Title: Journey to Homecoming Pt. 16/?
Author: Sheila
Category: Romance
Pairing: Clay/Sarah
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: As If
Spoilers: Up through 'Need to Know'
Summary: Clay and Sarah come together during an investigation
Archiving: Just ask me
A/N: For Paula who is out of commission this weekend. I hope this helps a little.
Clay's POV
2315 Local
Regan National Airport
The final leg of the trip was mostly uneventful. After Sarah and Harm quit riding each other we had settled in, this time I slept in Sarah's arms. When I woke just before we landed she was deep in thought with a smile on her face.
"What are you thinking?" I said as I sat up yawning and stretching.
Her smile got broader. "About us, what our children will look like, how we will manage our lives. You know, simple things, good things."
"I don't think we will have to worry about our children's looks. They will be ours not matter what they look like, and we'll love them. And as far as us, well we are compatible, in bed at least." I grabbed her hand as it was descending to 'tap' my thigh. "No hitting." She just laughed at me.
"One thing I do know, there will be laughter. I have laughed and smiled more with you in the last week than I have with any woman I've known combined. You are very good for me."
"Glad to be of service. Not to change gears, but where do we stay tonight? I need a clean uniform and you need a suit and my car is at headquarters."
"Mine is at my townhouse. Let's grab a cab and go to your place and pack some things then take cab it back to mine. It's closer to Falls Church and we can get a few more minutes sleep in the morning."
"Sounds like a plan. I am so ready to get home with you." She picked up my hand and held it as we landed. Surprisingly she didn't have a death grip on me. Falling in love had definitely altered her fear of flying.
After the plane landed Meredith left without saying anything. As the rest of us made our way to the luggage I heard a feminine voice calling my name from beyond the security lines. I turned trying to locate who made the call and noticed my cousin waving her arms to get my attention.
"Clay, over here. Are you blind!" It actually was hard to miss her. She was only a little over five feet and she was in a big crowd.
"Sarah, do you remember our conversation about my relatives and how I was close to Morgan in particular?" I could tell she was wondering who the little blonde was.
"Yes, and I'm looking forward to meeting her. She sounded like someone I could really like."
"Well, you are going to get to meet her now." I clasped her hand in mine and we walked over to the bouncing sideshow. Rabb and Tracy followed.
As we passed the security barrier I was immediately assaulted by five foot nothing of excited female.
"Cnew, what took you so long? Aunt P said you'd be in a hour ago." (A/N: Cnew is pronounced 'snew')
Morgan was a year younger than I and we had grown up like brother and sister. Her father was my paternal uncle and he acted as my surrogate father after my own had died. I loved her and her family dearly.
I hugged her back almost crushing her. We hadn't seen each other since I was in Russia during the Atef affair. She worked for State as a linguist, speaking close to fifteen languages fluently. When I left for Suriname she was getting posted to France and we hadn't been able to connect. I had missed her so much; the e-mails that we had shared weren't enough.
"L'Pew, it's great to see you. Now let go and let me introduce you to my fiancée. She turned to Sarah with a brilliant smile then proceeded to give her a bear hug.
"You must be Sarah. I've been dying to meet you since Aunt P told me about the engagement. We have got to get together and talk about Cnew here. I have been saving up information on him forever and have had no one to share it with. Thank to the Gods for sending me a sister finally."
"I guess Clay is Cnew and did he call you L'Pew?" Sarah asked with a confused look in her eyes. I couldn't hold the laughter back any longer. Morgan and I had been using the nicknames since we were children.
Morgan giggled also. "Cnew is my name for Clayton Neville Edward Webb, and L'Pew is for me, Laura Patricia Elizabeth Webb. I didn't like any of my names when I was little and wouldn't answer to anyone of them. We had just learned to write our initials and as kids do tried to pronounce them as a word. Then we saw a Pepe L'Peu cartoon and the rest, as they say, is history." Morgan had always made me laugh no matter what the situation. We were such polar opposites; I had been a very serious child, and she was the comic relief. Sarah, Tracy and Rabb laughed at the explanation and Morgan's antics.
"I understand, but where does Morgan come from?" Sarah was still confused.
"Well, even with my nickname, I didn't like Laura. Then I saw a TV show called Flamingo Road with Morgan Fairchild. I was convinced I was going to look like her when I grew up. You know the best laid plans and all that. I've got the curls, blonde hair and blue eyes, but someone forgot to add the upward inches. I'm 39 years old and I'm still getting carded," she said in mock frustration. Sarah smiled and shook her head.
When Morgan finished her explanation I introduced our companions. She greeted them with her usual outgoing nature. "Oh. My. God. You're Rabb? I've heard about you for years. I guess you're as big a pain in the ass as Clay is. You know you two really deserve each other." She paused to take a breath and gave Tracy a warm smile and a handshake. The two of them looked a little shell-shocked. Morgan definitely had that effect on people.
"OK, guys. I've got the limo. Give me the luggage tickets; Frederick should be outside waiting for you. I'll get a skycap, get your bags and meet you outside in a few minutes." We gave the tickets to Morgan and left for the limo. We were all tired from the flight and were grateful to have someone take over.
A few minutes later the diminutive 'general' showed up with the skycap and instructed him how to load it in the trunk; she commanded without being over bearing. When they were done she climbed in beside me and asked where we needed to go. After a few minutes discussion we decided Harm and Tracy would come with Sarah and I to my place after a brief stop to pick up uniforms for everyone. Cars were scattered at a different airport and at JAG HQ, and with the early morning meeting this allowed for the most rest for everyone.
An hour later we arrived at my townhouse ready to drop. Morgan usually stayed with me when she was in town. She had let her apartment go because she barely spent more than a few days every several months in the states. She shooed all of us to bed. Harm and Tracy would take her room, and she would prepare the other guest room later for herself. I learned long ago not to argue with her, it wasn't worth the effort as she won every round when I dared to anyway. Sarah and I gave her a kiss goodnight and tiredly climbed the stairs to my bedroom.
When I closed the door Sarah gave me a tired look. "Shower now or in the morning?" I asked, hoping for now, I wanted to sleep in as long as possible in the morning.
"Let's do it now. After that many hours on a plane I feel pretty grubby." With that she turned to the bathroom and started stripping her clothing piece by piece leaving a trail like breadcrumbs as I followed in her wake.
Sarah's POV
I was surprised a Meredith's attitude. She hadn't spoken a word to us since the VIP room in Hawaii. I was really worried about the Admiral. He had seemed happy in the relationship with Meredith, even putting up with her dingy ways far longer than I had expected. When I got them together I only knew her through the classes she taught Chloe so I really had no idea how wild she was. He needed someone to lighten him up, but she wasn't that person.
When we approached the security barrier separating arriving travelers from those waiting for them someone called Clay's name. He seemed to recognize the voice, but he couldn't locate her in the crowd.
"Over. Here! Are you blind?" The voice called out. Then I saw what I first thought was a teenager waving her arms to get Clay's attention. She was small and blonde, and definitely a not a teenager. Clay told me that we going to meet his cousin Morgan. This woman was 39? She looked 30 at most. I got a brief look at her face before she launched herself into Clay's arms. He hugged her tightly and kissed her on her forehead. You could see the love between the two. I'm glad he told me who she was, or I would have been very jealous right now.
"Cnew what took you so long? Aunt P said you would be here an hour ago." Cnew? Oh, the man has a nickname, a really odd one at that. Thank you Morgan for that piece of ammunition.
Clay introduced us and she gave me a bear hug, welcoming into the family and offering to share Clay's secrets with me. I could tell that we were going to become bosom buddies in no time. She explained their, I guess I can say it, weird nicknames for each other and the explanation actually made sense. I visualized a small dark-haired boy being followed about by a blonde pixie. I suddenly realized that I had a clear image of what my children would look like. Both had their father's green eyes and beautiful smile. I can't wait to welcome them into the world!
Morgan was a dynamo. In no time she had thrown Harm for a loop and hustled us into the limo. She explained to the skycap how she wanted the trunk packed, in Hindi, no less. I guess that was one of her fifteen languages. Clay said the first thing she learned in any language were the curse words. When she lost it her language was quite colorful fifteen different ways!
A decision was made by everyone to sleep at Clay's. I say everyone, but I'm sure Morgan had already planned it long before she picked us up. We were so tired I think we would have agreed to stay anywhere as long as there was a bed.
Clay and I decided to shower tonight rather than in the morning. We had joked about our dream bathroom, but the one he had now wasn't too shabby. The shower stall was large with a bench to rest on. We stood together under the warm spray almost falling asleep where we stood. Clay picked up the soap and a sponge and began bathing me, there nothing sexual but everything sensual in the way he moved the sponge over my tired body. When he was done I returned the favor.
"You know that I would really like to make love with you right now, but I'm so tired that I think I would fall asleep in the attempt." He sleepily mumbled.
"And I wouldn't appreciate the effort anyway. Let's dry off and hit the bed." He nodded his agreement and we dried off and more or less stumbled in to bed. I lay on my side and he spooned behind me placing his arm over my waist to rest his hand on my breast. We fell asleep almost immediately.
0630
Webb Residence
Alexandria, Virginia
The next thing I knew someone was calling my name and I smelled the aroma of fresh brewed coffee. Clay was on his back and I was draped over his chest. I opened my eyes to see Morgan placing a tray on the bedside table. When she noticed that I was awake she smiled.
"It's six-thirty. If you have to be at your office by eight you guys are going to have to get up now. There is coffee here. Breakfast will be finished by the time you dress and get downstairs." Clay woke and moaned.
"Cnew, get your lazy butt out of bed, you've got places to go and people to meet."
"I will when you leave, I'm not exactly dressed for company." He grumbled.
"Hey, I've seen your birthday suit before." She managed to get birthday out before he pelted her with a pillow. She stood with her hands on her hips, much like Clay, and blew him a raspberry.
"You are no fun. I'm going to irritate Rabb. That should be fun." She turned and got hit with another pillow as she left the room. She poked her head back in and stuck her tongue out at him, and then pulled her head back. We could here her laughter as she went down the hall to wake Harm and Tracy.
"Clay, I like her. I'm glad the two of you had each other growing up. Your personalities must have balanced each other.
"Yes they did. No one could be around her and be serious all the time, and I think I calmed her boisterousness. I don't know what I would have done without her after my father died. She just sat by me and let me cry or scream. She never told me to be a little man, or to stop crying. She knew what I was going through and was just there for me. When I wanted to talk she listened and didn't judge or offer useless suggestions on how to cope. I think that is the big difference in how I handled my father's death and how Harm did. I don't think he had a Morgan to help him through the nightmare."
It was very strange; everyone knew how Harm handled his father's death. His obsessions resulted in a lifelong problem with commitment and the fear of loss of anyone that he loved. Clay had Morgan and grew into a well-rounded self-assured man. He had never committed to anyone because of his job; the secretive nature precluded telling a casual girlfriend about it. And if the relationship became serious most people could not handle the 'not knowing' all the time. I suppose we are perfect for each other. I knew about his job and loved him in spite of it. And he loved me. I couldn't help but smile at that thought.
"What is that smile for Princess?" He asked while nuzzling my neck.
"Because you love me, with all my faults and foibles," I answered honestly.
"What's not to love about you? You are loving, loyal, brave, a kick-ass Marine, and you love me."
We looked at each other and started giggling. "We are getting too sappy. Let's get dressed before Morgan decides to dump us out of bed.
We performed our morning ablutions and dressed in our uniforms, me in Marine green and Clay in a blue pinstripe and red tie. We brought our coffee with us down to the kitchen. Our chef had prepared a simple breakfast of French toast and sausage and Clay and I began devouring the moment we sat down. A few minutes later Tracy and Harm joined us and began eating.
"Morgan when did you get back in town? The last you told me you were going to be in France for several more months." Clay asked his cousin.
"Friday afternoon. Frederick told me where you and your Mom were and the reason. If there had been time I would have flown over, but by the time I contacted Aunt P you were beginning your flight home. I got everything ready here, Frederick laid in the groceries then we met you at the airport."
"I for one am grateful for you assistance Ms. Webb. Air travel is so exhausting." Tracy offered.
"Tracy, it's Morgan, please. And you are very welcome. I see that everyone is done. Let's get the show on the road."
"Are you planning on coming with us?" A puzzled Rabb asked.
"Certainly. The joint chiefs have requested my skills. They found quite a bit of material they want translated and since I'm in town and have the clearance my boss volunteered me. You know no rest for the wicked or the weary!" She smirked, just like her cousin, an expression that was just as endearing on her as it was on him.
Within a few minutes Morgan had hustled us out to the limo and we were on our way.
We walked into JAG at exactly 0800 and Tiner jumped up to greet us.
"Commanders, Colonel, Mr. Webb. It's really great to have you back. The Admiral asked that you go to the conference room when you arrived. I'll tell him that you are here."
The Admiral joined us within a few minutes. The dark circles beneath his eyes and the haggard expression told me that he hadn't slept much recently. I doubt if he had slept since Hawaii. I looked at Clay and my glance told him of my concern. He placed my hand on his thigh and squeezed it in comfort.
"People, we have a few minutes before we leave. I know you all gave statements on Sulawesi, but I'm afraid that you'll have to go over it again. Jim, Ramon, and Bud will be back tomorrow and will give their statements then. Is there anything that you left our of your statements that is going to bite us in the ass?"
He finished his opening statement and looked at each of us, and then he finally noticed Morgan.
"Miss, what are you doing here?" God, he was in worse condition than I had suspected. I couldn't believe it took him that long to know that she was there.
"Admiral, I'm sorry. This is Morgan Webb. Her skills as a translator have been requested by the JC. She works for state." At his 'hmph' of doubt I added, "Sir, she actually is an employee of State. And she is Clay's cousin."
"Yes, Admiral, I'm a translator with very high clearance. My skills are often co-opted by different areas of the government. Being Clay's cousin is a bonus."
He gave a doubtful look, and her smile got bigger. We had given her a synopsis of the events of the past week including Meredith's exit from the Admiral's life. She was looking at him with interest and something I couldn't quite identify. There seemed to be some kind of silent communication going on between them. Clay noticed it too, and rolled his eyes. I don't know what was happening but, I hoped wouldn't be bad.
TBC
Author: Sheila
Category: Romance
Pairing: Clay/Sarah
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: As If
Spoilers: Up through 'Need to Know'
Summary: Clay and Sarah come together during an investigation
Archiving: Just ask me
A/N: For Paula who is out of commission this weekend. I hope this helps a little.
Clay's POV
2315 Local
Regan National Airport
The final leg of the trip was mostly uneventful. After Sarah and Harm quit riding each other we had settled in, this time I slept in Sarah's arms. When I woke just before we landed she was deep in thought with a smile on her face.
"What are you thinking?" I said as I sat up yawning and stretching.
Her smile got broader. "About us, what our children will look like, how we will manage our lives. You know, simple things, good things."
"I don't think we will have to worry about our children's looks. They will be ours not matter what they look like, and we'll love them. And as far as us, well we are compatible, in bed at least." I grabbed her hand as it was descending to 'tap' my thigh. "No hitting." She just laughed at me.
"One thing I do know, there will be laughter. I have laughed and smiled more with you in the last week than I have with any woman I've known combined. You are very good for me."
"Glad to be of service. Not to change gears, but where do we stay tonight? I need a clean uniform and you need a suit and my car is at headquarters."
"Mine is at my townhouse. Let's grab a cab and go to your place and pack some things then take cab it back to mine. It's closer to Falls Church and we can get a few more minutes sleep in the morning."
"Sounds like a plan. I am so ready to get home with you." She picked up my hand and held it as we landed. Surprisingly she didn't have a death grip on me. Falling in love had definitely altered her fear of flying.
After the plane landed Meredith left without saying anything. As the rest of us made our way to the luggage I heard a feminine voice calling my name from beyond the security lines. I turned trying to locate who made the call and noticed my cousin waving her arms to get my attention.
"Clay, over here. Are you blind!" It actually was hard to miss her. She was only a little over five feet and she was in a big crowd.
"Sarah, do you remember our conversation about my relatives and how I was close to Morgan in particular?" I could tell she was wondering who the little blonde was.
"Yes, and I'm looking forward to meeting her. She sounded like someone I could really like."
"Well, you are going to get to meet her now." I clasped her hand in mine and we walked over to the bouncing sideshow. Rabb and Tracy followed.
As we passed the security barrier I was immediately assaulted by five foot nothing of excited female.
"Cnew, what took you so long? Aunt P said you'd be in a hour ago." (A/N: Cnew is pronounced 'snew')
Morgan was a year younger than I and we had grown up like brother and sister. Her father was my paternal uncle and he acted as my surrogate father after my own had died. I loved her and her family dearly.
I hugged her back almost crushing her. We hadn't seen each other since I was in Russia during the Atef affair. She worked for State as a linguist, speaking close to fifteen languages fluently. When I left for Suriname she was getting posted to France and we hadn't been able to connect. I had missed her so much; the e-mails that we had shared weren't enough.
"L'Pew, it's great to see you. Now let go and let me introduce you to my fiancée. She turned to Sarah with a brilliant smile then proceeded to give her a bear hug.
"You must be Sarah. I've been dying to meet you since Aunt P told me about the engagement. We have got to get together and talk about Cnew here. I have been saving up information on him forever and have had no one to share it with. Thank to the Gods for sending me a sister finally."
"I guess Clay is Cnew and did he call you L'Pew?" Sarah asked with a confused look in her eyes. I couldn't hold the laughter back any longer. Morgan and I had been using the nicknames since we were children.
Morgan giggled also. "Cnew is my name for Clayton Neville Edward Webb, and L'Pew is for me, Laura Patricia Elizabeth Webb. I didn't like any of my names when I was little and wouldn't answer to anyone of them. We had just learned to write our initials and as kids do tried to pronounce them as a word. Then we saw a Pepe L'Peu cartoon and the rest, as they say, is history." Morgan had always made me laugh no matter what the situation. We were such polar opposites; I had been a very serious child, and she was the comic relief. Sarah, Tracy and Rabb laughed at the explanation and Morgan's antics.
"I understand, but where does Morgan come from?" Sarah was still confused.
"Well, even with my nickname, I didn't like Laura. Then I saw a TV show called Flamingo Road with Morgan Fairchild. I was convinced I was going to look like her when I grew up. You know the best laid plans and all that. I've got the curls, blonde hair and blue eyes, but someone forgot to add the upward inches. I'm 39 years old and I'm still getting carded," she said in mock frustration. Sarah smiled and shook her head.
When Morgan finished her explanation I introduced our companions. She greeted them with her usual outgoing nature. "Oh. My. God. You're Rabb? I've heard about you for years. I guess you're as big a pain in the ass as Clay is. You know you two really deserve each other." She paused to take a breath and gave Tracy a warm smile and a handshake. The two of them looked a little shell-shocked. Morgan definitely had that effect on people.
"OK, guys. I've got the limo. Give me the luggage tickets; Frederick should be outside waiting for you. I'll get a skycap, get your bags and meet you outside in a few minutes." We gave the tickets to Morgan and left for the limo. We were all tired from the flight and were grateful to have someone take over.
A few minutes later the diminutive 'general' showed up with the skycap and instructed him how to load it in the trunk; she commanded without being over bearing. When they were done she climbed in beside me and asked where we needed to go. After a few minutes discussion we decided Harm and Tracy would come with Sarah and I to my place after a brief stop to pick up uniforms for everyone. Cars were scattered at a different airport and at JAG HQ, and with the early morning meeting this allowed for the most rest for everyone.
An hour later we arrived at my townhouse ready to drop. Morgan usually stayed with me when she was in town. She had let her apartment go because she barely spent more than a few days every several months in the states. She shooed all of us to bed. Harm and Tracy would take her room, and she would prepare the other guest room later for herself. I learned long ago not to argue with her, it wasn't worth the effort as she won every round when I dared to anyway. Sarah and I gave her a kiss goodnight and tiredly climbed the stairs to my bedroom.
When I closed the door Sarah gave me a tired look. "Shower now or in the morning?" I asked, hoping for now, I wanted to sleep in as long as possible in the morning.
"Let's do it now. After that many hours on a plane I feel pretty grubby." With that she turned to the bathroom and started stripping her clothing piece by piece leaving a trail like breadcrumbs as I followed in her wake.
Sarah's POV
I was surprised a Meredith's attitude. She hadn't spoken a word to us since the VIP room in Hawaii. I was really worried about the Admiral. He had seemed happy in the relationship with Meredith, even putting up with her dingy ways far longer than I had expected. When I got them together I only knew her through the classes she taught Chloe so I really had no idea how wild she was. He needed someone to lighten him up, but she wasn't that person.
When we approached the security barrier separating arriving travelers from those waiting for them someone called Clay's name. He seemed to recognize the voice, but he couldn't locate her in the crowd.
"Over. Here! Are you blind?" The voice called out. Then I saw what I first thought was a teenager waving her arms to get Clay's attention. She was small and blonde, and definitely a not a teenager. Clay told me that we going to meet his cousin Morgan. This woman was 39? She looked 30 at most. I got a brief look at her face before she launched herself into Clay's arms. He hugged her tightly and kissed her on her forehead. You could see the love between the two. I'm glad he told me who she was, or I would have been very jealous right now.
"Cnew what took you so long? Aunt P said you would be here an hour ago." Cnew? Oh, the man has a nickname, a really odd one at that. Thank you Morgan for that piece of ammunition.
Clay introduced us and she gave me a bear hug, welcoming into the family and offering to share Clay's secrets with me. I could tell that we were going to become bosom buddies in no time. She explained their, I guess I can say it, weird nicknames for each other and the explanation actually made sense. I visualized a small dark-haired boy being followed about by a blonde pixie. I suddenly realized that I had a clear image of what my children would look like. Both had their father's green eyes and beautiful smile. I can't wait to welcome them into the world!
Morgan was a dynamo. In no time she had thrown Harm for a loop and hustled us into the limo. She explained to the skycap how she wanted the trunk packed, in Hindi, no less. I guess that was one of her fifteen languages. Clay said the first thing she learned in any language were the curse words. When she lost it her language was quite colorful fifteen different ways!
A decision was made by everyone to sleep at Clay's. I say everyone, but I'm sure Morgan had already planned it long before she picked us up. We were so tired I think we would have agreed to stay anywhere as long as there was a bed.
Clay and I decided to shower tonight rather than in the morning. We had joked about our dream bathroom, but the one he had now wasn't too shabby. The shower stall was large with a bench to rest on. We stood together under the warm spray almost falling asleep where we stood. Clay picked up the soap and a sponge and began bathing me, there nothing sexual but everything sensual in the way he moved the sponge over my tired body. When he was done I returned the favor.
"You know that I would really like to make love with you right now, but I'm so tired that I think I would fall asleep in the attempt." He sleepily mumbled.
"And I wouldn't appreciate the effort anyway. Let's dry off and hit the bed." He nodded his agreement and we dried off and more or less stumbled in to bed. I lay on my side and he spooned behind me placing his arm over my waist to rest his hand on my breast. We fell asleep almost immediately.
0630
Webb Residence
Alexandria, Virginia
The next thing I knew someone was calling my name and I smelled the aroma of fresh brewed coffee. Clay was on his back and I was draped over his chest. I opened my eyes to see Morgan placing a tray on the bedside table. When she noticed that I was awake she smiled.
"It's six-thirty. If you have to be at your office by eight you guys are going to have to get up now. There is coffee here. Breakfast will be finished by the time you dress and get downstairs." Clay woke and moaned.
"Cnew, get your lazy butt out of bed, you've got places to go and people to meet."
"I will when you leave, I'm not exactly dressed for company." He grumbled.
"Hey, I've seen your birthday suit before." She managed to get birthday out before he pelted her with a pillow. She stood with her hands on her hips, much like Clay, and blew him a raspberry.
"You are no fun. I'm going to irritate Rabb. That should be fun." She turned and got hit with another pillow as she left the room. She poked her head back in and stuck her tongue out at him, and then pulled her head back. We could here her laughter as she went down the hall to wake Harm and Tracy.
"Clay, I like her. I'm glad the two of you had each other growing up. Your personalities must have balanced each other.
"Yes they did. No one could be around her and be serious all the time, and I think I calmed her boisterousness. I don't know what I would have done without her after my father died. She just sat by me and let me cry or scream. She never told me to be a little man, or to stop crying. She knew what I was going through and was just there for me. When I wanted to talk she listened and didn't judge or offer useless suggestions on how to cope. I think that is the big difference in how I handled my father's death and how Harm did. I don't think he had a Morgan to help him through the nightmare."
It was very strange; everyone knew how Harm handled his father's death. His obsessions resulted in a lifelong problem with commitment and the fear of loss of anyone that he loved. Clay had Morgan and grew into a well-rounded self-assured man. He had never committed to anyone because of his job; the secretive nature precluded telling a casual girlfriend about it. And if the relationship became serious most people could not handle the 'not knowing' all the time. I suppose we are perfect for each other. I knew about his job and loved him in spite of it. And he loved me. I couldn't help but smile at that thought.
"What is that smile for Princess?" He asked while nuzzling my neck.
"Because you love me, with all my faults and foibles," I answered honestly.
"What's not to love about you? You are loving, loyal, brave, a kick-ass Marine, and you love me."
We looked at each other and started giggling. "We are getting too sappy. Let's get dressed before Morgan decides to dump us out of bed.
We performed our morning ablutions and dressed in our uniforms, me in Marine green and Clay in a blue pinstripe and red tie. We brought our coffee with us down to the kitchen. Our chef had prepared a simple breakfast of French toast and sausage and Clay and I began devouring the moment we sat down. A few minutes later Tracy and Harm joined us and began eating.
"Morgan when did you get back in town? The last you told me you were going to be in France for several more months." Clay asked his cousin.
"Friday afternoon. Frederick told me where you and your Mom were and the reason. If there had been time I would have flown over, but by the time I contacted Aunt P you were beginning your flight home. I got everything ready here, Frederick laid in the groceries then we met you at the airport."
"I for one am grateful for you assistance Ms. Webb. Air travel is so exhausting." Tracy offered.
"Tracy, it's Morgan, please. And you are very welcome. I see that everyone is done. Let's get the show on the road."
"Are you planning on coming with us?" A puzzled Rabb asked.
"Certainly. The joint chiefs have requested my skills. They found quite a bit of material they want translated and since I'm in town and have the clearance my boss volunteered me. You know no rest for the wicked or the weary!" She smirked, just like her cousin, an expression that was just as endearing on her as it was on him.
Within a few minutes Morgan had hustled us out to the limo and we were on our way.
We walked into JAG at exactly 0800 and Tiner jumped up to greet us.
"Commanders, Colonel, Mr. Webb. It's really great to have you back. The Admiral asked that you go to the conference room when you arrived. I'll tell him that you are here."
The Admiral joined us within a few minutes. The dark circles beneath his eyes and the haggard expression told me that he hadn't slept much recently. I doubt if he had slept since Hawaii. I looked at Clay and my glance told him of my concern. He placed my hand on his thigh and squeezed it in comfort.
"People, we have a few minutes before we leave. I know you all gave statements on Sulawesi, but I'm afraid that you'll have to go over it again. Jim, Ramon, and Bud will be back tomorrow and will give their statements then. Is there anything that you left our of your statements that is going to bite us in the ass?"
He finished his opening statement and looked at each of us, and then he finally noticed Morgan.
"Miss, what are you doing here?" God, he was in worse condition than I had suspected. I couldn't believe it took him that long to know that she was there.
"Admiral, I'm sorry. This is Morgan Webb. Her skills as a translator have been requested by the JC. She works for state." At his 'hmph' of doubt I added, "Sir, she actually is an employee of State. And she is Clay's cousin."
"Yes, Admiral, I'm a translator with very high clearance. My skills are often co-opted by different areas of the government. Being Clay's cousin is a bonus."
He gave a doubtful look, and her smile got bigger. We had given her a synopsis of the events of the past week including Meredith's exit from the Admiral's life. She was looking at him with interest and something I couldn't quite identify. There seemed to be some kind of silent communication going on between them. Clay noticed it too, and rolled his eyes. I don't know what was happening but, I hoped wouldn't be bad.
TBC