A/N Thanks to Blackbelblondie for the beta.

He was late.

Not an uncommon occurrence nor did it normally worry her. But it was the fact that it had followed a string of missed rendezvous, phone calls, and him basically disappearing off the map that got to her.

First he didn't come to Rome for a week as planned and now he wasn't here to pick her up at the airport. Coupled with the fact that Eliot wouldn't answer his phone, Katie was officially worried. Sitting in Logan airport bar, she pulled out her phone. No one on the team was answering for the second day in a row, so she dialed Sophie's number reluctantly.

Hearing the voice mail, she sighed. After the beep, she spoke softly as her eyes glanced around the bar. "Hey it's Katie. I'm a little concerned because I can't get in touch with…well, with anyone. I don't want to bother you but I thought maybe you'd heard from someone. Give me a call."

As soon as she hit the end button, Katie felt a sick feeling wash over her as she glanced up at the TV over the bar. They were talking about something huge going on at the waterfront and she recognized FBI agents as well as state police. Unfortunately the volume was turned down so low she couldn't hear anything.

Katie had gotten used to Eliot not showing up for things so she wasn't worried originally. She knew the chances of him meeting her in Rome were completely dependent on whatever job they were doing. He didn't always tell her what they were doing and she never asked, figuring the less she knew the better. But for her to not be able to reach him or any of the team for days was almost unheard of.

"Any man that keeps such a beautiful lady waiting is a fool." The man beside Katie spoke softly, his husky voice the kind that automatically made her more alert than intrigued. She knew that voice. It was the voice of a con man. She'd learned that much in the last few months hanging around the team.

Tilting her head to the side, she watched him for a moment. Young and very good looking wearing a dark suit, he was a successful conman which made her even more aware of him.

And he was looking her directly in the eyes. She knew what that meant.

Katie smiled a knowing smile as she leaned forward on her hand. "You assume I'm waiting for a man and not looking for one," she replied, with her most seductive sultry drawl.

The corners of his mouth teased at a smile. "What's your poison?" he said, indicating her empty glass.

Glancing down at the bar for a second, she remarked. "I see you're not drinking. I hate to drink alone."

He signaled the bartender and Katie tried to figure out a way to extract herself, as easily as possible.

"Two of whatever she's having." After the bartender walked away, the man returned his gaze to hers. He held out his hand and said, "Ryan."

"Anne." She lied so easily now.

"In Boston for business or pleasure?" he asked. There was an air of danger about him that had her on edge. Who was he? She sensed he wasn't just trying to pick up some unsuspecting woman. No, he had sought her out on purpose. He had the look of a hunter in his eyes.

"A little of both. You?" Playing with a strand of her hair she tried to appear relaxed while she thought of a quick exit.

"Enjoying the local scenery," his gaze lowered then, traveling over her body in a way that made her feel…exposed.

When their drinks arrived, he held up his glass and smirked, "Nice to meet you 'Anne'." As he took a drink, he watched her over the rim of the glass with amusement. The way he said her name convinced her that he knew she'd been lying.

Katie pushed the glass away and stood up. "I'm sorry. I just remembered I had someplace I need to be." When she attempted to slide past him, he caught her arm subtly. "Let me go," she warned.

"Don't make a scene, Katie," he leaned closer to her so she felt his breath on her ear, his hand now gently caressing her arm rather than gripping it. "I must say, Spencer has excellent taste." When she turned to look at him, he gazed at her as he ran his fingertip lightly over her lip. "Yes, I would love to sample you."

Katie jerked back and he moved quickly to be standing beside her, leading her out of the bar without making it look the least bit suspicious. She debated what to do as he opened the door into the airport terminal.

"Who are you and what do you want?" she finally asked.

"Who I am doesn't matter," he replied shortly. "I want your boyfriend's head and the bounty on it."

"If you're going to kidnap me to get to him, it won't work. Besides, if this is about money…" Katie tried to stop him, debated making a scene.

He chuckled. "With Eliot Spencer, it's never just about money. Do you know the man you sleep with at night?" Pushing her toward a short hallway leading to a maintenance closet, he held her so it would look like a lover trying to steal a kiss to any passers-by. "Those hands that touch you in all the right places, do you know what they're capable of?"

"Yes I do. Do you?" she shot back as she felt the wall behind her. Glaring at him, she smirked. "He'll rip you limb from limb."

The man chuckled moving his hand to her neck, then allowing it to lazily drift down to her shoulder. Katie tensed up as he moved even closer to her, too close, way too close for comfort. She could smell his cologne and feel his breath on her face. His thumb lightly drew circles on her skin.

"Oh he's welcome to try…again. But how 'bout we make things interesting? You can be the reward. To the victor go the spoils…" He pressed his thumb into her flesh a little harder. "If you need someone to keep the bed warm after he's gone, I can assure you I'd be more than willing and able to do the job."

Katie pulled away from him as much as she could with her back against the wall. "Hell will freeze over first. And if you do not get your hands off me, I'm going to create such a scene…"

"Oh I bet you are a screamer. Heard you were a little spitfire too," he smirked. "But if you create a scene, I might have to hurt you. I really don't want to bruise such a pretty little thing. Not to mention the fact, if you do anything to bring attention to your situation, you'll never find out what happened to your lover and his friends."

That got her attention and shut her up. Finally, Katie grabbed his hand that had begun inching up from her waist, digging her nails into his palm. "What do you want?"

"That's a loaded question," he chuckled.

"Are you going to play games all day or is there a point to this?"

"Katie, as much as I'd love to play with you all day, we do have someplace to be. Now I suggest you come with me quietly so I don't have to do any permanent damage. You behave and you'll be fine. It's not you I'm going to hurt," he said, stepping back slightly. "Don't worry. I won't touch you unless you ask me to. I have no desire or need to force myself on any woman. But if you cause a scene, you're going to make things worse for everyone involved."

Her eyes narrowed as she pushed him further away. "Keep your hands off me then. And if you expect me to go anywhere with you, quietly or otherwise, tell me where we're going and what has happened to Eliot. Oh, and what the fuck is your real name."

"Nothing has happened to him yet but very soon. You're going to take me to your place so I can keep an eye over you to make sure he can't just come get you and flee town without going through me, my little insurance policy. And 'Anne', one of us was honest about our names. Unlike you, I have no reason to lie. My name is Ryan, Ryan Quinn."

"You're a fool if you think I'm stupid enough to go anywhere with you. Considering who I'm with, you should realize I'm not going to willingly lead you directly to where I live," she replied.

"And you're a fool to think anyone coming after Eliot Spencer didn't already know where your downtown condo is as well as the brownstone. I know where both of them are, what car you drive, everything about you. Katie, I can probably guess your favorite sexual position and which bra you're wearing," he sneered.

"God, you're some kind of sicko perv, aren't you? You've been watching me, watching us together? Is that your kink?"

"I had to know if you were just a one night thing or something more. It's fuckin' adorable the way you two play dress up and go to a charity ball by the way, almost like you're normal people or something. Sorry he didn't come with you to Rome. It's a real shame you didn't have anyone to join you in that big hot tub." He laughed. Katie felt sick realizing he'd been watching her that closely and she hadn't even noticed.

"Do yourself a favor sweetheart, don't underestimate me. Now we can wait in the comfort of your condos where he has a snow ball's chance in hell of finding you. Or I can take you someplace off the beaten path so we can play a little hide and seek. Which do you prefer?"

Katie considered her options. She knew she had a better chance at the brownstone than the high rise. He didn't appear to know about Eliot's waterfront condo where they spent most of their time. At least she hoped he didn't since he hadn't mentioned it. The charity ball had only been a couple of weeks ago so possibly he had only watched them since then and Eliot had only been with her at the downtown condo twice because of the job he had been on. Thank God they hadn't been to his condo that much.

"So do we walk out of here peacefully or do I have to hurt you?"

"Fine, I'll go with you. I cannot wait to see Eliot re-arrange your face."

oOoOo

Since he took a cab to the brownstone and rode in the backseat with her, Katie hadn't had an opportunity to escape him. She heard the beep of a text and hoped she could look at it soon but didn't dare take her phone out of her pocket yet.

"Read it," Quinn told her, his eyes warning her not to argue. Slipping the phone out of her pocket, she realized the message came from the emergency cell phone that Eliot had. "Read it out loud," he demanded.

"Hey babe. I love you and can't wait to see you tonight," she read aloud, her heart beating a little faster. He was okay, at least for now, but she had to find a way to get to the safe house soon.

"And that's code for what?" Quinn asked, watching her closely.

"What do you mean 'code'?" she asked, avoiding his eyes.

"I'm not a fool. He'd have codes set up for you, to warn you or tell you to go somewhere," he replied, pulling her chin up to look at him. "What did it mean?"

Trying to look afraid and reluctant, Katie didn't speak for a moment before lying, "He's just telling me that the team is in a lot of trouble but he's safe for now."

"Call him."

"He won't pick up. He only texts me when he can't call." She shrugged. "I've learned to be patient and wait it out. He'll come home when he can."

"Well…aren't you a well trained girl?" he smirked and she glared at him. "I'm surprised he's got you so domesticated already, Katie. From what I've heard, your temper and impulsiveness almost got you killed. But then again, your lack of judgment seems to continue. Trying to re-create the family you've lost with the team?"

"Don't try to psycho analyze me. You're a hit man, nothing more than hired muscle. Don't pretend to know what I'm about. You have no idea," she shot back. "If you've heard of my past then you know I have the money to pay off any bounty on Eliot's head so name a price."

"I'm afraid you can't just buy me like that. I want more than money," he replied before leaning closer to her. "Eliot Spencer needs to be put down like a rabid dog and I'm going to be the one to do it."

Katie swallowed hard and, trying to keep her voice from shaking, replied, "It's your funeral."

When they arrived at the brownstone, Ryan put his hand on her arm while he paid the cab driver then getting out, pulled her along with him. He retrieved her bags and she was tempted to run but there were kids playing on the sidewalk three doors down and she didn't know if the man was armed. Katie reluctantly walked up the stairs and opened the door, shutting off the alarm as he entered behind her.

"Nice place," he said, dropping her bags on the floor in a heap. When she reached down for one, he caught her arm. "Leave it. Just go sit on the couch."

Katie sighed. "Look, I don't know what the protocol is for being kidnapped. Is there a hostage 101 manual I should be following? Seriously, I've been on a long flight. Can I at least go to the bathroom, get cleaned up, and put on a change of clothes?"

"Use the downstairs bathroom and keep the door open," he demanded.

"Seriously? You expect me to change clothes with the door open and some lunatic in my house?"

Unexpectedly he grabbed her arms and pinned her against the wall, leveling his eyes directly to hers.

"Either go to the bathroom with the door open or sit down and shut the fuck up. And give me your phone," he ordered. "The next time I tell you to do something, do it without the attitude. Clear?"

Katie glared at him but managed to nod and say, "Crystal." When he finally let her go, he didn't step back far and she had to ease away from him carefully as she handed him her phone.

God, she hoped she got to watch Eliot beat the fuck out of him.

oOoOo

Katie went into the bathroom and ran water to splash on her face. She had no phone, no keys, and no money with her, nothing, but fuck him if he thought that would stop her. Glancing out the door using a makeup mirror, she saw that he was making himself a drink but kept glancing over in the direction of the bathroom. She turned off the water and changed into jeans and a t-shirt, the first thing she had grabbed from her luggage with him watching. Pulling on a pair of boots, she checked what he was doing again and, noticing he was on the phone, she opened the window and flushed the toilet in case he had heard her.

Katie listened by the door and heard him saying 'yeah, no sign of him yet but she got a text message from him. I'm sure it's only a matter of time. Trust me, he's going to come after her eventually before he even tries to skip town.'

"Asshole," she muttered as she stood onto the toilet seat to climb out the window. She could get out of it easily enough but it was going to be hard to get down without making any noise. She was still about a twelve foot drop from the window onto gravel, not exactly quiet. Taking a deep breath, she jumped. She landed badly coming down, twisted her ankle and fell forward, scraping her hands.

"Great. Parker makes it look so fuckin' easy," she muttered as she quickly hobbled from the side of the house to the neighbor's backyard, ignoring her stinging palms. Stopping to catch her breath for a moment, she listened for any signs of pursuit. So far so good. She limped as fast as she could to a small coffee shop a block away.

"Can I please use your phone?" she asked the man behind the counter.

"It's in the back, near the restrooms. No long distance calls," the man said before returning his attention to the other patrons.

Katie panicked when she picked up the phone. 'What the fuck was the number?' She groaned. She had it memorized for a long time but her nerves seem to have taken over. Finally she remembered and dialed it quickly. After three rings, someone picked up.

"Hey, it's Katie. I need help," she whispered softly.

"Where are you?"

"I'm at the coffee house on the corner of Beacon and Fairfield. But I think I need to put some distance in between me and the brownstone," Katie answered, glancing out the window again.

"I'll send someone to pick you up at Gloucester Street and Marlborough Street. There's a bakery there. My friend will be driving a small black older Honda and his name is Sam, dirty blonde hair with a goatee. Do you want me to text you a picture?"

"No, I don't have a phone."

"He has three shamrock tattoos on his wrist. Give him ten minutes. Be careful, Katie. Something big is going down."

Katie heard the understated alarm in the other woman's voice and her anxiety increased. "I will. Thanks Cora."

Hanging up, Katie once again looked around outside the window.

"Miss?"

The voice startled her but when she turned, an older man was watching her with concern. "Are you alright, Miss?"

"Yeah. Hey is there a back door I can use? I'm trying to avoid bumping into an old boyfriend," she said with a smile, hoping it would convince him.

He watched her a minute more and she tried to look 'okay'. "Sure, come on through the kitchen," he gestured to the door. Following him she slipped out the back door to the alley. "Are you sure you're alright?" he asked again.

"Yes, thank you," she nodded then walked through the back alleys and cut across lawns to get to the location she needed, still limping a bit. When she arrived at the corner she watched from the side of the bakery for her ride. Her hands were shaking and she felt a little queasy from her nerves.

Katie saw Quinn rush by and slipped back into the shadows, holding her breath. He stopped on the corner and asked a few people standing there a question before he ran off again. Soon a black Honda pulled up and a guy fitting Cora's description got out, walking toward the bakery. When she came around the corner, he pulled down his sunglasses and looked at her. "Cora sent me. Are you Katie?"

When she studied him a little bit nervously, he held up his wrist and moved the band of his watch, showing her the 3 shamrock tattoos.

"Yeah I'm Katie. Let's go," she urged, scared that Quinn would return. The last thing she wanted was some friend of Cora's, who didn't even know them, to get hurt.

When they got in the car, he handed her a bag. "Cora said you might need a few things." Katie was relived when she opened up the bag to find some cash and a cell phone. A second later, her relief went to terror as Quinn grabbed Sam's door and tried to jerk him from the car.

"Just drive!" she screamed at Sam as she threw the car into drive. Sam slammed his foot on the gas. Quinn tried to keep up with them but as Sam flew through an intersection, narrowly missing another car, Quinn lost his grip. Sam slammed the door shut and turned the corner quickly.

"Who the hell was that?" Sam glanced at her, clearly shaken.

"Someone you don't want to know, trust me," Katie replied trying to remember how to breathe normally. She didn't have any idea what Cora had told Sam about the situation so she didn't volunteer any information.

"I'm supposed to take you to The T on Central Avenue. Cora said you'd have a ride from there. But are you sure you don't want me to drive you somewhere?" he offered. Looking in the rear view mirror, he glanced at her with concern.

"I'll be fine," she said with a quick smile. "Besides, the less you know the better."

"That's what Cora said," he chuckled. "I know better than to ask for too many details. But I don't want to just strand you somewhere. Will you at least take my cell phone number in case you need another ride?"

"Sure, that'd be great," she nodded then leaned on her hand, watching out the window.

Exhausted and still shaky, Katie was more worried about Eliot and the team than anything else. He could have texted her again and she'd never know. If they didn't show up at the safe house, he might not be able to get in touch with her. Not to mention the fact that they'd never be able to go back to the brownstone again without concern that someone knew where they were.

This life on the run that he had warned her about when she moved here had never seemed real until now. All these safety precautions seemed pointless and silly at the time. He and the rest of the team didn't really tell her much about their actual jobs but she had seen first-hand in Kentucky what Eliot did. He'd sat her down and told her basically what the team did but left out a lot of the details. But she was used to not knowing what was going on and actually preferred it in some ways.

Being with her, gave Eliot a way to escape from the stress of the job. When they were together, he wanted to do normal things couples do and forget everything else. She didn't ask, but let him know she was always there if he wanted to talk. The few times he had shared with her, he seemed relieved just to have someone that wasn't involved to share it with.

Katie had grown angry with Nate's dangerous and distant ways of treating the team and could see the stress in Hardison and Parker as well. Parker had told her a few times how much she missed Sophie and complained about Nate's drinking. She had no connection with Tara, the grifter acted cold to her. If fact Tara treated her like a useless connection that Eliot should not have to 'outsiders'. He never said anything but Katie was fairly sure that Tara had even gone so far as to say as much.

Sam dropped her at the station and she thanked him when he insisted she take his phone number. Quickly she went inside and bought a ticket, rushing to catch the train that was leaving in eight minutes. When she finally collapsed in the seat in the very back, she sunk down lower but kept an eye on all the passengers. Not recognizing anyone, she allowed herself a moment of relaxation before she pulled the cell phone Cora had given her from her pocket. She quickly texted Eliot's emergency phone 'see you for dinner babe': code for 'I'm on my way to the safehouse'. He didn't answer so she spent the next 30 minutes worrying.

oOoOo

After assuring herself that she hadn't been followed, Katie went to the safe house then realized she had no keys to get in.

"Damnit!" she muttered then turned to walk around to see if there was a window she could get in but the door jerked open and Eliot pulled her inside.

"What took you so long to answer me?" he growled, holding an ice bag to his face.

Before she could answer, Sophie sitting there caught her attention. The team looked rough. Eliot was banged up, Hardison looked defeated, Sophie had obviously been crying and Parker had the traumatized haunted look that tore at Katie's heart every time.

Glancing at Eliot after a minute, she asked, "Where's Nate and Tara?"

Guilt and anger flickered over Eliot's face and he glanced up at the ceiling for a minute before turning and locking the door. "Tara left and Nate…well he's he's…gone, I guess."