AUTHOR NOTE: The next couple chapters, we're fulfilling a request. I also needed the laugh so...
Besides it's fanfic. Anything goes in fanfic, right?
LIZZINGTON
July 17
"Do you see it, Miss Lizzy?" Samantha eagerly pointed down at the ground below them. "That blue pool there? I think it's a water park!"
"Oh, you know," Liz looked out the same window, "I think you're right!"
Shifting comfortably in his seat, Red smiled as he watched Lizzy listen attentively to their youngest and smallest passenger. It had been a long time since he spent any real time with a little one, and realized he missed sharing in their enthusiasm and excitement over the most innocent things.
Both women looked over, one expectantly, one with a lifted brow.
"I know, I know." Red dutifully got out the notepad. "I'll put it down on our list of places to go and things to do." He stifled a smile, reaching for a pen. "We're going to need another note pad soon." He finished his task, lifting the pad meaningfully. His eyes danced playfully, meeting the excited ones of the little girl.
"I didn't know they would have water parks in this new place."
Liz shrugged her shoulders, her vivacity matching the little one's. "Me either! I'm up for it! How about you?"
Samantha giggled happily, eagerly returning her attention to the scenery outside the plane.
Red grinned around the rim of his glass, silently wondering how the general public would have reacted if they knew that he, the hardened criminal, was also looking forward to going to that water park. The thought brought a grin to his face.
Reaffirming his hold on the tumbler dangling from his fingers, he leaned, removing his phone from his jacket pocket. Glancing down at the caller ID, he rolled his eyes before taking the call.
"Yes, Francis." He said. Tipping his glass, he finished it off, enjoying the warm burn.
"Are you here yet?" Francis asked.
"Do you see us?" Red glanced out the window at the passing clouds, his tone a droll one.
Looking off across the tarmac, Francis shook his head. "... No."
"Well, I suppose that means," Red spoke slowly, "we'll be landing in a half hour or so, like I mentioned earlier."
Francis shrugged. "I'm here, at the airport, waiting."
"I assumed you were at the airport," Red nodded. "Which begs the question...why?'
"Oh, no reason." Francis replied cheerfully.
Red sighed mentally. "Was there anything else?"
"Huh?" Francis snapped out of his stupor. "Oh, yeah...does the saucy, sexy Samar Navabi happen to be flying in with you?"
Glancing at the woman in question, who was smiling over a text she received, Red's memory was suitably jogged.
"I need to speak with you, so stay on the line. Do not hang up." Pushing from his seat, he hurriedly retreated to the bathroom and shut the door to ensure his privacy.
"Why would I hang up." Francis asked. "Can I speak with the saucy, sexy chick?"
"No." Red snipped. "Okay, have to ask this. None of my business, yeah, but..." cracking the door open, he glanced around the cubicle like someone might be listening in, then rolled his eyes for such stupidity. Was it contagious? Even over the phone?
"Francis, listen to me," Red stressed the words. "Are you listening."
"Uh," Francis pondered the question, "yeah... yeah, I hear you."
"Where is Silas?" Red wanted to know.
"Uh..." Francis looked out across the wild blue yonder at a shiny blip nearing his position. "I think that's him coming in right now. Why?"
"Shit." Red grumbled.
"After the big boom," Francis said, "his flight was diverted to JFK. Don't they know the threat is over?"
"Fuck, fuck, fuck!" Red hissed his dissension. He hoped for more time to fully drill it into Francis' skull why he needed to stay away from a certain brunette. "I saw you kiss Samar," he began, "so don't lie to me when I–"
"Oh, man Red. That woman's a great..." Francis sighed airily, "no, she's a fantastic kisser. She took me places I didn't even know exis–"
"Focus dammit!" Red snapped as he felt the jet began to make its descent. "Did you sleep with Samar?" He demanded to know. "You tell me now, so I can save your ass if need be."
"Well, sure I did," Francis replied. "But you don't have to save me from that woman. I want to be sacrificed to the love gods."
"Shit, shit shit!" Whispering the curse, Red slumped wearily. "So, you're telling me you..." he drifted away. "Okay, how serious was this meeting of the minds. Was it a one-time thing?" He hoped against hope.
How serious could a woman like Samar be about a young, inexperienced pup like...
"Uh, let me see. Well, you know, when I took her to dinner the day I met her," Francis stared off into the ether, mentally counting the moments, "when we went to Canada, eh." He sniggered at his impression. "I don't know. It happened a few times, I guess. Why? Is it important?"
"You can't remember how many times you slept with the woman!" Red quickly tempered his tone and annoyance, whispering his ire. "You, who can remember every conquest you ever made, for the simple fact you have proof illegitimate children aren't yours! But you can't remember the last week!"
"Oh! You mean, slept with her, slept with her." Francis snorted a laugh.
"What the hell did you think I meant!" Red grated irritably.
"Yeah, I never sexed her up. If I had," he boasted, "we would have never left my room."
"Shut up and listen to me, you twit!"
"Dude," Francis pouted, "you're grumpy. Tell Lizzy you need a snack or... you know." He gurgled a laugh.
"Francis, if you value your life," Red warned, "you'll listen to me when I say... back off Samar for the time being."
"Is she alright?" Francis sobered, his voice holding a tinge of concern. "Is something coming down that I don't know about? I can help her if–"
Grimacing, Red released a slow breath. "No, she's fine." He assured. "What I mean to say is, Samar is...well," he searched for the words to explain the predicament, "she's spoken for to such an extent, she may as well have a wedding band on her finger."
"Whoa... she's married!" Francis gaped, then frowned. "Is it Aram?" He asked, grimacing his distaste. "That dude is not good for her, man. I mean, not that I care about the marriage thing. It's not a big deal or even a deal breaker if she–"
Squeezing his twitching eyes tight, Red thumped the phone against his forehead to vent his frustration. "You idiot! You will care once Silas comes for your ass, gets his hands around your scrawny neck, and chokes the life from your unsuspecting body!"
"Oh? Why? What's his beef with..." Francis trailed off, canting his head curiously. "Wait." He processed the last few seconds. Finally... understanding dawned. "Whoa, dude. Are you telling me..." he pieced the puzzle together, finally seeing the big picture, "Samar is the chick Silas was mooning over when we were in California?"
"For the love of God, don't ever let him hear you say that," Red muttered tightly. "Do you have a death wish, boy?" He couldn't believe the kid wasn't grasping the seriousness of this situation. "All Silas knows is you took Samar to dinner a few times, and that you returned her to my care, unmolested! No more, no less." He stressed. "You keep your damn mouth shut about sleeping with her, in whatever context! You understand the words coming out of my mouth!"
"Yeah," Francis shrugged. "Don't tell Silas nothing or I die."
"In a nutshell!"
"Sure, yeah, okay. No problem." Francis replied agreeably. "Don't worry, piece of cake. Even I can't screw this up."
"Oh, dear lord." Red groaned tiredly.
LIZZINGTON
Getting Samantha situated in her seat, Liz returned to her own and frowned over at Red. The man anxiously tapped his foot as they began to bank and aim for the tarmac. The sound of his wedding ring beating an agitated rhythm against the seat grew in volume as they neared the asphalt.
"Something wrong?" She asked tentatively.
"No more than usual," Red gritted through his teeth. "No, I can avert a catastrophe if this damned plane ever lands. I just have to get to..." He glanced at Liz's blank expression, offering a forced smile. "No, baby. Everything's fine. I'll handle it."
"Okay then..." Liz drawled, capping her tea bottle as they eased to the ground and landed with a smooth glide. Her frown returned as Red snapped his seatbelt open and stood before the jet came to a complete stop.
Grasping an overhead bin, Red steadied himself as the plane came to a slow stop. Waving Dembe off, he headed for the door, cracking the portal open without further ado.
"Dembe, could you assist Lizzy? There's a small matter I must see to... quickly." He asked before disappearing from sight and down the stairs.
"I'm putting my money on Francis. You?" Daniel shared a look with Liz. "He's done something, I just know it."
Liz gasped lightly, rising hastily. "Oh no. I should go help Francis." She glanced about aimlessly. "Honey, can Auntie Samar help you with your stuff?" She took in the stuffed animals, coloring books and unopened snacks. "I have to go save someone's life."
Samantha's brow furrowed. "Well, yeah." She was puzzled by the statement that had just been made.
"I've got this, Liz." Samar was already gathering the little girl's booty. "What has Francis done now?" She chuckled.
Sighing, Liz shook a woeful head as she helped Samantha from her seat.
Gathering their bags, Liz and Samar followed Dembe down the aisle. "I don't know what's happened, but Red seemed a little off-kilter. I better go see what the problem is, and if it's truly a matter of life or death."
"When it comes to Francis," Daniel grinned, "it can go either way."
"Go on now Sammy, Joe will meet you just at the end of the stairs." Liz smiled at the little girl.
Gathering her little pink carry-on, and stuffed bunny Red had bought her in the airport gift shop, Samantha beamed a smile and rushed for the door. Peering out the opened doorway, she waved frantically at the waiting guard. "Hi, Mr. Joe!" She said before she, too, vanished from sight.
Tossing the lighter of the toys into a bag, Samar loaded Daniel down with most of the stuffed animals. The big cowboy looked ridiculous carrying the fluffy cargo, but Liz didn't think anyone would dare mention the fact to the bulky individual. And Danny seemed okay with his assigned lot in life, trailing slowly behind the two women.
"You guys are gonna ruin me." Samar said. "That was the most comfortable and smoothest flight I've ever experienced."
"If Red gets his way," Liz said, "and he usually does," she granted, "we'll be taking the jet from here on out should we require it for work."
"You'll hear no complaints out of me," Samar said then stepped down onto the pavement, her attention caught by Samantha's over enthusiastic yelp of surprise.
"Mr. Silas!" Samantha bounced excitedly up and down as the stocky guard lumbered into view.
Silas' smile was for the little one, but he managed to lift a burning stare directed at the exotic beauty who had just traversed the stairs of the jet.
Samantha took off, a bundle of bottled-up gleeful joy, running straight for the burly guard.
She jumped at the last second, bounding into his capable arms.
Her small arms hugged Silas' neck tightly. "I missed you!" She squealed right into his ear.
Silas had grimaced, for his wound pulled hard by the attack, but he shrugged the pain aside. "The tickle monster missed you more!" He nuzzled his beard into the small child's neckline, making her squiggle and giggle, trying to halt his own attack.
"Oh, my god, no." Steven had rushed up, taking the kid from Silas' arms. "He's hurt, Sammy..." He gruffly admonished.
"I'm not either." Silas took the kid back. "You leave my woman alone. No one manhandles her except...me!" He returned to his beard thing, growling and tickling her relentlessly, which caused more giggles from Samantha.
Hooking her arm around his shoulders, Samantha kissed his scruffy cheek, then gestured back to the sleek jet. "Did you see us land!" She asked. "How high up were we? Were we going fast?"
"Yes," Smoothing her dress down her legs, Silas replied to the questions asked, "about a thousand feet up," he tossed out a number that made Samantha's eyes widen, "and you were moving so fast you blurred."
"That's what I thought." Samantha nodded seriously.
He settled down, hoisting her in his good arm, throwing his duffle bag into Steven's chest. "Make yourself useful."
Steven relaxed mentally, seeing his sister wasn't the nuisance, he thought. Hefting Silas' bag, he headed for the SUV to help load the luggage. "If you're sure, sir." Steven clearly had his doubts.
"Plant one right here." Silas touched his cheek, his attention for Samantha alone. The little girl dutifully kissed the scruffy, scratchy surface yet again, hugging tightly for a long beat. Silas noted Liz was favoring her arm, trying to get her carry-on situated properly.
"Hey." The guard brought the fact to Steven's attention. The kid rushed over, taking the burden readily.
"I have this, Ma'am–"
"Liz." The woman sighed heavily. "My name is...Liz. Remember?" It was her turn to admonish. "You make me feel so old when you call me that."
"Well, you're not a spring chicken anymore." Silas couldn't resist.
Liz's mouth fell agape. "Said the pot to the kettle!"
Samar's mouth twitched noticeably, Silas noticed.
"You find that amusing, lady?" His eyes traveled her form with masculine appreciation.
"A little." Samar's cute nose twitched ever so slightly.
"You met my woman here?" Silas introduced Samantha, who giggled for his efforts.
"She's the love of my life." Hearing Francis' tag line come out of Silas' mouth, Liz rolled expressive eyes. "I just happen to have brought her a gift because I love her so much it hurts."
"You brought me a present?" Silas tried very hard not to smile, for the sweetest lisp came out of that question. Samantha was still minus her two front teeth, obviously.
"Of course I did. You were in my thoughts each second of the day, my precious." Silas frowned over his answer. "Besides, if I hadn't, you would have beat me up, right?"
Samantha giggled.
"I would have you forgotten my gift." Samar informed him readily.
The grey eyes shifted to her mischievous brown ones. "Into the rough stuff, are you?" His look said he approved of her downfall. He instantly returned his interest elsewhere. "See that green bag over there, the one your brother is about to hide away? You better run over there and get your present out of it. Tell him I said to let you. It's in the pink gift bag."
Samantha was off like a shot.
"Did you get me a gift?" Liz had patiently stood, waiting her turn. "You promised you would."
"I did not." Silas didn't remember any such thing.
"But you did." Liz encouraged. "Is it in the green bag?" She pointed eagerly.
"Yeah." The man sighed dramatically, and Liz was off like a shot as well.
Samar's eyes softened, remembering the exchange between the small child and the normally gruff and salacious guard. "You're good with kids."
"I'm better with older women." He advised, that stare a quietly intent one. "You miss me?"
"A little." Samar repeated her earlier rejoinder. "You miss me?"
"A lot." Those blue eyed deepened. "A hell of a lot."
Samar's stance softened. "Good." She compressed her lips for a beat. "You hurt your injury when you caught the little one, didn't you."
"Want to kiss it and make it all better?" Silas lifted an inquiring brow.
"I want to kiss...you." Samar laid it on the line, the remark a tenderly stated one.
"Oh, hell yeah, baby." Silas stepped, mindless of who was watching, his arms going about the curvaceous frame. He tugged gently, enclosing Samar into his embrace. His mouth descended slowly, his eyes taking in the beauty of the lovely features and the wind-blown hair.
Lifting her lips, Samar's eyes closed to the wondrous emotions infiltrating her senses.
Silas' mouth parted the full, sensual lips, the tip of his tongue easing erotically into the sweet, warm moisture awaiting his exploration. He grunted his annoyance, for his cock instantly responded to the stimuli. "Angel..." he whispered huskily, "I've dreamed of this moment."
Samar's arms lifted, encircling the muscular neckline as she tip-toed, leaning to the massive chest, her lips hungry on his experienced ones.
Silas' forearm flexed, bringing the small, flat stomach hard against his quavering one, the evidence of his early involvement readily felt.
"Is that my gift?" Those creamy brown orbs opened, sultry with Samar's own participation in the proceedings at hand.
"I can do better than that." The guard dismissed the literal issue between them. "That's not where I start, anyway."
"Where do you start?" Samar's fingers worked their magic in the long hair at his nape, her attention focused and fixed on the man's intent stare.
"Where would you like?" He dropped his interest boldly, his fingers inching down, sliding between their bodies, but Silas was careful to hide his activities from any prying eyes. "Here?" Those inquisitive digits rubbed an enticing caress across the mound of the woman's nether regions, then massaged the warm crease lovingly.
Samar's eyes closed, a soft whimper of delight escaping her throat.
"Hum," Touching her lips, Silas' psyche melded to hers. "That little spot is getting all damp for me."
Samar delicately broke the contact, leaning slightly from the probing fingers.
Silas glanced irritably at the other people gathered across the way, sensing that was the reason his playtime was being hindered. Noting movement at his side, Silas shifted his attention downward.
"If I am your woman, why are you kissing her?"
Samar eased her arms from about the guard's shoulders, her eyes dancing with delight at his predicament.
"She's one pushy dame." Silas defended himself. "I told her to back off, my heart was taken." He shook a woeful head.
Samantha threw an accusing look Samar's way.
"Oh, grown-ups kiss at the drop of a hat." Samar rallied easily. "I know he belongs to you. My heart belongs to that man over there. I was just being nice. It didn't mean anything."
Silas lifted his brows for the colossal lie, letting the woman know, he knew...it meant something to both participants.
"That guy?" He had noted the direction Samar had pointed. "The one with his finger up his," he glanced down to inquisitive, interested eyes, "...nose."
Francis stood, happily oblivious to the fact, he was now the topic of a very pointed conversation.
Samantha didn't seem to believe a woman would choose Francis over the hunk standing above her just now either.
"He has lots of money." Samar explained cheekily. "And he's a really good kisser."
Silas' expression cooled. "And you know this...how?"
"I asked about his money." Samar explained. "And, well..." she smiled innocently down to a patiently waiting Samantha, "I kissed him, of course."
"Oh, you did." Silas' scowl came to the fore.
"Just once." Samar hastily set the record straight.
"You can kiss me if you want, Mr. Silas." Samantha was giddy with the notion he might, clearly.
"Hey," Samar shifted Silas a teasing eye before looking at the little girl, "I thought Daniel was your boyfriend?"
"Mommy always told me," Samantha confided, "I should keep my options open." She said, then frowned curiously. "Whatever that means."
"It's a good philosophy, kid." Silas lost his mood, hauling the kid up like a piece of luggage. Tucking her under his arm, he rested the giggling bundle on his hip as he walked to the SUV.
Samantha willingly relaxed, allowing her form to drape, her arms and feet sloshing about as the man walked. "I've never been carried like this before." She called up from her indisposed position. "I like it."
"I'll carry you over the threshold like this after we're married." Silas promised. He cut Samar a look. "Most women enjoy such things, I know."
Samar was hard-pressed to hold her amusement, but she managed. "Oh, yes." She chimed in. "I also like when a man hangs me from the chandeliers."
"Do you now. You're one classy broad." Silas was back to his approving ways. "It's unfortunate I don't have one," he said. "I do have a mirrored ceiling and a swing that may be of interest to you, however."
"I hang upside down on the swing set at school," Samantha joined in the conversation.
Silas cut Samar an appraising glance. "Now... that's a visual."
"Yes, it is." Samar batted coquettish lashes.
"It's fun!" Samantha put her two-cents in.
Smiling down at the innocent child, Samar cocked a brow Silas' way. "Fun... that's a good word for it."
Cricking his neck, Silas sighed, then righted the child. "Are you hungry?"
"I could go for a burger and shake." Samantha answered rapidly, her eyes getting bigger. "And maybe some fries."
"My lady's wish." Silas inclined his head regally. "Climb in the car. We'll make a burger run."
Samantha hopped to it.
Silas shifted the lady by his side a seductive intentness. "What do you think you might want to go for?"
The brown eyes swept the front of the man's cargo pants with open interest. She lifted an innocent stare. "A Burger and shake...maybe some fries."
"I can't interest you in a foot-long wiener?" The man kept a perfectly straight face.
"Foot-long." The woman mused. "Sure. Where would you find one?"
"Bitch." Samar grinned impishly as the man's deep sensual tone caressed her. "I am beginning to really...really like you."
"Keep it that way." She followed Samantha's path, those sultry hips catching every man's attention as she passed, Silas noted with chagrin.
He drew in a cleansing breath, casting his fellow constituents a sullen glare as he, too, made his way to the vehicle's door.
"Silas, I love my gift!" Liz, coming out of nowhere, hugged the burly individual enthusiastically.
She had her mouth full of candy, having given a wrapper over to Samantha's greedy little hands as well. "I knew you wouldn't forget me. I'm going to open this one in the car." She held up another prize. "I got you something too, but you're going to have to wait because I thought you would make me wait. But you didn't, but you have to."
"Shut up and get in the car."
"Okay." Liz slid in beside Samantha, eagerly showing her present to the little girl. "I got two."
Usually, he sat in front with Dembe, but since he technically wasn't on duty, Silas slid his bulk in beside Samar.
"Silas." The dark beauty had been musing, having watched Liz and Samantha absently. "A question." She turned to him, an attractive scowl in place.
"Yeah, I really love those slacks on you." He lowered his voice, but Liz and Samantha were chattering away, unmindful of anyone else. "I would love it more if they were off you."
Samar licked her lips, hiding her amusement.
"Don't do that." It was chastised. "Don't lick anything when you know I can't reciprocate, woman."
"If I had to leave for an assignment right now...right this moment. Would you understand?" She played a hunch, hoping against hope her instincts about this man were well-founded.
Silas thought maybe she was trying to tell him something, so he considered carefully, his disappointment acute. "I would understand, but I'd hate it like hell." He decided, for her sake, cause he knew her job would often be a factor in any relationship she might undertake. "Why, you going somewhere?" His eyes allowed his sadness. "Want some company?"
"I'm not going anywhere that I know of." Samar was well pleased with his answer, so she rewarded him. Her hand, hidden by a discretely placed sweater...eased over the bulge in those cargo pants, the slender fingers finding and massaging his ever-enlarging manhood.
Glancing down at the hidden movement, Silas nodded imperceptibly. "I take it this," he motioned, "means I've earned your approval."
"Perhaps," Samar shrugged, "or... I'm just the curious type."
Brown eyes held blue. "Do you like the curious type?" Her thumb massaged the head of his crown lovingly. "I know Samantha is your one and only... but you seem the type of man who needs more than just one woman can supply. Am I wrong."
"Yeah, you're wrong." He reached beneath the sweater, his huge hand grasping, holding her to her pastime. "I'm as loyal as a ..." he tempered his speech for Samantha had turned large eyes his way for one second, before something Liz showed her outside the passing scenery caught that frantic interest, "fucking lap dog."
"I like dogs." Samar smiled prettily for him, disengaging her hand, which he was insisting massage a little more than she had intended.
"Silas?" Liz rifled through her purse for her lip balm, mindless of the tension blanketing the SUV.
Glaring at the interruption, Silas slammed his head back against the seat. Hearing the sound, Red shifted his attention towards the grumbling guard. Catching sight of the sweater in the man's lap, and the placement of Samar's hand... he had a damn good idea the activities taking place. Releasing his own sigh of discontent, he returned his attention to the world outside the window.
"Did Antonio and Maria happen to say where we were supposed to meet them?" Liz asked, handing a spare tube to her new BFF.
Samantha immediately opened the stick, applying gobs on the tiny mouth.
Frowning, Liz lifted her head when silence met the question, just then noticing Silas was otherwise engaged. Slowly shifting her eyes between her guard and Samar, Liz suddenly felt the third wheel in the dynamic.
She wasn't sure how to take it at first. Then her heart melted, for Silas seemed so taken and...content.
Liz smiled happily. Then she noted the sweater staged so effectively between the two consenting adults. "Hey...hand me that sweater." She demanded, throwing an accusatory dagger between the two adults, her eyes hastily shifting to the child in the car.
Silas caught the by-play, rolling his eyes. Samar held her grin, handing over the offending material.
Liz's glare told them, I know why that's there...Red would do something like that, but there is a kid in the vehicle, after all.
Silas sat back, his fun time ended, he knew. He threw the woman a murderous glare.
Liz lifted a defiant stare right back.
Samantha was staring as well. "Are you mad?"
"Mad?" Liz laughed gaily. "Oh, gosh no. I'm just..." She glanced at the sweater she now held.
"Cold?" Silas supplied readily, his own stare an accusing one. "Unfeeling? Heartless? A prude?"
"I am not a prude!" Liz took immediate exception.
Samar turned her head hastily to hide her grin.
"Oh, Silas. You're just tired. You didn't rest like I told you, did you." Liz altered her outlook instantly. "I knew it. What are we going to do with you?"
"I know what I'd like to do to you." He mumbled his dissension.
"You'll feel better when you're home." Liz decided. "Now, I'm going to open my other gift." She practically squealed her delight, the man's grumpiness forgotten and filed.
Silas rubbed his beefy hand over his face, growling low for his lot in life.
"I like you people." Samar sighed her growing happiness.
Presenting her gift for Red to see, Liz beamed happily when the man kissed her smiling lips.
"Told you he'd get you something," Red murmured lovingly.
Glancing at the other occupants in the car, Liz found all otherwise engaged. Slyly dropping the sweater to Red's lap, she eased her fingers over the bulge she found, giving him a confident stroke.
Lowering his attention to the action, Red's brows lifted in surprise.
"I got something for you..." She murmured, then placed her mouth to his, muffling Red's sigh of contentment.
LIZZINGTON
Slowly walking through the shaded garden, Red watched as Antonio and Maria showed Samantha and Steven their new home.
Samantha clutched Lizzy and Maria's hands, skipping happily between them, chattering away about everything under the sun, oblivious to her brother's shock and awe.
Guiding Steven forward, Antonio smothered a grin as the boy gawked at the opulence surrounding them. His attention flitted between the outdoor pool and the tennis courts before gaping at the indoor pool. His head tilted upward slowly, taking in the towering home looming above him, his mouth falling further agape.
Chuckling quietly, Red shifted his attention from Lizzy, scanning the bubbling fountains beside him in passing.
Watching Silas and Samar for a beat, Red shook his head when their playtime grew into something a little private, so he grinned and found another amusement.
Hearing a soft sniggering at his side, Red turned, finding Francis smirking his realization. Red had deliberately put himself between the hefty guard and the young idiot, just to make sure no unnecessary conversations had to be cut short.
He wanted to be on hand to physically put his hand over Francis' mouth if the need arose.
"What?" Red frowned and looked at the younger man's meaning.
"Steven looked...relaxed, didn't he." Francis had noted the fact. "He got laid, right?"
Red held his reply for little Miss Big-Ears often heard more than a little one should in this crowd. He made sure Samantha was otherwise occupied.
She and Lizzy were blowing bubbles. Silas was giving them both the death look, for most of the wet, cheerful mess was landing his way.
"Steven needed a little downtime, Francis." Sitting down on a lounge, Red nodded his thanks as Matthew, the in-house cook, placed a couple drinks on the table. "Thank you, Matthew."
"We all do." Francis grinned. "Danny gave most of the details." He sipped his drink, then cackled gleefully. "Did you know the girl Steven was with?"
Red had racked his brain, for the young woman had looked familiar. "Not off the top of my head, no."
"Yeah, you do." Francis jogged some memories. "That was Teresa Moran. Big Jake's daughter."
Red's head whipped around. "The shit you say." His mouth fell agape. "What are the odds."
He sat back, pondering on the possibilities the universe threw out, then glanced at Steven. "Nothing like keeping it in the family, I guess."
"Big Jake threw that tantrum a couple months back, remember, when his oldest daughter, Alison, married Greg Forester?"
Red remembered the moment well, as he had orchestrated the entire thing. "Well, it's understandable." He could see where it might be. "It was Jake's daughter."
"That courtship would never have gone the distance without your interference." Francis blithely reminded.
"I didn't interfere." Red sighed heavily. "Greg asked me to intercede on his behalf, that's all."
"Interceding doesn't usually involve weapons drawn, does it?" Francis was unclear on that part of the transaction.
Red cut the kid a look. "There were no weapons involved, Francis."
"I thought it was a shot-gun wedding.." Francis mused.
"That's just a figure of speech, Francis."
"Not with our crowd," Francis begged to differ. "You are one good negotiator, Red, I have to say."
"Oh, shut up, Francis." Red miffed. "They were perfect for one another, and very much in love."
"What about Steven and Teresa, are they in love?"
"They're just in lust." Red saw the humor finally.
A gurgled laugh escaped the younger man's throat. "I knew I liked that kid. He might just push Big Jake to a coronary. It just tickles my funny bone to think it might end up like a fairy tale."
"The Brothers Grimm version, yes." Red snipped. "Still feuding with Jake, are we." He knew well enough.
"He's an idiot," Francis grumbled. "In any case, what are the chances Steven's gonna tap Teresa's ass again anytime soon?"
"Who knows what the Fates have in mind. Teresa is attending high-school here in the DC area," Red related what he knew.
"High-school!" Francis' eyes widened. "Steven's robbing the cradle?"
"Relax," Red said. "She's going to be nineteen in a few months."
"What the hell's she still doing in high-school then?"
"Like her sister," Red said, "she got mixed up in a little trouble that set her back a year."
Lizzy and Samantha had moved onto Barbie dolls because Silas had confiscated their bubble making machine.
"Hey." Red grabbed everyone's wandering attention. "None of you give Steven a hard time. I want him to know he can come to us should he need to and not be embarrassed about any topic under the sun."
Red eyed his companions belligerently, mainly Lizzy and Francis.
Liz held up her hands in the universal sign of peace. "Not until he knows us better, honey. I totally agree with you on that one."
Red glanced to...
"Hey, I'm all for the kid. I was in his shoes once, a long time ago." Francis reminded. "Of course, I'm over that inexperienced, novice stage." He gave Samar a bold up and down sweep of a rather lascivious look, a fact Silas did not miss were his dark, brooding killer of a scowl any criteria by which to judge.
Red jabbed his elbow into the kid's rib cage, his own look a disbelieving one. "Have we not just discussed this?"
"Oh, yeah." Francis sat back hastily, straightening his demeanor rapidly, his wolfish grin sobering instantly. "I forgot." He whispered right back.
"You fucking... forgot?" Red was stunned, casting a quick glance at his head guard, who still did not seem all that happy with Francis' unthinking gesture.
Samar leaned her shoulder into the man's, nudging Silas in open affection, which eased that black brow somewhat, Red was happy to note. He breathed easier.
"Mr. Red!" Samantha came bouncing over to him excitedly.
Red smiled down at the little girl. "What do you have there...let me see." He took the Barbie doll, giving over his attention.
Samantha pointed eagerly. "She has my very best forever outfit on."
"She wants one of those." Liz confided in a stage whisper.
"I'll let Antonio know." Red spread his hands helplessly, his expression a hapless one. He noted Samantha's fallen expression. "I'm just kidding, honey. Of course I'll buy you anything you need."
"She needs that outfit, Red." Liz was pretty sure, her expression saying as much.
Silas sighed heavily, throwing both Liz and Samantha a look. The little girl fell into a sulky pout. Liz stuck her tongue out at the man, grimacing, returning his disapproving glare.
"You're spoiling her." Francis said, sotto voce. "But maybe she needs a little spoiling for a while." He smiled over at the adorable little face. "If he doesn't buy it for you, I will." Samantha was assured.
"It's okay, I don't really need anything else. Stevie will be mad at me for asking." The little girl teared up. "Don't tell him. I didn't really mean it."
"Hey, little one." Red scooted forward. "You don't cry now, okay. Everything is just fine here. I was joking and you should know that, right? I love getting you things. I love that smile of yours." He cajoled. "Can I see it now, do you think?"
Samantha checked with Silas, who crossed his eyes and pulled a face for her. She giggled, tears shining in her eyes.
Liz cradled her to her side, grinning down. "You just don't worry about anything for a while. We got it covered."
"Are you excited to be here in DC?" Francis moved things forward. "We got some water parks you might find interesting."
The little girl brightened. "Mr. Red said we could go some weekend when school wasn't in."
"I'm there." Francis nodded solemnly. Which made the little one dimple instantly.
"You have a lot of money, right?" Samantha remembered Samar's remarks. The lovely woman chuckled for Francis' confused stare.
"I have some, yeah. Does that mean I get to pay?" Francis played along.
"I have to earn the money or Stevie says I can't go to places like that cause we have to watch our budget." Samantha scowled darkly. "I don't know what a budget is, but I can watch it. Maybe I can get some money for that, right?"
Red chuckled. "I pay a lot of big bucks for people to watch mine, so...yeah. You could, I guess."
"Yes." The girl nodded seriously. "I think Stevie will be happier here." Her face fell slightly until Red cupped her chin and made her look at him.
"I hope so too, honey." The man's eyes softened. "But you know what? I hope you're happy here, too. And I know Steven feels the same way."
"Stevie has been sad lately."
"Yes, I know, but I think it will be much better now, in this new home."
Silas held his arms out, and the little one hastily made a dash for the large being. She was cuddled in his massive embrace. Liz noted she almost disappeared within the sphere of the muscular arms.
Silas kissed the top of her head, instinctively rocking the child comfortingly. "You stop worrying about anything. We're here to help your brother and you know I'll always be there if you need anything, right?" He checked with her.
She nodded vigorously.
"Right, so...let's find that burger we discussed." He motioned to Matthew over by the grill. "I'm starving, woman!"
Sammy snuggled close and was all smiles again.
Samar's gaze was a quiet one as she studied the enigma before her.
LIZZINGTON
Red stretched out, kinking his back this way and that. He was glad to be home.
Steven and Samantha were in excellent hands. Antonio himself, took charge of any and all things.
Red felt superfluous, so when it had been time to go, he could do so with a clear conscience.
He watched the news, but he wasn't all that invested in any of the headlines being scrawled across the set.
A light tap caught his attention.
Silas was poised, hand on the knob. "Got a second?"
Red smiled his welcome, starting to rise.
"Stay. It's where I'm going to be in few." The guard waved off any formalities, coming into the room. "Come..." he motioned, then sighed after a brief hesitation. "Stop biting that and come here."
Biting back a grin, Red watched Silas' pup stumble through the doorway and trip over the massive toy it attempted to carry. Toppling over the stuffed animal, the pup rolled to its back. Its feet stuck up in the air, thrashing for all he was worth, but to no avail.
Silas stepped to peer down at the dog, a small tick pulling at his lip."Ate too much, huh?" He said, but bent and righted the animal. Shaking off the rapid movement, the dog stood still a moment before pouncing, biting his stuffed giraffe's neck.
Grabbing the stuffed animal by the tail, Silas grinned when his dog whipped its head back and forth and growled ferociously... before he lost his grip and flopped to the floor.
Perching on the end of a table, Silas righted the animal once more, then looked at Red, his gaze a direct one.
"I shot Vitsin."
Dropping his head back into the cushion, Red groaned his disbelief. "You...what?" He wasn't really all that surprised, but...
"Yeah, just a flesh wound." Silas waved a dismissive hand. "He had it coming."
Red couldn't say much to that. "...Okay."
"I shot him in the foot." Silas nodded amicably. "The toe came right off. You should have seen his face. Did my heart good."
Red held his reaction one way or another. "...I cannot believe this," He whispered to himself.
"Thought you would want an update."
Red nodded curtly. "Yeah, that's good." His eye twitched. "Keep me on top of things."
Liz rounded the corner, breezing into the room, her own puppy held lovingly in her arms.
"We'll discuss this later." Red glared at the guard then smiled at his wife.
"Thank you, Silas for my lovely gift." She beamed the guy a smile. "I love gifts."
"Yeah, got that." The burly man nodded. "You're welcome...loved mine too."
Red glanced down at the pup, who was now snoring away on Silas' boot top.
"You can use it anytime, you know." Liz reminded. "It's open-ended."
Frowning, Red lifted his attention away from the dog, checking with both individuals.
"A trip to the Caymans." Silas explained.
"Ah..." Shrugging internally, Red chuckled quietly.
"Well," Liz explained herself, "Silas got me two presents. It's only fair I... we... return the favor."
"I see." Red nodded. "Very nice, sweetheart."
"It's for two, did you note?" Liz fished openly. "I think Samar has some time coming. She usually just goes home for a while, but doesn't a sunny, all-expensive paid trip to paradise sound good?"
Sitting her puppy on Red's chest, Liz climbed over his prone form to scoot in beside him, wedging her way into the small space on the couch. The man lifted his arm, making room.
"Come here, baby." She made a soft kissing sound, pulling her puppy to lay against her and Red.
Silas swept his hands apart, his expression comically awry. "There's a perfectly good chair right there, woman." He motioned. "Don't you know what personal space is. You're invading it, just in case you don't."
"Red doesn't mind." The accusation went over the woman's head. "Do you, Red?"
Resting his head back against the pillow, Red chuckled and kissed her brow. "No, baby... I don't mind." He really didn't. It was nice to cuddle with the wife. Damn nice...
"See, he doesn't mind." Liz assured before slinging her leg over Red's thigh.
"Yeah, cause he wants to get laid later." Silas countered.
"Shut up, Silas." Red murmured aside, snuggling to the curvy frame beside him. Smiling down at the tilted face, he kissed her little scrunched nose.
"What were you talking about when I came in?" Liz wanted to know.
"Nothing, really." Red cut the guard a dangerous look. "Silas shot some guy in the foot."
"Oh...okay." She smiled prettily at both men. "Are you going out again tonight, Silas?" She fished.
The guard arose, shaking his head. "Do you want to know what color underwear I'm going to choose?"
Liz rolled her eyes. "I didn't think you wore any." Red held his chuckle as best he could.
"I named my puppy!" Liz alerted all present, including the still sleeping dog.
"What... Bubbles, Tinkerbell?" Silas hazard a guess.
"No, you idiot." Liz kissed the bug-eyed pup, then smiled brightly. "His name is Nemo."
"Nemo..." Silas repeated. "Like the fucking fish."
Red smiled at the woman's choice.
"No..." Liz drawled her disdain, "the Nautilus captain. What did you name him?" She asked of Silas' puppy.
"Anubis." The dog perked up, looking at its master curiously. "See, he likes it." Silas said.
"Anubis!" Liz gasped. "That's no name for a sweet, innocent puppy!"
Holding his tongue, Red silently nodded his approval then kissed Lizzy's temple soothingly to ease her horror.
"He won't be a sweet, innocent puppy for long." Silas said. "I'll be training him to be blood thirsty… much like you."
"Anubis," Liz searched her memory, "isn't that a pagan God?"
"I believe Anubis is the Egyptian God of the dead." Red stated factually.
"Which is what anyone will be when they approach him, once I train him properly." Silas also stated factually.
Silas' brow furrowed, but Red sensed the man wasn't tuning into Liz any longer. Something on the television had caught his interest. "...Isn't that..."
Red glanced, his blood turning cold for the recognized face.
Liz sat up, a disgruntled gasp escaping her throat. "That little weasel. What has he done now?"
Both Red and Liz struggled upright. Red peered more intently as he read the closed-caption. "He's missing?"
Silas shook his head once again. "That's what it says."
Red turned the volume up, listening to the staid reporter.
Long-time resident, Glen Carter has gone missing. He was last seen leaving his job at the DMV on Monday after work. CCTV shows him here, getting into his car and driving away. His whereabouts are unknown. His relatives are asking for any information available. Please notify the Metro Police department Crime Stoppers if you have knowledge of this man's whereabouts.
Red turned the set down. "What the fuck has that little asshole gotten himself into now?"
No sooner than the words left his mouth...the phone rang.
Silas handed the cell over as Red had left it on the desk. The man closed his eyes but took the call. "Hello Paula. I see our boy is in trouble...again." He forced a politeness. "What can I do to help."
Silas grinned over, reseating himself on the edge of the desk.
LIZZINGTON
"How the hell are we supposed to locate the Finder?" Was Red's question. "Without the asshole's help to find him?"
Silas mused openly. "We can fall back on the old ways, I suppose."
"Or..." Liz shrugged her slender shoulders, "we could just try calling the spawn from hell."
Both men exchanged oblique looks.
Red turned to his phone and in seconds... "Glen?"
"We can't talk long. This is probably being traced." The little sprout of a man hurriedly continued. "Meet me at the Krispy Kreme in the Dupont Circle in an hour."
"Don't you dare hang up, you damn gnome." Red warned. "Your mother is very concerned about you. She's worried sick!" Dropping his chin, he grunted irritably for the words just said. "Now, you tell me, what's going on this time?"
"This is a matter of National Security." Glen whispered harshly. "Where is your National pride?"
"It's about to go to bed. So, unless you–"
"Just meet me in an hour." The man snapped, then hung up the phone with a decided click.
Red looked at the screen, his expression a disgruntled one. "The dumbass hung up on me."
Silas scowled. "I'll get the vehicle up and ready."
"We're not really going on this ridiculous jaunt." Red was mystified.
"But, honey," Liz grimaced apologetically, "it concerns National Security."
Red's face blanched. "No, it doesn't!" He assured readily. "Glen lies, baby...continuously!"
"Hey, I could use a donut." Silas held his grin. "Dembe's on a date..." he shrugged, "it's been a dull week and Samar has duty tonight."
"Oh, poor baby." Liz commiserated. "That's why you're not going out."
"Shut up." Silas suggested evenly.
LIZZINGTON
One Hour Later:
Silas pulled the SUV into a convenient parking space. "So, where do we begin." He noted the place was heavily occupied with people; tourists and locals alike. The parking lot was filled.
Red got out of the car. "Oh, it won't be hard to spot the insect."
"There's a lot of people here, man."
Searching those people...Red stopped. Over by the bike rack, under one of the brightest lights in the lot, Glen stood, coffee and donut in hand, casually eating away.
Red motioned to his companion, and they crossed the area in sync. Silas continued on, walking right up to the little man. He exchanged some words, then crooked his head for the man to follow.
Red waited patiently in a less conspicuous spot, over by the fountain, under the overhang of some trees.
Glen was glancing around, clearly watching his back.
Red sighed heavily, wondering what fiasco he had gotten himself into this time. Why did this keep happening to him? He knew why...because he was a sucker that fell for each and every fucking scheme the fucker concocted, that's why. And this time would be no different.
"You're standing under a light post in the middle of D.C. because it's the most inconspicuous spot you could find?" Red stated without preamble.
"You just don't understand the methods used by professionals, man." Glen sighed. "Being conspicuous means no one pays any attention at all. Case in point. I've been here for half an hour! Nothing. Two cops came by. I bought them glazed donuts."
Red nodded aimlessly. "Why did I come out here at this hour of the night? Tell me that and tell me...now." He jabbed a finger at Glen, his jaw working restlessly.
"What is that!" Glen recoiled in disgust.
Gritting his teeth, Red scowled at the troll of a man. "What the hell is what!"
"That!" Glen grimaced away, pointing at Red's hand. The increased pitch in the man's voice grated on Red's nerves
Glancing down at whatever it was that offended the twit, Red only found the dark band encircling his finger.
"What the hell do you think it is!" Red snapped his ire. "It's a wedding band, you dumbass!"
"Why didn't I, you're very best man, get an invite!" Glen demanded to know.ྭ
"There would have been only one role for you at my wedding," Red snarled, "but I thought Lizzy taking a whack at the pinata would be tacky." His eye noticeably twitched. "I have, regrettably, only now seen the error of my ways."
Silas shrugged when Glen adopted an offended expression. "You are full of it... shit, I mean." The guard clarified.
"I don't see why you bought the cow," Glen shoved his glasses upwards, snorting a derisive sound only a Pug would be envious of, "when you got the milk for free."
"I'm sure your wife..." Red scoffed at the very idea.
"Whoever the hell she is," Silas muttered, "may God have mercy on her soul." He crossed himself sacredly.
"...Will ask herself why she bought the entire pig," Red continued, giving Glen a disdainful once over, "for only a tiny bit of sausage."
"Barnum really was right," Glen gloated, "there's a sucker born every minute."
Red snapped his hand upright, silencing the smarmy bastard's mindless drivel. "Now..." he growled, "tell me why I'm here," he gritted through clenched teeth, "or I swear, I'll snap your damn neck!" Red felt his blood pressure reach a critical level.
Glancing suspiciously about, Glen leaned forward, lowering his naturally grating tone. "You won't believe this."
"Oh, I know that much." Red agreed wholeheartedly.
"This concerns...aliens."
"...What?" The word snapped in the balmy air like a cracked whip.
"It's true, man. This is on the up and up. My friend can show you proof. I've seen it myself." Glen looked around again, moving more into the cover of the tree. "That's why the government's after us."
"I would like to assume you speak of the illegal kind," Red hoped beyond hope, "but I have sneaky suspicion, you're referring to the extraterrestrial kind." He raised his eyes skyward.
"Hear me out!" Glen seemed upset and genuinely unnerved, but when didn't he when spinning one of his insidious yarns.
Red wasn't buying it.
"I can show you proof. Honest to god proof."
Red sighed heavily. "That aliens exist."
"Hell yeah, they do. I've seen them with my own eyes, I'm telling you!"
Cutting Silas a look, Red cricked his neck, cracking away the building tension when the guard shrugged.
"Dembe and I actually believe we probably are not alone." Silas shared. "There's been no concrete evidence, however, so I'm ambiguous on the subject."
"I can give you that evidence." Glen stated emphatically. "You gotta meet with Trudy's brother..."
"Trudy's brother..." Red muttered tightly, glaring at the men opposite him.
Glen continued on. "He's seen them." He motioned upward. "Up there..."
"On top of the Krispy Kreme building?" Red's jaw worked restlessly.
"Well, where else would they be." Silas muttered.
"Look, would I bullshit you about something like this." Glen balked.
"Yes, and just about everything else!" Red reminded peevishly.
"And leave my apartment and not call my ma?" Glen finished.
"Your apartment? Did you move out of your mother's basement?" Red had a mean streak when he wanted.
"Hey, man...let's just grab a bear claw and go meet this guy. We've come this far and we're out here.." Silas wanted to end this and go home.
Red lifted his hands, realizing this was a no-win situation. "Okay, so where is this mysterious whistle-blower? Is he over by the concession stand? Is he in Paula's basement?"
Glen was excited finally, his mood changing. "He wants to meet over by the Air Force Memorial. I was to come here and see if there was some kind of trap you guys were trying to spring."
"Yes, we certainly are that type of men, you were smart to take that precaution." Red snapped. "You called me, dumb ass!"
"No, man...you called me, remember?"
"You answered! You never fucking answer!"
Glen held his grin.
"I'm walking." Red warned.
Silas took Red's arm, his tone a soothing one. He guided Red back to the SUV. "I'll get the donuts. Just wait for me. Then we'll head out."
Glen retreated to his own car, a lime-green '75 Gremlin, which suited the guy in Red's opinion.
Red threw up his hands, sliding morosely into the front seat of his SUV as Glen started his own car.
Starting visibly, Red instantly reached for his weapon when three loud popping cracks shattered the muted atmosphere.
He caught Silas' eye just as the man motioned to calm down, then indicated it was only the car backfiring.
"Could have been worse," Red's heart beat a thunderous pounding, against his ribs, "could have been a Pinto." Placing the Browning in its holster, he sat back, taking in slow, even breaths to calm his frayed system.
People went back to their business with only minor scowls of annoyance for the vehicle's performance.
Glen waited patiently until the large guard had his order, then pulled out into the traffic, heading to their destination.
Silas had no trouble keeping up with the very much slower moving Gremlin which seemed to stall at every light or intersection along the way.
"Well, the good news is, I'm getting used to the back-fire." Red tried for a lightness he certainly did not feel.
Twenty minutes later, Silas pulled into a darkened lot. The Memorial closed at sundown. No one was about that they could visibly see.
Glen was already out of the Gremlin, walking to the magnificent monument. Red glanced up to the striking arches, a serenity settling into his mind.
The quiet of the place was soothing somehow.
Silas shrugged, for he could not see any other human about. Even though he scanned the area with trained eyes of an observer.
Red searched as well; each man contained to his own mental space. They converged the scope of the area, both lifting surprised stares. Out of the stillness of the night, a man appeared, his steps purposeful and stalwart.
The guy's bearing caught Red's attention immediately. He checked with Silas. "Well, I'll be damned."
Silas nodded minutely, his gaze never leaving the rapidly approaching figure.
The man stopped several feet away, but Red could see the chiseled jawline, the steady blueness of world-weary eyes.
The man lifted his head, then his hand, stepping to greet his visitors. "Major Charles Bartlett. Nice to make your acquaintance."
Red tried a smile, but it was a half-ass gesture because the man was reeling along about now.
"I know how this sounds, but I also know," the Air Force pilot held Red's eyes, his manner forthright and sound, "what I saw."
Red checked with Silas.
"Well," Red voiced an opinion, "you are not exactly what we expected, Major." He drew in a cleansing breath. "Maybe we better sit down and iron out some particulars of this problem. Do you feel secure at this location?"
"I don't know any location I would feel more secure, sir."
Red's smile was finally genuine. "There's a bench..."