Thank you more-than-words for the idea of setting a scene between 8.8 and 9.1. This takes place just after series eight ends.
Harry stood stock still, staring at the hotel which had just blown up with Ros Myers still trapped inside. He closed his eyes, hating the fact that he had another loss to add to so many before. When he opened them he was pleased to see that Lucas was walking. He only had a grazed arm from the force of the explosion and that was the extent of the damage.
Harry knew he would have to get back to Thames House and quickly. If nothing else, he wanted to talk to Ruth before anyone else told her the news. He hated being the bringer of bad news, but knew he would prefer it if she heard it from him. Lucas was currently being checked out by paramedics even though he'd complained that it was unnecessary. Harry left the scene and hurried back to the grid.
Both Ruth and Tariq were waiting anxiously for news. Ruth had tried to call Harry's mobile several times but she wasn't getting through. She hated the thought that this might be because something had happened to him. Something she couldn't bring herself to put into words. Ruth turned around quickly as the pods whirred open. She breathed a sigh of relief as Harry walked onto the grid, looking none the worse for wear. She brought herself out of her momentary daydream and asked the next important question.
"What happened?" she asked.
"Lucas managed to get the Pakistani president out of there and world catastrophe was averted," Harry started.
"What aren't you telling me?" Ruth said when he paused.
"The bomb went off," Harry said. "Ros was inside."
"Oh no," Ruth said to herself. She sat down in a chair because she didn't think she could stay standing for much longer. "You're sure?" Ruth asked.
"Yes," Harry said firmly. He watched her close her eyes and try to control her face. She didn't want him to see her fall apart. Harry looked at Tariq for a second. The computer genius knew when he wasn't wanted and quickly vanished from the grid, leaving Ruth and Harry alone. Tariq didn't particularly want to be left alone with those two anyway.
"Ruth," Harry said quietly walking fractionally closer to her.
"Don't," she replied without looking at him. "There's nothing you can say to make her death easier."
"I wasn't intending to," Harry said in a tone of voice that made her look up at him. "Ruth I need to talk to you."
"Ros has just died. I think whatever you want to say can wait," Ruth said harshly. When Harry didn't reply she apologised. "I'm sorry. I know you knew her for a lot longer than I did."
"Yes," Harry said softly. "I did." He moved a hand to hers and held it softly.
"I'm sorry, I have to go," Ruth said. "I can't be here. I just… can't." Ruth barely paused to pick up her coat and bag. When she was in the pods she kept her eyes locked on Harry's for the few seconds it took for the doors to open. Then she left the grid and she didn't look back, no matter how much she wanted to.
Review please. Any other ideas?