One Hello
The first morning in the American Embassy after the previous day's migration started early. Calmness and acceptance replaced the fear and apprehension from yesterday, although there was still weeping and too many questions that didn't have answers. And the feel of terror was still heavy in the air, but determination and the will to survive was slowly edging it out.
Within an hour of dawn breaking, Em and Dave had outlined a plan of attack that detailed the steps everyone was expected to take should there be an attack. Once they approached the situation as they did when profiling an UNSUB, things began to fall into place.
Immediately after breakfast, everyone was gathered into the oversized ballroom for the breakdown. Questions were answered swiftly, then everyone was assigned to groups with a leader and an alternate. When, not if, things went bad, at least there would be control.
Returning to her office to finish up paperwork, Em placed another call to Charles Keifer. Ten minutes, and one brisk conversation later, she hung up the receiver. At least the carriers were on their way. One day out, and planes on stand-by, at least she could lay one fear to rest.
Taking a deep breath, she picked up the receiver and dialed the number Pen had given her via email. Patiently she waited as the double rings sounded.
"Israeli Embassy," the female voice greeted. "How may I direct your call?"
"This is Ambassador Emily Prentiss calling from the American embassy in Amman, Jordan. May I speak with Ambassador Elizabeth Prentiss?"
"Yes, Ambassador. We've been expecting your call. Please hold," the woman hurriedly instructed. Thirty seconds later, the call was connected.
"Emily?!" the familiar voice of Elizabeth Prentiss came over the line.
"Hello, Mother," Em greeted with more calm than she actually felt.
"Oh, God! It's so good to hear your voice! Are you alright? What's happening?"
Usually so calm and collect, Em was taken aback by the sudden rush of words from the woman who was her mother. Never had the Ambassador lost her dignity or pose – not even when she was threatened at two of her posts by terror groups. She always maintained the ability to hold her head up and stay proud. But something was different; was that a catch in the unflappable Elizabeth's voice?
"We're fine, Mother. Of course, you know that I cannot get into what is happening, but I can reassure you that everyone is safe and sound." For now, Em finished silently.
"Have you heard from Charles Keifer?"
"Yes. Yes, I have. We spoke this morning. The carriers are approximately a day away. Planes are set on stand-by if we need them. How are you?"
"I'm…I'm…holding my own," Elizabeth confessed hesitantly. "I'm worried."
"There is nothing to be worried about, Mother. Dave and I have it under control. And I am sure that Hotch is working his magic to get you to Israel."
"He's been very kind and helpful. But what about you? Can you leave? Is it safe?"
Em shook her head. "We can't leave. I am sure you know about the bounty. We were given one day to move everyone to the embassy. And until the military arrives, there is no way to evacuate."
"So you know, Jacob Rabin is trying to get us a flight out tomorrow…"
"Stay there, Mother," Em ordered. "There is too much going on right now, and more people will only add to the confusion."
"Emily…"
"No, Mother. Germany is where you need to stay. If anything happens, I'm sure that Hotch will arrange transportation to get you where you need to be."
"I just want to be there. There must be something I can do!"
"I understand, but there is nothing you can do. We are okay. I promise." Em heard the sniffle on the other end. "Are you crying?"
"No. I…I have a cold," she explained.
"It's going around."
"How's Claire?" The subject was mercifully changed.
Em let out a short laugh. "She's great. A chip off the Prentiss block. She's taking charge of the smaller children and leading them. I'm afraid she might be the future director of the FBI, someday."
"Or an ambassador," Elizabeth supplied.
"Heaven help us. She does take after Dave in some aspects, so, she might surprise all of us and join the Marines."
"I'll pretend that I didn't hear that."
"It's okay, Mother; it is the 21st century."
Elizabeth sighed dramatically. "I suppose we will cross that bridge when we come to it." A slight pause, then she continued, "How is Agent Rossi?"
"He's fine. He's busy meeting with the Watch Captains right now."
"I'm not sure how I feel about him being there…"
"I understand. We have…settled some things."
"You're not going to return to him, are you?" Elizabeth's tone was horrified by the possibility.
"Mother, I don't think this is the time," Em protested. "We are doing our job."
"He hurt you, Emily. Have you forgotten?"
"No, Mother, I haven't. But he and I crossed that bridge. We need to work things out for Claire. I need to trust him."
"So, he knows?"
Em closed her eyes and muttered a small prayer under her breath before replying, "He knew just by looking at her. And I couldn't lie to him. I-" A knock interrupted her. "Hold on, Mother." She covered the mouthpiece. "Yes?" she called out.
"It's only us," Dave greeted. In his arms was their daughter.
Em covered the receiver. "Come in. Claire, would you like to speak to Grand-mere?"
"Yes!" Dave set her on her feet. Holding tight to her doll, the little girl ran across the floor to where Em sat. Climbing into her mother's lap, Claire settled and reached for the phone.
"Grand-mere?"
"Hello, Claire! How's my precious girl?"
"Good. Where are you? Are you coming to get us?" Claire implored pathetically.
"Oh, darling, I'm working on it."
"I want you here," she pouted.
"I know you do," Elizabeth consoled. "Are you being good?"
"Yes. Grand-mere, did you know that Mr. Dave doesn't like lima beans?"
"No, I didn't. You don't like them, if I remember."
Claire made a face. "I don't. Can I see you for Christmas?"
"I don't know. I'm going to try."
"It's two days away."
"It is?"
"I wrote my letter to Santa."
"I'm sure he's going to bring you everything you want."
"I got my doll; I don't need anything."
"That's good. You hold on to her and don't lose her."
"I won't. I promise. I love you."
"I love you, too, angel. May I speak to your mommy?"
"Yes." Claire kissed the phone. "Bye!" She handed the receiver back. "Grand-mere wants to speak to you."
"I'm back."
"You take care of her."
"I am, Mother."
"You tell David Rossi that if anything happens to my girls, I will personally deal with him. Is that understood?" the words were delivered in a tight, slightly cadenced tone, but Elizabeth's threat was clear.
"I will tell him." Em looked at her watch. She needed to finish getting things prepared for the evacuation. "Mother, I need to go. Tell Hotch that I will try to call him later."
"Emily?" there was an almost desperate sound to Elizabeth's question.
"Yes?"
"Please take care of yourself. I…I love you."
"I love you, too, Mother. I'll talk to you later." Em hung up the receiver. She hugged Claire. "Did you have a good talk with Grand-mere?"
"Yep! She told me to take care of my doll."
"Ah. And you are doing a very good job." Em kissed Claire's neck. "Did you have your breakfast?"
"I don't like eggs."
"I know. But we are out of cereal."
"Can we go to the store and get some?"
Em shook her head. "We can't leave. It's too dange…it's not safe," she corrected and hoped her daughter didn't notice the slip.
"Mr. Dave can take us."
"We'll see," Em conceded. She lifted Claire and set her on the floor. "Give me a kiss. Why don't you go watch a movie with the other kids while I talk with your dad?"
Claire cast a wary glance between the two adults. She wanted to know what was happening, but she knew that look in her mother's eyes. There was going to be grown up talk.
"Okay." She closed the door behind her.
"She's something else. Just like someone I know."
"I brought you some coffee," Dave handed over the mug. "I thought you could use it."
Em grabbed the mug and took a long sip. "It's heavenly. Where did you find it?"
"Seems I had a couple of the instant packs hidden away in my go bag. Sorry for the taste. I'm not sure when I packed them."
"I don't care. It's delicious."
"What did your mother say?"
"She wishes she could be here and help."
Dave sat down in the leather chair. "Oh, that would definitely turn things on their ear."
"Mother's not that bad," Em insisted.
"She would probably hand me over to the terrorists."
"Actually, she told me to tell you that you are to take care of us. Or else," she finished with a wan smile.
"The Ambassador is a very smart lady, and I have no doubt that she means what she says. I won't let her down. I promise." Dave watched Em's body language. "What's on your mind?"
"The usual: Christmas," she laughed softly. "I don't know what we are going to do."
Leaning forward, he covered her free hand with his. "You'll think of something. But I have a feeling we will be out of here."
"I hope so." Em sipped. "Dave, why do you think Claire calls you 'Mr. Dave'?"
He shrugged. "I don't know. I should ask her. Perhaps she doesn't feel comfortable enough to call me 'Dad'." He took the mug and sipped. "Maybe she'll come around."
Em brushed a lock of hair behind her ear. "I'm sure she will."
Suddenly a loud explosion shook the building. The overhead lights flickered briefly, then came back on.
"What was that?!" Em cried out and stood up. She headed toward the window when suddenly she was yanked against the wall. "What are you doing?" She pushed against Dave who was pressed against her.
"Stay away from the window!" he ordered.
"They're bulletproof. I just wanted to see…"
"Bulletproof is not RPG proof, Em!" He glanced toward the large windows. He could hear the sound of gun fire and shouting in the streets, but the location of the office didn't afford him a view of the outside world.
"Let me go!"
"No! You stay here and draw the drapes," he ordered. "Don't give a sniper a reason to collect his reward by taking out an Ambassador." He leaned down and kissed Em hard and fast before turning around.
Em caught his arm. "Where are you going?"
"I need to find out where that explosion came from."
"It could have been anything," she hoped, but her gut felt differently.
"It could have," he agreed, "but that was a hell of a blast. And I'm sure there will be more where that came from."
"You think…?" she didn't want to say it aloud. She couldn't or else it would make it real.
He nodded. "I do. You better call and see about getting reinforcements." He hurried to the door.
"Dave?" she called out. He turned back to look at her. "Check on Claire."
"I will." He gave her a wink before disappearing.
Squaring her shoulders, Em pulled the heavy tapestries closed. Immediately the room darkened. She hated not having the sunshine, but it was a matter of safety and security.
Sitting down, she finished her coffee, and started making phone calls.