Yorkshire, England – Present Day

"And that," Henry toggled the screen, "Is the last of them."

John nodded, leaning over the map on the table. "I'll want to walk the property, to get a look at the ground they cover and see if there's anything the electronic age'll miss."

"I never took you for a luddite."

"I'm not a luddite."

"Says the man doubting the efficacy of my technology."

"Everything fails Henry."

"Not this stuff." Henry knocked his knuckles against the terminal. "This'll survive the apocalypse if I've got anything to say about it."

"Not sure you'll survive the apocalypse."

"And you're someone who will?"

"No, but I am someone who knows that there's more than one way to skin a cat." John tapped the map. "This isn't topographical."

"So?"

"So that means there are dips and divots in the ground that'll affect the image and scope of the cameras." John pointed about the room as he spoke. "Plus, there's light and shadow to consider. Not to mention bad weather, the consistency of the algorithms for the rotations, whether the footage could be hacked and then whether it could be looped to create a bypass, and then-"

"Okay, okay." Henry sighed, "Just because you wear your tinfoil hat so well doesn't mean you need to give me the third degree about it."

"Just making sure you've not put all your hopes on a system that'll fail me if someone with a big enough set of bolt cutters and a large wrench decide to take their anger out on a power grid or an electric box."

"That's a little…" Henry paused, pursed his lips, and shook his head. "This system's not that easy to crack you know?"

"No?"

"No. I specifically designed it with redundancies and backups and glitch protection to ensure that…" Henry sighed, "I gave this my all, John."

"I trust that."

"Do you?"

"Of course." John pointed at the computers, "But someone can always crack one of those and there's someone out there, right now, messing around in the dark of the internet trying to learn to do just that for fun."

"I know all about the insidious army of hackers and incels making their presence known in the depths of cyberspace." Henry stood and stretched, "But I will say two things, before pounding the pavement with you."

"And what two things are those?"

"First, this system is completely removed from any grid or system accessible to the internet… Or it's darker cousin."

"Really?"

"Really" Henry almost looked affronted. "I created this to be independent of an outside server and, therefore, will be harder to hack into."

"But not impossible?"

'Someone'll have a bugger of a time trying. But the second thing," Henry held up a second finger, "This system has a backup generator working from solar power so cutting the power won't be enough to stop it."

"How long's the solar power going to last in the Yorkshire moors?"

"Long enough for, and we'll call this second subsection one, the trigger that is alerted if the power is cut."

"Trigger?"

"Yes, the trigger that sends an immediate call to a security team that's waiting for a call like this one."

"And what if the call's faked?"

"Can't be."

"Anything can be faked."

"Not if the call comes through on a chaos algorithm so it can't be replicated or faked or hacked into because the password changes in a shifting system." Henry folded his arms over his chest, "A system I designed myself."

"You designed the system?" John frowned, "When did you get into designed systems with chaos functions?"

"When I realized that liking maths and physics could play very handily into the computer science expertise I brought to the government work I do." Henry sobered a bit, "Does all that mean you trust my work a bit more?"

John put a hand on Henry's shoulder. "I already trusted your work and your dedication with this system. It's… This map is for my peace of mind."

"So it's not evidence of your lack of trust in me?"

"When did I say I didn't trust you?"

"You kicked me out of your hospital room about a year ago with a rather strident order to never see you again." Henry cringed, "I think the nurses thought we were dating."

"I could do worse." John nudged Henry's shoulder. "And I was wrong then. Wrong enough to know that what I'm asking now might be a chip at your confidence but this is about my ability to do my job."

"You don't think you can do this job?"

"I think I need to give myself a measure more of confidence." John put a hand on his chest. "This is for my peace of mind."

"And mine." Both men looked to the door of the dining room to see Anna standing there, holding Michael on her shoulder. "I'd like to join the tour, if I can."

"The more the merrier." Henry grinned and began packing up his extraneous things. "In fact, I insist."

Anna frowned, "And why is that?"

"Because it means that this brooder might have to stop himself spouting all his doomsday fears about protecting this house and the property." Henry winked at John, "There's only so much fearmongering one can take in a day."

"And here I thought you were of a stronger constitution." John shook his head and turned to Anna, "It'll be good for you to come."

"You're sure?" Anna looked between both men, "I know I'll insist if you say no but I do want to make sure I'll be welcome."

"Safety is crucial to security." John shrugged, "And since it's your security that's in question it's only right that you know where the shadows are."

"Says the man who thinks that every shadow hides a killer." Henry zipped up his bag. "Some killers don't even bother to hide."

"True enough." John bit the inside of his cheek, "But that doesn't change the fact that all it takes is one crack for the ice to break."

"You're mixing metaphors." Henry sighed, "And you don't even play sports."

"Too many close calls in other circumstances."

"Then take this," Henry handed over the map. "For your personal reference."

"Thank you." John pivoted to look at Anna. "Have you got an all-terrain walker for Michael?"

"I've got a baby carrier that'll let me keep him hanging on my chest like a reversed backpack." Anna shrugged at John's curious expression. "He weighs about as much as one of those weighted vests they use for resistance training so it won't be anything more than a hike at increased difficulty."

"I don't want to make you uncomfortable."

"I'll be fine."

"If you…" John swallowed, "If you wanted, I could carry him."

"Could you?"

"Sure." John pointed at his carbon-fiber leg. "I'll count it as my therapy to continue testing the constraints of this thing."

"If you're sure."

"Sure enough." John gave a little smile, "I've done a ruck like this before and this distance… It's not short."

"I suspected not." Anna nodded toward the map, "You own quite the expansive set of grounds."

"I… I do." John tucked the map away. "I wouldn't want you uncomfortable though, on the walk."

"Then I'll make sure we can both take turns holding Michael." Anna jerked her head in Henry's direction. "Maybe even give him a chance to pull his weight."

"I heard that," Henry called from the door. "And not only do I resent the implication that I couldn't participate equally but I'll do you one better and demand to take Michael for myself. He's the only one not dragging me today."

"He's a little sore when we take the mickey, isn't he?" Anna stage-whispered to John as they both moved into the corridor.

"He's a sensitive soul." John jerked his thumb toward his room, "Give me a minute or two to get ready and we can be off?"

"I'll need a bit more time than that but it won't take too long." Anna kissed Michael's head. "You'll probably just fall right back asleep won't you?"

"I'm sure he'll enjoy the view and the nap." John smiled at Michael as the boy's focus-less eyes wandered over the room while his legs kicked sporadically. "It'll be an adventure."

"For all of us." Anna smiled and took Michael into her room.

John watched her go and then caught Henry staring. "Shut up."

"I didn't say anything." Henry put a hand to his chest, grinning widely. "I wouldn't dare."

John only huffed and went into his room.

They prepped for the trip, Anna carrying a knapsack with anything Michael might need while Henry insisted on carrying the baby. Michael, his face directed toward Henry's chest, kicked his legs and turned his head as much as he could at the beginning of the trek. However, just as Anna predicted, the smooth motions of Henry's stride soon sent the boy to sleep.

They walked the property, working a concentric circle out from the house, and John paused them occasionally to mark on the map. His right hand held the map, his long walking stick held in the crook of his elbow as he did, while he marked diligently with his left. Occasionally he marked other spots and made small notes. More than once he caught Anna's eyes flicking toward him but turning away the moment he noticed.

He also noticed, frowning slightly when he did, that Henry kept his pace just beyond theirs to leave John and Anna walking together behind him. And, to add to the façade of 'simply being on a walk', Henry began to chat with Michael's sleeping form. John almost snorted with derision but stopped short when he heard Anna's little laugh at his side.

"What?"

"It's like he thinks we won't notice."

"He knows we do." John tucked the map away, hooking the pen on the collar of his shirt and setting off again. "That's why he's doing it."

"It's like having a chaperone."

"Would we need one?"

Anna shrugged, holding her hands behind her and keeping her steps measured against John's. "Not sure yet."

They stayed quiet for a few more minutes, John making another note on the map and catching Anna's eye as he did. "What?"

"You're not writing in English."

"No."

"But it's not…" Anna frowned at the writing. "Hindi either."

"It's Russian." John shrugged at Anna's raised eyebrows. "You don't get into the Bratva without speaking Russian."

"Are you fluent?"

"I read it at university and then learned all the nuances in the field so I'd hope so." John gave another shrug, as if the impressed look on Anna's face would slough off with the motion. "I can't talk about literature or complex terminology but I could live there almost like a native."

"That's impressive."

"It's… Okay."

"Do you not know how to compliment yourself?"

"I know how to keep myself from resting on my laurels."

"Perhaps you've swung your pendulum a bit too hard in that direction." Anna made a face. "But… I don't know. Maybe it's a good thing."

"How so?"

"It means you're chronically humble."

"I don't want to be that kind of humble."

"What kind?"

"The person who fakes it for compliments." John shook his head, "I'm not one for the spotlight. I don't like people drawing attention to me."

"Quietly doing the noble thing then?"

"I'm not noble." Anna did not respond but John noticed the way her mouth twitched, as if she barely held the edge of her tongue. "But you disagree?"

"I didn't say anything."

"But you want to." John nodded at her, "You can be as frank as you want."

"You're sure?"

"We're living in close quarters, it's best we not walk on eggshells around one another." John swallowed, "Especially after you kissed me."

"You weren't kissing me."

"I didn't want to make the assumption."

"I know." Anna gave him a little smile, "It's your nobility."

"Again, I don't think I'm noble."

"That doesn't surprise me."

"No?"

"Well…" Anna shifted her jaw. "You don't think much of yourself in general so why should you think of yourself as noble?"

"I guess that's fair."

"I don't agree."

"No?"

"No." Anna put out her hand, drawing John to a stop. "And I never have."

"After all I've done-"

"That's the thing," Anna pulled her hand back. "You've done more than you realize. More good, I mean."

"If you knew…"

"But I don't. I only know what I've seen and…" Anna swallowed, "When we were in India you told me you'd risked your soul to do the work you did."

"Yes."

Anna flicked her gaze toward where Henry was pointing out something to the still sleeping Michael resting on his chest. She smiled at the sight and turned back to John as her face sobered. "Do you still believe that?"

"I do."

"But…" Anna sighed, "How can you say that?"

"Because I know what I've done. I know the person I've become to steal secrets, to disable organizations, and to enable the destruction of truly bad people. And you don't bring down filth like that without become filthy yourself." John almost held out his hands, as if they would drip with the refuse but instead clutched tighter at his walking stick. "I've lied, cheated, stolen, betrayed, and killed to do what I did. Those aren't the actions of a good man."

"But you did all those things for a higher purpose."

"I still did them." John shook his head, "At the end of the day, the ends don't justify the means to the soul."

"And you've…." Anna swallowed, "And you've not found peace?"

"About what I did?"

"Maybe?"

John shrugged, "I wasn't ignorant of what I was doing. I did it all fully aware of the kind of person I might become. The nightmares I have, they're just reminders that I'll have to bear the weight of those loads for the rest of my life."

"And that makes you think you don't deserve peace?"

"It wouldn't be just for me to find peace."

"Even being out of your job, or doing what you do now, that's not enough for you to've paid back the price of your actions?"

"I think I'd run the pendulum hard in the other direction if I thought I was the one who could decide what I did or did not deserve in terms of punishment and repentance for what I've done."

"I'm no priest, and I won't pretend to be, but I'd like to think…" Anna sighed and took another breath, "I'd like to think that you could find peace."

"So would I but once you've given away your soul, I'm not sure you get it back like picking up a suit from the cleaners."

"But if you're carrying the weight because you feel like you deserve it, like you need to feel guilty for the rest of your life then…" Anna shook her head, "Then you're the one denying yourself peace."

"Have you found peace?"

"Maybe not entirely but I'm looking for it." Anna put a hand on John's arm, forcing him to look at the earnestness of her face. "Is it too much to ask for that you might find it too?"

"For me, maybe." John huffed, rubbing a hand at the back of his neck. "I've… I've seen things that you wouldn't wish on your worst nightmares. And I've done things almost that bad. All in the name of the greater good and while…"

John forced himself to breathe, "While I believe that what I did accomplished good, and I don't think I'd take back most of what I did in the name of saving more lives down the road, I know there's a price to be paid for that. The bill comes due and if this is my due then…" He forced another breath, "Then I'll pay the price. If this is penance, my walk of Atonement, then I'll do what's necessary to reach the end of it and hope there's still light at the end of the tunnel for me."

Anna's fingers tightened in John's shirt for a second, "Do you believe there could be a light there?"

"I'm not sure people like me get light at the end of their tunnels." John shrugged, "Maybe a misty grey but not light."

"Yes light." Anna's hand slipped from his shirt to grasp John's hand, holding him back from continuing their trek. "There's light for you, John."

"Maybe. But…" John swallowed, "My mother was Catholic. That means, technically, that I'm Catholic. And while I can't claim to be a good Catholic, I know enough about it to have the guilt of being Catholic and that guilt requires that I say there comes a point when you've walked too far from God to still get light."

"I refuse to believe that."

"You do?"

"Of course I do."

John stopped himself scoffing at her response to add a note of sincerity to his question. "Then what do you believe about it?"

"I believe, as John Logan put it, that 'no matter how far you have walked from God, He is still waiting ahead'." Anna clutched at John's hand, "That's the only explanation that keeps me sane and I hope… I want it to help you."

"If I were a different man, maybe." John put his other hand over Anna's. "But the man you saw in India and Nepal… That was only a fraction of the kind of person I've become to do what I did. And he… And I, can't ever be totally clean from that."

"None of us are totally clean of anything." Anna kissed John's fingers and pulled back. "But you don't have to walk alone."

"I don't want anyone else to have to walk this with me."

"Maybe not, but luggage is always easier to manage when you've two people to help carry it." Anna swallowed and her voice lowered slightly, forcing John to move closer to hear her. "I'm here to help you carry it, if you want."

"I don't want to put this on you."

"It's not a burden if I asked to share it with you."

John opened his mouth, closed it, shook his head, and spoke. "I couldn't do that to you. Even if…" He shook his head again. "Even if you think you could carry it with me, I don't want you to have to share this."

"There's no burden of duty for me to offer, John." Anna took a breath, "But if you don't want me to help you then… Then perhaps you can help me."

"Anything." John curled his fingers in her grip to leave them interlocked slightly. "I'd do anything you asked me to."

"Then I want… I want you to stay with me tonight."

John blinked at her, "Because you're scared of something?"

"Because I'm scared for you. And because I think," Anna took a breath and swallowed again. "I think we'll be less afraid in the morning."

"Less afraid of what?"

"Ourselves, maybe?" Anna left a final kiss on their conjoined fingers before she slipped her hands free of John's. "Just think about it… If you want."

"I do… want. I just…" John flexed his fingers, "I don't know if I can."

"Why not?"

"I don't know if I know how."

"Then we could learn it together." Anna extended her hand to him, "If you want and only if you want."

"If I want?"

"I won't drag you along and…" Anna took a breath, "And I won't wait forever. But I'm here, now, and I'm willing to wait until it'll hurt too much to wait anymore."

"I don't want to be a reason you hurt. Ever."

"You won't be." Anna almost took her hand back before John slipped his left hand in her grip. "See? Was that hard?"

"Extremely."

"It gets easier from here." Anna pulled his hand up to kiss the back of it. "I promise it'll get easier if we do this together."

"Then I'll trust you."

"I'm here for you John." Anna tugged him along, "Come on."

"What's the hurry?"

"Henry might leave us out here."

John smiled and adjusted his grip on his walking stick, "Good point."

Their navigation of the estate left them all exhausted and Michael fussy enough for Henry to risk using the word 'cranky'. John kept his opinions to himself and instead went to his bedroom, removing his prosthetic with a sigh before wrapping a heating pad around the rest of his leg. The process forced him to lean back and he sighed as the tension eased in those muscles and the redness of irritated skin soon faded for the redness of heated skin to take its place.

A knock at his door had John looking up to see Henry there, the rest of his gear hanging from his shoulders like a salesman at a sporting event trying to hawk drinks and candy at exorbitant prices. He pointed at the chair in the corner of John's room. "Mind if I take a seat?"

"Can you and your bags fit through the door?"

Henry made a show of removing the straps to leave the bags in organized piles by the door before striding for the chair. It rocked back when he sat on it and Henry took a moment to sigh before pointing at John's leg. "Is the prosthetic giving your trouble?"

"It's working as it should." John nodded at the heating pad. "This is just there to ease the pain of age and use."

"You make it sound like you've just got a pulled muscle in your back."

"Makes it seem a bit more normal." John shrugged, "It's as if me complaining about what I've not got below my knee would make a difference in whether or not it's actually there."

"I…" Henry swallowed. "I'm still sorry, about all that. It was callous and-"

"And it's water under the bridge now." John let out a breath, "But if you feel bad enough to do something about it, then find Vera. Find her and get her behind bars or in the ground. Get her out of my life forever. Get her out of Anna's life forever. Do that and we're square. Do that and I'm just your gimpy friend."

"Then we're friends again? Proper friends?"

"I'd like us to be." John stood, grabbing for his cane and getting the cuff around his lower arm while his hand wrapped the grip to extend his left hand to Henry. "If you'll forgive the way I treated you after it all went down then I can forgive you for doing your job."

"Not as well as you would've."

"No one ever did the job as well as me." John shrugged, giving a little grin as Henry finished shaking his hand. "Now the question is whether or not you'll stay for dinner or if you're on the road."

"I've got to get going." Henry moved back to the door, bending down to retrieve his things. "If I don't then I'm behind in other work and I can't find your old boss for you."

"I'd hate for you to ruin our friendship so soon after we've recovered it."

"Me too." Henry checked all the straps as they, once again, hung from his shoulders and gave John a two-fingered salute. "Take care of yourself John."

"I will."

"And…" Henry shifted his jaw, "Treat Anna well."

"I couldn't do anything less."

"I know." Henry winked at him, "Don't hesitate to call if you need anything."

"And don't hesitate to let me know about Vera."

"I'll tell you what I can." Henry walked down the corridor and John followed him, hopping with his cane and one leg. When Henry reached the door, somehow managing it with his bags, he nodded back at John. "Be seeing you."

"Be seeing you."