Focal Point

by Daniel Davies

(Lizzington) A dangerous serial killer targets Elizabeth Keen as the newest Blacklister hits too close to home for Red Reddington. She must rely on the one person her instincts tell her she can trust. Liz finds herself inexplicably drawn closer to the only man capable of protecting her from this insidious new threat. (Mature Content)

113. Promotions

The next morning proved to be a bright and sunny one. Moods were very much improved by the promise of cheerful rays filtering down.

After a lingering lovemaking session, Red finally allowed Lizzy to leave the sanctuary of the shower.

Red smiled as the woman flittered about the bathroom, a flurry of activity... as usual.

He was certain there was a method to her madness but since becoming familiar with it, he often caught himself wondering how the woman ever completed the act of readying herself for the day. She wasn't that organized but no one could dispute the end product.

Looping his tie about his neck, he chuckled quietly watching the woman flick undecidedly through her selection of make-up before deciding on one that suited her that specific day.

She did that everyday. He hesitated, realizing... he was now intimately acquainted with Lizzy's morning routine. The thought warmed him.

She halted mid flick, her mascara wand held precariously to her lashes, sighing wearily when the low ringing of a phone invaded their space.

"I'll get it." Red smiled, patting her bottom as he passed by.

She leaned closer to the mirror even though one with a retractable arm was right beside her on the wall.

"Oh!" she tsked her discontent, "Red Reddington, you made me mess up..." she growled, yanking tissues from their holder, after a disparaging sound.

Chortling under his breath, Red found he enjoyed that part of their routine as well.

He craned his head as he neared the night stand, glancing down at the screen of his phone.

"It's mine..." Red informed the woman. Pushing the button, he silenced the aggravation.

Looking in the mirror, he straightened the dark silk of his tie, running his fingers down the long strip before settling it in place behind his vest.

Reaching for his watch, he hesitated, something catching his eye. Staring down at the cart with the leftovers from their celebration, a smile covered his mouth. His twisted ties draped carelessly over the empty plates, the shredded paper that had held Lizzy's gift lay in a crumpled ball beside her flowers...

His mood dropped slightly.

There never seemed to be enough time. There never seemed to be a respite long enough to allow them any real amount of intimacy. At least not on the level he required.

Red knew Lizzy felt more comfortable in Dembe's presence now. She didn't find her guards intrusion anything more than a slight interruption or breather between lovemaking moments but...

Dammit all to hell, he wanted alone time with the woman without the fucking world knocking at their door every available second.

"Who was it?" Liz asked as she walked into the room, absently flicking a wayward lock of hair from her eyes.

"Telemarketer." Red replied in a droll tone, kissing the lips she presented for just such an occasion.

Liz's mouth twitched, "If you can't escape them, there's no hope for the rest of us."

"When AARP finds me, I'll worry." Red quipped, drawing a small chuckle from the woman.

Grasping his watch, he sighed, fastening it in place.

Liz frowned slightly at the sound, before noticing his attention was once again, focused on last nights frivolities.

"I forgot to tell you..." Liz began, she too, had glanced at the cart fondly, "I had a wonderful time last night." she soothed his dispirited mood.

Red nodded slowly, still slightly put out with how the evening shaped up. She was so important to him. He still wished he had been able to do more.

"Did you..." he murmured dejectedly.

"I did, yes." she reached for her new bracelet, holding it and her arm, out to the man.

Red took the charm, looping it about her delicate wrist, securing it.

"To be honest... with my team here and everything," Liz foraged on, determined to make him understand how much last night meant, "I didn't think we would get as much uninterrupted time as we did. Last night was a treat I hadn't expected."

Red tried to look at it from a different viewpoint. He was sure Ressler would have been calling them every ten minutes, or worst case scenario...camped out in their front room.

Turning her hand in his, he kissed her scar. He knew she was self-conscious about it. Personally, he always looked at it as a shared mark between the two, she had her scar and he had his.

He was more than warmed by the thought Lizzy chose this wrist to display her new adornment.

"Well, we did have a little interruption, didn't we?" he disgruntled.

"Who doesn't." she replied airily, watching his lips hover over their shared history. "If it's not work calling, it's family dropping by unannounced, the dog jumping on the bed or," her cheeks flushed, "...kids."

Red remembered his daughter had the uncanny knack of barging in at the most inopportune moments, but still...

"It's part of life, Red." Liz soothed, fastening her earring in place. "Don't worry about it. I'm not."

"Lizzy, you can't tell me what happened last night didn't embarrass you."

"It might have at one time..." she admitted, "but..." she hesitated, canting her head, "may I ask you something?"

"Of course." he leaned into the night stand, wrapping his hands about her hips, pulling her close.

"Has Dembe ever walked in on you making love?"

"Dembe has walked in on me having sex." Red corrected. "I only make love to you."

Liz's eyes softened, wrapping her arms about his shoulders, "Were you embarrassed?"

"No, I'm a guy." Red told the truth. "I admittedly covered my partner to maintain her modesty but... " he sighed, "men look at sex differently than women, Lizzy."

Liz inclined her head at his reasoning. Maybe that was a true statement.

"Were you trying to make a point?" Red asked.

"I wasn't embarrassed because, Silas," she smiled, "is to me, what Dembe is to you."

Red's brow lifted slightly as he digested the words. He had hoped Elizabeth and Silas would become comfortable with one another, even build a friendship. He never expected Lizzy to see in Silas, what he, himself did, in Dembe.

He was extremely pleased to know Lizzy found that level of comfort and trust in her guard.

"While it may not have played out exactly as you wished," she trailed her hand down the lapels of his vest, her heart fluttering, remembering their evening, "last night meant a great deal to me."

To date, Red Reddington was the only man to ever celebrate that milestone with her. It had meant so much that he had been so thoughtful and attentive.

Women dream about men like that and so seldom find one, she realized.

"I don't know about you," she lifted unguarded eyes, allowing him in, "but I celebrate being your partner, confidante and lover every single day."

Red's breath caught at the words, shocked to hear them delivered so openly, "And... I count every minute with you as a blessing." he confided.

"Those little interruptions in between," she said, "don't make up a whole moment," her eyes sparkled with tears, "but they do make us who we are, don't they?"

A faint flush brightened her cheeks when the man turned their linked hands, tenderly kissing her fingers.

"They do..." he whispered roughly, his prospective altered entirely by her confessions.

She was right. This life, the things that occurred, happened because of who they were. If that didn't exist; what they were, what they had... most likely wouldn't exist.

Those minor interruptions changed them in ways neither expected.

Lizzy had found her confidence along with her right hand man. And Red, was realizing what was important in life. His priorities were changing.

"I had a wonderful time with you last night, Elizabeth." he murmured intimately. "I truly hope we have many more of those... moments... together."

Liz leaned catching his lips in a gentle kiss. It meant so much to hear Red say those words...to know he fully expected to continue their new found traditions.

---

Breakfast that morning was a flurry of activity on Red's part. Liz watched the man work effortlessly through a maze of phone calls while fielding questions from Dembe and his Head of Security.

Dembe had given Red the itinerary for the day, indeed confirming that both men were leaving out at a little after nine, that day.

"Silas, did you make arrangements for Hunter?" Red asked, stuffing toast in his mouth.

"I figured since we were going to Teterboro anyway..." Silas shrugged.

He had the needed discussion with Hunter, confirming the man was very interested in the position Red had offered which would provide stability for Hunter's family.

Silas lifted a hesitant glance, "Why? Did you change you mind?"

"No, I want him on payroll." Red assured the guard. "I was just going to say, since I'm going to California," he said, "I'll take David and Hunter with me. It's faster."

"He'll appreciate that." Silas nodded amiably.

"What's going on?" Liz questioned, sitting her coffee aside.

"Hunter's boy is graduating kindergarten." Silas filled her in. "Wants to be there for the big day."

Liz smiled, before cocking her head slightly, a frown on her pretty features, "Should I find it charming that the man sent to kill me, wants to see his little boy graduate kindergarten?"

Red chuckled into his coffee, patting her hand, "You get used to it."

She shrugged carelessly, smiling happily when Dembe passed the Blackberry jam.

"Speaking of personnel," Red paused, watching Lizzy apply the jam to his toast, "get Security on the line." he pointed to the phone beside Silas. "All of them."

He had an executive decision he wished to share.

Liz frowned, wondering what Red was up to. She looked at Dembe, finding the man just as clueless as she.

The head guard shrugged, dialing the house. Amir answered immediately.

"The Lord and Master wishes to convey something, to all Security." Silas informed.

Amir quickly assembled security, putting the line on speaker as did Silas.

Red refused to meet Lizzy's questioning eyes, instead pouring himself another cup of coffee.

Liz sat straighter in her chair. She could feel a sudden tension rolling off Red in waves.

"When I hired you to protect Elizabeth," he sat his cup aside, "what did I ask you give her?"

A beat of silence met the question. Silas sighed heavily, throwing his hands up in the air, glaring at the phone. How often had he drilled the mantra into their wee little brains?

Dembe dropped his face against his hand, rubbing his eyes, wearily.

Joe's head slumped as he rolled his eyes upward, "In their defense, boss, you would have been met with the same silence if you asked them to spell, potato." he muttered aside.

"Even the Vice-President didn't know that." Liz was quick to defend her guys.

"Privacy, Boss." Silas gritted. "You asked us for... privacy."

Liz gasped, her mouth falling agape. Hadn't they discussed that just this morning! She thought she had made herself perfectly clear on the subject?

She looked at the man sitting at the head of the table, those blue eyes showing their ire.

Red held up a stilling hand, silently asking her to give him a moment to finish.

Liz frowned, hoping Red didn't reprimand anyone. He had better not!

Her people weren't being purposefully intrusive, just doing what they had been hired to do. In their defense, Red often had just returned home in some instances, so they were not aware she was in his company. They quickly apologized for the interruption and backed off immediately.

She had grown accustom to it now. They were as much a part of her as Red was.

She smiled warmly at the thought. But not to Red Reddington. She fumed in silence.

"I would like to add an addendum to that request." Red continued. "From this moment forward, unless it is of a dire emergency," he looked between the men at the table and the phone, "no interruptions after we go to bed. No phone calls, specifically."

Dembe lifted his cup, sipping the warmed beverage, his brow furrowed thoughtfully.

"There will be some significant changes coming soon." Red stated emphatically. "Priorities have changed."

Liz felt a little put out, truth told. She felt responsible for her guys being on the receiving end of this reprimand.

"I know you have to make your rounds, I know you have to see to her safety..." Red said, "but a simple radio check enquiring as to our well being will suffice from now on."

A round of mumbled assurance followed.

"To state it bluntly," Red laced his fingers, leaning into his elbows, "Lizzy and I are dating and we want time... alone. Without the threat of being stumbled over while we are being intimate."

Silas dipped his head, pinching his mouth together... tightly. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his brow darkening as well.

"Unless there is an imminent threat to Elizabeth's safety, some dastardly foe is threatening a takeover... or someone is near death or has died," Red narrowed his eyes, "when the bedroom door is closed," the man's tone hardened, "I demand privacy... for us. Is that understood?"

A more pronounced round of, 'Yes, Sir's', followed.

Red jerked his head once, content that his point was made. "Thank you for your understanding on this matter."

He hung up the phone, leaving the room in silence.

"I am in no way negating your assistance during Lizzy's... nightmare," Red clarified to those sitting at the table, "I–"

"There was a standing order of 'do not disturb'," Silas interrupted, "seeing that it was an important occasion." the man's eyes softened on the woman across from him, much to Red's surprise. "But with Dembe off the clock and Michael in flight..."

"I understand." Red nodded. And he did. "I was not referencing your interruption, Silas. It only made me realize something had to change, however."

Silas sat back, crossing his arms, waiting.

"I don't expect any of my people to respond to business dealings if they are off duty, as you know." Red continued. "That most of you do is testimony to how correct I was in my decision to add you to our little family."

The men at the table shrugged off the praise nonchalantly, much to Liz's vexation.

"I know you were between a rock and a hard place," Red said, tapping his finger idly on the table top, his attention once again for Silas. "And my work with Michael, as you know, is usually time sensitive."

Liz watched Red's finger move rapidly on the surface of the wood. It was a sure indication Red's brain was firing and active.

"Congratulations are in order." he said suddenly, looking between the two guards. "You two," he gestured accordingly, "have just been promoted."

"What?" Silas questioned instantly, his brow furrowing.

"You know this job just as well as we do." Red waved a hand between himself and Dembe. "You know my preferred associates and merchandise." he continued. "There is no reason why you should wait to have my 'go-ahead' to move a damn shipment."

Dembe nodded his approval and agreement, "You and Joseph are more than capable of moving things along."

Silas brooded, "I don't want that responsibi–"

"You have it." Red interrupted Silas' refusal. "Deal with it."

Dembe nodded again, "Deal with it."

Silas sulked, "And if we should fuck up?" he questioned seriously.

Red cut his eyes, the look contained within, an obvious one, "You won't." he was positive.

"But if we did." Silas stressed.

"Raymond fucks up all the time." Dembe shrugged. Raymond exchanged a disgruntled stare.

Liz's brows lifted with surprise, hearing the unexpected profanity pass Dembe's lips.

"Be that as it may." Red offered one meaningful glare to Dembe, "There isn't anything we can't fix." he assured still looking at Dembe.

"Oh, yeah," Silas remembered one incident in particular, "remember that time you screwed up that arms shipment deal–"

"That wasn't me." Red snapped. "It was Francis."

"It was you." Dembe corrected.

"They were 'bad ju-ju' guns," Red air quoted irritably, "that's why Francis changed his mind at the last minute and messed up the deal."

"That's not how it was at all." Silas remembered another version of the story.

"Bad ju-ju guns?" Liz had picked up on the phrase instantly.

"The cache had been used in some questionable activities." Dembe explained the use of the odd descriptor. "It is considered bad luck to pass on such items."

"Questionable activities?" Liz was enraptured.

"You're missing the point here." Silas argued. "We're talking about Red screwing up."

"Now, wait a minute," Red took umbrage, "I said... it wasn't m–"

"Francis saved the day, not you." Dembe purposely pushed his friends buttons if only to see Red's reaction.

"What?!" Red barked. "If he hadn't wanted the damned rifles we could have simply passed on the whole deal, but no."

"He's not psychic, Red." Silas jumped on Dembe's bandwagon sensing the game was afoot. "How could Francis know the guns were tainted?"

"And why not acquire the weapons, they sold for a good profit, didn't they?" Dembe countered.

"Because," Red reminded, "I negotiated the new price."

"No harm, no foul." Dembe nodded regally.

Red's expression was incredulous.

Liz held her amusement admirably knowing Dembe and Silas were just prodding the man.

"Can we get back on topic?" Red demanded.

"Do I get more money?" Silas enquired. "And a fancy new title?"

"I'll think about the money and no, you get no fancy title." Red snapped.

Joe looked decidedly crestfallen, "I wanted a fancy title."

"Look, we'll do a trial run." Red offered. "Six months, see how things go."

Silas nodded after a moment, agreeing to the terms, "I want to be addressed as Chief of Security and Defense." he hooked a thumb at Joe. "He can be my Secretary."

"Oh, hell no." Joe protested strenuously. "He'll want me to get his coffee."

"Other than that," Red managed to curtail his tendency to draw his weapon, "keep me the hell out of it. Making up an out and out lie to whomever is wanting my attention, is totally fine with me as long as I am not disturbed otherwise."

The men looked to one another, shrugging.

"Look, we've been at this long enough, we know a real emergency when we hear one." Red sighed.

"Replacing the inventory after a warehouse fire can be handled anytime." Dembe agreed, adding his own thoughts to the matter at hand. "Francis getting shot at..."

"Is to be expected." Silas muttered into his coffee cup.

Liz held her giggle admirably, but not her smile.

Red sighed, shrugging slightly himself. "The point of the matter is," he turned his eyes to Lizzy, "we deserve some damn down time. Between the four of us, that shouldn't be too hard to accomplish."

The men digested the words, not disliking the intent behind them.

"On a personal note," Red's eyes softened on Elizabeth, "I need time, alone... with her." he murmured. "Private time."

That had been the whole reason behind the announcement today, after all.

All the men at the table more than understood that sentiment.

"It's high time Elizabeth, and my private life, took priority." Red rubbed his suddenly aching neck. "You people give me a headache."

"You used to be able to multi-task." Silas tsked. "You're slipping, Red." he remarked casually.

"I beg to differ." Liz defended Red's honor. "He's more than efficient at multi-tasking."

Scoffing quietly, Silas popped the last of his bacon in his mouth, pushing his seat back just as Dembe and Joe did.

"It's good to know at least Big Red," Silas managed tongue-in-cheek, trailing after Dembe, "isn't falling down on the job."

Dembe smiled his amusement as the men exited the room.

Red rolled slow eyes Lizzy's way, his expression a scolding one. Liz ducked her head, quickly biting into her muffin, hiding her silent laughter.

"I'm going to get you for that, Lizzy." Red mumbled his discord.

---

Red leaned against the car, his arms wrapped about Elizabeth's hips, his wrists linked. The ground crew loaded luggage and fueled Michael's jet.

He smiled indulgently as the woman looked about her surroundings with avid interest, watching all the scurrying about as a new flight crew arrived, relieving the others. Silas and Hunter assisted David up the steep staircase, all the while ribbing the guy for being such a nuisance.

"You haven't said much since we left the penthouse." Red remarked casually. "Are you angry with me?"

"Well, yeah, at first but not now," Liz pulled back slightly, frowning, "Why? Should I be?"

"About a great many things." Red replied. "I would imagine."

"Your little meeting with the guys was impromptu, I'll give you that." Liz quirked her mouth derisively. "But no... I'm not angry. Not after I realized what was going on."

Red's expression roughened as did his tone, "I do need time alone with you."

She smiled softly, "It was nice to hear it said aloud."

He scowled irritably, "I'm not asking for too damn much in the grand scheme of things... am I?"

Liz frowned, hearing the man's underlying guilt. "Red, whether I'm in the picture or not, any man under the constant strain and stress you are, needs downtime. As much as he can get, if you ask my humble opinion."

Red rubbed his shoulder, working the tense muscle.

"Stop feeling guilty for being human." she settled into his chest. "Even you need to sleep."

Red looked tired today. She studied his face, "I'm sorry I disturbed your sleep last night."

Red could not simply shut down his mind as she could. He was awake long after she had drifted off, she knew.

He had a habit of running scenarios and possible ways to handle such occurrences should they happen again.

It was just his way.

Red sighed, soothingly rubbing his palm against the small of her back, "I feel shitty, leaving you after what happened last night."

Liz sighed, shaking her head at all this guilt the man was experiencing this morning.

"Stop it, please, I'm fine." she assured, even as doubt edged his features. "I would tell you if I wasn't."

"Would you?" he shifted an edgy look her way.

"I confided in you last night," she reminded, "didn't I?"

Red nodded grudgingly, "And if it happens again tonight?"

Liz held his eyes, scratching her nails soothingly into his nape, a small smile curving her lips.

"You are definitely one of the good guys, Red Reddington. Why didn't I see it sooner?"

He worried about a repeat of last nights performance, he obviously wished to be there for her... which touched her deeply.

"Then I will call you." she leaned, kissing him softly. "I promise."

Red pondered the woman's mood, his own a little low.

She genuinely seemed all right now... and he did believe she would reach out in some form or other.

"What are you doing today?" he changed the subject in hopes she would be free and could possibly accompany him.

"With Ressler out of sorts," she shrugged, "I guess I'll be helping the team with paperwork."

Samar said what was found so far would fill three warehouses. Lawford had an extensive racket going on.

Red sighed internally, disappointment welling in his chest.

"There's a lot of inventory to categorize," she stated casually, "from what I'm understanding?"

Red knew, Francis' men had already cleared out the bounty they wanted before giving the locations to the Fed's. But what was left on the preliminary lists was a lot to break down.

"Was there a reason you asked?" Liz questioned.

"Wishful thinking on my part." Red confessed. "Thinking perhaps, you could fly out with me."

"I could take the files with me..." Liz was quick to offer.

Red cricked his neck, popping it.

"I would love for you to go." he hedged indecisively. "But you're needed here to act as my go between should Francis' men deliver more dirt on Lawford."

He just didn't trust anyone other than Lizzy to get the information to the correct sources. The end game mattered on this one.

"How long do you expect to be gone?" she frowned, trailing a finger over the knot in his tie.

"Could be a day or two." he realized. "I really don't know. There are going to be a lot of players on the field."

"Oh..." she slid her hand down his chest, playing with his vest button, "well, we should be about two days here so... maybe we'll get done at the same time?" she lifted hopeful eyes.

Red nodded solemnly, sighing his resignation. As much as he would love to spend every minute with Lizzy... they did have work and other outside interference to contend with. Such as life.

His eyes shifted over her shoulder when Dembe came into view in the jet's doorway. The large man gave a simple wave indicating they were ready to depart.

"At least we'll both be busy." she tried for a brightness she didn't feel. "The time will go by quickly, right?"

Red stood, kissing the mouth he adored, "I hope so, baby," he got lost in those blue eyes for a long beat, "I hope so..."

---

Red reluctantly took his leave, boarding the plane. Liz smiled brightly when the man turned at the top of the stairs, looking down at her... the indecision still clearly written in his features.

An unseen person distracted him to his left.

She chuckled to herself when Red instantly turned, bitching at whoever disturbed their last farewell. He sighed heavily, offering one last wave before disappearing from view.

Standing beside her guard, Liz waved absently at the plane as it taxied past her.

As the jet roared down the runway becoming airborne in seconds, she was embarrassed to feel a rush of heat fill her eyes. Blinking rapidly to hide the fact, she was mortified when she could not prevent the hot tears wetting her cheeks.

She had not expected the depth of emotion at the man's absence. She certainly didn't anticipate this reaction, especially not in front of her surly guard.

To her shock, Silas only smiled, handing over a handkerchief. He opened the back door of their car, gesturing her inside.

Liz quickly accepted the out, grateful to have the time and privacy to put herself to rights before meeting with her team. She knew there was nothing that would alter her somber mood, but she attempted the mind-set of a staid FBI agent.

"Where to?" Silas asked, sliding the SUV effortlessly into the heavy traffic flow of an early New York morning.

"The hotel, I guess." she ran the edge of the handkerchief along her eyes, blotting away the small streaks beneath them. "Ressler, if not the team, should be there."

Checking in the mirror, Silas crossed lanes easily, heading in the needed direction.

As they neared their location, Liz was surprised to realize she felt indifferent about meeting with her team.

On second thought, maybe not so surprising. There was a new dynamic in play, one which she was uncertain about as yet. Wilson seemed to gel well enough with everyone. But Moore...

She felt the muscles in her body start to tense, readying itself for conflict.

There was a possible bright side, she reminded herself. With Ressler on restricted duty; Moore, Wilson, and poor unfortunate, Samar would be left to the off-site duty of securing Lawford's bolt-holes scattered about the city.

Working with Donald and Aram would be just fine with her.

Silas eased up towards the valet who guarded the grand hotel's opulent threshold like a Sentinel of old.

Liz gathered the last of her belongings as Silas came around the car, waving the young attendant aside.

Silas reached for her door, hesitating in his movements as Joe approached, a pinched look on the other man's handsome face.

Liz looked out at the two men as they conferred. Both sought a location around the back of the car.

She knocked restlessly at the window, waving impatiently for them to move so she could exit the vehicle.

Silas rolled his eyes at the impatient woman, opening the door, "Stay close." he directed.

"What's going on?" she frowned as Joe secured her satchel, offering a hand as she clamored out of the back door.

"Tom's across the street." she was informed, Silas' surliness having returned in spades.

"God..." Liz groaned dismally, "doesn't he have a life?"

As her guards guided her forward, Liz's eyes swept the street, finally landing on the nuisance she was trying to locate.

"It's like a sick game of, Where's Waldo." she huffed her annoyance, irritated by the smile Tom offered.

They stepped inside the safety of the hotel lobby, both men taking flanking positions about her as they steered her towards the elevator bank.

"He was between the nun and the hotdog stand." Joe helpfully replied.

"A nun and a hotdog stand." Silas snipped.

"The nun and the beach umbrella?" Joe tried again to appease Silas' darkened mood.

Liz chuckled, picturing the scene. New York did resemble the chaotic and eclectic venue Waldo usually found himself in.

"Waldo was a snazzier dresser." Silas muttered, jabbing the button for the correct floor.

Liz tittered, a thought occurring, however, "Did Tom just arrive?"

"Night-shift said they saw him arrive about seven this morning." Joe replied.

"How did he find us here?" she frowned her concern. "How did he know we would come here?"

"Dipshit worked for Lawford a couple times." Silas shrugged. "And we haven't been at the house..."

Liz's brows lifted with initial surprise only to quirk a moment later, the surprise gone. How many other things did she not know about her former husband?

"Lawford's been in the news," Joe added, "probably wasn't difficult to figure shit out."

"Knowing Red wasn't a fan of the bastard," Silas continued, "it probably wasn't hard to guess how Lawford ended up in federal custody."

"Say what you like, but Stalker boy isn't stupid... for the most part." Joe had to give props where they were due.

And of course, Tom would know Red had an advantage, being in cahoots with the FBI. If Red wanted Lawford out of the picture for whatever reason, Lawford didn't really stand a chance.

Oh, well...

"But how did he find us here?" Liz still had to wonder.

"It's close to the field office." Silas replied. Tom would know any good agents expected movements.

"You think he followed one of the team?" Liz questioned.

"That," Silas nodded, "or he knew this was really the only place that would house all the people in our entourage."

Liz frowned hard at the thought. Was Red getting predictable? Had he been so distracted by her that he was allowing-

"Don't worry." Silas checked the floor before guiding her out of the elevator.

"When Red's here," Joe took the rear position as they walked the hall, "management locks this place up nice and tight. Fort Knox pales in comparison."

"Red says it would be easy to break into Fort Knox." Liz relaxed, pushing away her earlier concerns. Of course Red would stay where they were afforded the best security.

"But," a sudden thought occurred, "it stands to reason security would resume normal operations with Red not in house." she halted her steps, concern flooding back.

"No," Silas said, "because you're here." he cut her a glance that said, she should know better. "Red... and your surrogate daddy, made it very clear if something happened to you, Ricco would be pushing up daisies."

"Ricco," Joe air-quoted," is management."

Liz gaped, her eyes widening, "What do you mean... surrogate dadd–"

"Ricco is an associate of Antonio Crocetti's." Silas shrugged, as if that explanation were enough.

Liz's cheeks flushed. She was very fond of Antonio, probably more than she should be but it felt funny, the phrase Silas had used.

She wasn't offended, certainly because she found Antonio's presence very comforting. Something about him just... put her at ease. Should it be that way?

"They don't really think I'm..."

"Antonio's daughter?" Silas grinned. "If I didn't know the man, I would assume you were, the way he's taken to you. It's logical to assume such a thing, isn't it?"

"Not so much of an assumption," Joe snickered behind them, "You should hear Ricco's men gossiping about how Antonio's illegitimate daughter is shacked up with Reddington."

Silas chortled quietly, shaking his head at the news, "Look at you, keeping it in the family." he approved.

Liz groaned, dropping her reddened cheeks into her hands, "How embarrassing."

"Don't knock it." Silas shrugged. "Because of such beliefs, you have some of the best in the underground offering protection. People will think twice before treading into those dangerous waters."

"Tom knows I'm not Antonio's daughter though." Liz reminded.

"Doesn't matter what that prick knows." Joe said. "All that matters is what Ricco and his men think."

Liz drew in a cleansing breath, sighing it out, "I hope so."

"And those men have been provided a photo of Stalker Boy." Silas assured. "He's not getting on the property."

"Unless they want him to." Joe remarked innocently.

Liz and Silas scowled at the man, until Liz shrugged carelessly. If Tom was dumb enough to try and breach the property and get caught while doing so... it was no skin off her back.

"If Tom does get on the property," Silas added, "it was by design and it's not going to be pretty, let's just say that." he shrugged carelessly. "He hasn't made a move so far. Why rock the boat, especially here?"

"It still boggles the mind though." Joe commented. "Why the guy just lurks about. What's it proving? What's his game?"

"He has an agenda, rest assured." Silas knew. "He's waiting for the right moment. Waiting for an in... which will never come." he narrowed his eyes at the woman beside him. "Will it..."

"I hope not." Liz murmured, lost in her private thoughts.

Liz felt a release of tension she hadn't been aware she was carrying at the words. She would trust Red and Antonio's reputation and continue to see Tom as nothing more than the pest he was.

Coming align with her teams door, she took a deep fortifying breath. Might as well get the show on the road.

The sooner they were done here, the sooner she could be with Red.

---

The team hit their stride within a half hour and kept the pace well. The paperwork and data entry had been as expected. Cataloging inventory as it became available was a no-brainer.

But six hours in, Liz was ready to pull her hair out.

Things had not progressed as she had envisioned.

Though the suite was spacious, the entire team made the space feel suffocating. Trying to make headway while squeezing past each other for access to printers and other key systems, was aggravating.

That, along with the constant bickering and lack of a break and food, was slowly wearing her thin.

Liz's only distraction was looking up every once in a while, finding her guards offering amusing facial expressions, or interesting hand gestures behind Moore's back every time the Agent opened his mouth to insert foot.

Liz arose, stretching her aching and cramped foot. She distracted herself by offering Silas and Joe each a cup of coffee.

She more than understood their boredom... and overwhelming annoyance which was clearly evident in their stances and frequent sighs. She offered them a commiserating glance of apology.

Taking a mouthful of the much needed caffeine, Liz turned her attention back to the ongoing conversation. There finally seemed an end in sight.

Ressler was stacking a file of discarded information already entered, "We have a handle on this end of things." Ressler indicated Liz and Aram. "You can get out there now," he gestured to Samar, "and get moving on this. Navabi, will take lead on the–"

Moore halted in his stride, his brow furrowing darkly, "What a minute," he shot a disparaging scowl to an unsuspecting Samar Navabi, "are you naming her as team leader on this outing?"

Ressler's expression altered at the veiled tone and intended insult, "You got a problem with my call, Moore?"

Navabi's lovely features clouded over. It wasn't as if she was not accustomed to such male posturing and tactics.

She had encountered them her entire life, even more so these past few years as an Agent.

It still royally pissed her off that her credentials were constantly being called into question.

"I got nothing against women out here on the front lines," Moore lied through his teeth but was smart enough to have learned how to navigate the political minefields of his day, "but if we're being honest here. I actually have seniority in this matter. If you've forgotten the fact, I would like it officially noted... I am reminding everyone present."

Liz quickly took a drink, smothering her laughter when Joe released a low but continuous expulsion of air from below the belt... alerting Moore just what he thought of the man's seniority.

Silas gave the man an approving nod.

Ressler's body language was stiff and unyielding, "When I want or need a reminder on any point, I'll let you know."

Liz watched Silas carefully for the man had broke off his good-natured ribbing of Joe and had fallen uncomfortably quiet. The light blue-grey eyes watched the unfolding scene with veiled animosity.

It was adamantly clear, Moore had made a grievous mistake in questioning Ressler's decision.

Liz wasn't certain why her guard was suddenly so invested in the subject at hand but she did sense a problem was about to rear its ugly head.

"I neither want or need input in my decision making." Ressler let it be known.

How anyone, male or female, could question Samar's worth or believe the woman anything other than capable was a mystery to Elizabeth Keen.

"You got an issue with that, take it up with Cooper." Ressler was in pain, his temper short today.

"I'm just saying," Moore shrugged carelessly, "there are procedures in place. There is a lot of interest in this case. People high up on the food chain are watching how we handle this."

"When are they not?" Aram murmured, irritated for the entire conversation rankled his ire, truth told. He felt bad for the woman beside him who stood by so gravely quiet.

"Yeah well, Navabi has more training in the field than you do." Ressler pointed out purposely, to Moore if nothing else.

The guy's complexion reddened for Silas had chuckled lowly... not a particularly pleasant sound either.

"As a Mossad agent." Moore scoffed his disdain.

Silas' chuckled died an unnatural death. The man's expression altered visibly. He slowly pushed himself from his slouched pose against a convenient wall, "What the fuck is that supposed to signify?"

Liz cut him a warning look which was promptly ignored to her chagrin.

Silas approached Moore, his features masked into rigid placidity, "You have something you want to air, spit it out."

Moore looked the massive man over carefully, "Their training is not the same, is all I'm saying," the Agent waved a dismissive hand, "we aren't allowed the freedom they are. Such tactics get our cases blown out of the water in an American court of law. Is that what we want here?"

"You know what I want?" Silas leaned into Moore's space, his tone almost pleasant. "It's to throw your sorry, useless ass out the first available fucking window I find."

Moore was taken aback by the hostility displayed, "What's your problem? I'm raising a legitimate point here."

"I don't need you to take up for me." Samar stepped between the two men, her pretty features off-putting to say the least.

She pushed Silas' bulky chest with a slender finger.

The man glanced at the contact.

Liz chewed nervously on her swizzle stick, the taste of coffee somehow soothing her frayed nerves.

Silas refused to move one iota, his gaze a placid one of the pretty Agent's face.

Samar turned about, her voice not once raising, "Mossad training far exceeds your rather inadequate American tactics."

"Then I would say," Moore felt on more comfortable ground facing down a female, "your loyalties might be called into question, if you truly believe that crap you're spewing."

Silas' beefy fist lashed out around the tiny figure between him and his nemesis, his fingers curling tightly into a band of steel about Moore's lapel and shirt.

"Silas!" Liz hastened forward, her coffee cup slammed down hard on a surface as she passed. "Stop! Don't!"

But Silas wasn't having any of it at present. He swiftly stepped around Samar, shoving Moore hard against the opposite wall before anyone could blink.

The momentum sent Moore stumbling back, his head hitting the surface with a sickening thud. A shelf beside them crashed to the floor, masking the sound of the air knocked from the man's lungs.

Shaking his head, Moore was more stunned than anything at present. He tried to assimilate what had happened so rapidly, it took him by total surprise.

"Silas!" Samar snapped her growing anger.

Liz grasp the man's burly bicep feeling the tendons pull and tug as the guard secured Moore securely in place.

Silas' face was a mask of rage and discontent.

"Silas, you listen to me!" Liz commanded. "Stop this, this instant!"

Silas fiery eyes held Moore's, "Gonna throw your disgusting ass out that window over there..." he jerked his head accordingly to the nearest 'exit' available.

"I figure it's a ten story drop... think you'll shit yourself before you hit the concrete below? I'm betting, " he seethed, sliding the puny individual closer to the window, "...you will."

"Silas!" Liz was beside herself. "I said, no!"

Moore, having been taken by surprise, was floundering. Silas had moved his forearm directly over the man's windpipe, holding any objections or struggles to a minimum.

The Agent's attempts to free himself from his precarious predicament were greatly subdued by such actions.

"If anyone's loyalties are in question here," Silas' tone was soft and menacing, the ice blue eyes darkening to a dangerous hue, "it would be yours."

Moore's fingers gripped frantically at the tight hold against his throat.

"You've done nothing but add stress and dissension to this operation the entire time you've been involved in it." Silas jerked his free arm from Elizabeth's constant attempts to dislodge his hold on Moore.

He leaned closer to his flailing victim, "I've taken enough of your shit and that's why," he smiled pleasantly, "I'm going to really enjoy tossing your ass out that fucking window."

Liz's mouth set stubbornly. She latched on to the burly man's arm yet again.

"This is not the way." Samar's tight tone warned the guard, the dark eyes beseeching Silas.

"Red wants to speak with you." Joe stepped forward, phone held out between the two sparring participants.

Silas glared at it angrily turning that stare to his counterpart.

Joe shrugged aimlessly holding the cell diligently, weathering the storm of his friend and superiors ire.

"I don't know what the hell is going on." Red's clipped words permeated the suddenly silent room.

Ressler sat back, arms folded, merely watching the scene play out, seemingly content to do so without interference or objections on his part.

Liz threw frantic glances the guy's way from time to time but it was clear she would get no help from that source.

"But I want it halted immediately." Red's words put a damper on the situation at hand.

Silas glanced at the phone, his expression benign now but he had not moved one iota from his intended purpose, Liz noted.

She held fast to her guard's arm. She and Samar exchanged fretful glances from time to time.

"What the hell kind of situation do you think you've put Elizabeth into?" Red's tone was frigid. "What consequences of your actions will she be left to clear up?"

Silas' expression altered visibly.

"Why do you think I didn't toss the bastard out the planes doors?" Red was beyond furious. "Is it really like me to not handle a nuisance in such a manner?"

Silas straightened a tad. Liz felt the tension ease in the man's body.

"There was a reason I didn't take care of the issue, personally."

Silas' eyes sought out Elizabeth's stricken face.

"The FBI has cut us a lot of slack." Red continued. "Throwing one of its representatives out a window will be looked upon dimly, I should imagine. And who will get the flack for such an action?"

"He deserves it!" Silas barked, his arm once again reestablishing its hold against Moore's throat.

"Does Elizabeth?" Red grated.

Silas closed his eyes, a hard decision having been made.

He eased off Moore in a quick, efficient move.

The guy dropped to the ground, gasping for air.

Silas stood over his foe, his expression not exactly a friendly one.

"I hate this bastard." he spat his disdain.

"...Yeah, we all get that." Red let out a controlled breath, sensing the worst had passed. He straightened himself slowly easing the tension from his body. "I believe you have conveyed your feelings on the matter quite succinctly."

Ressler grinned at nothing in particular. Elizabeth saw the man in a new light, not certain of her feelings on the matter in truth.

Donald went back to his paperwork.

Moore crawled a safe distance away, taking time to regain his lost equilibrium.

Silas' eyes followed the man with a detached brooding.

"He's been spewing his filth the entire morning. I'm sick of it!" Silas snapped, his temper, once aroused, difficult to dismiss. "If he opens his mouth one more time..."

"Close it with your fist." Red suggested tightly. "And that is the extent of how you will manage the matter, do you understand me?"

"Or what?" Silas disdained.

Liz was crushed, having hoped Red could defuse the situation.

"You'll fire my ass?" Silas scoffed his disgust.

"You know that will never come to pass." Red shared the truth. "But you also know... if you cross me, there will be consequences."

Silas' eyes narrowed, "Are you threatening me?" the idea seemed ludicrous. Silas even managed a choked laugh of disbelief.

"I believe I am, yes." Red warmed to his mission. "How does an unexpected and distinctly extended visit from your dear Aunt Gertrude sound to you?"

Silas' face went blank.

Elizabeth sensed a change in the guy. Silas had clearly forgotten all about Richard Moore.

He sought an affiliation with one of his own kind. Joe shrugged helplessly, frantically waving his hands about, his eyes suddenly panicked.

The beefy guard grimaced his discord, dismissing Joe's concerns gruffly.

Silas demanded details on this latest development, "What the hell are you talking abou–"

"Dear, precious, Gertie." Red lifted his head, smirking wistfully, "I haven't thought of her in years! Yes... yes, it's high time I extended a heartfelt invitation to our... your... beloved, benevolent Aunt, don't you think?"

Silas' face was kind of chalky, Liz noted. Her heart thumped heavily in her chest. What the hell was going on between the most important men in her life.

"Wouldn't it be wonderful to see her angelic face again." Red nodded amiably, knowing he had the guards undivided attention. He sat his tumbler aside, straightening the back of his vest.

"After so long an absence. I'm sure you miss her terribly." the rolling timber of Red's voice sent shivers down even Liz's spine. If she didn't know any better, she would believe Red was threatening her guard.

"...Look, Red," Silas sing-singed his head, "maybe I was a little out of line with that 'throw his ass out the window' thing..."

Ressler jerked his head about, his interest immediately fixed and forthcoming.

"Besides, Aunt Gertie... she doesn't travel so well these days, remember." Silas reminded helpfully.

"Nonsense, she was the picture of health and vitality the last time we visited." Red dismissed. "I'm sure she would welcome a change of scenery... of course, I will spare no expense to ensure she travels in the very lap of luxury."

Red rubbed his hands together. Was he enjoying this a little too much?

"We owe her a great deal after all. She was so considerate and attentive to all our needs when we needed her most, I might add." Red cheerfully recalled.

Silas' complexion had gone from pale to ashen.

"She didn't care to help out... it's just her way." Joe thought he better help out a floundering work-mate.

"Yeah, she wouldn't expect any type of repayment." Silas was quick to add.

"All the more reason to offer it." Red shrugged. "It is long overdue if you ask me."

Silas wasn't sure if that 'long overdue' thing referenced to himself needing an attitude adjustment... or Red really just wanted to repay his Aunt.

He kinda thought it was the former.

"What fun it was..." Red shuddered himself having to relive the couple of days... my God, had it only been forty-eight hours that he and his men had been forced to hole-up on Gertie's estate?

"It was the Russians that time, right?" he checked his facts. "They were very determined to locate us, as I recall. And do they ever hold grudges..."

Silas' head fell back, a pained expression crossing his face.

"It wasn't fun, Red." Joe cringed each and every time those days were called to mind. "I love your Aunt, Silas but... good Lord," he grimaced accordingly, "by the time she finished with us, I was seriously considering giving myself over to certain painful death after even one day with that woman."

Silas offered a disparaging glare, "She ain't that bad."

"Oh, I beg to differ." Joe was pretty sure she was. "Those two old ladies in Arsenic and Old Lace got nothing on her, let me tell ya."

Silas grumbled aside, "She's just concerned for... people. She don't mean anything by it."

"She drove you crazy." Joe argued. "You got so bad, Red took all your weapons, man."

Silas shuddered visibly. He crooked his neck, "She harps on... things, that's all. I should have better control."

"She pushes your buttons." Joe nodded sagely. "And you let her."

"She's my Aunt!" Silas snapped.

Joe held up the universal sign of peace.

"She is merely eccentric in her ways." Red disagreed. "Capricious, as it were. Delightful character traits."

Elizabeth noted Moore had managed to stumble to a nearby chair. The man nursed his bruises, having fallen silent.

"Yeah well, Aunt Abby and Aunt Martha murdered twelve lonely old men in the movie." Joe stated. "And one could call them, eccentric I guess."

"And don't you think it odd," Red made mention, "your Aunt Gertie kept foisting her homemade apricot wine on us... reminiscent of Aunt Abby and Martha's 'elderberry wine' in the movie."

Red laughed at the coincidence, "How utterly charming."

"I was seriously thinking about accepting a glass or two there towards the end." Joe said.

"That ain't funny, dammit!" Silas barked.

"Did anyone think to check dear, angelic Gertie's cellar for bodies?" Red quipped freely. "Just an after thought."

"You guys are hilarious." Silas' temper was coming to the fore. "Ain't nothing wrong with my Aunt."

"Perish the thought, God no." Red quickly diffused any ruffled feelings. "I still cherish the doilies she crocheted me... to this day. I dare anyone to say or even think a disparaging word about the woman."

Silas' expression said it all.

Elizabeth wanted to go over and console the man in reality.

He looked so forlorn.

"So you agree then." Red was happy and content once more. "We should definitely extend our invitation?"

"Maybe we can talk about it later, Red." Liz stepped in, leaning to the cell Joe still held placed strategically on speaker phone. "It's certainly a lovely thought though." she sought a grateful Silas. "Can we call you a little later on the matter?"

"Of course, Elizabeth." Red could afford to be magnanimous now. He had proven his point well, after all.

He was still top dog.

"Whatever you say but I think it's a marvelous idea!" he finished enthusiastically.

The silence which met the last statement felt rather ominous to Liz's way of thinking.

"Eh," she smiled brightly, bolstering the troops, "it's very kind of you to think of such a lovely gift for Silas."

Silas cast her a dark, surly glance. Apparently, he saw the gesture in another light.

"Hey, boss," Joe piped up, a thought occurring which tickled him, "don't you think it's funny? How Silas here is so much like that Jonathan Brewster guy."

Silas whipped his head about, his expression incredulous.

"Well, you are." Joe continued. "The maniacal killer nephew who is really bothered by the fact his spinster Aunts out did him in the body count for the family."

Silas spread his hands curtly, his face allowed the disbelief he was experiencing.

Red chuckled his amusement, "Well you know how competitive Silas can be."

"You are a little over the top on that subject." Joe felt a little bad for the needless reminder now, having seen Silas' reaction to his observation.

"I'm gonna throw your ass out the window." Silas promised.

Joe scowled slightly, "You are in a mood today." he observed again, before brightening. "And no you won't, because I am the only one to take night shift tonight."

Silas scowled, popping his neck irritably, disliking the truth when he heard it.

"Is the charming Agent Navabi preset?" Red asked as if he didn't know better. He had another point to make to those listening in.

All eyes turned towards the charming woman. Navabi stepped up to the cell.

"Yes, I'm here." her pretty brow showed her confusion to be the sudden center of attention.

"Francis tells me that your special qualifications might be required on this outing, my dear." Red's tone was more business like.

Samar's shoulders lost some of their rigidity, "And what might those be?"

"Seems our old pal Lawford's depravity exceeds even our expectations," Red continued, propping his feet to a comfortable perch. "He's been playing in the cesspool with our old adversaries, Al-Qaeda." he allowed all to digest the news. "You are more than acquainted with their methods and ideology, as I recall."

Samar lifted her chin a little higher, listening intently.

"You have viable contacts in Mossad who will be able to coordinate and advise us on the latest Intel, I hope?" Red put another nail in Moore's coffin. It gave him great pleasure to do so. "What an invaluable asset you are turning out to be."

Samar was grateful someone appreciated her input and expertise, "I don't know how valuable I can be but I will certainly try my best to help out."

Silas gave a sullen Moore a cryptic sneer, "Which is more than you've ever done."

Moore chose to ignore the taunt completely.

"Silas..." Red intoned.

"I don't like the douche bag."

"So you've said." Red nodded gingerly.

Liz glanced nervously at her guard. She wondered secretly if Silas would have made good on his threat before.

He was in the process of dragging Moore to the patio doors which opened onto a rather spacious deck overlooking the street below... when Red's timely phone call materialized.

It was all she and Samar could do to place themselves between the area and the two combatants, hoping somewhere along the way Silas' common sense would kick in.

Of course that common sense would have kicked in, she was almost one hundred percent certain... almost.

Moore sat dejectedly, staring morosely at a spot in the carpet. It was the only evidence the man was still present and accounted for.

She shuddered to think of the repercussions had Silas actually followed through on his intent in a room full of witnesses... all members of a very official... unofficial... Federal Government organization.

"Take me off speaker and hand the phone to the moron." Red advised shortly.

Joe hesitated, checking with Elizabeth who looked between the man himself, Silas and Moore before shrugging her confusion.

Joe screwed up his face in a jeering sneer when Liz had included him in the mix, "Which moron?"

Silas' mouth tightened as he grasp the phone, "Her moron... you moron!" he had indicated Elizabeth. "What?!"

"She's got enough shit going on right now," Red's tone matched the guard's, "without you fucking with her too."

Silas' eyes scanned Liz's worried expression.

"Stop babying her. She's a big girl and can well defend herself against the likes of me." Silas retorted. "I've trained her just for such an eventuality."

"She shouldn't have to!" Red grated.

Silas fell silent for a beat, "...I'll make it right." he advised tightly.

"See that you do." Red snapped.

"She's nothing but a little tattle tail!" Silas hissed irritably, making a face at the woman knowing instinctively what would make Liz feel better.

"He did it!" she pointed out Joe, then hesitated. "No, Moore did it."

She grimaced accordingly, looking at Joe worriedly, not having meant to rat him out.

Chuckling, Joe hooked a beefy arm about her shoulders, dragging her into a brusque hold, patting her arm comfortingly.

"Don't worry 'bout it. I've been called worse..." Joe philosophized, "mostly by him." he indicated Silas. "It's not like he can kill you or anything." he cheered her spirits.

"I know..." she whined to the man, "it's just... now he's going to be grumpy all damn day."

"How many times have I told you to obey Elizabeth's orders?" Red sighed woefully.

"She didn't order me to do anything." Silas countered. "What's that got to do with what went down? It was a momentary lapse in judgement, that's all. And it was clearly her fault."

Liz gaped at the man, instinctively swinging for Silas but Joe caught her fist in mid-flight. His actions drew soft rumbling laughter from Silas as well as Joe.

"I know you are attempting damage control." Red knew Lizzy felt better now because of Silas' response.

Silas grumbled imperceptibly, alerting Red they were on the same wave length.

"I know your girlfriends honor was at stake but–" Red lifted resigned brows. Joe had quickly assessed the developing situation for him.

"She's not my girlfriend." Silas grumbled into the line.

Liz's head jerked back, a frown curving her mouth, "Who are you walking about?" she was more than interested about the one-sided conversation.

Silas lifted a negligent hand, "Not you, so go cry in your pillow."

"Yeah," Liz rolled her eyes expressively, "I am heart-broken."

"We have to be more circumvent in our actions for a while." Red continued. "Our normal mode of operation has to be curbed in relation to... certain circumstances if we are to be involved with the FBI." he warned.

"I wasn't really gonna toss the guy."

"Yeah, Silas," Red snapped, "you were."

Silas smirked slowly, "Nah, just dangle him for a little while."

"Don't put Lizzy in that spot again!" Red stated. "Do you understand me."

"Not used to suffering idiots gladly." Silas half-heartedly defended himself.

"Look," Red nodded curtly, "I hate the restrictions as well but for the time being, that's how we roll."

Silas sighed, glancing at the woman who stood by pensively biting her thumb nail, "I'm sorry." he stated, his tone rather lackluster.

Joe chuckled quietly when the woman's face feel further, misunderstanding the man's intent. Had the talk gone awry? Was Silas leaving?

"He's apologizing." Joe soothed quickly. "In his own twisted way, granted."

Liz's mouth fell agape before shutting with a snap, "What?!" she stiffened noticeably. Silas never apologized! "For what? What? What's going on?"

Red knew Silas was going to fuck with Lizzy no matter what. It was their thing. How they were bonding. But there had to be limits set.

Silas did feel bad for his part in the melodrama that went down here today. He stressed last night that he would be there for Liz... then willfully disregarded that promise a moment ago because his anger colored his judgement.

He wasn't about to admit the fact to Red Reddington.

Silas' eyes softened on Liz's face.

He reached, hooking the woman's neck, dragging her closer, attempting to give her a noogie.

Joe shook his head, rubbing his eyes wearily at the less than suave attempt at affection but... it was just their way.

Liz screwed up her face like a kitten trying to get away from a overbearing mamma licking its face clean... but took the 'cleaning' grudgingly.

She rubbed her head gingerly, the spot raw from Silas' less than gentle affection. She primly patted her hair back in place, glaring daggers at the man.

"Don't you dare hang up before I talk to him." Liz indicated the cell held so precariously in capable hands.

Silas grimaced a face, "Whatever." he snapped right back.

Red relaxed. Things were back to normal.

"Oh..." the guard's mind flitted forward to more interesting matters. "Tom showed up here, out of the blue."

Red sat up, his brow furrowed.

Pinching her lips stubbornly, Liz elbowed her guard roughly, "I wanted to tell him that!" she hissed.

"Well I told him, what are you gonna do about it?" Silas wanted to know.

"Punch your lights out... that's what!" Liz countered.

Red phased out the two bickering in the background, controlling the rush of trepidation he felt.

Francis tapped on the door of the private section of the jet, breaking his concentration, "Red, we're landing in a few minutes."

"Thank you," he acknowledged the man, glancing down at his watch, "Dammit." he sighed. "Who knew the little bastard watched CNN?"

He should have known Tom would hear of Lawford's arrest and put two and two together.

"We got it covered." Silas murmured, already knowing Red's train of thought. "You know that."

Red knew the hotel was swarming with security and FBI. Francis and Antonio's men were also in surrounding properties... but still... he should be there.

"What do you think you could do, I won't?" Silas purposely questioned. "You just gave me a promotion, let me earn it."

"Besides," the guard continued, giving the woman a stern look, for Liz had stepped on his toe, a look of proud defiance on her pretty face, "she's really not going to be gallivanting off across Hell's half acre."

He lunged for the woman to retaliate, but she gleefully side-stepped the half-hearted attempt. Silas allowed her to triumph momentarily sensing she need the upper hand in this instance. He fumed at her smug features, pretending to be pissed.

Red knew all that could be done was being done. He also knew Lizzy was going to be confined to the hotel for the duration of their stay due to her physical status and that Silas would keep his word.

Liz's attention was caught when Samar called her name, distracting Liz from the Tom-foolery with her guard. With a stern look of reprimand for Silas, Liz crossed to Samar eyeing the man belligerently the entire time.

Samar shared a confidence no one else was privy to.

"And you coming back," Silas muttered for Red's ears alone, watching the two women converse from his vantage point from across the room, "is what she wants, yes." Red couldn't help the smile. "But it's not what she needs."

Red knew that. As much as he wanted to be with Lizzy twenty-four/seven... he couldn't be.

Logistically speaking, it was an impossibility. They both had work obligations that needed their attention.

As much as they both hated it, a little separation here and there was good for any relationship, in reality.

Individually speaking... Red couldn't and shouldn't step between Lizzy and Tom all the time. To do so would give her the impression he didn't think she could handle the asshole on her own.

While Silas would protect Lizzy with his life, he would also give her the opportunity to confront Tom if she needed.

Red... didn't think he could do that yet. Not that he didn't think she was capable. It wasn't that at all.

While he knew Lizzy's relationship had changed, Tom could still push her buttons.

If Red's father taught him one thing, it was to defend his lady. It was so ingrained in Red, especially when it came to Lizzy, to protect her... he couldn't stand there and watch her be hurt in any way, shape or form and not try to put a stop to it.

He was trying to curb his natural tendency but... it was proving to be a grueling task.

He hired Silas to do a job and that was to keep her safe... without making her go stir crazy.

Red needed to allow Silas to do that job.

"Let me talk to her." Red said.

He heard the line switching hands, his mouth pulled at the corner, listening to her bitching.

"He better still be on the line" Liz hissed at her guard.

"Well, he's not," Silas grumbled tauntingly, "I hung up."

Red heard Lizzy's indignant intake of breath before he heard her light breathing.

"Red...?" she questioned, her tone tight with annoyance for her guard.

Red smiled at the vexation before sobering, "You want me to come back?"

His heart thumped in his chest when she hesitated to answer. A couple months ago, there would have been an instant negative response.

Now...

"Just a second..." she whispered.

Red took his seat, belting himself in at Dembe's incessant urging. The man had been trying to get Red's full attention for some few minutes. The really must be close to landing.

He eavesdropped openly. Lizzy was telling Samar she was stepping out a moment. Red was in flight and hard to hear, she explained the reason.

She was getting as adept at lying as he was.

A door closed behind her, followed by blessed silence.

"I do want you to come back." she confessed. "But not because of Tom."

Red's eyes softened, his heart constricting, "I can be there whenever you need me."

Liz smiled, gingerly running her finger along the bead board which ran the length of the hallway she now stood in.

Silas rolled his eyes at the girlish gesture. Red must have said something that had her stomach flipping somersaults. She might as well have curled her hair about her finger.

"I know..." she ducked her head, toeing the intricate carpet at her feet.

Joe grinned at Silas over his shoulder, both men shaking their respective heads at how quickly the FBI agent could fade away to be replaced by a woman... in love.

Joe snapped a picture of the moment, shooting it off to Dembe. Red would get a kick out of seeing his woman all flush cheeked over a simple phone call.

"Red, you didn't fire Silas, did you?" she gripped her phone tighter.

"Wanted to." he quipped. "I wouldn't do that. I know he means a great deal to you, baby."

"Well, he was justified in his actions." she stated earnestly.

"Throwing someone out a window..." Red nodded slowly.

"He wouldn't have done that." she dismissed airily.

"Okay..." Red chuckled easily.

"Well, he wouldn't have, not really." she insisted. Her lips quivered slightly listening to Red scoff .

"But from the scuttle-butt going around," Liz changed the tone of the conversation, wanting Red to forget about Silas' follies, "I have nothing to worry about while I'm here."

"Is that so?" Red's eyes lit with amusement, wondering what form of gossip she had been supplied and by whom.

"Yes," she nodded, " don't need your paltry protection." she teased, warming to her task. "I have a better source. A more powerful one."

"Oh, really." he clearly doubted any such person existed.

"Yeah, I got me a new sugar daddy." Liz smiled, hearing Red's throaty chuckle reverberate through the line.

The man leaned, for Dembe had motioned him forward.

Dembe turned the phone in his hand, handing it over for view. Red beamed, perusing the photo Joe sent. He so wished to be there to see Lizzy in person.

"You look beautiful today. Have I told you?" he asked gently, his eyes scanning the photo still.

"Well, how sweet." she was delighted by the unexpected compliment, self-consciously touching the hair Silas had messed up.

"Does it bother you?" Red got back on track.

"Does what bother me?" she was confused.

"What is being said about Antonio and your budding relationship."

"I'm more concerned about what his wife might be thinking." she quipped.

"Maria would take to you just as quickly as Antonio." Red assured. "I'm positive."

"You think?" Liz was genuinely curious and for some odd reason, the thought warmed her, "I'll be fine." she suddenly felt as much, returning to the subject at hand.

Red ran a finger along the rim of his tumbler, "I know." he encouraged, his tone dropping to a low caress. "Be careful, baby."

---

Red had arrived at his destination and needed to depart the plane so they reluctantly ended their call.

Thankfully, Red's intervention had eased tempers, for the most part and things had gotten underway after a rocky transition period. Though, after Moore's departure, tensions had eased considerably.

Liz stared out over the street, drinking her coffee, having needed a short break. She waited for Samar and company to get to the next agenda on the list.

The cataloging of inventory was winding down, thank God. At least, on this particular site.

She glanced at the guards walking the perimeter of the hotel below. She noted they kept a belligerent eye on Tom.

The man sat on a low wall, eating what looked to be a donut, casually drinking a cup of coffee.

She realized suddenly she didn't feel as suffocated, or even as annoyed by his presence, as she once did.

She had complete faith in herself and her guys to not let Tom hinder her movements.

She scowled slightly. Something about Tom's body language changed. He started, his quiet moment disturbed.

The man leaned, removing a cell from his pocket, lifting it to his ear.

"I should have directed the team to tap into his calls," Silas murmured as he came alongside her.

"I'm surprised you haven't." Liz was indeed surprised.

"I have at the house," Silas replied, "I meant here... but he's aware he's being bugged."

"So he's careful about what he says." she nodded her understanding. "What a snake."

"He's mainly been taking side jobs for quick cash." he shrugged. "A couple calls coincide with him leaving the vicinity of the house, however. We haven't been able to trace them which mildly concerns me."

"Why do you think he's wasting his time? He knows the house is secure." she was dumbfounded over Tom's actions.

"Unknown," Silas replied. "He has an agenda, of course. Sooner or later, he will make a move."

Tom slid off his perch, tossing his trash as he nodded amiably at a passing police officer.

The local police had stationed an officer about because they sensed Red's people were not simply there for a carefree vacation but had no 'probable cause' to approach.

Red's people... meaning the obvious military types who constantly walked the perimeter of the hotel. And who didn't know Antonio Crocetti's association with this hotel? The man was a legend. Cops knew and monitored his movements like hawks.

"He makes my skin crawl." Liz disgusted, having watched the show. "Where do you think he's going?" she frowned as Tom walked down the street then unexpectedly hailed a passing cab.

"Probably one of his side jobs."

Liz sighed, Tom forgotten the second she turned back to the increased activity inside the hotel room.

Ressler was beckoning her over.

---

Joe slid through traffic like the other cars weren't there as Silas scanned their surroundings.

"Some of Lawford's men are in the wind so," Silas looked back at the woman behind him, "you stay beside us."

Joe pulled the car to a smooth halt outside a large warehouse. Several more such buildings filled a very spacious lot on either side as this was the industrial side of town.

Liz had sighed her dismay having arrived on site.

Several nondescript vehicles were parked inconspicuously about the area. It would be so much easier if someone slapped decals that read FBI on the side of the cars... but it would be a dead giveaway who they were.

"You think they'll cause trouble with all the agents on site?" Liz questioned seriously.

"Depends what's in that warehouse." Joe shrugged.

While not pleased with their present situation, Silas had understood the need for it.

Samar's team had secured the site a short time ago. Already she had uncovered damning evidence of Al-Qaeda involvement within Lawford's organization.

All agencies had long since been aware than any average Joe could listen in on unsecured air-wave broadcasts, of course.

Samar had adamantly conveyed the 'package' was contained and the Intel discovered was time-sensitive and urgent.

With Ressler side-lined and Aram hopelessly inept out in the field, it left only one option on the table to get the information to the needed sources.

Elizabeth had graciously volunteered her services before Ressler could come up with a way to ask.

It was clear the guy was staying off his pain meds. And even though Elizabeth's foot was in a boot, it was abundantly clear, she would be a better choice to act the part of courier than the red-headed Agent.

Liz was more than trained and capable of such an assignment, after all.

Red assumed she would stay safely on-site but she never actually promised as such.

It didn't mean she would forget to mention she had two highly trained ex-soldiers on her flank, when Red called her on the decision later.

Samar had been excited, almost gleeful about the teams find.

Liz was anxious to do her part.

After Samar obtained copies of the information on encrypted flash drives Aram had supplied her, Liz was to meet an Agent on-site and secure the hard-drives into her custody.

Ergo, here they sat, both men staring hard up to the surrounding buildings.

"Are we actually going to get out of the car at some point?" Liz asked the needed question.

"Too many vantage points from which to take aim." Silas muttered his concern.

"Any good marksman would have all ready riddled the car with enough fire to ensure anyone inside was–"

"Do you mind." Silas halted the graphic observation if only for Elizabeth's sake.

"They don't know if the car is bullet proof." she reasoned. "Better to save the ammo and select your shot." she shrugged. Was she beginning to think like Red? She hoped so.

"...Besides a hail of bullets would have the Agents on site swarming this place like ants." she said in a matter-of-fact tone. "A couple well placed shots might draw a little attention but it gives some leeway for a smooth getaway, hopefully."

Both men swiveled in the front seat, one face impressed, Silas'... annoyed. "You realize just who the target of your little scenario is, right?"

"Me... but you guys wouldn't be forgotten either," she smiled sweetly.

Joe chuckled appreciatively. Silas... did not.

"You best start taking this shit more seriously," he suggested strongly.

"I do take it seriously but I can't let it paralyze me either, right?" she lifted enquiring brows. "You said so."

Silas' mood was no better, "I can run in and–"

"You aren't an Agent. You aren't on the official list." Liz vetoed that route.

"Hey," Joe had noted another entrance on the side of the building, his face breaking into a grin, "let me actively mediate here." He eased the car alongside the side doors, turning the key off. "This is a little closer."

Silas was out of the car, his hand on the handle of the back door. He leaned his bulk in having scanned the area meticulously once again.

"We get in, we get out." his tone was no-nonsense. "Stay extra close to our cover."

She nodded agreeably, "I'm starving. I want this to go as smoothly as you do."

Silas sighed mentally.

Liz made a hasty exit ducking for the cover of her two guards bulk.

In seconds she was secured inside the unlocked door.

She glanced back urgently for she had felt the absence of those two men acutely once safely inside.

Silas and Joe had their weapons out. They stood, silently scanning and re-scanning the outside areas.

The very definition of 'perfect targets', in Liz's humble opinion, "Get in here!" she whispered harshly, gesturing even more curtly.

"Too fucking quiet," Silas muttered ignoring the frantic pleas.

Joe nodded solemnly but finally both men entered and Liz released the breath she had been holding.

"What the hell are you two standing out there like turkeys in the rain?" she was upset. "I thought we were going to get-in, get-out."

Silas put his hand to his lips to shush the distraught whisperer.

Liz rolled her eyes but shut-up.

They stood for a long beat simply listening to the sounds of the expansive warehouse, getting their bearings.

"Why was this door not secured?" Silas shifted Joe a knowledgeable look.

Liz hadn't even thought of it, she had been too worried about her guys safety.

Silas motioned her into a space between himself and Joe, who took point.

They moved silently through the stocked aisles of stolen merchandise.

Where was the Agent who were supposed to meet her?

The quiet was eerie.

Down at the end of a row of smaller, more elongated boxes, a door was wide open. The interior of an office was apparent.

Light from a sky-light slightly illuminated the area.

At first, Liz thought it was a fire but no smell of smoke or shimmer of red light shown from within the dark alcove.

Silas held out his hand, halting any further movement. About ten meters down, the outline of a man was sprawled out directly in front of the office.

Silas waved Joe to the left, while he himself, merged to the right of the office. He waved Elizabeth back into a safe niche.

Liz had to admire both men's efficiency.

She waited on tenterhooks as they crept closer to their objective.

Out of nowhere, taking her completely by surprise, two corded arms came about her body, their strength pulling her back hard and swift against a rock solid surface.

Both Silas and Joe heard the sharp intake of the woman's breath, each swirling about, weapons aimed with deadly intent.

Elizabeth stayed perfectly still, silently weighing her options. How many times had Silas run her through this very scenario?

But, somehow, in this instance, the tight hold across her throat was chillingly real.

She knew that scent.

Her assailant had said not a word and yet... yes, she knew that scent. She knew his touch. She knew the feel of his breath on her nape.

She swallowed the bile that rose in her throat with difficulty.

Her eyes locked with Silas'. She saw no sign of panic or indecision in that steady stare.

"Move carefully, boys." Tom Keen's tone was tight and edgy. "Let's don't do anything stupid here."

"That boat has sailed." Silas was moving steadily, widening the space between Joe and himself to divide Tom's time between two possible enemies.

"When you made the choice to approach... her," Silas inclined his head slowly, his eyes flashing something Elizabeth instinctively reacted to.

The woman elbowed hard into Tom's ribs, bending forward hastily fighting with everything she had against his attempts to pull her back as a human shield.

Silas' weapon discharged. He took a wide shot because of Elizabeth's proximity but even so, the bullet embedded itself into a crate's edge... splintering wood shards into Tom's face.

He instinctively lifted a hand to protect his eyes, momentarily losing his hold on Elizabeth.

Joe fired two rounds simultaneously, one entering Tom's upper thigh, the other hitting very close to the guy's neckline as it too, sank deep into a nearby crate.

Liz stomped down hard with her foot into Tom's instep, enjoying the man's grunt of pain. Unfortunately, shifting her weight so rapidly to her injured foot, proved a mistake.

She went down hard. The woman scrambled rapidly for the weapon she had secured to her ankle. She could sense Joe coming up on her right. She managed to get one clean shot off before her friend was in harms way.

The bullet ricocheted off an exposed pipe sending a vaulting spray of steam directly into Tom's face. The bastard ducked, shaking the pain off, continuing on his serpentine trek through the surrounding maze.

Silas was moving fast, covering the space separating him from the woman.

In seconds he was by her side, shielding her body with his own.

Joe pursued a fleeing Tom Keen.

The guy moved remarkably agile for someone who had just been shot with a large caliber weapon and the rows and stacks of crates and boxes were aiding Tom's escape plan.

Silas ascertained Elizabeth's condition, a concerned scowl on his face.

"Damned foot gave out." she apologized, disappointed and upset with herself.

"You did fine." the man's tone was calming. "Just lay still."

Elizabeth lay her head back onto the cool of the floor, obeying.

She could hear footsteps fading rapidly as Joe's efforts escalated, "Go... I'm good."

Silas shook his head negatively, "We're not doing that at all."

She sighed heavily, resuming the wait. Silently cataloging her injuries, if any existed.

Somewhere in the expansive warehouse, doors slammed open and shut.

"...I should have–"

"We don't do 'should-haves'," Silas silenced any second thoughts, "but you 'should have' seen that bastard's face when you did what you did." he chuckled lowly. "He thought it was all over but the fat lady kept on singing. You showed him, woman and I'm damned proud of you."

Elizabeth felt tears prick at her eyes for the lob-sided compliment but coming from Silas? Her heart swelled two-fold.

She stubbornly refused to allow such a feminine display, swallowing hard.

She took time for herself. When her voice was strong enough again, she spoke, "He's a jerk and I... don't do jerks anymore."

"Yeah, you don't." Silas' grin said it all.

Liz crooked her head back, "Is he dead?" she indicated the Agent by the office.

"Nah, just conked on the head." Silas allayed her fears.

To their left, a door far down the side of the building burst open.

Silas' grin vanished post-haste as his weapon came around to the sound. He bodily lifted Elizabeth, placing her more snugly secure behind an alcove of stacked heat and air units... or at least, that was what the labels read.

His concern was for naught, however.

Samar's pretty head popped briefly around a convenient hiding spot.

Recognition was instant and complete. She rushed forward, several Agents following close behind.

"We were lured away, should have suspected something," she too, being affected by the should haves. She holstered her weapon, kneeling beside Elizabeth. "What happened?" she scanned the other woman for signs of wounds or trouble.

"...She's good." Silas motioned to Elizabeth but Samar noted the man was still very much on 'high-alert' status. "Called away?" he scowled.

Silas' eyes scanned the area meticulously watching for any sigh of renewed problems.

"I'm good." Liz pushed herself into a seated position. "Damned leg went out from under me again. I hate this useless thing." she hit her thigh angrily.

"Whoever called us had access to our official operation code." Samar continued her version of Intel. "We thought the other unit was about to be under fire... it was a diversion."

Moore approached cautiously having seen Silas' weapon, "... Someone did a number on the room." he jerked his head to the office behind him. "Agent Adams is okay, we got medical en route."

Samar held up the flash drive, smiling happily, "Don't worry, I took what they really wanted with me."

Liz breathed easier sitting back against the crate, smiling as well.

Agents swarmed the place, Liz noted.

"Whatever they used burned like acid though the hard drives." Moore's face was grim. "There isn't one computer left intact in there."

"It's fortunate we found what we needed before their attempts then," Samar's profile was turned to the guy, "which doesn't mean they won't try again."

Silas' eyes softened on the woman, Liz noted.

"We have to get this," she held the valuable information aloft yet again, "to a secure holding area."

"What do you need?" Wilson had come alongside his contemporary.

"Let's try a diversion as well," Samar arose, "take three units, separate routes... head back to the Bureau. I will stay behind with the Intel until we are certain no tails are out there."

"That leaves you vulnerable." Moore disliked the plan but his tone was almost respectful.

Samar sought Silas out, "I can't officially ask you to risk your–"

"We'll get you home, little lady." Silas followed her plan easily.

"Call me that again, I'll shoot you." Samar smiled sweetly.

Silas was intrigued as he watched her gaze hesitate over certain areas of his body, "Just make sure you don't hit anything vital."

"Be serious!" Liz hit at her guard, offering him an almost pout.

"But thank you," Samar finally continued, "we need the edge."

Joe came sauntering up, a disgruntled look on his face, "Do you believe that little rat got away?" he grimaced, "...Had some driver waiting for him out back by the fence. I got a partial."

Liz's head fell back against the crate, "I really loathe that freak."

"I tagged his ass." Joe stated optimistically. "He lost a hell of a lot of blood."

"He's down one at least." Liz grinned wryly. "How many more of his nine lives do we have to take?" she asked pseudo-seriously.

Joe calculated, silently ticking off the possibilities.

"The plates will be stolen or fakes." Silas allowed his weapon to swing down to his side. "Keen's good at what he does... don't knock yourself out. We'll get the asshole. Only a matter of time."

"Tom?" Samar was flabbergasted. "What is he doing involved in this or... is he? Is it about you, Liz?"

"Red can sort it out." Liz waved a dismissive hand. "Someone help me up. I'm beyond starved here. And my butt's going to sleep."

Silas chuckled, offering over a hand.

He righted her effortlessly.

"The sooner we get the package to its destination, the sooner I can go back to the hotel and my fully stocked fridge and room service."

"My question is, why did Stalker Boy head straight for this location, one..." Silas questioned, "and B, how did he even know of its existence."

"We know he worked for Lawford in the past." Joe reminded. "So something they did was important enough for someone to get rid of the evidence."

"Tom gets a phone call," Silas nodded, "and all of a sudden, but for Agent Navabi's quick thinking... that important enough thing would have been destroyed along with God knows what, in that room." he jerked his head to the office.

"I hate puzzles." Joe groused.

"Red is very good at solving difficult equations." Liz smiled at nothing in particular. "Why don't we turn it over to him?"

"Let's get this show on the road." Samar agreed. She assigned drivers to units. "We'll know when it's clear to head out. Be careful... we don't know how many we are up against or how powerful a force they are as yet."

A short time later both women were safely ensconced in the back seat of the car.

Joe pulled out at an unhurried pace as if they had all the time in the world.

"If we make it to the freeway without incident, we're home free." Silas was alert and functioning perfectly. "If they're gonna hit us, it will be on this lonely stretch just ahead. It's what I would do."

"Do you have criminal inclinations as a general rule?" Samar pulled her attention from her perusal of their surroundings.

"Occasionally." Silas held his smile.

Joe threw him a look but concentrated on the road after a second.

"Good to know." Samar murmured, a smile playing about her lips.

Liz looked from one to the other, sensing some sort of excitement in the air.

"Anything else you want to know about me," Silas spared the woman a glance in the mirror clipped to his sun visor, "just ask."

Liz cut her own eyes to Samar's pretty profile. Silas' tone held a definite challenge to her way of thinking. She waited with baited breath.

But Samar took time to reply because that's just how she rolled, "...How do you feel about commitment?"

Joe expelled a masculine groan, "And the lady goes straight for the throat." he laughed good-naturedly.

Liz gasped her shock, grinning widely at a rather somber Samar Navabi.

It was Silas' turn to take time out. He ignored Joe's knowledgeable glance of camaraderie.

"Yeah, Silas," his friend needled deliberately for Joe knew the answer, "where do you stand on that issue?"

"Depends on who I'm committing to," Silas replied so quietly, Liz had to strain to hear the reply.

Samar's lovely brow furrowed thoughtfully. She stared at Silas' handsome profile holding those thoughts privately.

Liz shifted wide eyes from the back of Silas' head to a suddenly introverted woman to her left.

The ride was finished in relative silence and with no further incidents.

The tension in the vehicle was palpable, however. Liz was never so glad when Joe pulled the car into an unloading spot outside the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Silas glanced over, "You got her," he jerked his head towards Liz, "for a minute?"

Joe's face showed his shock for a split second, "Of course." he kept his tone professional but even he was wondering at Silas' unconventional behavior. It was not like the man to leave Liz's side for one second.

Silas slid his frame out of the car, watching the traffic as he made his way to Samar's door. The man gallantly accompanied Samar, both alert to their surroundings.

Liz watched the striking couple cross to the stairs leading to the tall skyscraper.

"What the hell was that?" Joe turned about, his mouth slack-jawed.

Liz sat up hastily, gripping the back of the head rest, eager to discuss the issue looming large in the now vacated car, "What do you mean?" she feigned innocence. "I mean, it's only right that he accompanies her because she's got Intel on Al-Qaeda... that's all it is, right?"

"Yeah, okay." the guy looked at her like she was crazy. "What I'm thinking is going on can't be going on, because we guys... we have a rule." Joe nodded scooting closer, lowering his voice. "Silas would never, ever overstep that rule. I know the guy. I've known him for decades and not once has he broken the rule."

"What's the rule?" Liz demanded to know.

"There are certain types of women you just don't," Joe thought hard how to put it delicately, "fuck then go on your merry way."

Liz sat back appalled... for all of two seconds, "And Samar is one of those women of course." she scooted back up.

"Yeah, but Silas... it's all he's ever done. "Joe shrugged. "Well, I mean... after Anya."

Both Liz and Joe considered the implications.

"Something is amiss." Joe decided, nodding sagely.

Liz nodded sagely too but she wasn't sure exactly why.

Both individuals sat back, each ruminating on the 'something', each in their own unique way.

They were still ruminating upon Silas' return.

The man buckled his seat belt, sensing a change in the atmosphere around him.

"What?" he demanded.

"Nothing." Liz was too quick to answer.

Silas scowled darkly at her, crooking his head about. He checked with Joe.

"Nothing." the guy was totally too nonchalant.

Silas sighed heavily, shaking his head, "Whatever, let's get back. I need a break from you two loons."

He sat back, deflating into his seat, remembering he had to check in with Red, "From one loon to another..."

"You're talking about Tom, right?" Liz leaned to the guys profile.

"Yeah, sure," Silas muttered absently, "okay."