Eli rang Christian at 6 in the morning Seattle time, waking him sharply from a turbulent sleep. 'Ari? What the hell are you calling for at this time? I'm meant to be taking Jade-' Ari cut him off 'to the airport? She's already gone Christian, Jade's on board a Boing headed for Tel Aviv'. Christian sat up quickly, suddenly very much awake 'Her flight isn't for another three hours though?'.
Ari sounded exasperated 'yes, well she used her Israeli passport and it came up on a check, I wanted to make sure she got the flight okay. It looks like she took an earlier one, probably so that she didn't have to deal with the awkward goodbyes'.
Christian sighed, looking at Ana who was sleeping soundly next to him 'when does she land?' there was a pause as Ari tapped at a keyboard 'not for another hour'. Christian was at a loss, completely surprised by his daughter's actions 'but Faith-'
Ari interrupted him tersely 'don't underestimate how much she loves that baby Christian. She spent an hour on the phone to Daniel on Tuesday crying her eyes out over even the thought of leaving her baby. I'd expect this is the hardest thing she's ever had to do, it's a natural instinct… well it is for most women'.
Ari and Christian were very much aware of the fact that Ari's own daughter Elena was one of the few exceptions.
Christian ran a hand over his stubble, thinking. 'I'm going out there' Ari sounded incredulous 'you're doing what?'. 'I'm keeping an eye on my little girl, I'm not having her come back in a coma again' Ari sounded affronted 'maybe you should remember that Jade has a large number of people who care about her out here. By the time you can get here she'll already be in a briefing'.
Christian shrugged 'I have a jet, I can be there soon. I'm not having a repeat of the last time she was out there'. 'Grey, there is no way I can let you anywhere near her assignment. The best I can do is let you stay with Daniel as he watches the surveillance and plays the audio. That's it'.
Christian was already making a list in his head of what he needed to pack and the appointments he had to cancel 'that's more than okay. I'll be getting going then-' he was cut off by the bedroom door banging open sharply.
Luke was standing in the doorway, wearing only a pair of pyjama shorts, showing off his impressive muscles. It was the wary and scared look in his eyes that Christian noticed first however
'she's gone. She's already fucking gone. Left some bullshit note and her star of David necklace next to Faith's crib'.
Christian blinked in surprise at Luke's loud reaction, glad that he wasn't sleeping naked. 'It's fine Luke, I'm going to Israel, I'm going to make sure she's okay'.
Ana was stirring beside Christian but neither of them payed attention 'I'm coming with you' 'Ah, Luke, that's not such a good idea-'. Luke cut him off with a hand, voice somber 'the last thing I said to my wife involved the words 'fuck' and 'off', if you're going- I'm going too'.
Faith chose this moment to start loudly crying and Luke nodded firmly 'and so is Faith, I'm sure Ari could spend time with his great granddaughter'
Luke turned on his heel and left the room, moving to attend to his daughter.
As Ana was slowly waking up Christian spoke again to Ari who was still at the other end of the line 'Luke's coming too, and he's adamant on bringing Faith'.
Ari was clearly surprised by his momentary pause. 'I see, where Daniel will be is no place for Faith. She stays with me- out of harms way'. Christian in characteristically agreed and hung up, immediately pressing a speed dial 'Taylor? Yes, get the jet ready ASAP...Israel...you, me, Luke and Faith...I'll explain on the way...Tel Aviv...yes. Let me know'.
Ana blinked in both surprise and sleepiness 'you're going to Israel?' Christian nodded, stroking her hair lightly 'yes, sorry baby, I just...Jade left before we could sort things out, or say goodbye. I can't let the same thing happen to my baby girl...'. Ana smiled slightly and craned her neck up to kiss him gently on the lips 'It's okay, I'll be waiting for you'.
Let me know what you think x