Author note:

I hope you enjoy this chapter. Leave me a note if you're so inclined. Thanks!

CH 127-Let Them Eat Cake

It took Emma a little time, but she was finally able to put the whole incident with Ashley behind her. She received a copy of the correct review that Ashely submitted to the school and to her college. The evaluation was actually quite glowing. It detailed her commitment to her students and her ability to think outside the box for therapies and activities to help them achieve their goals. Now she was able to put her fears to rest about being able to stay in the Music Therapy program. She could continue her classes in the Fall and was on target to graduate next Spring.

With that all settled, Emma was able to focus her thoughts on the students she would be tutoring over the summer. She had six students from Pre-K to First Grade levels. She assessed their needs and fashioned lesson plans for each. It appeared that four would need individual sessions, while two had similar needs and she would be able to teach them together. Emma contacted the parents, and they were able to come up with a schedule that worked for everyone.

She ended up tutoring three afternoons a week. That left her plenty of unscheduled time. At first, she enjoyed the extra free time. She slept in on the days she didn't teach, catching up on her rest after an exhausting school year. She and Koda became regulars at the dog park. It also allowed her to spend time with Mike, who was home from school on summer break. Emma hadn't felt so carefree since before her mom died.

Pretty soon the late mornings and lazy days started to feel self-indulgent. Especially since Clay's schedule seemed to get even more chaotic. Emma started to think seriously about getting a part time job. She was enjoying her students. And they were making progress, but the pay wasn't great. She felt like she really wasn't pulling her weight. She brought the idea up to Clay on a one of his rare evenings at home. While he understood her desire to contribute more to their finances, he encouraged her to embrace her freedom. He wanted her to enjoy this last summer before she would start working full time.

"You'll never have this time again, Em. You should make the most of it."

She appreciated his support and agreed that the respite from her usually hectic schedule was welcome. Still, she didn't want to be lazy. She wanted to use her time wisely. She signed up for a Sign Language class at the Community Center. She always wanted to learn. And she reasoned that it could be of use to her in her work with Special Needs students. Beyond her tutoring and ASL class, she tried to be flexible with the rest of her schedule. She wanted to be free whenever Clay was home.

His summer was quite the opposite. It seemed Bravo's missions came one after another with barely enough time to rest in between. It also seemed that he spent an inordinate amount of time on base getting called into meetings with Captain Harrington and other top brass. Much to his chagrin, he impressed several higher-ups during their meetings earlier in the year. So, Harrington tapped him to be a part of DEVGRU's push for funding. They met multiple times a week to outline their needs and then put them in to written and verbal requests to Congress.

The guys rode him constantly about his involvement. Teasing him about becoming a "cake eater." The truth was he wasn't very happy about it. But if he could help in any way to get his brothers better equipment and training, if it could save one life, he would endure.

This particular day Jason had the team scheduled for a full day at the range and the urban training center. Clay loved time at the range. Dialing in on distant target or hitting the course and working for speed was right in his wheelhouse. He was looking forward to getting in some practice and to spending the day with his brothers. It would be a welcome change from the seemingly endless missions and meetings.

He arrived and made his way to his cage. He punched in his code and pushed open the door. As usual Sonny was loudly recounting a tale to Vic while the rest of the guys looked on. Clay nodded to Jason and shook his head at Sonny's wild gesticulating. He didn't seem to notice the guys get quiet as he unlocked his cage and swung the door wide. There all over the floor were small, round bits of pastry with what looked like lollipop sticks in each one.

"What the…."

He bent down to pick one up and look it over.

"Somthin' wrong there, Blondie?"

Sonny's query was much too innocent. Clay's mouth pulled into a rueful smile. Sonny must have gotten there early and thrown the sweets into his cage through the chain link. Turning, he addressed the culprit. All the others were now standing quietly, watching the interplay between Bravo three and six.

"What are these, Son?"

"Uh," the Texan rubbed at his beard, pretending to be deep in thought. "I think the baker called them, uh, cake-pops."

"Cake pops, huh?"

"Yea, ya see I figured that you becomin' a junior cake-eater and all. You wanted to start small, get some practice."

Clay reached over and playfully whacked Sonny in the gut.

"I think you're the one whose been practicing eating the cake."

"I am a prime specimen. Just ask Vic over there how many ladies I had fallin' all over me last night."

Sonny turned and motioned to Vic to join their conversation. Once his head was turned, Clay grabbed a few more of the sweets from the ground and threw them at Sonny in quick succession. Each hit its mark, leaving smears of pastel icing across his shirt and hat. The rest of the guys joined Clay's laughter.

Wanting to retaliate, Sonny turned, picking up the errant pastries and started to fire them back at Clay. Just that moment, Blackburn stuck his head in the door. The guys froze, like naughty kids getting caught by the teacher.

"Spenser, Harrington wants you in his office A-SAP."

Clay half turned toward Jason as he answered.

"What about training today?"

"You're excused. Right Bravo one?"

"Yea, yea. You better head on out."

"He's getting out of trainin' now?"

Clay grinned and motioned to his spotless shirt and the cake-pops on the floor that missed their target.

"It's pretty clear which one of us needs the practice, Son."

Again, the guys had a chuckle at Sonny's expense.

Clay locked his cage back up and started off toward Harrington's office. Blackburn hung back for just a moment longer.

"I expect all that cleaned up before you hit the range today Bravo 3."

"Yes sir."

That night Clay was home earlier than Emma expected. She was on the couch, laptop in front of her practicing her signing. Koda heard Clay at the door and got up with an excited yip and wave of his tail. Emma turned as he opened the door and stepped inside. She paused the video on her computer and set it aside.

"Hey, Babe. I didn't expect you home until later."

"Yea, I didn't either."

He came in dropped his bag by the door and after giving Koda a pat, sat down beside her on the sofa. She leaned in for a kiss and then watched him close his eyes and lay his head back against the cushions.

"Everything okay?"

"Yea, fine."

He reached over and patted her hand without opening his eyes.

"Are you sure? What happened? Did Sonny manage to beat you today at the range or something?"

"No. In fact, I didn't even make it out with the guys today."

"Why?"

Clay took a deep breath and then sat back up, resting his elbows on his knees.

"Oh, Harrington wanted me again. More meetings to prep for their proposal to the Senate next week."

"That's good though, right? I mean that fact that he wants the opinion of someone who's out there on the front line."

"I guess."

He took off his cap and ran his fingers through his hair.

"And it should be flattering that he choose you."

"I suppose. But I'm getting tired of all the talk. I wonder if its really going to help at all."

She reached over and laid a hand on his shoulder.

"You're doing the best you can, telling them what you know and what the Teams need. That's all you can do."

"Well, it'll all be over soon one way or another. They're taking their request to DC next week."

"So, are you off the hook now?"

"Almost. Harrington hit me with something today."

"What's that?"

He turned so he could look at her.

"He wants me to attend some cocktail party this weekend. I guess a lot of influential people will be there. He wants me there to 'rub elbows' and 'put a face to the Teams.'"

"Oh."

"Not really my scene."

"No. But you'll do fine."

"There's more."

Emma waited for him to explain.

"He asked, that is, he suggested that I not attend alone."

He waited for the meaning of his words to sink in.

"You mean he wants me…"

"He thought it would look more social if you came with me. Will you?"

"To a DC cocktail party? I have no idea what I'd wear, or what to say. I don't want to embarrass you."

He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her to him.

"You could never embarrass me, Em."

"Are you sure?"

"Honey, you know more about this life than just about anyone else who will be there. I don't want you to go if you don't want to. But I might actually be able to make it through the night if you're there with me."

He could almost hear the thoughts whizzing around in her head. He continued to hold her and waited quietly for her to make her decision.

She truly felt like she would be completely out of her depth. But she also wanted to support Clay. She raised her head from its place on his shoulder.

"Okay. I'll go with you."

He reached up and cradled her face in his palm and then gave her a lingering kiss.

"Thank you, Baby."

"Do you have any idea of the dress code?"

"Well…I'm supposed to be in my Whites."

"Really, for a cocktail party?"

"Again, it's for appearances."

"Okay. I'm not sure I'll have anything that's appropriate."

"Harrington said if you have any questions, you can call his office."

"I think I'll do that tomorrow first thing. Then I can go out and buy something."

Emma was able to find something she thought would be suitable. A couple of days later she and Clay found themselves in the DC hotel room that was booked for them getting ready to go. She put the finishing touches on her makeup, grabbed her wrap and clutch from the bed, and went to tell Clay she was ready. He was waiting for her in the living room of their suite.

As she walked into the room and saw him, in his dress whites, she paused and took in the picture he made. He'd stopped by the base barber and his curls were cut to regs and his beard was trimmed and tamed. The breadth of his shoulders seemed even more impressive than usual. And his ribbons and insignia filled almost the entire side of his strong chest. She knew that Captain Harrington had him contributing to this project because of his experience and superior ideas, but there was no denying that he cut an imposing figure as well.

"Looking good there, Sailor."

Clay acknowledged her comment and then his eyes swept over her as well. He took in the dark, navy dress, elegant and devoid of any embellishment. It was strapless and floor-length with a slit that travelled up her right leg to mid-thigh. She wore only gold and crystal dangle earring that almost brushed her shoulders. She had pulled her hair back but left it hanging free down her back. When he didn't make comment, she started to think something wasn't appropriate.

"Is there something wrong?"

He immediately put her fears to rest. Taking her free hand, he answered her.

"Nothing is wrong. You're just…just so beautiful."

"Thank you."

Before he could say more, the phone rang.

"That must be the car."

"The car?"

"Yea. They had one sent. There's really no parking available so they offered a car for us. And I didn't want to try and find a spot for the truck, so I took them up on it."

"Makes sense."

"Are you ready to go?"

"Yes. I just need," she handed him her wrap.

He laid the gauzy material that matched her dress gently around her shoulders.

"All set."

They proceeded to the elevator and down to the lobby. The doorman opened the large glass door for them, and Clay let Emma precede him. As soon as they were outside, and gentleman in a suit got out of a black Towne Car and approached.

"Chief Petty Officer Spenser?"

"Yes."

"I'm your driver for this evening."

He opened the back door for them. Clay helped Emma in, closed the door, and then went around the other side to join her. Once he was inside the car pulled out onto the street.

"Is it a long drive," Emma asked their driver.

"In miles, no. But DC traffic is notoriously awful. The trip should probably take us around half an hour."

They rode mostly in silence with the driver calling out landmarks, or other points of interest as they drove. Clay fidgeted slightly with his hat, laying it on the seat between them, then on his lap, and back again. Emma reached for his hand and gave it a squeeze. He smiled and returned the gentle pressure.

Soon they were pulling up to their destination. The driver maneuvered them under a wide brick portico. Clay didn't wait but opened his door and got out. He put on his cover and turned to offer his hand to Emma. Before he pulled away, the driver gave Emma his card and reminded her that when they were ready to leave, just to call him.

There was a short line of people waiting to enter. They approached the double doors and Clay presented their invitation and their IDs. After being checked off the list they were allowed entry. Again, Clay took off his hat and tucked it under his left arm, offering Emma his right. She gladly accepted and grasped his firm bicep. They paused at the top of a short flight of stairs.

"Are you ready?"

She took a deep breath and smiled.

"As I'll ever be."

They descended into the room. Captain Harrington wasn't hard to locate. He stood out in his stark white uniform just as Clay did. They saw him as the same time, and he guided Emma in that direction.

"Ah, Spenser, here you are."

"Yes Sir. Are we late?"

"No, no. It's just I was talking to the Senator's aide here about the thoughts you had during our discussion yesterday."

Clay nodded and looked at the unfamiliar man standing bedside the captain. Emma said nothing but smiled politely. Before discussion could commence, an older woman she recognized came up and handed Captain Harrington a drink. Her eyes landed on Emma.

"Emma Hayes?"

"Yes Ma'am."

"I knew…well, I knew your mother."

"Yes, I remember."

Clay knew discussing Alana's death was still hard for her. He dropped his arm and wrapped it loosely around her waist, showing his support to her without words.

"Well, you look beautiful dear. And you're here with?"

Both women looked to Captain Harrington.

"Of course. I apologize, my wife often has to remind me of my manners. Everyone, my wife, Maryanne Harrington. Maryanne, this is Senator's Dobson's aide, James Walker, Chief Petty Officer Clay Spenser, and you know Emma Hayes."

"Ma'am," Clay nodded his head politely.

"Nice to meet you both."

The polite chit chat went on for only a few more moments before the captain steered the conversation back to work topics. Maryanne left their little group and went to go greet some more guests she knew. That left Emma alone again at Clay's side. The conversation of course didn't delve into anything classified, but it did leave her at a bit of a disadvantage. Her thoughts started to wonder until she heard Mr. Walker speaking to her.

"This all must be a dreadful bore for you Ms. Hayes."

"On the contrary, Ms. Hayes here is well acquainted with the Teams," Captain Harrington answered for her.

"Really?"

Now Emma was obliged to speak.

"Yes. My father is Jason Hayes."

"Ah yes. Master Chief Hayes. He is well known among those of us who have occasion to work with DEVGRU."

Emma wasn't sure if that was a compliment or not, so she simply nodded and smiled. Before the conversation could continue, a server stopped to offer them some hors d'oeuvres and take their drink orders. In that brief moment, the captain saw someone else he wanted to talk to and left the couple alone with Mr. Walker. After a few polite words he drifted off as well.

"What are we supposed to do now?"

"Mingle, I guess."

"How to do mingle when you don't know anyone?"

"Beats me."

Emma again took his arm as they prepared to work the room.

"Let's go then."

Almost two hours later, Emma's feet hurt, and Clay was tired of plastering a fake smile on his face. They took refuge in a quiet corner.

"How much longer do we need to stay?"

"I'm not sure. I feel like we've talked to everyone here."

"Me too. I'm about out of small talk."

He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. He was supposed to be the draw. The Navy SEAL that was helping to shape future legislation. And many people did approach him, asking him questions and looking for his point of view. But it was Emma that was the star. She had been wonderful, chit chatting and socializing with everyone. She carried their portion of the conversation with ease. Discussing everything from how to support military families while their loved ones were in harm's way, to the best spots to surf in Virginia Beach. Her smile and bubbly personality charmed everyone.

"Let me go talk to the Captain and see if he's okay if we take off. You've earned your rest for sure."

"Me? I haven't done anything."

"Em, you're amazing. If it weren't for you, I probably would have just stood around and barely talked to anyone. And that would have pissed off Harrington."

She opened her mouth to refute his statement, but he interrupted her before she could begin.

"I mean it, Babe. Thank you for coming with me."

She blushed at his accolades. Not caring if anyone was watching, he pulled her into his arms and placed a soft kiss on her forehead.

"So damn lucky," he said almost to himself.

He released her and started to go find his superior.

"Could you get me a drink on your way? My throat is a little dry."

"Of course."

She watched his progress across the room. She sighed in relief when she saw him with Harrington. He said a few words and gestured in her direction. The captain nodded in agreement and shook Clay's hand before they parted. She saw Clay continue over to the bar and ask for her drink. Trying to ignore her throbbing feet, she shifted her gaze out the window to look at the view of the Potomac.

The bartender was busy, so Clay leaned against the bar and drummed his fingers on the mahogany surface. He was waiting to order Emma's drink and didn't see the gentleman approaching him.

"So, you're Clay Spenser."

Clay turned to see who was addressing him. He immediately recognized Senator Dobson, a ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

"Yes Sir, Senator Dobson."

"Good to meet you, son."

Clay shook his hand firmly.

"Good to meet you too, Sir."

The older man waved off the formality.

"Robert, please. After all, I almost feel like I know you."

"Sir?"

"You're Ash Spenser's kid, aren't you?"

Clay wasn't sure how to respond. He didn't know if the question was just a friendly inquiry, or an indictment. He must have hesitated a little too long since the Senator spoke up again.

"Relax kid. Your old man and I go way back."

He still didn't know what to say.

"I see."

"Yea. When I heard you were going to be here tonight. I had to come meet you. I got here late, and I was afraid I would miss you."

"I…that's very nice, Sir."

Clay tried to bite the last word off from his sentence, but he couldn't stop himself. The Senator chuckled.

"That good Navy training is well ingrained, I see."

"Do you have any questions for me, Sir? About the funding bill, I mean."

He was trying to keep it professional. He knew that if his captain knew he had the chance to champion their cause and didn't, he would be in hot water.

"No, no. Not specifically about the bill."

"What I mean is…it'll be good to have a man on the inside. If you know what I mean."

"I'm sorry, I don't follow."

The bartender interrupted them. The Senator ordered a whiskey and turned for Clay to give his request. He barely remembered that he was supposed to be getting Emma a drink.

"A seltzer? I didn't take you for a lightweight, son."

"It's…ah it's for my girlfriend. In fact, she's waiting…"

"Yeah. I heard you had a beautiful girl here with you. Like your daddy in more ways than one, huh?"

The man's leer sickened him. He wanted to wipe it right of his face, with a smack. But he restrained himself.

The bartender sat down their glasses and Dobson took a swig.

"But back to our conversation. Like I said. I've known Ash for years. He was a great help to me early on in my career. He was able to give me some intel. Nothing too sensitive, you understand. Just a little bit here and there. He was really just trying to help the teams. The info was only used to help drive through changes to benefit our boys."

Clay didn't know why he was surprised. He knew that Ash wasn't trustworthy. It made complete sense that he would leak sensitive mission details if he felt it would benefit him in some way. He tried his best to remain civil and not anger this man.

"I'm not sure what I would know."

"I'm sure you know enough. And I of course, would help you in return. Did you know I was the one that introduced Ash to his publisher?"

"No…I-I didn't."

After a few moments Emma turned from admiring the vista outside and tried to find Clay. It seemed like it was taking him a long time to return. She spotted him still by the bar. A suited gentleman with gray hair had his attention. She could see the tension in his posture. Wondering what was going on, she made her way over toward him. As she got closer, she could see Clay's jaw clench and his hand closed into a fist. She didn't wait to be noticed but interrupted.

"Clay, I'm not feeling well can we…," she pretended to just now notice Clay was talking to someone. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to intrude."

Moving to Clay's side, she slyly slid her hand down and worked her fingers into his until he loosened his hand and wove his fingers together with hers.

"You're not interrupting. I was just chatting with Clay here. I'm Senator Dobson."

Emma held out her other hand in greeting. The Senator took it and instead of shaking it, he brushed a kiss to the back.

"So nice to meet you, my dear. I'm sure any friend of Clay's is a friend of mine."

She glanced at Clay as could see he was still tense.

"I really am sorry, but I think I'm going to have to steal Clay from you. I'm starting to get a headache, and I really need to go back to the hotel and lay down."

"Sure Em. Let's contact our driver and we can leave right now."

"Of course. A Spenser man would never let a pretty lady suffer. Clay, I'll be in touch."

Clay nodded silently and offered Emma his arm, steering her toward the stairs.

"We'll be out of here in no time."

He texted the driver and shortly after they exited the building he pulled up and opened the door for them. Once again, Clay helped Emma into the back seat and crossed to the other side to join her.

"Are you okay? I'm sorry I took so long. All that talking and not having a chance to eat much of anything. No wonder you have a headache."

"Shhh. I'm fine. I just wanted to get you out of there. What was that all about anyway?"

He looked at her, incredulous.

"What-how did you…"

"I know you. I could tell that you were upset by whatever that Senator what's his name was saying."

He blew out a breath and shifted his gaze out the window.

"Clay?"

When he didn't answer, she laid her hand on his arm and tried again.

"Babe, talk to me."

"That man, Senator Dobson is on the Armed Forces Committee. He will have a lot of say in whether or not DEVGRU's funding goes through."

Emma knew that wasn't what had him troubled.

"Did he, did he say something? Does he not support the bill?"

"He didn't even talk about the bill."

"Then, what exactly did he say?"

Swallowing hard he paused before answering.

"He, uh, he knows my father."

"Oh."

She rubbed his shoulder gently.

"Yea, oh."

Emma knew he needed to talk about this. But she wasn't sure he would share anymore in the car where their driver could hear every word. She didn't push for details. She pulled his hand into her lap and held it between both of hers.

The rest of the drive back to the hotel seemed endless. But they finally returned. They quickly entered the elevator and rode up to their floor. Emma fished the key card from her purse and handed it over to Clay. He opened the door and held it for her. Following her inside he tossed his hat onto the table and sat on the sofa. Emma laid her wrap on a chair, placed her purse by Clay's hat and then used his shoulder to balance herself as she removed her shoes. She sat at the other end of the couch, waiting for him to speak. Still, he remained silent. She knew he had more on his mind, and she wasn't going to let him deal with this alone.

"What else did the Senator have to say?"

"Well, I guess he and Ash have known each other for a long time. In fact, he was the one that introduced my father to his publisher. Isn't that a kick? His connections led to Ash writing his first book. The one that got him PNG'd."

Emma didn't say anything. That was quite the revelation, but somehow, she knew that wasn't what had Clay really upset. She waited for more. He took a deep breath and stood up, pacing the floor as he got the rest of the conversation off his chest.

"He told me that he did that because Ash helped him early on. Ash fed him a few choice bits of intel here and there about missions. He said he only used the info to help push legislation to help the Teams. But I'm sure he used whatever he could to further his own aspirations."

"Clay, I'm sorry. That had to be hard to hear."

"That wasn't even the worst of it."

He paused his stride and turned to face her, and she could see the hurt and confusion in his expression.

"He thinks I'm going to do the same for him. He said it would be 'great to have a man on the inside again.' He thinks I'm just like my father. That…that I'd trade my loyalty and oath for some…for money or fame."

She didn't know quite what to say. She knew he would never leak any intel to anyone, not for any reason.

"I mean, after all this time…I finally felt like I was out from under his shadow. Like I didn't have to keep proving myself and showing everyone that I'm not him. That the name Spenser meant something on the Teams again. And now…this. Does everyone still think I'm gonna be like him? Do they all think that I'm gonna sell out my brothers the first chance I get?"

Her heart broke for him. Reaching out, she guided him to sit down next to her once again. One lone tear fell from his eye and tracked slowly down his face. Emma wiped it away and placed a soft kiss on his lips. Then she maneuvered herself so he could lay his head against her, running her fingers through his hair.

"I'm sorry this has made you question all that. You know you have earned the right to be on Bravo, everyone knows that. They don't question your loyalty to them or to the brotherhood. Everyone in DEVGRU, from Harrington to Blackburn to Bravo knows who you are. They know you Clay Spenser, and they trust you. Your brothers trust you…and so do I."

A slight tremor shook his shoulders before he took a deep breath and sat up again.

"Thank you, Em. You have no idea what that means to me."

She gave him a small smile as she replied.

"I think I do."

"I'm not sure what to do now. He insinuated that I would start funneling info to him. How to I tell him to fu…to take a flying leap without putting the funding bill in danger, or making an enemy? A powerful enemy."

"I'm not good at politics and that kind of stuff. But you need to talk to someone. Don't try to go it alone on this. I would say to go directly to Blackburn or Harrington. But you know my dad will want to know too. And all the guys will have your back if it comes down to it."

"You're right. I need my brothers."

Emma nodded as his hand stole up her back and rested on the back of her neck, underneath her hair. Pulling her into his arms, he pressed his lips to the top of her head.

"And I need you, Em."

"I'm here, and I always will be."