Putting the Band Back Together

by mascaret

Reddington said it again and closed his eyes in frustration and exhaustion. "It's not Dembe." Cooper frowned. "If that's true – and I don't think that it is - we may have managed to stop the poison, but we are still no closer to figuring out who it is targeting you."

8. Chapter 8

Putting the Band Back Together

Chapter 8

Liz's phone began to ring. Trying to decide if the interruption was worth it, she pulled it out of her pocket and glanced at the caller ID. It was no help. BLOCKED CALLER

"Keen."

"Elizabeth -"

He only got out one word, but she would recognize that distinctive voice anywhere. "- Dembe! Where are you?!"

Liz had to stand and move away as Reddington reached for the phone.

Dembe ignored her question and sounding deeply morose, he asked his own. "Did Raymond ever regain consciousness? Did he suffer?"

"Dembe, you need to come back. With you not here -" She hoped he couldn't hear the shame in her voice. " - people are starting to think that you are the one responsible."

"I am responsible for Raymond's death. What happened to Raymond was my fault."

A little stunned, Liz asked for some clarification. "Your fault as in you should have noticed the colorless, odorless, tasteless poison in the drink you poured for Reddington? Or your fault as in you put the poison into the bottle?"

"This all started with Kate's death. Her murder. I should have done something to stop Raymond. I didn't and now we must all suffer for my sin of omission."

"Yeah, well about that … we should talk." She had to dodge Reddington as he again grabbed for the phone. "Just tell me where you are so I can come get you."

"I can't tell you that, Elizabeth. But there are things that I can tell you. Things that Raymond should have told you, but he never did."

Liz caught her breath. "I'm listening."

Having had enough, Reddington shouted so he could be heard. "I'M NOT DEAD!"

"Ray-mond?" The first half of the word came out joyous. The second half … not so much.

There was a moment of shocked silence before the line went dead.

tbc

A/N Yeah? Nay? Meh? Would love to hear your thoughts on the story so far.