JUNE 28
The soft patter of rain was a most pleasant way to awaken... far preferable to the blaring of an alarm or shrill ring of a phone.
Red realized as much as his senses stirred, the pitter-patter tickled the window to his left.
Opening his eyes, he watched the heavy droplets slip down the slick surface of humidity clinging to the glass.
He sighed lightly, taking stock of his body's slight aches and pains.
It brought the disagreement of yesterday to mind.
Considering everything, he mused silently; he felt remarkably well-rested and ready for whatever this new day might hold in store for him.
Laying quietly, he took advantage of the peaceful tranquility for a long beat, allowing his mind and body to awaken fully.
Lizzy's small form stirred at his side. He sensed she too was awake, but both remained silent and ensconced in bed, too content to do anything less.
"I'm starving," the muffled complaint caused the man's mouth to twitch with amusement.
"Guess we better get up then, hum?"
"Room service should include deliveries to the bed," Liz grumbled, brushing her hair from her face. "The bed is in the room." she pointed out.
Glancing at the lithe body next to him, Red enjoyed the naked shoulders and small of the lovely back.
"I can arrange that," he murmured, caressing the woman's hip.
Muttering something unintelligible, Liz tossed aside the blankets, "No, I'll get up... but it doesn't mean I have to like it."
Red grinned, "Are we surly today?"
"Can't fight over the observation," Liz stumbled to the bathroom, donning her robe haphazardly. "I'll cop to it."
Red swung his feet to the ground, grasping his own robe, "I'll have the waiter set up the table by the window over-looking the garden."
"Is this the same garden stuck to my clothes today?" she wrinkled her nose, dropping the caked garment to the dry-cleaning bag. "Is there a garden left?"
"There is definitely a garden." he glanced down, "... or sorts."
He scowled at the tampered down blooms and shrubs. "Mark will fix it," he dismissed. "I'll get your coffee, my sweet, then you won't be so surly."
"Kiss my ass, Red," she muttered around her toothbrush.
Red hesitated in preparing the brew, smiling, "Now my lovely? Or should I continue preparing your coffee... I'm torn."
"You're an asshole," Liz dropped her toothbrush in its holder. "Make my coffee."
"Yes, beloved," he chuckled, returning to his task.
The unhurried pace carried through as they enjoyed a fulfilling breakfast at the private table beside the window overlooking the gardens... what was left of them.
News of their argument had obviously spread for everyone, even Dembe... left them to their quiet solitude.
"What's on the agenda for the day?" Liz asked, munching her toast.
"Dembe texted, said the activity board shows the billiards tournament will be hosted shortly," Red said, sipping his tea, "for the rain has postponed all outside activities."
"Oh?" Liz seemed interested. "I assume we'll be attending?"
"Would you like to?" Red enquired, wondering if she wished to remain in his presence today.
This time, the tables had turned. Instead of Red being on the receiving end of Lizzy's anger, the man had been the one to air grievances and fears long held close to his vest.
He had done so in a rather vehement fashion, which had brought them to this moment.
"Sure, I've never seen a tournament played out in person," she smiled gamely, then sobered slightly. "I mean... if you want to?"
After the stress she felt the night before, Red understood Lizzy's hesitant approach.
What happened the previous evening had been their most heated argument to date.
Unlike before, neither retreated to their respective corners to carry on as though nothing occurred; ignoring the still open and festering wounds.
What they were experiencing now, sitting across from each other and confronting the issues... was new to them.
Red felt this was the way they would find forgiveness and soothe hurt feelings. They had already taken a step towards that path.
No one was there to break the tension with a wisecrack, no one was there to offer mediation... it was just them alone, feeling one another out.
Reaching, Red stroked her fingers with his own, offering his own attempt to meet her in the middle.
"I would very much like to spend the day with you," he confessed.
Smiling softly, Lizzy squeezed his fingers in return, "I'd like that, as well."
Drawing her hand closer, Red placed his lips against the warm skin of her fingers. He held the affection for a long breath, brushing a cheek against her hand.
"We're going to have a good day..." he promised, feeling a little lighter in soul.
Walking into the billiards room on Red's arm, Liz smiled at the changes that had taken place in just a few scant hours.
The staff had set the tables apart, giving players ample space to move.
The billiard balls and cues almost appeared to gleam under the specially hung overhead lights shining down on the tables below.
Comfortable seating for the audience allowed a spectacular view of all tables, and the bar bustled with bartenders and waitresses going about preparations.
The area buzzed with electricity and excitement.
Glancing across the way, Red nodded in recognition as Mark waved, gesturing them over.
Guiding Lizzy to their seats, Red offered polite salutations to those they passed.
"I'm surprised you aren't playing," she confessed. "You seemed a natural last night."
"Word has it, I wouldn't have stood a chance." Red muttered in her ear. "Those two," he gestured discretely, "are the ones to beat."
He jutted his chin to a couple of gentlemen polishing cues they had removed from decorative cases.
"Are they the Minnesota Fats of our day?" Liz asked, curious if they were professionals of some sort.
She could describe neither as 'fat', really. Both men were sleek and tailored to a tee.
"Sebastian Graves and Craig Becker," Red pointed to each in turn. "Hustlers extraordinaire... men I'd like to beat with their cues just because it would give me pleasure."
Tittering quietly under her breath, Liz leaned against Red's arm, "And we don't like them because...?"
"It takes forever for them to line up a shot," Red sighed his woe. "It's damned annoying."
Mark, who had taken his seat the man overheard the last remark.
"We used to have three best out of four," Mark related, "but because those two made other players forfeit due to sheer boredom, this year there are time limits established."
"Are you telling me," Liz arched a surprised brow, "you lost to these two because you conceded?"
"A man can only stand so much primping," Red defended himself, "Dembe and I reenacted Lawrence of Arabia in the time it took Becker to set up one shot."
"I would have paid to see that." Liz stated her opinion.
"Mark thought that as well," Red cast the man a withering look, "and neglected to share the profits from the sales."
"I did," Mark offered a shark-like grin. "Pissed Dembe off to no end." he gleefully related. "He's not one to hold a grudge though, especially after I complimented his amazing performance in the title role."
Liz laughed at loud, imagining the man as the aristocratic Englishman.
Mark moved on. "I asked Graves and Becker if they wished to pull out, but they declined my generous offer... mores the pity."
"I bet that's what their dates say," Francis snarked.
Liz started at the man's voice, not having felt his presence beside her.
Giggling for the crass joke, Lizzy bumped her shoulder against Francis' in a show of good-natured bantering.
"I bet that hurts," she touched a dark bruise on Francis' cheek.
"Yeah, it hurts," he swatted her hand away, "so don't be poking at it."
Liz lifted her finger a hair away from the man's face, grinning maliciously, "I'm not touching you..." she taunted.
"Red," Francis whined, "she's taunting me."
"Yes, I see that." Red nodded before returning to his conversation with Mark.
Sticking her tongue out, Liz's attention flit about the room as the games commenced, watching players dwindle one-by-one.
Winners moved to neighboring tables to face off with new opponents, all in good spirits.
Sebastian and Craig were indeed skilled and professional, efficiently eliminating opposition with practiced ease.
"Well, this is interesting." Red pointed to a man playing against Sebastian. "I don't know him."
Liz craned her neck to see over some people making their way to the bar.
"I've been watching him, he is very proficient." Dembe said. The large man joined their group a short time back, his expression carefully placid, which indicated to Liz, Dembe took the game very seriously.
"That's the new guy Anthony promoted in his California division," Francis said. "James Hinton, an up-and-comer. He's not in my league, of course."
Red remembered Antonio telling him about the new kid the day Lizzy went shopping with Maria.
"So this is who we've been dealing with since Grant's mother's cancer diagnosis." Red had heard the news.
According to Antonio, considering James' age and limited experience... the kid was doing a good job.
"Yeah, but like I said," Francis scooted his chair closer to Red, "he can't hold a candle to me, right?"
Red met Francis' earnest eyes, "...There is only one Francis Holbrook." his tone had softened.
"Thank God." Dembe nodded his agreement.
"Well, that was really nice of you, Dembe." Francis seemed genuinely touched by Dembe's response.
Liz and Red shared a moment. Liz leaned, kissing Francis' bruised cheek "There is no one like you, Francis." she assured. "And there will never be anyone like you."
Francis happily returned his interest to the game.
"Care to place a wager, Red?" Mark asked innocently.
Dembe and Francis immediately reached for their wallets.
Liz sighed, shaking her head woefully.
"What's the top bet?" Red asked right back.
Scanning his list, Mark grinned, "Five."
"Another five on James Hinton." Red gamely gave the kid the benefit of the doubt.
Nodding his acquiescence, Mark jotted down the note, then was forced into further service as Francis and Dembe crowded in, placing their bets as well.
Liz was pleased to note as each game progressed, everyone from the winners to losers appeared to be enjoying themselves and having fun.
The whole thing felt foreign to her, but entertaining, nonetheless.
To see professed criminals losing so gamely, even offering light-hearted laughter when it happened... made for an enjoyable setting for players and spectators alike.
She assumed, of course, once outside these walls, the people would return to stabbing each other in the backs if only to survive in the higher stakes game they played.
But while they were here, they could let their guards down without repercussion.
Even were issues to arise, it appeared fellow guests retained a good humor, determined to enjoy the downtime.
She understood why the outing was so important to Red. He truly could relax here in this safe environment.
As the games wound down, James Hinton was still in the game, thankfully... considering Red had bet so heavily on the man.
Liz peered curiously at Red as he raised a thumb, noting Mark nodded a discrete response.
"What's going on?" she had seen him do that periodically throughout the games but hadn't noticed until now Mark had been the recipient of Red's actions.
Swallowing his drink, Red leaned, whispering in her ear, "I raised my bet."
"You're awfully free with our money." she whispered back. "How much are we raising exactly?"
"Quite a lot." Red grinned superficially. "You're going to have to continue working far past retirement age if we lose."
Liz gaped, "You said you'd keep me in the style to which I have grown accustomed."
"If we lose," Red teased, enjoying the exchange, "grow accustom to Spam sandwiches." he advised.
"I love Spam," Francis picked up bits and pieces of the conversation.
"I can take it or leave it." Dembe advised stoically.
"I lived off that shit for a year," Red acknowledged, shivering at the remembrance.
Liz exasperated at the topic change. "They aren't down to the last table yet," she frowned her anxiousness, "you don't even know James will be a contender. Will we lose our money or can we back out now?"
"Each game he wins, my confidence in his abilities grows," Red shrugged, amused by Lizzy's tenseness, "plus... it's just for fun, Lizzy, right?"
He grinned as the woman silently counted off on her fingers a rough estimate of how much Red may have bet to that point, before wringing nervous hands.
"Take a drink," he offered his tumbler, "loosen up a bit."
Red grinned when she took the glass, sipping the liquor, her attention raptly intent on the man Red bet on.
"He just better not lose, is all I'm saying."
Laying his arm along the back of Lizzy's chair, Red held his hand for the glass she absently handed him... finding it now empty of its contents.
Ever the consummate host, Mark lifted a hand to catch a nearby server's attention. Gesturing to the glass, Mark waited patiently.
Red replied to the silent enquiry, lifting two fingers.
Noticing movement in the corner of her eye, Liz's mouth gaped, having caught the gesture.
"What did you just do!" she gasped her alarm.
Patting the woman's arm, Red held his amusement... knowing Lizzy was going off the deep end with so much money on the line.
"I ordered us some drinks, my love..." Red chuckled.
"Don't do that!" Liz whispered, placing a stilling hand to her beating heart. "I thought you doubled the bet!"
"Double the bet, you say?" Red provoked.
"No!" she hissed, then primly straightened her skirt. "...Not yet, at least."
A hush fell over the crowd as James lined up his last shot. Liz inched to the edge of her seat, craning her head when the man hit the cue ball into the solid eight... then watched it creep down the table before landing in the designated pocket.
Falling back into her chair, relieved beyond scope, Liz gamely clapped with the other spectators as the players shook hands and parted ways.
"Did we win?" she turned a worried look Red's way. "Is it over? Did we lose?"
"See," Red provoked the woman, "doesn't it make it more exciting?"
Narrowing her eyes at the man, Liz reluctantly allowed her grin of delight for the added excitement Red provided.
Liz frowned as the other spectators clamored towards nearby tables manned by men in black vests.
"What's going on?" she frowned at the spectacle.
"They're placing their final bets." Mark answered, sauntering alongside the couple. "Red, are we betting anything more?" he smiled down at Lizzy's anxious face.
"I'll wager my winnings, Lizzy also wants five down on Hinton." Red said, ignoring the woman's vice like grip on his arm. "Don't you, baby?"
"No!" she snapped then, "...yes...wait...I don't know!" she turned to Dembe. "...Do I?"
"You only live once, kid," Ben laughed at her attitude. "Ya can't take it with ya." he handed a wad of hundreds over.
Jotting down the notes, Mark turned to Francis and Dembe, taking their bets as the waiter returned with their drinks.
"Red, I don't have that kind of money." Liz whispered harshly, reminding the guy.
"Relax," Red handed her a tumbler, "you won't need it, he'll win."
He laughed under his breath when the woman took a healthy swig of her drink, grimacing adorably at the potent burn.
"And you do have that kind of money," he said, sipping his own drink.
"You'll cover my ass, you mean." she cradled her drink to her chest like a lifeline.
"No, well, I would of course," Red calmed before her panic could set in, "I meant, you have a trust."
"I... I do?" she sat upright, turning to him in her seat. "I have a... what?"
"A trust. Sam and I set it up when you were a child." Red remembered he never had informed her of its existence. "You're quite well off actually, thanks to my wise and sagely investment abilities."
"Why am I only hearing about this now?" she frowned her confusion. "I don't have anything, you're just yanking my chain."
"The funds were to be transferred on your thirtieth birthday," Red told her of the stipulations.
"Well, no funds came my way, buddy!" Liz automatically questioned the validity of his statements.
"Once I told Sam of Tom's involvement with outside forces," Red related the story, "Sam asked I change the terms."
"To what?" she frowned.
"I was to deliver the funds once you either learned of Tom's treachery and the divorce became finalized," Red laid out Sam's ideas, "or one year after Sam's death."
"I know Sam disliked Tom for... parental reasons," she flushed, earning a small smile from Red. "Why am I just hearing..."
"As I said, at the time, Sam believed Tom fell in love with you due to his proximity." Red sighed. "It wasn't until just before the wedding we questioned his motives."
"Why didn't daddy say anything?" Liz sighed her frustration.
"Now, what would you have done if Sam suddenly retracted his blessing for the man you wanted to marry, so close to the wedding?"
Liz dipped her head, a contrite look on her face.
"You would have run off and eloped," Red knew how determined Elizabeth was, even back then, "and Tom..."
"Would have gone along with the plan, playing the part of a love smitten fool to secure his position." Liz's brow knitted angrily at the thought. "He's such a swell guy."
"With Sam playing the part of being happy for you," Red said, "he could keep tabs on Tom until I got there."
The remaining players were selecting a table as Mark returned, ending the conversation... but not Liz's agitation.
Wrapping an arm about Lizzy's shoulder, Red rubbed her comfortingly, "Stop thinking about what might have been. You've lived it, learned from it and have grown." he bolstered.
Taking a cleansing breath, Liz nodded, moving closer into his hold.
"Now...think of nothing else but the game," Red encouraged, "and the money coming to you... you hope."
Liz slapped the man's forearm, "Don't say that! It's bad luck!"
Red... grinned.
Laying her head against his shoulder, Liz relaxed, refocusing her interest. "How much Spam I can get if I clip coupons?" she pondered her fate.
Red, too, turned towards the game, his brows lifting in surprise. "Sebastian's out?"
While Craig and Sebastian were evenly matched in skills, Red had to admit... Sebastian was on his game this year. To find the man missing was unexpected, to say the least. But then, Red had missed the action.
"Sebastian set up his shot, hit the ball, and the tip of his cue came off." Mark cackled quietly. "He was quite embarrassed."
"I'd be embarrassed too if my tip went off unexpectedly," Red lifted his glass, "especially in front of such a large crowd."
"I would call foul!" Francis nodded his reply to such a situation.
"Only if the establishment's equipment is in use," Dembe vetoed the effort. "Sebastian's cue is a personal, custom-made one."
"...Bummer," Francis frowned, then shrugged carelessly.
Snickering into her glass, Liz frowned when she found the damned thing was empty. Raising her glass aloft, a waiting waiter headed in her direction.
"I know how this works," she informed one and all.
"How much have you had to drink?" Red mumbled.
"A mimosa, a glass of wine," she squinted, thinking hard, "and a partridge in a pear tree." she hummed melodically.
Glancing at his watch, Red huffed a laugh under his breath. When Lizzy took a vacation... she really got in the groove.
"What will you have, Miss?" the waiter asked, pad in hand.
"She'll take some orange juice." Red said.
The waiter nodded, then made to move away when Liz spoke.
"With some vodka mixed in." she added, smiling merrily.
"She'll take the juice," Red corrected, a smile playing at his lips, "...straight."
The waiter eyed the two, then nodded at Red and left.
"I am a grown woman, dammit." Liz pouted her discontent.
"One that won't be able to keep her eyes open to see the end of the game," Red laughed quietly.
"Yes, I will." Liz tsked softly, rolling her eyes. "God, you act like I'm a two-year-old."
"One who may or may not puke in my lap," Red lifted a knowing brow, "if you don't get something substantial on your stomach."
"Oh, right," she grimaced at the thought, "...eww."
Kissing her forehead, Red rested his cheek against her soft hair as the waiter returned... glass of juice in hand.
Wrinkling her nose, Liz took the offer, sipping it morosely.
"I think the time limit thing is fucking with Craig's Chi." Francis muttered to Red.
"If he's as good as he proclaims to be, it shouldn't matter." Red countered. "Mark gave him ample time. What the hell else does he need?"
"More time, apparently," Mark grinned as the man missed his shot, allowing James to take the field, as it were.
Red grinned, watching Hinton move swiftly and assuredly about the table, working his magic. The kid was cautious in his choices, but confident in his approach.
It seemed Anthony made a wise choice in his selection of men.
And Red... in his bet, as James won the game.
"Now, what happens?" Liz asked, watching the judge prepare the table. "Are we winning?"
"If James beats Craig in this next game, that's it." Red murmured quietly. "If he doesn't, they play again... best two out of three."
Edging closer to Red, Liz balled her hands in her sweater.
"You cold?" he whispered, receiving a jerky nod in reply. "It's all that booze," he teased, removing his jacket, wrapping it about Lizzy's shoulders.
Pulling the woman closer, Red rubbed a warming hand against her side.
His attention riveted on the game, Red adjusted in his seat, allowing Lizzy to rest more comfortably against him until her lithe body gradually conformed to his.
Glancing down moments later, Red shook his head, grinning when he realized... Lizzy had nodded off, just as predicted.
Craning his head, Mark's brows lifted questioningly, wondering what amused Red so much... until he noted the woman fast asleep in the man's arms.
"You think with five grand on this game," Mark chuckled, "she'd be more animated."
"Someone drank a little too much." Red grinned.
"Two bourbon puts her out?" Mark laughed.
"I told you," Francis leaned, whispering his thoughts on the matter, "... she's a lightweight."
"And who went under the table last Christmas party after two cups of my egg nog?" Dembe's brow lifted accusingly.
"Hey, you put that high octane shit in there... even Silas was wobbly!" Francis defended himself.
"Because you were looking at him from the floor... up." Dembe dismissed the entire episode, refocusing on the game.
Red was more than pleased when James sunk the last ball... securing a nice tidy sum for him and Lizzy.
It was an afternoon well spent... and profitable.
As everyone went to collect their winnings... or pay their loss, their little group remained seated.
"I guess I should get Sleeping Beauty up to our room." Red said.
He would normally wake the woman, but she looked so peaceful... Red just couldn't find it in himself to disturb her.
Turning in his seat, Red eased Lizzy into the cradle of his arms, shifting her smoothly as to not awaken her.
"I'll probably get hell for this later on," he smiled, before standing upright with his passenger in tow.
"I can hand your winnings over to Dembe if you want or you can get it from me later?" Mark offered, opening the door for Red and his passenger.
"We'll worry about it later." Red turned sideways through the door, sidestepping people milling about the hallways.
"Coming through, people." Francis announced softly, motioning for a path. "Light-weight coming through."
People smiled at the man, and his sleeping passenger as they passed.
Susan Fairfax appeared out of nowhere, a concerned look on the lovely face.
"Is she okay?" Susan asked, taking Lizzy's bag that Mark carried when someone called him away.
"It's her thing," Francis smirked. "Here lately, she'll crash anywhere... most usually when I'm trying to make a really interesting point." the man's mouth twisted wryly before heading towards Ben, waving a wad of cash about.
"She's fine." Red said as Susan fell in step beside him into the elevator. "We had a long night," he shrugged, "...she's good."
"Is she... could she be pregnant?" Susan finally asked point blank, in the silence of the lift.
Holding his expression, Red glanced down at the woman in his arms... wondering if it was a possibility.
Considering Lizzy's reaction to their previous venture into this territory and after last night... it was a subject, he would have to broach with the upmost caution.
Elizabeth and Susan had conversed quite a bit last night. Had Lizzy said something to alert Susan of the possibility?
"Why do you ask?" Red probed, stepping from the elevator.
"Well, Francis intimated that Lizzy dozing off is a recent development and well," Susan shrugged, smiling, "when I was pregnant, I fell asleep anywhere I could comfortably sit down."
Smiling, Red remembered two such occurrences happening when he had visited Susan and Michael for a week.
"And to think, at the time," he teased, "I just thought you had a drinking problem."
"It was far worse, come to find out." Susan remarked as they came to their door.
"The key is in my back pocket, could you...?" Red turned, allowing the woman to remove the card.
Holding the door open, Susan set Liz's purse on a side table as she walked ahead of Red to the bedroom to turn back the blankets.
Settling Lizzy into the soft mattress, Red removed her shoes, smiling fondly at the woman as she curled into her pillow.
Pulling the sheet and blanket over Lizzy, Red gestured for Susan to follow him to the front room, closing the French doors behind him.
"I just met Elizabeth, of course," Susan allowed, "you would know better. It was just a thought."
Red inclined his head, remaining silent on the matter.
"But just in case it maybe hasn't occurred to her yet," Susan shrugged, opening the door, "we had drinks last night and this afternoon." the woman smiled at the man. "Last time I checked... drinks were a no-no for a pregnant woman."
Glancing back at their room, Red groaned internally, knowing without doubt now, they would need to discuss the issue.
Shit...
"Thank you, Susan. I'll get on the issue right away." he smiled as the woman shut the door.
Walking back to their room, Red stared down at the sleeping woman... rubbing his forehead as he sat down.
Collapsing back into the bedding, his thoughts swirled in a dizzying maelstrom.
Closing his eyes, Red allowed the chaos free rein.
Unable to sleep earlier, for obvious reasons... Red turned to an unfailing source which could always distract and allow his brain to recenter.
Turning the page in his book, he lost himself to the world the author created, enjoying the scene immensely. It had been a while since he'd had an opportunity to become immersed in such an entertaining novel.
"Did we win?" the sleepy voice mumbled next to him.
Smiling, Red book-marked his page, shifting his attention, "We did, yes."
"Good... I don't like Spam." stretching lazily, Liz mewed softly. "So...what happened?"
Red wrapped the woman in a warm embrace. "You can't hold your liquor, just like I predicted... that's what happened."
"Oh, God," she moaned her misery, "did I puke on you?"
"...Not yet," Red chuckled.
She opened her eyes, blinking against the sun peeking around the curtains, "How did I get up here?" she sat up, dazed and disoriented.
"We passed you through the hotel like you were on a conveyer belt," Red teased. "I carried you up, how did you think you got here?"
"Oh, no..." she groaned fretfully. "Please tell me no one saw."
"Lizzy, I had to walk to the elevator," he chuckled as the woman whined her distress. "They all thought you were quite adorable."
"I think you mean to say, they all think I have a drinking problem." she halted mid-sigh, a thought striking. "I'm don't... right?"
"Stop," Red knew where this was going. "We're on vacation... you are supposed to relax."
"Well, I sure did do that." Liz crossed her eyes.
"Come on," Red patted her hip, "get freshened up and we'll go out for a while."
"It stopped raining?" she just then realized.
"It did," Red nodded.
"Wait, I can't face those people!" she remembered her plight.
"Pretend you're drunk," Red shrugged playfully, "I'll just carry you back out."
"Well, I don't want to be stuck inside all day," she grumbled. "Once more into the breach, I guess."
Noticing Red had changed into jeans and a button-down shirt, Liz followed suit before leaving their room.
While walking the veranda, Red was sidelined on the smoke deck by an old associate.
Introducing Lizzy to the man, Red accepted the offer of a cigar of exotic origins from his old friend.
Lighting the welcomed offer, Red puffed on the delicacy, savoring the taste.
Noticing Lizzy's interest, he held it aloft, offering her a shot at it.
"Don't inhale," he warned the reminder.
Sampling the flavor herself, Liz had to admit... it tasted sweet and light. She could see the attraction.
"I'll leave you gentlemen to your... pleasures," she excused herself.
Leaving Red to his cigar, Liz explored a small gazebo and garden she had not noticed the first night here.
Walking closer, she smiled at the dew sprinkled flowers, inhaling their sweet scent.
"They're pretty, aren't they," Red said from behind her.
"They are... very pretty." she ran a fingertip over the soft petals, shaking the raindrops free. "What are they, do you know?"
"A mix of wild flowers; chicory, beebalms, tickseed, Indian blanket..." Red pointed out each bloom as he walked the paved path with the woman, "and my favorite... bluebonnets. They grow here naturally."
Lizzy's fascination and obvious enjoyment of the fragrant blooms suddenly reminded him of a favorite spot he enjoyed visiting while here.
"Would you like to go for a drive?" Red offered the chance for alone time.
"Sure," she grinned, absently checking the clear enough skies, "...okay."
"Let me secure a vehicle," Red gestured to the hotel behind them, "I'll only be a moment."
Liz smiled after the man, pleased this day was going so well... especially after last night.
She could feel a slight apprehension emitting here and there from Red, but it wasn't an uncomfortable sensation.
It only meant she knew... they had some things to discuss.
"It'll be here in a moment," Red rejoined her at the gazebo, looking at the sky off to their West.
"Looks like we might get a little more rain..." Mark approached, a scowl on the man's face, "but not for a couple hours, so don't stay out too long, all right."
Shrugging, Liz pulled at her loose shirt, thankful for the cooling breeze. A little rain wouldn't kill anyone, especially in this muggy heat.
She turned as a man zipped up alongside them, pulling what appeared to be a dune buggy right into their path.
"Be careful, Red." Mark warned. "It goes fast as hell, on flat terrain especially."
Liz giggled, oddly excited by the prospect of driving off in this odd-looking vehicle.
Gesturing Lizzy to the passenger side, Red helped her ease down into the low seat, before taking his own.
"Could you tell Dembe if you see him, that we've gone out to the lake."
"Sure. Oh, here." Mark handed Red a long range radio. "If you get stuck or something."
Shoving the radio down by his hip, Red gave the man a jaunty wave, then pushed off in the blink of an eye... enjoying Lizzy's giggle of delight.
Once they were past the actual hotel grounds, Red gave it more gas, speeding along the flat grounds.
"Am I scaring you?" he smiled when he saw the woman grip the overhead bar with a tight grip.
"Nope," she grinned, gesturing to an approaching crest. "I just saw that coming up and thought I should hold on."
Flying over the sloping arch, they bounced some, causing the delightful squeals Lizzy had emitted throughout the ride.
"This thing has amazing shocks." Red grinned widely, enjoying the ride himself.
"Whoa..." Liz grimaced as they neared a crevice.
"I know it's there, sweetheart." he steered around the jagged gouge with ease. "It used to be longer, but Mark is filling it with pipe here and there."
"Why would he do that?" she was puzzled.
"People like riding the bikes and buggies through it." Red gestured to some men down the way flying over the man-made hills.
"Down a little further, there're dunes and what not." Red gave her a rough map of the layout. "I have to admit, if you weren't in here with me, I would have headed for that area."
"What do I have to do with anything?"
"You can get some good air on those hills." Red grinned knowingly. "I didn't think you'd appreciate me driving around like Francis... the idiot."
"Well, you can do it on the way back." she encouraged. "You're forgetting, I lived with Sam. He would have gone out of his way to drive over it. Especially if it was muddy."
Red laughed, then slowed the vehicle as they topped a hill.
"Oh... wow." Liz gasped, smiling her joy at the picturesque view presented once there.
She looked out over the valley, awed by all the billions of blooming flowers.
A blanket of yellows, purples, blues and reds dotted the landscape as far as the eye could see. In the near distance, a gorgeous lake edged in lush trees, sat waiting for any person lucky enough to enjoy its beauty.
The flowers, trees and sky reflecting off the deep blue waters, beckoned Liz closer for a better look.
"Well... what do you think?" he looked at the woman beside him, gauging her reaction.
"It's just beautiful." she gushed. "It takes my breath away!"
Red's eyes softened, just as awed by the beauty of Lizzy's expression.
Grinning his pleasure, Red inched the buggy forward, dropping them over a cliff and towards the water... letting gravity take its course.
Sliding to a slow stop, Red pushed from the vehicle before offering a helping hand to Lizzy.
He smiled, watching contentedly as the woman instantly walked to the water's edge, exploring her surroundings.
Pulling a blanket free from a small trunk, Red watched the woman in his peripheral as he unsnapped a cooler from the back.
Liz stooped gracefully, glancing happily as fish, turtles and even a couple frogs crossed her path.
She turned as Red unfurled a blanket, laying the waterproof lining on the still damp grass.
"Are we having a picnic?" she arose, excitement in her tone.
"What would an outing by a lake be," Red sat down, opening the cooler, "without one?"
She peered inside and found some beer, a small bottle of wine and some finger foods.
"One always forgets something on a picnic," she searched about for a glass, "let's just slug from the bottle." she laughed, holding the wine aloft.
Reaching back into the small storage compartment, Red pulled a duffle free, finding some plastic glasses and a corkscrew.
"We have a survivalist packing our basket." Red grimaced playfully, "Mark can't ante up some real glassware?"
"Maybe he's seen you drive?" she grinned when the man shrugged off the insult.
Opening the wine, Red sat it aside, handing her some napkins to use for snacks.
"I thought you might enjoy sitting for a little bit." he opened a beer before taking the treats Lizzy handed him.
"If you're quiet, deer come to the water," he said quietly, "and if you're especially quiet," he pointed, "the skunk goes away without spraying you."
Red snickered when Lizzy's eyes widened and she hastily scrambled back... until the skunk turned to look at the disturbance.
"Shhh," he chuckled.
The black and white animal froze in place, eyeing Lizzy cautiously... and suspiciously.
Liz continued inching backwards into the space between Red's legs until she hit his chest and couldn't go any further... though she desperately tried.
Blue eyes locked, transfixed on black ones... as skunk and human sized each other up.
"Red...what are we gonna do!" she whispered her panic.
Red snorted under his breath, "Only God can field this one, I'm afraid. Do... not... move."
"I'm not moving!" she hissed quietly. "I'm like a fucking statue here!"
Shrugging them off, the skunk took a couple more sips of water, toddling back off into the woods.
Red chortled when his guest slumped and breathed a tremendous sigh of relief. "Oh...my...God!"
"Don't worry, Lizzy," he casually drank his beer. "I'm armed."
"You would have shot it?" she gaped her astonishment. "You think that would have fixed the problem?"
"Point taken." Red laughed fully. "It wasn't that close."
"It was way close!" she begged to differ.
"...City girl," Red reached, waving a wineglass in front of the woman's disparaging eyes.
He hesitated in his movements, recalling his earlier conversation with Susan... wondering if he should allow Lizzy to partake.
Snatching the glass from his hand, Liz swallowed a mouthful, settling her rattled nerves.
Red held his tongue, remembering why they were out here in the first place, or at least... the primary reason.
"And here you were, entirely nonchalant about getting muddy." he tried for lightness he wasn't sure he felt.
"Getting muddy and sprayed by a skunk are two totally different things." Liz's nose scrunched its disgust, just thinking of the smell.
Taking a cautious look around, she leaned back relaxing, "It's pretty here though. Quiet too."
"It is." he lay down beside her, crooking an arm behind his head.
They both stared silently out at the calm water and flowers, briefly content in their own thoughts.
"I'm sorry about last night, Lizzy." Red rolled to his elbow, unable to remain silent any longer. "I need to apologize for raising my voice to you."
Following suit, Lizzy lifted to her own arm, "It's all right. I understood after Francis explained."
"It's not all right," Red disagreed, "I promised myself that I wouldn't lose my temper like that around you ever again."
Liz sighed, "You were worried for my safety."
"I still could have handled it better." Just thinking of his behavior aggravated him.
Liz stared at the man a moment, admittedly surprised.
It was the first time in her adult life, a man had ever apologized and not made some backhanded remark, lessening the significance of the apology.
She also knew, from personal experience, how difficult it was to apologize. She appreciated Red had been the one to initiate the discussion.
Red didn't once appear to choke on the words, as if he must say them in order to soothe ruffled feathers only. He clearly considered the gravity of his choices.
Nodding, Liz graciously responded, "Apology accepted."
"I also wish to address this point of contention between us." Red continued, determined to clear the air between them of any and all doubts.
Liz lifted her eyes, her interest intent and focused.
"I expressed to you, more often of late, I viewed you as my partner... in all matters." Red began. "I still do, though your perception may differ now."
"No, my perception has not altered," Liz admitted, "I believe you view me as your partner."
"...You do?" Red had to admit, her statement surprised him.
Liz nodded, pushing upright, "May I say something?"
"...Please," Red gestured for the woman to continue.
"I kind of... profiled the situation last night to an extent," she began, explaining her own process.
Red nodded mentally, knowing that was par for the course when dating a profiler.
"While I do not apologize for my attempt to help you," she declared firmly, then softened.
Holding his expression, Red remained quiet to allow her time to state her point-of-view. For he was also not apologetic for a few things that had transpired.
He believed his handling of the situation had been less than desirable, but as for the topic of interest itself... he would not apologize for being concerned over Elizabeth's safety.
"...I understand your frustration." she acknowledged.
Red's brow furrowed, his attention riveted lest he miss one single word.
"As punctuated as it was, ignoring your warning," she shook her head, "was the equivalent to disregarding a warning from my own teammates."
Stunned by Elizabeth's outlook, Red sat upright, eager to discuss this turn of events.
"You are my partner and well... I love you," Liz ducked her head, shrugging minutely, "I acted on impulse out of my concern for your well-being."
Sighing his defeat, Red shook his head, "I knew what we may be walking into on this excursion from the get-go," he knew the caliber of guests expected. "I should have better prepared you for what might occur."
"I wish we would have sat down and mapped out a plan before our arrival," Liz agreed, "but in this instance, your word...your warning, should have been enough."
He had hoped it would be, but he should have taken a few more moments to explain the situation in better detail.
"You were right," she admitted it more easily than she thought. "I can only do so much being Elizabeth Scott," she idly traced the pattern on the blanket.
Hearing the underlying doubt, Red frowned. "Elizabeth, this is a difficult matter to explain. I don't think you are incapable, in any sense of the word."
"I-I know that," she was quick to reassure. "I just... I don't know where I fit into the equation, not really." she confessed. "What's expected of me."
Red's frown deepened, admittedly confused by the confession.
"I'm not explaining this very well, am I?" she sighed.
"Talk it out," Red encouraged. "I'm not going anywhere."
"I would wager a decent percentage of your associates have not revealed their true vocation to their spouse," she continued. "They probably want to forget the evil they experience on a daily basis for a while... and go home to lose themselves in a shred of decency."
"I would say that's a fair assessment." Red agreed with Lizzy's analysis. "We all lead double lives to some extent."
"Your peers know you enjoy an intelligent, resilient partner," she abbreviated her thoughts, "there's also an expectation from them, you would wish that woman be... innocent to some extent."
"You carry all those traits, Lizzy." Red reached, linking his fingers through hers. "You're my center... my sanity."
"With that said, and considering your reputation," Liz took a breath, ready to clear the air, "I hope they didn't find it too out of character for me to get involved in the fight the way I did."
Red admitted her hypothesis was a sound one. "I also appreciate a strong-willed partner... one not afraid to speak her mind. They know this as well."
"But getting involved with Cheung," she shrugged, "I was wrong to do that..."
It wasn't until Red unloaded everything; she understood the distinction he had been trying to make. Truly understood.
"When we're home," she sought some boundaries, "it isn't work. I'm not with you in a professional capacity... this is entirely personal."
Red remained quiet, allowing the flow of her thoughts... wondering where she would take this.
"When you handled Cheung or the skirmish at our home..." she sighed, "you believed I would react as Elizabeth Scott would. That I would keep in character."
Red remembered thinking, with Ben and Francis in the vicinity, Lizzy would do just that, retain character and do as Silas directed.
"But I blind-sided you." Liz knew that now. "I come in without back-up or even my weapon...I distracted you from the problem at hand." she rolled her hand expressively, shaking her head for such lack of forethought on her part. "When by rights, I should have retreated to the safe room with Nora."
"...Yes," Red admitted that's exactly what he felt. "Lizzy, I know you have to do your job and I will not interfere in that part of your life..."
Liz lifted her eyes back to Red's, listening.
"I'll worry, as I've always done," he confessed, "I'll be there by your side, we're a team. We're in it together. At work, it's different." he rubbed the tension in his neck. "You're expecting trouble... you're in your element."
Liz knew that, more so now than ever.
Red mused to himself, uncertain he should open a can of worms. "Dammit," the man rubbed his eyes wearily, "I will not allow this to affect our relationship."
He had to make the woman understand the gravity of their situation.
Liz frowned at the man's muttered statement, her curiosity piqued.
"When I came to the FBI, when I informed you of the existence of the Blacklisters," he took a breath, holding her eyes willfully, "were you even aware such depravity existed?"
He knew the answer.
"People like that... they no longer shock me. You cannot possibly know," he hesitated, softening the words, "the darkness my world can materialize. I deliberately keep those atrocities from you."
Liz's sorrowful eyes closed, imagining the horrors Red had seen in his life.
"No one should have to bother with such," he sought the words so important at this moment, "... disturbing realities."
Red shook the darkening shadows closing in around him, refocusing, "Hence my genuine hesitation to bring you anywhere near these... beings," the problem hung over him like a heavy-weight, every second of the day.
"I need you to understand, when we're in my domain," Red stressed, "these people believe they're above the law. They steal, cheat and kill without remorse, hesitation... or regret."
She traced the bruising and frayed skin on Red knuckles...feeling his words hit home.
"With people like Cheung or Tobias," he continued, "it's better you and your team are not involved. You can't play by rules here, Elizabeth. You have to be ready at all times because–"
"They don't fight fair," Liz continued, "there are no rules."
She had thought of nothing but what Red said last night until his words made sense. He had not mentioned incidents relating to their work with the Task Force... but incidents which occurred during their personal time.
She could argue Carver was work related... but it had become such a personal issue between them; that incident truly blurred the lines.
"...Yes," Red turned her hand in his, worrying her fingers. "You have to be extra vigilant around these people. One minute, they're laughing and backslapping you... the next, they're trying to shove a knife in your back. Even here, at this supposed neutral, safe zone"
"I do sometimes forget, because of Francis and the guys," Liz conceded. Having met Francis, Mark, Ben... Antonio; it lulled her into a false sense of security.
Red gently traced the dark bruising on her throat. "I don't think you realize how close that bastard was to snapping your neck." he closed his eyes, sickened by the reality. "And he would have done it, no hesitation."
She swallowed heavily, feeling the man's hands once again, the phantom heaviness unnerving her.
"I need you to trust me, trust that everything will turn out all right if something like yesterday happens again."
"I'll try..." she offered an olive branch. "It's not that I don't trust or believe you. It's difficult to dismiss the training, not only from the Academy, but Silas' as well."
"It must be. Silas has drilled defense into you to where it's second-nature. It's his job and I wouldn't have it any other way. It protects you," his scowl darkened, "but yesterday, it also placed you in danger."
The silence came for a beat.
Red couldn't fault her for feeling the way she did, especially considering... he was in the same boat.
If Lizzy was in trouble, he reacted. Lizzy apparently felt as he did in that regard.
"There must be some middle-ground we're not seeing."
"I need to retrain myself," Liz suggested an option, "to be the partner you can rely on."
"That's not what I said at all, Elizabeth!" Red's jaw pulsed, disheartened to hear the perturbed tone of her voice.
"What I mean to say," she clarified, "I need to remember, in some instances, my inaction is just as beneficial to you as any reaction."
Red hesitated, stunned once again by Elizabeth's ever adapting insight... her growth.
"If this shit follows my ass home," he continued in his original thoughts, "it's probably wrong and even archaic to wish you would cease and desist... the truth is, I need you in that damn safe room."
Liz sighed her instinctual frustration, but understood the man's reasoning.
"If you are safe, then I can focus all my energy and purpose on the problem at hand." Red continued. "I promise you this," he forced her to his gaze with a gentle finger, "nothing short of Armageddon will keep me from you... do you believe me?"
It would be difficult to adapt, but doable. She could do this, for all their sakes. Were someone to hit the house again, it was better she remained with and protected Nora.
It would devastate her were anything to happen to Nora, especially considering she could prevent anything disastrous from occurring.
"I want to make it clear," Red continued. "It has nothing to do with me believing you're helpless or incapable by wishing you remain out of harm's way. I just know, one mis-step could get us killed."
"They see an opening," she followed his thought pattern, "they grab hold of it... and choke the life from it."
"...Yes," Red jerked an emphatic nod of his head. "It's exactly what they do."
"I can't say I won't make mistakes," Liz stated, "but I can say, I will at least attempt to curb my natural instincts."
Red inclined his head, thankful she would give the matter more thought and consideration.
"I can live with those terms," Red freely accepted her willingness to compromise. He knew how hard it was to adapt, so he appreciated the effort expended.
"In the future, I will also alert you to any situation where maintaining character is paramount." he offered his own olive branch.
Liz felt her shoulders relax further hearing Red's addendum. "That would actually be very helpful," she was agreeable, "...thank you."
"Is there anything else we need to discuss?" Red enquired.
"Yes," Liz decided since they were on the topic anyway. "If something upsets you, don't let it fester. Discuss it with me before it becomes..."
"Intolerable?" Red openly expressed the oppressive emotion he experienced.
"...Yes," Liz worried his thumb with her own. "I would like to keep an open communication between us whenever possible."
Red nodded after a fashion, "I find your suggestion an agreeable one."
Leaning, Liz smiled inwardly as Red also made a move forward... meeting her in the middle for a small, but loving kiss.
"Do you feel better now?" he enquired to her well-being. "Now that we're here, is it as bad as you thought it would be?"
"Oh... no, no," she smiled, shifting to her knees, "it's been very nice. Great, actually." she fully admitted. "Everyone has been really pleasant and helpful...except that choking the life out of me thing." she wrinkled her nose playfully.
"Yes, let's make light of that situation," Red admonished, "shall we?"
"It's what we do." slender shoulders were shrugged.
"As I once told you, long ago and far away... directly before we attended Francis' party," Red continued, "as my fiancée, the term suggests a deep trust between us."
"You've brought others here... haven't you?" she knew of at least one. "I mean, I'm not the first these people have seen?"
"One or two," Red admitted, "but... I've never attended with my fiancée." he reminded. "You are of a higher stature. The respect I show in my actions toward you, alerts others to the fact, you are special in my heart."
"...Oh," Liz blushed a deep pink, better understanding everyone's avid interest in her.
Red had been divorced and playing the field a long time; for him to have a new woman on his arm... must be the gossip of the season.
"You're also an incredibly beautiful woman," he grinned, tracing her pink cheeks. "Men are going to be overly solicitous and open doors for you... just so they can look at that gorgeous ass of yours."
Red laughed as the woman's face turned beet red, just thinking of how many men had rushed to open a door for her or allowed her to proceed them on the stairs.
"If they keep all those crude thoughts to themselves," Red forged on, laying back against the blanket, "I suppose I can't blame them for looking."
"Stop it..." Laying against his chest, she nuzzled her cheek into a comfortable position., inhaling Red's comforting scent. "I don't even think about those men." she confessed.
"...I do like Susan." she got the topic back on track. "She's got a great sense of humor, she's fun to be around."
"I confess, I was incredibly relieved she spent so much time feeling you out." Red confessed.
"I don't know if I should be insulted or..." Liz teased.
"Normally, Susan has an uncanny perception where people are concerned." Red grinned. "She doesn't suffer fools easily. One look will alert you to her disdain... or acceptance."
"Oh," Liz giggled, "did I pass muster?"
"You have inspired nothing but smiles and good humor from Susan," Red chuckled, "I applaud you for winning the busybody over."
"I'm gonna tell her you said that," Liz warned.
"When you do, tell her she also may no longer pimp me out," Red wished Lizzy to clarify where he stood, "considering I am now off the market."
"Well, that I will tell her." Liz's eyes sparkled.
"She can not stand an unhappily single man," Red teased. "She has set me up on more disastrous dates than all my college years combined."
Liz smiled her amusement.
"I know you had been looking forward to Amanda and Lia joining us so... I'm happy Susan at least, is here should you desire female companionship."
"And you?" Liz enquired solicitously. "Are you having a good time? I know you've been looking forward to coming here for a while..."
"I confess, I have been enjoying this year tremendously." Red told the truth. "Seeing everything through your eyes makes in new and fresh."
"That is so nice of you to say." Liz genuinely meant her praise.
"It's been nice watching you relax," Red continued. "But mainly, I've enjoyed spending time with you without work hanging over our heads."
Liz smiled beautifully, "I'm enjoying spending time with you too."
Red's stomach pitched hearing those words. It truly meant the world to him they were really building something tangible.
It made him feel... happiness. Plain and simple. Lizzy made him experience a plethora of emotions he hadn't since he was a very young man.
Excitement, freedom, fear... arousal over the smallest things, he thought, amused for the fact.
Motioning quietly towards the water, Red grinned when the woman froze mid-sentence.
Her eyes lighting with excitement at the sight he called to her attention.
A beautiful doe and her fawn emerged from the trees. The doe cautiously searched the area before stepping into the light. Her fawn pranced carelessly behind her, too young to be aware of the dangers in the world.
Guiding the baby to the lake, each partook of the fresh water, much to Elizabeth's delight.
The woman's reaction touched something inside Red. He found he enjoyed the emotions.
Seeing her joy over God's creations endeared her to him. Cuddling her as she slept through a billiards game caused warm feelings to emerge. That she had a competitive streak more pronounced than Francis'... amused him thoroughly.
Those little things made him love Elizabeth in ways he had forgotten existed. There seemed so many facets to the depth of emotions she could elicit.
Both watched as the doe jerked her head upright, then to her West. Red followed, searching the landscape for danger... knowing better than to question a mother's instincts.
He smiled as the doe hurriedly took her fill of water before nudging the zealous fawn away.
The darkening skies of the approaching storm alerted the female, she would need to shelter her baby... and soon.
Lizzy lay back against Red, hugging the air from his lungs as the deer and her baby traipsed back into their natural habitat.
"Thank you for bringing me out here." she beamed happily.
"Thank you for coming." he reached, scratching his fingers against her scalp. He laughed quietly when she moved into the pleasurable touch, humming her delight.
Leaning, Liz smiled her contentment as he continued to work his fingers through her soft hair. She stilled a moment, the wondrous sensation causing waves of pleasure to traverse her body.
Liz shifted, fitting into his embrace, her mouth searching for his warm lips.
Inching closer, as the kiss deepened to erotic intensity...Liz crawled over the man's prone form, straddling her legs over his hips.
Fully cupping the woman's head, Red increased the pressure of his kiss, grunting low when Lizzy's little ass rocked against his pelvis with slow, suggestive thrusts.
"We're not done here..." he tilted her small face, lifting his lips enough to whisper the reminder.
His mouth caressed the soft lips moving amorously against his, his train of thought interrupted. "I need to talk to you..."
Tightening her legs around his thighs, Liz moved her center against Red's zipper, nuzzling her mound against his warmth, feeling the already hard imprint of his bulging response.
"We've got all day..." she muttered, flicking his tongue with her own, sighing blissfully.
Instinctually wrapping his arm about her waist, Red's hand naturally drifted to the curve of her bottom, palming the soft orb.
Moving into his touch, Liz whimpered softly as Red rubbed the seam of her jeans... directly over the most tantalizing spot.
Encouraged by his reaction, Liz pulled the tails of her shirt free of her waistband, allowing Red access to whatever the hell he wanted to touch.
Flicking the tails out of his way, Red caressed the smooth expanse of Lizzy's back... slipping his hand under the gap in her jeans.
Reaching between them, Red unsnapped the button of her pants, pulling at the loosened fabric. The sound of her zipper opening excited them both to new heights.
Inching his hand further into the opening provided, Red curved his hand about the woman's bare flesh... cursing his vexation as he felt water droplets spot his forearm and Lizzy's back.
"Dammit..." he breathed heavily, casting dark eyes towards the ominous-looking sky to their West.
"I guess..." he welcomed her hungry mouth against his own, sensing the futility of any further actions "...we should go."
"No..." Liz panted her arousal. "We should...come." she offered acceptable alternatives. "Make me come, Red." she whispered enticingly.
A deep satisfied sound rumbled through Red's chest when the woman cupped his hand to her breast, pushing the full mound into his touch.
The drops became larger... though neither seemed to care.
It was a warm rain... which made their kisses even hotter. The erotic sensation of their slick lips moving sensually against one another encouraged their passion.
"Baby..." gently squeezing the handful of heated flesh in his palm, Red's thumb passed roughly over Lizzy's nipple. The man fought for some semblance of control. "That sky looked..."
The radio beside them squawked, then fell silent, only to chirp again a few seconds later.
"...No," Liz mewled her disappointment, sensing Red's attention drifting.
Pulling Lizzy flush against his body, Red rolled the woman to her back, returning her kiss with a fevered desperation.
Both glared their aggravation as the radio hissed with a string of annoying static blips, interrupting their pastime yet again.
Taking the radio in hand, Red jabbed the key, "What!" he snapped his beleaguered irritation.
The radio blared a tone which held for a brief interval.
What the hell was wrong with that thing?
"Something's up," Clearing his throat, Red pointed, "I'm going to top the hill, we should at least check it out."
Nodding, Liz loosened her legs only to be dragged roughly back to the exploring depths of Red's warm mouth.
"Don't forget where we left off." he muttered against her mouth. Stroking a hand across her pink cheeks, he ran a thumb across her full lips... enraptured and under her spell.
Grunting his annoyance as the radio squealed in hand yet again, Red begrudgingly pushed off the woman before trudging up the hill.
Topping the crest, the rain eased, replaced by a strong wind.
"Reddington." he keyed the radio, glancing overhead at the leaves blowing in the strong breeze.
Checking on Lizzy, he smiled as the woman rolled on the blanket, stretching to grab her wine.
"Red...com.." Red scowled, jiggling the radio.
"Repeat. Unreadable." he keyed back.
"Come... ba..." the radio crackled.
"Signal is shit." Red called down to a patiently waiting Lizzy.
"Warn..." steady static filled the speaker.
Scowling, Red glanced over his shoulder, a strong gust of wind drowning out the voice crackling from the radio.
Straining to hear over the rising gale, he caught and focused on a high-pitched whine in the distance.
"Dange..." the voice stressed as the haunting tone swung back around, followed by the unsettling echo of a disembodied voice.
The wind and drizzling rain suddenly stilled, amplifying the sound in the hollow silence.
Warning...seek immediate shelter.
"Shit!" Red's eyes widened, rushing back down the hill. "Lizzy! We gotta go!" his new found urgency transmitted to the woman.
Liz lowered her glass, frowning, "What's wrong?"
"Come on!" he pulled her up off the ground, pushing her towards the cart.
Reluctantly fastening her pants as she stumbled along, Liz pointed lamely at the blanket and wine, "What about..."
"Leave it!" Red bent, hastily ripping the blanket off the ground, shoving it in the dune buggy.
Liz's face dropped sadly as their picnic went flying.
"We got gotta go!" Without warning, Red lifted and placed the woman in the vehicle before rushing to the driver's position.
Jamming the key in the ignition, Red fired the engine and hit the gas. The tires spun, kicking up a trail of mud as he shot towards the narrow incline he just descended.
"Hold on!" he maneuvered the hill quickly, careful to take the slope at an angle so as to remain upright.
Topping the crest, Red gunned the engine, navigating the long stretch of acreage, taking what shortcuts he could.
Liz held on for dear life, casting the man apprehensive glances from time to time.
The bike path loomed in the nearing distance. Red felt a certain relief... until the wind shifted sharply.
Glancing rapidly over his shoulder, Red gripped the steering wheel in hand, "...Shit!" he whispered his distress.
Reaching, he grabbed Lizzy's seat belt, jerking it tight across her hips and chest.
Grimacing, Liz peered back at whatever had caught Red's attention, her eyes widening with panic, "Oh, my God! Red!"
Pushing the gas to the floor, he yanked the wheel to avoid a fallen tree.
"Oh, shit!" Liz now understood the urgency... and the rising danger.
"Hold on, baby." Red warned, yelling over the wind and whirring motor.
Racing through terrain he would have normally avoided with Lizzy... he pushed on, circumstances having changed.
Gripping the overhead cage, Liz braced her legs tight against the dash as Red tore over a crest into a dirt pit.
Glancing about their surroundings, he cursed their lack of options... making a split second decision.
Wrenching the steering wheel, the studded tires kicked up mud as they slid to a sideways stop.
Pulling at Lizzy's seat belt, Red released it, then his own.
"Why are we stopping!" such nonsensical actions stunned the woman. Liz glanced back as Red ran around to her side, roughly tugging her from the seat.
"Come on!" he grabbed her arm, pushing her forward. "Get in!" he pointed to the steel tubing, heading her in the direction needed. "Go!"
Dropping to her knees, Liz shimmied inside the tube. She grimaced as her hands and knees sank into the muddied ground beneath her, but steadily inched her way inside with Red following rapidly behind.
"Keep going!" Red urged as he crawled in behind her, pointing to a more suitable spot.
Slipping in the thick mud, Liz fought to move forward in the spacious tubing until she lost her bearings.
"Red, I can't see." she halted momentarily, completely disoriented in the darkened space.
They had only reached the middle of the steel casing when Red heard the unmistakable roar hit the end of the tube.
"Shit!" Red growled his disbelief for their misfortune, hastily grabbing for the woman.
Tucking Lizzy against his body, Red planted his feet against the deep ridges provided in the tunnel just as wind rushed through at breakneck speed, taking the air from their lungs.
"Oh, my God!" Liz gasped her fear as she jostled and jerked hard in Red's arms by the force of the winds.
"Dammit!" Red cursed as the wind shifted, hurling bit of debris down their hideaway.
Tightening his arm about Lizzy's small frame, a sharp painful yelp tore from Lizzy's throat as bits of debris pelted the woman, biting sharply into her flesh.
Gritting his teeth, Red fought the rising wind's strength clutching Elizabeth hard against his frame inadvertently cutting off her scream of fright.
Snarling, Red roughly flipped them about, shielding Lizzy from the relentless battering.
Blocking her from the pummeling winds and debris, he quickly covered Lizzy's body with his own as the sounds grew louder and the pipe shook with the violent winds velocity.
The groan and crackling pops of the pipe warping here and there bit at his nerves... and unsettled Lizzy entirely. She clung desperately to Red's hard frame, hiding her face in his shoulder.
Hastily cupping Lizzy's head, he pushed her roughly into his chest, muffling her screams as a loud crash, followed by a nerve-wracking screech, tore through the cavernous space.
Lizzy's screaming cry of anguish tore at his soul as the pipe overhead caved inward.
"Wrap your legs around me!" he called out over the fierce roar of the battering wind.
Struggling to do as told, Liz fought the rising fear until Red's powerful hands pulled her securely into his hold. Locking her feet behind his back, she squeezed hard until her legs burned from the exertion.
"It's all right." Red crooned in her ear. "You're okay, baby... I promise." he grasped her closer, fighting against the wind pushing at them. He winced as a sharp point punctured the skin of his back. He ignored the pain.
Rolling her beneath him, he curled her tighter into the protection of his body, effectively blocking anything from hitting the woman.
"It's almost over..." he promised, soothing her panic even as water rushed into the tube, dousing them with cold intensity.
"Oh, shit...shit, shit!" Liz gasped against the increasing flow and the chaos happening around them.
"It's almost past us," Red's calm tone reassured, gave hope... even as Lizzy's fingers and legs tightened painfully into his flesh... he welcomed it.
"I'm scared," Liz admitted meekly, her lips trembling visibly.
"You're going to be fine, I promise," Red continued to soothe, keeping his arms locked tightly around her trembling frame.
Scrunching tighter into his chest, the woman felt a slight comfort as Red folded himself around her, only to feel her stomach plummet a breath later as a heavy gust sent them into a slide down the muddy tubing.
Throwing his foot out, Red slowed the momentum, allowing him the chance to ram his shoulder into the heavy steel... stopping the action completely.
Even over the growling roar, Red craned his head as a loud grating crash reverberated around them.
Though rattling on the nerves, the high-pitched whine of the suction against the sheet of plywood that had vaulted over the end of the tunnel caused the man to close grateful eyes.
The wood slapped wildly at the end, allowing snarling bursts of air to shoot through their improvised shelter... but not much else.
The makeshift block rattled loudly, vibrating against the steel tubing until an ear-splitting impact slammed the wood butt up against the end.
Red turned his head, watching the black cloud swirl sickeningly at the other end, almost as if it had stalled right there on top of them.
"Come on, you fucking bastard!" he gritted harshly. "Move!" he willed the massive black monster to vacate their vicinity.
Watching the hypnotizing swirl inch lazily along the ground, his eyes blurred as a foggy haze filled the long expanse until a sudden rush of air sucked it free... allowing a clear line of sight to the outside world.
Focusing his senses, he listened intently... finally hearing the patter of rain.
It had moved. Thank God... the tornado shifted away from their place of concealment.
Red tapped her leg. "..You're all right, relax now." he knew his own muscles were screaming with a heated burn. Sharp stabbing pinpricks covered his back and legs.
Squeezing Red tight in response, Liz shook her head, hiding her face in his neck... not ready to leave the safe shelter he provided.
Loosening his arm, Red ran a comforting hand down her thigh, patting her hip, "It's okay, baby," he soothed, "... it's over."
Red's face softened when he felt Lizzy's legs tremble from fatigue and fear as she finally eased their grip.
Sliding to her side, he positioned her legs, bracing them against the wall, "Stay here..."
"W-Where are you g-going?!" she questioned, gripping what ridges she could in her muddy hands.
"I'm going to see if it's passed."
"Don't!" she reached for the man, fearful of the lull.
"It's all right. Just do as I told you to do." he directed.
Pushing hard against the walls, Liz heard more than saw Red move away.
"I'm right here, Lizzy." inching his way down the pipe, he kept a running commentary. "I'm just checking the damage."
"Please keep talking..." she called down the long pipe, focused on his voice moving further and further away.
So concentrated on his voice, she lost track of his position until he gripped her arm. "Shit!" she shrieked.
"Come on, it's over." Red inched backwards, urging Lizzy to crawl towards him. "Come to me." she hesitated, then hastily sought his position. "Keep coming..."
"Are you sure it's gone?" Liz grimaced, sinking into the mud beneath her.
"Yes, it's past us." he assured. "Can you hear the rain?"
"No.." she heard the quaver in her voice, then felt it in her body. God knows what Red heard and saw.
"You're okay. It's over." Red reassured as he edged backwards out of their hiding place, guiding her along.
At the end of the pipe, she finally saw the rain and slowed.
"I promise Lizzy. It's moved past us." he held her eyes steadily. "We need to go. It was heading for the hotel."
"Dembe..." her voice shook, realizing what just hit them was heading for her friends, "...Francis."
"Yes, we need to go check on them." Red watched as she crawled towards him, concern for her friends more powerful than the fear she felt. "That's a good girl."
Backing from the tunnel, Red sighed as the cool water rushed over his body, the rain pelting his clothing with drenching intensity.
Following Red's lead, Liz peered out the end of the tube...hesitating in place, watching the dark swirling cloud moving just off to her right. The size of the angry, swirling mass terrified.
"Come on, sweetheart." Red offered Lizzy a hand up, coaxing her from her hiding place.
"W-What is that?" Liz pointed to what appeared to be part of a transformer, sticking up out of the ground, completely caving in part of the tunnel they had hidden in.
Red's eyes shifted further back to the sight of a small farming tractor butt up against the end of the tube, holding a large sheet of plywood against the hole.
Glancing about their position, Liz frowned critically, "Where's the buggy?"
Looking to their right, Red gestured towards their ride, or what he hoped would be their ride back.
The buggy was about thirty feet away, resting against a fallen tree... upside down.
Stepping over a splintered log, Red pushed on the vehicle and found it easy enough to lift, but he needed more leverage to bypass a neighboring limb blocking his path.
"I can help." Liz stepped to his side, looking for the best place to assist.
"You are not lifting on this thing." Red looked about, grabbing a long, thick branch. "You can, however, shove this under the cart when I lift–"
"Leverage... you need l-leverage." she followed his train of thought.
Dammit... Red grimaced. Lizzy's adrenaline was crashing. She was shaking so much, her body full on trembled with every breath.
Keep her occupied.
"That's right," Red positioned her accordingly, "I need you to push on this when I say. Can you?"
She nodded quickly, adjusting the limb in her hands, waiting.
Lifting the cumbersome weight, both worked quickly and efficiently, until Red stepped in behind her, pushing the car until it rolled to its tires. The vehicle bounced jauntily, then came to a silent rest.
"What the hell did I do with the key?" he grumbled, then scoffed thankfully, finding the object still firmly placed in the ignition.
Turning, Red pulled Lizzy to him, "We're okay..."
Rubbing his hands briskly over her back several warming passes, he eased the trembling in her body, though her teeth and bracelet still chattered in concert.
"Are you hurt anywhere?" he asked, scanning her face and visible body parts, now that the panic was ebbing.
"N-no," she rubbed her arms, "I'm f-fine."
"Not yet, but you will be." Red smiled, kissing her temple. "We need to go."
Guiding her to her seat, Red huffed a laugh, pulling the picnic blanket wedged in the seat free from the tight hold.
Wrapping it about Lizzy's frame, he helped her into the wet and muddy seat before climbing in beside the woman.
She wrapped her arms about herself tightly, settling down instantly, her eyes never far away from the menacing cloud still on the horizon.
"Please start..." he muttered, then turned the key. Red shook his head with relief when the engine fired up without complaint. "Seat belt, sweetheart..."
Numbly reaching, Liz latched the belt before glancing quickly over her shoulder; breathing a sigh of relief nothing was behind them.
"If you see something, let me know." Red winked.
"If I see anything else, I'm leaving this damned state immediately!" she muttered as he hit the gas.
Rushing over the terrain, Red slowed as they crested a hill... both watching the large rumbling cloud moving directly towards the hotel and the grounds ahead.
Liz's eyes widened, stunned by the size of the disastrous cloud.
"Fuck, baby..." Red grimaced, shutting the buggy down. "Listen to that damn thing."
The damaging phenomenon snarled and growled as it ate away at everything in its path.
Tearing his gaze away from the monster, Red gripped Lizzy's hand as she clawed frantically for his attention. He lifted astonished eyes, his mouth falling agape.
Like a marionette, a large object hovered like a weightless feather in the violent winds before something tore at and severed its invisible strings.
The lumbering equipment fell in a tumbling and pathless flight to earth, where it landed with a force that left it crumpled and unrecognizable on impact.
Red's eye twitched when the swirling beast hit an out shed, obliterating it into nothing more than matchsticks in a single breath.
The despair he felt for Dembe and his other friends grew to unbelievable proportions.
Lizzy, having witnessed the destruction herself, gripped his hand tighter in hers, "What c-can we do?"
"If they stayed in the hotel, they're okay." Red soothed her, and maybe even himself.
When they left, Dembe and the others had been within proximity of the hotel.
Only people who were out exploring the property had been screwed. Luckily, he and Lizzy had the pipes. Who the hell knew what others had done.
Red broke from his silent reverie when Lizzy gasped at his side, clasping her hands over her mouth.
Shifting his attention, Red watched the dark cloud engulf the hotel in its wild, destructive fury.
He grimaced as curtains ripped away from broken windows, only to disappear a second later. He couldn't help but wonder... if people were mixed in there as well.
They were too far away to be certain, for the debris field was explosively immense in size.
Mark would have warned his guests to seek shelter in the multitude of safe-rooms provided. Red hoped the rooms held up to the storm's rage.
Shifting to its East, Red grunted as the raging giant tapped the stables. The doors shook wildly before blasting open, blowing out the other end with a visible force which stunned.
Red knew those were inward opening doors. For the heavy objects to give way so easily bespoke volumes of that force.
Window after window shattered outward, releasing bits of hay and oats to float almost lazily about in a hypnotic dance.
Lizzy looked at him with open distress as the sound of the horses inside nickered and brayed their displeasure over the rushing roar of the strong winds.
"They're fine, Lizzy," he soothed her worry. "Their stalls are secure."
That, he was sure of; otherwise the horses would be out in the paddock intent on escape, panicked as they undoubtedly were.
Horrified by the destruction playing out before her very eyes, Liz balled Red's shirt in her hands.
Ducking her face into his neckline, she grabbed hold of that brief moment of sanity before helplessly returning her eyes to the unfolding reality, unable to do anything less.
"Get the hell out of here..." he urged the massive cloud to break the tree line, to move away from the hotel.
He felt a strong need to go to the aid of his friends, but with the strong updraft and how that damn thing was just sitting there, he wasn't about to take the chance of getting Lizzy any closer to the danger.
He figured back when it hit he and Lizzy, the top wind speed was roughly a hundred-fifty miles per hour. Now, it had increased dramatically.
There was no way in hell he would risk moving closer, not with Elizabeth here beside him.
Red's brows lifted as the twirling cloud hit the tree line and ate a path through the thick brush, tossing large trees, roots and all, about like a toddler tossing his play toys.
"Jesus!" Red sat upright, noting something darting rapidly across his field of vision. He pointed, tracking a man running full out across the greens.
Liz's mouth fell open in stunned shock as the man, caught by a shift change in wind, stumbled backwards.
Reaching quickly, Red pushed Lizzy's head down as a large piece of sheet metal lifted effortlessly, its direction shifting sharply, heading straight for the man.
Falling over a piece of shredded lumber, the man rolled and slid along the wet ground before struggling to his knees... completely oblivious to the sharp metal which had embedded in a tree just to his left.
Red shook his head at the stupidity displayed. Had that hit the man just right, it would have sliced him clean in half.
"Fucking idiot!" Red grumbled. Releasing his hold on Lizzy, she slowly... reluctantly lifted her face.
They breathed easier as the hotel emerged and came back into view, the height and width fully intact, if a little bedraggled and far less stately and magnificent as before.
"Are they okay, Red?" Liz asked, knowing full well... Red knew little more than she did herself.
"Wouldn't it figure," the man stared at the unfathomable destruction left in the tornado's wake, "we've endured every imaginable mishap throughout the years," he mused insightfully, "torture, gun-shot wounds, murderers, Francis psychotic nonsensical statements..."
Red scoffed at the irony, "Only to be taken out by a damned freak of nature."
It didn't sit right with Red Reddington.
"They have to be all right, Lizzy..." Red muttered quietly, willing the fates to give them a break this time.
Author Notes: I was asked if I could write Liz and Red stuck in a weather related situation. Given their position, this was the only one that fit.
I do have a snowstorm later on though. :)