Thanks for the great reviews. Like many of you, I just want to gather Eliot up and hug him. He's always been my favorite character on Leverage. He's so complex, and Christian Kane plays that so well. Kudos Mr. Kane for making me love yet another great character. Now, FORWARD MARCH!

Chap. 3

Upon landing, the first thing Eliot did was make his way to the rental car agency. Hardison already a car reserved, so waiting wasn't an issue. Eliot really wouldn't have minded a little wait if it kept him away for Sophie and her prying for just a few more minutes. He knew eventually he would have to tell the team something, he just wasn't ready to tell them his life story.

Sophie called Nate to let him know they were on the way and had just left the airport. The journey, he assured them should take no more than an hour. An hour, Sophie decided could be used to her advantage while with Eliot. He had never out right lied about his past, he just never seemed to bring it up. If one of them asked something, he told the truth, but he didn't offer up any information without provocation.

"Eliot, are you going to be able to handle being around Allen long enough to finish the con?"

Eliot sighed. He knew this drive would test his patience.

"I'll be fine. I don't let petty emotions get in the way of a job."

"Why won't you just tell us what upsets you so much about that man?"

"It isn't Allen that bothers me. He makes me remember things I would rather forget. Now just drop it."

"You know if you ever need to talk, one of us will be close by."

As much as Eliot wanted to snap that he didn't need to talk, her sentiment made him hold back. She was after all, just trying to help him. Maybe he could cut her some slack.

"I know that. I just want to finish this case first. I don't want anything to get in the way of helping Allen. He's obviously a good guy and doesn't deserve to lose his livelihood like this. Besides, Parker likes him. He can't be all bad if she likes him."

Sophie was left wondering just what Eliot had experienced that would make him so reluctant around an old man like Allen. The man was in his sixties for crying out loud! He was one of the nicest men she had ever met. He was warm and kind. He always seemed to find a way, no matter how small, to help people. She had no doubt that before the job was over Eliot Spencer would be putty in his hands.

"I'm sorry you feel so uncomfortable around him. Is there anything I can do to help?"

"Just try to finish this job as soon as possible."

"I can do that."

Nate sipped his coffee and waited for Allen to do the same. He knew the old man wanted to discuss his team. Parker and Eliot seemed to be of particular interest. Nate supposed it was because Eliot and Parker were the most damaged of them all. They had each experienced things no one would ever understand. They were both so hurt in different ways.

"I like your Parker. She's amazing. Funny, smart, bold, and yet so childlike. She seems awfully attached to Eliot."

"She and Eliot share a bond that I don't begin to understand. They have both been through more than I can imagine. Eliot is very protective of all of us, but more so Parker. Her innocence brings out the bear in him. And his gruff exterior brings out her affectionate side. She constantly tries to draw him out. Eliot holds so much of himself back, but Parker pulls him out of his darkness. They complement each other and bounce off one another all at the same time."

"Parker confided some things to me earlier. I think she felt better getting it off her chest, having someone else that could worry with her. She carries so much on her shoulders. I imagine Eliot is much the same?"

"He is. Just don't push him. Eliot is an extremely private person for a reason. You fuck with me team and we're gone. Understand? Parker has no problem talking to you, Eliot has spent a lot of time making sure she feels comfortable enough to talk about her past, but Eliot has not had that luxury. Tread carefully with him."

Allen deposited his empty coffee mug in the sink and made his way out to the barn. He needed to check that the horses were ready to go. He had several people coming later in the morning for some therapy sessions. He just hoped Nate and his con team didn't disappoint him. They came highly recommended after all.

Eliot tugged the luggage from the back of the SUV as Sophie made her way into the sprawling ranch house. This place reminded him so much of…well it really didn't matter now. That was in the past. He would never have that again. No use in dwelling on it now when the job demanded his attention. He would just have to avoid Allen as much as possible. The older man could read him well enough to know that something was wrong. Staying away from him would be Eliot's best bet for the duration of this job.

"Yeah, Eliot, good luck with that."

Great, now he was talking to himself! God, he needed some sleep!