Author note:

Okay, here we are. Let's see if Troy finally gets his. As always please leave a review if you enjoyed this. I appreciate your support so much!

CH 98-Endgame

Clay was pulled from sleep by the sound of a FaceTime call coming into his phone. He rolled over quickly and pressed accept. He didn't want the noise to disturb Emma. She had woken twice during the night with nightmares and he wanted her to sleep as long as possible. He quietly indicated to Sonny to wait a minute. He pulled on a pair of pants, tucked the blankets up around Emma's sleeping form and went into the living room.

"Can you talk now Bam-Bam?"

"Yea. I didn't want to wake Emma."

Clay could see that Sonny was over as Jason's and that most of the rest of the team seemed to be there as well. After he mentioned Emma, Ray spoke up.

"Good that you let her sleep, brother. Naima said that Emma wasn't sleeping well at all. Lots of restless nights."

Clay nodded absently, looking toward the bedroom doorway.

"So, let's get down to it. How soon can we get started with this? I need to teach this bastard a lesson and Emma needs closure."

"It's already started," Jason jumped in. "That's where Brock and Cerb are now."

"So, you found him?"

"Yea. It wasn't too hard. We had his name and the name of the college. Tracking him down was pretty simple."

"Brock and Cerb are tailing him?"

"Wherever he goes, they'll go."

Sonny chimed in next.

"This bully's gonna find out all about stalking by the time we're done!"

"But I thought we didn't want him to be sure that he's being watched, or we won't catch him."

"Oh, he ain't gonna catch nobody. We'll rotate and stay in the shadows."

"I'm all for that. I just want five minutes alone with him."

Jason took back his phone.

"You and me both. You'll get it, we just need to be patient. And you're going to have to lay pretty low. He can't know that Em isn't alone now."

"I can do that. But I'll have to go out some. And I want to get eyes on this SOB."

"You'll need to talk to Em too, she still has a part to play. Think she's up for it?"

"I am. What do I need to do?"

Clay's head jerked up in surprise at the sound of her voice coming from their bedroom doorway. Her eyes were still heavy, and her voice was gravelly with sleep. She had pulled on his discarded shirt to cover up. Clay held out a hand to her and she joined him on the couch, curling herself up against his side. He turned to talk to her, forgetting about everyone on the other end of his phone.

"Emmie, I hope I didn't wake you up babe."

"No, you didn't. In fact, I can't believe I slept this late," she said, gesturing to the clock.

Clay wrapped an arm around her and kissed her on the top of her head.

"You needed the rest honey."

"I did. It's been a long time since I've slept this long."

Jason's voice brought them back to the present and reminded them that they weren't truly alone. Clay grabbed the blanket off the back of the couch to help Emma cover up a bit in front of her dad and the team.

"How are you doing, Em?"

"I'm better now that you and Clay and the whole team are home safe."

"We're going to take care of this honey. You don't have to be scared anymore."

She sniffed as big tears rolled down her cheeks.

"I know. Thank you, everybody. I'm sorry to cause so much trouble."

"Hey, there Sunshine. Don't you be apologizing for nothin'. None of this is yer fault, okay? This fuc-, guy is a jerk and I'm pretty certain you ain't the first one he's done this to."

"You think so," Emma questioned as she wiped her cheeks.

Jason was the one to answer.

"Sonny's right, Em. This is probably a pattern of behavior for him."

"He's most likely used to getting his way and bullying people, especially women," Clay added. "He's probably never dealt with a strong woman like you. A woman that refused to be intimidated. And that sent him over the edge."

"That makes sense, I guess. What do I need to do?"

Jason proceeded to fill her in on their plan.

"Basically, you just need to keep doing what you've been doing. Go to class and work, take Koda with you, and go about your life. The biggest thing is to make sure Troy doesn't realize that Clay's back home with you. He needs to think you're alone."

"Okay, why's that?"

"Since the police won't do anything unless they catch him, we need to lull him into taking action and catch him ourselves."

"But Clay can't stay inside all the time."

"He won't need to. We'll have eyes on Mitchell 24/7. We'll let you know when it's safe for him to be out and about."

"And Em…" Jason hated that he had to say this next part. "When he does make his next move, you'll have to appear to be alone."

"So…he'll be able to get to me?"

They could all hear the panic in her voice. Clay hugged her tighter and tried to speak in a calming voice.

"No, baby. I would never let that happen. Neither would your Dad or any of us. One of us will always be close by. You'll never really be alone. And if he falls for this, and does what I think he'll do, I'll be right there to step in and make him pay."

Emma buried her face in his shoulder and nodded her head. Then she sat back up, took a deep breath, and pushed her hair back from her face.

"Alright. I can to that."

She turned to look right into Clay's eyes.

"I can do anything as long as you're with me."

"I know you can Emmie."

Emma thanked the guys again and went to take a shower. Clay stayed on and they all reviewed the logistics of their plan, surveillance rotation, check-in times, and go/no-go actions. Before they wrapped up, he checked in about taking Koda out and he and Emma going to the grocery. Brock gave the all-clear and promised to get in contact if anything changed.

Life seemed almost back to normal over the next couple days. Since it was the weekend, and Bravo was off rotation, Emma and Clay stuck close to the apartment. After their two-month separation, they craved time alone together, so staying in by themselves was no hardship. They only went out to get food, or to take Koda on a walk. That was only after checking in with whoever was on surveillance duty to make sure the coast was clear.

Clay was happy to see that Emma seemed to be sleeping better and was getting her appetite back. The tension was fading from her expression and she even joked around when they had a FaceTime call with her younger brother. But, come Sunday night the worry was back in her eyes. She knew that she would be back to class and to work that week. Logically, she knew she was never alone, but it still frightened her to think that Troy could be watching her at any time and was plotting his next move.

The guys treated this like any surveillance mission. No one missed a check in, and everyone gave it 100%. Sonny and Vic took turns tailing him on Monday with not much to observe.

Tuesday was quiet until Trent reported in that Troy had done a drive-by on the apartment. Bravo 4 watched him sit in the parking lot for about an hour, watching people come and go. All this happened while Clay was sitting inside. When Trent sent him some pictures of their target sitting in his fancy car, just outside his door, it took all Clay's patience and control not to bust out there and beat the shit out of him on the spot. But he remembered their endgame and calmed himself.

Wednesday came and Emma was almost too nervous to go to work. Jason and Ray, who'd had the night shift related that Mitchell had been out partying hard the night before and was apparently out cold. So, Clay took advantage of the situation to drive Emma to and from work. It absolutely killed him not to be able to accompany her to campus that night for her class, especially knowing Troy would be there. Emma harnessed up Koda and headed out. Clay let her know that, Brock and Cerb wouldn't be far away and that calmed her somewhat.

Emma held her head up as she entered the classroom, even as her hand was trembling on Koda's leash. Tonight's topics was the US ongoing involvement in Afghanistan and the impact of a seemingly never-ending war. She had studied up on the reading and done plenty of her own. Even without divulging anything from Bravo's recent deployment there, she had plenty to say.

As expected, Troy opened his mouth as soon as Professor Donaldson finished speaking.

"I think it's pretty clear to anyone that hasn't been brainwashed, or spoon-fed military talking points their whole life," he paused and directed his gaze to Emma and then continued. "that the US is directly responsible for almost all the violence against the Afghani people, and therefore culpable for the thousands of casualties."

It was an open challenge and Emma planned to answer it. She practice the breathing Clay taught her to calm her nerves and help her focus her thoughts.

"Well, I'm not sure where Mr. Mitchell gathered his data since he has neglected to provide any supporting proof for his outrageous statements. But, the assigned reading, as well as several other publications I researched do not bare out his assertions."

Emma kept her cool and went on to site article after article that showed that the home-grown terror networks were the reason for most of the deaths in the region.

"Most recently, I believe a joint US and Afghani operation was responsible for capturing one of the top terror leaders in the country, Al-Safi." She was careful to stick to only facts that were available to the public. "If you looked into Al-Safi at all you would see that his network was responsible for the deaths of hundreds of his own people. And even the leader of the Afghan forces is publicly on record stating that they would not have been able to bring in Al-Safi without the help of American Special Forces."

Try as she might, she couldn't help but project some of the pride she felt knowing, unofficially of course, that Bravo had a hand in bringing the terror leader down.

Troy had no response to her well-reasoned arguments and remained silent for the rest of the class. However, Emma could feel his gaze boring into her back like a red-hot poker. She knew that he probably expected her to back down immediately, given his harassment of her. But there was no way she would allow him to continue to paint Clay, her dad, and the rest of her family as the villains, not when they put their lives at risk almost every day to help people.

Class was dismissed and Emma headed out to her car immediately. She could hear footsteps coming closer as she reached her vehicle. Koda growled and bared his teeth as Troy caught up to her. He started to grab her arm but thought better of it when he saw the dog ready to lunge. He backed off but hissed at her as he stepped away.

"You're going to be sorry you messed with me you little bitch!"

Emma tried to stay calm, but her heart was racing, and she felt like she was about to pass out. Thankfully, she saw Brock and Cerberus ambling across the parking lot, seemingly uninterested strangers out taking an evening walk. The sight of them gave her the courage to get into her car calmly and start for home.

Brock continued to follow Troy across campus and back to his apartment. He and Cerb parked themselves on a nearby bench until it was time for Metal and Derek to take over. After thirty minutes, he called Clay to make sure that Emma was home safely. Clay let him know that Emma was home thanked him for watching out for her. Brock told him what had gone down and why he allowed himself to be seen. That wasn't all he told his brother. While Emma was in class, he and Cerb had positioned themselves near the open window to the classroom. He heard the discussions and how Emma handled herself. This Troy bastard was right about one thing, Emma had made him look like a complete fool.

Emma was in the kitchen getting herself something to drink when Clay came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her, kissing her temple.

"What's this for? Not that I mind."

"Brock heard what you said in class today."

She turned in his arms to face him.

"He did? I didn't know he was anywhere close enough to hear."

"Yea. He told me how you eviscerated that egotistical shit's points with logic and evidence."

He hugged her closer and tucked her head beneath his chin before continuing.

"You're amazing, Em. Most people in your situation would be too scared to stand up to their harasser."

"Well, I couldn't let him spout all those uninformed lies about you and the rest of our military just to make me look bad."

"I'm so proud to be with you Em. I've never met anyone stronger than you."

He grasped her jaw and angled his lips over hers. Kissing her with all the love and admiration he had for her. When their lips separated, Emma leaned her head against his firm chest and spoke quietly.

"Thank you. But I'm not strong Clay. I'm still terrified and I just want this to be over."

He held her tighter and pressed his lips to her head.

"It will be Baby. It will all be over soon, I promise."

Clay's words would prove to be prophetic. The next day Ray reported that he followed Troy to a hardware store where he purchased a crowbar, some duct tape, and zip-ties. He was obviously planning something, and soon.

They shifted to two-man teams. They weren't taking any chances with Emma's safety. All was quiet until Friday. Metal and Derek put out the word that Troy left his apartment, stuffed a huge bag in his trunk and was on currently heading in the direction of Emma and Clay's apartment. All of Bravo dropped whatever they were doing made their way to the couple's apartment complex. As planned Clay exited their apartment and hid in the shadows where he wouldn't be seen.

The two members of Alpha watched Troy take the stairs up to the third floor and go directly to Emma's door. They watched him take the crowbar and jimmy the lock to enter the apartment. Clay called Emma and let her know what was going on. She was understandably frightened to come home from class, but she trusted Clay, her Dad, and her Bravo family to keep her safe.

Troy looked around the apartment. It appeared that the Hayes bitch had a boyfriend at one time. The pictures of the two of them were everywhere. There were even some of the dude's clothes still around. He knew he hadn't seen anyone for weeks. He couldn't imagine her being able to hold on to anyone. Then he laughed as he pictured Emma getting dumped.

"Good for him," Troy laughed. "Run away from this bitch, man. Run far away!"

He got back to his task and readied himself for Emma's return. He knew her classes were over for the day and that her routine was to come home and drop off her things before taking that dog of hers on a walk. He was a little concerned about the dog, but he figured one good swing of the crowbar would take care of him. Once he had everything prepared, he sat down in the chair and watched the clock, counting the minutes until he had his revenge. And it would be sweet. He could just picture her begging him. She wouldn't be so cocky and sure then, would she?

Emma pulled into the lot and checked her phone. There were messages from her Dad and Clay, reassuring her that they were all there, and that she would come to no harm. She grabbed her bag and Koda's leash and got out of the car. As she climbed the stairs, Clay emerged from his observation post and joined her. They approached the door silently, Clay carefully avoiding the window and peephole.

Troy heard keys in the lock and jumped up to position himself behind the door. Finally, finally he would be vindicated. As Emma unlocked the door, Clay stepped in front of her and carefully pushed the door open. Troy stood, holding his breath. He couldn't wait for the look in Emma's eyes as she closed the door and saw him there. But it was him that was in for a surprise.

Clay moved quickly, grabbing Troy's outstretched arm, and easily relieving him of the crowbar. Emma grabbed Koda and retreated into the bedroom.

Troy yelled with outrage as Clay took his legs out from under him.

"Who the fuck are you?"

Clay pinned him to the carpet with his knee while twisting his arms behind his back.

"I live here. I'm the boyfriend Emma warned you about you son of a bitch!"

Clay could have easily kept this college boy immobilized, but he wasn't done with him yet. He eased up his hold just enough that he tried to squirm away. Clay flipped him over and began to pummel him with his fists.

"You like to intimidate women, you shit? Not such a big man, now are you?"

Clay was blind with rage over what this asshole had done to his girl.

Emma could hear Troy grunting and whimpering as Clay landed blow after blow. She was worried that he wouldn't stop. Thankfully, the rest of the team made it up the stairs and through the unlocked door. They saw Clay perched on top of Mitchell, beating him bloody. Finally, Sonny and Jason intervened, pulling their brother off before he did something he couldn't take back.

Ray and Trent pulled Troy up and sat him in a chair. He peered at them through the slits of his blackened eyes.

"Who…who are you," he blubbered.

Emma emerged from the bedroom with the answer.

"They're my family."

Realizing that what she told him was the truth, and these guys really were SEALs he began to blubber and beg.

"Shut up," Jason growled.

Clay held out his arms to Emma. He could feel her trembling against him. Stroking his hands over her hair he tried to help calm her frazzled nerves. She wouldn't cry, at least not now, not in front of Troy. She didn't want to give him that satisfaction. Jason went to stand by Clay and his daughter, laying his hand on Emma's back too, lending her his strength.

"Well, I hate to be the voice of reason here," Sonny cut in. "But what are we gonna do with this worm," he asked as he indicated the still whimpering Troy.

"I've still got that shovel and lye in my trunk," Metal added dryly.

Clay chanced a look and Mitchell after that comment, and he looked like he was about to shit himself.

"No, no we need to do this right. Let Emma call the police. They already have the previous incidents on record. Now we can add breaking and entering as well as attempted assault and maybe kidnapping."

As Emma dialed 911, Clay turned back to Troy.

"We're going to make sure you get what's coming to you and that you can't do this to anyone else, ever again."

Clay fisted the front of his shirt one more time and made sure Troy was listening.

"But hear me loud and clear…you ever so much as look in Emma's direction again…now or ever, and we won't need lye to destroy the evidence. You got that?"

The police came and arrested Troy and took everyone's statements. Given the previous reports of harassment and the fact that he had broken into the apartment with clear intent to do harm, it seemed pretty open and shut. There were questions about Troy's severe beating, but Clay explained that he had been coming at him and Emma with a crowbar and the two fought. They also inquired as to the presence of the rest of Bravo. Emma simply clarified that they were coming over to join her and Clay for lunch and happened to arrive just after the altercation. In the end, they weren't sure if the officer in charge really believed them, or simply was happy that they finally had something to hold Troy on after everything he had gotten away with.

After what seemed like hours, the police finally left. Emma hugged each of the men and thanked them for taking time away from their families and lives to help her. Sonny responded for all of them.

"Hey Sunshine, no thanks needed. We always take care of our own."

They all shuffled out. Jason was the last to leave. He held his girl and reminded her how much she was loved.

"I love you too Daddy, bye."

Finally, they were alone, save Koda, and the dam she had built to control her emotions broke. Clay caught her as her legs gave way and she sobbed in relief. He lowered them to the floor and pulled her into his lap, holding her while she wept.

"It's okay, Baby. It's done. It's all over Emmie. You're safe now. I'll never let anything happen to you, Em. Never. I love you, Emmie."

She let his assurances of love wash over her and drew comfort from the strength of his arms around her. They were together and she was safe. She raised her trembling lips to his and kissed him through her tears. Conveying without words all that she wanted to say.