Sorry for the long wait…
"Hey, Grace you have mail waiting for you." Xavier said as he walked past her as she got out of the truck.
"Thanks, Xavier." Emma said as she grabbed her bag and walked towards her 'home'. Every time she looked at the shipping container, she just shook her head. This wasn't what she expected when she first got here but then again she didn't know what to expect from this assignment. Seeing the box by her door, she unlocked it and moved the box in with her foot. Closing the door, Emma dropped her camera bag next to her desk and took out her camera. Plugging it in, she started transferring the pictures she took that day. While that was going on, she started to take off her Jilbab, hanging it on the hanger by her bed. She didn't like wearing these clothes but that's what the tribe's elders wanted her to wear. Respect is earned not given, as Sam taught her. It was hard at first for her to earn the respect of the men in the tribe but she finally convinced them that she wasn't there to harm them, only there to teach the kids English and she was there to report on how the war has changed their lives.
Pulling on her sweats and sweater, she went to get the box. Picking it up, she placed it on the chair and took out the knife that Kensi gave her for her birthday. Cutting the tape, Emma opened the box and she just smiled. "Nell, you are a star!" Emma said as she took out the box of cookies. Nell sent her a box two months ago packed full of her favourite noodles, cookies, cereal, and a few books. She even sent Emma a couple of patterns for crouching and the materials she'll need. Emma found that it relaxed her after a day of all the heaviness she saw in the villages. She even started to make small things for the kids in the village and in return, the women fed her, helped her get used to the customs of the tribes she visited and they were the ones giving her the information she needed. Emma started to unpack the box and placed everything in the little kitchen she had… a small fridge, a kettle, a small stovetop, a sink, and a small pantry. Grabbing a pack of noodles, she boiled water and made herself some dinner. Emma only ate with the troops when she knew they weren't serving eggs or mystery meat. She wasn't picky when I came to food but she tried it once and she wasn't going down that road again. Sitting in front of the giant screen, Emma started to type in her passwords and see if Nell sent her anything back. Nell was the only one she could contact and that was limited to only a few things she needed her help with. AD Hayes made sure she had access to more information than Eric and Nell had access to so on the days she wasn't out, she was in her little container going through all the information she gathered.
Emma started to read through a few files Nell sent her while she ate. Hetty would have a cow if she knew Emma was eating while working with expensive equipment. Even Eric might have a few things to say about it. Getting the book Shea gave this morning, she started to input the code words. Emma had to create a whole new program to make this process easier since the Navy had one that only worked with a two-code system and she needed the extra security of a three-code system. Eric would be proud of her being all geeky and she had to say she kind of missed him. She missed them all but she had to hide all aspects of her life while she was here. The people around her called her Grace and that was fine by her. The one person who knew who she was, was Sargent Walker. The man reminded her of Sam and she was grateful he was there for her when she needed an older man's advice.
Reading the message Shea sent her, she quickly typed a new one, placed it in a new book and placed the book in her bag. Checking the trackers, she placed on three of the people she was tracking, she logged off and went to put her camera away. Placing her bowl in the sink, she made herself a cup of tea. Grabbing the envelope that was in the box, Emma sat down on her bed. Pulling the papers out, Emma saw a picture of Melissa and Justin with a little baby wrapped in a blue blanket. She knew that their baby was due soon but knowing she missed the birth made her sad. Emma felt like she already missed so much of Maeve's life and now she's already missing so much of her best friend's life too. Turning the picture over, she read the little note on the back.
I can't wait to meet you, Aunty Em.
Love Liam Harris Briggs
Wiping a tear Emma placed the picture on the little picture wall she started. It had pictures of her family, her friends, and the kids she met in the village. Giving the wall one last look, Emma bent down and grabbed her journal from under the mattress. She never thought she would start a journal again but it helped her work through the thoughts that kept her up all night. Finishing her tea and placing the cup next to her bed, Emma placed the journal under the mattress and switched off her lamp. Looking up she could see the stars shining through the little skylight she had in the container. She was looking forward to seeing her family again and she was hoping that this assignment would end soon. Emma's last thought was of Maeve and her little laugh.
Emma walked into the mess hall still dressing in her running clothes. This was the only time she showed so much skin and most of the troops didn't care. They were too busy eating before they needed to head out. Grabbing a mug and bowl, Emma went to get herself some yogurt, fruit, bacon, and coffee. She made her way towards the table where Ali, Joe, Koa and Mitch were sitting.
"Morning Grace." Kao said with a smile.
"Morning, peeps." Emma said with a smile. "When are you heading out?" she asked as she took a bite of the bacon.
"In about an hour. You heading out with us?" Joe asks before taking a bit of his eggs.
"Not today. Have to get stuff done here and have a few stories that I need to read over before I send them back." Emma said with a smile. "Oh, Ali, I have something for you when you get back."
"Please tell me it's something good… like something you can eat." Ali said with a small smile.
"You'll just have to wait and see." Emma winked at her.
"Hey, if you have some noodles left Grace, I'll be happy to take them off your hands." Mitch said and Emma just shook her head yes. "Awesome!"
"So glad you could join us for breakfast, Princess Grace." Wallace said from behind her with a smirk. "Trying to spy on us and tell your new friends what our plans are. Or are you going to tell the world how wonderful the natives are and that we're the bad guys?"
"You know, Wallace. One of these days I'm going to wipe that smirk off your face." Emma said as she got up. "And I can't wait." She finished as she passed him.
"Maybe I should teach you where your place is." Wallace said.
"And where would that be?" Koa said as he stood up and got into Wallace's face.
"How about you little kids leave the big boy stuff, for the big boys and you stay in your sandbox." Hall said as he walked over to the group.
"Don't you guys have somewhere to be?" Sargent Palmer said from behind Wallace and everyone went their way. "Grace, you need to get dressed. You're heading out with me today." When he saw her hesitate, he finished, "Walker cleared it."
"Of course, he did. Let me get my stuff and then we can go." Emma said as she walked past the men toward her 'room'. Quickly getting dressed, Emma grabbed her camera bag and made sure she had everything she needed. She had an idea where they were going and she knew what she might need. Locking the door and making sure she set the alarm, she headed to where the truck was waiting for her. Getting in, she saw her long gun case by her feet and now she knew this assignment just got real.
Los Angeles
Callen was reading a book with Mae lying next to him in bed when he heard something by the front door. Looking down at the sleeping little girl, he made sure the pillow was next to her on the bed and got his gun out from the nightstand. Getting up slowly he made his way towards the kitchen, trying to be as quiet as he could. As soon as the door opened, he saw a figure walking towards the living room. Sneaking up behind them, he lifted his gun. "On your knees. Hands behind your head."
The figure did as they were told, she turned and Callen could see who it was.
"I need your help, Callen." Joelle said.
"Why didn't you go to your friends in the CIA for help?" Callen said as he lowered his gun.
Getting up Joelle turned towards him, "They're the ones who's trying to hurt me."
"So, you're leading them to my house?" Callen said and she could see his anger.
"I didn't know where else I could go to be safe." Joelle said as she walked towards the kitchen and got herself a glass of water.
"Sure, make yourself at home would you." Callen said sarcastically.
"Is Emma here?" Joelle asked with a smirk behind her glass. "Or did you finally ship her off to the FBI?"
"I told you once and I'm going to say it again, leave my daughters out of this." Callen said with anger.
Holding her hands up Joelle just looked at him but before she could say anything, Callen's bedroom door opened and they could hear little feet coming towards them. Walking towards the hallway, Callen got to her before she could get to the kitchen.
"You should be asleep." Callen said with a soft tone as he picked her up.
"Dada." Mae said before she showed him the sign for milk.
"Okay, I'll grab that. You go into your room and play with your toys." He said as he put her down and she walked towards her bedroom. Making sure she closed the door, he went for the fridge to get her milk. Taking the bottle out of the cupboard, he filled it and went to give it to her. Callen made sure she was content and the monitor was on, he walked back to the kitchen where Joelle was sitting.
"Looks like this dad thing's working out for you." Joelle said as she looked at him.
"Well, her mother abandoned her. So, her dad and sister had to step up and to make sure she's taken care of."
"I didn't have a choice." Joelle said as she got up, "I'm not the monster you're making me out to be."
"What did you tell your husband and son about the baby? Let me guess… the baby died." Callen said with a smirk and he could see that he hit the nail on the head.
"Can I go take a shower before I head home." Joelle said as she got up.
"You know the way." Callen said as he moved out of her way so she could pass him.
As Joelle got out of the shower she walked into Callen's bedroom. The room looked empty besides the bed, TV, TV stand, chest of drawers and nightstand. Picking up the picture that was on the nightstand, she finally got to see the little person she carried for 9 months. She resembled her brother, Peter but the eyes and curly hair gave away that the kids had different fathers. Putting the picture frame down, Joelle walked to the chest of draws, took out a pair of women's jeans and put it on. Walking towards the closet, Joelle found one of Callen's button-up shirts and pulled it over her shoulders. As she finished getting dressed, she heard the doorbell ringing and a little giggle from down the hall. Pressing her ear to the door, she could hear Callen talking to someone but she couldn't make out what they were talking about. Hearing the front door close, she quickly grabbed the towel and pretended to dry her hair. Walking out just as Callen walked towards his bedroom, Joelle opened the door.
"So do I get to know my daughter's name?" She asked without beating an eye.
"Let's get one thing straight… You are not her mother. You may have carried her but you are nothing to that little girl." Callen spat at her.
"You know I don't even care anymore. Do you have something to eat in this house? I haven't eaten in 48 hours." Joelle said as she looked around.
Walking over to his bag, he took out a protein bar. "Sorry, we don't have Nutella. Emma made sure the stuff never made it into the house after everything you put us through." Callen said with a smirk.
"I'm sure by now your team knows what happened. So, let's get going. I don't have all day and I need to be there before Nick takes Peter to school." Joelle said as she passed him and opened the front door.
Julia's condo
"Did she go down okay?" Julia asked as she poured them some coffee.
"She did but I don't know where she gets all that energy?" Zach said as he sat down on the bar stool.
"Wait until she gets up from her nap." Julia said as she walked over and handed him a cup, "Hope you have something planned for outside. Or even better the beach."
"Was going to take her to the beach with Justin and Liam. Melissa needs a little break from the boys." Zach said with a smile.
"That reminds me, I have to give you some baby clothes Anna and Kensi dropped off the other day." Julia said as she walked towards her room.
"I have a feeling Kensi and Anna's getting broody." Zach said with a smile behind his cup.
"I would love a new grandbaby I can spoil." Julia smiled back. "Have you heard from Emma?"
"I wish people would stop asking me that." Zach said and Julia could see he was heartbroken.
"I'm sorry." Julia said with sad eyes.
"No, I'm sorry." Zach said as he took his mom's hand. "I just wish she would reach out to let me know that she's okay. That she missing us, that she'll be home soon anything."
"I wish that to baby." Julia said as she brought him in for a hug. "She's a strong woman, we just need to trust her and believe she'll reach out if she needs help."
"I know and I know Callen's having a hard time with this too." Zach said as he placed his cup in the sink. "We both knew the day would come were she'll have to go on assignment, just like we knew I would deploy."
"I don't want Callen's last words to Emma to be ones of anger." Julia looked at Zach, "I don't like that she lied about the whole sniper school but I know why she did it. I don't say it was right but I understand."
"I told her it was a bad idea to lie to him but I wasn't going to be the one to tell him. I'm her partner and I know how they can be. If I was in her shoes, I would have done the same. She just wanted to be sure that she was cut out for life at NCIS."
"You and I both know she's cut out for this life. It's in her DNA and even if it wasn't, she was made to be an agent." Julia said with a smile.
"Hetty sure knows how to pick them, doesn't she." Zach said with a smile.
"Truer words were never spoken." Julia said with a smile, "I have to run to the post office. You're okay with the little monkey?"
"I think I can manage her. Can't be that hard." Zach said with a smirk.
"Please don't feed her candy because if you do, I'll make sure Callen leaves her here for the night for you to deal with." Julia said with a smile as she picked up her purse.
"Can't make any promises." Zach said as he grabbed Maeve's bag and started to pack it for the beach. While he waited for Maeve to wake up, he cleaned up her toys and placed them in the basket his mother kept for her. Callen didn't leave Mae at Julia's a lot, not wanting to bother her but Julia loved that little girl and anytime she got to spend time with her, was enough for her. Zach loved spending time with Mae, she reminded him of Emma-Grace. Both the girls were fierce and stubborn, independent but never afraid to ask for help. They love with their whole heart and once you're part of their family, you're not going anywhere. Zach hoped that Emma was safe and that she knew they loved her and missed her like crazy. Sometimes Zach couldn't help himself and he would text her phone, just like she used to do with him. He wanted to tell her about his day, what their friends were up to, what the team was up to and what was new with Mae. He never thought he'd feel this way about a girl but Emma-Grace was it for him. He wanted a future with her – he wanted them to get married, buy a house, start a family, and explore the world. But first she needs to come back safe and then they work the rest out later. Zach was brought out of his daydream by a little yell from his mom's room. Laughing as he got up from the couch, he walked and opened the door only to find the little girl waiting behind the door for him. Picking her up, he hugged her and rubbed her back a bit.
"You ready to go to the beach?" Zach said as he got the stuff ready to change her. Mae just clapped her hands and bounced up and down in his arms. "I'm taking that as a yes." Zach smiled. Changing her, he made sure she was warm enough before putting her down so she could walk. Making sure everything was locked up inside, Zach grabbed the diaper bag and opened the door. Maeve was at that stage where she wanted to do everything herself, so telling her to wait while he locked the door, he turned and locked it. Grabbing her hand, he helped her walk down the stairs. It was slow going but they finally made it down to where the little wagon was waiting for them. Julia's condo became the meeting point for the gang and the team and she never complained about having a lot of people in her house. Placing the diaper bag and the little girl in the wagon, Zach started to walk toward the beach. Justin was already at the meeting spot and when Maeve saw him, she wanted out. Laughing at her excitement every time she saw one of the gang, he helped her out of the wagon and as soon as her feet hit the ground, she was off.
"Hello little ducky." Justin said as he picked her up. "How are you today?"
"Baby." Mae said as she pointed to the stroller.
"That's right, that's Liam. Do you want to say hi?" Justin said as he bent down a bit.
"Hi baby." Mae said as she saw Liam.
"Liam, this is your aunty Mae." Justin said to the baby.
"I have to say, he's cute." Zach said as he looked over Justin's shoulder.
"You want one, don't you?" Justin said with a smile.
"Maybe one day but for now I'll settle for having my girlfriend home." Zach said as he took Maeve's hand and they started to walk.
"Still no word from her?" Justin said and he could see how sad his friend was.
"No, and the team doesn't know anything either." Zach said as he found their spot.
"She'll be back. And then you guys can work on giving this one a little friend." Justin said as he picked the little boy up and sat down with him on the blanket Zach opened up.
"My mom will love that." Zach smiled as Mae took out her bucket and shovel.
"Do you think she would want to have kids?" Justin asked, "I mean after everything that happened in her past."
"I don't know. I mean she loves Mae and I would love to have one or two but we didn't get to have the 'in the future' talk yet. Hell, we haven't even gone on a proper date yet."
"Well, I hope you have something amazing planned for when she gets back." Justin smiled, "Let me know if you want ideas."
"Talking about the future, when's the wedding?" Zach said as he helped Mae get her ducks out of the bag.
"Mel wants to wait till Em returns and for this one to be bigger. I'm okay with waiting but my mom is on my case for having a baby before being married."
"Wait, didn't she have you AND your brother before she was married?"
"Oh, yeah. And she was pregnant with my other brother when they got married." Justin laughed.
"People in glass houses, shouldn't throw stones. That's all I can say." Zach smiled as Mae handed him a bucket and tried to pull him up. Zach knew what she wanted, so getting up he followed her to the water. "Stay close Mae." He said as he bent down and scooped up some water. Mae wasn't afraid of water but they were trying to teach her that you need to be safe around the ocean or any body of water. Walking back, Zach poured the water in the little hole she made and she started to mix it. "I think Em would understand if you guys got married before she came back."
"I know but I'm not ready to start wedding planning yet. I'm running on three hours of sleep and Melissa is running on less, so I know wedding planning is the last thing on her mind now."
"Then take your time. The day is about you and Mel and if your mom's pushing the subject, give her my number. I'll talk to her or better yet, I'll let my mom talk to her." Zach winked at his friend.
"Deal!" Justin said as he placed the baby back in the stroller.
They stayed for about an hour before Melissa called Justin and asked if he would be coming home soon. Packing all the stuff in the wagon, they started to make their way back to the car. Zach handed Justin the bag his mom sent and with a fist bump, they said goodbye and Zach started to walk back with Maeve. Opening the outside locker, Zach dumped the wagon and locked it. Maeve was already waiting for him by the stairs so picking her up, he made his way up to the condo. Julia was busy making dinner when they opened the door and as soon as Mae saw her, she wiggled out of Zach's arms.
"Did you have fun with Liam?" Julia said as she hugged the little girl.
"Baby." Mae said and Julia just smiled.
"That's right, he's a baby. You were that small once too but now you're a big girl and you have to show him the world." Julia said as she put her down and turned her towards the bathroom. "Go wash your hands and then we'll have dinner." Maeve looked at Zach and he was about to grab her hand to help her with his phone rang.
"Feldman speaking." Zach said and Maeve looked at Julia. "No sir, I can talk."
Julia turned the burner off and took Maeve's hand before walking into the bathroom to help her wash her hands.
"No sir, not a problem. I'll see you in a week." Zach said before he ended the call.
"Everything okay?" Julia said as she picked Maeve up and put her in her highchair.
"Yeah, have a new assignment. Shipping out in a week." Zach said as he filled Maeve's cup and handed it to her.
"Just when I got used to having you here with me." Julia said as she added pasta to the sauce.
"Sorry about that mama."
"Nothing to be sorry about." Julia said, taking his face in her hands, "It's your job and I can't keep you here forever."
"You still have this little one." Zach smiled at Maeve and she looked at him with love. At that moment the doorbell rang.
"That will be Callen. You go grab the door and I'll start dishing up dinner." Julia said as she turned to finish everything.
Maeve was happy to see her daddy and Callen had to say that after today, he was happy that Joelle was finally out of their lives.
Zach and Callen cleaned up dinner while Julia went to bathe Mae before she headed home with Callen.
"So, you're leaving in a week?" Callen said as he placed the last plate in the cupboard.
"Looks like it." Zach said as he dried his hands.
"Looks like I need to start watching my own kid then." Callen said with a slap on the back.
"Well, I could always take her with me. Teach her how to shoot before she can read will be fun." Zach smiled back.
"No thank you. I already have one kid who can shoot better than me and I'm not ready for her to learn that skill yet."
"Well, if she's anything like her sister, we better watch out." Zach said as he heard his mom telling the little girl it was time to get out of the water. "If Emma comes back before I come home, would you mind giving her something from me?"
"Sure, but you and I both know that might not happen." Callen said as he started to pack Mae's stuff.
"I know but just in case she does come back, I want her to have this till I get back to her." Zach said as he took out the jewelry box from his pocket. "It's just something small she could add to her bracelet."
Callen smiled at the little heart charm in the box. "She's going to love it. And I'll make sure she gets it when she gets back."
"Hopefully it will be soon because seeing you two look so down, is driving us crazy." Julia said from the doorway.
"What can I say, she's the glue that keeps this shit show in place." Callen smiled as he picked up Mae. "And you too mama." Callen said as he kissed her on the cheek.
"Glad I'm appreciated by so many people. Now, go home and get that little girl in bed and make sure you give her an extra kiss from Emma." Julia said with a smile.
"Thanks for taking her today. Didn't want her to run into you know who and hopefully after today, we don't have to see her again."
"I can only hope." Julia said as she handed him Mae's bag. "Now, you young lady have a good night's sleep and I will see you soon." She said as she kissed the little girl, "And you can leave her here anytime."
"Thanks mama Julia." Callen said with a smile, "Zach, if I don't see you before you head out, good luck and stay safe, come back with all your limbs."
"Yes sir, I'll make sure I come back in one piece or else I might not have a girlfriend anymore." Zach said as he kissed Mae on the head.
"Nah, she'll still want you even if you're broken. Night mama and thanks again." Callen said before he walked out and closed the door.