The Turbulent Road Ahead
By SigmaStar79
A/N: I have found a wonderful Beta in the wonderful and glorious Sez, to whom I have the deepest respect for. If it wasn't for her help, this story wouldn't be as good as it is. Also, thank you for everyone who has read and commented on this story, my lovelies you all rock!
Chapter 18
Christina had been nervous at first when she found out she was pregnant, but the fact that Pete was still standing by her and claiming the baby as his was amazing. He loved her kids, and they loved him. She still couldn't shake the feeling something was coming, but for the moment, she just sat back and watched as her four children and Pete played in the pool while she caught up with some work. The new security system gave Christina a small sense of security after the attack. The fact that Pete was there 24/7 whenever he wasn't on the ship helped too.
She had begged him to teach her some martial arts moves, but he was afraid he would hurt the baby, so instead he was teaching the kids so they could defend themselves and their mum. She took pride in knowing that not only did she feel whole and complete for the first time in years, but her children had the father figure they all had secretly craved.
She had thought when he had put together the boy's birthday party for her that it had been a bit over the top, something only a father would do for his sons. But when he gave the gifts to the girls, especially since Sarah's birthday had already passed, her heart had overflowed with joy and love. Both her daughters now walked around constantly saying their 'Dad' was a Navy Officer like their Aunt Kate, and the boys called him their 'Navy Superhero'. Both girls wore their necklaces constantly and refused to remove them for anything. She didn't even notice him walking up to her as she was so involved in her thoughts.
"Hey gorgeous, are you hungry?"
"Yeah actually I am, why?"
"The kids are too, so I thought I would make tacos. Do you think you and the little man would be able to handle those?" Pete asked as he placed his hand over her invisible baby bump.
"Yeah tacos sound good actually. How about you make the tacos and I'll make the tostadas"
"Sounds good to me" said Pete as he kissed her quickly and ran off to make lunch. Yes, life was good at the moment.
It had been a week since Ryan officially moved into his new home. After Ryan, Mike, Shamus and Joe had removed what little was left in Mike's old house that Mike wanted, Mike had found the receipt for Ryan's layby and went and paid it off then took everything back to Ryan's place, including a new washer and dryer that had not been on Ryan's list of items. Ryan had been upset at first, until Mike reminded him he hadn't given him a graduation gift yet so this was it. Jessica had just laughed at the two men and proceeded to start washing all the new linen and towels so they could be put away while the men set everything else up.
It hadn't surprised Mike when Bird had ended up cooking everyone a large lunch in thanks for the help while Ryan had officially signed all the paperwork to make the house his. After lunch, Mike had dropped the papers off with his lawyers to file so everything would be handled correctly. It was one more thing off his long list of things to do.
Now at 26 weeks, Kate was becoming more and more uncomfortable being stuck on bed rest. Cat had been growing rapidly due to her little sister now being gone and had seemed to make up for lost time and then some. Now Kate actually looked 6 months pregnant.
"I can't believe you will be 27 weeks in two days Kate. Cat is getting so big!"
"I can't wait till it is time" mumbled Kate. Mike looked up and noticed she was in pain again. Calling for the nurse, the woman rushed in and then left swiftly. She came back with Doctor Harper and a needle.
"You know the drill Kate, roll on your side and raise your gown. I need to give you this injection into your hip. I don't know why Cat is so anxious when she needs to stay in longer" said Doctor Harper as she administered into Kate's hip to stop the contractions again. She wasn't pleased that Kate's body was so insistent on pushing the baby out so early.
"I don't know but I wish it would stop" mumbled Kate again and Mike and the Doctor understood. It might have been painful to watch, but it even more painful to go through. Mike's cell phone buzzed then and when he read the message he groaned out loud. Kate knew that groan. It meant Hammersley had been tasked.
"I'll be fine Mike, go and do your job. I promise I will be here when you get back"
Mike kissed Kate passionately and then sent out a mass text to everyone with their notice for sea. When he bent down to give Kate another kiss, it took everything in him and Kate to stop it at just kissing.
"32 weeks can't come soon enough" whispered Kate as they broke apart. Mike just chuckled and placed his forehead against hers.
"I'll be back soon I promise"
"Be safe, yeah"
"Always, I have you and Cat to come home to"
Kate watched as Mike left the room to go home and prepare his travel bag. Tired due to the baby, Kate snuggled into her pillow and went to sleep. She had a feeling she was going to need the rest soon.
Maxine was not in a good mood. She had to send Hammersley out and she had planned to go to his house this evening with nothing but a trench coat on. She had heard through the grapevine that Mighty Mike Flynn wasn't able to do anything with Kate due to complications and she was going to use it to her advantage. But with the increase activity as of late, she had been left with no choice.
Seeing Mike tense before coming into her office was not a good sign. He stood by the doorway and waited for their orders.
"Mike, sit down, do you want a brew?"
"No thanks just need our orders Ma'am"
"OK, we suspect a large drug operation is coming in from somewhere near Red Reef, I want you and the Hammersley to go see what you can sniff out. You always seem to enjoy catching these guys so instead of sending you to out to Christmas Island, I am sending you on this. Be careful, there is a large storm coming in"
"OK Maxine, thanks for the heads up. I have to go and consult with my crew"
"Fair winds Mike"
As Maxine watched Mike leave, she became enraged all over again. Mike was still mad by the looks of things about Kate losing one of the babies. If she had her way, both babies would be dead. She hadn't got a response from any of the messages or calls that she had left when the baby had died. Frances hadn't called her back, and she couldn't find Ryan anywhere.
Then there was the court marshal coming up. Her Navy lawyer had informed her she had been accused of causing harm to another officer and a civilian, conspiracy to attempt sabotage on a Navy Officer, and abuse of her position and privilege for her own personal gain. Maxine wasn't stupid; she knew Kate was behind the charges. But she also knew with the files she had on her she could probably easily get out of it. Kate had no proof, so it was Kate's word against hers.
As she thought about it, she was glad that she and Frances had destroyed all the evidence in her house and office pertaining to Kate McGregor and Mike Flynn for the most part. Then she remembered the one thing she still did have.
The syringe.
Smiling to herself, Maxine called up an old friend that owed her a particularly large favor. She would wait until he got the information she needed before she decided to strike. She needed to be sure this time that she destroyed every link between Mike and Kate. She also needed to do so when no one would think she was capable. As theories ran through her head, the wheels of motion were once again in overdrive. She would make Kate McGregor wish she was never born by the time she was done, let alone cross her and then try and take away HER Mike!
The first few days of Patrol were pretty much uneventful. They were chasing leads and coming up empty handed. Mike wasn't so pleased to be out at sea and Swain noticed it. He had taken Mike aside several times since they had cast off to make sure he was OK. He understood the threat of the baby being born too early was causing stress not only on Kate, but on him as well. Not being able to be there for Kate just added to his worries.
"You OK, Sir?"
"Yes Swain, I'm fine. Just a bit tired"
"Do you want to go to your cabin for a bit, get some shut eye? You have been up for three watches now"
"I might at the end of this watch Swaino; I just want to catch these guys so we can go home"
"Understandable Sir, how is Kate doing?"
"Fine; she is at 27 weeks now. Doctor Harper said she wants to try and keep Cat in till at least 32 weeks. But the way her body has been acting up after all the trauma, Doctor Harper has told us to just be glad we still have one little girl left. Kate keeps blaming herself about Mary Elizabeth and I don't know how to help her or make her feel better"
"Well Sir, you know that we lost a baby not too soon after me and Sally had Chloe. Maybe I could send Sally over to talk with her when she gets the chance? Her parents are in town this week, but afterwards I am sure Sally can go up there. I doubt she would mind."
"Thanks Chris, I think Kate would like that" Mike said as he gave the first real smile the entire patrol.
"I think it will help Kate feel less guilty, and she has always got along with Sal"
"I'll call her from the SAT phone when I get the chance, with your permission of course"
"Permission granted Swaino, commence Operation Heal"
Swain laughed at Mike for a bit before he excused himself from the bridge to run down to the ComCen to call Sally. That is, if he could get passed RO.
Sally was pleased to hear Chris's voice, but worried when he had explained the situation. She knew Mike and Kate had lost their one little girl, but hearing that Kate was blaming herself broke her heart. Kate McGregor did her best for everybody when she was on the ship. Every time someone needed her she was always right there. If you needed a shoulder to cry on, a person to talk to, a friend to understand, Kate was there doing everything she powers to help. Now it was time for someone to help Kate.
Sally's problem was her parents were in town. Every time she mentioned taking Chloe to go and see Kate, her mother got upset. Saying they come all the way from Perth to see their daughter and granddaughter, not for their daughter to visit some woman who thought she could do a man's job. Her father had agreed with Sally and said her mother was wrong to say what she said. He was proud that after being told what all Kate had gone through to have this baby that Sally was willing to step up and help while Kate while Mike was out at sea.
Eventually, by the end of the week, Sally was finally able to visit Kate in the hospital. Kate was now 28 weeks pregnant and sore from being stuck on full bed rest. Sally taught her some breathing techniques she and Chris had learnt during childbirth classes. They watched child birth videos and some videos on how to breast feed. She also talked to Kate about how bad she felt after she lost the baby so soon after Chloe; and that there was nothing either of them could have done differently. Sometimes something goes wrong in the infant's development and the baby doesn't make it.
Kate finally cried and told Sally all of her fears and feelings and both women had a good cry for the baby girl that never made it and for the baby girl that would. It had helped Kate out a lot to be able to talk to another woman about what had happened that knew exactly everything she was and had been going through.
"Do you think Mike will still find me attractive after I have the baby?"
"Kate, I know Mike. You're going to have to remind him he has to wait six weeks afterwards. When those six weeks are over, I wouldn't be surprised to find you pregnant again with a totally normal pregnancy the next time around"
Kate and Sally smiled and laughed at the implication and went back to watching child birth videos and talking baby talk. They never paid attention to the new male nurse that came in and took Kate's information and then looked at her chart. As the man left the room though, his smile would have showed his devious intent.
Maxine was happy with the information Larry had been able to obtain for her about Kate. It had taken about a week, but in front of her were all the records, medicines and restrictions of one Katelyn Louise McGregor. It showed she was a day off being 29 weeks and that her doctor had recommended she not be induced until the 32 week mark for the survival of the remaining baby due and to reduce the risk of further pain and trauma to both mother and child. Sitting back, she looked at all the paperwork in front of her. She needed all her paperwork to be finished before she had to leave. Her court marshal was next week and she planned to deal with Kate and her baby on her way out of town.
Getting down to business, she called Larry for assistance on getting in and out of the hospital quickly and quietly while she proceeded to work on all of her paperwork. She had her assistant make copies of all the files and evidence she had against Kate for the court marshal, which she was going to have to show to the brass in Canberra. She couldn't wait for the end of the week.
Mike was starting to get frustrated. They had found, caught and transferred all of the suspected drug cartel that was indeed coming out of Red Reef, but Maxine was still keeping them out at sea for patrol. He could see her point somewhat but he wanted to be home with Kate in case something happened and she needed him. He needed to finish the last few things on his list at the new house and Ryan's so everything could be ready when little Catherine LaFern was born.
Remembering Ryan, or as the crew now called him Polo, Mike excused himself from the bridge to find his godson. Finding him in the Galley with Bird, Mike stepped back and watched them try to copy a recipe from the cookbook Bomber had made and left for the next Chefo. He tried not to laugh and just shook his head as Bird tripped over her own two feet and fell against Ryan, sending both tumbling to the Galley floor. Hearing them just made him shake his head again.
"Hello beautiful, never knew you were falling for me"
"Stop being cheeky and get up so I can. We have dinner to make and you don't want to be late for that trust me"
"What if I like it just where I'm at? Maybe I don't want to move"
"The 'no snogging your shipmates' rule says you have to"
"You're no fun Jess"
"Love you too, now help me up please"
"Always, my Uncle Mike always taught me how to treat a lady"
Mike decided it was time to make his presence known, "I also taught you that if you were going to break the rules to not get caught"
Both Polo and Bird jumped back and apart from each other as they heard Mike's voice. This time Mike did laugh. He couldn't help it; their faces at being caught were just too funny.
"No worries you two, but I do need to talk to Ryan for a moment in my cabin"
"Am I…"
"No you're not in trouble I just need to speak with you. Sort of a father/son talk, but I'm your godfather"
"OK" Ryan said as he quickly followed Mike back to the CO's cabin after grabbing two apples. Once inside, Mike got down to business.
"OK Ryan, I know you have a lot of stuff already, but I noticed when we were setting everything up that you really didn't get a lot of stuff for the kitchen, just the basics. When I got everything home, I realized that Kate and I have a lot of the same thing, so I want you to come by the house a pick out what you want from it. Whatever you don't take I am sending off to the crew barracks. Also if you need anything else, let me know. Your father was always proud of you and he was my best friend. I am trying to do right by you as if you were my own son and make sure you have everything that you need"
"Uncle Mike, you have done enough already" said Ryan with a smile. "You gave me a choice between two wonderful places to live, you helped me move into the one I choose. You paid off my layby and delivered it to my house and helped me set everything up. You have given me most of my furniture and appliances. Heck Uncle Mike, you even bought and filled the house with non perishable groceries. What else could you have given me that I don't already have?"
"I just want to make sure…"
"I know you worry about me Uncle Mike, and I love you for it. You took the place of my father when I needed one and I do thank you for that. Now it is time to let me fly on my own wings"
"If you ever need anything…"
"I know where to go. I'll stop by your house with Jessica after we get back for shore leave"
Mike and Ryan shared a brief hug before Ryan returned to his sea duties while Mike sat in his cabin alone thinking back to when Ryan was just a boy and wondered at that very moment whether it would be this hard to let Cat goes when she grows up.
Maxine was proud of herself. All the paperwork on her desk was completed and she had set up a time to 'visit' one Kate McGregor while she was heading out of town. Now all she had to do was keep herself in the clear for the rest of the week, and everything would work out. She just had to play it cool.
Steve Marshall had just finished all the preparations that Mike had wanted. He had the wedding ring Mike had had made for Kate, and he was on his way to deliver it to him. All of the wedding plans were ready and paid for. All the dresses, flowers, gifts, and accessories were already bought. The church was ready and the invites were sent and RSVP's already coming in. Heck, he had even got approval from the Brass for an extra week off for the both of them as a wedding present from the Brass themselves. Now they just had to wait a few more weeks for little Catherine LaFern Flynn to be born.
Gerald knew it was almost time to strike. The house was ready, food was stocked and the yacht was ready. Calling in his informant, he notified him to start the next morning. The children were to be removed first. He had Christina.
Kate had just had her latest ultrasound with Christina present. They had both been happy to see that Cat had grown so much since her last ultrasound. According to Doctor Harper, Cat was about 15 inches long and about 3 pounds.
"I can't believe she is so big already" said Kate in awe, rubbing her belly.
"Doctor Harper seemed impressed she is growing so fast and developing well now that she no longer has to share the space with Mary"
"I do believe it is unusual for the baby to grow so fast, but like the doctor said, she is making up for lost time and her body is finally catching up. Now if we can just keep your body from going wacky on us" said Christina with a grin. She was a little over two months pregnant and definitely had a bit of a glow.
"I'm still jealous though"
"Of what Katie?"
"You don't get sick!"
"No you get sick, I get migraines. If you want, I can gladly trade with you. I'd rather puke then have the slightest movement or light hurt my brain"
"Good point" said Kate as they proceeded to look over the baby items that Christina was currently starting to look at. "How about the Winnie the Pooh?"
"I like having something different for each child, so they are individuals from the start"
"So" ask Kate confused. She didn't see a problem yet.
"Had Winnie the Pooh with Sarah" Christina quickly explained. "Had Care Bears with Andrea, and I had a two different Noah's Ark themes for the boys. This baby will be just like its siblings"
"Different" replied Kate smiling and Christina returned the smile and nodded.
"I wish we knew what you were having"
"Won't find out for another 3 months; I'm just getting ideas for right now"
"Oh look at this for a girl, its butterflies"
"Very cute, write the info down for it, I found a Navy theme for a boy and a blue star bedding set as well. Either would be cute, but I want two of each theme to choose from"
"Well how about ladybugs?"
"Let me see first" said Christina looking at the set and smiling. "Perfect"
"Well then, that's done. What about names?"
"Already been picked sissy; Peter Michael if it's a boy and Lisa Katelyn if it's a girl"
"Christina, I don't know what to say…"
"Then don't say anything" said Christina smiling. "I'm honoring who I want to honor"
Giving her sister a quick hug, they continued looking at various baby things. She didn't realize that soon enough she would have wished she had done more than hugged her little sister.
Andrea knew something was wrong the moment she entered the hall. Seeing Sarah walk out of her classroom, she quickly walked towards her. One look told the other they were on the same page. Both sisters went back to back immediately, and moved swiftly in a circle to check out the area surrounding them. Not seeing the danger but still sensing it, Andrea grabbed her phone and turned the tracker on. She told Sarah to do the same to hers and she did. If they were right, their father was finally making his move. They were going to need the trackers.
Both girls acted calm but stayed alert, just as Pete had taught them. Reaching Andrea's locker first, she started gathering all her stuff. Andrea had just hidden her cell phone inside a hidden pocket in her bag when she felt a nudge from Sarah.
In the mirror behind them was a man trying to hide from them. He was standing beside the drinks machine. Too bad the girls both had mirrors in their lockers. Sarah grabbed her Bluetooth and put it in her ear. Andrea grabbed her makeup compact and put in her Bluetooth as well. Winking to each other, they started walking towards Sarah's locker a bit further down the hall. Both girls were in the same grade due to Sarah getting advanced a year.
After reaching her locker, Andrea took out her makeup compact to look behind her as Sarah gathered her things. Seeing the man coming into the hall, Andrea cleared her throat to let Sarah know the threat was coming. After Sarah closed her locker, both girls turned the corner like they were going to the office.
After turning the corner, both girls took off running as Sarah activated her Bluetooth and used her voice recognition system. "Call Grandpa" was heard as both girls headed towards the stairwell. As they ran down the stairs, they almost didn't notice the man waiting at the bottom of them. Hearing her grandpa picking up the phone, Sarah mumbled 'damn' like she was talking to Andrea. She knew grandpa Shamus would pick up on what was happening.
"Sis, there are two of them now. One above and one below; what do you want to do?"
"Use your martial arts kick on the one above, I will use mine on the one below" said Andrea as she acted like she was looking at her makeup when the man below them went to grab them. Using her moves taught to her by Pete, she heard Sarah using hers on the other man, before both girls ran out the side door.
"Grandpa, are you there?"
"Yea and what is going on!"
"Dad's making his move!"
Andrea and Sarah ran as Sarah hid her phone inside her jacket. As they were running across the parking lot, two men on motorbikes rushed up to them. Both girls tried to defend themselves, but the men were too strong. Coming up on a van, both men threw the girls inside as the van drove off. From the ground where the van had once been, was Sarah's Bluetooth. You could hear Shamus screaming from it.
"Sarah! Sarah's what's going on. Sarah? SARAH!"
Christopher and Daniel were playing on the playground of their school when they heard the motorbikes. Looking up to see two men, both boys went into defensive positions. As the men went to grab them, both boys gave one heck of a fight before both were restrained and knocked out. One playground supervisor tried to stop the men while another one yelled for help. Both boys were thrown into a large van and drove off. The children had been obtained.
Christina and Kate were both looking at baby furniture when both had a sudden craving for ice cream. Since Christina was the one mobile of the two, she went to the cafeteria to get them some. As she was returning, Gerald came out of seemingly nowhere and grabbed her from behind. Using a cloth with chloroform on it, he covered her nose and mouth. Christina struggled before passing out in her ex husband's arms, terrified for herself and her children as she heard his last words to her before she gave into to unconsciousness.
"Ah, there you are Christina," Gerald crooned while he tenderly kissed her neck. "My beautiful wife, I understand why you filed for divorce. It took me a while, but I figured out Interpol must have tried something with you and the girls. I want to thank you though; I know the boys are mine. They're gorgeous Christina and I love them, just as I love you and the girls. Just as I love this new baby we have so lovingly made"
Feeling Christina go limp in his arms, he pulls her into a public restroom and into the handicapped stall where he had a wheelchair waiting. Sitting her in it, he kneeled down in front of her and kissed her stomach and then her lips. Anyone who saw the sight would have seen a devoted husband, not a deranged psychopath. Once wheeling her outside to his awaiting car, he had his driver drive them to the marina. Calling his informant, he smiled as he heard the news that his children were already on the yacht waiting for him. Looking over at Christina, Gerald smiled and started kissing down her neck. Soon his family would be reunited under one house once more.