Monday Annie was walking into the hospital for a night shift, she was starting a month of nights and hated the nocturnal rotation, it was made worse by the fact that Josh was on days and for the next week they would only pass when their shifts overlapped. The last week had been hard and Annie wasn't looking forward to being on nights and scheduled away from her husband.
"Dr Altman," Robert Cosco called.
"Dr. Cosco," Annie replied, "you're no longer my intern and no longer work here."
"That's not why I'm waiting for you," Cosco called.
"Dr Altman," Jackson called, "their waiting for you for a few cardio handoffs in peds."
"Thank you dr Avery," Annie replied, "I'm on my way now."
"Not so fast my girlfriend was looking forward to saying hello," Cosco replied, "I'm sure you remember your sister Jessica."
"Dr Avery can you call security," Annie asked, "and both Hunts."
"Hunts not cheif Altman," Jackson clarified.
"Hunts," Annie replied, "the only people she's ever stopped for have been Uncle Owen and Auntie Meghan."
"Go inside and tell Bailey and Altman," Jackson directed.
"No you don't," Jessica roared.
"Dr Altman," Jackson commanded, "inside now report to the deputy chief's office."
"Yes sir," Annie replied, "chief Altman is still on personal leave until Leo is fully recovered."
"See Bailey then," Jackson commanded.
"I'm going," Annie replied.
"I'll be up once this is dealt with," Jackson replied.
"I'll let her know," Annie replied, rushing towards the entrance. Why was Jessica here? This had always been her safe place, where she was accepted, wanted and happy.
"Not so fast," Jessica screeched, grabbing at Annie's arm.
Security rushed out.
"Please remove Miss Jessica and Dr Cosco from the property," Jackson directed.
Owen and Meghan ran out thinking it was a trauma.
"Jessica you need to leave and let go of Annie," Owen commanded.
Meghan put her arm around Annie's shoulders and guided her inside, "you're going to come with me to my office and call Teddy."
"Leo is still sick no," Annie replied, "she's too stressed. I need Josh."
"OR 5 with Kepner," Meghan replied, "you have me."
Annie began shaking, "I need josh."
"As soon as he's done," Meghan promised, "but you have to pull it together."
"She touched me," Annie cried, "she had her hands on me."
"I saw," Meghan said, "that's why I grabbed you. I think she was afraid of Owen."
"Always has been. He always saw through her crap," Annie replied.
"That's the second time we've had a brush with her," Meghan said, "but Owen and Jackson are dealing with it."
"Owen's going to call dad again," Annie groaned, "I wish he would stop. I'm done with them. They didn't come to the wedding. They only answer a quarter of my calls and emails if they come from Josh's account."
"What do you want to do," Meghan asked.
"I'm tired of being hurt of getting my hopes up to be let down," Annie said, "but it's still the family that raised me."
"That today was assault," Meghan said, "the way she was pulling you and winding up to hit you that's assault. Annie you could press charges."
"I don't want to face her," Annie said, "can I stay here."
"After that and the threats from Cosco we could get a restraining order," Meghan suggested.
"No," Annie replied, "I can't. To do that would be to close the door on ever reconciling with mom and dad. I could lose Chris."
"Annie you have to protect yourself," Meghan replied.
Outside Jessica was screaming at Owen.
"You have no idea what she's done," Jessica shouted.
"Avery tell security it's a 911," Owen said calmly, "Jessica McKellar you do not threaten my residents or my family that way."
Jessica swung at Owen who caught her hand effortlessly.
"Now you've chosen to be violent with me," Owen said, "poor choice. Avery 911 please get the police down here."
"Please don't Dr Hunt," Cosco begged.
"Dr Cosco you no longer work here and have been banned from hospital property," Owen replied, "we can have you arrested for trespassing."
"Please don't sir," Cosco begged.
Security appeared and Jackson explained the situation.
"I won't go anywhere until I talk to Annabeth McKellar," Jessica demanded.
"We do not have a doctor here by that name," Jackson reiterated.
"Then who was that impostor," Jessica demanded.
"Dr Grace Altman," Jackson replied coolly.
"Altman, like that terrible Teddy who threw her away and what type of name is Teddy," Jessica screamed.
"That is my wife you are talking about," Owen barked, "you do not know Teddy. I will not have you standing here demeaning my wife when she is not here to defend herself. You are a coward, blocking emails, using your boyfriend to try to destroy your sister, attacking people who aren't here."
"What," Jessica spluttered, for once someone had caught her off guard.
"You heard me," Owen replied, "I called you a coward. Now leave and don't come back."
"You can't make me this is a public hospital," Jessica screamed.
"Actually it's not," Jackson replied coolly, "it is owned by a set of investors who are also doctors here and the Catherine Fox foundation. I'm Dr. Avery chairman of the board and the representative of the Fox foundation here at Grey Sloan."
"I don't know what lies Annie has told you," Jessica roared, "but she's the one who should never have been born. I know she wishes me dead. She wanted to kill me. I tried to hurt her but she wouldn't go not until I stabbed her."
Jackson said, "I know the wonderful person she is. I've been teaching her for nearly ten years, she has shown me who she is just like you are showing me who you are."
"Jessica, thank you for admitting that," Owen replied.
"What," Cosco yelled.
"There's a lot of history that is my family's private business," Owen replied.
Jessica sensed Owen's distraction and made a run for it, she was off hospital property before they could catch her.
"Avery," Owen barked, "you deal with the police when they arrive."
"Where are you going," Jackson asked.
"My daughter needs me," Owen replied, "I'll be in my office or Meghan's. I have some calls to make after I check on Grace."
"Let me know how I can help," Jackson said.
"We will," Owen replied, "I may pull her and send her home. She has hours banked."
"Of course Owen," Jackson said.
Owen jogged towards Meghan's office. Pausing outside to catch his breath. He texted Teddy, "can you call Annie or Meg?"
Teddy, "why?"
Owen, "Jessica was here. I'm going to deal with Dan. After I check on Annie."
Teddy, "if she's panicking deep pressure. You'll be better then Meg she trusts you more."
Owen, "I'll see. Probably sending her home."
Teddy, "if she's not working bring her to me."
Owen, "I will."
He approached Meghan's office and heard sobbing. Swiping his fob he let himself in. Annie had curled into a ball in the corner between the desk and the wall. Meghan was crouched in front of her trying to calm Annie down.
"Meg switch spots with me," Owen directed.
"Annie, Owen's here he's going to sit with you and I'm going to get you some water and see if I can get Josh," Meghan whispered gently.
Owen noticed Annie flinched when Meghan patted her arm.
"Annie," Owen said, "what do you need?"
"I can't breathe," Annie whimpered, "my hearts going too fast."
"Annie can I give you a hug," Owen asked.
Annie whined, "please."
"Stand up little bear," Owen prompted gently. He seldom used the name little bear but knew Teddy used it when Annie was panicking.
Annie stood shaking like a leaf, tears streamed down her face. Looking at her Owen was transported back nine years earlier to a different hospital. This was the same girl he had driven Teddy to. This wasn't his Annie.
"Annie I'm going to hold you as tight as I can until your body relaxes and goes limp. I'm probably going to hold tighter than mama does," Owen said, "you need to match your breathing to mine. We both know this works."
Annie stood still and let Owen hug her. Gradually her breathing slowed and her heart rate dropped. There was a gentle hand on her back.
"Annie," Meghan whispered, "I'd like to take a look at that bruise on your arm. Does anything else hurt?"
"My shoulder," Annie admitted, "it probably just needs ice."
"Let's go down and ask Link to look," Meghan said.
"You're not working tonight," Owen said, "you're now a patient."
"My patient," Meghan declared.
"Save me the indignity of a gown," Annie said.
"You need one so we can do the xray and CT," Meghan said, "Josh knows and will meet us in the pit so will Teddy."
"No ER people will see me," Annie cried.
"Let's go," Meghan said, "you have me and Owen. Well go to a trauma room and close the blinds. Only people who you say can be there."
Jackson appeared with two police officers , "dr Altman the police would like to talk to you."
"After her injuries are treated," Owen replied.
"What injuries," the police officer asked.
"Bruising, pain in the right shoulder and reduced range of motion," Meghan said, "she's on her way to the emergency room to be examined."
"As we walk Dr Altman can you answer a few questions," the officer asked.
"Am I in trouble? Should we get legal down here," Annie asked.
"Legal has already been called," Jackson said, "the hospital will be pursuing legal action on your behalf. Both will get restraining orders."
"No," Annie said, "punishing her only makes it worse. You let it go and I move again. Do we know of anywhere further away that would take us to finish residency?"
"You're not going to run, Annie," Owen replied, "it's time to stand up and fight. This is your battle."
"I can't," Annie cried, "she's already cost me my parents."
"Dr Altman, do you have any reason to believe Miss McKellar would threaten your life," the officer asked.
"Yes," Owen replied for Annie, "there have been two previous incidents in British Columbia 7 and 9 years ago. One beating requiring emergency surgery and a stabbing requiring sutures. I'm Dr Altman's step father, my wife would know the details better."
"It's all in my medical record," Annie added.
"We can't do anything as those are out of our jurisdiction," the officer said, "do you think she is a continued threat?"
"I do," Annie replied.
"We will look for her in the area," the officer said, "can we see the security footage?"
"I'll get it for you," Jackson replied.
Meghan guided Annie into the trauma room and closed the door, "I can do this or you can choose. I would like ortho to review the images."
"You or mama," Annie said.
"Annie it's just me sweetheart," Meghan soothed, she was hoping using what Teddy called Annie would help calm her, "I've called Teddy is in her way once my mom gets to their house for Allison and Leo."
"Don't worry mama she doesn't do well with this," Annie whined.
"Too late," Meghan said , "you need her."
"I need Josh," Annie whined.
"He's coming," Meghan promised, "as soon as Duncan is scrubbed in and takes his place."
There was a knock on the door, "Annie auntie Meg can I come in."
"Josh," Annie called.
"Hey, your all right," Josh said, "what happened?"
Annie sobbed out the whole story to Josh.
"Let's get auntie Meg to do the exam then we'll go home," Josh said.
"Annie I need to take pictures of the bruises and we need a CT of that shoulder," Meghan directed, "CT is prepped for us."
"Meg can you step out and I'll help Annie change," Josh suggested.
Meghan slipped out of the room, gently closing the door behind her. In the pit Bailey and Richard were ranting.
"How did this happen," Bailey roared, "first the threats then they actually hurt her."
"I have an idea," Owen said, "let me make two calls."
"Who are you calling," Meghan asked.
"Chris first then Dan," Owen replied, "there's more going on then we know."
"She needs psych," Meghan said.
"She needs to leave Annie alone," Teddy said, joining the conversation, "where is my daughter?"
"Trauma two with Josh," Meghan replied, "their getting prepped for CT her left shoulder is pretty sore and stiff."
"I'm going," Teddy declared.
Owen wrapped his arm around her waist, "Teddy let them handle it. She hasn't asked for you yet. She really wanted Josh. He was helping her get changed."
Teddy continued towards the door, "Annie can I come in?"
"Not yet," Annie mumbled.
"She's just changing, we'll be out in a minute Teddy," Josh replied.
"You, Meg and Josh have this I have a couple calls to make," Owen said.
As he was walking towards his office Owen's phone went in his pocket. It was Chris.
"Uncle Owen, why is Josh texting me that Jessica attacked Annie," Chris asked, "and they won't answer their phones neither is Teddy."
"Jessica was here she's fled but Annie is injured," Owen said, "minor bruising and a sore shoulder she's going to CT now."
"Fuck," Chris shouted.
"Chris calm down," Owen replied, "Annie is with Teddy, Josh and Meghan. She's okay. I saw it happen but got there too late to stop it. Hospital legal has been called."
"Mom and dad," Chris said, "they'll be in danger."
"What do you mean," Owen asked.
"Jessica is extremely dangerous," Chris said, "I know she has their passports so they can't come see Annie. Jessica has had them for years. She's also threatened to kill them if they see Annie."
"What," Owen asked.
"Jessica has mom and dad essentially hostage," Chris replied, "she has their passports so they can't leave the country. She will kill them if they see or talk to Annie. What communication they have with Annie is done when Jessica isn't around and emails are deleted after they are read."
"Does Annie know," Owen asked.
"They can't tell her," Chris said.
"Some one has to," Owen said, "it should be you if they won't."
"I can't hurt her again like that," Chris mumbelled.
"She needs to know," Owen said, "this is breaking her. Chris you need to tell her."
"Face to face," Chris said, "at least facetime but I'm not in Canada. I can't tell anyone where I am."
"I understand but when she calls you think about it," Owen said.
"Sir," Chris began, "can you please protect Annie?"
"We are," Owen said, "our whole hospital is. Chris, we're taking good care of her. She needs to know she won't lose you."
"She wont," Chris said, "I'm so sick of the crap they're going to lose me. Is she okay?"
"Physically it's minor," Owen said, "mentally its a set back."
"She's had PTSD before," Chris said.
"It never goes away but it comes and goes," Owen said, "she'll always fight it and this will be major but she's not alone."
"Don't leave her alone," Chris said, "that's when she doesn't eat or sleep."
"Meghan was with her from the moment it happened until Josh got there," Owen said, "we won't leave her alone."
"Make sure she eats shes done it before when Jessica attacked her she didn't think she was worth anything and didn't eat," Chris panicked.
"Sargent stop," Owen commanded, "every time that happened it was Teddy who put her back together and Dr. Wyatt here."
"I know but I worry," Chris said, "she's my sister and I can't be there to fight for her."
"Trust us," Owen said, "Teddy and I we've got this. Josh is right with her. Annie has people who are taking care of her and protecting her. The chairman of the board is going after Jessica and her boyfriend legally."
"Why the boyfriend," Chris asked.
"Annie was teaching him. He was her intern. Dr Cosco started all of this," Owen explained, "our board has fired him. He will not practice medicine again."
"You can do that," Chris asked.
"I cant but Catherine Fox and Jackson Avery can make it happen" Owen replied.
"Thank you for taking care of her," Chris said.
"Anytime and if you need anything please call us," Owen said, "we'll see you at christmas."
"See you then Uncle Owen," Chris replied.
"Be safe Chris," Owen said.
"I will," Chris replied before hanging up.
Owen sat at his desk thinking about what to do when he called Dan. Chris had sent him the Cell number.
"Hello," Dan questioned.
"Hi Dan, it's Owen Hunt," Owen answered, "I know I'm not your favourite person to hear from but I've seen both girls and talked to your son tonight. I didn't approach it well the other day. Annie was upset and I was angry."
"What do you mean saw both girls," Dan asked.
"Jessica was at Grey Sloan," Owen said, "Annie is injured and my sister is treating her."
"How bad," Dan asked.
"Minor," Owen replied, "Meghan and I got there before she could do major damage but Annie will be off for a few days. You should come down and see both girls."
"We can't," Dan admitted.
"Why," Owen asked, he knew what Chris had said but he needed to hear it from Dan.
"Jessica has our passports," Dan stated.
"How long," Owen asked.
"Five or six years," Dan replied, "she took them when Annie was in med school. Leslie and I were doing a road trip that would have taken us to Boston to see Annie. Jessica stole our passports the night before we left. We didn't realize we had no passports until we were in Ontario to see Chris."
"I missed a few years when Teddy was in Germany for work and Annie was in Boston for school. When was the last time you saw Annie in person," Owen asked.
"She was 21," Dan replied, "Boxing Day Jessica stabbed Annie then Teddy and Henry cleaned out Annie's room."
"I know about that," Owen said, "I helped remove the stitches in Annie's back. You need to come see Annie, try to make it right. The window is closing she's less and less open to it the longer you let it go."
"How," Dan asked, "it's not possible to cross the border without passports."
"Report them and get new ones," Owen said, "you can go to the police about this. Dan, it's theft and illegal."
"We can't. She's our daughter," Dan replied.
"And you have another daughter, the one we share that's been hurt by Jessica again. That thinks she's less of a person because of her sister. That you punished for her sisters issues," Owen ranted.
"Jessica won't accept treatment," Dan said.
"Then throw her out of your house until she does. Dan you're the parent," Owen roared, "you did well with the older two so what the hell happened with the youngest?"
"We don't know," Dan said, "we've taken her to doctors, children's hospital, residential programs and nothing works. She is jealous of Annie and Chris. Do you have any idea how hard it was not to see Annie finish med school and become a doctor, to see her wedding photos and not be part of the day. Knowing the child that I am beyond proud of and love more than anything, doesn't trust me, that she won't call or come home. Most of what we know about her is through Chris. Her engagement photos were the first time we saw a picture of Josh. My daughter got married and I wasn't there. Next we'll hear she's had a baby and we missed that. She's been lucky to have Teddy by her side for all of it and you."
"We've been lucky to have her," Owen said, "she's an amazing young woman. You should be proud. She's never lost all of those morals you and Leslie taught her. She puts others first, is kind, gentle, talented, works hard and she's becoming a brilliant surgeon. The kids Annie treats love her. They call her Mary Poppins up in peds, any kid no matter how, sick , hurt or scared respond to her. Dan she gets those kids not just calm but she turns their fear into curiosity. That compassion, the infinite patience she learned from you."
"We'll look into what we can do with Jessica on our end," Dan said, "but Annie, tell me more. Josh what's he like? Is he a good man?"
"Josh is a great man, they are an amazing team. He respects and cares for her. I knew they were a good team the first time I saw them together. I know his uncle well, it's a good family. His uncle is married to my younger sister and we all worked together for a few years in Iraq. Josh is a trauma surgeon, he's smart, decisive, calm, steady. They compliment each other. Chris and Josh have become good friends. Josh gets Annie in a way no one else does. They don't even have to talk and they know what the other thinks," Owen explained.
"Sounds like a good foundation for a marriage," Dan agreed, "how long have they been together?"
"Their first year of med school but they took it really slow," Owen said, "she told me he was her best friend for a few years."
"The wedding," Dan asked, "who helped her plan? Who walked her down the aisle?"
"Teddy and my mom helped with the planning. Annie calls my mom nana," Owen explained, "she asked me to walk her down the aisle. I thought she would ask Teddy or Chris. She caught me off guard but I was happy to do it."
"She has another grandma in Seattle? what does she call Teddy's parents," Dan asked.
Owen was pleased it was the first time Dan had shown interest.
"Teddy's parents passed in 2000 and 2001," Owen explained, "her mom saw Annie as a newborn but my mom is the only grandparent our three know. My dad passed when I was nine. All three are very attached to nana."
"I need to go tell Leslie what you told me," Dan said, "we will try to get our passports back and come visit."
"Dan no more empty promises to Annie," Owen ordered, "you have to explain it to her what's happened. Not tonight she won't hear you. But between now and Christmas."
"Chris said you invited him for Christmas," Dan said.
"We have," Owen replied, "I think he's going to do the morning with you and dinner with us."
"Jessica won't like that," Dan said, "she doesn't know Chris still sees Annie as much as he does."
"More than you realize," Owen replied, "he's part of our family. Dan I should go check on Annie and the rest of my family. Thank you for listening and telling your side of the story."
"You were right the other day," Dan said, "we want to fix it but are trapped."
"Let us know how we can help," Owen said, "we don't have as many connections up there but can try."
"Have a good night," Dan said.
"You two," Owen replied, hanging up the phone. Tonight he had spoken to a broken man, one who was trapped, held hostage by one child and desperate to see the other. For the first time Owen realized it wasn't a lack of love for Annie but a fear for his own life that held Dan back. They could help if only they were asked.
Owen walked back to the pit.
"Josh told Chris," Owen told Teddy, "Chris can't say where he is but is really upset."
"Aren't we all," Teddy snapped.
"Teddy, Teddy," Owen said hugging her, "you're okay. What has Meg said."
"Soft tissue injury they did a steroid injection to reduce inflation," Teddy said, "Annie and Josh are going home. She just wants to be home right now."
"I have some information from Chris and I called Dan again," Owen said, "new information for us to discuss then at the right time tell Annie."
"Will they finally see it," Teddy asked.
"I don't think they wanted to be separated from Annie," Owen said, "they can't leave Canada. J has their passports."
"They can leave," Teddy said, "they just need new ones."
"I think the abuse is so bad they don't know how to escape anymore," Owen said, "but I'll tell you everything later. Dan actually asked about Annie and Josh which is a first."
"What did you say," Teddy asked.
"Just good things," Owen replied, "there may be a window to fix this."
"Not tonight," Teddy whispered, "not for a while. I'm taking her off surgery."
"Why," Owen asked.
"Mental state all that trauma is going to come back," Teddy replied, "she needs to be cleared by Dr. Wyatt."
"Have you told her," Owen asked.
"Not until she's calmer," Teddy replied.
"That was calmer when you got here," Owen said, "she had crawled under Meg's desk and Meg was trying to coax her out."
"How did you two get her calm," Teddy asked, "if she was under the desk that's bad."
"She started to come out when she heard me and let me do the deep pressure thing," Owen said, "she looked like she did at 19 or after the stabbing. Jessica in moments can break her."
"This time we need to push for at least a restraining order," Teddy said.
"The hosptial is," Owen said, "let Avery do it."
Jackson came around the corner, "Owen do you have Jessica's address to send the documents to the lawyer needs it."
"I'll get it from Chris," Owen replied.
Josh and Annie came to join the rest of the family followed by Meghan.
"How's your shoulder sweetheart," Teddy asked.
"Still tender," Annie admitted, "I think it just needs ice and I need to go home."
Josh added, "if it's okay we're just going to go home and watch a movie."
"Go," Teddy agreed.
"Rest that arm Annie," Meghan said, "Link wants to see it in a couple days. You have to be cleared for surgery by Link."
"And Dr. Wyatt," Teddy added.
"I already had an appointment tomrrow," Annie said, "then we'll go from there."
"Okay," Teddy said, "do you need anything?"
"Tea and a hug," Annie replied.
"Tea will have to wait for you to get home," Teddy replied, "but I can give you a hug now."
Annie nodded and wrapped her arms around Teddy.
"It's okay sweetheart," Teddy whispered, "you're okay now. It's all over and she can't come back. We're going to make sure of it. She won't be back I promise. Sweetheart you're okay. You had Uncle Owen and Auntie Meghan to protect you. Josh came as soon as he knew. And you know I always, always come."
Annie nodded, "I'm scared."
"I know baby girl," Teddy whispered, "you're okay now. You're going to go home and curl up with Josh and Milo and watch a really girly movie and relax. Do you want me to come?"
"Please," Annie whispered.
"Nate and I drove together," Meghan said, "Annie I'll drive your car home for you."
"It's standard," Josh said.
"Then I'll take your truck," Meghan said, "I assume you can drive Annie's car?"
"I can," Josh said, "but Annie hasn't even driven the truck yet."
"You've had it how long," Owen asked.
"We got it on satuday," Josh said.
"Okay cars are worked out," Meghan said, "Josh is driving Annie's car. I'll follow in the truck then take Teddy's car home?"
"I'll follow and bring you home," Nathan said, he had been told what was going on.
"Thank you," Meghan said.
"Annie are you okay," Nathan asked.
"I will be," Annie said, "I just need to be home."
"We'll go home," Josh promised taking her hand.
"I'll get the little two from my mom," Owen said.
The family all parted ways.
When they got to Annie and Josh's Teddy suggested, "Annie go get your pajamas. Josh go change I'll make tea."
Annie wordlessly did what she was told and changed into her favourite fuzzy flannel pj bottoms and one of Josh's tshirts. She curled into a corner of the couch and waited for her cat to jump up. Milo her little tabby cat always came to cuddle with her when she was upset, the cat just seemed to know. In moments the cat was snuggled in Annie's lap purring.
"Therapy cat," Josh said to Teddy.
"It works," Teddy smiled, "are you okay?"
"I hate seeing her like this," Josh said, "why does Jessica have to hurt her like that."
"I don't know," Teddy said, "its hard to watch."
"She always comes back from it," Josh said, "but it takes time."
"She will and she's stronger every time," Teddy agreed.
Josh sat down on the couch and turned on a Harry Potter movie, while they could both quote the entire series word for word he knew the old familiar would be comforting for all of them. Eventually they were both half asleep on the couch and Teddy let herself out. They would be okay now, Annie was relaxing slowly.
It had been hard for Teddy to see Annie cling to Josh first and as much as she knew that was the natural order of things for her daughter to go to her husband first and want him first when she was upset it was the first time something major had happened that Teddy hadn't been Annie's go to. The last few Jessica injuries were instant calls to Teddy and the last one Teddy treated. Today Annie had just wanted Josh. At Annie's age Teddy would have been calling her mom. Teddy was torn, she was pleased Annie had learned to depend on Josh but at the same time she felt old seeing that.