This chapter was hard to write. I kept having to re-work it over and over and I hope I did it justice. Thank you to those of you still reading and commenting/reviewing. I appreciate it so much! Enjoy!
Henry was startled awake by the phone ringing.
What time is it? Who is calling?
Elizabeth shifted against him and he pulled her closer, deciding that he was too comfortable and she really needed the sleep. The phone rang a few more times before finally going silent. Elizabeth made a soft humming sound and settled deeper into his side. Content, Henry allowed sleep to pull him under again.
He sat in bed reading, trying to focus on not missing his wife. His cell phone rang and he smiled as soon as he saw it was Elizabeth. She must miss me, too. He picked it up and swiped to answer it but nothing happened. What is wrong with this phone? The phone continued to ring, Elizabeth's name flashing on the screen. Henry kept trying to answer the call, but nothing was working.
As soon as his phone showed that he had a missed call, he clicked on her name to call her back. The screeching sound in his ear made him flinch and pull the phone away from his face. What on earth is wrong with this phone? He picked up the landline on the nightstand and dialed her number, hoping that his cell phone was on the fritz and there was nothing else wrong.
She didn't answer and he decided to leave a voicemail. "Hey, Babe, it's me. Just calling you back. I love you."
His cell phone beeped, indicating that he had a new voicemail. He chuckled. We must have just missed each other's calls and left messages. He held the phone up to his ear to listen to her message. "Henry…I love you. So much. More than anything. You and the kids—"
Elizabeth's voicemail sounded breathy and desperate and Henry's heart raced. Why does it sound like she's saying goodbye?
He held his phone up to his ear, listening for her to speak again and give him a clue as to what was going on.
"Elizabeth can't come to the phone right now," said an unknown male voice. "I hope you said your goodbyes."
"Henry!" she screamed, before a gunshot rang out and the voicemail clicked off.
Henry dropped the phone and fell to his knees, sobbing. "NO! NO! NO!" he shouted.
This can't be happening. She's not dead. She's not. I can't…
Henry felt soft hands stroking his cheek. "Babe, wake up. You're dreaming."
Elizabeth?
His eyes popped open.
She leaned over him, brows knitted together. "You okay, Henry? You were screaming 'no' over and over."
He laid in bed blinking slowly, processing what she said. The remnants of the dream were still clinging to his mind, and he reached forward, pulling her into a desperate hug.
"Oh my God. I love you," he whispered against her neck, running his hands over her back.
I almost never got to hold you again.
She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "I love you too, Baby. Want to tell me about your dream?"
It was a nightmare.
He swallowed, hating that his mind even went to such a dark place. "I couldn't answer your phone call," he said flatly, through tears.
Elizabeth's brow furrowed. "Well that doesn't sound so bad…"
He shook his head, pulling her against him. "It was the phone call you made when..." he swallowed again.
When I couldn't protect you.
"When…Farhad…"
Elizabeth breathed deeply, realization crashing into her like waves. "Henry, you answered that call. It was just a dream. I made it back to you. I'm okay." She drew lazy patterns with her fingers across his back.
He closed his eyes, letting her soft touch ground him. "I couldn't answer it. I had the phone in my hand and nothing was working. Then you died screaming my name and I…" his breath hitched and he tightened his hold on her.
"It's okay, Henry. I'm right here. You brought me back." She kissed his cheek, trying to comfort him in his distress.
I should be comforting her after everything. She's the one that was hurt.
Feeling his heart still racing, Elizabeth sighed and draped her body completely over his. The increased contact eased the humming in his brain slightly. "Mhmm. What time is it?" he asked, resting his hands on her waist.
"A little after 5:30. Plenty of time to go back to sleep." She laid her head on his chest, entangling their legs. Henry released a long breath and kissed the top of her head.
This is what I almost never had again.
His muscles tensed as the horrible thought of living without her entered his mind. She shifted against him, sensing his distress. "Henry, I promise I'm okay."
"I know…I just…"
"Just what?" she asked softly, resting her chin on his chest. Her eyes were faintly visible in the early dawn of the bedroom. Henry couldn't help but notice the way they sparkled and how she was more beautiful than the day he met her.
Just can't live without you. Just need you to be okay. Just can't express how much it pains me that you were kidnapped in the first place. Just want you to be safe. Just know you don't need to deal with any of my stuff right now—you've got enough going on with the trial…
He smiled. "I just love you."
She smacked him lightly. "That's a cop-out answer, but I'm tired, so I'll let it slide."
"Oh you'll let it slide?" he teased, reaching out to tickle her sides.
She squealed and then laughed, angling her body to get away from his antics. "Henry! Stop!"
"Stop what?" he asked, continuing to run his fingers down her sides, feeling the goosebumps on her skin.
Her laughter filled the bedroom and he released a breath, finally shaking the last pieces of the dream from his mind. Hearing her laugh always brought him peace. It was music to his ears and it meant that she felt safe.
All I ever want to do is keep you safe.
She sighed deeply and reached for his hand, snuggling into his side. "Truce?"
As her body pressed into his, he was overcome with the need to kiss her and leaned forward to capture her lips. The kiss deepened, and she moaned into his mouth and his fingers tangled in her hair, bringing her impossibly closer. After a few minutes of losing himself in Elizabeth, Henry pulled out of the kiss and opened his eyes to see her smiling back at him, content.
"A girl could get used to this, you know."
"I can make sure that's arranged…" he teased, pulling her back in for a quick kiss.
She settled her head on his chest, and he wrapped his arms around her, finally relaxed enough to close his eyes again.
"Am I crazy, or did the phone ring earlier?" she asked, yawning.
"It definitely did. But I was too comfortable to worry about it." He shifted, sinking further into the mattress. "If it was important, they'll call back," he replied.
I've missed this. Time to just lay in bed and not worry about the outside world for a while.
She moved so half of her body was laying on his. "I like the way you think," she mumbled against his chest, closing her eyes.
He chuckled. "Comfortable, Babe?"
"Mhmm."
It's been awhile since she's used me as a pillow. Maybe we both needed this.
He kissed the top of her head and promptly fell asleep, phantom phone calls and nightmares about her being shot slipping away from his mind.
Sometime later, Henry's eyes opened. Sunlight flooded the bedroom and he squinted against the brightness.
What time is it?
As he stretched, Elizabeth buried her face in his shirt, blocking the light.
"Sorry, Babe."
"Mhmm, what time is it?" she asked, groggy from sleep.
He glanced at the clock. "A little after 8:00." He ran circles over her back with his hand, soothing her.
"We slept that long?"
"Looks like I make for an excellent pillow," he said, smirking.
"Always." She kissed his chest.
She shifted and he saw her wince. "What's wrong?" he asked, concern growing.
"My leg…"
"Let me get your medicine." He moved to get out of bed, but she pulled him back toward her.
"No, Henry, it's okay. I'm fine. I just moved it too fast."
"Babe, you have to take your antibiotics otherwise you could get an infection again. We can't have that, can we?"
She sighed and nodded.
He cupped her cheek. "Be right back."
As soon as he got up to find the bottle of antibiotics, the phone by the night stand rang, making Elizabeth jump. It rang again.
She groaned, and then leaned over to answer it.
"Hello?"
"Bess, I'm sorry to bother you, but I wanted to let you know I set up a few video conference calls with some of the Diplomatic Security agents this morning," President Dalton said.
"What time, Sir?"
"The first one is at 10:00 and the second one is at 12:00 pm."
"Can you email me their names and files?" she asked.
"Of course. Just let me know what you think, and we can go from there, Bess."
"Thanks, Mr. President," she said, hanging up.
Henry entered the bedroom, shaking the pill bottle in hand. "Who was that?" he asked, pointing to the phone.
She grabbed the bottle from him and opened it up to pour two pills out into her hand. "Conrad set up some video calls with Diplomatic Security. I have the first one at ten this morning."
He handed her a glass of water.
"Thanks," she said. She swallowed the antibiotics with a swig of water and put the bottle on the nightstand.
He sat down next to her on the bed, their knees touching. "How do you feel about these video calls?"
She shrugged. "Indifferent. He's going to email me the files with their information so I can take a look at that first."
He reached for her hand. "Let me know if you want me to sit in on the calls."
I won't trust any of them honestly, but ultimately it's up to her.
She smiled at him. "Thanks. I will. Are the kids awake?"
"Yeah, I'm going to make breakfast. Jason requested chocolate chip pancakes last night. Do you have anything special you want?"
"Pancakes sound great. I'm going to look through the files President Dalton sent first."
"Coming right up," he replied, leaning over to give her a peck on the lips. "Don't be too long."
"I'm not missing your pancakes. Trust me."
I love that she loves when I cook.
Henry left the bedroom and Elizabeth grabbed her computer from the end of the bed to check her email. She opened it up and began to sift through the files, exercising the analyst part of her brain. She checked their names, credentials, work history, and the statements they had written about why they wanted to protect the Secretary of State. One of the guys—Caleb—mentioned being the oldest of four sisters.
Downstairs, Henry mixed the pancake batter and threw in extra chocolate chips.
The craziness of the last few days calls for all the chocolate chips we can stand.
Jason and Alison sat at the table, while Stevie was at the counter making coffee. "When's Mom coming down?" Alison asked.
"Soon, Noodle. She's looking at some stuff for a video call she has later."
"She's working?" Stevie asked, whipping her head around to face Henry.
Yeah, I don't love it either. But we have to get DS agents to protect her. And this is the first step to doing that.
"Just a little," he replied, pouring the batter into the pan.
Stevie's eyes widened. "I thought she was supposed to be taking it easy for a while?"
Henry avoided eye contact with his oldest, knowing that she would see the emotions on his face. "She is. It's just a video conference." He focused on the pancakes, flipping them over in the pan.
"I'm worried about her over-doing it, Dad."
Who knew that having children would break your heart over and over? I'm worried every day about her over-doing it, too.
"I know, Stevie. I promise I'm keeping an eye on her."
He moved the first batch of pancakes onto a plate and poured three more into the pan. Stevie moved to the counter beside him and cracked some eggs, seasoning them and then mixing them in a bowl.
"Do I smell pancakes?" Elizabeth said, walking carefully down the stairs.
"Hey, Mom!" Stevie said, smiling brightly.
"Hi, Baby," she kissed the top of Stevie's head. Elizabeth made her way over to Henry and hugged him from behind. "Those look delicious, Babe."
He smiled. "Thanks, they're almost done."
"Finally!" Jason said. "I'm starving."
Henry and Elizabeth exchanged a look and then smirked about Jason always being hungry. It was even worse when he claimed to be bulking up for football. Thank goodness those days were behind them.
"Get 'em while they're hot!" Henry said, grabbing the plate of pancakes and bringing it to the table. Stevie poured the eggs into a pan and starting scrambling them. "Eggs will be done in a minute," she said.
Elizabeth poured herself a cup of coffee and leaned against the counter watching and listening to Henry and the kids. She smiled as the kids chatted about nothing.
Jason stuffed his face with pancakes and syrup and Ali told him to "leave some for the rest of us, Jase!"
"I said I was hungry," he replied, mouth full of food.
"Alright here we go. I've got the eggs," Stevie said, walking over to the table with the pan and placing it in the center.
"Are you going to make bacon?" Jason asked Henry.
"I believe your request was for chocolate chip pancakes, which I delivered." Henry looked up and caught Elizabeth's eye as he walked over to join her at the counter.
"You okay, Babe?" he asked, leaning in to kiss her quickly.
"I'm thinking about how much I miss being here with you and the kids when I have work all the time." She looked down into her coffee, avoiding his gaze.
"Hey, none of us blame you. We know what you do is important."
"I know, I just…"
He smiled. "Just what?" he asked, teasing her with what she said to him earlier this morning when he couldn't explain his feelings.
She gave him half a smile. "Just miss the simplicity of this." She gestured between them and the kids sitting at the table. "When I didn't have to worry about security or trials or vice presidents that want to kill me…"
He pulled her in for a hug.
I know. Lately I've been worrying every day about protecting you.
The phone in the kitchen rang and Elizabeth groaned into his chest. "Now what?"
He rubbed her back and let her go so he could answer it. "Hello?" he said, picking up the phone.
"Hey Henry, is Elizabeth available? I need to give her an update."
"Just a second, Mike. Here she is," Henry replied. He handed her the phone and then walked back over to the table to steal a bite of pancake that was on his untouched plate.
"What?" Elizabeth said into the phone, loudly. "How can he do that?"
Henry looked over to see her leaning against the counter, hand on her forehead.
Whatever Mike B just told her, it wasn't good news.
"Well thanks for the heads up, Mike. I guess it's time to start preparing for the worst." She sighed into the phone. "Yeah, you too."
"Be right back," Henry said to the kids, as he stood up from the table. He joined Elizabeth at the counter. She held back tears and he reached for her hand, tugging her toward the office so he could ask her what Mike said outside of earshot of the kids. "Come on, Babe."
He closed the door to the office and she plopped down in a chair, a defeated look on her face.
"What did Mike say?" Henry asked, stepping toward her.
"He was the one that called before dawn this morning. The judge admitted to the friendship between himself and Farhad. He won't be part of the trial."
He reached out and rubbed her shoulder. "That's good news, right?"
She swallowed. "At face value, yes. It's good news."
"I'm sensing a 'but' coming," Henry said.
"The replacement judge is requesting that the trial date be moved up. It's in two days, Henry."
Oh, Babe.
He pulled her into a hug and she buried her face in his neck.
"How can I sit in a room and testify against him in two days? I don't think I'm ready to be in the same room as him…"
I wish you didn't have to be.
Henry tightened his hold on her. "You won't be alone. I promise you that."
"Imagine the press and everyone hearing how weak I was…" she said, through tears.
He rubbed her back. "Babe, no. You are not weak. You were shot and overpowered by an evil man hired at the hands of Teresa Hurst. No one is going to view that as weakness."
You're not weak, Elizabeth. If anything, I failed at my job to protect you.
A sob bubbled up out of her throat as she clung to her husband. "I was just getting used to the idea of testifying but I thought I had more time to prepare myself."
"You don't have to testify. If you need to protect your peace, then let the statement you gave to police in France speak for itself along with the pictures of your injuries."
She sniffled. "You and I both know that the testimony of a witness or victim is more impactful than just evidence."
I hate this for you.
"I'll support you no matter what, Babe."
Her fingers dug into his back, needing to feel closer to him. "I can still feel his hands…"
I'm so sorry. If it were up to me, there would be no trial. He'd be dead.
He kissed her temple. "I'm right here. No one is touching you again."
Several minutes passed with only their breathing making any sounds in the office. Henry's back was starting to hurt from his award kneeling position in front of the chair that Elizabeth sat in, but he wasn't about to complain about it if it was helping her feel safe and comforted.
"Henry?" she asked, softly, like she was scared of his answer.
"Yeah, Babe?"
"If I testify, will you go with me?"
There is nowhere else I would be if you needed me there for support. Or to make you feel safe.
She pushed back from him, searching his eyes for an answer. "I know it's hard for you to hear what happened to me in such detail but I think that it would really help me if…"
"Elizabeth," he said, cupping her cheek and wiping the tears away. "Baby. There is no way I would let you go alone."
She nodded and released a breath, clearly relieved at his answer.
How could she ever think that I would let her face Farhad alone?
"Remember, I will always show up for you." He caressed her cheeks with his thumbs.
Her eyes misted. "I love you."
"I love you, too, Babe. Always." He leaned in to kiss her softly.
Her stomach growled loudly and she broke into a fit of giggles, his lips still caught between hers.
"Sorry."
He chuckled. "Let's get you some pancakes."
As soon as they entered the kitchen, the worried eyes of all three kids met theirs. "Everything okay?" Stevie asked.
"Yeah, we just needed to strategize some stuff regarding the video conference your mom has in a little while," Henry replied, arm casually draped around Elizabeth's shoulder.
"Uh huh. What's the video conference about?" Jason asked, clearly distrustful.
Elizabeth took a seat at the table and scooped some eggs on her plate and grabbed a chocolate chip pancake with her fork. "Where's the syrup?" she asked, trying to remain nonchalant.
"Mom?" Alison asked, passing her the bottle of syrup.
"What, Noodle?" Elizabeth poured syrup all over the pancake and took a big bite.
"What's your video call about?"
She swallowed her bite of food and then took a drink of her coffee. "I need to interview some new Diplomatic Security agents."
"You're sure there's nothing else?" Stevie asked.
Henry stood behind Elizabeth, massaging her shoulders. "Look guys, let Mom eat her breakfast. You can give her the third degree later, okay?"
They all raised their hands simultaneously, feigning innocence. "Okay, Dad. I get it. We don't get to know anything," Jason said, standing up to put his empty plate in the sink.
Henry sighed. "Jase, that's not what I said."
He turned away from the sink and walked up the stairs, avoiding eye contact with both of his parents.
Elizabeth continued eating her food in silence as Stevie and Alison cleared their places at the table too. Once all the kids left the kitchen, Henry sat down next to Elizabeth. He stole a bite from her plate. "How are my pancakes?"
"Delicious as always. Thanks."
"Are you sure you're okay to do a video call with DS agents right now?" he asked.
She shrugged. "I have to be."
He rubbed her shoulder. "If anything feels even slightly off with any of them, you say no. No questions asked."
I don't know how I am ever supposed to be comfortable letting her out of my sight again. Diplomatic Security or not.
"I know. I was reading through the files Conrad sent. I think they all seem pretty good on paper. The video will tell me a lot."
"Put those CIA analyst skills to the test, Babe," Henry replied, smiling.
She released a huff of air and played with the last of her eggs, pushing them around on the plate.
"What is it?"
She turned to face him more fully. "I should have known that Rogers and Valdez were rogue. It was literally my job in the CIA to read people. How did I not know? What if I can't tell with these new agents?"
He reached for her hand and linked their fingers together. "Babe, when you met agents Rogers and Valdez, you were leaving the hospital in another country after being ambushed by press and tortured by Farhad. You weren't exactly thinking straight at the time."
Please don't blame yourself.
She held his gaze, eyes filled with tears again. "You knew. You suspected something was wrong with them right away."
He squeezed her hand. "That's because you were upset and I didn't trust anyone. It wasn't skill. I just didn't want anything else to happen to you."
I still don't trust anyone else to protect you, but the nature of your job requires that I do.
"So I didn't miss something super obvious about them?" she asked.
He shook his head. "Of course not. You were an excellent analyst. You still are, even though your title is Secretary of State. I have faith that you'll know if something is wrong with one of these agents."
She stood up from her chair and kissed his cheek. "I hope you're right, Henry."
Me too.
An hour later, Elizabeth sat in the office interviewing one of the potential Diplomatic Security agents on her computer. The sliding door was open and Henry was doing his best to look like he was picking up the living room, and not eavesdropping.
"Why do you want to work in Diplomatic Security?" Elizabeth asked.
"I think protecting the people in the President's Cabinet is some of our nation's most important work. You are responsible for brokering peace all over the world and frankly shouldn't have to worry about retaliation from other countries. Retaliation and anger is unfortunately a reality, but I am prepared to stop someone who puts you in danger at the cost of my own life."
I like the sound of that. But does he mean it?
"How would you stop them?" Elizabeth asked.
"With my gun, if needed. Or my body."
"I see." Elizabeth said. "What if it was someone in our own government that threatened me? What then?"
Henry moved to be closer to the door in case she needed him. The agent's answer could make or break this interview with Elizabeth.
There was a long pause before the agent spoke again. "I'm not sure I understand the question."
"Would you protect me against someone in the Presidential Cabinet?" Elizabeth asked again, flatly.
"Are you expecting that to be an issue, Madam Secretary, because I don't think…"
Henry shook his head and held back his gasp. Wrong answer, buddy.
She pressed on. "Caleb, do you want this job?"
"Yes, Madam Secretary. I do."
"Then answer the question. If you heard about someone in our government plotting to harm, or heaven forbid, kill me, would you protect me?"
Henry heard Caleb sigh. "Did something happen to you that I'm unaware of? I don't think I'm following."
"Thank you for your time, Caleb. I'll let you know if we need anything further. Have a nice day," Elizabeth said, ending the video call.
Henry walked into the office seconds later, dropping all pretense of not eavesdropping. "Babe, I think you scared him away."
"Well, I needed to know where he stood. He seemed nice, but if the Vice President or anyone else wants to plot against me again, I need to know that I am safe with my agents. I can't be worried about who to trust anymore."
She stood and Henry reached out to hug her. "I'm proud of you, Babe."
She rested her head on his shoulder and basked in the safety of Henry's arms. "Too bad you can't be my Diplomatic Security," she said, chuckling.
He kissed the top of her head. "I would gladly follow you around the world if we could make that work."
It would certainly make me feel better.
She sighed against him. "Are we going to tell the kids about the trial date moving up?"
He pulled her closer as they stood in the office. "If you want to. I think they're just tired of being left out of the loop. But it makes no difference to me."
She lifted her head off his shoulder. "I think we should tell them. It's probably going to hit the media soon anyway…"
"That's a good point. You sure?" he asked.
She nodded, moving out of his arms.
"Kids!" Henry shouted. "McCord Family meeting in the living room now!"