Just a quick to sat that there is only one or two chapters left (I know i've said that for a while but I am completely sure at how I want to end this now!!)

Hope you enjoy...

DISCLAIMER: I don't own spooks...


At 1pm Zaf went to Harry's office full of apprehension, he wasn't looking forward to this and didn't feel ready to go back to undercover work yet. But in true Zaf fashion he wasn't going to admit that.

Taking a deep breath Zaf knocked on the door, hoping in vain that Harry had a meeting that overran or he was busy with something else so it meant this meeting will have to be postponed.

"Come in Zafar."

Zaf cringed when he heard Harry's voice, all the happy thoughts of him escaping this had vanished immediately. Rubbing a hand over his face and sighing, he opened the door and stepped into the Lion's den. This wasn't going to be fun.

"You wanted to see me?" Zaf said, slightly nervous about Harry wanted him to do. It was unlike him to not want to be involved in an undercover investigation, usually he thrived on it but he hadn't exactly been himself lately even if he was trying to get back to the Zaf everyone knew.

"Yes, sit down." Harry instructed handing him a file. Zaf obeyed and began to look at the folder.

While Zaf was reading the information Harry took the time to look at the young spook properly. He looked exhausted, the dark circles under his eyes showing he hadn't been sleeping well. He'd also seen the faint scars on Zaf's wrists and what like an old burn on his right wrist when Zaf reached for the file and his shirt sleeve rolled up slightly. What had the young man been subjected man too when he was captured wondered Harry, shivering slightly at the idea. He knew Zaf needed help and hoped he would accept his offer, hoping to avoid a repeat of Adam's breakdown only a year earlier. Harry still felt guilty that he hadn't noticed how much Adam was hurting and haunted by what had happened. Sure he'd noticed how early Adam was into work and the signs of exhaustion on his face but Harry thought he was trying to work through his grief at losing his wife not that he was in any danger of breaking down. Harry wasn't going to let it happen again. Zaf wasn't ready for this operation and Harry was going to make him realise it.

Zaf looked up once he finished the file trying not to sure his thoughts about what Harry was asking him to do. The file was on a major terrorist group based in London but had members for up and down the country. The file wasn't particularly thick as not much information was known on them. The group was clever and knew how to keep a low profile, the only information they really knew was the name of the group and the attacks they may have taken part in. There was some slight information on the leader of one of the cells based in the northern part of London, where he worshipped, name e.c.t. just basic information. Harry was wanting him to infiltrate the cell by getting to know the leader and join the cell. He was there to collect information on any upcoming attacks and the members of the group. It will be difficult as they group was extremely secretive and violent. If Zaf was caught out he would almost certainly be killed.

Zaf knew he couldn't handle this, it was too soon, too difficult. The idea of putting him into a situation where he would be beaten as part of initiation to the group, to see how much pain he was willing to withstand to be a part of it wasn't something he wanted to do. Usually he would put up with it as it was his job and he'd done it before, but at the moment he couldn't stand it. His torture and captivity had left deep scars that weren't just physical.

Harry knew exactly what was going through Zaf's mind and truthfully they weren't too concerned about this group, some of the information on the file had been exaggerated. Yes the group was a threat but it was a small one and wasn't as violent as the file said. Getting Zaf to realise that he didn't have his usual enthusiasm and belief in himself that he could handle these violent and dangerous operations was important so he could get counselling and move on.

Looking to floor Zaf confessed "I don't think I can do this." His voice barely a whisper.

But it didn't need to be any louder because Harry heard and smiled. His plan had worked, Zaf was admitting defeat.

"That settles it than. You will take two weeks off and attend counselling sessions until you are declared fit for undercover work." Harry instructed, this wasn't a request.

"Wh..What?" Zaf asked not sure he had heard correctly, he was sure Harry would get angry about him refusing such a complex and important investigation.

"You need help to get over this Zaf, you are not your self even if you have finished that report. Thanks for that by the way, I received your email a few hours ago." He said with a wry smile.

Zaf looked at him blankly, obviously confused.

Harry laughed at his expression. "Don't worry about the operation. The information is, let's just say unreliable. Go and get better. We want the old Zaf back. Now go home and get some sleep. I'll ring you with the details of your therapy." Harry ordered, his eyes went back to the mountain of paperwork on the desk, indicating the conversation was over.

Zaf walked out the office, closing the door behind him. His mind was still trying to process what had just happened. With a shake of his head and a smile he asked himself

Have I just been set up by Harry?


I just wanted to thank everyone who has reviewed this fic so far. Please continue to R and R and let me know what you think!!