Crimes of Passion (#Wattys2017)

Chapter 13

Ariana/Madelyn's POV: Once I was inside I hugged Abigail and Ronald. Then I payed Jessica before she left. After a long day, it was nice to take the wig off. The kids and I were playing for a bit when I heard a car pull up outside. I flipped the pictures and peeked out the blinds. Liz was walking up. She seemed confused about Baz. I quickly put the wig back on before she knocked on the door.

I opened the door and greeted her with a smile. "Hey Liz. Come in." I said, moving out of the way. "Thanks." She said before walking in.

She smiled at the kids. "And who are these two?" She asked. "Abigail and Ronald. Twins, both five." I replied. The two got up and stood next to me.

"Hi." Abby said. "Hello there Abigail." Liz said. Ronald, on the other hand, hid behind my leg, as usual. "He's really shy. Not really comfortable around most people." I explained. "Aww. Don't worry Ronald, I don't bite." Liz said to him. He just stayed behind my leg.

"Go play you two." I said, the twins running back to their toys.

"So Madelyn, why in the world is Baz standing outside?" Liz questioned. "You know that guy?" I asked, not breaking character. "Yeah, he's one of Reddington's men. Why's he here?" She asked. "He said Red wanted me to be protected for a while." I said, shrugging my shoulders. I poured out some red wine for myself and offered Liz some. "Nah, I drove alone." She said.

I nodded before taking a sip. "So. Red getting you a bodyguard, calling you absolutely beautiful, I think the guy's flirting with you." She said.

I choked on my wine, causing myself to dribble. Liz handed me a napkin and I wiped the leakage away. "Why Would he do that? He's married." I asked.

"Yeah, but this is Raymond Reddington," Liz started, "I highly doubt he's faithful to this mysterious wife of his."

My heart stopped for a second. She's right. It's Ray. He hasn't physically seen me for five years, as Ariana that is. How do I know he's being faithful? He could be cheating on me. He had sex with Katarina, my own best friend, behind my back for fucks sake. It's a possibility.

I snapped back to reality. "Maybe. Maybe not. We'll never know." I calmly said before taking another sip of wine.

"Well, I gotta run. Got my own little one to take care of." Liz said. "Well good luck and I hope you get some sleep." I said. Liz chuckled.

Right after she left, the burner cell rang.
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Raymond's POV: I had to call Ariana. Seeing that new girl, Madelyn I think her name was, made me think of her so much. She looked so similar to Ari. Maybe it's just my mind tricking me into thinking that. I could only dream that it's actually Ariana.

"Hello?" I heard her voice. "Hi darling. You ok?" I asked. "Yeah. I'm good. Just drinking my wine. Per usual." She replied. I couldn't help but chuckle.

"There's this woman." I started, "she just joined the task force. I couldn't help but be reminded of you when I saw her. She just—I don't know. She looks so much like you."

"Creepy. Maybe it is me." She said. We both laughed. "I miss you so much Ari. I'd kill to see you face again." I told her. "I miss you too. Come find me Ray." She said.

"I'm trying." I quietly said back...