Title: Weaving a New Webb
Author: Lori Morris
E-mail: [email protected]
Rated: PG
Classification: S
Spoilers: "Yesterday's Heros"
Summary:

Disclaimers: All the characters except for Ensign Taylor, her son
and husband belong to JAG, CBS, Belisario Productions and
Paramount. I just borrowed them for a little while. This endeavor
is for entertainment only, no copyright infringement intended.


Webb was being his usual pest at JAG headquarters. He wandered aimlessly around the office until he spotted someone new. "You're new here, aren't you?" his well used pick up line. "I'm Clayton
Webb, State Department. And you are?"

The Ensign looked up from her work "Ensign Taylor, Mr Webb."
She answered and went back to what she was doing.

"Ensign, do you have a first name?" Webb was bored. This was a game to him.

The Ensign answered "Yes, sir." Apparently she could care less about answering Clay's questions. She was trying to finish a project that had a dead- line.

"And what might that be?" Webb was persistent.

"Clay, leave her alone. She's trying to do her job." Major MacKenzie to the rescue. "Are you here for some particular reason or just to harass the staff?"

"I came to see Commander Rabb, but he's in with the Admiral." Webb started "Are you free for lunch? I was going to ask Ensign Taylor, but she doesn't seem interested."

"I'm not free today. Maybe another time and lay off Ensign Taylor. Please. Here comes Harm now. See you Clay." Mac returned to her office.

"Webb, what can I do for you?" Commander Rabb walked up. "Ensign, do you have that report I asked for?"

"I have the intel on the Paulson case. How about discussing it over lunch." Webb was determined not to have lunch alone today.

"Can't today. I have to be back in the Admiral's office in 30 minutes. Put your information on my desk if it's in print. If not, I'll get back to you later. ---- Ensign?"

"Just a minute, sir. I just need to print it." Ensign Taylor was trying to finish that report when Webb came over to bother her. "Here it is, sir."

"Thank you, Carol." Ensign Taylor cringed. Of course the commander didn't know Webb was trying to pry her first name out of her.

"Carol, that's a pretty name. Maybe you can help me with this intel report for the Commander. I have the notes. You can transcribe them for me." Webb sat on the corner of the Ensign's desk.

"Clay, find someone in your office to do your work. Let our people do their own. Leave the Ensign alone." Harm shooed Clay off the desk and toward the door.

Ensign Taylor relaxed as Webb moved away from her desk. She liked this new assignment. The people were friendly and easy to work with. They had a tendency to watch out for each other. The
Admiral was reputed to be a bear if you crossed him or if you didn't do your share. Ensign Taylor had no intention of either.

Ensign Harriet Roberts approached Ensign Taylor's desk. "Carol, I took a message for you. Your son's daycare called. Please call them back. I didn't know you have a son?"

"Yes, Ryan. He's 14 months old." Carol was dialing the daycare number. "This is Carol Taylor, I'm returning your call about Ryan. What is the problem?" She listened to the director tell her that
Ryan had a fever and needed to be picked up. "I'll be there as soon as possible. Please give him some tylenol." Carol hung up the phone and turned to Harriet. "Harriet, how do I get off for
personal time? I have to pick him up now."

"I would go to the Admiral. Better be quick though. Commander Rabb is heading back in for a meeting." Harriet answered.

Ensign Taylor checked with PO Tiner before going into the Admiral's office.

"What can I do for you, Ensign?" The Admiral left her at attention.

"Sir, I need to take the rest of the afternoon off for personal business. My son's daycare called, he is ill and I need to take him to the doctor." Ensign Taylor was almost shaking, she was so scared
of the Admiral. She had to pick up Ryan whether she was granted the time off or not. Asking was just a formality.

"No one else is available to pick him up, Ensign? How about his father?" The Admiral knew he was intimidating the Ensign.

"No, sir. His father is not involved in his life. I haven't been in Virginia long enough to know anyone I would trust with Ryan, especially when he's sick, sir."

"Very well, Ensign. Will you be available on the weekend to work if necessary?" The Admiral was determined not to let her off easy.

"Yes, sir. My daycare is open seven days a week."

"Plan on working this weekend then. Dismissed."

"Aye-aye, sir"

Ensign Taylor shut down her computer, gathered her purse and cover, and headed for the parking lot. Once in the parking lot she stopped in shock. Her front tire was flat. She knew she didn't have
a spare. Great. How would she get Ryan now. A cab?

"Ensign Taylor, could I be of some service? Seems you have a problem. I could call a garage if you'd like." She was startled when Clayton Webb walk up to her.

He was more startled when she started to cry. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you. It's only a flat tire. I'll change it if you like."

"I don't have a spare and can't afford one. My son is sick and waiting at the daycare for me to pick him up. I told the Admiral I would work this weekend to make up for the time I lose today.
That will cost me extra this week for daycare. Thank God the military pays for the doctor." She had to get control. "Could you call me a cab, Mr. Webb?" Her tears had slowed to a trickle.

"Here, let's put his carseat in my car. I'll take you to the daycare. Please let me help you." Clay didn't usually offer his time or energy for anyone, but he liked Ensign Taylor from the first time he saw
her. He was out of practice conversing with a woman that wasn't undercover or a suspect. His offer was sincere. He hoped she would realize it.

"I can't bother you with this, Mr. Webb. If you could call a cab, I would appreciate it. I have to take him to the doctor and then home. Thank you for the offer." She wished she could take him up
on his offer. It had been a long time since she had someone be kind just for the sake of it.

"If you can't afford the tire, you can't afford a cab. Here, show me how the carseat buckles in." Webb had her door open and was taking the carseat out. She gave in. He seemed sincere. What did
she have to lose.

He drove her across town to the daycare and waited outside while she retrieved her son. He then drove her to the health clinic. With his cell phone number tucked into her purse he went to finish his
work for the day so he could drive her home after the appt. She shouldn't allow herself to depend on someone else. She had learned the hard way that you could only count on yourself. It was nice of
Mr. Webb to help her though. She knew what others in the office thought of him. It wasn't flattering. Apparently he didn't show the side of him she saw to his co-workers and associates.

Ryan had an ear infection. Carol called Clay while the pharmacy dispensed the medicine he would need. He pulled up and helped her put Ryan in his carseat and buckle him up. Ryan really liked
Clay. When they got to her apartment building, he insisted on carrying the seat up. Said she had her hands full of Ryan, her purseand his diaper bag.

"Thanks, Mr. Webb. I really owe you big time for this." Carol didn't know how she could repay his kindness.

"It's Clay. May I call you Carol? And you don't owe me anything. I'm glad I was there to help." He didn't usually show this side of himself. He wished he could more, but his work was dangerous
and involved lies and deceptions, so he never allowed himself to have many close friends. Even fewer girl friends. Carol was an exception. He felt close to her after one afternoon. He even
enjoyed playing with her son. "If Ryan were feeling better, I would ask you out to supper. How about Friday night? Will he feel better by then?"

"I don't have a sitter and I have to work this Saturday, Clay." Carol thought he was moving a little fast.

"I thought we could take him with us. We wouldn't stay out too late."

Carol was surprised he wanted to take Ryan out with them. Most men wanted nothing to do with him, including his father. "You could stay for supper here tonite if you'd like. I was planning on
making spaghetti, nothing fancy, but you're welcome to stay. Please."

"Yes, I'd like that. It gets monotonous eating out all the time and I'm not a very good cook. Ryan can show me his toys while you change. That uniform must be uncomfortable for any length of
time." Webb didn't know why he agreed to stay except he wanted to be with her. He hadn't felt like this in quite a while. It felt like he was home.

After Carol changed into jeans and a tee shirt, she started supper. Clay had taken his jacket and tie off. Even with an ear infection, Ryan was in a good mood. He was such a good boy. Her parents
and Ryan's father wanted her to give him up for adoption, but she couldn't do it. He was her blessing. He lit up the day for her. Some days like today were harder than others, but she could take
care of things one day at a time.

She didn't know why she asked Webb to stay, except that she owed him for his time. It seemed natural to see him playing with Ryan and waiting for supper. He belonged there.

Clay stayed until 10:00. He felt any later than that would be pushing his welcome. The supper was great. She was a good cook. He enjoyed helping her put Ryan to bed. He even helped do
the dishes. As her clock tolled ten he gathered up his coat and tie and headed for the door.

"What time do you need to be at work? I'll come by and pick you up. You have my cell phone #. Here is my home number." He gave her one of his personal cards and wrote his phone number on
it. "Call me if you need anything. Any reason. Don't hesitate to call. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Clay, I can't impose on you. I'll take the bus to work. It goes right by here."

"It's not an imposition. I don't think Ryan should ride a bus without a carseat. What time do you usually leave for work?" He wanted to help her and giving a ride to work was a small thing.

"7:30. Thank you." She wasn't going to fight him. It was hard for her to take Ryan on the bus, but sometimes she had no alternative.

"I'll see you then. Don't forget to call if you need anything." They had walked to the door together. Carol held the door for him as he put his jacket on. He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek.

"Good night" and he was gone.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* *
* *

Webb drove home slowly. He really didn't want to leave her. Usually he did background checks on anyone he dated or even associated himself with, but he wouldn't do that with Carol. That
would be violating her trust in him. Somehow that had never bothered him before. He knew things about Harm and Mac that would appall them if they had any idea. Bud had a juvenile record
that was suppose to be closed. Nothing serious, but there none the less. Webb was in the business of information gathering and the use of it.

He wanted to protect her and Ryan. Take care of her. He would have to move slowly so as not to scare her off. As much as he wanted to put four new tires on her car for her, he settled for
having the flat fixed and making sure she had a good spare. If she argued he would say it was for Ryan's safety. Obviously Ryan washer entire life. He admired her for trying to be independent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * *

Carol closed the door behind Clay. She did her usual nightime routine. Laid out her clothes for the next day, fixed Ryan's diaper bag for tomorrow. She did some ironing and general housecleaning. Her housework was kept up daily so she hadn't minded when Clay came up. Ryan helped in his small way. All this she did absent-mindedly though, her real focus was on the evening she had just spent with Clayton Webb. He was a different person than the one she saw at the JAG office. Which one was the real Clayton Webb? She hoped it was the one that helped her today.

Her independence was important to her. She didn't intend to be beholden to anyone. Ryan's father had made her very wary of relationships. They were suppose to marry and live happily ever
after, until she got pregnant. Then he was no where to be found. Her parent felt her foolish to keep Ryan. They knew if would be hard to raise a child by herself in the service.

She had always wanted to join the Navy. It had been a lifelong dream. Now that she was working in the JAG office she would attempt to fullfill her second dream and become a lawyer. She was
taking some correspondence courses, but wouldn't be able to attend college until Ryan was a little older.

JAG headquarters
0900 hours

Carol was almost late. She spent 15 minutes in the parking lot arguing with Clay that she would fix her own car. It wasn't any of his business. He finally told her she could pay him back if she felt
the need. She was still a little flustered when Harriet came by her desk.

"Carol, are you alright? How is your son?" Harriet was always very quick to notice if someone was upset and tried to help.

"I'm fine, Harriet. Ryan has an ear infection, but he's better. I hope he can make it through the whole day. Is Commander Rabb in yet? I finished that second report he needed." Carol had a word
processor at home so she could be ahead on her work. Once Ryan was in bed she didn't mind doing a little office work.

"He's in Major MacKenzie's office. The door is open. Why don't you bring it to him." Harriet said as she moved toward her own desk.

Carol put the papers in a folder and headed for the Major's office. "Commander Rabb?" She said after she knocked on the open door. "I have the second report ready for you." She handed him the
report and started to go back to her desk.

"Thank you, Ensign. How is your son?" Carol was startled at the comment. "The Admiral told me he was sick. He feeling better today?"

"Yes, sir. He has an ear infection. He seemed to feel better this morning. Thank you for asking." Carol liked the Commander. He and the Major made a nice couple. She knew by the rumor monger
that they didn't date yet, but most figured it was only a matter of time.

When she got back to her desk there was a pretty fresh cut bouquet sitting there. She took the card from the envelope. They were from Clay. He said he was sorry he had upset her. If it was ok
with her he would like to take them out to dinner Saturday after she was off. He would call her tonite. They were beautiful flowers.

Harriet waited until she had read the card before approaching. "They're beautiful, Carol. A special day?"

"No, a special person." She wasn't going to tell anyone in the office that Clayton Webb was sending her flowers. She didn't see him standing by the elevator. He saw the smile when she read the card.
He couldn't remember the last time he felt so good. Just to see her smile made his day.

Saturday evening
1830 hours
Carol's Apartment

Carol was trying to change Ryan and dress herself when Clay knocked. He was punctual. She opened the door to let him in. Ryan almost jumped out of her arms to his. He normally was quite
shy. Clay took Ryan from her and gave her a kiss. He was really beginning to enjoy this.

"I'm not quite ready yet. Ryan's bath took a little longer than I planned.." Carol left Ryan with Clay and went to finish dressing. Clay looked nice in his slacks and sweater. He said they would go
to a family restaurant. When he called that night, they talked past midnight. He would have gone on, but he knew she had to be to work the next day. His hours were more flexible.

Dinner was pleasant. Ryan behaved and the atmosphere was nice. After they ate, Clay stopped by the video store to rent a couple of movies. Carol picked out one and he chose the other. Both
seemed to have similar taste in movies.

They started out on either end of the couch, but before the movie was half over Clay had moved over and had his arm around her shoulders. Carol put her head on his shoulder. Very gently, he
began kissing her. She responded. They didn't notice when the movie ended. As much as Clay wanted to take her to bed, he held back. He knew she wasn't ready.

He finally got up and turned off the vcr.

"I'll give you a call tomorrow." He said as he made ready to leave. "Maybe we can take Ryan to the zoo."

"Alright." She was torn in two directions. She really didn't want him to leave, but to have him stay would mean going to bed with him and as much as she liked Clay, she wasn't ready for that step.
"He'd like that." She turned to him and kissed him softly. "Thank you for not pushing."

He nodded, gave her a quick kiss and left.

Three months later
JAG headquarters
1845 hours

Carol had to work late to finish typing a deposition for Major MacKenzie. She didn't have to worry about picking Ryan up
though. Clay usually picked him up these days. His office was closer to the daycare. Occasionally he would call and say he was going out of town. She knew not to question him about his trips.
If he wanted to tell her or could tell her, he would. Most of his work was classified.

Her car was in the shop today so he would bring Ryan by the office to pick her up. They were going out to dinner after she got off. Neither had talked at the JAG office about their relationship, but it
would be obvious tonite. Most of the staff were working late trying to get ready for a major trial.

He kept his apartment, but spent most of his time at her place. They were now sleeping together. Ryan was too young to care about someone sharing mom's bed. On the weekend when they
slept late, Ryan would climb out of his crib and join them. Most often it was Clay he snuggled up to, not mommy. Every once in a while Ryan would call Clay 'daddy'. Carol didn't know how he
would take it, but as with most of their relationship he took it in stride.

Most everyone in the office stopped and stared as Clayton Webb came into the office with a child on his hip. They were even more surprised when he carried Ryan over to Carol, put him in her arms
and leaned down to kiss her. He didn't care what the Admiral said. He wanted them all to know how he felt about her.

"Hi hon, almost done? I thought I would take Ryan to McDonald's for supper if you're going to be much longer. It's getting late for him to eat." Webb was making it obvious to everyone around that
they were a couple and he was more than willing to take responsibility for her son.

Before Carol could answer the Admiral came up behind them and answered for her. "Have you finished the deposition?" Carol nodded. She was still a little in shock. "Then you're free to go."

"Yes sir." Carol found her voice.

"Mr Webb," The Admiral addressed him. "I won't reprimand the Ensign for something you've done, but let's keep displays of affection out of the office, please, or next time it will fall on her shoulders."

"Sure Admiral. Carol, I'll take Ryan down to the car while you finish up here."

Ryan went very willingly back to Clay while Carol shut down her computer and cleared her desk.

PO Tiner came up to Carol's desk while she was preparing to leave "Ma'am, the Admiral would like to see you before you leave for the day."

"Thank you, Mr Tiner." Carol was worried that the Admiral would tell her it was against regs to date Clay or something like that.

Admiral Chegwidden's office

Carol knocked on the Admiral's door. "Enter"

"Reporting as ordered, sir."

"At ease, Ensign. I normally don't get involved with my staff's personal lives, but I wanted to be sure you knew what line of work Mr Webb was in. I wouldn't want to see you or your son hurt
because of his job." The Admiral was a little uncomfortable discussing Webb with the Ensign.

"I know what Mr Webb does for a living, sir. I also realize that his work might put us in danger, but in the meantime despite what most people in this office think, Clayton Webb is a special person
who truly cares for Ryan and me. Thank you for looking out for my safety, but I will take our chance keeping company with Mr Webb." Carol's confidence was stronger since she had been dating
Clay.

"Very well, Ensign. You are dismissed."

"Aye-aye,sir."

"Ensign......... I hope things work out for you both. I've seen the change in Clay lately. You are good for him."

"Thank you, sir. He's been good for us, too." Carol left the office and went down to Clay and her son.

"What kept you? Ryan is getting hungry." Clay wondered if she received any input to her relationship.

"Let's go then." Carol said as she put her seat belt on. "The Admiral asked me into his office to discuss our relationship."

"It's none of his business who you date. I'll talk to him tomorrow." Clay was shifting into his business mode. It made him harder and less caring. Carol hated to see that side of him.

"Don't Clay. He just want to know if I knew what you did for a living. He watches after his people."

"What did you answer?" He started to back down.

"I told him I knew what you did and Ryan and I would be continue to be friends with you. He wished us the best of luck, Clay. He really does care about his people." Carol hadn't lied to Clay yet and
he knew it. She was being sincere and truthful about her conversation.

JAG headquarters
1915 hours

The office was still buzzing after Carol left. Harm and Mac were amazed by Clay's new life. They never thought about Clay as anything, but a pest. The fact that someone as pretty and obviously
sane as Carol seemed to be, would be involved with Webb, surprised them.

"I never thought of Webb as a family man." Harm commented.

"I hope it works out. He deserves some happiness. I've seen a difference in him lately. Less obnoxious. Carol's son seems taken with him." The Admiral walked up as Mac finished.

"I agree, Major. Mr. Webb has been much more pleasant to be around lately. I think we can credit Ensign Taylor with that. Hope they don't get hurt. Webb's job can be dangerous...... Commander,
do you have your opening statement done yet?" The Admiral went back to the business at hand and put an end to the office gossip.

two weeks later
JAG Headquarters
1010 hours

"Harriet, have you seen Ensign Taylor this morning? She was to have that deposition ready at 0900. I need it in court this afternoon." Commander Rabb asked. He couldn't remember
Ensign Taylor ever being absent.

"No, sir. Do you want me to call her apartment? Maybe Ryan is sick." Harriet offered

"Please. If you can't reach her there you might contact Webb. He would know where she is." Harm went back to his office to finish
his case for this afternoon.

"Commander" Harriet knocked on Harm's open door. "Sir, Clayton Webb is on his way over. He just got back into town and can't find Carol-Ensign Taylor-anywhere. He called Ryan's daycare
and they said a different man picked him up yesterday. He had a note from Carol and they called her at the number given to verify authorization."

"Alert Mac and Bud to the situation and I'll inform the Admiral. Have Webb contact the daycare when he gets here and have them fax a copy of the note to us." Harm headed for the Admiral's
office.

Harm checked with Tiner and then knocked on the Admiral's door.

"Enter. At ease. What can I do for you Commander?" The Admiral asked as Rabb stood before him.

"Sir, it appears that Ensign Taylor and her son are missing. Mr. Webb is on his way here to ask our assistance with an investigation. A stranger with authorization picked Ryan up from his daycare and
Ensign Taylor hasn't been seen since close of business yesterday. Mr. Webb was out of town." Harm tried to give the facts as he had them so far.

"Have you notified the DC police?"

"I was waiting to see how Clay wanted to play this. If this has something to do with him he might not want the police in on it. If it is Ryan's father that has him, then he would want to check on his
options." Harm had been working out scenarios as soon as he heard that they were missing.

"Very well. Keep me up to date. Help Webb in anyway possible. Dismissed"

"Aye-aye, sir" Harm replied as he left the room. Bud could check the Ensign's file and check with family members as to the current status of Ryan's father. He and Mac would check the daycare and
Carol's apartment. Hopefully she left voluntarily and was not a victim of Clay's work.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * *

2 days ago
A bar in downtown DC

"Hey, Roger," Mendoza sat next to Roger Dean at the bar. "You won't believe who I saw today. Your old girlfriend Carol. She hada little boy with her. Yours?" Roger nodded. "She's seeing that
CIA guy I've been checking out. As a matter of fact I think he is living with her. Thought I would tell you now. Her boyfriend is in for a world of hurt and I wouldn't want to see your kid get caught
in the middle. As soon as I get the word, a few of my buddies will help me pay him back for getting me kicked out of the country.---Your kid goes to a daycare on Fourth Street."

"Thanks for the info, Bronco. My mother has been after me to get custody so she can raise him. She doesn't think Carol is good enough to raise her grandson" Roger hadn't tried for custody
because he knew Carol was the best one to raise the boy. He didn't have the nerve to tell his mother. "Tell me before you move and I'll pick him up."

"By the way, his name is Ryan Taylor. She didn't even give him your name. What about her? Do you want to keep her safe too?" Mendoza asked. "Her boyfriend is dead meat."

"I don't care what happens to her as long as I have the boy. Thanks." He would give Ryan to his mother and disappear to parts unknown. She could figure how to pay for the kid's upkeep.
Roger never wanted kids. They cost money. Money he could spend on drugs or gambling. He had gone downhill ever since he left Carol. She was the excuse he used whenever his mother got
onto him for his shortcomings. When he was sober he would acknowledge to himself that he was the cause of his problems, not Carol, but he would never let his mother know that.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * *

JAG headquarters
2350 hours

It had been a long day. Harm and AJ were comparing files and names. They were trying to find a connection with Webb and the kidnappers. They now were calling it a kidnaping. A picture of
Carol's ex-husband matched the surveillance video from the daycare. They were trying to track down his relatives to see where he might take Ryan. There was no lead as to where Carol might be.


Clayton Webb received a call on his cell phone and left in a hurry. Harm waited until he was downstairs before following. The Commander felt that Carol had been taken to bring Webb out to the
open. He was determined not to lose Webb in traffic, but did anyway. Webb knew Harm would try to follow him and quickly lost him in downtown traffic. After his tail was gone, Webb proceeded to the address he had been given. He was working with his heart not his head. He would have to get a grip on things or he would do Carol no good. No matter what happened to him, he would have to save her so she could raise her son. Their son. He felt as if Ryan was his own.

This was his line of work and he was good at it. No matter what the JAG people thought of him, he wasn't a bumbling joke of an agent. He learned long ago that people tended to underestimate
him. That gave him the upper hand. If everyone wanted to think of him as a joke, let them. Carol knew the real man. To him that was all that mattered. Carol and Ryan. If he had to he would give his
life for them.

0122 hours
Martha Dean's house

Ensign Harriet Sims, a police officer and a representative of child protective services presented themselves at Mrs. Dean's house with a warrant for her arrest and to take possession of Ryan. Harriet
was there to comfort Ryan. He knew her. The Admiral had convinced CPS to let Harriet and Bud take temporary custody of Ryan until they could find his mother. Mrs. Dean didn't argue, just
showed them to Ryan's bed. He had cried himself to sleep. Dried tears smeared his cheeks. He woke and started to cry again. Harriet took him into her arms and comforted him. He quieted
quickly. Here was someone he knew. Not his mommy, but a friend at least.

Webb's pager went off in his pocket. He took it out quickly and checked the message. 'Ryan safe. Let us help. Harm' That was one thing off his mind. Now that Ryan was safe he could
concentrate on finding Carol. He should call in backup. Harm and Mac would help no questions asked. All he could think about was Carol.

There weren't any lights on at the address he was given. Taking out his gun he slowly circled the building checking out the exits and looking for signs of life. A dark figure stepped out from the
doorway. Webb moved slowly toward the figure. He never heard or saw the person that hit him. His last thought was that he had failed Carol. He should have called for back up. Everything
went black.

When Clay woke he was tied to a chair and gagged. His head was throbbing. He was having trouble focusing. When his vision cleared he saw Carol tied to the chair in front of him. She wasn't gagged.
"I thought you were dead. They said you weren't, but I didn't believe them. Now what Clay? How do we get out of here?"

"Yes, Mr Webb. How do you get out of here now? You've been out for over twenty minutes. If backup was coming it would be here by now." Mr Mendoza undid Webb's gag. "Now before I kill
you, I'll let you watch me enjoy your little lady here." Mendoza turned to Carol "Never fall in love with a spy, sweetheart. You never know when his work will follow him home." Mendoza
started to unbutton Carol's blouse. There wasn't anything Clay could do. She knew how dangerous his work could be, but no one ever expects it to hit home like this.

"Stop right there!" All three heads turned to the voice. Major MacKenzie was standing behind Mendoza aiming a gun at his head. He spun around, raising his gun toward her. She fired. Twice. He
fell to the ground, his eyes unseeing.

"Clay, Carol are you alright." Mac still held the gun on Mendoza until she kicked his gun away and felt for a pulse. There wasn't one. She put her gun away and cut the restraints off Clay. He
took her knife and released Carol. Carol was nearly hysterical. She still didn't know where Ryan was. Clay took his pager out and showed her the message. She might not believe him, but she would
believe Harm. He held and comforted her. He was afraid he was going to lose her. The dangers of his job would come between them.

After she had shot Mendoza, Mac called her location in to the local police. Harm and AJ soon followed. A couple of ambulances came to take the wounded to the hospital to be checked. Carol went.
She was bordering on hysteria. Clay refused to go and tried to drive himself home. Harm took his keys and led him to the 'vette. Clay could spend the night with him. Webb talked Harm into
stopping by Bud and Harriet's to check on Ryan first.

Ryan was happy to see him. He'd seen a lot of strangers in the last 24 hours. Clay, he knew. "Daddy!!" Ryan jumped from Harriet's arms to Clay's. Clay sat on the couch holding Ryan, gently
stroking his hair out of his face. Ryan snuggled in his arms and went to sleep, just like he did every night at home. Harriet started to cry, when she saw tears roll down Clay's cheeks.

"Where is he sleeping? I'll put him down before I leave. Don't tell Carol I was here. I'll miss him." Clay put Ryan down on the mat Harriet showed him. Giving one last kiss, Clay stood and motioned
Harm to follow. He figured that would be the last time he would be able to see Ryan. Carol wouldn't want to see him again. He couldn't blame her. Never should have gotten involved with her, he
knew better. She and her son were placed in danger because of him.

Harm's apartment
0344 hours

Clay kept dozing off. Harm was sure he had a concussion, but couldn't get him to go to the hospital. Harm stripped Clay's suit off and put him in his bed. He would sleep on the couch. After he was
sure Clay was asleep, he called Mac on her cell phone to check on Carol. They were at the Roberts' apartment. Carol would spend the night there with Ryan. She wasn't hurt physically. Her mental
condition was definitely shakier. She was calming down now that Ryan was in her arms.

Mac had been shocked when the emergency room doctor caught up to them in the lobby to remind Carol to check with her obstetrician in the morning to be sure the baby hadn't suffered any trauma.
Webb was going to be a daddy. Carol made Mac promise not to tell Clay about the baby. They were going to have to work things out without that complication.

Not once did Carol blame Clay for the events of the night. Carol was a realist. She knew Clay's job was dangerous from the get go. She could have said good-bye at any time. She loved him. They
would have to be more careful in the future. Just be alert to the possibility of danger. It hadn't occurred to her to break off her relationship with him.

Harm's apartment
1124 hours

Clay was still asleep in Harm's bed. The rest of the rescue party was in his kitchen and livingroom. Harm, Mac, AJ, Bud, Harriet, Carol and Ryan were trying to keep the noise down. Harm had
checked on Webb about every hour to be sure he could be roused. Carol had already been to the doctor this morning. After doing a sonagram he concluded that the baby was fine. Mac and Carol then
collected Ryan and headed for Harm's place. Bud and Harriet soon followed. AJ stopped by to check on Webb. He was surprised to see the whole gang there. Everyone got to talking and Ryan saw
his chance to slip away. He had seen Clay in the other room. He wanted to be with his 'Daddy'.

While no one was looking he crawled into bed with Clay. He snuggled under Clay's arm and went to sleep. Carol went to find him and saw the two of them sleeping peacefully. Clay had his arm
around Ryan holding him protectively even in his sleep.

Carol sat down next to them and began to rub Clay's back. She brushed the hair out of his eyes. Leaning down she gently kissed his cheek and whispered his name. He stirred, woke and looked up
to see her smiling at him. Ryan stirred and murmured something about daddy being home before he went back to sleep.

"Yes, Ryan. Daddy's home. Clay, how do you feel? Let me take you to the doctor to have you checked? Honey, what's the matter?" Carol was puzzled by the expression on his face.

"I thought you'd never want to see me again after I put you and Ryan in danger. I love you, Carol." Clay reached up to kiss her. "I wouldn't do anything to hurt you."

"I know Clay. It wasn't your fault. I love you, too. I wouldn't want Ryan to be without his 'daddy'. He loves you. I told the Admiral I would take my chances being with you and I meant it. I won't leave
you. You can count on that." He was beginning to nod off again. 'She wouldn't leave him ever.' 'She loved him.' 'He was Ryan's daddy.' Bits and pieces of her conversation filtered into his
concussed brain. He relaxed and gave into sleep again. They would talk about their future when he could think clearer. All he could comprehend now was that she and Ryan loved him. He loved
them. He had a family now. He was home.

All feedback welcome
LS Morris
[email protected]

THE END

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