AN: Thank you for reading, following and reviewing. I hope you're going to like this part.

Tuesday started better than Monday for Mac. She avoided Bill part of the morning. Sadly she saw him in one of those useless team meeting. After that, he didn't let her be until lunch when she pretended to have reports to finish. She hadn't think it was possible but he was worst than before. After his usual tactics and assertions, he started on how Dick was not for her because of his reputation and how she was way smarter than him.

In the afternoon he re-entered the fray and she run out of ideas to get rid of him. She decided to call V during her break, to get her mind of work for 5 minutes and get some news. After 10 minutes she managed to end the call (Veronica was definitely the talkative one) and focus on her multiples tasks.

She thought about what her friend said on stress and opportunities to have time off. So just before leaving work she decided to call Dick. She got his answering machine and left a message: "Hi Dick, I thought about your offer. I could use some time off to get rid of some stress. Maybe one hour at the spa. Call me back." As she saw Bill in the hallway she added "and if you know how to get rid of an asshole too. Bye"

He didn't call back but the next day the R&D director had the whole department in a meeting to re-assign Bill's tasks. He was fired. Then she received a big bouquet: red carnations, white and lavender heather. The bouquet was with a certificate for a full day at one of the most luxurious spa in LA. There was also a card written: "Anything for you". With Bill fired she had even more work but the expectation of a full day of relaxation in the weekend made it worth the overtime.

On the Saturday, she spent a wonderful day at the spa, pampered like she had never been.

When she arrived back at her apartment block, she saw Bill waiting for her. He was mad. He yelled at her that it was her fault he had been fired, that she was a bitch and he would get revenge. She was not really surprised and she didn't care. The guy was a dick and she already had one in her life she didn't want to bother with a second.

Inside she called Dick, thanked him for everything. He answered it was nothing for him and at the same time thank her to let him do a bit for her "think of it as the step 9 of a 12-step program."

She smiled. Her curiosity was piqued so she asked: "How did you manage to get Bill fired?"

He stayed silent for a moment as if he was thinking of how much he should tell her. "I'm part of the stakeholders at Kane's. It was the first time ever I looked into what I could do and I found a lever."

"I can't say I'm happy you used your position and money to help me but I'm glad you get rid of him. I was tired."

"Hey what's the point of being a multi-millionaire if you can't use your money!"

"Bill doesn't agree with you. He was there when I got back."

"Did he do anything to you? Are you ok?" Dick worried

"I'm ok Dick; he can't do much now anyway. His revenge can't get far without the Kane resources. He is not a hacker like I am, just a good programmer." Mac explained.

"Okay. I'm happy I could help. Don't hesitate to call me again."

Days and weeks passed without any contact with Dick. Mac was in her daily routine, living simply but rather happily: work, time with her family, some sports and frequent calls to V. The only point bothering her was those pranks. The week before, she had received letters of insult. This week she had her tires slashed and a dead rat in front of the door.

Today she was leaving for work when she saw a message. It was stuck on the wood door by a knife. Pranks she could deal with but a message saying "you're dead" was much different. Mac started to worry. She didn't want to go to the police. First, because they were inefficient. Second, they were going to look into her life and she had a lot to hide. She started to make plans. Maybe ask V to come back and help her. She could start with some CCTV checking and Veronica could guide her on what to do. She continued her devising going to her favorite coffee place. Mac was so lost in her thoughts she didn't hear Dick called her.

"Earth to Mac" he said touching her shoulder.

She jumped and shouted.

"Whoa I didn't know I had this effect on you. I'm sorry." He apologized seeing her white face.

"It's ok I was just surprised"

They were in front of the coffee place and Mac looked around to see if she recognized anyone. She felt she was starting to be paranoid.

"Let's go in" she took Dick hand and went inside.

Dick looked at her with wide eyes. What was happening with his favorite geek? They ordered their coffee and while waiting, Dick couldn't not ask.

"You look weird. Are you sick or something? Do you want me to take you to a Doc?"

"No, I'm fine. I just got bad news earlier" she answered rapidly. She then muttered to herself "I'm so stupid. I just need to ask Keith for help."

Dick heard her but didn't ask more. He knew she was not in a mood to share. They got their coffee and left to their respective days.

To his surprised Keith found Dick at his door that night.

"Well, Mr. Casablanca that's a first… Or not, I remember seeing you there to beg Veronica for help, back in your college days. She is not there you know."

Dick was not willing to make jokes and looked seriously to Veronica's dad. "I came here for Mac. Did she come to see you?"

Keith motioned him to come in, whatever he would say no one needed to hear it.

Dick continued "We met this morning when I was stopping for coffee. She looked freaked and said she would look for your help. I don't know what it is but if she comes to you it should be serious. I'm aware it's probably confidential. I just want you to know that I owe her big. So I can pay for everything you need for her. I can give you all my contacts, resources, anything." He was almost pleading at the end.

Keith knew Dick was not the stalker (not his style and not smart enough). Keith thought he could use Dick's money and he was willing to help so he explained the situation as Mac told him. The more the PI described the problem the more stressed Dick became. Finally he managed to speak.

"Is she in danger?"

"Maybe. Not all stalkers turn violent but the death threat is serious business."

"What do we do? I can't stay idle when my Mac is in danger."

Keith smiled Dick was attached to Mac in a way the young man probably didn't even grasp. They planned the first stages of the case before Dick left.

He was too nervous to go home so he drove by Mac's. He stayed in the car parked on the other side of the street for 30 minutes and eventually went home.