Chapter 5: You're In and You're Out, You're Hot and You're Cold

Based on Episode 8 which I loved. The writers/producers are doing a great job and I wish the ratings were better. I think the show is highly under appreciated. I enjoy some other shows like Blacklist and Scandal. I think the writing of Covert Affairs is pretty real. I don't think McQuaid is a bad guy, but am not convinced it is Caitlyn either. Can't wait to see what the writers have done tonight!

After leaving the DPD, Annie went to her apartment, the still very sparsely furnished one that she procured hastily upon her return. It wasn't quite home to Annie. She had no true home anymore. Annie wasn't sure what her next step would be. She thought about getting on her mental to-do list of looking for other positions, but just didn't feel like it yet. Looking for something else meant she had to accept that her career as a field operative was truly over. She thought over the day and made a rash decision to go see McQuaid. In all that had transpired, he turned out to be the one that had confidence in her. He gave her the funds to acquire Roger's intel, no questions asked. He got her to the Brunswick station on a moment's notice, again, he showed up no questions asked. Was he someone she could count on to "show up" for her? Why couldn't Joan whom she had known for years, back her up like McQuaid had?

On the way over to McQuaid's, Annie's intention was to apologize and let him know his money was gone forever. She felt he deserved her gratitude. He took a huge gamble and it did not pay off for him. She could not get his money back, she didn't even have the resources to try now that she was cut off from her resources as a covert operative. When Annie tried to walk away and leave, McQuaid insisted that she stay for a drink. Annie relented and only intended on staying for one drink and a last good-bye. But one beer turned into two, then three, and finally some Patron shots.

Both were hungry two beers in and they cooked a simple meal. Her quick visit turned into a long night, the "good-bye " turned into hours of talking and laughing. It was the first time in ages, Annie let her guard down, had no thoughts of missions, reports to write, or evidence boards to look at. She wasn't running scared or pretending to be someone else. She felt completely safe and with someone who was her equal. In the early morning when McQuaid leaned in to kiss her, Annie was so tired, too tired to resist him when he leaned in toward her. She didn't think about it and let it happen.

Then they were interrupted. Who would be calling on McQuaid at 6am?

Annie sees dog walker from Roger Bennett's apartment talking to McQuaid.

Ryan returns from answering the door. Annie knows she needs to leave to strategize with Auggie and look at security cameras near Roger Bennett's apartment to get a good visual on the dog walker. Auggie can run his through facial recognition programs. But she also needs to keep Ryan unsuspecting. How quickly her outlook and feelings changed regarding McQuaid. Annie's spy craft was back on and she was afraid. What had she gotten into with Ryan? She feigns being overtired and unsure, says, "Um, I. . . that interruption was a good thing, I shouldn't be here. I came to say goodbye. I had a wonderful night, thank you, I needed it after the day I had, but I need to go."

McQuaid responds, "Why? Let's finish that coffee and get back to where we left off."

"To tell you the truth, my handler, well, former handler just called to say, I left before I filled out some paperwork. Guess I stormed out. So looks like I do have somewhere to be. Thank you for a lovely evening, it was a nice way to say so long. Goodbye Ryan."

McQuaid looks down and shakes his head. "Listen Annie, I am going to go out on a limb here and say, I don't want to say goodbye. You're not in the business anymore, seeing each other can't be violating your rules about mixing business and pleasure." And with a huge grin, McQuaid says, "It can be all pleasure now." Annie knows McQuaid likes the hunt, the challenge of trying to get her to like him. She continues hesitating and pushing back knowing it will only make him persist more.

"I don't know. I'm not sure if I'm sticking around McQuaid. I need to figure out where to go next. As you pointed out, I can be anywhere I want to be. I don't want to add more drama to my life."

And just as Annie expected, McQuaid says, "Tell you what, have dinner with me tonight. No drama. Just dinner."

Annie lets out a small smile and nods.

Ryan is happily beaming and says, I'll pick you up at 7 tonight.