A/N: This story blossomed from a scene in the "Mad Men" episode entitled "The Inheritance".

Martin smiled at the surprised expression of the kind woman when he walked through the doorway. But in all fairness, he couldn't really blame her. After all, it wasn't every day that he showed up unannounced at his son's office. And in fact, this was one of the very few times that he'd actually been here. He supposed that he really should have stopped by more often; taken more of an interest in his youngest son's profession, but he hoped that this visit would make up for his shortcomings of support. The thought of what he'd planned made him smile in anticipation.

"Mr. Crane!"

"Hey, good morning Mrs. Woodson! How are you doing?" Martin attempted to be as cheerful as possible and he found it surprisingly easy. But as he expected, Mrs. Woodson was skeptical and rightly so. He wasn't the most cheerful person in the world these days but he was trying, for the sake of his family. He owed them that much at least.

"Well, this is…. unexpected. I'm fine, Mr. Crane. How are you?"

"Me? Oh, I'm great! Never better!" Martin replied, trying to sound as enthusiastic as possible.

"I'm very happy to hear that. Is-is there something that I can do for you?"

"Yeah, you can cancel all of my son's appointments for the day." Martin said bluntly. "He's coming with me!"

Mrs. Woodson stiffened. "Oh no… I'm sorry, Mr. Crane. I can't do that. Dr. Crane gave me explicit instructions-."

"Well, I'm giving you new orders, you got that?" Martin barked, smiling in satisfaction at her stunned expression. Clearly his authority still counted for something, even if he was no longer a part of the Seattle Police Department.

The woman looked at him worriedly and slowly reached for the intercom button. "Um, Dr. Crane… You have a visitor."

"Oh, thank you, Mrs. Woodson." The tinny voice of his son replied. "It's highly unusual for Mrs. Ross to be so early for an appointment, but-."

"It's not Mrs. Ross." Mrs. Woodson replied.

A beat and then… "Oh, well, whomever it is, just tell them that I'm very busy and to make an appointment."

Mrs. Woodson's eyes met Martin's. "Well, actually Dr. Crane, I think it would be best if you greet this visitor in person. I wouldn't have disturbed you but this is a matter of utmost importance."

Martin nodded, satisfied with Mrs. Woodson's lie and he smiled. "Thanks."

But Niles' agitated sigh coming through the intercom spoke volumes. Martin could sense that this was not going to go well at all. Still he was determined to make it work, no matter what the cost.

"Mrs. Woodson, I gave you explicit instructions-."

"Yes, I-I know, Dr. Crane. And I'm sorry, but under the circumstances-."

"All right, fine!" Niles yelled, cursing perhaps to himself, but it was just loud enough for Mrs. Woodson and Martin to hear. She gasped lightly as her hand flew to her mouth in embarrassment while Martin merely smiled and shook his head.

The door opened and Martin found his youngest son standing in the doorway, staring at him in disbelief. "Dad-."

Martin grinned and waved. "Hey, son."

Niles moved further into the lobby. "What are you doing here?"

"Well, I know it's not often that I show up at your office, but-."

"Try never." Niles snapped, his eyebrows narrowing.

Stung by the bitterness, Martin glanced at Mrs. Woodson, grateful for her sympathetic smile. He knew that he should have said something about having respect for ones parents but he thought better of it. Niels was under a great deal of stress and rightly so. He was about to undergo the biggest change of his life.

And that was precisely the reason for Martin's unannounced visit.