Red sat in the ensuing quiet of the room, his mind unsettled.
This 'delegating' crap was for the birds. He knew instantly, an hour back... he was no good at it.
It felt wrong sitting here, sending others into danger that rightfully was his venue to cover.
Once again shifting position, he lifted his throbbing leg, elevating it unto a nearby ottoman.
He winced slightly, dismissing the pain and bother in the next second.
Elizabeth rolled over in her sleep, mumbling something that sounded suspiciously like... wanker.
The man smiled. She must be reliving the bout she had with her head guard before they retired for the night.
She immediately settled, falling back into a deep slumber.
Red watched the peaceful features in the shafts of light visible from the drapes he had drawn open, that he could see the night.
She really was a beautiful woman even sans all the products a woman used these days to make themselves beautiful... in their opinion, at least.
Red preferred the natural beauty of freckles and a sun-kissed nose.
When had human females started doubting God's ability to create something right the first time?
God didn't need assistance... and neither did they.
His thoughts took a sudden and abrupt turn...
Why hadn't he heard something? What the hell was taking so long? Had things gone awry?
He started visibly, his eyes shifting instantly. The jar of the vibrating contraption lying on the marble tabletop beside the lounge he reposed, interrupted his thoughts.
Stretching hastily for the nuisance, he flicked it open after a quick glance to check if the sound disturbed Elizabeth.
It hadn't.
"Yeah?" his voice, a rough, low whisper, didn't sound natural to his ear.
"It's finished," Antonio's own tone was businesslike... brusque, "we have much to discuss."
The subtle phrase alerted Red to the fact he should change venues, to avoid disrupting Elizabeth's sleep.
"Give me a second," with his damned leg, Red knew he couldn't move fast.
He arose, stiff and aching, making his way past Lizzy into the sanctity of the master bath.
Gently closing the door of the giant walk-in closet, he found a seat on the dressing bench.
"Tell me." he settled best he could. Moving his injured leg out straight, he grunted as a jolting pain shivered up the nerve endings inside.
"We are still here," Antonio glanced about his surroundings, "at Miguel's, cleaning up the mess."
"Casualties?" Red grimly demanded.
"The skirmish ended before it really started," Antonio began the tale, "thanks to the information you supplied, it allotted us quite the advantage."
Red breathed easier.
"We had a few minor mishaps, all of which are being cared for." The older gentleman continued his report. "As for Javier and his cohort..."
"Dead?" Red's mouth twisted into a feral sneer.
"Very much so." Antonio sighed lightly.
Each man took the time to contemplate the weight of the matter.
"Before they dearly departed, departed," Antonio continued his narrative after only a few seconds, "I took the opportunity to say my farewells and expressed my disfavor over their very unwise choices."
Red could only envision how that conversation had gone.
"People are the same the world over." the man's tone held a sadness. "The reasons... if they matter to you, were universal in nature." Antonio absently twirled his lighter. "Why Javier turned on his oldest and dearest friend... why that Jezebel of a female destroyed so many lives..."
"It matters," Red needed closure, some kind of understanding.
"You've seen it all before, the greed of wanting what another man has," Antonio shrugged, "the avarice, the petty jealously involved where one woman possesses what another thinks is rightfully hers."
"What twisted logic dictated Lydia, by any stretch of the imagination," Red's temper flared, "..could ever take Elena's place?"
"The quest for power is a motivating factor but when Miguel had the audacity to add injury to insult," Antonio actually chuckled, "by rejecting Lydia's advances... it was simply too much for her ego to bear."
"The bitch thought Miguel would chose her over Elena?" Red was stunned.
"She did not know of the bond between them," Antonio stated, "or how that connection formed."
Few did. Miguel was a very private man. Only a select number knew of his first wife's death and how it shattered the man.
It took years of grieving and losing himself in his work before a happen-stance meeting with a young, fiery woman by the name of Elena, would change his life forever.
"Losing Sophia was bad enough," Red remembered how haunted Miguel's eyes were, even years later. He could equate the loss of his Lizzy to Miguel's pain. "It was destiny that bullet wound landed him in that damned jungle for those months of healing time."
"Healing in more ways than one," Antonio nodded, lighting his cigar as his keen eyes watched the surrounding chaos, "Elena was just what he needed at that moment in his life."
"Yeah well, each of them fought it hard enough," Red smiled as he recalled the story, "what did he call her after their first bout?"
"That screaming banshee of a woman who put him through hell trying to tend to his wounds." Antonio quoted. "A shrew with an unreasonable, vile temper that would tempt a saint to renounce his vows."
"Elena has a little bit of a temper," Red granted.
"I find her utterly charming."
"So did Miguel, he just didn't know it at the time." Both men chuckled for the dilemma Miguel found himself in.
"It was good," Antonio voiced his opinion, "he found peace again... after Sophia's death."
Both men fell silent again, pondering their own emotional attachment to the women in their lives.
"So Lydia put in motion a chain of events that destroyed life after life," Red summed it all up, sitting idly, drumming his fingers on the top of a nearby vanity, "all because Miguel spurned her? And Javier...?" he trailed away.
"Javier was weak-willed, completely enamored of Lydia. He couldn't resist the temptation she presented." a blue trail of smoke swirled upward. He watched the spiraling plume disappear in the dark recesses of the basement confinement he stood within.
"He wiped out all those years he and Miguel worked side-by-side?" Red couldn't fathom the idea. "He simply dismissed the loyalty Miguel showed? Time and time again?"
"In the end, he was remorseful," Antonio made mention, "I believe, sincerely so."
"Not good enough."
Antonio shrugged at the coldness of Red's tone. "Perhaps not, but... it is ended."
Was it, Red wondered?
"Javier knew it was a mistake to take you on..." the older man relayed information produced from his time with Javier and Lydia, "he told Lydia as much."
If only Javier had listened to his own judgement...
"Being too giddy, too reckless," Antonio voiced his distaste, "Lydia's prime focus was... with you eliminated, she would be extremely wealthy."
Red scoffed, "What did I do? You were instrumental in–"
"The end justifies the means," Antonio waved the issue aside.
"The one thing which troubled me greatly," the older gentleman hesitated to share, "had Miguel not sent Elena on ahead to purchase things for the nursery, she too would have met the same fate as Miguel."
Red's blood ran cold, "She is carrying a child." the depth of such depravity escaped him. To willfully set out to harm an innocent?
The silence on the other end of the line spoke volumes. Red's blood boiled. "...I hope you put that bitch Lydia through hell before you dispatched her useless ass!"
"She was at first, not apologetic for her part in this tragedy," Antonio conceded, "and then... she was." He took pride in the fact.
Red wondered exactly what had gone down between the other man and Lydia Flores? He realized it was probably better not to know the details that would cause such a heartless, soulless excuse for a human being to... in the end... see the error of her ways.
It had to be something diabolically ironic, if he knew Antonio Crocetti... which he did.
"Thank you for the call." Red wanted to move on. "And all you did tonight. I know it was for Elizabeth and Elena's sake."
"Forget about it." Antonio suggested with a shrug of the still broad shoulders. "By the way, I pointed out to both the idiots..." he continued, "had they managed and, by some impossible twist of fate, succeeded in their plans for you..."
Red cocked his head, listening intently.
"Had they even taken into consideration... the fact they would then provoke Francis' wrath?"
Red could follow the train of thought.
Most would describe Francis as easygoing, almost inoffensive in nature.
Red knew, beneath that frivolity and lust for life, the young man was a fiercely loyal, vengeful little bastard... especially when crossed.
There were definitely two faces to Francis Holbrook.
Considering Red's shared history, the boy would have taken Red's death as a personal attack on his family.
When threatened in such a manner, Francis adopted a 'scorched earth' mentality.
Until Francis corrected the error… he would leave no stone unturned.
"Such stupidity boggles the mind," Antonio's tone held an unexpected bitterness.
What betrayal... what truths was Antonio not telling Red for the older man displayed such animosity.
Antonio rarely, if ever, showed any genuine emotion in his business dealings.
Red admired him for the fact.
"How anyone could be so positively sure of themselves..." Antonio crushed his cigar beneath Italian soles.
Red remained silent, unsure he knew the answer himself.
"Without the benefit of time and effort spent cultivating such qualities," Antonio let his displeasure be known, "it's the height of egotism."
Red's mind raced. Something definitely passed between Lydia and the older man to garner such depth of loathing.
"I had no compulsion whatsoever," Antonio sneered his contempt, "squashing that Black Widow and her ill-fated prey."
The silence came. It was a comfortable one.
Red knew he would not waste any more time trying to decipher Javier's reasoning.
Anything he once felt for the man vanished with Javier's betrayal of a close friend.
"You are probably thinking," Antonio interrupted Red's meanderings, "were you put in such a predicament where you had to choose between the woman you loved... and your contemporaries..."
Antonio pondered the issue in his life many times, "You would do as Javier and choose Elizabeth."
Red blinked. Good lord... he hadn't thought in those terms. Was he as bad as...
"The difference being," Antonio knew his Maria... and Reddington's, Elizabeth... "she would never make you choose."
Because Maria had never done so either.
Red's mind relaxed, "No... no, she wouldn't."
"You will hear this through the grapevine, so I wish to tell you," Antonio motioned to Granger, who made his way across the spacious area immediately, "I allowed two of Javier's men to leave the premises."
Red sat up, confused and a little angry.
"There was a reason."
Red waited anxiously, "They could regroup."
"Oh, I think not" Antonio scoffed at the very idea, "but it was my decision these two dispatch a needed message throughout our respective... contacts."
Red finally caught on, "...A warning? On what happens when someone attempts to step out of line in the organi–"
"Well, if you insist but I was a bit more specific in my wording," Antonio waved an imperious hand and Granger grinned wickedly.
The head guard had been present when the 'specifics' had been stated.
"Many years ago, I was faced with the prospect of Maria's safety," Antonio recalled, "the example I set then is similar to the one set tonight."
Red again was all too aware of the 'incident' to which Antonio eluded.
Not one person connected to the underground or any part of the Organization did not have the 'incident' burned into his psyche.
It was not a pleasant image to ponder upon.
Suffice to say, Maria Crocetti, since that time, never worried her beautiful head about any danger, befalling her.
"I don't think Elizabeth will be troubled by... unnecessary nuisances once the word has been truly spread." Antonio made mention. "So you rest in that area, at least."
Red closed his eyes, gratitude rushing through his mind, "...Antonio."
"Enough said," the older man squelched any further words, "do not get maudlin on me."
Red was about to do just that, he realized, grinning wanly, "...Well, know that, your interest in Elizabeth's well-being is greatly appreciated."
The words seemed hollow.
"It was merely a warning," Antonio held up his hand, his expression benign, "nothing more."
With men such as Antonio Crocetti, a warning was all that was usually required, Red knew.
"Francis has assumed control of Miguel's holding," it was relayed, "he called dibs first, he says."
"Oh, he did, did he?" Red shook his head. "I'll explain the concept of 'possession is nine-tenths of the law', to the lad later today."
Sighing, Red readied himself to rebuild what Miguel worked tirelessly for... what he died for.
Situating pad and pen before him, Red waited, "How much was left?"
"All of it," Antonio matter-of-fact tone confused Red. "Lydia was so convinced she would kill you," he clarified, "they didn't even stop to count their spoils."
Red's anger crackled like sparking detonation cord strung to dynamite.
As if Miguel's death hadn't already been senseless... this news made his friend's death more tragic.
Listening intently, Red made note of everything listed as Antonio rattled off Miguel's legacy.
"Four warehouses in Trinidad," Antonio checked the list, "there's a villa and front for money laundering in Caracas," he took a breath, "various caches of weapons in South America," his mouth curved into a wry grin, "no, surprise there... a storage center in Nebraska..."
Straightening in his seat, Red halted in his writing...
"What the hell's in Nebraska?" the older man puzzled over the oddity. "Wheat?" he shrugged. "Not a bad trade to involve oneself in, I suppose." he granted, before continuing. "Commodities are always a good investment."
Red half heard, too concentrated on Nebraska and the fact he would have to get there... soon.
Miguel knew of Red's previous life, and even what led to his exile. When not aiding Red in building contacts and his empire, the man helped attain physical property that belonged to Red at that time in his life.
He was sure everything, from his daughter's ballet slippers to the SUV he drove with the booster seat strapped in the back; was stuffed in those vaults.
But also, evidence that led him to this stage in his life.
Antonio, sensing Red's mood and the reason for it, eased off.
"Well, I will provide you the entire list later; let you sort it out in your own time." he said.
"Thank you, Antonio," Red murmured, "... for everything."
"How's your leg?" the old man enquired all too innocently.
Red rolled his eyes at the man's tone, as if Antonio could, in any context, be considered... innocent. Though, he appreciated the man's attempt to veer the conversation to small talk... even at his own expense.
The distraction enabled him to sort his thoughts and make plans... but also face Elizabeth and the world without a dark cloud hanging over his head.
"Well, I'm not going to bitch about it like Francis would..." Red sighed, "but it hurts like hell, I'm sure you'll be happy to know."
"And your nursemaid," Antonio grinned, "did she... handle the issue well."
Red damned the fact he smiled, remembering how well Lizzy... handled, everything.
"She handled it well." Red thought she had, in the grand scheme of things.
"Read you the riot act, and made you take of it yourself," Antonio hummed knowingly, "did she."
"I handled it myself," Red settled back in his chair, "just like you would have."
"I'm not an idiot," Antonio laughed, "if a beautiful woman wants to fuss over me... I'll damn well sit back and enjoy it." he murmured his belief. "I dare say, you perhaps earned it, experiencing a hell of a piss poor day, however."
"I don't know," Red mused, "...I fully expected Elizabeth to kill me," he smiled as the old man choked on his laughter, "so it ended better than expected."
Pushing his way into the kitchen, Red reached for a side cupboard, grabbing a coffee cup.
"What are you two ladies talking about?" he asked, pouring himself a coffee. He included Nora in his nod of, 'good morning'.
He stepped in behind Lizzy, kissing the crown of her head.
"Thinking about what to take to Antonio's party," Liz looked up at him, accepting his kiss.
"Antonio didn't call you?" Red tilted his head questioningly. Perhaps the man hadn't had time? They had only just ended their call a short time before he heard Lizzy stirring about.
"Call me about what?" Liz straightened, frowning.
"There was an incident at their house," Red relayed, "construction crew cut a water line. They have to postpone."
Liz gasped her dismay, her face falling, clearly disappointed by the news.
Red hesitated, frowning... disappointed for her. He hadn't realized she had been so looking forward to that party.
"I know this is none of my business... and short notice," Nora sat forward, a thought occurring, "but why not have it here?"
Liz sat upright, her eyes sparkling as they darted to Red's.
"Can we, Red?" Liz stood quickly, looking hopefully up at the man. "I would love to have the chance to repay Antonio for his kindness towards me...us."
Red's eyes softened, "And think of the brownie points this will earn you with Maria."
"I didn't think any such thing!" Liz immediately deflected the observation.
Running through the logistics of the situation, Red pondered over items of interest Lizzy would not take into consideration.
Their guards volunteered to assist Antonio's anyway, so they only need switch locations.
The vetted guest list only allowed trusted associates and family attend, marking another to-do item off the list.
"Nora, are you sure..." Red had to ask the obvious because he knew the responsibility would fall on the woman's shoulders.
"We can do this." Nora assured with a smile, ready to take on the task. She knew how important this was to Elizabeth.
"Yes," Red nodded slowly, "I suppose we could do that."
Liz beamed her excitement, happily smiling at Nora.
"Now, Lizzy..." Red held up cautious hands, "can you have the house ready in time for guests? I understood there were at least a hundred people attending."
Hastily pulling the radio from her hip, Liz reached out to her right-hand man, "Silas, come to the kitchen, quick!"
"Is someone killing you?" Silas drawled. "I'm on the john."
Red shared a smile with Nora, both shaking their heads woefully.
Obviously, the head guard had learned by now when there was an actual emergency... and when Lizzy was just excited.
Pinching her lips, Liz huffed her aggravation, "I'm gonna kill you if you don't get here and just... eww!"
"God, what!" Silas sauntered into the kitchen, rolling his eyes dramatically.
"You said you were...well, never mind what you said. It was disgusting." Liz wrinkled her nose distastefully. "Can you help me?"
"You're beyond help." Silas muttered.
"This is serious!" Liz stamped her foot as the man turned away.
Red hid his amusement, listening to them bicker. Watching those two had become a favorite part of his day.
He was sure, even as an animated Lizzy trailed after the man who was more concentrated on grabbing a coffee and buttering a biscuit than anything else... that under all that bluster was genuine affection.
One could just feel the love...
Lizzy laid out the news as she exuberantly mapped out her quickly laid plans, having grabbed a notebook and pen, "...The Great room, we can use for mingling and then maybe clear the two sitting rooms for dancing and–"
"You're on board with this?" Silas cut the woman off, much to her vexation.
Liz scowled, slapping Silas' arm. "I was talking!"
Sighing, Silas placed a beefy hand over the woman's mouth, "Now you're not."
Red dropped his chin, not knowing whether to reprimand the guard or chuckle at Lizzy's expression.
She seemed so perplexed yet petulant as her thought process registered her guard's actions.
"Again, are you on board with this?" Silas questioned.
Carefully holding his expression, Red stoically ignored Nora's muffled amusement when Lizzy bit into Silas' hand.
He chuckled inwardly when the woman hastily and triumphantly side-stepped Silas' attempt to wipe his saliva covered hand off on her clothing.
Reaching, Red guided the woman to his side, thwarting their attempts to maim one another.
"I am, yes." Red replied. "If you think you can do it, that is." he needled.
"Please," Silas scowled, "I could build Rome in a day."
"Be that as it may," Red sighed heavily, "can you get this house ready by seven tonight."
Silas checked his watch critically... at length.
Liz looked anxiously at her guard, wringing her hands.
"Stop fucking with her." Red muttered tightly. "Time is of the essence here."
Grunting under his breath, the guard yanked his radio from its perch, scowling at the woman.
"Get your asses in here." Silas barked the order to the security team.
"Oh, thank you, Silas!" Liz threw her arms around the man, gushing with happiness.
"I want a fucking raise." he grimaced from the affection, but didn't pull away, Red noticed.
"Yes, I expected as much." Red grumbled just as Lizzy latched onto him, hurriedly including him on the very detailed outline she was weaving.
Red made the requisite call to Antonio, offering their home for the occasion, and much to Lizzy's delight... Antonio graciously accepted the change in venue.
Leaving the responsibility of readying the house to Elizabeth, Nora and the guards.
Red enlisted the help of Dembe and Francis to tackle the other tasks on hand.
Informing not only guests but the catering, bar tending and other hired services of the change in location for the event would be a massive undertaking. That they had to accomplish it, in a matter of hours, was no small mission.
Red often thought the military could use some of Francis' organizational skills. He wasn't at all worried they would not complete the task assigned.
With that thought in mind, Red went in search of Elizabeth to convey the news. He found her with Nora.
"What are you doing?" Red asked, glancing over her shoulder.
"We were looking over this list the caterer sent," Liz pointed, "and I thought... because the guys can eat a plate of these things in one breath, maybe we should have a couple more hors d'oeuvres and stuff ready, just in case."
Red looked over the list, nodding thoughtfully, "You are feeding the 5th division when you include our guys in the mix... as Nora is well aware."
This list would have been fine for the original party, but with the off-duty guards attending the festivities, there wouldn't be nearly enough to go around.
"I thought maybe," Liz lifted hopeful eyes, "we could hire a caterer?"
Red frowned, glancing at his watch studiously. "I have no objections but..."
"I do know an excellent caterer who could assist me," Nora shrugged, "though, I'm sure the expense–"
"Whatever you need, Nora," Red lifted a stilling hand, "get them here, ASAP. Spare no expense."
Nora nodded gratefully, heading for her phone to call in the needed reinforcements.
"You don't think," Liz whispered, "Maria will think I'm... overstepping or–"
"Lizzy," Red interrupted, "you are not overstepping. You are the hostess and this is your house," he reminded, "I also happen to think you're right."
As Nora commandeered several guards to retrieve the required necessities, she assured all concerned she had ready-to-go ideas for such an occasion and not to worry about a thing.
With that settled and all other essentials well in hand, with a little persuasion from Lia and Red's encouragement, Lizzy reluctantly left for last-minute shopping before their highly anticipated salon appointment with Rachel.
In anticipation of their return, Red grabbed a suit and other needed essentials, setting them up in the room at the end of the hall. Which proved a wise move, for he was all but banned from the master suite so the ladies could ready themselves for the evening.
As a surprise and to help Lizzy de-stress, he secured Hannah and Katie's services should they require any last-minute assistance.
Dembe told him Elizabeth was very appreciative of his thoughtfulness and seemed exceedingly excited by the other women's presence.
"I suggested Elizabeth add the two ladies to the guest list," Dembe managed straight-laced.
"Get your own dates." Red teased, bumping Dembe's shoulder gently.
Dembe quickly righted the man, for Red had forgotten his bum leg did not react as it once did.
Bracing the newly arrived centerpiece for the west-wing foyer he unsettled, Red pulled a face.
"Oh my God," he placed a steadying hand on Dembe's shoulder, "had I destroyed those flowers, Lizzy would boil me in oil."
Dembe nodded emphatically. "She would, yes."
"Once again, you've saved my ass, old friend," Red patted Dembe's arm. "Enjoy the evening with your girl. You have more than earned it."
Red was grateful for Katie and Hannah's presence. Lizzy would relax and enjoy the party with friends in-house that she knew and felt comfortable with.
After which, he walked through all the rooms, inspecting for flaws and any faux pas that might embarrass Lizzy.
Red insisted Keres and Hudson be secured in the guards' quarters, that they would be out of the way of guests.
Strategically placed seating throughout the main floor was tailored towards all sorts of conversation, from intimate groups to sordid trysts. Nora's influence there, he knew.
Passageways cleared of obstacles allowed crowds to mingle with ease from one area to another. Silas would want a clear course should anything go awry. It was just his way.
Security vacated two of the largest rooms of all but a few chairs to allow for dancing.
Red shook his head woefully when he noticed Francis' disco ball hanging squarely between the two, should the party turn decadent.
Someone had stocked the lanai with ample seating and festive lighting. The effect was charming... welcoming. Red spotted immediately, an area he could later sneak a smoke.
The downstairs game and entertainment rooms also received attention should guests' wish to play billiards or even catch the latest scores for sporting events.
Pleased with the overall results of everyone's labor, Red nodded his satisfaction.
The low murmur of voices already buzzed the air as Silas and Nora directed their respective teams in various duties.
Security would pass screened guests through the checkpoint upon their arrival. Each guest, already well versed in this procedure, would welcome the extra precaution. The TSA had nothing on Silas.
The efficient sound of the kitchen staff and valets being guided around the property was smooth and precise.
The small orchestra Maria enlisted and DJ Francis hired, set up in a small room situated perfectly in the center of the house. The crisp tone of instruments being tuned and muted laughter filtered through the rooms, just as it should.
Lights blazed brightly, the rooms smelled of fresh bouquets. The mouth-watering aroma of food wafted down the corridors... the entire house felt alive.
Red truly hoped this night panned out how Elizabeth envisioned because so far... the group had pulled it off without a hitch.
Though dressed down in their all black button-down shirts and cargo pants, security looked professional yet approachable.
He and Silas warned all security to be alert of the amorous bucks sure to be wandering around...and to avail themselves to any lady in need of rescuing... and to steer clear of those which did not. For there were women who enjoyed the game as much as their counterparts, Silas had added critically.
Red believed nothing untoward would occur exactly; he only remembered the last soirée Antonio held and how it rapidly deteriorated into a watered-down version of speed dating.
Young men, as was their way, tried their hand with every woman in the vicinity willing to offer over even the slightest encouragement, from a polite smile to an off-chance glance.
If remembered correctly, out of the twenty men in attendance, only one made a solid connection that evening. Red could well understand the 'why' of it all.
While each man started out well enough when shown a speck of interest… they systematically failed in their objective due to their ill-warranted over-confidence and all too hasty need to conquer.
Extremely entertaining to observe granted, Red cringed himself more than a few times when he heard the rather tasteless and vapid flirtations melt into cool, solid rejections.
The well-heeled young ladies demanded, rightfully so, the young men bring out their 'A' game for such an auspicious occasion.
It was a fun evening, at least from his perspective.
Glancing at the clock, Red set off to the back to shower and shave. Guests were to arrive soon, and as host, he needed to be ready and on-hand.
Reaching the hall, he smiled warmly, hearing the muted laughter of the ladies filter down the corridor from the sanctity of the master bedroom.
He truly wished this evening to be everything Lizzy hoped.
More to the point, he wished for Elizabeth with all his heart… Maria would be as welcoming and gracious as Antonio.
"...Help me keep tabs on who the hell is coming through the door." Red went through last-minute details with the guards.
"Getting forgetful in your old age?" Silas questioned, frowning over his checklist.
"Antonio alone has, twenty-six nieces and nephews," Red lifted an arched brow, "so, if forgetting who the hell they are labels me an old man... so be it."
Silas glanced at his watch, pulling his radio free, "Open the house," he directed security, "get the air flowing."
Just then, Francis stepped through the door with a flourish. "I am here, let the party begin."
"What, no blue tux?" Red gestured to the young man's crisp charcoal grey suit.
"I think Lia burned it." he shrugged. "Oh, hey... check it out."
Red grinned when the boy swung his jacket free, revealing the matching vest, lighter grey shirt underneath and coordinating tie. He looked very dapper.
"They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery," Red nodded his approval.
"Lia was right to burn the tux." Dembe muttered. "For a host of reasons..."
"Yeah," Silas shrugged carelessly, "you look almost decent for once."
"I look... stunning." Francis scowled, correcting any misconceptions. He preened in the mirror, smoothing a hand down the lines of the vest. "I understand your fascination with vests now... very hip."
Francis gave Red a look over, checking the older man's attire, nodding. "You look fine..."
"You do," Dembe nodded regally.
Red glanced down at his matching dark brown suit, vest and purple tie, "Though, not as good as you, I take it."
Francis lifted innocent hands, his mouth gaping, "I didn't say that!" he snapped eyes towards Dembe and Silas, "Did I say that?"
"It was implied," Dembe added his own thoughts on the matter.
"Where's Lia?" Francis quickly changed subjects. "She said she would be here, with Lizzy."
"They're in the back," Red gestured before reaching to catch Francis by the neck, "and no, you can't go back there. They're getting ready."
"I've seen Lia naked before, you know..." Francis comically screwed up his face at the outdated restriction.
"But you have not seen Lizzy..." Red narrowed his eyes, "and you won't."
Sulking a moment, Francis resigned himself to heading for the bar. Pouring one for himself and Red, he slid the tumbler across the granite.
"Does Lizzy know what she's gotten herself into," Francis grinned, "hosting this debacle?"
"No, I don't think so," Red admitted, sipping the warm liquor. "But she's never been one to shy away from a challenge."
Lizzy had hosted nothing of this magnitude. Not even her wedding would compare to the amount of guests expected this evening.
"And we're here," Red checked with the other men in the room, "so help her, if it's warranted...discretely."
"Why do you think I didn't arrive fashionably late," Francis rolled expressive eyes, "like I normally do?"
"You wanted to see Lia naked." Silas ventured a guess.
"I want it understood," Red stressed, "this is Lizzy's night, do not steal her thunder."
"Why did he look at me?" Joe frowned.
Sighing, Red shifted his eyes, "I was looking at Francis."
"Why would you think I'm gonna step on Lizzy's toes!" Francis balked disdainfully.
"Madeline's New Year's Eve party," Red reminded, "when you ran through–"
"You said I was to play the New Year's Eve infant!" Francis squawked.
"You're supposed to wear a diaper," Red cocked a brow, "not go gallivanting around... naked!"
Silas sighed dramatically, checking another box off his ever growing list. "I remember that... vaguely."
"By that time," Dembe glanced curiously over at the guard, "I thought you had passed out behind the throne?"
"Which is where I was heading as Father Time vacated the spot." Francis finished with a flourish. "It all seemed perfectly logical to me."
A soft knock, followed by the door opening, drew their immediate attention.
"Is it safe?" Mark drawled. The man stuck his head around the door, smiling.
"Well, Glen Carter hasn't arrived so... maybe," Red gestured the man in.
"Who?" Mark pushed the door open, Amanda and Ben Gilchrist trailing behind him. "Another minor scrape?"
Mark noted Red's leg, or rather his limp when he stepped to shake hands.
Red waved both questions aside.
"I know we're early but..." Mark shrugged, "I thought if you wanted us to take down Francis' disco ball..."
Nodding his thanks, Red shook Ben's hand, before leaning to kiss Amanda's cheek in greeting.
"It stays!" Francis took umbrage.
"You look beautiful," Red smiled at Amanda's flowing tea-length dress.
Her sequin top shimmered under the overhead light, giving the woman a healthy glow. The billowing jagged length skirt swirled about her shins, dancing like Gypsy veils with her gentle movement. Her long hair fell in soft curls down her back.
"Lizzy and Lia are in the master suite." he murmured.
Amanda beamed her excitement, scurrying off towards the back.
"The Crocetti boys will be in attendance," Red relaxed further, "I suggest we all fortify ourselves accordingly." he gestured toward the array of liquor bottles behind the bar.
The men were just refreshing their drinks when the sound of giggling came from the back and grew in volume.
Red smiled as the ladies rounded the corner, each decked out to the nines in their finery. Each allowing their impeccable taste to show.
He was pleased Hannah and Katie had accepted Lizzy's invitation and got in on the celebration, even if it meant borrowing a couple dresses from Lizzy's closet.
He recognized the short off-the-shoulder, ice blue chiffon dress Hannah wore, with its crystal inlay covered bodice which had highlighted Lizzy's breasts when she tried it on for size in one of their Las Vegas excursions.
The flowing lines and graceful flounces of Katie's dark blue streamlined number, ended in an ultra feminine ruffle which highlighted her shapely legs. The off-set satin bow about her waist, added a flirty flair.
Both looked very elegant and confident, if he took Dembe and Ben's reactions into account.
Both men came from their slouched positions, making an all too obvious bee-line for the women.
Dembe, well acquainted with Hannah, escorted the lady to Mark and Amanda, making polite introductions.
Leaving Ben to introduce himself, never a problem for the gregarious guy. He smoothly slid to Katie's side, "What are you drinking, beautiful? I'm at your command."
"Bring your 'A' game," Red murmured hastily aside, "'A' game." he emphasized.
"There's my little glutton for punishment," Francis grinned as Lia came into view. He held his arms open wide, his smile a welcoming one.
Lia's choice of attire actually surprised Red. He would have thought she would choose something body-hugging and bold.
The woman's dark chestnut hair stood out against the blush pink asymmetrical dress. The skirt flowed, tickling her knees and calves as she walked. The off-one-shoulder neckline was flirtatious yet chic. Her features looked fresh and bright. A thick, feathery braid framed her face before ending in an intricate bun at her nape.
Red frowned after a moment, curious as to the reason for Lizzy's absence.
Walking towards the corridor, he turned the corner... stopping dead in his tracks.
"My God..." he blinked, his heart skipping a beat... or two.
"It's too much," Liz winced, lifting her arms at her sides, "or should I say, too little, huh?"
Red stared, speechless, taking in the enchanting vision before him.
The long off-silver crepe dress hugged yet cascaded about Lizzy's body... in all the right ways.
Her almost sheer sleeves followed the woman's fluid, graceful movement. A long slit in the side gave him a tantalizing peak of her bare thigh before the folds of the ankle-length gown hid the creamy flesh once again.
"The saleswoman assured me a hostess would wear this but..." she turned a little to give him the full view.
"It didn't look this low cut in the store but now..." she looked helplessly at Red. "Oh my God, it's too low cut, isn't it?" she protectively shielded the area over her breastbone.
Following the traveling path of Lizzy's slim fingers tracing the plunging neckline down to her sternum, Red swallowed hard at the knot in his throat.
"Can you see my nipples?" she whispered her panic as she neared him. "There's lining but, it seems awfully thin to me...now."
Red's eyes shifted to the area in question. Because he knew exactly where they were; could he see the gentle curve of her nipple.
She bit her lip anxiously, her face crumbling, "Oh, God, you can see them, can't you!"
Only if you stared long and hard at the area like he was, could you make them out. Though, he imagined, were she to get cold... it may become more pronounced.
"All the others looked so beautiful, Red!" she had noted. "What was I thinking!"
Turning about quickly, she hurried for the back, intent on changing.
Red hurried after her, catching her arm in a gentle hold, pulling her back his way.
"You're..." he looked back down at the vision, "... absolutely, breathtakingly...stunning."
Her fingers fluttered about her breastbone, attempting to pull the bodice closer together, "...But, Maria–"
"You're just... exquisite, Elizabeth." Red told the truth as he saw it.
The woman's enormous blue eyes blinked, searching his face for any sign of jest. "You're just being... you." she concluded. "You don't think it's too..."
Red took in the complete picture. Not only was the dress striking...
Her hair and make-up was very alluring. Her features looked radiant, yet soft. The soft pink hue on her already blush cheeks lured him to nuzzle them. Her vivid blue eyes dusted in shades of warm earth tones, hypnotized. The plump swell of her dusky lips made his mouth itch to touch them.
Her finger combed hair wrapped in a flourishing bun fell in lush tendrils framing and falling about her face, nape and shoulders... demanding he touch those spots with lingering kisses.
Red breathed, "You look very elegant... sophisticated."
Liz frowned, watching his face religiously. Red loved her and would go out of his way to not hurt her feelings, she knew that.
But she also knew, Red was very aware how important this evening was to her. He knew she wished to make a good impression when she met Maria.
He wouldn't let her face Maria or Antonio if she wasn't presentable, surely.
"Really?" she looked down, lifting her arms at her sides. "You're not lying..." she accused hastily, needing reassurance.
Smiling warmly, Red ran the back of his fingers along the edge of her breast, shaking her from her reverie.
"There's only one thing missing." he turned, disappearing from sight a moment.
Liz stood still, listening to the low beeps of Red opening the closet safe. He returned moments later, a wide, rectangular flat box in hand.
"I saw this," Red held it aloft, "and thought, should an occasion such as this arise..."
Taking the box in hand, Liz eased the top open, gasping her awe when the diamond choker came into view.
"Do you like it?" Red asked.
He knew Lizzy preferred delicate baubles that she could wear every day. It had become an activity he loved, finding new little trinkets she could wear all the time... and without drawing suspicion from coworkers.
But she didn't really have anything in the way of jewelry for parties and such. So when he saw this... he knew he had to get it.
He removed the heavy necklace, gesturing for her to turn around.
"It's just beautiful!" Liz watched in the mirror as Red secured it. "Red, you shouldn't have..."
Stepping closer to her reflection, she ran her fingers along the stones, mesmerized.
"Let me see." he murmured, loathe to take his eyes away from the sensual curve of her back.
Liz turned about, shrugging aimlessly. "...Well, what do you think?"
He had never seen a woman so breathtaking in his life.
"I think," Red brushed a teasing finger along her jawline, "you will not be leaving my side tonight."