AUTHOR NOTE:
The upcoming character, Silas, is based on Baz.
Unsure if it was allowed to use a real person in fictional fanfic - I just changed his name.
But Silas for all intents and purposes, is Baz.
"Do you wish for me to call Elizabeth?" Dembe asked from the driver's seat.
Red focused his eyes to the front, shaking his head. "I've grown so fond of the annoyance that flashes across her lovely face when I show up unexpectedly."
Dembe chuckled softly as they turned the corner, inclining his head to the right of the street. Red glanced over. Elizabeth and Samar were walking down the sidewalk to a popular bistro.
"I can turn the car around so you can see these facial expressions delivered in their natural habitat."
"Circle the block and come back." Red's tone changed from playful to serious.
Dembe did as instructed.
"I saw Tom." Red supplied.
Dembe looped around carefully so as to not draw attention, coming slowly back up the street. He slipped into an empty slot, leaving the engine running.
Both men watched Tom Keen's progress. The slimy bastard paralleled the women's movements, stopping when they entered the delicatessen.
"I doubt, Raymond," Dembe said, "that he will approach, seeing as Agent Navabi is with her."
Red picked up his cell phone, punching in a number. "I think Dembe, I can kill two birds with one stone and still get that irritation I so enjoy."
The bistro answered, Red described the two women and placed his order. He put his hand over the speaker, "Dembe, what would you like to eat?"
Dembe never took his eyes off Tom Keen, replying casually, "My usual, hold the pickles."
Red sat back after the call, getting more comfortable in the seat. He watched the women through the large plate glass windows of the establishment.
At length, the cashier at the counter slid a large bag across to Elizabeth Keen, waving away her attempt to pay. Red chuckled lowly watching the woman's head dip in defeat. She turned to the window, scanning rapidly.
Having found his location, she flipped him the bird then turned away, but not before Red saw the grin spreading across her face.
Red's chuckle turned into a genuine laugh as Tom Keen made a hasty exit down a convenient alley way.
"He thought she was flipping him off." Red saw the humor in the situation. He leaned closer to the window to get a better view then muttered to himself.
"But that gesture was just for me." his tone was laced with pride.
Dembe slid out into the light traffic easily, pulling up along the curb just as the women exited the restaurant.
Elizabeth grasped Samar's elbow, directing them to their ride. She automatically headed for the backseat, leaving Samar to the front. Dembe seemed to appreciate the gesture.
"Ladies, what a pleasant surprise running into you here." Red said cheerfully as they each took their respective seats.
"Aren't you just the sweetest stalker ever, buying our lunch." Liz grinned placing the large bag between them.
He smiled charmingly. "Dembe, the park."
They sat together at a picnic table, Dembe actually joining them, sitting opposite him for a change. And of course, next to Samar.
"I'm glad we took some time. It's nice out today." Samar looked up, basking under the sun as she bit into her sandwich.
Dembe pulled his attention from his watchful surveillance. Red's eyes shifted absently from this spot to that, both men always alert and cautious.
"Yeah," Liz grimaced, picking small pieces off her sandwich, "the fresh air was needed after seeing more of Carver's portfolio."
"I'm only sorry that we have to go back so soon." Samar smiled openly at Dembe.
Having cleaned up their wrappers, Red escorted the women back to the car. Each man respectively opening and seating the occupants inside.
As they neared the Post Office, Liz leaned over, speaking conspiratorially. "Is something wrong?"
Red's eyes trained on the back of Samar's beautiful black hair.
"Samar," Elizabeth took the hint, "I shouldn't be too long. I don't think? Why don't you go on ahead?"
Dembe escorted the woman to the door. Samar smiled up at him charmingly before entering the building.
"Tom was following you." Red stated bluntly.
Elizabeth's head whipped around, "I don't know when he started or for how long he's been tailing you." Red answered the unasked question.
"Can't you ask one of the guys you have following me?"
"I don't have anyone on you." Red pulled out his phone, dialing. "You told me to back off so I did, against my better judgement." the man spoke into the phone brusquely, "Resume normal operations pertaining to Ms. Keen." he nodded shortly. "Yes, thank you." he hung up, returning his stare to her. "I want you to stay with me for a couple of days."
"Why would I do that?" she asked neutrally.
"Because you had no idea you were being followed." Red continued, motioning curtly. "Because your house has terrible security." she rolled her eyes, as he continued. "Because you aren't ready to face him yet."
She stopped, having to confront the truth, her spirits sinking. "I don't think I'll ever be."
"I think you will, but until then," he advised gently, "stay with me until we get your security upgraded."
He watched her battle her demons, sensing her will weaken.
"He hurt you last time. The bastard held a gun to your head." It was reminded. "Please don't make me come over to find he's done worse. Especially when it can be prevented."
She looked at him, astounded by his forthrightness, then nodded. "Okay . . . "
Accompanying her into the Post Office, Red stayed out of her way, genuinely trying to avoid annoying the woman for a change. After making preparation to update her security system, he waited patiently about for her work day to end.
He had gained her trust, and he wasn't going to do anything to shatter the fragile peace.
She approached him tentatively, "Everything is wrapped up for now." she crinkled her nose, "Would it be an imposition to swing by my place to get a few things?"
He took hold of her arm, causing her to hastily grab her bag as he guided her through the hallways to the elevator. She adjusted the strap on her shoulder.
"What exactly are they doing at the house and how long will it take, do you know?"
"Probably three days, I'm guessing." Red pushed the elevator button. "The technical side would bore you to tears. I know I had a good cry over the phone when Silas was trying to explain it all to me." he patted her hand reassuringly, "Let's just say, you'll be as safe as a virgin in a chastity belt." he chuckled happily. "Not that, that applies to you of course."
She gave him an old-fashioned look, removing her arm from his grasp.
"What?" he asked innocently, trying to hold his smile.
Her brow furrowed deeply, a thought striking her, "What about Hudson? He's staying with a friend, but I can't impose forever."
"You may bring him if you wish."
His response actually surprised her. He didn't seem the type to be fond of dogs or any pet, per say, "Thank you very much." she replied hesitantly. Totally shocked.
Her thoughts returned to their previous conversation, "Three days?" She questioned. "Don't you think that's a little overkill for a new alarm system?"
"For what we're up against... it's not enough."
Arriving at her place fifteen minutes later, Red walked behind her until she reached the top step of the brownstone. She fumbled in her purse for the keys. Red's hand stilled her movements, she glanced up, perplexed.
Dembe stood silently a few feet away, his eyes vigilant.
A quick silencing motion to Red's lips, quieted Elizabeth's natural inquiry. He waggled his fingers, and she handed over her keys. The man silently placed the key in the lock, turning it quietly, easing the door open.
Dembe was suddenly at the man's side, all but pushing the woman from the vicinity.
Both men crept inside, weapons' at-the-ready. Red's arm snaked out preventing Elizabeth her intended movement, holding her back behind the safety of his bulk.
The stocky man inched around the doorframe, just seeing the leg of someone fleeing the room. Rushing forward, he fired off a shot, the bullet splintering the doorframe where the assailant had been.
Red motioned Dembe forward.
Both men headed toward the back of the house, quickly but cautiously. The back door stood wide open and Dembe dashed from the premises into the silent dusk of a day just ending.
Liz whispered, "You've got ears like a damn bat."
Red holstered his weapon, "Are you all right?" he asked.
She nodded in compliance.
"Look around." Red advised. Stepping to the door, he checked the lock, then closed the door. "Is anything out of place or missing that you can see?"
The woman walked the room slowly, "I don't see anything out of the norm." She turned back at one point. "Was it Tom?"
The man did not bother replying, "Don't worry about it right now. If there's anything in here worth finding my men will secure it later."
Dembe returned, a silent shake of his head indicating Tom Keen had vanished into the night.
Red clapped the man on the shoulder.
"You're getting old, Dembe. You could have scaled that wall two months ago easily." Red teased. He held his grin. "No more Twinkies for you."
Dembe raised unamused eyes then glanced pointedly at Red's developing waistline. It was Red's turn to frown. "You know I can't resist Baklava." he turned to a pensive Elizabeth Keen, "Lizzy, do you think I'm fat?"
The woman, in no mood to reply, obviously, frowned. "Let's get you packed shall we."
"Aren't you glad God created take out?" Red handed her a bag of food, shifting about the spacious backseat of the car.
Liz took the food absently as she glanced out the window at the two story stone facade of a beautiful Victorian house. Red stooped down a tad following her line of sight.
"My newest acquisition." he turned his head, his mouth suddenly very close to hers. "I enjoy owning things."
Liz felt the warm breath fan her face, his breath smelling of cinnamon. He handed over her purse, sliding out of the opposite car door. Ever the gentleman, he came around to assist her from the vehicle.
"You go ahead," he motioned, to the well-lit walkway, "we'll be right there."
She nodded, stumbling a bit as she walked up the beautifully etched walkway to the inviting entryway. She passed through the two side bushes, the fragrant blooms distracting her.
She started visibly, for a long-haired, bearded man stepped out suddenly from the shadows.
"Jesus!" she reached for her gun automatically, her purse falling from her fingers, landing with a heavy thud on the ground.
She managed to keep the food bag safe and sound on her free arm. In the night air the delicious whiffs of food were washed away by the shot of adrenaline racing through her body.
"Really Silas?" Red stepped up behind her, easing her tension with a gentle stroke of his hand down her back.
"Lizzy, this is your new bodyguard, Silas." Red held his smile. "How's he doing so far?"
Liz dropped her weapon to her side, sighing, exasperated.
Dembe stepped past the trio, opening the door, sending the new Head of Security a doubtful glance.
"I'm sorry, Ma'am," the bulky man smiled gently to ease her discomfort. "I'm used to lurking about. I'll do better in the future, I promise."
Elizabeth clutched the bag of food placing her hand to her heart, attempting to calm her frayed nerves.
"She's a little jumpy, Silas." Red explained. "She had an unexpected intruder in her home."
"Was it you?" Silas smiled at the woman, who laughed the tension away.
"How you paint me." Red scolded with his look. "Silas, could you have someone grab the bags."
They entered the spacious foyer, Red unburdening her load. The man crossed to a nearby bar, pouring a vintage Merlot.
Dembe reappeared from the kitchen, loaded down with plates and cutlery.
Elizabeth followed Red into the enormous dining area, her eyes settling on one interesting object after another. The man handed her the glass of wine.
"This will steady your nerves." he took a mouthful before handing it over to her, "and mine."
They sat down pulling out containers, Red spooned out decidedly large proportions, handing out plate after plate.
"Red," Liz leaned forward, a thousand questions coming to the fore. "I was wondering... "
"Stop thinking." the man held up a fork. "Just eat."
Liz sat back looking glumly at her food for all of two seconds, concentrating fully on the gourmet selection before her, before diving in with a relish.
Throughout the meal, both men exchanged amused glances at the enthusiasm with which the woman consumed her food.
"Would you like dessert Lizzy?" Red was well pleased with her appetite.
The woman looked down at her empty plate. Good grief. Had she eaten all of that?! A mischievous thought hit her.
She held out the plate, taking on a child like innocence, batting her lashes, coyly, "May I have some more please, sir?" She asked using her very best English accent.
Red threw back his head, laughing heartedly, shoving over one of the larger containers with a careless hand. "Here you little waif... enjoy."
Dembe shook his head in open amusement, returning to his meal.
Liz stuck her fork into the soft gooey offering, bringing a small bite to her lips, smelling the decadence long before it reached her tongue. She closed her eyes letting a sweet sound build in her chest.
"Nirvana." she whispered sacredly. She took another bite, savoring long and hard, "My hips are going to hate me later." she suddenly didn't give a shit.
"That sound you just made gave me an erection." Red mentioned in passing as he took another bite of his food.
Dembe chuckled appreciatively from the opposite side of the table.
Liz's mouth fell open but then the woman waved her fork in the air, signifying, I'll get to you later, instantly returning to her glorious piece of heaven.
"Who needs flowers or diamonds, Dembe," Red wanted to know, "when you can stuff them with chocolate mousse fudge brownie cake."
Elizabeth Keen followed Red Reddington docilely as he led her throughout the spacious luxurious surroundings. The man had explained on the ride over, that this house would be their temporary lodgings for the time being.
The man opened the doorway, having bypassed three subsequent ones, stepping sideways, to usher her in.
Liz's eyes swept her new surroundings, her mouth falling gently agape.
A gothic four poster canopy bed centered the room. To the left was a gigantic marble fireplace over which hung a magnificent ocean scape. Liz was immediately drawn to the stormy, almost violent hues of the choppy waters and the full mast sailing vessel that weathered the tempestuous waves.
Liz had difficulty pulling her eyes from the strange beauty of the painting.
"I stole that painting... do you like it?"
Elizabeth scowled at the man, never quite sure when he was being serious. "Don't tell me things like that... but I do love it."
A ladies desk sat to the right of the fireplace, an oversized stuffed chair lay silently awaiting its occupant.
Red had disappeared momentarily into another room. Seconds later she heard the inviting rush of taps being turned to full on. The man reappeared instantly, a smile on his lips. He waved an imperious hand.
"Towels are in there." he indicated a side cupboard. "Along with a nice clean fluffy robe, stolen from the Hyatt just last week." his facade had not cracked one iota. The woman sighed heavily, her head dropping slightly for the unnecessary rejoinder.
"Dembe is upstairs, and I'm across the hall." he closed the shutters, shutting out the night. "Divide and conquer. That's my motto . . . actually its Dembe's, but I stole it."
The man stepped a few steps closer, his eyes softening. He placed his hands on her upper arms, rubbing gently. "Take a long relaxing bath, Lizzy. After today, if anyone deserves it, you do."
His hands fell away. She smiled up at him. "You could tempt Satan himself."
"I have him on payroll." he turned slowly, halting by the bedside. Red lifted his eyes, "Drink the wine sweetheart... you're tense."
She took quick stock of her body language finding his statement true. She dropped her shoulders, rolling her head back and forth as her hand squeezed her neckline to ease the growing headache.
"What the hell does he want?" she had to ask the question. "Why can't he just leave me alone?"
Red did not pretend to misunderstand. "Tom Keen is a sociopath. You told him, no." he shrugged stocky shoulders. "His job was to get the Fulcrum, he failed. Two very wrong things in his world."
Short and to the point. Sometimes she appreciated it, but only sometimes.
She crossed to the window, then retraced her steps. The blinds had been closed.
"I used to love that house. When I bought it. It was mine. My home. Now," she sighed, "now I don't want to go there. I don't want to be there... I hate it."
He reached out, pushing the hair off her shoulder, "No big decisions tonight. You're safe. You're secure. Tonight just, let it go... trust me."
He handed her the glass of wine, pushing her toward the oasis awaiting her. "Soak until you shrivel, then sleep."
"You don't have to twist my arm." she absently unbuttoned the first three buttons of her silk blouse. Kicking her heels aside, her mind already settling into a relax mode.
"Nothing can harm you here." Red's voice soothed her.
Closing the bathroom door behind him, he leaned into the doorframe, blowing out a breath. He shut his eyes, pushing away the vision of her half-undone shirt and that scrumptious glance of pale skin. He forced his breathing to calm, shaking his head slightly for his lack of control. He left the bedroom.