Chapter 2
Harold Finch is beginning to think he ought to have told John more about the nature of the business before coming down to check out the store. Perhaps if he had they could have worked out a cover story beforehand.
John is standing too close to him. The young salesman is misinterpreting the situation. John is doing everything he can to encourage this.
Harold would have thought Mr. Reese and Ms. Shaw would pretend to be a couple. They’d done it before after all. It would be a believable ruse. John has too much sense to ever consider taking Ms. Shaw to bed but they are both of age, both good looking and both capable of pretending to be interested in one another.
Harold does his best to ignore John’s proximity, does his best to ignore John’s hand on his arm just above the elbow. He manages to turn his body just enough to see John. The former operative is listening to the young salesman’s spiel with serene interest.
John notices his regard and smiles down at him before turning his attention back to the number. Harold manages to suppress his instinctive shiver.
John is not the first man Harold has ever found attractive. He is not the first man Harold has suffered with unrequited love. He is not the first man to be totally oblivious to Harold’s regard.
Oh, John is fond enough of him. Harold is sure that John is curious about him, about his secrets. If anyone asked, John would claim to hold Harold in affection. If only it were enough for Harold.
Harold realizes he has not been paying adequate attention to the sales pitch. John and Steven are both looking at him.
“That sounds excellent.” He says exactly if he had been following the conversation. “The largest wedge, I think, and one of the thinner ones.”
He can certainly afford them. Who knows, they might even be better for his neck then his pillow.
“Does the lounge come in any colors beside red?” John asks the young man.
“John…” Harold can also afford the lounge but there isn’t any point.
“We’ve got a sample book.” Steven offers.
“Is this really necessary?” Harold hisses at John while the young man disappears behind the counter in search of the book.
“We need to keep close to him.” John reminds him. “It was either the lounge or the spanking horse.”
“You need to get out of here.” Both men turn in surprise when Shaw emerges from behind a rack of four-strap harnesses. “Root just called me. She says the machine is throwing fits because it thinks you’re in danger.” She tells Harold urgently.
“Take him outside.” John orders her, pulling Harold towards the door.
“Root’s on her way.” Shaw takes Harold’s other arm, urging him along. “She already called Carter and Fusco.” They are just past the paddle display when the masked gunmen burst through the door.