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Red had a lot of irons in the fire this morning. The schedule was ultra-hectic, but he seemed to thrive in such an atmosphere.
Michael Fairfax was safely back in Italy, at his post, operating at full capacity after the harrowing incident in Cartagena.
Red valued the man's abilities, pleased the outcome had been favorable for all concerned.
One thing checked off the ever growing list of things which must be addressed.
Aside from his business dealings with Francis, he promised his little Profiler he would scan a few files to see if he could offer any information on the mysteries Lizzy was attempting to solve.
An unexpected obstacle cropped up this morning, however.
"Well..." Red tossed the file he had been perusing to the desktop, "Federal agent Donald Ressler, to what do I owe this unexpected... pleasure."
Pleasure? Was that the word he searched for? Red didn't think so.
There was a noticeable moment of hesitation that Red did not miss.
"I know that you specifically signed on to provide us the Blacklist," Ressler cleared his throat, "and it's not in your forte to stray from your–"
Red waited impatiently for the agent to get to the point, "I have a life, Donald."
"Such as it is."
"Pot calling the kettle black." Red retaliated effortlessly, "When's the last time you got laid?" he baited the young man. "Because I had a lovely morning with–"
"Anyway," Ressler forged ahead, ignoring Red's quiet chortling in his ear, "I've got this guy..." the man trailed off, obviously irritated.
Red grinned as Ressler hesitated, knowing full well the man regretted his choice of wording after Red's prior comment.
"I mean, there's this guy I need help finding–"
Red frowned his confusion, "I haven't sent you a new–"
"No, he's not one of the Blacklisters," Ressler corrected, "I thought, if you could..." the red head pushed his seat back, sitting upright in the hard leather, "I owe this to someone I worked with that is out for information on... the guy we're discussing."
"Does this guy have a name?"
"Samuel Lawford."
"Run of the mill mobster..." Red knew the guy in this instance.
"So you know him?" Ressler perked up.
"He's connected sparsely to the organization." Red admitted, though he was sure he'd regret getting involved, "He's more a liability than an asset if you ask me. How is he on your radar?"
"We believe he operates out of Chicago, right?" Ressler reluctantly trusted Reddington's Intel over even the Bureau's data.
"Yes, Chicago... that toddling town."
"Lot of charges, none have stuck." Ressler finished all he knew.
"I must be getting soft." Red realized he had mentally already agreed to help the agent, if only in his mind.
"What?" Ressler inquired quickly.
On one hand, regardless of his promise to Lizzy to play nice in the sandbox, he wondered why he should involve himself.
On the other hand, Red was still in a spectacular mood after Lizzy had initiated their early morning playtime the other day... so he preferred to think that was his reason for capitulation.
"I'll send you what I know," Red conceded, "work habits, associates, known hangouts..." the man sing-songed his head, sliding closer to the desk he occupied, "his mother's maiden name, passwords to his Facebook account, yada, yada, yada."
Ressler half expected to receive the latter, "Thanks, Reddington. I owe you one."
"Yes Donald, you do." was the rather sinister reply before Red gently rang off.
After sending a break down on Lawford's dealings to Ressler, Red wanted to get back to tracing the packages sent this day, but as soon as he reached for his phone, it rang again.
Seemed he spent half his time on the damned thing.
Maybe that new system he and Francis were working on, connecting the business network through his tech team's efforts on the Dark Web might free up some of his time.
"What do you want from me, Ressler." Red had listened patiently, again, to the guys new problem.
"Do you have anymore data? Anything else that may lead us to Lawford." Ressler asked, the discomfort in his tone plain.
"What else could I possibly give you? You want me to size up his ball sack?" Red snipped. "What do I have to do for the FBI so they can get off their collective asses and actually do a job themselves for a change?" he was stupefied.
"No wonder Lizzy is so much in demand, mindless of your claims Profiling is a useless art form."
"Where is Keen?" Ressler demanded, venting his frustration.
"She is attending one of your mandatory, not to mention totally useless, physical training sessions."
"I hate those things." Ressler shuddered, "She can slip them cash on the side and get out of it."
"I believe Elizabeth would prefer to handle matters on the up and up." Red didn't get it either.
"Whatever." Ressler shrugged.
Red threw his pen aside, shoving his pad away, "I'll draw you a map with 'X' marks the spot, Donald." he stated, "Can you manage to set aside a time to pick the guy up or should I book an Uber."
"Very amusing, Reddington," Ressler had the grace to feel the burn, "I'm handling this alone, I would appreciate a little back-up here."
Red crooked a brow, "You must owe your friend big-time."
"Like you said," Ressler smirked, "a debt should be repaid."
"All right, I'll do what I can." he promised, "Stay by your phone."
Red hung up once more.
When did Ressler not have that fucking phone glued to his side? It was more important than the guy's weapon.
If only to keep tabs on the multitude of 'girl-friends' the agent shifted through on a weekly basis.
The thought brought a grin to Red's face.
He absently jotted a reminder to himself concerning Ressler's request.
Red's thoughts turned elsewhere.
Lizzy was contemplating the options available to her regarding work.
She missed the team, Red was aware, but she was also proud of the volume of cases at the BAU she helped close.
The mental challenge was stimulating as well.
Instead of the usual censure she received from her associates regarding her association with him, Lizzy was finally getting the accolade she so richly deserved for her intelligence and work ethics.
Which is why he kept his personal feelings on the matter quiet and his mouth shut, offering support when a discussion arose about what position was better suited for the woman.
Each job held finer points to offer.
Though, if a baby was in the making...
Well, time for that discussion could be made down the line.
In the meantime, the promise he made Lizzy about working with her team during her absence was one he was slowly beginning to dislike.
While Samar and Aram were willing to listen and learn, the other three males were proving a royal pain in the ass.
He had written four profiles for the FBI. Why, he could not fathom.
At first, he thought someone had been yanking his chain because Red was accustomed to leaving Lizzy the most simple clues which she could pick up on.
Maybe being with him, some things had rubbed off, who knew?
Maybe she was starting to think outside the rigidity of the proverbial box an organization like a government agency insisted everyone follow.
Ressler oft times surprised Red with his insight but with Liz's absence, the agent seemed to be resorting to his old tactics.
Or maybe hanging out with Moore and Wilson was affecting his perspective. Shades of Ressler's superior attitude were resurfacing more often than not.
Red had no issue what-so-ever with taking the boy down a notch or two when Ressler's Napoleon complex reared its ugly head.
It was only after the 'Old Boys Club' mentality was pointed in Samar's direction, did Red take issue with Ressler... but only in private.
Though no voices had been raised, everyone was well aware of the dressing down Red had given Ressler in that window encased room that day.
Red had been fully aware that Samar did not need his assistance and could well take care of herself in handling the men on her team.
He could not in good conscience, allow such treatment from a team leader, just because one of his 'men' happened to be a female.
It was a dangerous situation when a fellow team mate could not be relied upon in or out of the field.
Especially since Samar's theory had been proven one hundred percent correct.
Now, the question of the day was, why Red sitting here grinding out yet another full-blown profile when the information he formally supplied should have sufficed.
There was an upside to this in-depth delving into a person's life, however. Red was becoming more aware of the people he worked with on a regular basis.
If any one of them should turn to the dark side, Red knew for a fact, it would be much easier to locate the bastards.
For instance, take Bob Delany. His go-to man for reliable transportation overseas. Bob had a penchant for the horse track and Cajun cuisine.
Frank Martin, a local vendor Red used more and more frequently for various sundry... Frank was obsessed with antiques and a cute little blonde waitress who worked the night shift at Guido's.
Little things made the world go round.
They even nabbed a Blacklister in Jersey because the guy had an addiction to Bingo parlors.
All information was useful, no matter how trivial.
Red wondered if it would prove his own downfall? Some simple little habit he wasn't even aware he possessed.
Dembe would never allow such an error.
Red smiled.
He absently checked his watch.
Lizzy's session was ending. She would be home soon.
Red sighed heavily, trying to concentrate.
This mobster guy, Sam Lawford... there was a certain amount of hostility between Lawford and Francis Holbrook.
That feud had been festering for a while. Wreaking havoc on Lawford's end of the game, set well with Red.
Francis was a big boy and normally, Red wouldn't interfere.
Red disliked Lawford from the get-go, however, due to the fact Lawford had purchased a three thousand square foot cabin in Montana in order to hide his mistress from his wife.
Lawford was fucking around on his woman and it pissed Red off. He liked the woman. Lawford had kids with the woman.
Maybe the fact Red would give anything to be in the same boat with Elizabeth, to have that level of commitment in his life... made what Lawford was doing so distasteful.
Divorce, or better still, trying to fix the problems in a marriage... that was the way to go.
Surely, that had to be the only option for a real man. Red didn't like to judge, but he knew firsthand, on this one.
To get the bitter taste out of his mouth, Red hoped for a quiet evening at home with his woman. It seemed Elizabeth could change his mood just by a smile or the sound of that contagious laugh of hers.
He glanced at his watch again.
Thoughts of seeing her face urged him to finish up the profile he was sending to Ressler.
Red pushed from the desk, rising, wandering aimlessly to the front of the house.
The man peered out the arched windows.
These sessions were good for Elizabeth. Red knew Silas thought the techniques and methods taught were useless and ineffective.
In reality, while Red believed the same, it was good for Lizzy to get away from the BAU work for a while, plus the exercise worked off stress and restlessness.
Restlessness which had grown exponentially since the time for the sessions to end approached. Two more to go, along with her psych evaluations.
Lizzy would be reinstated soon... perhaps too soon for her liking. Red couldn't read her state-of-mind as yet.
His phone rang.
Red rolled his eyes, instinctively lifting the object to his ear.
Sounds invaded his senses. Loud, unnatural sounds... chaotic, sharp, heart stopping sounds.
"Elizab–"
"Red..." the harsh, raspy voice caught Red's attention, causing his heart to halt for a long beat.
"Silas?" the other man sounded so unlike himself, Red wasn't certain it was actually his head guard on the other end of the line.
The guard tried to steady his breathing, knowing it was too shallow. He squinted through blood soaked lashes, focusing his vision. Silas cradled his arm protectively, pushing the pain of broken ribs aside.
Red strained to hear the man's labored voice strain out an intersection near the house. He rapidly made a mental note of the coordinates.
"Silas, what happened? Is Lizzy all right?" the man could not keep the fear from his voice, "Are you? What's your situation?"
The silence was terrifying.
"Silas!" Red barked but already was on the move, covering the space to the front foyer in record time.
Dembe had heard the commotion emerging from the library, his features set quizzically.
Red motioned curtly, "Something's wrong."
Dembe fell into rapid step beside his friend, covering the distance to the car quickly.
Red repeated the street address, sliding into the front passenger seat.
Dembe fired the powerful engine to life, pulling the large SUV out of the security gate in record time.
"It is not far, Raymond." Dembe offered a quick glance at his overwrought companion.
Red noted Tom Keen was not at his usual place outside the home.
"Stalker boy isn't here." he stated grimly, his first thought... Tom Keen was very likely the cause or reason for Elizabeth's situation whatever it could be... or Silas's uncharacteristic lapse.
The tension in the car was palpable. The drive, though short, seemed to take eons to Red's way of thinking.
Dembe tried to picture the area to which Silas directed they go.
A Catholic church sat on the Northeast corner. It was an affluent residential area with one of the better high-schools just blocks to the South.
Raymond had chosen well when it came to the community in which Elizabeth could recover and now call... home.
They took the corner on two wheels, rounding about a shaded and tree-lined street.
Dembe screeched to a halt behind a green Honda sedan.
Red surveyed the area with frantic eyes. He sucked in a sharp breath at the scene laid out before them.
Flashing lights, traffic backed up. They were at least a block from all the real commotion due to a large fire truck blocking both lanes of traffic.
An ambulance was rolling slowly forward weaving through a scene of pure carnage as it went.
Red's mind could not take in the full scope of all the disorder going on around him but he exited the car before Dembe could pull it to a full stop.
His eyes swept the scene, his heart beating frantically in his chest.
The smell of gas, broken glass, burnt rubber and blood filled his nostrils.
A car of an undistinguishable model, right in front of him, was mangled to pieces. The front end, bent upwards at an unnatural angle. The impact it had sustained curved the thick metal in the middle, leaving the car bowed... all doors off set from their rightful place, the glass, shattered from its frames.
Darting his eyes to his left, another vehicle, this one a larger SUV model, sat in the middle of the intersection, flipped to its side. Moving closer towards it, the panic he felt surged when he recognized it as one of his fleet.
Following the line of carnage, Red found Dembe nearing the same area, his large frame darting through the emergency workers. Rushing after the man, he came around the front of the SUV, stopping dead in his tracks.
Another black car was severely demolished. The driver's side was caved in, apparently t-boned. The passenger side, curved inward, rested against a light pole.
It sat meters away, at the far side of the intersection, resting ominously. It was turned completely around facing the opposite direction, on the wrong side of the street.
Two of Silas' people stood guard about the vehicle, faces stoically composed, obviously men accustomed to handling unnatural circumstances.
No weapons were drawn which somewhat reassured Reddington until he realized, there was only two of his employees present.
Dembe was leaning into the crushed drivers side, his actions indistinguishable from this distance.
Red quickened his steps, "Elizabeth..." he whispered sacredly, rushing forward.
"Hey," a guy in a yellow vest caught at Red's arm but he shoved roughly away, continuing on, "you have to stay back!"
The demand fell on deaf ears.
"Hey!" the man's urgent words faded into oblivion.
Red cursed fluently, coming to an obstacle he could not shove aside... the light post held the car door wedged tightly.
She was inside, half-sitting, held by the seat belt, half hunched over, her hair obscuring her face but he knew...
"Baby..." an anguished gasp escaped his suddenly parched lips. His brain kicked in even when his senses couldn't.
He yanked frantically on the mangled door, the sound of twisted metal creaking and groaning against itself at the power he exuded in his effort.
"Lizzy!" he snapped anxiously, frustrated beyond endurance as the door resisted all attempts he offered.
The woman stirred, her head turning slowly. Blue eyes locked with light grey.
"Elizabeth!" he expelled relief and a prayer to a benevolent God for the awareness looking back at him.
"Oh, Red..." she closed her eyes, blinking back tears. She had needed him to be here and now... he was. Or... was she hallucinating?
"I'm here, baby..." the shaky statement answered her own prayers, "I'm here." he reached into the shattered window mindless of the sharp shards still edging the frame.
His fingers touched her face, easing the dark hair behind a convenient ear, "I'm right here. Don't try to move... please."
He surveyed the scene rapidly. Dembe's eyes reassured from over the top of the front seat headrest.
"He is injured..." the calming tone helped Red focus... commit, "how badly, I do not know." he was carefully supporting Silas' slumping bulk as best he could.
"I'm," Silas' voice lacked its normal vitality, "...fine."
Elizabeth laughed shortly, tears allowed, "He's fine."
She shook her head, grimacing at the pain the movement caused.
"Keep your head still, baby," Red snapped fearfully, "try not to move, okay?"
She swallowed, remaining still.
"Is she...all right?" Silas was trying to sit up, to turn about.
"Be very still, my friend." Dembe prevented the unwise action.
Silas had gasped at the pain, a coughing spasm following the stilted movement.
Red winced, seeing blood splatter on Dembe's crisp white shirt. "She's good, Silas, stay the hell still!" he barked, afraid for his friend now as well, his mind began to function properly, finally.
"The others?" Elizabeth's thoughts had long since focused, "the other... guards."
Red sensed Silas' interest as well for the man's broad shoulders had stiffened noticeably.
Dembe glanced about with the eyes of a trained observer. "They are being extracted from the SUV... they appear functional. At least from this distance." he scowled. "Amir and Justin are here," he nodded to the Frenchman who stood just outside the vehicle, "on duty."
"Thank God." Elizabeth murmured serenely, "...Red, you won't... go will you." she tried to keep the tears from her voice.
"Fucking wild horses, baby." he returned tightly, "Where do you hurt?"
Silas barked a curse as the steering wheel turned sharply. Rescue workers were now working on the front of the car.
"Fuckers!" Silas grated angrily.
"They are attempting to extract you." Dembe could see the efforts whereas the others could not. "The front end is twisted. You are trapped until they..." he trailed away, "what do you need?"
"A shot of whiskey." Silas grinned almost impishly but his face instantly contorted into a fixed grimace of pain.
Dembe produced a flask, holding it for his friend to partake.
"Red!" Elizabeth was dismayed, "Don't let him do that!"
Red remained silent on the matter, "Where do you hurt?" he repeated sharply.
The woman closed her eyes wearily, "...Everywhere," she smiled bravely then sobered, "...my leg," her brow furrowed, "my leg really...hurts." she realized, "Oh man!" her breath expelled in a whoosh, "What the hell happened?"
Red's eyes darted to the wrecked automobiles absently, returning his interest to more pressing matters.
The front seat pushed down painfully on Lizzy's shin, her foot was jammed up underneath the edge.
"My head is killing me." she made mention, "Dembe... hand me that flask." she quipped.
"Where the hell are the firemen?" Red snapped, "Why isn't someone–"
"They must alleviate the weight of the seat." Dembe motioned to a now collapsed, very silent head guard, "Silas must be extracted first."
"How long?" Red gritted, his fingers tightening on Elizabeth's.
"Red, that hurts," she wiggled her hand to signify.
He loosened his grip instantly, "Sorry, baby." he was contrite. The fear he felt powered through him.
"A few minutes only." Dembe assured, or placated, Red wasn't certain at this point.
The silence came in the car but around them, sounds exploded.
Red shut it all out concentrating on just one thing. He smiled gently at Lizzy, "I leave you alone for one minute and look at the mess you get yourself into."
"Why is Silas so quiet?" Liz was more than apprehensive, struggling to see her guard, to check on his condition.
"He thankfully..." Dembe hastily replied seeing Red's reaction to her movements which brought severe repercussions. She had cried out with the sharpness of pain, "has passed out. It is a good thing, Elizabeth."
Elizabeth's face registered distress and fear.
"Calm yourself, please." Dembe was reaching the woman where Red could not. "Silas is strong. He will come through this." he soothed. "He is just resting now that we are here."
She visibly tried to obey.
"Mr. Kaplan is on her way." Dembe further put her mind to rest.
"Did she give an ETA?" Red jerked his head to the man's dark gaze, his own apprehensive to say the least.
A fireman stepped in beside Dembe, alerting him to the situation. The man nodded, taking the item handed him.
"Ten minutes, Raymond." Dembe replayed the information, securing a thick chain around the steering wheel before feeding it through the open windshield to the waiting rescue workers.
"We... we can do ten minutes, right?" Elizabeth was asking more for Silas it was understood by all, "I m-mean, Silas can do ten minutes in his sleep."
"He once went two days in the Sudan with his arm hanging out of its socket after an IED device took out our vehicle," Dembe recalled, "cursing like a sailor the entire time but..."
Elizabeth smiled. She knew that had been the least of Silas' injuries at that time. The guards had shared the gruesome tale.
"Yeah... he can do ten minutes." she felt infinitely better, and then... she didn't. Nausea reared its ugly head, "You better not get too close," she grimaced adorably, "I might puke."
Red surveyed the vehicle, "Hold on, sweetheart."
"Don't go!" she panicked, feeling his warm fingers release.
"No..." he hastily reassured, "I think I can get in the other side." he wasn't sure and it took a Herculean effort from both he and Dembe but then he was sliding across the glass strewn seat, easing ever so gently to her side.
She lay her head on his shoulder, seeking his warmth. "I'm cold." she shivered involuntarily.
Dembe reached past his unconscious friend heaving a jacket to the back seat.
Red carefully draped the dark fabric over her arms and chest. "You just stay very still. Kate will make it all better," he crooked his head to see her face, "you believe that, right."
"I know." she drifted in a very nice place. The pain was receding.
"You're going to be okay." Red soothed, gently kissing her forehead. "I promise."
Minutes passed.
Red began to sweat.
His guard's body was covered in blood. Silas' light blue shirt, streaked with blots and oozing wounds.
The man's breathing was ragged, a gargling sound deep in his chest.
Blood was filling his lungs, Red realized from previous experiences along similar lines.
Lizzy was probably going into shock. Silas already was...
"Did they get him?"
Red practically started at the woman's voice.
A church bell chimed several times in the far distance over the uproar of activities taking place inside their very small world.
"What?" he questioned, pulling her closer.
"...Carver." the woman answered quietly.
Red's heart stopped completely then sped ahead frantically, "...What!" Was she getting delusional?
"He was on the phone with us," Elizabeth couldn't really see any urgency now. The damage had been done, after all, "...just before..." she scowled.
Before what?
Oh yes, the blur... the dark blur.
Reddington was reeling. Carver? No, it was Tom... wasn't it? It had to be... Tom.
Carver knew Lizzy's number?! How the fuck did–
"Awww, shit." Silas had come to, groaning weakly, "fuck..."
Dembe exchanged subdued looks with a wildly speculating Red Reddington.
The loud grating sound of the hood collapsing into itself halted all coherent thought for a beat.
The chain Dembe had secured about the steering wheel had done its job.
Silas cursed fluently as the heavy object veered slowly away from his body.
Blood rushed rapidly from the man's mouth.
Thankfully darkness descended.
Dembe moved aside to allow the extraction.
Elizabeth watched, breathing a sigh of relief, "Ten minutes is a really long time." she concluded.
She yelped like a little hurt puppy as Silas' weight left the seat, a searing pain ripping through her leg.
Red closed his eyes. She was hurting and there was not one fucking thing he could do to help.
"I'm here." he murmured the useless words, "...I'm here."
Ages passed... eons passed but finally... finally, Elizabeth was freed, placed on a stretcher.
Dembe got Red's attention.
Their own 'ambulances' had arrived.
Red held tight to Liz's hand, "Where's Kaplan? He pressed for information not having seen the woman in all the chaos surrounding them as yet.
"She is waiting at Dr. Bryan's," the answer seemed apparent to the attendant, "in case we needed the space in the ambulance."
Red wasn't happy for the woman's presence always calmed him but he understood the reasoning.
Silas' ambulance pulled away, sirens blaring.
Red watched it weave rapidly through the maze of carnage and the enormous crowd which had developed.
"Sir.."
Red turned having stepped aside to allow Lizzy to be lifted into the back of the second ambulance.
A uniformed officer approached, his smile a gentle one, "Everything will be fine... they will have your wife at the hospital in no time."
Red glanced at the woman. Kaplan's people were efficiently calming and reassuring Elizabeth as they hooked her to bags and leads.
He calmed at the words, your wife.
He took a steadying breath, letting it out slowly.
His anger... his fear would be a distraction.
"I'm Officer Andrews." Red was handed a card.
He stared at it, not seeing the print.
"Look, I know you don't want to deal with this right now." he held out a sheet of paper.
Red took if for he sensed he should
"I want to give this to you for later." the cop was continuing. He gestured to a totally mangled maroon late model sedan, "it's the other drivers information."
Red must have seemed lost.
Had they caught Carver? Was the bastard in that fucking car? Had he been extracted first? Had they taken him away?
The officers eyes softened, "I get it. If that were my wife trapped in that..." he pulled a face, seeing the damage done to the sturdy Mercedes, "I just thought you would want his insurance information."
"Who?" Red demanded.
"... The other driver." the cop thumbed back again to the maroon car. "Damned teenagers," he shook his head woefully, "blew through the light while texting. The front seat passenger... kid about seventeen..." he looked sad, "went through the windshield," he lifted grave eyes, "no seat belt. Probably won't make it, but ya never know, ya know."
Red nodded absently, his own face grim.
"The two in the back seat aren't fairing much better. At least they were wearing seat belts."
Red rubbed his temples.
"Are you saying..." he tried to comprehend it all. No words would form.
An idiot kid caused all this mayhem?
"They took him first," the cop nodded, "he's already in surgery. I think he was also high... drunk?"
Realizing he had said too much, the guy backed off, "We will have more information as the day wears on. Call that number in an hour or so," he motioned, "I see they are ready to transport. I will be at the hospital. We can speak further there."
Red watched the guy walk away.
He knew he wouldn't be at their hospital.
The cop stuck his head in the ambulance, "They taking good care of you, Ma'am?" he smiled cordially, "Everything is going to be fine."
Liz tried a smile. She didn't think it took. Was that the standard 'go to' line for all males?
Everything is going to be fine.
Silas had been 'fine'.
"My name is Ethan. I'm here to see you are okay... but you look like a strong type of gal." he grinned, "I'll put my money on you to recover one hundred percent. You have to..." he continued, glancing back at Red, "your husband is about to shit kittens out here worrying about you. You gotta let him know everything will be–"
"...Fine." Elizabeth smiled genuinely, "I will Offi–" she hesitated, "Ethan, thank you for being so solicitous and kind. It is very appreciated."
The man nodded, stepping aside as Red came forward to grip Elizabeth's small fingers in his.
Red leaned, kissing the woman's forehead.
"Are you shitting kittens?" she teased lovingly.
"I don't shit kittens." he murmured, "although, if you do this to me again... I might cut my own fucking wrists."
"What a waste of a perfectly adequate penis."
"Adequate?" he lifted his brows ever so happy to be beside her, trading quips again, "Seriously, woman," his voice dropped an octave, "you put me through hell these past few minutes. Don't you ever do that to me again... promise."
She brought his hand to her lips, lingering a soft kiss on his fingers, "I promise."
"I'm going to let them take you now." he was suddenly all business, "Dembe and I will follow in the car because," he soothed any objections or demands, "they can get you to Kaplan quicker. And the cop is going to want your information and if... when we don't show up at the hospital..."
She nodded, "I understand but hurry... please."
"You got that right." he hated not going with her but he wanted the world he created for her to stay intact if at all possible.
Running from the police would not ensure that eventuality.
He had no idea how far Carver had integrated himself into the situation but Lizzy was safe and secure at the house.
He hoped nothing had changed.
Besides bringing the fucker to a place of Red's choosing was far preferable to meeting Caver on another, unfamiliar turf.
He glanced out the open doors, watching another SUV meander a path towards them. Lizzy's other guard, David, hopped out... heading their way.
Liz caught Red's hand, directing his attention her way, "I love you."
"I love you." Red kissed Lizzy briefly, "Do as Kate tells you."
"I'm afraid not to." Liz told the truth, "She'll see to Silas first, right?"
Red stepped down out of the large ambulance, waving Lizzy's guard, David, to take his place.
He pointed a finger, stepping out of the way of the closing ambulance doors, "Do as Kate tells you!"
Red crossed rapidly, extracting his fake ID. He gave the needed particulars to Officer Andrews.
"This could have waited, really." the guy was being cool.
"I want her to rest once everything calms down." Red smiled tightly, finishing up the task with a brisk, "I'll come to the station and retrieve all those cards, Officer. I really just want to be with my wife, if I could."
"I'll leave them at the front desk. You know where the station is located?"
Red knew where most police stations were located, in truth, "I'll find it and thank you again for your understanding."
The cop turned aside.
Red searched the crowd for Dembe.
His eyes scanned slowly, carefully...
He was a little miffed, startled... to see one of Silas' guards withdraw his weapon, assuming a crouched position to steady his aim.
Red was torn between lashing out a reprimand... he had just soothed matters over with the police, after all.
Or again... wondering at the cause behind the man's actions.
The answers came in rapid succession.
Having followed the guard's line of sight and now ignoring all the startled yelps, out-cries and panic a visible weapon can cause...
Red locked gazes with a serenely smiling... ominous nemesis.
Carver stared back at him, out of a crowd of rapidly dissipating members.
Officer Andrews reacted as his years on the force would demand and in a most timely and efficient manner, Red had to acknowledge.
Dembe artfully disarmed, not to mention, completely disabled the now downed cop.
Officer Andrews lay peacefully on the pavement, his bulky body outstretched like a toddler taking a much-needed nap.
Dembe was fluidity in motion, his own weapon raised, aimed...
Carver pulled a female in a bright pair of leggings and a yellow stretch top in front of his body, a wicked grin on the totally malicious face.
Amir approached carefully, but he did not have a clear shot as yet, Red sensed.
Red stood, glued to the spot, trusting his men to do their job.
"If looks could kill, hey old friend." Carver gleefully taunted, all the while shielding himself behind a terrified, screaming human shield.
He whispered something to the captive woman who fell instantly silent, her eyes showing the sheer terror she was experiencing.
The guard on the left, Justin, was working his way into a more favorable position.
Carver, sensing as much, ended the stale-mate by hastily slicing a blade across the woman's throat before disappearing into a row of well-trimmed bushes which lined the church property that boarded the block.
The guards gave chase.
Dembe had even managed a couple of well-placed shots into the vicinity of the bushes.
All hell had broken loose.
The crowd panicked. Cars were backing up, revving engines, honking feverishly at those blocking their avenue of escape even though escape was impossible.
Firemen had inundated the fallen police officer but now everyone was diving for cover, except a few individuals who still worked tirelessly over the man who was slowly reviving.
Red headed for the downed woman, waiting patiently for the teams to inform him of their progress.
His guards reemerged making a bee-line for their employer.
Dembe was diplomatically calming individuals as he strolled back.
Most shied away from the guy because he forgot to dispel the dark scowl on his face.
"He had a car waiting, Captain." Justin arrived first. The guy wasn't even breathing hard. "We couldn't pursue."
The guard lifted helpless brows motioning to the wrecked SUV over in the intersection.
"We could turn the car upright." Amir offered magnanimously.
Red scowled at the guy.
"It's a good car. Probably still runs." Justin shrugged.
"Leave it." Red waved off the two younger men, keeping his hold on the woman's neck. "Go with the back-up team." he jerked his head to the waiting SUV.
"The other teams might get him, Captain. We radioed," the guy continued, "they were well in route."
Red glanced about. People were beginning to stare, getting a little more brave.
"Make yourself scarce." Red replied tightly, "You know the routine. Thanks for the attempt."
"We'll get the son-of-a-bitch." Justin was unfazed by the events of the day.
The black SUV rolled up beside them, blocking sight of the surrounding people.
"The woman?" Justin asked grimly watching the firemen doing their thing with the still offset police officer.
"Take her." Red directed of the woman.
"But," Justin hesitated only enough to ascertain if the situation could be helped, "the guy is good at what he does."
Red felt his blood pressure spike, "Elizabeth would want us to try..." he snapped.
Justin crouched, taking Red's place, keeping pressure on the wound. Amir came about to assist the man into the back of the transport.
"We must go Raymond." Dembe's hand guided the man from the turmoil in more ways than one.
The guards discretely dispersed leaving the wreckage of the day in their wake.
A half hour later, Red sat in the quiet of a rather cheerful room, considering.
He took in the plain blue paint of the walls. A nice enough color. He hated the depressing grey of a hospital room.
It was supposed to be white; he was certain, but it always appeared a dingy off-grey.
Maybe it was just the depressing circumstances in which one invariably found themselves if a hospital was needed.
He always thought of himself as a 'glass half full' type of guy.
Maybe not...
Lizzy's fingers pressed to his.
He smiled, seeking her out, "Look at you." he was content to do so.
"Yeah," she lay very still, immobile due to a neck brace and stiff, uncomfortable backboard, "look at me."
His smile widened, and he shifted closer to the side of the bed.
"You look like a million bucks to me." he confided.
"Have you ever actually seen a million bucks?"
"Who hasn't?" he seemed stumped, "Your curiosity returns... a good sign."
"Have they said... about Silas?"
"Would you be this worried about me?"
"Red..." she was bothered by the taunt.
He waved the matter aside, "Kaplan is working her magic. He was awake and bitching when I came through." he motioned, "Another good sign. Have you ever witnessed those two when they are at odds? We should sell tickets."
She chuckled then, grimaced, "Don't make me laugh."
The silence came. Red lifted her hand, his lips gently caressing her skin.
"You were kinda hot out there today." she mentioned in passing.
"Well, it is springtime in Washington D.C."
"I meant," she let him know by her 'look', "hot as in... knight in shining armor arriving on horseback to rescue his damsel in distress hot."
It was his turn to chuckle.
"Or at least," her voice softened, "that's what it felt like to me."
His laughter died away, his eyes hold hers willfully.
"I so needed to you be there and then... you were."
He leaned kissing her mouth gently, "Let's keep it that way... always," he nudged his head slightly, "okay?"
She nodded minutely, "What would I do without you?"
"We're not going there." he sat back, subject closed, "So tell me, what were the events which led up to this rather... cryptic days events?"
She told him to the best of her abilities, "I thought it was Carver... ramming our car."
He kept mum on the 'Carver' sighting afterwards. She had enough guilt on her plate at present.
"I saw your ankle, before they wrapped it." he motioned, "Looks broke. The skin was purple and swollen." he artfully changed the subject.
"I still have some movement," she disagreed, "a couple days and I'll be... fine."
He shifted her a sardonic look.
"Well, I will." she was determined. "I'm more worried about Silas."
"Good to hear someone is."
Elizabeth gasped at the sight of the mammoth guard lumbering into view.
"Silas!" she practically squealed her delight but Red was seeing past the bravado the other man exuded.
"What the hell are you doing out of bed?" he could only guess at the guard's true condition.
Dembe stayed close.
Red surmised it was to catch Silas when he collapsed, from the look of him.
"That damned woman is a masochist!" Silas jerked his head meaningfully, "She drained my fucking lungs. I think she drank the blood... didn't bother with a pump."
Dembe sighed lightly, "You should not be up. She will not be pleased."
"Oh well, let's not ruffle her feathers." Silas held up an adamant hand, "God knows what she'll drain next."
"You wish," Kaplan pushed past the burly individual coming around the opposite side of Liz's bed, "don't hold your breath there... not that you could right now." she smiled rather unpleasantly, noting the tightly wound bandage around Silas' chest area.
"You like tight things?" Silas was feeling particularly foul at the moment, "I do too." his stare dropped, holding firm at the apex of Kate Kaplan's legs.
"Something you will never know for certain," Kaplan lifted Liz's wrist in a most professional manner, "which is killing you by degrees," the dark void eyes shifted to the guard, "isn't it. A woman you can't manipulate."
"I don't give up so easily," Silas retorted, "I have so much," he hooked his fingers in his belt, drumming his thick fingers over the bulge in his pants, "...to offer."
"I prefer my partners with a bit more..." Kate held her tone, "bounce in their step."
Silas dropped his eyes to the woman's breasts, more than catching her meaning.
"You and me both, honey." he agreed. "You got small tits... but a guy only needs a mouthful."
Liz felt the woman's fingers tighten on her wrist.
Silas was affecting Mr. Kaplan in spite of her resolve.
Red was honestly unsure who would come out as top dog in this little tête-à-tête, but he was more that interested to find out.
"Oh, he's so full of it Mr. Kaplan," Liz hastily intervened, "Stop pouting, Silas." she turned on someone she felt more comfortable with. "You big wussy."
"I don't pout," she was summarily informed, "I brood..." his eyes challenged Kaplan, "women blow me when I do."
Red hid his smile tactfully.
Dembe sighed again, this time more heavily.
Kaplan held the moment admirably.
"Well, it's all for naught," Liz stated airily, "there are no women present who are falling for any of this crap."
"I am feeling a little turned on." Red admitted freely for Lizzy's ears only.
"No?" Silas wasn't so easily deterred even in his present condition. He shifted to the other foot, his arm favoring his left side. He stared unrelentingly at Kaplan who stared right back. "I think it's actually working a little bit."
"Operative word," Kaplan sought out the guys crotch, "...little."
"Ouch." Red winced, shifting in his seat in open sympathy.
Silas only smiled, "You couldn't handle what I've got... never had to before, have you."
"By choice," Kaplan crooned gently, "would you be interested in the reason behind my decision?"
Silas straightened slightly, grimacing, his body straining from the effort asked of it this day.
"Yeah, yeah, men don't know how to use the equipment God gave them." he heard it all before. "Why don't you try a real man for a change."
"Yeah and why don't you try a real woman," Liz felt bad for Mr. Kaplan but she wasn't sure why, as the woman herself seemed perfectly at ease, "instead of the little blonde bimbo at the grocery store who helps you decide on which type of cooking oil you should use on fried Tilapia as if you have ever fried Tilapia in your entire existence."
"That's women's work..." the man pushed deliberately.
Dembe stepped murmuring to Silas, "You said your mother would smack you if she ever heard that phrase coming from your mo–"
Silas scowled at the man, waving him off lest Dembe ruin his pestering of Mr. Kaplan.
Kaplan didn't fall for the bait.
"Or the brunette at the gas station who gave you directions to our neighborhood." Liz rolled her eyes.
Neither Silas nor Kaplan seemed to be paying her any mind, a battle of wills ensuing. Liz felt the crackle of tension in the room.
Red appeared totally unfazed by the fact.
"Or the red head–"
"Oh, yes..." Silas' attention was caught, "I remember that one. Thank God I still have her number." he smiled all too sweetly at Kate Kaplan, "I have to reconnect with that amazing little fire snatch again... soon."
"She would kill you in your present state." Kaplan philosophized. "Good riddance, I say."
"You hurt my feeling." Silas pouted, the grey eyes saying so much more than his words.
"He only has the one." Dembe explained the lapse.
"What the hell goes on when you two are driving around all day?" Red was curious. "Such open camaraderie."
He had decided to help Lizzy out of the predicament Silas had manifested even though, he personally was enjoying the hell out of the exchange between Kate and his head guard.
"Could you enlighten us further, Lizzy," he encouraged, "concerning Silas' many failings."
"Oh... you should see the master at work," Liz rolled her eyes, "he stands there acting all indecisive, like the proverbial 'lost man'."
Silas grinned, proud of his methods, obviously.
"And then, here they come... out of the woodwork." Liz had seen it countless times, "All offering him much needed assistance."
"Truly?" Dembe's tone was curious itself as was his look.
Kaplan placed a pressure cuff on Liz's arm.
"Tell the truth..." Silas pushed the envelop for he was in a particularly grumpy mood today and he felt like shit, truth told.
He was taking it out on the world in general.
His grey-blue eyes fell on an unsuspecting Elizabeth Keen, "Didn't you ever fall for it as well?"
She sputtered, embarrassed that Silas would ask such a thing in front of... the blue eyes darted to a mellow Red Reddington who seemed to be waiting for a reply as well.
Damn him!
"You secretly never wanted to blow me?" Silas asked innocently.
"Blow yourself, you big lout!" she gasped indignantly.
"That wasn't a no..." the guard pushed.
"I want to blow a hole through you!" Liz hissed, "he's the only one who will ever..." she motioned to Red as best she could then stopped mid-motion, her cheeks flushing heatedly.
"Doesn't seem fair," Silas let her off the hook, "I did all the work but he gets the benefits."
Red reached out, laying his hand against Liz's chest, keeping her from raising from her position.
Keeping his head down, Red fought for control of his mirth, actually appreciating how quickly the grizzly man could rile Lizzy up, before craning his head towards the head guard.
"Looks like you'll have to find your 'head' elsewhere." Red lifted a confident state.
Silas smirked before wincing visibly.
"Strike one..." Red was proud of his woman. He glanced at Kaplan, a challenge issued, clear and simple. "You're still up at bat."
"You're off the clock and obviously in better condition that I thought," Liz fumed still smarting from her guard's innuendo, "Daylight is burning... and so is your wick, at both ends! Obviously!"
"What is it with everyone thinking I'll need more than a couple hours to find someone who will," the man moved carefully across the room finally coming very close to... Kate Kaplan, "suck me off."
"Stop talking." Liz advised hurriedly, "You are so much cuter if you keep your mouth shut."
"She thinks I'm cute." he leaned conspiratorially, whispering in Kate's ear.
"I think Tarsier's are cute too," Liz countered, "don't take it to be a grand compliment."
"They both do have startling eyes." Mr. Kaplan lifted a subdued stare, "and about the same mentality I should imagine."
"Do not insult Tarsier's." Dembe asked respectfully.
Silas smiled at both antagonists, "I bet you're great in the sack." he zeroed in on one.
"Yes, I am rather great." Kaplan sat her bag aside, her voice dripping with sarcasm, "For instance, I'm certain were it a choice between you or I... your fiery little redhead would always prefer my skills over yours... each and every time."
Red scratched the back of his head absently, his grin a contagious one.
"Damn, baby..." Silas' tone had dropped considerably, "God, you just made me so hot."
"I know." Kaplan soothed, glancing down at the straining bulge growing in the man's jeans. "Isn't it sad, how easy you are when it comes right down to it?"
"How about it?" Silas wasn't above begging, obviously, "You... me...? We could make some tiny red head quiver, Kate."
"Can't you make her... quiver, by yourself?" Kaplan seemed stern. "Not afraid of being upstaged?"
"I sure as hell wouldn't mind finding out who bests who." Silas replied seriously. "Damn, I'm begging you here, woman." he was at his wits end, "I don't beg."
"Obviously, you do," Kaplan disagreed, "and I secretly think... you like it."
Silas swallowed... hard, "Look, just think about it. Get back to me." he spread his hands, quickly going back to his cracked rib cage to support and cradle, "No rush... no pressure. I'm flexible."
"Not as much as I." Kaplan assured so sweetly.
"Oh, fuck..." Silas closed his eyes, "...I have to go lay down for a while." he turned, half in half out the door, lifting his good hand to his ear and mouth to signify 'call me' to a whimsical Kate Kaplan.
It was hard going for the man... in more ways than one, Red imagined.
Red breathed out slowly, expelling pent-up emotions.
"Damn..." Elizabeth grated beneath her breath, "it was just getting good." she watched her guard hobble out the door.
Red shared the moment with a discrete lift of his brows, acknowledging her assessment.
Kaplan pretended she didn't hear and was back to her old businesslike self.
"I will assist him." Dembe shook his head disapprovingly at the older woman. "I expected better, Kate."
"I gave as good as I could." she blinked innocently.
Dembe was not amused, "He is gravely injured."
"I told him he shouldn't be... up."
"Well, he is now." Red had seen the evidence.
Dembe scowled, taking his leave.
Outside the door, the man pulled up short.
Silas was leaning heavily on the wall for support. His teeth gritted against the pain. Dembe motioned and instantly an orderly pushed a wheelchair over to their position.
"I'm not even going to argue on this one." the guard eased carefully into the seat. He checked with Dembe. "Do you think she fell for it?"
Dembe shook his head. "You did not have to go to such lengths."
"You don't know the depth of that little twirp's insecurities." Silas debated. "She had to believe that I was fine or the guilt would have eaten her alive."
"Let us hope you survive your noble attempt." Dembe stated stoically pushing the man down the long corridor.
"No sign of that fucker Carver I suppose." it was weighing on Silas' mind since his team had brought him up to speed.
"You concentrate on recovering so that when we do locate him," Dembe suggested, "we will have you operating at peak efficiency."
"Am I getting old?"
Did Silas need reassurance?
"Yes." Dembe replied succinctly.
"Why do I feel reprimanded?" Liz wanted someone to explain the sensation, "I didn't do anything."
"I will give you something to help you sleep."
"No!" Red arose quickly, "No drugs, Kate."
The woman quirked a brow, glancing at Elizabeth who flushed again but Liz didn't know why.
That 'reprimand' feeling was back.
"I wouldn't give her anything that would harm–"
"No... I know that, it's just that..." Red had wanted to tell the woman in a different setting... a different manner, "she might be... pregnant."
Liz kept quiet, feeling the tension emanating from the man beside her.
"I see..." Kate slapped the needle down into the sheet beside Liz's thigh, her look a thunderously disapproving one, "I must check on something."
Red kept his cool, remaining silent as well. He compressed his lips tightly waiting for the tempest to hit full force.
Kaplan stuffed the needle into its case, her manner livid, "...Never think of the consequences." she muttered under her breath.
"Kate..." the man warned with his tone.
She stormed out with but one lethal glare at Red Reddington.
He drew in a calming breath, exhaling slowly, "...Well, on the whole," he mused thoughtfully, "I think that went very well... considering."
"Considering what?" Liz hadn't thought it went well at all.
"Considering she could have easily severed my jugular with that look alone."
"Why is she so upset..." Liz bit her lip anxiously, "what did I..."
"It's me, honey." Red soothed quickly, "She's upset with me. Or perhaps my lack of... control."
"You're upset with her." Liz realized, beginning to read his moods.
"I don't like people judging me unduly." he stated succinctly, "Even when I deserve the censure. Not even Kate, who has every right to make such a judgement call."
It was a difficult admission for the man.
"I... don't understand." Liz was upset as well now.
"Really!" Francis Holbrook breezed into the room animated, flustered and clearly upset. "...Really?"
He spread his expressive hands wide, his face incredulous, "Oh my God!"
He stopped dead in his tracks, "Look at you!" he gestured wildly, "Silas is on his deathbed! The man's obviously delusional spouting off something about 'red snatches' and what the hell is wrong with Mr. Kaplan?"
Red sat back, straightening the bottom of his vest absently, "And hello to you too, Francis."
"Something like this happens," the young man's gestures were becoming more adrenalized, "and you don't even bother to call me?"
"Oh, I'm fine, Francis." Liz wasn't certain yet exactly how to act with the man.
"Fine!" he gestured wildly back and forth taking in her condition, "Fine?" he looked at Red accusingly.
"It was a horrible accident." Liz stated her belief.
"Do you think?" Francis was beside himself, "My God, look at you!"
"Mr. Kaplan is erring on the side of caution." Red looked at Lizzy. The woman could hardly move, strapped up like a calf at a rodeo, that damned neck brace considerably limiting her movement. The backboard a necessity he disliked intensely.
"I don't believe someone didn't even bother to call me!" Francis was on a roll. "I had to get my information secondhand. Thank God, Joe gives my feelings a modicum of credence at least."
"I was going to call in a minute." Red soothed, "It's been a little hectic around here."
Francis... settled, "Yeah well..." he still was a little miffed but pulled up a chair, sitting. His shrewd eyes examined the woman critically, "Kaplan give you the okay?" he needed reassurance. "Are you all right?"
Liz smiled warmly, "I got the best of the deal from what I hear."
Red had not told her about the teenagers but one of Kaplan's people had let it slip on the way over in the ambulance.
Red was going to take care of the guy but Kaplan had beat him to it. No one who worked under either, ever revealed any more information than was absolutely necessary at any given time.
Liz had asked if anyone was aware of the particulars regarding the accident and the guy didn't have the brains to even pretend to lie.
Such people had no place in Red's organization.
Of course, Red would have simply fired the man. He wasn't quite certain how Kaplan herself had handled the situation.
One just never knew with the woman.
"You look like hell warmed over." Francis decided, his eyes critical on Elizabeth's battered face.
"...Yeah, well," she tried to shrug, but it hurt too much, "you know."
"Did you sustain a head wound?" Francis turned to Red for a coherent explanation. "What did that even mean?"
"She's attempting to be stoic."
"No..." Liz objected, "it's just that, I feel so bad about those kids... their families." she told the truth, "It seems wrong to lay here and feel sorry for myself."
"What kids?" Francis sat up.
Red relayed the story.
Francis sat back, "Well, if the little bastard pulls through, it'll be a waste... cause I'm gonna go ice the fucking so and so."
The silence in the room was oppressive.
Liz looked like a deer in headlights, a fixed smile on her face.
Red glanced down, dusting imaginary lint off his trousers.
"What?" Francis rolled his eyes, "I was kidding." he exasperated.
The smile remained fixed. Red lifted his head sensing Lizzy's thoughts. He met Francis' gaze easily.
"We know..."
"Do you?" Francis was astute at times, "What's going on?" he questioned Liz more than the man sitting beside her, "I'm getting some bad vibes here. Did I do something?"
It suddenly occurred to the man, his manner altering visibly, "Oh!" he realized, "I was supposed to bring something!" he breathed a sigh of relief, "Sure... right, but I didn't want to take the time to stop at a flower shop or arcade."
Red's brow went up at that last one...
Francis was patting his person down, his face suddenly brightening, "I got gum!"
He offered the package over, "It's not even opened yet!"
Red smiled gently, taking the offering when Lizzy couldn't.
"Thank you for the thought... and gift." Red held the gift aloft.
Liz relaxed a bit, "...Oh, Francis." a slight chuckle escaped, but she paid the price for it.
Each man winced in empathy, "That had to hurt." Red frowned, lifting her fingers to his lips.
"Bet it's gonna leave a mark." Francis nodded sagely.
Liz laughed again, "S-Stop..." she pleaded her case.
Francis did as he was asked, "Sorry..." he nodded at nothing in particular, "so what do you need next? I'm here..." he was ready to help in any way.
"We're covered but I might call on you later if it's no imposition." Red 'covered' nicely.
"Imposition?" Francis scoffed, "Are you sniffing Kaplan's good stuff again? What's with this imposition shit?"
A thought occurred, "She didn't leave any, did she? Kaplan... the good stuff?"
"You ever known me to share?" Red 'shared'.
Francis' face fell, "...Major bummer."
Red felt better, Lizzy's eyes had softened on the kid.
"Look, I'm going to go, let you get some rest because Kaplan said if I didn't, she would 'cap me'." Francis arose, taking Liz's hand, "I know you're worried about those stupid kids," he sensed as much, "I'll go check out the hospital. Sometimes just not having to worry about the medical costs helps out... that, I can do."
Liz's eyes misted, "... Thank you, Francis."
Kaplan appeared at the door, her face stern but when was it not, Red wondered.
She zeroed in on him in particular but Francis had taken her arrival as a warning for himself.
"I'm sorry all ready." he hastily released Liz's hand, "Keep it in the holster, woman."
He glanced fretfully at Red, now realizing the other guy was in the hot seat, "I would rather face a Klingon Tribunal..." he sympathized with Red's fate, confiding secretively, as he took his leave.
He cautiously made his way around the diminutive woman, smiling as he passed, "Have a good evening, Mr. Kaplan."
"Leave, Francis." the woman replied dryly.
"Thank you, Ma'am." Francis bobbed his head, making a hasty retreat.
Red arose, smiling down at an apprehensive Elizabeth Keen.
"I'll only be outside the door."
Kaplan turned, exiting.
She waited patiently watching Red close the door to the room.
"You should have informed me of the... situation beforehand," she began without preamble, "I could have ordered tests which might otherwise be detrimental to a–"
"Perhaps I thought..." Red interrupted, his manner frosty to say the least, his speech clipped, precise, "it was really none of your business... my personal life."
Kaplan fell silent, "I am only thinking of her well-being... and the child, if one exists."
"Is that what you're thinking of?" he doubted it, clearly, "Or is it the fact that you have disapproved of any association which might conceivably develop between Elizabeth and a man twice her age?"
"I don't question the 'age' issue..." she spoke bluntly as was her way, "I have grave doubts about pulling her into a way of life which can only... ultimately mean Elizabeth's downfall."
What rebuttal could there be to that, Red wondered bleakly.
"There is so much we have yet to do, Raymond," Kate reminded, softening a tad, "Have you lost sight of the goals you are trying to accomplish? Why we started on this journey in the first place?"
Had he? Perhaps so.
"You have a weakness now... where none existed before." it was reminded, "Which puts her life in imminent danger. With a child... what limits will you put upon yourself?"
"I have been doing this, trying to accomplish these goals for twenty years now, Kate." the man fumed inwardly. "Twenty years. I've lost everything I've ever valued..." he raged, "when do I get a little happiness?" he spat. "Is that out of the question? Don't I get a chance at some kind of life?"
The woman was torn, clearly, "I don't know what my purpose is any longer... I can't protect you from yourself, Raymond."
The man hung his head, his eyes closing.
"I can't be of assistance if you no longer trust my judgement." she was truly floundering, "Or heed my advice."
She lifted troubled eyes.
"There is no one's judgement I value more, Kate," he told the truth, "I could not function without you about to keep my ass in line but..." he moved slowly, the last thing he wanted to do was alienate the woman now.
"I'm trying to find my way as well." he was struggling, reaching out to someone he trusted implicitly. "This is all new territory for me. Sometimes I feel..." he searched the emotions churning inside of him, "my intellect, what there is of it, has always dictated my actions in the past."
He shook his head minutely, the silence resurfacing but this time it was less tense.
"I'm tired, Kate." he ran a hand across his brow, his shoulders slumping with his mood, "I'm just... so tired of it all." he sighed.
Kaplan digested the moment. She had a decision to make, clear and simple.
She made it.
"We can do a simple urine test," she handed over a plastic cup, "You'll have at least one answer. I can't guarantee it will be the one you hope for."
Red looked at the cup.
"We can determine if x-rays can be done safely." Kaplan looked through the glass pane of the door. Elizabeth hastily turned her head as the dark eyes met blue.
Kaplan's lips cracked a bit, "She's worried... I wonder about who?" those dark eyes shifted almost mischievously. "You... or me?"
"She think's you're invincible." he confided.
"She thinks incorrectly," it was simply stated. Kate sighed lightly, "I'll give you both a moment's privacy then..."
She turned, leaving without another word.
Red waited on pins and needles.
Kate had said it wouldn't take long.
It didn't.
The woman entered stepping quietly forward.
Elizabeth stiffened, anxious... uncertain as to her own feelings at present.
Did she want a baby so soon into the relationship? Was she ready for such a gigantic challenge?
Part of her was all flushed and excited to think she might be carrying a little spark of life inside her.
Part of her was terrified of the very same thing.
She tried to read Kate Kaplan's face, but it was impossible until... the severity softened solemnly...
"...I'm sorry," the woman spoke quietly, "the test was... negative."
Red had carefully composed his own face, years of practice kept his devastation completely hidden.
Elizabeth's eyes darted to his.
He forced a smile, reaching for her hand, "It's fine," he stated almost automatically, "It's all right... really."
Elizabeth relaxed visibly, "Ohh... okay." she wasn't sure how, or what, she was feeling, "...Okay." she repeated absently.
Was she disappointed? Was this... disappointment? Of course she was disappointed.
She didn't think it would be this... intense.
"Well..." what should she say? Was there an acceptable response one was supposed to give to such news, "...okay."
Kate Kaplan lay a gentle hand on Raymond Reddington's shoulder.
She felt the tension radiating through the man's body. She squeezed reassuringly.
He was hurting, she knew.
The news had hurt him. She hated being the one to do so.
His hand covered hers for a brief second then dropped aside.
He was thanking her in his own way.
He had to be strong for Elizabeth, but inside, Kaplan knew he felt anything but.
"I'm sorry." Elizabeth apologized sincerely, "I'm so sorry, Red."
"It's fine." he smiled reassuringly, "Everything is fine, baby." he turned to Kaplan, "Can we get those x-rays now? Get her out of that damned neck brace at least?"
Kaplan nodded, "It will take a second. I'll have them bring the machine."
Red hastily put a restraining hand when Kate would have removed hers from his shoulder, "Thank you, Kate."
She smiled down at him, quietly taking her leave.
Elizabeth thought, for one second there, the other woman truly looked at peace... truly appeared... not so severe, not so... austere.
Elizabeth wondered what Mr. Kaplan had looked like as a young girl.
But then, Elizabeth's thoughts turned to...
Other things.
No baby. She had no little, tiny person inside her.
Why did she suddenly feel so bereft?
No... it was fine. Red had said... it was fine.
They could try another time.
They had... so much time in the long run.
She shook her head, sighing heavily, "I'm so sorry, Red."
"Stop it." he advised softly, "We have all the time in the world, Lizzy."
She sought him out.
"God will bless us when it's time."
"...Do you believe in God, Red?" she had asked him once before, but wasn't sure if he was being serious in his reply.
"In this instance..." he leaned, kissing her mouth, "... yes, I do."
She felt infinitely better, "... So do I."
They had all the time in the world.
Red Reddington practically promised as much.
She could take it to the bank.
She lay quietly listening to the sound of the man's steady breathing.
It calmed her need to weep...
AUTHOR NOTE:
Gee, Silas sure was in a grumpy mood...
And then he wasn't. :)