Those Amber Eyes

Chapter 30 - The Calm Before The Storm

POV: Ash

"The President, his Chief of Staff, the Secretary of State, and the current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs have all been notified. The FBI and CIA are involved. The CIA have had a man on the inside for two years," Uncle Alex said.

"Who all is involved?"

"Senator Thomas Spencer and Judge Advocate General Richard McManus. Spencer was the brains behind the whole thing."

"That explains why McManus was so gung-ho for me to join Alex. Where are they now?"

"We are assuming they are wherever Alex is. Neither are home, and have not been seen in 48 hours. Both spouses said the men had traveled on business. The Senator was flying to Miami, McManus flew into New Orleans. Alex suspected they would use her, or you, as leverage to get Nico's deathbed confession."

"What's stopping the spouses from contacting their husband's?"

"That would be the FBI. Both homes have been sized, their offices searched and sealed."

I paced the living room while Scarlett, Lizzie and Florence sat quietly. Little Rose was watching TV, oblivious to what was going on.

"Why do they want me? What could they possibly hope to gain from taking me, or hell, even Alex?"

"These are desperate men Ashlyn, they have nothing to lose at this point. They have no idea what Nico confessed, they have no idea Nico had all that evidence hidden. I guess they are hoping, by taking you and Alex, they can get away with treason, again."

"Ok, now what Alex presented at the JAG meeting makes more sense. She made it seem like Nico didn't give up her other partners. Wait, I get it now. They think Alex is going to retrieve the evidence. They have no idea she already knows. Who is being sent?"

"The FBI is already on the ground in Panama, they are monitoring the situation. We are also dispatching the Seal Extraction team, once we have confirmation McManus and Spencer are on the ground."

"Contact General Downs, advise him I am going in with the Seals. I want my sisters, my nieces, Scarlett, Lizzie, Scarlett's family moved to Mom and Dad's estate."

"Ashlyn...."

"No, Uncle Jack. I get it. Alex is looking out for me, but she would do the same thing if the roles were reversed. The same way you would go if it was Dad."

"I watched my Uncle sigh, he knew I was right. I will make the necessary calls, and I need all of you ready in an hour."

"I'll contact Keven and advise him of what is happening."

I walked Uncle Jack to the door, and he turned, smiling at me. "You are stubborn, just like your damn Father."

I smiled at him as he walked to his waiting car. He's not wrong.

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POV: Scarlett

I sat, listening to Jack tell us what was happening. Lizzie was holding my hand as she listened, tears streaming down her face.

I heard Ashlyn say she was going, and my head snapped up. No, she promised me she wouldn't leave again, she promised me she was done fighting. I felt as helpless as I did the night she told me she was being deployed to Afghanistan, but I wasn't going to run this time.

"Scarlett? You ok?" Florence asked.

"I'm fine." I replied, looking at the younger women. She smiled at me, but I could tell she was scared for me.

"Scarlett, Lizzie, I just got off the phone with Kevin and explained what is happening, and he is going to pause production for a few days. At least until everyone is safe. I need you both to pack a bag, I'm having you moved to mom and Dads. Florence, you're welcome to come too."

I just nodded my head at her, my thoughts all over the place. I made my way to my bedroom, and started packing a bag. I looked up when I heard her enter our room.

"Are you not packing a bag?" I asked Ash, as she came into the room.

"My gear is being delivered to Mom and Dads. I will make sure everyone is settled before I join the Seal team." she said

"I need to get Rose a bag," I said absent-mindedly.

"Scar, baby, look at me," she said as I felt her arms wrap around me.

I turned to face her, looking up into her eyes. I could almost see the fear, the uncertainty in them. I lifted my hand, caressing her cheek. "I don't want you to go." I whispered.

She took my hand, kissing it. "Baby girl, I have to. She would do the same for me, and you know it. Now, finish packing, I will take care of little Rose."

She kissed me softly, and I watched her head to Rose's room.

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POV: Lizzie

My mind is spiraling. I'd rather believe that Alex had ghosted me, and that she wasn't captured and being held against her will. Was she OK? Had they hurt her?

I sat on my bed, playing with my rings, trying to collect my thoughts.

"Lizzie? Are you alright?" Florence asked as she sat beside me.

"Hey, sorry, yes, I'm ok. My thoughts are getting the better of me. She is going to be ok."

Flo wrapped her arms around me. "Yes, she will be, Lizzie. It sounds like they have everything under control. I know I don't know her, or Ashlyn that well, but I am thinking good thoughts."

I had to laugh at her positivity. She was such a wonderful person, and I'm so glad she has joined the MCU I can see why Scarlett adores her

"Come on love, let's get your bags packed and we can head out." Flo said with a smile.

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POV: Ash

The ride to the airport was quiet. Scarlett curled into my side, little Rose clinging to me. Thank God for Florence, she seemed to have a calming effect on Lizzie.

"Ash, we are here," Uncle Jack said.

The car pulled up to a private plan on the tarmac. I watched as their bags were carried to the waiting plane. I carried little Rose, while Scarlett, Lizzie and Flo boarded ahead of me.

Once we were all seated and buckled in, the pilot let us know we had been cleared and he was taxiing. Our flight would land in approximately two hours.

While in the air, Scarlett again, curled into my side, Rose napped against my chest, and I reviewed the Extraction details from Uncle Jack.

I won't lie, I'm terrified. I have no idea what we will find when we get in. I hope my best friend, my sister, is alive. I sigh, placing the packet in my case.

I looked at the sleeping women, curled up against me, and I wanted to cry. I had promised her I was done, and now I'm running off again. I don't think it's hit her yet, and I'm not looking forward to it when it does. I leaned my head against hers, closing my eyes for a bit.

This is the calm before the storm.

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A/N: This... Is the Calm.... Before The Storm.... Buckle In, its gonna be a rough ride.

Word Count: 1154