Author note:
Please drop me a note to let me know if you are still enjoying this story. I have more chapters written and many more ideas floating around my head. I will keep writing if you are interested in reading it!
CH 15-Trouble on the Home front
Bravo was on a mission and had been gone for a about 4 days. Both Jason and Clay had spoken with Emma and thought things were going well at home. So, Davis getting a call on the Sat phone while they were out on the OP was a surprise to everyone. Lisa waited until the team had taken down their target and returned to the makeshift base. Once the guys finished their reports and everyone was satisfied of the success of the mission, Lisa approached Jason.
"Jace, Emma called while you were gone. It seems that she and Hannah were mugged last night."
"What?! IS she okay? Are they okay?" Clay heard Jason's question and rushed over.
"What's going on? Is Em okay?" His heart was pounding. Lisa repeated the information for Clay.
"Shit! Where were they? Are they okay?"
"I don't know all the details. But Emma assured me that no one was hurt. She was calling because she needs help with getting records to get her Driver's License replaced. She wants Jason to call her. And she wants to talk to you too, Clay."
"Damn it! Let's go give her a call." They got a hold of Emma and assured themselves that she was truly unharmed, shaken, but unharmed. Jason was able to give her the info she needed to get the ball rolling on getting everything replaced. Emma also let them know exactly what had taken place. The two girls were apparently held at knifepoint in the parking lot of the movie theater. They had called the police immediately after and filed reports. As she spoke, Jason could see Clay's teeth and fists clenched. Once Jason was done, Clay indicated that he wanted to speak with Emma. Jason handed over the phone and gave them their privacy.
"Emmie, baby, are you really okay?"
"Yea, I'm not hurt. It didn't come to that. But I was so scared Clay. All I could do was give him my stuff. I didn't know what else to do." He could hear her voice shake.
"Sweetie, you did exactly the right thing. Everything in your purse is replaceable. You aren't Emmie." He got a little choked up and had to stop and calm himself. "I'm so sorry I wasn't there. I'm sorry I wasn't there to protect you."
"Clay don't do this to yourself. You couldn't have known, and you might not have been with me anyway. I need you to concentrate on what you need to do there so you and Dad can get home safe."
"We're fine Em. It's all done, and we're wheels up in the morning."
"Thank God!"
"I'll come to you as soon as I'm home baby. It's gonna take a while, but as soon as we touch down, I'm on my way to you, okay?"
"I just want you to hold me."
"I will sweetie. I'll hold you as long as you need. I love you so much Em."
"I love you too. Get home safe."
Bravo got back the next day. Clay and Jason stowed their gear and took off to get to Emma. Clay followed Jason's truck back to his house. As soon as they pulled in the driveway, Emma flew outside, past Jason, and into Clay's arms. Now that they wear home, she didn't have to be strong anymore. She could fall apart. She was sobbing in Clay's arms.
"Shh, shhh babe. I'm here. You're okay, I'm here." Jason indicated with a jerk of his head that they should move inside. Clay scooped Emma up and carried her in and sat on down on the couch with her in his lap. Jason greeted Mikey and herded him into the kitchen to give the two sometime.
"God I was so scared. I keep seeing that knife!"
"I know baby, I know." He kissed her head and her cheek. "It's going to take some time for you to deal with it. But, I'm here with you. I'm not leaving you." Tears were gathering in his eyes. He was angry that this had happened to his girl and that he hadn't been there with her to keep her safe. And he was scared, scared that he could have lost the woman he loved before their life together could even really start.
He continued to hold her and rub her back, murmuring reassurances to her. He gazed down at her and she had fallen asleep.
Jason stepped up next to the couch quietly. "Mikey says she's been having nightmares since this happened and hasn't really slept at all."
"Jace, I can't leave her. I'm…"
"I'm way ahead of you. You're staying here, at least for tonight. We'll see what happens after that." Clay released the breath he had been holding. "Why don't you take her on up? I'm going to get Mikey something to eat."
Clay carried her upstairs to her room. He woke her up just enough to help her get changed. He laid her down and stripped down to his t-shirt and boxers then joined her under the covers. He drew her close to hold her and he heard her whimper.
"Shh, sweetheart, I'm here." She grasped a handful of his shirt and buried her head in his shoulder and relaxed. He kissed her head and even though she was back asleep he whispered, "I love you Emma."
Clay knew he couldn't hold her forever. But right now, he didn't care how irrational his thoughts were. He was never going to let her go.
