'd rat me out?"

"Just like you'd throw me under the bus." Red sighed his contentment when the woman slid free of her robe, showing the naked form that had been hidden beneath.

"Technically, I didn't." she defended herself.

"Technically, you did."

"I can't believe you'd sell me down the river..." she climbed tiredly onto the cushy mattress, yawning, "the woman you profess to love."

Red's mouth twitched, watching the woman snuggle into the blankets. "In this case, because I do love you so much... I would drop the dime on you in a heartbeat."

"They shouldn't call you Concierge of Crime," she murmured, fighting to keep her eyes open. "They should call you Deep Throat."

"In this relationship," Red grinned wryly, "that title should really be awarded to you."

"You wish..." she scoffed.

Sitting beside her, Red leaned, bracing his forearms beside her small frame. He reached, brushing the bangs from her eyes.

"What I wish," he gently rubbed his nose against the silk of her cheek, "is for you to forget everything... and sleep." he murmured. "You have more than earned it."

"You're pretty sweet," she sighed her contentment, "for a stool-pigeon."

His eyes lit with repressed delight as he leaned to kiss her full mouth... only to have it move from his path.

"But you're still a dirty little traitor," she grumbled, turning in his arms.

Red held his reflexive laugh, kissing her shoulder instead. "Perhaps, but it's for your own good."

He pushed from the bed and stood. "I'll get my good-night kiss and cuddle when I return."

"If I allow it, you mean?" Liz countered sleepily. "Maybe I want you to sleep on the couch."

"That's fine," Red replied. "I would imagine, with your fondness for couches now," he patted her bottom playfully, "you'll end up over there with me anyway so..."

"Oh!" she tsked irritably, chucking a pillow at his head.

He dodged the flying projectile, quickly making a tactical retreat to the bathroom. Once inside, he allowed a deep, resonating chuckle.

He hoped she didn't hear it but if she did... he chuckled again. His life would never be boring with a woman of Lizzy's temperament.

What a wonderful future to look forward to...

---

Red's eyes softened as he glanced across the room. Lizzy tucked her legs, settling into the couch, her eyes flitting rapidly over the newest file Cooper had passed on.

Seeing Elizabeth back in her home and so comfortable, soothed the man greatly.

As promised, Kaplan had performed an exemplary job, putting the house back to rights, as though nothing untoward happened. Only a few vases, most likely broken in the skirmish, were missing. That Red had noticed was a testimony to just how familiar this place had become.

Freshly plastered and painted walls, reinforced doors and windows Lizzy chose herself, were in place. New cameras, installed in five foot increments, lined the fence of the property.

None of it compared to Lizzy knowing Silas and the rest of her guys were intact and well, Red knew.

Glancing at his desk top, he groaned dismally, pulling the basket of mail closer, resigned to his lot in life.

Though gone but a short time, there was a stockpile of mail to sift through. Without thought, Red sorted them automatically, quickly establishing order from chaos.

Sighing heavily, he drew a couple new letters addressed to Lizzy closer. He stared moodily at the by-now, recognizable print.

Focused on her file, Lizzy didn't notice the tension in his shoulders as he tore into the envelopes.

He scanned the typeface rapidly, having unfolded the letter inside.

His brow furrowed the more he perused the same gibberish that jackass always wrote.

When are you going to realize you're a victim of Stockholm Syndrome?

Reddington has kept you sequestered so long, you can no longer see the truth.

He keeps you behind lock and key to control you.

The guards don't protect you; they keep you contained.

Now, you blindly follow his lead and do his bidding without question.

Get away from him and you'll see I'm right.

Red once again read the letter, scowling. When had Tom's vision of the woman become so skewed? Stockholm Syndrome my ass. Red mused, a brow quirking at the absurdity of it all.

If she were a Stockholm Syndrome victim... Lizzy was doing it all wrong.

The minute Lizzy didn't impress him with her spirited temper, obstinate countenance, or question him about anything under the sun... surely was the day hell would freeze over.

The attributes he mentally listed, were just a few of the many reasons he loved the woman so deeply.

Elizabeth obviously also had free rein of movement, coming and going as she pleased with her guards... her ragtag family, at her side.

What was this bastard seeing that Red never would?

Intellectually, he was aware Tom Keen had lost what little mind he had. But to infer Red held Elizabeth against her will was perplexing, even for that psychopath.

"Oh, goody," Red muttered under his breath slicing the letter opener into yet another communication, "I wait with bated breath."

You are becoming a shadow of who you once were.

Instead of shunning Reddington...

You now stand at his side, as if it's your rightful place.

I keep telling myself it's a ruse to gain answers you seek.

We tried to free you of his control and deception and you fought us.

You fought alongside Reddington's men.

Why won't you listen to reason, Elizabeth?

An unbidden smile curved Red's mouth, the third-party observation delighting him. He always believed Lizzy's rightful place was by his side... his partner in all things.

It was about time people recognized Elizabeth's status as a formidable opponent.

"What did he say this time?" Liz muttered, flipping the page of her file breaking Red from his quiet musing.

"Who?" Red asked, tossing the letters aside.

"...Red," she lifted scolding eyes.

Sighing, Red inclined his head respectfully. It was better Lizzy remain apprised of the situation. The more information available to her, the safer she would be.

"He mentioned my many shortcomings." Red tilted his head, aimlessly reaching for a pen. "How destructive any association with me will be. In short," he sought her out, "...I'm evil incarnate."

"One of your finer qualities..." she winked. "What else?"

"Apparently, you are a victim of Stockholm Syndrome." he watched for her reaction. "Were you aware?"

"The old, Stockholm Syndrome ploy, eh?" she grinned, replaying their rambunctious lovemaking session before departing Antonio's home. "Is it fashionable once again? Am I in vogue?"

Red smiled gently at her jesting.

"What an odd observation on his part." she mused. "Can't he see me coming and going as I please?"

Red agreed, "What he sees is you behind an iron gate..." he explained. "A prisoner by any other name. He sees what he wants to see."

Liz shrugged her indifference. "Was that all?" she scowled. "You were so pensive, there must be more."

"You're ruined," he stated bluntly, waiting to see how she would define that observation. Hoping beyond hope, she didn't take this shit to heart.

Liz giggled, "Ruined for other men, maybe."

"Is that so?" Red arched his brow, his interest caught. He had to admit... he enjoyed her praise despite the moment. Knowing he pleased her on some level, felt very good.

"Oh, hell yeah..." Liz's appreciative eyes flit over his stocky form.

Red pushed from the chair, closing the door. He smiled warmly hearing her quiet giggling behind him. He turned, his gaze masculine and appraising.

"In broad daylight, Red?" Liz chuckled merrily. "What will people think?" she tsked playfully, reading the unspoken invitation.

"I would hope they would wish me well in my endeavors," Red said, crossing slowly, approaching her confidently.

"...Right here, on this couch?" a provocative smile curved her soft lips.

"You like couches..." Red reminded tongue-in-cheek, "though, any surface will suffice." If he were truthful with himself.

He sat beside her, lifting his arm in welcome when she scooted closer. The sound of his ringing phone interrupted the playful moment.

"We should be used to this by now." Liz's giggle was now a contagious one.

"Yes?" Red clipped, not exactly sharing her opinion on the interruption.

"It's me," Francis replied cheerfully in greeting, ignoring the rather cool welcome.

Red automatically placed the phone on speaker, letting Lizzy hear any and all of the conversation.

"Was there anything of interest left after the skirmish?" Red asked, dreading the answer.

"Just a couple grainy pictures taken at a distance of you two standing around, being human targets and whatnot," Francis shrugged any real concern away.

Red breathed a sigh of relief. It was bad enough that not only the Cabal, but Tom, violated Lizzy's privacy. To do so when she was sharing a private intimacy? The thought disgusted him.

Liz relaxed, pleased with the results. They had seen precisely what she and Red planned.

"And a note," Francis turned the paper in his hand, staring at it skeptically, "basically says, he's got you in his sites and to watch your back." he chuckled at such a feeble threat. "He does know he's one of many, right?"

"Maybe he thinks he'll be the lucky one." Red quipped.

"He thinks wrong, apparently." Francis smirked, offering his opinion. "He had ample opportunity and failed... what a loser."

If it had not been for Antonio's foresight to invest in the reinforced windows, it could have ended differently. The sniper had been professional. Granted, the man lacked any loyalty what-so-ever, but the hired-gun had a higher than average quota on his shot hitting the mark.

"You want me to leave a response?" Francis prodded the older man, hoping to gain a reaction to the taunt.

"If at first you don't succeed," Red gave his own opinion of the people which they dealt, along with his own warning, "... try again."

Francis gleefully jotted down the requested message. "You want me to add if he harms Lizzy you'll rip off his nutsack and shove it up his ass?"

"While poetic," Red rubbed weary eyes, "let's not waste time on the man, keep it short and sweet."

"Ahh," Francis grinned knowingly, biting the end of his pen, resuming the message where he left off, "that reverse psychology jazz."

"We're wasting our time. This coward won't be back to see it." The young man jauntily tacked the note to the wall. "We still on for the meeting with Antonio?"

"Yes, " Red confirmed the meeting then related other needed information before ending the call.

Grimacing, Liz looked apologetically at the man beside her. "I'm sorry Tom's such a–"

"Don't you dare apologize for that sorry excuse, Elizabeth."

Liz could argue Tom was her ex-husband... her baggage. But they both knew it wasn't that simple.

Tom wasn't just an annoying ex-husband who didn't know when to go away.

He was a thief, killer, spy... among other things. He possessed a unique set of skills most ordinary ex-husband's did not.

"I don't care if he takes pictures of my bare ass..." Red told the truth. "Who hasn't seen that." he railed.

Liz's smile quirked. "Been a few of those, has there?"

Red threw her an impatient glance. "Your ass is different."

"It's not like he hasn't seen it all, Red." she reminded, albeit, half-way embarrassed.

"Not since I've taken possession of it, he hasn't." Red grumbled. "Nor will he ever again."

A twinkle sparked her eyes. "You're kind of cute," she cuddled closer, "when you're being possessive."

"It's a gift." Red shrugged lackadaisically, his expression sobering. "Has Tom been bothering you?"

"Red, he shot at us–"

"Besides that." Red wanted to know, dismissing such an insignificant ploy.

"It must be nice to be so blasé about people trying to kill you." Liz was somewhat bothered Red didn't seem to be.

"No matter how tedious that trash may be," he waved the letters off irritably, "I'm not talking about that stupidity, and you well know it." he eyed the woman suspiciously. "Has he approached you in person?"

Elizabeth and Silas had a special knack for leaving Red out of the loop, and he damn well knew it.

"Approached, no." she sat her file aside, turning to face Red. "He's getting more bold," she admitted, rubbing Red's hand, calming his ire, "testing the boundary limits Silas has in place."

Red really needed to have to talk with Silas about communication. And that he should really have more of that... with his damn boss.

"And you," Red's brows lifted, "is he testing yours?"

"I got a little carried away last night, I guess." she could admit to a failing. "...I let him get to me, I suppose."

"This little shopping excursion you're planning today," he needled, "it wouldn't be a means to draw Tom out again, would it?"

"I'm meeting Lia for coffee and then we're going on the hunt for vases." she tsked.

"Lizzy..." Red sighed, damn well knowing the woman was calculating the limit on her credit card, "I have already replaced Maria's vase, I told you that."

"Well, I don't know how you could." Liz snarked. "How do you replace an irreplaceable item." she wondered aloud.

"By purchasing a Botticelli, Maria has secretly coveted for years."

"And where did you get this..." she shook her hand in the air, "... never mind, I don't want to know."

He laughed sensually. "Yes you do."

"Can I see it?"

"No, you'll break it somehow."

"Well," she pouted for all of two seconds then reached, stroking a tender finger down Red's jawline. "I'm still going shopping... besides, they invited us to their anniversary dinner," she reminded, "we would be terrible guests' if we didn't have gifts."

Was he being played? It bothered him he couldn't tell. She was getting better at the game.

He could put a stop to it, of course. If he interfered, it would only delay the inevitable. But stop it? No.

He had done all he could to ensure Lizzy's safety, or at the very least, provided her a fighting chance to survive.

Now, it was up to Elizabeth and her guards to make the best of any situation in his absence.

"Besides," her mouth curved into a soft smile, "Silas will be there."

Red couldn't help the involuntary sigh of resignation.

She chuckled, praising her guard's virtue. "Silas is like a snake, waiting to strike at the right moment."

"You're quoting him." Red cocked a wry brow.

"Well, I never would say such a weird thing on my own." Liz readily agreed.

"Lizzy, he's dangerous." Red stated quietly.

"Silas?" she was momentarily confused.

"Tom," Red corrected huffing wearily, "Tom is dangerous."

"So are you." she arose gracefully, her fingers trailing away from his. "I'll put my money on...you."

Red's moody gaze followed her movement.

"Well, I'm off to the adult store." she breezed off, a certain sway to those luscious hips.

"Excuse me?" had he heard right?

She halted at the door, smiling sincerely. "You know, I never really gave you anything for our one-month anniversary."

Red remembered the event differently. "You gave me exactly what I wanted. And that was you..."

"So, you don't want anything from the store?" a smile played at her mouth.

"Let me finish up with Antonio and I'll come," he emphasized the word suggestively, "with you."

"Always preferable, but no..." she opened the door with a finality he disliked. "I want this to be a surprise."

"It surprises me you would frequent such a store." his expression somehow expressed hope.

"You disapprove?" she taunted.

"Oh, hell no." he put that belief to rest. "I applaud your noble goals."

Liz offered an airy, breathy giggle.

A million images flashed through his mind of what items he would enjoy Lizzy making use of...

"This surprise," he offered a round about purchase selection, "does it... vibrate?"

"That wouldn't be much of a gift for you, now would it?" she questioned.

"I can't think of anything more stimulating than watching you master its complexities." he rumbled. "If your hands are between your legs to make that happen... I am not one to complain."

Her head canted to the side, "You say the cutest, sweetest things."

Red's eyes dropped to the humid spot between her thighs. "Yeah, I'm a keeper."

"You are that," she threw him a sensual kiss. "I'll make sure one of them vibrates..." she cast her decision finally.

"...One of them?" Red's interest piqued to avid heights.

"If you've taught me nothing," she batted coy eyes at him, "it's that... a gift must have true meaning behind it..."

Red listened, captivated by the level of sensuality radiating from the woman.

"For a man who has everything," she mused, "Surely, one paltry item could never... satisfy." she literally caressed the word, her expression causing Red's cock to expand as if she had demanded it.

Red leaned, retrieving his billfold.

"...Baby, take my card." he handed it over, readily. "I insist."