HOMEWARD BOUND

Standard Disclaimers

Please send me reviews – thanks to everyone who has sent me reviews.

Author's Note: Sorry for the delay – with the holidays I was busy and have had writer's block.

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Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport

Anna waded through the people in the airport until she found Clay at the gate. 

"Anna this is crazy." Clay said as he walked towards her.

"Clay, I thought about it and I need to be there." Anna stated

"Couldn't you guys keep her in bed?" Clay asked Angelo and Lucia.

"You argue with her." Angelo replied with a smirk.

"I need to get in touch with Mac and Harm; they should meet us at the airport." Clay said.

"We also need to contact the Reston Police; I don't want a scene at the airport." Anna said.

"Mac and Harm can handle your surrender." Clay said. "We better board."

They took their seats on the plane and settled in.  The flight took off and Anna casually put her hand up to her collarbone and rubbed her neck.

"Oh no, I lost my cross." Anna said sadly.

"No, you didn't," Clay said with a smile and pulled the cross out of his pocket. "Turn around let me help you."  Anna shifted so he could once again put the cross on Anna, just as he did that Christmas morning.

"Thank you. I knew I loved you for a reason." Anna teased.

"Now, sit back and get some rest. I am going to try to contact Mac and Harm." Clay said putting a blanket over Anna.

Lucia and Angelo were seated behind them and both quietly smiled at the way Clay took care of Anna.  If there was ever any doubt about his feelings for her, the last 24 hours had erased them.  It was obvious that he not only cared for Anna but loved her as well.  Maybe Anna was correct, she could handle this situation herself or at least with Clay's assistance.  

Dulles International Airport – Herndon, VA

Several hours later, the plane touched down in Virginia.  As they got off the plane, Mac and Harm were waiting for them. 

"Anna it's good to see you." Mac said, giving her a hug.

"It's good to see you both. Clay told me what you did. Thank you for going to Italy." Anna said.

"You're one of us now; we take care of our own." Harm said.

"Well as long as you're taking care of things what's going on with the Reston PD?" Clay asked.

"Anna, you are going to have to turn yourself in." Mac said.

"Are they charging me?" Anna asked.

"Yes." Harm said.

"With what?" Anna asked.

"Take your pick; murder, fleeing the scene, obstruction…" Harm said.

"You aren't serious." Clay yelled.

"Clayton, take it easy. " Lucia advised.  They were all too stunned by Harm's comments and they didn't see Anna wobble.

"Anna," Clay said catching her before she fell. "Are you okay?"

"Fine, just tired. Take me home please." Anna said softly.

"Anna, I will stay with you." Lucia said.

"No Ma, go with Angelo." Anna said shaking her head.

"Anna you can't stay alone." Angelo said.

"I won't be alone. Clay will be there." Anna replied.

"We'll be fine Lucia. I promise." Clay said.

"I trust you." Lucia said giving him a motherly kiss.

"When does she have to report?" Clay asked.

"First thing in the morning," Mac replied.

"Will one of you be there?" Clay asked.

"Harm is going to be there in the morning, I am preparing a motion to dismiss." Mac replied.

"The Admiral is also preparing a brief." Harm said.

"I don't know how to thank you all." Anna said.

"Thank us later, go home and get some rest." Mac said.  With that, they all left and went to their respective homes.

Anna's Home

"It's so good to be home.  I wondered if I would ever see this place again." Anna said standing at the door.

"Let me help you." Clay said lifting her up.

"Clay, I can make it up the stairs." Anna said.

"I promised your mother I would take care of you." Clay said with a smile.

"So does that mean you are taking me to bed Mr. Webb?" Anna asked coyly.

"You have a one track mind." Clay laughed shaking his head.

"I've missed you." Anna replied kissing his neck.

"I've missed you too but Miss Paparini that is not going to happen, you need to rest." Clay stated.

"Your loss," Anna laughed as he carried her to the bedroom.

"I know it, but we have the rest of our lives." Clay said, really wanting to give into temptation.

"I like the way that sounds." Anna said as she got into bed, "the rest of our lives."

"Clay, how are you at changing bandages?" Anna asked.

"Turn over, let me check that for you." Clay said.  He changed her bandages and then continued, "Once we get this situation straightened out, there will be time for everything."

"I know I just can't believe this is happening." Anna said.

"You're all patched up, now get some rest." Clay said leaving the room.

"Where are you going?" Anna asked.

"To sleep in the guest room," Clay replied.

"Stay with me, please." Anna requested.

"Okay, but no funny stuff." Clay said.

"I know, spoon me." Anna said sweetly.

"Do you ever not get your way?" Clay asked crawling next to her and holding her.

"Hasn't happened yet," Anna said as she settled into his arms and went to sleep.

The Next Morning

Anna woke first the next morning.  She got up and made coffee.

"Yo, up and at 'em." Anna called out.

"Must you always wake me like that?" Clay laughed.

"What, I've done it once, maybe twice." Anna said handing him a mug.

"How are you feeling?" Clay asked.

"I'm ok. Being home helped a lot." Anna said.

"Are you ready?" Clay questioned.

"Yeah, it will be ok.  I am going to tell the truth, the charges are going to be dropped." Anna said with some confidence.

"Webb." Clay said answering his cell.

"Good morning. Welcome back." John Pierce said.

"Pierce, to what do I owe the pleasure?" Clay said.

"Your friend is back in town I hear." Pierce said.

"My friend?" Clay asked.

"Webb you don't do innocent well." Pierce stated. "It's no secret that you and Miss Paparini are quite the couple."

"What do you want Pierce?" Clay asked.

"I'd like to speak with her actually; about the charges against her." Pierce said.

"And the FBI is involved why?" Clay asked knowing the answer.

"She's our best source of information," Pierce began. "I have a deal for her."

"Why would she need a deal?" Clay asked. "She's innocent."

"Webb if she's with you, let me speak to her." Pierce said.

Clay covered the phone and turned to Anna. "John Pierce of the FBI wants to speak with you."

"He's offering a deal isn't he?" Anna replied. "He gets the charges against me dropped in exchange for assistance."

"You don't need a deal, and helping him can only put your life in danger." Clay replied.

"Let me talk to him." Anna said reaching for Clay's phone. "Good morning Mr. Pierce, this is Anna Paparini how can I help you?"

"Any chance we could meet?" Pierce asked.

"I am on my way to meet with Sergeant Osgood at the Reston PD.  We can meet there." Anna said.

"Sounds good, I will be there." Pierce replied and hung up.

"Clay, before you get worked up, I am going to meet with Mr. Pierce.  I want to know what he has to say." Anna stated.

"Anna I think Harm should be with you when you meet with him." Clay replied.

"I can handle it; I am a lawyer after all." Anna said.

"You are recovering from a gunshot wound; you were in a coma and are facing murder charges.  Would you let someone else take the lead? Please?" Clay said.

Anna just looked at him; she didn't say a word.  She gave him a kiss and left.