Date: Wed, 11 Jan 2012 20:50:26 -0500 (EST)
From: tmabare <tmabare@aol.com>
Subject: The Captain of My Dreams - 5

This story is a work of fiction.  The events in this story are fictional.
The characters in this story do not exist, any resemblance to real people
is purely coincidental.  This story contains erotic and/or sexually
explicit activities between consenting adults.  If you are under age, find
this type of work offensive, or it is illegal for you to view this, do not
read it.

The Captain of My Dreams -- Part 5
By tmabare
Copyright 2012

* * *
From Part 4
* * *

When Teddy was finished, he walked out and over to Edward, leaning in he
kissed him and Edward brought his hand to behind Teddy's head.  They held
the kiss for a minute before breaking and sitting for the landing.

Edward looked into Ted's eyes, "Babe, today is probably going to be a mad
house.  In case I forget to say it later, thank you."

"For what?"

"For bringing me home, for arranging a solicitor, and for just being you."
He leaned over and they kissed again.

They sat holding hands for the remainder of the flight, with Teddy's head
on Edward's shoulder.

* * *
Part 5
* * *

The landing was picture perfect and the journey through immigration was
easier than Ted expected.  When they emerged from the building with their
luggage, Teddy was surprised to see not only the vehicle from his office
but also a Range Rover parked next to it, with two men in dark suits.
Edward smiled and walked over to the men extending his hand.

"Tony, I'm surprised to see you here.  You didn't say you were going to
meet me."

"Edward, it's great to see you, you remember Andrew Greene.  We decided to
make sure you make it safely to Elizabeth."

"Thanks, mate."

Andrew nodded his head towards the Gulfstream parked on the tarmac, "That
was some ride you pulled up in.  How'd you swing that?"

Edward turned and waved Teddy, who had been hanging back, over to him,
"Tony Price, Andrew Greene, let me introduce Ted Jackson.  Ted runs Jackson
Global. Ted, Tony and Andrew are part of the Royal Protection Branch.  Tony
and I have known each other since school."

Ted shook both men's hands with a smile, "It's great to meet you both.
Thank you for helping Edward."

Andrew just smiled slightly as Tony talked, "Thank you for getting him home
so fast.  Why don't you two ride with us and we'll get your bags loaded in
the other vehicle."

Once the bags were taken care of, they all loaded up and were on the road
heading for Kensington.  Thankfully there wasn't much traffic this time of
the morning.  With Andrew driving, it gave Tony the time to go over with
Edward and Ted everything they had discovered so far.  Unfortunately, there
wasn't much they had been able to figure out.  The only highpoint was the
National Health Service was cooperating but there were still no reports of
anyone matching Mary's description.

During the ride Teddy found himself sitting as far away from Edward as
possible.  It was something Ted had consciously thought to do and it was
something Edward noticed immediately.  It felt to him if Teddy had put an
invisible barrier between them for some reason and he didn't like it.
Edward looked at Teddy and then back out the front window.  Edward moved
his hand to touch Teddy's, which was on the seat between them.  Teddy
quickly moved his hand away and Edward was shocked.  He couldn't figure out
what he'd done for Ted to pull away from him like this.

For his part Teddy spent most of the drive staring out the side window
looking at the sights of the city.  When he allowed himself to look over at
Edward, he was looking back at him with a blank expression Teddy couldn't
quite figure out.

When the group finally pulled up outside of Albert Court, Edward couldn't
believe it.  "Bloody hell, this is where your flat is?"

Ted was suddenly embarrassed for some reason.  "Um, yeah... come on Bess is
upstairs waiting."

Ted arranged with the porters and his driver to get all the bags up to the
flat. Then he and the other men headed into the building.  When they
entered the entryway Edward stopped momentarily a bit overwhelmed by the
stonework, plaster details everywhere and the red carpet underfoot.  To his
credit, he recovered quickly and continued walking towards the elevator.
Once on the third floor, Ted directed Edward to the flat's door.

As Teddy opened the door he was greeted by a very attractive young man in
jeans and a blue and maroon t-shirt.  The man's smile was warm and his
muscular body seemed very well defined.  His short brown hair and square
jaw would make him attractive to anyone he wanted.  Ted thought better than
to lean his head down and check the man out completely, it wasn't that he
was attracted to him but he was curious.

"Hello, you must be Mr. Jackson, I'm Devon Baker" He extended his hand and
grasped Ted's.  His handshake was firm and he made eye contact, something
that impressed Ted for someone so young.

"It's nice to meet you Devon.  Edward speaks very highly of you."

It was then that then Edward walked in and the young man came to attention.
"Please Devon, I can't tell you how much what you've done today means to
me.  I'll be eternally grateful."  He extended his hand toward the young
trooper.

"Thank you Captain, I'm just glad I could help you."  He shook Edward's
hand and then started speaking with Tony and Andrew to find out if they had
learned anything new.

Edward was looking around the entry way and down the long hallway that led
further into the flat.  He couldn't get over the size of the place and
wanted to explore, but his desire to see his daughter was greater than
anything else.

He looked at Teddy, "Where's Elizabeth?"

"I had Devon put her in the next bedroom."  Ted directed Edward to the next
doorway on the left.

"Thank you again."  Edward shook hands with Devon, Tony and Andrew as they
stood in the entryway.  When he opened the door to the bedroom he saw Bess
sleeping on the bed.  Edward noticed that some of the items from her room
at Mary's were now here and it looked like she had clothes hanging in the
closet.

Edward sat on the edge of the bed and gently touched Elizabeth's back.  She
woke immediately and smiled as she threw herself into his arms.  There were
tears in both of their eyes.

Ted was standing in the open doorway watching the scene, and trying his
hardest not to cry.  For some reasons, his emotions seemed to be in
overdrive.  He moved back to where the others were standing.
"Tony... Andrew...  Can I offer you some tea or something else to drink?"

"No, thank you.  We're going to be leaving."  Tony was smiling, and Ted
could swear he was staring at his neck.

Andrew finally spoke to Ted, "I have early duty at the palace.  I really
should try to get some sleep."

Tony looked at Andrew smiling and then back to Ted.  "Thank you again for
bringing him home.  I'll call if something comes up.  Will Edward be
staying with you?"

"For the time being he is." Ted suddenly felt very self-conscious.  "Thank
you both, again."

When they walked out the door the porters were there to deliver the bags.
When they left, it was just Ted and Devon in the entryway with the bags.
Teddy grabbed his suitcases and with help from Devon, headed toward his
bedroom.  Once inside he started to unpack his clothing, as they chatted
about Elizabeth's evening with Devon.  Ted wasn't sure what he should do
with Edward's bags while Devon was here.  Even with all Edward had said, he
wasn't going to be the one that announced their relationship to
anyone. Edward would have to do that himself, when he was ready.  Plus now
that they were in London he thought he would give Edward an out, in case he
had changed his mind about anything.

"Devon, why don't we leave Captain Smythe's bags in the entry for now?  I'm
not sure if he'll want to stay in the room with Elizabeth or the other
guest room."

With Ted leading the way, the two men moved off to the living room
overlooking Royal Albert Hall.  The room was comfortably furnished, and
wasn't as formal as many of the flats Ted had seen in the building.  He
always went more for comfort and function than looks.  Sitting on the
couches, Ted looked at Devon and tried to get a measure of the man in front
of him.  "I can't thank you enough for what you did today."

"It was nothing, sir.  Captain Smythe is a good man, and he has always
treated me with respect.  I was honored that he called and asked me to help
him."

"You're right, he is a good man.  But you still went out of your way to
help and that means a great deal to us."  As it came out, Teddy hoped that
Devon didn't catch it.  "Edward told me you were leaving the Army?"

"Yes, sir, only have a few weeks left.  I'm going to miss Captain Smythe
the most, he has been my role model and a hero to a lot of us. Please don't
tell him I said that, he doesn't see it in himself."

"Don't worry about it Devon, it's our secret.  What are you going to do
when you get out?"

Devon averted his eyes from Ted's and his voice was quieter when he spoke.
"I don't have any plans.  I don't even know where I'm going to live.
Things kinda happened too quickly."

"What time do you need to be back?"

"I should be heading back now that Captain Smythe is here.  I have duty in
the morning."

"Devon, why don't I have Viktor drive you back to Knightsbridge?"

"If you're sure it's not too much of an imposition, I can always walk."

"No need for you to walk, trust me, it's not an imposition."  Teddy reached
into his pocket and pulled out a business card.  "Devon, look, I'm not in
the army so I'm not bound by its rules.  I'd like to take you to lunch and
talk some more.  Do you think you would be free anytime soon?"

"Well, I'm free tomorrow afternoon.  I only have half a day's duty
tomorrow.  If that's too soon, we can figure out another time."

"No, that'd be perfect.  How about I send someone to pick you up at 12:30?"

"I look forward to it, Mr. Jackson."

"Perfect... and Devon?"

"Yes, sir."

"Remember, I'm just a civilian, so it's Ted.  Not sir and certainly not
Mr. Jackson."

"Thank you...  Ted." They shook hands again, and Devon walked down the hall
and grabbed his bag.  Ted met him at the door and made sure the driver
understood to take him to the barracks and then he was released for the
night.

When Teddy walked by the door to the room Elizabeth was in, Edward was
still sitting on the bed with her as he tried to get her to go back to
sleep.  Edward looked back at Ted and motioned him over.

"Bess, I want you to meet someone, this is daddy's friend Ted."  Edward
then turned to look into Teddy's eyes, "Ted this is my Elizabeth."

Teddy knelt down beside the bed and placed his hand on Edward's thigh
without thinking but quickly pulled his hand away when he realized what he
had done.  "Hello, Elizabeth.  I'm very happy to meet you.  Your dad has
told me all about you."

She extended her little hand towards Teddy, "Hello...  Daddy told me that
you brought him home to me, thank you."

"You're welcome. Do you need anything?"

She smiled and looked at Edward and then at him, "No, sir.  I'm doing
better now that daddy is here.  Can I ask you a question?"

"Of course you can."

"Daddy said you have a plane.  Can I see it?"

Edward and Teddy both smiled widely, "How about we do one better.  They're
going to move it tomorrow morning.  Would you like to go for a ride in it?"

Her face burst into a huge smile, "Oh daddy, can we?"

"Of course we can.  Now you better get back to sleep."

"Will you stay with me a little while longer?"  She then looked over
Edward's shoulder at Ted who was leaving the room "Goodnight, Mr. Ted."

"Goodnight."  Ted left the room heading off to his own bedroom.  Once there
he called Laura and John to let them know they arrived safely and he
updated them on what they had learned from Tony Price.  He then called
Viktor and explained the need to go to Heathrow in the morning.

When he was off the phone, he took some towels out of the closet and headed
for the shower.  While standing under the large rain head with his eyes
closed, he thought about the past few days.  He focused on today and the
implications it had for their future.  He shook his head after he thought
it, `it's strange to think that way, not my future anymore, but hopefully
ours.'

When he was finished, Ted got out of the shower and pulled on a pair of
boxer briefs and climbed into bed.  He didn't feel physically tired, but he
just didn't feel like being anywhere else.  He sent a text message to Jake
letting him know he wanted to change tomorrow's move a little and to let
Dustin know there would be guests for the move.  Before he knew it he had
fallen asleep.

Teddy was startled awake when he felt someone climb into bed with him.  He
turned to see Edward climbing in wearing just a pair of black boxer briefs.
Edward had obviously just gotten out of the shower and he smelled
incredible.  It was that soap and testosterone scent that Teddy loved so
much and as he smelled it his head started to spin.  Edward moved next to
Teddy and kissed him, "What a day, babe.  Who thought when we got up this
morning we'd end up here in London?"  Edward kissed Teddy tenderly, "Thanks
again babe, and this place IS amazing."

"I'm glad you like it.  We can change things around if you want to stay
here, or we can just look for a new place."  There was fear in his voice
when he said it, and he regretted it the minute it came out.

"Why wouldn't...  Babe, you've been acting off since we landed at Heathrow.
You're starting to worry me, what's going on?"

"Yeah, I guess I have been depressed."  Teddy reached out placed his hand
on Edward's bare chest.  He started to rub his fingers through the short
hair that was present.  He wasn't sure where to start, or what to say.

Edward could tell there was something very wrong, "Babe, are you trying to
distract me?  If you keep rubbing my chest, we're not going to talk.
Please tell me what's wrong.  I noticed that you left all my stuff in the
entry, trying to tell me something?"

"I feel like an idiot.  The minute we got out of customs it was like
everything changed.  It was like Savannah was a fantasy, and now we are
here and it felt like I'm not supposed to be with you."

Edward was confused and his voice showed it, "What the bloody hell are you
talking about?"

"Earlier all I wanted to do was hold your hand on the way from the airport,
but I knew I couldn't.  I was afraid to do or say anything..."

"Is that why you pulled away from me in the car and why you didn't want to
touch me in the other room?"

"I just don't want to cause any trouble.  I wasn't sure how Bess would
react to me touching you, let alone Tony and Andrew.  I left your bags in
the entry because I wasn't sure if you wanted to stay in here with me or if
you wanted to go in the other guest room because of Bess being here.  Plus,
I didn't want Devon to see me put your bags in here."  Teddy could feel his
eyes moisten.

"Come here."  Edward pulled Teddy closer, so Ted's head was resting on his
chest.  "Listen very carefully to what I am going to say.  You DO NOT need
to worry.  I want to be here with you... right in this room... in this
bed... with you every night.  As far as Bess in concerned, she already
likes you and she will soon love you as much as I do." Edward paused for a
moment.

Teddy's eye widened, `Did he just say...'

"Teddy, look at me."  He pulled Ted's face up so they were eye to eye,
"Looks like I just let the cat out of the bag.  I wasn't going to say
anything until I was sure how you felt, but...  I love you."  With that he
leaned in and kissed Teddy.  The hand that was on Ted's chin moved around
the back of his neck and held him in place.

When they finally broke the kiss, Ted could barely breathe.  "Edward, I've
wanted to tell you all day how I felt, but I was too scared.  I've been so
worried that I was going to put my feeling out there and you wouldn't feel
the same..."

Edward's next kiss stopped Ted from rambling.  "Babe, calm down."  His
laughter made Ted start laughing also.

"Sorry, when I'm around you my brain goes into overdrive sometimes."

"I know.  It's one of the things I find so attractive about you.  Listen, I
know you aren't going to do anything to embarrass either of us, so just be
yourself.  If you want to touch me, do it.  Because, I will sure being
touching you when I feel like it.  If some friend of mine can't handle the
fact that we love each other, then they don't need to be part of my life.
I think I know my friends well enough to know it won't be an issue."

"I'm sorry for being such a spaz.  I'll try to relax, and go with the flow.
There are just a couple more things."

"I knew there would be..."  There was that mischievous grin again.

"First off, so you know... I invited Devon for lunch tomorrow. I want to
talk to him."

"Babe, I can't..."

"Edward, I want to talk to him.  So I invited him, I'm not in the army.
What he did for you was important, and I want to see if there is anything I
can do to repay him."

After he thought about it for a moment, Edward finally spoke.  "You're
right babe, I'm sorry.  You aren't in the Army, so you can invite anyone
you want to your home."  Edward then squinted his eyes and looked at Teddy,
"What are you up to?"

"You're so suspicious...  well...  ok, maybe I am up to something."  Teddy
laughed.  "He's going to be leaving the army and he told me he didn't have
plans for a job or a place to live.  I figured if Bess really likes him
that much, maybe he could come and work for us.  You did say he used to
take care of his brothers and sisters, right?"

"Babe, you are something else, you know that?"

"Well, with both of us working, I figured we were going to need help with
Bess, and I would rather it be someone we know.  The important thing is
that you ok with this?  If you are not, we will make it work some other
way."

Edward stared off into space for a moment and then looked Teddy in the
eyes.  "I know you're right about needing help.  It's just the whole money
thing again."

"Edward, listen to me.  Money isn't going to change our love for each
other, our love for Bess, or our morals and values.  All it will do is make
our lives a little easier and in this case it's also going to provide a
good job and place to live for Devon."

"I know you're right.  Just remember this money thing is still hard for me.
So, what else?"

"What are you gonna tell Bess about us?"

Edward paused and looked up at the ceiling, "The truth, that we love each
other."

"When are you planning on doing it?"

"I thought we could tell her on our little plane ride tomorrow.  You do
know you don't have to do that?"

"I thought she could use the distraction with everything going on."

"Always thinking of others aren't you?"  Edward leaned over and kissed
Teddy's forehead.

"Well... Maybe... I'm trying to score brownie points too."

"You don't need to do that.  Just be yourself and she will fall for you
like I did."  Edward said it as he leaned over and kissed Teddy on the
lips.  "Do you want to try to sleep some more?  Not sure my body is going
to know what time it is in the morning."

Instead of answering, Teddy rolled over and backed into Edward, who wrapped
his arms around him for their now normal sleeping position.  Teddy pulled
Edward's hand to his mouth and kissed it, "I love you."

Edward responded by placed his lips close to Teddy's ear, "I love you
more."

* * *

The sound of his mobile phone ringing brought Edward out of his slumber.
He didn't even look at the caller ID, "Edward Smythe."

"Edward, it's Tony Price.  Sorry to wake you mate."

"It's ok Tony.  Do you have some news?"

"I'm not sure.  There was a 999 call about an hour ago for an unidentified
female found in a hotel over near the Camden Locks.  She's unconscious and
suffering from an apparent drug overdose.  She fits Mary's description, but
this woman didn't have any identification on her."

"Where is she?" As Edward said it he realized Teddy was awake and trying
not to move.  As Teddy tensed, Edward pulled him tighter into his chest,
which made both of them relax.

"University College Hospital, off of Euston Road, do you know where it is?"

"Yes, I'll meet you there."

"Listen, I have to drive past you to get there, how about I pick you up?"

"Sounds great Tony, how soon will you be here?"

"About twenty minutes."

"Ok, I'll meet you down front.  Thanks Tony."

"No problem mate, see you shortly... Hey...  Tell Ted I'm sorry to wake him
up."

"Ah... Yeah, I'll tell him..."  With that the line went dead.  Edward
thought to himself, `How did he know he woke Teddy up?'

Ted rolled over so he could see Edward's face, "What's going on?"

"They found a female who matches Mary's description that overdosed in a
hotel in Camden.  They took her to University College Hospital and Tony is
going to pick me up on his way over there."  Edward decided to not mention
the last comment.  He knew it would just make Ted nuts worrying about it.

"What time is it?"  Teddy tried to lean over Edward to look at the alarm
clock.

"Seven-thirty, I guess I better tell Bess we can't go flying."

Teddy grabbed Edward's arm as he started to get out of the bed.  "Why don't
I go ahead and take her?  There is no sense in her going to the hospital
unless we know something for sure.  I think it would just upset her for no
reason if it's not Mary."

"As usual, you're right.  Let's get some clothes on and wake her up."

After climbing from bed and dressing they headed down the hall to the
bedroom where Elizabeth had slept.  When they got there she was sitting on
the floor playing.  When she heard the men enter her room, she looked up at
them and smiled.  She ran over to Edward and jumped into his arms for a hug
and kissed him on the cheek.  "Morning, daddy."

"Good morning, my love."  Edward kissed her forehead.

Elizabeth then looked over Edward's shoulder at Teddy, "Good morning,
Mr. Ted."

"Hello Bess, did you sleep ok?"

"Yes, sir."

Still holding Bess, Edward sat down on the bed.  "Bess, I need you to do
something for me today.  I have to go do some work things this morning.
Mr. Ted is going to take you on your plane ride, is that ok with you?"

She looked at Ted and smiled, "Yes, sir."

"I've got to leave in a few minutes, so I want you behave for Mr. Ted."

"Yes, sir."

Edward put her down and she started to get dressed for the day.  Walking
out the door Edward grasped Teddy's hand and pulling him further into the
hallway.

"Thank you for looking after her.  I'll call you when I know anything."  He
reached behind Teddy's neck and pulled him into a deep kiss, when he broke
it he looked deeply into Ted's eyes.  "I love you.  I'll see you in a
little while."

"I love you too."  Teddy leaned in and gave Edward another quick kiss and
then he walked him to the door of the flat, letting him out.  "I almost
forgot, here."  He handed Edward a key to the flat, and then watched him
walk to the elevator and stood there until the lift doors closed.

When he turned around Elizabeth was dressed and in the doorway to her room.
"Mr. Ted, are you ok?  You look sad."

Teddy didn't realize that his sadness at the thought of being apart from
Edward showed on his face.  This would be the longest they had been apart
since they met.  He made an effort to smile and remember that it was
important to be there for Elizabeth today.  "I'm sorry, Bess.  I was just
thinking.  Do you want some breakfast?"

* * *

When Edward jumped into the Range Rover he noticed Tony was by himself and
smiling at Edward.  "Morning, Edward."

"Morning mate, where's Andrew?"

"He's at the palace this morning.  Did you guys get any sleep?"

"Yeah, we slept great."  Edward turned to look out the window when he said
it and felt himself blush ever so slightly.

Tony raised his eyebrows, nodded his head slightly and smiled a little
wider.  "Mate, how long have we known each other?"

"Since my parents came back from Australia, what is that... ten years now?"

"There is something different about you.  Since the ambush and that shit
with Mary, you haven't been yourself.  Now, all of the sudden, I see you
yesterday and you actually looked happy.  The happiest I've ever seen you.
What's up?"

"Where do I start?"  Edward seriously had no clue where he should start
this conversation.

"Mate it's bloody obvious you're in love and it's even more obvious who
you're in love with."

Edward sat there looking out the side window, and finally turned toward
Tony.  "How the fuck did you figure it out?"  Edward tried not to sound too
shocked even though he was.  He did however smile and there was slight
laugh in his voice.

"Damn mate, you couldn't stop looking at him last night.  Andrew said he
spotted it as soon as you guys were getting off of the plane.  I think for
me it was him wearing your shirt that started me to really think about it,
not to mention that impressive love bite on his neck.  Then there is the
way you two interact with each other, not that just anyone would pick up on
it.  It's almost as if you two feed off of each other's energy somehow.
You always position yourselves so you're close to each other or you have a
direct line to the other.  On the way to the flat last night, it also
seemed like he was fighting the urge to get close to you and it was
bothering you, right?"

"Well, I'll be damned."  Edward paused for a minute looking out the window,
before he turned back towards Tony.  "You ok with it mate?"

"Fuck, why wouldn't I be?"  Tony laughed for a second and then continued,
"Andrew and I are civil partners."

"For crying out loud, why didn't you ever tell me?"

"Mate, have you ever looked at yourself lately?  You can be a little
intimidating, even for us armed police officers.  Besides, you never once
gave me any clue that it would be cool with you.  I mean, you never said
anything against gays but at the same time you never said anything remotely
supportive either.  I've known the whole time I knew you I was gay, but I
didn't want to lose your friendship over it.  I'm sorry I wasn't honest
with you before now."

Edward sat quietly looking and feeling like he had been scolded.  "Tony,
I'm sorry if I ever gave you the impression that I wouldn't have been
supportive.  Even before I knew I had these feelings, I never had anything
against gays but I should have been more vocal to a lot of people about my
support I guess.  I'm sorry that I wasn't there for you, mate, we've been
friends for a long time.  Now that I know about you, I guess I've always
somehow known, but since I wasn't looking for it I never acknowledged it.
To be honest, this is all so very new to me and I am still having some
problems adjusting.  I've never had feelings for another bloke before.
But... all that changed when I met Teddy.  He opened my eyes to what I've
been missing my whole life, and I do love him more than anyone."

Tony reached his hand over and placed it on Edward's shoulder and squeezed,
"I'm happy for you mate!  I could already tell he makes you happy.  Have
you told your parents and your brother yet?"

"No, this has all sort of happened quickly.  We weren't planning on coming
to London, you know?  We thought we were going to vacation together for a
few weeks and then decide what we were going to do."

"True.  Well, Andrew and I are here for you two.  If you need anything let
us know."

"Thanks, mate."

* * *

For Teddy the morning had been an experience he loved.  His time with the
twins never prepared him for a four year old girl.  Elizabeth was similar
in some way, but so very different than his nephews.  The time they were
spending together allowed him to see how much she was like her father.  She
even had the same beautiful eyes.

Shortly after they finished breakfast the driver showed up to take them to
Heathrow.  The traffic wasn't as bad as Teddy had seen it in the west end,
but it was bad enough that he called to tell Jake they may be late.

Elizabeth and Ted talked their entire trip to the airport.  She had so many
questions about Ted that he felt he was being interrogated.  This was
something that he was used though, the twins were the same way.  Talking
with Bess made him miss the twins, and he wondered how the three would get
along.

"Mr. Ted, how long have you known my daddy?"

Ted wasn't sure how to answer, "Not very long, why?"

"I saw him kiss you this morning.  I've never seen him do that with anyone
but mommy."

Ted was sure he had that deer in the headlight look on his face.  `Where is
Edward when I need him?'  He tried to think of how to answer.  "Did it
upset you?"

"No.  Daddy looked happy."

"How about you ask your dad when we see him later?"

"Yes, sir."  With that she changed the subject and went back to firing
questions at Ted.

* * *

Tony showed his credentials to the nurse at the desk in the A&E (Emergency
Room), "I'm Inspector Price.  We're here about the female brought in a
little while ago.  The drug overdose."

"Yes Inspector, we were told to expect you.  She's in number four, just
over there on the left."

"Thank you."  He turned towards Edward, "Are you ready?"

Edward nodded, "Let's get this over with."

The walk to the bed was short, and he took a breath before walking behind
the curtain.  "Yeah, that's her."  On the bed was an unconscious Mary.
Edward realized in a split second he truly had no feelings or concern for
this woman any more.  His only thoughts at that moment were of Teddy and
Bess.

"You ok?" Tony placed his hand on Edward's shoulder.

"Yeah, I just want to know what happened to her.  How she could leave
Elizabeth and go out to do drugs.  Do you know anything about what happened
yet?"

"No, I figured if it was her, we could go to the local office and talk to
the detective."

"Let's go, I don't need to be here."  With that Edward turned his back on
the women who had been the center of his life and walked out without
looking back.

* * *

Pulling up to the Gulfstream the driver positioned Elizabeth's door towards
the jet. Ted noticed that Jake and Dustin were waiting at the base of the
stairs.  When they stopped, Dustin walked forward, opened the door and then
he leaned down.

"You must be Elizabeth, I'm Dustin.  I hear you are going to fly with us
this morning."

"Yes, sir."  She was smiling widely.

"Well, why don't you come and meet Captain West, he`s been waiting to talk
with our special guest."

Elizabeth turned and looked at Ted, they were both smiling.  Ted felt his
cell phone vibrating in his pocket, "Go ahead Bess.  I'll be there in a
minute."

He removed the phone from his pocket and saw it was Edward, "Hey babe."

"Hey... it was her."

"How is she?"

"Still unresponsive, but at least now we know where she is, just not what
happened.  Tony and I are headed over to the local station to talk to the
detective working the case.  How are you two doing?"

 "Ok, we just got to Heathrow.  She's out there talking with Dustin and
Jake, who are both fawning over her.  I miss you babe."

"I miss you too and I wish I was there with you."

"I wish you were too...  Oh, listen... so you know, she saw us kissing this
morning and she asked me about it."

There was a pause on the other end, "What'd you tell her?"

Teddy smiled.  "I told her she's going to have to ask you when she saw you
later."

"So in other words you chickened out?"  Edward laughed when he said it.
"I'm kidding."

"You're damned right I did.  Well, I better get going before I lose my
flight crew to your daughter.  Looks like she has them wrapped around her
little finger already."

"Ok... Hey babe, just so you know, Tony and Andrew know about us."  Edward
smiled at Tony sitting next to him.

There was concern in his voice when he spoke.  "I'm sure you'll explain
that later, but I take it everything's ok."

"Yeah babe, everything's great.  I love you, call me when you land."

"I will, oh by the way, I'm giving her the royal treatment today.  We are
going to fly from Biggin Hill to the London Metropolitan Heliport after we
land.  Think you can meet us there?"

"I'll try... Call me when you get to Biggin Hill."

"Ok and Edward... I love you too."  He flipped closed his phone, ending the
call.

By the time Ted stepped from the car Jake had Elizabeth in his arms and was
walking around the outside of the plane showing and explaining everything
to her.

Walking onto the plane Ted could smell the cookies, time to see if
Elizabeth likes them as much as her father.  Dustin was apparently pulling
out all of the stops for the young girl.

* * *

"DS Morgan?  I'm Inspector Price, Royal Protection Branch.  This is Captain
Edward Smythe, Household Calvary."  Both men extended their hands.

"Amanda Morgan, nice to meet you both."  She shook the men's hands before
moving her hand towards the chairs at her desk.  "I have to tell you I was
surprised when I got a call from Protection Command this morning."

"Sorry, Edward is an old friend of mine, and we've taken a personal
interest in his wife's disappearance."

"I understand Inspector and I'd do that same if it was friend of mine.
Well, let me tell you what I do know."  She paused as she adjusted herself
in her chair.  "When the uniforms arrived they found her unresponsive in a
room at the Holiday Inn at Camden Locks.  We located an amount of narcotics
in the room, mainly ecstasy and cocaine that would qualify for a charge of
supplying.  From interviews with hotel staff we discovered that she was a
guest in the room of a man who had checked in earlier in the day.  We're
trying to run him down, but it appears he used a false name.  We've got
surveillance footage and we're checking CCTV feeds from the area, trying to
identify him.  It looks like when she overdosed he fled the hotel.  From
the footage we think he had a large amount of narcotics and didn't want to
risk being caught with it if he called 999 from inside the room."

Edward just sat there.  How could he not have known his ex was doing drugs?
Thinking back to her change in personality he wondered if she had started
while he was in Afghanistan.  "Thank you.  Are you going to charge her with
anything?"

"DCI Willis and I were just discussing that this morning.  We haven't made
a decision yet."

Tony leaned forward placing his forearm on her desk, "DS Morgan, I don't
want to interfere in any decision you and your superior make, but if I
could give you some background to consider?"

"Of course, Inspector."

"This woman left her small daughter while she met this man in a hotel room
and used narcotics to the point where she overdosed.  I think it would be
in the best interest of that little girl if you charged the mother with
everything you can.  Plus you may want to considered additional charges
because of the abandonment.  Edward, do you have a problem with that?"

Edward thought for a moment, "No, none at all.  I want to make sure that
unless she's completely clean, she doesn't get anywhere near our daughter."

Amanda Morgan sat quietly and looked at both men, "Thank you for telling
me.  I can assure you, she'll be charged and when she's released from
hospital she'll be brought here."

* * *

The flight from Heathrow to Biggin Hill took a little longer than it should
have, mainly because Jake and Mark wanted to give Elizabeth a ride to
remember.  To say they took the scenic route would be an understatement.
Ted didn't mind though, the look on Elizabeth's face as she sat glued
looking out the window made it all worth it.

The landing at Biggin Hill was a little bumpy, which brought an apology
from the cockpit.  Mark explained that crosswinds at the airport and a
sudden change of direction at the last moment caused a lurch onto the
runway.  They quickly pulled up outside the Jackson Global hanger and shut
the engines down.  Before Bess left the aircraft she thanked everyone
repeatedly and Dustin gave her a bag with some more cookies in it, telling
her to share them with her dad.  When they finally walked down the stairs
Bess's eyes grew as big as saucers when she saw the helicopter sitting on
the ramp next to the Gulfstream.

"Wow, look at that.  I wonder who's that is.  Do you think we could go look
at it?"

"Of course I think we can go look at it."  Teddy smiled down to her and
then got down on one knee to be at eye level with her.  "In fact, we are
going to take it back to London."

"Really?"  She smile seemed even wider, if that was possible.

"Why don't you go over there and talk to the pilot.  He can show you around
while I make a phone call."

She ran over to the young pilot and started talking animatedly to him.

Ted pulled his cell phone and called Edward.  After the first ring he was
rewarded with the voice he was dying to hear, "Hey babe."

"Hey yourself soldier boy.  Where are you?"

"We're on the way to the heliport.  You at Biggin Hill?"

"Yeah, we just got off the plane and are about to leave for London.  We
should be there in fifteen to twenty minutes."

"Ok, I'll be waiting for you. Tony said he will drop me off, since he needs
to get to the palace.  What time is your lunch with Devon?"

"I told him I'd have someone pick him up at twelve-thirty."

"Ok, I'll see you in a few minutes.  Love you."

"I love you too."

* * *

The short flight from Biggin Hill to the London Metropolitan Heliport was
quick and uneventful.  Elizabeth sat next to Ted and half way through she
started to hold his hand and held it for the rest of the flight.  As they
circled the heliport Ted was able to look out the window and saw Edward
standing next to the fence waiting for them.

"There's daddy!"

"Sure is.  Now Bess, when we land I need you to stay with me and hold my
hand until we're away from the helicopter, ok?"

"Yes, sir."

When the Dauphin set down, Elizabeth sat right next to Ted and held his
hand tightly as the door was opened and they stepped onto the tarmac.  True
to her word, when they started to walk towards Edward she stayed right by
Ted's side holding his hand.  When they were at the gate, she finally ran
towards Edward and jumped into his arms.

By the time Ted had reached them, Edward was placing Bess back on the
ground.  Edward turned toward Ted and pulled him into a hug.  He leaned
over and whispered into Teddy's ear, "I missed you...  I stopped by the
store earlier and got some things we needed."

Teddy blushed and grinned at him. Edward climbed in the back seat with
Elizabeth and Teddy sat up front.  As they drove through the west end,
Edward leaned forward and had his hand around the left side of the seat and
held Teddy's hand.  After Elizabeth was asleep Edward filled Teddy in on
the visit with DS Morgan.

Teddy sounded a little excited.  "This is something you need to talk to
Mr. Blackburn about.  He needs to know so he can use it during the custody
hearing."

"I already called him babe.  He wants to see if he can convince Mary to
sign away her parental rights.  If she won't he said he's going to file for
a permanent custody order as soon as he can get a hearing, but there are
some things that we have to talk about before then.  He's concerned that my
career is going to cause problems."

"Have you told him about us?"

"No, I didn't think it was my place."

"Babe, tell him, you don't ever have to worry about outing me.  It's no
secret at work or to most of our customers.  Let him decide if our
relationship would help or hurt."

"It won't hurt."

* * *

By the time they reached the flat it was just after eleven and Elizabeth
had fallen asleep as they crossed King's Road.  Edward carried Bess up to
the flat and placed her gently on her bed, kissing her head before he
walked out to the hallway to find Ted.

Teddy was standing in the living room, looking out the window at the Albert
Memorial when Edward walked up behind him and hugged him tightly.  "You ok
babe?"

"Yeah, just thinking about today and how nice it was.  About half way to
the heliport she reached over and grabbed my hand.  She held it until she
ran over to you."

"I told you she liked you.  See, there is nothing to worry about and she
sure seemed to have fun with you.  When you talk to him next, thank Dustin
for the cookies."

"I will let him know, or you can tell him the next time you see him."

Edward was lightly kissing Teddy's neck as he was talking.  "Where are you
going to take Devon for lunch?"

"Well...  I thought about taking him to The Orangery, but..."

Edward pulled his face away a little and tried to sound concerned.  "Ut
oh...  Why do I suddenly feel a surprise coming?"

"Do you think he would like a home cooked meal?"

"You cook?" Edward tried to sound shocked.

Teddy put a soft elbow thrust into Edward's ribs, "See if I make anything
for you now." It brought a laugh to both of them.

"I know I shouldn't be surprised about anything when it comes to you.  Is
there time to cook something?"  Edward nibbled Teddy's ear lobe after he
finished the question.

"Yeah, the place is stocked and I've got over an hour.  What do you think?
I just want to do something nice for him.  Think he'd appreciate something
here more than going out?  But, if we keep this up I won't get anything
done."

"Ok, I'll try to behave."  Edward and Teddy both knew that wasn't entirely
true and it made them both smile.  "I'm not sure the last time he's had a
home cooked meal, babe.  He hasn't left the barracks much in the last few
months."

"Ok, then here it is."  Teddy paused, "Is this going to cause any problems?
I know you ca..."

"It's ok, babe.  Remember, he's your guest, just like I am."

Teddy turned around to face Edward, "Is that what you are?  My guest?"

Edward flashed his grin again, "You know what I mean... As far as everyone
else is concerned this minute, I'm just a guest."

"When Devon leaves, we are going to sit down and work some stuff out.
Deal?"

"Of course, Babe."  Edward pulled Teddy's face to his and kissed him.  He
had never felt such power before as when kissing Teddy.  Teddy had his hand
on the back of Edward's head and was rubbing his fingers through Edward's
hair.  Edward felt himself wanting to do a little more than kissing when he
felt a little hand touch his leg.  He slowly pulled back from Teddy and
turned his head to look at Elizabeth who was looking up at him with wide
eyes.

"Daddy, why are you kissing Mr. Ted?"

* * *

Thank you everyone for that has sent me e-mails of support.  I love hearing
from you and I am trying to answer them all.  I hope you enjoy Part 6 and
hopefully Part 7 will be out in a few days.  There is still a long way to
go in the story of Teddy and Edward.

T
* * *