Jo was just packing up to leave after another grueling day of work, when she heard a tap on her
office window. "Can I come in?" asked Mac rhetorically. Jo smiled. "We'll for all intents and
purposes you are in" said Jo. Mac chuckled a little. "So, you heading out?" asked Mac. "Yeah,
it's been one hell of a day" said Jo. "Can I offer you a lift home?" asked Mac. "That's a very
nice gesture Mac, but after the day I've had, I think a little fresh air might do me some good, so
I'll just walk, but thanks just the same" said Jo as she slung her bag across her shoulder.
"Jo, I'm not trying to start an argument here, but I saw the way that John Curtis looked at you and I
don't want you walking home by yourself at night" said Mac. "Mac Taylor, do I detect a sense of
worry for my well-being" said Jo cynically. He didn't smile this time. "I'm serious Jo, I don't think
that I'd ever forgive myself if something happened to you" he retorted. She felt a lump starting
to form in her throat. Sure, she knew that Mac worried about all his friends and co-workers, but
this just seemed different somehow. No Jo, don't you dare let yourself go there, she said to
herself.
"So, about that ride?" inquired Mac thinking that he'd won the argument. Jo was
brought back to reality at the sound of Mac's voice. "Alright, listen Mac, how about we
compromise" said Jo. "I'm listening" said Mac. "I'll leave my cell on and you can talk to me the
whole way home, deal" said Jo. "I don't know, I still don't feel good about you walking home by
yourself" replied Mac. "Mac relax, I can take care of myself, besides, you've forgotten one very
important detail" replied Jo. "Oh yeah and what's that?" asked Mac, grinning. "I'm armed and
dangerous" said Jo pulling her Sig Saur from its' holster and pointing it in Mac's direction. "Jo,
put that away before you hurt somebody" said Mac smiling. "Just demonstrating" said Jo
flashing a smile back at him and holstering her gun. "Mac, I'll promise, I'll be alright, but I
appreciate the concern" said Jo. "So then I guess there's no, more arguing with you, is there?"
asked Mac.
"No there's really not" replied Jo laughing a little. "So I'll see you tomorrow then"
said Jo starting to walk away. Mac stepped in front of her, blocking her exit. "Mac" she sighed,
seeming somewhat frustrated. "Jo, I want you to turn your cell phone now, so I can make sure
that you hold up to your end of the compromise" said Mac. "Are you always this stubborn?"
asked Jo. "Yes I am" said Mac chuckling. "Fine" said Jo pulling out her cellphone and turning it
on where Mac could see. "Can I go now?" asked Jo. "Yes you may go" said Mac, moving out of
her way and allowing her to pass. She headed towards the elevator. "And Jo" said Mac. "Yeah"
she inquired, turning slightly. "Please be careful" said Mac, concern prevalent in his eyes. "I
always am" said Jo. Then she got in the elevator and disappeared out of his sight.