May 21
Guess who I found. CRVR
"Jesus!" Red stared at the message, his senses reeling. He sat motionless, allowing the emotions to wash over him, unable to do anything else, truth told.
He had felt fear before. Gut wrenching, heart palpitating, mesmerizing fear, but never one so totally paralyzing, so overpowering, so all consuming... that he could not override the factor and continue on with the task at hand.
Another time came to mind when he had felt something similar. The night of Carver's attack on Elizabeth Keen.
Visions of the woman's blood stained clothes, her shallow, haunted eyes, blurred to crystal clarity.
"Lock down the hotel!" He barked, his knuckles white from the exertion exuded on the table top he had grasped for, a stay hold of reality.
Even as he said the words, he felt their uselessness, Carver would not be on the premises. The bastard would have made certain of escape before having sent the... or perhaps not.
Hope loomed large in Red's soul. "No one leaves!"
The son of a bitch was just egotistical enough to stick around to watch the terror his actions could produce.
Shoving back his chair with an abrupt rising, Red Reddington focused all his energies on one thing, Elizabeth's survival.
"Now!" his commanding tone conveyed an urgency which transmitted across the suddenly silent area, all eyes having turned to the man's unexplainable behavior.
Christopher was moving before he knew it, issuing similar orders to his Security teams.
Antonio Crocetti arose with regal dignity, his features masked, his body tense, almost coiled, as he watched the younger man's face.
Red bolted, Dembe close behind.
The Triad members left behind exchanged enigmatical glances as they unhurriedly followed suit.
Rushing for the stairwell, Red and Dembe literally ran the couple flights before bursting out onto the main floor of the Casino.
Running through the gaming area, people jumped back out of the way, scattering almost comically, faces registering annoyance or avid interest.
Red shoved out the back doors, pulling his gun from its holster.
His heart pounded painfully in his chest as he quickly scanned the large pool and deck as Dembe came alongside him, weapon out, searching as well, with the eyes of a trained observer.
He felt his heart stop, a coldness overtaking him and the panic rising the more he scanned the area, for he could not find the woman anywhere.
"Lizzy!" He yelled out over the people milling around. "Lizzy!" He bellowed louder as he moved through the fast parting crowd. "Dammit, Elizabeth!" his fear turned to terror... had Carver already retrieved his target? "Where the fuck are you!"
"There." Dembe pointed, his calm tone soothing Red's anxiety.
The older man spotted Silas finally, over by the West wall, the guard's weapon at the ready.
Behind Silas' massive frame, Red could just make out the top of a shiny moppet of dark hair. The silver haired guard's beefy arm encircled Elizabeth's waist with no effort on his part... as she was pressed tightly against the shelter of Silas' body.
Not much could be seen of the woman. How Dembe had spotted her, Red did not know and at this moment, he didn't especially care.
Relief washed over the man, the tension in his body lessening by degrees.
Silas had backed Elizabeth into a convenient walled area, limiting access to the woman while simultaneously guiding her to a possible escape route.
Red noted an entry gate far to the pairs right.
Silas always thought two moves ahead in any situation in life. Perhaps it's why he stayed alive in such a perilous career choice.
Whatever. Red was more than grateful for such clear thinking at present.
Seeing Lizzy secured allowed Red to return his attention to the immediate threat.
The man scanned the faces of the crowded pool area.
There was a low murmur of confusion sweeping those present. Men with guns drawn often silenced the most boisterous gatherings, or at the least, that was Red's experience on the matter.
Carver could be among those who looked back at him.
Red had noted Francis Holbrook seconds before when the young man had bolted from his longue chair, a Glock swiftly pulled from the folds of a nearby towel.
Lia and Amanda were shuffled more than efficiently into the confines of the bar area, hidden and secure for the moment as Francis took time to survey the commotion taking place.
The young man's alert eyes cautiously swept his surroundings, making contact with the stoic black man.
Dembe stood, a beacon of reason and calm in a chaotic storm.
Francis shifted a questioning glance Red's way.
Red had other priorities however, heading for Silas' position, as he secured his weapon.
There really was no need for the gun as Silas' Security team had appeared miraculously out of nowhere seconds before.
Hotel security seemed to be onboard as well. Christopher was doing his job as Red knew he would and he was grateful.
When he was close enough, the large man moved from Red's determined path, allowing access to Elizabeth.
Any thought vanished as Red's arms engulfed Lizzy's small frame, crushing her to his warmth. The man closed his eyes to the reality of the woman. She was safe. He could breathe again.
"W-what's wrong?" Liz stuttered, feeling the man trembling against her.
The horror of another reality returned.
"Carver." Red's tone conveyed the emotions he was feeling as he turned to the patiently waiting guard. "He's here."
Silas' expression remained passive. If the news alarmed or surprised, he would never reveal as much.
"I heard you coming." Silas motioned a few of his men forward with a nonchalant wave of his hand.
"C-Carver?" Elizabeth's whisper halted all speech, the men glancing her way.
The blue eyes widened, startled, but Red was pleased to see nothing other than that at present.
She could be in shock of course... Red knew the adrenaline he had felt was wearing off. He had time to process, she had not as yet.
Silas returned his attention elsewhere. The sound of lively music on the far side of the pool deck added to the needed diversion he had demanded from his team, leading the befuddled guests away, to a more contained scene.
Hotel Security smiled pleasantly, as they roamed the guests, arresting any fears, as waiters and bartenders offered up free drinks and food, enticing any undue attention elsewhere for the moment.
Mark and Francis approached their position, weapons holstered as to aid in the containment of the crowd's curiosity but Red knew those weapons could be drawn and ready in milliseconds if the need arose.
Francis discreetly hid his Glock under folded arms, but his expression did not bode well.
"What the hell is going on?" Francis checked on Elizabeth who still huddled in Red's embrace, her eyes darting about the crowd.
Francis inched closer, sensing something terribly awry.
"What the fuck, Red?" Mark, usually the consummate gentleman around a lady, forgot his manners. "The Triad thinks something is..." he drifted as he witnessed Elizabeth's face for himself, "this has nothing to do with the business at hand," he lifted concerned eyes, "... does it."
Red shook his head grimly, noting the late arrival of several members of said 'Triad'. All of whom stood patiently, having watched the previous 'show'.
They were reserving judgement which in itself spoke highly of Red Reddington's influence and reputation.
Dembe had sauntered over, for nothing in the entire universe seemed to disrupt the man's perennial 'cool' but a deep scowl on the remarkably handsome face alerted Red to a problem.
Dembe came alongside Elizabeth, craning his neck to the side. Something out of the norm had caught his attention.
Red removed his arm for the large black man was picking at an object below Red's jacket sleeve.
Dembe pulled at the band-aid like material, removing it with one deft flick.
Liz stood still under his administrations wanting desperately to look over her shoulder to see what the hell was going on.
"Raymond..." Dembe held up the patch, showing the ominous 'tag' to his friend and the guard beside him.
Red's tenseness returned two-fold as he too, read the neatly scripted initials.
CRVR
"What the hell is that?" Francis exchanged perplexed looks with Mark Donovan.
"Get her inside, now." Red hissed, ignoring the question and questioner. He ushered Liz along, his steps hurried.
It was difficult to keep abreast of the man for Lizzy but she managed for a certain type of fear fueled her feet.
Francis was not deterred however. He hastened his own pace, coming alongside the entourage which accompanied his friend.
Elizabeth kept shooting frantic looks his way over the shoulders of the much taller Security people.
Francis motioned curtly, once again and several similarly dressed men surrounded a totally disoriented Lia and Amanda who had watched the unfolding drama from afar.
The two women were ushered into line behind the rapidly retreating Red Reddington who had covered the expanse of ground and was already converging on the upcoming entrance doors that loomed ahead.
Francis marched diligently in step with the contingent surrounding his friends, a million questions filling his head.
When he came abreast of Red, he was of a mind to voice a few, "You want to tell me wha–"
"Not now, Francis." it was brusquely advised. Reddington had one objective and one alone. "We need to get to the Villa."
"I want to stay here." Liz felt an inner anger emerging, balking at the overly rushed steps she was being forced to take. "I want to confront the bastard!" she hissed.
"What basta–" Francis was quick to pick up on the slip.
"On our own playing field." Red vetoed such a foolish notion.
Both Liz and Francis knew sound judgement when they heard it, falling silent... almost.
"It feels wrong," Liz protested, but resumed a step as Francis' hand on her back suggested strongly, she should do so, "like I'm running away. I won't do that again, Red!"
Red met the stubborn set of her chin, the mounting fury in her stare.
"Pick your battles." Silas muttered, if only to end the stalemate which had ensued. "Another time, another place without innocents about."
Red suddenly resented the fact Silas always seemed to know how to reach the woman.
The blue eyes swept the guests absently allowing herself to be escorted forward in the next second with but one curt...
"Don't stand there, you idiots!" she shoved angrily at Mark and Francis who had flanked her now for some few minutes. "Do you want to be murdered? Do you want to be killed?"
Both men grinned for her mood, nothing more.
"By a beautiful woman right after a night of passionate lovemaking." Mark quipped to lighten the moment but the remark seemed only appreciated by Francis Holbrook, whose grin widened slightly.
"Preferably in your sleep, right?" Francis stated wryly.
Red's palm flattened against the glass of the hotel entrance, shoving through the heavy panels, continuing down the long, plush carpeted corridor.
"Get away!" Liz raised her tone and voice for the 'two idiots' refused to listen to reason. "Let go!" she tried to jerk from Red's grip.
"You're making our job more difficult." Silas cast a strong look her way and the woman fell silent instantly, her resistance melting into a brooding silence.
Christopher awaited, ushering everyone into a large room at the end of the hall.
A few Triad people had discretely gathered inside, all standing about, quietly speaking amongst themselves.
A silence fell upon Reddington's arrival.
Red ignored all else turning to more important matters.
"Transportation?" he issued a taut request.
"It will take a second." Chris advised just as tightly. "You want to tell me what the hell is going on?" he threw his arms out wide, openly frustrated. "I can't do my job if I'm left in the dark!"
Red's eyes lifted slowly, a menace inside the crystal grey depths. He knew Christopher was not to blame for any of this, he could sympathize with the man but right now... Red need to 'vent' and God help any unsuspecting victim who happened to be nearby.
"Hey, man," Christopher defused the situation as professionally as he knew how, "I'm just wanting to help."
Red let it go. Dembe stepped in, offering explanations which would suffice.
Red turned his anger elsewhere. "You saw him," it was surmised, "you must have!"
Liz was startled, unaccustomed to such a tone from the man.
"What did he look like?" the light eyes bore into hers as he curved his fingers cuttingly around Liz's arms. "Brown hair, blonde?" He snapped in rapid succession.
"I–I don't know." She shook in his grasp, wondering at the chill suddenly racking her body. "There were so many people!"
The Triad members milled beside the doorway, disapproving frowns on their eclectic faces as they watched Red manhandling the tiny woman.
"Is there a problem, here?" The leader, Guiren, a distinguished East Asian, stepped forward posing the question on everyone's mind.
"A slight disturbance only..." Mark turned, explaining the situation, as he knew it anyway... filling in the gaps with acceptable lies.
The man listened, shrewdly seeing past Mark's diplomatic efforts, understanding Reddington's fear. He had seen for himself the open affection displayed before this 'slight disturbance' had occurred.
If it had been his lady in danger, Guiren knew he'd over react as Reddington was doing now. Reddington would calm down soon enough and love her as much as he was scaring her. He was just that terrified for her, he couldn't control it yet.
"Think! Who touched you!" Red raised his voice, gripping her tighter. "Focus."
She closed her eyes, swallowing harshly, when Silas spoke. "A man stumbled against her, medium height, bulky, brown hair, he was wearing–"
"Khaki pants, green shirt." Her bottom lip quivered under Red's angered glare. "Like a u–uniform."
"Delivery guy." Chris spoke quickly into the radio, relaying the info onward to his people.
Liz wrapped her arms around her body, shivering more in fear than because of the cold air brushing against her wet suit.
She hated this feeling. She was a damn FBI agent for heavens sake. She just couldn't shake the feeling of dread she felt when that horrible man's name was mentioned.
"What the fuck were you doing!" Red's fury was allowed a brief moment of freedom. "How could you not see him!" he yelled.
Liz blinked back the gathering tears, even more scared than Red. That Carver had gotten that close to her and she hadn't noticed, made her sick. And worse... she felt utterly useless. She had never felt so inadequate in her life.
She was trained to observe. To take in her surroundings. To notice danger around her.
And she had failed, miserably. Her biggest threat in life, not only approached her, but had actually touched her. And she had been wholly unaware.
"He could have taken you away, Elizabeth!" Red snapped angrily. "My God...
"Reddington..." Antonio's stern tone conciliated the overwrought man. When Crocetti had arrived, Red could not have said.
Red's anxious eyes darted towards the older man, as the full weight of what just happened crashed in on him.
Not only had Carver proved the threat he posed.
Red was berating a visibly unsettled Elizabeth Keen. He had been verbally thrashing an already stricken individual.
Never mind that Lizzy was being stalked and targeted by a psychotic serial killer. Allow Red Reddington to add his own brand of malice to the picture.
The thought sickened the man to the core.
Brushing a hand against his brow, Red was shocked to see it trembling as he grasped the lapels of his jacket to jerk it back into a semblance of order. He adjusted his tone accordingly as the fear he felt for her safety overwhelmed the man.
"He could have hurt you, baby." he whispered brokenly, the anguished eyes sharing that pain willingly with her.
Removing the warmed linen jacket, Red wrapped it around her small frame, gently tugging her into a fevered embrace. Rubbing his hands up and down her back, he warmed her chilled body. Comforting them both.
Guiren's frame relaxed finally. There was no real problem between Reddington and his woman. None that existed between the couple at least. Some outside interference, definitely, was rearing it's ugly head.
He knew this man loved this slight slip of a girl. Reddington's voice had cracked slightly when he had called her the endearment. He could work with this man, a man not afraid to show how much he cared for those he loved.
Guiren had been trying to get a reading on Reddington since they had first met. He thought perhaps that he would like Reddington from the way Red interacted with the men at his side. He seemed to genuinely like those he employed, respected them to a fault, and care for their well being.
As he watched Reddington's hand tremble as it pet the woman's small head, as he pulled her even closer to get a handle on his fear and agitation, Guiren knew this... this was honest emotion.
The head of the Eastern Empire of consolidated crime, and the aged, revered Mobster who had proven himself over the years to be a consummate leader of men, watched Red steer the woman to the couch as he hovered over her.
Chris came alongside Red, his radio raised as he diligently listened to his security chief's report. "I'll be right there." he clicked off the communication, seeking out Red, "They have something for me."
Accepting a cashmere wrap from Antonio, Red placed it about Liz's small frame.
"Dembe, can you go and get her some clothes?" Red had noted the slight shiver which traversed her body.
"No, no..." she stilled the large man, "I can change... later." she had been enough trouble for these men.
"You all right?" Red asked, kneeling before her, lifting her haunted eyes to his steady gaze. She sat silently, but nodded.
"I'm sorry I yelled at you." he clenched his jaw, clearly angry with himself for such a lapse.
"You were scared," She said, her voice steady enough, "rightfully so."
"I wasn't scared," he gently carded his fingers through her damp strands, "I was fucking terrified."
"Something alerted you." she had time to consider a few things. "How did you know he was... here?"
"Silas..." he held his hand out, taking the phone back as it was handed over. He scrolled to the first picture. "I got this one first. I just assumed Silas took it." He showed it to her, remembering how he had smiled, then his expression altered. "Then I got this one."
Liz shivered involuntarily as she perused the photos.
He had been that close? Well, of course he had, he had touched her, pressed something into her skin, something she had not even felt.
That monster had touched her. Why hadn't her flesh not recoiled? Why hadn't she become violently ill? She felt as if she would be now...
"He attached this," Red hesitated before he showed her the caption, "along with it."
Liz tightened her arms about her waist, turning away from the phone and all it represented.
"Lizzy," the man closed the phone, his expression grim, "I don't mean to keep harping, but if there is anything else..." he implored, "anything that might..." he trailed away, seeing the distress apparent on the pretty features.
"I remember someone brushing against me, but..." she kept her tone even, apologizing with her manner, for not remembering more.
It took all she had because images kept resurfacing in her minds eyes, images of that first fateful meeting.
"It happened so fast." How many times had she heard that statement? It had been so frustrating then. She could imagine what Red must be feeling. So close... but so far.
"I dismissed it." she closed her eyes. "It happens all the time," she tried to explain, "a waiter, a busboy..."
"But it wasn't a fucking busboy... or waiter." Red whispered hoarsely, he threw a look at Silas.
"What the hell! I did my job." Silas was a little off-kilter after all, his temper flaring.
"Stop." Liz pleaded, "for God's sake. He's saved my life any number of times and he protected me today... don't... don't do this."
Red felt the rebuke, shifting the focus of his anger. "I know that..." his tone mellowed if only for the woman's sake.
He was pissed at the world today, or at fate... or God. Or all of the above. "And of course, now is not the time."
Francis appeared out of nowhere, a tumbler of scotch in hand. "Settle your nerves?"
He bypassed Red to hand it over, a smile for Lizzy. "Not that you need it!" he held his hands aloft in the universal sign of peace. "Not saying that..."
Liz took the liquor gratefully, sipping the warming serum, feeling it sear her throat.
"I'm going to grab the girls." Francis motioned to the vicinity needed. "If you guys can manage without me?"
Red waved the request aside. "See to them." he asked of Dembe to accompany the young man. "See to their safety, Dembe...please."
The large man accompanied Mark and Francis, all three disappearing out the door in seconds.
"Be careful." Red called out a hasty reminder.
Liz's tense muscles were beginning to relax in spite of her better judgement. "Can we say, incompetent?" she muttered dejectedly. "I can just hear the team now."
"We'll find him, Lizzy." Red sounded more confident than he felt at the moment. He would regain his equilibrium, he realized, it was simply taking more time than usual.
"Is there anything," it was stressed, as the quiet solemn man approached, Guiren was genuinely interested in the reply, "we can do to assist?"
Red stood, offering his hand. "I apologize for leaving the meeting so abruptly."
"It was entirely my fault." Liz hastily explained.
Both men looked down at her position on the couch.
"A slight disturbance only, as I was given to understand." Guiren smiled warmly. "As long as you are unharmed, all is well, yes?"
Red brushed the wet bangs from her forehead. "This is Elizabeth, Guiren." he smiled in affection. "My new reason for being."
Elizabeth's eyes blinked their shock for such an openly stated proclamation. Her mouth fell agape as she instinctively checked the affect the astounding words had on Guiren.
"Truly?" the handsome features were unreadable of course. "I would have not guessed at such a deep... connection."
Red inclined his head, almost nobly, Liz thought.
"Unfortunately, because of this... slight disturbance, I must cut short my intended stay and will be taking my leave." Red silenced the woman's objections with a discrete shake of his head. "You will understand the reasons hopefully but I assure you... another more suitable location will shortly be available for our purposes."
"Of course... her protection is paramount." the man understood.
Antonio Crocetti had crossed the room, politely awaiting his turn to speak. His eyes fell softly on Elizabeth Keen as he cradled her small face tenderly.
"No harm will come to you, gattina." he said, patting her gently. "This I promise you." the man's smoky timbre washed warmly over her.
He turned to Red, "If need be, our business can be conducted by... other means." he waved the issue aside, having consulted his counter point before making the statement.
"Our people are at your disposal, Reddington, which most surely goes without saying." Guiren offered magnanimously.
"Yes, my men will see you safely to your destination and afterward, to the airport when ready." Antonio offered sincerely.
"I see it as a most promising sign, gentlemen." Red was pleasantly surprised, indeed. "That our forces have joined together so quickly and efficiently in a time of such distressed difficulty."
He once again offered the hand of friendship to both individuals. "Thank you for your understanding and support. It is greatly appreciated."
Christopher reentered the room, glancing to the others gathered within. He had ordered several dealers on site, tables had been set up. His special guests were once again on a more even keel, some trying their luck, but the tension had melted away.
"We thought we had him, but false alarm," he relayed the news quickly. "It was a new delivery guy, but he was checked out, besides the guy was like eighteen and scared shitless by all the attention focused on him."
Red hid his disappointment well, offering a smile for Lizzy when she turned devastated eyes his way.
"I've got surveillance pulling the feed." Chris continued with better news, he hoped. "As soon as they get it collected, I will have it delivered to you."
Red nodded his gratitude. Maybe the bastard had overplayed his hand this time. A clear image would be a literal God-send.
Red didn't really hold out much hope however. Carver was no fool.
"The car is waiting." Christopher finished with a wave of his hand.
Liz placed her unfinished drink on a nearby table, clutching his jacket closer about her shoulders as she allowed Red to guide her with a gentle hand. She hesitated in her step, looking back at Guiren and Antonio.
"Again, allow me to apologize for–"
Antonio captured her hand, laying a gallant kiss on her soft skin. "There are other things in this world more important, yes?"
Elizabeth smiled genuinely, grateful for his gracious acceptance for the inconvenience.
"I hope, if you're ever in DC, you'll visit?" she replied hastily to the both men, before stepping impulsively to in turn kiss their cheeks. "You haven't really seen us at our very best, I would love a chance to alter your perception of me."
A soft smile pulled at Red's mouth as he watched Lizzy charm the older man. But then, there was also something charming about Antonio's regard for Elizabeth.
Not a lot of the young up and comers wanted to deal with the old world mobsters because of their traditions or way of doing things, but if anyone asked Red, the young ones were missing out on learning some valuable life lessons.
One of which was playing out, right before his very eyes, and that was how a man should treat a lady.
Liz smiled at the man, wrinkling her nose adorably as Antonio placed another small kiss on her hand before slowly releasing it.
"It would be my pleasure, bella piccolina." the man laughed quietly, gesturing for his men to accompany Reddington and his girl. "Safe travels."
Guiren bowed respectfully, taking her offered hand, before he too lay a small kiss on her fingers.
"Call when you are secure." the older of the two requested of Red, his eyes gentling on Elizabeth.
Nodding once again his gratitude, Red wrapped his arm around Lizzy as he followed Silas out the door. All of them safely ensconced by the protective barrier of a couple dozen armed men.
Liz felt so many emotions, walking down that long corridor that day. It was several days later, when a quiet spell hit, that she would have time to recall them all and analyze all that had transpired.
Several times, she had been one of the 'protective wall' of agents surrounding a valuable suspect or witness in her capacity of FBI agent.
She had never given much thought to how that individual felt, too concentrated on doing her job.
She herself, had felt helpless, at the mercy of the whims of a madman. So much anger was directed at Carver that day, for interrupting an idyllic time in her life, for intruding into her private space... yet again.
For having the ability to do so...
So many thoughts had run through her head. The foremost being, how very embarrassed she felt because she suddenly realized, Red did not truly trust in her abilities.
While most of those men surrounding her on that humbling walk to the waiting vehicle did not know her true identity, some did. And those few mattered greatly, what they thought... their beliefs.
An agent of the Federal Government should not pander to something like Carver. They should not have to rely on a contingent of protectors. They should not hide behind a wall of sheer force to keep him away.
A part of the woman had welcomed the reassuring presence of so many capable individuals. As Liz studied the purposely averted profiles of the men who walked beside her, she could sense the confidence and virility oozing from the male contingent.
Those qualities were magnified ten fold in the man at her side. She could sense the tenseness, the coiled strength in Red's body. His eyes scanned and re-scanned every movement, every face they passed...
How could Red trust in her abilities when she doubted them herself? A sobering thought indeed.
She had not forgotten one second of her time spent under Carver's gentle, nurturing care. She even remembered the even, unhurried breathing as it fell on the nape of her neck.
Red glanced hastily over at Liz's profile feeling a shiver traverse her body.
"It's only a few more–"
"I'm fine." she stiffened, her pride stung by the obvious attempts to reassure. She jerked from his grasp, continuing on her own.
She knew her anger was not for the man but rather the circumstances Carver had orchestrated. But it was human nature to lash out when feeling helpless.
Red allowed the move, his expression unreadable.
As they reached the exit, the men beside them pushed out the doors forming a human wall, blocking sight of their group. A few steps and safety beckoned. She could see a long sleek SUV awaiting.
Stepping out into the hot and arid afternoon conditions, Liz sighed a bit in relief as the warmth seeped into her chilled bones. She startled slightly, instantly on the defensive, as Silas reached back quickly, moving her behind his protective bulk as he cautiously approached the vehicle.
He had wished to double check the identity of the driver, just to be cautious. Upon recognizing the man as one of their own, he swiftly hustled Liz inside the car before stepping aside for Red.
After Red shut the door, Liz batted her eyes, shocked and dismayed as men hopped on the sideboards blocking windows and other entry points of possible attack.
She glanced out the front window, watching people pointing at the car, talking rapidly with the people beside them. A few took pictures, others tried to get closer to the vehicle to see maybe what movie star was being transported, only to be moved away by a Triad strong arm or a beefy Italian.
It was surreal as hell.
"I don't want this!" she was twisting this way and that, her eyes filled with anxiousness, "I don't want these men risking their lives for me!"
She tried to convey how desperately she did not wish that eventuality, "Tell them to get off, Red."
"They aren't doing it for you." Silas could silence the woman with one well directed statement,
Liz settled slowly, her gaze on the back of the guards wide shoulders and neatly coifed ponytail.
"Go..." Silas muttered to the driver as Dembe settled in place beside Liz.
She looked around in the interior, bewildered and confused, so much had happened so quickly. "Where's Mark and Francis?"
"In the other car behind us. Lia and Amanda are safe." Dembe expertly eased the woman's disquiet.
Liz looked over her shoulder, to see the truth of the words. Mark was saying something to a large man before shutting the door, just seconds before their car too, was given the same treatment.
"Why would they do that?" she asked the why of it all, as the cars started off slowly, moving through the gathering crowds. "They don't even know us and yet, they risk their lives to... they don't realize what he's capable of?"
"I think Antonio was quite taken with you." Red smiled, pulling his jacket more securely around her frame. "It's just a gesture, and no, it wouldn't matter the reason or cause."
"It matters to me!" she gestured to the men hanging unto the overhead rack as they moved along, "...this, this is unacceptable Red."
"Silas... Dembe.." Red pointed out, "we would gladly return the gesture for Antonio's wife, his children..."
She gaped as they hit the main drive and the men stayed in place, blocking the hoards of onlookers following, still snapping pictures. None of it made sense at the moment.
The man in a crisp cream jacket craned his neck to see around the crowd which blocked his view.
"My God..." his pleasant tone caught the policeman's wayward attention.
The off duty cop was earning a little extra money today. Ok, he was making a lot of extra money today. He turned to the older man, sensing nothing amiss.
He had seen it all a hundred times before. Celebrities and their need for attention. It got old.
"I hope that isn't one of the Kardashians." Carver sipped his colorful drink from a twisting straw, his manner laid back , more than disinterested.
He smiled, enjoying the cool alcohol sliding easily down his throat. He had to admit, his little prey's bearded guard did have good taste. This drink was marvelous.
"Some people just have to be the center of attention. I personally, will never understand such a mentality." he watched valets block oncoming traffic, allowing the large vehicles the right of way.
The police officer was of the same opinion, "Well, people like that," he crooked his head, thinking the gentleman was a very articulate, intelligent type. He was good at 'profiling' individuals. He was studying the exams for the Bureau, after all. "They pay my salary so you won't hear too much dissension on my part."
"Understandable." Carver nodded sagely, he pulled at the hem of his 'I Love Vegas' shirt before pushing off the stone pillar he leaned against. "Still, it might prove interesting to be a fly on the proverbial wall in that car... don't you think?" he smile was a pleasant one. "Wonder what goes on in their minds?"
"Probably wondering where to have dinner." the cop laughed. "They are rather superficial most of the time. They don't live in the real world like you and me."
Carver's face took on a whimsical look, "Oh, I don't know. God has a way of jolting each of us into reality from time to time." the cryptic remark left the cop wondering over the profound statement for some few moments, "Perhaps that is all that is needed for people like that... a good jolt." his eyes on the rapidly retreating motorcade.
He held his expression as Reddington's right hand man glanced out the window, scanning the surroundings before inevitably landing on him.
The dark eyes held a moment until one of the Italian men blocked sight of them both and the car picked up speed.
Carver walked back into the lush foliage of the front entrance with a cheerful, "Have a nice day, Officer," he called back over his shoulder, "Nice speaking with you."
The cop stared after the guy, slightly bemused.
During the short drive around the property, the people followed even as Red and their entourage pulled into the private drive. The guards held back the gathering crowds as the gates closed, leaving them secure. The men hopped off, forming a line once again blocking sight of them, which Red was grateful for.
He knew the people at the gate posed no threat, they were just looking for a photo op of the 'celebrity'. But Carver was still out there, and he did pose a threat.
Thankfully, Lizzy was shorter than everyone here and got lost behind the wall they had made as he rushed her into the Villa with the others close behind.
Francis had a few quick quiet words with the girls, gesturing for the women to go play in the pool. They smiled happily, traipsing off through the double doors, followed by an unusual number of security guards which missed their notice completely.
"Don't you ever do t-that again!" Liz snapped, having swirled about quickly once the doors closed.
Red pulled up short before realizing, she wasn't railing against him, but the outside world.
Francis and Mark seemed surprised to be the sudden center of the woman's attention.
"What did we do?" they tried to hold their amusement admirably, Mark designated himself the spokesperson, having gestured absently to the other man, including Francis in the question. "It was Silas' fault."
Francis nodded in agreement.
"What?" Liz was momentarily thrown off track. She sought out the large guard who only sighed lightly, shaking his head for he was fully aware of Mark's ploy. "What are you talking about?"
"What are you talking about?" Mark asked innocently.
"You think this is a joke?" the woman was only to happy to have an avenue in which to unleash her frustration and anger. "You think the danger isn't real? You think you're invincible? That you can't be hurt?"
"Let's talk about that supposed danger." Francis was all ears suddenly, but his question was more for Red. "Shall we?"
Liz moved more carefully, realizing Francis was not privy to her true identity. "I don't need you two going off half cocked, being all macho, getting yourself shot up because of me!"
"We're prone to flesh wounds." Francis felt compelled to point out, then narrowed his eyes at a chuckling Silas.
"I'm serious!" Liz was livid. "I am a F–"
Red lifted a warning stare having listened to the tirade, taking it in his stride to this point.
"A–" Liz caught her slip instantly, "a f-freaking grown woman..." she faltered, regaining her momentum slowly, " and I am not afraid of a...a–"
"A past associate has become an... issue." Red intoned smoothly. "We have reason to believe he will try and take revenge on me through Elizabeth."
"I need a name." Francis' mood altered visibly, the young man's tone suddenly cold, almost biting.
Liz looked at him quizzically. "I can take care of myself." she snapped. "I don't want you involved in this, Francis."
Francis shifted his scowl to Red Reddington, "And what do you want?"
Red was grateful for the reinforcement, but he too was given pause for thought.
Was it wise to keep the boy in the dark on this one?
"You're not dealing with him." Liz reminded, stepping between the two men. "And you," she pointed an accusing finger at Mark Donovan, "you're still recovering! What were you thinking!"
"Lizzy..." Red had noted the gooseflesh on the lovely skin of her legs, "you should get out of that wet suit." he reminded. "All this can wait."
"I'm fine!" she iterated, wrapping her arms about her shivering body.
Silas rubbed his eyes. Dembe leaned back into a convenient counter, crossing his arms content to wait out the tirade.
Red quirked a brow, it was his turn to sigh heavily. He wrapped his arms about the woman's frame, tugging her tightly to his strength.
Liz was comforted in spite of her mood, instinctively snuggling to his warmth, even as she still glared at the other two antagonists.
"I want you to listen to what I am saying," she tempered her foul mood as best she was able. "I couldn't stand it if you were hurt because of some misguided loyalty to me."
Both men were touched by the sincerity she exhibited, despite themselves.
Francis tossed his sunglasses to the table. "That little show back at the hotel was more than an old crony looking for revenge."
Mark nodded his agreement. "You were shook, Red." he had noted as much. "Who the hell do we know that could get you in such a state."
"That we couldn't handle." Francis concurred.
Red assessed his choices. "I am in the process of narrowing down that list." he lied proficiently. "I will let you know when it's time, until then, I'm asking for your patience and ask that you trust me to do what's best for all concerned."
Francis shook his head negatively, "That's bullshit."
"I am trying to keep a handle on this, Francis." Red countered. "If you have a name, I know you...you'll take matters into your own hands and start an all out war."
"So what if I do?" was the nonchalant reply. "You know I get the needed results."
"I trust in your capabilities," Red did, "but my only priority is her safety." He nodded to the woman in his arms.
Liz's brows pulled together at the total confidence conveyed in Red's tone. I trust in your capabilities?
She looked at Francis Holbrook in an entirely different light. It was like they were talking in freaking code! And she had no idea what the encryption key was.
"When she is secure... we will revisit this discussion."
"Fair enough." Mark shrugged his concerns aside.
"You're damn right we will." Francis huffed his annoyance.
"Antonio wants to be assured of the little gattina's safety upon arrival in D.C." Silas held the phone away from his ear, shifting annoyed eyes Liz's way, "he's ordered his men to accompany us."
"We're going to need a bigger plane." Mark nodded sagely.
"They have their own transportation, you dolt." Silas practically snapped.
"Gattina?" Liz had wanted to ask the meaning when Antonio had referred to her as such at the hotel but she hadn't wanted to appear gauche.
She knew Red spoke countless languages. She spoke English, period. She felt such inadequacies deeply but that didn't mean she couldn't learn which she fully intended to do... very soon.
Red quietly kissed her temple, "It means," he informed her readily, "little kitten."
"Feral cat, more like it." Mark seemed impressed. Perhaps he was remembering Liz's spat with Natalia.
Liz offered the man an old fashioned look. "Antonio is a gentleman... you could take a few lessons." she made mention. "Especially you, Francis."
She hoped she had not embarrassed Red in front of his contemporaries by her loss of temper.
She lifted blue eyes to the man's waiting ones. "I think I should change now."
Red loosened his embrace willingly, allowing her escape.
She shivered as the cold air conditioner added to her discomfort.
"Let's get you all warm and comfy, shall we, bella piccolina." Red stepped back out of her way, watching her progress across the room absently.
Liz halted, her interest piqued.
"Beautiful little girl," Francis snapped his waning patience, "or in your case, 'little one with little brain'." He turned on Red, his feelings hurt. "The minute we get back, I want names Red." he stressed, attempting to ensure his displeasure on the matter was at least, noted.
Red rolled his neck and shoulders to ease the mounting tension.
This was a damned mess.
He would have to tread lightly to keep tempers in check and hurt feelings to a minimum.
The less people that knew he was searching for Carver, the better.
They already had a leak in his organization, how else could Carver have found their location?
Silas would already be tracing possible leads for the fucking traitor.
It made Red sick to think someone he trusted could be a Judas goat.
"When do we leave this place." The 'fun' had gone out of the adventure for Francis Holbrook. He had called after Red's retreating figure as the man went off in search of Lizzy.
"Night fall."
"Can't be too fucking soon for me." Francis grumbled moodily, going off himself. He had some tall tales to tell where Lia and Amanda was concerned.
He wasn't worried, he could weave a good tale, he had learned from the master himself... Red Reddington.
Author Notes: Any mistakes are mine... this was a bitch of a chapter.