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While Ryan went off to talk to Danielle, Annie sat looking at the ring he had just given her. She was happy for the first time in a long time, but it was bittersweet without Danielle to share it with. Danielle daydreamed and obsessed about Annie's wedding more than Annie ever did. She would have enjoyed planning all the details from choosing the venue to the menu to the flowers. Danielle would be in her element as maid of honor and de facto wedding planner. On her part, Annie would be completely content with a civil ceremony followed by a small intimate dinner party or even barbeque with an ice cream sundae bar. She alluded to that with McQuaid, but he as usual wanted to an extravagant affair where he would spare no expense.
Annie looked at her watch, it was nearly 11:30 back in D.C. She had one decision that was now official and it was time to make another one official. She took out her phone and dialed Joan Campbell's direct line.
"Joan Campbell," said Joan as she picked up the phone.
"It's me Annie."
"Hello Annie, how are you enjoying your down time?"
"I'm good, taking in some sights and getting some exercise. Listen, I wanted to let you know that I made up my mind about your offer."
"What will it be Annie?" asked Joan.
"You can count me in."
"We're lucky to have you on board, you're an exceptional agent. Your experience and insight will expedite our investigations."
"Thanks Joan. Looking forward to getting back to work."
"The good ones can't stay away for long. I can't send you anything via email, but I'll have tech support set up your computer and give you access to mission files and the notes we have on ongoing investigations. Most files will only be accessible here at Langley. I'll also talk to HR about your status. I might be able to convince them that your suspension and resignation were all part of the last mission. You may have to take a baseline polygraph though."
"That's fine Joan. I have something else that I need to tell you."
"What is it Annie?"
"I need to put in a close and continuing. . . " Joan was smiling on the other end. She knew that Ryan and Annie had grown close during joint operations and all the mission reports suggested that Annie and Ryan had been intimate. Arthur had also confirmed that Ryan had been digging into Annie's past since he met her. If they were a couple, they would be a powerhouse much like her and Arthur, but Joan more than anyone knew the drama and complications that accompany working with a significant other. There were many times when she felt her marriage couldn't weather the storms at work.
"If it's with Ryan McQuaid, I don't think I need to tell you that you may be asked to keep him in the dark about our missions, our intel, and what we uncover. And you may be asked to gather intel on him and his company. I know how hard it can be to compartmentalize since I do it all the time with Arthur and it has been harder now that he's in the private sector. You can always talk to me when things get sticky."
"I appreciate that Joan. I'll see you on Monday morning then," Annie hung up feeling optimistic about her future despite the fact that things didn't quite go well in San Francisco. Ryan and the CIA would be her life and she was going to give it everything she had. She grateful for her new job and the fresh start she would have with Joan.
"Welcome aboard Annie and enjoy the rest of your time off."
/ /
Ryan returned from his call with Danielle. "Who was that?" asked Annie.
"Just a work thing, all done."
"What about you? Who were you on the phone with?"
"I thought I'd round out the day by officially taking the CIA's job offer, I start on Monday," smiled Annie.
"Congratulations, they better treat you with respect or I'll poach you back," said Ryan as he kissed her on the lips.
"Monday huh? Doesn't leave us much time to enjoy ourselves."
"Oh look who's talking, you took a work call and I know you're itching to get on your computer."
Ryan returned, "Just to prove you wrong, there's a self-guided tour on the church history, architecture, and stained glass. Are you interested?"
"Am I interested? The real question is are you?"
"I am and even if I weren't I'd be interested for you. Haven't you ever had a guy do things just because he wanted to spend time with you?"
Ryan was truly interested, but he also had to keep them there in case Danielle showed up. The couple finished the self-guided tour about 45 minutes later and Annie said, "I don't know about you, but I could use a shower." Ryan felt like he let her down, he failed to convince Danielle to show up, but at least Annie didn't know about it and wouldn't be disappointed or hurt by Danielle's not showing up. They get up to walk out of the Cathedral when they run into Danielle entering and looking around for Annie.
"You knew she was on her way didn't you?" asked Annie with a mix of hesitation and anticipation.
He gave her a wink and said, "I love you," then walked towards Danielle. Annie was still too stunned to say a thing, she hadn't moved from where she stood. She really didn't expect to see Danielle.
"Danielle, nice to see you again. Thanks for coming," said Ryan warmly greeting Danielle.
"Uh, I'm not sure what I was thinking, but next thing I knew I wound up on the bridge. . .and here I am," said Danielle a bit flustered. She felt warm and unsure of what to do or say.
Annie looked at him and was filled with gratitude to have him there with her though she insisted on coming to San Francisco alone at first, she really did need someone there with her. She mouthed, "Thank you," to Ryan.
"Annie, you'll be okay?" asked Ryan as he rubbed her arm. He wasn't sure he wanted to leave her given that she just had an episode not too long ago.
Annie nodded.
"How about you Danielle, you sure you'll be okay? I can stay and referee if needed," said Ryan while looking at Danielle with a smile.
Danielle looked at Ryan and said, "You picked a choice location, I won't be yelling or using profanity here."
Annie kissed him and said, "Thanks, I'll walk back, promise."
He looked at her, kissed her back and whispered, "You better walk Walker, we'll talk more later. And you have your meds right?" She nodded while widening her eyes as if to say, let's NOT talk about that now.
He understood what was unspoken between them and then looked over to Danielle.
"Take your time ladies, I'll just be working back at the room. If you two get hungry and want to have lunch, give me a call."
Before he left them he said to Danielle, "Thank you for showing up."
She smiled and he said, "I'm looking forward to getting to know you."
The exchange between Annie and Ryan didn't go unnoticed by Danielle. Something was going on between them. She always knew her little sister, but for now she didn't want to get distracted by what was going on between the two lovers, she came to say her peace and leave.
"Maybe you can help Annie set a date and convince her that a secret closed door wedding is so cliché for a spy and not fitting for a once in a lifetime event."
Danielle smiled, Ryan had charmed her. . . but, she still had reservations about her sister marrying a career soldier turned mercenary.