A/N: Thanks a lot for the initial reviews. I know the chapters are pretty short, but hopefully they're worth it. And, it still bugs me that the date is not where I put it in the document, but am learning to live with it LOL.

XXX

June 12th

Hey Poindexter,

Tooting your own horn is not at all flattering. When you return, am I supposed to kiss your feet because you fancy yourself some world traveler who reforms humanity? Something tells me Abigail has that covered. I bet you newlyweds weren't expecting a honeymoon in Mexico, but that's the way the cookie crumbles, my friend. Maybe you can escape the pressures of work for one afternoon and head off to Cancun. Just make sure you don't tell me about it. With the barnyard ruckus going on at my house, hearing you escaped to Acapulco or somewhere would only get you a boot up your ass.

Speaking of the four-and-a-half-person league (I'm counting Brandi's spawn as the half) yet another has been added to the pile. I suppose you could say two more, if you want to get technical (and something tells me you do.) Kenny and his half-pint, Oliver, came over yesterday afternoon. Norah seems okay with Kenny, but she's not crazy about Oliver. I can't figure out if she's confused because she's never seen another being so close to her size, or what the deal is. Oliver was trying to build with her blocks and my little urchin kept taking them back. How'd she get to be such a greedy Gus so early in life? Fortunately, Kenny thought it was hysterical. I'll tell you who also thought it was hysterical was Brandi – or else she thought Kenny was a laugh riot. Just watch. First Raph, and then this guy. My sister has a habit of nabbing men that are supposed to be tied to me.

And don't get any ideas, lanky. Kenny and I are not an 'item' or a 'couple' or any combination of the above. He brought his kid over for a playdate; that's it. I'm just speculating, because in the future you can bet Kenny and Brandi are gonna be sharing lemonade and sandwiches by the lake, or something so cheesy. It would be totally cliché for Oliver and whatever Brandi's child turns out to be to hit it off. Norah and I can handle whatever curveballs come our way. We've got each other. Like anything else makes a difference.

Work is pretty status quo – as status quo as it ever is, I guess you could say. Hanson is getting his feet wet, but his rigidity gives me stomach cramps. Stan never got out the rule book for every little discrepancy. This staying-in-line one hundred percent of the time is exhausting. What makes it even worse is that Delia loves all the structure and has started reminding me of the regulations when we're in the field together. I did not sign on for this, Marshall.

Anyway, Norah is up from her nap so I'd better get her before she starts screeching. It's not like Brandi couldn't do it, but she's busy cruising Babies 'R' Us online. What a valuable pastime.

- Your Favorite Inspector, Mary

X

June 15th

Dear Mary,

I am disheartened to discover that your ongoing negativity seeps through into your dictations. I cannot find one sentence in your last e-mail that doesn't tell me you lead a very miserable life. Now, we both know this is not the case. While it is not my place to tell you how to think or feel, I would encourage you to brighten your mood a bit. Focus on some of the sweeter portions of life. You have a lovely man to share your company. You have a beautiful daughter. You have a sister that will deliver a healthy baby in three months time. Many would kill for such an embarrassment of riches. Savor it.

For example, there is my existence at the moment; while not perfect; I am choosing to zero in on what is positive. Cliff and I have not exactly hit it off, but I have much to be grateful for. He may want to follow the letter of the law just as your Hanson does, and you and I both know the greatest secrets are often plumbed by bending the rules, but I have chosen to rely on his expertise. He has been a deputy for many years, and if not for him pulling the strings; D.C. would never have funded Abigail and I coming down. International transfers for my WITSEC crowd are tricky business, but we are managing to make it work. Speaking of Abigail, she has already taken to Cliff's no-nonsense attitude. She prefers protocol and Cliff thrives on such things. He actually reminds me of a younger version of my father, which explains why my new bride is so taken with him. Dad charmed his way right into her heart; he had her at hello.

You know I cannot spend a multitude of time talking about what I'm doing down here, but it is going smoothly enough. Some witnesses are models; living in families where drug-use and smuggling is rampant, they are more than ready to blow the whistle. Others, as we've seen before, are more along the lines of snitches just looking for a buck to America. It is odd trying to conduct my usual business, as I would in Albuquerque, while I am trying to adjust to the culture. My high school Spanish has nudged me along, but soon enough I am going to have to brush up a little more thoroughly if I want to communicate effectively. I made quite a gaffe the other day in trying to convey the old expression, 'You have egg on your face' in Spanish. But I mixed up 'huevo' with something else, and I do not believe it went over well.

About Norah – although not yet a year old, the toddler stage is on its way and toddlers are very egocentric. That is, they believe the world revolves around them and their needs. (Sound familiar?) The introduction of Oliver has forced her to share objects she has never had to split before. I, however, am optimistic. Oliver will get her warmed up for Brandi's baby, as there will no doubt be much more sharing going on in the future. Don't fault her for it. She is a baby. She will learn.

I best be getting on my way. Abigail ran downstairs to take a call when I was just starting my little message, and I hear the door signaling her return. Try to think nice, calming thoughts in the progression of your days. You will live in a much happier atmosphere, my friend.

- Marshall

XXX

A/N: Hope you like it so far! I'm sure it seems like it's mostly fluff, but if I'm lucky, it's good fluff! I also know some of the chapter titles will be lame, but after writing the story and having Mary sign each of them differently, I couldn't think of a better way to head them.