Chapter 2

Harry was exiting his room just a Lee closed the door so the couple hurried down the hall to meet him.

"Harry, are you enjoying yourself?" Lee asked thoughtfully.

"Yes, it's been a lot of fun reminiscing," Harry replied with a smile.

"Did they talk you into retiring?" Janet inquired anxiously.

"No, so far they haven't convinced me," Harry chuckled.

"Good," Lee and Janet said in unison.

()()()()()()()

The trio made their way to the elevator, took it down to the lobby and then walked to the banquet room where the party was being held. The room was decorated in blue and white to match the uniforms. Admiral's Warner and Dotson along with their wives were standing by the door greeting their guests.

Harry introduced Janet to the Admirals and their wives. Lee had been at previous functions with them, so he needed no introduction and shook their hands.

"Nice to meet you," Janet said pleasantly. "Thank you for inviting us."

"Nice to meet you too," the admiral's wives replied warmly. "We hope you have a good time."

After the pleasantries were finished, the trio moved on so they could talk with some more of their guests.

Harry led them over to a table where Jiggs Starke and his wife, Virginia, were sitting. More introductions were made as Janet had never met Mrs. Starke. The men got drink orders and went to the bar where they were stopped several times talking with people they knew, but hadn't seen in a while.

While they waited Janet said, "Mrs. Starke, I can't thank you enough for giving up your seat to Lee so he could be home for Christmas."*

"Please call me Virginia," Mrs. Starke stated. "You're welcome. I know how hard it is to be alone for the holidays."

The two women were having a wonderful conversation when only Lee returned with their drinks.

"Sorry, Mrs. Starke, both admirals got detained by some more friends," Lee reported as he put down Virginia's drink.

Grinning, "That happens all the time at these parties. At least I have somebody to talk to this time," Virginia added looking at Janet.

They continued talking when Harry and Jiggs finally returned to the table as dinner was about to be served. More people stopped at the table wanting to talk to Harry and Jiggs, so more introductions were made before they got to eat dinner.

()()()()()()()

After several speeches and tributes to Admiral's Dotson and Warner, dinner was served. The band starting playing as soon as dinner was finished. Harry took Janet's hand and led her out to the floor.

"Thanks for dancing with me,' Harry said happily.

"Adm…Harry, I love dancing with you," Janet replied. "Lee isn't a big fan, but I'll get him out here for a couple of dances."

"I know he doesn't like to be out here," Harry added with a smile.

They finished their dance and after Harry brought Janet back to the table, he made his way over to the bar where he'd seen another friend he hadn't talked to in years. Admiral Starke and his wife were dancing, leaving Lee and Janet alone at the table.

"Everything okay?" Lee asked taking Janet's hand in his.

"Just fine, but I need to use the ladies' room. I'll be right back and then you're going to have to dance with me."

"Deal," Lee smiled.

()()()()()()()

Janet walked to the entrance to the ballroom and she saw a woman catch her foot on the carpet and start to fall. She quickly ran over to her and caught her before she hit the ground.

"Are you okay?" Janet asked worriedly.

"Yes, I'm fine. Thank you for catching me," the woman replied gratefully.

"Let me help you to your table," Janet insisted.

"I'd appreciate it," the woman answered. "This darn boot is more of a problem than the ankle, maybe I should have had a cast put on instead this boot."

Janet took her arm and escorted her to a nearby table. The woman sat down and Janet caught a glimpse of the boot she mentioned…it was large, black and cumbersome.

"What happen?" Janet asked.

"I fell in the foyer of my apartment. I'm sorry I have no idea who you are. We arrived late, so I didn't get to meet anyone. I'm Lillian Johnson."

"Hello, I'm Janet Crane. Are you the wife of Admiral Johnson?"

"Yes, that's me," Lillian replied with a smile and shook Janet's hand. "And you must Commander Crane's wife."

"Yes ma'am," Janet answered politely.

"Please, call me Lillian. The men may have to use titles, but we women don't," she laughed. "Gerald has mentioned you a few times, so it's finally nice to meet you."

"Oh, he was probably mad at me; I tend to get a little angry when he sends Lee on missions."

Lillian patted Janet's hand. "I know it's hard when they have to leave. Gerald was an agent for a few years after we got married and I didn't like it either, but you get used to it."

"I finally realized that, but it still doesn't stop me from worrying; only now I keep it to myself."

Lillian took Janet's hand in hers, "This is just between you and me," she said. "Gerald worries about him too when he sends him on a mission. He seems to like your husband."

"Thanks for telling me, and I promise not to say anything."

Admiral Johnson walked over to the table with a couple of drinks while Lillian and Janet were talking.

"Good evening, Janet," Johnson said surprised to see her at his table.

"Gerald, Janet saved me from making a huge fool of myself with this boot. I almost tripped and fell coming into the banquet hall," Lillian explained.

"Thank you," Johnson said to Janet. "It's nice to see you."

"Same here Admiral. Lillian, if you need to leave again, I'll be happy to help you. Just let me know," Janet remarked.

"I should be okay for the rest of the evening. Thanks again for your help. It was a pleasure meeting you."

"Same here."

As Janet started to walk away from the table, Lee spotted her and came over to where she was standing by Admiral Johnson.

"Good evening, Admiral," Lee greeted. "Mrs. Johnson, how nice to see you again."

"Same here, Commander. You have a very charming wife. Enjoy the rest of the evening."

"Thank you, ma'am," Lee replied grinning as he took Janet's hand and they walked away.

"What was that all about? I was wondering what was taking you so long," Lee asked.

"I was on my way to the ladies' room when Lillian stumbled in the boot for her ankle and almost fell. I stopped her from falling, brought her back to the table and we started talking. She's very nice, nothing of what I expected," Janet stated.

"How about that dance?"

"In a minute, I still need to use the ladies' room," Janet laughed and they walked out to the lobby to find the powder room.

()()()()()()()

After Lee and Janet left the Johnson's table, Gerald sat down next to his wife.

"Gerald, is Janet one of your people?"

"No, she's doesn't work for the agency, but she's helped me out a few times when I needed a woman and we didn't have any available. Why?"

"Do you think she'd help us out with our problem?"

"I don't know, but I guess it doesn't hurt to ask. Technically she wouldn't be working for ONI, so maybe Commander Crane wouldn't mind if we borrowed her."

"Let's call them in the morning. We've got nothing to lose at this point," Lillian said eagerly as she took a sip of her drink.

()()()()()()()

Lee and Janet returned to the banquet room and walked on to the dance floor as the band was playing a slow song. Lee wrapped his arms around Janet's waist while she laid her head on his shoulder.

I love being in his arms, Janet thought as they danced.

"Sweetheart," Lee whispered softly in her ear, "You look perfect tonight, and I'm one lucky guy that you're mine."

Janet lifted her head off his shoulder and looked into his amber eyes, "Thanks, honey," she replied lovingly and laid her head back on his shoulder.

When that song was finished, they started playing another slow song, so they stayed out on the dance floor.

()()()()()()()

After a couple of more toasts and slow dances the evening was winding down. Lee and Janet were getting ready to leave when Harry came over to them. "We're still on for breakfast tomorrow at 1000?"

"Sir, I thought it was 0900 but 1000 works for us," Lee chuckled.

"Good, we'll meet here at the hotel," Harry remarked.

"Yes sir," they replied with smiles on their faces. They knew Harry was going to need a little more sleep by the time he returned to his room.

They said good bye to the two retiring admirals and their wives along with Admiral Johnson and Lillian who were also leaving.

They walked to the elevator and waited for a car to reach the lobby. They were the only ones going up, so as soon as the doors closed, Lee removed his jacket and tie.

"That feels so much better," Lee declared.

"Lee, do you think Harry would let you and the rest of the officers get away with no ties on Seaview?" Janet wondered.

"No, I don't think so," Lee countered. "But at least we don't have to tuck them in."

Both of them laughed as they exited the elevator and headed for their room.

()()()()()()()

It was 0800, and the ringing of Lee's phone woke them up. Lee quickly grabbed the phone off the nightstand. He saw the caller was Admiral Johnson.

"Lee, who's calling so early," Janet asked not realizing it was 0800. With the curtains closed and the overcast sky it seemed earlier.

"Admiral Johnson and it's not that early…it's 0800…we just slept late."

Janet looked at Lee and groaned.

"Hello, Admiral," Lee answered warily.

"Good morning Lee," Johnson said pleasantly. "I'm not calling to send you on a mission, but Lillian and I would like to talk to you and Janet. Could you be here by 0915…I'll send my driver to pick you up at your hotel at 0900?"

"Yes, sir, we can be ready by then, but how long will the meeting last, we're having breakfast with the Admiral at 1000 hours?"

"It won't take very long and we'll make sure you'll be on time for breakfast."

"Okay, we're staying at the hotel where the party was held."

"Good, Michael will be waiting outside for you."

"Yes, sir," Lee replied and disconnected the call. "Admiral Johnson wants to see us at his apartment, and no he's not sending me on a mission. His driver will be here by 0900," he told Janet.

"Well, we better get moving," Janet responded and jumped out of bed.

They quickly showered, got dressed and made it to the lobby at 0900. They walked outside where a black sedan was waiting for them.

"Good morning, Commander; Mrs. Crane," Michael said as he opened the door.

Janet climbed in and Lee followed. Michael shut the door, climbed in the driver's seat and headed to the Johnson's apartment.

()()()()()()()

The Johnson's lived in an apartment just north of Washington DC. Michael pulled in front of a tan, five story building and opened the door for Lee and Janet.

"I'll be waiting to take you back to your hotel when you're finished," Michael told them.

"Thank you," Lee replied and took Janet's hand.

They walked to the front door which was opened by the door man. The lobby of the building was very ornate with red and gold decorations and had seating on both sides of the elevator. The concierge had the elevator waiting for them.

"The Johnson's are on the fourth floor, Apartment C. It's to your right when you get off the elevator. Have a nice day," he told them.

"Thanks," Janet responded.

They entered the elevator and the concierge pushed the button for the fourth floor.

"This is one fancy building," Janet said to Lee as they were whisked up. "Have you ever been here before?"

"No," Lee replied noticing the cameras in the elevator. "It sure is a nice and secure building."

When they reached the fourth floor, they made a right and found the Johnson's apartment, Lee knocked on the door.

()()()()()()()

Admiral Johnson opened the door, "Good morning, Lee, Janet, and thank you for coming right away." He led them into a foyer with white marble floors and two blue chairs flanking the doorway. "Lillian is in the living room waiting for us."

They followed Johnson into the living room with floor to ceiling windows. Even though the day was overcast, the room still had plenty of light and had a beautiful view of the park across the street. Lillian was seated on one of the couches that faced each other. Lee and Janet sat down on the opposite couch while the Admiral sat down next to his wife.

"How about some coffee?" Lillian asked. "I know I could use a cup. Gerald, would you mind pouring?"

Johnson poured four cups of coffee and handed one to Lee, Janet and Lillian.

"I guess you're wondering why we asked you here," Lillian stated after taking a sip of coffee.

"Yes ma'am," Lee answered.

"We need your help…well more specifically, Janet's," Johnson said.

Puzzled, "My help?" Janet questioned.

"Let me explain," Lillian said. "Our granddaughter, Luisa, lives on the island of Teramenfor with her father, Phillip, who is president of the country. Her mother, Helena, our daughter, died shortly after she was born. I would normally go visit her this time of year and spend a couple of weeks with her and her father. This year was going to be a little different as I was going to bring her back here to stay for a few months."

Johnson continued, "The island of Teramenfor has been in Phillip's family for centuries. The presidency always went to the oldest son. For some reason, Phillip's brother, Edward, doesn't think he's doing enough to make the country better, so he's fighting to take over the presidency. He does have some supporters, and Phillip's afraid there could be some trouble, so he wanted Luisa out of there.

"What does that have to do with Janet?" Lee asked warily as he already had a hunch what they wanted.

"Since I have a hard time getting around, we were hoping Janet would take my place and bring her back here. She would have to stay a few days, so it doesn't look like she's being removed because of the turmoil.

"I have a few questions," Janet remarked. "Where is Teramenfor…how long does it take to get there…when would I have to leave if I choose to help you, and how old is Luisa?"

Lee smiled as those were the same questions he was going to ask.

"Teramenfor is north of the island of Ibiza. As far as getting there it takes two days. You would fly from here to London, stay there overnight and then take a short flight to Ibiza. Phillip would meet you at the airport and then it's a fifteen-minute boat ride to the island," Gerald told them. "You would need to leave tomorrow. I know it's short notice, but that's when Lillian had planned on leaving and Luisa is six years old." Lillian took a picture off the table next to the couch of a little girl with dark brown hair and green eyes and showed it to Janet and Lee.

"We're scheduled to leave for a mission to Antarctica on Monday," Lee stated.

Janet put her hand on Lee's knee, "We need to talk this over privately, can you excuse us for a few minutes? We'll go into the foyer."

"Yes, of course," Lillian responded disappointedly as she hoped Janet would say yes immediately.

Lee and Janet stood up, left the living room and walked into a far corner of the foyer.

()()()()()()()

"Lee, I really would like to help them out. I know it's short notice, but I'd never be able to live with myself if something happened to their granddaughter because I didn't go," Janet said. "She sure is a cutie."

"I know how you feel, but I'm not thrilled that you could get caught in a political takeover," Lee countered, but saw the look on Janet's face and knew he wasn't going to deter her, and relented with an audible sigh.

"I know I won't be able to go on the mission…will that be a problem, Captain?" Janet asked with a grin.

"No, I'll make do without you, but I know one person who's not going to be happy."

"Who?"

"Chip." Lee smiled, "he's going to have to do his own paperwork if you're not there."

"You're going to have to do yours too," Janet snickered.

"I won't mind doing it as it will take my mind off the fact that you're not on board," Lee remarked.

"Before I commit to the trip, I'm going to ask Harry if it's okay with him if I left…he may not let me go."

"I'm sure it will be all right but ask him anyway. You realize there's a lot of flying, and you don't like to fly," he added.

"I'm not thrilled with that part, but I'll just have to deal with it. At least on the way home, I'll have company," Janet said giving him a quick kiss before they headed back to the living room.

()()()()()()()

Meanwhile in the living room, Lillian and Gerald sat there waiting for Lee and Janet to return.

"Gerald, what did Lee mean when he said they were leaving on a mission on Monday. I remember you telling me he was captain of Harry's boat, but what does that have to do with Janet?"

"She also goes on the missions…she's part of the crew."

Lillian had a disappointed look on her face. "I guess that means she won't be able to help us out if she's expected to go. What will we do?"

Gerald patted his wife's hand, "If she can't go, we'll just have to wait until your ankle is healed and hope nothing happens in the meantime, but let's wait and see what they say."

Lillian squeezed Gerald's hand, "Okay, you're right…I won't worry about it until we hear what their decision is."

()()()()()()()

Janet and Lee returned to the living room to the apprehensive faces of Lillian and Gerald and sat back down on the couch.

"I'll go to Teramenfor and pick up your granddaughter," Janet told the Johnson's. "But I need to get the okay from Admiral Nelson first, before I totally commit to going."

"Thank you…we understand," Lillian said relieved. "When will you have a definite answer?"

"We're meeting the admiral for breakfast, in fact we're already late," Lee replied. "Janet will call you as soon as she has an answer. We'll get the details then."

Lee and Janet stood as did Gerald who helped Lillian to her feet. She slowly made her way around the table that separated the two couches and gave Janet a hug and then Lee. Gerald shook their hands.

"I'll be honest with you Admiral, I'm not happy with the fact the Janet could get caught up in a political war, but she wants to help you out."

"I'll find out how things are going there, and have some more answers for you when you call back."

"I'd appreciate that, sir," Lee replied as he took Janet's hand.

"Thank you again. You've made us very happy," Johnson told them as he showed them out.

()()()()()()()

The Crane's left the building where Michael was waiting in front for them and climbed in the opened car door.

"Sir, do you want to return to your hotel?" he asked.

"Yes, that would be fine," Lee replied.

Just as they pulled away from the curb, Lee's phone rang. He smiled at Janet. "It's Harry."

"He's probably wondering where we are as we're never late," Janet snickered.

"Hi Harry," Lee said.

"Where are you…are you okay?" Harry asked worriedly. "I tried your room and there was no answer."

"We're on our way back to the hotel. We should be there in ten minutes and we'll explain when we get there."

"Okay, Lee," Harry answered and disconnected.

()()()()()()()

As they rode back to the hotel, Janet took Lee's hand. "Thank you, honey, for letting me go."

"Like I would be able to stop you," Lee chuckled. "You can be pretty stubborn sometimes."

"I must take after a certain captain I know. I think you're wearing off on me," Janet laughed.

Lee gently squeezed her hand. "I sure hope so."

They held hands enjoying the ride back to the hotel.

*See my story, "Alone"