Rating: PG-13
Disclaimers: Who would claim it?
Summary: Loose ends are mostly resolved as Clay becomes ready to leave Number 5.
Author�s Note: �And now, the end is near / And so I face the final curtain. / My friends, I'll say it clear; / I'll state my case of which I'm certain: / Yes, there were times, I'm sure you knew, / When I bit off more than I could chew, / But through it all, when there was doubt, / I ate it up and spit it out. / I faced it all and I stood tall / And did it my way.� Sappy, but accurate ?
===============================================================
Memorial Day, 2003
MUSA Hilton, Main Lobby
Port City of Montevideo, Uruguay
AJ stopped in his tracks as he became aware of the stunned expressions traveling between himself and Porter Webb. *Damn!*
Before anyone could even collect their thoughts, AJ had guided Meredith to the bank of elevators and stabbed at the call button. The others silently followed, still trying to figure out if they had heard Porter correctly. Mac was the first to venture forth a question.
�Admiral, what---?�
�Not now, Colonel!� AJ cut her off decisively.
�But, sir, what did---?� Mac persisted before being cut off once again.
�That�s enough, Colonel,� AJ stoically intoned. The elevator arrived at that moment and as the wary group entered the car, an uncomfortable silence ensued. When the Admiral punched in their separate floors, it became obvious to all that he considered the matter closed. Victor and Harm raised their eyebrows at one another while Meredith gave Mac�s hand a reassuring squeeze. Mac smiled briefly at Meredith�s unspoken promise and focused her attention on the floor indicator lights.
AJ and Meredith were the first to reach their floor. As they stepped off, AJ gave a blistering look to Porter before ignoring everyone else and stalking down the carpeted hallway. Meredith, recognizing the rage simmering within AJ, shrugged her shoulders and caught up with her fianc� at the door of their room. Before the elevator doors could fully close, the remaining passengers observed the Admiral repeatedly swipe his keycard before Meredith gently took charge and unlocked their door.
Once the elevator was once again in motion, Harm, Mac, and Victor focused their attention on Porter�s smugly innocent expression.
�What�s going on, Mrs. Webb?� Harm asked into the silence.
�You may call me Porter, Harmon. I thought we had agreed on that,� Porter sweetly replied.
Victor and Mac exchanged confused glances, but decided to let Harm lead the way. It would take a lot of charm to wrangle information out of Porter Webb, and neither felt up to the task.
�You�re right. I�m sorry, ma�am. Porter�,� Harm smiled persuasively, ��would you be so kind as to explain what just happened down in the lobby?�
�Certainly, dear. I thought you understood. It seemed perfectly obvious to me, after all. Oh, well,� Porter smirked---not a patented Clayton Webb smirk, but all three could see where he�d acquired the gesture---�I believe that we were all just effectively stonewalled by one annoyed Admiral.�
Porter quickly looked over at Mac for confirmation, �Would you disagree, dear?�
�Uh, no. No. He was definitely annoyed,� Mac smiled uncertainly. �I don�t know if I�d call that stonewalling, though�,� she trailed off.
�Of course he was, Sarah dear,� Porter�s expression remained open and innocent although they all knew by now that she was anything but. Clayton Webb�s mother was one shrewd operator and they would be wise not to forget it.
Harm tried the direct approach. �What was he not telling us, Porter? Was he really a close friend of your husband�s?�
Porter�s sharp eyes confronted Harm�s, but her expression remained that of open innocence. �Now, Harmon, that�s obviously not my story to tell. It would be inappropriate of me to assume such a responsibility,� she chided. The elevator arrived at their floor and Victor gestured both ladies off before him. Harm followed close behind.
In the corridor, Porter waved her hands in an airy gesture and shook her head, �No, I�m not the correct person to ask, Harmon. I�m merely a mother, euphoric over her son�s dramatic recovery, and eager to get him back home.� At her door, she competently utilized the key card, stepped inside and added, �But, my dears,� Porter paused, as though searching for the correct words. Finally, looking up at their faces, Porter allowed the mischief to twinkle in her eyes. �If, in my euphoria, I allowed some irrelevant reference to upset the Admiral, well� I�m sure it will come to naught. Good night!�
Harm stared at the closed door and swore, �I�ll be damned, I�ll be *damned*---Hell, she�s good!�
He looked from Victor to Mac, surprised they hadn�t seen what Porter had revealed. �Don�t you two get it? C�mon, Mac. Surely you saw through her game?�
He studied their tired expressions as he waited. Mac figured Victor could wait for the grand revelation, but she was sick of trying to figure out things today. �Spill it, Harm, before I put my training to use.�
�She was fishing, Mac! She was fishing for information and the admiral took the bait. I don�t even think he realizes it yet---or maybe he did and that�s why he was so angry. The thing is, she got exactly what she wanted---confirmed something she had suspected---or, got fact from rumor, hell, I don�t really know! But I�ll bet you the reaction she got from the old man was the icing on her cake, today!� Harm finished triumphantly.
Victor looked interested, but Mac found she was just too tired to care. She grabbed the keycard from Victor�s hand, swiped it, and entered the suite. While the men ordered room service and began to dissect their new little mystery, Mac curled up on the overstuffed couch and kicked off her shoes. Content to listen to their idle chatter, she fell into a soothing, dreamless sleep.
Meanwhile, Harm apprised Kershaw of Clay�s upgraded condition and passed on the information about Edward Hardy. Kershaw seemed unsurprised at hearing Hardy�s name, and was more concerned about retrieving Clay and debriefing him as soon as possible. Harm assured the Deputy DCI that he was on it and would corner the doctors for a release time. He then passed his cell over to Victor as per Kershaw�s instructions. After two �yes, sirs� and a nod of his head, Victor returned the cell to Harm and resumed the call on his own cell that had been interrupted.
Periodically, the men would glance up from their discussions or eat from the trays they had ordered, but basically, they watched over Mac while she slept. Time was running out in Uruguay. Victor was to return to his unit at Asuncion in twnty-four hours. Harm had been granted the same amount of time to get Clay out of Montevideo.
===============================================================
Memorial Day, 2003
AJ & Meredith�s Hotel Room
Port City of Montevideo, Uruguay
AJ stalked into the room and flung himself into the overstuffed red chair near the window. Running his hands over his head, he glanced up at Meredith who was still standing at the doorway.
�No!� he forestalled her.
�But, AJ, what�s this all about? How could a statement about one of your friends bend you out of shape like this?� Meredith was truly perplexed.
�No, Meredith, we�re not doing this. That woman is out of her twisted mind! No, this ends now, right now.� AJ took a couple of deep breaths, but he was still too worked up to calm down.
�Hon, this is ridiculous,� Meredith attempted to reason, �Porter made one innocent comment and you�.�
�Innocent, my ass! That woman is dangerous. She set me up, goddamnit! I let down my guard for one minute and look what she did. Hell, no, she�s not innocent. She�s a manipulative, nut-cracking bi---!�
�AJ!� Meredith was truly shocked; not at AJ�s anger and language---she was used to that. It was the cause of that anger. �Porter Webb is a gracious lady whose son was nearly tortured to death. We�ve eaten with her, shared stories with her, and laughed with her. I just don�t get your attitude. I really don�t. Everything was going fine until she mentioned her husband. The woman compliments you and out of the blue you hold it against her. You have a serious attitude problem and I suggest you get over it before seeing that poor woman again!�
AJ didn�t see the point in trying to explain what had happened to Meredith, but felt he had to give it a shot. �Meredith, I don�t have an attitude problem, you have a perception problem. That woman tricked me into admitting that I knew her husband.�
�But you didn�t say a word to confirm it, hon.� Meredith really was trying to understand.
�No, I didn�t, but you know what they say: actions speak louder than words,� AJ almost whispered.
He saw the comprehension dawn in Meredith�s soft eyes. �Is there a reason why you shouldn�t know Clay�s father?�
�Several,� was his clipped response
�Major one?� she probed.
Closing his eyes and regretting the pat answer he had to give, AJ heaved a sigh and solemnly told Meredith, �That�s classified.�
�I can accept that,� was her surprising response. AJ slowly nodded his thanks as she sat on the arm of his chair and rubbed his shoulder. Slowly, the tension eased out of AJ and they began to make plans for dinner.
===============================================================
May 26, 2003
AJ & Meredith�s Hotel Room
Port City of Montevideo, Uruguay
The sun was just peaking through the edges of the hotel�s signature yellow curtains, when the phone began its intrusive ringing. Meredith grunted and rolled away from the sound, but AJ grabbed the receiver and held it to his ear.
Murmuring his responses, AJ rubbed his eyes and considered the possibilities. After a few moments, he eased the phone back into its cradle, quickly pulled on some clean clothes, and headed for the bathroom. Twenty minutes later, a soft click caused Meredith to stir, but she quickly went back to sleep. It was only when she made a trip to the bathroom two hours later that she noted AJ�s absence.
===============================================================
May 26, 2003
MUSA Medical Center, ICU #5
Port City of Montevideo, Uruguay
Delia Monfuego was just ending her shift when Mr. Williams made his whispered request. Throughout the night she had entertained him with small stories. He had seemed so interested in his own arrival that she had not left out a single detail. His eyes tracked her every move as she told him of his wife�s devotion and his mother�s funny lectures. He was a fantastic listener who had the rare ability to talk with his eyes. Although he would sometimes nod or shake his head and smile, it was his eyes that would glimmer with a question or soften in understanding. Even the way he would blink revealed a quick mind at work. So, when he had asked her to make the phone call, she had willingly agreed.
When she told him she was finally going home, he insisted on shaking her hand in thanks. The sincerity in his eyes held her for a moment until she heard the glass doors slide open. Delia turned to welcome the early morning visitor as Clay�s eyes released her. On her way out she identified Number 5�s visitor to the ward nurse, grabbed her belongings, and headed out the door. If she was lucky, Miguel might fix her a seafood salad this morning.
Back in Number 5, Clay and AJ silently assessed one another. Satisfied that Clay was, indeed, alert and functioning, AJ smiled and pulled up a chair to the left of the bed.
�You�ve dragged my ass out of a warm bed, Clay. Better be worth it,� AJ began.
�Empty, prob�ly,� was Clay�s whispered response.
AJ laughed, �Hell, no. Not these days, Webb. Didn�t you hear? I�m getting leg-shackled pretty soon. A wonderful woman agreed to put up with me �til death do us part and I�m gonna hold her to it.�
Clay�s eyes twinkled as he processed this information. �Who?�
�Dr. Meredith Cavanaugh,� he proudly informed the younger man. AJ noticed the flicker of recognition on Clay�s face, so he described his future wife and some of their adventures while adjusting to the silent gestures and expressive eyes of the formerly loquacious field agent.
He could tell that Clay enjoyed hearing about Meredith�s escapades, particularly the one where she had really shaken Harm up learning to fly his Stearman. When he got to the failed ring-in-the-cake proposal, a pensive look came over Clay.
�Okay, what�s bothering you? Why the early phone call,� AJ finally inquired.
Clay started and looked up at AJ with empty eyes, �Send Sarah home.� It was a whispered plea, stark in its simplicity, but full of anguish.
AJ remembered the night of his arrival and how Sarah Mackenzie had fallen apart in his arms. She had left nothing out in her horrified descriptions of what Clay had endured. He had heard of her guilt and gratitude towards the man lying before him. He had heard her respect and trust in Clay repeatedly expressed. He had heard Mac�s torment over the possibility of losing her friend and partner, but�
�Hell, you love her don�t you?� AJ was more resigned than surprised, but he knew never to assume things with Clay.
Clay had closed his eyes and was so still that AJ was certain he had fallen asleep. After a few silent moments he got up and quietly moved around the bed to exit the room. As he looked back, AJ noticed the lone tear that had left its mark down Clay�s right temple.
Making his way back to the chair, AJ sighed and patiently asked the question again. �Do you love her, Clay?�
Bright, clear eyes met AJ�s as Clay uttered one word: �No.�
Confusion and relief were reflected on AJ�s face. He couldn�t be reading Clay so badly. Wily with his emotions, Clay had learned to mask his true feelings over the years. However, in his current weakened state, the man had no defenses---his eyes really were the windows to his soul.
�Then how do you feel about her, Clay?� He saw that the man was about to protest this invasion to his private thoughts and feelings, but damnit, he was determined to get a straight answer before he sent Mac packing. �Trust, Clay, is a two-way street. Hell, think of it as quid pro quo,�
Clay nodded and looked at the ceiling, gathering his thoughts. AJ sat on the edge of Clay�s bed and waited, giving him time, but allowing no escape. The real Clay was fully exposed and vulnerable right now. Even so, AJ found that Clay�s raw statement held a wealth of meaning:
�I---I need her, AJ.� Clay looked away, but AJ understood. Just weeks ago he had trespassed into another man�s private feelings about Mac and been disappointed by the answers he�d gotten. He had a feeling that Clay wouldn�t disappoint him.
�How �bout Mac? She need you, too?� AJ pressed.
Still staring at the ceiling, Clay shook his head, �Just a friend,� he whispered with a bittersweet smile.
�How badly do you need her? Enough to go after her? Enough to fight for her?� AJ looked at the monitors and bandages attached to Clay and shook his head ruefully. �Looks like you already put up a damn good fight for her. Are you certain she doesn�t need you in the same way?�
Clay simply turned his head and looked at AJ, wise beyond his years. Ignoring AJ�s last question, Clay�s answered the first one, �Enough to let her go.�
�What if you�re wrong? What if she needs you, too? What would you be willing to give up to get her?� Personally, AJ felt that Clay�s assessment of Mac was on the money. And Clay would obviously not allow Mac�s misplaced gratitude or flourishing friendship and trust tie her to him.
Clay gave AJ a pitying look and gestured him closer. �Don�t know Sarah too well, d�you?� came the rough whisper. �Doesn�t want grand sacrifices---tried that.� Clay took a deep breath and continued, �I�d share control, decisions, feelings, fam�ly, ev�rything and nothing. �Spect the same from her. Doesn�t want it from me, though. Wants it from Rabb.�
AJ considered Clay�s words and knew them to be true. Meredith was the same way, thank God. But the Rabb issue could go either way if he was any judge. He didn�t know if Harm ever would be ready to settle down. He�d always thought that Mac and Harm would eventually find each other, but lately he wasn�t so sure. Shit, he hadn�t known right away that Meredith was the one for him, but it damn sure hadn�t taken him eight years to figure it out!
�Maybe she doesn�t know who she really wants, Clay. Hell, I didn�t until a few months ago. This I do know. If I pack her ass off to JAG Ops before you�re out of here, you�ll never find out.�
AJ never thought he�d be trying to encourage Clay to pursue Mac, but the Marine deserved someone in her life who understood her needs and could be her equal. He was rather surprised to realize that Webb might be that man. On the other hand, Mac could wreak some damage if she wasn�t honest with Clay and herself. Clay needed someone who would put him first as well. Damn, how did he get so involved in their lives?
He could see that Clay was considering his words, but the man�s resolve was stronger than he had imagined. �AJ, you �n Meredith---you take Sarah home. Please.� Clay had no illusions about how Sarah felt about him. He had pretended for a while that Sarah could be his wife, but he didn�t have the heart to cheat her out of her chance with Rabb.
AJ still looked like he might refuse, so Clay gave up and uttered the words that would force AJ�s hand: �Spare me the torture, AJ. Can�t take anymore. Need peace. Please, AJ.�
The Admiral stood up and nodded, wishing like hell that things could work out differently.
===============================================================
May 26, 2003
Grand Strand Botanical Park
Port City of Montevideo, Uruguay
Mac gazed around at the colorful flowers and felt a surge of happiness. With Clay out of his coma she�d finally gotten a full night�s sleep. She felt strong and carefree---more like the Marine she knew herself to be.
She�d awakened on the couch an hour ago, eager to see Clay, but had been informed by the Admiral that he�d be busy with tests for most of the day. Promising herself a long evening visit, she sat down on one of the river benches and enjoyed the light breeze. As the sun teased the treetops, Mac allowed herself to daydream a little.
Now that she knew Clay would make a full recovery, she allowed herself to dwell on the man she had come to love over the past year. It had occurred so gradually, she had missed its significance. Unlike the unrequited longing she had nurtured for Harm over the years, this was the real thing. His mother had called it a mature love. That fit. They had both grown over the years. She was no longer the Marine out to prove her self-worth and he was no longer the green agent out to make a name for himself.
Just when they had become friends was hard to pinpoint. It just suddenly �was� one day. The jokes and snide remarks had eventually evolved into mutual respect for one another�s abilities and careers. The trust had developed over time as well. All the elements had been there, but Harm had been in her way. Figuring out they had outgrown one another had been hard to admit, but necessary.
The moment Clay had described the type of partner he needed for this last mission, she�d just known he was the one. He had ignored the Admiral and walked over to her, listing the requirements of his soul mate. Questioning this sudden realization, she had even thrown up roadblocks. There were more qualified agents. Nope, he wanted to tap her. He needed a pregnant partner and she obviously wasn�t. He�d said he could take care of that---and suddenly, she�d wanted him to try.
Once she had agreed to the assignment, his pacing had left her little room to breathe. Testing the waters, she had flirted with him all afternoon at Langley. She�d been absolutely wicked, but he�d played along, up to a point. He�d made her feel sexy and alluring---even wearing the pregnancy padding. Those small touches on her bare skin had produced tiny shivers along her spine. The chemistry was definitely there. He�d glanced at her oddly a time or two, but she had kept the longing he inspired buried in sarcasm and innuendo.
Not trusting her own instincts, she�d even dropped by Harm�s on the way to the airport. The confirmation once he�d opened the door had given her a powerful high. He was a dear friend, but other than that, nothing. She�d decided to play the visit off as a joke until he�d mentioned Clay�s name. Unknowingly, she�d tipped him off to the mission.
Getting angry with herself, then Harm, she threw the wasted years in his face. It was a stupid piece of revenge, but it gave her a small measure of satisfaction to walk away from him without any regrets. That Clay was waiting for her, ready to take up the mantle of man and wife, seemed exciting and daring.
The excitement had turned to fear fairly quickly. She�d gotten them captured and Harm and Gunny had gotten them out. She didn�t know how Clay could forgive her for rushing into the compound with no plan or intel, but he had. He�d been so close to death when they parted at the hacienda. She�d promised to complete the mission and he�d promised not to die.
Their last kiss had tantalized her for days. He had leaned in at the last moment to meet her impromptu kiss, and she�d seen stars. She�d moved back as she�d heard Harm walk up behind them, feeling the need to spare Clay any of his snide comments, but she couldn�t help one last look into his eyes. Then she�d known: he thinks he�s going to die. She�d walked around the Land Cruiser to collect herself and overheard Clay�s warning to Harm to take care of her. Harm, of course had had to add his own innuendo to the mix and subtly remind her that Clay might not make it.
Mac shook all the bad memories off and smiled at the sun. She and Clay had a chance now. Hugging herself, Mac looked down the river and imagined a life with Clay once he had recovered.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mac�s Vision
The Courtyard of JAG Ops
Falls Church, VA
�You�re eleven minutes late.� Mac stood up from the wrought iron table, briefcase in hand.
�Well, you know me sweetheart. Slower than a herd of turtles stampeding through peanut butter,� Clay grinned.
�That is absolutely terrible!� She laughingly responded as she walked towards the low brick wall Clay was leaning against. Bending forward, Mac closed her eyes and they kissed each other hello. Her entire body tingled as their lips touched and clung, then touched again before Clay found a particularly good angle and deepened the kiss until she was out of breath and wanting more.
�Darling, why don�t we skip lunch and---,� she whispered suggestively in his ear as he hugged her tightly. Knowing he�d agree, Mac was using Clay�s broad shoulders for leverage to stand up straight when she noticed the five-year-old peeking out from behind her husband�s right leg.
Her chocolate eyes melted as Joey held a small finger over his mouth in a conspiratal manner while maintaining a tight hold on Clay�s belt. With a slight nod, Mac stepped back from Clay and studied him.
Dressed in a button-down blue denim shirt, khakis, and butter-yellow tie, he should have looked casual and laid-back. He was even wearing highly polished loafers instead of his usual wingtips. Instead, he appeared sharp and successful and---when he automatically reached down to check on their son---totally lovable.
Knowing the jig was up and not particularly caring, Clay threw his wife a pleased smirk and carefully lifted Joey to his shoulders, �S�prise, Mommy! It�s me! Daddy sprung me from the joint again. Kiss?�
Mac dutifully bussed her son on his puckered lips and feigned surprise. �Why if it isn�t Joseph Mackenzie Webb, as I live and breathe!� It was difficult to hold back the giggles as Joey held onto Clay�s ears for balance. When one little hand squeezed a bit too hard for comfort, Clay gently loosened his son�s grip, kissed the palm, and repositioned it around his neck.
�So, Daddy kidnapped you from kindergarten again? Why am I not surprised?� she looked pointedly into Clay�s eyes as she brushed the hair back from Joey�s forehead.
Identical grins flashed as the unrepentant duo waited for her to walk around the low wall and join them. She really should put her foot down about Joey staying a full day in kindergarten, but Clay couldn�t be persuaded. Once he�d learned she was pregnant, Clay had wasted no time in explaining his plan to her. If she was agreeable, he�d retire from the Company, loan his unique services out---for an astronomical fee---as a private consultant, and spend most of his time at home working from the computer. They�d hotly debated different scenarios, but she�d succumbed to his original suggestion when he�d simply said, �Our child will not go into daycare. Family means something to me and I know it means something to you, too. It�s not a sacrifice to choose raising a child over a government career. Just think: our child will actually know his parents---for better or for worse.� Clay had thrown a smirk at her then and kissed her hard on the lips.
Then he went in for the clincher. �Sweetheart, we�re lucky. We have this option. Most couples don�t. Besides, I�m trained for it,� he smugly added.
Mac remembered looking up at him in surprise, then disbelief. �Who trained you, Big Shot?�
He looked shocked that she had to ask: �My Mother.�
Now, as Clay took her briefcase and wrapped his free arm around her shoulders, she leaned into him and they walked towards the parking lot. She was tickling the fair skin peeking out from between Joey�s Big Bird sock and khaki pant leg when he suddenly leaned down patted her cheek.
�Mommy?�
�Yes, Baby.� Clay grinned at her use of Joey�s first nickname. It had taken him a full month to convince her, but she had finally agreed to name their son after her father. It was a Webb family tradition, but more than that, he�d known what it would mean to her. As a result of her stubbornness, she�d more-or-less gotten into the habit of calling their son Baby Webb. Now that Joey was older, he often corrected his mother. Now was no exception.
Joey pulled on his father�s hair and they all came to a stop. Giving his mother a miniature version of Clay�s exasperated stare, Joey rubbed his forehead and patiently reminded her, �I�m Joey, Mommy. J-O-E,� he carefully spelled out, �Joey! Not Baby.�
�Aren�t you *my* baby, though,� Mac pretended to pout.
Joey thought about it as he reached down to push up the corners of her mouth. ��Course, I�m yours. Daddy always says there�s no doubt �bout it---�spesh�ly when I�m hungry. An� you know what, Mommy?�
Mac shook her head, waiting for his next revelation. �I�m glad �cause you�re the bestest Mommy in the world.�
She was going to cry; she knew she was. Clay kissed her temple and hugged her tight again, but Joey wasn�t finished yet.
�Hey! Mommy---Daddy? This is real sear-rus,� he said, trying to regain their attention.
Both of them grinned at Joey�s growing vocabulary, but when he gave a hard tug to his Daddy�s hair, Clay placed the briefcase on the walkway and gave him his full attention. Holding both chubby hands in his own, Clay eased his head back for an upside-down view of his tormentor. �Ouch, partner. What seems to be the problem up there?�
Joey leaned down to his father�s ear and loudly whispered, �Gotta go potty. An� I mean *now*, Daddy.�
Mac began to sputter at the arrested look on Clay�s face. Quickly, he secured Joey�s arms around his neck, ordered him to hold on tight, and jogged towards the JAG offices. Mac was barely able to get out an �I�m right behind you!� before collapsing on her briefcase and laughing uncontrollably.
When Mac next opened her eyes, she was sitting on the river bench, and smiling at the setting sun. She�d had very few visions in her life, and certainly not ones about her own future, but she didn�t doubt the truth of this one. She and Clay definitely had a future together and she could not wait to start the journey.
Hugging the precious vision to her soul, Mac quickly left the park and headed towards the hospital.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
May 26, 2003
MUSA Medical Center, ICU #5
Port City of Montevideo, Uruguay
Mac walked into Number 5 and looked out the window. A MedEvac chopper was just lifting off from the emergency pad and heading north. Once the noise of the rotors had faded away, Mac could hear the faint traffic from the road and all the various sounds of the busy hospital. She was just sitting down in the room�s only chair when Delia Monfuego passed by the glass doors.
She saw Delia check her clipboard and frown as she entered the room. �Mrs. Williams, may I help you?�
�No, but thanks. I�m just waiting on Clay to return from his tests,� Mac reassured her.
Delia�s look grew more concerned as she re-checked her board, but evidently Mrs. Williams had not yet been informed of the move. �I am so sorry, Mrs. Williams, you should not have to find out this way.�
�Find out what, Delia?� Mac asked with a hard edge.
�That helicopter that just left? It had your husband, his mother, and Mr. Rabb. They are going home, he said.� Delia didn�t like the look in Mrs. Williams� eyes.
�Who said, Delia?� Mac was holding her temper in check.
�Mr. Rabb. Mr. Rabb tells me this as we are prepping your husband for the flight,� the nurse explained.
Mac said not one word, but turned on her sneakered heel and marched out of the ICU doors. Stabbing the call button for the elevator, Mac blinked hard as she considered what to do next. She wasn�t at all surprised when the doors slid open to reveal AJ and Meredith.
�Ready to go home, Colonel?�