4

Ros walked across the Grid, pleases that none of the team had backed out of the op. The fact that the Home Secretary had decided that the police should handle Tariq's attack made her blood boil. She glanced across to see Ruth leaning over Calum's shoulder as she stared at the computer screen.

"These men should be rotting in Hell for what they've done." Calum stared at the screen.

"Yeah, that can be arranged." Ros deadpanned as Ruth arched an eyebrow. Calum nodded.

"Well, you know what the Boy Wonder would say?" Calum stated as he pulled up the next screen. "Time to go Ninja on their ass."

Ruth and Ros exchanged glances. "Oh trust me; they'll wish that's all we would do. Will and Alec have gone to speak to Ismael's family. Do they know he was an informant?"

"Not that I'm aware. Ishmael had his wife, Afia and young son. I think Mohammed's nine or ten. His parents are in Pakistan." Ruth shook her head sadly. "He was a nice normal family man."

"Who just happened to be Muslim and in the pay of the Security Services." Zoe joined the conversation as Ruth nodded. "Was sending Will and Alec the best thing? To talk to the widow?"

"They are capable of not being complete idiots." Ros stared at the image Ruth and Calum had been examining. "When they try."

Xxxxx

The terraced house looked deserted as Will parked the small pool car just outside. The rest of the street eerily quiet as Alec blinked back the remain of a hangover.

"Do you think she'll be able to tell us anything?" Will asked as they left the car. Alec shrugged. He had no idea Ruth had singlehandedly recruited 99% of London's black cab drivers to act as the informants. The fact the apparently bookish and shy Analyst had created her own network of informants surprised him.

"Dunno." Alec answered. "Only one way to find out."

Xxxxxxxx

Harry walked into the roof deep in thought. He needed to clear his head, to gain some perspective. The cityscape at twilight was always helpful when he needed reminding of the bigger picture. His hands gripped the railings as he thought about the current situation. He was worried. Tariq was slowly making progress; his phone call with the boy's father had told him the doctors were no longer concerned about damage to Tariq's internal organs but more brain scans were needed. He didn't want to think the intensive care team were considering tests for brain death. Tariq was too young, too bright to be snuffed out by racist, facist lunatics. He tensed as he felt the presence of another person.

"You'll freeze."

"Ruth."

"Don't do this." She came to stand next to him, her brown hair swept over her face by the wind. "Don't blame yourself." Her hand found its way to his elbow, as if she needed to touch him, to anchor him in reality.

"It's my responsibility."

"Maybe." Ruth held his gaze. "That doesn't make it your fault."

He smiled slightly, aware it didn't reach his eyes. She brushed a tear away from his cheek as he closed his eyes.

"He's the same age as Graham."

"I know."

"A boy really."

"He's an adult. I know he looks young but."

"Ruth, I spoke with Masood. He's trying to be hopeful. I can hear it I his voice but." Ruth tilted her head, knowing instinctively when to stay quiet. Harry sighed. "I couldn't stop thinking how I'd be if it were one of our boys in that hospital bed."

"Masood is a good dad and so are you." Ruth kissed his lips lightly before pulling back. "It was Graham once and he's fine now. Tariq will be too."

"I worry." He sighed. "What with Graham's past addiction and Nick discovering he's gay. There are people out there; people that would destroy them for that."

"Nico told you?"

Harry nodded. "I'm not exactly a dinosaur, Ruth. I may not be the boy's biological father but I do think of him as my own. I think we have a good friendship at least."

"He loves you. And so do I." He smiled genuinely for the first time since Ruth had joined him.

"We are dealing with racist, racist extremists. Who's to say there aren't homophobic groups out there waiting their turn? We. I. Couldn't keep Colin safe. Or Helen."

Ruth nodded. "They were killed in service, not because of their orientation." She frowned. "Harry, don't do this."

"My Section. My responsibility. Crowther made it quite clear that if I disobeyed orders then should things go awry the Section would be disbanded." Harry paused. "I'll be out."

"They've said that before."

"Yes." He nodded, looking into her eyes. "Only this is the first time since the debacle of an inquiry and it is the first time I've not cared."

"You'd leave the service!" Ruth whispered.

Harry nodded.

"One day its inevitable but I'd like it to be on my own feet and not in a coffin." He watched as her blue eyes darkened.

"Don't say that. Either way I'd be right beside you."

"As always." Harry smiled, dipping his head to kiss her gently. She froze slightly as his lips touched hers, a fear building in her stomach as she gripped the lapels of his jacket. He rested his forehead against hers. "My darling Ruth."

"I don't think Ishmael was an intended target. Any cab driver would have done. I know Tariq was targeted and attacked deliberately but I don't think it was a racist attack as such."

"Ruth?"

"I need to check something first." She stepped back, her eyes far away.

"Ruth." His voice was firmer.

"I think Ishmael was collateral damage. However much I hate the term. Tariq was a warning. Dumping him outside Beth and Dimitri's home was a message. They knew who he is. Where he works and that they can get to us. I think Tariq was used as target practice."

Xxxxxxx