A/N: I do not own In Plain Sight, just writing for pure entertainment.

BLOWBACK

Marshall slammed the phone down, startling everyone. The anger was rolling off him. He glared at Mary, grabbed his jacket and stormed out of the office. Mary eyes were wide and her mouth agape, as she stared at his now vacant desk. She was unable to hide the blatant shock of his outburst.

"What the hell just happened?" Stan was standing in front of her desk, looking equally confused and concerned.

Mary shook her head and blinked. "No clue." She paused. "Whatever it was...he looked pissed, we should let him cool off."

"You have a witness transfer." Stan huffed. "He was supposed to go with you."

Mary could see Stan debating on calling Marshall back. "I got it." She stared at Stan hard. "He never does this. We should let him be." Mary looked back over at her partners desk, wondering what could have upset him so much. "I will handle the witness and then go check on him."

Stan looked concerned. "I don't know Mary, you know this case..."

"We ran a recent threat assessment and it was clean." She smiled, standing and pulled on her jacket. "Relax Stan." She patted his shoulder, giving him a light kiss on the forehead, knowing he would get flustered by it. "I will check in with you after." She grinned at his speechless and flustered face as she walked away.

"Yes...well...ok..fine." He adjusted his tie, yelling after her as she stepped into the elevator. "Be careful! Check in after witness is secure." Mary waved and Stan signed as the elevator doors closed and he caught her grin. "They are both going to put me in an early grave."

Eleanor laughed. "Yes, but you love them for it." She looked at him and could see his worry. "Any idea why Marshall flew out like that?"

"No. He better have a good reason for running out and not going with Mary." Stan was angry and concerned. At the moment he didn't know which was winning, as he was now worried about Mary.

"It's Marshall, I am sure it is something important, or he wouldn't have left like that." She picked up the phone and started dialing. "Just in case...Hey, can you do me a favor?...see who just dialed into this office about ten minutes ago on extension three...great thanks." She hung up and smiled. "We will at least know who the call was from."

"Good idea." Stan smiled at her and went back to his office.


Mary pulled into the airport, heading straight for the gate she was supposed to pick up her new witness. A Cassidy Martin, witnessed a mob hit, being flown in on private plan to avoid crowds. No family and new to area when the incident occurred, so she was fairly easy to locate. "Here is hoping the feds did their jobs and she got here clean." She mumbled as she got out of the car, walking over to the agents, slowly scanning the area for any suspicious activity.

"Agent Shannon?" The one fed called to her, as she pulled her credentials and she had to suppress a laugh at their appearance.

"Yes and you must be Agent Anderson." She was trying very hard not to laugh. The witness looked just as amused.

"Yes, she is all yours only two bags." He handed one to Mary and Cassidy was holding the other.

"Great, let's go." Mary walked Cassidy back to the car, opening the trunk and throwing in the bags. They both got in and Mary immediately started to drive. "Well, you obviously had some entertainment on the way here." Cassidy finally burst out laughing.

"I thought it was just me. How bad was that?" Cassidy was cracking up.

Mary grinned; she was going to like this witness. "Apparently he either never saw the Matrix movies or they based the agents on him." Cassidy laughed. "It's nice to have a witness who has a sense of humor."

Cassidy smiled. "Well, I didn't have much going on before this mess, so I am just going where the waves take me."

"No waves in Albuquerque." Mary smiled. "Now, on seat next to you is a cell for you to use. It is already programmed in with four speed dials. The first being me...second my partner Marshall." Mary hesitated, still worried about his sudden departure. "Regretfully he could not make it today, but normally will be available if I am not. Stan McQueen is speed dial 3, he is my boss and will be backup if you can't get Marshall or I. Last resort Bobby, from the local police department. I highly doubt you will need to ever call him, but nothing wrong with planning for all situations." Mary glanced over at her. "You with me?"

"Yes sorry, this is my second relocation." Cassidy seemed a bit worried.

"You shouldn't have that this time as long as you stick to the rules. From what I read last time was a fluke and someone you used to know saw you?" Mary wanted to ensure she knew the whole story.

"Yeah, ironically an ex from high school." Cassidy rolled her eyes. "Not someone I care to run into."

Mary laughed, knowing all too well what she meant. "Hopefully no such luck will happen here. We ran a very detailed assessment of all names from your past, so let's hope we didn't miss anyone." Mary smiled. "If you suspect you know someone or if you are suspicious of anyone, questions whatever, you call me. If not me you call Marshall." Mary looked at her, smile gone, so she knew the seriousness of her statement.

Cassidy nodded. "Got it." Cassidy looked out the window at the area. "What is there to do around here?"

"There are a few good bars, restaurants and well that depends on what you are into...I can show you around the area and help you get familiar. I programmed a few good restaurants into your phone."

"Thanks." Cassidy smiled, she liked Mary much better then her last contact.

Mary pulled up to the apartment complex, it wasn't huge. Only four floors, each apartment had small balconies only accessible from the apartment, no fire escapes to worry about anyone getting in that way. Mary and Cassidy got out and each took a bag. "You will like this place, it has young college students. Just remember, you are now Sarah Philips." Mary handed her all the new ID s she would need.

"Thanks Mary." She followed Mary into the complex, making their way to the second floor. Apartment was strategically situated at the rear of the building, near a stairwell incase of emergency.

As soon as the elevator doors opened and they stepped out, Mary hesitated. She had an overwhelming feeling of unease. "Stay behind me." Mary saw two men approaching from the far end of the hall, both reaching into their coats, the elevator doors had already closed. "Shit..." She pulled out her gun, shots rang out and she pushed Cassidy down the side hallway, firing back at the men.

Cassidy although in shock, pulled out the phone Mary gave her and dialed Stan, who picked up immediately. "Stan?"

"Yes, who is this?" Stan heard the gunshots and Mary yell in the background.

"Cassidy..." Her voice was shaking as she tried to keep calm, but heard more shots fire.

Mary felt the stabbing pain, knowing she was hit and fell to the ground. She kept her gun pointed and used all her energy to keep focus. She took out both men and a third appeared, both Mary and the assailant fired simultaneously. The hall fell quiet and the silence was deafening.

Cassidy heard Stan in the background, but was focused on Mary. "Mary?" All Cassidy could focus on, was the blood coming from Mary's chest. "Oh god..."

Stan had alerted Eleanor who was calling for backup and an ambulance. He was already in his truck, halfway to the apartment. He heard more shots and Cassidy calling for Mary. "Cassidy! Cassidy!" Stan was yelling into this phone as he floored the gas. He heard the shaken girl say Mary was shot. "Cassidy? Are they gone?" Stan was trying to keep his voice calm. "Almost there..." He could hear her crying and talking to Mary. "Try to keep her conscious." The girl was full out sobbing now and he could hear Mary, but couldn't make out what she was saying. "I'm here, on my way up." Stan ran out of the car and took the stairwell, running up the flight of stairs, his gun drawn prepared for any stray assailants. He reached the second floor doors and slowly opened it peering through to see two men down. He kicked the guns out of their hands and made his way down the hall, kicking the gun away from the third man. When he reached Mary and Cassidy, his heart was in his stomach. "You alright?"

Cassidy looked up at him, she was still crying. Blood covering her hands, as she tried to stop the blood flowing from Mary. "She saved me..." Her voice was quivering.

Stan kept alert, but kneeled down beside Mary who was semi conscious. "Mare?" She looked at him, half aware of what was going on. "You stay with me now." He saw her looking for Cassidy, who was still pressing on one of the gunshot wounds. "She is fine. You kept her safe." Stan smiled. "Just stay with me." Mary's eyelids fluttered and he could see her losing the battle to stay conscious. "Marshal Shannon, you stay awake that is an order." His voice stern, which made Mary smile a bit before she surrendered to the welcoming unconsciousness. "Mary..." Stan felt for a pulse and was relieved to feel it faintly under his fingers. Dershowitz and a flood of officers came bursting into the hallway. "Bobby! Get the EMT's up here now!"

Bobby quickly pulled out phone and ordered them to get up here as he approached Stan. "Shit..." Bobby couldn t help but think back to the shooting two years ago. "Where is Marshall?"

Stan gave him a look, clearing angry and shook his head. "Later."

Bobby nodded, knowing Stan didn't want Mary to hear. The EMT's came up, moving Stan and Cassidy out of the way. "Who is this?"

"This is Sarah Phillips. She just moved here." Stan gave Bobby a knowing look to stop asking questions. Stan saw them loading Mary onto a gurney. "Bobby you ok here? I want to go with Mary and I am taking Sarah with me."

"Yeah, I will let you know what I find and get details from you later." He looked at Stan clearly indicated he need to know more. "I will be at the hospital as soon as I can. Want me to call Marshall?"

"Definitely not." Stan was angry and Bobby was surprised by the response, but knew not to interfere.


Stan secured Cassidy into this truck and followed the ambulance as it pulled away. "You handled that well. You need someone to check you at the hospital?"

"Um...no, I'm fine." Cassidy was still shaking, unable to believe what just took place minutes ago.

Stan pulled out his phone and dialed Alison and Charlie. Charlie was meeting him at the hospital to get Cassidy out of here safely. Alison was updating the Witsec computers to show Cassidy being relocated again to a false location. In reality Stan was keeping her here at a safe house with Charlie. The obviously had a leak and he was keeping this quiet. Alison didn t even know where Stan was putting her, only him and Charlie. It was the best course of action considering recent events. As soon as they reached the hospital and saw them wheel Mary away, Stan had the hospital give him a private waiting area and waited for Charlie.

"Stan?" Stan stood and walked over to Charlie, leaving Cassidy sitting looking lost. "Thanks for getting here fast."

"What happened?" Charlie was staring at the blood on Stan's suit.

Stan sighed. "Mary was taking care of witness relocation, we have a leak. I need you to take her out of here, go to the airport like you are dropping her off, drive into the bay. She is staying with you, have her lay down in the back of the car, so it looks like you dropped her. Take her to safehouse and hunker down till I figure this out. Only you and I will know where she is."

Charlie could tell this was serious, this was breaking witsec rules. "You got it." He hesitated. "How is Mary?"

"I don't know." Stan sighed. "Get her out of here. I will have Eleanor bring you supplies." Stan walked over to Cassidy. "Hey, this is Charlie. He is going to take you somewhere safe. You are going to be hiding for a bit, till we figure out how they knew you were here." She nodded, clearly still shaken.

Charlie helped her up, grabbing her bag for her. "It's alright. I got you." He led her out. "Stan, get word to us on Mary."

Stan nodded and watched them leave. He was about to dial Eleanor, but she came running into the waiting room.

"How is she?" Eleanor was out of breath from running.

"Hanging on...it's not good." Stan felt all the adrenaline from the last hour drain from him, as he sat down. "Did you find out where the call came from to Marshall?"

Eleanor looked at him apprehensive and knew Stan wouldn't like what she found. "Yes." Stan stared at her, knowing instantly it wasn't as they thought. "It was Agent Mike Faber."

His face slowly turned red and his jaw clenched. "I honestly don't know who to be more angry at Marshall or Faber."

"Faber. Marshall didn't know." Eleanor was hoping to defuse this mess.

"It doesn't matter." Stan ran a hand over his face in frustration. "Mary is his partner. He ran out before a case. She has never left him without backup and never would."

Eleanor didn't know what to say to that, there was no arguing his point. "Maybe he finally can't deny how he feels about her, who knows what Faber said."

Stan looked at her grimly and smiled. "All the more reason to not walk away, he could have confronted her...told her yelled...something."

Eleanor nodded slightly. "He is going to feel bad enough..."

Stan didn't say anything, he knew she was right but he was mad. He also felt guilty for letting her go alone. Stan pulled out his cell and dialed Marshall, only to get voicemail. "Marshall it's Stan. You call me as soon as you get this. That is an order." He hung up and tightened his grip on the phone. "I got his voicemail...unbelievable."


Eight hours had passed since Mary was brought in, when Bobby walked in. "Anything?"

"Nothing yet." Eleanor answered. Stan was staring off, his phone still gripped in his hand. Eleanor had stepped out briefly to drop supplies off to Charlie and brought back coffee for her and Stan.

"All three gunmen were killed. We have ID's on them. I sent the info to your office." Bobby could tell Stan was struggling and he received a small smile of acknowledgement from Eleanor.

"Family of Mary Shannon?" A doctor stood in the doorway, still in scrubs. Mary's blood clearly on him.

"Here." Stan leapt up.

"Sit, please." The surgeon, walked over and sat with them. "She is in recovery. In two hours if all is well, we will move her to ICU. She is critical. There were three gsw's." Bobby's eyes widened and Eleanor gasped, neither realizing how bad Mary was really hurt. Stan remained silent. "One shot to the thigh, nicked the femoral artery. The second shot hit the abdomen, missing all vital organs. The third shot nicked the heart." The surgeon paused, waiting for them to absorb his words. "We repaired the damage, by temporarily putting her on bypass to do the repairs. She suffered a great deal of blood loss."

"Do you know yet any effect on memory or function?" Stan asked purely on autopilot.

"No. I'm sorry. It is possible given the damage, but we will not know until she wakes up." The doctor felt bad for them, remembering this group from last time Mary was in.

"Do you know when that will be?" Eleanor asked, Stan knew the answer already.

"That is entirely up to Mary at this point, if and when she wakes up." The doctor gave Eleanor a sympathetic look. "Any other questions?" All three of them just stared at him. "A nurse will come and get you when she is moved to ICU."

"Thank you Doctor." Stan stood up and shook his hand. The doctor nodded and left. "I will be back. You two will be here?"

Eleanor knew exactly where he was going. "Yes." She just hoped he didn't say anything he would regret.

Bobby looked over to Eleanor. "What happened to Marshall?"

The sadness in her eyes told him it was bad. "Marshall jumped to conclusions and ran out of the office, leaving Mary to cover this case alone." Eleanor closed her eyes. "He doesn't know yet and he will never forgive himself when he does."

"That doesn't sound like Marshall." Bobby knew Marshall loved Mary, hell anyone who saw how he looked at her knew. He didn't jump to conclusions without all the facts. "You're right, this will break him, especially if she doesn't make it."

Eleanor teared up and they both sat, silently waiting to see her.


Stan drove straight to Marshalls, his truck was in the driveway, so he knew he was home. He tore out of truck, marching to the front door. He banged on the door with no answer. Frustrated, he walked around the house and went to the back door which was unlocked. He poked his head inside. "Marshall?" There slumped on the couch was Marshall Mann with a bottle of Scotch in his hand. Stan walked over, grabbed the bottle and went to the kitchen, pouring it down the sink.

"Hey Dad! I am allowed to drink in my house." Marshall's words were slurred, which succeeded to piss Stan off more. Stan pulled some things out of the refridgerator and cabinets, making something to sober him up. Marshall got up to argue, but the glare Stan gave him stopped him. A minute later, Stan handed him a glass. "Drink it."

Marshall looked at the vile liquid. "Pass."

"Marshall, you drink it willingly or I will make you drink it." Stan shoved the glass into Marshall's face. Marshall sighed and quickly downed the drink, instantly running to the bathroom to throw up. Fifteen minutes later, he came out looking green but more sober. "Now sit!" Stan could tell he was stunned by his behavior. "Marshall...In all the years you have worked with me, never have I been as angry as I am right now." Marshall's eyes went wide. "Why did you run out after talking to Faber?"

"How did you..." Marshall's voice was soft, surprised Stan knew who he spoke with.

"Eleanor." Stan stared at him and waited for more, but Marshall said nothing. "Ok. I will talk. You let that jackass get to you." Marshall went to speak, but Stan held his hand up signaling him to stop. "He has been harassing, no, practically stalking Mary." He could see the realization hit Marshall. "Mary came to me to ensure I didn't allow him to come here for any cases. She didn't want to press formal charges."

"Why didn't she tell me?" Marshall was now angry with Mary for not telling him.

Stan snapped. "She didn't tell you, because she was worried you would go after him or do something stupid." Stan's voice cracked. "She was protecting you!"

"Shit..." Marshall ran his fingers through his hair. "He said they were sleeping together, he practically painted a picture with all the details...I.." He was staring at the floor, realizing how stupid he was for believing him.

"You believed him and you love her." Marshall's head snapped up to look at Stan, finally taking in his appearance.

"Stan...What happened?" Marshall's eyes were now locked on the red stains on Stan's pants.

Stan let out a shaky breath. "Mary handled the witness transfer alone..." Stan looked Marshall in the eyes. "It...there was an ambush." Marshall's eyes filled and his face pained. "She is being moved to ICU soon, she is listed as critical."

"Oh Jesus..." Marshall was openly crying. "Fuck..."

Stan made no move to comfort Marshall, still not trusting his temper at the moment. "Clean up and I will take you back to the hospital with me." Marshall shook his head. "No...what do you mean no! Marshall she needs you now."

"I can't...I let her down...I should have been there." Marshall was rambling.

"You're right. She needed you. She needs you NOW!" Stan was beyond frustrated, not to mention disappointed in the man sitting before him. "If you don't go to the hospital and something does happen to her you will never forgive yourself...and I will never forgive you. Get yourself together and you damn well better get your ass to that hospital." Stan stood up and stormed out, heading back to the hospital.

Marshall slid down to the floor and sobbed. "Mare...I'm so fucking sorry..."