2

Harry glared at the man opposite him, completely convinced that the American was clinically insane. The JIC had been a nightmare that morning but this meeting with the Home Secretary, Ros and the American liaison officer was proving to be even worse. Ros glanced at Crowther as the older woman cleared her throat.

"The King extended the invitation personally." Alan Godfrey smirked.

"Yes, well we are aware of that fact." Crowther snapped.

"And your officers are currently on the Grid with my team." Harry repeated, emphasising the word my. Ros narrowed her eyes. "And we will expect you to explain to your personnel that while they are welcome they are not in charge."

"I'll think you'll find…"

"That either you reign in your little American pit bull or I will make sure that your team is relocated from the Grid to the basement."

"The rat problem has been dealt with." Harry smirked. Ros tilted her head.

"Yes, but it's the lice. "

"Lice?" Godfrey pulled at his collar.

"Biting lice. Rare London bread." Crowther smiled slightly. "I've ordered some powder. Can't say when it will be sorted. British red tape." She waved a hand as the cocky American suddenly turned a very odd shade of green.

Xxxxx

Calum picked up the phone on the second ring just as Tariq was beginning to moan that Erin had been at the bakery for far too long. He fell silent as the look on Calum's face changed. He sat down for a moment as he listened to the caller.

"Thank you. Yes, I'll leave now. No." He paused. "It's ok. I'll tell her mother. Thank you." He hung up as Ruth walked over to them.

"Calum?" Ruth frowned slightly.

"Erin was hit by a car. She's. Er, I need to call her mother. And tell Rosie. Oh my God, Rosie. And Richard."

"Calum." Ruth touched his arm. "What is going on?"

"Hit and run. Massive head injuries. She has me as emergency contact. I." He ran a hand over his face as Catherine wheeled up with his coat.

"Go."

"I'll drive." Dimitri stated before taking the keys off him and ushering him out of the Grid. Catherine turned to Ruth.

"Something tells me that wasn't an accident."

"Malcolm- can you get the CCTV? I'll have a look in the Met's database." Ruth paused as Adam escorted a CIA officer from the Grid. Ruth closed her eyes for a moment hoping that the accident that had put Erin in hospital really was just that.