An incident caught Silas' attention down the way. The man's eyes hardened as he watched the scene unfold.
Red noted the interplay, sighing mentally.
"Silas, now is not the time." Red's menacing undertone pulled Liz's attention from the game. She watched the byplay between the two men, which had suddenly become tense and decidedly uncordial.
"Don't give me that shit!" The large bulk of a man pulled back, his obvious anger directed elsewhere now. "Explain to me why you believe that fucking prick. I really would like to hear your–"
"I don't believe him." Red's tone was calm and collected. "And yeah, you could take him out of the picture with no effort at all, but the picture doesn't change until she alters it, right?"
Silas' fury was just barely under control. Liz could sense it seething below the all too calm surface. It was rare the man allowed his emotions such free rein.
"Right?" Red pushed harder, for he wasn't sure he had reached his friend as yet.
Silas... calmed, but not by much.
"Guys?" Liz stepped closer, venturing a smile. "What's going? Anything wrong?"
She perused the sidelines of the other team, but all seemed fine. People were cheering, people were arguing plays, people were eating hot dogs and drinking beer.
She turned anxious eyes Red's way. "It's nothing." he returned that smile.
Liz checked with her guard. "Silas, are you okay?" She stepped closer to the man, feeling the tension radiating off his body.
Red knew Silas didn't trust himself to speak at this point. "Silas' chivalrous side is coming to the fore. You are witnessing a rare and monumental occasion."
Liz could see the jawline of the man in question working back and forth, nor had Silas offered a scathing retort, as was his way.
The man simply stared out over the opposite field, his thoughts his own.
Liz once again sought Red, who minutely shook his head, his eyes connecting and holding. Liz understood the message transmitted.
"I wasn't aware he had one." She teased gently, hopefully lightening the mood. She touched Silas' corded forearm tentatively.
The guy's eyes softened, and he managed a nod of acknowledgment. Red knew another type of connection had been made.
He couldn't reach Silas, but Lizzy had managed to get through the man's defenses.
"Can I help?" She sincerely wanted to do so, her own gaze a concerned one. She studied her guard meticulously, searching for some sign.
Silas dropped his head for a beat, then lifted hollow eyes. "Yeah, you can tell me why some women hold themselves in such low esteem, when there is absolutely no reason on earth why they should."
He sent a brittle glare in the needed direction.
Liz followed his stare.
A rather inconsequential man, well-tailored, along the lines of Red Reddington himself, though not as imposing somehow, stood glaring down to a rather petite, fragile looking female.
Liz felt the tension mount is Silas' body.
"I-I'm not sure what..." Liz sought out the couple again. It was clear some sort of confrontation was ensuing.
The young female stood quietly, head bowed, no expression on her face... while the man's face contorted with livid fury.
"She's very beautiful." Liz instantly commiserated with the woman. She shifted anxious eyes. "Red... shouldn't we–"
"Sweetheart, sometimes things are not always as they appear," he quietly stated, "and we should mind our own business."
"And sometimes," Silas grated, his eyes flashing fire, "they are exactly as they appear."
"You, of all people, know that is not true." Red countered gently.
Silas swallowed hard, walking away.
Liz was devastated. "Red!" She desperately wanted the man to help Silas somehow.
Red opened his arms as she instantly sought comfort.
"What's wrong? Why is he so angry?" She looked after the rapidly retreating man. "Why didn't you help..."
"At this moment in time," Red had realized, "there is no help that can be offered, baby."
"I don't understand." She didn't. "I've never seen Silas so..." she sought the word.
"He's very protective of women." Red sighed, drawing in a breath. "Always has been."
Liz sought out the questionable couple... the reason for all the turmoil her guard was experiencing.
The woman sat at the man's feet, head bowed, silent. While her antagonist stood over her like an ancient lord of old, his expression smug, superior.
"I want to knock smarmy smile off his face." Liz decided, then looked up at Red questioningly. "Why did you stop Silas?"
Red lifted his countenance, gathering his thoughts carefully. "The man is only one part of the issue." he scolded. "I have had my eye on this situation for a while now. Can you trust me to handle it?"
"Silas would have handled it just fine, in my opinion." Liz stated.
"Silas would have eliminated only one factor of the problem... another would have simply taken its place, Lizzy." Red was patient.
"I don't understand what you mean."
Red's eyes softened. He leaned, planting a kiss on Lizzy's forehead. "We'll talk... later." He promised as much.
"But... Silas is all right?" She fretted.
"Now who's babying him?" Red teased. "Silas will always be all right." The man soothed her concerns. "He's just pissed he can't solve every problem with his fists... or gun."
"Bet he could." She offered sotto voce, her attention turning elsewhere. "So, am I getting a glimpse into the alpha male psyche here?"
Red grinned. "It's ingrained in those barbarian sorts... protect damsels in distress."
"You don't count yourself among their numbers?" Liz scoffed quietly, finding that hard to believe.
"Oh, not for many decades." Red mused. "I would like to believe I've tempered my more uncivilized methods." He ran a hand along the buttons of his crisp shirt. "Smoothed the rough edges, as it were."
"You would, huh?" Liz clearly found the statement amusing... and complete bullshit. Still, this peek inside the mind of the masculine species was informative and intriguing, if not entertaining.
"So say Silas was pissed at this damsel in distress." Liz hypothesized. "Would those same instincts fall to the wayside?"
"Arguing is a part of any relationship." Red shrugged. "Even healthy, if done correctly, a good quarrel can clear the air."
"Mental note to self." Liz cocked her head to one side, placing a finger to her temple to emphasize.
"The only one hard and fast rule," he held up a finger of his own to emphasize, "you must both end the night in each other's arms."
"Is that always possible?"
"If you're any kind of a real man... yes." Red lived by the code.
"That's some code of conduct to live up to." She was impressed.
"No, it isn't. Not at all." Red dismissed such praise. "If a man truly finds his partner in life, the incentive to be... better and achieve some sort of compromise, comes naturally."
Leading the woman to their blanket, Red helped ease Lizzy to the ground. Sitting opposite her, he leaned back into the tree, propped his leg comfortably.
"Don't tell me women don't appreciate the separation of the sexes to some extent." Red prodded the woman, curious to her reply. "Why force us to deal with the mechanic if not." He teased.
"We go grocery shopping." Liz countered, placing her chin on Red's bent leg, her eyes twinkling playfully. "...We wash your socks."
"Oh, do you?" Red arched a knowing brow.
Liz impishly wrinkled her nose. "Well, I would... if I had to."
He grinned. "I'm getting a little turned on here."
"So you like my species, with all our glorious faults and foibles."
"I appreciate everything about women." Red lifted his beer in salute.
Liz's good-humored chuckle broke off into a startled, shocked gasp.
A man barreled past full speed, the player's destination suddenly crystal clear.
"Red!" Liz's alarm was genuine, but even as the man turned his attention, the action on the field had already gone down.
An opposing team member had cut short a pass off by Mark. The nimble maneuver the guy managed blocked Francis' attempts to connect with the play.
The player's stocky bulk collided head-on with Francis' more sinewy body.
Francis looked back, his features showing guileless enthusiasm for a split second before he crumbled like a salt pillar struck down at Sodom and Gomorrah.
Red offered an emphatic grimace, rushing to the field where Francis lay spread out like a rag doll.
"Man down.." Silas' bulk passed a stunned, incapacitated Liz Keen before she could even assimilate a response.
Liz vaguely heard a sharp whistle halt all activity as she moved forward, hastening after Red and Silas. She knelt hard into the giving grass beside her friend; her face showing anxious misgivings.
She shot Red a distressed glance as she took Francis' limp and unresponsive hand in hers.
Ben shoved bodies aside to take possession of the fumbled ball, which he promptly spiked into the offending player's face.
Red and Silas cleared a path for the medical team to reach Francis' position.
"Francis... can you hear me?" Liz whispered brokenly, scanning her friend's quiet features. "I knew something like this would happen." She exhaled tremulously. "I knew it!"
Someone gently ushered her aside as Doctor Lister arrived.
All stepped back, watching the doctor check his patient from a safe distance, allowing Lister to probe and examine the still unconscious Francis.
Liz felt the warmth of Red's embrace just then realizing how cold she had suddenly become.
Silence was the order of day. All watched and waited.
Liz felt a sickening sensation traverse her body. She clung tightly to Red's stability, her eyes never once leaving Francis' face.
Lister passed a cracked ampule beneath the young man's nostrils, hastily placing his hand on Francis' chest to keep him immobile.
Francis sputtered and gagged, consciousness immediate and rather unpleasant. He hit the offending, noxious odor aside.
"What in the–"
"Lie still." Lister instructed in that scratchy, no-nonsense unperturbed manner of his.
Francis blinked, obviously still out of it, but obeyed the command nonetheless.
Liz's body went on high alert. Red's arms tightened as he, too, could only watch the unfolding drama.
"We're going to put this backboard under you... don't move." Lister motioned his team into action. "Let us do the work. I'm ordering x-rays, so... just stay quiet. This will only take a moment."
"I don't need no damn x–"
"Shut up, Francis!" Liz snapped, then fell silent when she realized she was the center of attention.
"You okay there, Skippy." Danny stepped into view, grinning down at Francis' annoyed features.
"I..." Francis' eyes darted about, "I can't... get my breath."
"That because you likely have broken ribs." Lister motioned and the gurney they had lifted the man onto was raised enough to offer an unobstructed air-flow to the chest area.
Francis' panic subsided. He lay quietly, concentrating on his breathing.
Liz's fists clutched tightly at her sides.
"What the hell happened?" Francis attempted to replay the events, but everything was fuzzy still. "Did we score?"
"Oh, Francis!" Liz stepped to the end of the gurney, her nerves brittle. "What does it matter! Are you all right?"
Francis rolled his eyes. "Why wouldn't I be all right?" He queried, his tone sardonic.
"He never has been before." Silas reminded one and all... his tone also sardonic in nature.
"Never mind.." Francis grimaced. "Patch me up, Doc. Get me out on that field. I got a job I gotta finish."
Lister's expression said it all, as he consulted with Red Reddington.
"Red!" Liz was aghast. "You can't let him play!"
"He can't stop me." Francis grumbled.
Red arched a quirky brow to Lister. "Well, what do you want me to do, Lizzy? Ground him?"
Liz's mouth fell open with astonishment for such a cavalier attitude.
"Keeping in mind," Lister was prepping a concoction unbeknownst to his rather young, foolish patient. "If you fall out there and puncture a lung, I doubt I can get you to the hospital fast enough before you bleed out."
"What?!" Francis' eyes widened.
Lister poked a vein, easing sedatives fluidly into Francis' system.
Glancing down at the needle stuck in his arm, Francis narrowed his eyes suspiciously as he felt a familiar warmth spread through his veins.
"... You bastard." Francis slurred slightly, already feeling its affects.
"You'll be right as rain soon enough." Lister patted Francis' arm. The young man dropped off almost immediately afterwards.
Liz and the entire gathered ensemble breathed a sigh of relief.
"There, problem solved." Red smiled at Lizzy, winking.
Smirking, Lister motioned his team to vacate. He followed leisurely along as they evacuated Francis from the field... and the game.
Liz searched Red's face, her eyes widening. "You knew all along the doctor was going to sedate Francis. Didn't you?"
"Yes, I did." Red confirmed. "If Francis died out there, it would have spoiled our entire vacation, theoretically." He philosophized. "Not gonna happen on my watch."
Liz drifted with the crowd. "Will the game continue?"
Already the players were dutifully drifting back onto the field.
Red snapped his head around. "You're joking, right?"
"But Francis could have been really hurt... might still be." She fretted.
"Lizzy," the man patiently explained the way of things, "they're into the final minutes of the game... there are wagers to be considered."
"Oh, all you men think about is money!" Liz growled, turning her back on the man.
"I placed a wager for you," Red assured, "and Francis." He sweetened the pot.
Sighing melodramatically, Liz focused on the huddle taking place, ignoring Red... sort of. Staring out at the players, she bit anxiously at her lip, her heart beating rapidly. Was it so wrong to hope they won?
Silas exchanged glances with his employer. "That's one pissed off Fed you got on your hands." he muttered quietly. "What are you gonna do about it?"
"What would you do with Samar?" Red countered.
"Not piss her off, first off." Silas smirked. "Besides that... I'd cover her in chocolate, start at her breasts and work my way down." He had thought many scenarios through on that one.
Red smiled. "And if she said, no... not now?"
"I'd change her mind." The big man sauntered away.
Red couldn't find fault in the guy's mindset, but he didn't think Lizzy was in the 'cover my body with chocolate and whip cream' frame of mind just yet.
He sighed regretfully.
A collective cheer arose, garnering his attention.
The game had indeed... continued.
Stepping in behind the woman, Red looked about Lizzy's shoulder, intent on the scrimmage taking place before them.
Dembe was making a mad dash through enemy lines, Ben hot on his heels, ball in hand.
Liz's skin tingled, her hands tightening on the towel in her grasp. Dembe cleared the way, Ben's momentum causing adrenalin to rush through her veins.
Ben deftly bounded over barriers in his path, sprinting rapidly forward. Dembe's powerful blocks and dodges urged the crowd to their feet.
Liz leaned forward, her previous mood dissipating. Gripping a nearby fencepost, her fingers bled of color, following the play.
The yards flew by as the Eagles carried the ball further and further down field.
Out of nowhere, Matthew came into view, his shoulder ramming against Ben's back.
The man was sent into a stumbling spin.
Liz stepped, gasping her despair.
Red held his breath as Ben fought valiantly to regain his footing. The guy staggered almost comically over the ten yard line.
Liz frantically hurried down a couple steps to better see the action, her eyes wide as saucers.
As if in slow motion, Dembe skirted a near block, running full tilt, his powerful thighs propelling him forward in just the nick of time to grasp Ben's jersey.
Shoving the man hard, he sent Ben into the end zone... earning the Eagles the winning touchdown!
And Red a substantial pot.
Slapping his hands together, Red cheered the victory. He laughed his delight as caught sight of a blur at his side just as Lizzy threw herself at him.
Whooping her join for the win, Liz's arms encircled Red's neckline in a strangling hold as her legs wrapped tight about his waist.
Grasping her rounded bottom, Red lifted her light weight more securely, as both shared in the victorious shouts and cheers encompassing their comrades-in-arms.
"We are terrible people!" She tried to squelch her exuberance. "I have to go check on–"
"Francis would be the first to celebrate with these people, Lizzy." He knew for a fact. "Why do you think they tried so hard to win?"
Allowing herself to be placed gently down, Liz swallowed at the lump which had arisen in her throat.
Holding back restraining hands as well-wishers descended, Dembe staunchly made his way over. "We won one for the disenfranchised." he laughed at the nonsensical remark. "Ben was determined to set the record straight."
Both Red and Dembe acknowledged the young man's contribution in their own way.
Red gave a thumbs-up, nodding his respect.
Ben couldn't respond too much, for he was being sported about on Danny and Mark's shoulders at present.
Friends arrived, excited and out of breath. Exuberant congratulations were swapped and re-swapped. Everyone talked over one another in a hurried frenzy, all eager to share or retell favorite plays of the game. Especially that last victorious one.
Liz pulled away from the spontaneity as soon as cordially polite to do so.
"Red... I'm going to see how Francis is doing." She shared quietly.
"I'm coming, sweetheart." Red excused their absences, hurrying to her side.
"You're sure he's all right?" Liz had asked the same query in any number of different ways... repeatedly.
"His ribs are bruised," Lister waved the issue aside, "the x-rays are all clear." he leaned towards Reddington. "I want a follow-up before your departure. Don't forget."
"He'll be there." Red assured.
Lister packed up and left without another word.
Red turned his attention. "Ben," he smiled sincerely, offering his hand, "what can I say... you saved the day. Francis will be overjoyed you got back some of his own."
"That's what we do." Ben shrugged the praise off. "He would do it for me... and has."
Red nodded he understood the parameters of such a friendship. "Still," he shook the man's hand firmly, "I owe you."
Ben dismissed the gesture.
"What's next?" He asked Lizzy. "Want to set up shop here for a spell?"
"Hey, you guys can go. We'll stay with Francis." Ben offered, wiping his sweaty face with a towel. "We had an early lunch, not quite hungry yet," the man sat in the shade, fanning himself, "really... go grab some of that spread Mark's laid out."
"Please," Amy insisted, "we got this covered." She motioned to a peacefully sleeping Francis Holbrook.
"No," Liz balked, "no, I want to stay."
"Honey, you haven't eaten in hours." Red reminded. "Francis will wake shortly and join us... and milk his injury for all he's worth. Keep your strength up so you can deal with him."
"Please go, Lizzy." Amy beseeched. "We would never let anything bad happen to our boy, you know that."
Liz shook her head, a concerned look on her face as she measured Francis' color and quietness.
"Hey... you gotta be there to get the trophy." Ben glanced towards Red, his eyes twinkling.
Liz blinked. "...What?"
"Francis will want the trophy... he was MVP." Ben reminded helpfully.
"Francis would argue... it was you who was MVP." Red demurred.
"No way." Ben demurred right back. "Francis brought in the first two goals... don't think he won't remind me."
Red chuckled. "There ya go, baby... let's collect that trophy."
"You will give it to him, right?" Ben teased. "We all know how you covet trophies."
Liz pulled a face. "How long will he be out?"
"Doc said it wouldn't be much longer."
"And you guys don't mind if we take half an hour?" Such kindness pleased Liz. "Really?"
"We're going to make out once you guys leave, so... leave all ready." Ben motioned.
Red tugged Lizzy. "We won't be long."
Liz glanced at Francis,but allowed Red's lead after a noticeable hesitation.
Once outside, she pulled up short, whispering to the man. "Red, this doesn't feel right."
"You want to sit there and watch Francis sleep." he teased.
She relented. "...I'm being silly."
"You're being silly." Red gently concurred. "Let's get his trophy, yeah?"
Francis Holbrook floated in a white haze. He could hear the rustling of leaves...feel the wind on his face. It felt cool and soft.
Voices were all around him, but he was enjoying the mist too much to make any sense of words being said, nor did he much care.
He drifted...
"I told you, I think there are steps we need to take..."
Was that Ben's voice? Francis' brow furrowed slightly. Was Ben here? Where was here?
"We need to do this right."
"The waiting... it's just getting to me."
A woman. Francis knew that voice, but then he didn't. The mist was coming and going like the waves on a shore.
"I know, but we can't fuck this up, baby. Please be patient..." Ben asked of the woman. "Look, maybe we could talk to Red and Liz... get a feel for how to approach this?"
Francis gave up, preferring the mist's soft caress. The whiteness enveloped him and he sank into its gentle hold.
Liz stood quietly, trophy gripped in anxious hands.
"Sleeping Beauty still out?" Red inquired, having stepped back inside the medical tent.
"I thought you guys were going to grab a bite." Ben checked his watch. "It's only been a few minutes... I haven't even got to second base yet."
"Ben," Amy hit the guy's arm, "stop fooling around. Can't you see Liz is worried about Francis?"
"Oh, no. I'm not really." Liz forced a smile. "I just wanted to check in."
Amy smiled reassuringly at her.
"I could have played, you know." A groggy, overly quiet statement filled the ensuing silence.
Liz jumped, her nerves wound tight. "Francis! You're awake!" she hurried over, beaming.
"Not yet." The man's slurred words sounded like Heaven to Liz. "Working on it."
"You could have played, huh." Red smiled down at his young blowhard friend. "I wish I could have put a wager on that one." He checked with a grinning Ben Gilchrist.
"Sure money." Ben agreed with Red's astute judgement. "Easy win... for the opposing team."
"God, where are Snickers when you need them?" Francis wailed his misfortune. "I need food, dammit!"
"Are you kidding me?" Liz laughed her relief. "You're hungry?"
"When is he not?" Ben quipped. "Hey, buddy... we can jog over to the pavilion, bring you back a plate or two... or three."
"Hell, no." Francis waved his arms about irritably. "Get me the hell up... I'll go myself."
Red sighed mentally. "You really feel up to that, dumbass?"
"Sit me up." Francis said, even as he attempted the feat himself.
Red and Ben aided the effort. "Sit still until you get your bearings."
Francis winced, feeling along his ribcage. "What hit me? A damned Mack truck!"
Red grinned. "Enzo Silva ... same difference."
Francis grimaced. "Enzo the tank?"
"'Fraid so." Ben nodded, sticking his hands in his pockets. "It was tragic. Brought a tear to my eye. I thought you bought it."
"And I'm still alive?" Francis shared his astonishment.
"Just barely." Liz snapped.
"Enzo really wanted that ball." Red could see the determination on the other man's sweaty face as he sailed by.
"But... I'm still alive." Francis had not received concrete affirmation on that fact as yet.
"That's what we're here to ascertain, old son." Daniel stuck his head in the tent. Dembe followed the stout individual into the small area. "You gonna keep that?" Danny teased Lizzy as he passed.
The woman glanced down. "Oh!" she was still holding the trophy for dear life. "Oh, here!" She handed the object off to...
"Not mine." Ben graciously backed off, indicating...
Liz smiled softly, stepping forward. "They want you to have this, Francis."
The man's mouth fell open. "We... won?" He stared at the object covetously. "No man, no... it was a team effort."
"And you represent the team." Ben spoke for everyone he knew.
"Somebody take it," Red gestured to the trophy, "before Lizzy absconds with it." He knew the woman well enough, especially given how Lizzy was looking at the gleaming prize.
Daniel chuckled, waving Red off. If Lizzy wanted it…
"Yeah, man... you were the heart and soul of the Eagles." Danny laid it on thick, helping Francis arise to unsteady feet; Dembe on one side, Danny's stoutness on the other.
"Who are the Eagles?" Francis searched his memory. "The band?"
"You're still out of it." Daniel decided. "Sit back down."
"I'm hungry, dammit!" Francis knew that much, at least. "I want a Snicker bar!"
"Let's all go to the pavilion." Red suggested strongly. "I'm hungry, and none of you would like me... if I'm not fed soon."
Liz held her smile, for the men, all except Dembe, suddenly seemed ill-at-ease.
"Lizzy, where are your shoes?" Red, walking slowly beside the woman, had glanced down at the oddity.
Liz glanced down as well, wriggling her toes. "I got them." She dug in the gigantic tote hanging over her shoulder, producing them cheerfully. "I didn't forget."
Red smiled, taking them from her hands. He directed her to a nearby bench. The rest areas were plentiful, always surrounded by small garden patches covered with trailing vines or decorative urns.
Liz sat, giggling at the man's antics. "My Sir Galahad."
Red knelt before her, his fingers trailing sensually up the smooth expanse of her legs. He slipped the small sneakers onto her feet, his eyes flickering seductively.
The rather whimsical moment was rudely interrupted.
Liz jerked her head about at the angry, hiss of a tone.
"I told you not to take your shoes off." An irate voice berated before anyone appeared. "Now you can just walk without them! If you think I'm going back, you're out of your mind!"
The culprit came into view, for Red and Liz were hidden by the surrounding greenery.
Liz scowled hard, recognizing the man immediately.
The one in question glanced over, sensing the others, his eyes looked through Elizabeth.
"Oh, Reddington... it's you." The ire was gone, a calm cohesive front presented. "I believe congratulations are in order." He smiled, all too pleasantly.
The woman to whom he spoke previously quietly held her peace, observing the scene between Red and Liz curiously, nothing more.
"Your team pulled it out. I trust Holbrook is none the worse for wear." The man noted Francis further up the way with Reddington's crew.
Red hesitated, sizing up the situation in his own time and manner. "Francis can take a hit... some more than others."
"Well," another smile was offered, "at any rate... it was a good show." He jerked his head about. "Let's go."
The woman hastily followed his rapidly retreating figure. Liz noted the almost subservient way in which the woman responded to the bastard.
"What a fucking prick!" Liz wasn't shy about stating her thoughts as she watched the couple travel towards the pavilion.
Red remained silent.
"What the hell is his problem!" Liz hissed her aggravation.
Red's gaze trailed after the man. It was dark and foreboding, but changed instantly as he sought the woman opposite him.
He finished the task of attending to Lizzy's shoes, leaning to plant a kiss on her kneecap. "Come on, sweetheart. That Texas BBQ is calling my name."
Liz arose, sighing heavily, letting the matter go as he seemed to wish.
"Do you believe this?" Liz knew better than to cut-line with the crowd she hung out with.
Finally arriving at the pavilion, Red and Liz took in the scene which Red would later liken to a chaotic beehive that had just been overrun by a hoard of fireants.
Mark had set out a splendid repast. Table after table was loaded down with every food imaginable, and it was all being bombarded by the hoard.
"If the sight of the gathered throng is affecting you," Silas stood back watching the debacle unfold, "imagine how Mark must be feeling."
Silas' face remained placid, while others ranged from astonishment to amazement, and yes... a tiny bit of revulsion for the carnage taking place.
Francis, Daniel, Ben, and even Dembe held court over the various serving tables. Plates were being loaded down and passed off to the ladies, who dutifully transported the goods to designated tables.
Danny passed by, having shouldered his way out of the mass of men surrounding the spoils.
Liz's brow crinkled as she noted the amount of goodies one plate could hold.
The man balanced another in his free hand... baked potatoes complete with sour cream and chive, pasta salad, baked beans, fried chicken, four ears of corn-on-the-cob, that Liz could count anyway, and an entire rack of ribs were piled high on the surface.
Rolls of every sort, butter, more chicken and several desserts, topped the other plate.
The man sat the feast before his lady fair.
"Honey, I think you forgot the coleslaw." Emma, seeing the abundance, quipped her amusement.
"Oh! I'm sorry, baby." Danny's face showed his remorse. "I'll be just a second, be right back."
"Danny!" Emma's face fell. "I was joking..." she trailed off, for the man had already dived back into the fray, her words falling on deaf ears.
Emma spread her hands in a hapless gesture, sharing a befuddled look with Liz.
"You can't go in there." Silas held his hand out as a warning to Elizabeth. "It's too dangerous... they'll mistake you for a chicken wing."
"I'm going in!" Liz pushed the hand aside, boldly willing to brave the masses.
Red grasped her hips, pulling the woman back determinedly. "I'll bravely take your place." he shot her a look. "Besides... I have a weapon."
Silas nodded sagely.
"Don't you have a weapon?" Liz quipped to her reticent guard.
"Wouldn't waste the bullets on this rabble."
"Grab us a seat," Red directed, pushing up his already rolled-up sleeves.
Liz grinned, heading for a table. Emma waved her over.
"This is nice." Liz sat beside her red-headed friend. "It's one big picnic."
"Complete with jousting and medieval table manners." Emma sent Francis a scolding frown.
"Leave me be, woman!" Francis wiped his mouth of excessive corn juice. "I worked up an appetite out on that field. I nearly died for this meal... I'm gonna enjoy it!" He stoutly banged his fist on the table before shaking away the throbbing pain.
Shaking her head for the man's antics, Emma shrugged. "He has a point."
Liz sent an affectionate glance Francis' way. "He's a growing boy."
Red returned with two heaping plates, which smelled divine. Liz wasted no time digging into the scrumptious fare.
The fresh air whetted everyone's appetite. The beautiful sunny day left everyone's mood on high,
"You got a little burn there." Red blew a gentle whiff across Liz's shoulders. "This is shaded, thank god." he glanced at the overhead canopy Mark's team had erected over the tables.
"This is the best food I've ever tasted!" Liz licked her fingers savoringly.
"My meat is so soft." Francis made mention. "I can hardly keep hold of it."
Danny's grin surfaced immediately. "They have pills for that now, Francis."
The rejoinder brought good-natured laughter at Francis' expense.
"At least I can find mine." Francis stuffed a roll in his mouth, his expression a dour one.
That expression changed to one of intent concentration.
A table over, the man Elizabeth knew only as 'the prick bastard', sat a plate before the woman who was a constant companion.
There were meager provisions thereupon. A slice of chicken, a couple spoonfuls of vegetables.
The bastard's plate, on the other hand, was loaded down.
Daniel had picked up on Francis' intense displeasure, slapping his napkin down. "I think it's high time someone explained Southern hospitality to that fucker... Excuse my language, ladies."
He arose, ready to put his 'shit kickers' to use.
"Sit." Red's tone brooked no argument. Danny's flabbergasted expression said as much. "...Sit."
Clenching his hands at his side, the younger man reluctantly obeyed after a spell, reading something in Reddington's own expression he understood.
Silas chewed casually on his roll, his face cold and calculating care anyone look.
Liz knew he was just itching to exchange a few private... moments with the bastard.
Quite frankly, so was she.
"I'm watching the situation." Red kept his demeanor cool. "I promise... I'm watching."
Liz sensed the coiled tension around the table. The ladies, feeling the frigid atmosphere, turned quietly introspective as well.
"Let's play trivia." Francis was the first to break the stalemate. Red sent the kid a grateful, minute nod of acknowledgment.
"Not all of us are as literate or informed on porn trivia as you, Francis." Ben countered. "You'll be crowned Master Bater without doubt."
"Go fuck yourself," Francis scoffed, "...wanker."
The atmosphere lightened, and the frivolities continued.
Liz leaned, however, her own stomach now pitching nervously. "What's going on here, Red?" she murmured.
"It's nothing you have to worry about." He brightened his smile. "I have it covered." She was assured.
Liz felt her anxiety ratchet up a notch or two.
Francis, having sensed something askew with his best-friend... did what he did best.
"Lizzy, my god!" He arose, his manner overly excited, pointing frantically. "Look!"
Liz obeyed instantly.
The guy leaned, stealing two of her BBQ ribs off her plate, cackling maniacally for his diabolical plan had worked.
Liz grimaced, immediately realizing the ploy. "Damn!" She released a sigh of vexation. "He stole my food, didn't he?"
Red shook his head, again grateful for Francis' interference. "I am so disappointed in you." He chuckled, kissing Lizzy's sullen pout.
"Think how I feel." She glared at Francis. "You're dead..."
Francis grinned happily, munching on the flavorful meat. "Tastes better when it's stolen."
"Well..." she philosophized, "it won't happen again, I can assure you. I am on my guard." She sent another scathing look, just to alert Francis Holbrook of her heightened state of awareness.
Focusing on the woman, Red nodded thoughtfully, listening attentively, a smile playing about his mouth.
"I tell you," she sighed for the state of the world, "some people have the oddest sense of–"
Liz gasped, startling, jerking her head about to the arm easing its way between her and Emma.
Francis' claw-like fingers latched onto not only her corn on the cob, but her dinner roll as well and was gone in the blink of an eye.
"You little creep!" She didn't even have time to lash out, he was just that fast. "Bring that back here, you thieving bastard!"
"Finders keepers!" Francis called over his shoulder, the roll already a thing of the past.
Liz turned, seeking empathy and support.
"Did you see that?" Silas sipped his beer casually.
"You could have warned me!" Liz reminded. "You saw him!"
"I don't rat guys out." Silas returned to his ribs, gingerly coating the succulent meat in more sauce.
She sought Red out, mouth still agape. "Are you going to do something?"
Red pointed. "I can get you more food, sweetheart."
Liz slapped her napkin down, arising. "I'm going to the restroom."
Sighing, Silas pushed his plate aside, grumbling under his breath.
"You just... sit." She insisted. "God forbid I should deign to interrupt your vacation."
Red winced for the guy.
Silas' blank look irritated the woman. He gingerly cleared the remaining meant off the rib he had been munching on. The now bare bone hung carelessly from his fingers before it plunked down atop the amassed pile on his plate.
He pointed to Liz's plate. "You gonna eat that slaw?"
Liz turned, briskly stomping away.
Red watched her go, his eyes catching Silas' mischievously twinkling ones.
"So... was that a no?" Silas smirked, reaching for the plate... which moved from his grasp.
Turning narrowed eyes, he met Francis' smiling face with incredulous disbelief. "What are you, a bottomless pit?"
Red stopped the slide of the plate. "You want me to break you legs?" He smiled pleasantly.
"Is he..." Francis was confused, "talking to me or you?" He conferred with Silas.
Washing her hands, Liz checked her reflection in the mirror, making a mental note to apply more sun screen.
Her cheeks were a healthy pink, all fine and good, but another hour in that Texas sun and she would be very sorry if sunscreen was not in her very near future.
Drying her hands, she pushed the door open. The sound of things skittering along the pavement met her efforts as a solid object on the other side of the door halter her exit.
"Oh!" Liz eased out the doorway. "I am so sorry!" She apologized profusely, seeing a woman bent over, scrambling for objects that had once been inside her purse.
"Must you be so clumsy."
Liz looked away from the woman, something more substantial catching her attention.
"It was my fault. I hit her bag." Liz frowned at the man's hard tone. "Here, let me help you with that." she smiled warmly, crouching beside the woman to help gather her things.
"She can do it." The man's clipped tone irritated and, quite frankly, pissed Liz off.
"It's no trouble." Remembering what Red said about keeping appearances, Liz held her tone, though she wished more than anything she could just punch the guy right in the fucking eye.
"I said," the man snarled, "... she can do it." He stepped forward threateningly.
Liz's instincts, honed by Silas' training, went on high alert. She arose hastily, stepping back to gauge the situation.
"What's the problem here?" Liz managed a semi-cordial response, if only for the other woman's sake, for the petite individual appeared terrified of the creep's anger. "It was my fault. I should have checked the door before–"
"Perhaps Reddington hasn't had time to take you in hand, and to school you properly." The man's cool and aloof expression hardened. "When addressing a male, who is clearly your superior in every way... you should address him–"
"I'll address you as, fucking asshole!" Liz interrupted the holier than thou speech. "Who the hell do you think you are speaking to!?" She had about enough of this dirtbag.
Suddenly livid, the man lifted his hand, his intention clear.
Reacting as second-nature, Liz shoved the bastard hard, putting her entire being into the effort.
The man merely staggered, his shock apparent, but he recovered hastily enough.
"You little bitch!" The disdain and contempt dripped from his words. Pushing from the door facing where the shove had landed his frame, his eyes flashed their fury. "Someone should teach you–"
The door opened just at that moment... and Red Reddington casually strolled inside.
Taking in the situation in one fell swoop, the man's gaze fell on Lizzy's flushed face for a brief hesitation.
"That someone," his tone dripped with disdain as he turned icy eyes upon the object of his new found fury, "will not be you," he venomously hissed the warning, "... you contemptible piece of shit!"
Slapping the man's face, Red backhanded the ruddy complexion smartly.
Staggering back from the vicious blow, the guy's pallor blanched... but nothing more.
Red easily read the fear in the wide, startled eyes. "Well, come on," he goaded, "hit me, you lowlife coward... you seem to enjoy the pastime so much."
"I...I didn't mean to overstep boundaries." The guy was trying for damage control. "You, of all people, understand the parameters of our world."
"Not my fucking world." Red advanced slowly. The man stepped away from the tension and hatred he could see in Red's infuriated eyes.
"As I have tried to explain," the creep was suddenly sweating bullets, "I thought you... well, any self-respecting man, let alone a dom–"
"You aren't a Dom. You're a prick son-of-a-bitch masquerading as a dominant," Red snarled the disgust he felt, "to cover the abusive, demeaning fucker you truly are."
Liz moved the young woman back to a safer area in the large room, her nerves on edge.
"Maybe it's you that needs to learn his place." Red inched closer, stepping into the fucker's sphere. "You don't even know the first and most important rule of the game." His fiery eyes locked on his opponent's cowering form. "You never... ever demand a woman you have never even met... obey your repulsive ass!"
Red's disgust deepened, as did the roughness of his voice. Striking out, he caught the other man's throat within the grasp of his hand, shoving hard, his grip tightening systematically.
Listening to the sound of Red's seething voice grow closer to his position, Silas hurriedly moved back out of the way just as the door shot outward.
The object of their ire soon followed, his throat in Reddington's unwavering grasp.
Leaning casually against the wall, Silas idly watched Red's hand tighten around the asshole's throat as the prick was steered back and away from the ladies.
Silas lifted his hand, halting Liz's intent to emerge from the safety of the doorway.
"A real Dom takes care of his sub." The rules of etiquette were patiently and meticulously explained, but not for this imbecile's benefit. Red hoped some of his words were getting through to another, more vulnerable victim.
The woman in question stood quaking, half-hid behind Lizzy's taller frame.
"He cares for her, protects and cherishes the gift he's been given." Red cocked his head, enjoying the fact his victim's face was turning a nice shade of purple as oxygen was slowly being deprived by Red's sturdy, immovable grasp.
The man sputtered and squirmed helplessly, held by a more powerful will.
"He doesn't starve, punish or degrade that gift just to satisfy his own perverse shortcomings."
Red leaned casually into his arm, adding even more pressure. The fucker struggled more fiercely, fighting for even a modicum of breath. The veins in the man's neck bulged as he grasped frantically for Red's arm.
"If you touch my property again," Red moved close, his breath fanning the man's face, his tone brittle, "I will cut off your balls with a butter-knife, if indeed I can find any... and shove them down your fucking throat. And that's just for starters!"
The man's struggles were lessening, his eyes going back into his head, lack of oxygen making his body slack.
Feeling a decided gratification, Red stressed each syllable spoken. "Are we clear on this matter now?"
Red's eyes glittered with fire, his tone abnormally quiet. "You mistreat her again," He jabbed a finger toward the cowering woman Lizzy was trying so hard to comfort, "and I find out about it... for I will eventually," it was granted, "whatever you do to her, will be revisited on your useless ass... tenfold."
As a gray haze clouded the pricks' vision, Red let up just enough to make certain his words could be understood.
The guy gasped fruitlessly, the strangled outcry's soothing to Red's ear.
Abruptly releasing his choke hold, Red stepped aside, allowing the man to fall face first into the unforgiving pavement.
Turning attention where it was needed, Red softened his stance and voice, addressing the smaller woman first. "You are free to come with us." he openly suggested. "Or you can stay and give him a chance... knowing I'm watching his every move. Your choice." He inclined his head, awaiting the decision.
"I'll stay." The woman whispered tremulously, keeping her eyes averted.
Liz's mouth dropped agape for such a reply, her senses reeling.
Nodding his understanding of the situation, Red took Liz's arm in his. "Let's go."
Silas stepped from his alcove, leisurely following their departure, glaring at the bastard sputtering on the ground as he stepped over him. He lifted his foot...
"Silas..." Red's voice drifted back.
Silas rolled his eyes, allowing his intent to kick the shit out of the fallen coward... to unfortunately pass.
Once they rounded the corner, Liz halted in her tracks. Silas stopped at a distance, offering a measure of privacy as he absently scanned the terrain.
"First," Red stopped the woman head on, "are you all right?"
Combing his fingers through her hair, Red soothed any misgivings that asshole might have caused.
"Yeah," Liz snapped. "I'm fine." The woman's brow puckered irritably. "We're just leaving her!?"
Holding up pacifying hands, Red settled the storm before it could fully take shape. "Trust me when I say," he said, "she isn't alone, Lizzy."
"She looked alone to me!" Liz begged to differ.
"I've opened up options," Red laid down the facts. "I've humiliated that bastard in front of her. Now, the leopard can either change his spots or..."
Liz scowled. "He'll take his anger out on her." She was positive.
"Then he will reap what he sows." Red's eye ticked.
"Small consolation to that woman, Red."
Red's expression softened, seeing Lizzy's agitation.
"He'll hurt her, Red." Liz murmured despondently. She sensed it, just like Francis playing on the field.
"Most assuredly, and soon." Red prepared Elizabeth for that eventuality.
"Then why don't you stop it before it gets to that point?" She vented her frustration. "I know you can."
"I could," Red agreed, "especially now she is aware people have noticed. But until he goes back on his word... she won't leave him."
Liz chewed on her nail, her mind active, planning.
Red knew the situation for what it was, he just hoped, with the experience Lizzy had garnered in the field... she would understand his stance in time.
"You've seen it how many times in your line of work?" He queried. "They never leave them... do they?"
Liz scowled, hating the truth in the words.
"All we can do," Red murmured, "is wait and hope she sees the situation for what it is... and soon."
Lunch was winding down upon their return. Red quietly excused himself to confer with Daniel and Mark about the incident.
Liz watched Red lift the radio at his side, indicating the several men equip themselves with the devices.
"Are you going swimming with everybody?" Red offered a carefree smile, having returned to her side as quickly as possible.
"I-I don't think so." Liz shrugged, really not in the mood to play.
Straddling the bench, Red pulled the woman between his legs. "Lizzy, please don't let this ruin your day." He cajoled. "The situation is well in hand."
Swiping the bangs from her eyes, he ran a gentle caress along her cheek. "Let's go to our room, get you suited up and forget everything for a while. Okay?"
Nodding reluctantly, Liz sighed heavily. She took Red's hand as they silently walked towards the hotel.
Sensing the tension emanating from his companion, Red fought to remain concentrated on mapping each scenario which could occur in his head, and how he should respond in each case.
All thoughts went flying out the window when they pushed through the doorway of the hotel, only to hear the sound of flesh meeting flesh. A sharp feminine outcry of pain echoed down the corridors.
Hurriedly rounding the corner, Red's anger flared as he caught sight of the scene unfolding. The man was standing over the woman, his arm raised high and on a downward trajectory.
Before Liz could fully comprehend what she was witnessing, Silas rushed past, the burly man moving remarkably fast... a colorful string of curses passing his lips.
"Stay here!" Red demanded, his face tight with rage.
The petite woman was on the marble floor, her arms covering her face and head to protect them from the blows.
Silas determinedly shortened the distance between her protagonist and himself.
The fucker heard him coming, taking off at a frantic pace, a look of terror on his abject features.
"You think we weren't going to follow up with you, you fucking idiot!" Silas rapidly gained on the man, his beefy fist latching onto the son-of-a-bitch's collar.
Silas stopped abruptly, his hand flinging the man backward a good ten feet from the strength of the action.
Red skidded to a stop, his eyes fixing on the fallen individual who was now only a few spaces a way, thanks to Silas' aim.
The man struggled to his feet, panic urging him up.
Silas turned, making his way back, a look of smug righteousness on his face. The wondrously murderous things he had planned for this little...
Red blinked, pulling up short as a blur of unexpected fury whizzed directly by his location, having come from an intersecting corridor to his right.
Recognizing the interloper in their midst, both Red and Silas were slightly taken aback.
Eric Harper's powerful momentum knocked the escaping adversary off his feet into a nearby wall. One of Mark's expensive paintings crashed to the floor.
Silas spread his hands as his look of disbelief connected with Red's. "What the hell..."
Harper lifted the man effortlessly, beginning a series of pummeling blows to the man's face and body.
"You fucker!" Harper snarled his rage, punching the bastard with full force at every possible vantage point, his rage taken out in the most logical of ways conceivable.
Silas slowed in his trek as Harper off-set the guy, knocking him to the floor. Standing over the fallen man, Harper wailed on every exposed vulnerability open to him, berating the son-of-a-bitch at every turn with caustic, colorful metaphors... some even surprising Lizzy's well-heeled ears.
"You lowlife asshole!" Harper grunted, ramming the guy's head into the floor repeatedly, his expression a grim one.
Others arrived, walkie talkies in hand.
"What the hell..." Daniel stood casually by, watching the scene unfold, stunned by the turn of events. "Where the hell did he come from?" He gestured to Harper.
"That corridor," Red muttered, thumbing to his right. He felt Lizzy leave his side. She headed for the small, trembling form across the way.
"You fucking touch her again," Harper spat his indignation, "I'll fucking kill you!"
Believing the man's actions were more than justified, Silas leaned casually against the wall, watching Harper beat the man senseless. Nothing more, nothing less.
Glancing down the long hall, Red sighed. Hunter Gaines approached at a fast clip, Security by his side.
"...Silas." Red reluctantly neared the fracas, gesturing in the needed direction, "the calvary is about to descend."
"...Oh." Silas sighed his disappointment, pushing from his relaxed stance.
He sauntered towards Harper, who was still bouncing the bastard's head off the floor. "Hey, man..." he attempted to gather Harper's attention, "your parade is about to be rained on."
In response, Harper increased the speed and velocity of his hits, pummeling his victim with avid determination and skill.
"Yeah, okay." Scratching his chin, Silas nodded his understanding, gesturing for Danny's assistance.
Waiting for their opportunity, Silas caught Harper's elbow as it drew back, leaving Daniel to grab the other arm. Dragging the raging man back, Silas shrugged mentally when Harper kicked out, catching the bastard a couple more times before they were able to get him clear of the vicinity.
Hunter and his team arrived, gauging the combatants. One was crumpled into a ball bleeding on the floor... and the other was hurling obscenities and threats at rapid speed.
Red stepped forward, quickly explaining the particulars of the incident before any misunderstandings could take shape.
"Why is it, you are always in the midst of these incidents, Reddington?" Hunter held his amusement admirably.
"Don't you know," Silas grinned maliciously at his comrade, "... we're didn't see nothing."
Smirking, Hunter shrugged carelessly. He lifted his walkie talkie, advising Dr. Lister's presence would be advisable, before contacting his boss.
"And everything was going so well." Mark's voice was upbeat for all that. "Well, access the damage to the prick. Pack his room and evict the douchebag on Lister's okay. Keep me advised."
The outcome satisfied Red. "The gentleman's companion," he interrupted the discussion, motioning across the way, "that aspect is as yet... undecided."
"Understood." Mark responded. "You advise me on that issue."
"It's up in the air... I'll keep you apprised." Red leaned to speak.
"Hunter," Mark's tone was suddenly rather light-hearted, "I'm sure there are some damages to the property and the like... put them all on Reddington's tab, will you."
Red sighed heavily. "By all means, Hunter... let's do that."
Mark's chuckle was infectious, but Red held his stony expression determinedly.
"Stand by." Hunter dropped the radio to his side, tapping it against his leg. "Sir..." he turned his attention to matters as they now stood.
Harper's temper was still high, more so as Security politely questioned the man on the recent events because no one else present... saw nothing of a criminal nature take place.
Red caught Lizzy's eyes. She smiled wanly, signifying she wasn't making much headway with the silently waiting individual she comforted.
Lister finally arrived, a scowl on his world-weary face. He knelt beside the 'victim'.
"So... is she the one you've been talking about?" Silas murmured aside to Harper, recalling their previous conversation.
"What the hell do you think!" Harper hissed his agitation, eager to be out from under all this fucking scrutiny, only one thing on his mind at present.
"I think," Silas muttered tightly, his eyes issuing a silent warning, "you need to calm the hell down. You can't face her like this... can you?"
Glaring angrily at the man, Harper jerked his attention to the woman across the way, his expression sobering quickly. Rolling his shoulders, Harper fought to limber his tightly coiled frame and garner some control.
Watching the man struggle to calm his anger, Red felt his own tension ease. "I think he can be trusted." He caught Silas' eye.
"Don't fuck up, man." Silas issued yet another warning and stern reminder. He stepped aside, motioning Danny to ease off their vigilance.
Patting Harper's arm, Silas released his hold, allowing the guy his freedom.
Harper rushed for the woman, mindless of the sudden tension from the Security team.
Scowling hard at the interloper, Liz tensed as Harper neared.
"...Lizzy," Red murmured suddenly at her side, gently cradling her elbow, drawing her closer.
Narrowing angry eyes at the man, Liz tugged at the gentle coaxing even as Silas waved her to back off a moment.
Liz glared at the two men, hissing. "What the hell are you–"
"Just a minute, sweetheart." Red interrupted quietly, watching the scene develop.
Harper's eyes scanned the woman's body rapidly. "Are you all right?" He blurted his concern.
He frowned when the woman merely nodded silently, keeping her head bowed. Harper noted all this time, she had not taken her eyes from the abuser's slumped body.
The lack of reaction troubled him.
"I'm sorry you had to see that... I..." Harper stammered, blocking the bloodied heap behind him.
"Are you... all right?" Harper repeated, grimacing at his lack of finesse or skill. His gaze rested anxiously on the beautiful face, those blue eyes tearing his heart from his soul. "It isn't right... a man shouldn't raise his hand to a woman."
The blue eyes fell. "Even," the hesitant, small whisper was difficult to make out, Harper had to lean to hear, "when she deserves it?"
The solemn eyes lifted; pain filled, poignantly searching for answers.
"No woman deserves that sort of treatment... ever." Finally, something Harper felt secure about.
The large bruise developing held his attention for some moments now. He wanted desperately to touch her... heal her... soothe her.
Reaching to touch her cheek, he hovered over the opened wound on the delicate face. His fingers curved tightly back into his palm.
"You should get that looked after." He indicated the bastard's ring had broken the skin on her cheekbone. "The doctor's right here." he motioned gallantly. "I can get him."
"I don't want to be a bother." the woman's brow furrowed slightly.
"You are important." Harper disagreed, waving the statement aside. "Let me get the doctor...please." His tone and manner softened. "It's pretty deep, might even need stitches." He examined the slash with critical eyes. "Antibiotics at least."
The woman tried a wane smile, which Harper viewed as progress.
"Lister, can you take a look at the lady's face... please?" Harper called to the doctor.
Having summed up the 'incident' in his mind already, Lister glanced at his semi-conscious patient and lifted to his feet without hesitation, answering Harper's summons. He smiled in order to ingratiate himself to the woman.
"Let's see what we have here." He gently examined the area, eyeing the cut with professional curiosity.
"Can I... get you anything?" Harper was floundering, and he knew it, "a drink of water or..." he searched for something to put the woman at ease. She merely shook her head, allowing Lister to look her over.
"I'll be a moment, baby." Red muttered quietly to the woman at his side. Motioning Harper to join him, Red stepped back off to a quiet spot.
Nodding, Harper smiled, excusing himself. "I'll just... give you a moment."
Red had watched the stilted interaction between the man and woman with keen interest for several minutes now.
Scrapping a rough hand across his jaw, Harper looked to Red, uncertainty written all over his face.
"I-I don't know what the hell she needs, man." Harper whispered tightly, his frustration apparent. Glancing back at the woman, he sent her a reassuring smile. "Do you get any of the shit that fucker was into? I'm not reaching her. I don't know anything about..."
"You're doing just fine." Red interrupted the man's agitated rambling, having noted how the woman was responding to Harper's presence.
Red watched the woman unconsciously follow after Lister as he made his way back to the jerk on the floor.
He held his hand up, causing the woman to hesitate in her steps.
"No." He spoke firmly, but gently. "Stay."
Harper's scowl deepened when the woman immediately bowed her head and placed herself flush with the wall, obeying Red's quiet command.
"What did you just do?" Harper looked between the two, stunned.
"Look, that asshole has really done a number on her." Red stated quietly, keeping the conversation between the two of them. "I don't know the particulars as yet, but it's clear she has no objections to you or your... interference."
Harper's mood lifted a tad. "She looks so... lost."
"She is lost and alone and vulnerable." Red concurred. "I don't know the depth of your involvement here, so if this is too much–"
"I'm..." Harper sensed this would be his only chance, swallowing his pride, "here for as long as she needs me."
Red studied the man for a long beat. "It may entail more than you are prepared to give."
"I don't know how to be what she seems to want... or need?" Harper confessed he knew little about that sort of activity, but it had never really interested him, the kink. At least, he didn't think so? What he did know for certain was, he would never harm a woman. If that was what her needs entailed, they would have problems.
"All she needs at this point is for you to care for her... protect her." Red explained the parameters. "Do you want the position?"
Harper swallowed hard, his eyes never straying far from the woman's angelic face. He nodded slowly and then, more emphatically. "Yes, I want to help her. I can do that."
Red nodded his satisfaction. "She's waiting for some sort of direction. I think that fucker took the boundaries of the lifestyle way past their limit." Was Red's guess. "By her attitude, she appears more 'slave' than 'submissive'."
"How the hell can anyone fix that mental state?" Harper wanted to know. "Does she need... a psychiatrist or.."
"Counseling perhaps, to deal with the abuse." Red suggested. "Right now, however, she just needs you to be there... looking after her needs, give her a chance to breathe, regain her identity. You can do that, right?"
Harper nodded curtly, ready for the challenge handed him. "I can do that, I swear."
"You're not hearing me." Red sought out the guy. "Looking after her needs might entail.." he trailed off, sighing, second guessing even himself.
It was a possibility, now with that bastard out of the way, the woman would not require such interaction? All Red could suggest was to approach things one at a time, then perhaps the rest would come later... maybe?
"Red," Harper swallowed nervously, confiding in the man, "I don't know how to be a..."
"You don't have to be." Red soothed the man's concern. "Look, just be a gentleman," he coached the man, "start slow... don't rush anything. She will come out of her shell when she feels comfortable... safe."
Harper nodded he was following.
"She needs a direction to take... a nudge." Red continued. "Do you have somewhere she can rest a while?"
"I can... get her a room." Harper offered slowly.
"She really shouldn't be alone right now." Red stressed the reminder softly. "Listen to what I'm saying."
"Are you suggesting... take her to mine?" Harper was admittedly surprised.
"If it makes you feel better, sleep on the damned couch." Red rolled his eyes. "It's for her peace of mind, but also, that asshole is still on the property and will be until Mark kicks his ass out. He can not be allowed to get to her."
"He won't." Harper vowed, scowling darkly. "But should he get the cops involved–"
Red's look said what he thought of such a scenario taking place.
"So Donovan will back me up on this one?" Harper clarified, wanting assurances. "With the cops, if it comes to that."
"It won't come to that." Red knew for certain. "However, if it makes you feel better, Mark has good relations with the law here."
Harper read between the lines. "And the... fucker?" he spat the descriptive.
"We'll handle the prick, I assure you." Red said. "You see to the lady."
He motioned Harper to rejoin the one in question. "Offer your hand and tell her to go with you."
"And if she doesn't?" Harper's brows lifted, his mood falling slightly.
"She will." Red was positive. "I'm not bullshitting you, Harper." He vowed. "If it was just you, I'd give you just cause to not believe me," he admitted, "but with her involved..."
"All right." Gearing himself up, Harper took a deep breath, rolling his tense shoulders. "This is going to be a long night." He sighed lightly.
"Take things a step at a time," Red bolstered. "Feed her... and go from there."
Harper scratched a nervous hand across his head, his doubts reflected in his expression. He approached the woman slowly, cautiously. He stuffed his hands in his pockets, then hastily withdrew one, extending his palm.
"Come with me," he spoke gently, "... please."
The woman obediently placed her small hand in his, curling her slim fingers to his larger ones.
Shocked by the woman's willingness, Harper looked back at Red, his mouth gaping. Hastily gathering his wits, Harper smiled down at the petite female.
"Everything is going to be all right." He felt the small fingers tighten on his as the blue eyes sought his face. "Are you hungry?" His voice lowered to a soft caress.
"Y-Yes," the woman replied just as softly, she seem relieved.
Liz blinked her own shock, unable to comprehend what she was witnessing at the moment. She had tried to reach the woman, but failed miserably, she knew. Misgivings showed on her face at this recent development.
Harper checked with Reddington as Liz joined the man, her hand laying lightly on Red's forearm.
Unable to hold the woman's intense gaze, Harper shifted his eyes guiltily... shamefully. Clearing his throat, the man returned his interest where it was needed at this moment in time.
"Then let's get you something to eat." Harper's smile widened, having received a shy smile for his efforts. "Lister fixed that okay? Do you need to follow up with him?" He gestured to the butterfly dressing covering her wound, feeling more at ease now.
"It's okay," she murmured softly.
Harper grimaced, unsure what to do. Due to his deep discussion with Reddington, he had missed Lister's diagnosis of the wound itself.
Glancing upward, he watched Silas subtly wave his hand, indicating Lister gave the woman a clean bill of health and released her into their care.
The tension if Harper's shoulders eased once more, offering the woman a gentle smile. "I'm glad... it's such a pretty face." His eyes searched the stunning landscape. "A lovely face, in fact."
The woman blushed prettily.
Red breathed a sigh of relief when her footfalls fell into step with Harper's. He watched their journey until they exited out the double doors leading to the pavilion.
"What in the hell just happened?" Danny looked between the departing pair and Red, allowing his astonishment.
"I just played cupid... maybe." Red replied as Lizzy came barreling at him.
"You let her go with Harper!" Liz hissed her indignation.
Red rolled his neck, readying himself for a battle of wills.. "I know you don't approve, but–"
"Damn right I don't approve!" Liz demanded an explanation. "You know I don't trust that man one iota and you go and let–"
"Harper has a thing for her," Silas interjected, "... he really likes her."
Red shifted his attention to the guard, interested in that bit of insight. He gathered Harper liked the woman, but didn't know the extent of Harper's involvement... until just this moment.
Whatever the case, that Silas had not prevented Harper taking custody of the woman spoke volumes to Red.
Liz processed the words. "That guy? He's one crude son-of-a–"
"Harper is what she needs at present." Red stated. "This is a good thing, Lizzy. Give it a chance, you'll see." He soothed. "Besides, I'm sure she'll need financial assistance over the next couple days. Harper can help her with that."
"So can we!" Liz pointed out.
"We will discuss that privately." Red stressed, hoping Elizabeth took the hint.
Given pause for thought, Liz fell silent, ruminating on her private thoughts.
"The guy has been mooning over that woman since he first noticed her." Silas couldn't account for some guy's weaknesses. "I told him to stay clear... what do I get for my troubles? No one listens to me!"
Liz consulted her guard. "You knew about this thing with the woman?" She scolded. "Why didn't you help her sooner?"
"Just like a chick." Silas disdained. "What do you know about the lifestyle they were living? A guy just doesn't butt his ass in on someone's kink like that without just cause."
"He was abusing her." Liz rallied staunchly.
"I got that... later on, Sherlock." Silas snapped. "Still, there is abuse and then there is, I want to be here because a big strong man is spanking my ass nightly and I like it, shit!"
Liz blinked. "... Oh."
"Yeah, oh." Silas disgusted.
"Well, why couldn't you have stepped up! I know you wanted to." Liz reminded Silas of his earlier anger with the situation, demanding more of her guard than most men, apparently. "You probably like that sort of thing and she's really cute and all..."
"I'm not into that shit, no matter what the popular opinion may be on the matter." Silas explained patiently. "Not as a permanent way of life, anyhow." He shrugged after a brief hesitation. "Sure, I mean, if she enjoys that sort of thing, I can dig it... maybe on the weekends."
Liz tossed up her hands, exhaling a gurgling scoff of irritation.
"It was a complicated situation, Lizzy." Red sufficed to say.
"What's changed?" She wanted to know.
"You only had the one interaction with Harper." Silas reminded. "Granted, it didn't show him in a positive light... but cut the guy some slack."
"Why the hell should I?" Liz sulked, frowning her ire.
"Cause I asked you nicely to do so." Silas came right back.
Liz settled... somewhat. "I'm keeping my eye on this situation, is all I'm saying!" She stormed off, headed down the long corridor to the elevator.
"Well, your sex life is in the shitter." Silas found the fact amusing.
"Yeah, thanks for the loyal support you never fail to give." Red grated irritably.
"I'm with you, bro." Silas lifted his fist for a 'bump'.
"You really want me to make a fist right now..." Red questioned the man's sanity.
Silas offered a charming smile in return, the one that women found most appealing.
Red's cold, dead eyes stared lifelessly at the guy. He turned, walking off, seeking the rapidly retreating Elizabeth Keen, his mood verging on low.
Author Note: I hoped to get the full chapter posted, but I'm still questioning some dialogue, so I went ahead and posted this because... I can't wait any longer! I seriously hope we'll get the next bit posted soon!