During their mid-morning meal, Red was acutely disappointed to learn of Elena's early departure. He had wanted to see her again before she had to go, but a doctor's appointment took precedence. That he understood.
Lizzy had calmed after the Vet had administered Caesar a sedative.
Crisis averted.
The topic of conversation turned to lighter subject matter, he was happy to note. Gossip flowed freely concerning one well-known celebrity attendant here at the hotel.
More to the point, all were keen on discussing the man's wife... and her unexpected arrival.
Confusion and chaos reigned for a goodly spell which amused all except said celebrity, his wife... and his female companion.
By the time brunch was winding down, Red was pleased to note his wife was happily giggling, all serious matters were all but forgotten.
His wife...
It was going to take a while for that to completely sink in, but that was okay. Just in the last few hours alone, it hit Red at random times, Lizzy was now his wife... and it was the most wonderful feeling in the world.
The surge of contentment he felt, the rush of love which blanketed him, was all rather overwhelming at times.
He hadn't felt this kind of exhilaration since his daughter was born.
When he looked at Elizabeth... he felt blessed.
For the first time in a very long time, he felt like fate was finally on his side.
He had been gifted many monetary and worldly things; he knew. Nothing in this world made him feel such serenity, as having Elizabeth by his side.
Even though their time here at Mark's was coming to an end, and they would soon have to return to the real world... he hoped Lizzy was as eager to begin that journey together as he, himself.
The time was fast approaching she would have to leave her newfound friends behind. Red expected a sense of melancholy from his bride, but to his relief, she appeared more than ready to depart for their honeymoon.
It probably didn't hurt to know, too, she could see her friends anytime she wished. She took comfort her friendship with Amanda would continue uninterrupted due to Lizzy's association with Antonio and Maria.
Over the course of brunch, however, Lizzy had been extremely pleased to learn the others, aside from Susan and Michael, were just a stone's throw from DC.
Things were looking up for his wife, and Red was never so pleased to see her so happy.
His attention was caught by the unexpected arrival of two very important people. He nudged Lizzy, watching her face transform into welcoming warmth.
Steven approached slowly, unobtrusively attempting to garner Red's attention without causing too much in his own direction. "I'm sorry to bother you, sir... but my sister wouldn't leave me alone until I said she could speak to you." He warned the girl at his side. "But only for a very short minute."
Red and Liz looked over at the small girl, who was bouncing with energy. Samantha was one big smile.
"I just wanted to say thank you for letting me fly on your plane." Samantha beamed. "I could see our house as we went over it." The little girl was literally bubbling with subdued excitement. "It looked so small! I could see my favorite climbing tree, though."
"You did?" Red grinned. Pulling over a chair from the nearby table, he motioned the little girl to sit. "Did you note the dinosaurs over by the lake?"
Samantha's eyes widened. "I saw the lake...no one told me about...dinosaurs." She threw her brother a disgruntled look. "Like in Jurassic Park?" She returned her interest post haste.
"There's only the one that lives in the lake." Red dismissed airily. "He can't even open doors like a velociraptor, though." He recalled the ferocious beast mentioned in the film he and Lizzy watched during one of their movie nights. "Which makes him kinda boring, hum?"
"Red Reddington." Liz scolded. "Stop that." She pulled the little girl over gently. "I love your dress. Is that new?"
"Steven said I could pick it out all by myself." She preened this way and that. "I get to wear it to school Monday. Even Bella or Ashley doesn't have anything this pretty, I don't think."
"You make it pretty." Red stated gently.
Samantha beamed, showing her toothless smile, which captivated Red's heart.
"It's that pink hair ribbon that does the trick." Antonio's smile was for the little girl alone. "All women should wear pink ribbons in their beautiful hair, just like you, bella."
"Oh, I'm not Bella. I'm Samantha, remember?" Wide blue eyes blinked innocently. "Bella is just a girl in my class at school."
"Ah." Antonio didn't miss a beat. "I will wager she does not wear pink ribbons in her hair."
"No...she doesn't." A little pout came. "She says it's for babies."
"A man notices such things." The gentleman shook a noble head. "She is wrong. They bring attention to your lovely curls. Does your boyfriend not tell you how beautiful you are?"
"I don't have a boyfriend." A bright flush colored the already rosy cheeks.
"You better not have." Steven's brow furrowed with disapproval.
"Then I assume all the boys in your class are either blind or stupid." Antonio stated in that deep, confident voice.
"Tell us about your trip." Red brought the conversation around.
Samantha giggled infectiously. "We went to a really big city with statues and huge buildings and history things. Have you ever been to a big city?"
"Not with such a captivating guide, such as yourself." Antonio deferred. "Will you promise to take me one day soon?"
"I can show you the zoo." Those blue eyes brightened. "They have real lions and tigers. But I liked the monkeys bestest."
"Did you have a good time in DC?" Liz leaned in close, smoothing a curl that had gone awry in the nervous prancing about.
"Your house is so pretty!" Samantha gushed. "I got to sleep in a spare bedroom that had lace on everything!" She said, excitement tinging her voice. "And Nora... she made me French Toast with sprinkles!"
"She did!" Liz grinned. "Oh, I can't get her to do that for me. Will you tell me your secret? I love sprinkles."
"Who doesn't?" Samantha sat on Red's lap, not even noticing the fact.
Waving away Steven's mortified gasp aside for his sister's unforgivable faux pas, Red secured the little one better on her perch.
"I just was really nice and said thank you and yes, ma'am a lot." Samantha carried on, mindless to the silent exchange. "I think that helped."
"I can do that." Liz assured.
"Want some of my ice cream?" Red motioned to his untouched goblet.
"Oh, I shouldn't." Sweet eyes were turned her brother's way. "Should I, Steven?"
"It's very good." Antonio handed over his own portion, with a subdued warning to Steven.
Samantha grasped the treat hastily, sampling the delicious sweet. "You all are very nice people." She decided readily. "This is my friend. Do you like him?" She produced a small, furry stuffed animal.
"That looks like your brother." Red teased, holding the toy up to Steven's visage. "Twins, right?"
The young man took the gentle laughter at his expense graciously. "Come on, kid...we've taken up enough of these nice people's time."
Samantha's laughter melted hearts, but she immediately scooted off Red's lap, placing her hand trustingly in her brother's.
"No, wait." Maria's tone was suddenly bereft. "Not so soon, surely."
"I have a proposition." Antonio smiled pleasantly at the young man. Antonio's propositions were the stuff of which legends were made. "Suppose, with Samantha's approval, of course...you leave her with us for a while. Unless she might find spending time with such ancient people...present company excluded," the man lifted his wife's hand for a sedate kiss, "objectionable?"
Samantha lifted hopeful eyes. "I will be very good, Steven. I won't bug anyone, I promise."
The young man was clearly hesitant, especially with Antonio's stare upon him.
"I hear tell, there is a video game room around here somewhere." Antonio sweetened the pot. "Would you know anything about that, Samantha?"
"I know where that is, but I'm not allowed in there because there are older kids inside."
"I think you will be safe with me and my wife." Antonio assured, offering his hand to the little girl, who instantly placed her tiny fingers within the rough, calloused palm. "What say you, Steven?"
"Whatever you think best, Mr. Crocetti." Steven swallowed hard.
"Steven, if you truly do not feel comfortable with..." Maria put a gentle hand on the young man's forearm. "It's just that, she is just so adorable and we miss little ones at home so much."
"I'll be very, very good, Steven." Samantha held firm to Antonio's hand, gripping Maria's in the next instant. Red hastily caught the stuffed monkey which fell from the child's arm, sitting it on his lap.
"I won't even ask for nothing." Samantha promised. "I'll just sit and watch everyone else play the games."
Maria's face fell. "Oh, no, little one. You have to show me how to play each and every game in that room. I am hopeless when it comes to such things. Am I not, Antonio?"
"She is quite helplessly inept." Antonio shrugged apologetically. "I, on the other hand...am more than adept with anything electronic. I give fair warning. I hope you brought your quarters along. I am in dire need of an abundance of...quarters."
Samantha's mouth dropped, large eyes beseeching her brother. "I can earn quarters, Steven."
Everyone hastily searched pocket books and pockets even as the man himself, Red, juggled the stuffed monkey to weed out his pockets. Francis Holbrook handed over crumbled dollar bills.
"There's a change machine in the game room." He whispered aside. No one had the balls to tell Antonio quarters were no longer needed in game rooms. Red among them.
Dollar bills replaced quarters instantly.
"Oh, look." Red pointed at the rapidly growing pile. "There just happens to be some money on the table here. I'm sure no one will mind if we borrow a couple dollars, say."
"Oh!" Samantha gasped, a smile lighting her features. "The money appeared magically out of nowhere! This must be a special day, a special place!" She believed with all her heart. "Just like that city we went to! That nice man, Joe... took us to the zoo."
Steven lifted placid brows for his sister's innocence.
"Any place you are, angel...is special." Antonio assured.
"Did you have fun at the zoo?" Liz smiled warmly, stroking the soft toy she had taken when Red had his dilemma with the quarters.
"Yes! Steven is too busy to take me to the zoo here." Samantha nodded emphatically. "Joe even had enough money to buy some...umm..." She sought her brother's help.
"Souvenirs." Steven filled in the blank.
"Yeah, that." Samantha grinned up at her brother. "Joe said I could even have a giraffe and an elephant toy and a tiger, but Steven said only one...so I picked the monkey."
"Because it reminded you of your brother." Red nodded sagely, which made the little girl giggle uncontrollably once again.
"So you like flying?" Red's eyes softened on the child and her enthusiasm. "Are you going to be a pilot when you grow up?"
"It was so weird!" Samantha's eyes widened, earning a small chuckle from Red and Liz.
"My tummy went up when we took off," she motioned dramatically, "and then came back down when we landed. It was...just weird." She repeated, scrunching her nose for emphasis. "I didn't think girls could be pilots. I want to work with sick puppies and make them better."
Red and Liz laughed quietly when the little girl's face went askew. "Puppies are cool."
Liz leaned, whispering. "I'm going to get one for my friend. His name is Silas. Maybe you can come visit when we give him his puppy. What do you think?"
"That would be so wonderful!" It was squealed. "Your friend is so lucky."
"It's a surprise." Liz warned with a raised finger. "Can you keep a secret?"
"I have a diary with all my secrets inside." Samantha confided in a hushed whisper... heard by all.
"Oh, Samantha," Liz motioned the little girl closer. "I wanted to thank you so much for being my flower girl!" She stroked a gentle finger across Samantha's pink cheeks. "You were the best part of the whole wedding!"
"Really? I was!" Samantha gaped open-mouthed, glancing at the other occupants at the table, who all nodded and smiled reassuringly.
"With that dress, and tiara?" Antonio tsked gently. "You were a vision."
"Don't forget the bells." Liz giggled.
"Ah, yes..." Antonio nodded regally. "The wedding would have been nothing without your esteemed presence."
"Such an angel..." Maria smiled warmly at the child, then kissed her cheek.
Enfolding the child in her arms, Liz hugged her little flower girl before she, too, placed a kiss on the cherub cheek. "I will remember you for the rest of my life."
"The cupcakes were really good!" Samantha added her two cents, earning a quiet chuckle from the table. "And I will 'member you, cause you are so pretty and nice and you smell so good."
Red's brows lifted with surprise when Samantha turned, engulfing him in a hug as well. He smiled down when she looked up, grinning her joy.
"Yes..." he bent, placing a small kiss on her forehead, "the day wouldn't have been half as special as it was... had you not been there."
Maria's eyes mellowed ten-fold. "Come, little monkey. We will find something to amuse you, yes?"
The little girl hurriedly sought out the woman's hand. "I'll be extra good, Steven... you'll see."
Steven nodded. "I'll be a phone call away. Tell these nice people my number when it's time to go."
"I know it by heart." She confided in Maria.
"That's very smart." The woman showed her pride. "Would you like to play with my phone? It has all sorts of games on it, I'm told." Maria handed over the expensive gadget willingly. "I preferred my flip phone, but my husband says we have to move with the times." She sent the man an annoyed glance. "Sometimes, the old ways are best, though."
Antonio grinned over. "Perhaps you can help my beautiful wife figure out the ins and outs of that thing."
Taking the phone handed her, Samantha hurriedly swiped the screen, learning the particulars before she could instruct Maria on its use.
"Your generation seems to have a knack for such contraptions." Maria looked hopefully down at the little girl. "Before you do, however, how about you eat your ice cream, hmm?"
Pulling a chair between himself and Maria, Antonio patted the seat, gesturing for the little one to sit.
Smiling enthusiastically, Samantha settled into the chair, her eyes widening at the sight of the piled high frozen treat.
"I tried to get her to just draw you a picture or something," Steven grimaced apologetically. "She was just so adamant about seeing you in person. I'm sorry if she bothered you."
"She was no bother at all." Liz smiled happily. "She is an absolute pleasure."
"She has been a breath of fresh air." Red assured.
"More like a tornado blowing through, you mean." Steven quipped. "She can be a handful."
"Thank you for delivering the gifts to our home." Red discretely slipped a wad of bills in Steven's hand.
"Oh," Steven looked bewildered, "sir...Mr. Donovan already paid us."
"He paid his employees." Red corrected. "Now, I'm paying the man I hired to do a very important job."
"After all the kindness you've shown us...it doesn't seem right." The money was placed on the table.
"Take it, Steven." Red enfolded the money in the boy's grasp. "And give this to John when you see him." He handed the kid another wad of folded bills.
The kid looked long and hard at the gift, but eventually nodded, common sense replacing his guilt. "This is very kind, sir." He shook Red's hand. "I'll see John gets this." He took his leave with a noble nod of his head to the others sitting at the table.
"He's doing a good job." Red said, retaking his seat.
"We have to talk to Mark about giving him a couple days off." Liz whispered. "He's so young to have that much stress with no break."
"We already talked." Red assured. "If Samantha enjoyed the flight, we planned to send them to Disney World and what not with friends. Complimentary Nanny in tow. Steven can hit a few clubs if he wants." He shrugged. "Maybe not the most thrilling getaway for a young man, but time off anyway."
"Have I told you how much I adore you?" Liz leaned, kissing the man's lips softly.
"Not in the last hour." Red murmured, having superficially checked his watch.
"I love you so much... I want to do really dirty things to you." Liz nuzzled his chin, then kissed him one more time, her mouth promising all sorts of pleasant things. The man's system reacted accordingly.
"Twist my arm," Red muttered quietly, "... and I'll let you."
So enraptured by the salacious thoughts running through his head, Red barely heard the radio at Mark's side chime.
Sighing, Mark slid the contraption beside him, thumbing the button. "What?" He mumbled around the bite he'd just taken.
"We got a DB out three miles, south fence, sir."
Mark sat up, staring at the device almost suspiciously. "...Say what?"
The information was discretely repeated.
"Copy. Be there shortly." Mark sat his napkin down. He arose slowly, his attention suddenly for those gathered about him. "Is there something I should know? Something anyone here wishes to share?"
Red stifled a smile when each man present glanced at one another questioningly, curious if any information would be forthcoming. All shrugged innocently, including his own wife.
"Now why did he instantly assume it was one of us?" Francis demanded a fair assessment of his friends and himself...and Elizabeth.
"Because he knows you too well." Liz muttered aside, drawing a soft chuckle from Red.
"Me!" Francis squawked, giving Lizzy an incredulous look. "Oh, are we pointing fingers so early on, little Miss Innocence?"
Liz sent the man a, shut the hell up, glare.
Francis, for once, seemed to understand the veiled hint...shutting the hell up.
"Feigned innocence on you lot is somehow laughable." Mark's scowl increased, "Just once at these gatherings...I would like to get through a meal without a 'DB' being dropped somewhere on the premises." He hesitated, giving Francis one last long suffering look.
The boy seemed slightly hurt by the gesture.
"Want some company?" Intrigued by the latest development, Red put his own napkin aside, rising. He put a restraining hand on his wife's shoulder. "Not you, Sherlock."
"Why not me, Watson?" She asked plaintively.
"We've had this discussion." Red reminded sotto voce, glancing surreptitiously at the others.
Sighing heavily, Liz settled back in her seat. Red's large hand patted her shoulder gingerly.
"You ladies continue with your meal. We won't be long." He leaned to plant a soft kiss on Liz's neckline. "If you want, you can see to the rest of the packing?" His eyes met the blue sullen ones, his own amused. "Should give you something to do."
His words had been for her alone, low and somehow soothing to her temperament. He waited for the verdict.
"Well, okay." she relented moodily. "But DBs don't bother me one iota, just saying."
"Finish your food." Red motioned to her half eaten plate. "You, lady...need to keep your strength up. Can you guess why?"
A smile crept to those full, sensual lips despite Liz's determination to pout a few minutes more. "Go away. You've spoiled my good mood."
"No, I haven't." The deep, knowledgeable chuckle ran along her spine, tingling in the most pleasant of places.
The man took his leave with but one confident stare.
Liz watched as the other guys followed suit, also intrigued by current events. "They know how to empty a room faster than any group of men I've ever known."
"...So, Elizabeth," Maria redirected the ladies' attention, "has Raymond given any indication where you two will go for your honeymoon?" She placed a napkin primly on Samantha's lap. The little girl sat up straighter, her bright smile amusing everyone.
Liz smiled at Red before he stepped out the French doors and disappeared from view. "Oh, uh... no." she cleared her throat. "He wants it to be a surprise."
"Isn't that just like a man." Maria tsked. "How can you pack the right clothing, if you don't know the destination, I ask?" She sent a scolding glance Samantha's way. "Don't allow any male to say you cannot shop when the need calls, yes?"
Samantha set her features in a determined scowl, nodding furiously.
Smiling, Liz picked up her fork, returning to her dessert. "Red assured me what I have packed will suffice."
"Oh, what does he know." Maria tutted her disapproval. "Half the fun of a honeymoon is shopping for the clothes." She primly folded her napkin. "Or it was in my day."
"I don't know any really lovely spots. He is the seasoned traveler in the family." Liz's cheeks ached for smiling. "It doesn't really matter to me where we go as long as..." she assured, "we have some alone time."
"Clothing is optional in which case." Emma muttered, glancing up from her plate. "...Did I say that out loud?" She genuinely didn't know, but the looks on the women's faces suggested...she had. "I'm sorry, Maria." She referenced the little girl beside the woman.
Maria smiled gently down, then turned an impatient look Emma's way.
"You think I've never been on a honeymoon, child?" Maria lifted a stylish brow. "I have. Antonio is no different from your cowboy, I assure you. All men are the same in that area." She patted Samantha's hand consolingly as the child diligently dwindled Antonio's dessert down to a few scrapes of the spoon.
Laughing quietly, Liz shrugged. "Maybe the spot Red chose is just a laid-back one where clothes aren't the main concern for anyone."
"Yeah," Emma snorted, "whatever you say."
"That would be just like a man," Maria said, rifling through her bag, "wanting you to waltz about, naked as the day you were born, the entire honeymoon." She remembered a little one was present. "It's just a silly game men and women like to play. Here, have some pie."
"I don't know why you're grumbling, auntie?" Amanda's lips trembled with the need to smile. "I was under the impression you hoped they would return with a honeymoon baby."
Groaning internally, Liz sent Amanda a, you had to say it, look. Amanda chuckled at her friend's discomfort.
"If you want my opinion, all you girls should step up your game in that area." Maria didn't deny the accusation, "and what's wrong with wanting a man to put forth a little effort to encourage his wife to actually want to remove her clothing..it isn't good to encourage laziness on a male's part."
"Here, here!" Susan agreed, raising her flute in a toast. "Truer words were never spoken, ladies."
"I j-just wanted to say how much all your friendships have meant to me. I came here a stranger." Liz needed it said among these women. "You've taken me in. Included me when it was so important I be accepted. I truly think I have found people who accept me for who I am, flaws and all, and there is just nothing more special than that."
Maria's face softened. "You are part of us now." She spoke for those gathered, but checked to make certain her words were being well received by all. "And you are correct, this is a special group of women. We are always there for each other and always shall be. If you have trouble, we make it our own."
Susan nodded minutely, her own eyes minus the usual sarcastic gleam.
"Distance does not diminish our bond. We go our separate ways this day, yes... but we are only one phone call away if needed." Maria smiled at her friends. "That is the way of things with us. We are family. Now...you are part of the whole. And we welcome you with open arms...and hearts, Elizabeth."
Tears welled in Lizzy's blue eyes. "I love all so much." She stammered emotionally. "I don't want to leave you. I wish this time would never come to an end."
"We all feel that." Emma swiped at her eyes. "But we're here. We'll connect often, Lizzy. And when we do, it'll be a hoot!"
Laughter met with the statement. "You'll see." Susan proclaimed. "Can't wait for the first big get-together. What say you girls?"
"Let's start planning right now." Lily piped up, excitement in her lovely eyes.
Everyone glanced her way, and she blushed prettily. "...I... I am included, right?"
"Oh, honey." Susan put a reassuring arm around those slender shoulders. "You get to pick the meeting spot."
Chaos was the order of the day from that moment forward. By the end of the brunch, they had drawn battle plans up, locations suggested and vetoed...and true to their word, Lily was the deciding vote on the destination chosen.
Liz was as excited as Samantha had been earlier on. She left the meeting, floating on cloud nine, visions of a highly anticipated rendezvous dancing in her head. She wasn't leaving these women behind...she was just strengthening bonds that, hopefully, would last a lifetime.
LIZZINGTON
"So, how are we getting out there?" Danny asked as they got to the front. "We could ride the horses." He perked up.
"Why don't we just take the carts?" Mark pointed to a couple available vehicles parked nearby.
The men headed over, instinctively separating into two smaller groups. Michael's phone interrupted the trek. Red always smiled when the 'Big Ben' chimes of Michael's chosen ring tone rang out, loud and strong.
Retrieving the irritation from his pocket, he answered, listening intently for a long beat. Dropping the phone to his side, Michael waved the others to proceed. "I have to take this...I'll catch up directly."
Mark, Antonio and Francis hopped into one cart, leaving the other to Red, Dembe, and Danny.
Halfway over the grassy slopes they traversed, Danny sped his vehicle, playfully nudging Mark's cart with his bumper.
"Stop riding my ass, asshole!" Mark called back, managing the wheel expertly. "Everyone's a damned comedian these days." He grumbled.
"Given the location," Red shrugged, gesturing to the nearby fence and rural highway they traveled along now for a few miles, "it could have been a body dump." He surmised.
"Could even be an accident." Mark pondered as well. "It's a possibility a guest went horseback riding or out on an ATV and no one noticed as yet he hadn't returned."
"We speculate before having any actual information, gentlemen." Antonio reminded. "Patience."
"This isn't a Sunday drive, grandpa!" Danny yelled out, snickering when Mark flipped him off. Donovan shifted into gear, the cart taking flight.
Red pointed ahead to the security team waving them over. Pulling up beside the carts already in place, they all walked the last few feet needed. The body lay hidden behind a large fallen oak.
Red covered his mouth with a handkerchief, for he knew germs were floating aplenty by now.
"I'm only guessing here, but unless the horse was armed," Danny gestured to the bullet wound in the guy's chest, "My money is on the body drop theory." he looked to Red. "Thoughts?"
LIZZINGTON
Left to her own devices, Liz retired to a quiet sitting area just off the French doors, awaiting Red's return while she finished her coffee.
She smiled her welcome as Ben and Amy approached, taking the couch just opposite her.
"We missed you at brunch." Liz said to the pair, who now sat cuddled close on the couch.
"We ate in our room." Ben smiled as he played with Amy's hand. "Where did everyone go?" he asked.
"Some business they had to take care of." Liz shrugged, unsure if Mark would appreciate her informing other guests that there was a dead body on the grounds.
She was sure they would tell Ben all the sordid details upon their return, of course, but until then... a little discretion wouldn't kill anyone.
As they chatted about inconsequential things, Liz absently glanced at her watch, starting. "Geesh, look at the time!" She arose hastily, seeking out Silas' gaze. She tapped her watch face, grimacing slightly.
Silas rolled his eyes, waving nonchalantly for her to come on, then.
Liz sought her purse and the light jacket she carried this day. Raising from her bent position, her eyes met those of a man who clearly... had been looking her way. She smiled automatically, as was her way, but the man did not return the gesture, merely looked away.
Her brow furrowed. She vaguely recognized the guy. Well, there were hundreds of guests here...no.
Recognition dawned.
She searched out her guard, offering over a subtle crook of her head in the direction needed.
Silas gave a corresponding subtle shake of his head, alerting her he had picked up on the signal. He studied the man for a long moment, then sharply crooked his own head.
Liz knew what that meant. She turned a pleasant smile Amy and Ben's way. "I am so sorry, guys. I am running late. If I'm not packed by the time Red gets here, my ass is grass." She smiled to lessen the words. "I hate to just ..."
"No." Amy waved her hand. "As a woman, I understand all about packing. There's always another suitcase to pack that wasn't there on the trip over."
"I don't know what's delaying the guys, but I better make use of the time." Liz grinned affectionately. "Please excuse me. Can we connect down the line before everyone heads out?"
"That's a big ten-four, Little Buddy." Ben teased superficially.
Liz chuckled, taking her leave.
Making her way to Silas, Liz gave one last check on the stranger. The man sipped an amber liquid in his tumbler before once again, averting his gaze to look through the large windows behind her.
"You know him?" The large guard fell into step as Liz passed, having motioned for Matthew to take up their six. The three made for the nearest exit, seemingly in a casual manner.
"He's one of Luther Braxton's men." Liz tried to calm her frazzled nerves.
"Yeah." Silas muttered. "He's also a highly sought after Merc for hire. And he has not been on site before today."
"What does that mean, Silas?"
"It means someone has sent for him." Matthew knew. "Could have nothing to do with you, Liz... but again." Silas hastened their steps, taking Liz's arm in a secure grip.
"Silas, wait." Liz hurriedly rushed forward, having noticed a young man's approach from the opposite end of the hall they traversed. "... Steven." She whispered frantically, close enough to do so now. "Get Samantha. Leave the building immediately. Get her and Maria to safety."
"Alert Crocetti's security." Silas gruffly commanded.
"What's going on? Can I help?"
"Just do as she asks." Silas pushed the young man into action. "Don't spread panic. But yeah... something's wrong somewhere."
Steven nodded and rushed off to do as bid without a further word.
Retreating into the quiet space of Mark's office, Silas crossed the space, peering out the drawn shades. Matthew secured the door behind them.
Elizabeth waited patiently.
"What is the plan of action?" Matthew inquired, checking his weapon. "Any spare mags around here?"
Silas opened a space behind one of the built in doors of the cabinet, which lined the entire north side of the room, tossing extra magazines as fast as he could retrieve them. "We stall for time. Red and the guys will be back soon enough."
Liz looked up at her guard, concern etching her face. "Are they here for Red, do you think?"
Removing his weapon, Silas checked his magazine absently. "With who's still on site... who the hell knows? He's here for someone. We prepare for whatever goes down."
The large guard retreated to the wall safe, tapping in a string of numbers. Opening the door, he retrieved a couple of handguns, holding them out to Liz and Matthew.
"This is not the ideal spot to stage a confrontation." Matthew related his thoughts.
"No." Silas racked his brain, checking the windows again. "Let me think." He motioned for quiet."
Obeying the command, Liz checked her weapon.
Everyone froze. Footsteps could be heard approaching in the distance.
Silas lifted a silencing hand to his lips. Everyone listened and...stood perfectly still.
"Are you sure they came this way?" One male voice broke the silence. The sound seemed almost directly outside the office.
Silas moved closer to the woman, motioning her to take cover behind Mark's large oak desk, which Liz did instantly. The large man held up one finger in the air.
"You idiot! Are you sure she saw you?"A muffled but stern voice snapped irritably. "Recognized you?"
"Yeah, maybe." Another deeper, more surly reply came. "Who the hell knows?"
Silas held up two more fingers, signifying...three combatants outside that door they would have to face down.
"It's your fucking business to know."A man said reproachfully. "That's why you were hired."
"What does it matter? I'll do my job. We are working against time here." The first man grated. "They've been gone a while now, could arrive back anytime."
"Why can't we just grab them after they leave?"It was groused. "You said they're going on a honeymoon, right?"
Grasping Liz's elbow, Silas lifted her easily, a 'shh' finger to his lips. He hurriedly guided the woman across the room and to the door, which led them downstairs.
"No, we have to do it now." The merc disagreed. "Reddington will end up taking her on a world tour...our window of opportunity is now."
"We get her... we have leverage over Reddington." One said. "He'll do whatever we want for her safe return."
"Well, look for her dammit, she couldn't have gone far." The handle on the door jiggled.
Propelling them through the doorway, Silas rushed Liz quietly down the staircase with Matthew hot on their heels.
Silas motioned silently, running Liz down the corridor as the sound of the door to Mark's office opened behind them.
LIZZINGTON
Searching the grounds, Red and Dembe looked for any disturbance in the brush but found very little aside from tire tracks along the rough path they traveled to get here.
Walking forward, they met Mark and Danny coming from the opposite side.
"Well, one thing is certain, whoever killed him," Red said, "is, or was, a guest here."
"The fence line is too far off for a body drop." Antonio gestured to the distance between the body and fence in question.
Daniel nodded his agreement. "The guy's still warm, too, so it was recent."
Red scratched his head absently, staring down at the dead guy. "Anything out of the norm with anyone here recently? An argument that got out of hand, say? Deal gone bad?"
Mark scoffed a short laugh. "You mean, besides the one with Francis and Tobias, you and Edward," he ticked off on his fingers, "you and Carver, you and Natalia–"
"Yeah, yeah... I said recently, meaning something not involving me or mine." Red sighed, then glanced to his right as Francis stepped through a small thicket with Hunter Gaines by his side.
"You guys aren't very thorough." Francis said, hooking his thumb behind him. "There's another one over by the big tree."
Red glanced at the kid's meaning. A gigantic Oak held court about fifteen meters across a thicket of honeysuckle bushes.
"Another body?" Mark tossed his hands out at his sides.
"No, Mark." Francis managed a straight face. "A Leprechaun fairy... yeah, a body! Duh!"
"Leprechaun fairy." Antonio chuckled his mirth but dutifully followed to the other site.
"Any idea who it is?" The men stood quietly in a semi-circle, looking down at yet another dead guy.
Francis grimaced apologetically to Danny Courtland. "It's that guy you pummeled the other night." He crouched beside the other body, inspecting the corpse more. "Man, you did a number on him."
"Whoever this is," Hunter hooked a thumb in the needed direction, "has been out here a lot longer than the first guy. Rigor has already set it."
"We should head back." Francis arose from his crouched position.
"Or we should stay and get some more information under our belts." Daniel suggested. "Any identification? Did we search the clothes?"
"Our dead body number one was that guy Ben was talking to earlier." Francis shook some memories. "I told you Ben needed our help. This has to have something to do with how he's been acting of late."
Danny shook his head. "I saw Michael having a serious little tête-à-tête with the same guy. So, what, Francis? It's a coincidence. Shit happens."
"I need some honesty here, people." Mark was frustrated. "I can help cover this shit up, yeah, but not until I know all the particulars. You don't trust me? I don't extend my trust either."
He was getting pissed. "You all know the rules. Did anyone of you off these men? Just fess up, dammit. When have I ever judged or condemned?"
Danny scratched at his neck, bothered Mark would think something like that of him. "I haven't killed anyone here, Mark."
"You haven't left yet." Mark reminded sourly.
"He's among friends." Antonio shrugged. "He has no reason to lie."
Mark acquiesced. "That's all I've been trying to get across, Antonio."
"This isn't getting us anywhere." Red headed for the carts. "Should I call Kaplan?"
"We got it covered." Mark negated the need. "I'll hold them on ice until something comes to light."
"Whoever did this was either in a hurry or they were fucking amateurs." Danny took the driver's seat once more. "This puts the entire guest list at risk. I want to have a private talk with the bastards when...if we find them."
LIZZINGTON
Quietly traversing the dimly lit corridor, Silas swept the area with sharpened eyes.
"Stay on me..." he whispered tautly, pulling Liz closer.
"Where are we going?" Liz whispered right back, but did as demanded, staying well within the man's reach.
"The gun range." Silas said. "There's a door leading to the topside in the northwest corner."
Weaving their way through the labyrinth, Silas halted in his tracks when a door at the opposite end of the hall opened, bathing the darkened hall in a sliver of light.
He eased Liz back into the threshold of an unoccupied storeroom. Matthew ducked into a similar place of hiding a few feet back.
"I'll cover," Matthew clipped the words, covering their retreat. "Go!"
Grasping Liz's elbow in a tight grasp, Silas dragged the woman beside him as he rushed her towards the desired exit.
Matthew ducked into the opened doorway of the large storage closet; his weapon aimed at the ready. Leveling off, he trained his sights on the shadowy figures advancing toward his place of concealment.
Sounds of cautious footsteps came from behind. The young man had a decision to make, he knew.
Matthew's eye ticked, his body wound tight with the strain of the situation. He stayed calm and collected. Nerves would only get a guy killed.
He waited, hoping he had given enough time for Silas to do what he had to do.
The footsteps halted. Time seemed to stand still.
Matthew saw the glint of steel flash before the actual shot rang out.
Without hesitation, Matthew returned fire, then rapidly dashed from his cover, rushing for Liz and Silas' position.
Matthew hurriedly waved Silas to move his ass when finally, he caught sight of the pair just up ahead.
Shoving through the doorway of the gun range, the stench of gunpowder suddenly assaulted Liz as did the sound of their feet hitting thick pavement.
Slamming the door behind him, Matthew locked the handle in place.
Hurrying the woman across the concrete floor, Silas bitched when the sound of bullets hitting the steel door rang out loudly, telling him the lock would not hold long.
"Should we head topside?" Matthew questioned the previous plan.
"They'll be waiting." Silas' jaw tightened. Grabbing a couple boxes of ammunition, he evenly divided the bullets into shares. He stuffed his portion into the pockets of his cargo pants.
Silas grunted under his breath. "Take off your shoes." He hurriedly unlaced his boots.
Matthew kicked the objects out of sight.
"We'll take this corridor," Silas gestured to a long hall meant for staff, "and loop back around to Mark's office." he advised.
The unmistakable clang of the steel door banging open cut his instructions off.
"They're through." Matthew advised tightly.
"Move your ass, Liz." Silas urged, pushing the woman before him. "They won't be sure which corridor we took. Might buy us just enough time."
Running silently down the hall, Silas checked rooms as they passed, his weapon held firmly in his grasp.
They wove in and out of passages, moving as quickly as humanly possible. "This running away shit eats at my craw." Silas shared with anyone who wanted to listen.
"Don't bother my ass one little bit." Matthew shared right back. He halted, however, for the footsteps were advancing with all too much speed. "But then again...there comes a time when a guy has to stop and face the fucking music. Pardon my language."
He braced himself against the inside area of an opened doorway, weapon lifted. His eyes locked with Silas'.
"I'll stay." Silas said. "Give her more time to get to someone."
"You know that's not the way to go." Matthew grinned over. "Just as you know, you're not going to let your charge out of your sight until she's safe and secure. I've got this."
"No...you don't." Silas' face was grim, for each man knew the score.
"I've got this." Matthew motioned with his head. "Get her out of this shit. That's all that's real right now...right?"
Silas had a decision to make.
"What's the hold-up?" Liz ventured back readily, whispering urgently.
Silas closed his eyes, decision made. "Come on." He snapped tightly, grasping her arm, moving on down the way as fast as Elizabeth's legs could go.
LIZZINGTON
Mark parked the cart, climbing out, his mood no better certainly. His radio blipped at his side. He answered with a hopeful response. "What have you got?"
"Got an ID." Hunter proceeded, his tone quiet, almost stern. "Janus Xenakis. He's the one with all the bullet holes in his chest."
Everyone glanced specifically at Danny Courtland. "That's not mine."
"...I know that name." Red searched his memory.
"Why am I not surprised." Mark sighed. "Anything on the other one?"
"Security states he arrived as a visitor," Hunter relayed. "He was not a guest. The weapon used was a 38. Narrows it down, doesn't it." The man grinned. What guest at the hotel did not own or carry...a 38 special. It was a very popular little gun, indeed.
"Thank you," Mark said. "Keep me apprised." He dropped the radio to his side, clearly annoyed.
"Look, man, the first time I met the guy, I beat the shit out of his buddy. End of story where I'm concerned. Dead bodies on these grounds are not exactly an anomaly." Daniel lifted his hands out at his side. "But to just dump one on you is just damned tacky. You've always come through for us...always."
"It doesn't make any sense." Antonio agreed.
"I just don't understand," Mark sighed heavily. "What the hell is going on around here...and why?"
Red had to admit, it was a good question.
"So, you'll keep the bodies on ice for a couple days?" Danny hoped more information could be found that way.
"I should stick them in someone's fucking trunk." Mark grunted.
"There goes your five-star rating." Danny grinned.
"After today, I'm thinking about shutting this fucking place down." The young man admitted.
"Calm the hell down." Red put a reassuring hand on Mark's shoulder. "Let's not make any hasty decisions just yet. We'll get to the bottom of this shit. Give us a few hours."
"Maria would hate it if this retreat were to close." Antonio placed his hand on the other shoulder, squeezing gently. "You still have our trust, boy. Reddington and I will fix this."
"Hey!" Francis piped up brightly. "It's all so clear to me now. We should cut off a head and place it in someone's bed, à la The Godfather." He seemed to find the thought brilliant. "That should not only keep your stars but increase them a few. Who doesn't like authenticity when visiting a hotel, say?"
"That type of notoriety is something one wishes to avoid at a hotel, Francis." Red reminded waspishly.
"What sort of hotels do you frequent, boy?" Antonio needed an answer.
"I went to the Bates motel once, but it was only a big disappointment." Francis grumbled. "Damn tourist trap!"
"Were you expecting to be murdered in your shower? Does that make your stay?" Danny's expression was priceless.
"No one's going to murder me in a shower. Other way around." Francis scoffed. "You guys used to be more fun."
"There's something wrong with you, man." Danny suspected now for a few years.
"It would only have enriched the experience." Francis snapped. "I paid good money for that shower and the water was cold."
"How the hell did we get on this subject?" Antonio grated. "Shut up...the lot of you. Let me think."
Everyone...shut up.
"What's all this shit you've been spouting off about Ben and Michael." Red got down to basics after a respectable silence. "Start at the beginning..." He warned.
Francis leaned back against the cart, crossing his arms. "So, this dead guy, Xenakis, was talking out his ass, telling Ben about some once in a lifetime deal." He rolled his eyes. "Who hasn't heard that spiel before?" He wanted to know. "Trouble is, Ben seemed to be buying in."
"I thought Ben was too smart for something like that?" Danny scowled.
"Ben has issues from the past." Francis didn't feel right sharing too much of the confidence Ben had entailed. "He's never had security in his life. It's a big deal for the guy."
Danny could relate.
"I've always told him," Francis used his own philosophy in life. "Never commit to anything until you've done your research. But he's impatient and headstrong."
Mark and Daniel's heads whipped about respectfully at such a insightful remark coming from... the source it had come from.
"Thinks he's smarter than he is?" Antonio questioned, sharing a sage look with Red. "I have never met one who didn't."
"He's not like that, Antonio." Francis defended his friend. "He just needs to get his head straight, really. I'll talk to him." The boy was suddenly anxious, on edge. "It's Amy. I think she's pushing him into something he's not ready for."
"Why do you say that?" Red wanted to know.
"It's a vibe I got that night in the tent. When I was cold-cocked. I overheard them talking, but none of the conversation made any sense."
"What exactly was said?" Mark asked. "Can you remember? Are you even sure you heard it correctly? You were pretty out of it."
"I know what I heard." Francis snapped. "Amy said she didn't want to wait...then Ben said, they needed to be patient and not rush things."
"Could have been discussing their own personal relationship." Red shrugged.
"She was still on him about it later. It just seems like to me, she was putting more pressure on them than there needed to be." Francis shrugged. "Ben's just been a tense fucker since that night, is all I know."
"Well, maybe he is." Red granted. "If he's having trouble with the business, and on top of that, issues with Amy, I can see where such things could lead to stress and strain for the guy."
"Well, I think he's just being weird." Francis shared his thoughts on the matter. "If he's having that much trouble with cash flow, he could just come to us."
"Did Xenakis say anything concrete, names? Dates?" Red asked.
"The guy mentioned something about," Francis fought to remember, "...big players." He grumbled. "Some bullshit like that."
"And where does Michael come into all this?" Red continued to probe gently.
"I didn't hear much of anything." Francis admitted. "I do know, in that minute they talked, Michael looked really irritated... really pissed, which is unlike him, as you know."
"You sure he was irritated with the guy, and not Susan?" Daniel had to ask. "You said they had a nasty quarrel minutes before?"
"Michael fought with Susan?" Red allowed his surprise. "A genuine argument or one of their usual..."
"He was not happy with her." Francis had felt kinda sick to his stomach, hearing the fact. It reminded him of the times he had to sit in his room and listen to his own mom and dad have their unsettling talks.
"In all the time I've known those two," Red shook his head. "I don't think I've ever heard them have an argument that Michael didn't end up giving the woman her way." An anomaly in itself that the man didn't capitulate immediately just to keep Susan happy. He loved her to distraction...or so it seemed on the surface. "But you think it wasn't Susan he was pissed at?"
"I don't think so." Francis didn't know if it was what he thought or hoped, in reality.
"All couples argue." Antonio knew. "It would be unnatural if they did not, to some extent."
"They were arguing about something Michael's involved with." Francis remembered clearly. The kid checked with Red. "Michael said, you specifically would not like him being involved in...whatever it was."
"What the hell has gotten into everybody all of a sudden." Red sighed.
"Michael seemed very concerned about the whole thing." Francis relayed. "Susan was more like...we're all big boys, that it shouldn't really matter what you think about anything."
"She's right." Red agreed.
"What the fuck is going on?" Daniel scowled.
"Could this somehow involve...Fermin?" Antonio had indeed been thinking. "We are assuming it has something to do with our in-house family. Perhaps it does not."
"Michael would not get involved with trash like Fermin." Red shook his head at the thought.
"At the end of the day," Mark pointed out, "Fermin is just a shipper."
"I suppose..." Red granted. "Besides, he's not here." he reminded.
"He doesn't have to be to cause problems." Antonio knew well. "You insinuated Fermin was displeased with the lot of you." he motioned to the group. "Who's to say, Fermin didn't hire a hit to happen here."
"So, what if he did?" Daniel wasn't following.
"It could conceivably cause issues for Mark should law enforcement become involved." Antonio hypothesized. "And who should be here coincidentally," he lifted an imperial hand towards Red, "in attendance when they arrive?"
"In any case, Michael didn't seem to know anything about the DB." Daniel reminded. "He seemed just as curious as we were."
"Was he?" Antonio mused. "Or was he just pretending to be? It was very convenient that he received a phone call just as we were about to check on the poor, unfortunate, dead men."
"If I had popped the dead guys, I would want to go along to see what was what, though." Mark thought about the situation. "What we thought about it. What evidence, if any, I left behind at the scene."
"Xenakis." Something in Red's mind clicked. "Wasn't he in the room above us, the night Carver showed up?"
"I think he was. I'd have to check to be sure. We had well up around a thousand guests, Red." Mark motioned to an assistant. "I can check. But I know for sure, Michael and Susan's room was above you." The guy's expression hardened. "And Ben's room was to the left... I think."
"I'm trying so hard to remember this shit." Francis was not happy with himself. "What the hell is wrong with me? This is important stuff."
"Reddington." Antonio's own expression hardened, which in itself was a scary damned factor. "Are you thinking one of your friends might have somehow been involved with that fucking maniac?"
"No!" Francis instantly took umbrage. "That's not what he's saying at all...right, Red?"
Red remained silent, uncertain as yet in his own mind what he was saying ...or not.
"Right, Red?" Francis pushed. "Ben wouldn't do anything to hurt you, either. I know him. I vouch for him, Red." He staunchly defended his friend. "Michael wouldn't either!"
"Yeah, I gotta agree." Daniel concurred. "You've been friends for what," he checked with the guy, "...twenty years?"
Red nodded slowly.
"This Xenakis guy..." Daniel continued, "he's gotta be the problem, I think." The man shrugged. "Or he was until he got capped."
"Look," Mark ever the statesmen said, "this could all be a weird coincidence and not even be connected."
Each man present started to awareness, each pulling their weapon automatically as the crack of gunfire, though muffled, repeated loudly in the still of the air.
"Inside!" Danny pointed the direction as the group, en masse, took off with synchronized precision.