Ruby Redfort: try not to scream

"What on earth is that, kid?" asked Hitch, crossing his arms. It wasn't exactly ideal that the one person that wanted to protect Ruby more than anyone had seen that picture.
"How did he hack our cameras?" said Ruby trying to change the subject. She exited the file and the picture left the screen. This is awkward, she thought, trying not to look at Hitch. He was a tolerant man but in a way he was clearly not happy. He raised his eyebrows at her. The expression empiled just spill it, kid. So she did.
"Before you ask, nothing happened,"
"Really?" he asked.
"I promise," Hitch relaxed a little. As much as he liked Clancy, Ruby was like a little sister to him. He wanted to make sure she was safe from absolutely any harm possible. It was Hitch who had insisted on Ruby being trained in combat. Hitch who had asked LB to keep up her survival skills practice even when most agents were suspended. Hitch, who asked to make the fly barrette so that he would know where she was at all times. He was very protective over her.

"Sorry to interrupt," came M's voice. "But if you don't mind me asking, why are we talking about a sixteen year old's love life rather than inspecting the rest of the files and wondering how this man hacked into a Spectrum security system on this girl's house?" LB turned her head to M.
"Yes, right. Blacker, please would you inspect the files further. Froghorn please document anything he finds. Hitch, Redfort and I will look into the security system,"
"I need to know that my agent is safe in that house," said M.
"Don't worry," replied LB. "We will update the security system and we have two agents in the house with him most of the time."
"Bug is there," chimed in Ruby.
"Bug?" M looked confused.
"My husky. He saved my life and helped get rid of Marnie Novak. He will protect Dan at all costs," There was something about this girl's face that made M believe her. She clearly had full faith in this dog and her boss had full faith in her. She decided to trust this girl.

Ruby, Hitch and LB walked into Ruby's office, making sure they locked the door behind them. Hitch leaned against the wall, his mind running with thoughts.
"How do we deal with this?" asked LB. For once, Ruby saw that LB could be scared.
She looked thoughtful for a few moments and turned to Hitch. For a moment, there was a connection between them. Like they knew something that Ruby didn't. LB gave the slightest nod at Hitch. He turned to Ruby. Only one thing gave away his concern was the slight twitch in his jaw.
"Ruby, I'm gonna take you home,"  He could tell she knew something was going on. "Everything's fine kid," he added. Although Ruby didn't want to leave, she went with him. After all, it was two against one and there was no way she could win an argument with LB.

She climbed into the silver convertible and pulled in her seatbelt.
"What's going on?" she asked. Hitch had his eyes firmly fixed on the road.
"What are you talking about?" He asked. Hitch was a very good liar. A professional some might say but Ruby saw through him.
"That look LB gave you. What's going on?" He sighed.
"The world is full of danger Ruby. Spectrum is doing it's best to keep you safe from it all but if The Count has hacked the security of your house then he can probably hack Spectrum itself. We had hoped we would never have to use it but..." he paused. "I need to show you something," He drove towards Cedarwood Drive and pulled into Ruby's house. When they got out of the car, Hitch led Ruby round the side of the house and into the garden. There, concealed in the trees was a barely visible keypad on the trunk of an oak. Hitch punched in a code and a slab of bark slid away revealing an entrance. Ruby looked up at her friend.
"We installed it three years ago when you were at Math Camp," he explained.
Ruby and Hitch slid down a ladder and into what looked to be a bunker.  Inside were mountains of survival gear and weapons.
"I never wanted to have to show you this as I had hoped it wouldn't be necessary. Ruby, you have to promise me that if I tell you to come here, you do. If I say run, you run. If I say shoot, you shoot. Even if I tell you to leave me behind and save yourself, you must do so." there was dismay on Hitch's face.
"Fine," Ruby said. "But you have to promise me that if I tell you to put your life before mine, you will. If I tell you to save someone other than me, you will. If I decide to do something dangerous, you won't stop me. And that you won't laugh or call me stupid if I take a bullet for you," Hitch smiled.
"When would you ever need to do that? He wants your head, kid, not mine,"
Ruby grinned.
"Deal?" asked Hitch, putting his hand out for her to shake. She threw her arms around him and hugged him tightly.
"Deal," she agreed as he hugged her back. Hitch smiled sadly. He knew that he couldn't keep those promises. He would always save her. Always put her feelings before his own. He would never let her go at anything alone. Ruby knew that too but for a moment she just wanted him to know she cared. Neither of them had ever been good with words so just being able to stand there for a few seconds made it simple.
"I know I don't say it enough, kid, but I really do love you," whispered Hitch as she let go.
"I know," she smirked and winked at him. She started to climb back up the ladder.
"And hey," she said, turning to him. "I love you too."
The agent smiled as he watched her disappear. Left alone in the dark, he regained his composure.

Ruby said goodnight to Hitch and Dan and climbed up the stairs to her room. After Dan had also left, Hitch sat down in the dim light of the kitchen. From the inside pocket of his jacket, he pulled out a revolver. Spectrum's plan to keep Ruby safe was about to begin. Out from the shadows of the stairs and different rooms emerged agents dressed in all black. Well, all but one. LB climbed up the stairs from Hitch's apartment.
"Is she aware of the bunker?" she asked, walking over to Hitch.
He nodded while loading his gun. LB could see the sadness on his face.
"She's safe Hitch. She's going to be ok. I promise I will not let anything happen to her,"
Hitch nodded sternly.
"Neither will I. It's my job," he growled, aiming at the door. Spectrum security had arrived.