Author: Claire Vincent
Date May 2004
This seemed forever to put together. This chapter and Chapter 8 are sort of 'filler/fun chapters', I have to admit; Much more romance and story progression. I wanted to try and make this one chapter, but it didn't workout. The best part is that Chapter 8 is almost done too, and will be posted sooner.
Please stay tuned, there is more action and intrigue coming up.
This Chapter is rated PG-13 for adult content.
Disclaimer: The Clayton Webb character, and other JAG characters, belong to Donald P. Bellisario, Bellisario Productions, CBS, et al. All other characters and situations of this story belong to the author. No copying of this material is allowed without my consent. For your reading pleasure, one copy is allowed.
WEBB Odyssey
Adventures of Clayton Webb and his friends at JAG, and certain special someone.
Rating: PG-13
Classification: JAG - Story
Webb/other Romance - Adventure
Spoilers: None, written after Tangled Webb.
Chapter 7 Webb Odyssey
Chap 7
Coming Home
US Army Hospital
Baghdad, Iraq
It had been a few weeks now, and Amy was almost back to 100%. Or, at least she thought so. She was feeling stronger, and eating some solid food now, and could even walk around her room a little. Her feet were still very sore, and a little swollen. The injury on her back was also still healing, and her ribs were still sore. Her arm was healing, and might not need surgery. She would see a specialist when she got back to Washington. All in all, she was feeling much better, and was getting anxious to go home.
Since she had been feeling better, Clay had brought over books of pictures for her to look through to see if she recognized anyone. It had taken a couple of days, since she was only able to look at all the pictures for a short time before all the faces started looking the same, but she was able to identify two men. She had surprised herself that she actually remembered two of them.
The leader, the man who had beaten her so many times was a face she would never forget. When she saw his face in a picture, even with a different hair style, and beard, she was able to identify him. And seeing him again, having those eyes look at her from the page, send a cold shiver through her, and choked her. Clay had been sitting right beside her, and noticed the fear that moved over her, and caused her to stiffen in the chair. 'Which one.' Was all he asked.
Amy pointed at the picture with her finger, and was surprised her hand had gone a ghostly white.
Clay slid the book over to him, so he could see the picture she had indicated, and read the name. 'Naveed Kharrat. He is a known dissident in the northern territory.' He looked over at Amy, who was holding her head in her hand, and had closed her eyes. 'Do you recognize the name?' Clay asked quietly.
'No, I never heard a name.' she answered, looking up at him. The fear and sadness Clay saw in her eyes scared him too. 'That's all we need to do for today.' He said. 'Why don't we go for a walk?'
A few days later, Amy was able to identify one other man, Mohammed Hassid. Another dissident/trouble maker who was under suspicion of having ties with a terrorist group responsible for suicide bombings near US Marine check points. Amy recognized him as one of the men always with Kharrat. He was one of the ones who held her while Kharrat punched. She also remembered Hessid had gotten some punches in too.
With the information already gathered on these men, and Amy's positive ID of them as part of the insurgent group, Clay works with the CIA station office in Baghdad to put orders out to pick up either one of these men, or anyone in their company wherever they may be found. With that part completed, and the communication set up for Clay to receive any new information on these men immediately when he had returned to Washington, he and Amy are finally able to prepare to go home.
Andrew's Air Force Base
Prince George's County, Maryland
1100 hours local time
The 747 commercial airplane taxied to a special area on the tarmac. A small crowd of people had gathered behind a chain link fence, and a group of reporters were on the other side of the fence, facing a podium that was set up on the tarmac. There were uniformed police on the tarmac, and some security people that were in the dark suit and tie "uniform" of some official agency, wishing to keep its presence "low key". When the plane taxied in, the crowd started cheering, and photographers started snapping pictures.
The stairway was moved into place, and people started alighting from the plane. All the passengers were uniformed service men and women, coming home from duty in far away places.
Clay and Amy had been traveling for two days now. Like so many others, they had taken a military flight to Germany, stayed over one night, and then taken this flight to Washington. Clay was anxious to get home also, but had thought it better if he and Amy stayed in Germany a couple more days. It would give her a chance to rest some more before arriving in Washington. But Amy would not hear of it. She was like a little child, 'I just want to go home.' She knew the traveling would be hard on her, but she wanted very much to see her father, and Sarah and Harm. She had talked to all of them on the phone while recuperating in Baghdad, and wanted to see them now she was feeling better.
Once the cabin doors opened, many of the service people exited the plane and were met by their families who had gathered at the runway. Clay and Amy waited for most of them to depart before getting up and gathering their things. Amy moved very slowly these days, and didn't want to hold anyone else up to wait for her. While Clay carried their smaller bags, he walked ahead of Amy to the door. They had discussed who would leave the plane first. Clay wanted to stay with Amy, but knew he could not be pictured with Amy, and have any chances of his identity discovered. It was never a good idea for any agent to get his picture in the press. So Clay came down the stairs first, and walked over to the fence to watch the proceedings with the security officers.
When Amy exited the plane a cheer went up from the crowd. Amy was overwhelmed by the attention and gave them all a big smile as she gingerly made her way down the stairs. As she came down, a man broke away from the crowd and walked slowly to the bottom of the stairs. Once Amy saw him approaching, she tried to hurry her steps. The man had stopped and waited for her, and as soon as she set foot on the tarmac, he rushed to her and pulled her into his arms.
'Amy honey.' He said as he pulled his daughter into his embrace.
'Daddy, Daddy' Amy was saying over and over. His squeeze hurt her ribs and back, but she didn't care. He was here, she was home at last.
When they pulled away from each other to face each other, there were tears on each of their faces. 'Ah, let me look at you.' Her father said, as he held her face in his hands. 'How are you? You look so thin and tired.' He said worriedly as he looked into her eyes. Eyes so like her mother's.
'I'm fine now Daddy, really.' She assured him, feeling truly fine for the first time in weeks.
One of the men in a suit came up and asked if Amy would make a statement, then there were cars here to take her home.
Leaning on her father's arm, Amy walked slowly to the podium to say a few words. Clay watched all of this from the side. Watching Amy and her father together brought a lump to his throat, and he was glad he had put on his dark glasses, even if the sky was a bit overcast.
Amy thanked everyone for the warm and unexpected welcome home. She was happy to be home, and was looking forward to getting back to work. She thanked the Marines who had found her, and hope they all come home soon too. 'Semper Fi' she said for those Marines with a smile. 'God Bless you all.' That was all she had to say, and then she grabbed her father again, and followed the "suits" to the waiting cars. Clay followed them too.
As they were climbing into one of the sedans, Amy stopped, and turned to her father.
'Daddy, I wanted to go over to the office and see Sarah MacKenzie and some other friends before I go home. Why don't you take one car and go over to my apartment, and I will be there shortly.'
'Honey, you need some rest. Can't that wait for another day?' her father suggested. He did not like the way his daughter looked at all. Too pale and worn out he thought. He knew what she had been through, and now that she was home, he wanted to take care of her himself.
'It will only be for a little while, I promise.' Amy said with a wane smile. She really did want to see Sarah and Harm, and she had all the time in the world to rest. She was too excited right now. 'I will be all right. Really.'
Reluctantly, her father let her go into one car, and he stepped over to get into another. He saw one of the "suits" slip into the car with her. He was the same one that had been on the plane with her. Was that Webb? He thought. Amy's father knew he would find out soon enough.
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, VA
1132 hours local time
As Amy and Clay stepped off the elevator, the cheer went up again. This time from all her friends at JAG. They all applauded as Amy and Clay walked into the bull pen. A couple of people patted her on the back as she went past them, and Clay could hear her intake of breath, and feel her tighten her grip on his arm and hand as he helped her walk into the office. All these hugs and back slapping were going to be too much for her, Clay could already tell. But he wouldn't take this moment away from her for anything. She deserved it after all.
Amy was all smiles, and opened her arms as soon as she saw Sarah, who gave her a big hug. Clay seemed to be the only one noticing Amy wincing in pain.
'It is so good to see you!' Sarah said enthusiastically.
'It is good to be seen.' Amy answered jokingly.
'Here, let me give you a hug too.' Harm said, as he enfolded Amy in his arms. He noticed the pale skin and felt how thin she was when he held her, but did not say anything.
Harriet and Bud Roberts came forward and also hugged her, welcoming her home. Both saying how proud they were of her. 'You look….Terrific!' Harriet said after a moment. She didn't think Amy looked well at all, but couldn't really say that. Harriet offered to get Amy some refreshments, and found a chair for her. Amy accepted both gratefully, and more chairs were brought around Amy as people sat down and started talking to her.
Clay kept a watchful eye on everything, ready to step in and suggest he take Amy home at any sign from her that she had had enough.
Just as people were settling in a voice rang out, 'Attention on deck.' Everyone came to attention as Admiral Chegwidden entered the room from his office. Amy slowly got up from the chair she had just sat down in. Injuries or not, she was in uniform and she stood to attention when an Admiral entered the room.
Admiral Chegwidden watched her carefully get up, and hated to make her stand again, but he wanted to do something special, and she should be standing. He looked her, very seriously in the eye, and stood to attention himself. 'Major' he said. The room fell quiet waiting to see what would happen. In front of his entire command, Admiral AJ Chegwidden saluted Major Amelia Harris.
This broke protocol on many different levels. First of all, one did not salute indoors, and certainly an Admiral did not offer to salute a junior officer first. The junior officer saluted him first. The Admiral did it to honor Amy. To offer her special recognition for what she had been through. And Amy was sincerely touched by this honor. With as much strength as she could, she stood straight, and saluted him back. When their arms were back at their sides, the Admiral said, 'Welcome home Major Harris. Semper Fi. Well done.'
'Thank you Sir.' Amy said smiling. And everyone else in the room applauded once more. To quiet everyone down, and bring the gathering back to an informal feeling, AJ noticed Amy shoes. They were rather large white running shoes. They were the only ones she could stand on her sore feet at this point, but they did look a little silly with her dress uniform.
With a pseudo serious expression on his face, the Admiral said. 'Major, those shoes are hardly uniform code.'
Amy rolled her eyes, looking like a child caught by the principal. 'Well Sir. They are sort of medical issue. I beg the Admiral's pardon.'
The Admiral nodded, and answered 'Granted'. He could not understand why she needed shoes for a medical purpose, but he certainly was not going to question her about it further. He saw that Harm and Clay had gone into Harm's office, and were talking, so he thought he would join them and try and get some more information on what had happened to Amy.
Meanwhile, Sarah, Harriet and Amy were all talking together. Sarah had started asking Amy questions. 'I'm a sick to death of talking about me all the time. Tell me the news around here. What have I missed?' Amy asked trying to dodge questions she didn't want to answer right now.
Harriet was all too eager to answer her question. 'The Commander has a new posting, and he and the Colonel are getting married.'
'Congratulations! That's wonderful!' Amy said excitedly as she looked at her good friend. Amy was so happy for Sarah. 'Tell me all about it.'
'Harriet!' Sarah chided her. 'I wanted to tell her myself!'
'Well, go on. Tell her!' Harriet answered.
And Sarah did. 'Harm is posted part time with the Sec Nav's office as Legal Advisor. The rest of the time he spends here at JAG trying and investigating cases, but he reports to the Sec Nav.'
'So he is here working, but not in the same chain of command.' Amy surmised. 'Very handy. I'm so happy for you both.'
'Yes, I'm happy for us too.' Sarah smiled warmly. 'It's almost too good to be true.'
'And when is the wedding? When do I get to be a bridesmaid?' Amy asked pointedly.
'How would 6 weeks be? Would you be up to it by then?' Sarah asked carefully. She saw how tired and weak Amy seemed. It hurt to see her friend this way. Amy was usually so bright and healthy and active. Sarah hoped she could still be that way soon.
'Sarah, I was just kidding before. I don't have to be a bridesmaid.' Amy said sheepishly. Suddenly she felt bad, feeling she may have put Sarah in a corner.
'No, I want you to be a bridesmaid. We were waiting for you get home a to be sure you could be here for the wedding.' Sarah assured her.
'Thank you Sarah. I will be ready. It will give me something to work toward, right?' Amy said.
'Absolutely.' Sarah agreed.
'I only ask one thing. No backless dresses OK?' Amy asked. She tried to make it sound funny, but was really very serious. She was not ready to tell Sarah why right now.
Sarah looked at her friend a little quizzically. She was not sure why Amy would make such a request, but she would honor it, whatever the reason. 'OK' she answered.
In Harm's office, the three men looked at Amy from across the room. 'She looks so fragile.' Harm commented, referring to Amy.
Clay had to agree. Fragile was just the word for Amy right now. 'She is fragile. But she has come such a long way all ready. When I saw her for the first time in the hospital bed…Harm, you wouldn't believe it. I hardly believe it.' Clay shook his head and turned to face his friend. 'The doctor described her as being black and blue from her head to her toes, and she was. They meant to beat her to death, and they almost succeeded.'
'They beat her on her feet too?' the Admiral asked.
Clay looked at him. He had heard the comment about the shoes, and hated to tell AJ the truth. 'The night she was taken, they marched all night over rocky terrain. They took away her boots, made her walk the whole way barefoot. Her feet are cut and infected AJ. Those are the only shoes she can wear right now, and even then it is hard for her to walk.'
'Ah…cheez.' AJ wanted to eat his words from before. 'Why didn't you say something to me when I started? I feel like an idiot.'
Clay smiled. 'It's OK AJ. She knows you were just joking with her. She also knows you are not aware of all of her injuries, and she won't hold it against you.'
'Still.' AJ shook his head.
'What were her injuries?' Harm asked. 'They were never published.
'We didn't want the whole world to know. It's not really anyone's business what they did to her. Amy wants to keep it under wraps. It is embarrassing to her. She feels she should have fought them more, or tried to escape…' Clay stopped here. Amy was psychically getting better. But she still had a lot of feelings to work through, and he didn't want to go into that right now.
'I don't think she would mind you knowing, you are her friends.' Clay said. 'They broke her arm, broke ribs, and bruised everything else they could get at. Her feet were abused, and the last night, to kill her, they whipped her with what we think was a leather strap of some kind. About 15 times.'
Both Harm and AJ were discussed by this news. 'My God.' AJ said. 'They really did try to kill her, didn't they?' Harm said.
Clay looked back out at Amy, talking with her friends. She was laughing, and smiling, more than he had ever seen her do in Baghdad. She may have been worn out from the trip, but this, seeing and talking with her friends, was the best medicine for her. 'When I think how close I came to loosing her…' Clay stopped. He wasn't sure he could trust his voice to finish the sentence that had run through his mind these past weeks. Harm laid a hand on his back to support his friend. He was happy for Clay and Amy. They seemed to have found one another again.
Amy looked up and saw Clay watching her. He is never far away, she thought. He is always watching out for me. I do love him. She gave him a special smile. Then she sort of tossed her head toward the door, trying to give him a "high sign" to say, 'I'm ready to go now.'
Clay caught the sign and was ready to go. He turned to Harm and AJ. 'I think I better get her home. It's been a long day already.'
With that, the two of them said their goodbyes, thanked everyone for the party, and left, to take Amy home.
Amy's Apartment
Georgetown
1206 hours local time
With his arm around Amy, supporting her as she walked, Clay and Amy walked down the long hallway to her apartment door. It was a walk they both had looked forward to for weeks. Clay had kept his promise, to bring her home, and she was so glad to finally be here.
'It's so good to be home. Thank you Clay.' Amy said sleepily.
'My pleasure.' Clay said with a smile. 'Let's get you inside and into bed.'
'Sure, the first thing you think of when you finally get me alone is to take me to bed.' She said jokingly.
'I didn't mean that at all.' Clay said worriedly. He knew he could not stay with her, as much as he may want to. And he knew it would be a while before they could be intimate, as much as he wanted that too.
'I'm just kidding.' She said, as the door opened, and there stood her father.
Ralph Harris looked the two of them over, with a very disapproving look. The kind of look that parents perfect early, and use on their children for their whole lives. Clay got the distinct impression he was not going to be very welcome in the apartment, and felt as if he had brought his prom date home late, after curfew.
Clay looked at the older man. A man in his 60's probably. Still fit, still had a lot of hair, though it was quite gray. Not very tall, but still carried himself well, no stooping from old age yet. A kind face, most of the time. This was not one of those times. Clay was not sure what Amy's father was angry about, but he had the feeling he was going to find out. Clay just wanted to help Amy in to bed, and make a quick, but polite exit.
'Daddy' Amy said brightly as she moved pasted him into the apartment. She walked inside her home, and just closed her eyes, and let it all sink inside her. She looked around, and found everything was just the way she had left it. There was a pillow and quilt on the couch, neatly folded and sitting at one end. Dad must be sleeping there she thought to herself. Otherwise everything was just the same. Her home. She wanted nothing more than to just sit down and enjoy it. But Clay and her father were here, and she was too tired. She would go and lay down for a nap, and get up later and sit in here and talk to her Dad, get all the news from home, and just enjoy.
She did not notice the tense quiet behind her, but did remember that she had introductions to make. 'Oh, I'm sorry.' She began, turning to the men standing behind her, watching each other. 'Dad, this is Clayton Webb. I've told you about him, and Clay, this is my father, Ralph Harris.'
Clay carefully held out his hand to the older man. 'Mr. Harris.'
Ralph Harris made no move to shake hands with him.
Amy was still not picking up on the animosity that was brewing behind her between her father and Clay. She was too tired, and to wrapped up in the joy of being in her own place again. She was weak and wanted to change and lay down for a while, and started moving to her bedroom.
'Clay will you help me change before you go?' Amy asked. Since he had been with her everyday at the hospital, she was used to having his help and did not think it awkward to ask for his help now.
As Clay made a move toward her saying, 'Yes,…' Amy's father moved to block his way, never taking his eyes off Clay. It was just a one small step, but it was enough.
He said in an overly loud, challenging voice 'Hasn't he done enough?' He looked at his daughter, who now could tell something was very wrong. 'I'll help you, honey.'
'Daddy, it's all right, really, Clay knows….' Amy started to explain, but her father ignored her, and turned his anger to Clay.
'We don't need your help.' He sneered.
'Mr. Harris, I…
'Get out'
'Daddy, please,…'
'He's done enough, Amy.' He said to her, then turned to Clay. 'You said you loved her, and then broke your heart. She called me crying her eyes out one night, telling me she was in love, but the man had pushed her away. That was you, wasn't it? Then you drag her half way around the world to a war zone, and leave her there, in the hands of butchers who try to kill her! What kind of man are you?' The angry words came rushing out. He had waited a long time to talk to this man, and now he wanted some answers.
Clay's voice rose in volume too, though he tried to stay calm. 'I didn't want to leave her. I would have taken her place if they had let me. I wanted to take her place. I tried everything I could, everything I was allowed to do to find her…' he wanted to explain this to her father, as well as himself. He wanted to reassure himself that he had indeed done everything that he could. This man's accusations were no more than what he had told himself countless times over the past weeks.
'It wasn't enough, was it?' Mr. Harris shouted. 'Now you want back in? You want to hurt her more? I won't stand for it.' He turned back to Amy, 'Amy I won't stand by..
But Amy was crumpled on the floor crying. 'Stop it, stop yelling, please, stop it.'
The two men gave up their shouting match, and moved to help her. Dad reached her first. Clay had not felt so helpless since first seeing her in the hospital. She was worn out, and needed some rest, and here he was, picking a fight with her father. The shouting must have affected her somehow, and he was helpless to comfort her.
One minute Amy was happy and in her own apartment. The next minute, when her father and Clay were shouting at each other, she was in that room, and Kharrat was shouting at her. 'Where is the base? Where are the Marines? Tell me or I will hurt you again!' It happened instantly, and she had no defense for it. She didn't know what to do. Instinctively she curled up on the floor to protect herself.
Ralph knelt on the floor beside Amy, gathered her in his arms, like only a father can, and talked soothingly to her. 'Its all right, I'm here honey. Shhh, it's ok.' He stood up with her, talking to her, and calming her, and started down the hallway to her bedroom. 'I'll take it from her Webb.' He said quietly.
That made Amy turn. She was home, and Clay was here. 'Clay' she called, and reached out to him with her good arm. He took her hand and held it a moment.
'Call me tomorrow. Please. I have gotten used to having you around everyday.' She said with a wane smile. More than that, she had gotten used to him watching over her, he kept the demons away.
'I will.' Clay promised.
Ralph turned Amy away, and walked with her down the hall, closing the door behind them.
Clay accepted the 'subtle' hint for him to leave. He looked around the apartment once more. The home coming was not what he had wished it to be, but it was time to go. He would work out something with Mr. Harris eventually. He and Amy were together again, and no one was going to come between them now.
Clay left the building reluctantly. The government car was still there, waiting for him. He got in the back, and gave them directions to his home in Alexandria. As he sat back for the ride, he thought about all the crimes Mr. Harris had accused him of, they were no different than what he blamed himself for. He broke her heart, pushed her away. Put Amy in danger, then left her alone to die. God, he had come so close to losing her.
He had to stop blaming himself. Amy was going to be all right, and they were together, and would work things out. They just needed time. Alone, together, when she wasn't struggling to live. She was better now, and would get stronger, and then they could work on their relationship, whatever that would be. Clay had no doubts this time where he wanted their relationship to go. He would marry her, and love her the rest of his life. He just had to convince her of that. And convince himself that it would work.
CIA Headquarters
Langley, VA
1425 hours local time
Clayton Webb made his way down the hall of doorways. All the doors lead to small rooms. "Conference" rooms they were called at Langley, but they were not the same kind of conference rooms found anywhere else in America. These rooms all had an adjoining room, and there was a mirror in between them. These were interrogation rooms, or in this case, debriefing rooms.
Amy was in one, with one other person, talking about what had happened to her in Iraq. It had been two weeks since she had come home, and was doing better every day. These debriefing sessions were hard on her, Clay knew. Talking about everything that happened, in minute detail, makes it seem to the person that it is all happening to them over again. He had been there, and it was not something one enjoyed. Over the weeks of her recuperation, she had buried a lot of her feelings, and tried to forget what happened. It is only natural. But she had to let it all out. It was for her own good. She knew that, and had been very brave about talking of her experience. Clay had been very proud of her.
At first he had sat in on the debriefings, behind the mirror where Amy could not see him. She still did not want to have to discuss this to his face, and he respected that. After the first few hours or so, he found that he couldn't sit through it. When she cried, he wanted to comfort her, when she described how they had hurt her, he wanted to kill them, or step in and protect her. He was angered and appalled when she described the cold nights she had spent with no clothes, shivering in the dark. Since that first afternoon, he had not been back. He thought he knew enough. When the time came, when he had captured these people, he would review the records then, and lock them up for the rest of their natural lives.
Amy split her time between Langley, and Bethesda Naval Hospital, receiving therapy and regaining her strength. Her feet were getting better, and her arm was healing nicely. She would not need surgery, just therapy, and eventually would regain full use of the arm, possibly bring it back to 100%. This was good news, since she wished to return to active duty with the Marines as soon as possible. Clay encouraged her to take her time. He had gone back too quickly, and regretted it later. But that was all in the past.
He was concentrating on the present right now, specifically tonight. Clay was picking her up after her debriefing, and taking her to his home, and cooking dinner for the two of them. It will be the first time they were really alone since he had broken things off with her all those months ago. It was time to really make up, he thought. He knew Amy may not be ready to be intimate with him, but Clay hoped they could at least begin a little. A quiet dinner, good music, good conversation, it will be like it used to be. He hoped.
Clay was thinking about how the evening would go, and did not notice the man sitting outside the room until he was right beside him. Clay looked down at the face of Amy's father. The two men had not seen each other since Amy's first day home, and their argument at her apartment. Clay had called Amy, and most of the time, her father had let her come to the phone to talk to him. But Clay was sure that on a few occasions, Mr. Harris had screened her calls, and made excuses that she could not come to the phone at that moment, and took a message, that Amy had never received. Clay had not expected to see him here today, and promised himself not to have another scene with Mr. Harris. He would walk away, and come to get Amy later. Nothing was going to spoil tonight for them.
Mr. Harris looked up at Clay. 'Mr. Webb.' He said, acknowledging Clay with a nod.
Clay returned the flat greeting in kind, 'Mr. Harris.' He sat down in the other chair beside Mr. Harris, ready to get up again and leave at the slightest hint of a provocation.
'She still inside?' Clay asked, even though he could see Amy through the narrow window in the side of the door. He was going to at least try and be polite.
'Yes.' Came the answer. 'I hate taking her to these sessions.' Mr. Harris stated. 'It's like living through it all over again for her. She comes out exhausted.'
'Yes, I know.' Clay said. 'But it is good for her to talk about it, get it all out.' Clay tried to explain.
Mr. Harris cut in, 'I want to be in there with her. Give her some moral support, ya know? She won't let me. Says she doesn't want me to know all the details. I know some of what happened. And I have seen the scars they left on her. Animals. She says that's enough. Knowing all of it would only hurt.' Mr. Harris was having trouble understanding everything his daughter had gone through, and was still going through. But he was determined that she get whatever help she needed. If she didn't want him to know everything, then so be it. She may be right. It would hurt too much to know everything. 'These sessions bring on nightmares, did you know that?' he asked angrily. He wasn't really mad at Webb, just ….mad at everything.
Amy had not told Clay about any nightmares. God knew he understood nightmares, knew that they were painful and unsettling, but also, a necessary part of the process. 'No, I didn't know about the nightmares.' He said.
'Why aren't you in there with her?' Mr. Harris asked, accusingly. He thought someone should be in there to help Amy, and if these two were in love, why wasn't Clay offering his support? He wanted to know.
'Same reason you're not.' Clay answered simply.
Mr. Harris lost his head of steam at that answer. Just like Amy, he thought, to face things on her own.
The two men sat quietly for a moment.
Mr. Harris turned in his seat and faced Clay. 'I know when I am wrong, and I'm not afraid to admit it. I owe you an apology Webb.'
Clay stopped him, 'You don't owe me anything Mr. Harris. You didn't voice anything I didn't feel all ready…'
'No' Mr. Harris interjected, 'Amy explained a few things about you. And your friend, Harmon Rabb, he came over to visit Amy the other day. He told us both how you were ready to give yourself up in her place, was ready to go with her and protect her.'
'Rabb stopped me.' Clay admitted. 'I was ready to go in her place.'
'Amy also told me your experience in South America. You are a brave man, and I give you credit for that.' Mr. Harris stated.
Clay was taken aback at this. People had been proud of him, or impressed by what he had gone through, but no one had ever called him brave to his face before. He wasn't sure he was brave, but it meant a lot to him somehow to have this man, consider him brave. 'Thank you Mr. Harris. I would have done everything I could for her sir. I did do everything I was allowed to do, though it was damn little.' Clay confessed.
'I know.' Mr. Harris said. 'She is safe now, and getting better. She will be all right, that's all that matters now.'
They could both see that Amy was still talking, at least she wasn't crying, that usually tore Mr. Harris apart when he saw her crying in there. It may be a while, so he decided to keep a conversation going with Webb. This man was probably going to be around a while, might as well try and get to know him, he thought.
'Amy told me your father worked for the Agency too.'
'Yes.'
'Died in the service, right?'
There was no answer to this question, Mr. Harris let it go.
'And you still joined?' Mr. Harris asked.
'Yes, it was what I wanted to do, I assure you, Mr. Harris.' Clay said sincerely. 'You don't really approve of me, do you Mr. Harris?'
'You live a dangerous life Webb.' Came the answer. 'But my daughter loves you, and is willing to live with your job if she is going to love you.'
'She tell you that?' Clay asked surprised.
'Yes.'
Clay decided to go out on a limb. 'I asked her to marry me, Mr. Harris.'
'What did she say?' Mr. Harris said interested. This was the first he had heard of this, but figured this relationship may be headed that way.
'She said we had some things to work out. She didn't say "Yes" but she didn't say "No" either.' Clay answered honestly.
Mr. Harris chuckled at this. 'That's my girl. Always keeping them guessing.' He paused. 'You broke her heart once. You do it again and you will answer to me, fair enough?' He asked seriously.
Somehow Clay knew that he would indeed one day answer to this man if he hurt his daughter again. 'Fair enough.' Clay answered.
They were both quiet again, watching Amy through the narrow window. 'This man in there with her, he any good?' Mr. Harris asked. 'Does he know what he is doing? He has any experience with prisoners or hostages?'
Clay reassured him. 'I brought him in especially to talk to Amy. He has plenty of experience. 444 days worth to be exact.' Clay said cryptically.
'444 days worth?' Mr. Harris asked.
'He was one of the American Hostages in Iran in 1979. He knows.' Clay stated.
'Oh.' Mr. Harris said, surprised and impressed.
'Amy doesn't know that, by the way. It is better if she doesn't know right now, so keep it to yourself. He likes to keep that private.' Clay warned him.
'Yes. Of course.' Mr. Harris said.
'You taking her out tonight? She will be pretty tired..' Mr. Harris knew they were having dinner together, and figured what would happen after dinner. He wasn't sure Amy was ready for that, and he wasn't sure he approved of it, but he also knew he couldn't dictate his daughter's behavior any more.
'I am cooking dinner at my home.' Clay answered.
'You cook?' Mr. Harris asked, impressed.
'Yes, sometimes. I haven't starved or killed myself or anyone else yet.' he the answered. Both men smiled at that.
Mr. Harris was not afraid of being blunt with his thoughts, even if he couldn't tell his daughter what to do; these two could at least understand his wishes. 'You going to bring her home after dinner?'
Clay smiled. OK, he thought, I understand. 'I thought Amy was old enough that she didn't have to come home by curfew, Mr. Harris.' Clay answered, with a smile.
'You might as well start calling me Ralph.' He said. And, I might as well give in to you, he thought.
'OK, Ralph.' Clay was touched.
'You're a good man, Webb, I trust you will treat her right.'
'Thank you, Ralph.' Having this man's trust meant a lot to him. 'And it's Clay.'
'Clay.' Ralph tried it out. 'Just take it slow, all right?' Ralph said as he stood up to leave.
'You are still not really sure about me are you Ralph?' Clay asked, looking up at him.
Ralph got a big smile on his face. 'Clay, if you are every lucky enough to have a daughter, you will understand. No matter who it is, a father will never completely approve of the man "who is doing it" to his little girl.' With that, he turned and walked down the hallway to go home.
Clay watched him go, with a big smile on his face, shaking his head. No, he thought, I suppose not.
Clayton Webb's Townhouse
Arlington, VA
2030 hours local time
Clay and Amy enjoyed a light supper, and Amy even splurged and had a glass of wine. With all the medication she had been taking lately, she had stayed away from any alcohol but thought tonight was special, and she felt like breaking a few rules. She also was very nervous, knew she shouldn't be, but could not stop herself. She took another sip of the delicious wine right now to try and relax.
Soft music was playing in the background; Amy had not paid too much attention to it until now. She sat back to listen while Clay finished clearing things up in the kitchen. One disc ended, and she heard the soft whirl of the CD player as the next disc moved into place. She heard the opening strains of the Waltz from Sleeping Beauty, and a smile came to her face.
Clay had moved in front of her as the music began, and quietly asked, 'May I have this dance?' he held out his hand, and helped her to her feet. He put his arms around her and they slowly started swaying around the room, looking into each other's eyes.
'I miss dancing with you.' He said.
'Mmmm, me too.' She agreed. 'Do you remember our first date?'
'I took you to see Sleeping Beauty, at the National Ballet.' He answered dutifully.
'No, not that one. The one in Moscow.' She corrected with a smile.
'Oh, yes, the Embassy ball. I think I fell in love with you that night. I just didn't accept it.' Clay confessed.
'And then you left the country the next day. Breaking our next date. Oh it was love all right.' She chided him.
'And then when we met up again in Washington, I got to fall in love with you all over again.' He continued with a smile, ignoring her remark.
'And after accepting it, you got scared, and pushed me away.' She gently reminded him. She was enjoying the game. He may have fallen in love with her over and over again, but she had fallen the one time, in Moscow, and it had stuck.
'And now I have come to my senses, realized my mistakes, asked forgiveness, and I get to fall in love with you all over again.' He finished with a flourish and laugh.
'Will you change your mind again?' she asked.
'No.'
'Push me away?'
'No.'
'Run away screaming in fear?' she asked with a laugh in her voice.
'No. "A ma vie de coer entier." Amy.' He said, stopping their dancing and holding her tight very serious now. 'You have my whole heart for my whole life, Amy. I can promise you that. I can't promise you I will always be here when you need me, and I can't promise that you will know where I am or when I will be back, but I can promise you my love for always.'
'That's enough.' She whispered, close to tears. 'Clay…'
'Yes.'
'Are you going to take me home tonight?'
'Do you want to go home?' he asked and started moving to the music with her again.
'No.' she answered, 'But, Clay…'
'Amy, if you are not ready, I will sleep on the couch. I will do whatever you want, but, I want to be with you tonight.' He told her.
'I want you with me too. But I'm afraid.' She said, and couldn't stop the tear that slid down her cheek.
'Afraid of what?' Clay asked concerned.
She took a deep breath. She had been worried about this for a long time, and to finally say it out loud seemed to make it so unimportant, but still,…. 'I'm afraid I am not beautiful any more. There are marks on me, scars, and…' and another tear fell.
'No. Amy don't cry, you are beautiful. You always were, and still are to me, nothing would change that. Will you let me show you how beautiful your are to me?'
All she could do was nod, and they both walked into the bedroom.
Clay began by kissing the top of her head, light gentle kisses. Then moved to her cheeks, her eyelids, the tip of her nose, which made her smile, then her lips. There he lingered, tasting, savoring. He breathed in her sent, filled his hands with her hair. The kiss grew more heated, and he had to pull away. He didn't want to rush this, he wanted more than anything to take his time.
He pulled away from her, and moved his hands to the front of her blouse. He began unbuttoning the small pearl buttons, and then pulled the material off her shoulders. When they were bare, he began the light kisses again. Following down the long line of her neck to the top of her shoulder, to the top of her arm, replacing the touch of his warm hand with his lips. The blouse slipped to the floor.
She just stood there. Enjoyed the feel of his hands on her cool skin. Her heart was racing, and her breathing grew deeper. Each new area he kissed was a new surprise. The heat grew from where he touched her, to move like hot syrup down to her core, to pool there and radiate out.
Clay turned her around, and he unfastened her bra strap. Then, moved his hand up and down her back, looking for the first time at her scars.
Amy used her arms to hold her bra in place on the front, waiting for his reaction. He was a better man than to react in distaste or disgust. And he knew they were there, had probably even seen the photos, so it should not be a surprise, but she waited anyway.
'I'm so sorry.' He whispered quietly, and bent to kiss some of the marks.
'The doctor said they will fade more in time.' Amy tried to reassure him and herself. He voice sounding overly loud in the dim room.
'I'm not worried.' He said sincerely, and turned her around to face him again. 'You are beautiful.' And he followed up the statement of fact with a kiss that heated both their blood even more.
He brought her to the bed, pulled back the covers and laid her down. He too off his shirt, and lay down beside her. Clay was gentle and took his time. They had a lot of lost time to make up for.
It was not a night of passion, or ecstasy, or climbing and reaching new heights.
It was a night of love, of forgiving, and being forgiving. Of rediscovery, reawakening of their love for one another. A new beginning.
Amy fell deeply asleep in his arms, and trying to disturb her too much, Clay pulled up the covers, around them as best he could. Poor woman was exhausted from the long day, and barely stirred. It was out of character for Clay to be in bed this early. But there was nothing on this earth that would move him from this bed, from her side, while holding her in his arms again.
He silently thanked God, for the miracle he had prayed for that night, so long ago.
End Chapter 7.
Date May 2004
This seemed forever to put together. This chapter and Chapter 8 are sort of 'filler/fun chapters', I have to admit; Much more romance and story progression. I wanted to try and make this one chapter, but it didn't workout. The best part is that Chapter 8 is almost done too, and will be posted sooner.
Please stay tuned, there is more action and intrigue coming up.
This Chapter is rated PG-13 for adult content.
Disclaimer: The Clayton Webb character, and other JAG characters, belong to Donald P. Bellisario, Bellisario Productions, CBS, et al. All other characters and situations of this story belong to the author. No copying of this material is allowed without my consent. For your reading pleasure, one copy is allowed.
WEBB Odyssey
Adventures of Clayton Webb and his friends at JAG, and certain special someone.
Rating: PG-13
Classification: JAG - Story
Webb/other Romance - Adventure
Spoilers: None, written after Tangled Webb.
Chapter 7 Webb Odyssey
Chap 7
Coming Home
US Army Hospital
Baghdad, Iraq
It had been a few weeks now, and Amy was almost back to 100%. Or, at least she thought so. She was feeling stronger, and eating some solid food now, and could even walk around her room a little. Her feet were still very sore, and a little swollen. The injury on her back was also still healing, and her ribs were still sore. Her arm was healing, and might not need surgery. She would see a specialist when she got back to Washington. All in all, she was feeling much better, and was getting anxious to go home.
Since she had been feeling better, Clay had brought over books of pictures for her to look through to see if she recognized anyone. It had taken a couple of days, since she was only able to look at all the pictures for a short time before all the faces started looking the same, but she was able to identify two men. She had surprised herself that she actually remembered two of them.
The leader, the man who had beaten her so many times was a face she would never forget. When she saw his face in a picture, even with a different hair style, and beard, she was able to identify him. And seeing him again, having those eyes look at her from the page, send a cold shiver through her, and choked her. Clay had been sitting right beside her, and noticed the fear that moved over her, and caused her to stiffen in the chair. 'Which one.' Was all he asked.
Amy pointed at the picture with her finger, and was surprised her hand had gone a ghostly white.
Clay slid the book over to him, so he could see the picture she had indicated, and read the name. 'Naveed Kharrat. He is a known dissident in the northern territory.' He looked over at Amy, who was holding her head in her hand, and had closed her eyes. 'Do you recognize the name?' Clay asked quietly.
'No, I never heard a name.' she answered, looking up at him. The fear and sadness Clay saw in her eyes scared him too. 'That's all we need to do for today.' He said. 'Why don't we go for a walk?'
A few days later, Amy was able to identify one other man, Mohammed Hassid. Another dissident/trouble maker who was under suspicion of having ties with a terrorist group responsible for suicide bombings near US Marine check points. Amy recognized him as one of the men always with Kharrat. He was one of the ones who held her while Kharrat punched. She also remembered Hessid had gotten some punches in too.
With the information already gathered on these men, and Amy's positive ID of them as part of the insurgent group, Clay works with the CIA station office in Baghdad to put orders out to pick up either one of these men, or anyone in their company wherever they may be found. With that part completed, and the communication set up for Clay to receive any new information on these men immediately when he had returned to Washington, he and Amy are finally able to prepare to go home.
Andrew's Air Force Base
Prince George's County, Maryland
1100 hours local time
The 747 commercial airplane taxied to a special area on the tarmac. A small crowd of people had gathered behind a chain link fence, and a group of reporters were on the other side of the fence, facing a podium that was set up on the tarmac. There were uniformed police on the tarmac, and some security people that were in the dark suit and tie "uniform" of some official agency, wishing to keep its presence "low key". When the plane taxied in, the crowd started cheering, and photographers started snapping pictures.
The stairway was moved into place, and people started alighting from the plane. All the passengers were uniformed service men and women, coming home from duty in far away places.
Clay and Amy had been traveling for two days now. Like so many others, they had taken a military flight to Germany, stayed over one night, and then taken this flight to Washington. Clay was anxious to get home also, but had thought it better if he and Amy stayed in Germany a couple more days. It would give her a chance to rest some more before arriving in Washington. But Amy would not hear of it. She was like a little child, 'I just want to go home.' She knew the traveling would be hard on her, but she wanted very much to see her father, and Sarah and Harm. She had talked to all of them on the phone while recuperating in Baghdad, and wanted to see them now she was feeling better.
Once the cabin doors opened, many of the service people exited the plane and were met by their families who had gathered at the runway. Clay and Amy waited for most of them to depart before getting up and gathering their things. Amy moved very slowly these days, and didn't want to hold anyone else up to wait for her. While Clay carried their smaller bags, he walked ahead of Amy to the door. They had discussed who would leave the plane first. Clay wanted to stay with Amy, but knew he could not be pictured with Amy, and have any chances of his identity discovered. It was never a good idea for any agent to get his picture in the press. So Clay came down the stairs first, and walked over to the fence to watch the proceedings with the security officers.
When Amy exited the plane a cheer went up from the crowd. Amy was overwhelmed by the attention and gave them all a big smile as she gingerly made her way down the stairs. As she came down, a man broke away from the crowd and walked slowly to the bottom of the stairs. Once Amy saw him approaching, she tried to hurry her steps. The man had stopped and waited for her, and as soon as she set foot on the tarmac, he rushed to her and pulled her into his arms.
'Amy honey.' He said as he pulled his daughter into his embrace.
'Daddy, Daddy' Amy was saying over and over. His squeeze hurt her ribs and back, but she didn't care. He was here, she was home at last.
When they pulled away from each other to face each other, there were tears on each of their faces. 'Ah, let me look at you.' Her father said, as he held her face in his hands. 'How are you? You look so thin and tired.' He said worriedly as he looked into her eyes. Eyes so like her mother's.
'I'm fine now Daddy, really.' She assured him, feeling truly fine for the first time in weeks.
One of the men in a suit came up and asked if Amy would make a statement, then there were cars here to take her home.
Leaning on her father's arm, Amy walked slowly to the podium to say a few words. Clay watched all of this from the side. Watching Amy and her father together brought a lump to his throat, and he was glad he had put on his dark glasses, even if the sky was a bit overcast.
Amy thanked everyone for the warm and unexpected welcome home. She was happy to be home, and was looking forward to getting back to work. She thanked the Marines who had found her, and hope they all come home soon too. 'Semper Fi' she said for those Marines with a smile. 'God Bless you all.' That was all she had to say, and then she grabbed her father again, and followed the "suits" to the waiting cars. Clay followed them too.
As they were climbing into one of the sedans, Amy stopped, and turned to her father.
'Daddy, I wanted to go over to the office and see Sarah MacKenzie and some other friends before I go home. Why don't you take one car and go over to my apartment, and I will be there shortly.'
'Honey, you need some rest. Can't that wait for another day?' her father suggested. He did not like the way his daughter looked at all. Too pale and worn out he thought. He knew what she had been through, and now that she was home, he wanted to take care of her himself.
'It will only be for a little while, I promise.' Amy said with a wane smile. She really did want to see Sarah and Harm, and she had all the time in the world to rest. She was too excited right now. 'I will be all right. Really.'
Reluctantly, her father let her go into one car, and he stepped over to get into another. He saw one of the "suits" slip into the car with her. He was the same one that had been on the plane with her. Was that Webb? He thought. Amy's father knew he would find out soon enough.
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, VA
1132 hours local time
As Amy and Clay stepped off the elevator, the cheer went up again. This time from all her friends at JAG. They all applauded as Amy and Clay walked into the bull pen. A couple of people patted her on the back as she went past them, and Clay could hear her intake of breath, and feel her tighten her grip on his arm and hand as he helped her walk into the office. All these hugs and back slapping were going to be too much for her, Clay could already tell. But he wouldn't take this moment away from her for anything. She deserved it after all.
Amy was all smiles, and opened her arms as soon as she saw Sarah, who gave her a big hug. Clay seemed to be the only one noticing Amy wincing in pain.
'It is so good to see you!' Sarah said enthusiastically.
'It is good to be seen.' Amy answered jokingly.
'Here, let me give you a hug too.' Harm said, as he enfolded Amy in his arms. He noticed the pale skin and felt how thin she was when he held her, but did not say anything.
Harriet and Bud Roberts came forward and also hugged her, welcoming her home. Both saying how proud they were of her. 'You look….Terrific!' Harriet said after a moment. She didn't think Amy looked well at all, but couldn't really say that. Harriet offered to get Amy some refreshments, and found a chair for her. Amy accepted both gratefully, and more chairs were brought around Amy as people sat down and started talking to her.
Clay kept a watchful eye on everything, ready to step in and suggest he take Amy home at any sign from her that she had had enough.
Just as people were settling in a voice rang out, 'Attention on deck.' Everyone came to attention as Admiral Chegwidden entered the room from his office. Amy slowly got up from the chair she had just sat down in. Injuries or not, she was in uniform and she stood to attention when an Admiral entered the room.
Admiral Chegwidden watched her carefully get up, and hated to make her stand again, but he wanted to do something special, and she should be standing. He looked her, very seriously in the eye, and stood to attention himself. 'Major' he said. The room fell quiet waiting to see what would happen. In front of his entire command, Admiral AJ Chegwidden saluted Major Amelia Harris.
This broke protocol on many different levels. First of all, one did not salute indoors, and certainly an Admiral did not offer to salute a junior officer first. The junior officer saluted him first. The Admiral did it to honor Amy. To offer her special recognition for what she had been through. And Amy was sincerely touched by this honor. With as much strength as she could, she stood straight, and saluted him back. When their arms were back at their sides, the Admiral said, 'Welcome home Major Harris. Semper Fi. Well done.'
'Thank you Sir.' Amy said smiling. And everyone else in the room applauded once more. To quiet everyone down, and bring the gathering back to an informal feeling, AJ noticed Amy shoes. They were rather large white running shoes. They were the only ones she could stand on her sore feet at this point, but they did look a little silly with her dress uniform.
With a pseudo serious expression on his face, the Admiral said. 'Major, those shoes are hardly uniform code.'
Amy rolled her eyes, looking like a child caught by the principal. 'Well Sir. They are sort of medical issue. I beg the Admiral's pardon.'
The Admiral nodded, and answered 'Granted'. He could not understand why she needed shoes for a medical purpose, but he certainly was not going to question her about it further. He saw that Harm and Clay had gone into Harm's office, and were talking, so he thought he would join them and try and get some more information on what had happened to Amy.
Meanwhile, Sarah, Harriet and Amy were all talking together. Sarah had started asking Amy questions. 'I'm a sick to death of talking about me all the time. Tell me the news around here. What have I missed?' Amy asked trying to dodge questions she didn't want to answer right now.
Harriet was all too eager to answer her question. 'The Commander has a new posting, and he and the Colonel are getting married.'
'Congratulations! That's wonderful!' Amy said excitedly as she looked at her good friend. Amy was so happy for Sarah. 'Tell me all about it.'
'Harriet!' Sarah chided her. 'I wanted to tell her myself!'
'Well, go on. Tell her!' Harriet answered.
And Sarah did. 'Harm is posted part time with the Sec Nav's office as Legal Advisor. The rest of the time he spends here at JAG trying and investigating cases, but he reports to the Sec Nav.'
'So he is here working, but not in the same chain of command.' Amy surmised. 'Very handy. I'm so happy for you both.'
'Yes, I'm happy for us too.' Sarah smiled warmly. 'It's almost too good to be true.'
'And when is the wedding? When do I get to be a bridesmaid?' Amy asked pointedly.
'How would 6 weeks be? Would you be up to it by then?' Sarah asked carefully. She saw how tired and weak Amy seemed. It hurt to see her friend this way. Amy was usually so bright and healthy and active. Sarah hoped she could still be that way soon.
'Sarah, I was just kidding before. I don't have to be a bridesmaid.' Amy said sheepishly. Suddenly she felt bad, feeling she may have put Sarah in a corner.
'No, I want you to be a bridesmaid. We were waiting for you get home a to be sure you could be here for the wedding.' Sarah assured her.
'Thank you Sarah. I will be ready. It will give me something to work toward, right?' Amy said.
'Absolutely.' Sarah agreed.
'I only ask one thing. No backless dresses OK?' Amy asked. She tried to make it sound funny, but was really very serious. She was not ready to tell Sarah why right now.
Sarah looked at her friend a little quizzically. She was not sure why Amy would make such a request, but she would honor it, whatever the reason. 'OK' she answered.
In Harm's office, the three men looked at Amy from across the room. 'She looks so fragile.' Harm commented, referring to Amy.
Clay had to agree. Fragile was just the word for Amy right now. 'She is fragile. But she has come such a long way all ready. When I saw her for the first time in the hospital bed…Harm, you wouldn't believe it. I hardly believe it.' Clay shook his head and turned to face his friend. 'The doctor described her as being black and blue from her head to her toes, and she was. They meant to beat her to death, and they almost succeeded.'
'They beat her on her feet too?' the Admiral asked.
Clay looked at him. He had heard the comment about the shoes, and hated to tell AJ the truth. 'The night she was taken, they marched all night over rocky terrain. They took away her boots, made her walk the whole way barefoot. Her feet are cut and infected AJ. Those are the only shoes she can wear right now, and even then it is hard for her to walk.'
'Ah…cheez.' AJ wanted to eat his words from before. 'Why didn't you say something to me when I started? I feel like an idiot.'
Clay smiled. 'It's OK AJ. She knows you were just joking with her. She also knows you are not aware of all of her injuries, and she won't hold it against you.'
'Still.' AJ shook his head.
'What were her injuries?' Harm asked. 'They were never published.
'We didn't want the whole world to know. It's not really anyone's business what they did to her. Amy wants to keep it under wraps. It is embarrassing to her. She feels she should have fought them more, or tried to escape…' Clay stopped here. Amy was psychically getting better. But she still had a lot of feelings to work through, and he didn't want to go into that right now.
'I don't think she would mind you knowing, you are her friends.' Clay said. 'They broke her arm, broke ribs, and bruised everything else they could get at. Her feet were abused, and the last night, to kill her, they whipped her with what we think was a leather strap of some kind. About 15 times.'
Both Harm and AJ were discussed by this news. 'My God.' AJ said. 'They really did try to kill her, didn't they?' Harm said.
Clay looked back out at Amy, talking with her friends. She was laughing, and smiling, more than he had ever seen her do in Baghdad. She may have been worn out from the trip, but this, seeing and talking with her friends, was the best medicine for her. 'When I think how close I came to loosing her…' Clay stopped. He wasn't sure he could trust his voice to finish the sentence that had run through his mind these past weeks. Harm laid a hand on his back to support his friend. He was happy for Clay and Amy. They seemed to have found one another again.
Amy looked up and saw Clay watching her. He is never far away, she thought. He is always watching out for me. I do love him. She gave him a special smile. Then she sort of tossed her head toward the door, trying to give him a "high sign" to say, 'I'm ready to go now.'
Clay caught the sign and was ready to go. He turned to Harm and AJ. 'I think I better get her home. It's been a long day already.'
With that, the two of them said their goodbyes, thanked everyone for the party, and left, to take Amy home.
Amy's Apartment
Georgetown
1206 hours local time
With his arm around Amy, supporting her as she walked, Clay and Amy walked down the long hallway to her apartment door. It was a walk they both had looked forward to for weeks. Clay had kept his promise, to bring her home, and she was so glad to finally be here.
'It's so good to be home. Thank you Clay.' Amy said sleepily.
'My pleasure.' Clay said with a smile. 'Let's get you inside and into bed.'
'Sure, the first thing you think of when you finally get me alone is to take me to bed.' She said jokingly.
'I didn't mean that at all.' Clay said worriedly. He knew he could not stay with her, as much as he may want to. And he knew it would be a while before they could be intimate, as much as he wanted that too.
'I'm just kidding.' She said, as the door opened, and there stood her father.
Ralph Harris looked the two of them over, with a very disapproving look. The kind of look that parents perfect early, and use on their children for their whole lives. Clay got the distinct impression he was not going to be very welcome in the apartment, and felt as if he had brought his prom date home late, after curfew.
Clay looked at the older man. A man in his 60's probably. Still fit, still had a lot of hair, though it was quite gray. Not very tall, but still carried himself well, no stooping from old age yet. A kind face, most of the time. This was not one of those times. Clay was not sure what Amy's father was angry about, but he had the feeling he was going to find out. Clay just wanted to help Amy in to bed, and make a quick, but polite exit.
'Daddy' Amy said brightly as she moved pasted him into the apartment. She walked inside her home, and just closed her eyes, and let it all sink inside her. She looked around, and found everything was just the way she had left it. There was a pillow and quilt on the couch, neatly folded and sitting at one end. Dad must be sleeping there she thought to herself. Otherwise everything was just the same. Her home. She wanted nothing more than to just sit down and enjoy it. But Clay and her father were here, and she was too tired. She would go and lay down for a nap, and get up later and sit in here and talk to her Dad, get all the news from home, and just enjoy.
She did not notice the tense quiet behind her, but did remember that she had introductions to make. 'Oh, I'm sorry.' She began, turning to the men standing behind her, watching each other. 'Dad, this is Clayton Webb. I've told you about him, and Clay, this is my father, Ralph Harris.'
Clay carefully held out his hand to the older man. 'Mr. Harris.'
Ralph Harris made no move to shake hands with him.
Amy was still not picking up on the animosity that was brewing behind her between her father and Clay. She was too tired, and to wrapped up in the joy of being in her own place again. She was weak and wanted to change and lay down for a while, and started moving to her bedroom.
'Clay will you help me change before you go?' Amy asked. Since he had been with her everyday at the hospital, she was used to having his help and did not think it awkward to ask for his help now.
As Clay made a move toward her saying, 'Yes,…' Amy's father moved to block his way, never taking his eyes off Clay. It was just a one small step, but it was enough.
He said in an overly loud, challenging voice 'Hasn't he done enough?' He looked at his daughter, who now could tell something was very wrong. 'I'll help you, honey.'
'Daddy, it's all right, really, Clay knows….' Amy started to explain, but her father ignored her, and turned his anger to Clay.
'We don't need your help.' He sneered.
'Mr. Harris, I…
'Get out'
'Daddy, please,…'
'He's done enough, Amy.' He said to her, then turned to Clay. 'You said you loved her, and then broke your heart. She called me crying her eyes out one night, telling me she was in love, but the man had pushed her away. That was you, wasn't it? Then you drag her half way around the world to a war zone, and leave her there, in the hands of butchers who try to kill her! What kind of man are you?' The angry words came rushing out. He had waited a long time to talk to this man, and now he wanted some answers.
Clay's voice rose in volume too, though he tried to stay calm. 'I didn't want to leave her. I would have taken her place if they had let me. I wanted to take her place. I tried everything I could, everything I was allowed to do to find her…' he wanted to explain this to her father, as well as himself. He wanted to reassure himself that he had indeed done everything that he could. This man's accusations were no more than what he had told himself countless times over the past weeks.
'It wasn't enough, was it?' Mr. Harris shouted. 'Now you want back in? You want to hurt her more? I won't stand for it.' He turned back to Amy, 'Amy I won't stand by..
But Amy was crumpled on the floor crying. 'Stop it, stop yelling, please, stop it.'
The two men gave up their shouting match, and moved to help her. Dad reached her first. Clay had not felt so helpless since first seeing her in the hospital. She was worn out, and needed some rest, and here he was, picking a fight with her father. The shouting must have affected her somehow, and he was helpless to comfort her.
One minute Amy was happy and in her own apartment. The next minute, when her father and Clay were shouting at each other, she was in that room, and Kharrat was shouting at her. 'Where is the base? Where are the Marines? Tell me or I will hurt you again!' It happened instantly, and she had no defense for it. She didn't know what to do. Instinctively she curled up on the floor to protect herself.
Ralph knelt on the floor beside Amy, gathered her in his arms, like only a father can, and talked soothingly to her. 'Its all right, I'm here honey. Shhh, it's ok.' He stood up with her, talking to her, and calming her, and started down the hallway to her bedroom. 'I'll take it from her Webb.' He said quietly.
That made Amy turn. She was home, and Clay was here. 'Clay' she called, and reached out to him with her good arm. He took her hand and held it a moment.
'Call me tomorrow. Please. I have gotten used to having you around everyday.' She said with a wane smile. More than that, she had gotten used to him watching over her, he kept the demons away.
'I will.' Clay promised.
Ralph turned Amy away, and walked with her down the hall, closing the door behind them.
Clay accepted the 'subtle' hint for him to leave. He looked around the apartment once more. The home coming was not what he had wished it to be, but it was time to go. He would work out something with Mr. Harris eventually. He and Amy were together again, and no one was going to come between them now.
Clay left the building reluctantly. The government car was still there, waiting for him. He got in the back, and gave them directions to his home in Alexandria. As he sat back for the ride, he thought about all the crimes Mr. Harris had accused him of, they were no different than what he blamed himself for. He broke her heart, pushed her away. Put Amy in danger, then left her alone to die. God, he had come so close to losing her.
He had to stop blaming himself. Amy was going to be all right, and they were together, and would work things out. They just needed time. Alone, together, when she wasn't struggling to live. She was better now, and would get stronger, and then they could work on their relationship, whatever that would be. Clay had no doubts this time where he wanted their relationship to go. He would marry her, and love her the rest of his life. He just had to convince her of that. And convince himself that it would work.
CIA Headquarters
Langley, VA
1425 hours local time
Clayton Webb made his way down the hall of doorways. All the doors lead to small rooms. "Conference" rooms they were called at Langley, but they were not the same kind of conference rooms found anywhere else in America. These rooms all had an adjoining room, and there was a mirror in between them. These were interrogation rooms, or in this case, debriefing rooms.
Amy was in one, with one other person, talking about what had happened to her in Iraq. It had been two weeks since she had come home, and was doing better every day. These debriefing sessions were hard on her, Clay knew. Talking about everything that happened, in minute detail, makes it seem to the person that it is all happening to them over again. He had been there, and it was not something one enjoyed. Over the weeks of her recuperation, she had buried a lot of her feelings, and tried to forget what happened. It is only natural. But she had to let it all out. It was for her own good. She knew that, and had been very brave about talking of her experience. Clay had been very proud of her.
At first he had sat in on the debriefings, behind the mirror where Amy could not see him. She still did not want to have to discuss this to his face, and he respected that. After the first few hours or so, he found that he couldn't sit through it. When she cried, he wanted to comfort her, when she described how they had hurt her, he wanted to kill them, or step in and protect her. He was angered and appalled when she described the cold nights she had spent with no clothes, shivering in the dark. Since that first afternoon, he had not been back. He thought he knew enough. When the time came, when he had captured these people, he would review the records then, and lock them up for the rest of their natural lives.
Amy split her time between Langley, and Bethesda Naval Hospital, receiving therapy and regaining her strength. Her feet were getting better, and her arm was healing nicely. She would not need surgery, just therapy, and eventually would regain full use of the arm, possibly bring it back to 100%. This was good news, since she wished to return to active duty with the Marines as soon as possible. Clay encouraged her to take her time. He had gone back too quickly, and regretted it later. But that was all in the past.
He was concentrating on the present right now, specifically tonight. Clay was picking her up after her debriefing, and taking her to his home, and cooking dinner for the two of them. It will be the first time they were really alone since he had broken things off with her all those months ago. It was time to really make up, he thought. He knew Amy may not be ready to be intimate with him, but Clay hoped they could at least begin a little. A quiet dinner, good music, good conversation, it will be like it used to be. He hoped.
Clay was thinking about how the evening would go, and did not notice the man sitting outside the room until he was right beside him. Clay looked down at the face of Amy's father. The two men had not seen each other since Amy's first day home, and their argument at her apartment. Clay had called Amy, and most of the time, her father had let her come to the phone to talk to him. But Clay was sure that on a few occasions, Mr. Harris had screened her calls, and made excuses that she could not come to the phone at that moment, and took a message, that Amy had never received. Clay had not expected to see him here today, and promised himself not to have another scene with Mr. Harris. He would walk away, and come to get Amy later. Nothing was going to spoil tonight for them.
Mr. Harris looked up at Clay. 'Mr. Webb.' He said, acknowledging Clay with a nod.
Clay returned the flat greeting in kind, 'Mr. Harris.' He sat down in the other chair beside Mr. Harris, ready to get up again and leave at the slightest hint of a provocation.
'She still inside?' Clay asked, even though he could see Amy through the narrow window in the side of the door. He was going to at least try and be polite.
'Yes.' Came the answer. 'I hate taking her to these sessions.' Mr. Harris stated. 'It's like living through it all over again for her. She comes out exhausted.'
'Yes, I know.' Clay said. 'But it is good for her to talk about it, get it all out.' Clay tried to explain.
Mr. Harris cut in, 'I want to be in there with her. Give her some moral support, ya know? She won't let me. Says she doesn't want me to know all the details. I know some of what happened. And I have seen the scars they left on her. Animals. She says that's enough. Knowing all of it would only hurt.' Mr. Harris was having trouble understanding everything his daughter had gone through, and was still going through. But he was determined that she get whatever help she needed. If she didn't want him to know everything, then so be it. She may be right. It would hurt too much to know everything. 'These sessions bring on nightmares, did you know that?' he asked angrily. He wasn't really mad at Webb, just ….mad at everything.
Amy had not told Clay about any nightmares. God knew he understood nightmares, knew that they were painful and unsettling, but also, a necessary part of the process. 'No, I didn't know about the nightmares.' He said.
'Why aren't you in there with her?' Mr. Harris asked, accusingly. He thought someone should be in there to help Amy, and if these two were in love, why wasn't Clay offering his support? He wanted to know.
'Same reason you're not.' Clay answered simply.
Mr. Harris lost his head of steam at that answer. Just like Amy, he thought, to face things on her own.
The two men sat quietly for a moment.
Mr. Harris turned in his seat and faced Clay. 'I know when I am wrong, and I'm not afraid to admit it. I owe you an apology Webb.'
Clay stopped him, 'You don't owe me anything Mr. Harris. You didn't voice anything I didn't feel all ready…'
'No' Mr. Harris interjected, 'Amy explained a few things about you. And your friend, Harmon Rabb, he came over to visit Amy the other day. He told us both how you were ready to give yourself up in her place, was ready to go with her and protect her.'
'Rabb stopped me.' Clay admitted. 'I was ready to go in her place.'
'Amy also told me your experience in South America. You are a brave man, and I give you credit for that.' Mr. Harris stated.
Clay was taken aback at this. People had been proud of him, or impressed by what he had gone through, but no one had ever called him brave to his face before. He wasn't sure he was brave, but it meant a lot to him somehow to have this man, consider him brave. 'Thank you Mr. Harris. I would have done everything I could for her sir. I did do everything I was allowed to do, though it was damn little.' Clay confessed.
'I know.' Mr. Harris said. 'She is safe now, and getting better. She will be all right, that's all that matters now.'
They could both see that Amy was still talking, at least she wasn't crying, that usually tore Mr. Harris apart when he saw her crying in there. It may be a while, so he decided to keep a conversation going with Webb. This man was probably going to be around a while, might as well try and get to know him, he thought.
'Amy told me your father worked for the Agency too.'
'Yes.'
'Died in the service, right?'
There was no answer to this question, Mr. Harris let it go.
'And you still joined?' Mr. Harris asked.
'Yes, it was what I wanted to do, I assure you, Mr. Harris.' Clay said sincerely. 'You don't really approve of me, do you Mr. Harris?'
'You live a dangerous life Webb.' Came the answer. 'But my daughter loves you, and is willing to live with your job if she is going to love you.'
'She tell you that?' Clay asked surprised.
'Yes.'
Clay decided to go out on a limb. 'I asked her to marry me, Mr. Harris.'
'What did she say?' Mr. Harris said interested. This was the first he had heard of this, but figured this relationship may be headed that way.
'She said we had some things to work out. She didn't say "Yes" but she didn't say "No" either.' Clay answered honestly.
Mr. Harris chuckled at this. 'That's my girl. Always keeping them guessing.' He paused. 'You broke her heart once. You do it again and you will answer to me, fair enough?' He asked seriously.
Somehow Clay knew that he would indeed one day answer to this man if he hurt his daughter again. 'Fair enough.' Clay answered.
They were both quiet again, watching Amy through the narrow window. 'This man in there with her, he any good?' Mr. Harris asked. 'Does he know what he is doing? He has any experience with prisoners or hostages?'
Clay reassured him. 'I brought him in especially to talk to Amy. He has plenty of experience. 444 days worth to be exact.' Clay said cryptically.
'444 days worth?' Mr. Harris asked.
'He was one of the American Hostages in Iran in 1979. He knows.' Clay stated.
'Oh.' Mr. Harris said, surprised and impressed.
'Amy doesn't know that, by the way. It is better if she doesn't know right now, so keep it to yourself. He likes to keep that private.' Clay warned him.
'Yes. Of course.' Mr. Harris said.
'You taking her out tonight? She will be pretty tired..' Mr. Harris knew they were having dinner together, and figured what would happen after dinner. He wasn't sure Amy was ready for that, and he wasn't sure he approved of it, but he also knew he couldn't dictate his daughter's behavior any more.
'I am cooking dinner at my home.' Clay answered.
'You cook?' Mr. Harris asked, impressed.
'Yes, sometimes. I haven't starved or killed myself or anyone else yet.' he the answered. Both men smiled at that.
Mr. Harris was not afraid of being blunt with his thoughts, even if he couldn't tell his daughter what to do; these two could at least understand his wishes. 'You going to bring her home after dinner?'
Clay smiled. OK, he thought, I understand. 'I thought Amy was old enough that she didn't have to come home by curfew, Mr. Harris.' Clay answered, with a smile.
'You might as well start calling me Ralph.' He said. And, I might as well give in to you, he thought.
'OK, Ralph.' Clay was touched.
'You're a good man, Webb, I trust you will treat her right.'
'Thank you, Ralph.' Having this man's trust meant a lot to him. 'And it's Clay.'
'Clay.' Ralph tried it out. 'Just take it slow, all right?' Ralph said as he stood up to leave.
'You are still not really sure about me are you Ralph?' Clay asked, looking up at him.
Ralph got a big smile on his face. 'Clay, if you are every lucky enough to have a daughter, you will understand. No matter who it is, a father will never completely approve of the man "who is doing it" to his little girl.' With that, he turned and walked down the hallway to go home.
Clay watched him go, with a big smile on his face, shaking his head. No, he thought, I suppose not.
Clayton Webb's Townhouse
Arlington, VA
2030 hours local time
Clay and Amy enjoyed a light supper, and Amy even splurged and had a glass of wine. With all the medication she had been taking lately, she had stayed away from any alcohol but thought tonight was special, and she felt like breaking a few rules. She also was very nervous, knew she shouldn't be, but could not stop herself. She took another sip of the delicious wine right now to try and relax.
Soft music was playing in the background; Amy had not paid too much attention to it until now. She sat back to listen while Clay finished clearing things up in the kitchen. One disc ended, and she heard the soft whirl of the CD player as the next disc moved into place. She heard the opening strains of the Waltz from Sleeping Beauty, and a smile came to her face.
Clay had moved in front of her as the music began, and quietly asked, 'May I have this dance?' he held out his hand, and helped her to her feet. He put his arms around her and they slowly started swaying around the room, looking into each other's eyes.
'I miss dancing with you.' He said.
'Mmmm, me too.' She agreed. 'Do you remember our first date?'
'I took you to see Sleeping Beauty, at the National Ballet.' He answered dutifully.
'No, not that one. The one in Moscow.' She corrected with a smile.
'Oh, yes, the Embassy ball. I think I fell in love with you that night. I just didn't accept it.' Clay confessed.
'And then you left the country the next day. Breaking our next date. Oh it was love all right.' She chided him.
'And then when we met up again in Washington, I got to fall in love with you all over again.' He continued with a smile, ignoring her remark.
'And after accepting it, you got scared, and pushed me away.' She gently reminded him. She was enjoying the game. He may have fallen in love with her over and over again, but she had fallen the one time, in Moscow, and it had stuck.
'And now I have come to my senses, realized my mistakes, asked forgiveness, and I get to fall in love with you all over again.' He finished with a flourish and laugh.
'Will you change your mind again?' she asked.
'No.'
'Push me away?'
'No.'
'Run away screaming in fear?' she asked with a laugh in her voice.
'No. "A ma vie de coer entier." Amy.' He said, stopping their dancing and holding her tight very serious now. 'You have my whole heart for my whole life, Amy. I can promise you that. I can't promise you I will always be here when you need me, and I can't promise that you will know where I am or when I will be back, but I can promise you my love for always.'
'That's enough.' She whispered, close to tears. 'Clay…'
'Yes.'
'Are you going to take me home tonight?'
'Do you want to go home?' he asked and started moving to the music with her again.
'No.' she answered, 'But, Clay…'
'Amy, if you are not ready, I will sleep on the couch. I will do whatever you want, but, I want to be with you tonight.' He told her.
'I want you with me too. But I'm afraid.' She said, and couldn't stop the tear that slid down her cheek.
'Afraid of what?' Clay asked concerned.
She took a deep breath. She had been worried about this for a long time, and to finally say it out loud seemed to make it so unimportant, but still,…. 'I'm afraid I am not beautiful any more. There are marks on me, scars, and…' and another tear fell.
'No. Amy don't cry, you are beautiful. You always were, and still are to me, nothing would change that. Will you let me show you how beautiful your are to me?'
All she could do was nod, and they both walked into the bedroom.
Clay began by kissing the top of her head, light gentle kisses. Then moved to her cheeks, her eyelids, the tip of her nose, which made her smile, then her lips. There he lingered, tasting, savoring. He breathed in her sent, filled his hands with her hair. The kiss grew more heated, and he had to pull away. He didn't want to rush this, he wanted more than anything to take his time.
He pulled away from her, and moved his hands to the front of her blouse. He began unbuttoning the small pearl buttons, and then pulled the material off her shoulders. When they were bare, he began the light kisses again. Following down the long line of her neck to the top of her shoulder, to the top of her arm, replacing the touch of his warm hand with his lips. The blouse slipped to the floor.
She just stood there. Enjoyed the feel of his hands on her cool skin. Her heart was racing, and her breathing grew deeper. Each new area he kissed was a new surprise. The heat grew from where he touched her, to move like hot syrup down to her core, to pool there and radiate out.
Clay turned her around, and he unfastened her bra strap. Then, moved his hand up and down her back, looking for the first time at her scars.
Amy used her arms to hold her bra in place on the front, waiting for his reaction. He was a better man than to react in distaste or disgust. And he knew they were there, had probably even seen the photos, so it should not be a surprise, but she waited anyway.
'I'm so sorry.' He whispered quietly, and bent to kiss some of the marks.
'The doctor said they will fade more in time.' Amy tried to reassure him and herself. He voice sounding overly loud in the dim room.
'I'm not worried.' He said sincerely, and turned her around to face him again. 'You are beautiful.' And he followed up the statement of fact with a kiss that heated both their blood even more.
He brought her to the bed, pulled back the covers and laid her down. He too off his shirt, and lay down beside her. Clay was gentle and took his time. They had a lot of lost time to make up for.
It was not a night of passion, or ecstasy, or climbing and reaching new heights.
It was a night of love, of forgiving, and being forgiving. Of rediscovery, reawakening of their love for one another. A new beginning.
Amy fell deeply asleep in his arms, and trying to disturb her too much, Clay pulled up the covers, around them as best he could. Poor woman was exhausted from the long day, and barely stirred. It was out of character for Clay to be in bed this early. But there was nothing on this earth that would move him from this bed, from her side, while holding her in his arms again.
He silently thanked God, for the miracle he had prayed for that night, so long ago.
End Chapter 7.