Roof
The wind caught in her hair as she stared out over the cityscape. London had always been a place of awe and excitement to her. She smiled slightly, remembering her father describing his trips to London and always bringing her a little souvenir. She touched the necklace as she thought of him; knowing it was her last birthday present from him.
"Ruth?"
"Hi." She paused as Harry stood next to her.
"Are you alright?"
"No but I think I will be. I was thinking of my Dad. He bought me this necklace when I was ten. Very posh for a little kid but I loved it." She sighed.
"And you've kept it?"
"He died six months later. Everything changed but I had this. This was from him and it never changed." She paused. "Another man gone too soon." She sighed. "First Danny, now Colin. Who else?"
"Ruth."
"Colin did not commit suicide. He had no history of depression, mental illness. There were no family problems or relationship issues. He was single for the last year."
"I know."
"He was killed. Murdered."
"Ruth." Harry rested his hand on her arm, effectively silencing her. "I know."
"Why? Why him? It's not fair, Harry. It's not right. Colin wouldn't hurt anyone. He loved his work, his friends. It's just not right."
Harry nodded as he pulled her into his arms instinctively. He knew she was right. Colin had been an outstanding officer with a heart of gold. He should never have been in the field.
"If anyone is to blame, Ruth, then it's me."
Ruth pulled back like she had been shot.
"No."
"I'm Section Head. His safety and yours is on my shoulders. You, Colin and Malcolm should never have left the Grid. He would be alive if I'd opted to keep you all here. Safe." He looked away, clearly ashamed as she rested a hand against his cheek.
"Do you know who I blame?"
"I."
"I blame the liars and the cheats who tried to stage a coup. I blame Ros' father. His henchmen. Not you or anyone here. Colin wouldn't want this. "You know that. He'd want justice not recriminations."
"Malcolm."
"Has just lost one of his oldest and closest friends. Colin was the brother he never had. He's angry. So am I."
"Did you find anything?"
"Maybe." Ruth nodded. "It's not here. Can you come to mine? Tonight after work? I'll show you then. I didn't want to have it on the Grid. Spies everywhere." She smiled. Harry nodded before blinking back a tear. "Oh Harry."
"Something in my eye." He paused as his voice cracked. Ruth smiled slightly before turning away. She knew they'd find the truth; it was just knowing what to do with it that would be the problem.
Xxxxxxx