Title: Payback
author: Cindy Ryan
notes and summary: see part one
Loretta didn't consider this outcome drawing the short straw. She was simply the person for the job. The person used to telling others bad news. Used to dealing with upset and angry people. That was what Loretta kept telling herself as she waited for Chris LaSalle to regain consciousness. The hospital had alerted Dwayne early that morning around six that the former NCIS agent was showing signs of waking. Pride had his hands full especially now with Merri missing so he had asked if Loretta would sit with Chris.
Loretta understood that Dwayne hadn't wanted Chris to wake up alone. The close knit team had always taken care of their own even if one of them went to work somewhere else. Family was family. It was now nearly eight and Loretta leaned forward as Chris admitted a groan. Loretta hit the call button for the medical staff. A few minutes later Chris was awake. She stepped back and allowed the doctor to assess. The thiritish blond man with glasses nodded in approval as he looked at Loretta and then Chris.
"Wound is healing nicely and vitals are strong. At this pace Detective you should be home in a few days."The doctor stated.
"Thanks Doc."LaSalle said in a hoarse voice.
"Thank you, Doctor."Loretta acknowledged.
The medical staff left and Loretta sat back down inching her chair closer.
"It's good to see you awake."Wade commented with a smile as she pulled the blankets further up Chris's stomach. "You had a lot of people worried."
"How long was I out?"Chris asked.
"Nearly three days."Loretta replied quietly.
"Merri at work?"Chris inquired.
Loretta straightened and met the younger man's gaze. She watched as a whirlwind of emotions crossed his face.
"She's not at work is she?"Chris prompted his voice thick with worry. "What happened?"
"Merri was abducted last night."Loretta explained grimly.
"Militia?"Chris asked as his face paled. "Of course it was because I pissed them off."
"Chris…."Loretta began.
"They took her because I got close. Damn it."Chris continued as he threw off the sheets and blankets and began to get out of bed.
Loretta stood and stopped him as she reached for the call button and pressed it. She gripped Chris's upper arms to steady him. Even as he sat on the edge of the bed he swayed. She could tell he was light headed and dizzy.
"You know Dwayne has every available officer in the city looking for her."Loretta soothed as the medical staff came in.
"I'm going after her, Loretta."Chirs vowed quietly.
"Not on my watch."Loretta protested as she motioned the nurses over. "I will have them sedate you if I have to."
"Loretta…."Chris protested. "That group has proven to be ruthless…..I can't sit by and…."
"You're in no shape to help her, Chris. Best way you can help is by resting and getting better."Loretta advised.
Chris shook his head as he tried once more to get off the bed and onto his feet. Loretta firmly gripped his right shoulder and stopped him. Chris's gaze locked onto hers and if Loretta had ever questioned the depth of his feelings for Merri she didn't now. Chris tried to mask it but Loretta saw the raw fear. She glanced back at the waiting medical staff.
"It's alright he just got a little agitated."Loretta told the lead nurse.
"If you need us again don't hesitate to hit the button."The nurse replied as they left.
Once the door was shut Chris ran a hand over his face and Loretta let go of his shoulder and stepped back.
"It kills me that I can't be out there lookin' for her."Chris whispered. "She needs me."
"Merri needs you at a hundred percent."Loretta countered quietly. "I promise I'll keep you updated as soon as I hear anything. Right now I need you to rest."
"If those bastards hurt her..."Chris began but trailed off his fists clenched.
"If anybody can handle them it's Merri Brody."Loretta stated as she sat back down. "Get some rest, Chris. It's what your body needs most."
With a frustrated sigh Chris leaned back against the stack of pillows. Ten minutes later he was asleep. Loretta pulled out her cell phone and hit Dwayne's speed dial.
"Thanks, Loretta. I owe you one."Dwayne Pride said as he ended the phone call.
Dwayne pocketed his phone and slumped back against the right wall of the courtyard of the NCIS building. He glanced up at the gray sky and struggled to get his emotions under control. A storm had moved through an hour before and the air still smelled like rain.
Chris being awake was the only small bit of good news Dwayne had received in the last forty-eight hours. Everything had gradually spiraled from bad to worst. He had thought his baby girl being in danger was the worst of it. Fate had proved him wrong. Chris had gotten shot; nearly bled out now Merri was taken.
The militia wanted him to suffer by targeting the people Dwayne cared about. That was the biggest mistake they were ever going to make and Dwayne vowed to make them pay for it. One way or another the militia was going to end.
