Pulling out of the drive and down the street, Red rolled his eyes when he saw Dembe follow close behind.
"Have you ever sold a car before?" Red asked.
"No," Steven grimaced. "My dad... he usually handled that stuff."
"Well, you're about to learn some new things." Red said as he headed towards a row of car lots they had passed by earlier. "Now, don't worry. I'll be there to let you know if you're getting the shaft."
They pulled into the first, and hadn't even parked before they were pounced on.
Red sighed as he slid the car into park. "I hate car salesmen." He grumbled, earning a smile from Steven.
While they put the car on the rack, they walked the lot, checking out the new cars. Unfortunately, nothing really caught the Red's fancy. Finally, their name was called over the PA, so they headed up front meeting their salesman beside the car.
"Okay, well. The car had some issues, some just minor." the man handed Red the paper printout, which he held out to Steven. "My manager has offered ten. Sound like a good deal?" The man smiled brightly.
Surreptitiously scanning the sheet over Steven's shoulder, Red scowled as he went along when Steven shrugged. "I guess it's o–"
"Bullshit." Red grunted, making both men snap their heads in his direction. "There's nothing wrong with that car." He folded the paper up, sticking it in his pocket. "Come on."
The salesman stared at the two, mouth open. "Sir, that's an excellent deal for the age of the car."
"The age of the car?" Red laughed derisively. "It's a year old." He opened the door and climbed inside. "Keys." He held his hand out.
"If you would like to give me a minute, perhaps I could talk to–"
"Keys, now." Red snapped, then took the set handed over and shut the door, silencing the annoying man.
"Mr. Reddington, that seemed like a great–"
"Load of bullshit." Red said. "The car is a year old with less than four thousand miles on it. It's worth at least eighteen."
"Oh..." Steven's brows rose. "Why did he only offer ten on it, then?"
"Because he's an asshole." Red knew all too well. "He knew who you were, knew what situation you were in. He was fucking you, plain and simple."
Red craned his head, looking at the dealership beside them, then backed out when there was a tap on his window. He rolled his eyes, but lowered the window to the panting man.
"I just talked with my manager and he said he'd give you twelve, but that was his final offer."
Red scoffed, then opened his mouth to reply, when Steven took over.
"You can tell your boss I said, fuck off." Steven scowled.
The salesman looked at Red. "You heard the man, fuck off." He grinned as he pulled away.
The man stared, opened mouth, his expression a blank one, looking after the departing vehicle.
"Don't you dare apologize." Red stopped Steven in his tracks. "You did a great job. Don't let them push you around."
They pulled up into the next lot, and Red gestured for the kid to give it a go. Since he was pissed, he went in bolstered by it and wasn't going to be pushed around.
While they put it up on the rack, Red looked around the showroom when his eyes landed on a beautiful blue sports car. There was no practical use for the car except to go fast. Extremely fast.
"She's pretty, isn't she?" A salesman said as he approached.
"She is." Red nodded.
"You want to take her for a spin?"
"That depends. Do you ship to DC?"
"We can, yes."
"Then get me the keys." The man scurried away while Red called Steven over. "I'm taking a quick drive. Don't do anything unt–"
"I'm not doing anything until I read the fine print." Steven scowled.
"Good man." Red got in the car and fired her up, grinning as he listened to the engine purr. When the two men opened the door for him, he pulled through and adjusted his glasses.
"You keep an eye on the boy." He said to both Dembe and the salesman. "I'll be back shortly with my wife."
Shifting nervous eyes, the salesman pulled at his collar anxiously. "Uhh..."
"Keep an eye on the boy," Red repeated, then pulled away, heading for Lizzy.
Fifteen fun filled minutes later, Red pulled up to the house, loading Lizzy into the car. "Your carriage awaits, my lady." He leaned over, opening the door for her. "Get in, baby."
Grinning, Liz slid down in the seat, wriggling into its comfort.
"Seatbelt."
Liz's lips quivered in amusement, but did as told and buckled herself in, then giggled when he peeled away from the house.
Red weaved in and out of traffic, then hit the interstate and floored it. They shot down the ramp, gliding into traffic easily, then past the other cars like they were sitting still.
Shifting through the gears without a hitch, Red raked the car higher and higher until they felt like they were flying. He glanced over at Lizzy, finding her grinning and stroking the soft leather in the car.
"You like it?"
"I do." Her soft voice almost caressed the fact. "It's pretty and fast." A giggle broke from her throat. "And it's kinda sexy watching you shift gears like a pro. Especially after telling me you hadn't driven a stick shift in forever."
Red shifted again. "It's just like riding a bike." He gave the car more speed, gliding down the open road, fast.
Frowning, Liz looked around curiously. "You hear something?"
"If you're asking if I hear that cop behind us," Red laughed. "Then, yes, I do."
"How long has he been there?" She cut her husband a subdued glance.
"Oh, about a mile... or two." He chuckled.
"Are you going to pull over?" She questioned lightly.
"Eventually, I guess." He winked at her, then slowed, pulling over on to the side of the road and glided to a stop.
Leaning over, he pulled his wallet and unloaded a stack of IDs. "Who do I want to be today?"
She smiled, then reached in her own pocket, pulling her own. "Agent Reddington."
"Look at you flaunting your authority." He glanced in the rearview at the cops easing up on the car with their guns drawn. "Are you armed?"
"Yes, why?"
"So are they." Red held his grin.
"Oh, for heaven's sake." Liz tsked. Leaning, she wrestled the weapon out of its holster, then slapped it on the dashboard in plain sight.
Thankfully, the badge and the officers' interest in the actual car soon drowned out the fact that Red had been going at least thirty miles over the speed limit. They warned him to take it easy on the way back to the dealership, though gave it props for handling the bumpy road so well as they climbed back into their cruiser.
"I can't believe we were going that fast." Liz voiced her awe as she waved bye to the officers staring at the car as they drove past.
"I can make it go faster." Red offered.
"Well, I'm sure you could." Cutting the man a look that demanded he behave, Liz rolled her eyes when Red smiled happily in reply. Knowing a losing battle when she saw one, she shifted her own gears. "I only really care if you get my engine racing like that." She breezily declared. "And watching you drive this thing..."
"You're horny because I drive fast?" He chuckled.
"I like your hands on your shaft," Liz confessed seductively.
"You mean stick shift, baby."
"Whatever." She shrugged playfully. "I love watching you handle your... stick shift."
"Maybe tonight," he mused thoughtfully, "I'll let you get a nice firm grip on it."
"Red, what if I can't drive a stick?" She feigned innocence.
"I'll teach you all you need to know, sweetheart." He sent her a look which warmed the woman's nether regions quite nicely.
They arrived back at the dealership just as they were pulling Steven's car back around front. Dembe turned around when he heard the car peel into the parking lot, then shook his head as Raymond glided smoothly in beside them.
"And your little test drive cost you...how much this time?" Dembe asked with a disapproving narrowing in his eyes.
"They let me go with a warning." Red grinned.
"He charmed his way out of it." Liz sighed lightly.
"I appealed to their masculine side, one man to another." He swept his hand to the sleekness of the vehicle. "What real male could resist that beauty."
"Do you mean me?" Liz perked up.
"I better not mean you." Red scowled hard. "You're not on the lot."
Liz thought that one through. "You mean that kindly, right?"
Red smiled.
Two salesmen approached this time, one for Steven and one for him. Red held up his hand. "Let's see what my friend has to say on this matter first."
"The car's in great shape and it's only a year old. Low mileage." The salesman rattled off, skimming the sheet in his hands. "We'll offer sixteen for it."
Red scanned the paperwork, nodding. Then looked up to find Steven looking to him for his opinion. Red purposely kept silent, allowing the kid to make the decision.
"Seventeen." Steven countered smoothly.
Red smiled at how quickly the boy was catching on to how matters were out in the real world.
The salesman drew in a calming breath, eyeing the kid in a like manner. "Sixteen five." The counter offer came quietly.
Steven looked at the car, lost in thought for a host of reasons other than the price offered. And oddly, the man didn't pressure him.
"You got a deal." Steven stuck out his hand, which was instantly taken.
Red watched the young man return to the office, Dembe by his side. There seemed a certain confidence about Steven that wasn't there before, in his manner...his body language, his stride.
Red was proud of the kid's accomplishments.
"Now..." he turned to his salesman, "how much?" The steel grey-blue eyes hardened. "And let's make this quick. I'm getting hungry."
"I should warn you," Liz piped up, "when he says quick, he means it."
Red made his purchase in record time for he dealt in cash.
Steven and Dembe stepped from another office just as he and Lizzy were exiting the smaller one down the way.
The salesman shook Steven's hand, his own expression a somber one. "I was sorry to hear about your parents. They were good people." He offered his condolences.
"Thank you." The young man acknowledged the kindness. "And thanks for..." Steven left it hanging, all of those gathered, knowing what he wanted to say.
Red clapped the boy on the back as they headed for the SUV. "You did a fine job."
Steven beamed and folded up the check, stuffing it in his wallet.
"Now, let's eat," Red suggested. "Buying things makes me hungry."
LIZZINGTON
In better spirits after a delicious lunch, everyone pulled together and packed personal belongings in record time. Everything not donated was loaded onto a truck to be delivered to D.C.
Concerned about stressing her injury, Red watched Lizzy like a hawk. Only a couple times did she wince after moving a certain way. Other than that, most of her time was spent answering the hundreds of questions fired at her by the pipsqueak who helpfully stuffed things in boxes beside the woman.
That and an occasional sniff from the bottle of Chanel.
Red rifled through the papers found inside the office quickly, shredding everything he could. The rest he filed into a cabinet and loaded onto the moving trucks parked outside, thanks to the efficiency of Dembe Zuma.
Coming to a locked safe, Red sighed his woe as it was a decent upgraded model. Given time, he could crack it. Time was dwindling down this day, however.
Considering Lizzy would start to feel her injury soon enough, he wanted to leave for the hotel posthaste.
"Steven..." Red poked his head about the door. "Do you know the combination to the wall safe?"
"Wall safe?" Steven cocked his head, glancing at Red's meaning. "Uh, no. I didn't even know it was there."
Tamping down his disappointment, Red waved off any concern with a smile. "No problem. I'll handle it."
"Hey, Steven," Liz called out for the young man. "Can I get your help a minute?"
"Go ahead." Red motioned the kid to go.
Looking over the paperwork beside him, he input the family's birth dates, wedding anniversary, among a slew of dates he happened upon into the combination lock.
Sitting down, he absently rocked the chair, mulling over the problem. Surely, there was a document telling Steven about the safe and how to open it. He lifted his eyes to the heavens, remembering the letter Steven had given over earlier in the day.
Opening the envelope, Red grimaced when he noted it was a personal letter, but given the circumstances... he hoped Steven didn't mind the intrusion.
Dear Steven,
Well, if you're reading this, then I guess I'm dead. Which makes me incredibly sad considering you were supposed to open this when you were twenty-one. And I was standing alongside you.
It pains me that I will miss so much of yours and Samantha's lives. Just know that when you graduate college, get married, have your own children... I'm there. Watching over you. Celebrating with you. And that I'm proud of you.
I love you and your sister so very much. I would have given anything to make your lives incredible. I had so many plans, son. So many.
With that said, I want you to take the enclosed letter to Mark Donovan at the hotel where you worked, or may still be working as his financial advisor, if he has any sense. (You can tell him I said that.)
I've known Mark a ways back, and he'll know how to handle the rest of the estate properly and will be sure that you are cared for correctly.
Frowning, Red sat forward, resting his arms on the desktop. Mark knew Steven's father? Why the hell hadn't he said so?
If you could tell Samantha that I love her, maybe show her this letter when she's older.
I love you Steven. I love you both with all my heart. It breaks my heart I can't be with you and your sister. I never meant for this to happen. I wanted to be the father you deserved. I know this has been hard on you. Just as I know, you are level-headed and smart. You'll do just fine. Have faith in yourself, just as I do. Take care of your sister. Take care of yourself. I pray God will guide you and send his angels to help out when it gets too hard to bear.
Love,
Your father
If you should need money, for whatever reason, there is a safe behind the painting in my office. The code is 71328.
To put the mystery to rest before it begins; The numbers relate back to the best days of my life, which were when your mother told me she was expecting you and your sister.
Folding the letter, Red carefully slipped it back into his pocket for safekeeping. Punching in the numbers indicated, he blew out a low whistle when the door opened to reveal the contents.
"Daniel," he called out, "if you have a moment, please."
"Yeah?" Daniel walked in, wiping sweat off his brow.
"Close the door." Red murmured.
Stepping inside, Daniel shut the door behind him. "What's going on?"
"What was Steven's father's name?" Red asked.
"I didn't ask. Why?" Danny stated quietly. Noting the contents of the safe, he whistled just as Red had moments previous.
Rifling through his pocket, Red pulled the other letter free, opening it.
Mark,
If you haven't made the connection by now, I'm Thomas Fellows. Steven's father.
Though we only knew each other through business, much to my regret, I know without doubt you will care for Steven after my demise. For which you have my eternal gratitude.
Steven has no idea what this letter pertains to, and if possible, unless he is in danger, I'd like to keep it that way for a while. Otherwise, I'm sure you'll inform him of my true business ventures when the time is right.
With that said, onto business. Part of my supply is in my home.
Red made a note of all the places listed before continuing.
The rest of my supply is at 4242 Richmond Avenue. The code to enter is 1698
My men are loyal. If you might look to them for possible positions in your organization or with others you find worthy, I would very much appreciate it. Their names and numbers are enclosed.
I have alerted Steven to the safe in my home office, but if you could address the safe at my Richmond location, I would appreciate it. The code is 82317
Please see to it that separate accounts are made for Samantha and Steven with the money enclosed, and that it's given to them when you think it's an appropriate time.
For all the trouble you're going through for my children, please keep the supply in the house and on Richmond for yourself.
Please watch out for them.
My thanks and warmest regards,
Thomas Fellows
"Shit..." Red sighed. "Thomas Fellows."
"Well, that explains the money." Daniel gestured to the bundles of cash stacked high and neat in the deep safe.
Red had dealings with Thomas over the years, but had never met the man. Since Thomas was always quick to supply, there had never been a reason.
"Why the mortgage and car payment?" Daniel frowned.
"To appear normal. Maybe his wife didn't know." Red glanced out the window, looking at the perfect neighborhood and even more perfect neighbors living next to a gun dealer. "You realize their accident was most likely no accident?"
"I do now." Daniel replied. "But why? Thomas was always straight in his dealings."
"I don't know, but we'll find out." Red would damn well find out. "Damn sloppy work, eliminating both parents. Especially with a small child involved."
"I'll start making some calls." Daniel assured, pulling his phone free.
As the last of the men departed and the house emptied of its contents, allthey had to handle was a couple suitcases.
Seeing the house so empty, and unlike anything they knew before, everyone present fell silent, allowing the kids a moment to process everything. Walking hand-in-hand, Steven and Samantha toured the rooms quietly before making their way back around to Red and Liz.
Smoothing a hand over Samantha's pig-tails, Liz smiled warmly at the red-eyed little girl before tugging the little one to her side.
Clearing his throat, Steven attempted a smile. "We're ready."
"I have an idea," Red smiled, hoping to shake the melancholy. "Why don't I finish up here with the Realtor," he said, "while Lizzy takes you back to the hotel to settle in." He suggested brightly. "Maybe afterward, Lizzy and Samar could take you for a swim in the pool."
Shifting subtle eyes, Liz glanced at Red speculatively, but remained quiet.
"Does that sound like a plan?" Red asked of his wife and Samar.
"That sounds like a great idea!" Liz adapted to the situation thrown her way before smiling happily down at the little girl. "Let's go play!"
Sniffling, Samantha took Lizzy's hand, then smiled up at her. "Can I have a floatie?"
"Me too?" Samar lifted her hand to ask permission, which brought smiles all around.
"Of course you can!" Liz assured. "Samar, why don't you show Samantha out to the car, and I'll just grab her bags, okay?"
"Sounds great!" Sensing a silent current, Samar, too, offered the little girl an encouraging smile.
Hanging back, Red maintained his smile as Dembe ushered Steven through the door.
"Come along, Steven." Dembe grabbed a couple suitcases, as did Steven. "I feel your sister may leave without us. That pool beckons."
"I've never been swimming in the hotel pool before." Steven confided to the man beside him. "You think it'd be alright?" He asked as the door closed behind them.
Reaching for Samantha's luggage, Liz sighed when Hunter pulled it out of her reach.
"I believe your doctor said, no heavy lifting." Hunter smirked at the exasperated woman. "I'm pretty sure this falls under that category."
"You're almost as bad as Silas." Liz grumbled.
"Silas warned me about you." Hunter nodded knowingly. "He hit the nail right on the head."
"What did that bastard say?" Liz harrumphed.
"That you don't listen to reason," Hunter grinned, "or doctor's orders."
"I most certainly do." Liz lied through her pretty white teeth. "I have never disobeyed a physician's orders in my entire life, have I, Red."
"Eh..." Red weighed his options.
Chuckling, Hunter headed for the door, then pulled up short. "Davis will be here shortly." He said before heading out the door. "And I'm going to call Silas later on and share that bald-faced lie you told."
Liz stuck out her tongue and pulled a face. Hunter chuckled quietly, closing the door with a shake of his head for such antics from a grown woman.
"On that cryptic note," Liz turned to Red. "What's going on? Something's up with you."
"Yes." Red didn't deny what she obviously read in his body language. "Right now, what I need you to do is get the kids to the hotel."
Picking up that whatever Red found was something better kept between them, Liz nodded her understanding. "You'll tell me later?"
"Definitely." Red leaned, kissing her. Guiding her to the front door, he patted her ass as she passed by. "I never tire of that gesture, in case you are wondering."
"Me either." Liz smiled back sweetly at the man.
"I won't be long." Waving at the car as it pulled away, Red gave Dembe and Daniel a relieved look when Davis bypassed Lizzy's SUV and pulled into the drive moments later.
Red always admired punctuality in a person he dealt with.
Exiting the vehicle, Davis waved before opening the back door of the SUV. Giving a click of his tongue, a dog jumped from the back and sat at Davis' feet, waiting.
Smiling on approach, Davis held his hand out. "I hear we're looking for some buried treasure."
"We are." Red nodded, shaking the man's hand. "We have a map, of sorts, but it'll be nice to confirm we aren't missing anything."
"Well, Boone, here is your guy." Davis grinned, patting the German Shepherd's head.
"You're sure he can smell out–"
"Trust me, if it's here, he'll find it." Davis assured.
Walking through the door, Davis released the dog. Quietly directing the animal on his job, Davis stepped back, letting the dog sniff around. Following at a distance, it seemed only a matter of seconds before the dog stopped, pointed, then scratched at the floor.
Dembe bent, pulling up on the carpet. To their surprise, a long swatch came free, unveiling a door beneath.
"Well, I'll be damned." Red muttered. To the naked eye, the carpet looked seamless, part of the whole.
Pulling their weapons, Davis eased the hatch upright, aiming down into the darkness below. Retrieving a light from his pocket, he shined it down into the hole, revealing a light switch.
Flicking it with his foot, Red kept a steady aim as the room below became bathed in light. Listening and hearing nothing, the men eased down the stairs, keeping their weapons at-the-ready as they entered the expansive space.
Red holstered his weapon, stepping further into the bunker.
"Holy..." Daniel slowly turned on his heel, taking in the bounty surrounding him "... it's the mother lode."
Weaponry of all kinds, from simple handguns and rifles to grenade launchers, covered the long, wide space. More stacks of cash lined an eight-foot-long table, along with a whole other list of goodies.
"Now, how should we go about getting this home?" Red wondered aloud.
"Better yet, how do we get it out of the house?" Daniel asked, holding up a gun that was as tall as he was.
Red walked the room, staring at all the new toys available to them as he pulled out his phone. "Mark, we need those boxes trucks. We've hit a treasure trove here."
"So, it really was Thomas Fellows." Mark sighed, sitting back in his office chair, throwing a pen aside. "I've dropped the ball big time on this one." He realized.
"No...it's just something that happened," Red replied. Since he revealed the cash and letter earlier, he had kept Mark in the loop should they need local services. Which had come to pass.
"I'll get the trucks there ASAP." Mark assured before severing the call.
Giving Boone a good scratch on the belly, Davis chuckled before giving the dog a well-earned treat. "We'll go ahead and search out the rest of the house while we wait."
Before Red knew it, a small but efficient team showed up to assist in the removal of the in-house inventory. Should the neighbors be watching, it would appear movers were emptying the house. If they only knew what was being transported.
Making a sweep of the entire house, including the grounds outside, Red was assured all contraband was accounted for. Giving Mark a call, Red left it to him to ensure the shipment was placed in a secure location.
"You trust your people, of course?" Red had marveled at the amount of monies and merchandise stored away here.
"Sure," Mark assured. "I also trust the fact that I have three different GPS trackers on my trucks. They go off track, I'll find them."
Watching the guys close the doors on the trucks, Daniel gave a wave as they pulled away, which proved to be a good thing because the Realtor showed up at that exact moment with potential buyers.
As the couple walked the house, Red and the boys walked the grounds to ensure themselves nothing was missed. The Realtor came to find them with an offer in hand.
"They're offering over the listed price?" Daniel asked.
"They are." The Realtor grinned happily, for his commission would be incredible if the offer was accepted. "They have jobs starting within the month and need to be situated."
"We'll take it." Red folded the paper and shoved it in his pocket. "Get everything drawn up today. We're leaving in the morning."
With promises to be back within twenty minutes, the Realtor hurried ahead to alert the couple of their good fortune.
Walking back into the house, Daniel pulled up short when he saw the couple. "Stuart?"
"Daniel?" Stuart Harris shook the man's hand. "What the hell are you... damn! You already cleared it out?"
"Damn, right. Finders keepers." Daniel needled. "You still want the house?"
"Yes, I'm setting up shop here."
"The hell you say, good to have you on board." Daniel motioned. "You know Red Reddington, of course."
Red shook the man's hand.
"Yes," the man smiled wanly. "I heard about Thomas. It's taken this long for us to get our shit together. I was chosen as next in line." He said. "Thomas left some big shoes to fill."
"He did," Red agreed. "I hear tell, though, your reputation is a solid one." He gave props where they were due.
"I don't know about that," the man said, "but I try." He said, then looked around the house. "I hope by being here, everything will eventually fall into place and we can get the system back up and running as smoothly as it did when Thomas was in charge."
"For obvious reasons, we're acting intermediaries for Thomas' children," Red said. "It's up to us to care for their welfare." He continued. "Once we have taken an inventory of Thomas' warehouse," he looked to Daniel for his thoughts on the matter, "we could cut a deal on the merchandise if Mark wants to unload it."
Offering an agreeable shrug, Daniel nodded. It would save them the hassle of dealing with the entire lot. Plus, they would gain a substantial amount for the children.
"That sounds fair." Stuart agreed to the exchange. "I'm sure you have to get them settled first, so please take your time." He said. "I'll be readying the house in the meantime."
While waiting for the Realtor to return, Red showed Stuart the valuable pieces he retained from their earlier search. To say the man was impressed was an understatement.
"If you should wish to sell those later," Stuart offered, "I will pay a generous sum."
"I'll let Steven know," Red said, as the boy was the rightful owner.
"Please do." Stuart laughed.
Signing off on the paperwork, all shook hands and assured their new associate they would be in contact at the earliest convenience.
Retreating to the SUV, Red looked back at the house, sighing his relief. "Besides the obvious reasons, I'm glad they're out of there." He said as they pulled away. "If anyone had an inkling Thomas kept a stash within..."
"The kids could have been caught in the middle," Daniel understood, "totally unaware now that Thomas wasn't there to handle anything."
Getting Mark on the phone, Red relayed what occurred since they last spoke.
"Would taking an inventory be something you're willing to handle?" Red asked the man. "I feel it's part Steven's as well."
"Sure," Mark replied, "I'll get it taken care of, no problem. The kid will get his share, Red."
"Did you know Steven's father was Thomas?" Red asked.
"No, I didn't make the connection in the last name." Mark confessed. "I didn't actually hire Steven, so I never saw who his emergency contact was."
"You didn't make the connection when they were killed?" Daniel frowned.
"To be honest, we were all so shocked for Steven, we just helped where we could." Mark sighed. "Chef and the housekeepers helped with food and cleaning. I paid for the funerals..." he mentioned tokens all felt were acceptable at the time. "I remember I gave Steven a month's paid leave, but I think he only took the week. I just felt so bad for the kid I didn't pay attention to much else."
It wasn't a secret, Steven was a favorite employee of Mark's, but considering the circumstances at the time, there was little else Mark and the others could do but what they had done.
Besides, it didn't matter who Steven was. It had to be rather shocking for everyone to learn the young man's world was upended in the blink of an eye. No, what Mark and his staff had done was more than socially and morally acceptable.
"You did all you could do at the time." Red eased the man's guilt. "Now, we can do more... and we will."
"Thomas entrusted me with their care," Mark nodded, "and I plan to honor his last request."
Nodding, Red smiled. "I never had any doubt..."
LIZZINGTON
Walking the pool deck, Red grinned as he caught sight of Lizzy and Samantha in the pool. True to her word, Lizzy procured an inflatable purple unicorn for the girl, and was now slowly pushing the child around the shimmering blue waters.
Red was pleased to note Samar had joined in on the frivolity and swam beside them. Only, she had what looked to be a Pina Colada in hand as she soaked up the setting sun.
Slyly pulling his phone free, Red took a couple snapshots of the trio, along with a few for Silas to salivate over.
Red gleefully sent the pics, knowing damn well Silas was going to be pissed he missed out on seeing Samar in such a setting, in person. More specifically, that fetching little bikini she sported would be enough to cause the guard to take to swearing for days.
That Silas had missed the chance to get up close and personal with such a lovely morsel in its natural habitat and all.
Red had to admit, he wouldn't blame the guy for bursting a vein, considering he felt the same when he took a closer look at the number his wife bought, as it left little to the imagination.
It was silly to envy a piece of cloth, but here he was, wishing more than anything to be the tiny pink triangles hugging his wife's breasts, mons and perfectly rounded ass.
Knowing Silas as well as he did, Red could say without doubt, the guy was seething by this point. Even at this distance, Red could sense the crackling tension in the air. It brought a smile.
Hitting the send button on those photos of Samar made Red's heart happy. The man could just see Silas' face now as the burly individual perused those lovely images.
Watching Lizzy's breasts bob about in the water, Red exhaled a slow, even breath. Tempering his own libido, he silently promised to revisit his lecherous thoughts later... hopefully, while Lizzy was present and in the mood to take on his masculine urges. Manual stimulation was a downer most times when the real thing was so close and invitingly near.
He would ask Silas about that very subject upon the man's return. Another smile came unbidden to Red's lips for the thought. A quiet chime from his phone interrupted his meanderings. Opening the screen, Red guffawed as he read the text.
"What the fuck is she wearing!" Silas bitched.
Relaxing back into his lounge, Red grinned. Wasn't it just days ago Silas got onto him for the same transgression?
Red texted back, repeating the guard's words almost verbatim. "Come out of the eighteenth century."His fingers moved rapidly over the keypad. "Fifty women are wearing the same style suit."
"Fuck you," Silas' reply brought a wider smile to Red's face, "you fucker. Cover her bared ass now!"
"Rein in your libido, Casanova." Red chuckled an evil laugh, sending his next reply. "... It's just a suit."
"It's just gonna be my boot up your ass," the tension could be felt clear across the country, "if you don't take that woman aside and explain to her the meaning of the word... modest."
"Oh, you foolish, foolish man." Red shook a woeful head, then began to type his next thought. "I'll leave that to your capable hands. See you tomorrow." His chuckle was diabolically evil. "Sweet dreams... asshole."
Scanning the pool, Red halted once having reached Steven. It was nice to see the kid smiling after such an emotional day. It was even better to see him chatting up a girl.
"What are you grinning at?" Dembe asked as he plopped in the chair opposite Red's. Looking off in the needed direction, he chuckled when the girl tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and blushed.
"The universal signs," Red motioned, "suggest Steven is on the right track."
"I hope he scores." Dembe grinned and kicked his feet up on a nearby table. "Men are so crass. I blame the years spent with you and your associates. I was never like this before."
"Sure." Red sing-songed his head agreeably. "You were a paragon. It's your bad associations right enough."
"That is what I just said." Dembe threw over a sour glance.
Chatting over the last couple days events, Red watched Lizzy frolic about until she and their guests emerged from the pool.
Hastily wiping Samantha down, Liz wrapped the fluffy towels around the girl before tending to herself. He didn't know what aroused him more. Lizzy's tiny suit hugging her shapely body in all the right spots, or how natural she was with the little one.
Either one, really, made his dick stir and wish to explore his hypothesis to the fullest extent post haste.
Samar emerged from the water looking like a sea-nymph, that long dark hair streaming down her sculptured back, the dark skin glistening like silk, with beads of water caressing the soft flesh.
Red was sorely disappointed he could not capture the enthralling image for Silas. He glanced over, for Dembe was just now returning his phone to the side table, a satisfied look on the undeniably handsome features.
"Et tu, Dembe." Red lifted his glass, saluting the man.
"He is my friend as well." Dembe made his explanations.
"You enjoy torturing him as well?" Red was pleasantly surprised to have found a kindred spirit.
"Of course I do." Dembe sipped his drink casually, smiling pleasantly to Samar as she sought a seat at the same table.
"The water is lovely." The woman dabbed at her chest area, which was ample to say the least, as any man present could attest, were they asked.
"You are lovely." Dembe smiled politely over. "May I fetch you a drink?"
"Down boy." Red scowled slightly.
Dembe's smile widened. "As one friend to another only, of course."
Samar caught the interplay. "Of course. I'm fine, though, thank you." She held up her unfinished glass. "Silas will be so pleased you all are taking such good care of me."
"Silas would remind us... that is his job." Dembe differed. "Which it is, but I was reared properly." The man lied through his even, white teeth, Red knew. Red knew all about that man's upbringing, more's the pity. Dembe chose to move past it all, for which Red was grateful.
"A gentleman always sees to a lady's comfort."
"I love this place." Samar sat back, breathing in a cleansing breath. "And gentlemen who know how to treat women." She hoisted her glass slightly in salute.
Red grinned, rising at Lizzy's arrival. He winked at Samantha. "Your nose is red... have you been drinking again?"
The little girl's giggle warmed his heart. "We better get to the room and get dressed for dinner. I'm thinking all that play time made some little girls awfully hungry."
Glancing at his watch, he looked up. "That gives you women a little over an hour to get ready."
He shook his head woefully. "Cutting it pretty short considering...you are, girls." He made a face.
Samantha giggled again, even more pronounced.
"Let's snub him." Liz turned up her nose, leading the entourage away with haughty indifference.
"That's my cue." Samar hurried to catch up to her counterpoints, taking on a regal bearing as she passed Red Reddington and even managed a cool sweep of those startling eyes his way.
Samantha tried, but she had the giggles and couldn't quite pull off the gesture to Red's great amusement. He tickled her relentlessly as they made their way to the hotel entrance, just to make sure he had an ally among the trio.
Noting his party moving off towards the hotel, Steven reluctantly excused himself from the little blonde which had caught his fancy. The girl seemed devastated to lose such an engaging companion.
Red hung back, allowing the boy to catch up before pulling him aside.
"If you would like to ask your young lady friend to dinner," Red murmured, "and perhaps... a tour of your rooms," he allowed the suggestion to be taken however Steven wished, "Samantha will be just fine with us."
Peeking around Red's shoulder, Steven sought the young woman. Those blue eyes were for him alone, Red noted. "Really? You wouldn't mind if Sammy ate dinner with you? If it's an imposition.."
Red held his smile, looking at the very hopeful young man. "The better question is, do you have the guts to ask her out?" He held the brown eyes, issuing a challenge, one man to another.
Inhaling a shaky breath, Steven swallowed nervously. "I guess we're about to find out."
"You sold a car today. Surely asking a girl to dinner will be a piece of cake." Red grinned when he saw the subtle shift in Steven's demeanor. A certain confidence that wasn't there a second ago emerged before his very eyes. Clapping Steven on the shoulder, he shooed the boy off. "Go to it. Let me know how it turns out."
Catching up to Lizzy, Red chuckled. "I believe we are going to have a new dinner companion tonight."
"Oh yeah, who?" Liz asked, for Red knew some interesting people.
"Samantha." He replied before sharing what had just transpired.
"Oh," Liz slyly looked over, but couldn't see Steven anywhere, "I hope she says yes. It would be wonderful for him to have some fun for an evening."
"Your idea of fun and Steven's might vary a bit." Red chortled, earning an eye-roll from his wife.
As they waited for the elevator, Samantha chattered away about how fun the pool was, and how she hoped wherever they were going, she could visit a pool now and then.
Liz about shared the fact Antonio and Maria had not one, but two pools. One indoor, one outdoor... but why ruin the surprise.
Red craned his neck when he saw Steven swagger inside, before connecting eyes with his. He held his amusement when the boy's façade broke. Steven bolted across the lobby straight for their position.
"I take by your enthusiasm," Red grinned, "she said, yes."
Nodding excitedly, Steven beamed. "Yes. We're having dinner in an hour."
"Well, then, we'll meet you in the dining room," Red said. "I suggest you call ahead and arrange a special table...just for two?"
"Oh, yeah!" The young man's eyes lit with growing excitement. "Yeah, I could do that." He nodded eagerly, then bolted off again, where...Red had no clue.
Only then did the older man allow his smile. After they reached their floor, Samar motioned Red aside.
"I'll be just a moment, sweetheart." Red gestured for Lizzy to proceed if she wished. Taking the key handed her, Liz ushered Samantha down the hall.
Stepping aside, Samar cleared her throat gently. "I don't know if this is kosher?" She grimaced for the term. "I wouldn't mind at all if Samantha spent the night with me? In that..." she compressed her lips thoughtfully, "well, I sense her brother will be...hopefully," she lifted hopeful eyes, "occupied elsewhere for the evening and I'm sure you and Liz would appreciate a little personal downtime?"
"You, lady...are a keeper." Red nodded quietly. "But you don't have to do that. Lizzy and I enjoy the munchkin's company. It's been a long day and I'm sure Lizzy will just want to sack out after a movie, maybe."
"Then you are not the man Silas claims you to be," Samar lifted critical brows, "are you Mr. Reddington. If you can't work around a little feigned exhaustion." She sighed evenly, exhaling a long breath. "You know, ofttimes, a woman thinks she wants one thing, while it is an entirely different thing she craves in reality." Those brown eyes sought his out. "We just need to be reminded of the priorities of life."
Red blinked his surprise. His very pleasant surprise. "...I can do that." He was certain. "I can remind women of priorities."
"Well," Samar seemed happier, "that is wonderful news." She nodded once. "Then I will assume the munchkin will be spending the night with me." A smile came. "I will peruse the movie channels. I'm sure there is a Disney movie out there somewhere we could rent."
"I'll buy the whole damned enterprise for you, lady." Red felt that good.
"...You have that much?" Samar trailed away, the reality stunning her senses.
Red's smile grew slowly. "I have that much. Are you impressed?"
"Was Elizabeth?"
"Oh, yeah." Red's smile grew. "Still is."
Samar chuckled musically. "Yeah." She glanced around her surroundings. "It is definitely an aphrodisiac...all this opulence. I don't blame her one bit. More power to her."
"I owe you." Red walked away with that cryptic remark, his estimation of the Mossad agent inching higher and higher.
"What was that all about?" Liz grinned, though she didn't know why.
Red joined his two favorite women in the suite, explaining in hushed tones about the evening which was unfolding for a certain young man.
"You think he will score?" Liz was more excited by the fact than Steven, probably, Red thought.
"Is that all you women assume men think about?" He watched Samantha explore the spacious suite.
"Yes." Lizzy nodded curtly. "Especially nineteen-year-old ones...and Silas."
Red had to give her that. "Okay, whatever." He crossed to the bar. "Hey, Sam...want a belt?" He held up a glass, which made the little girl giggle.
Elizabeth cut him a look. "I'm going to tell Maria what you just did."
"As long as you don't squeal to Antonio, I should be able to handle the matter."
"You could bribe me. Offer me one." Liz scowled over for the slight.
Red shook his head. "You're on meds." He reminded, sipping his whiskey leisurely.
"And he drinks it right in front of me." Liz was appalled for such behavior, stalking away in a fine huff.
"You're in trouble." Samantha gloated from across the room, remote in hand.
"I stay in trouble." Red pooh-poohed such a notion, crossing to take the remote. "It's my tv. I get to choose."
"I'll tell Lizzy."
"Don't be a fink, kid. Go change. Don't think I didn't see you eyeing that surfer looking kid down at the pool. He'll probably be at dinner. Which means," the man took on a superior air, "you're going to want to impress him."
"I do not!"
"Sure." Red scoffed. "That's what all you women say, but in the end, you're all the same, so go put on your war paint and finery and set your trap."
Samantha giggled. "I don't have any war paint."
Red feigned alarm. "No war paint? What will you do?"
"I have natural charm and charisma."
Red held his laughter. "Oh, you do, hum."
"That's what Samar says."
"She should know." Red deferred. "You like Samar, do you?"
"She's pretty, and she smells really good... like Lizzy."
Red nodded sagely. "Its part of the trap."
"If you know about the trap, why do you let yourself be caught?"
Red narrowed his eyes. "This conversation is getting over my head. Go take your shower. You smell like a pool floatie."
Samantha giggled but rushed off to the back area where he could hear Lizzy singing the lyrics of 'Under the Sea'.
She had a very nice voice.
LIZZINGTON
Dinner turned out to be a fun affair. Lizzy gave a few quick pointers to Steven on proper date etiquette and straightened the boy's tie before sending him on his way.
The kid had secured a very nice, secluded table far away from the family, to Reds' great amusement.
Samantha certainly livened things up a bit. She had so many questions about DC and her new school and house and dinosaurs and mythical creatures... everyone had fun filling in the answers for her.
While Red listened to their little guest rattle on and on, he watched Steven out the corner of his eye. He found himself on pins and needles for the young man. It was almost as if Red were experiencing his first real date again, through the boy.
It was an unsettling sensation.
He really hoped things ended pleasantly for Steven tonight. It wasn't so much about the sex. Steven worked so hard and kept it together so long... he deserved freedom for an evening and some adult companionship.
As the dessert plates were taken away, the band started playing. Red stood, holding his hand out for Liz, guiding her to the dance floor. Holding the woman in his arms centered him.
"He's a quick learner, yes?" Liz beamed.
Red stole a quick glance Steven's way. "What's happening?"
"Steven has been watching you on and off all night, getting pointers." Liz confided. "And judging by his date's reaction, she's enjoying his attentions and manners."
"Excuse me.." Daniel butted against them. "We're trying to come through here." He grinned at the pair, while his tiny little partner beamed up at them.
"Daniel wants them to play a two-step, whatever that is, but I can dance to anything."
"Oh, can you." Red questioned deliberately. "Let's just see, little miss, 'I am so good at everything, especially building Lego structures'."
"I am." Samantha snubbed him going into Daniel's capable arms...well, she stood on his boots and he guided the tiny figure, but the jest was there. "You're just jealous."
"Am not." Red sneered.
"Are too." Daniel sneered right back for the kid.
"Do you have a girl-friend?" Samantha craned her neck up to the tall cowboy.
"Yeah, but I wouldn't mind another, if you don't tell her."
Samantha thought that one through. "No. I thought you might, being so old and all."
Daniel winced painfully. "Ah...the death stab!" He cringed over dramatically.
Red held his grin. "Yeah, I was going to mention that, too."
"But I just thought I should ask." Samantha seemed resigned.
"Well, there's always the surfer boy," Red reminded, tongue-in-cheek.
"I don't even like him." Samantha's cheeks flushed prettily.
"If you say so." Red shrugged aimlessly, meeting Lizzy's amused stare.
"I don't. I like Dembe."
"All women like Dembe." Daniel accepted his lot in life graciously.
"Dembe has money, too." Liz helped out. "Lots of it."
Samantha brightened. "Do you think he will dance with me?"
Daniel laughed. "You are one cold, heartless woman, munchkin. I like you all the better, I think."
"You've found a way to his heart." Red approved.
"It's the munchkin's bedtime." Samar had arrived on scene, her 'mommy' face in place.
"Ohh, please. Just a few more minutes?" Samantha begged.
"That might work on these men, but it won't work on me." Samar couldn't be bought.
Samantha accepted her fate, which seemed worse than death to Red, if the child's sad face was any indication.
"Hey, I'm not going anywhere," Daniel assured. "And Dembe will be here tomorrow. You can start to work on him. All is not lost."
Samantha sighed heavily. "Alright."
Red sent Samar a thank you nod.
"I'll tell you what." Samar led the little one away. "There is a Disney movie with our name on it in the room waiting. We'll have some popcorn and Twizzlers. The night is not over just yet."
"Yeah, because Silas hasn't made his nightly call just yet," Red mentioned sotto voce.
"He calls her nightly?" Liz's mouth fell agape at the wonderful news.
"Yeah, and I think the little munchkin had best be asleep when he does."
Liz nodded, her eyes wide with wonder and alarm. "That's one grown-up conversation even I don't want to have to hear."
"Coward." Red disdained.
"Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Reddington," Steven smiled happily as he passed with his companion in his arms. "I hope you are enjoying the dance?"
"Steven." Red nodded pleasantly. "How lovely to see you again. What a charming companion. Could I send some refreshment your way as a token for all the amazing work you've done for me this week?"
"It's the least he can do, Steven." Liz insisted.
"How kind and thoughtful, sir. But it was my pleas–"
"Think nothing of it." Red waved any placation aside. "I insist. I value good employees, which are impossible to find these days, as everyone knows."
"We want to keep you happy and content with his organization." Liz sweetened the pot. "You are indispensable. I assure you."
Steven was flushed with pleasure having to move his partner farther down the way, the dance insisting upon it.
Liz smiled to the young woman, lifting impressed brows as if to say. 'That's one fine catch you've found there, miss. Fortunate you.'
The silence came and stayed for a beat. "Did we lay it on too thick?" Liz grimaced.
"We'll see." Red discretely kept a watchful eye on the pair.
He held Lizzy in his arms, swaying to the song playing. He remembered hearing the Ronstadt/Neville tune back when it was first released. The singers up on the stage did a very good rendition, but Red missed Linda and Aaron's soulful and poignant delivery of the words.
Closing his eyes, he listened to the lyrics, remembering how he wondered if he would ever feel that kind of love.
Looking down at the woman in his arms, Red felt his heart ache. It had taken a lot of painful, lonely years, but he finally found her... the love of his life.
"I love this song, Red." Liz sighed happily, moving closer.
"I love you...loving this song." He glanced down at where their bodies connected.
"Ohh..." The woman drew in a hasty breath. "Look." Red lifted his head, for he was nibbling the soft flesh of Lizzy's neckline.
The young woman in Steven's arms tip-toed, her mouth gently placed upon the young man's lips for a brief moment.
Red's lips pulled into a smile. He studied Steven's technique critically. "Not too fast..."
Steven gazed into the blue eyes for a long moment, for the girl had shyly pulled back. The moment lengthened. Red held his breath...
Steven leaned ever so slowly, pressing his mouth to the full pout awaiting him.
Liz gasped quietly, her body tensing. Red lifted his head as the kiss progressed into a sweet, poignant encounter. And then...it was ended.
Liz released the coiled tension with a soft sigh. "Oh, that was so sweet."
"I guarantee you, Steven isn't feeling sweet at this exact moment." He informed the woman.
"What is he feeling?" Liz lifted mesmerizing eyes.
"On top of the world, yeah, but as frustrated as hell." Red remembered vividly. "Wondering if he'll have another chance to show his mettle tonight."
"I'm going to cry." Liz just knew it.
"No, you are not." Red grinned down at her. "You're an old softy, down deep, aren't ya."
"It's just so joyously sweet." Liz sniffed. "I want him to get some tonight, Red. Can't you make it happen?"
"No, but you could."
"...Me?" The woman blinked her surprise.
"Go over to the table when the dance is done. Leave your number."
"What?" Liz was ready to be furious.
"An older, more charming, more sensual, sexy married woman?" Red held his grin. "Showing interest?"
"That's just horrible, Red Reddington." Liz snapped, but then. "...It could work."
Red chuckled his delight. "And you would do it too, wouldn't you."
"To help out Steven? Of course." Liz was baffled. "I can play the part of a tramp. I could sell it!"
"Oh, I'm sure you can." The man held his laughter. "And love every minute of it."
"Hey, you suggested it." Liz reminded peevishly.
"I have another suggestion."
Liz lifted a chilly stare. "More carefully here."
Licking his lips thoughtfully, he tightened his embrace, situating the woman just so in his arms so she could feel his ever enlarging bulge. "You come to my room in say...ten minutes or so. Pretend to be a–"
"Lady of the evening?" Liz smiled tightly, lifting noble brows.
"No...a tramp." Red corrected precisely. "I'll invite you in and," he leaned, trailing soft kisses down her throat, his eyes fixated upon the low cut of her dress, "we'll take it from there."
"I love role-playing, as you are aware." Liz leaned into the sphere of his aura. "But I only play a tramp for Steven. You will have to actually pay for a tramp, if that is what you're needing tonight."
"I'll pay for you. Any time...anywhere." Red knew he would, one way or another. Which was so fine. "I don't need a tramp, per se. Maybe a sassy, wayward college girl who is in need of strict but firm guidance to get her back on the straight and narrow?"
Liz considered the proposition carefully. She tapped her luscious lips thoughtfully.
"Or a virginal, unsuspecting maiden who is happened upon by a strong, virile knight who is long from home, seeking...a warm and comforting place of shelter for the night?"
"Aren't Knights chivalrous and respectful of all women?"
"Not this knight." Red assured, his tone low and sensual.
Liz's blue eyes blinked their growing interest. "Really?"
"Not a chivalrous bone in his body." Red licked lascivious lips, his gaze dropping to all the incorrect places on her body.
Liz chewed her nail anxiously. "That...that one sounds interesting."
"You decide..." Red stepped back, offering his hand in a most gallant fashion, even managing a slight bow of respect. "Shall we away, madam? To a more appropriate venue in which to play out our respective parts?"
Liz placed her hand into his trustingly. "Well, when you put it like that..."
LIZZINGTON
Song Referenced: "Don't Know Much" by Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville