Notes: Here's a short chapter. . . I can always add twists and drag out a story. I was going to end this happily, but nothing ever goes smoothly for Annie, so thought I'd throw in one last drama. . . let me know what you think. . .

Joan always had a plan to get Annie back to D.C. Her plan had been in the works even before Annie knew it was what she wanted. As her former boss and mentor Joan felt responsible for Annie and the trajectory of her career. She wanted to make sure Annie would be treated fairly and because of her track record at the agency and clout in the world of intelligence, Joan made it possible for Annie to return and not land in federal custody. She prepared Annie to expect a period of being sequestered for briefs on all her contacts and missions for Mossad. The CIA wanted to know about every foreign agent Annie came in contact with while working outside the CIA to assess any liabilities.

Joan knew Annie would stand up under the pressure of the debriefs, but still she prepared her by telling her, "You will be treated like you have something to hide,"

"Only because I have nothing to hide, Mossad is an ally. The people I worked with, I did so to put away or neutralize our enemies too."

Joan was concerned that Annie would face backlash from Israel for returning and for sharing intelligence with the CIA. But Annie didn't seem concerned at all. There was a relationship there that could be further cultivated. Joan had it in her mind to offer Annie a position as a handler managing and training operatives in Israel.

/

Ryan helped Annie pack up her apartment, he did most of the heavy lifting. He planned to travel back home with many of her belongings. They didn't really speak about what would happen in D.C., both still cautious and uncertain of how things would unfold. Ryan wasn't going to celebrate until she was inside his home, safe and really with him in D.C. He watched her, there was a peace and happiness in her he had not seen before.

"The piano, I'm going to miss it," said Annie caressing the keys.

"There's one at my house, remember?"

Annie nodded and smiled. "It had a nice sound to it."

"You're really okay leaving here?" He knew what it meant to her.

"It's time," said Annie thinking to herself that a child needs both parents ideally. And while nothing had been ideal the last few years, it was time to really put down roots.

"I know it will be hard for you, please promise you'll lean on me," said Ryan.

Annie nodded and smiled back at him. Nothing felt more right to the couple.

/

Annie arrived back to D.C. via Canada. The plan was for Ryan to bring her in after they spent a few days settling in together and after their first appointment with an OB in D.C. But in Annie Walker's life, things never seem to go according to plan.

When Annie arrived at Dulles, she needed to use the restroom and phoned Ryan to say she'd be out in baggage claim in a few minutes. In the meantime Ryan waited to retrieve Noah's kennel. Ryan spent a few minutes figuring out where Noah would be and allowing the dog relief after the long flight.

"Welcome to the U.S. buddy," he said to Noah as he caught a glimpse of Annie at the baggage claim looking for her suitcases. He saw her approach to lift her suitcase off the belt he saw a man help her with her suitcase and while holding her suitcase, he led her out of baggage claim into an SUV parked outside. She turned back and looked right at Ryan before the man opened the door and had Annie climb inside before climbing in after her.

Ryan ran out with Noah behind barking.

Ryan is pissed at Joan and dialed her immediately as he tries to flag down a car. "Where are they taking her?"

Joan was confused. "What are you talking …"

Ryan cut her off, "Whoever has her just screeched off in a black SUV, I'm sending you a photo now. So help me God Joan, who the hell has her and where is she?"

"Oh my God, I had nothing to do with that," said Joan quickly looking for her assistant. "Get the DNI on the line, tell him it's urgent."

Assuming Joan was telling the truth, Ryan's mind went into overdrive trying to figure out who took Annie. There wasn't any fear in her face per se, just a look of concern.

"Joan you better not be lying to me, who in the hell has her then?" asked Ryan as he tried to avoid panicking.

"I understand your frustration," said Joan.

"Frustration doesn't begin to describe what I'm feeling," said Ryan running his fingers through his hair before making a fist with his right hand.

"Where the hell did they take her? And who are they?"

Joan walked out and called in Eric and his team. "I'm going to need time to work on that and your photo will help. Believe me, we were careful, no one here knew her travel plans. You know Annie she's always thinking two steps or more ahead. She hasn't been on anyone's radar in months, you know how it works here, there are constantly bigger fish to fry," said Joan trying to put Ryan at ease, but she herself was growing deeply concerned. Someone went above her and she had an idea of who and he messed with the wrong person.

Ryan is distraught. He felt out of control with anger and worry. In his mind, he pleaded for Annie and their child's safety. There was no one to turn to but God. If anything happened to them, he would never forgive himself.

"I'll call you in 10 minutes. Stay calm," said Joan hanging up.

Ryan hated being helpless. He called Jim and gave him the description of the van and asked him to tap into city cameras to spot it.