Changing History the first time
Apologies for the long wait in the update. I've had a bad eye infection that limited time on computer and I actually thought my vision was worsening and needed eye exam. Fortunately I go to an ophthalmologist who knew what was wrong. First treatment I looked like something from the Walking Dead with yellow eyes. I've been using drops, and now feel I can tackle this project again. So thank you for your patience.
During the morning briefing Harry kept remembering his evening with Ruth unable to give his full attention to her report. Tom questioned her intel. She assured him that the youth's name and identification was correct, including a picture. Ruth advised less dominating this time, and suggested they pick up the youth, and move in on the group, rounding up the other youths involved and pull the Algerian. If Ruth could change history this would tell the tale. In the original version, both the boy and man were blown up. It was part of Tom realizing that the Algerian wasn't some type of double agent, but was legitimate. Ruth had to convince Tom of this. It wasn't easy. "Ruth if you are wrong we could lose a lot of innocent people today."
"If I'm right then we save two and many more. Use CO19 to close them down, and put the children into protective services where hopefully we can undo the harm done by the maniac whose spell they fell under."
"Right, but if this goes wrong, it will be on your head," said Tom without blinking and in his most serious tone. Most likely he was thinking about the family he lost to a fake bomb. They didn't die, but they chose not to be with him any longer.
Tom left the grid to meet with the Algerian, "Time to wrap this up," he said. "No we can do more."
"We will do more if we can keep you alive. If we can keep the children alive." It was Tom's reference to children that made the Algerian agree to the new plan. Tom had been given the information about how his family had been lost in a real bomb, and Tom was able to use it.
By days end the children had been saved. The Algerian was on his way to another operation, and Ruth exhaled. It was late and everyone had left the grid.
Suddenly she inhaled the scent that was only Harry. She turned and he was standing behind her chair. Their eyes locked. Harry said, "You were right about it all. Had we not listened this could have been a very sad day. Now many more are living than are dead so good job." Then he quickly leaned down and kissed her. She didn't hesitate. She responded with a passion that led Harry to pull her up from her chair. They were standing pressed against each other. Neither wanting to break the kiss. When they did, both were breathing hard. They were so close she knew just what effect she was having on him. He could tell by the way her eyes sparkles and her body stiffened that she was just as excited.
"Your place or mine," said Harry.
"Neither." Said Ruth "You don't know me and I want you to know me before we carry this further. I know your history of love em and leave em. I am not going to be another notch on your bed post. Can you say you love me?"
"Ruth I can say I want you, and with that I think will come love I know it is more than lust this thing I feel for you."
"Honest answer. That gives me hope. So I suggest we think about dinner again and you get to know me."
"How is it Ruth that you seem to have known me for years, but I've just met you, yet there is a familiarity?" Harry reached for Ruth again and they kissed and caressed each other for much longer before Ruth finally said she'd miss her bus if she didn't leave now.
Both were sad to part, but both also knew it was the right move for the moment. As Harry thought of this he said to himself he did want more with Ruth than just a brief office romance. Perhaps he was already in love with her, but he couldn't be that forthright. His track record with women was apparently known by Ruth, so he must make a change, a change for the better.
Ruth left knowing she'd made a difference that day. As she walked down Themes House hallway, she saw Tom leaning against the wall in thought. He looked up. She nodded. He softly grabbed her arm to stop her.
"How did you know this would work," asked Tom with those piercing sincere eyes. He had a look of fascination toward her, none he'd ever given her on the Grid. Ruth suddenly felt a bit uncomfortable.
Stammering had helped her a bit in the past, but Tom waited for a clear answer "It just was logical. I found the information and it all linked together. That's my job. Nothing more."
"You did a good job. I don't think there has everyone been as amazing as you on the grid," said Tom.
"You over estimate me," said Ruth. "I just love doing my job being a real spy."
Tom pulls Ruth toward him and kisses her. This is something she had not seen coming. "Tom you're involved."
"Not that involved."
"But I can tell from the scent on you I'm not the first man to kiss you tonight. Tell Harry he has competition. And if you don't be sure I will."
Ruth now begins to worry that Tom may yet shoot Harry but for a different reason. She knows she's bought time from him going on the blink, but could it now be triggered by something else. Like all the females in her youth she had a weakness for Tom, a crush, but nothing like the life-long love that would grow between her and Harry.
"Tom, I think we barely know each other."
"Then have dinner with me and let's get to know each other better."
Just as these words were uttered, Harry entered the hallway. By the look on his face he had heard Tom but in passing only said, "Goodnight Tom, Ruth."
"The competition," said Tom to Ruth after Harry had exited. "May the best spy win."
With those words he pulled Ruth in for another kiss that she did not resist, and then turned her loose to ponder his actions and words, and her own feelings.