AUTHOR NOTE: A reader suggestion or two mixed in... somewhere.
June 3
"You and I both know, if Carver is aware of our location..." Silas broached the subject while Kaplan prepared Elizabeth to depart from the make-shift hospital, "we have two options.
Red listened attentively, trusting his friends input implicitly, even as the large guard hid the fact he was in pain from any interested on-looker.
But he knew better... and admired the man all the more. Even in serious agony, Silas was at the top of his game.
"We can haul ass, set up at another location..." Silas continued, "which only postpones the inevitable, if you ask me." the large shoulders shrugged bringing a grimace to the handsome face. But it was fleeting and then gone. "Or we find the leak in the organization. It's apparent we have one. Who, is anyone's guess at this point."
Red nodded his agreement his own features tense. To think someone he trusted was out to betray him, royally pissed him off.
"I don't want Elizabeth run out of her own home." Silas snapped.
Red's jaw tightened, angered by the idea that her home... her very stability, her bit of normalcy had been compromised.
"This son-of-a-bitch is taking her security away. We've worked too fucking hard to get her to this point."
"You aren't a hundred percent."
Silas fell silent at the veiled accusation, "...No," he admitted grimly, "but I am functioning."
"Are you?"
The grey eyes shifted, "Yes."
"You need time to heal, as well." Red reminded, "I know the variables. Let me have time to think them through."
Silas nodded curtly but Red could tell the guy was itching to get at Carver. To put an end to the fucker.
Who wasn't?
"We'll get him." Red laid a hand on his friends shoulder. Silas winced. Red eased the pressure. "But on our terms."
Silas remained silent.
"Can we protect her for a couple days?" Red needed more input.
"He'll hit us at our lowest point." Silas reminded.
"Is this," Red needed to know, "our lowest point?"
"He thinks it is." Silas grinned. "Might work to our advantage, but I don't want Elizabeth within a thousand miles when we confront the bastard."
Red patted the stocky shoulder absently, "Give me twenty-four hours."
Silas inclined his head minutely.
"Right now, she needs to be home." Red realized, "She needs to feel normal for a while. Can we give her that?"
"We'll give her any damned thing she wants," Silas rolled his eyes, "when have we not?"
"Which is how it should be." Red grinned, "It's our job to pamper and spoil."
"You take it to the extreme with this one." a beefy thumb was jerked in the appropriate direction.
"You disapprove?" Red's grin widened.
Silas thought about it, "Nah, I guess it works in this instance but don't expect me to put up with her crap."
Red rolled his own eyes. Silas was just as bad, if not worse, about babying Lizzy. Today was proof of that. The man had left his sickbed in order to make Lizzy... feel better.
Though, it wasn't Red's preferred method. He had enjoyed watching the woman almost go for the guards throat. By the looks of Silas, it was perhaps a good thing Lizzy had been strapped to that backboard. She could have easily taken him down.
"God forbid," Red held up pacifying hands, "I realize you are a throw back to the Neanderthal period. I wouldn't think of disturbing the natural order of your evolution."
"Just so we know where we stand." Silas wanted matters straight and clear.
"You'd give your fucking life for her," Red called the guy's bluff, "and you know it."
"It's my job to give my fucking life." Silas explained patiently as if to a young child, "Doesn't mean I have to put up with shit."
Red nodded sagely, pointing to a chair, "Sit down before you fall down."
Silas looked at the object and surprisingly... sat.
The ride home was quiet. Each person too tired from the days events to put out much effort for small talk.
Red's heart went out to Elizabeth Keen.
She had not had an easy time of it this past year.
The woman sensed his gaze, turning her head to offer a small smile.
His gaze softened, his fingers seeking the small hand. He brought the cool appendages to his lips, "Are you tired?"
"Glad to be going home." she avoided the direct answer, "Silas, are you feeling better?"
"Don't bother me, woman," the guard looked out the window, "I'm contemplating the universe."
Liz leaned, smacking the side of the guy's head smartly, "Not in my presence you aren't."
Red winced for the man. That had to hurt, but the guard hid the fact well. He frowned his confusion when he realized the guard was holding his smile and Lizzy looked... disgusted.
"He contemplates the universe... a lot." she grimaced, her hand mimicking a jerking motion.
Red sighed, dropping his forehead into his palm. His head was throbbing. Pushing his fingers against his skin, he dulled the ache briefly.
"Can't you do something about her?" Silas turned his head lazily but even he returned to a brooding silence not having gathered a rise from the woman.
Lifting his head, Red kinked his neck moving closer to Elizabeth. Leaning into the small frame, his arm tugged her close, "When we get home, how does a nice hot shower sound and a late dinner?"
"Amazing." Liz was happy again, Silas forgotten for a moment. "We can make omelets or–"
"Nora stayed over," Francis leaned forward, resting his arm along their seat, "she said she couldn't let her little angel come home to cold leftovers."
"Little angel," Liz quirked a brow, "meaning you?"
"Who else could she have been talking about?" Francis was stumped.
Liz sighed lightly, exchanging cryptic glances with Red, "I'm glad she stayed. Red," the woman was suddenly apprehensive, "should she have her own guard now? She should stay with us... we have the private apartment downstairs."
"Why does Nora need a guard?" Francis sat forward again, alert, "What's going on that I don't know about?" he shot Red an accusing glare. "Is Nora in danger? Why would she be?"
The throbbing in Red's head intensified. He wasn't in the mood to deal with this shit.
"The man who accosted Lizzy in Vegas..." Red reminded the young man.
"You think he's responsible for the accident today," Francis followed Red's train of thought, "but what does Nora..."
"Before the accident, he called Elizabeth, threatening her... and Nora."
"Are you fucking kidding me!" Francis unbuckled his belt, sliding even closer to get the lowdown.
"Francis don't!" Liz reacted, "Get back in that belt!"
Red shifted non-committal eyes at the unexpected outburst.
Francis slowly complied, "Okay..." he drawled, his face twisting comically Red's way in response before he settled back into the seat, clicking the belt in place.
The silence was uncomfortable.
"I'm sorry..." Liz felt foolish, "...I guess I'm a little shell-shocked." she didn't like how fast the car was moving. The road sped by at a ridiculously high rate of speed. Everything was a blur.
"It's only natural," Red soothed, "after a bad accident."
Dembe slowed to a more acceptable speed, "Forgive me, Elizabeth. I simply wished you home as soon as possible."
"No.." she laughed hollowly, "I'm all for that. I'm just being stupid. I'm sure everything will get back to normal... in time, right?"
She sought the answer from a serenely relaxed Red Reddington.
"Of course it will." he caressed her temple with the soft pressure of his lips.
Liz sighed again, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery, "Will it?" she had to wonder sometimes.
Would things ever be normal in her world? Did she even want that?
Right now, the word and the idea sounded wonderful.
"Yes, baby." Red had heard the wistful rejoinder, "I'll see to it."
Liz pulled herself out of her doldrums forcing a smile, her fingers squeezing his reassuringly, "I'm just hungry. You know how cranky I get."
"We all do." Silas piped up from the front seat.
Liz's mouth tightened but Red could see the remark made her feel... normal.
She settled back against him, cuddling into his warmth, "That man needs a keeper," she decided, "or a muzzle."
Red chuckled, so very glad to have her safe in his arms again.
Francis joined in and Dembe even cracked a smile.
"...What?" Liz was pleased to have amused them all, for she sensed she had, but couldn't figure out why.
"You sounded like Eeyore." Francis laughed appreciatively.
Liz chuckled as well at the thought, "Have you seen my tail?" she mimicked playfully.
"Yes, I have." Red whispered seductively for her ears alone, his look sending delightful shivers down her body, "And I can't wait to see it again."
"Behave." she scolded, glancing fretfully to the other passengers in the car.
Red cast her an innocent look, his palm rubbing along her spine.
"Well, I'm sorry." the woman hastily moved forward with but one chastising glance at the man beside her... but allowed his hand to settle on the curve of her bottom.
Red stopped his advancement, content in its placement.
"I guess I'm in a mood. I wasn't expecting this set back, you know?"
She sought Silas' assistance, "We were doing so well, weren't we, Silas. I was getting stronger... wasn't I?"
"Set backs don't mean shit," Silas grumbled, "Let it roll off your shoulders. I'll have you back up to par in a week's time."
She brightened, "Oh," she reconsidered, "that's not so bad at all."
"Look on the bright side," Red chimed in, lifting her wrist, his fingers gently probing the bandaged area, "you didn't break it." he included her leg in his assessment with a look.
Liz definitely felt better, "You're right." she decided. "It could have been worse."
Each person in the car turned his head simultaneously as Francis cheerfully began to whistle the Monty Python classic, "Always Look On the Bright Side of Life."
After a shower and a change of clothes, Liz felt more herself.
She sat now, around the large dining table, close to Red, listening to Dembe and Silas debate the pros and cons of semi-automatic versus automatic weapons.
Nora was admonishing both men about the proper topics one should discuss at the dinner table.
Liz's thoughts turned inward. She recalled earlier tonight, just after she and Red parted company for a time with the others.
It was agreed they would all assemble in an hours time but Red insisted she shower and change.
"Doing something normal... brings normalcy." he stated in that matter-of-fact way he had about himself.
Liz had to agree. The shower renewed her spirits. Being home, made the days miseries fade into the background.
They would have to be dealt with emotionally she knew but this time was a welcomed reprieve.
She had stumbled in the hallway.
She wasn't watching what she was doing. She stumbled.
Red had been there to catch her.
When had he not been of late? She smiled.
The man lifted her into his arms. She felt weightless engulfed in that strong embrace.
His eyes stole her heart from her body.
She hadn't even protested. She wanted him closer. She wanted to be in his arms. She needed this moment all day.
When Red had lifted his mouth away from nuzzling her neck, she kissed him passionately, wantonly, allowing him to know how deeply he affected her.
She wouldn't have cared if they had missed this dinner.
It was so good to feel his hands on her body. He undressed her, joined her in the shower but he had not made a move.
Only kissed her body, in innocuous places. He seemed to enjoy touching her.
She enjoyed his touch, tremendously.
But tonight, she wanted more.
Was it wrong? She kept thinking about those poor teenagers. Was she a bad person for thinking about...
But something primal happened between Red and her in that hallway.
He lifted her so easily. He wasn't even breathing hard when he sat her down in their room.
And the way he held her gaze all the way down that long corridor...
"A penny for them."
"Big spender," she quipped, giving over her full attention, "just thinking what an incredible man you are."
"Should I be suspicious?" Red draped his arm along the back of her chair, "Or appreciative."
"I would have showed my appreciation," she lowered her voice.
The debate was getting loud. Francis had joined the discussion. He advocated a gentlemen's weapon... light sabers.
Red's interest was caught by Liz's words however, clearly enjoying the turn of the conversation immensely.
"An hour ago," Elizabeth lifted perfectly arched brows, "in our bedroom... our shower."
"Do you know what it took for me to..." Red stopped, he wouldn't proceed with that thought, "that's not what you needed."
"Shouldn't I be the judge of that?" she was confused even more so.
Red concentrated on his expensive shoes.
"You were just so... loving. I wanted to return the gesture." Liz tried to explain.
He reached, covering her hand with his.
Nora opened the door, signaling, "I thought you would all prefer a more... comfortable setting." she motioned.
Liz could see food set up buffet style laid out on the large island.
It signaled to her that Nora didn't want to be left out tonight. That the other woman needed to feel connected.
"Oh God," Nora shook her head at her own stupidity, "I forgot about your injury. How could I be so–"
"Oh, fudge and cornflakes," Liz laughed gaily, "you build it, we will come." she quoted an old Kevin Costner movie haphazardly, "I'm already there."
She took Red's support in the way of a steady guiding hand and in moments everyone had found a plate, looking over the scrumptious offerings laid out so appealingly by a loving hand.
"I'll get that for you, Silas." Nora took Silas' plate.
"Hey, hey!" Francis let his feelings on the matter be known. "He's not dead. I am your go-to guy, remember?"
"Now you sit," Nora scolded, "I'll get to you after the injured are taken care of."
Francis sulked effectively.
"You're still my favorite." Nora soothed.
Francis felt better, clearly, making certain Silas had heard the comment.
The large guard sat heavily, his look speaking volumes. Behind Nora's back, he flipped Francis off.
"Doesn't matter." Francis was secure. "She still likes me best."
"Placates you best, you mean." Silas countered.
Liz watched Red, her eyes gentle on the man. He was doling out drinks which tonight did not include the heavy stuff.
Beers, tea and soda were the choice of beverage.
"Oh, Nora, this is absolutely lovely. Thank you for staying." Liz accepted her plate graciously, "You are invaluable and a good dear friend."
"Well, this is my new home or at least," Nora looked to Red, "you've all made me feel as much. I wanted to help out in some way. No matter how trivial."
"Oh, angel face," Francis arose, leaning to kiss the woman's cheek in open affection, "this isn't trivial," he waved the banquet over, "this is a feast fit for royalty... am I your knight in shining armor."
"Sure." Nora smiled placatingly, "More casserole?"
Francis wasn't shy about seconds.
"We haven't even started." Silas grumbled moodily. "This guy's already asking for seconds."
"I didn't have to ask." Francis pursed his lips suggestively at Nora.
"Honey, are you all right? Truly?" Nora smiled absently at Francis, her true interest for Elizabeth.
"Silas is the one who got the worst of–"
"I said don't be mothering me." Silas mechanically snapped. The man winced, cricking his neck slightly when fingers pinched his ear. "Ow, damn!"
"I'll show you mothering." Nora snapped right back. "Don't be surly." her tone demanded no nonsense, "Eat! You need food!"
Silas begrudgingly... ate, to Elizabeth's shock and delight.
Red beckoned, "Nora, sit." he indicated a vacant spot by Dembe, "tell us about your day."
The woman laughed bringing her coffee to the seat. Dembe arose, assisting her to situate herself comfortably.
"Well, it wasn't anywhere near the excitement of yours." she lifted an arched brow, "I baked a cake. I ran the dishwasher."
Red smiled, "You baking anything is the equivalent to Rembrandt painting another masterpiece."
"Not sure he would agree on that one." she chuckled delightfully, "but thank you and yes, Francis... I made your favorite dessert as well." she held up placating hands.
"Told you so..." Silas mumbled, even as he protectively covered his ear from Nora's grasp.
As he had many favorites, Francis grilled the woman about which dessert in particular she had made just for him. Silas and Dembe sighed, returning to their plates, barely listening to the man rattling off sweet treats he adored.
Liz looked at Red, finding the man looking across the room, his eyes unfocused. His fingers tapped a rhythmless beat on the tabletop, nodding to himself as though having come to a decision about something. Liz's brows furrowed, wondering what the man was contemplating.
"You all look exhausted." Nora scanned the faces at the table in good time.
"Move in with us, Nora." Red said in response, shocking the woman silent.
Liz's mouth fell agape, before widening into a delightful smile, "Oh, Nora, please say you will."
"I'm..." the cook sputtered her disbelief, "pardon me?"
"Lizzy would like you to stay," Red replied, "and so would I."
Dembe and Francis lifted their eyes searching out Red, the smiles on their faces sobering.
Silas sat back in his chair, wrapping an arm tight about his rib cage.
All the men were pleased Red was taking the cook's safety into consideration. They liked Nora and hated to think of her being put in harm's way.
"There's a private fully equipped two-bedroom apartment downstairs." Red added to the allure, "All the amenities on the house grounds are available to you."
"The pool, tennis courts, entertainment room, the lake, river, stables..." Francis added, sweetening the pot.
"We don't have horses." Liz rolled her eyes.
"She gets her own parking too, doesn't she Red?" Francis continued on, ignoring Liz.
Red smiled at the man, inclining his head, "Enclosed parking."
Francis lifted a hand, gesturing excitedly, "No more cleaning your car off in the winter."
Liz was nodding eagerly herself, "And... and you can paint and decorate it any way you want." she added her two sense.
Nora swiveled her head between each person, trying to take in all the information flying at her.
"Whoa..." Nora chuckled, holding up a stilling hand, "what's this all about?"
"We would love for you to stay here..." Red repeated, "with us."
Nora looked at her boss, her head cocking slightly.
"You live alone, yes?" Red questioned.
"I do, but..."
"There is twenty-four-hour security here." Dembe joined in the fray.
Nora looked at the man with interest, garnering Red's interest.
"Is something wrong, Nora?" the man questioned.
"No..." she drawled, her fingers idly tracing a flower etched into the tablecloth, "I suppose it would be nice to have reliable security about." she murmured, "I am getting older after all..." she chuckled flatly.
Silas sat forward, a frown creasing his forehead, "You don't feel safe at home."
Nora laughed shortly, sitting up in her chair, "We women hear noises at night." she waved away his concern. "Just rats in the attic." she smiled at Francis and Liz, sharing the in-joke from a favorite movie.
Dembe reached, patting the woman's hand in understanding.
Francis fell unusually quiet. Silas turned knowledgeable eyes towards his boss.
Carver...
Had the son-of-a-bitch been watching her? Making noises to frighten her?
Or was it just the sound of an empty house?
Red couldn't be sure. And he didn't want to find out.
Red lifted a calming hand to the both men in turn, looking Elizabeth's way.
His heart tightened painfully, finding her fearful eyes boring into his. He remain calm and determined which relaxed the younger woman visibly.
"You know who I am..." he addressed Nora.
Nora stared across the table, her gaze steady on the imposing man, "...I do."
"Then you know I'm a dangerous man." Red said.
"I don't believe you are." Nora countered.
"Not with you." Red's face softened, "Never with you."
Nora's shoulders relaxed, a questioning look on her face wondering what his point was exactly.
"I can't promise that my..." Red hesitated, "occupation will never follow me home." he breathed, a sorrow filling his heart, "But I can promise you that no harm will ever come to you as long as you are here."
Liz swallowed the knot in her throat.
"I think you are well aware I would do anything to ensure Elizabeth's safety." Red stated a fact.
"I am..." Nora replied without hesitation.
"Know if you stay with us," Red continued, "I offer you the same protection I give the woman I love."
"I demand nothing less." Francis said, smiling at the woman. Though everyone at the table, including Elizabeth, knew he was absolutely serious.
Silas rolled his eyes, shoving his plate forward, garnering the woman's attention, "I demand nothing less."
Nora's eyes flit from one person to the next, until falling on Elizabeth's face. The woman pushed back from her chair, walking to the younger woman. She reached out, tucking a stray strand of hair behind Liz's ear.
"I'll stay..." she murmured.
Liz's face lit with joy as she pushed from her own chair, wrapping her arms about the woman.
"Tell Joe and David to take Nora home and gather her things." Red quietly directed Silas. "I don't want her staying there tonight."
"I'll have a moving company gather the rest of her belongings tomorrow." Francis said.
"I will see to her safety personally until such time a private guard can be assigned." Dembe stated succinctly.
"We'll handle all of that tomorrow." Red decided. "All I want tonight is Nora safely here with us."
Red turned finding Lizzy hobbling towards him, beaming brightly. She threw her arms about his shoulders, squeezing him tightly.
"Thank you..." she whispered in his ear, burrowing closer to him.
Nuzzling his nose behind her ear, he inhaled her sweet scent, his heart calming. "Whatever you want..." he whispered, "you shall have."
Reluctantly stepping back, Red cupped her small face in his hands, kissing her forehead.
"...Anything." he murmured.
Liz lifted blue eyes to his, taking the breath from him. She looked so content, so happy...
Pleasing her gave him so much pleasure in return.
"I have everything I need," she smiled softly, "right here."
Red inclined his head, kissing the mouth lifting to his. Settling into the soft kiss, he flicked his tongue against the sweet mouth, deeply grunting his pleasure when it opened for him.
Pulling the woman closer, Red lost himself in the hot little mouth, gently caressing the small tongue, capturing her delighted little moan in his mouth.
"You're blocking the way." Francis jolted the two from their affectionate embrace. "Nora needs to get my dessert."
Red growled his displeasure when Lizzy's mouth broke from his, breathing heavily.
"Uhm..." Liz swallowed, capturing her breath, clearing her throat, "Get your own dessert."
Francis relaxed, walking past the two crossing his eyes at Elizabeth's reprimand.
"She'll be safe here." Red rumbled, drawing Lizzy's attention back. "I promise."
"I know." she leaned into the thick fingers threading through her hair and massaging her scalp. "That's all you had to say."
Red's stomach flipped in response. Knowing Lizzy held such unrelenting trust in him still shocked him sometimes.
He was broken from his reverie by the return of Francis and their newest tenant... Nora, carrying plates of cakes and a tray of coffee.
Reseating themselves at the island, they enjoyed their sweet treat and more in-depth conversation.
"Oh!" Francis became animated, "Speaking of which..." he settled in and Red immediately knew they were about to regaled by one of the boy's infamous off-colored tales.
"Francis..." Red sighed heavily, "there are ladies present."
"I'll clean it up." Francis jovially hit Liz on the shoulder, one 'guy' to another.
"Is this the one about the mermaid?" Dembe halted his food, mid-lift.
Nora laughed heartily, "That was a good one, right Dembe?"
Dembe smiled his remembrance, "Colorful to say the least."
"What the hell goes on in this house when I'm not here?" Red bemused.
Liz grinned over at him. She was beginning to lose the tightness in her muscles.
Francis tore through the bawdy anecdote complete with gestures, pauses for effect and infectious abandonment.
Liz was relaxing by degrees, the soft spot in her heart for Francis Holbrook prying back open, minute by hilarious minute spent in his company.
Francis, regardless of his choice of vocation, would always just be... Francis.
Unpretentious, forthright, up-front...
A good friend.
The best-friend ever. Her best-friend. A friend who loved her unconditionally.
While she felt some trepidation, she couldn't help but appreciate that while Red had wanted an evening alone with her... he had extended the invitation to allow her to get back on an even keel with Francis.
And she was never so lighthearted.
The somewhat questionable joke was rounding down and Liz gave her complete attention over.
"So the daughter asks, A Christmas tree?", Francis said, "And the mother replied, Yes, dead from the root up and the balls are just for decoration."
Silence fell around the table except for the sound of a barely contained raspy chuckle from Francis.
Liz leaned over, chuckling quietly despite the questionable content just shared.
Lifting her eyes, slowly, she found the other occupants shaking with silent laughter... except Red. Which only increased her amusement.
Red sighed, ignoring the unladylike snort that came from his right, "Thank you, Francis, for keeping it clean."
Silas finally broke, a deep throaty chuckle welling from his chest. He instantly protected his rib-cage.
Liz caved as well, a bubbling well of laughter bursting past her quivering lips.
Red eyed the woman, his face minus any expression at all. Which amused her all the more because she knew secretly, he was just as entertained as they had been.
His eyes softened, pleased to see her in such good spirits and more importantly, the reason why.
"You're a nutcase." Liz hugged Francis' neck fiercely, holding tightly about his sturdy frame.
Red sat back, enjoying the moment. He had hoped Lizzy would come to such a conclusion on her own. He had been a little worried when she had said less than five words in the first twenty minutes of dinner.
But when he had found Lizzy, who was admittedly shocked by the retelling... muffling her infectious giggling into her hand, he knew everything would be all right.
"Whoa, woman..." Francis returned the hug but was overpowered by the unexpected exuberance of the embrace and its duration.
It was as if Lizzy didn't want to let go.
"...What's this?" he questioned Red more than Liz's action, "Was it that entertaining?"
Liz chuckled, releasing the man reluctantly, "I'm just happy to be home... with all my family."
Francis beamed, "You consider me... family?"
"I consider you hopeless... but family, yes." Liz reseated herself beside Red. "Where did you hear that awful joke?"
"Lia." Francis announced proudly.
Even Silas did a double take at that bit of information.
Red laughed his delight, "That girl has hidden depths."
As the evening wore on, Red and Lizzy showed Nora her new accommodations which she loved before Joe and David took the woman to gather her things, leaving the others to settle into a familiar routine.
Silas intended to hit his rounds but Red vetoed that notion past-haste.
"You're no good to me in your present state," he pointed out the obvious, "delegate the minor shit, Silas. Heal your body."
Surprisingly, the large guard agreed to the sound reasoning for once, "I'm staying in-house tonight." was his only stipulation.
Red shrugged his compliance.
An hour later, he was relaxing on the lanai, cigar and drink in hand. He could just make out the profiles of his two companion's in the quickly fading light of another day ending.
Upon Nora's return, Liz attempted to help Nora gather her belongings only to be shooed away by Nora and the guards alike. They assured her it was only a few items and would only take one trip with just the three of them.
Grudgingly she kissed the woman's cheek, wishing her a good-night and a peaceful sleep before meandering her way back to Red just in time to watch Francis struggle with juggling his phone, cigar and drink.
She shook her head. She was beginning to hate the cell phone. It seemed they could not have even one relaxing moment these days without an interruption of some sort.
The night air was heavy with the scents of the garden wafting on the gentle breeze.
Liz loved this time of night. She sat next to Red propping her feet on the ottoman even as the man had done earlier.
"Yeah?" Francis sighed, flicking the thick ash off his cigar. "No, I'm not home, I'm at Red's." he scowled slightly, shrugging.
"Well, how the hell should I know." he scratched his forehead having set his tumbler on a nearby table, "You still pissed at Adam?" he directed the question to a totally spaced out Red Reddington.
"...Adam who?" Red needed clarification... which was so Red, Liz chuckled mentally.
"Adam Fields." Francis supplied.
"Depends." Red hadn't thought about the subject matter one way or another. It was very low down on his priority list. "What does he want?" he asked, blowing a stream of smoke in the air.
"He has a new shipment." Francis related the answer. "Wants you to have first crack at the consignment. Says he owes you."
"Yes, he does." Red rolled his cigar lovingly watching the red embers on the end spark to life. "He almost cost me a good client last time." he recalled. "Could have turned ugly 'cause the kid was late."
"He respectfully reminds you," Francis was taking on the role of go-between, "it was a holiday and no one expected the cops to set up the road blocks for drunk drivers."
"He should have called." Red's anger was resurfacing.
"It's best you let it go." Francis advised Adam Fields, sotto voce. "Not a wise move to rush Red."
"Does he have the merchandise on hand... now." Red had calmed. Business was business.
Francis nodded, "The safe house?"
"Tell him to hold for a moment." Red gestured his head towards the woman.
Francis got up and walked out into the yard, most likely explaining that Red's fiancée was in residence and was making plans to distract...occupy her.
"Safe house?" she frowned. "You were staying with me tonight."
"I will." Red assured, he glanced at Lizzy, laying his hand on hers, "We have some business headed our way. Can you spare me for a while? Silas has doubled the–"
"Like what happened with Cheung?" she fretted.
"Nothing like that." Red waved his cigar about gracefully, "It's not dangerous per se, only advisable for you... if the transaction occurs elsewhere."
She was intrigued, "You're trying to get rid of me."
"I am, yes." Red nodded amiably. He sensed she wasn't going to 'go gently into that good night' with this one, "It's drugs, Lizzy." he confessed.
She tried not to react, "I... I thought you didn't deal with–"
"I do the semi-legal sort. At least... in some states." he waved the cigar to and fro.
She caught on quickly. "It's legal in Colorado."
"Be that as it may..." Red conceded, "it's not here, not yet." he reminded.
"Do you know something I don't know?" she was sensing as much.
"I always know something you don't know." Red grinned at her expression. "Trust me, it will become legal in DC by next year."
"I don't see what the big deal is here." she shrugged. "You met with that one guy, Jamie, about the same thing."
"And I recall you getting in a tizzy about my meeting with Jamie." Red recalled vividly.
"I did not get in a tizzy."
"You did." Red disagreed. "And just like last time, very large quantities are involved. I assumed you would rather opt out of the proceedings."
"I... I said I wouldn't get in the way of your business and I won't." she staunchly stated.
"You do understand in keeping with appearances," Red didn't think she did, "we will have to sample the product."
Red looked out at Francis, gesturing the meeting take place here. Francis gave a 'thumbs-up' gesture, returning his attention to the phone.
"Have to," she chided, "or want to."
"I don't put anything out there I haven't given approval on myself," Red advised, "and yes, I want to. It's been a shitty week." he confessed just as he heard Francis come up behind him. "He's on his way?"
"They are, yes." Francis replied, then side eyed Liz.
"She knows." Red said.
"All of it?" Francis asked.
"Yes."
"We need munchies." Francis clapped his hands , rubbing them together briskly.
Liz watched the man exit, a bewildered expression on her bemused face, "Didn't he have four plates at dinner?" she said helplessly.
Loud clattering and clanging coming from the direction of the kitchen interrupted the flow of conversation.
"What is he doing in there?" she made her way hastily to the spot in question, "Nora will kill him if he messes up her spotless kitchen!"
Red followed more languidly.
She watched Francis clear the cabinets of chips and junk food.
"You'll need all that?" she shook her head.
"Can you make some of those sandwiches Nora taught you how to make?" he loaded down a tray with his bounty, "the oven baked ham and what not?"
Liz threw her hands out, exasperated, "I...I guess so."
"Oh!" Francis remembered, "and some of those little pizzas." he motioned to a pile on the counter Nora had pre-made and froze for them.
"How many people will be at this little... get together." she unwrapped the pizzas, setting them on oven trays.
"Well the guards aren't involved so..." Red wanted most present to have a clear head, "we're not doing what we did last year." it was warned to Silas who had just wandered into all the commotion.
"They might still be hungry." Liz countered, before grabbing a loaf of bread and slapping a package of ham in Red's hand. He looked at it queerly, but held the package.
She hesitated in her busy movement, eyeing the guard.
He had napped a whole hour, by Liz's calculations, "What are you doing up?"
She sighed fretfully, staring expectantly at Red.
"What?" Red held his grin.
"You're not helping..." she waved over the cheese laden bread.
"Baby, I can't help you if you don't tell me what you're doing."
She rolled her eyes, taking the ham from the man. She slapped two pieces on the other slice, then shoved the meat back in his hands. Red nodded amiably, doing as directed, turning his attention back towards the guard.
"Couldn't sleep." Silas grumbled, "Joe said we have company on the way?" he clearly wasn't pleased with the news.
"We'll go to–"
"No." Liz quickly arranged her sandwiches, setting the temperature, "Have your meeting here. It's less work for Silas and his team."
Red checked with Silas, "You want to postpone?"
Silas thought about it, "Nah, just keep it contained to one area, don't disturb Nora."
"The patio?" Liz queried. She was new to this type of entertaining but was determined to meet the challenge.
"And share with the neighbors?" Red quipped. "Better the Great room."
It had a lot of area to sit and relax. There was a full bar plus fridge for other refreshments... it would work well.
Shooing Francis off with another tray, Liz scurried about the kitchen cleaning and arranging quickly.
"You're still not helping..." she rushed past Red, only to be caught and pulled back his way.
"Everything is fine." he looked about the spotless kitchen. "Take a breath."
Liz inhaled a deep breath, rolling her shoulders... relaxing. She sucked in a startled breath, rushing away again, mindless of Red's quiet sigh. She peered into the massive ovens, checking on the already bubbling pizza and sandwiches.
She opened the door just as Francis breezed back in, loading his arms down with bowls of chicken wings and potato salad.
He inadvertently bumped into her butt sending the woman off-kilter for a beat.
Reaching out to catch herself, her hand scraped along the inside of the oven door.
"Dammit!" she yelped, shaking the burning appendage to rid it of the sharp sting.
Red instantly grasp her wrist guiding her to the sink. Cool water eased the burn instantly.
"Shit! I'm sorry, Lizzy!" Francis had hastily unburdened himself of the excess luggage needing to see the damage.
"Oh it's... fine." she dismissed, "I swear, I am the most clumsy person in Washington D.C."
She examined the red wound critically, "We need to get those sandwiches out of–"
"Got it." Francis was instantly on the task, "...I know why they keep you out of the kitchen though..." he teased, chuckling at the woman giving him the evil eye only to fall silent a moment later when he found a stone faced Red Reddington glaring at him.
Red sighed, holding his temper. Francis didn't know Tom used to tease Lizzy mercilessly about that very thing.
"Your big ass knocked me into the stove!" she wailed.
Red grinned over at the distraught woman, pleased to see she found fault in Francis... and not herself.
"He's just trying to get a rise out of you." he lifted her wrist, planting a gentle kiss on the flesh.
"Well..." Liz settled, enjoying the way Red was babying her right now, truth told, "he does have a big ass."
"My ass is perfection." Francis demurred, reloading his arms with his bounty. "If you are finished kissing hers... you can push that tray into the room for me."
"I bet women just love your bedside manner." Liz taunted, upset for Francis' needling of Red.
"If I kiss anything that starts with 'B' it won't be a boo-boo, trust me." Francis scoffed, already well down the connecting hallway to the opposite side of the house.
"Oh, that man!" Liz pulled a decorative platter down from the pantry, loading neatly cut slices of pizza unto the large surface. "Silas, can't you just shoot him or something?" she lifted hopeful eyes, "Just a flesh wound... maybe."
Silas took one of the sandwiches laying out on the counter into capable hands, "Why, he'll just hold up here during his entire convalescence period and you and Nora will wait on him hand and foot."
Liz fell silent trying to ignore Red's grin of amusement.
"Well, no sandwich for him!" Liz proclaimed staunchly.
"What are you..." Francis breezed back through, "the sandwich Nazi?" he grabbed up a convenient golden brown cut of bread and meat stuffing the delicacy into his mouth.
"Is that any way to treat a guest in your home?" he motioned to a reticent Red.
"You're not a guest." Liz snapped, "You're a pest!"
"You say tomato," Francis countered just as snippily, "some say to-mah-toe."
"These are really good, baby." Red soothed frayed tensions expertly, having bitten into one of the crispy delights. They were so delicious in fact, he hoped like hell he kept the surprise from his voice, because he was... surprised as shit.
Liz beamed happily, preening under Red's attention and more so... enjoying the glowing compliment to her cooking. A first in her lifetime.
"These are really good, baby." Francis mimicked expertly.
Liz pinched her lips, scowling hard at the man. Red ran a hand over his mouth, hiding his smile.
He really enjoyed watching her get riled up way more than he should.
"God, you baby her to death, are you aware of that fact?" Francis disdained.
"Yes." Red drawled lazily. "Any objections from the psycho ward will be duly noted and summarily dismissed."
Francis shut up.
Silas put his radio back on the counter, raising his sandwich. He had gotten a beer from the fridge to go with his snack.
"Your guests have arrived." his tone left little to the imagination as to just how high on the food chain Silas considered the new arrivals, "Shall I show them in?"
Red chuckled, waving the task aside, "Francis will see to the comfort and well-being of his friends."
"Not my friends." Francis sneaked a pizza slice his way, "thought they were your friends."
"Whatever." Red rolled his eyes towards the boy, his jaw working feverishly, "Go greet them."
Francis threw up his hands, sighing, "I don't know why I have to play host...not even my house," he grumbled, "do I look like Lurch?" he questioned, pushing his way through the door.
Red turned his attention elsewhere, the matter forgotten in his sphere, "Can you occupy yourself?"
"I'm a big girl." Liz reminded, "I'll be fine."
"The door will be open," he reminded, leaning to kiss her mouth lovingly, "if you need me, don't hesitate to come to me."
"What a sweet thing to say."
No one noticed Silas rolling his eyes.
"I'm just that type of guy." Red was in a good mood, a playful one. Lizzy was home, having averted a major catastrophe to his way of thinking.
Silas would keep her safe from the maniac running around out there. A plan was already set up and working if Carver dared storm the Citadel they had improvised.
Red took a swig of his beer, motioning accordingly with the bottle, "Stay with one of the guards... no roaming about on your own tonight, agreed."
"I'm just gonna read and relax." she had devised a working plan of her own in her head, "that's all I'm gonna do."
"Good girl." he approved, "I might be late tonight, don't wait up."
Red hesitated, he had wanted to 'connect' with the woman tonight on more than a spiritual level, so to speak.
Maybe this meeting could be postponed after all...no, on second thought.
The last thing Lizzy needed was some man rutting about her person. She needed to rest tonight. Sleep.
It would be better if he occupied himself elsewhere for the evening.
Lizzy smiled at him. He felt good about his decision suddenly, "Do what Silas tells you." Red suggested evenly.
"When have I not?" she demurred.
Silas almost choked on his sandwich at that one, his head jerking about sharply.
Liz chuckled, "It was almost worth it just to see that reaction."
Red laughed his mirth.
Silas' look said it all. Red took his leave with but one moment of silent communication with the large, burly guard.
Liz cleaned up the last of the mess in the kitchen, dusting her hands primly at a job well done.
Nora would be none the wiser when she came up for breakfast tomorrow morning. Liz was glad the woman agreed to stay here and make it her home.
"I think I'll take a walk before I–"
Silas' glare stopped Liz in her tracks, "What? I was going to take Joe or...someone."
"You just told Red you were going to read and–"
"Well, it's not written in stone is it?" Liz objected. "Am I a prisoner now? In my own home?"
"Don't take your usual path." he grumbled, "And stay away from the front gate. Stalker boy got the courage to get out of his car tonight."
Liz's lips quivered, "Joe offered to shoot Tom for me. You never have."
"Not today anyway." the guard shrugged. "My plans for him today are more on the macabre side." Silas ventured, turning about on his stool, hand to hip, "Want to hear them?"
Liz chuckled, "No, thanks. I'd like to sleep tonight."
The man looked slightly disappointed.
"Silas?" Liz's curiosity was more than piqued. "Have you ever... sit in on one of those business meetings? The kind the guys are having tonight?"
"I keep my head clear at all times... for the most part."
"So you've never... indulged?"
"Didn't say that."
Liz sat on the opposite side of the island, absently fingering a decorative salt shaker, "When I was in college that stuff was every where, of course." she felt comfortable sharing with this man, "I went to a few parties, ya know." she wrinkled her nose.
"I knew I had to stay clear of that stuff," she lowered her voice, "considering the direction my career choices would take me but..." she leaned into her narrative.
"You were always curious."
"Well, yeah." she spread her hands out, "That's natural, right?"
Silas nodded casually, "Knowing Red and Sam, they probably would have sheltered you from such activities when ever they presented themselves."
"I was at college, what could they do?"
Silas remained mum on the matter.
"Anyway," she sighed lightly, "guess I'll go for my walk..." she brightened, "would it be okay to swim a few laps afterwards?"
"As you wish..."
"Oh, that's from the Princess Bride." one of Liz's favorite movies. She had clasped her hands together, pleased by the man's delivery as well as his quote.
"Yeah, whatever."
"Well, that moment passed quickly enough." she grumbled. "Must you ruin everything?"
"My ex-girlfriend says I do..."
"You had a girlfriend?" she leaned into her fist, her interest caught.
"It surprises you I have an ex-girlfriend?"
"No..." she sighed, "not one bit." she curled her lip disgustedly. "I'm getting my shoes on."
"I'll alert the media." Silas used another famous movie quote."
Liz's head fell back, grumbling once again, "Whatever!" she snapped, going on her way.
She did not notice her guard's genuine smile in her wake.
The sound of The Doors drifted down the hallway.
Liz was at once tickled yet miffed. The Doors? Really.
She half expected strobe lights to filter out into the adjoining space as she approached the massive Great room.
She had discarded her day clothes, having changed into a bathing suit for later but a discrete silk robe covering in dark royal blue hid her figure from view.
Sighing despondently for her lot in life, she secured her boot about her leg before slipping one lone suede sandal on her foot. Lifting her leg, she smiled at the cute little butterfly and flowers adorning the sides and top.
Pushing off the bench, she walked down the long corridor. Aside from the heavy black boot... she felt kind of... sexy. The silk of her robe felt luxurious as it billowed in a dark ripple behind her. The one sandal highlighted her bare leg and manicured toes.
Liz rolled her eyes expressively having come along par with the opened doorway.
Sure enough, a large strobe light swirled lazily around, the walls dotted with psychedelic patterns of streaking lights.
"Jesus..." she chuckled involuntarily.
Where the hell had Francis procured such a thing on short notice? He was always talking about proper ambiance so maybe he carried the thing around with him.
Strings of "People are Strange" filled her ears, Well, it describes Francis to a 'T', she had to agree.
She scanned the dimly lit entranceway, her eyes not adjusted to the difference of hallway and 'mom's basement' atmosphere as yet.
Red Reddington sat on a long 'L' shaped sofa, his arms spread out on either side.
He was alone.
She sensed others in the room but none were close enough to the man.
His eyes settled on her.
Liz stood, transfixed for a long moment, she wondered on his thoughts.
He was trying to convey something with that stare but she couldn't quite grasp its meaning.
Did he want her to join him? Should she move away, continue on her way?
Red held his expression, wondering what the woman would do, how would she respond.
His fingers twitched along the cushion edge. He wanted so badly to wave her in, but the decision would have to be hers.
The man realized how curious Lizzy must be. She was ever curious. About a myriad of things.
He enjoyed that about her.
He would never deny that part of her.
He and Sam had taken the necessary measures to ensure she never be confronted by drugs or other illicit activities when Lizzy was growing up... her college days were more of a challenge, of course.
She wasn't exactly a wall flower in those days.
Parties where booze abounded were plentiful and frequent. She was of a legal age for alcohol, and there wasn't much they could do about that. But Sam was particularly inventive and cagey when it came to his little girls proper upbringing... and drugs were off limits.
Unseen, unheralded body guards would discretely intervene at the right time, always be at the right place. Her college years were littered with a series of tripped fire alarms.
It was a running gag between he and Sam, that no one could find a fire exit faster than their girl. He bet even now, no one could find a fire exit route faster than his Lizzy.
The FBI would take a dim view on any police record a candidate might garner along the way.
Lizzy's ambitions to enter the law enforcement community were always carefully kept uppermost in Sam's mind.
Red knew, secretly, the other man would have put the restrictions on Lizzy regardless but it was a good enough reason when the girl got a little touchy about overprotectiveness displayed.
Lizzy wasn't a little girl any longer. However, Red believed, experimentation often lead to enlightenment of some sort and as Francis had pointed out just a few minutes past, "Wasn't it better for her to experiment when they were around than not?"
Red was torn, to be truthful.
Liz started, the spell broken. Some clumsy oaf had dropped a tumbler, the heavy glass thwacking gratingly against the marble counter top of the bar.
Red cast a disparaging glance, hastily seeking out his prey once again.
Liz smiled wistfully, offering a small insignificant wave before continuing on her way.
Red watched her trek, catching glimpses of her as she made her way past the large picture windows he had installed to look out onto the garden path outside the rooms.
He checked his instinct to follow the woman's route.
He didn't really want to be here. He had enjoyed such pastimes before. He wondered at the change which came over him.
"Red?" Francis held several different pipes aloft, "Which one do you want?"
Red frowned superficially, "The 'red' one..." he quipped, determined to get on with it, "of course,"
Liz walked into the pool room. She was a little surprised no one was here.
"Joe?" she called out.
The echo sounded hollow coming back across the spacious pool.
Silas had said the other guard would meet her.
Indecision pulled at the woman. Her senses were calm however. The warm air surrounded her. The pool looked inviting.
She hadn't swam in what seemed like ages and so loved to float in the heated water.
Joe was likely on his way.
She was being silly. She took off the soft wrist cast and her boot and sandal, setting them aside.
The flowy overgarment was discarded on a convenient lounger. She stepped gingerly down the first few steps into the luxurious arms of the welcoming water.
After a few laps, her leg felt better. She hardly noted the stiffness of her wrist.
This set back wouldn't be as bad as she had imagined, she realized.
She refused to allow negative thoughts, floating lazily in the delectable sphere of the buoyant water.
After a spell, she decided enough was enough. The water had healed her soul if not her wounded body.
Liz walked up the stairs, wringing her hair of excess moisture, heading for a towel.
She loved this place. The house, the beautiful grounds. She felt stable here. Safe.
A tiny scowl fixed her brow.
What an anomaly... had she not felt the same in her first home? Where she had been spied upon. What a creepy thought... still.
Once Red informed her she had been spied on, she had changed her shower curtain for a solid colored one. Changed in her closet. Even sleeping had been a challenge, feeling like she was a unwilling patient in a sleep study.
But here...
Liz glanced about the lush surroundings.
This place had proven a safe haven. She was mending, not only physically, but emotionally.
She didn't feel so fragmented any longer.
She ate here with people she cared for, she laughed here... here, she slept peacefully, soundly.
It could be the guards, she supposed. But she attributed Red's solid presence beside her as the deciding factor.
The fact he slept with a loaded .45 under his pillow didn't hurt either, she mused her amusement.
She slipped the casts back into place, pulling the flowing cover-up over her shoulders, setting it about her still damp body.
After the trauma of the day, such moments were miraculously healing.
As large and extravagant as this house was, to Liz, it was cozy, inviting and most welcoming.
Hooking her sandal on her finger, she made her way across the tiled space, her thoughts pleasant and varied.
She rounded the corner, pulling up short, suddenly confronted by a totally unexpected barrier.
"Oh!" the woman gasped her shock, hands out to steady herself, "I'm sorry... I didn't see you there." she laughed the situation aside, stepping back cautiously.
"I saw you." the smile the man offered was not exactly pleasant although Liz was sure it wasn't meant to be.
Liz's expression cooled by degrees, "If you will excus–"
"I saw you... out the window of the room," the guy persisted, blocking her intended escape route, "I didn't catch your name earlier."
"I didn't throw it out," she stated flatly, "but if you must know...it's Elizabeth. Red's fiancée." she stressed the latter frostily. "Now, let me pass."
"That's a beautiful name."
Liz sighed mentally. Her ploy had not worked. She really wished there was a rule book of etiquette to follow in these awkward moments.
"It's a little cold out here. I would like to change." she plastered a fake smile on her face.
"My name is Travis." he gave it the old college try, "I'm great at warming lovely ladies up, just FYI."
Liz blew out a long breath. One well placed palm straight to this bastard's nose would put a swift end to this stupid situation.
Would Red's fiancée be expected to know such a calculated move?
The creep leaned closer. Liz's scowl deepened, her body tensing. She wasn't going to put up with much more of this shit.
"You're such a little bitty thing." the creep was saying. He drew a finger over her collar, easily moving the silky garment, baring her shoulder. Ignoring all the warning signs of a move gone bad.
Liz's eyes dripped ice. She moved from the contact, "Are you fond of that hand?"
"You are very beautiful when you're all fired up."
"Red thinks so." a deep masculine voice intervened. "Back up...now."
Both participants reacted to the new arrivals presence differently.
Good old Travis backed the hell off, his manner suddenly a little sheepish, definitely awkward in nature.
"Hey, man," the guy ducked his head, "just passing the time of day here. That's all... really."
"Pass it... elsewhere." Silas suggested, his tone rather chilling to Liz's ears.
"Sure," Travis hastily took the cue, "no problem. Just trying to make a connection, ya know."
"That would be like..." Silas moved steadily forward.
Travis... retreated.
"A bastard breed trying to 'make a connection' with a thoroughbred show pony."
Travis' ears burned bright red, "Hey man, you never know until you try, right?"
"I catch you anywhere near Red's territory again..." it was no threat, mere fact, the way it was stated, "even a Forensic team won't be able to find even 'little bitty' parts of what's left of your sorry ass after I get done with you. Do we understand each other?"
Travis' Adams's apple bobbed nervously, "It's okay, everything's cool here... all right? We don't want to ruin the business going on inside, right?"
Travis was desperately searching for an exit... any exit.
"Go join the rest of the doper squad." Silas jerked a thumb to the Great room, "You're out of your league here... fucker."
Travis gratefully made his retreat, his face flaming with humiliation.
Liz stood, arms folded, expression set, "I could have handled–"
"Look," Silas held up pacifying hands, "that's my job. That's what I'm here for. Red expects appearances to be kept."
Liz wasn't quite pacified.
"I know you could have dealt with that insufferable punk. Hell, you could do that much with your FBI training alone." Silas shook his head woefully. "That's not the point, is it."
The woman tapped her foot impatiently, unaware of her actions.
"We keep up appearances. We put up a front when a business deal is going down." Silas waved a massive hand to the imaginary place this was all transpiring, "that's what you agreed to... wasn't it?"
"Where's Joe? This is his fault." she lashed out. "He was supposed to–"
"Joe has... intestinal problems. He had Mexican earlier." Silas shrugged. "I was here and that's all that matters."
Liz pulled a yucky face, "Can I help? I mean... I have some medic–"
"Yeah, it's all covered." Silas held up a testy hand.
"I'm going to have to talk to Red about this crap." she allowed the man to take her arm and lead her down the hallway. "I don't know the rules. How can I?"
"Yeah, yeah..." Silas sing-songed his head, "If I got paid for everyone who bitches at me for one thing or another..."
"You do get paid for that." she jerked her arm from his, sending him a scathing glare.
The man grunted quietly.
He walked with her to the master, checking the room before his exit.
"Keep your radio close." the man directed, "Lock this door." he motioned from his position in the corridor. "That fucker approaches you again, beat the hell out of him until I take over and kill him. Got it."
"Is that a rule." she grumbled.
"It's my rule." he let go of the handle motioning to it, "Follow it."
Liz closed the door, locking it soundly.
She glanced around the silent room her eyes falling on her romance novel, sighing heavily. It just wasn't what she wanted to do tonight, she suddenly realized.
She knew exactly what she wanted. It was suddenly crystal clear.
Showering hastily, she rushed to the closet, choosing a dress Red bought for her.
Liz really liked it now but at first, had reservations about the style. It was kind of Bohemian and wispy. Liz didn't think it suited her. But when she had tried it on the other day, besides the fact that it was comfortable as hell, she felt very pretty in it.
And it was very versatile. She could wear it up on her shoulders or push it down, baring them, which was kind of sexy.
It sat just at her knees. She usually covered her knees because she'd scraped them when she was younger and hated how the scarring looked. But her scars got lost against the jet black of the dress, which almost hid them, blending beautifully with the shade of fabric.
Twisting her hair up loosely and pulling down a few tendrils along her neck, she studied her reflection in the mirror. The look satisfied. It seemed very put together for once. She approved.
She readied herself, marching from the room, determined and spirited.
Red saw the woman's entrance.
She halted uncertainly at one point, her eyes adjusting to the light or perhaps it was the rapid beat of Jefferson Airplane's "White Rabbit", he couldn't tell.
Her eyes adjusted and fell on Red.
She crossed, head held high, plopping down next to the man.
He could sense something amiss, "Anything wrong?"
"Not one little bitty thing." she cast Travis a granite stare, then softened, "Nothing I can't handle."
She cuddled to Red's side, watching Francis' actions, Travis all but forgotten, "What's he doing?"
"Tamping down the leaf." Red explained.
"This one is sweet," Francis clearly did not like 'sweet', "What you'd think?"
Red lifted the small metal pipe, wafting it under his nose, inhaling the sweet aroma.
Francis drew in deep, holding the breath. He hung his head, bouncing it with the slow beat of "Free Bird".
Liz's lips quivered slightly as the man's head fell back, bobbing along with the music before gradually blowing out a billowing cloud, "Has a nice strong after affect," Francis' heavy lids cracked slightly, "...good buzz."
She backed up a little as the pungent scent assailed her nostrils.
Red smiled indifferently, lighting up. Drawing on the pipe hard.
Liz's attention was rapt. Her eyes were glued to the man's profile.
The woman glanced around the huge room. "Mama told me not to come." she whispered as the eerie atmosphere filtered into her brain.
"That's right." Francis pointed an accusing finger at the woman. "You should always listen to your mama."
"I like that song." Dembe nodded at nothing in particular.
Liz's eyes were as big as saucers, "Dembe?"
She was astonished to find the man present.
"Et tu, Dembe?" Red asked mellowly, sensing the woman's dismay.
Dembe nodded minutely, gallantly bowing deeply from the waist, his hand slicing the air theatrically.
"The phrase spoken by Roman dictator Julius Caesar to his friend and protégée, Marcus Junius Brutus at the moment of Caesar's assassination but also referenced in an even earlier play, Caesar Interfectus by Richard Eedes."
"Act Two, Scene One." Red nodded sagely.
"Dembe knew Julius Caesar?" Francis was confused.
Liz giggled, "Oh, Francis..."
She settled in for the ride... suddenly glad she came.
AUTHOR NOTE: Nora quoted a tid-bit of dialogue from a favorite movie of mine. Journey to the Center of the Earth. The cast included James Mason, Arlene Dahl and Pat Boone.