Title: Payback
author: Cindy Ryan
notes and summary: See part one

Four hours later Merri was never so thankful and happy to be home. She and Chris crossed to the living room and sank onto the sofa. Merri had taken a quick shower at the hospital while the doctors had examined Chris. Merri knew Chris had surprised Dwayne in agreeing to go to the hospital. She had been filled in that Chris had checked himself out of the hospital against doctor's orders. Merri had been relieved to hear that Chris's wounds were healing normally and that he hadn't picked up a fever or an infection.

"NOPD's got extra cars patrolin' the area just in case."Chris stated quietly

"You don't think it's over?"Merri asked as she looked down at their linked hands.

"Wouldn't put anything past 'em."Chris said grimly. "There's still a bounty on King."

"I don't think it is either."Merri agreed. "I'm just grateful we got through round two."

"I'm on leave indefinitely."Chris explained after a moment of silence. "Medical and boss wants me to take some personal time too."

"Selfishly I'm glad means I get to spend more time with you."Merri said with a smile as she snuggled closer to Chris.

Chris smiled and leaned down to kiss Merri. When they broke apart she rested her head on his chest.

"You should think about takin' a few days off too."Chris suggested.

"Pride needs me; too much going on."Merri replied quietly.

"I think he'd insist."Chris responded softly. "You spent days with me in the hospital and then got kidnapped that'd knock anybody down for a few days."

"Just another day when you're an NCIS agent."Merri joked trying to lighten the mood.

"Merri."Chris protested.

Merri smiled leaning up to kiss Chris lightly.

"I'll talk to Pride."Merri relented. "But this is hitting too close to home we need everybody we can to finish this."

"I'm gonna tell Pride he's got my help too though I think he knows that."Chris said. "Though between the docs and Loretta may be a week or two before I'm cleared."

"I'm sure he'd be happy to have you on the team again."Merri commented. "But I don't want you pushing yourself you need to heal and we need you at a hundred percent."

"Yes, Ma'am."Chris acknowledged with a grin.

Merri couldn't even bring herself to glare at Chris teasingly or otherwise. She was just so grateful that he was feeling well enough to tease her. Things could've went badly so many different ways. As tired and wiped out as she was emotionally all Merri wanted to do was sink into Chris's arms and not move; ever. Something must've changed in her expression because Chris shifted into a sitting position so they were facing each other on the sofa. He gently gripped her shoulders.

"Hey."Chris began tenderly. "We'll get through this; we always do."

"I know."Merri replied quietly. "Just hit me for a moment...how close this was..."

Chris settled back onto the sofa and pulled Merri into his arms. She allowed a few tears to escape.

Merri sent off a silent prayer of thanks. She was so grateful that for the moment everybody she loved was safe.

Chris let out a tired sigh as he held Merri. He knew the events of this day would give him nightmares for months. Most likely would start as soon as he tried to close his eyes. Still Chris would take the nightmares they were a small price to pay to have Merri safe and back home.

"I love you."Chris whispered as he rested his head against the top of Merri's.

"I love you too."Merri replied quietly.

Dwayne Pride sat in the courtyard of the NCIS office typing on a laptop. A shadow fell across the table and he looked up smiling briefly at Karen Hardy.

"Appreciate the help today."Dwayne said quietly as he went back to his report.

"Can't let you guys have all the fun."Hardy replied with a smile as she sat down across from Dwayne."Nobody we picked up today is talkin'."

"Not surprised. Got that report done, want a beer?"Pride asked as he stood.

"Please."Karen responded.

Dwayne went to the kitchen and returned with two bottles without the caps. He handed one to Karen and sat down once again by the computer.

"Any chatter?"Dwayne inquired after a few minutes.

"Not yet but I'm sure the militia websites will be all over this in a day or so."Hardy stated grimly.

"Get them riled enough they'll make mistakes."Dwayne commented as he took a sip of beer.

"Bad things happen when they get riled up too."Karen cautioned.

"I know but we have Merri back and Chris is doin' better that has to be a sign our luck's turnin'."Dwayne said with a smile.

When Karen remained silent Dwayne silently acknowledged her point. Things were probably going to get ugly again but for now Dwayne was going to enjoy what they had.