Takeaway
Ruth watched as Harry set the pizza boxes on the table. He had said little about his meeting but she could see it had left him visibly shaken. She knew he wanted to protect her from the details but as far as she could see it was too late to worry about that. She had given him the names of Colin's murderers. She had done the ground work. If anything happened to the young men who had followed Joss Myers orders then she was as guilty as the others.
"I'm worried about Malcolm." Harry paused. "He was always protective of Colin. This had hit him hard."
"Yes." Ruth agreed. "It has. Do you remember when we bugged the American Embassy?"
"That was nothing. Do you know how awkward it was to explain that hole in the wall?" Harry shook his head, smiling slightly. "I don't think Maintenance believed it."
"Mice." Ruth picked up her slice of pizza. Harry raised an eyebrow. "That's what Colin told me the hole was caused by." Harry laughed.
"When?"
"Just before you asked me to go to Iraq."
"Oh." Harry held her gaze for a moment. He remembered every minute of their ill fated trip to Iraq. He didn't think he'd ever forget Adam's shooting, the sudden dash to get their legends sorted or acting as partners for the time they were there.
"What?"
"I was just thinking."
"That's my line." Ruth smiled slightly.
"I was remembering you stopping that bus robbery on the way to Kuwait. You terrified me, the way you stopped those thugs. You were brilliant."
"I." She blushed. "I lost my temper that day."
"You were brilliant." Harry repeated. "And you still are. I mean it Ruth."
She picked up her drink, blushing. "Are you going to tell me about the meeting?" Harry paused. "Harry?"
"I met someone. He can help bring some justice to those men." Harry knew she would hate him bringing Tom back into their world. She bit her lip.
"I see."
"I trust him."
"Who? Tell me. At least if the crap hits the fan I know who I'm dealing with." She felt his hand on hers as she spoke. Her hand shook slightly. "Harry."
"Tom Quinn."
"What!" She paused as he looked down. "He's not stable. He's not even a spook now. Are you aware he's a mercenary now? I've missed him at work but." She ran a hand through her hair as Harry held her other hand.
"He's more than capable. I trust him."
"He left because he couldn't do this anymore. He's a civilian now." Ruth glanced at their hands. Things were shifting between them. She had no idea when it had happened but she knew the 'crush' she had developed was a lot more than she had believed it to be. Her pulse quickened.
"Tom isn't going to kill anyone. That wouldn't be justice for anyone. The police will never charge them with Colin's murder." Harry sighed. Ruth felt tears spring to her eyes. She nodded, knowing he was right.
Xxxxxxxx
Malcolm walked the corridors of Thames House aware that he should be at home. He had no business being in Thames House at that time of night but he had no idea where else he should be. The Grid would be on skeletal staff, the pub closed and home meant being alone with his thoughts. That was never good. He sighed, knowing that in less than forty eight hours he would be delivering the eulogy at his best friend's funeral. The thought made him sick to his stomach. He knew Harry and Ruth were up to something- he dreaded to think what. Justice and peace had been mentioned repeatedly. He narrowed his eyes; knowing that an eye for an eye would be pointless. That it would mean nothing - it wouldn't bring Colin back. Covering his eyes he fought the tears, praying that no one else got hurt.
Xxxxxxx
The air between them changed as Harry slipped his hand further up Ruth's forearm. Her eyes met his as he began closing the small gap between them. Ruth jumped, startled as the mobile phone on the coffee table sprang to life. Harry picked it up before the 'mission impossible' theme continued. Ruth smirked slightly. Harry shrugged before answering with a curt 'yes.'
"It's done." He heard the monotone voice of the former Section Chief. He ended the call before turning back to Ruth.
"It's done. It's over."
"What?"
"That was Tom. Maybe Colin will get the peace he deserves now."
Ruth nodded, not fully understanding what was going on but she hoped he was right.
Xxxxx