CHANGES

================================================================================================================================

WEBB ESTATE

Another month had past and Tatiana was now seven months old.  Webb heeded Harm's words and at least now he was more social.  He would come down and receive guests with his daughter.  Wellington did come by on one occasion and ask Webb to reconsider.  Webb shook his head and declined the offer.  His days as a spy were over.

Bud and Harriet visited and brought Little AJ with him.  As Tatiana crawled around on the floor, Little AJ followed her around.  At one point, Tatiana tried to stand up and it was Little AJ who instinctively held her under her arms to assist in the process.  Webb's immediate reaction was to take his daughter away from the boy, but a gentle hand placed on his arm by Harriet assured him that Tatiana was safe.  It was taking time, but Webb was actually beginning to trust others with his daughter.

On this particular morning that trust would extend beyond anyone's expectations.  Webb came down to the dining room with Tatiana.  She was dressed in an outfit that Mac had given her and Webb was wearing a pair of slacks with a sports jacket.

"Are you going out?" Porter inquired.

"We have an appointment," Webb stated. "Geoffrey, would you have my car brought around?"

"Right away, Sir," Geoffrey replied.

"Where are you going?" Porter asked.

"We're going out," Webb said.

Webb picked up his daughter and left the dining room.  He walked out to his car and after securing Tatiana in her car seat drove off.  Aside from the monthly visit to the pediatrician, they had never left the house before. 

"Tatiana, this is a big day for both of us," Webb said as he drove through the town. "I think I am doing what's right.  If this is wrong, you are going to have to figure out some way to let me know.  It would be so much easier if you could talk and tell me if I am doing the right thing."

Tatiana just gurgled and smiled as she listened to the sound of Webb's voice.  As they approached the parking lot, Webb took a deep breath and sighed.  He had a silent conversation, almost a prayer, with Zoya.  He really needed a sign that he was doing what was best.  He parked the car, took Tatiana out of her car seat and pressed the buzzer to enter the building.

"Good morning, are you Mr. Webb?" Sharon asked.

"Yes, good morning," Webb replied.

"This must be Tatiana," Sharon smiled. "She's beautiful."

"Thank you," Webb said, "She looks like her mother."

"Will Mrs. Webb be joining us?" Sharon asked.

"Mrs. Webb passed away," Webb replied.

"I'm sorry, I didn't realize," Sharon stated. "Shall we take the tour?"

"Please," Webb said.

"As you can see this is a state of the art facility.  We have children from as young as six weeks up until kindergarten." Sharon explained. "All of the workers are state and board certified in either education or medicine. In Tatiana's section, we have one adult for every three children and there is a full time LPN assigned to the room."

"It looks very nice," Webb said.

"We also have at least one RN here at all times," Sharon advised. "I thought you might like to speak to some other parents."

"That would be fine, but it isn't necessary." Webb replied. "I had the facility thoroughly investiga…, I mean I researched several places before making a decision."

"I see," Sharon replied with a quizzical look. "Is this the first time you and Tatiana will be separated?"

"Yes, she's been with me since her birth," Webb replied.

"I know it's hard, but this really is a wonderful place.  Besides it's only for a few hours a day." Sharon smiled.  "She will get to interact with other children and we also use the various education aids available to her age group."

"That is what she needs," Webb sighed.

"Why don't we leave Tatiana with Miss Nancy, while we fill out the paper work?" Sharon suggested.

Webb walked into the baby room where there was a row of cribs on one side of the room and an assortment of toys, swings and employees on the other.

"It's nap time right now," Sharon whispered. "Nancy, would you please come here?"

"Good morning, I'm Nancy Carlson."  Nancy said with a smile. "Who is this little cutie?"

"This is Tatiana," Sharon replied. "She is going to be joining us."

"Wonderful," Nancy smiled. "May I hold her?  Hi Tatiana, I'm Miss Nancy, we are going to have fun."

"She seems to be very comfortable with you," Webb noticed.

"I have a thing with babies," Nancy laughed. "I'm the oldest of ten. She'll be just fine here."

"Mr. Webb, let's go tend to the paper work." Sharon said.

Webb kissed Tatiana's head and left the baby room of the day care center.  They went to the office where Webb was a bit apprehensive about leaving Tatiana with a stranger, but he knew deep down this was for the best.  After he completed the paper work, Sharon explained the billing.

"We charge $275 per week and that will include two free weeks for vacations.  Meaning you don't have to pay for the two weeks she isn't here and you won't lose your spot." Sharon explained. "We can set up a billing cycle for you and just debit your credit card or you can bring a check each week."

"I would rather just pay by the month, if that is acceptable." Webb said taking out his check book.

"What ever you prefer," Sharon smiled.

They continued to discuss the details regarding hours of operation, sick days and the security precautions that are taken.

"We have a code system here." Sharon stated. "Each child is assigned a four digit code and each parent is given a key card to get access to the building.  No one gets in without a card and we request that each morning when the child is dropped off the security code is entered into the key pad.  It will also be necessary to enter the code when taking her home."

"It sounds very secure," Webb said.  He didn't want Sharon to know that he already knew this.  He may no longer be working for the CIA, but he still had friends.

"We would also need the names of anyone you may send to pick Tatiana up in your place." Sharon stated and handed him a form.

Webb took the form and thought for a moment.  He then wrote down several names, among them were Geoffrey's, AJ's and then the Roberts' and the Rabb's.

"That's quite a list," Sharon commented looking at the list.

"The chances of them having to pick her up are rather slim, but at least they will be on record." Webb replied.

"Would you like to start today or another day?" Sharon asked.

"I think we'd better start today," Webb said.

"Wonderful," Sharon smiled. "Would you like to go say good bye?"

"No, she's seems to be fine.  I think it would be better if I just went." Webb said. "I will be back around five to get her."

"We'll see you then," Sharon replied. "Mr. Webb, I promise she will be fine here. You don't have to worry.  Millions of parents put their children in day care every day.  There is nothing wrong with it and it's actually better for the child's social development."

"Thank you," Webb replied and left.

JAG HEADQUARTERS

Webb drove around for an hour before he found himself pulling into the JAG parking lot.  He instinctively reached for his ID badge and then realized he no longer had it. 

"Clayton Webb to see Commander Harmon Rabb," Webb stated.

"Do you have an appointment?" The guard asked.

"No I don't but I am confident he will see me." Webb replied.

"One moment please," The guard stated as he picked up the phone. "Commander Rabb is in court at this moment, but Lieutenant Sims said it would be fine. You can park in the visitor's section. It's to the left after the big oak…"

"I know the way, thank you." Webb said and pulled out.

THE BULLPEN

"Clay it's good to see you," Mac said. "Harriet said you were here.  Where's Tatiana?"

"She's at the day care center." Webb replied.

"I think that's wonderful," Mac smiled. "So what brings you here?"

"I don't know," Webb said. "I just thought I would stop by and say hello."

"Clay, how are you?" Harriet asked walking over. "I was so surprised when the guard said you were at the gate."

"I should have called first," Webb said.

"The Commander and Bud are in court, but if you can wait I know they would both want to see you." Harriet stated.

"I just came to say hello, I actually have an appointment in the area." Webb lied.

"Are you sure?" Mac said. "Just wait a few minutes, they should be recessing soon."

"Okay," Webb replied. "Is AJ here?"

"He's in his office," Mac said. "Tiner, please tell the Admiral that Clayton Webb is here."

"Really?" Tiner asked.

"Tiner go," Mac replied.

"I guess everyone knows I've been a bit of a hermit lately." Webb smiled.

"Not everyone," Mac replied. "I don't think the SecNav is aware of it."

"Mr. Webb, my office." AJ bellowed from the door.

"Why does that actually scare me now?" Webb asked.

"Welcome to our world," Mac laughed as Webb walked away.

AJ'S OFFICE

"How are you feeling?" AJ asked once the door was closed.

"I'm good, AJ." Webb replied. "I placed Tatiana in day care today."

"Wonderful," AJ replied. "I am sure she will love it."

"I hope I'm doing the right thing," Webb said.

"Zoya would have done it," AJ said confidently.  "Although, I don't think it would have taken her seven months to realize it and I don't think she would have quit her job."

"Point taken," Webb replied.

"We've been worried about you," AJ said.

"I know, thank you." Webb smiled. "I just needed time to deal with everything."

"You've had your time, what are you plans?" AJ asked.

"I don't know yet," Webb replied. "I haven't given anything much thought."

"Excuse me Admiral.  The SecNav is on the line." Tiner interrupted.

"I need to take this," AJ sighed.

"I'd better get going." Webb said. "Thanks for everything."

"Webb one last thing," AJ said.

"What's that?" Webb asked.

"There is still the matter of you and Zoya we have yet to discuss." AJ stated. "If I recall, I warned you about getting involved with her."

"I know," Webb sighed.

"I have another daughter, stay away from her." AJ warned with a smile.

"Loud and clear, AJ" Webb smiled back. "I hear you."

Webb left the office and returned to the bull pen.  Harm and Bud were still in court and Webb realized he really did have something to do.  He left with the promise that he would see them all again soon.  He went to take of his errand and then to pick up Tatiana.  When he got there she was happily crawling on the floor and playing with another child.  Webb smiled at the sight, but he still wondered if this was the right thing.  Only time would tell, and right now he had plenty of time.