Focal Point

by Daniel Davies

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

122. Shadow of the Moon

Red stared down at his blood covered hands, curling the strong fingers into tight fists. The tacky, tight sensation of half-dried blood was a sickeningly familiar one.

Lifting placid eyes to the ensuing chaos which fluctuated about him, he sought his friend and confidant. Silas lay still while Kaplan's medical team worked their magic over his prone body.

Red and Dembe applied every medical technique at their disposal, aside from a field transfusion, to keep Silas stabilized until help arrived... but in Red's opinion, what they gave wasn't damn near good enough.

Both were sweating and winded by the time Kaplan swept into view, demanding they clear the area and let her do her job.

The teams hurried and precise movement alerted Red; the situation was a serious one. Though, it was the certain phrases drifting upward that made it dire. Medical terms he had grown to know well over the course of his somewhat jaded life.

The controlled frenzy of activities were a blur around an all too still and quiet, Silas.

"You are not to blame, Raymond." Dembe's calming tone drew his attention.

"I should have known, Dembe." Red disagreed. "I fell for the oldest trick in the book, which was obviously a ploy to get me out of the house... I missed it." he finished grimly, his eyes still on his head guard.

"Perhaps," Dembe's voice remained even, "but circumstances would not have changed." he reminded. "In fact, they may have been more brutal had you been on the premises."

Red couldn't argue that point.

"They would have moved heaven and earth to get to you."

"And yet, they sent me away."

"We must focus on what comes next." Dembe pushed past Red's swirling thoughts. "What has passed... has passed."

Backing out of the way, Red took a centering breath, focusing on the situation as it was now.

Red nodded gratefully to his ever staunch ally, pulling his phone free.

He waited impatiently for a reply and when it came; he was terse and to the point.

"We got hit." Red's icy tone clipped.

"Where's Elizabeth?" Antonio Crocetti's tone was brittle. "Is she–"

"No, no... Elizabeth's here, she's fine." Red assured hastily. Perhaps he should have started with that revelation.

He glanced at the woman in question across the room who was fidgeting nervously beside her confidant, her hands trembling over Silas' still form. She spoke to him from time to time; her face an etched mask of concern and fear.

Francis hovered beside Lizzy, pulling her up and out of the way as they wheeled a stretcher in alongside Silas.

"Is she injured?" Antonio breathed out raggedly. "Do you need medical–"

"No, she's..." Red's eyes hardened, seeing the dark print of a hand on her face, "a little roughed up, scared, but–"

"Where the fuck was Silas!" Antonio seethed, his thoughts assembling quickly once assured of Elizabeth's safety.

Red's jaw tightened painfully, "Silas did his job... admirably." his eyes fell on the man being loaded to a stretcher even as he spoke. "Tom had a–"

"Tom!" Antonio snapped. "How the hell did that lowlife get past your security!"

"He acquired assistance with the incursion." Red cricked his neck, grimacing.

"Who?" Antonio bit sharply.

In that one exclamation, Red sensed a deadly reckoning was upon the horizon for some unfortunate individual... or group of such.

Red rubbed his forehead wearily, "That is unknown at this time. Kaplan has possession of the bodies, perhaps she'll get something."

"Did you kill the bastard?" Antonio demanded a reply be forthcoming.

"...Not yet." Red's blood simmered over the failed attempt.

"We will find him," Antonio swore vengeance, "and when we do–"

"I need to talk to him." Red cut the man off but remembered to keep his tone respectful.

"That's not what I had planned for him." Antonio gritted his growing determination. "If you think you will to talk sense into him–"

"No," Red shook his head, "I believe Tom has involved people... of professional grade into the mix," he sighed, "and I need to know how to stop the damage he's precipitated."

Antonio recalled the night Elizabeth's guard, Kevin was killed. There was mention of her picture being passed around by the dregs of society. There was little doubt now who had perpetrated such an insult.

"What do I need to know about this...unfortunate person? That you have not told me?" Antonio enquired.

Keeping this contained was becoming... impossible.

When this began, Red never envisioned the two most powerful men in the criminal underground would become attached to Elizabeth.

Francis, he hoped, would gravitate towards her to relax her in social situations Elizabeth attended. He didn't foresee the depth of their attachment would grow to the extent it had, however.

Allowing his anger to cloud his judgement once before, he let it slip... informing Francis of Tom's full name.

Thankfully, the boy didn't have just cause to dig into Tom or Lizzy's history. Not when the menace had been just across the street, in plain view.

Francis gave Tom hell. He antagonized the bastard every chance he could. He sent scathing looks and obscene gestures when the mood struck. Francis had often egged Tom's car for spite...

But Tom took it in stride, never giving Francis a reason to escalate things.

Much to Francis' great disappointment.

But now, with the incidents of this evening... would Francis dig deeper into who Tom Keen was? Would he make the connection between Elizabeth Scott and Elizabeth Keen?

How would Antonio react if he found out Lizzy's true vocation? Would his feelings change for the woman?

Plans for increased security and exit strategies ran rampant in Red's mind.

"Tom was badly injured," Red related Tom's condition.

"I will inform the usual medical teams to be on the lookout." Antonio replied stonily.

Red's eye twitched. "But that's not why I called." he said, getting back on track. "I need somewhere secure for a couple days, not connected to me or–"

"You have it." Antonio mentally began working on the logistics of the task. "I will have accommodations that will suit you and your men sent momentarily."

Red felt some tension he carried ease. "I owe you." which implied, he would repay the debt in spades.

"I will have Security increased by the time you arrive." Antonio sweetened the pot. "Now... let me talk to Elizabeth."

Stepping in behind Elizabeth, Red ran his hand soothingly down her back. Red's heart ached when the woman faced him, her eyes red and swollen. Gathering her close, he tenderly kissed her temple.

"Someone wants to talk to you." he held the phone aloft.

Liz frowned, but took the cell absently, "Yes?" she murmured tiredly.

"Sweetheart... are you all right?" Antonio's deep timbre washed soothingly over the woman.

Gripping the dark plastic in her hand, Liz's eyes glittered a sudden threat of tears. "Oh, Antonio..." she inhaled shakily, "no, I'm okay. But Silas..." she sucked in a ragged breath watching as they made exit preparations for the man in question.

Kaplan hung a unit of blood on the metal hook of the rolling mechanism.

"Now, you know Silas is strong and will be well cared for." Antonio soothed. "Do not worry, I'll make it all better."

"Yes, just hearing your voice has done that." she nodded that she believed the words he said.

"You must trust all will be well." Antonio stated quietly.

"I trust all you say, Antonio." she realized... she did.

Red's mouth pulled at the corner for such simple eloquence. He shook his head feeling quite useless right now. Only Antonio could make him feel like such a non-entity... and he realized... he didn't mind the fact one bit.

Often feeling inconsequential up against the likes of Antonio Crocetti, Francis grinned, understanding how Red felt.

"Reddington told me you were hurt." Antonio's voice hardened.

Liz tenderly touched her cheek, gingerly testing the soreness of the growing bruise. "They hit like girls."

"I want to see you." Antonio chuckled for the wit displayed but soon enough grew serious again. "See for myself that you're all right."

Liz's lips quivered, stealing Red's breath away. "Yes, yes, I want to see you too." she needed that.

"I will see you shortly, little one." Antonio murmured affectionately. "Reddington will see to it."

"...Okay," Liz nodded emphatically, "thank you so much, Antonio." she gingerly closed the connection.

Red took the phone just as it vibrated. He checked the screen, receiving an address for their safe house. He gave the address to Amir.

"As soon as he's safe for transport..." he nodded toward his head guard as the medical team secured the doors of the van.

Dembe and Francis immediately blocked sight of the medical team who had begun CPR on Silas... again.

Red discretely turned Liz away before she could see what was occurring.

His own arms ached remembering, just a short time ago, when the bastard's heart stopped... he and Dembe were forced to perform the very same function.

They were able to establish a rhythm just moments before Kate rushed through the door. Red quelled the rising urge to assist once again, but knew he'd only be in the way.

"I want to go with him." Liz protested. "He would be there for me if–" she could see Silas inside the vehicle. He looked so... alone.

"Silas can't rest unless he knows you're secure." Red vetoed the notion, battling his own demons. "Besides, Antonio is expecting your arrival." he willingly used Lizzy's vulnerabilities against her. "Remember?"

Liz peered around his shoulder, her eyes resting anxiously on her friend. To Red's relief, the large vehicle pulled away with due haste before she could decide.

"...This doesn't feel right." Liz was visibly torn. "I want to know what's going on." she was getting upset again. "We need to be there to... will they give us updates?"

"They will do whatever I tell them to." Red vowed.

Nodding dejectedly, Liz's shoulders slumped as though the weight of the world was on them. "...I should be there with him." she lifted tear-stained eyes.

Red's heart ached for the woman. "I know, baby... Silas knows that, don't think he doesn't." he soothed.

"He's alone, Red." her voice broke. "Silas has no one but us."

"You saw who I sent with him." Red half-scolded. "Those men would lay down and die for Silas, you know that. Kate will also be there."

Liz felt some tension ease, knowing the guys would be with Silas. And yes, she knew what Red said was true. Silas elicited that kind of loyalty.

It still didn't feel right she wasn't there for the man.

"I know it goes against your instincts, not being there." Red felt along similar lines, truthfully. "But we'll only be in the way if we went. Plus," he gently stroked her injured cheek, "it's easier to protect one person than two."

Liz reluctantly saw the logic of the argument finally.

While Red wanted Lizzy treated, he knew her wounds were superficial. "We can take care of this," he leaned, kissing her visibly bruising cheek line, "when we get to Antonio's."

"Where's Nora?" Liz had seen the woman seconds before, her senses overly stimulated. That fear laced her enquiry, she whipped her head about frantically.

"She's with Ben and Francis." Red steered her in the right direction.

Liz relaxed with an expelled breath and closed her eyes, "Oh, thank God."

The two men in question sensed they were the center of attention having caught the interplay between Red and Liz.

Francis solicitously ushered the older woman into the back of a car before both men crossed the chaotic area, coming to stand alongside Red Reddington.

What a striking trio the men made.

Each exuded confidence but the younger two, when placed upside Red's quiet intensity... exhibited brash recklessness which verged on cockiness.

"We kicked their asses!" Francis was obviously continuing a conversation carried over from moments before. "They never stood a snowball's chance in hell."

"Thanks to my well-above-average abilities and strengths," Ben preened, his chest puffing out with pride, "and wily, Ninja like skills."

"Thank you, Ben..." Red nodded, extending his hand.

Francis' mouth fell agape, a tiny sliver of jealousy creeping around the edges.

"Thank you," Red was continuing, "for protecting Lizzy."

Both young men exchanged stunned looks.

"Uh, sure..." Ben's grip tightened, his face beaming suddenly. "Good to know I still got it when the chips are–"

"You got shit!" Francis scoffed, shoving his counterpart's shoulder roughly. "If I had been here... not one hair on that brunette head," he pointed to Liz, "would have ever been ruffled."

Ben rolled his eyes, "Big talk after the fact, loser." he berated. "Where were you when the shit hit the–"

"Thank you both." Liz's soft tone halted the pissing match. She tip-toed, embracing both men in turn. "You are both my knights in slightly tarnished armor. I don't know what I would do without either of you."

"But I am still your favorite, right?" Francis boasted, stepping to her side as if it was his rightful position.

"You kiss ass." Ben grumbled.

Francis twisted his face, "You can kiss my a–"

"Okay then. Let's get moving." Red interrupted what he was certain would turn into an all-out war. "We got things to do."

"Yeah... don't want Antonio worrying over 'his girl', do we." Francis teased, a wry expression on the handsome face. "He'll have his henchmen out searching the streets if we don't deliver, Miss Kiss-Up-to-the-Old-Man, in a timely fashion."

Liz's mouth gaped indignantly. "I do not–"

"Call him that to his face, do you?" Ben asked innocently.

"Not if I want to stay healthy and beautiful." Francis shivered at the thought.

He cracked a grin then, hooking a bulky arm casually around the woman's neck, tugged her close. "Daddy doesn't like when you're out past curfew."

Liz tsked, punching him in the stomach... hard.

Francis released his hold, rubbing his abdomen. "...Ouch."

"Pussy." Ben chided.

Red chuckled under his breath, finding solace that even after everything... Lizzy could find a lightness in any situation... especially with these two fools around.

"Antonio won't shoot you, will he, Red?" she questioned pseudo-seriously as she passed by, a sly look on that pretty face.

Their earlier playtime came to mind... but Red had a different tactic in mind, one to keep the woman from fretting about Silas.

Red's smile grew, "Well," he said, a thought occurring in the next moment, "he did actually... once."

Liz stopped in her tracks, her interest complete. "Antonio shot you?!"

"Once," he smiled fondly in remembrance, "it was all a big misunderstanding."

And so the story began.

Red guided her to their rooms. They needed to pack a few essentials before heading out.

Liz hurried in her steps, afraid Antonio might actually shoot Red...again, if they were late.

---

"I don't know about this, Red." Liz said, eyeing the large building looming before them. "If we're found, people could get hurt."

Red frowned, not understanding the reference. Joe pulled slowly up the long drive. Red craned his neck, taking in the elegant brick facade.

"There are other tenants, right?" she addressed the four story structure Joe now parked beside.

"Oh, no," Red shook his head, finally getting the gist of the reserve she offered, settling Lizzy's nerves, "Antonio converted this to a single-family dwelling a couple years ago."

She looked about, scowling, "Silas isn't here?"

"He's at a secure sight." Red soothed. "Kate will send him here to recuperate."

Red sincerely hoped he wasn't lying. The last text Kaplan sent said they found a bleeder in Silas' abdomen and were working on getting it closed.

The man had traversed the Amazon for two days with a bullet lodged in his rib-cage, bitching the entire time.

Red couldn't imagine something so small in nature as a bleed would take down a man like Silas.

Joe and David stepped from the vehicle, making a cursory sweep of their surroundings. A group of men came from the East and West sides of the house.

They all dressed in the same black military garb, sending Liz's body into tense over-drive.

The men stalked forward, eyeing her guards rather belligerently to her way of thinking.

"It's all right," Red patted her hand, sensing the reason for her stressed condition, "just Antonio's security."

A man with salt and pepper hair greeted Joe, shaking his hand in a reassuring grip. The guy's muscled arms pulled at the button up he wore, his pants tight about the thighs. His countenance very much reminded Elizabeth of Silas.

Except, this man's hair was shorter, his handsome face didn't carry as many laugh lines and his arms were covered in tattoos.

Joe spoke for a brief interval before returning to give the 'all-clear' sign.

Liz hesitated all the same, studiously studying Silas' counterpart.

He appeared relaxed and casual, though there was a panther like motion to his movement. As if he was ready to spring into action at any moment.

The man in question pulled a cigarette from his mouth, stubbing the butt on his boot.

Joe gestured to the car, the guy moved forward, his gait purposeful.

Opening the back door, Joe waved the woman to vacate.

Red waited patiently for her decision, standing outside the vehicle.

"He won't bite." Joe smiled, sensing her hesitation.

Liz appreciated the man's attempt at levity, but clearly saw the stress lines around his mouth. Joe was just as stressed about Silas as she was.

It all sort of hit her then...

Liz sat back, unable to move for a long beat.

"My God... what a night." she absently glanced about her surroundings, and then down at her own body.

It was sort of... surreal.

She hadn't taken the time to change. She was going to meet a very influential individual and didn't even know what the hell she looked.

She recalled a hasty glance in the bathroom mirror while they were packing up... all she saw was Silas' white, pasty face staring back.

She had hurried along.

The man outside the car reminded her so much of...

Liz swallowed the threat of tears, closing her eyes hastily.

No!

She wouldn't do that! She refused to think bad thoughts.

Red wavered. He witnessed the moment. His instincts were to... help her through whatever.

But...

Liz straightened her form... lifting her chin. She slid from the confines of the car taking his pre-offered hand.

Introductions were being carried out. Ben and Francis greeted the Head of Antonio's Security casually.

The banter was light and breezy... as always.

She could feel those carefully neutral eyes on her face all the while, however. She stood to her full height beside Red, releasing his hand.

She forced a smile, "Hello," she nodded gravely, "I'm sorry for this intrusion. I hope it doesn't cause too much trouble for you and your men."

Red lifted his head, pride showing in his eyes. The same eyes that watched all taking place with subdued quietness now.

"This is Granger, Elizabeth." Joe motioned.

The imposing man nodded minutely. "No trouble."

He quirked his mouth in what Liz was sure was meant to be a smile.

It failed the test however.

"You have a problem with us being here?" Red was never one to mince words.

Granger shifted a careful stare. "I always have a problem with the unexpected." there wasn't any hint of anger or belligerence in the man's tone. "It makes my job more difficult."

"Isn't that why you get the big bucks?" Francis hadn't liked the reply. "Do your job..."

Granger took no offense, "I will... he asked a question, I answered it. That's all."

"My guard is the same way." Liz headed off any bad feelings, she hoped. "Silas is–"

"Absent." Granger seemed to only realize. He searched the faces about him settling on Elizabeth's despondent one.

"He was... hurt but he'll be fine." she hastened quickly... too quickly, she knew. She bolstered her flagging spirits. "He's too mean to, uh... to be really, really... hurt. I mean beyond..."

Granger's entire stance softened to Red's amazement.

"He's fine! He'll be just... fine!" she forced a smile.

"Well, you're probably right about that." the man shrugged. "His hide is tougher than a Nile crocodile."

"Alligator." Ben corrected.

"No, it's a crocodile." Francis sighed his disbelief. "They said on the Discovery channel just last week–"

"Maybe you guys should take this fascinating discussion... inside." Granger's wry comment broke the rising tempers.

"Well, I'm right about this one." Francis proceeded Ben with a smug look.

Red followed Elizabeth, his eyes not having lost any of the coolness as they met Granger's.

The individual held the unwavering stare until Elizabeth forced Red to turn his attention.

"Oh, Red, look!" she entered the foyer of the towering old building.

Her eyes swept the gorgeous and spacious foyer.

Liz gaped at her surroundings, her eyes full of awe and wonder. She had not expected this from a man such as Antonio Crocetti.

She expected rich tones and antique furniture... a more manly atmosphere.

Intricate brocade chairs in light hue, delicate side tables of white ash and large slabs of marble greeted and welcomed any guest into the grand home.

Liz felt instantly comforted here by the warm tones and homely ambiance.

"Elizabeth..." Antonio's rolling timber broke Liz of her musings.

Turning, she took in the man before her, his stately presence offering comfort and a certain sense of joy. Hesitating, her body and mind rebelled against the stress she had been under all evening.

Antonio's arms opened wide, a welcoming harbor in the sea of turmoil that kept attempting to pull her under.

Elizabeth crumbled.

Her face fell instantly, tears streaming down her cheeks as she rushed for the man.

She didn't know what came over her. She knew she should feel embarrassed, but as Antonio tucked her into his secure hold, cooing sympathetically in her ear... Liz finally felt it safe to open the floodgates.

Antonio swayed the girl gently, tucking her head under the crook of his chin.

"It's all right, little one." Antonio soothed as Elizabeth cried into his shoulder.

All her anxiety... all her fears came pouring out. "Silas is hurt... so badly!"

Any other time, Red might be jealous that Elizabeth found solace with another man.

But this was not any other time. Nor... any other man.

He too, found solace in Antonio's presence and companionship. The man understood how the world operated and oft times, centered Red's thinking... especially when it came to Elizabeth.

It only made sense, Lizzy would find comfort in that presence as well.

Red watched Antonio's large hand cradle her small head in his hold, murmuring to her as if calming an infant...

The attachment between the two, the dynamic, became clear.

He knew Antonio always wished for a little girl to pamper and spoil. He told Red, if only for Maria's sake. Women needed other women.

But as he watched Antonio dote on Elizabeth, it was very clear, the older man wished it also for himself. Perhaps he had found a worthy substitute in Elizabeth.

And Elizabeth... perhaps found a much-needed father-figure.

Seeing them together in this time of turmoil, it was unmistakable.

The adrenaline that had been coursing through the woman since Red secured Elizabeth during the skirmish... began to ebb, finally.

The events of this evening, wound her tighter than a guitar string, but just moments in Antonio's calming embrace... her eyes grew heavy, and she relaxed into that all-encompassing presence.

"That's my girl," Antonio pet her long hair, drawing back to stare down at her. "Let me look at you."

Liz lifted her tear-stained face from the man's chest, obediently looking up at the man, allowing the gentle scrutiny.

Though the older man smiled benevolently down to a reticent Lizzy, it was made abundantly clear to Red... how very displeased Antonio was by the physical state of the woman.

He gently traced the darkening bruise, tilting her face towards the light before tenderly kissing the soft flesh. He shook whatever demons plagued him, forcing a lightness.

"You must be famished." he said with a smile. "Perhaps in need of refreshment?"

"It's late," Liz begged off, "we have imposed enough–"

"Why don't you and Nora," Antonio interrupted kindly, including the newly arrived individual in the gracious gesture, "follow Matthew here." he gestured to a man standing off to the side. "Please allow me to make you feel welcome."

"That include me too?" Francis piped up. "I'm with her." he motioned to Nora who he brought from the car seconds before. "She can vouch for me."

"Later Francis," the negative reply was somehow made to sound cordial, "I think you are needed here for a short moment... if you will."

Francis backed off knowing a 'non-request' when he heard one.

"I can go," Ben saw his opening, "protect the women!"

"No woman needs protection when under my rood." Antonio's cool gaze shifted. "...Sit."

Ben... sat, a glum, sour look on his face.

Francis smiled happily for the put-down however subtle it had been.

Ben shifted moody eyes to the man beside him on the sofa.

Francis' smile grew to the man's chagrin.

"Matthew, I can help if..." Nora immediately offered.

"Nora, I think," Red stepped forward, guiding the woman towards Matthew, "you are well due a night off."

"Consider this your new home." Antonio continued. "Matthew?"

Matthew smiled kindly, guiding them towards a set of stairs. "I will show you to your rooms." he ushered them up the steps, smiling back at them. "There is a buffet set-up in the dining room when you are refreshed."

"That sounds heavenly." Nora replied when Liz hesitated.

"What about...Silas?" she fretted.

Nora put a reassuring arm around the woman, but both looked at Red expectantly... waiting.

"I haven't heard anything concrete since our arrival, Lizzy." Red told the truth.

The woman wrung her hands anxiously, the blue eyes wide and lost.

Antonio lifted a brow signifying... the woman is unhappy, make her happy.

"I'll just..." Red lifted his phone, "give Kaplan a call then."

Liz relaxed. Nora smiled... Antonio didn't seem all that affected one way or other.

Red listened attentively for a long beat having to wait for Kaplan to come on the line.

After a slight berating, for the woman had pointedly reminded, if any updated information was available, she would pass it on.

Red patiently explained his predicament, hoping Kate would pick up on the ever so subtle hints he was conveying.

"Between a rock and a hard place, hmm?" Red breathed easier when the gist of his dilemma was understood.

"I want to keep him here overnight... for observation." was the expected but unwelcome news.

"Is that absolutely necessary?" he rubbed weary eyes. "Kate, we're all a little up in the air here..."

The silence was telling. Kaplan thought Red was making decisions based on what was best for Elizabeth, not her current patient.

Red altered his approach, "We can have anything you need set up here... anything at all. I'll spare no expense, you know that, but if you really think Silas will be– "

"Oh, cut the crap." Kaplan snapped. "All right, but you tell Antonio to get me a room ready as well. I will be staying close for a while."

Red wanted to ask of Silas' real condition but with all the ears listening, least of all, Elizabeth's...

"Then we can expect you soon?" he found the proper phrasing.

Kate gave an ETA which Red relayed promptly.

"And his prognosis?" Antonio asked in Elizabeth's lieu, knowing the girl would hesitate to ask anything of Kate Kaplan.

Kate could be very intimidating.

Antonio wasn't intimidated.

"He's lost a lot of blood."

"We know that much." Red said tightly.

"Tell your girl-friend... cautiously optimistic."

Red remained silent, having hoped for more.

"He made it through the operation. I didn't expect that." Kaplan was oft-times too blunt.

Red kept his face carefully composed sensing Elizabeth's eyes more than the others.

"The next few hours will be–"

"I know." Red did. Really, the next twenty-four hours were critical. So many complications could arise. Infections, further bleeding...

"You know how strong that asshole is... and how stubborn." Kate's tone softened. "Let's keep our fingers crossed, hmm."

"I'll pass it on." Red stated stonily. "That you, Kate... for all you do."

Kate signed off with no further word.

Red relayed some of what was exchanged, sans the scary parts which he softened considerably.

Antonio read between the lines but everyone else appeared singularly happy to hear the news.

"Oh, thank the Lord." Nora quickly crossed herself.

Francis and Ben breathed a collective sigh of relief, "Knew the shithead would come through just fine."

Liz seemed apprehensive though. "Is that all she said, Red?"

"All right now," Antonio stepped in, "you won't be any good to Silas if you are physically and mentally exhausted."

"You've had a very traumatic time of it, angel." Nora reminded. "If Silas is coming home, we should be ready to take care of him, right?"

Liz could find no objection to the words, "Well... I suppose that's right but–"

"We'll just go freshen up and leave the men to their business." Nora took control, guiding Liz gently.

The room fell silent after the women's departure.

Francis sought Ben, telling glances passed, emotions shared.

The tension was thick, to say the least.

Antonio said nothing, merely stared stonily at Red Reddington.

Red felt very much like the proverbial student standing before a much respected Professor he had displeased.

He shook the notion determinedly.

"It's my fault." Francis knew Red would wither and die on the spot he stood before speaking first.

Antonio was worse, having lived the scenario countless times in his long jaded career.

Neither man would budge an inch.

"Although, in hindsight, we should have guessed it was a diversion to get Red out of–"

"Yes," Antonio still stared directly at Red, "...you should have."

"And if it were Maria?" Red lifted cool eyes.

"Do you have any idea just how many times in my life it has been Maria?" Antonio asked all-too-quietly. "Learn to delegate! I always... always stayed by her side. You should have sent someone to check out the problem."

Red had no answers to the not-so-veiled accusation because... in hindsight, it proved the older man was one hundred percent correct in his stout advice.

"Well... there were these pictures," Francis grimaced, "kinda private ones. I don't think Red would have liked just anyone seeing them but him."

"In other words," Antonio put it more succinctly, "you allowed your personal feelings to override your judgement."

Red drew in a long breath. It had been a very long day, and it was getting progressively longer by the minute.

Again... what could he say? The accusation was spot on.

"Did that decision work to your advantage?" Antonio asked, his tone slightly altered now, however.

"I don't think us being there made all that much difference." Francis wasn't arguing, simply rethinking any decisions made. "Silas and his men are more than capable."

"Do you agree with that assumption?" Antonio asked.

"No." Red stated grimly. "No matter how capable Silas and his men are... I took two of my best with me. It was a stupid thing to do."

Antonio nodded. Lesson ended. "Tell me about these... pictures. How did you come by them?"

Francis relayed the tale concerning the Brownstone, that it was now in his possession but had formally belonged to Elizabeth... and Tom's part in the whole matter.

He mentioned the note as well and its contents.

"He threatened to kill you?" the idea seemed to amuse the older man.

Red shrugged the issue away.

"You had an opportunity to return the favor tonight?"

Francis and Ben looked to Red. The question a valid one in their books as well.

"I couldn't take the shot." Red explained. "Elizabeth was in the line of fire."

All three men nodded simultaneously. The matter now cleared up.

"And Silas?" Antonio was curious, though not accusatory.

"We haven't got the full story as yet." Francis took over the narrative again.

"It was hairy... lots of things coming down at once." Ben agreed. "We were being hit from all sides. Chaos reigned. You know how it can be."

Antonio did.

"Silas is a lot of things," Granger stood silent through the talk but spoke up now, "but derelict in his duty?" he shook his head minutely. "No, not in this life and if you say I said as much... I'll call you liars to your faces."

Red's estimation of the guy rose a tad, but he hid it well. He still hadn't forgiven or forgotten Granger's earlier treatment of Elizabeth.

"You did not hear that from me." Granger turned surly and down-right moody in Francis' opinion.

"Is that a new tattoo?" Ben had been examining the guy's arm meticulously.

"Get away from me." Granger snapped, moving on the other side of Antonio, throwing a glare in Ben's direction.

"God... get laid or something." Ben responded right back.

Granger let it go with a woeful shake of his head.

"Now that Elizabeth is not here, what did Kate say, truly?" Antonio brought matters back on track.

"Silas is holding his own. He's in and out of it." Red readily relayed. "Kate's worried because he's not complaining. It's not his way. The possibility of infection–"

"I know." Antonio nodded his understanding.

"I thought he was..." the new development bothered Francis.

Ben was confused, "You said–"

"What did you want me to say with Lizzy standing there hanging on my every word." Red snapped.

"You lied to Lizzy?" Francis was so confused about many things. "Silas... he's not all right?"

"I did not lie to Lizzy!" Red snarled. "There was no need to worry her. Silas will be... fine." he realized how hollow such words were. "We've been through worse."

Antonio offered over a brandy, "We will all keep good thoughts. I would advise a prayer or two."

Granger never understood why men such as Antonio Crocetti... or his constituents, always thought God would even bother to hear their prayers.

He was Agnostic himself. He had seen too many things in life to dismiss an all powerful being outright but mostly the world was a crap shoot. A cesspool filled with few who deserved such a deity's attention or benevolence.

Himself included.

Red finished his drink, grateful for the slight kick it provided.

"If you'll excuse me, gentlemen," Red nodded graciously, "I believe I'll clean up as well."

---

The sound of a showers hissing in the background alerted Red to Lizzy's location in the magnificent suite of rooms Antonio had provided.

Taking a moment, Red glanced about his surroundings. He could see Maria's touch on the stylish furnishings, fine art and delicate décor.

He could find no enjoyment in the beautiful lines and hues this evening.

Sighing heavily, Red divested himself of his tie, vest and shoes.

Pushing though the half-closed door, he removed the last of his clothing, entering the bath.

The steamy scent of Lizzy's shampoo instantly assailed his senses

His skin prickled in the warm mist emanating from the occupied shower.

He suddenly longed for the heated spray. The need to be clean again... to rid himself of the stench of dried blood.

Lizzy moved sensing his presence, but otherwise stayed silent. It struck Red that he didn't even find the fact odd at the time.

He absently gripped his bottle of shampoo, working the richness in his hands for a long moment. The feel was luxurious. He lingered over it.

"How are you doing?" he sought his companion.

Liz stood, back to the shower wall, allowing the second spray to pelt her body with a vibrating rhythm.

"...Getting there." she had a head start on the relaxing activity. "...You?"

Did Red feel anything out-of-the-ordinary after a night like tonight, she wondered?

Her thoughts drifted, and it was only after a few minutes, she realized the man had not replied.

"I killed him, didn't I?"

Kaplan would have the scene cleared by now, a couple hours had passed. A body count would take priority, surely.

"That... man." she opened her eyes to seek Red's face. "In the hallway? The one I shot?"

"It's not an issue." Red lathered his body repeatedly, rinsing absently after each application. He still didn't feel clean.

He turned a critical eye, "Is it?"

She hesitated a moment, then thought better of what she was going to say.

Red's hands halted slowly, "It is bothering you? Do you need to talk?"

"Probably." she realized. "But... not tonight." she would speak to Timothy later... tomorrow maybe.

"He would have had no compulsion about killing you, Lizzy." Red reminded. "Make no mistake about that."

"I know." she turned about laying her cheek on the warmed tile.

Red watched the creamy suds float slowly down her back, over the rounded fullness of her buttocks on down the shapely legs.

"...I was scared." she scowled.

"So was I." he admitted tensely.

"Not for me." there hadn't been time for that. She opened those eyes, meeting his gaze.

"There were so many." her tone was almost conversational but Red sensed the turmoil boiling just below the surface. "One would fall and another... would take his place."

"You were surrounded by capable men, Elizabeth." he reassured. "And I was..." he trailed away.

He was off on some fool's errand. "...On my way. Something of that nature will never happen again... I promise you."

She stood under the hot water, allowing it to wash away the night's terrors.

Red stopped, placing his hands alongside the same wall. He leaned, kissing her neckline.

"I don't make the same mistake twice."

Liz opened herself to his nearness and the pummeling waters, her tension lessening.

"You were there when it counted." she smiled warmly. "You will always be there when it matters... I know."

Perhaps, hopefully, this purifying process would relieve them of the vestiges of stress clinging to their dispirited souls.

Liz turned about, her dark hair laying against the cream of her skin, "I was afraid for Nora... and the guys."

Red remained silent, waiting.

"They were there for me... weren't they." she had come to grips with the reality. "Nora and the men... they would have been hurt, maybe worse... because of me."

They had discussed the men. Silas had drilled it into her head, Red knew.

They signed up for the deal. It was already their life's work. If it wasn't Red, some other person would be there.

Some other job... some other danger.

Nora was a legitimate issue.

Liz would have to work it out for herself.

"They could have been there for me." he put out the possibility.

Liz didn't think so but she remained moot on the matter.

"I used to think," she lifted her arms to his shoulders, "about just giving myself up to them but..."

That 'but' helped Red keep his perspective.

"That wouldn't end it. Silas said," she snuggled into his embrace, "a life... anyone's... means nothing to such people. After my life they would always find a reason to take another life."

Red's features hardened, but he kept his cool.

"They want the Fulcrum today." she sighed heavily. "Tomorrow it will be some other power play. Yet another secret something they want control of."

Red knew the truth of those words.

"We're just all pawns in their stupid, senseless quest for power... control."

Her heart and conviction hardened. "I meant what I said," she lifted determined eyes, "I will not allow them to run me out of my home!"

She scowled darkly, "You meant what you said... we are going home soon?"

Red's countenance softened. He moved a stray strand from her cheek.

"I mean it, I'm holding you to your promise." she semi-scolded. "I trust you to keep your word. I want to go home... sooner rather than later."

"There is another thing to consider," he stated, "since you brought it up."

Elizabeth had said, she now fully recognized the fact, there were fighting against extraordinary criminals.

Some even more devious and cold-blooded than any Blacklister alive.

Could she truly brush away that line in the sand so easily or... were the events of this night coloring her perspective... her judgement call.

It was ingrained in Elizabeth to obey the law.

To go by 'the book'.

As an Agent of that system, normally using your weapon meant paperwork, suspension days... sometimes weeks off until a decision was reached on whether or not that weapon was used justifiably.

Tonight, Kate Kaplan would discretely dispose of bodies, cover-up a crime-scene in hours...that would take the actual police months of investigation to unravel...if they could make heads or tails of it all.

"You trust me." he inclined his head. "And Kaplan? Do you extend that trust to her? Think carefully before you speak, please." he cautioned.

"Kaplan is the polar opposite of all you hold dear in life, Lizzy."

The woman listened intently.

"We are fighting men hired by the very people who wrote the laws you took an oath to uphold." he straightened his form. "The 'book' which you and your friends' so staunchly defend."

Red disliked this conversation, which was getting worse by the minute in his opinion.

"That 'book' was thrown out decades ago. What those people preach... they have never practiced." he shook his head woefully. "The irony, eh?"

Liz hugged herself to ward off a sudden chill.

"Not that Kate and I are much better." he looked from those probing eyes hanging on his every word.

"We sweep everything under the rug just like they do. We make it disappear... make it all go away."

"Is that what you do, Red."

Red held his tongue. He had said enough.

"That job you said I hold so dearly?" she scoffed. "Those cars that pulled way from our house tonight?" she drew in an even breath. "...They had government plates."

Red shifted his attention.

"You know that government I work for?" she tilted her head. "The one I'm supposed to cherish so much? I think a section of it is trying to take my ass out, what do you think?"

Red stared hard at the pretty face.

"Not that it surprised me but... how do you know they had government plates?"

"I could see them on the monitors... in the safe room," she touched his arm. "This needs a new bandage."

Red glanced at the burn, dismissing it in the next instant.

"You and Mr. Kaplan didn't invade my home tonight." she continued, reaching for a towel, handing a spare to Red. "They did. You and Mr. Kaplan didn't hurt my guard... they did."

She fluffed her hair, "A part of me wants to expose their asses." there was a hardness to her tone which surprised Red. "Tell the entire world what they do, show their underhandedness... their hypocrisy."

She looked hard in the mirror. "But another understands you need to remain out of the glare of public scrutiny."

Red stood, towel wrapped about his waist. Their eyes met in the mirror.

"If they have no qualms about making problems like me disappear," she questioned, "why should I hold any about shamelessly bringing their asses down in every way conceivable... or hiding their bodies."

The quiet settled in.

"And another thing is nagging me," she remembered suddenly, "before we left the house, you were talking to Joe, remember?"

She was gathering the last of her make-up and a few precious gems Red had purchased. No way was she going to leave them behind, even for a few days.

Both sensed a sudden shift in the house's activity, interrupting Liz's thoughts.

Before the stately home was quiet and sedate but suddenly, the rooms outside their private suite seemed abuzz with a subdued energy.

They could hear voices from the lower floors, as Red's assigned area was located on the third level.

He vacated the bathroom, quickly donning his clothes. "I'll check it out."

Liz hastened as well for she was hoping against hope that she already knew the reason behind the altered energy.

"Silas!" she whispered gleefully, hurrying to select her clothing.

She rushed through her make-up , skipping most the structured routine, opting for a dusting of powder and lip gloss in her haste to follow Red's departure.

When she came down the last flight, she belatedly remembered there was an elevator available just a few feet away from the actual stairs.

Her face beamed as she instantly recognized the bulky outline of her guard in the expansive doorway of the front entrance.

Her feet took flight and in seconds she was fast approaching the individual in question.

Joe maneuvered the wheelchair which housed Silas' massive bulk over a difficult spot in the threshold, popping the wheels stoutly up and onward.

Silas grunted deeply, instantly cradling his injury. Liz could see the wide array of bandages covering the wounded flesh beneath his opened shirt-front.

"Why don't you just kick me next time, it'll be less painful," the man complained, "you little fuc–"

"Joe!" Liz admonished, kneeling beside the rolling contraption.

A somewhat believable contrite expression took the place of Joe's humored grin.

"Be careful!" she gripped Silas' arms, her expression full of concern. "Silas, are you all right?"

She studied the chalky face anxiously, holding her breath for his reply.

"You're impeding the blood flow in my arms." the man shifted a lazy stare.

Elizabeth gasped, immediately releasing her hands grip, "Oh!...I'm sorry but... you are all right, aren't you?"

"Do I look all right?" Silas winced again as Joe stumbled over the ornate rug beneath his feet, jerking the chair turbulently.

Elizabeth scolded, "Joe!"

"No, seriously," Silas grimaced painfully, "do I look all right? How's the hair?" he shook his glorious mane free of his shirt collar.

"He made me wash it before he would consent to come here." Kate Kaplan bemoaned her lot in life.

"I wanted the nurse to wash it." Silas corrected. "Did you see the nurse?" he questioned the woman. "Of course you saw the nurse." he winked in open camaraderie.

"You are the most vain man I have ever know."

Silas dismissed the accusation in the next instant. "I can't sleep if it's–"

"You wanted to look good!" Kate snapped. "Nothing more."

"I always look good." Silas scoffed. "Again, did you see the nurse? I deserved to have her..." the man lifted his hands, cupping the air in lieu of the breasts he spoke of, "shoved in my face."

Liz swallowed the threat of tears. She had never appreciated hearing the man's crude, surly, bitching tone more.

"Oh, Silas," she gifted him a smile of pure joy, "I'm so happy you're back."

"I wish I could say the same!" Silas groused. "This has been a hell of a night and then to top it off, Mario Andretti here hit every pothole in D.C on the way over."

Liz sympathized eagerly, hanging on the man's every word. She hovered about close as humanly possible without pissing Silas off.

"Hey, is it my fault you went and got yourself banged up a little?" Joe was feeling better too, Liz could tell. The guy was all smiles again... even if he was putting up a brave front for...

"Banged up?!" Silas exploded, motioning curtly only to halt mid-motion for it hurt too much to continue the follow-through. "You call this... banged up?!"

"Stop being a baby." Kaplan suggested... strongly. "You're up and about, aren't you?"

"No thanks to your gentle womanly TLC." Silas shot right back. "I thought females were supposed to be sympathetic to injured males."

"We're not." Kaplan turned about, intent on searching out the source of the wonderful aroma wafting through the house.

Red stood off to the side, taking the scene in. It felt good to see Lizzy so animated and happy again.

"Oh, Silas!" Liz leaned, wrapping her arms about the man's broad shoulders careful of his numerous injuries.

"You look," tears welled in her eyes but there was an enormous smile on her face, Red noted, "...horrible!"

She quickly assessed the visible marks, bruises and gashes and mayhem that was his upper torso.

The man's face allowed his aplomb, "Like hell I do... you don't know a fine specimen of manhood when you see it, apparently!"

He sent Red a meaningful glance.

Which the other man shrugged off with a light-heartedness he was only beginning to feel.

"Maybe she's just not looking at the right part." Red quipped.

"Obviously!" Silas agreed then his face showed... doubt. "Hey, what the hell do you mean by–"

"Is there anything you need, Silas?" Liz was back to coddling. "Anything you want? A pizza? Some beer?"

Silas halted his tirade, "Just find me somewhere to lie down, will ya?" his tone had altered and Liz sensed the exhaustion behind the facade he presented. "Then give me pizza and beer. Maybe the whole six-pack."

Liz's face fell, a fact Silas did not miss. "...I see you neglected to follow my training. Talk about which one of us looks worse."

"I most certainly did!" the spirit was back in the ice-blue eyes. "I stuck my gun up into that goons gut and blew him away." she lifted her chin obstinately.

"...Tom?" Silas scowled.

"Well, no," Liz admitted she failed in that objective, "I did cut him with a knife though." she stated proudly.

"Where?"

"His arm." she frowned, wondering why it was so important.

"You always go for the throat." Silas narrowed his eyes. "It's like your calling card." he said. "Did you freeze up?"

"No!" she took exception. "The position was awkward."

Red sighed under his breath, sharing an exaggerated look with Antonio.

For a man who was supposedly knocking on death's door... Silas sure had no problems provoking Elizabeth.

"And...and..." she stuttered, her fists settling on her hips, "need I remind you, I'm the one standing here... and not you!"

Red held his amusement for Silas' chagrin.

"Barely." Silas reported, glancing her disheveled look up and down. "What's this? While I'm lying on my deathbed at the mercy of Dr. Jekyll here... you're off having sex?"

"What!" Liz gasped, glancing quickly at Antonio, her face flushing. "I...I most certainly was not! Not at all!"

Antonio lowered his eyes to alleviate some of the girl's trepidation. Red scratched the back of his neck absently.

"Oh, you two didn't just shower... together?"

Red realized her guard's ploy. Silas was pulling Liz from her doldrums... yet again.

"Well, y-yes. Of course, we showered. I was dirty, bloody and..." she faltered for a beat, "you washed your hair!"

Liz lifted her chin, gearing up for the fight. "Does that mean you and Mr. Kaplan had..." she halted, realizing her mouth was getting ahead of her brain, her flush deepened.

She felt all eyes on her...

"I would rather douse myself in gasoline and light a match." Kaplan's droll dryness broke the mounting tension.

"An hour in my bed," Silas lifted a sweltering gaze to the older woman, "...you'd be just as hot."

Kaplan sighed more than heavily around the bite of croissant, her look saying it all. "Where do you think I was going to light that match?"

"Why don't we continue this fiasco tomorrow?" Red had noted Silas' hand on the arm of the wheelchair.

His knuckles were white with exertion, so tightly the guy was holding on to his cool exterior.

"We all need a little downtime, I think... agreed?" Red exchanged a knowing glance with Dembe.

"I will see Lothario to his room," Dembe took the reins from Joe, easing Silas from the other guard's less than gentle handling.

Silas did not object, Red noted.

"Kate," Red sensed the woman's expertise was still very much needed, "would you see Silas is settled in comfortably?"

"Oh, joy..." Silas' tone lacked the usual crisp sharpness. Red was positive Lizzy didn't notice at all.

"Just what I need," Silas sought Kaplan, lifting a sardonic brow, "more time spent under Dr. Frankenstein's loving care."

"Come along Igor," Kaplan directed Dembe with a brittle smile, "let us hide my flawed creation..."

"Nothing flawed about me, Angel Cakes." Silas scoffed.

Lizzy's smile was back. Red came alongside, feeling the tension melt by degrees the longer she spent seeing Silas was truly better.

Silas was putting up such a front for the woman's sake who stood beside him, Red didn't know just how 'better' the guy was as yet but he was pleased and grateful.

He glanced down at Lizzy, "I will go with them," he motioned his intent, "see that he's comfortable for the night, all right?"

"Of course, Red." Liz sighed happily. "Should I get him pizza and be–"

"He will have something light." Kaplan vetoed the choice menu.

"Pizza and beer is light." Silas snapped.

"As in cottage cheese and peaches... light."

Liz pulled a face but it couldn't compare to the one Silas offered.

"Get this lunatic away from me, Red!" he barked. "She's trying to finish the job those bastards started."

"If I were," Kate philosophized, waving Dembe onward, "... you'd be dead. And I'd be sleeping peacefully."

Red kissed Lizzy's forehead gently, "Get up to bed... I'll only be a moment."

"Should I sneak in the other food or..." Liz whispered her uncertainty.

"Kate knows best." Red grinned.

Liz scowled, "Since when have you listened to Mr. Kaplan?"

"Let's follow her rules for a day or so, hmm?" Red suggested.

"He'll be mad." Liz bit her thumbnail anxiously.

"He stays mad."

"And grouchy..." Liz nodded, wide eyed.

"That too." Red's mouth quirked.

Minutes later, Red, with Dembe's help, assisted Silas... into bed.

Silas had fallen unusually quiet.

"What's really going on with you?" Red asked when the guard was finally settled in the adjustable bed.

Silas placed his arm over his eyes, shaking his head minutely. "I'm getting too old for this shit." he lamented.

Red totally understood the statement. He checked with Kate Kaplan.

"There is a slight fever which troubles me." she hung a bag of fluids on a nearby hook. "I'll keep administering antibiotics for a while." she gave over her attention. "We'll keep a close watch on him tonight."

"I just need a couple hours sleep." Silas grumbled, removing his arm from over his eyes. "What the hell!" his mood was volatile. "Those bastards came at me like locusts. Cut me some slack, huh?"

Red pushed his hands in his pockets. "Take all the time you need, Silas." he soothed the man's concerns. "You've more than earned your reputation tonight and I'm eternally grateful for what you did to protect Elizabeth."

Red nodded curtly, "I'm in your debt." he had no qualms about the fact. "...Again, I'll not forget that fact either."

"You don't owe me shit." Silas snipped. "What the hell... am I really about to check out?" he sought Dembe's earnest eyes. "They keeping something from me?"

"I'm just saying," Red waved such a ridiculous assumption away, "I know your value, Silas. It was brought home tonight. I wasn't there for Lizzy... but you were. It meant the world to me, knowing you were there with her."

Silas' brow furrowed.

"You kept her safe," Red continued, "when I couldn't."

"All well and good but I want Samson here to get some rest." Kaplan cut things short. "Everything else can wait."

"I'm fine." Silas retorted.

"I'll tell you when you're 'fine'." Kaplan retorted right back.

Silas grimaced, rubbing his aching chest. "Who used me as a trampoline?" he narrowed suspicious eyes.

Joe subtly pointed to Dembe and Red as he looked the other way.

"Why the hell didn't you?" Silas scowled at Joe.

Joe threw his hands out to his sides, mouth gaping. "I was blocking Liz, man!" he explained. "She was upset and shit–"

"Likely story..." Silas grumbled.

"All right, fine." Joe crossed his burly arms over his chest, "Next time, you two distract Liz and I perform CPR."

"No," Silas popped his neck, "you and Dembe perform CPR, Red distracts Liz."

"You don't trust me?" Joe gaped.

"I sense animosity now. That you'll do it begrudgingly." Silas settled into his pillow, closing his eyes. "I know when I'm being placated."

Red rubbed his temples... hard, and had been for the last few moments. "Will you two... shut the hell up."

Matthew cleared his throat, alerting them to his presence. Kaplan waved the man in, stepping aside as he sat a large tray on a nearby rolling table.

Red looked over the meal, nodding his approval. It was much better fare they had before the likes of Nora and Matthew came along. He didn't care how much Silas bitched, that soup looked delicious.

"I hope lemonade and tea is all right?" Matthew enquired, pushing the table within reach.

"Uh, yeah..." Silas grumbled as Dembe slowly lifted the bed to a more comfortable position. "It's fine... thank you."

"If you want more," Matthew inclined his head, "just press this button here." he gestured before taking his leave.

"Stop whining. Eat your dinner and get some rest," Kate pointed, "you two... out!"

Red and Dembe could take a subtle hint.

"I'm not eating that slop." Silas was arguing as the shut the door being them. "I need a beer, woman!"

"You need a keeper." Kaplan seemed pretty certain of the facts. "Now pick up that spoon and shut up for a change... a refreshing one."

Dembe chuckled. "I do not envy the man his lot in life."

"Keep me apprised of his condition tonight, Dembe... all right?" Red asked. "Even if you have to...interrupt. It will be fine until Silas is out of danger."

"He is strong, Raymond. You know this." Dembe allayed Red's fears. "Kate will take good care of Silas. This you know."

Red nodded. He placed a hand on Dembe's shoulder. "I've screwed this one up big-time, old friend."

Dembe watched the man's steps as they took Raymond down the way. He turned a corner and was gone from sight.

---

"How is he, Red? He's good, right?" Liz met the man at the door, her face beaming. "Wasn't it good to see him up and about... so to speak? I mean..." she stopped for a breath but hastily continued, "what a difference from... " she let that part go. "Well, you know."

"He's a little tired." Red stopped her anxious chatter. "Silas will be better tomorrow. Kate will see to it."

"You really believe that though?" the blue eyes searched his face eagerly. "Silas is going to be just fine... isn't he?"

Red nodded. "Absolutely."

He tried to dispel the image of the large guard's hands noticeably trembling when he left.

What did it all mean? Had Silas come that close to...

"He'll get through this." Red refused to accept anything less.

He went about his routine. He didn't even notice it had become routine... closing the shades, drawing the curtains to any room they occupied of late.

Was this going to be their lives from now on? Hiding behind curtains in darkened rooms?

Having his most trusted people face near death situations week in, week out?

"Don't let them get to you, Red." Liz had been watching him closer than he thought.

"...What?" he pulled himself from his doldrums.

"It's been one thing after another, I know." she moved closer, those blue eyes all too perceptive. "But... we can do this. We can fight the bastards. They're not going to win this one."

Red looked at the woman in an entirely new light.

"It was one thing," he shook his head, cursing the depression blanketing him, knowing it for what it was, "when it was just me... and the guys." a scowl came and went. "It was different." the scowl returned.

"Nora and I will be okay, Red." Liz stated. "But, worst-case scenario... if something happened to you... or any of my guys..."

"Don't even think about finishing that sentence," the man warned. "You would go on... end of discussion, Elizabeth."

She smiled softly. "All right, that aside." she granted. "The point I'm trying to make is, we all matter to someone. We have to concentrate on our common enemy. We have to stop them from hurting us... the ones we care about."

Red listed his head, his eyes giving away nothing.

"Which is exactly what we did tonight, isn't it?" she reasoned. "They threw everything they had at us... but we prevailed."

Red stared stonily at her.

"We will prevail in the end as well because..." she stepped closer, "we... are the good guys. God is on our side. He has to be because the alternative is unthinkable."

"He may be on your side... on Nora's," Red was incredulous, "why would He give a second thought to me... or anyone associated with me?"

Liz opened her mouth to speak.

"We are every bit to blame as... every bit responsible."

"No!" Liz snapped. "Absolutely, no!"

Red was taken aback by such vengeance.

"You don't get it." she took a deep breath. "You just don't get it."

"I guess I don't." he agreed cryptically.

"We're just tired." Liz explained the reason for this conversation. "We're... exhausted. So much has hit us over these past few months, Red. Who wouldn't be a little... dispirited?"

Red rubbed his neckline. She had a point.

"Sit down, please." Liz indicated a chair by the bed.

Red questioned her with his expression.

"It's all right just... sit." she waved her hand. "Please."

The man did so albeit with reservation.

Liz stepped beside laying a hand on his shoulder. She leaned, placing a kiss on his cheek.

Seconds later Red was groaning his appreciation as the woman worked on the tension emanating from his neck and shoulders. The deft fingers easing the kinks and stress with slow, methodical thoroughness.

Liz wasn't certain how to ease the man's distress so she worked on instinct.

He understood she wanted to forget about what happened tonight... perhaps even wanted a release to fully relax but... he was sure a nice back rub and snuggle would work just as well.

Liz sensed the turmoil inside Red. It translated to his body.

But she needed this. She needed to feel him close. She hoped he felt some of the same emotions.

The man felt the edge leaving; the doubts lifting. He sat under Lizzy's gentle attention, basking in the moment.

What the hell was he so down about? What happened tonight that hadn't happened numerous times in the past?

Silas was a breed of man who got back up after someone knocked him down.

How had Red forgotten that for even a short amount of time?

Liz remained quiet, diligently kneading the knots and kinks from the muscled torso.

Red's short abrupt grunts and long drawn out moans of release heartened her efforts on his behalf.

He often offered a back rub... why had she never thought to reciprocate?

It was such a small thing and yet... it wasn't. At least in her world.

It comforted... and healed.

"I don't know, baby." Red admitted his failings easily to this woman. He was so accustomed to keeping his thoughts... his fears... his doubts covered up.

Maybe it was a good way? Maybe he should just shut the hell up.

"This one hit me hard for some reason." he shifted into a more comfortable position, unaware of doing so. "Just... there." he winced. "Yeah, to the left sweetheart."

Liz kneaded her thumb hard into a wadded muscle.

Red sighed, the pain verging on pure bliss. "I made a mistake," the thought still plagued him, "an unjustifiable one."

"Red Reddington is human," Liz stated lovingly. "I'll alert the media."

Red refused to take it so lightly. "My decisions often cost lives."

Liz realized how heavy a weight Red carried.

"Tonight, it almost cost me... everything I hold dear." he grimly reminded himself. "What I find most precious in this world... you, Elizabeth."

"How do you know that?" Liz's hands halted their excruciatingly pleasurable pastime. "You can't say that for certain."

Red lifted a weary stare.

She stood before him, hands on shapely hips.

"I was never so glad to see you, it's true but you're discounting my abilities... the guys that were out there doing their jobs!" she had heard Kaplan's report. "They lost twelve. We lost... none!"

The pretty features set, "None!"

"All I care about," he gritted his teeth, his hands gripping the chair arms angrily, "... is you!"

"That's a fucking lie!" she disdained. "I saw your face as you worked over Silas! You," she backed off a tad, "... care."

Red sat quietly studying the enigma before him.

Yeah... he cared. Silas had been by his side so long, even longer than Dembe. Red didn't know how he would feel without that stoic bastard by his side.

He reached, pulling the tie at her waist, she grasped his hand halting its slide beneath the fluffy robe, her eyes defiant for a long beat.

Red's hand instinctively curved to her waist, his thick forearm brushing the thick robe aside baring the beginning curve of her breast. The heavyweight of her mound settled against his hand, beckoning him closer.

He arose to his full height, looking down at the petulant little expression.

He tugged her off-balance, his features set.

Stepping, Liz leaned into his sphere, lifting to her toes. Her bare breast brushed against the linen of his shirt as she captured his mouth in a exploring kiss.

All forgiven, all forgotten for the moment.

Red's arms wrapped about her body, steadying her as he deepened the kiss, making his intentions clear.

"...You make the difference." he murmured against her mouth. "...You, Elizabeth."

Her tummy flipped in anticipation, ever so pleased Red set aside his doubts and the guilt eating away at him, lessened.

"It's the same for me," she whispered breathlessly, her fingers clenching at his collar. "You are what keeps me afloat most days... don't you know that?"

"I do now." Red murmured his amusement.

"Keep me afloat now..." she coaxed desperately as Red's hand slid lovingly down her back, his fingers cupping her bottom.

Shrugging her shoulders, the heavy robe slipped from her naked body, puddling on the floor at her feet.

Red glanced down at the bared flesh; the plump breasts, the flat stomach... the dark patch of heaven now within his reach... his breath quickening.

Liz's nipples tightened as Red's darkened eyes traveled a slow trek up her body until the heated gaze met hers. The ache between her legs surged at the sight of Red's cock pushing urgently at the zipper of his trousers.

"Come here, baby." he urged, lifting her effortlessly as she clamored into his hold.

She gasped as Red bent, smoothly lifting her slight weight in sturdy arms.

"I know we aren't home." his mouth parted hers for a goodly while.

"I'll be quiet, Red." she eagerly kissed his soft mouth. "I promise."

"No," he nuzzled her neckline, "... you won't be." he was sure of that fact. "I promise you that."

Her body wriggled closer into his hold, the tantalizing feel of the rich linen of his shirt and trousers brushing erotically against her bare flesh, a stimulant she cherished.

She wrapped her legs about his waist, her arms embracing his neckline.

Her heart beat hard against her rib cage, stealing her breath away as Red eased her to the soft bedding.

Before she knew it, the heavy, comforting weight of Red's body settled atop her trembling one.

Teasing her engorged clitoris, Red relentlessly pushed against the resistant flesh teasingly.

"...Give me everything you have, Lizzy." he leaned, connecting his eyes with hers. "Let me experience every emotion you are..."

Red nudged his thick head between her swelling lips until she fully relaxed under his demanding presence.

"Yes..." Red breathed as his crown slid easily into her body as a rush of emotional warmth enveloped him.

Liz's eyes misted as Red lay against her, slowing his movement to the barest minimum, allowing her to feel every nuance of the man.

A surge of love tore at his heart as he cupped her small head in his palm, his mouth ardently searching for hers.

"Please," he whispered shakily against her mouth, "don't hold back from me tonight, baby."

Liz opened herself in response... giving Red everything he needed.

She tucked herself against his comfort, "I love you so much, Red..."

---

"What do you mean, flimsy evidence?!" Liz was livid.

In a rush, all the wonderful feelings of last night evaporated in the light of another challenging day.

"What the hell does that judge want?" her coffee cup clunked down nosily, her arms falling dejectedly to her sides.

"Careful love," Nora admonished, "it's not our China, remember."

Liz glanced absently at the coffee cup, regretting her impulsive reaction but sure enough her exasperation returned as she listened to the voice on the phone.

"Well, I could have the guy sign a confession in the judge's blood after he's slit her throat if that would constitute, plausible evidence, if she'd prefer."

Red glanced up from his newspaper but only sighed lightly before returning to the former.

"It's part of his M.O. after all." Liz was on a roll.

She turned about, lowering her voice for Francis Holbrook was strolling down the adjoining hallway even as she spoke.

"I'll have to get back to you. I'm on my way in." Liz cut it short.

Red moved aside his paper on the large table to make room for the new arrival.

"Whose M.O.?" Francis sat, glancing about for something he could not find as yet.

Liz blinked, thinking fast. "My hairdresser," she pulled a face, "what the hell, do you have bat ears?"

How could he have possibly heard any conversation from that far down the hall?

"What about him?" Francis smiled brightly as Nora handed over a fresh cup of coffee.

"Who?" Red asked tongue-in-cheek.

"... The hairdresser." the heaping plate set before him diverted Francis' attention. "Ah, Nora, my lovely wench... what would I do without you?"

"Francis, have you ever heard the old adage... curiosity killed the cat?" Nora asked pleasantly, sensing the rising situation could only prove more problematic if left unchecked.

"...Yeah?" Francis was all ears suddenly.

"Don't be the cat." the woman warned lovingly.

Francis revisited the conversation. "Okay..." he decided. "Is there no more bacon?" he turned wistful eyes to...

"What was I thinking?" Nora patted his cheek in a kindly manner.

Red noted Francis' plate which was already heaping with... bacon.

Liz sensed a catastrophe averted. "I have to run," she apologized to all concerned, "but I want to stop in and say hello to Silas before I go."

"Where are you going?" Francis enquired around a mouthful of... bacon.

"To hell in a handbasket." Liz murmured, juggling her purse and computer bag. "I told you, the hair-dresser." she rolled her eyes.

"Dressed like that?" Francis scowled his confusion.

Liz frowned, looking down at her sky blue top and dark blue blazer and matching skirt.

"What's wrong with what I'm wearing?" she frowned, rechecking her ensemble.

She thought she looked quite stylish, especially considering... someone she didn't know played her stylist this morning.

In her haste to vacate their house, she forgot to pack clothes for work and this morning... panicked.

Red held up a calming hand, called Kaplan and by the time Liz was coming out of the shower... three complete ensembles, including delicate jewelry and matching shoes, were all laid out on the bed, waiting for her.

"Nothing," Francis admitted, "it just seems a bit... put together for a haircut."

"He has a dress code." Liz growled.

Francis' interest in... everything that was not his business, amused Red.

"She's attending a fundraiser afterwards, Francis." he covered.

Red knew the moment the boy brightened, he wished to accompany Lizzy.

"And no," Red sipped his coffee, "you can't go. It's ladies only."

Francis bit dejectedly into his bacon, falling blessedly silent.

Red shifted his attention to Lizzy, finding the woman glancing thoughtfully down at her attire.

"You look beautiful." Red smiled when she fidgeted with the lapels of her jacket, smoothing the already clean lines.

Francis threw his hands out to his side when Liz narrowed her eyes suspiciously.

"What?" he mumbled around his toast. "I just wear jeans and a t-shirt when I get a haircut. Don't you?" he looked to Red for help. "That's all I meant."

Liz once again looked to Red, twirling slowly to give him the whole picture, her eyes on his expression the entire time.

"Very... professional." Red assured, easing any further questions.

She leaned, kissing Red, "I'll call you."

He nodded, "Take Joe."

"I was going to!"

"...Lizzy," he smiled when she rushed back, offering another kiss as she grabbed her travel mug of coffee. "I love you."

She took off, calling back over her shoulder. "I love you."

Red watched the saucy sway of her hips until she was out of sight.

The bright kitchen cheered him. He craned his neck, once again looking at the large glass panes of skylight above his head. He wasn't aware he would enjoy the greenhouse like design covering the entire kitchen and its adjoining nook, but he did.

While he would normally feel like a sitting duck in the glass enclosure, he instead found tranquility and solace as he looked out at the rain washing the lush greenery of the garden.

It also didn't hurt he knew for a fact, Antonio would equip the space with bullet resistant glass.

"I like this effect."

Francis glanced up. "Yeah... so this ladies only fundraiser–"

"...You going to eat that bacon?" Red had his own way of diverting the boy's attention.

Francis pulled his plate closer covetously, an injured looked on his face.

"Nora," Red diverted his attention, "would you like a kitchen like this?" he asked seriously. "Would you enjoy a view of the gardens?"

---

It was an overcast, rainy day.

Liz checked her make-up in the mirror of her purse. The bruising on her face barely noticeable, even in the light of day. Which was a good thing considering...

Liz glanced at the man sitting beside her, The Special Agent in Charge, Brian Hempstead. His badge announced his position proudly: SAC.

She smiled absently, a thought nagging at her.

She wished her students could be here in this man's stead. They deserved the recognition that would be bestowed if... when... the maniac they hunted was brought down... not this guy.

"Nice vehicle." the guy was speaking. "The Agency's budget restraints don't seem to apply to you, Agent Keen."

"This is my car." she snapped. "Be happy I decided to share it today."

"I'm just thinking out loud." Hempstead was pretending to check over the data sheets in his hand. "Not every Federal employee can afford something like this." he waved his hand. "Must have set you back a tad."

"I'm a single woman, why shouldn't I spend my salary on what I want in life?" she smiled that insincere smile right back. "Can I help it if you burdened yourself with a wife, two point five children and have to drive a Nissan?"

Hempstead's spine stiffened at Joe's not-so-subtle snickering from the front seat.

Liz held the other Agent's eyes easily.

"I don't consider my wife and kids a burden."

"But you evidently resent the hell out of that Nissan." Liz turned her attention elsewhere. "Perhaps we should limit our conversations to the business at hand and keep personal remarks aside."

The Agent cleared his voice, slightly embarrassed, "I wasn't aware I had made a personal remar–"

"Well, now you are." Liz shifted cool eyes. "I've set-up a meet tonight with the Unsub," she indicated her laptop. "I've kept him at bay for as long as I think advisable. I'm assuming the operation is a 'go' from your standpoint?"

The man cleared his throat once again. "Yes, we're ready. We only require the time and location."

"I'll contact my fiancé..." she hesitated, rethinking her phraseology after this morning's run-in with Francis. Would this conversation get back to Cooper?

Well, if it got back to Cooper, who was in the dark about the new state of her and Red's relationship.. Liz would just explain it was a by-product of being 'under cover'.

She smiled secretively, realizing the word 'undercover' had suddenly taken on a whole new dynamic where she and Red were concerned.

Liz checked on Joe, their eyes meeting in the rearview mirror.

She would explain to him... later.

"Why would you have to contact your fiancé?"

"We had plans this evening... his mother is making fondue for the family."

Hempstead realized his faux pas... another personal remark.

Liz settled, "I'll pick the time and place. You'll have plenty of time to set-up anything you and your agents find suitable."

Hempstead seemed satisfied, sitting back in his seat.

They finished the journey in relative silence, to Liz's great relief.

---

She walked determinedly to the garage elevator that would lead her to the Blacksite, searching her bag for her access card.

Joe matched his steps to hers. "What was with the hesitation?"

Liz stopped in her steps, her expression perplexed.

"When you were talking to the dip-shit." Joe jerked his head to the recently vacated ride-along. "You hesitated over the word." he was of course, referring to when she called Red her fiancé. "Is there a problem of which I should be made aware? Seeing as Silas is–"

"Oh!" Liz breathed a sigh. "On, no. No, of course not... I've just been so flaky today. I was second guessing myself again."

"Again?"

She relayed the 'Francis' fiasco.

"That boy has ears like–"

"A bat! I know!" Liz gestured wildly. "I think Red and Nora covered nicely but Francis is like a..."

"Dog with a bone." Joe finished, sagely nodding.

"Uhm... Joe?" Liz confided, stepping closer, lowering her voice. "You won't mention this to Red, right?"

Joe scowled unsure of any reason why he should not.

"I mean.." she flustered slightly, "that word." she rolled her eyes. "It conveys... so much pressure. Don't you think?"

She waited for a response, all of two seconds.

"Maybe Red will think I expect him to...well..." she glanced anxiously at the man, "...you know? Oh! Not that I don't want him to ask. I do!"

Joe held his grin.

"I just want it to be on his own terms... if it happens, I mean." she explained patiently. "Not that I expect it will... just... if it does."

"Uh huh..." Joe nodded gravely.

"Oh... good." she breathed a long sigh, holding her passkey to the electric panel. "I knew you would get it."

They continued on.

"I don't know where my mind is these days, making slips like that."

"Maybe with your head guard?"

Liz brightened instantly. "Did you see him today?" her pride was showing. "I've never seen him so horribly bitchy! It was wonderful!"

"Yeah... glorious." Joe guided the woman into the empty elevator.

"And Mr. Kaplan gave him real food, and he walked all the way to the bathroom himself."

"Yeah... that, I've got to shit, remark brought tears to my eyes."

Liz giggled happily. "Oh, it just warms your heart, doesn't it?"

Joe looked to the woman, a bewildered scowl lacing his brow when he realized, Liz was truly ecstatic over the developments concerning Silas.

"It's so good he's on the mend." she clasped her hands together joyously.

The elevator door lifted, drawing an unexpected disgruntled groan from Liz.

After almost two months away, she understood Red's distaste for the place. She never realized how antiseptic the War room was until just now.

With everything taking place at the time, she didn't realize how unstimulating, stuffy and lifeless the Blacksite truly was.

The black, grey and stainless steel encompassing the vast space was a stark contrast compared to the warm, colorful and inviting situation she now thrived in.

"We need to get some plants in here." she muttered to her companion.

"As opposed to the pod people already in place?" Joe questioned seriously, drawing a small chuckle for Liz.

"Oh," Aram smiled brightly, "Agent Keen, you're...whoa..." he glanced her up and down, "...wow."

Liz glanced down at herself, cocking her head. "Is something wrong?"

"No, no," Aram shook his head frantically, "you look good... I mean, great. I mean, it's great to see you."

Joe frowned his confusion. He still hadn't come to terms with the idea this little pipsqueak was holding Silas back from making a move on Samar Navabi.

"Thank you, Aram." Liz smiled. "It's good to see you too."

Taking a resigned breath as they neared Cooper and her team, Liz straightened, ready to tackle the matter at hand.

"I wanted us all on the same page." Liz was animatedly presenting her case to a patiently listening Harold Cooper.

"Reddington will know a good place that will suit our needs." Ressler stated his belief.

"That's what I thought as well." Liz turned, hearing the hum of the elevator.

It clunked to a stop on their floor. The door clattering open.

She immediately recognized the two figures standing center-stage.

Red had his fedora in hand and beside him Dembe's stocky frame filled the remaining space.

Liz returned to her narrative, "Oh good, they're here."

"We can get this show on the road." Ressler disliked inactivity.

Red sauntered forth. Any space he occupied the man seemed to own, Liz noted.

Dembe immediately sought out the coffee and pastry table as was his way.

"I need a Danish." Red called out over his shoulder.

No one said much of anything when both men made themselves at home for the simple reason, it was Reddington's money that kept the break room supplied with a wide variety of treats and beverages.

Liz wondered silently, if it was a small way Red attempted to brighten the space? To make it more habitable. Homey...

He had taken great care stocking it with all the comforts they would need for a long day. State-of-the-art appliances, free vending of every assortment, the best coffee, fresh pastries.

He even provided a ping-pong table which she and her team admittedly used countless times, comfortable couches she often slept on before Tom's departure and sound machines that played nature sounds with private headphones when the stress became too much.

While all the Agents had been grateful for his contribution. It was when he went to bat for them to keep those luxuries after some higher-ups demanded their removal... that Red garnered a strong support from the Agents on site.

It had upset her at the time, that her fellow Agents caved to Red's charm.

Now, she couldn't wait to be alone with the man to thank him for his generosity.

She settled for walking beside him, grabbing a folder as a ruse to hook his fingers with hers... quickly squeezing them, hopefully conveying how much she loved him in that small gesture.

Red returned the affection, laying the fedora aside to hide their intimacy.

On the drive over, he wondered how he would handle this new facet of their relationship at the Blacksite.

Lizzy's team, while resigned to he and Lizzy possibly sharing sexual relations... were not yet open to an actual romance between them.

And Lizzy was in no hurry to inform them of their status.

At first, he believed she may be embarrassed to be romantically involved with him. But learned quickly it wasn't that she wanted to hide what they were... she just wasn't in the mood to be interrogated about what they were.

It was hard enough trying to find a balance in any relationship, especially in a new one. It was harder when everyone gave unsolicited advice.

Until they were ready for more... what they did in the privacy of their own home was no one's business but their own.

Besides, this was Lizzy's work. He would try his best to respect her in the workplace and not accost her the moment he saw her... no matter how much he wished to.

Giving her one last squeeze, he turned his attention. "Harold, new suit?"

Harold grinned, running his hands down the sharp crease of the lapel, "You set such a high standard, how could I not follow your lead?"

"Superb cut!" Red measured the man admiringly.

"You're such a liar." Cooper smiled his amusement. "It's off the rack."

Red sought in his wallet, handing over a card. "Call my tailor. It's on me."

Cooper... pocketed the card.

Ressler followed the movement, his brow raising questioningly.

Cooper pointedly gestured to the shoes Ressler wore.

Ressler looked sheepishly down at his feet, more specifically, the gift from Reddington, shrugging lamely. "They help my arch."

Liz interjected, "Red an interesting development–"

"One moment, sweetheart." Red held a hand upon Dembe's arrival.

"No Danish." Dembe managed a 'sad' face.

Red was not a happy camper, in fact, he seemed bereft over the fact. "No Danish?"

"Chocolate glazed?" Dembe brightened as did Red, who took the pre-offered cup of coffee as well.

"Elizabeth?" Dembe's smile brightened, handing her a cup. She took the cup, inhaling the rich aroma.

"The world is kind." Red bit into the donut with relish.

"Silas!" Liz's eyes widened, her mouth dropping agape as yet another individual lumbered into view.

Liz pushed past Red, bodily shoving the man aside.

Red juggled his coffee and donut, a fixed scowl on his once content face for the disturbance to his nirvana like moment.

"Silas! You're here!" Liz stopped short of pouncing on the large man, but the guard's warning glare reminded her in time... he disliked people in his space.

Samar offered the guard an amused look.

Liz noted the guard's features softened just a tad, but he was back in form when he shifted his eyes back.

She reached, grabbing his hand instead. She smiled happily when his large fingers gripped her in return. "Should you be up and abo–"

"Woman!" Silas was acutely aware of a certain woman listening in. "...Red" he wanted his friend to call off Liz's 'mother' routine.

"Elizabeth..." Red sighed, taking another bite of his donut.

Liz ignored Red entirely. "I'm so happy to see you up but I'm not all sure you should be pushing your body–"

"My body," Silas bellowed, "is perfect! There is nothing what-so-ever wrong with my body!"

Samar looked the man up and down seeming to agree with the statement.

Liz blinked, "Well, you don't have to be so grouchy about it." she pouted. "I'm only looking out for your welfar–"

"You... are looking out," Silas was incredulous, "for my welfare?!"

"Calm the hell down." Red waved his coffee about recklessly in Dembe's opinion. "You'll stroke out. She's only worried about you."

"Why is she worried about you?" Samar asked.

"She's a reactionary." Silas waved the question aside. "I was in a little tussle–"

Liz gasped, "A little tussl–"

"I have a feeling we missed something." Ressler stated wryly.

"Is this something we need to discuss?" Cooper wanted to know.

"We have it covered." Red smiled pleasantly.

Liz's face fell, her sad eyes looking to Red for help. "He's hurting." she knew. "Do you have his pain medication?"

Dembe pulled the pills free of his light jacket, tossing them to the woman. Silas was always like a wounded bear when his injuries were that extensive.

Liz deftly opened the bottle, holding the pills and her coffee aloft for him to take them.

"I'm fine." Silas gritted, refusing the provided drugs.

Liz frowned her upset, shoving her offerings towards the man. "You take these right now or..."

"Or, what!" Silas snapped.

"I'll tell Kaplan to deliver them in suppository form!" Liz threatened.

The warring pair glared hard at one another, neither moving an inch... until Liz's bottom lip began to tremble.

"Dammit!" Silas bitched, snatching the pills and cup from her hands downing both quickly. "Happy now!"

Red shifted his eyes towards Dembe, shaking his head minutely. It surprised him Silas caved so fast.

He and Dembe had been on the man to take the pills for a little over an hour.

He should have known Lizzy and those sad doe eyes would make the man cave in less than ten minutes flat.

"You'll feel better soon." Liz murmured quietly, dragging a stool over for the man to sit. "...Rest, please."

Silas' teeth clenched irritably, side glancing Samar only to find the woman staring at him just as anxiously. Sighing, he slid his ass on the edge, easing the ache in his middle.

"Now, why were we summoned?" Red checked his watch. "I do have a few matters to attend to this fine day."

"Oh, yes..." Liz was jarred back to the reason they were all here. She quickly relayed the news on the Unsub and their plans.

"...You did what?" Red bellowed.

In her excitement, she had not taken Red's reaction into consideration. Perhaps she should have waited until they were at home... alone, to discuss this with him.

Liz grimaced, wringing her hands together. "Well, that was always the plan... wasn't it? Sooner or later?"

"Later... than sooner!" he snapped. "We need more time to–"

"He was getting antsy. I could sense it, Red." she countered.

Joe involuntarily stepped forward. "We have a comfortable window of opportunity, Red... really."

"Where the hell were you when this happened?" Red hissed, his fists clenching.

"Right beside her," Joe stood upright, sensing Red's anger was quickly reaching a boiling point. "...Sir."

Liz nervously bit at her thumbnail, grimacing for her guard's predicament. She sought out Silas who waved her concern off with a negligent flip of his hand.

"Of all the..." Red trailed off. "Did you not once think to discuss this with me first..." he grumbled angrily, not sure exactly what he was so upset about in truth.

She hadn't, actually. Not at the time, anyway. Once she spoke to the SAC... she questioned her reasoning. But upon reflection, she believed the action to be the correct one.

"It was the right decision!" Liz stood up to his anger, hers piqued.

"Harold!" Red shifted stormy eyes towards the tall man.

"I was made aware of the situation about ten minutes ago." Cooper sighed. "While I question the timing, I wasn't in discussion with the man," he shrugged, "Agent Keen was."

"What are you going to do about this farce!" Red seethed.

Ressler and Samar shared a look, unused to the anger Reddington was displaying.

"I was awaiting Agent Keen's decision on the matter." Cooper told the truth.

"You are her direct superior." Red glared daggers at the man.

"I am," Cooper acknowledged, "but I also know Agent Keen is exemplary at her job. If she feels she is ready for this task, who am I to disagree."

"Thank you, Sir." Liz beamed before the full force of Red's displeasure stared her in the face.

"I am highly displeased, Elizabeth." Red eyed the woman with dark eyes. "What about our arrangement, my little asset?"

Liz's heart admittedly fluttered, hearing the deeper connotation in those words.

Red conveyed his unhappiness before turning his anger full force once more on Cooper. "I need her to carry on the charade we've been..." he grasped at straws.

"Yes, yes..." Cooper sighed, "all well and good, but this is one nigh... and the chances we can get a serial killer off the–"

"She hasn't been released for active duty yet!" Red interrupted, reminding any and all triumphantly.

"It was my understanding," Cooper reminded in turn, "this was a simple dinner date and that undercover agents would be on site."

"Oh, that's reassuring." Red muttered angrily. "Yes, I'm sure Elizabeth will find comfort having back-up from a SAC who has never led such an assignment before!"

Liz did frown at that. "He's never–" knowing Red performed background checks on people she worked with, she trusted his word. "Sir, do you think I could have my team as back–"

"A moment, Harold." Red grasp Lizzy's elbow, leading the woman away from her contemporaries before voicing his misgivings.

"What the hell are you doing?" he hissed, his tone low, intense.

"...Red," Silas sighed. The man had been silent up to this point, listening as events unfolded.

"We got this." Joe assured both men. "We can do this."

Red and Silas shared a dubious look.

"Should I take offense?" Joe scowled, taken aback. "You act as if I can't do my job."

Joe fell silent when Silas gave a curt shake of his head, his hand subtly gesturing to back off.

"Liz can do this," Silas supported, "she can handle it fine."

"Need I remind you," Red bitched, "this man is a serial killer."

"A serial killer who picked the wrong target." Silas was positive. "I've been training her to deal with trash like him."

Red's anger simmered beneath the cool surface, but his instincts said, at least hear out the advice he paid for.

"And, no offense," Silas lifted a hand stilling the woman's pique, "but he'll under estimate her."

Liz held her tongue, listening to the man's insight. Silas had been there right beside her as this all unfolded. Did he see something she hadn't?

"Like Dahmer, he's gotten cocky," Silas explained, "too comfortable. He thinks he won't get caught."

"He's so much smarter than we mere mortals." Joe knew the type.

Liz had to agree, she had profiled the creep after all.

"She's a trophy kill." Silas said. Liz glanced hastily at the phraseology. "What?" he continued undauntedly. "You know he believes taking down an FBI agent will be a crowning achievement."

Red's brows lifted as if to signify his point.

"He thinks Liz won't be on guard for an innocent date," Silas continued. "But little does he know how brutal Liz can be when backed into a corner."

"I can be brutal." Liz was certain, adding her two-cents eagerly.

"Just think about Tom." Joe muttered aside. A wry grin tilted his mouth when Elizabeth instantly went on the defense, ready for a fight.

Red didn't like it, not one bit.

"Send the full security detail with her if it makes you feel better." Silas suggested.

Liz snapped her mouth shut when her guard shifted narrowed eyes her way. Meaning, shut the hell up, I got this.

"But I'm telling you," Silas stressed, "I believe she'll handle this prick just fine."

Liz understood what Silas was doing. Red needed to have the scenario mapped out down to the smallest of detail. He needed to be reassured nothing would go wrong.

"Stop underestimating her." Silas' tone dropped to a menacing whisper meant only for Red's ears.

"I am not underestimating Elizabeth." Red snapped. "I..I'm worried." he voiced his insecurity. "You won't be there." he finally realized the problem with this whole mess.

Joe remained silent, taking the slight in his stride. He knew Red trusted him and knew he would protect Elizabeth at any cost but...

Like Red's relationship with Dembe, Liz had her own with Silas. They had built a trust, language and timing in their time together.

"I can be there." Silas said. "I know her tells, I can direct the team." he suggested. "They'll perform the take down if one is warranted."

Red reached, gripping Elizabeth's hand in his.

"Let her team be there for the formality," Silas continued. "She'll be fine. I promise."

Red turned staring down at her deep blue eyes, his jaw tightening.

"I want you wired." Red conceded. "And a safeword in place should you need an out."

"Vacation." Liz supplied instantly. "I'll say, I can't wait for a vacation."

Silas and Joe made a mental note, listening for further details.

"I want trackers on her phone and her person." Red directed to the two guards. "Dembe, make reservations at Eduardo's please."

"Red, I'm a lowly government employee," Liz reminded, "could I have access to such a place on my dime?"

Red huffed under his breath, "Fine... call Chico. He has private rooms accessible to everyone and within your budget."

"Raymond, they have connecting rooms." Dembe reminded.

"Yes, yes..." Red warmed to the idea, "we'll definitely want that."

Dembe nodded, setting about the task.

"Anything else?" Liz opened herself to his ideas... if nothing else, but to ease the man's nerves.

"No touching, no holding hands..." Red further stipulated, but quietly, hoping to keep it a private matter.

Liz fought the smile creeping around the edges, keeping her expression neutral as possible.

"No kissing." he urged tightly. The thought she would get that close to the son-of-a-bitch was unsettling.

"Red," Silas' head fell back, "she's going on a date. Some touching may be required."

He forgot Lizzy's ever present shadow was that close.

Red narrowed his eyes dangerously. "...Fine. No kissing." he reiterated to an amused Elizabeth Keen.

Liz nodded passively, easing Red's worry. She hadn't planned on doing any of the aforementioned but... if it meant delaying her death a few moments, where was the harm, right?

That wasn't funny, she reminded herself. Was she spending too much time with these guys? Was their cavalier attitude rubbing off?

"Raymond," Dembe addressed the tense man, "I secured two rooms for eight tonight."

"Tell your team to get their asses in gear," Red jabbed a finger towards Liz's laptop, "and before I come to my senses and change my mind, tell that bastard you're on for tonight."

Dembe stepped alongside Elizabeth, supplying her with the finer details before she sent the reply.

---

"I want it on record," Red was adamant, "I am one hundred percent against you doing this totally insane–"

"I'm an FBI agent, Red." Liz was getting angry. "I can do my job. I did it, and quite well, I might add before you came into my life."

Red fell silent, his own anger and suppressed fears lurking beneath his supposedly calm exterior.

He crossed his arms, sitting into the plush chair beside the ultra modern fireplace in the bedroom.

Elizabeth sat as well, plopping down on the blue cushion of the coverlet covering their bed.

"This is getting us nowhere." Dembe glanced between one stubborn individual to the other.

"Elizabeth, please go select your clothing for tonight."

Elizabeth glanced up at the man.

Dembe crooked a brow. "Please."

She sighed, trudging off to the closet. "Well, I'm not sure I have anything suitable to empress a psycho but..."

She sighed lightly, resigned to her lot in life.

Red's eyes followed the woman's retreat.

"What type of wire would you feel most comfortable with?" Dembe knew how to get Raymond up and moving. "Or we could trust the task to the FBI?"

Red rolled his eyes, unfolding his arms, rising fluidly. "I don't want one wire... I want at least three."

"I thought you might." Dembe opened a large valise, waving his hand over the electronic selections inside.

"Raymond," his voice grew grave, "you must allow Elizabeth her growth, you know this."

Red stared at the gadgets moodily. "They act like it's a fucking game."

"We both know it is... of sorts." Dembe replied. "A game at which we are very skilled. We will teach Elizabeth all we know in time."

"In time." Red snapped. "I don't know if this is... the time."

Dembe allowed him to vent.

"This maniac has taken down how many women now?" Red raised his voice.

"I believe it is eight." Dembe replied.

"That they know of..." Red seethed.

"He has not as yet met... Elizabeth." Dembe watched Silas' arduous training sessions week in, week out. "Those other poor women, they were defenseless. Elizabeth... is not, I promise you that."

Red thumbed through the different types and ranges of communication devices, pulling three from the selection.

He lifted troubled eyes. "I won't let her down this time, Dembe. I promise that."

"You did not let her down before but I understand your concerns."

Red sighed heavily. "Well," he waved a hand, "the sooner we start..."

---

"I want the men to memorize each entry and exit road, every alleyway." Silas was studying a detailed map of the section of town Liz would be located on this mission.

"I want details stationed here and here..." he indicated keys points his instinct demanded.

Silas' instincts were superb.

"We don't know where he will suggest they go but we have the extra units available for any possible route." Joe scowled over the map as well.

"Elizabeth is smart... she'll lay down hints as she goes. Plus, we have the tracking devices but I have never put much store in them, as you know." Silas shrugged mentally. "Plan for any possible contingency."

"Think outside the box." Joe recited the code for the other man. "Always have a plan B, C and D up and running."

Silas lifted calm eyes.

"Are you up and running for this one?" Joe needed reassurance." Because, even as we speak, your wound is bleeding through."

Silas glanced down and his shirt front. "Damn! I like this shirt!" he unbuttoned the light blue fabric irritably.

"Guys like us, we're used to getting our bodies up to par quickly." Silas eased the shirt from his stocky shoulders, careful of his wound. "You know that. I started the regimen the minute I became conscious."

"Well, snipers, terrorists and assassins wait for no man." Joe philosophized. "If we can't move our asses out of a sticky situation, wounds or no wounds... we won't have to worry about a recovery period... because we'll be dead."

Joe secured a wide bandage, wrapping the support tightly about Silas' injury. "Tight enough?"

Silas nodded absently. "A good learning tool." he grinned. "The battlefield."

He popped some pain pills and three types of antibiotics Kaplan left, washing them down with Gatorade. "I'll make it through the next few hours just fine, so don't go–"

"Oh, like I'd say anything to outsiders."

"You'd say it to Red, you rat fink." Silas accused.

"If I thought you were really out-of-it." Joe agreed. "But I don't, so..." he motioned, "what's plan B this time?"

Before Silas could answer, Joe chuckled.

"What's the joke?" Silas asked.

"There was something I wasn't supposed to tell Red but..." Joe shared, "you aren't Red."

He relayed the incident with Liz when she accidentally misused the word, 'fiancé'.

"You know how she gets." Joe was still tickled over the matter. "She was so damn cute and flustered."

"Yeah, cute." Silas grimaced distastefully.

Joe rolled his eyes at the man's tough exterior. "You know you like her."

Joe had seen the way Silas clasped Liz's hand at the Blacksite... but more importantly, how quickly the man caved to her pouty face.

"She's a train wreck." Silas grumbled. "Hell, both of them are like a train wreck, so clearly going to have a major collision." he shook his head. "They are meant to be together... everyone can see it but those two numbskulls. And they think they are keeping it all so together... so under wraps."

"Well, not Red." Joe reminded.

"He is too... for her sake." Silas disdained. "I'm just not used to Red not telling everyone to go to hell so they can get on with their lives."

Joe pondered the question. "Red must have it pretty bad not to. It's his way, after all."

"I know why he's waiting... and I agree with his strategy to a point because it protects Liz." Silas sighed.

"I don't see what the big deal is," Joe shrugged, "if things go Red's way, and they always do... these loopholes won't matter."

"Well, I know the truth and you know it but," Silas shook his head, "until he nails the assholes who..." the man trailed off. "It's going to be hard enough for Liz in the interim. If she has these loopholes..."

"She's beating the system at their own game." Joe surmised.

Silas cricked his neck, sighing. "Let's get to this operation." he sat his power drink aside. "I want everything to run like clock work."

---

"Career women are so..." the Unsub, Alex, said.

This guy loved to hear himself talk.

Red sat, arms folded over his chest, a morose look on his face. He had not said one word the entire time since this debacle had began.

He was aware of quiet activity about him. Samar's soft perfume came and went with the woman's proximity as she hovered about the viewing monitors which sat on an available table.

The entire team was holed up in an adjoining room from where Elizabeth and the Unsub dined, feet away. At least one, unaware he was being watched... scrutinized.

"...Captivating to me." the bastard literally oozed charm.

"Why is that, Alex?" Liz played her part well, the interest in those blue eyes shone seemingly genuine.

"You have it all." the guy spread his arms out. "And you've earned it without any help from," he motioned, a sickly smile on his face, "a lowly man."

Liz smiled back. "I'm proud of my achievements. I've worked hard but..."

What did this jerk want her to say?

What had the other women said?

Was there a correct reply for a psychotic killer?

"Well, I'm on the dating site for a reason." she softened her smile. "We all need someone in our life, don't we?"

She left the question hanging between them. "I don't necessarily see that as a weakness."

"Oh, I totally agree." Alex was all too quick to soothe and placate. "Not a weakness at all."

Liz sipped her wine delicately. "The truth is," she sat the delicate glass aside, "not a lot of men have hit me up on the site." she lied fluently.

"You intimidate them." the Unsub supplied the reason.

"Do I?" she feigned modesty. "I can't think why?"

"You are beautiful." he waved a hand.

"I'm not." she tried to blush but it wouldn't come.

"You are," Alex smiled, "and very accomplished... and you carry a badge." a small joke was inserted.

Liz chuckled musically. "Well, that part might be a bit to swallow." she played along. "But... not for you?"

"I respect the law, but I have never been especially intimidated by its representatives." he softened the insult. "You are, after all, only human. But I do admire you are all out there on the front lines, so to speak..."

"Protecting and serving." Liz quipped.

"Who protects you?" the question had a sinister ring to it, to Red's ears. "Who... serves you?"

A sexual undertone there.

Red seethed in silence.

"What's your problem, Reddington?" Ressler had kept his opinion to himself longer than usual. "Are we missing something here?"

Samar glanced down at the brooding figure. "Is there a problem?"

"I always have a problem with putting a woman in an impossible situation." Red remarked quietly. "No matter who she might be."

Samar's eyes softened.

"Liz seems to be having an okay time?" Aram shrugged carelessly until Mr. Reddington's dark eyes shifted his way. "I mean... if the guy isn't who we're looking for," the man said, "it hasn't been horrible, right?"

"Do you have any idea just how many things could go wrong here tonight?" Red wondered if they did.

"We got it covered." Ressler dismissed.

"You have it covered?" Red was incredulous. "That's the most stupid remark you have made to date." he snapped for, it was the truth. "Need I remind you Donald, you said that before... and were shot... twice."

Ressler took it well, considering. "Look, we've covered all the bases. This sicko isn't going anyw–"

"Are we trusting your 'Spidey' senses now?" Red's eyes lifted angrily. "Covered all the bases my ass. There is no possible way we've thought of every contingency, and you know that."

"Like, Aram said, we don't even know if this guy is the Unsub." Ressler reminded. "We're playing a hunch."

"He's your guy." Red grated.

"And you know this... how?" Ressler arched a brow.

Red turned his head slowly, a menacing spark in his eyes. "Elizabeth..."

Ressler frowned, looking at the monitor. More specifically, his partner on the screen. She looked relaxed, a little annoyed... but he figured she would look like that on any date.

"What about her?"

"She's in there, facing that degenerate." Red focused intent eyes on the woman. "She sees through the façade... she can read his eyes."

"So..." Ressler was at a loss.

"Her weapon is in her handbag." Red said. "She had it hanging on the side of the chair," he gestured, "now... it's in her lap." he zeroed in on that small bag, waiting for her to make her move.

"She got her lip gloss." Aram remembered.

"No," Red shook his head, "she saw something that put her on alert."

"You can't know that." Ressler disagreed.

"I know, Elizabeth." Red fumed.

"This has been an enchanting evening, at least from my point of view." the Unsub interrupted the moment.

Liz wondered what she had said or not said to bring the enchanting evening to such an abrupt halt.

She lifted inquiring brows, forcing a smile. "And mine."

"I hate to see it end so soon."

Liz glanced at their empty plates, glad she had ordered a very light meal. This guy was starting to turn her stomach.

"It is late though and I have to work tomorr–"

"Oh, I wouldn't concern yourself about that." the confident, swarthy smile again. "Which is to say... I couldn't bear it if you wouldn't allow me to share something rather private with you first... before we must say adieu."

"Excuse me?" Liz feigned confusion.

"It's such an amazing night, don't you agree?" Alex hurried on before she could make any objections. "I don't usually suggest this and I know we've just met but already, I feel an... affinity with you. I hope I'm not presumptuous."

"What are you saying exactly." Liz thought she knew.

"There is a special spot I've found. It's a very pretty, peaceful place." he smiled charmingly., taking her hand across the table. "The weather is perfect for... a moonlight stroll."

Liz artfully removed her hand. Mustn't make this too easy for the bastard. "I'm sorry... I really don't know if–"

"Oh God, I've spoiled it haven't I?" Alex grimaced endearingly. "It was a stupid thing to suggest."

He sat back sighing lightly, "What an idiot. Asking a woman to accompany me... to be all alone with a virtual stranger. What in God's name was I thinking?"

Red watched the psychopath work the situation, his technique perfected.

"It's just something I wished to share... with you." he tried for sincerity but was just too full of himself to fully pull it off.

He knew he was speaking of one thing while presenting the horror he suggested in quite another light.

It was part of the game... the build up... the anticipation.

"I sense you are the type of woman who could appreciate it." he scowled then. "So few are these days. You are... special."

"Well," Liz moved slowly, "is it far?"

"Oh, no... not at all. Not at all." he perked up, anticipating capitulation just as he planned. "Only a short stroll, really."

Liz hesitated still, her instinct telling her... make the bastard work for it.

"There aren't many such spots in the city. I count myself fortunate to have discovered it, actually."

Red's thoughts were interrupted by a rather irritating crunch coming from behind him.

He turned, an annoyed look on his face.

"What?" Silas propped his feet on a nearby chair. "I missed dinner." he held the chip aloft, scooping a large portion of salsa onto its curved surface which he plopped into his mouth before cracking open a can of Coke.

"Why aren't you out there?" Red's tone was more than perturbed.

"The men are in place." Silas glanced around the empty tables of the room. "Is there anymore salsa floating around?"

Red sighed wearily, hastily returning to the monitors.

Samar sent a half-scolding, half-seductive look the guard's way before she too, resumed a watch-and-wait attitude.

Silas' eyes traveled the length of the curvaceous figure... stopping in all the right places.

Ressler offered a disdainful grimace, having caught the gesture which made Silas grin.

"I brought my car and I don't want to have to return–" Liz was really making the guy sweat.

"Oh, we don't have to take a car. It's very close by...we can walk."

Red and Ressler exchanged subdued glances.

"It's gotta be the park." Silas was up and alert, jerking a thumb in the parks general direction. He tossed the salsa bowl to the table in passing.

He came alongside Samar.

Everyone's attention was glued to the screens.

Red sat forward, on edge.

The restaurant was built backing a slightly underdeveloped parcel of land surrounding a small park dedicated to the memory of some Senator's deceased mother.

"It's not Crescent Trail though..." Samar frowned.

"It is." Silas said. "That entire green area has a smattering of small memorial parks... but it is all considered, Crescent Trail."

Liz was arising from her chair, Alex gallantly assisting as any gentleman would.

"I guess a few moments won't matter." she looked at the man, her gaze straight and steady. "Will it?"

"One can never tell," Alex was practically vibrating with giddiness, "what a moment might bring."

To any female thinking the evening was taking a turn for the better, that might have sounded promising.

To Liz, it heightened her distrust.

She smiled brightly, allowing Alex to take her arm... guide her.

Silas... left.

Samar hurried to catch up, which she did. "It will look more natural," she took his arm, "if we pretend we're simply going to our car."

Silas admired her quick thinking.

"I can go places you can't." she reminded.

Red stood, so glad to be active finally. Maybe within a few minutes, this nightmare would end.

How it would end was another question... one he refused to dwell on.

Red and Ressler watched Elizabeth and her escort make their way through the crowded restaurant.

The guy's hand was on Liz's back, guiding her gently though the gathered throngs.

Red bristled, seething silently.

Before the evening was through, he would cut that hand off and store it away as a reminder...

Did that make him the same as... or worse than... the Unsub, he wondered?

Silas and Samar had mistimed their steps. Elizabeth and the Unsub were headed on a collision course.

Silas halted, pulling Samar's lovely body against his for a brief moment, giving enough pause for Elizabeth to squeeze by.

Silas planted a gentle kiss on Samar's temple before gazing down into the dark creamy eyes.

Samar took her cue, bestowing a smile only another lover would understand.

The Unsub smiled at the exchange, excusing himself as he passed.

Silas' face hardened instantly and those dark creamy eyes of Samar's pierced the Unsub with a steely, determined glare as they slowly followed the other pair out into the warm night's air.

Silas continued on, his arm securely about Samar's small waist. They walked to one of the SUV's designated for this OP.

Samar leaned into the burly man's chest, coquettishly halting their trek at one point. "We need to stay long enough to see which direction they take, right?"

She tip-toed placing her mouth gently to Silas' brooding one.

Silas leaned on the side of the car hood, allowing the woman her lead.

"I think the bastard is purposely waiting until there are no witnesses." Silas noted the Unsub stopped Elizabeth under the entrance portico.

"Shit." Samar trusted the man's instincts. "So... what do we do now?"

"Let's get in the car." Silas directed, opening the side door before helping seat her in the passenger side. "There is a dirt road a short ways down."

Samar smiled up at him, keeping the act in play. "Where are your men?"

"Where are they not?" was a better question in Silas' mind. He made way to the driver's side, sliding in the vehicle.

"Between Red's men and your fellow agents," Silas glanced to the woman, "there's not a damned bush or tree out there," he motioned with his head to the area which they now drove, "that isn't occupied."

"Then why do I still feel... uneasy." Samar wanted to know.

"I just lost her." Silas sighed. He tapped his ear, gesturing to the ear bud when Samar snapped her eyes his way. "I could hear Liz, now I can't. We're out of her range."

Silas drove like a bat out of hell to the dirt road, doubling back hastily.

He parked the car in a darkened loop, allowing them sight of the back of the restaurant.

Red and Ressler could be seen exiting the double doors of the rear-exit of the establishment even now.

"Come on." Silas and Samar made their way forward through the cover of a thickly patched area to the West side of the small Park the guard mentioned earlier.

"I can't see or hear them." Silas kept his tone calm. "Who has eyes?" he asked into the wide-range comm-link.

"We're on them. Target moving to the water edge," Joe's voice immediately responded. "West side of the pond."

Silas turned, changing directions.

"Wait..." Samar lifted her leg, shoving her pant legs into her boots before tightening the laces securely.

Silas acted as her balance beam until she accomplished the task.

"I'll slow you down." she knew. "I'll come in from the North here..." she motioned to a clearing over the rolling expanse of hills lining the pond, "that way we'll have at least one possible exit blocked."

Silas looked long and hard at the woman.

"That son-of-a-bitch won't get past me." she vowed

"He won't get that far but... watch that beautiful ass of yours."

"You watch it." And with that, she was gone. A small figure blending with the shadows and camouflage provided by the lush landscape.

Silas moved stealthily forward.

---

Red halted Ressler with a hand out.

"You're right you know," Liz was saying.

About damned time she chimed in, the man thought.

"It is very beautiful here... so peaceful and quiet."

"Quite the contrast from the city, isn't it." Alex motioned to the trees they walked through. "It's all around us and yet... we wouldn't know it."

"It's easy to lose one's bearings in here." Liz was saying.

"I know this place like the back of my hand." was the cryptic reply. "The spot I want you to see is just up ahead."

Red stopped in his tracks when Lizzy's voice crackled in his ear, then faded. Both he and Ressler turned in the opposite direction, quickening their steps.

"That little lane we just passed," Red breathed when he heard Lizzy's statement loud and clear, "I didn't catch the name on that sign, did you?"

"Crescent Trail." Alex supplied the answer every agent and guard was hoping for...

Lizzy's tone was almost whimsical, Red noted.

"Why does that sound so familiar?"

Red cursed under his breath. Was she deliberately trying to bait the bastard?

"Probably heard it on some Spielberg movie." she quipped lightly. "Indiana Jones and the Treasure of the Crescent Trail."

The Unsub actually laughed. "Part two."

It was eerie hearing the chuckling laughter coming over the comm devices.

Red crept along the small trees and heavy brush steadily but silently, in an effort to close the gap between Elizabeth and himself.

This was proving rough going, but Red was both grateful and cursing the earlier rain. The mud hindered their speed but muffled their travels through the undergrowth tangling at his feet. The branches and overgrowth pulling at his trouser legs, cut through the fabric.

Though, all he felt at the moment was an underlying uneasiness the longer Elizabeth was out of his sight.

"Here we are... see? I said it wasn't far." Alex pulled up short, motioning grandly about himself.

Elizabeth looked around the small clearing. Inside she felt calm, oddly at peace.

"...I'm sorry," she didn't sound as if she were to Red's ears.

He halted, checking his bearings. A thick fog crept along the nearby pond, rolling over the dewy grass making the area virtually impossible to navigate.

Ressler held the tracker, motioning Red to an incline a hundred or so meters away.

Red followed hastily.

"I don't see anything especially remarkable about this spot." Elizabeth's voice carried well in the still of the night.

Overhead, a gentle breeze rustled the tree tops.

"No?" Alex sounded clearly disappointed. "Well... perhaps it's just me then."

"Oh? Why is that?" Liz questioned.

"There is no one out there." he knew for certain. "You and I are alone, Elizabeth. Just as I planned all along."

"Is that why you brought the others here?" she motioned to the bramble of leave and twigs covering the ground in which she stood.

At first, the man seemed stunned, rooted to the place he stood.

The moon cleared the clouds overhead. Through the thick mist of the growing fog, Elizabeth could see the surprise... the incredulous look on his face.

Red stopped dead in his tracks, as did Ressler.

"Is she crazy?" The agent shoved frantically through the thicket barring their path, an urgency in his tone.

Red echoed the sentiment, his need to reach Elizabeth a gnawing desire deep inside his churning gut.

Present confidence.

Silas' training rang loud in her ears.

"Well, here I am..." Elizabeth opened her arms, "a defenseless... independent woman, all alone, as you said... now what?"

Her eyes hardened as the man pulled a knife from his calf. The short blade looked shiny against the grey fog.

"So many questions," Elizabeth said, "no real answers as yet, hmm."

The man's face turned angry. "There's no way you set me up."

"Then how did I know what you are? Why you brought me here to this," she glanced casually about, "totally secluded spot."

Weapons are all about... secure one.

Alex's brow furrowed. "They would be here by now."

Liz shrugged. "Maybe there's a reason they're holding back."

She suddenly knew what it was. Silas was sending her a message loud and clear.

The silence was comfortable for the woman. She stopped just inches from where she needed to be.

"Think I will give you a confession, just," Alex laughed, "wrap it all up nice and clean for you?"

"No, that's not it." Liz leaned, hefting a stout piece of wood in her hands. "Do you think this is Birch or Oak?" she pondered, inspecting the thick knobbed branch carefully as she turned it about in her hands.

"You truly believe you can ward off my," the amusement was back in Alex's tone as he gripped the knife in his hand, "...advances with a little stick?"

Offense.

She kicked off her heels, eyeing the man belligerently.

"One way to find out." Elizabeth stood her ground, her fingers twitching in anticipation.

Red jerked upright as the sound of a muffled struggle and her smothered yell of indignation crackled in his ear.

"Dammit! Where is she!" Red stumbled in the ankle deep mud, cutting his palm on a branch that protruded from a tree trunk as he attempted to brace himself. Barely acknowledging the biting sting, he shook it off, hurrying forward.

"I see you." Silas' calm voice filtered through the earpiece.

Red looked about frantically, just seeing the glint of Silas' silver streaked hair as he stepped into view from a copse straight ahead.

Defense.

Liz fought off the man's advance, jabbing her elbow hard into Alex's face. The well placed hit tore into the tender flesh of her attacker, bloodying his nose and cheek.

Her hands tightened about her makeshift weapon, swinging it with a brute strength she didn't know she possessed.

Alex side stepped as Elizabeth swung the club, his arm raised to ward off the blow.

Incapacitate.

Changing tactics mid-swing, Elizabeth avoided his attempt to lash out and grasp her weapon of choice.

Bringing the club in a sharp downward angle, she connected soundly with his kneecap.

Following through with the momentum of her swing, she leaned into the turn, allowing the stick to catch the man across the face.

The loud whoosh as the club cut the air and the sickening crunch of bone splintering just beneath the skin's surface and the asshole crying out in agony... was such a gratifying sound.

Keep your attacker down.

Wasting no time and without hesitation, Liz repeatedly brought the sturdy stick down, all the force of her anger behind the blows.

Allow your anger control... feed from it.

In an intense downward blow, she jabbed viciously into the man's other knee. Reaffirming her grasp, she stabbed hard into the giving flesh of his thigh and beneath the sporty jacket he wore, stealing the man's breath away.

The sounds issuing forth from his disgusting mouth; sharp, piercing screeches, blunt vulgar curses and muffled outcries of disbelief... we all oddly satisfying.

He uselessly used his arms to ward off the blows.

Liz brought the weapon down hard, missing his neck by a fraction of an inch.

---

Red rushed forward towards Silas' hulking figure who was just ahead under the canopy of low-lying cherry trees.

His heart thumped wildly in his chest as the sound of Lizzy's predicament beat steadily against his eardrum.

Silas stood calmly leaning against the tree trunk, gazing out over some unseen venue. He shifted into a more comfortable position, grimacing as the movement pulled at his wound.

"What the fuc–"

Silas darted his grey eyes to the interloper, curtly bringing a finger to his lips, silencing the new arrivals.

Red shushed his outrage, following the other man's directive. He peered through the thicket Silas indicated.

Elizabeth stood over a downed individual, club raised, striking out repeatedly.

Red's brows lifted as he continued to witness the bloodbath taking place just beyond the concealment offered.

"Give her this," Silas advised quietly, "it's been a hard couple days... she's more than earned it."

Red spared the man a glance but was pulled back to the spectacle taking place in that small clearing.

"I've told the men to stand down." Silas whispered. "We're here just..." he trailed off.

Elizabeth kicked the shit head, for want of a better term, literally.

She landed well placed blows to the guy's abdomen.

"She has some," Silas held a branch out of his way, viewing the carnage taking place, "pent-up aggression that needs released."

Ressler's chuckle seemed totally out of place... and character.

Red had forgotten the guy was with him.

"I'll say." Ressler winced as Liz knocked the man across the head with the stick she wielded. "We uh... should really step in." The red-headed agent seemed hesitant to do so, however. "Don't you think?"

Elizabeth took advantage of the fact Alex had pulled himself into a tight ball, assuming the fetal position.

She brought the club down over and over, any place of contact giving a perverse sense of pleasure... and serenity.

Images of the women flashed in her mind's eyes.

All the lovely faces before... and after.

Each blow a vindication.

A victory won.

Slowly... the rage eased.

The sounds of the night returned.

The chirping of crickets, the wind moving her hair and the leaves of the bushes.

Her own breathing sounded winded and heavy.

Her arms ached and burned.

Her eyes stung with tears. "You asshole..." she hissed her fury.

She bent, snatching the knife out of his reach.

Looking down at the assailant writhing on the ground, her fingers tightening reflexively around the hilt of the knife that caused so much destruction and death.

She wasn't alone.

Narrowing her eyes, she lifted her weapons, on the defense... until the blurred faces looking back at her shifted into focus.

Silas... his bulk was unmistakable although his face was obscured in the shadows of a tree branch.

Joe, coming up to his left. David, Justin and Amir following suit.

They had found her.

Her chest heaved with the need to draw in air.

She studied the faces watching her so intently.

She could only imagine how she must appear.

Straightening, Liz took in a deep breath, exhaling slowly. The bloodied club hung limply in her right hand.

She smoothed her hair from her face with her free one. It must have fallen from its carefully arranged top-knot.

She brushed her jacket, straightening is almost primly.

Still the faces stared.

"Why is everybody looking at me like that?" she frowned. "This guy is a freaking whack job!" she explained.

Her guards raised their hands, grinning.

"Is it safe to approach now, Xena?" Joe cracked.

"Elizabeth." the deep rumbling voice washed over her like a rejuvenating sea breeze.

Elizabeth turned, recognizing the voice instantly. She dropped the club as Red stepped from the edge of night, materializing in the gray mist.

Her shoulders dropped from their tense perch, her heart calming at the sight. A surge of exhaustion swept her frame as her adrenaline crashed.

Red rushed forward, welcoming the suddenly very weary woman in a crushing hold as she stumbled in her step towards him.

"Are you all right?" his eyes rapidly scanned her features, his hands flitting over her body.

Nodding silently, she stepped forward, laying her head against his sturdy chest... resting. "I'm tired."

"I can't imagine why..." Red murmured affectionately. He removed his jacket, wrapping it about her small frame.

Samar smiled at the scene as she came alongside the semi-unconscious victim of the... warranted attack.

"I would have crushed his balls." she looked down at the sorry excuse.

Silas grimaced, "I love a woman who knows her own mind."

"You shamefully neglected to pass on the coordinates to my fellow agents." she mentioned in passing. "Was that an oversight on your part?"

"As luck would have it," Silas offered sincere apologies, "all our comm-devices went out at the same time. I sent one of our men to explain the unfortunate mishap."

"I see." Samar held her amusement... just. "I feel compelled to rectify the error."

"Please do so with my sincerest apologies."

"Who says our factions can't work together?" she seemed impressed by such efforts.

"There is certainly one agent I wouldn't mind collaborating with." Silas ignored the moaning guy at his feet. "Especially after that brief but memorable kiss we shared..."

"Just holding my part of the charade." Samar ignored the 'guy' as well.

Men milled... men discussed the events they witnessed. Men lit up cigarettes... men messed with the crime scene.

"I trust I didn't offend your sensibilities?" the woman's perfume made Silas weak in the knees.

"That damned scent drives me to the edge but," he moved closer, stepping over the guy on the way, "you already know that... don't you?"

"One can hope." she shrugged her slim shoulders, her face falling. "Oh, shit... and they descend."

She sent an apologetic look his way. "I guess I should update the SAC."

Liz felt Red's solid presence even as he stepped back into the black abyss, disappearing from sight.
The man in question, Brian Hempstead, rushed on scene flustered, unorganized and way out of his depth.

"Oh God... Oh, God..." Hempstead was flummoxed. "Who...where..." he stuttered. "What happened? What..." he gestured lamely to the Unsub moaning on the ground, "we need some... medical personnel on site. Oh... God."

Liz stood silently aside as the man panicked.

"When did you people arrive?" he turned this way and that. "You can't walk all over the site! Back away..." the guards grinned, stepping back out of the way, "we need some sort of perimeter set up here."

Samar calmed the guy. "We have our man in custody. No one was injured. Agent Keen did an exemplary job."

"How did it go so wrong?" the SAC couldn't fathom. "We need to get this man to a hospital."

"Everything is under control." Samar's soft voice soothed.

Silas stood off to the edge of the scene, watching her work magic.

"Its Liz's word against his now." Joe sauntered over, a smug look on his face. "I think we've confused the crime scene sufficiently to allow any competent attorney to fry this son-of-a-bitch's ass."

"Could backfire on us." Silas swept Samar's frame sensually. "What if he hires a competent–"

"Then I'll wait outside the courthouse with my high-powered, very efficient McMillan TAC-50," Joe smiled pleasantly.

"Overkill?" Samar questioned.

"Sure kill." Joe corrected. "You'll see I'm pretty competent too, when I set my mind to it."

Silas grinned, "That's why I hired you."

---

Liz watched the others, her mind on automatic pilot. A medical team had arrived, their light blue uniforms standing out amid all the men dressed in black military garb.

"Red, all I could see the entire time," Liz leaned against him, his shoulder supporting her, "was their faces." Their names came at breakneck speed, demanding to be remembered... demanding justice. "I just... kept hitting him."

"I saw that." he nodded, holding his smile. "Good for you."

She laughed nervously. "Yeah, good for me." she shook her mood, lifting her eyes to face him. "We got him."

"You... got him." Red corrected. "You... Elizabeth."

"I couldn't have done it without all the backup I knew was–"

"I think... maybe you could have." Red couldn't help but smile recalling how vicious she was with that asshole.

She shook her head. "...Can we go home?"

Even as the words left her mouth, she realized the answer.

"I'll have to stay to wrap up the particulars." she sighed heavily, glancing at the man they now lifted onto a stretcher.

Red watched as well, holding tightly to his life line's hand.

Liz tilted her head quizzically as her guard approached the Unsub. He stared at the man with an expressionless face before leaning, bracing his arm on the gurney over the prone form.

Silas murmured something, then grinned, nodding for the medics to remove the trash.

Joe came to his side, both walking in unison, both with that cocky swagger that so impressed and/or annoyed women.

"What did you say?" Liz frowned at her guard as he approached.

"I just reminded him," Silas shrugged, "you did just fine warding off his advances... with that little stick."

Red ducked his head, hiding his grin when Lizzy bowed up at the remembered slight.

"That asshole did say that." she peered around her guard's shoulder, evil eyeing the immobilized man.

"Stop provoking her." Red side glanced the smirking guard.

"I hope they drop that bastard a couple times along the way." Samar came alongside them.

Just then, by chance, the locks on the gurney gave way... dropping the man in a straight, jarring fall.

A bubbling chuckle burst from Samar's throat as Liz gasped her disbelief.

"Karma..." Samar shrugged carelessly, "it's sweet, sweet justice."

"Speaking of justice," Samar groaned, "that new guy is pissing me off. Can one of your guys take him out into the woods here and... lose him, Red?"

Red smiled, "My men are above such tactics."

"He means to say," Silas' eyes drifted slowly downward to the 'V' of Samar's legs, "we have an excellent sense of direction."

Samar's heavy lids batted sensually, "But do you... follow directions?"

Red scoffed, rather involuntarily.

Joe grinned when Liz balled her fist, reflexively smacking Red lightly on the chest, silencing his amusement.

"Silas is good at what he does." Liz instinctively stood up for her guard before the full force of the conversation caught up with her. "I... I mean..." she flushed, "he does... what I ask." she stammered. "Oh! No, not that I mean I have ever asked... that!"

Red shook his head woefully, his cheeks hurting from withholding his smile.

"I just mean," Liz stressed, "he's good... no, amazing at all he does." her eyes squeezed shut, her chin dropping to her chest. "Which is to say," she looked at Red for assistance.

Red lifted his hands high above his head, no way was he getting involved in this.

"I'm just assuming," Liz took up the gauntlet again, in defense of her guard. "He would be good...no, amazing... at that too."

"Rest assured," Silas broke in, "I am."

"See!" Liz gestured to the man, before once again, reality setting in, her face fell.

Joe's snort of amusement broke the silence.

Red shrugged helplessly before sharing a small resigned smile with Samar. "She's tired."

"Where from here?" Silas brought the conversation full circle... thankfully.

"Red," Liz was desperate to change the subject, "the guys deserve something for all their diligence." she sought his opinion.

"They stood out there watching you beat the hell out..." Red pointed out.

"I would like to buy everyone dinner at Chico's... on me." Liz was excited to share her triumph.

Silas and Joe exchanged impressed looks, grins coming.

"But," she grimaced, "keep in mind, I'm a lowly paid government agent so..." her grimace grew, "just keep it so I don't have to take a mortgage–"

"Hooters?" Joe suggested a cheaper alternative, glancing at Silas for his approval. "It's half price wing night."

Samar's lips quivered, her eyes rolling. "It's also buy two, get one free pitcher of beer tonight." she added her two cents, as if they all didn't know why they wished to go to Hooters.

Silas nodded slowly, warming to the idea. "She's right."

Red's brows lifted when Samar's brows furrowed in confusion. It sounded like they really wanted to go there for the food... and nothing more.

"I... am not a lowly paid government agent." Red deferred to the two lovely women by his side. "So... inform the low-life's... the dinner and whatever else is on me..."

Silas and Joe beamed happily.

"...At Chico's." Red added the stipulation.

Silas and Joe quietly conferred amongst themselves, weighing the pros and cons.

"All right," Silas turned about, "we'll take Chico's."

"I wanted to thank them!" Liz was adamant.

"How about," Red murmured, "you and I have dinner... on you?"

Liz hesitated, not sure if he had meant for that to sound sexual or not. Either way, she was game.

"Well..." she shrugged after a moment, "I guess that would be okay."

"You have the card." Red waved a dismissive hand to his men and Dembe. "You guys go on ahead, I'll stay with Lizzy." he smiled. "And thanks..." he caught Silas' arm as both men had turned to leave, "...really."

"Whatever." Silas dismissed. "You have to 'hang' as well, Agent Navabi?"

"I do." she confirmed. "Rain check?"

Silas checked the skies. "Already seems to be clouding up."

"Maybe we can share an umbrella..." Samar smiled seductively, "or raincoat later on."

"If you don't mind," Silas leaned for her ears only, "I'd prefer to be sans raincoat. In fact, there is nothing I would enjoy more than getting warm and wet with you."

The tip of that luscious tongue came and went as Samar attempted to cover her amusement... and arousal.

"Nothing wrong with a nice wet shower from time to time, I agree."

The brown eyes met the light grey-blue.

"Baby," Silas breathed a sensual breath, "by the time I'm done with you, you'll be soaked."

His large hand eased the hard outline of the stiffness in his jeans, drawing Samar's attention to the prominent bulge.

Samar glanced... down, her gaze lingering. "That was my intent." she arched a pretty brow. "You run along now and have some fun..."

"I am having fun." Silas was confused.

"You underestimate me, honey." she scowled before taking her leave.

Silas watched the saucy sway of that erotic backside. "Damn..." he shook the cobwebs, "my cock is so hard."

"On that note..." Joe shrugged, dragging Silas away.

"That can not be healthy." Liz didn't know what went down between her friend and her guard but she knew that look.

"You never know." Red philosophized. "Might be the best thing in the entire world for both of them."

"Red, those two are a train wreck waiting to happen. Do something!"

"I plan to," he nodded, "which is to mind my own business." he arched his brow. "And so will you."

Liz pouted petulantly, then sighed. "You don't have to stay."

"Don't you want me to?"

She glanced at the chaos about them. "It's going to be a bunch of paperwork, long tedious interviews–"

"No, there will not be any of that." Red shook his head, jerking his chin to Cooper arriving on scene.

"What did you do?" she frowned.

"Harold here will take your statement, and release you for the evening." Red replied quietly.

Liz's face beamed. "I love you." she whispered her gratitude.

"We'll discuss that matter later." Red promised faithfully. "The sooner we start," he motioned to Cooper approaching the very antsy, nervous agent-in-charge.

Liz geared herself up, following his lead.

Red's hand on her back felt warm and loving... nothing like the creepy, crawling feel of that sicko, Alex.

She moved closer to feel Red's warmth, smiling up at his steady, calming gaze.