Title: Boundaries
author: Cindy Ryan
notes and summary: see part one

With Chris and Merri both resting and in stable condition in the hospital Dwayne smiled down at the arrest warrant that was sitting on the passenger seat of his car. Patton had tracked down Klain and they'd just gotten confirmation the Senator was at that location. They'd thought he'd tried to run from New Orleans but Klain was stubborn. Thinking nothing could be traced back to him Dwayne knew the younger man was sitting at his waterfront home thinking he had dodged things. Dwayne was about to deliver a reality check, a big one.

Two blocks from Klain's home Dwayne rendezvoused with the NOPD and parked behind one of their black SUV's. He exited the car warrant in hand and approached a young male Hispanic detective.

"Detective Santos."Dwayne greeted. "Everything ready?"

"Yes, the Senator is inside and has had no visitors."Santos reported.

"Let's go."Dwayne ordered as he lead the way.

Klain's servant let them in ten minutes later. Pride and the NOPD team had just crossed the spacious living room when the senator came in from the back yard. He took one look at the approaching officers and turned running back the way he'd come. Dwayne tossed the warrant at Detective Santos and pursued. Once outside Dwayne saw Klain headed around the left side of the pool and up to the elevated patio grill area behind. Dwayne reached the steps of that area just as Klain tossed a few plastic patio chairs in their path.

"Klain!"Pride shouted as he jumped over one of the chairs. "It's over!"

The senator reached a small back wall that held a large flower bed. Dwayne poured on speed and tackled Klain. They tumbled into the flower bed and Dwayne finally got the upper hand and placed his knee in the senator's back.

"Senator Klain you are under arrest for the murder of NCIS agent Austin Hackett."Dwayne informed as he hauled the younger man to his feet and placed cuffs on him. "You have the right to remain silent anything..."

"I was going to do great things for this state."Klain grumbled struggling slightly in Pride's grasp.

"Get him out of here."Dwayne stated in disgust shoving Klain into Santos's waiting grasp.

As Klain was led back to the waiting squad cars Dwayne felt the stress and tension finally ease from his shoulders. Merri and Chris were recovering from their injuries, Dylan was in the children's hospital receiving treatment and Klain was finally in custody; it was over.

Chris awoke and instantly regretted opening his eyes. The harsh fluorescent lights intensified his headache and forced his eyes back closed. The brief look at his surroundings was enough to tell him he was in a hospital. Chris's whole body ached but with that pain memories returned full force and his eyes shot open once more. He looked widely around the room and his fear and anxiety increased when he saw King was the only other occupant.

"Easy, Christopher."Dwayne cautioned as Chris tried to sit up. "Take it easy."

"Merri?"Chris demanded worriedly halfway into a sitting position.

"She's in the room next door and in better shape than you."Dwayne explained as he eased Chris back into the pillow.

It was only then that Chris noticed his left leg was propped up in a small sling and bandaged heavily from the knee down. He wiggled his toes and was relieved when he felt them move. Chris was hoping that his leg not being in a cast was a good sign.

"Is it broken?"Chris asked.

"Really bad sprain and the doctors are amazed that your ankle wasn't broken either."Dwayne replied with a shake of his head. "You were both lucky. Merri's has a mild concussion but otherwise just a few scrapes and bruises. They were concerned about the smoke inhalation but she's been doin' much better the last few hours."

"I want to see her."Chris insisted as he started to sit up once more.

Dwayne shook his head as he gripped Chris's right shoulder stopping him.

"Be easier if I bring her to you."Dwayne commented.

"Thanks King."Chris acknowledged. "What about Klain? We get him?"

"Taken into custody an hour ago."Dwayne replied as he paused in the doorway."It's over."

Chris smiled a few minutes later when Merri entered the room and Dwayne lingered in the doorway.

"I was worried."Merri said quietly as she gingerly hugged Chris.

"You know it'll take more than that to get rid of me."Chris replied with a smile as he lightly caressed Merri's right cheek. "You okay?"

"Yes."Merri said as she sat down in the chair Dwayne had been in earlier.

"I'm going to head back to the office."Dwayne stated from the doorway. "Call if you need anything."

"Thanks King."Chris acknowledged as Merri nodded and smiled.

"I'm glad you're both okay."Pride said quietly as he left.

"It's over, Merri."Chris said in relief. "You're safe...have your life back."

"Thanks to you."Merri replied softly. "Don't know what I would've done if you hadn't been okay..."

"You're stuck with me Meredith Brody."Chris stated with a smile as he leaned up to kiss her. "I love you."

"I love you too."Merri replied returning Chris's smile. "Get some rest."

"Stay awhile?"Chris asked.

"I'm not going anywhere."Merri commented as she settled back in the chair.

Chris pulled one of the blankets off his bed and handed it to his partner. Merri smiled her thanks and settled the blanket over her. A few minutes later Chris was asleep.

Epilogue to follow