3
"Elena Gavrik died in a bunker almost ten years ago. Her husband killed her." Ros stated as Ruth nodded once. "So why now? Why is her sister playing silly games?"
"We'll have to ask her." Catherine frowned. "You really think she has it in for my dad?"
"Probably for the whole Section." Lucas paused. The whole team were sat around the table in the Briefing Room waiting for Harry to return from the COBRA meeting. He knew Ros was more than capable of taking charge but Harry had a unique insight into the Gavirk family that would just be of use to the team. Ros leaned heavily against the wall as the room fell silent. She raised her eyebrows as the door opened and Harry marched to the head of the table.
"Thank you all for waiting for me." He frowned, looking paler than Ros knew was healthy for him. She glanced at Ruth who hadn't taken her eyes off Harry since she had seen him enter the room.
"COBRA have anything for us?" Adam asked.
"Several suggestions. One being that I am not to head up this investigation." He pushed his chair back from the desk. "Ros will take the lead on this investigation from now on." He paused as Ros shot him a death glare. "As you all know Ros is more than capable of leading a case. I am on administrative leave until the case is dealt with."
"Harry?" Ruth frowned as he got to his feet. Catherine swore as Alec and Will exchanged surprised glances. He left the room as Ros seemed to compose herself.
"You heard him." Ros stated firmly. "We do this by the book. Catherine, you find as much information on the surviving members of the Gavirk family. Zoe, you and Ruth focus on working out what they are up to."
"Murder and mayhem by the looks of things." Beth interrupted as Ros shot her a look.
"Yes, but why."
"Current death toll is rising all the time." Malcolm stated. "The media are all over it."
"Vultures were circling when we were visiting Gareth." Erin sighed. Her asset had been less than useful but she knew he was a long shot. She let her mind wander to Richard and her daughter, hoping both would forgive her for not being around for the next few days. She knew her partner understood but her daughter really didn't understand what she did for a living. She made a mental note to talk to her daughter and mother the moment the meeting was over.
"This is developing all the time. We honestly don't know if this woman is behind the bombings but we do know she is in the country. Krycheck is very much alive and very dangerous. Find out who is working with her, her ideology and what other likely targets are. Adam, talk to your contact in the media. Tell the vultures to back off for now. They'll get a story they can publish when we have one to give them." Ros frowned. "Those of you with caring responsibilities, kids in school or whatever make sure you make arrangements for them. My advice, if you can get them away from London do so." She paused. "And Tariq, keep an eye on your blood sugar. We are going to need you on top form for this. Understood."
Tariq nodded as Malcolm smiled slightly. Ros was still Ros. Being in charge wasn't going to stop her from making sure her team were ok, even if she had been just as blindsided by Harry's announcement as they had been.
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Ruth walked onto the roof, ignoring the wind blowing her brown hair in all directions. Her only focus was on Harry who was currently leaning on the barrier looking out over the city.
"Administrative leave?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"My previous encounters with the Gavrik family may cloud my judgement."
"Bullshit."
"Ruth." He turned, not used to hearing his wife swear.
"Well, really. They could say that about Lucas, Ros and me. But just you." She raised an eyebrow. "You expect me to believe it?"
"If I didn't know you." He smiled slightly as she rested a hand on his forearm. "But you do."
"So tell me the truth."
"As far as the rest of the Section know that is the truth." Harry paused. "I have left instructions for Ros."
"So, what is the truth?" Ruth felt her blood run cold.
"I'm going dark." He paused.
"Harry, "
"I know." He turned to her. "I like the idea less than you do. Believe me." He rested his hands on her shoulders. "But I am the only one who knows what Elena was actually capable of. It has to be me to go dark. Anoushka will believe I've been suspended or sacked. She will love that, but she will want to talk to me. At some point. I can bring her in."
"If you don't get killed in the process."
"Ruth, how many died today? How many are in hospital because of what she and her friends have done?"
"Don't." Ruth felt his lips on her forehead. "I."
"I will be home." He paused, before tilting her chin to look in her eyes. "I will be home. As long as you are there waiting for me."
"Always." Ruth sighed as he kissed her, not knowing if it would be for the last time.
