CHAPTER 9
The evening began and the guests were seated. Eddy was placed between Porter's new guard and Webb. Since she was in no mood to make small talk with Webb, she spoke to the agent.
"Have you swept the room?" Eddy asked.
"It's under control," the agent replied.
"Are there agents at every entrance?" Eddy asked.
"And three in the kitchen," he replied.
"What about the Stanton-Keeter connection?" Eddy asked.
"Agent Winthrop, you aren't even active right now." The agent said. "I am not clear as to why you are even here, but you are and I suggest you conduct yourself as another guest."
"Just don't let anything happen to her," Eddy said.
The music was playing and Mac and Harm got up to dance.
"They make a nice couple," Eddy said to Webb.
"I suppose," Webb replied.
"Do you think they are a couple?" Eddy asked.
"He's your friend, ask him." Webb replied.
Eddy rolled her eyes and shook her head. She understood why Webb was upset, but it was absurd. She wondered if he was really upset with her or just pushing away the possibility of a friendship. Little did she know she hit the nail on the head. Webb was not about to become friends with anyone. Not after he learned how friends treat each other. The image of his parents and their co-workers turning on a friend was in his head forever and he never wanted to be put in their situation. The only way to ensure that never happened was not to have close friends. Sturgis and Verese got up to dance. Eddy liked her, she was good for Sturgis, she made him happy. She just hoped it would last.
"Clayton, why don't you and Edwina dance?" Porter said. "The first dance should have been started by a Webb."
"I don't think so," Webb said.
"Really Aunt Porter, my arm is still sore." Eddy replied.
"Dance," Porter ordered. They looked at her, got up and went to the dance floor.
"One dance," Webb said.
"Half a dance," Eddy said, "The song is almost over."
As they joined the others and began to dance, Webb spoke, "You dance well, I'm surprised."
"Thanks," Eddy replied as she intentionally ground her spiked heel into Webb's foot. "I'm surprised that you aren't intimidated since I'm taller."
"You're not taller then me," Webb replied, "Heavier maybe, like most Amazons."
"Very funny, I'll have you know..." Eddy stopped. "Clay, spin me around."
"What?" Webb asked.
"Turn me," Eddy repeated. "Something's not right."
"What's wrong?" Webb asked turning her so they could both look.
"There's an extra waiter," Eddy said.
"Are you sure?" Webb asked.
"Yes, there are 30 tables, two per table. I counted when we arrived." Eddy said. "He wasn't here earlier."
"Rabb," Webb said in a loud whisper and Mac and Harm danced to them.
"What's going on?" Mac asked.
"We have an extra person on the staff." Webb said.
"Are you sure," Harm asked.
"Table sixteen," Eddy said. "It's not Jack."
"Thank god," Harm sighed.
"That's one problem solved." Mac said.
"Get Sturgis," Webb said. "And get back to the table."
At the table, Eddy advised the agent. The agent signaled those at the doors and tapped Porter.
"I am not leaving." Porter announced.
"Please, you cannot stay here." Eddy stated.
"This ends now," Porter said. "If I leave, then he tries another day."
"She has a point," Sturgis said.
"Would you think that way if it were your mother?" Webb asked.
"I don't know," Sturgis admitted. "Verese, go to the ladies room. Don't leave there until we come and get you."
"Be careful," Verese said getting up from the table.
"I will," Sturgis replied.
That little exchange made Eddy smile, but she immediately returned to the matter at hand.
"We can't clear the room," Eddy stated.
"No but we can change the order of events." Webb said. "I think it's time to make your speech."
"You can't be serious," Harm asked, "That's putting a bull's eye on your mother."
"Not if I read the speech for her," Eddy said.
"No, I'll read it," Webb stated. "I want you protecting her."
"That won't work," Eddy said. "You have a gun. You need to be able to move."
"I'll read it," Mac said. Mac took the speech and walked across the dance floor to the podium. "Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Colonel Sarah MacKenzie. I would like to welcome you all and thank you for attending tonight's gala. On behalf of the Webb family, I have been asked to say a few words. As you know the Webb Foundation..." Mac began making the speech which naturally stopped all motion in the room.
"I believe it is best if we remove Mrs. Webb from the room." The agent stated.
"I am not leaving," Porter said. "Agent Winthrop is in charge."
"With all due respect, she isn't even an active agent at this moment." The agent replied.
"I want her," Porter said.
"I'm calling in the team to take the perp." The agent said.
"He hasn't done anything yet," Eddy said. She leaned forward on the table, resting her chin in her hands as she looked around the room. "He's at table six."
"Through the years the Webb Foundation has provided over one million in scholarships..." Mac's voice could be heard in the background. Harm turned and looked at table six.
"I know him," Harm said. "Sturgis take a look." Sturgis turned and looked at the waiter. He had a flash of recognition. At the same time the man began to approach the table. He put his hand inside his jacket and that's when everything began to move in slow motion.
"Get her down," Eddy yelled flipping over the table and pulling her gun from its holster.
The gunman pulled out his gun and began to fire shots. The agent covering Porter was literally covering her. Harm and Sturgis moved quickly and were able to push other guests to safety. When Eddy overturned the able she knocked Webb in the process, from his position Webb pulled out his gun. At the same time he and Eddy fired shots at the gunman. They got him but he fired off one shot before he went down. The agents took over and tried to restore order to the room. Webb crawled over to Eddy.
"I'm just a magnet," Eddy said holding her stomach. He cradled her in his arms as Harm, Mac and Sturgis came over. Porter was checked out by an agent and permitted to join them.
"Eddy, hold on." Webb said holding her. "You're an Amazon, this shouldn't be a problem."
"Get an ambulance," Harm called out.
"Eddy, you're going to be fine," Porter said taking her hand.
"My stomach hurts." Eddy said with a wink.
"Winkie now is not the time for jokes." Sturgis said.
"You're girl is still in the john." Eddy said. "You better go get her."
The paramedics arrived and laid Eddy down.
"Easy boys," Eddy said. "I'm more fragile than I look." The lifted her onto the stretcher and took her to the ambulance.
"I'm going with her," Webb said climbing into the ambulance, "Harm, take care of mother."
"We'll be right behind you." Harm said.
In the ambulance, Eddy was placed on oxygen and they continued to work on her. Eddy looked at Webb and pointed to his shirt, "Did I do that?" She asked.
"I'm getting used to it," Webb smiled, "You've done this to me before."
"This hurts," Eddy said.
"You're going to be fine," Webb replied.
"I think I am going to go to sleep for a bit," Eddy said.
"What happened?" Webb asked.
"She's okay, it's from the blood loss, we still have a pulse." The paramedic said.
"Don't lose that pulse," Webb said. "Please don't lose that pulse."
They arrived at the hospital and Webb followed them into the trauma room only to be told to leave by a nurse. "We'll keep you informed. Go have a seat and don't worry."
Webb paced back and forth in the waiting room. This was the second time Eddy had been shot protecting his mother. This time it wasn't even her job. If Eddy hadn't been there tonight, it could have very well been Porter in the trauma room. He paced some more waiting to hear something.
"Is there any news?" Mac asked walking in.
"Nothing yet," Webb replied. "Where's mother?"
"She asked Harm to take her to the chapel." Mac replied. "Maybe we should join them."
"I'm not leaving here until I hear something." Webb said.
Mac nodded and then moved away because her cell phone rang. "Ok. I'll keep you posted. No take care of her, she must be shook up." Webb looked at Mac quizzically.
"That was Sturgis," Mac said. "Verese is a bit hysterical."
"Singers," Webb said and started to laugh.
"It's not funny, it was scary even if she was in the bathroom." Mac said and laughed.
"This is par for the course for us," Webb said as he laughed.
"What's so funny?" Harm asked walking in with Porter.
"Just thinking about our lives," Mac replied with a smile.
"That makes you laugh?" Porter asked.
"Mother," Webb sighed. "When you and father sat with your friends what did you do?"
"We laughed," Porter smiled. "We always laughed."
Two hours later Sturgis arrived at the hospital. "How's Eddy?"
"No word yet," Mac replied. "How's Vereses?"
"She broke up with me," Sturgis shrugged. "She said that this wasn't the life for her. She would continue to support the troops by singing to them but this was too much."
"I see," Harm said and started to laugh.
"I don't see any humor in this," Sturgis said.
"You sent her to the bathroom," Webb laughed.
"I did, didn't I?" Sturgis said slowly as he sat and began to laugh.
They were all laughing when the doctor came into the waiting room. "She's going to be fine. May I ask what she does for a living?"
"Why?" Harm asked.
"Because what saved her was the fact that she is in such top physical condition," The doctor replied. "Also, this is the second time she's been shot in a relatively short period of time. I noticed the other wound on her arm."
"She sells Avon," Webb replied and the group burst out laughing.
"She's in recovery." The doctor replied looking at the laughing group as though they were insane. "She should be there for a few more hours. If you would like we'll call you when she is moved and then you can come back and see her."
"We'll wait," Porter replied, "thank you."
Two weeks later Eddy was released from the hospital. This time James was in charge and made it clear that she was not to be released until they were confident that she would not have to be rushed back. Eddy accepted Porter's offer and stayed at the Webb estate. Carlton fussed all over her. He did everything but wipe her after she went to the bathroom, not that he didn't try.
"Carlton, I think I can handle this myself." Eddy said pushing him away from the bathroom door.
"Ma'am you really need to stop getting shot," Carlton smiled. "You're causing me to get gray hair with worry."
"Carlton, you're bald," Eddy winked.
"Well if I had hair it would be gray from worry." Carlton replied. "I'll be waiting right outside the door if you require assistance."
"Thanks," Eddy replied and went to take care of business. When she was done, she opened the door and Carlton practically attacked her.
"Now, just lean on me and I will do all the work." Carlton stated. "Let me support you."
Eddy shook her head and allowed him to help her back to bed. While he was rearranging her blankets and pillows Webb arrived.
"I'll take it from here Carlton, thank you." Webb said.
"He's driving me insane." Eddy said. "Where have you been?"
"Working," Webb replied. "How are you feeling?"
"How do you think?" Eddy laughed. "He actually tried to burp me yesterday."
"He means well," Webb smiled. "So when do you think you'll be ready to go out?"
"Are you asking me on a date?" Eddy winked.
"Don't flatter yourself," Webb laughed. "I figured you would want to get out of here for a bit."
"You got that right," Eddy said. "How's your mother doing?"
"She's enjoying London, how did you convince her to go?" Webb asked.
"I told her that I would be your friend if she went," Eddy smiled.
"Oh did you," Webb laughed.
"Yeah, because you need friends," Eddy said. "You're too much of a loner."
"Perhaps," Webb said.
"Are you accepting visitors?" Harm asked.
"Come on in," Eddy smiled.
"You're looking good Winkster," Harm smiled.
"I have a delivery for a Winkie Winthrop." Sturgis said walking in with flowers.
"It's about time you knuckleheads gave me flowers." Eddy said. "After all I've done for you."
"That's what I tell them, too." Mac said entering.
"Hey, they've kept me out of the loop." Eddy said. "What happened?"
"You were right," Webb said.
"Jack," Eddy said sadly.
"That wasn't Jack," Harm said. "Didn't you notice that?"
"I know it wasn't but you said I was right." Eddy said. "Who was it?"
"It was his oldest brother Paul." Sturgis replied.
"What?" Eddy asked.
"Sylvia Stanton married Albert Keeter and changed her name when he adopted her children." Webb explained. "Tom Stanton was Jack Keeter's biological father, that's why he looked like him. That was sharp that you made the connection."
"Thank you," Eddy winked.
"They found the place where he was staying. He had photographs and notes all over. He grew up listening to his mother talk about how her friends had ruined his father." Mac said.
"That's probably why Jack never talked about his family." Eddy said.
"It had to do with their jobs indirectly," Harm said. "Paul was getting even with the people who didn't help his father when he needed them the most."
"But what about your father and the others who were killed earlier?" Eddy asked.
"Sylvia," Harm said. "They picked her up and she confessed to everything."
"Mother's actually arranged for the foundation to handle her legal expenses." Webb said. "She probably won't go to jail. But she will end up in a psychiatric ward. Had the Webb Foundation been around back then, they all would have gotten the counseling they needed. Tom understood that for his security and that of the country he had to leave."
"Poor Jack," Eddy said, "Has anyone spoken to him?"
"I did," Harm said. "He's arranging to come back."
"I killed his brother," Eddy said, "He must hate me."
"Actually, it was my shot that got him." Webb stated.
"I don't think so." Eddy replied. "I saw your shot miss, that's why I had to take him down."
"You're delusional," Webb said. "You were too busy being a target to get off a decent shot."
"As soon as I can, we're going to the range." Eddy said. "I'll show you who's delusional."
Another two weeks past and Eddy was up and around. She was in her room when Webb came by.
"What are you doing?" Webb asked.
"It's time to go." Eddy smiled. "I'm all better."
"You can't leave," Webb replied. "You just got here."
"Barcelona awaits," Eddy smiled. "I have a job to do."
"Mother will be so disappointed that she didn't get to see you." Webb said.
"I'm going to see her in London," Eddy smiled.
"You're a good agent. The Secret Service is lucky to have you." Webb said. "My mother was lucky to have you."
"If I didn't know better I would think that you really meant that." Eddy winked.
"I do mean it," Webb said. "I owe you."
"I'll be back to collect someday." Eddy laughed.
Webb helped Eddy carry her bags down to the waiting limo. After being hugged by Carlton, Eddy turned to Webb and gave him a hug. "Remember, make some friends."
"I got it covered." Webb said and watched Eddy leave.
Two months past and everything was back to normal. The experience had changed them all. Sturgis met and was currently dating a NCIS agent who not only understood that sometimes bullets fly but at times was the reason. Mac and Harm had settled into their quasi/pseudo relationship. They had all kept in touch with Eddy who had made them see that there was more there then met the eye. Keeter came home to take care of his family. His mother was going to be committed and the wounds of the past were going to be opened. Webb and Porter offered him a position with the Webb Foundation. He of all people would understand what the families experienced. One thing no one did expect was that Keeter returned with a wife and two kids of his own. Webb made sure that Keeter knew the truth about his father, that Tom Stanton put country above all else and the Stanton-Keeter family should be proud. Webb had come to terms with everything, he even used the words "I'm sorry," when he and Porter finally sat and talked everything out. Porter resumed her lifestyle and was currently in Paris. Tonight the rest gathered in the dining room at the Webb Estate. Webb was standing at the head of the table with a glass raised.
"If there is one thing this has taught me it's the value of friends." Webb said. "I never thought I needed..."
"Hey," Eddy yelled walking into the dining room, "A toast without me?"
"Winkadoodle," Keeter said picking her up. "Meet my wife."
"How are you Eddy?" Mac asked.
"Great how are you?" Eddy smiled.
"Winkie," Sturgis said. "Meet Charlene."
"Nice to meet you," Eddy smiled and laughed. "If he ever sends you to the bathroom, dump him."
"I'll keep that in mind." Charlene replied.
"Winkster," Harm said standing with open arms.
"It's good to see you guys." Eddy said.
"What are you doing here?" Harm asked.
"I've been retired." Eddy smiled. "I think they got tired of my hospital bills."
"So you're back?" Harm asked.
"Back for good," Eddy winked. "Do you think you can handle it?"
"Um hello," Webb said.
"Hi Clay," Eddy said. "How are you?"
"I'm good." Webb said, "Just spending time with some friends."
"Good for you Clay, good for you." Eddy smiled.
"I guess we should eat." Mac said.
They all took seats around the table and Carlton served them but not before he showed his delight that Eddy was there.
"I do believe he has a little crush on you," Harm joked.
"Can you blame him?" Eddy winked.
"Not at all," Webb smiled. "You're the total package. Isn't that right Sturgis?"
"You are correct," Sturgis smiled.
After dinner they all retired to the living room where they spent the evening laughing and talking about anything and everything.
"Clay, I brought you a gift from Spain." Eddy said.
"Just him," Harm asked and got an elbow from Mac.
Eddy handed Webb a leather bound photo album. "You need to start your own." She then called Carlton into the room and handed him her camera. "Would you mind?"
The group sat together on the couch and Carlton snapped their picture. A new generation of friends had begun. When the evening was over and everyone had gone, Eddy and Webb sat in the living room. They were on opposite ends of the couch. Webb had his legs stretched out in front of him and Eddy was curled up against a cushion.
"Do you remember the last time we were in here together?" Eddy asked.
"Mother had scolded us," Webb laughed.
"I'd never been scolded before." Eddy laughed.
"You're lucky, mother was harsh when I was growing up." Webb replied.
"Tell me about it," Eddy laughed. "She's harsh now."
"So what's next for you?" Webb asked.
"A job in the private sector, I suppose," Eddy shrugged. "I haven't really thought about it."
"So why were you retired?" Webb asked.
"It was mutual," Eddy replied. "Things changed and I wanted to come back home. Now I just have to find a home."
"What does that mean?" Webb asked.
"I've lived abroad for so many years. I don't have a place in the states anymore." Eddy stated.
"So where are you staying?" Webb asked.
"That all depends," Eddy replied.
"On what?" Webb asked.
"On you," Eddy winked.
"Would you care to explain?" Webb asked.
"Well, I stopped over in Paris on my way back and your mother and I had a nice long talk," Eddy winked.
"Is that so," Webb laughed.
"Yes, and we made some decisions."
"You and my mother made some decisions. What decisions did you make?"
"We decided that you need more friends," Eddy smiled.
"And you're going to be that friend?" Webb asked with a smile.
"Oh, I plan on being more than a friend," Eddy replied and moved closer to him.
"If it's already been decided than what depends on me?" Webb asked.
"Well, I figured I would let you decide which side of the bed you wanted." Eddy winked.
"Agent Winthrop," Webb laughed. "What am I going to do with you?"
"Anything you want Agent Webb, anything you want." Eddy laughed and kissed him.