May 20
It was a quiet morning considering. Red had left an hour ago to attend to his business dealings.
Liz caught up on her correspondence with the BAU and the Blacksite. With all the interruptions with people in house, especially Francis, she was pleasantly surprised to have popped out a difficult profile as quickly and thoroughly as she had.
She was doubly thrilled to have found that just a few short hours ago, the criminal had been apprehended. She did not delude herself that her profile was the reason but it certainly had helped according to the Special Agent in Charge.
Applying her signature to the preliminary paperwork, she continued in the process of checking her other mail.
She was at first surprised, then shocked, drawing in a startled breath as photos of her and Red started filling the page as they loaded one by one.
She perused the array frantically, her eyes darting from one image to the other.
A couple showed she and Red with their entourage as they toured the Las Vegas Strip. A few contained shots of Silas and her alone.
One was an intimate pose as she and Red watched the Bellagio water show. Yet another had Red's arm wrapped about her waist as they looked over the canal at the Venetian. There they were, as they took in the aquarium at the Mandalay.
The affection between them was apparent. To Liz at least.
They were supposed to be affectionate of course. She was playing the part of Red's fiancée.
Really, the pictures had all been relatively tame, which was not how she vividly pictured their time here.
But that didn't stop the fact that each contained a plethora of scathing vitriol beneath each photo.
Reddington is a vile and atrocious being, tainting everything he touches
Rid yourself ... the world... of his evil, violence and killing
To keep in his company, will only lead you into an eternal damnation
No one will think badly of you, should you kill him. They will understand your reasoning
Tonight, Elizabeth. End Reddington's reign so we can be together in peace.
"Yes, the rambling diatribe of a psycho nutjob was just the incentive I needed to act on murderous intent..." Liz rolled her eyes expressively, "so I'll get right on that."
Scanning back through the photos, she thankfully found, none were of their time in the Villa. With the high walls and heavily guarded property, to see into the sanctuary had obviously been impossible.
She tried to remember a camera pointed at them, but it was difficult to pinpoint anything for sure because...
Everyone had a camera in their hand as they took in the sights of Vegas, so singling out any individual purposely surveilling their group was virtually impossible to detect.
Moving the cursor over the delete option, she hesitated fighting her natural instincts. Red had been saving these horrible things and even the envelopes, looking for a point of origin.
She made a hasty decision, calling Silas for an expert opinion.
The man's grey eyes darkened as he pulled his phone free, issuing an order to track the origins of the IP address, having seen the problem laid out before him.
Liz put in the same request of Aram. She mentioned that the content was private, instinctively knowing her privacy would be respected.
Within moments, the information was relayed that the email had been sent from a library a couple blocks away from their hotel.
A view of the surveillance, only produced a grainy image of a man in a black hoodie sitting at the computer for about five minutes before exiting the building.
Silas directed the computer geek to trace DOT and hotel cameras to track "Black Hoodie Fucker" to and from his last known position.
"Should we phone Red?" Liz bit her nail nervously.
"Red is in tense negotiations at the moment and shouldn't have the distraction at this time, unless absolutely warranted." Silas answered almost absently, his mind clearly on the problem at hand. "I am exemplary in my job." he practically teased to lighten the mood. "What are you worried about? I might begin to think you don't trust my impeccable credentials."
"Well, Red is going to be pissed as hell later on," she cut doubtful eyes his way, "and I'm going to blame it all on you."
"So what else is new." he motioned.
She felt very secure in Silas' care... but he didn't have to know that.
"That new bag you're taking me to buy." she shut down the computer, intent on enjoying her well deserved day off. "Let's go shopping."
"I'm glad you're not letting this creep get to you." he nodded approvingly. "But isn't there some soap opera you can watch or Bon Bon's you can eat?" he pulled a slight grimace. "I've got manly things to do."
"After we get my purse..." she batted her eyes coyly up at the tall man, "we can take in a car exhibit, which is a very manly thing to do."
She wasn't much of a car aficionado, but the exhibit was interesting. Silas fell into the mood of the day, so next they hit the wax museum.
She felt very much the tourist as they took photos of one another with countless statues as they went along.
She had tried to make her poses look as natural as possible, most of Silas' photos on the other hand, were of him with his arm wrapped around the wax figure, cupping a breast or ass cheek... sometimes both.
Lunch was nearing, so they decided on the burger joint at their hotel.
Liz craned her head this way and that. "I'm going to the bathroom." she had spotted what she needed.
Silas turned his bulky frame in the booth so he could watch the door.
"If she comes back before I do," Liz stated, "can you get some mustard and ketchup on the side?"
"Yeah, you want extra pickles too?" he asked, knowing the woman's penchant for the staple. "I know you absolutely love anything resembling the phallic shaped vegetables." he held his smirk. "Remind you of the boss, does it?"
"You're a dirty old man." she tsked.
"That sounded vaguely like a compliment." the man's eyes constantly surveyed his surroundings, Liz noted.
"An observation of fact only, you perv." she corrected. "And yes, I want a pickle."
"Are we using that as a euphemism..." the man chuckled.
"The fucking vegetable." Liz snarled then grimaced when the guard chortled.
"What you do with it is your own business..."
"I'm gonna shove it so far up you're a–"
"Intrigued by the idea of anal play, are we?" the man enquired innocently.
Liz's retort was lost, as her thoughts wandered. A vision popped into her head that was both intriguing and yet a little off putting.
Unaware of the smile playing about Silas' lips, the guard seemed to read her mind.
"There's nothing quite like it." the man further needled the woman. "The trust formed between lovers after such an event is quite spectacular."
Liz cocked her head, staring sightlessly at the table top, a frown pulling at her brows. "Spectacular you say?" she mused quietly.
Silas bit the inside of his cheek, "Please do tell Red who turned you on to the notion." he settled more comfortably into the wall, drumming his fingers on the Formica. "I've been anticipating a bonus for quite some time."
"If I tell him you said that, he'll likely knee cap you." Liz allowed her humor of the situation through, very aware her guard was pestering her.
"No he won't." Silas replied matter-of factly. "He'll be too busy thanking me as he tries to get his dick buried in that tight–"
"Going to pee now." Liz sighed, turning on her heel without a backward glance to her chuckling protector.
She did her business, checked her appearance and smiled. She looked like she was glowing... and didn't think it was just because of the slight sunburn on her nose and cheeks.
Granted, she was still lost in thought about her discussion with Silas, but not the specific details of what he suggested.
She was more caught up in the intimacy she and Red had shared. The trust that was building between them. She had every intention of making sure that connection was solidified.
Suddenly, to be with him... to feel him so very close again, was a high priority. She sincerely hoped Red got off work early tonight.
Smoothing her hair, she opened the door, the good thoughts vanishing into an angry veil.
"What the hell do you want?" she grumbled irritably as Brad smiled, pushing off the opposite wall.
"I want to know what you see in the old guy?" he shrugged. "I mean, I know he must be pretty loaded but..."
"You don't know shit." she snapped peevishly, pushing past him aggressively. She was more than incensed when he reached out, grasping her arm in a no-nonsense grip.
"I know he's Raymond Reddington." the man grinned maliciously.
"Tell me something I don't know." she scoffed, jerking her arm free, making a move to pass him yet again.
Brad scowled at the unexpected response, before capturing her arm again to stop her departure, trying a different tactic.
"We were pretty good together."
"We were so good together," she saw the ploy for what it was, though he seemed to have forgotten one minor detail, "...it made sense to you to cheat."
"I was drunk." he explained it away. "We could be that way again."
"No, thanks." she grimaced disgustedly. "I like what I have now and like my friend said, you pale in comparison in every way imaginable."
"I can be your new Sugar Daddy, if that's what you're worried about." the man baited.
"No, you can't." she replied coldly. "You will never be as charming, kind, caring or as good a fuck as Red is." she spat and the man's face grew furious. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have more important things to do," she side stepped the man, "like eating my burger before it gets cold."
Brad readjusted the hold he had on her arm, pulling her up against his chest as his face descended towards hers.
"Back off!" she snapped viciously, pushing hard against his bulk.
Delivering a swift punch across the man's jaw, much to his astonishment, she landed another to his cheek in his stunned stupor. She blinked her surprise when the man was suddenly hurtling down the hall.
She snapped her eyes to her right, finding a large dark shadow looming over her, snarling it's rage.
"I told you..." Red grated angrily, "she wasn't fucking interested."
Ripping the fedora from it's perch, he plopped it on Liz's head, stalking towards the man who was attempting to shake off the jolt he had just received.
Grasping the collar of Brad's shirt, Red bodily lifted the man to his feet.
"Get her out of here!" Red barked before shoving Brad back through the double doors of the kitchen.
Liz glanced back quickly, finding Silas and Dembe moving stealthily down the corridor as patrons craned their heads around the bulky frames. The men grinned mischievously, waving for her to follow after Red.
She scurried into the kitchen upon hearing an enormous crash. Pushing her way through the doors, she found Red throwing Brad into a stainless steel shelf, the glass sundae cups tinkling merrily as they wobbled dangerously back and forth. Large metal trays fell haphazardly to the floor making a resounding crescendo of noise echoing down the hallway.
The door behind them burst open as two new arrivals stumbled their way on scene.
"Yes!" Francis pumped his fist energetically, his face beaming his joy. "I didn't miss it."
Christopher grimaced his delight. Red punched the man square in the face, sending Brad careening out the back, knocking the door slightly askew as Red stalked his way after him.
"What part of, no," Red vented, viciously punching the man square in the abdomen, "don't you fucking understand!"
He lifted his arm, blocking an intended hit, before nailing Brad in the solar plexus. Brad grunted, falling into the wall behind him for support.
Red reached out, grasping the younger man's collar, holding him steady. "Do you fucking comprehend it now you stupid son of a bitch!" he seethed, before delivering a series of blows to the man's jaw, "Disrespectful little fuck!" he spat his disdain.
Liz blinked rapidly, wincing with each hit Red landed. Even against Edward, she had never seen Red so furious.
She instinctively sought help, glancing about for Silas or Dembe. Her hopes in that direction were dimmed considerably as she watched all concerned crane their necks this way and that to get a better look at the proceedings taking place.
Francis was jabbing his fists in open air in silent encouragement, the look on his face of total delight. Christopher was right there beside him, literally dancing back and forth as a boxer, his beefy arms warding off "air blows".
Silas and Dembe nodded thoughtfully from time to time if Red happened to deliver a blow of which they approved.
Liz motioned insistently for her guard to step in and do his 'duty'. Surely someone of Red's so called friends should be attempting to put a halt to this fiasco.
Silas waved a careless hand as if to say, 'woman, there's some serious betting going on here, back off'.
She turned her eyes back Red's way, wincing when Brad finally landed a punch of his own.
She looked anxiously at her guard, only to find the man smirking. He caught her in his vision, sighing. The man sidled closer to her, not taking his eyes from the men trading hits.
"Lucky punch." he muttered. "Won't happen again."
Liz flinched as Brad landed another, then frowned up at Silas who shrugged nonchalantly. It looked as though... it was almost as if Red left himself open to the hit.
She looked imploringly at Silas, only finding the man oblivious to her. Through it all, Red didn't stop once in berating good old Brad. No matter who hit who.
"He's feeding off it." Silas explained cryptically.
As Brad hit him again, she watched Red's eyes go ebony black, only then truly understanding what Silas had meant.
Red drew back, delivering a blow that left Brad clumsily stumbling backward, sending the young man to his knees in an ungraceful slump. The crunching sound of the man's kneecaps hitting cement could be heard over the sounds of Red's angry cursing.
Curling Brad's shirt in his fist, Red yanked him forward, pulling the man close until their noses almost touched.
"And if I wasn't perfectly clear the first fucking time." Red spat. "She's mine, asshole." he growled dangerously.
Liz had never liked the macho mentality, but something about Red's tone sent shivers down her spine. Something primitive, something deeply ingrained sparked to vivid life.
Understanding dawned on her. It went beyond territorial. Reflection and logic did not apply here. That she was okay with such a concept neither surprised nor shocked her.
"He's staking his claim, honey." Silas muttered, solidifying her thoughts.
She suddenly realized, Red needed to do this, for a host of reasons. And she needed to allow it.
He needed to do what came natural to him.
Someone had accosted his woman, and that was something a man like Red Reddington simply could not tolerate.
He needed to vent this frustration, to protect her... and stake his claim for his own peace of mind.
Just as she said he should, if he felt it was warranted.
As she watched Red shake Brad like he was a rag doll and backhand him with a closed fist... it was obviously a moment where he felt such action was warranted.
"Look at me!" he hissed until the man blearily focused bloodshot, swollen eyes on Red's furious face.
Brad closed his eyes, turning his face away from the enraged man.
Red snarled murderously at the perceived brush off. Releasing his grip, he let Brad fall to a heap on the wet ground. Pulling his weapon free, he racked it and settled it against the man's chest before Liz could blink an eye.
Silas quickly reached out, laying a stilling arm over her chest, though was surprised to find the woman standing stock still and watching quietly.
She was looking between both men anxiously, but stayed perfectly silent.
"Do not ever come near what's mine again." Red repeated darkly, his weight leaning into the weapon. "...When Elizabeth speaks... obey." he snarled. "I will not hesitate to put a fucking bullet through your fucking heart." he hissed. "Do you understand the words I am saying."
Brad coughed wetly, spitting a mouthful of blood on the pavement.
"Do you understand me?" Red once again grated harshly, shoving the barrel of his gun painfully into the man's chest.
"... I u-understand." Brad slurred.
Red stayed hunched over the man for countless moments, his thumb rubbing along the stock of his weapon before finally pushing off the son-of-a-bitch.
Glaring angrily down at the man at his feet, Red took a deep breath trying to batten down the rage he still felt. Lifting angry eyes, he pulled up short when he found Lizzy standing there.
Glancing at Dembe and Silas, his look informed them of his displeasure for not doing as he had directed. He stepped over the heap on the ground, his eyes sweeping Liz's form.
"Are you all right?" he asked. While he knew Lizzy could handle Brad admirably on her own, he couldn't help but worry for her emotional state.
It wasn't everyday you watched your lover beat the living hell out of someone. This was his world, not hers.
"I'm fine." she murmured quietly.
Red inclined his head, understanding the quiet tone. They would need to speak later.
Turning to their host, Red took a deep breath, controlling the anger that simmered just beneath the now cool exterior. "I apologize for the disturbance t–"
Christopher laughed, shaking his head. "Don't apologize..." he slapped Red's arm in open camaraderie, "I'm sure the patrons loved it. It's Vegas after all." the man chuckled. "Besides, I've had security checking surveillance to alert me if a confrontation came about... so I wouldn't miss it."
"That was so fucking awesome!" Francis grinned widely, as he hopped excitedly in place. This was a fight he would have come a long way to see.
The young man jerked his head to the right as the back door was thrown open violently, revealing a panting, disheveled Mark Donovan.
"Ah, dammit!" Mark bitched seeing the man laying on the ground and Red's red and bloody knuckles. "I fucking missed it!?"
Francis waved his phone excitedly in the air, thrilled to share his enthusiasm with someone who would appreciate it as much. "I got it!"
Gesturing the man over, Mark rushed towards Francis, his face beaming.
Silas came out the same door at a leisurely pace, carrying a couple of 'to go' orders.
Red sighed heavily, shaking his head for the guards lackadaisical outlook on life. He startled when he felt cool fingers tenderly trace his face.
"Are you all right?" Liz asked quietly, blotting a small split in the corner of his lip with her finger.
Pushing past the haze, Red found her big blue eyes looking up at him worriedly.
"I'm..." he took a deep breath, the last of his anger vanishing. "...better."
He placed his arm about her waist, following Christopher as the man led them to a private area.
Liz sat down in the chair Red offered. She watched him cross the space to a door which she assumed was a bathroom.
She sought out Dembe, her concern expressed in her face.
"There is no cause for concern." she was assured.
Silas pulled her burger from a take out box, shoving it towards her, along with another container. She snatched up the offering, opening them with a flourish, finding her requested condiments.
"Silas..." she mooned adoringly, "you're the best."
"Hell, I know that." he agreed readily, taking a large bite from his gigantic burger.
"I know it's incredibly rude..." she cupped her own tasty concoction in her hands, "after all that's happened, but I'm starving."
"It happens." Christopher shrugged, always the consummate host. A waiter entered inconspicuously, placing food before those gathered.
Closing the door behind him, Red hesitated in his trek across the room, his eyes taking in the developing scene. Lizzy sat, his hat tipped back up on her head jauntily... hungrily devouring a large hamburger.
"You want a bite?" she questioned around her own mouthful, having noticed his interest. She held up an offering.
"No, baby," he sat down beside her, moving her drink closer, "you eat."
She smiled happily, dragging her fries closer, grabbing a couple before waving them through the condiments and shoving them in her mouth.
Red breathed a mental sigh of relief. He listened to the woman giggle in between bites, as she listened to Francis' embellished retelling of the fight through his eyes, even as Mark and Chris watched the video of events as they had truthfully played out.
He was so sure she would be upset. Would be angry with him.
But she wasn't. She was starving. She was smiling. She was laughing.
She was happy...
While Red was pleased Liz was handling his loss of control so well, he was also, admittedly a little worried.
Was this the calm before the storm? Would they argue later? He hated when they were at odds.
A platter with a large steak, with equally large portions of vegetables and other side items was placed before him.
He stared at the delicious offering, lacking any real appetite.
He tried so hard to control his temper when she was about, but had failed twice now, in spectacular fashion.
And worse, both times had been because of the woman. He hoped like hell Liz didn't feel guilty for his own lack of self control where she was concerned.
He had seen a threat to her and neutralized it. That's what he did.
He protected her, at all costs.
"Red..." she tapped his leg, drawing his attention, "please eat. You haven't had anything since breakfast. You must be starving." she frowned at his untouched plate before popping a pickle in her mouth.
Red reached over, clasping her hand in his, squeezing her tightly. She clutched him right back, lifting his busted knuckles, kissing the frayed skin gently.
He winced openly, as her frown deepened in response.
"It's her daily required allowance of iron intake." Francis had noted the affectionate exchange.
Liz sighed, kissing the tattered flesh once again, conveying her feelings in the simple gesture.
They were fine. Stop being stupid.
"Eat..." she repeated, handing him a fork and knife.
He took the offering, slowly cutting the expensive meat before lifting a small portion to his mouth. Chewing the succulent beef, he found the woman smiling happily over at him.
He suddenly found himself simply ravenous.
Whatever came of this incident, for the moment he had Lizzy's forgiveness and good friends surrounded him. In life, it was always the small things that gave the most pleasure.
Red Reddington had discovered that fact many years back.
He never wasted time considering what might have been or second guessing any decisions he made.
He dismissed from his mind any disruptive thoughts that betrayed those facts.
Instead, he focused on the contentment he was experiencing, intent on thoroughly enjoying the ever changing landscape which was his life.
After a scrumptious meal, Red made his excuses to his host.
"I have to change." he stated. "Could you tell Antonio and Guiren that I will be along shortly?" he asked of Christopher.
"Yes, of course." the man replied cordially. "Take your time."
Liz and Red made their way back to the Villa shortly there after.
He closed the door quietly behind him, stepping into the sanctity of their room. He was totally shocked when her little body suddenly collided forcibly with his. The kiss she offered was both sensual yet fiercely affectionate.
"I'm not mad." she whispered before he could even begin to gather his thoughts. "You gave Brad fair warning, I gave him fair warning." she continued. "He chose to ignore it."
"I should not have lost my temper."
"That was incredibly rude of him to ignore my demands, and if you ask me, he had it coming." she raised her chin defiantly. "If it wasn't you, it was going to be me."
A soft smile played about his lips. He found he very much enjoyed Lizzy when she was in a surly mood.
"As for that temper..." the woman's voice lowered, as she sidled closer to him, "I didn't know you could be so...forceful."
Red lifted gray eyes, his brows knitting slightly, asking the rhetorical question.
"I found it kind of sexy." she quietly confided, as she absently played with a noticeable slit in his sleeve.
Red narrowed his eyes, reading the truthfulness of her statement, a short burst of laughter passing his lips.
"Always expect the unexpected." he muttered his delight.
"What?" she asked slightly enthralled by the sound of that throaty chuckle.
"Nothing... just talking to myself." he kissed her gently, pulling back slightly to read the woman's expressive features.
"Were you defending my virtue?" she asked lightly, drawing an involuntary smile which replaced the frown on his face.
"Your virtue is fully intact, regardless of Brad's less than noble intentions." he murmured.
"Were you protecting your property." The woman emitted a high sigh of contentment.
"While that concept is absolutely medieval," he chuckled quietly, having never heard the woman make such a sound before... not when fully dressed at least, "to be truthful, I think you've actually hit on it."
"I think that's really hot." she moved closer.
"Oh you do, do you?" his chuckle returned for a moment before his agitation resurfaced.
"Be glad I didn't kill the asshole..." he grumbled his irritation, visualizing what he had walked up on earlier, his eyes dropping to her mouth, "little bastard trying to kiss my baby..."
Those little endearments aroused her beyond distraction.
His mood lightened, as he once again pressed his mouth to hers. He reluctantly lifted the deeply satisfying caress after a fashion.
"You look awfully cute in that." He gestured to the startling blue fedora sitting on her soft dark hair.
"We need to get you one," he said, removing the hat, tossing it to the bureau beside them, "they look quite becoming on you."
She frowned at the fedora's removal, until his lips against her neck caught her attention.
"Are you my Sugar Baby?" Red murmured against the soft skin.
Liz tsked softly, rolling her eyes.
"I didn't say that." she remembered back to the remark Brad had made concerning Red.
"Well, you didn't deny it either." he pointed out the fact.
"I'm your girlfriend..." she hesitated at the term, "significant other..." she screwed up her nose distastefully. That did not work either.
"...Whatever." Red concluded, trailing a soft line of kisses along her jaw line. He knew the label he would like to apply to her, but she wasn't ready for that... yet.
"We really must settle on something." he rumbled deeply. "Sugar baby would work for me." he grinned. "Though, normally, when I think of you..."
"Don't even go there yet." she put a little space between them, a scolding look on her face. "Are you going back to work?"
Red could see her point, moving her closer in his embrace all the same. "Well, I can't be your Sugar Daddy if I don't continue bringing in the dough."
"I can just see it now," she allowed herself to be maneuvered, completely pliable in his arms, "at the company Christmas party." she teased. "Hi, I'm Liz and this is my Sugar Daddy, Red Reddington, aka, fourth most wanted criminal in America..."
"And possibly the rest of the civilized world..." he was anything but immodest, "you want to take me to your Christmas party?" he was visibly touched.
"You can be my secret Santa." she flirted openly.
"Oh, I plan to be your secret Santa." the grey eyes took on a blue hue as his mood lightened further. "Have you been a good little girl," his manner turned playful, "because if you have, I get to slip you a special Yule Log this year."
She stifled a giggle, "Only you know which list I'm on, Santa." she responded in kind. "Should I leave you some of my special cookies."
"Oh, hell yeah." his eyes dropped to her breasts. "I absolutely adore special cookies."
"I thought you might." she shook her head woefully, chuckling appreciatively. She tucked herself under his chin, snuggling into his warmth.
"Those cookies are only for Santa, remember." his tone took on a scolding inflection. "Santa doesn't like to share..."
"I did not know that about Santa." she stated playfully. "So territorial...".
Red pulled back slightly, lifting an eyebrow, "And you're not?"
He looked at her pointedly, both knowing very well he was remembering her reaction to Natalia.
"Maybe I am." she admitted impassively. "But I hope I would find something better to say than, he's mine." she scoffed, her eyes lifting defensively. "You couldn't have been a little more erudite where I am concerned?"
"One says thing in the heat of the moment, one often regrets," he glanced down at her small pout, "but in this instance, I said exactly what I meant."
Red pulled back reluctantly, remembering his state of dress. He grimaced accordingly.
"I have to get out of these clothes." He pulled at the shirt, removing it quickly before heading for the bathroom.
"I know that your little wannabe paramour is most likely indisposed..." he called back over his shoulder, "but I would like it if you stayed with Silas."
"You don't think Brad will heed the warning?" the blue eyes raised, the amazement apparent.
"He better." Red said. "Or he'll find a bullet up his ass." he muttered, washing himself off before donning a new shirt.
Sighing, he pushed away from the sink. "I know that you are more than capable of handling Brad..." he reached out, brushing her hair gently aside as it fell off her shoulders. "I was so proud of your actions where the bastard was concerned."
"Thank you." she smiled gently, truly appreciating his concern for her well being and even more so, his belief in her abilities. "Silas and I were going to play the tables when I got back.
Looping a new tie, he made quick work of the knot, as he looked down at her. "If you should need me..."
"...Call." she concluded, kissing the warm mouth in open affection.