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."

12. Chapter 12

Putting the Band Back Together

Chapter 12

Waiting at the hospital in the Pediatric Oncology unit, Liz asked. "Dembe's daughter, won't she suspect something?"

Grimly, Mr. Kaplan answered. "She'll suspect it but she'll still come. She won't risk Elle's health.

Liz had been surprised at how accommodating the hospital staff had been to Reddington's request for a private room to use – until she saw the plaque in the hall listing the names and levels of benefactors. Nick's Pizza was at the top of the list.

Reddington's phone rang. Looking at it, he frowned. "It's Teddy."

When he made no move to answer it, Liz took it for him. She stepped out into the hall.

OOO

"At college, Abe was in the same Statistics class as the future Mrs. Smoll. Trying to work his way up to asking her out on an actual date, he invited her to study for their midterm at the local coffee shop. Zack, his better looking, far more charismatic best friend, happened to drop in and that was that. Abe has been quietly pining away after Zack's wife ever since. He was tired of seeing the way Zack treated her."

Reddington said it as a statement not a question. "The philandering."

Mr. Kaplan didn't look pleased to have been proven right.

Liz continued. "He claims Zack's wife had no involvement. Brimley is going to keep pushing him on the topic to be sure."

"And Izzie?"

Liz hesitated seeing how much this was hurting Reddington and Mr. Kaplan. Reluctantly, she answered. "According to Abe, this all started with her approaching him."

Neither of the two said anything.

This time, Liz was the one that tried to come up with excuses. "Maybe it's not what it looks like. Didn't Solomon once try to get to you by threatening Dembe's -"

Mr. Kaplan excused herself. "- I'm going to get some air."

Liz didn't know what to say. Apparently, neither did Reddington.

They just watched Mr. Kaplan cross the hall to step out into the solarium that gave the sick children and their families an opportunity for some sunlight.

OOO

Approaching the nurse's station with her mother, the little girl spotted Reddington. Letting go of her mother's hand, before the woman could stop her, the little girl ran straight to him.

Reddington scooped her up in his arms and squeezing her tightly, he showered her with kisses.

The little girl giggled.

Her mother didn't look pleased to see him. Far from it. The young woman more stated it than asked. "You know."

Unable to form any words, Reddington just nodded and continued to shower Dembe's granddaughter with affection.

"There's nothing wrong with my daughter's blood work?"

With Reddington saying nothing and Mr. Kaplan nowhere in sight, Elizabeth stepped in. "I'm sorry we had to frighten you like that, but we needed to talk to you."

"Talk. Right." Isabella grimaced. "Not in front of my baby."

"This way." Liz tried to lead her to the little room usually reserved for doctors to tell families bad news.

"No." Reddington finally found his voice. "It should be me."

His eyes looking moist, Reddington asked Elle. "Will you stay here for a few minutes with my friend, Lizzie, while I talk to your mother?"

At the girl's nod, Reddington kissed her one more time before handing her to Liz.

Together, they watched Reddington enter the conference room with Dembe's daughter and close the door.

With an ominous feeling, Liz took Elle out to the solarium to find Mr. Kaplan and update her.

tbc

A/N Two chapters and an epilogue left. How are we liking it so far?