TITLE: "Assignment: NCIS, Washington DC" Chapter 1 AUTHORS: Anne R. and Pat Steiner SUMMARY: The first chapter of what will be an ongoing series in 2003 featuring Lt. Cdr. Hunter Reed and now his NCIS partner Ann Marie Baxter. Sometimes working in conjunction with their JAG counterparts, Mac and Harm, and sometimes working alone, Lt. Cdr. Reed and Ms. Baxter now partner on NCIS cases in the DC area. These characters were originally introduced in the "Time Gives and Time Takes Away series, where when we first met Hunter, he was a Naval Aviator on duty at Patuxent River NAS. When an injury removes him from flight status, he renews his career with NCIS, much like Harm did with JAG after his ramp strike. In future chapters, Harm and Mac will appear in some more than others. In some all four will be working together, and in others, the focus will be on Hunter and Ann Marie. CLASSIFICATION/RATING: J/S/R/A PG for language and mild violence. SPOILERS: In any of our work, any JAG episode may be referred to. FEEDBACK: If you're so moved but never expected nor begged for. Addy is ssbpmn@aol.com. Please however, we request you respect the work, and the effort that goes into writing it. NOTE: All parts of this story and previous chapters, as well as much of our other works, are available at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AnniePatJAGstories The message archives are open to all registered Yahoo users-no subbing required. Please ignore any notice of adult content you may see-there is no R nor NC17 content there. Other archives containing our stories: http://thearchive.mine.nu:85/exlibris/ or http://www.netroenterprises.com/exlibrisjag or the Harm-Mac shipper archive at http://hmarchive.topcities.com/index2.html [sadly, not always up and running] or BTL- http://www.wtv-zone.com/trgarchive/btl/ http://destined.to/btlarchive - {BTL H/M Fanfiction archive.} Http://www.capitalcitycollaborations.com also features much of our work. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ NOTE: This chapter is totally Hunter-Ann Marie. Mac and Harm make a return appearance in the next Assignment NCIS. ==================== "Assignment: NCIS, Washington DC" Chapter 1-- Hunter Reed's Apartment April, 2003 "Come on sailor" Ann Marie smiled as she playfully smacked Hunter's six. "We're going to be late. And the last thing we want to do is make a bad impression now that Mr. Sizemore was nice enough to make us partners." "Well that's because we're such over achievers" Hunter smiled as he rolled over. "We were tops in the class and did so well the first month we were assigned to our other partners he had no choice but to let us work together." "Yeah well that won't continue if you don't move that six mister. Come on." "Have I mentioned recently how much I love having you here" he sighed as stumbled from the bed and into her waiting arms. "Yes but you can show me later. Move it. I swear I have a hard time believing you were ever in the Navy sometimes. How did you ever manage to get up on time?" "I didn't have a beautiful woman wearing me out every night like you are" he teased and her face turned bright red. Unlike her first marriage, intimacy with Hunter had never been a problem. Not long after the incident with Beverly Hunter had taken her away for a weekend at the ocean. There for the first time they'd made love and Ann Marie has soon realized that is was so easy now because she loved Hunter. Not the love she thought she'd had for Greg. But real love. The kind that might even last a lifetime. "Hey you still with me?" Hunter smiled. "Earth to Ann Marie." "Sorry" she smiled. "Spacing out. And why are you still standing here? Didn't you hear me say we're going to be late?" "Moving" he moaned. "Can you get my stuff together so we're not late?" An hour later they were making their way through to traffic to the Washington Navy Yard and the NCIS headquarters where they'd been assigned for the moment. They'd been thrilled when they'd been kept at the same location and even more thrilled when they'd been made partners. So far everything had fallen into place for them. With the exception of one little thing. "You know I was reading up about the Special Agents Afloat program again," Hunter said casually. "You're determined to get back on a carrier aren't you?" Ann Marie sighed. "Is there something wrong with that?" he asked. "I mean, I'd planned to spend a the next few years of my life on one. What's so bad about wanting to be on one even if I'm not flying?" "Hunter I'm not sure I want to spend a year on a carrier. And even if I did, who's to say we would be assigned to the same one." "Sizemore likes us. I think he'd work it out for us if we wanted." "Can we just stick to doing our job here on dry land for a while" she asked. "At least until we have a little more time in under our belts. And then we'll talk about it again." "Yeah I guess" he sighed. "But just tell me this. Would you really consider it?" "I don't know," she admitted. "You're used to a carrier. I'm not sure I want to go sailing around the world." "Will you at least think about it? I know it's not something we can do right now anyway but down the line maybe." He gave her that pleading look that melted her heart and she let out a long groan. "How do you expect me to say no when you do that?" "I don't" he smiled. "Just tell me you'll think about it and I'll drop it for a while." "I will. Can we go back to thinking about the present?" "Yes ma'am" he smiled. "I hope Mr. Sizemore has something good for us today." "We've been doing OK since we got started," she reminded him. "OK we've done nothing that's going to make Dan Rather sit up and take notice but we've got a good solve rate." "With one exception. One very loud exception." "Morris Becker yes don't remind me. We'll nail him. Just going to take some time." "Now that DEA is on his case the nailing credit may go to them," he glowered. "I don't think I'll ever get used to another agency horning in." "Hey relax. Becker is going to make a mistake and don't forget it's us who opened the inquiry. No matter how that ends, it was us that brought it to light." ============= NCIS HQ NAVAL YARD "Commander Reed, Ms. Baxter, have a seat," Jacob Sizemore sighed. "You know about Commander Edward Rich and what happened with his wife?" "Yes sir, been a lot on the news," Hunter nodded, daring a look to Ann Marie. He had been hoping NCIS would be given the case, and daring to hope that they would be asked to assist even in a small capacity. "Tell me what you know," Sizemore invited, leaning back in his chair. "She was eight months pregnant and vanished. Hasn't called or contacted him or her folks. Her credit cards and bank account haven't been touched," Hunter recited. "That much has all been on the news. The police say he's not a suspect and feel like she's just one of those women who have simply run off . I heard talk that NCIS thinks there's more to it and I was hoping we'd be invited to help." "You're being given the case," Sizemore said with finality and handed Ann Marie the case file. Hunter looked at her in shock and she showed him the cover sheet which clearly read--Agents of Record, Lt. Cdr. Hunter Reed, Ms. Ann Marie Baxter. "Sir this is great but are you sure?" he gasped. "Can you handle it?" "Yes sir we can," he replied firmly, "or if we can't, we know how to ask for help." "Good answer. If I wasn't so short handed with Dobbs retiring and Lewis out with her back and Swint on maternity leave, I would have gone with a more experienced team but those I've got are swamped. This is your chance. To fly or crash. Show me what you can do." "Yes sir, gladly," Hunter yelped. "Ms. Baxter I'm not hearing from you. Are you OK with this?" "Sir even if I wasn't, I would take the assignment," she smiled. "Then get out of here. I want you to give your other pending to Marks and Steele. For the next week you're only on this. If at the end of the week you haven't come up with anything, well we'll go from there. Out." Neither spoke until they reached their cubicle and Hunter let out the breath he was holding. "You're kidding. Wow. Our first high profile case." "Well you were hoping we'd get something good," she smiled. "Must be the shine is still on us from last week when we broke up that sports betting scam." "Oh yeah but that's small potatoes compared to this," Hunter sighed. "This is making news all over. Wait till Harm and Mac hear about it." "Why don't we save the good news until we see how we do" Ann Marie countered. "I mean if we have nothing in a week, Sizemore may take us off the case." "You don't really think that's going to be the case do you?" Hunter grinned. "Ego check Former Flyboy" Ann Marie laughed. "We're not that good yet. And this isn't exactly something simple like a betting scam." "No but it's our chance to make our presence really known around here. And move up from these cubicles to a real office." "You have big plans Mr. Reed don't you?" "Yes I do. As long as I've got you with me I do." "You couldn't do this alone?" she asked. "I could. But having you with me makes it a lot more fun." "Yeah it is" she smiled. "So where do we start first with this?" "With the prime suspect of course" Hunter smiled. "Commander Rich. You know what they say about missing women." "The guy in her life is usually responsible. But I don't think that's the case this time. From everything we've heard, they had the perfect marriage." "That's on the outside. Who knows what really went on behind closed doors. Maybe they just kept up the appearance of a normal marriage." Ann Marie nodded, knowing that could be the case. Even in her own marriage she'd done her best to hide the truth from friends. Maybe Deborah Rich had done the same thing. "Should we call first?" Ann Marie asked. Hunter shook his head. "No we'll just stop in. Let's not give him time to get his story straight. Course by now he's recited it enough times he's probably got it pretty well into memory." "You really think he's behind this don't you?" she frowned. "You don't consider the fact that he works in Naval Intelligence a relevant issue?" "It's possible this is related to that. But my gut says no." "All right. Well let's take a drive to Suitland and talk to the Commander. But maybe you should let me do the question asking." "I promise I'll power down before we get there" he smiled. "But you do have that softer touch that may work better in this case." "Exactly. His wife is missing. Sympathy might get us a little more talking than accusations." They made the drive to the ONI office in Suitland and after explaining to Commander Rich's secretary who they were, they were shown in to the well-appointed office. "I was wondering when they'd get the real people on this" Commander Rich sighed as they sat down. "Tell me again who you are." "Lt. Commander Reed and this is my partner Ms. Baxter. We've been assigned the investigation into your wife's disappearance." "How long have you been with NCIS?" Commander Rich frowned as he leaned forward to study them. "Just a few months sir" Ann Marie spoke up. "But we've handled several investigations with favorable results." "Few months. My wife is missing and the best they can come up with is a couple of rookies." "Sir, with all due respect, we may be rookies but finding your wife is going to be our priority. Unlike the local police who have plenty of other things to investigate besides the fact that your wife is missing." "I'm sorry" he sighed. "You're right Ms. Baxter. They're too overwhelmed to make Deborah's disappearance priority." "Ann Marie please" she said softly. "We know you've been through this several times but we want to get it fresh from you again. When was the last time you saw your wife?" "Ten days ago" he whispered. "I left at seven like I do every morning. Normally she's up with me but that morning she wasn't. She hadn't been feeling well the night before so I didn't wake her when I got up. I did call her later that morning to make sure she was okay." "So you talked to her then?" Ann Marie asked. "I did. She said she was feeling better and she was going to run out and do some errands. I told her I'd take care of it when I got home but she said she needed to get out and get some fresh air." "What time was this?" Hunter asked. "Around 10:00. That was the last time I talked to her." "So you got home that night and she wasn't there?" Ann Marie asked. "I knew as soon as I pulled in the driveway something was wrong" he said quietly. "The minivan wasn't there and there was no sign of her anywhere. I tried her cell phone but no one ever answered. I called all her friends and family and no one had seen her." "And you've told this story a hundred times haven't you," Hunter remarked. "At least. I could tell it in my sleep but I don't care. I just want her found. Her and my baby. My son. Adam. Look here." He reached into his desk and produced a blurry image that he handed to Ann Marie. "That's Adam. Sonogram last month. Perfectly healthy is what the report said." "Was this a routine ultrasound?" Ann Marie asked. "Routine?" "You know, one that they would run on any pregnant woman at that stage or was it for some reason that they did one?" "I'm not sure why that's relevant," he said slowly. "Commander answer my partner's question please," Hunter said sternly. "I don't know why it's relevant either, but the fact that she is asking it makes it worthy of an answer. Plus you'll get a gold star in cooperation." Rich glared at him and looked at Ann Marie. "They did it OK. Who knows what that OB clinic is thinking about when they do something. We didn't even know the sex before and they said they could tell us so we jumped at the chance." "OK thanks," Ann Marie nodded, keeping her face impassive. "Sir you don't mind if we talk to your wife's doctor do you?" "Certainly not. Everyone else has. I've even signed a release." "What other family do you folks have?" Hunter asked, leafing through the file. "Her parents I see are listed here. Yours are. . .?" "Dead. And I have no other relatives. Not that I claim anyway. I think my dad had a couple of sisters but he was estranged. Mom I know was an only and when her mom died when I was fifteen that was that." "You have any objection to us checking your financial records?" "Oh hell no. Of course you could also be using the time to get out there and look for her." "Sir, us checking local shopping malls has only a one in a million chance of finding her," Ann Marie pointed out. "Besides there's already pictures of her up and every cop in all the surrounding states is watching for a pregnant woman with long blonde hair and pretty blue eyes." "Thank god for that. Meanwhile you want to look at my financial records, hoping to find something to incriminate me, and then get a quick case closed. Look all you want. I just know I didn't get an answer when I called the rest of the day and when I finally got scared and left for home, she was gone." "And nothing was moved out of the house? Clothes, papers, momentos, favorite music? No sign of forced entry?" Ann Marie questioned. "Everything was exactly as I left it that morning. Exactly. Are we finished?" "We can be but we'll probably be back. You'd do well to have a little patience Commander," Hunter said evenly. "Patience? I'm sorry but that's in short supply right now," he retorted. "For the simple reason that my day is filled with people asking me fool questions when they could be out there looking for Deborah." "We'll talk again," Ann Marie promised, nodding to Hunter it was time. Neither spoke until they reached the car. "Well that was a fun filled experience," Hunter growled. "I swear the man is not very cooperative. On the other hand, well if you were missing, I don't know that I'd feel any differently." She gave his hand a firm squeeze. "Let's go check the OB please." "Oh yeah why were you asking about that?" Hunter frowned in puzzlement. "A wild hair OK--so don't laugh. But a white newborn male could command a good price. And maybe someone needed a little proof that's what would be forthcoming. I just want to verify who asked for the ultrasound and why." "And you didn't think it was him," he chided her. "Still no where near ready to declare it was," she smiled, "but it's a hunch OK. Drive will you." "Yes ma'am" he smiled as he climbed into the car. "Have I mentioned lately how much I love being your partner?" "Endlessly. Now drive. I want to catch the doctor before they go to lunch. You know how doctor's offices are." They made the trip across town to the offices of the OB-GYN that Deborah Rich had been seeing, Hunter blushing slightly when they walked into the suite. "Something wrong?" Ann Marie giggled at his embarrassment. "Oh nothing except there's posters with woman's body parts all over the walls" he hissed. "And I swear some of those women are about to pop any minute." "You're so cute when you're embarrassed" she laughed. "Why don't you let me do the talking." "Can I help you?" the receptionist whose name tag said Lisa asked as they moved to the window. "We're here to talk to Doctor Morano. Is she available?" "What is this regarding?" "A patient of hers, Deborah Rich. We're from NCIS and we're heading the investigation into her disappearance." "NCIS?" Lisa frowned. "Naval Criminal Investigative Services" Ann Marie explained. "I'm Ann Marie Baxter and this is my partner Hunter Reed. Commander Rich said he'd signed the statement allowing Doctor Morano to talk to anyone about his wife." "Doctor Morano is in with a patient at the moment." "We'll be happy to wait" Ann Marie smiled. "I'll check with her nurse" Lisa frowned. "Have a seat and I'll let you know when she might be available." "Great we have to sit here and wait" Hunter hissed. "I'm the only guy in here." "Will you chill already. It's just an OB GYN office. And usually there are men here." "Men go with women to these appointments?" he frowned. "Some men do" Ann Marie smiled. "I'm getting the idea you're not one of those men." "I might be. I just never really thought about it. Course before I met you I hadn't really even thought about the whole husband and father thing." It was her turn to blush. "You think about that?" she whispered. "A lot more than I used to," he admitted. "And I know that's got a lot to do with you. You're good for me Ann Marie. Real good." "Yeah we'll you've been pretty good to me too" she smiled. "Ms. Baxter" Lisa called and Ann Marie hurried to the window. "Doctor Morano will be finishing up in a few minutes. She has to be at the hospital in an hour but she said she'll make some time for you and your partner." "Thank you." It was another ten minutes before they were ushered into the office of Doctor Judy Morano. "Thank you for seeing us on such short notice" Ann Marie smiled as she and Hunter sat down. "I'm happy to provide any information I can that might help" Judy nodded. "I still can't believe something like this has happened to someone I know." "When was the last time you saw Deborah?" Hunter asked. "Two days before she disappeared. I remember cause it was a crazy day in the office. One of the gals in the office just up and quit and it was a zoo around here. Three years and she suddenly calls in and says she quit. No explanation at all. Course I always thought Susan was a little off. Anyway I'm sure you don't want to hear the problems of my staff right now seeing as how you're trying to find Deborah." "Can you tell me why Deborah had an ultrasound last month?" Ann Marie asked. "Totally routine in her case. Given her age and her past history of miscarriages I wanted to make sure everything was okay." "She's had previous miscarriages?" Ann Marie frowned. "Yes. Twice before. She was thrilled that this time she didn't seem to be having any problems." "Did Commander Rich ever come in here with her?" Hunter asked. "To be honest, no. But he was concerned about her. He called me several times after her appointments just to make sure everything was okay." "Was he happy about the baby?" "Very. Especially when he found out it was a boy. He asked for copies of the sonogram so he could show his friends." "And Deborah was happy about the baby?" Ann Marie prodded. "Very. Look there was nothing there to indicate they were having any problems. Deborah was thrilled about the baby and so was Edward." "And I don't suppose Deborah ever mentioned that anything that might be upsetting her? Any problems she was having with anyone?" "I knew Deborah but not that well. But now that you mention it she was a little uneasy the day she came in here. In fact she asked me if she could start seeing me at my other office." "Did she say why?" Hunter asked. "No. She just asked if it would be a problem if she went to the other office. Which I didn't understand since it's further away from her home than here." "Is it possible there was something in this office that made her uncomfortable all of a sudden?" Ann Marie frowned. "Someone rude to her maybe?" "Or maybe someone in the area outside," Hunter mused, catching Ann Marie's thought pattern, and moving to the window to survey the area. Dr. Morano had her offices in a medical building on a typical block in Hyattsville, not a run down area but not a wealthy surroundings either. "Have any of your patients ever mentioned being harassed or bothered enroute between their cars and the office?" he persisted, focusing in on a group of men standing on the corner. Judy read his thoughts and shook her head. "Mr. Reed I located my practice here because I serve medicaid patients as well as those traditionally insured. It's a little bit of giving back because of where I came from. This is not Georgetown by any means, but nor is it an unsafe area. Is that what you're getting at?" "Yes ma'am," Hunter nodded. "Still there's always a first time. You don't mind if we have a word with your staff do you?" "Not at all, but I've got to get going. If you two happen to know of an OB who wants to go partners with me, by all means give me a heads up," Judy smiled. "I'll put that on my to-do list," Hunter groaned and Ann Marie poked him. Judy giggled lightly, suddenly realizing the aura of connection given off by the two agents. "If you talk to my office manager Abbey she'll be glad to help you." They walked out into the reception area and found Abbey, who was talking on the phone and held up five fingers indicating the wait time. "I need the facilities anyway," Ann Marie nodded. "You wait here?" "Yeah go ahead," Hunter nodded, again looking askance at the room full of mostly pregnant women. "But if someone's water breaks, I'm so out of here." Ann Marie used the rest room in the hallway and needing a moment to think and stretch her legs, walked outside, taking in the soft spring air. The group of men on the corner caught her eye once more and she thought of the picture of Deborah Rich in her bag. It would not hurt to ask. Knowing Hunter knew what to ask if he in fact did get Abbey's attention, she walked to the corner and showed her ID and the picture. "Ann Marie Baxter," she said by way of introduction. "I'm a federal agent and I'm looking for this woman. Can anyone help me?" "I'd like to help you out baby," one of them drawled. "Yeah I bet you've got something to show her don't you Raul." "Oh you know it. Who's the pretty chica anyway?" "She's missing. My partner and I are conducting an investigation into her disappearance," Ann Marie said calmly. "She frequented that medical building and we thought maybe one of you gentlemen might have seen her. Or maybe something unusual. Anyone?" One of the men who had been standing in the back stepped forward, crowding her space. "No baby we haven't seen her, but I can make you forget her for a while." That remark was greeted by howls from the other three and Ann Marie took a step backwards. "Sorry. I'm on duty here. So you people haven't seen her?" ============= Hunter looked pleadingly at Abbey who simply shook her head, pointing to the phone and mouthing 'I'm trying'. With an impatient sigh he looked to the door, frowning as he realized Ann Marie had not come back. That impatience took him next to the window, which faced directly the corner where she was with the men. "What the hell is she doing out there," he muttered to no one in particular, stepping closer to the glass to watch. The young receptionist saw what he was looking at and shook her head. "Those guys are there all the time. Must be nice to live and not work. I walk the other way when I can. They think they're so cute with their trash talk. Frankly they frighten me at times." That was all Hunter needed to hear before hurrying out the door of the office. He reached Ann Marie a few moments later, pushing his way past the men that had surrounded her. "Leave her alone" he said as he reached for Ann Marie's arm. "Hey what do you think you're doing? She's ours." "Back off" Hunter ordered. "Now." For several seconds the men stared at him before walking away, mumbling obscenities as they did. "You okay?" Hunter asked as Ann Marie as he studied her face. "They didn't hurt you did they?" "I'm okay," she said with a small smile. "Thank you though. I didn't realize they were going to be like that." "I wonder if the cops looked into them at all" he frowned as he watched the men walk away. "Well I could see why Deborah would want to go somewhere else if they were always hanging around. They gave me the creeps." "Let's talk to Abbey and then maybe we'll find out more about our little group there." The office manager was now off the phone and she led Hunter and Ann Marie to a small cubicle. "Okay what can I help you with?" she asked. "We're investigating Deborah Rich's disappearance" Ann Marie began. "Doctor Morano told us that at her last visit she asked to go to the other office." "Yes she did. When I asked her about it, she was real vague about why she suddenly wanted to go all the way over there." "Did she have a problem with someone on staff?" "I think so, but she wouldn't tell me." "Do you know who that might have been?" Hunter asked. "Truthfully no. Everyone's been here for a long time and we've got a great staff of nurses and clerical staff. They know how to treat patients and I've never had a complaint against any of them." "If you had to guess, who would you think might be the person?" Ann Marie prodded. "Lisa can sometimes be snippy," Abbey admitted. "But I'm sure that wouldn't make her want to change offices." "Anyone else?" "Just Susan but she's gone. She was a little different to the patients some times." "This is the one who recently quit?" Hunter frowned as he checked his notes. "Yeah. It was a few days after Deborah's last visit that she quit." "Is it possible they had words?" Ann Marie asked. "And that's why Susan quit? She was afraid she was going to be fired?" "Honestly I don't know. I was totally shocked when she called and said she was quitting. No explanation at all." "Is there anyone else you can think of?" Ann Marie asked. "You're welcome to talk to the staff. Maybe one of them knows something I don't." "We will. But if we could, we'd like to get a phone number and address for Susan." "Sure I'll dig that out from the personnel files. In the meantime, feel free to talk to the others." In between lunch and patients, Hunter and Ann Marie managed to talk to the nurses and clerical staff at the office. All of them had known Deborah Rich and none had any idea why she'd suddenly wanted to change offices. "Okay now what?" Ann Marie asked as they left the office. "Lunch" Hunter replied. "I know we're trying to bust a big case here but we still need to eat." "All right. We can take five for lunch." They found a nearby restaurant and after the waitress took their order Hunter leaned back in his seat and let out a long sigh. "So what do we got so far partner?" "Not sure. But I think it may have something to do with Doctor Morano's office. I don't understand why a woman would suddenly want to change offices after she's been going to the same place for all that time." "The guys on the corner started bugging her more?" "Possibly. We should probably stop in at the police station and see what they know about them." "Did they bother you that much?" he frowned. "A little. And if I were eight months pregnant, I'm sure I would have been real bothered. Bothered enough to want to change offices." "But do you think those guys could be behind it?" Hunter asked. "I hope not" Ann Marie sighed. "I'm still hoping we'll find her alive. If they're involved, I'm not sure that would be the case." "You think she might be alive?" he asked. "For Commander Rich's sake I hope so. He's not the bad guy here Hunter. I'm almost positive of it." "Well maybe you can get Harm and-or Mac to defend him," Hunter smiled. "Right now I'm starving and can't think when my stomach is competing with my brain for attention." "And obviously you're not so hungry," he observed ten minutes later as she poked through her bacon-lettuce-tomato sandwich." "I guess not. I thought I was though." "Those men really bothered you didn't they?" he frowned and reached for her hand. She shrugged and shook her head. "Yeah they did I guess. They don't have the right to stand there and catcall and intimidate people doing their jobs or tending to business. I guess I felt unnerved, which is silly. I mean I'm armed for pity sake." "Still you're little you and there was four of them," he smiled. "And I know you didn't think anything about walking up to ask them about Mrs. Rich. You certainly deserved more respect than they gave you." "Thanks. That helps," she smiled and squeezed his hand. "And back to the matter we're being paid the big bucks for. How did this woman just vanish?" "Or did she run? From her husband," he mused. "But I'm thinking not. I think Dr. Morano would have given us some indication if she were afraid or had shown signs of abuse." He was about to speak further when his cell phone rang. "This is Hunter Reed." "Mr. Reed we talked earlier." "OK speak up. I can hardly hear you." "My name is Katie Morgan from the doctor's office and I can't talk any louder without being heard. I have information that might help." "We'll meet you anywhere anytime," he said softly. "OK but you have to keep my name out of it. The woman scares me." "Do our best," he agreed. "Name the place." "Prince Georges Mall, the Starbucks, in an hour." And with that the phone went dead. "Well?" Ann Marie looked at him expectantly. "A beautiful woman from my past called to tell me she was in town and could we get together," he grinned. "Seriously that was Katie from the doctor's office. I remember her. She was so little, five feet nothing, and so timid of talking to me. I even tried charm and it didn't work." "Well big surprise there," Ann Marie laughed, feeling herself relax more than she had been. "You know not every woman is Mac, falling at your feet. She was a rare exception and it was only temporary." "Well what about you," he returned, cocking his head to hear her reply. "Me, yeah. You had me from hello." ================== STARBUCK's "There she is," Hunter said softly, rising from their table so that the woman just entering would see them. Very casually she walked over and Hunter equally as casually pulled out a chair for her. "What can I get you?" "Just a double latte please, with a shot." "I'll get it," Ann Marie offered and Hunter nodded his thanks, knowing that she knew Katie might open up to him more easily if they had a few minutes alone. "OK Ms. Morgan," Hunter smiled his best smile and took out his notebook. "You can help us?" "Susan DeMarco. She quit the office the day after Deborah Rich was reported missing." "OK I'm all ears," Hunter whispered, writing down the name. "Might just be a big coincidence. Unrelated." "I don't think so. Susan had worked there a year and talked all the time about wanting a baby, envying the pregnant woman, and especially some of our public assistance women how they just pop out a baby every year and don't even appreciate them and why couldn't she be that lucky." "Well any woman could have a baby if they wanted one bad enough right?" Hunter frowned. "I mean there's sperm banks where you can pick out a frozen pop." "Could you be any more crude?" Ann Marie groaned, setting the steaming drink in front of Katie. "Uh sure," he grinned. Katie giggled slightly. "Susan couldn't have kids she told me once, during her whining. And she made patients uncomfortable sometimes hovering over them but she was a good worker and she could also speak Spanish so the doctor kept her on." "Mrs. Rich," Ann Marie prompted. "Susan's interest in her was beyond just excessive. It was like bizarre," she murmured. "In fact once I mentioned it to Abbey and she told me Susan was a bit of a wack but to ignore it. And then Susan started talking about the Rich pregnancy a lot. We knew it was a boy, knew they were calling him Adam and so forth." "And this sudden interest makes you think Susan might have something to do with her disappearance?" "Yeah. Especially when I realized she had Adam's sonogram picture in her wallet. She was getting out money one day about a week before she left for the pizzas the office was sharing and she dropped her wallet. I picked it up for her and there it was. Plus she grabbed the wallet like I was going to loot it or something. I just can't shake the feeling that she wants that baby." "Did you ask her about the picture?" "No way" Katie said quickly. "I knew from the look on her face and when she grabbed the wallet that it wouldn't be a good idea to say anything. I just pretended I didn't see it." "That is weird," Ann Marie said quietly. "Thank you Katie. This might be very relevant to the case." "I was going to go to the police with it but then you two showed up today. They never came around the office to talk to us like you did and so I'd finally decided I was going to call anonymously today and tell them. But now I don't have to." "Well we appreciate the call" Hunter nodded. "You've been a big help. And we're going to look into Susan DeMarco." "I hope you find her. Mrs. Rich I mean. She was such a nice woman. She'd been looking forward to this baby so much and so was her husband. The girls in the office were always talking about how he always called after her appointments to make sure everything was okay. They seemed so happy together." "I hope we find her too," Ann Marie said softly. "And thank you again." "Well I guess we have a lead" Hunter said when they were alone. "Maybe we should head back to the office and let Sizemore know what we've got so far. I'm actually surprised he hasn't called to see what we're up to." "That's because he knows you're with me" Ann Marie smiled. "And that I'll keep you out of trouble." "Keep me out of trouble. Since when did I become the trouble maker?" "You know you are. Fortunately I'm the brains of this operation." "I guess I'm just the good looking side kick" Hunter grinned. "Who charms all the ladies?" "Please" she groaned. "Come on Flyboy. Let's go check in with the boss and tell him what we've got. And I still want to find out about those guys on the corner. If Susan DeMarco turns out to be a dead end, they still might be a possibility." "Good point. You really are the brains here aren't you?" "Well I'm sure not the beauty" she smiled. "To me you are" he said softly. "Don't ever forget that. I love you very much Ann Marie." "I love you too" she whispered. "Come on, let's go fill in the big guy so he doesn't think we spend the whole day doing nothing." "Mr. Reed and Ms. Baxter" Jacob Sizemore smiled when they came in. "I've been waiting for you." "Why don't I think that's good?" Hunter sighed. "I got a call from Commander Rich. He wasn't very happy with the way he was treated Commander." "Okay I might have been a little rough on him," Hunter admitted. "But he's a suspect sir." "I understand. In fact I stuck up for you. Something I have the feeling I'm going to be doing a lot in the future. But anyway, what did you find out?" "We've got a few leads we're going to follow up" Ann Marie replied. "There's a nurse at the doctor's office Mrs. Rich was going to that might be involved. Not to mention some shady looking guys in the area that we're told are always hanging out and causing problems with patients." "I'm impressed" Jacob nodded. "But then again I'm expecting big things from you two. You're doing a great job here and I hope it continues. What's your gut here? Is there any chance she's alive?" "I think so sir" Ann Marie answered. "Course I could be all wrong but if this nurse is behind it, I'd say there might be a good chance. But only if we find her soon." "Why is that?" Jacob asked. "I think she was taken for her baby. And her due date is any time now. So if that's the case, someone might be keeping her alive until that time. Because they want the baby." "Find her then. Find her before it's too late." "We will sir" Hunter promised. "We will." They spent the rest of the afternoon finding out all the information they could on Susan DeMarco. She had no prior criminal activity but they did find where she's consulted a therapist several times for depression. "Okay let's call it a day" Hunter said after they'd poured through the computer files. "First thing tomorrow we'll go pay her a visit." "Deal" she sighed. "You okay?" he asked. "I just want to find her Hunter" Ann Marie said softly. "Alive. Her and her baby." "We will. But we're not going to do it tonight. Come on let's get some rest and we'll start out tomorrow." Once home they both collapsed on the sofa together, Ann Marie falling asleep not too long afterwards. Hunter watched her as she slept his arms, still amazed at how lucky he'd gotten to have her in his life. And he couldn't imagine her not being in his life. He thought about Commander Rich and how torturous it would be not to know where the woman he loved was. Whether she was alive or dead. And how if he were in his shoes, he'd know he'd be going crazy. Ann Marie shortly stirred in his arms, rolling back and forth as if she was in the throes of a nightmare. "Ann Marie honey it's OK," he whispered directly into her ear. "Ann Marie. Honey I'm here." "No. Noooooo I want Greg. GREG. GRE--EG." Hunter held her as tightly as he could without hurting her, concerned in her thrashing that she would hurt herself. "Ann Mare stop now," he ordered sternly. "Stop. Wake up. You're OK. You're with me. Hunter. I love you." Those words more than any others seemed to get through to her and she slowly stilled her movement. "Greg?" "No honey it's not Greg," he said softly, desperately wondering who she was dreaming about and not wanting to ask in her still half asleep, semi-awake stage. "Not Greg?" "No. Let me take you to bed Angel." "OK. Thanks." She gave him no resistance as he led her to the bedroom of his apartment where they were spending much of their off-duty time, including most nights. Thankful she was already in night clothes, he simply eased her down onto her side and followed her in, curling his body around hers, his arm going over her protectively. "Night Sweetness. I love you." "I love you," she murmured, and Hunter held his breath, waiting for the word 'Greg' to come from her. But instead her eyes closed in sleep. ================== 715AM Following Morning "Ann Marie your oatmeal is congealing. Last call," Hunter bellowed from the kitchen. "Not getting up." "Excuse me?" "Not getting up. Don't wanna," she murmured, and when he got to the bedroom she was there with her head under the pillow. "You know what--you're starting to scare me," he groused, coming to sit on the edge of the bed and putting his hand on her back, pressing carefully. "First it was Greg last night and now you're not getting up. Are you sick?" At once she bolted from beneath the pillow. "What do you know about Greg?" she demanded sharply. "Who told you?" If she had announced she was a spy for Saddam he could not have looked more surprised. "Honey no one told me anything about Greg. Except you. And that was only his name. You were having some kind of dream or nightmare while we were watching the movie. I have no idea who Greg is, and it would be nice if you would tell me in fact. Also to answer my other question--are you sick?" "No I'm not sick," she retorted. "I was dreaming about him?" Her face clouded as she attempted to remember. "Yeah you were. Or something. You were actually kind of. . .well disappointed maybe. . .when you found out it was me and not him. I'm sorry that I'm not. Whoever he is." "I need a shower," she announced, rolling away from him and out of the bed. "You want your oatmeal first like usual?" "No." Which was followed by the slam of the bathroom door. "OK now I need coffee," Hunter sighed after staring at the closed door for a few seconds. Obviously something was troubling her. Something that bore the name Greg. The shower she took surpassed all records for length and he was beginning to pace the floor by the time she emerged. "I know we're late and I'm sorry. My fault. Take full responsibility. Just let me dress and we're out of here." "You got it. Mr. Sizemore won't mind too much since we're on the verge of solving one of the biggest cases ever." "Just tell him it was your partner the wack's fault OK," she grumbled, yanking on her clothes. "You know it's only with severe self-control that I refrain from asking if it's that time of the month," he yelped. "Too late you just did and no it's not. Start the car. I'll be right down." They did not speak more than a few sentences to each other as they drove to their offices and then out toward the Camp Springs address of Susan DeMarco. Hunter parked in the lot and turned to her before moving to get out. "You know I'm not even sure what we're fighting about." "Are we fighting?" "Hell if I know," he sighed. I don't know what's going on. I just know that someone named Greg has strained things between us." "I think we have a job to do and we should get to it," she told him, exiting her side of the car. "Whatever" he sighed and followed her to the door of Susan DeMarco's home. Ann Marie pounded on the door and after several seconds began to pound again. "I don't think anyone is home," Hunter said finally. "I guess we didnt really expect to get that lucky did we?" "Great. So now how do we find her?" It was then that Hunter spotted a young woman working in the yard next door. Without a word to Ann Marie he made his way over, giving the woman one of his best smiles when she looked up at him. "Can I help you?" she smiled back. "My name is Hunter Reed and my partner work for NCIS and we're trying to locate Susan DeMarco. You wouldn't happen to know where she is would you, Mrs" "Ms" she smiled. "Angela Waverly. "And I'm sorry but I haven't seen Susan in about a week or so. I thought it was pretty strange that she just up and left one day." "Did she own the house or rent?" Hunter asked. "I think she and her husband were renting. The guy that I rent from owned their house as well." "There's a Mr. DeMarco?" "I only saw him once but he does exist. His name is Jonathan and he's in the Air Force and the last I had heard he'd been stationed overseas. Apparently Susan didn't want to leave the area so she stayed here" "Any idea when he was supposed to come back?" "This month I think. Which is why I was so surprised she took off. But maybe he got stationed somewhere else and she's going there to set up their new place." "Well I thank you for all your help" Hunter smiled as he saw Ann Marie making her way over towards them. "No problem" Angela smiled. "Why don't you give me your number? That way if I see Susan around again I can let you know." He was rattling his cell phone number to Angela when Ann Marie arrived and she gave him a long look. "Are we ready?" she demanded. "Obviously she's not here." "I just gave Angela here my number" Hunter said to Ann Marie. "She'll call us if she sees Susan around." "Would it be okay if I called even if I don't see Susan?" Angela smiled and Ann Marie rolled her eyes. "Excuse me I'll be waiting in the car" she muttered as she turned and walked away. "Did I say something wrong?" "No of course not" Hunter smiled. "She just woke up on the wrong side of the bed today. Thanks again for your help. I appreciate it." He returned to the car where Ann Marie was waiting. "Could we stick to the investigation at hand instead of flirting?" she growled as they climbed into the car. "Excuse me but that's exactly what I was doing. I asked her about Susan. Is it my fault she thought I was attractive." "Oh and I'm sure you flashing that Flyboy smile didn't have anything to do with her thinking you were available. Please." "You know I don't know what your problem is today. But I was not flirting. I was being nice to someone who might help us find Susan DeMarco." "And if you got a date out of that just made it even better" she retorted. "I am not having this conversation" Hunter sighed. "Let's just drop it. We didn't find Susan DeMarco but I did find out she's married to someone in the Air Force who's stationed overseas. Apparently Susan didn't go with him when he went. But Angela thought he was due back this month." "Then why did she leave?" Ann Marie frowned. "No clue. I want to go back to the office and see if we can find a Jonathan DeMarco. And see if he's supposed to be coming back anytime soon and if so where he's being stationed." "You think she might have gone somewhere else?" "Well if you think she wanted Deborah's Rich's baby is obvious she couldn't stay here. And the likely place she might have gone is where her husband is going to be transferred to. She shows up with a baby and no one there knows any difference." "Sounds logical" Ann Marie sighed. "And right now it's all we got." "I think we have to pursue this. Otherwise all we've got is stranger abduction and if that's the case there's no guarantee she--or the baby--are even alive." "So we try Air Force personnel right?" "Yeah we do. Right now. Unless. . .well unless you're not feeling up to it or something." "I'm just fine. Drop it." "Yes ma'am. Would you like to drive?" "No." "Note to self--do not show woman I love that I'm worried about her. It makes her more pissy," he muttered, gunning the engine. "Cute Reed. Real cute." They fought the traffic across the Wilson Bridge to Crystal City, not a word between them. With some persuasion and a visit to the Colonel in charge of the officer section, they finally managed to determine that Major Jonathan DeMarco had been in Greece for the past eight months and that he was due to rotate home, arriving at Wright Paterson in Ohio in five days. "See the timing couldn't have been more perfect baby-wise," Hunter pointed out while they were awaiting the elevator. "She's going to tell this poor bastard that she's had his child. She'll report a home birth and since she likely doesn't know a soul in Ohio who would be the wiser." "I suppose," she frowned. "I just don't see how she's going to get past the medical stuff. "I mean a first year med student could look at a woman and know if she gave birth or not. I want to talk to Katie again. I mean a husband wasn't even mentioned by anyone at the office." "This is why I'm glad we're partnered," he smiled. Reached by phone, Katie agreed to meet them on her lunch period and they drove back to Dr. Morano's office. The same group of men where standing on the corner and Hunter did not miss Ann Marie's cringe when she started to the car. "Wait there I'm coming around," he ordered and she started to object and then relented. "Thanks. I won't mind a little Big Brother right now." Hunter kept a protective hand on her arm as they walked up to the next block, allowing himself a single 'back off' glare at the group. The little cafe Katie specified was dingy and dark and she was awaiting them in the back. "Jonathan DeMarco," Ann Marie said softly after they had been served drinks. "No one mentioned Susan was married." "Oh. She said they were split up," Katie whispered, frowning in puzzlement. "He was in the Air Force, overseas, and they weren't going to get back together because he wanted a baby and she couldn't give him one. Oh my god you think she's going to pass off Deborah Rich's baby as hers don't you? That's she's going to tell him she had this baby after thinking she couldn't get pregnant?" "We think that's a good possibility. Now more than ever," Hunter nodded. "Katie why did you not think to mention him before?" Katie shrugged helplessly. "She told me they had split up over the baby thing. She said it in such a definite way too. Like it was a dead issue. And she never mentioned him." "Well if she wanted him back bad enough she might pull something like this," Ann Marie sighed. "We're looking at two motivators here--want of a baby, and want of a man she loved." "Possible motivators," Hunter corrected. "Thanks Katie. I think we may be on to something and we owe you thanks for that." "I just hope you find Mrs. Rich" Katie said softly. "She didn't deserve this." "No she didn't" Hunter agreed. "And hopefully we'll get her and Mr. Rich reunited before the baby is born." Katie left to go back to work and Hunter let out a long sigh. "So what do you think?" "I think we need to go to Ohio." "You really think she's behind this don't you. That she kidnapped Deborah Rich so she can take her baby when it's born and pass it off as her own." "She was desperate to get her husband back. Some women will do anything." "Well we're going to need to get approval from Sizemore before we go heading off to Ohio. And it's not going to be easy finding her there either. It's not like she's going to keep a kidnapped woman in her apartment." "So we look for rented houses. But I'm sure she's there. It's just a matter of finding her." "Back to the office then?" he asked as they stood up. "And if Sizemore approves, we'll get a flight to Dayton Ohio tomorrow." "Why not tonight? We're running out of time here Hunter." "I know. But you look like hell and you didn't sleep last night and it isn't going to make that much difference if we leave tonight or we leave tomorrow morning." "A woman's life is at stake" she countered. "If Sizemore approves it, we're out of here tonight." "Whatever" Hunter sighed. "Come on let's go then." Back at the office they immediately made their way to the office of Jacob Sizemore. Ann Marie explained all of what they had learned and Jacob frowned as he realized what she was saying. "You really think this Susan DeMarco kidnapped Deborah Rich simply to get her baby and then kill her?" "Yes sir. It all fits. And time is running out. Deborah Rich is due at any time now. I guarantee once she delivers the baby, Susan is going to kill Deborah. We need to find her before that happens." "All right. Go to Dayton. But report back to me as soon as you find anything." "Yes sir we will" Ann Marie promised. "I guess that means we're leaving tonight" Hunter said as they walked back to their desks. "Yes we are. You know this is what we need to do." "I know I'm worried about you" he frowned. "And I wish you'd tell me what's been bothering you all day long." "Hunter right now all that matters is finding Deborah Rich. So let's not waste any more time." "Well you matter to me too" he sighed. "You've been full throttle on this case and I think it's getting to you. I'm just worried that you're getting too deep here." "I'm fine. Please let's just worry about Deborah Rich right now." "Whatever you say" Hunter sighed. They stopped at home just long enough to pack before heading to Dulles. They found a flight that left later that evening for Dayton and quickly booked two seats. "You want to grab some dinner since we have time?" he asked. "Honestly Hunter I'm not real hungry. But I'm sure you are." "You barely touched breakfast and lunch" he frowned. "Ann Marie you need to eat something." "I'm really not in the mood for food" she sighed. "I bet you're coming down with something," he said as he put his hand to her forehead before she could move away. "Hunter I'm fine. I'm just not hungry. Please stop fussing." "Are you pregnant?" The words hit her between the eyes and she looked at him for a long moment in frozen shock. "What kind of a question is that?" "The kind that deserves an answer. Are you pregnant? I mean I know we're using precautions because we're just newly together but nothing is foolproof. So again, are you pregnant?" "I am not pregnant. Can you stop fussing now?" "If I was Greg would you tell me?" "If you were Greg I'd sooner kill you than look at you," she retorted, trying to turn away before her tears became apparent. Not fast enough for he caught her shoulder. "Whoever this guy is, he hurt you badly didn't he?" "Yeah he did and I don't know what made me dream of him, but now I can't shake him from my thoughts," she murmured. "Someone you loved?" "Well I thought that's what it was. But what I felt for him and what I feel for you are so totally different that now I'm just really confused about it all." "Then let me help," he begged softly, taking a step forward to try to embrace her trembling body. "Thanks that does help," she sighed, letting herself almost but not quite relax in his grasp, resting her head on his shoulder. "This case is bothering you more than it should all of a sudden too," he said into her ear. "You want to tell me why? Does it have anything to do with Greg?" "No and yes," she whispered, lifting her head. "I don't want to tell you because it's just not a happy story, and yes it does. I will though. Soon as we finish the case. I'm trying to separate the two. Without much luck I'm afraid. Face it, your partner is a fruitcake." "My partner is going through something right now and her partner, who happens to love her, wants to help." "Even if I told you there's nothing can be done. I think the case made me have that dream and then the dream just seemed so real and now the case. . .Never mind. Just sprinkle me with brandy and wrap me in cheesecloth to soak please." "Stop that," he scolded, tipping her head up to look at him. "Do you love me?" "Oh yeah," she replied at once, trying to smile as two tears streaked their way down her face. "Yes I do. Very much." "Then we'll figure it all out. Both the case and what's troubling you." "If you say so," she sniffled, choking down a last sob "I do say so," he returned. "Please can't we get something to eat in you?" "No. It won't stay with me right now. But that you care is sweet. I'm going to be fine. Unless. . .unless you think Mr. Sizemore should send someone else with you?" "No way in hell," he hissed. "First of all there's no one I trust more than you to watch my back or to have good case instincts. And second I wouldn't leave you knowing this is bothering you." "Thanks. I promise you'll get my best on the case. I won't let you down." "I know you won't. Now I'm going to get me a slice of that pizza and I'm going to bring you a gingerale. At least you need to drink." He returned a few minutes later with pizza and drinks and she managed a few sips of the gingerale. "Thank you. This is helping." "Food would help more" he frowned. "But at least this way you won't get dehydrated." "You take good care of me you know" she sighed. "Better than Greg did?" "Much. And please don't bring up that name again. I'm really don't want to think about him." "I'm sorry. I just never thought about you having someone else in your life before me. Which is pretty silly since obviously you're smart and beautiful and I was just lucky enough that you even looked twice at me." "You're not so bad yourself Former Flyboy," Ann Marie said with a small smile. "And while we're on this subject, what about you? I'm guessing there were many women in your past. Seeing as how I've heard that dress whites and gold wings will get you anything and anyone you want." "Well I miss the gold wings but I'm quite happy with having just you in my life" he smiled "As for my past, well it's a long subject best saved for another day." "Should I ask Mac?" "You can but she doesn't know anything. Well except for the fact that I was stupid enough to get involved with my RIO one time." "I'm not sure I want to know about that one" she giggled. "It was a she" he laughed. "Not a he. And at least it made you laugh. The first smile I've seen from you all day." "You're good for me you know that. But one day I'd like us to talk about all this." "Well if I take you home to Mom she'll be sure to fill you all in" Hunter grinned. "You know she's dying to meet you." "And I'm looking forward to meeting her" Ann Marie said softly. "I'm sure she's just as wonderful as you are." Hunter finished his pizza and they made their way to the security checkpoint. Once on the other side, they headed to their gate. An hour later they boarded the plane and Ann Marie laid her head against Hunter's shoulder. "Do I make a good pillow?" he smiled. "You don't mind do you?" she sighed. "Of course not. Get comfortable. It's a short flight anyway." She closed her eyes and he smiled as he looked down at her. His hand gently reached to stroke her cheek and she opened her eyes and gave him a small smile before closing them again. It wasn't long before they landed in Dayton and they headed directly to the car rental area, securing a car and then their bags. "I guess we get a room and start fresh in the morning?" he asked once they were at the car. "We'll go to the base first and see if they might have some information on Jonathon DeMarco." "Sounds good" she nodded. Ann Marie was asleep minutes after her head hit the pillow and Hunter gently slid in next to her. She rolled to him and he wrapped his arms around her. "I love you" he whispered. ********************* "Feeling any better?" he asked the next morning as she walked out of the bathroom after her shower. "I'll live" she said with a forced smile. "You're still not feeling good?" he frowned. "I'm okay honest. I'm just still a little tired. I'll be better when we get Deborah Rich back where she belongs." After a quick breakfast in the hotel lobby they headed to Wright Patterson and the personnel office. "Major DeMarco isn't due on base until next week" the young Lt. informed them. "I'm sorry but we don't have a local address for him yet." "Can you give us a list of places that you send newly transferred personnel?" Ann Marie asked. "Of course. You can also check with the Family Support Center. If he's planning on living in any of the base housing, they would know." "I don't think he is but we'll check there too" Hunter smiled. They received a list of rental agents in the Dayton area and Ann Marie groaned as she looked at the list. "Well it's longer than I thought. But I guess we can pretty much skip anything that's an apartment building and just talk to the people who rent homes." "How many is that?" he asked. "About ten. I guess we'll just go down the list and see what we find." They were on their fourth stop when they finally got a break. "I remember her" the agent said when they flashed Susan DeMarco's picture. "She was looking for something out of the way. Fortunately another couple from the base was just transferred and they wanted to rent out their home so it all worked out." "Worked out?" "Yeah. She gave me a deposit check and I gave her the keys. Lieutenant and Mrs. Schuler were thrilled because they're only gone a year and now they've got someone making their payments. It's a beautiful house. Very well kept. Now I do have others just as nice. One especially that's. . ." "Ma'am do we look like we're in the market for quarters," Hunter yelped. "Look it's essential we find this woman." Suzanne Levine gave them both a quizzical stare. "Has she done something wrong? Her references were impeccable, her husband checked out-all the stuff we usually do. Has she done something?" "She may have yes," Hunter nodded. "It's just vital we locate her. Now we need the address and you can be sure we'll be out of your hair right after that." "Well the place isn't real nearby. I didn't and still don't understand why they wanted to live forty- five minutes out. But this place is pretty out in the boonies. Mrs. DeMarco said she was looking only something out of the way. No nearby neighbors she said. So they've got it." An hour later they were driving up the long driveway of a well kept house in a rural area outside of Dayton. "You're back to that quiet thing," Hunter said as he turned off the engine. "Are you sick of me asking if you're OK?" "Yes, but I'm not sick of you caring," she sighed giving him a sidelong glance. "And I'll never stop doing that," he said firmly. "I do happen to love you." "And I love you. That's never been in question." "I'm glad," he smiled. "And if I've been impatient with whatever's been bothering you, I'm sorry." "I can be a dweller at times," she sighed. "If you hang around me long enough you'll get used to that." "Honey you are so totally stuck with me," he laughed and hooked his arm around her neck and placed a quick kiss on her forehead before getting out. By the time he had come around to her side of the car she had walked several feet toward the house, staring intently. "Hunter this place does not look like it's lived in," she whispered. "It's creepy," he agreed, catching hold of her arm and they walked that way to the front door. "Well if someone lives in here they're not making much of a presence known. No car in the driveway, no boxes sitting out here like she had moved in. I mean OK she could just be at the store and maybe the boxes are still inside, but it just totally feels wrong." He swallowed hard and tightened his hold of her arm. "OK let's see what we've got here." She rang the bell and after a moment he knocked at the door, and they heard only silence from the inside. "I didn't come all this way to come away with nothing," he groused, moving to the front window and trying to peer inside." "You know we might be totally off base here," she murmured, leaving him to step off the porch and walk around the side of the house. It was just as deserted as the front. The back yard dropped off sharply, revealing a lower floor to the house and she walked toward the door which to her surprise was not fully closed. Holding her breath she gave it a slight push and it swung back easily. Still not breathing she stepped through and as her eyes adjusted to the gloom a piercing scream assuaulted her ears. "Hello," she shouted once she recovered her initial surprise. "Where are you?" With no response from inside she took a step back through the door and shouted for Hunter as loud as she could. As soon as she stepped back inside she felt something grab her arm and not a full second later a searing pain went through her head just before blackness swallowed her. "Ann Marie" Hunter called as he came around the back of the house. "Ann Marie where are you?" It was if she'd vanished and for the first time Hunter felt the first real wave of fear go through him. Maybe it hadn't been a good idea to come out here by themselves. Without backup or guidance from someone who'd been doing this for a while. "Ann Marie" he called again. He finally spotted the door to the house and cautiously made his way towards it. He found it locked when he reached for the knob and he let out a long sigh. She was in there. He was sure of that. But the door was locked now. Which meant that someone had taken her inside and locked that door. And likely had heard her yell for him. So they knew he was there as well. "Think Reed" he muttered to himself. "You need to get in there. And without getting her killed." His only salvation was that he was pretty sure Susan DeMarco was alone in this endeavor. That she wouldn't be able to come after him and do anything to Ann Marie at the same time. All he needed to do was get inside the house and get Susan away from Ann Marie. He crept around the house again in search of another way in. Finding nothing he went back to the back door, determined to get in. Fortunately he'd learned some tricks to locks while he was a kid and it wasn't long before he'd removed the lock. He slowly pushed the door in and cautiously made his way in. The first scream made him jump and it took every ounce of strength not to move when he heard it. He needed the element of surprise if he was going to get her out of this alive. "Shut up" he heard next, followed by the loud sobs of someone crying. "And next time I tell you to push, push." It was then that he realized what was going on. Susan DeMarco was delivering Deborah Rich's baby. And at this moment, Deborah Rich was obviously very alive. But where was Ann Marie? He crept forward more, praying that Susan DeMarco hadn't already killed Ann Marie. She obviously had her hands full with the delivery and at that moment he was sure she was more concerned with the baby than the fact that he was still around. "Come on" Susan shouted. "One more push." He managed a glance into the room where he saw Susan DeMarco hovering over the Deborah Rich. It was then that he spotted Ann Marie in the other room, not moving on the bed. "Please Lord let her be okay" he murmured silently as he hurried into the room. Trembling hands reached to her neck to check for a pulse and the relief was great when he found one. He couldn't see any marks on her but he knew he didn't have time to check her more. As soon as Deborah delivered the baby, Susan would kill her. And that would be any moment. He had to move now. He dropped a quick kiss on Ann Marie's lips before drawing his weapon and moving towards the other bedroom. Deborah saw him first and let out a scream at the sight of his weapon. Susan turned and at that moment he aimed his weapon at her. "Freeze" he ordered. "Who are you?" she demanded. "How did you find me?" "NCIS. Don't move." "NO" she shouted. "You are not going to take this away from me. Not now. This is my baby. Do you hear me? This is my baby." "Don't move" Hunter shouted when she suddenly turned. At once he realized why as he saw the shiny barrel as she lifted the gun and turned to him. The sound of gunfire was deafening in the house as Hunter pulled the trigger before she could. His shot didn't miss and she slumped to the floor clutching her chest. He quickly kicked the gun away from her before hurrying to Deborah Rich, who was now sobbing hysterically. "Ma'am please calm down" Hunter ordered. "I'm going to get help out here right away." He turned and hurried to the other bedroom, gently reaching for Ann Marie and patting her cheeks. "Honey wake up" he begged. "Ann Marie I need you. Please. I need you to help me deliver this baby." He pulled out his cell phone and dialed 911 as Deborah let out another scream. "911 what's your emergency?" "I have a woman about to deliver a baby and I don't know what to do" Hunter blurted out. "Sir you need to get her to the hospital if at all possible," the calm voice replied. "most deliveries are not as imminent as the observer claims." "How do I know?" "You'll have to look." "You're not serious." "Sir I am very serious. Check and see. I can dispatch paramedics if necessary." Hunter looked to Deborah. "Mrs. Rich? You want me to look?" She nodded, her eyes wide and glazed with pain. "I won't make the hospital," she gasped. "I can feel the baby. Adam. He's right there." He held his breath and lifted the cover as Deborah shrieked once more. In time with the noise there appeared the top of a fuzzy head that shrank back inside. Another long deep breath for calmness and a squeeze of Deborah's hand later, Hunter picked up the phone. "OK ma'am, this baby is almost here. I'm going to do the best I can but I need paramedics and police. I'm with NCIS and there's been a shooting here as well as this birth." "Yes sir. Stand by." There was silence for a moment, and when the operator came back her quiet voice calmed him. "Sir, both are on the way. Now let's talk you through that birth." Before he could reply he heard a soft murmur. "Hunter?" Ann Marie slowly got to her feet, steadying herself on the furniture. "Honey I'm right here," he told her quickly, moving to reach for her and to help her to his side. "Thank you. I need your help. Please. This baby is here. Are you OK?" "Dizzy and my head aches but I'm OK," she assured him. "What's. . ." The question on her lips died when she heard Deborah scream and she looked past Hunter. "She's in labor?" "Close. She's in birth, well about to be." "Paramedics?" "On the way but I'd give Santa Claus better odds of arriving. We're going to have to do this ourselves." "Susan DeMarco?" "Dead. I had to," he replied. "No time for that now. You feel up to helping? If not you can lie down here." "No I'm OK," she insisted. "Honestly I'm OK. I can help. I've done it before." "You've delivered a baby before? No way." "Long story," she retorted, "and why is your phone screaming." "Oh my god I forgot the 911 operator," he gasped, grabbing it up. "Ma'am I'm sorry. I've got my partner back with me, and she says she's done this before which I'm sure is a really interesting story which I plan to hear later. Meanwhile I. . . . " A long scream from Deborah cut him off and he turned to her, only to find Ann Marie bending over her, speaking soothingly. "Deborah OK now. Both you and the baby are going to be fine." "Eddie is supposed to be here," she whimpered. "Yeah I know and I'm sorry, but my partner and I are going to get you and the baby through this. I'm Ann Marie, and if you need to yell or scream you go right ahead. You've got a big baby coming." She gave Hunter a quick smile. "You going to stand there looking ignorant or are you going to get a towel and a knife or scissors. We're about to have a baby here. Just don't let that operator go in case we have a problem." "Would me fainting count?" he groused seeing more blood and liquid than he wanted to. It was over ten minutes later. Adam Edward Rich entered the world red-faced and screaming loudly. "I was about to ask you if he was OK," the operator laughed. "I can hear for myself. And I'm just getting the word that the paramedics are arriving on scene. You guys OK then?" "We're all just fine." Hunter's sigh of relief was long and loud, and as soon as Ann Marie put the baby on Deborah's chest he pulled his partner into a long hug. "You had me plenty scared. I was afraid Susan had killed you." "I'm sorry. I'm just glad it's over." "Yeah me too. Hey we have a boss and a new father to notify you know." He rocked her to his chest, his fingers touching the goose egg bump that Susan's assault on her had left. "And we need to get this looked at." "Right now I'm pretty content right here in your arms." "Well that's where you're going to spend a good part of the rest of your life if there is a God who answers my prayers," he declared and gestured his head toward Deborah and the baby. "Does that look like something you and I want to do at some point? In a hospital of course please." "Yeah I think it just might be," she replied. "Of course there's a few steps along the way to that." ======================= Hunter and Ann Marie were on hand for the reunion a few short hours later when Edward Rich burst into the room of his wife and new son. Ann Marie watched with tears before Hunter gently pulled her from the room and to the hallway where they were both surprised to see Jacob Sizemore waiting. "Nice job you two" Jacob smiled. "Thank you sir" Hunter nodded. "We didn't expect to see you here." "I took the flight out with Commander Rich. I figured I'd see if you two were really all right and handle all the press that's going to be following us. You look a little weary there Ms. Baxter. I think the Commander needs to take you home." "Been a long day sir" she said with a weak smile as she leaned against Hunter. "Course it will also be in my report how this guy saved my six." "Well you delivered the baby" Hunter countered. "Both of you did a fine job. And I'll make sure everyone knows that. But if you want to escape the media frenzy that's going to occur shortly, I suggest you leave now. And I won't expect to see either of you tomorrow. Or the day after for that matter." "Thank you sir" Hunter smiled. "I don't suppose you have a ride for us back home do you?" "As a matter of fact there's a flight out of Wright Patterson that's leaving in a few hours for Andrews. Think you can make it." "We're on our way sir" Ann Marie smiled. "I just want to say goodbye to Deborah first." Jacob nodded and Ann Marie and Hunter cautiously made their way into the room, not wanting to interrupt the couple. "There they are" Deborah said as she pulled out of Edward's grasp. "Thank you so much for what you did. If you hadn't gotten there when you did, I don't know what would have happened." Her voice broke and the tears slid down her face. "Thank you. For saving me and my baby." "You're welcome ma'am" Hunter nodded. "We're just glad we got there in time." "How did you figure this all out?" Edward asked as he looked at them. "Ask my partner" Hunter smiled. "She's the brains of the operation." "We both figured it out" Ann Marie blushed. "And we're just glad everything turned out okay." Two hours later they boarded the Airforce plane that would take them home and at once Ann Marie closed her eyes. "You okay?" Hunter asked worriedly. "Your head still hurting?" "A little" she said as she opened her eyes and gave him a tired smile. "I'm just suddenly exhausted from everything. I guess now that the adrenaline rush is over, it all caught up with me." "Then relax against me and get some rest" he urged as he gently pulled her so her head could rest against his shoulder. "Thank you" she sighed. "For everything today." "Just don't scare me like that again" he whispered. "One minute I hear you call me and then you're gone. And I knew she'd hurt you but I didn't know how bad." "Sorry. But it all worked out." "And we'll be famous tomorrow" he said with a small smile. "Wait till Harm and Mac read about us." "We should call them now that this is all over" she murmured tiredly. "We will" he whispered. "You sleep while I hold you and continue to thank God you're okay." "I love you Hunter" she murmured as her eyes closed again. "I love you too," he said softly as he dropped a quick kiss. As he watched her sleep he couldn't help but wonder what secrets she had tucked away. There was Greg. And then how she knew so much about delivering a baby. "One day I know you'll tell me everything" he whispered as he stroked her cheek. "And if this Greg hurt you, he better never come near you again." The end....till the next chapter.