9
Ruth sat staring at the laptop deep in thought. She had been relieved when Farquhar had just accepted that she and Catherine wouldn't be working on the Grid for the foreseeable future. Ros had told her the man was apparently pleased that they were taking a break. She narrowed her eyes before pulling her cardigan around her she hoped that Graham was coping with the younger children. The idea that Nick and Gracie may have to be told Harry was dead broke her heart - she had given Graham strict instructions that the children would be told he was working away and they would both be home as soon as possible.
She knew Harry was out there, doing his job. He was relying on her to do the same but the idea that those who loved him most in the world were grieving for him when he was still alive and well broke her.
"Come on, please." She muttered as she realised the internet connection was only 3G. Even Malcolm's wizardry was not helping. Curled up on the battered navy blue chair she tried not to think about what was going on back on the Grid. She knew Ros was going to be as obstructive and terse as possible. They needed to make sure neither Gillingham or Farquhar knew there was anything out of the ordinary going on. Ruth rested her head back against the chair for a second as she prayed to whatever Saint looked after spies that Harry would be home safe soon.
xxxxxxx
Ros walked back on to the Grid practically glaring ice at anyone who was in a five mile radius of her. Lucas sat at his desk glaring at the computer. He knew they were being watched but trusted Ros to keep the team together without Farquhar doing any damage.
"Ros." She rested her leather jacket over the back of her chair as the man currently occupying Harry's office called her name.
"Play nice." Lucas whispered to her as she walked past him. She arched an eyebrow.
"Don't I always?" She smirked before walking into the office before Farquhar closed the door behind her. Zoe crossed the Grid towards Lucas as he watched their new Section Head close the blinds.
"Is Ros ok?"
"Always."
"Lucas."
"Look, its the new boss. She doesn't see eye to eye with him. None of us do."
Zoe nodded, she understood what he was trying to tell her. Harry needed them to work the case without him. To make sure there was a Section D for him to come back to.
"Apparently he wants me to cover for Ruth and Catherine while they are on Bereavement Leave. He wants Dimitri office bound too."
"Yeah." Dimitri added, his voice dripping with distain. "He says I'm an insurance risk. Having half a leg is apparently not on for a field officer."
"What the fuck?" Callum hissed. "That's discrimination."
"I know that and you know that." Dimitri hissed. "Wants Beth side-lined too. On account of her brain injury."
"Which she was cleared for active duty after, same as you." Lucas kept one eye on the door. "OK, we do as he says for now. Keep the appearance of all being one big obedient family."
"Where is Beth anyway?" Zoe folded her arms.
"Out with Alec. God only knows when he will be pulled into the office. Last thing he is going to want is a former IA man on the Grid." Dimitri answered before heading back to his desk knowing he was confined to the Grid until they finally got Harry back.
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Beth parked the car in the small parking lot behind the small Tesco Express in Wapping. She knew Alec had an ex girlfriend who worked in the media but meeting her as an asset here seemed a little cliché, even for her.
"Come on." She muttered as she tapped her nails against the steering wheel. "Alec, come on." The cold air bit into her as she watched a pigeon jump across the road in front of her. "Come on." She watched a man in her rear view mirror as she thought about her last conversation with Dimitri. All her instincts had been to march into Harry's office and scream at the current incumbent but she had known that was exactly what he wanted. It seemed Adam had been right, he was there to destroy the team from the inside. Any excuse to relocate of decommission them would be pounced on. There had to be a reason. She just hoped Alec's ex girlfriend could help. Sighing she started the engine as Alec jogged towards her car.
"Anything?"
"Possibly." Alec nodded as he pulled his seatbelt on. "I trust Leanne. She's a good journalist."
"Well?"
"I need to talk to Ruth." Alec stated. "This is not good."
"You don't say." Beth huffed before driving off.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Harry slipped out of the taxi, glad that the winter weather meant the nights were getting darker earlier than usual. He slipped out of sight as the car drove away. The dark night and the horrendous weather made him seem almost ghostly as he slipped into the shadows. He turned his collar up, head down as he made his way along the path most people had no idea existed. He knew he was taking a risk but this way had seemed safer than email or telephone. Besides he needed to see her. It was almost a physical pain drawing him to her. A moment later he was at the back door of what to the naked eye looked like an abandoned cottage. Less than a minute later he had picked the lock and was standing in the kitchen. He closed his eyes for a moment, hoping that she was there, that she was safe and well away from Farquhar, Krycheck and Cunningham. Stepping into the living room he paused as he realised the armchair in the corner was still occupied. Smiling slightly he crossed to the sleeping woman, lifting the laptop from her knees and brushing the hair away from her face. The occupant of the chair was awake in an instant.
"Harry." Ruth breathed, still convinced she was dreaming. He nodded before pulling her into his arms.
a/n - Is anyone reading this? Please review if you are.
