The Blacklist: The Animal Savior [no 196]

Chapter 6

Ressler was at home. He thought about previous nights when he fell asleep on the couch or just couldn't fall asleep. He knew he was frustrated about Keen leaving and not telling the task force first. Even though Reddington was her father they were all like family to her. But she didn't say a word. Besides that, it was the first time Reddington asked meeting with Ressler since Keen left. It was all suddenly so different. Ressler hated working with Reddington. He drank a bottle of whiskey to forget about the troubles. He wanted to take his mind of, so he called a friend.

"Hey, Luke. I know it's been a long time. Work has been though last years."

"I figured. When I saw you like a year ago searching for Reddington and your partner Keen."

"You saw that."

"Of course. Everybody did. It was everywhere."

"So, how are you doing?"

"Riley is pregnant."

"Nice. Maybe I can come visit since I got a few days off."

"You know you're always welcome."

"See you." Said Ressler. He hung up the phone and grabbed his jacket. When he opened the door Aram and Samar were standing there.

"Why didn't you pick up the phone?" Asked Aram.

"Yes, we thought you were in trouble." Said Samar who jumped in.

"I just got off the phone with an old friend. I was about to visit him."

"About the case." Said Samar but Ressler cut her off.

"I'm sorry. But right now, I need a few days off. I couldn't sleep last night. If you tell me about the case, I can't let it go."

"What Reddington did with The Catcher was wrong. But he does have a lead on The Animal Savior."

"I know, Samar. I get it. This is how the whole thing works. I was fine with it but since Keen left it got ... I don't know actually. I just can't stand it. I'm sorry. I need some days off. I will be back. I promise."

"And the taskforce? Do we have to hire a new agent?"

"I'm sorry but right now that's Cooper's problem. My concerns that are tied to work are over. I hope you catch this Animal Savior." Said Ressler. He closed the door and he walked to his car.

"Aram is not ready."

"Still not coming back. Again, I'm sorry. Now you must excuse me. I'm going to visit a friend." Said Ressler who opened the front door of his car. Aram and Samar turned around and followed him.

"Do you think he is coming back?" Asked Aram.

"Definitely not today. I hope it won't take long." Said Samar.

Back at the post office Harold got off the phone with Cynthia Panabaker. A US Marshal who looked over the task force.

"I got off the phone with Cynthia. She wants David to join us."

"Who's David?" asked Aram.

"An FBI agent who is used to going in the field."

"When is he coming?" Asked Samar.

"He will be here in an hour." Answered Cooper. "How was Ressler doing?"

"I'm afraid he will be away for a while." Answered Samar.

"Okay."

"Okay?"

"If he needs time, we have to give it him some time. After Keen left, we all needed some time. For him it's maybe a bit harder because he tried to catch Reddington for years. It's not crazy he finds it hard to directly work with him."