Say Goodbye to Yesterday
Dragonlots aka Dana Bell
"How come we had to come along?" Jonny asked, slumping against the leather seat of the limo. His typical black shirt and jeans were slightly crumpled and Benton suspected his son might have slept in them.
"Because we were invited." He hadn't traveled much since his wife's death and he normally enjoyed attending conferences. They presented opportunities to mingle with his fellow scientists and discuss new ideas or theories.
"So this is New York City." Hadji gazed out the window his amazed expression bringing a smile to his adoptive father's lips. It never bothered him the boy liked to dress as he had in India.
"Yeah, it is." Race glanced at him before focusing his attention on the boy.
"Who was it you said you spoke to?" He asked his friend and body guard. In the background he could hear cars honking and a few loud conversations.
"Marari Collins Pryor. Said she was with the Phoenix Foundation."
Inwardly he groaned. Phoenix, located somewhere in LA was run by Matilda Webber. A tough woman he admired and sometimes hated at the same time. He'd worked on several projects with them as a consultant and wondered exactly what type of agency they actually were.
"Don't worry, Doc. Ms. Pryor is very good at her job."
"I hope so." He didn't want to have to worry about the boys getting into trouble. "You brought their school books?"
Jonny gave him a dirty look. Hadji kept looking out the window.
"Got it covered," Race assured him.
The limo stopped and driver got out, opening the door for them. To Benton it was a typical hotel with a rotating glass door and very tall with many windows, some of which might give a give view of the city. A doorman waited, unloading their luggage and placing it on a rack. They followed him inside to the check in desk where they received a warm smile from young man waiting at the gleaming wooden desk.
"Welcome Dr. Quest."
"Thank you."
"We understand you're here for the conference."
"I am." He knew the pleasant conversation offered was part of their customer service and he had no reason to begrudge the man in the dark blue suit any malice.
As he turned, he noticed a woman come down the carpeted stairs, wearing a simple green and blue dress with silver moon shaped earrings and matching necklace.
"You must be Race Bannon." She greeted his bodyguard with a smile. "We spoke on the phone."
"Hello, Ms. Pryor. Nice to meet you in person."
Benton hid his grin behind his hand. The smile Race gave the woman he'd used numerous times and it normally secured him a date.
"And you as well." Her eyes flicked over the boys and focused on him. "You have to be Dr. Benton Quest. I've heard a great deal about you."
"Thank you for arranging this."
"Part of my job," she returned. "I discovered there's a game room here, boys."
Both boys perked up.
"Really?" Jonny sounded like it was too much to hope for.
"When I heard you were coming, I'd thought I'd make sure you had some fun as well."
Jonny grinned, his happiness reflected in his blue eyes. Benton swallowed as it reminded him of his wife.
"Looks like you're all checked in. Social hour starts at seven and the banquet at eight. Programming in the morning begins at around nine."
"I suppose you have the schedule memorized," Race teased.
"Not really." She held up her cell phone. "I have it all saved here."
Her slight movement revealed she had device in her ear. She noticed his attention and he glanced away.
"We're trying out a new com system developed at our labs," she explained. "Please let me now if you need anything." She moved away from them to meet another group.
"Let's go." Race herded the boys to the elevators, the door man pushing the loaded cart following them.
Benton took one last look at the woman before joining them. Marari Collins Pryor wasn't what he'd call an attractive woman, yet she had an unidentifiable allure he couldn't put his finger on.
"What floor, Doc?"
"Seven."
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Benton skipped the social hour and arrived a few minutes early for dinner. He hadn't worn his dark suit for a while and felt slightly uncomfortable. Race stood beside him, looking completely at ease in white pants and dark jacket.
"Don't worry about the boys," Race reassured him again. "They'll be fine for a couple of hours." He chuckled. "I can't believe Ms. Pryor had pizza delivered to the room."
"Yes, that was quite thoughtful."
His sons had loved it. They'd settled down to pizza, soda and a super hero movie.
The hostess greeted them, got their names and motioned to someone. Moments later Marari Pryor appeared. "Good evening, gentlemen. This way please." She led them through the maze of tables stopping at one near the stage.
Noticing the name tags of their table mates, Benton wondered why he'd been so honored.
Ms. Pryor didn't miss his glance. "Senator Collins insisted. He's a great admirer of your work."
Her eyes darted to the door. "I see some of your other table mates have arrived. If you'll excuse me." She gracefully moved away, her long purple dress swaying lightly.
Race looked at him and back at her, wisely keeping his silence. One of the many things he appreciated about his bodyguard.
Both sat, not saying anything until she brought the group to their table. "This is Dr. Benton Quest and Race Bannon. You'll be dining with Colonel John Sheppard." A dark haired man in uniform with dark hair that didn't look combed grinned. "Doctors Samantha Carter." The blond wore a long black dress. " Rodney McKay." He didn't look comfortable in his suit and had around face with short darker hair. "And Daniel Jackson." He wore a brown suit and gave Dr. Quest a friendly smile.
Benton had spoken with Dr. Jackson about languages numerous times. He always enjoyed their conversations.
"Nice to finally meet you in person," the linguist said, taking the chair next to him.
"You as well." They shook hands. "Did you ever find the key to the language you asked me about?"
"I did."
Dr. McKay sat next to the soldier, and Dr. Carter sat next to Race. His friend smiled at her, but made no attempt to flirt.
"So you're the famous Dr. Quest," the soldier said.
"Behave yourself, John." Marari lightly rested her hand on his shoulder. Benton frowned, wondering at her familiarity.
"I see the senator has arrived. I'll be right back."
"She knows us," Dr. Jackson supplied as if sensing his question.
Dr. Carter added, "We work quite closely with the Phoenix Foundation and the OSI."
He heard a snort from Dr. McKay. "If you call what they do working with us."
"Rodney," the Colonel warned. "Behave yourself."
Noise in the room quieted as Senator Collins walked through, greeting many and taking the time to shake hands, or perhaps have a private word.
"Word is, he's going to run for president," Race informed him.
"Is that official?" Seeing how popular the man seemed to be, the rumor might be true.
"Not yet."
The dark haired yet oddly pale man finally reached their table. From the cut of the dark suit, Benton new the man had expensive tastes. The senator sat down and glanced at the woman.
"I'll be joining you in a few minutes, cousin. In the meantime, allow everyone to introduce themselves and get acquainted." She darted away.
"Cousin?" Benton asked.
"Distantly," the senator replied. He had a faint accent.
"So," Dr. Jackson started out. "Are you running for president, Senator?"
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
"How come I get stuck in the backroom?" Jack Dalton complained in her ear.
Marari sighed. "We've already had this discussion, Jack. Mac can keep up with most the scientists in this room. He's the brains, you're the brawn."
"I see at least one packing body guard."
"Race Bannon was cleared ahead of time by I-1. They don't want anything to happen to their star scientist."
"I look good in a suit," he continued.
She reached MacGyver standing next to the hostess. "Will you please tell Jack to shut up."
"Hey, I heard that."
Mac said quietly, "Then listen, Jack."
"You're sitting at the same table as Dr. Quest." She grinned teasingly at him. "Try not to go all fanboy."
"You're sitting there, too, right?"
She nodded.
They started across the room. Mac wore a nice suit, and she had to admit he looked good in it. Normally he wore jeans and a shirt along with tennis shoes. His blond hair had been combed away from his face reminding her, if he'd been her type, how good looking he was.
"I'll be joining you shortly. Want me to use your first name?"
He grimaced. "Not really."
"Try to keep out of trouble."
"Only if it comes looking for me."
"Which is all the time."
"Hey," Jack whined. "Stop ignoring me."
"Just do your job," Mac responded, with more patience than Marari would have had.
"Hello everyone," the conversation around the table quieted. "This is MacGyver."
Mac took the seat next to Dr. Jackson leaving the one next to her cousin open. She gave him a quick wink of thanks before returning to the front to seat other attendees.
Thirty minutes later, since no banquet ever got started on time, she returned to the table, to find the group chatting and relaxed when she saw several smiles. Barnabas saw her and rose, pulling out her chair.
"Thank you." She sat and her cousin returned to his.
Mac leaned toward her. "Running late?"
"Not unexpected. We have a few special dinners due to allergies and diet restrictions. Dr. McKay is one of them."
"Glad I wasn't part of that."
"You're doing your job."
"Something from the bar miss?" a white clad waiter inquired. She hadn't heard him and it unnerved her.
"Nothing. Thank you."
"Sir?" He looked at MacGyver.
"I'm good."
Mac liked beer, but his declining didn't surprise her. They were both on 'duty' so to speak.
Race picked up his wine glass and took a sip. "So who do you work for MacGyver?"
"Freelance."
Mattie had cover stories for all of them, which had been made close to the truth so they didn't have to lie.
"You're Phoenix Foundation." Dr. Quest nailed it and she glanced at Mac to see how he reacted.
"Sometimes." He gave them his most disarming smile. "I teach too."
Not a complete untruth. Mac taught a couple of classes at a local college.
"My guess," the scientist continued, "is the rest of you work at a classified project you can't talk about."
John nodded. "Pretty much."
"We can talk about the science," Rodney objected. "Just not where we obtained the information."
Dr. Quest's eyes rested on her. "But you know."
"I'm one of the few who is cleared." No need to go into why. He had clearance up to a certain level it just didn't include the SGC. Besides, General O'Neill for some reason didn't like the man and she hadn't been able to ferret out why.
Their waiter appeared at their table, handing out salads. She'd have to keep close watch on what Dr. McKay was served since she knew he had a citrus allergy.
The offering rested in front of her and she nibbled at it, not very hungry. Her stomach felt like it had been twisted into several knots.
"Better eat," Jack said. "Keep up your strength."
If she had her way, she'd turn off the ear piece completely. Mattie wouldn't like it and she reported directly to her. Mac's team had been assigned and she'd worked hard to get along with the odd little group who were more like a family than agents.
The tension around the table was noticeable and she could see it in the various faces. She hoped no explosion happened because of clashing personalities. It would be her job to calm everyone down and make certain nothing ended up being streamed online. Too many lives depended on it.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
After the speeches ended, Dr. Quest left quickly, not wanting to speak to anyone. Granted his trip had been about the same as others who would be attending, but he was a bit out of practice and tired.
"What's the hurry, Doc?" Race pressed the elevator button.
"I'm not sure I'm ready for this."
A sympathetic look crossed the other man's face. "You can't hide forever."
Benton sighed. "I know. When we get back we need to shut down our Mexico compound and relocate."
"Back to Florida?"
"I was thinking Maine."
"Pretty drastic."
"I need a change." Too many reminders of his wife remained at their Florida home and he wasn't ready to face them yet.
"Want me to start arranging it?"
"No. I want to talk to the boys first."
The elevator pinged and they got on. Marari darted in as the doors started to close. "Sorry. Four please."
He pressed the button, his eyes resting on her for longer than they should. Her dark brown hair rested on her shoulders, part of it pulled back by a flower matching her dress. She wore the same earrings and necklace from earlier. On her left hand he noticed an odd ring with a sandy colored center and two yellow jewels. He wondered if she was married.
They stopped. "I'm sure I'll see you two around. Good night." She left, giving them both a friendly smile. Benton noticed the ear piece was gone.
He watched the doors close.
"She's kind of pretty," Race commented.
"I hadn't noticed."
"Right."
They rode up the next three floors in silence.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOO
"Everything all right?" Lillie called from the other room of the hotel suite.
"Fine," Marari answered. "Barnabas took a limo back to the airport. There's some sort of vote on the senate floor and he needs to be there tomorrow." She slipped off her shoes and reminded herself not to wear heels again. They hurt her feet.
"Too bad." Lillie appeared, decked out in a short red dress, her brown hair framing her lovely face. "I was rather hoping he'd accompany us to the club tonight."
"You and Julian still going out?" She settled into a comfortable chair. They'd stayed at this suite many times in the past. It had three bedrooms, a small kitchen and a sitting area.
Julian and Lillie were both long-time friends of her cousin's and business associates. They just happened to be in the city at the same time. Since she'd visited their home in San Francisco many times, it seemed perfectly normal to share.
"Soon as he gets back." She gracefully sat down. "How'd the banquet go?"
"About as I expected. The chef did a good job and we had no allergy reactions."
"And the speeches?"
"We managed to keep to under thirty minutes. Got everyone welcomed and general announcements made. Luckily, other than the breakfast buffet, everyone will be on their own for meals."
"Meet anyone interesting?"
"Not really."
"Not even the handsome Dr. Quest?"
"He's in mourning, Lillie, and so am I." She twisted the ring she still wore.
"You have to start living again at some point."
"There's no time limit."
The door opened and Julian smiled at them. "Give me five minutes and I'll be ready to go." He darted into the bedroom.
"You could come with us," Lillie offered.
"No." She shook her head. "I'm meeting the team early tomorrow to go over security details. I need to try to get some sleep."
Julian stepped out, dressed nicely, his black hair in place and looking every bit like the Italian gentlemen he was. He owned several businesses in San Francesco plus a vineyard that produced one of the best California wines. "I trust you're taking a rest after this is all over."
"That an invitation?" she teased.
"My home is always open if you want to visit."
Might be an idea she should seriously consider. She hated her apartment in LA and visiting the Victorian Mansion might just be the break she'd been needing. "Cook for me?"
He smiled warmly and she understood why women considered him handsome and attractive. "Would be my pleasure."
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Her phone buzzed and Marari frowned. She liked to sit on various presentations and sat in the back. After looking to see who it was and she answered immediately. "Hello, Mr. Bannon, what can I do for you?"
"Race," he corrected. "The boys are missing."
"How long?" she eased out the door, trying not to make too much noise. Too bad. She'd been enjoying Dr. McKay's talk, although his arrogant attitude, which she was used to, had managed to alienate about half the audience. Some had even left.
"We're not sure. They came down with us for breakfast and then went back up to our room. When we went to check on them before lunch we found their school books scattered on the floor, but they weren't there."
"Did you check the game room?"
"Where is it?"
"One level below the lobby. Do you need more assistance?"
She heard him say a few words to someone else and assumed it was probably Dr. Quest.
"Not quite yet. Dr. Quest is on the way to his presentation. I'll look for the boys."
"I do have a team who can help." She cringed at including them. Jack would go all macho. Mac would be fine as would Bozer. Riley would use her laptop to check out possible spots they could have gone. Might not be a bad idea to include their computer expert.
"Thanks. If I need help I'll let you know." The line went dead.
Quickly she dialed Riley. "What's up?" she younger woman asked.
"The Quest kids are missing. Can you check places close by they might want to go."
"How old are they?"
"Twelve and thirteen."
"Only places within walking distance, is a pizza shop and ice cream parlor. Uh, oh." That didn't sound good. "There's also a subway stop."
"Thanks, Riley."
"Want me to send Jack and Bozer?"
Race had said no, but she suspected they'd need more help. "Have them meet me in the lobby."
"Done."
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
After checking the game room, currently completely empty, Race headed back upstairs to the lobby. He found Marari waiting for him along with two men he suspected were Phoenix agents.
"This is Jack and Bozer," she introduced the two. "There's a pizza shop close by and an ice cream parlor."
He nodded. "We'll start there."
She added, "There's also a subway station."
"They better not have," he muttered heading for the door, not waiting to see if the two agents followed.
"We'll take the pizza shop," the older man offered. He certainly didn't look like an agent with his t-shirt and jeans. His friend had dark skin and dressed casually as well.
"I'll try the ice cream place." Both boys loved the treat. He just hoped they hadn't taken the subway. They might never find them.
Twenty minutes later the two parties met up again outside the hotel.
"Think they took the subway?" Jack asked.
"I hope not." They hadn't turned up and he began to get worried. The last thing Dr. Quest needed was to have the boys go missing and having to issue an Amber alert.
Ms. Pryor stuck her head out the door. "Found them. They decided to attend Dr. Jackson's lecture."
"Dr. Jackson?" He couldn't figure out why.
"He's an expert on ancient Egypt and I gather they were studying it."
Race sighed in relief. Lucky for everyone the boys hadn't wandered far. "Thank you."
"Don't thank me. Colonel Sheppard showed up a few minutes after you left and I mentioned the boys had disappeared. He'd just seen them."
"Chalk one up for the military."
"I texted Daniel and asked him to escort the boys to me when he finished." She turned to Jack and Bozer. "Thanks, guys."
"No problem. Nice to get out." Jack grinned at her.
Both men went back inside.
"Where are they hiding?" he asked.
"Where they're supposed to be." He followed her back inside. "You might want to let Dr. Quest know his sons are fine."
"Heading there now."
"Good." She took off up the stairs and he wondered what all her duties included. With a shake of his head he went to find the doc and let him know the boys had been found.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Benton spotted the Marari Pryor in the lobby. She stood talking with an older gentlemen and it took maybe a second to realize who it was. General Jack O'Neill. He seriously considered finding her later, but gathering his courage, walked up them. "Ms. Pyror."
"Hello, Dr. Quest." She gave the general a look. "I believe they're waiting for you in the main dining room."
"Thank you, Miss Collins." The general nodded his head. "Dr. Quest." He strode off.
"I'm sorry you two don't get along."
"It's a long story."
"Always is." She offered him a smile. "What can I do for you?"
"Race told me what happened. Thank you for helping find the boys."
"You should really thank Colonel Sheppard."
"I will if I see him." He glanced down feeling like he was sixteen again. "Dr. Jackson brought the boys back to our room." Shaking his head he continued, "He gave them a history lesson on ancient Egypt before he left."
"That sounds like Daniel."
"Know him well?" He honestly was curious.
"Pretty much. I've been part of that project almost since the beginning, thanks to Barnabas. Mattie just made certain I stayed on it when I went to work for her."
"Look." He took a deep breath. "I'd like to take you out dinner to say thank you for all the help you've given us."
She looked at him speculatively. He noticed for the first time her eyes were a deep golden brown. "Just you?"
"Yeah." He wondered if his face had turned red. "Race and the boys are going out tonight for pizza and ice cream, then back here for the overnight Marvel Movie marathon."
Marari laughed. "Have you any idea how hard I had to push to get that on the schedule?"
"That difficult?"
"They thought I was crazy. So far almost everyone has let me know they're going. I guess the idea of attending an event in their PJs with popcorn and hot cocoa appeals to any age group."
"Are you going?" He might attend if she was.
"No. I've seen all the films. Besides, the real Anthony Stark will be here tomorrow to give a presentation on some new alternative power source he's discovered."
He frowned. "I didn't see it on the schedule."
"It was added a couple of hours ago. You should have been notified via text, if you signed up."
"Haven't checked my phone."
"The details should be there. What time did you want to go to dinner?"
"In about an hour?"
"I should be free by then. Meet you in lobby."
"I'll see you then." He walked away feeling like his feet never touched the carpet.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
"Where would you like to go?" he asked as they left the hotel.
"No place fancy. I get enough of that with Barnabas and sometimes Julian."
"Julian Luna?" He knew about the business man, but they'd never met.
She nodded. "They're old friends and are also staying at the hotel."
"Attending the conference?" Benton hadn't heard anything about it.
"No. Julian has a suite he always has booked for him. Barnabas and I use it when we're in town. I'm sharing it with Julian and Lillie. She owns a string of night clubs and, from what little she's said, there's an issue with the one here."
"Interesting."
"That's one word for it." Her face told him there was more to the story.
"From what I've heard, you travel with your cousin quite a bit." He hoped what he'd heard was true.
"I do." She stopped. "Here."
It looked like a hole in the wall place. Lights flickered out the window and spicy scents wafted through the open door.
"Let's give it a try." Might be a fun change Benton decided.
Inside, the owner waved to them. "Any table you like folks."
"Quaint." He wasn't sure what to make of it.
"Places like this usually have great food." She dragged him to the back. The table had a lacy covering and the chairs at least were comfortable. Grabbing the menu, she glanced through it. "Nice mix."
He checked it out too, pleasantly surprised.
"Evening folks," a pleasant woman greeted. She wore a while uniform with a red apron. "What can I get you to drink?"
"I'd like to try your hot chocolate," Marari said.
Their waitress grinned. "And you sir?"
"Coffee."
"Be right back."
He studied Marari, his eyes drifting to the ring she wore.
"I'm widowed," she answered his unasked question.
"I didn't think I was that obvious."
"Used to being asked."
"Here you go." His coffee and his guest's hot chocolate appeared. "Made up your mind yet?"
"I'd like to try your chicken dish." Marari sipped her chocolate.
At home, he ate a lot of fish and sea food. It didn't sound good tonight. "I'll have the steak stir fry."
"Great choices. Have those up as soon as they're ready."
He sipped his coffee, pleasantly surprised how good it was. "I think you're right about this place."
"Normally am." She took another drink. "I don't know what they did to this chocolate, but it's really good."
"Think they'd tell us?"
"Doubt it."
A silence settled over them and Benton had no idea how to break it. He hadn't been on a date, and he forced himself to admit whatever the pretext it was one, in a very long time.
"There's tons of way to start a conversation."
He started. "Sorry?"
"I spend a lot of my time just listening. Barnabas will later ask my opinion on what I heard."
"You remember the conversation?"
"Not word for word. I have more of a feel for how it went." She shook her head. "It's hard to describe."
"Why do you still wear your wedding ring?" He hadn't meant to ask that bluntly. "I'm sorry. That's none of my business."
"It's okay. Protection mostly to keep from being asked out." She looked at the ring. "My husband was a big Star Wars fan. Our first date was to sit and watch all the movies." Marari took the ring off and handed it to him. Carefully he took it understanding how important it was to her. It had been designed to have a sand colored stone in the center with two yellow ones on each side, set in a simple gold band.
"Tatootine with its two suns." She shrugged. "His idea of romance."
"Makes it special." He gave it back.
"It does. Luckily, I'm as big of a fan as he was."
"If you don't mind sharing, what happened?"
"Died in the line of duty." Her eyes glistened. "His team went out and they didn't come back."
He hated to ask. "How long ago?"
"Two years."
"I lost my wife recently."
"I know, Dr. Quest. It was all in your file."
"You saw it?" He hadn't meant to snap.
"Part of the security protocol. I volunteered to look after your family, so only Mattie and I have seen it." She reached out and placed her hand over his. "Best advice I can give you is take your time and let yourself grieve. You heal when you heal. Don't try to rush it and don't let anyone push you about getting over it."
His throat felt like something thick sat there. "Are you?"
"Not completely." He felt her remove her hand. "They weren't able to retrieve his body. Nothing worse than burying an empty casket."
"I know how that feels."
"I figured you would."
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Anthony Stark's presentation turned out to be standing room only. Marari had spent all morning rearranging times for other presenters as everyone wanted to attend. She'd managed it and stood in the back of the room listening.
He'd been talking nonstop for thirty minutes, cracking jokes and using jargon she only half understood. Truthfully, he was even more arrogant than the Marvel character, good looking, for a man of his age, and wore sweats with tennis shoes. Lucky for him, no one at the conference cared how he looked. Probably why he'd dressed that way.
When he finished there were a ton of questions and she had so sneak out to push back some of the afternoon presentations. Either that, or cancel lunch time altogether. The dining area currently sat empty, so she sat down and pulled out her laptop.
"So," Jack sat down across the table from her. "How'd your date go?"
"Wasn't a date."
"Man takes you to dinner. Alone. It's a date."
"I go to dinner with Barnabas and Julian all the time."
"You go on business dinners with them."
"Jack." She looked up at him. "Mr. Stark has totally screwed up the schedule and it's my job to fix it. Will you please go away so I can do my job."
"I wanna hear about your date."
"Not now and it wasn't a date." She moved a couple things around and texted everyone. "He just wanted to say thank you for finding his boys."
"It was a date."
"Unless you want to end up across the room, I suggest you go away now."
"You threatening me?" He grinned like an excited school boy.
"I know how to take care of myself. My husband made sure of that and Mattie had me take some training."
"Jack," Mac called. "Leave Marari alone so she can do her job."
"But Mac, she had a date."
"Get him out of here, Mac, before I do something we'll both regret."
"Come on, Jack. The Quest kids are missing again."
"Don't they ever stay put." Jack got to his feet.
"Check Stark's presentation first," she told them. "I'd bet they snuck down to listen."
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Sunday afternoon rolled around. Benton had to admit he'd enjoyed the conference, despite the boys constantly sneaking off to attend various events. Race had made them write a two page paper about what they'd learned just to make sure they really had attended.
They'd checked out and their luggage was stacked on a rack. A limo would be arriving shortly to take them back to the airport.
"Wish we could have brought Bandit." Jonny looked forlorn.
"The hotel doesn't allow pets, kiddo." Race smiled at the boy.
"I know."
"It was interesting," Hadji put in. "What we learned about ancient Egypt from Dr. Jackson was most enlightening."
"And you probably only heard a portion of what he's learned." Marari joined them. "I trust you enjoyed the conference, Dr. Quest."
"Very much."
"I heard quite a few say they were happy you came. You're well thought of."
He saw Race glance from him to Marari, with a questioning look.
"Thank you making our stay easier." She'd been very good about helping look for the boys and not getting upset about it.
Jonny piped up. "I really liked the movie night with the popcorn and hot cocoa."
She smiled. "I got a lot of positive feedback about that."
"What did you think about Stark's presentation?" Benton wanted to know.
"I don't think I understood half of what he said and I don't have the background to."
"I'm going to working with him."
"Good for you. Just watch out for his razor sharp humor."
He laughed. "I think I can handle it."
Race's phone beeped. "Limo's here."
"Go on out, Race. I'll be right there."
"Sure thing." He grabbed the rack. "Come on boys."
The trio headed for the door.
"Quite a family you have."
"I'm very lucky." He took a breath. "Can we talk? Now and again."
"Hand me your phone."
He handed it over and she entered her number. "If you don't reach me, just leave a message. I'm good about calling back."
"Where to next for you?" He knew his family was waiting and should leave, yet he had to ask.
"Back to LA, then maybe San Francisco, and back to the project."
He had a question he wanted to ask, but decided it wasn't time. They hadn't had a chance to get to know each other well enough yet. "Thank you for everything."
"You're welcome. I'm a good listener, if you need to talk." She gave him a quick kiss on his cheek. "Take care of yourself."
"I will." He headed for the door. When they got back to Mexico, they would need to pack up, free the dolphins and move to Maine. That would be enough change for now. He'd have time to decide if he wanted to make more.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
"Handsome."
Marari glanced over at Lillie who had joined her in the lobby. "I thought you two left early this morning."
"Julian had one more meeting before he leaves. He's not happy with his stock broker."
"So I heard."
"You'll be coming to visit us."
"For a short time." She looked at the ring on her finger, gently taking it off and transferring it to her right hand.
"Wondered when you were going to do that." Lillie's tone was gentle.
"I had a long talk with General O'Neill."
"And the rest you can't talk about."
"Classified."
"Hey, Marari."
Jack again. She just wanted to string him up. Lillie laughed. "If you'd like a ride, let me know."
"I will."
Lillie left, but she didn't miss the many men watching her with their eyes.
Mac and his team joined her. "We're heading out," Mac told her. "Mattie has a debriefing set up tomorrow morning."
"Tell Mattie I'll be attending via phone. I'm catching a ride home with Julian and Lillie and will be staying with them."
"Oh, I don't know," Jack said. "She's not going to like that."
"No, she won't." They'd have a private discussion about it later.
"Hey, guys." Riley pointed to the door. "We'd better get going or we'll miss our flight."
"Right," Mac agreed. "Think you'll work with us again?"
"Never know. Have a good flight home."
She watched the four leave, a slight smile on her lips. They hadn't been too bad and every bit what she'd heard about them. They certainly were a tight knit family.
In the meantime she had some last minute details to take care of before the conference could be officially closed down. Once those were done, she'd catch a ride with Julian and Lillie and stay in San Francisco for a few days before heading back to Maine and Atlantis.
As she headed up the stairs, Marari suddenly recalled that Dr. Quest had a compound in Maine. Wouldn't it be intriguing if he relocated there?
Stop the wishful thinking girl, she chided herself. You have work to do.
*Author's note. This is a background story for some of what will be happening in Always Comes Back to Haunt Us. It introduces why Dr. Quest has at least met the group from the SGC, although not why he and General O'Neill don't get along.
This is set after the Jonny Quest movie, Jonny's Golden Quest and before they moved to the Maine compound.