"I am sorry, Ruth, you know how I hate this, but it's new procedure. Juliet'll have my scalp if it's not submitted on time."

Ruth sighs and runs hands through her hair. She normally almost enjoys paperwork, but not tonight.

"It's all right" she murmurs. She knows he hates it more than she does, but her tone still comes out sulky and childish. "I…was supposed to have a date, is all. Better ring and cancel."

He watches her go and retrieve her mobile from her bag, back on the grid, and notices that the number for her 'date' has made it up to 5 on speed dial. Struggling with his conscience for a moment, he flicks on the office intercom so he can listen to her conversation.

Years of spy training have allowed Harry to construct a whole conversation from one crackly end of it, to second-guess responses and reactions with startlingly accuracy. He can imagine this man, young and utterly charming and well read.

"I know, it's my boss, got me filling out paperwork all night. I am sorry, Roger."

Roger and Ruth. Almost poetic. Like a nursery rhyme couple.

"Yes, well, he has his good points." She smiles, and he smiles with her. She's obviously defending him from her young beau, and he remembers hazily that he's still at number one on speed dial, first of everyone.

And then, that soft, melodious giggle that always should be meant for him.

"You don't have to. It might be very late…"

He's not actually going to wait up for her, is he? My, this one is committed. Harry's already spent two hours going through his special Ruth-has-a-date procedural paperwork with her since Adam had first let it slip. He's not sure what he can say to keep her here much longer.

"I'll see you later then."

Harry can imagine the smug, self-satisfied little grin on Roger's perfectly coiffed little head without ever having met the man.

Ruth's voice lowers and she gazes round furtively before she whispers, mouth millimetres from the phone.

"Yes, I love you too."

She almost skips back into his office, and Harry hates himself for this. Everyone who's ever worked with him considers him noble and brave, and she reduces him instantly to this, hiding behind procedure and trying to ruin her for his own selfish ends. This isn't right. It isn't enough. He shouldn't be a coward. It's not getting him anywhere, and it's certainly not fair to her. It has to stop.

"Right. The Brothers of the Light Op. This one needs to be filled out in duplicate, we could be here some time. And then there's the French affair and security for the Trade Summit. Might take all bloody night. I am sorry, Ruth."