AUTHOR NOTES: Sorry for the delay. Meant to post this a couple days ago but weather has been... uncooperative.
It may be a small chapter but it's loaded... ;)
Liz felt the old familiar tinge, hiding a grimace of pain.
Damn!
Damn and double damn!
She knew this feeling well. She knew the signs.
Well, there was just no damned way anything was going to spoil such a happy reunion with Red. No way in hell, not when things had been going so well.
She made certain the man in question was occupied before searching out what was needed in her handbag.
"What are those?"
Liz started, recovering quickly, "Aspirin," she frowned the lie, "being around you and Ben tends to give one a headache."
Francis frowned right back, "Maybe it's Silas' constant bitching that's doing it." the man pointed to the front seat.
"Just drive over the bastards!" the man in question was gesturing for Dembe to make a path in the congested traffic patterns. "They'd do it to you!"
Red looked up from the papers he had been attempting to read the past few minutes, "Will you guys knock it off! I'm trying to concentrate here!" he held the papers aloft, rattling them to any and all.
Elizabeth swallowed the pills, downing them with water.
"What the hell is wrong with these people?" Silas wanted to know. "Who the hell taught them to drive?"
"Grandma Moses?" Francis smirked.
"We will arrive on time." Dembe's calming tone stopped the chaos... for all of two seconds.
"There's no stopping here, you fuckwit!"
Liz looked out the window at the slowly passing scenery.
Palm trees lined the freeway they drove, their tops towering above the concrete jungle below. A local In-N-Out burger joint caught her eye.
Damn!
Well, there was one thing she couldn't check off her bucket list this go round. It had been a goal to sample one of the famous concoctions before they left.
But then, she didn't feel like food, anyway. Her stomach cramped and gnawed at her insides. She hoped the pills took effect quickly.
She decided not to think about it, returning her interest to the cars and buildings outside her window, absently humming "Big Yellow Taxi".
Red grinned, hearing the tune even above Francis' constant diatribe.
"Next time we should hold the meeting in a cool place." he suggested.
"With a beach and cabana girls." Ben readily agreed.
"Then Silas won't be so upset." Francis pointed out.
"You couldn't get closer to Van Nuys?" Silas grumbled at Red.
"Since this was the West coast contingency," Red spread his hands, "it seemed only logical to meet... on the West coast." he explained to Francis and Ben.
He turned narrowed eyes to Elizabeth's guard, "And if you wanted to leave out of Van Nuys so damn much," he reminded in a peevish tone, "you should have landed at Van Nuys... not LAX."
"Shit..." the guard hissed.
"So why didn't you and save us all this bitching?" Red questioned.
"There was an emergency on the runway..." Silas remembered now, "I didn't want to wait."
"Which upsets Silas." it was Francis' turn to spread his hands.
"I'm upset all right!" Silas called from the front seat. "Colossal stupidity has that effect on me!"
The traffic crawled along at a snail's pace beside them. The gaps between the cars non-existent.
Dembe studiously watched for an opening between the cramped lanes for they needed the rapidly upcoming exit which would lead them to the waiting jet.
"These sons-of-bitches aren't going to let us over!" Silas sensed as much. "Stop the fucking car!"
Dembe glanced over at the man even as Silas was shouldering out of the SUV's door.
Liz's mouth fell agape at his behavior, "Silas! What are you..."
Even Red put his papers aside to check on the guard's intent.
The large man walked, well... okay, stormed into the next lane, stationing himself in front of the upcoming car.
Dembe took the opportunity presented, easing into the allotted slot.
The car horn blared for Silas had barred its path.
Silas slammed both hands down hard on the hood of the stylish BMW convertible he had waylaid.
Dembe, having found his space in the exit lane, now waited for their passenger to return to the car.
"Oh my God!" Liz was up, gripping the front seat as she witnessed the BMW lurch menacingly toward her guard.
Horns blared for the totally uncalled for intrusion into the established drive patterns of an L.A freeway system.
"Oh, no you don't." Red grasped the small waist as the woman reached for the door handle. "You're not going out there."
"A twenty says he hits someone before he gets back in the car." Ben was already digging in his wallet.
"That's a given." Francis disdained. "I'm saying he'll hit them more than once."
Ben nodded agreeably to the terms.
"Stop it! He could get hurt out there!" Liz wailed. "I can calm him, Red. Let go!"
Red held steady but nodded to Francis that he agreed with the bet. He held up one finger to signify he was 'in' the pot.
Silas' fury was greater than a mere one shot, he was certain.
Dembe continued to wait patiently, offering a very... very dark scowl to one particularly bothersome woman in the vehicle next to them.
She immediately backed off her horn, gulping her new found fear. She settled instantly preferring to stare straight ahead and now... patiently wait for whatever Dembe's decision might be where the traffic snarl was concerned.
Silas kicked out a booted foot, smashing the expensive headlight of the BMW's front.
Francis and Ben were enjoying the show tremendously if their rowdy reactions were any criteria by which to judge.
Liz cast them an annoyed glare, "Get out there and help him."
Her words fell on deaf ears.
"Another twenty he takes out the side mirror on his way back to the car." Francis saw opportunities abounding to make a fast buck.
Ben greedily shook the out-stretched hand offered.
"Forty." Red knew his guard.
Liz gasped her dismay for his involvement.
Ben hesitated, "What the hell... okay, you're on."
"This is so exciting." Francis could barely contain his glee.
The driver of the BMW unfolded himself out of his car, a thunderously black look of fury on his face.
The guy must have had forty pounds on Silas and stood over six feet tall.
Liz's mouth widened further, her eyes bulging with alarm as the driver approached a now patiently waiting Silas.
He waved the fuming driver forward with mocking fingers waving aloft.
"Red! Do something..." she pleaded.
"He'll be fine." Red patted her shoulder lovingly, holding up two fingers to Francis, upping his wager considerably.
Liz smacked at his hand, "You are no better than those two."
Ben and Francis were beyond censure, falling all over themselves with glee for Silas' new-found position.
"Guy's gonna pound his ass into the asphalt." Ben happily predicted.
Red smirked his disbelief, "Put your money where your mouth is."
Ben obliged more than exuberantly, "I wouldn't have missed this for the world!"
Francis pushed him out of the way to get a better view.
"Silas!" Liz scolded. "Get back in this car, right now!"
"Hush, woman!" Francis squawked his dismay.
Silas and the BMW guy exchanged obscenities, the words filtering over sounds of planes passing overhead and the continual blaring of impatient drivers wanting to know what the hold-up could be.
The driver belligerently gestured to his smashed headlight.
Silas kicked out the other side.
Ben pointed excitedly out the window just as the driver took a swing at Silas.
"We have got to stop bringing him here to L.A." Red nodded thoughtfully.
Francis opened the door for a better view of the proceedings just as Silas shoved hard on his nemesis' chest, the force slamming the guy back into his own car hood.
Silas wasted no time or effort, his meaty fist coming out of nowhere to pummel the antagonist's face with two quick, efficient punches.
The man was left dazed and confused, bloodied and more than subdued.
Silas kicked out with a swipe of his leg, taking the victim's legs out from under him.
The BMW driver slid slowly to the pavement, doubling over in front of his once sparkling, impeccable vehicle.
Silas offered a rather vulgar departing oath, stalking back to his own waiting car. On the way, he ripped off the side mirror closest to him... and snapped the radio antenna in half.
"Yes..." Liz cheered victoriously.
Red gave her a 'look'.
"I didn't expect him to do that." she confessed sheepishly.
Silas flipped off several of the honking people as he approached each individual vehicle.
The horns stopped immediately... at least the ones close enough to have witnessed the previous mishap.
"Little fucking prick." Silas slid back into his seat, grumbling audibly. He slammed the door, rocking the car. "No damn manners in this God forsaken hell-hole."
Ben and Francis discretely settled their wagers, big smiles on their face.
Red wiggled his fingers, wanting his fair share.
Liz's lips tighten irritably for their behavior, "Silas, I seriously hate when you forget your afternoon coffee!"
"He's always like this when we come here." Francis commiserated, stuffing his winnings into his jacket pocket.
"I'm not always like this!" Silas griped. "This particular day I just happen to detest–"
"You are." Dembe moved ahead slowly with but one glance to the once impatiently honking woman to his left.
Liz settled back, her nerves frayed, her stomach pitching sickeningly. "Silas, that man could have hurt you. Please think before you react. That's what you're always telling me."
"Do as I tell you... not as I do." he scowled. "The day some little preppy hipster like that hurts me is the day I hang up my credentials." he promised.
"He wasn't little." Liz argued. "He towered over you!"
"The bigger they are... the more sound they make when they fall." Ben quipped. "Say, are we going to get food before we board the flight? I'm starved."
"There was an In-N-Out burger place back there." Francis remembered.
"Yes, Francis that's what we'll do." Red looked at the man oddly. "Fight this traffic to go back to a burger place."
"It's In-N-Out." Ben reminded.
"There's food in the private lounge and on the plane." Red snapped. "Shut up, both of you. You're getting on my nerves."
A sharp pain pierced Liz's abdomen, she winced retroactively.
"We're not doing this." she reminded herself sotto voce but... Red had heard and misinterpreted, thankfully.
"I know baby but... Jesus," he snipped, "I've been with these two idiots all morning. Cut me some slack, huh?" he adopted a pout.
She forced a smile, "I thought more people were joining us." she hastily changed the subject. "Didn't Dembe say that Michael guy was coming back with us?" she glanced at the occupants. "And for that matter... where is Joe?"
Why hadn't she noted his absence before this? Oh yeah, right. The period from hell was sucking the life energy from her.
She hated this time of the month, always had. This one more than others.
"Will they meet us at the airport?"
"Michael wanted to meet you formally... but had to leave out directly after the negotiations ended." Red apologized. "He offered Joe a flight so he could get back to the house for security measures... make certain everything was in place for our arrival."
Dembe pulled alongside the waiting jet before he and Silas disembarked the vehicle, both vigilant of the surrounding area before opening the back doors.
Francis and Ben poured from the vehicle, both rushing for the private concourse in search of vending machines and other foodstuffs, leaving Dembe and Silas to direct the porters handling their luggage.
"So Hunter and David caught the same ride?" she assumed. "With Michael, I mean."
"Mark has taken Hunter on as his head of security." Red relayed. "Same as Silas, only not on so grand a scale."
"No one is quite the same as me." Silas reminded everyone present.
Dembe rolled his eyes expressively for the statement as Red escorted Lizzy up the stairs, his hand protectively on her back.
She pulled up short a few steps up, stifling a gasp as pain shot through her frame, her fingers tightening on the guardrail.
"...What is it?" Red was instantly solicitous. His eyes searched her face for any telltale signs of distress but Lizzy hid it well.
"I almost twisted my ankle." she frowned at the proceeding step. "I hate these shoes."
"Kick them off when you get inside." he smiled down at her. "You can relax."
She nodded, "That sounds... really great."
They proceeded, both taking their customary seats once situated on the plane.
Red grinned when the woman pulled her laptop free of its satchel.
He knew Lizzy was hoping to take her mind off the lift-off which still scared the shit out of her were she honest with herself.
Noticing his interest, she tried to pass it off, saying she had to catch up on her work... but he knew better.
She studiously studied the screen even now, blocking out all else.
How anyone could block out the ruckus Ben and Francis were causing, was anyone's guess.
Red sent them an annoyed glare but they ignored him as was their way. He couldn't be too cross with them, they gifted Lizzy with her favorite snacks upon their return.
"Those are mine." Ben pointed to a bag of Cheeto's, Francis placed in his pile of goodies on the surface between the seats.
"I bought some too, loser!" Francis bitched.
Ben searched about, "Oh, yeah," his smile returned having found the wayward bag, "here they are. The red Kool-Aid is mine, freak."
Francis wasn't happy, but he reluctantly settled for the blue Kool-Aid.
Red grimaced at all the junk food. He didn't mind an occasional Twinkie, who did... but all that stuff constituted a sugar rush from hell in his opinion.
Those two were hyper enough without added assistance.
And why?
"You had a plethora of gourmet cuisine to choose from in the private longue," Red waved over their bounty, "and you pick this?"
"We grabbed a couple sliders," Francis protested, "we're not completely gauche, you know."
"Oh, yeah..." Ben dug around in his bag, coming up with treats for Dembe and Silas before tossing Red a bag of chips and a Twinkie.
Red caught the unexpected projectile, shrugging.
Liz's mouth pursed, holding her smile as Red kicked back in his seat and popped open the bag as both finally enjoyed the blessed silence which fell as the plane started to taxi down the runway.
Once they were airborne... Red chuckled, patting the hand squeezing the ever living hell out of his.
"You did better this time." Red praised, as he peeled the woman's fingers from his forearm.
"Yeah, you didn't draw blood." Francis cackled from across the aisle, stuffing a Tootsie Pop in his mouth. Ben shared the good-natured joke at Liz's expense.
Liz shook the blood back into her fingers, grimacing apologetically at Red... and for the fact she left crescent shaped nail marks on the man.
Sighing for the unnecessary crack, Red rolled his eyes towards Francis and Ben, "Is everything moving?"
He had noted both men had instantly picked up their phones the minute they were airborne, falling into 'business mode'.
Francis lifted the phone away from his mouth, "I'm on with Warsaw now." he pulled a face. "Why do they talk so funny?"
Ben covered his mouthpiece, "Caracas is moving but..." the man took a quick sip of his drink, "you may want to have a little chat with that bitch, Alessio." he uncovered the phone, reading off the manifest he had been supplying to the other end.
Red scowled at the man and Francis, "Genoa, Alessio?"
Francis nodded, half-listening to his end of things, "He wants to wait 'til morning to deliver," he cocked his brow, "... has a hangover."
Red's jaw worked irritably, shaking his head, "Excuse me, sweetheart." he apologized, pulling his own phone free.
Liz smiled wanly, going back to her laptop. This part? She was used to.
It took only minutes to establish contact with Alessio.
The man was obviously still drunk, his slurred responses to Red's clipped statements pissing Red off royally.
Red snapped the phone shut, gathering his cool before putting through another call. It took only minutes to work his own particular brand of magic.
With one short phone call, he aligned himself with Alessio's competition, which ensured the Genoa shipments were en route to their various destinations.
To further provoke the drunken imbecile who could not handle the task assigned him, Red also secured Alessio's crew employment... with Gian.
Red and Dembe checked off one shipment after another, confirming their quantity and payments received. Even working in tandem, it took quite a while to accomplish the deed.
Red groaned, stretching his back and neck to work the kinks free, surprised to find almost two hours had passed. While it had taken longer than he wanted, it was done, meaning the rest of the day was free to spend with Elizabeth.
"I'm assuming Gian was pleased with the unexpected windfall to come his way?" Francis grinned, setting his own phone aside.
"He seemed to appreciate the opportunity presented." Red sighed wistfully as he drank the last of his rich liquor. "I've warned Alessio before to curb his... extracurricular activities, or there would be consequences."
Red pushed from his seat, heading to the bar for a refill just as Silas emerged from the private bathroom near the back of the plane.
"This incident," Red murmured, stilling the guard in his tracks, taking an opportunity himself, "with Lizzy and the Cleaner–"
"It was handled." Silas snapped quietly.
"Oh?" Red smiled pleasantly, never a good sign. "Now tell me the gory details."
"If you're thinking Liz was in the wrong–"
"I'm not thinking anything," Red clarified, "until... I get the details."
"That bitch had it coming, talking to Liz like she did." Silas lifted his chin defiantly.
Red's brow furrowed, "I thought Lizzy was defending you?"
Silas settled a tad, sighing lightly, "Yeah, well..." he sing-songed his head, "my contention is with the bitch Cleaner who didn't even bother to hide her contempt for Liz."
"Why the hell would this woman take such a stand?" Red wanted to know. "Who the hell does she think she is?"
"The Cleaner believed she and Kaplan had a 'thing'," Silas air quoted, "and could get away with talking to Liz like any of us other lower life forms."
"What the hell was said exactly?" Red's temper flared.
"Talked to Liz like she was your..." Silas searched for a proper term, "mistress...and not much more."
"To which you replied." Red demanded.
"I didn't have a chance." Silas grinned slowly, recalling the incident clearly in his mind, "Liz ripped her a new ass."
"That's when Kate came into the picture, I assume?"
"Not much was said there." Silas was disgruntled over that fact. "Kaplan assumed the rest, I'm sure. She's very intuitive. Liz stuck to her guns though. She didn't back down."
"So..." Red studied the man's body language, "you approve? How Lizzy handled–"
"Damn right I do." Silas defended the woman's actions, before clarifying his thought on the matter. "So whatever Kaplan said–"
"I haven't spoken with Kate."
Silas' brow furrowed.
"You don't have to defend Elizabeth's actions to me." Red said. "She is aware of my unwavering support."
Silas frowned, "Then what's the problem, 'cause I sense one."
"That is what I am trying to ascertain." Red tilted his head questioningly. "Is there a problem?"
Silas' frown deepened, then realization dawned, "Liz is right," he grumbled, "this talking in riddles shit is fucking annoying."
Red huffed his amusement as he took a sip from his tumbler.
"I had no issue with her taking charge, if that's what you're asking." Silas deduced. "She handled it better than I was going to, if you want the truth."
"Lizzy views you as her," Red thought how to phrase it, "... confidant."
"We've hit a rhythm," Silas nodded that he was following along.
"So there are no problems of which I should be made aware?" Red schooled his expression, "Do you have any issues with Elizabeth that need to be addressed."
The large guard scowled, "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
"Most men in your position, with your experience... and ego," Red rolled his tongue, "wouldn't appreciate being... subordinate to a female Elizabeth's age."
"Ah, that's fucking bullshit." Silas narrowed his eyes expressively. "And I am not subordinate with Liz... it's not like that!"
Red shrugged, "With some women–"
"She ain't like that." Silas reiterated... strongly.
Red breathed easier when the guard snapped to Liz's defense so quickly. While he supported Elizabeth without question, he needed to know where Silas stood.
"I've got her back, she's got mine..." Silas jerked a thumb towards the woman. "Liz has proven herself. She doesn't need you interceding on her behalf. If she has a problem with me... she'll let me know in no uncertain terms. "
Red held up a stilling hand, easing the man's quick temper, "That's all I needed to know."
Silas' jaw pulsed with agitation, but he nodded sharply after a moment, "Are you gonna call, Kaplan?"
"Why should I?"
"I think Kate got the hint." Silas confirmed he agreed with the assessment. "Liz was... terse."
"Then, no," Red shook his head, "Lizzy handled it just fine."
Saving her work files, Liz vaguely listened to Francis and Ben bitching about everything under the sun before closing down her laptop.
Grimacing painfully, she shoved the computer aside, curling up in her seat.
"Lizzy?" Francis' smile fell away, a frown pulling at his mouth. He had noted her quietness. "You okay?"
Red looked away from his conversation with Silas, instantly focusing on the woman.
Nodding silently, Liz curled further into the seat, tightening her forearms about her stomach.
This was going to be a bad one. She readied herself for the onslaught as best she could.
Red watched her lean heavily into the wall, laying her forehead against the cool window.
"Elizabeth," Red walked the few feet, leaning over the woman, "what's wrong?"
Red's scowl tightened, watching the woman tense with each passing second. Her lovely face suddenly contorted with pain.
"The damn pills aren't working." her clipped tone spoke of her discomfort.
Grabbing his bag, Red rifled through the contents for his pain pills, cursing under his breath. He reached for Lizzy's carry-on which yielded the same results, though more caustic language followed.
"I didn't think to bring the others you gave me at home." she cursed her own stupidity.
"Baby," he approached the now trembling woman, "is this a bad one?"
"I'll be okay." she grimaced. "Maybe if I just... lay here and die." she tried to smile and failed.
She was very embarrassed to sense five pairs of male eyes fixated on her.
"It's okay, guys." she strived for brightness. "It's just a 'woman' thing... go back to your gambling, cussing and–" a pain caught her words, taking the breath from her body, "debauchery, I'll be fine."
Red's eyes closed, empathizing with such bravado.
"I've got Vicodin." Silas volunteered.
Ben shrugged helplessly, "I have some muscle relaxers."
"Would some gummy bears help?" Francis' expression was so genuine, Elizabeth couldn't bear to disappoint him.
"Yes, Francis," her smile was gentle, "you know I can't resist gummy bears."
"Get them." Red snapped.
All three men headed for their respective bags to gather the required items.
Her expression altered with the men's departure, "Red..." Liz whispered painfully, halting the man in his steps, "do we have a heating pad... or something of that nature lying around somewhere?"
Red shot Dembe a questioning look. He had no idea what equipment was on the plane.
"Raymond..." Dembe stepped up, holding a heating pad they kept on board. Normally it was used to ease the ache of injuries... now, Red hoped it would ease Lizzy's suffering.
Plugging it into the nearest outlet, his eye ticked irritably when it wouldn't reach the woman.
Understanding the man's dilemma, Francis vacated the couch, giving over the space readily.
"...Be useful," Red snapped, gesturing to an overhead compartment.
Francis held his smile. Only Lizzy could get the man so riled up in such a short amount of time. It was rare to see this caring... loving side of Red Reddington. It felt like eons since he had seen a glimpse of this Red. And never to this extent.
Opening the needed portal, Francis hesitated in his movements. Well, these were new.
The blankets and pillows Red always kept on hand were of the upmost quality, but different designs catering to the masculine side.
These however, were incredibly plush and lilac with the most luxurious satin trim Francis had ever felt.
If it hadn't been for the large size, he would have assumed they were baby blankets. The fabric was so cozy. He shook away the trivial thought, unfurling blankets to make a comfortable space for Lizzy.
Silas tossed the pills Red's way, the man catching the bottle mid-air. He was relieved to hear the rattle of several pills. More than enough to get Lizzy comfortable.
His stress level dropped considerably knowing her relief was on the horizon.
Red headed back for Lizzy but Silas pulled him up short, "You should cut those in half."
"She's in pain." Red gritted.
Dembe's eyes softened on his friend, understanding Raymond's distress, "They will take down an elephant, Raymond. Listen to reason."
The large man took the pills, "I will half these, you help get Elizabeth situated."
Red nodded sharply, doing as suggested, glad to have something with which to busy himself. He felt so damned useless.
"Come on, baby." Red soothed, offering his hands to aid the woman to rise.
Liz turned slowly, taking a controlling breath, "...I'm sorry." she repeated, taking in all the men standing about. "This is so stupid..."
Red shook his head, waving off the unwarranted apology. His heart ached for the woman staring so forlornly up at him as she slowly eased from her seat.
Taking her hand, Red steadied the woman as she stood upright. Liz instantly knew she had made a huge mistake, the motion convulsing her system sickeningly. Liz gripped his hand tightly.
He scowled, canting his head, looking worriedly at the small woman.
She swallowed convulsively, "...R-Red..." closing her eyes to the sinking feeling overtaking her.
"Shit..." Red grasped her in his hold sensing the problem. He rushed her towards the back, just getting Lizzy over the toilet when the woman lost the battle.
Smoothing her hair back, Red glanced over his shoulder, stretching for a washcloth. He cursed vehemently, unable to reach it or the sink from his present position.
"I got it." Ben bypassed Red, running cool water over the needed item before handing it over.
Silas stepped in the doorway, holding a bottle of water, "...I'll get the nausea pills."
"Yes, quickly" Red snapped, taking the items handed him before placing the cool cloth on Lizzy's neck as she heaved helplessly.
Blotting Lizzy with a cold cloth, he searched the men's faces, "Where the hell did Dembe–"
"Up with Edward." Silas jerked his head towards the cockpit. "He's checking our position, Red."
"...I'm sorry." Liz cried. She gripped the bowl once more, overtaken by the horrific urge to vomit.
"Shh, baby..." Red soothed, taking the new cloth Ben handed him.
"We are two hours out." Dembe relayed, he and Silas holding down the aisle outside the bathroom door.
"Dammit..." Red sighed his discontent. "Tell Edward to find a suitable place. We'll be landing–"
"...No," Liz moaned miserably, laying her forehead against her arm, "it's fine... just go home."
"Lizzy," Francis chided, "we can stop for the night. It's not a problem."
"It's only a couple hours." Liz shook her head wearily. "I need to be... home."
Silas stepped up, handing over the required medication to Red.
Red crouched beside the woman, tenderly brushing her hair back. The soft strands stuck to her flush face. He noted small beads of perspiration tracked down her temples.
"Take these, baby." he gently wiped her face, his own expression pained for what was reflected back in her beautiful eyes. "They will help."
Liz had her doubts they would stay down, but she took the pills in hand.
"You might feel a little drowsy." he warned, steadying the water bottle in her clammy palms.
She shrugged carelessly, gratefully popping the medicine into her mouth, "Its gotta be better than this shit."
"Lizzy," his jaw tightened, "let's stop for the night." he agreed with Francis' evaluation of the problem.
"We're not that far out..." she smiled tremulously. "The pills will kick in soon."
Liz braced her hand on the wall as the others vacated the area, allowing the couple room to maneuver. Red eased her slowly off the floor.
Red flushed the toilet while Liz gratefully rinsed her mouth of the acidic taste.
She took two steps, leaning heavily into the wall as a stabbing sensation ripped through her body. Painful jolts shot down her legs into her toes as a molten lava settled in her ovaries.
"I hate this shit." she snapped her frustration. "I hate it!"
She sighed blissfully when Red's large palm lay over the menace, his heat permeating her body.
"Come, lay down." he gestured to the prepared bed.
Any other time, she might have balked over Red's hovering but right now... he was a wonderful distraction and... she admittedly enjoyed him babying her a little.
It was a stark contrast to how Tom avoided her like she had the plague at this time of the month.
Red situated the woman in the comfortable spot provided. Liz felt a little better already.
Dembe slid the partition closed, allowing them a modicum of privacy. Red made certain she was comfortable.
"I think the worst has passed, Red." Liz said. "You don't have to stay with me." she knew he probably had more business dealings to complete.
"No." Red shook his head once, dimming the lights.
"You are so stubborn." she sighed.
"...Yes." he agreed, laying down beside her. "...Rest." he leaned, kissing her temple.
"Have I told you guys," Liz yawned, "how much I love you?"
Red's mouth tugged at the corner, "Just relax, let the pills take effect. You'll feel better soon."
She snuggled into his embrace, getting lost in the large hand soothingly rubbing her back.
"You're an okay guy Red Reddington." she murmured sleepily. "And I appreciate the hell out of you."
A light drizzling rain greeted their arrival at the airport. A rain which increased to epic proportions as they neared the house.
Red cursed as the already torrential downpour and wind rocked the car as Dembe eased the SUV into alignment with the front door.
Removing his jacket, Red wrapped it about Lizzy's shoulders. Nora and Joe waited at the front door, ready.
The bulky guard carelessly stepped into the driving rain, holding an enormous umbrella for their exit.
Red craned his neck, his eyes meeting Joe's as he approached the door.
The hairs on the back of his neck stood straight up, a sixth sense kicking in.
Something wasn't right.
Outside the rain sheeted window, Joe stopped fully in his tracks, his eyes scanning the stormy skies.
Silas hauled his bulk hastily from the front seat, fluidly reaching to open the back door. His body blocked any unseen threats.
Hooking Lizzy's legs, Red eased her into his lap, as he turned in the seat. His arms lifted her effortlessly.
"No," the woman pushed weakly on his chest, "I can walk."
He could not take the time to explain the unexplainable. He sensed the danger. He sensed how to prevent any calamity befalling the woman.
Bundling her within the confines of his own body would shield her from the cross-hairs he felt trained on their position.
"Please let me walk." she sighed, sensing a losing battle, however.
"Hush..." he kissed her brow.
Silas signaled with his hand that everyone was in position and ready.
Joe offered the umbrella as a shelter from the elements, and as a deterrent from any would be snipers trajectory. As added caution, his own body also shielded the two emerging occupants.
Readjusting his hold, Red was surprised when the woman offered no further resistance what-so-ever. That Lizzy remained silent and snuggled into his embrace... bespoke of how horrible she felt.
Stepping out, Red quickly made his way alongside the guards. He faltered in his steps, a chill running up his back.
Shaking off the sensation quickly, he tightened his hold on Lizzy stepping into the foyer within seconds.
And out of sight of the eyes that trailed after them.