Chapter 3
"So really how have you been?" Sturgis asked. "I haven't seen you since 1995."
"I know," Eddy sighed. "After the assassination…"
"It wasn't your fault," Sturgis said. "I remember the inquiry; there was nothing you could have done."
"Someone died on my watch, that's all there is to it." Eddy said. "Anyway, I don't want to talk about it. Tell me all about you."
"Nothing's changed really. I left the sub life and came to JAG.' Sturgis replied.
"Found time for romance," Eddy winked. "How's your dad?"
"He's good, they take him out of retirement every now and then to do the Christmas Eve sermons." Sturgis replied.
"I always liked listening to his sermons," Eddy stated.
"He liked you listening." Sturgis said.
"Wow, look at the time." Eddy said looking at her watch. "I have a busy day tomorrow."
"Can I drop you somewhere?" Sturgis offered.
"No I have a car," Eddy said.
"Where are you staying? We have to keep in touch." Sturgis said.
"You know, that's a good question. I know where I am staying tomorrow, but have no idea about tonight. I guess I can go to a hotel." Eddy replied.
"You can stay at my place for the night," Sturgis offered.
"Oh I don't think that would be a good idea." Eddy said. "What would Verese think?"
"She would think that my friend came to town and needed a place to stay." Sturgis said.
"Are you still a good omelet maker?" Eddy asked.
"The best," Sturgis replied.
"Cool, I'm starved." Eddy said. She got into her car and followed him. They went inside where Sturgis found the necessary ingredients to make omelets.
"Delicious as always," Eddy said when they finished.
"You always did appreciate my culinary talents," Sturgis joked.
"Talents, that's all you can make." Eddy replied.
"I never heard you complain," Sturgis laughed.
"It was food, why would I complain?" Eddy stated. "Sturgis there's something I want to tell you."
Eddy got up and moved to his couch, she patted the cushion indicating that Sturgis should join her. Sturgis complied and they immediately fell into their old seating habits. Sturgis sat with his legs resting on the coffee table and Eddy cuddled up next to him with her legs tucked under.
"Hey did Harm ever know?" Eddy suddenly asked.
"If he did, he never said a word to me." Sturgis replied. "I don't think anyone knew."
"Your father knew," Eddy smiled.
"Dad knows everything," Sturgis said. "So what did you want to tell me?"
"Promise me you won't get angry," Eddy said.
"When did I ever get angry at you?" Sturgis asked.
"Promise me." Eddy said and raised her pinky.
"I promise, but I am not going to pinky swear." Sturgis said.
"Forget it," Eddy said waiving her pinky in his face.
"Fine," Sturgis sighed and grabbed her pinky with his."
"I promised myself if I ever saw you again I would tell you. It's not something I wanted to put in a letter." Eddy stated.
"Eddy what are you saying," Sturgis asked getting a bit nervous. "Is this something I should have known about back then?"
"Maybe," Eddy said. "But it wasn't that big of a deal."
"What do you mean," Sturgis asked. "How could this not be a big deal? You should have told me."
"I figured if I told you it would change things," Eddy said.
"Well of course it would change things," Sturgis said standing up. "Children have a way of doing that."
"What are you talking about?" Eddy asked sitting up.
"Did you get pregnant?" Sturgis asked.
Eddy jumped up and started laughing. "No you idiot, I wanted to tell you that you were my first."
"What?" Sturgis said and sat back down. "You scared me."
"Well at least I know what your reaction would if I had gotten pregnant. We were careful." Eddy laughed.
"I would have had a good reaction" Sturgis smiled and gave her a hug. "I was your first?"
"Yep," Eddy nodded.
"You were old," Sturgis laughed.
"I was not, I was 22," Eddy replied. "I was waiting for the right guy."
"I never knew," Sturgis said.
"They say you always remember your first, and they were right." Eddy stated.
"As long as we're confessing, I guess I should tell you something." Sturgis replied. "You were mine."
"And you called me old?" Eddy laughed.
"I was only 21, remember, you're six months older." Sturgis laughed.
"It was a good graduation night," Eddy winked.
"Yeah it was," Sturgis sighed and gave her a squeeze.
"It's was a good summer," Eddy laughed. "Those were probably two of the happiest months of my life."
They resumed their positions on the couch, Eddy snuggled closer to Sturgis and he in turn held her tighter.
"Why exactly did we end it?" Sturgis asked.
"You were going to law school. I was going to my duty station." Eddy shrugged. "Did you ever wonder?"
"Every day for a long time," Sturgis smiled.
"You think we would have gotten married?"
"I've often wondered that myself. It would have been hard. It was the eighties but some people still had negative attitudes about mixed couples."
"We'd probably ended up divorced."
"Possibly, dad often asked what happened to you." Sturgis smiled.
"What did you tell him?"
"The truth, we were good friends and that would never change." Sturgis said.
"I think I ran away," Eddy announced.
"I know you did."
"What does that mean?" Eddy sat up and looked at him.
"It was two weeks after my classes started, Labor Day weekend, if I recall. You came to see me and we stayed at that hotel. You mentioned that you loved me and then the next day you were gone before I woke." Sturgis stated. "The next time I saw you, was in ninety-five."
"It was not fourteen years," Eddy protested.
"It was. We wrote but I never saw you again until the hearing regarding the assassination." Sturgis said. "Then the letters stopped."
"When I got married," Eddy sighed. "I missed you so much."
"I've missed you."
"If things were different…" Eddy began.
"We might be able to pick up where we left off," Sturgis smiled. "I still love you."
"I love you too," Eddy sighed. "But we both want more."
"It's odd. We can sit here and admit we love each other, but…"
"I don't love you in that way anymore." Eddy stated.
"My sentiments exactly," Sturgis laughed.
Eddy leaned back against Sturgis and cuddled up next to him. "You know what I miss most?" Eddy sighed. "I always felt safe with you."
"You were always safe with me," Sturgis whispered.
"Sturgis can we just… I mean it's been a long time… you know what I'm asking don't you?"
Sturgis nodded and smiled. He rose and got a blanket. He then returned to the couch and covered them. He wrapped his arms around Eddy and pulled her close. It wasn't sex she was asking for and he knew that. She just wanted to be held by someone who cared and she wanted to feel safe. The one thing about Eddy that Sturgis always remembered was her need to feel safe. There were many nights where they just held each other and fell asleep – tonight was no different.
The next morning Eddy was up at 5am. She made a pot of coffee and left Sturgis a note explaining that she would be on assignment and that should they run into each other along the way to pretend they didn't know each other and to let the others know the same. She promised to explain everything when she could. Sturgis read the note when he woke and was concerned. He thought of showing it to Harm and getting his opinion on the matter but opted against it. He didn't want to have to take the time to explain why Eddy spent the night as his place. Nothing happened but it would naturally lead to more questions. Ones which Sturgis had no intention of answering. He did know that he was going to let Harm and the others know that if they saw Eddy they were to act like they didn't know her, he wasn't sure how he would get onto the topic but he knew that he would think of something.
Sturgis pulled into the JAG parking lot went directly to his office, dropped off his things and then went to speak with AJ.
"Sir, last night after everyone left, Eddy and I stayed to catch up." Sturgis explained and thought this is good. "She mentioned, without giving many details, that she was on a special assignment and should we run into her we should act like we don't know her. Do you think it would be acceptable for me to gather those who were there last night and explain?"
"I think that would be a very good idea. Considering Eddy's line of work, it may be a matter of National Security." AJ concurred and had Tiner assemble everyone in his office.
Eddy returned to the White House and collected her bags. She also took the time to go to the gym for a quick work out and shower. She went through her clothes and found the poshest outfit she could. With everything she had read about Porter Webb, a niece showing up in an off the rack suit would just not due. Thank goodness, ex husband number two was a count of sorts and had bought her some nice expensive items. Something good came out of that disaster. Eddy laughed and she got dressed.
After a brief meeting with James, she was on her way to meet Porter Webb. She had forgotten to ask James about Clayton Webb and if he was any relation. She would ask Mrs. Webb, Aunt Porter, if the opportunity presented itself.
Eddy drove up the long circular drive way to the Webb mansion. She was slightly in awe of the grandeur before her. The closest she ever came to living in a place like this was when she and ex-husband number one spent week at some business associate's home in the South of France. It never bothered her being part of the "have nots." She had a good childhood, even if she lived in more homes than she could count. Such was the life of an orphan. Today as an adult she had everything she needed, of course there were times when she lived paycheck to paycheck, but that was how most people lived. This on the other hand was something she had only seen in movies. Her curiosity got the better of her and for a moment she was more interested in what the mansion looked like on the inside then what her purpose was. That feeling went away as quickly as it came. She walked to the door and rang the bell.
"May I help you?" A butler asked.
"My name is Eddy Winthrop I am here to see Porter Webb." Eddy said.
"One moment please" and he was gone.
Eddy surveyed the room while she waited. She took special care as she spied the windows and other areas that may prove weak. The butler returned and escorted Eddy to the study.
"Aunt Porter," Eddy said. "You're looking well."
"Thank you," Porter said. "Carlton, that will be all thank you."
"I wasn't sure if he knew or not." Eddy said cautiously.
"Please have a seat," Porter offered. "He is fully aware. "Agent Winthrop…"
"Please call me Eddy," Eddy interrupted.
"Eddy is not a very dignified name," Porter mused.
"It's short for Edwina." Eddy smiled.
"Well Edwina, I assume you have been fully briefed." Porter asked.
"Yes ma'ma," Eddy replied. "This person had his chance, nothing is going to happen to you."
"Mother, where are you?" Webb called out walking into the study.
"In here Clayton," Porter said.
Clayton, Eddy groaned in her head and stood up as Webb walked into the room. He looked at Eddy with confusion and then walked to his mother and kissed her cheek.
"You," Webb said.
"Me," Eddy replied.
"You are acquainted?" Porter asked.
"We met last night," Webb said. "She's a friend of Rabb's."
"You know the Commander?" Porter asked.
"Yes ma'am, he and I attended the Academy together." Eddy replied.
"What are you doing here," Webb asked.
"Don't you recognize your cousin?" Eddy winked.
"My what?" Webb asked.
"Clayton, sit down." Porter ordered. "The Secret Service has assigned Edwina for my protection."
"Excuse me?" Webb asked. "You're not serious."
"Not serious about someone wanting to kill your mother, or not serious that I was sent to protect her." Eddy asked.
"Frankly, both," Webb replied flatly.
"Mr. Webb, in all my years with the Secret Service, I have only lost one person." Eddy said.
"I don't want my mother to be the second. How many people have you protected?" Webb asked.
"Enough to know that your mother will be safe," Eddy replied.
"Excuse me, while this exchange is enlightening. I do not wish to be spoken about as though I am not in the room." Porter interrupted.
"Forgive me mother," Webb said. "I'm just not sure your life should be in the hands of someone called Winkie who spends her free time guzzling drinks at a bar."
"You don't even know me," Eddy snapped. "How dare you. For your information I was drinking straight unadulterated cranberry juice."
"I know enough to know that you lied when we met," Webb replied.
"I lied because I had no idea who you were and was not about to tell you what I did for a living. If I recall you waited lied as well. You said you worked for the State Department." Eddy snapped.
"What are you talking about?" Webb asked.
"Last night, you didn't mention that you worked for the CIA." Eddy stated.
"You knew who I was?" Webb asked.
"Of course I did," Eddy replied. "I am very good at what I do. It's part of my job. Furthermore, for a man who grew up in such splendor, I would think you would change your suit and tie from the one you wore last night before visiting your mother."
Webb looked down at his tie, she was right. He hadn't been home since he left yesterday morning. After he left McMurphy's he went back to the office and then to see Porter before returning home to change.
"I want to be consulted," Webb said.
"Mr. Webb, I would not advise that." Eddy said. "You're too close to the situation and those emotions could get your mother killed."
"I can't do any worse then you did the last time you were protecting someone." Webb said with sarcasm.
"Clayton!" Porter snapped.
"That's fine Mrs. Webb, his reaction is standard." Eddy said. "Any son would be concerned, however most would not be so rude."
"Clayton, it will be fine." Porter said soothingly. "They wouldn't have sent Agent Winthrop if they didn't have confidence in her abilities."
"Thank you Mrs. Aunt Porter." Eddy replied.
"This is insane," Webb interrupted. "Mother, why don't you just go away for a while until this can be straightened out?"
"This was exactly my point." Eddy stated. "Mr. Webb a man in your position should know that going on vacation isn't going to stop anything. You're too close and not equipped to handle this."
"I beg to differ," Webb replied.
"Beg all you want," Eddy zipped. "Stay out of the way and let me do my job."
"Mother, think this through. I don't want you to be a sitting duck." Webb pleaded.
"Clayton, I have not now nor have I ever been a sitting duck. We are Webbs we hold our heads high and we do not cower. Your father never hid his head in the sand and for that matter neither have you. I would expect no less of myself." Porter said proudly, leaving Webb and Eddy standing there. Eddy didn't move or say a word. There was nothing she could add to Porter's statement.
"If you fail, it will be the last time." Webb said.
"I won't fail, as long as you stay out of my way." Eddy replied.
"My cousin," Webb said with a sarcastic laugh looking at her outfit. "You'll never pass for a Webb."
"I guess I should see if I can get my hands on J. Lo's Versace dress. I'm sure I can find someplace in that get up to hide my gun." Eddy replied with sarcasm.
"I hope you know what you're doing." Webb stated and left. He planned on checking out Edwina Winthrop himself. He didn't care if the Secret Service had cleared her. This was his mother.
Porter returned to the study and took a seat. "Did Clayton leave?"
"Yes ma'am, with all due respect your son is a bit intense." Eddy said. "I realize the situation, but I will not be able to do my job effectively if he's in my way."
"Clayton is overly protective. His father died when he was just a boy and he has felt the need to be my protector ever since." Porter explained.
"I'm sorry," Eddy replied. "Would you mind if we reviewed your schedule? I would like to get an idea of what I am in for and let my partners have time to check places before we arrive."
"That won't be a problem," Porter replied. "My calendar is on the desk."
Eddy went to the desk and reviewed the schedule while making notes. Porter watched her as she sat there diligently reviewing the papers in front of her.
"Edwina, I don't mean to sound rude." Porter began. "You are an attractive young woman. I realize that you dress for your position, however we need to upgrade you a bit."
"Yes ma'am, your son has already taken the liberty of critiquing my attire." Eddy smiled.
"With all that education my son has no tact," Porter replied. "Please accept my apologies."
"None required ma'am." Eddy stated.
"Well, if you think it would be safe, why don't we go shopping?" Porter asked.
"It will be safe, but you just got home from the hospital. I think it would be advisable to rest." Eddy answered. "I'll take care of my wardrobe."
"Please, my arm was barely injured." Porter stated. "It's in a sling and honestly I need to breathe some air."
"I would like to settle in before we go anywhere." Eddy said pointing to her bags.
"Of course, Carlton will show you to your room." Porter said.
Carlton arrived and escorted Eddy to her room. Eddy walked in and looked at him in disbelief.
"I can't stay here," Eddy laughed, "Isn't there a maid's quarters or something."
"The madam's niece would not be staying in the maid's quarters." Carlton replied, rolling his eyes. "Leave your bags, Mrs. Henderson will be up shortly to unpack. I am confident that things will need to be pressed. She will take care of it."
"Ok," Eddy winked and looked around the room again. "You know if I was a hooker I would be like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman."
"What ever you say ma'am," Carlton replied and left the room. Eddy laughed as he left the room. This was going to be very interesting. She just prayed that Porter Webb would be safe. She returned to the study where Porter was waiting for her ready to leave.
"Was the room satisfactory?" Porter asked.
"Are you kidding?" Eddy laughed. "It's bigger than some apartments I've lived in."
"If there is anything you need, please be sure to advise Carlton." Porter advised.
"Mrs. Webb, I've never had a real family so I'm not too clear on how they are supposed to interact, but I always imagined that there was a bit more relaxation between relatives. If we are going to make people believe that I am your niece we are going to have to at least appear to be congenial." Eddy stated.
"I suppose you are correct," Porter smiled. "I believe the first step would be for you to stop calling me Mrs. Webb."
"Touché," Eddy smiled. "So can I all you Aunty Porty?"
"I think Aunt Porter will suffice," Porter replied.
"Yes Aunt Porter," Eddy replied with a serious look on her face.
Porter instructed the driver to take them to a small boutique in Washington. When they arrived, Eddy's partners entered first, ensured that the parameter was safe and then signaled to Eddy that they could enter. When Porter walked in the clerks fell all over her, asking what had happened and who the woman with her was. Porter told them she took a little spill and introduced them to her late husband's niece, Edwina Webb. They fell all over Eddy as well. They were also excited because she was an easy fit, a perfect size six. Everything just fell on her. Eddy stood there and mumbled, "I am Julia Roberts."
"Excuse me, did you say something?" Porter asked.
"No Aunt Porter," Eddy smiled and turned to the clerks. "Would you please excuse us?"
The clerks left them and Eddy walked over to Porter and whispered. "I can't expense these clothes and I can't afford this stuff on my salary. Do you think we can go to a knock off store or something?" Porter waived her off. Three thousand dollars and too many outfits and shoes to count later, they returned to the Webb Compound, as Eddy now referred to it.
Porter advised Carlton that a delivery would be coming from the boutique and to have the items deposited in Eddy's room. Carlton sighed. He understood the need for protection, but they could have sent someone a little more refined. This woman probably drank out of the bottle and ate ice cream with a soup spoon right from the tub.
"I have some things I need to attend to," Eddy informed Porter. "Your schedule indicated a dinner next Friday at the L'Enfant plaza. I need to go over some things with my partners. Please stay away from the windows."
"I shall," Porter replied. While Eddy was gone, Webb arrived to tell his mother he had to leave town but would be back for the dinner at the L'Enfant. Eddy waited at the top of the stairs until she saw Webb leave. She had more important things to handle than dealing with him.