Jack pushed his phone into the pocket of his black jeans. He leaned over the railing of the deck and took a deep breath. The air was moist with the rain that would fall any minute. Jack sighed and shut his eyes. The images and sounds of the video replayed. Jack's heart thumped, and he winced at the horseshoe markings his nails left inside his clenched fists. Jack forced his hands to relax and shook them. He glanced at his watch. Bozer would be here in half an hour. Jack felt a solid drip of cold rain run down his back. Jack went inside and was relieved to see Mac sprawled across his bed out cold. Jack leaned against the door frame and smiled. It was rare to see Mac relaxed enough to sleep peacefully. Jack silently entered the room and gently repositioned Mac's legs, so he was completely in bed. He covered the kid with the thick comforter and turned on the bedside lamp. Jack froze as Mac rolled over and nuzzled his face deeper into the pillow. He murmured something, let out a deep breath then drifted back to sleep.

Jack cat footed over to the chair beside the bed and sat studying his friend. Jack frowned remembering the blind panic as he fled Fred's office. Jack knew it would be hard for the kid, but hadn't expected him to freak out and run. Now these videos? Everything in Jack screamed for Jack to keep them from Mac, to delete them, but Jack realized Matty was right. Someone was trying to mess with the kid, and Mac would have to know for his safety. Matty also pointed out that it wasn't Jack's right to keep Mac in the dark. Bozer had the most convincing argument. He said that Mac's ginormous brain would gnaw at itself until he could fill in the missing gaps and until it does, Mac won't get better. As if Mac could hear his thoughts, Mac began to moan and twitch. Jack flinched as he saw Mac's feet spasm. Jack fought the urge to wake up Mac. Dr. Mendez said to let Mac sleep until he woke up on his own. Otherwise, Mac wouldn't get any sleep. Tears ran down Mac's face as he began to thrash back and forth. Jack sat on the side of the bed and softly began to rub Mac's forearm. Mac jumped.

"Easy, kiddo. You're ok." Jack murmured. Mac mumbled and rolled closer to Jack, calmer. Jack reached over and gently rubbed the kid's back. Mac's eyes briefly opened into slits then rolled shut. Jack could feel his muscles relax. Jack let out a deep breath. He brushed Mac's bangs back. "I'm sorry, kid," Jack whispered. Jack heard the front door open and silently padded out to the living room.

Bozer came rushing through the door; his eyes were wide and worried.

"Bozer, he's alright. Calm down." Jack said softly. Bozer nodded but didn't relax until he peeped in Mac's room to see for himself. Bozer let out a deep breath and closed Mac's door leaving it ajar. Bozer went to the living room and slid out of his wet jacket.

"He hasn't seen them?" Jack jumped up and grabbed Bozer's arm.

"Them?" Bozer nodded rubbing rain out of his short hair.

"I guess there are three parts in that one video or something?" Bozer offered with a shrug. Jack growled as he crossed his arms.

"Has Riley found out anything?" Bozer sat down on the couch his elbows on his knees. He looked up at Jack worried.

"Riley said it's hidden by the same level of encryption as the MacGyver murder site."

"Shit!" Jack wasn't surprised. It had taken Riley almost two months to break into the site then it was taken down, and all traces of it erased. Jack thought of the amount of information the site had about Mac. Was it Valhalla again? Sarana? Murdoc? El Noche? The Ghost? Jack shook his head. "Are the TAC teams set up?"

"They are all over the place outside," Bozer said. Jack nodded. He'd pulled all the shades and curtains down. "How long has he been sleeping?" Jack glanced at his watch.

"About an hour. Mac had half a bowl of soup." Bozer stood up and looked in Jack's eyes mirroring his worry.

"The therapist messed him up."

"I know. I'm proud of him for giving it a shot. Well, I gotta go yell at Matty." Jack crossed and grabbed his denim jacket. "Make sure you call TAC before you guys come in and…" Bozer gave Jack a playful punch in the shoulder.

"Don't worry, Jack, we got this." Jack sucked in a deep breath and reluctantly nodded.

"I know, Boze, it's just…"

"Jack, I got it." Bozer put a hand on Jack's shoulder. Jack saw the stony determination in the younger man's eyes.

"Ok, if you need anything…"

"I'll call."

"Anything!"

"I'll call, don't worry-as much, I know you're going to worry, just breathe ok?" Jack chuckled and waved a hand as he stepped out into the rain. Bozer frowned and rubbed his face. He cleaned up the kitchen and checked out the stacks of food. Bozer smiled. Mac was eating the nutrient heavy food. Bozer's smile evaporated realizing that Mac probably lost at least half of what he ate. Bozer closed the fridge and softly walked into Mac's room. Bozer sat down and studied his friend. With the blond sound asleep and peaceful, Bozer could easily see the big hearted, goofy guy he'd known since 5th grade. Mac jumped in his sleep, and his arm went over his head as if he were ducking a blow. Bozer leaned forward his stomach dropping.

The only time he'd ever seen Mac trapped in this kind of fear was when they'd first met. Everyone in school knew about Angus, of course. He was tall, gangly, and always walking around lost in thought. Mac always wore wrinkled and stained clothes and had grease perpetually under his fingernails. Probably what drew the worst heat was the sheer brilliance of Mac's mind. To people who didn't know Mac, he would sound arrogant and snobby. Nothing could be further from the truth. Bozer remembered the fear in Mac's bluer than blue eyes as Donny Sandoz cornered him. Bozer rubbed his knuckles smiling at the memory of busting the bully's nose. In Bozer's mind that was one of his best shining moments.

Mac began to whimper and curl into a ball.

"Mac, hey, Mac you're ok, buddy," Bozer whispered leaning forward. He hated not being able to cut off the horrible movies that played in his best friend's head every time Mac closed his eyes, but Bozer knew Mac needed whatever sleep he could scrounge good, bad or otherwise. Mac thrashed then bolted upright blurting a truncated scream. Mac's eyes darted around the room, his chest puffing like a steam engine. Bozer slowly stood and moved to sit on the side of Mac's bed. Mac bolted backward, terror in his eyes for a long minute then he sucked in a deep breath and ran a shaking head through his tangled hair. Bozer reached out a hand and put it on Mac's knee.

"Hey, bud, how are you doing?" Bozer asked softly. Mac looked at him oddly then chuckled. Bozer raised her eyebrows. "What?"

"'Bud'? You sound like Jack." Bozer looked at him with exaggerated pain.

"Mac, how dare you?" Mac smiled and closed his eyes rubbing at his cheeks surprised to find them wet. Bozer didn't give any indication he'd noticed. Mac squinted up at the clock and frowned at Bozer.

"Where's Jack?" Bozer stood up and walked toward the door. "Boze?"

"He had to go back to the office.' Bozer said over his shoulder. "Want to watch a movie? I'll go make popcorn." Bozer almost ran to the kitchen silently cursing. Could he make Mac any more suspicious? Evidently not as Mac padded barefoot after him.

"Bozer, what's going on?" Bozer saw alarm seep into Mac's voice. Bozer turned around and held up placating hands.

"Mac, it's ok. Jack is fine; everybody is fine. Matty wanted to go over some reports…" Mac's eyes narrowed. His eyes shifted, and he pointed to the pile of Jack's laptop and papers.

"The reports he left over on our table?" Mac challenged. Bozer huffed.

"Ok, Mac you got me!" Bozer's gaze grew serious, "There's stuff going on...Mac you're going to find out tomorrow, Ok?" Mac straightened his back.

"Stuff? What stuff?" Mac growled. Bozer backed up and ran his fingers across his forehead.

"C'mon sit down," Bozer said taking a step toward the couch. Mac grabbed his arm and spun him around.

"Wilt? What stuff?" Bozer frowned, his throat bobbing at the use of his first name. Bozer reached out and grabbed Mac's upper arm. Bozer was alarmed to find it shivering and cold. Bozer led Mac to the couch and sat down. Mac sat beside him his eyes pinning Bozer through the heart. Bozer leaned forward and stared at the floor.

"Someone sent you a video; Jack found it accidentally when he picked up your phone instead of his." Mac hissed in the air, leaning back. Bozer glanced up and could see Mac pale, his eyes wide. Bozer turned and put his hands on Mac's forearms.

"They're tracking down who sent it…" Mac sat stunned as if Bozer

had gut punched him. Mac slowly pulled away and stood up. He crossed his arms and turned away.

"Did you watch it?" Mac asked softly.

"No. So far the only ones to watch it are Riley, Matty, and Jack." Mac stared at the ceiling taking deep breaths. Mac turned slowly. His eyes looked like dark pools of misery.

"What's on it?" Mac's voice was barely a whisper. He avoided meeting Bozer's gaze. Bozer stood up and crossed to his friend. He went to put a hand on Mac's shoulder, but the blond flinched and took a step away.

"I don't know, but Mac…" Bozer waited until Mac's gaze slowly drifted up to his. "I think it's really bad." Mac's eyes gleamed with tears, and he nodded.

"Is it related to that website?" Mac asked his voice more like normal.

"I don't know, Riley's checking into it." Mac chewed on the corner of his thumbnail then spun and hurried to his room. Bozer blinked in surprise and followed him. Mac yanked his running shoes out from under the bed.

"Mac, what…?"

"I have to go to Phoenix, now." Mac's voice was tight with anger entwined with fear. Bozer squatted in front of Mac.

"Mac…" Mac slid his bare feet into his well-used shoes and stood up. Bozer stood up and moved in front of him.

"Out of my way, Boze." Mac went to push past Bozer held onto Mac's thin shoulders tightly.

"Mac! Listen to me! We can go, just calm down and take a minute ok?" Mac blinked and glared at Bozer.

"Why? I'm tired of these...people coming after...everyone." Mac's bottom lip quivered. Bozer felt Mac's cold body start to shake. Mac started to breathe faster. "I have to stop this...I have to...Boze!" Mac's frightened eyes met Bozer's desperately looking for a solution, a way out. Bozer reached over and wrapped Mac into a hug. Mac pulled back and stiffened. Bozer was used to that; he held on until Mac leaned into his friend. Boze could feel Mac's body spasm as if it was still running away on its own. Mac's body began to shudder. Bozer gently backed Mac up to the bed and sat him down. Mac hugged himself, eyes closed and started rocking. Bozer felt his heart break. He pulled over the comforter around Mac's shoulder and sat beside the blond. It took a few minutes, but Mac finally started taking deep breaths and worked to calm himself down. Bozer smiled and rubbed Mac's back offering what support he could.

"The others thought we could go to Phoenix in the morning." Mac slowly looked over and studied Bozer's face.

"They weren't going to tell me, were they?" Bozer looked down at the floor.

"Jack and Riley didn't want to, they…"

"They thought I'd fall apart and lose it." Mac began pulling on the edge of the comforter. Bozer put his arm around Mac's shoulders and pulled him in close.

"Well, lately you have kinda been a bit fragile…" Mac shot Bozer a glare. Bozer shrugged. Mac wryly smiled and rolled his eyes.

"Fair point, Boze." They were silent a long minute. "I guess that's what I'm afraid of too, Boze," Mac said softly.

"I hear you, buddy." Mac seemed to shake himself. He sat up straight and nodded. Mac looked over to Bozer.

"Thanks, Boze." Bozer grinned and hugged Mac. Mac unwrapped himself from the comforter and shook off his shoes.

"So we're waiting until morning?" Bozer asked. Mac frowned.

"I think I'll be able to help more if I have a clear head."

"Yeah, what do you want to binge watch? And what do you want to eat?" Bozer offered. Mac scowled at him. Bozer just met his gaze with eye brows raised. Mac rolled his eyes and punched Bozer on the shoulder. Mac turned and went to the kitchen. Bozer winced rubbing his arm and followed him.

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

The glass of the war room was already frosted when Mac and Bozer arrived the next morning flanked by the TAC team. Mac walked his body stiff, his face stormy. He had not been happy to find out about the TAC team. Bozer was worried he was going to explode during the ride. Bozer tried to get Mac to vent, cuss, get it out of his system, but Mac only gave Bozer the full blast of his glare and gritted his teeth hard enough Bozer thought his teeth must be cracked. Jack turned as Mac entered. Jack smiled.

"Hey, bud." Mac glared at him. Jack frowned and looked over at Bozer.

"We enjoyed the motorcade this morning." Bozer offered. He took off his jacket and crossed to the round table to sit beside Riley. Riley glanced up from behind her laptop, glanced at Bozer and both leaned in together doing their best to be invisible. Mac strode directly up to Jack. Jack didn't step back but forced his stance to stay casual. Mac's body was almost vibrating with stress. Jack waited. Mac's jaw flinched.

"Why didn't you tell me about the video?" Mac asked his voice calm and even. Jack sighed and itched his nose.

"You know why," Jack answered in the same tone.

"That's not your call to make." Jack studied his friend, and his face softened.

"Are you mad I didn't tell you or mad that I tried to help you?" Jack asked softly. Mac opened his mouth then snapped it shut. He crossed his arms and looked down. Jack could see how brittle his partner was feeling. Jack put an arm on his shoulder. "Look, I will always do what I think is necessary to keep you safe. I'm here to help you, man." Mac's Adam's apple bobbed. He bent over and kicked the carpet.

"I know that. It's just…" Mac's eyes moistened, and he cleared his throat.

"I know, bud. I know. Are you sure you're ready to do this?" Mac laughed. Jack looked at him surprised.

"Every time you ask me that, it doesn't end well." Mac punched Jack on the shoulder then crossed over to Riley and Bozer. Jack smiled, it was Mac's way of letting Jack know they were good. Jack's smile fell into a grim line. He forced his body to relax, saving his rage for the person or persons behind this newest round of mind games. Matty walked in followed by Dr. Mendez and Doc Carl from Medical. Mac turned and swallowed clearing his throat. Jack saw a flash of panic that Mac quickly swept away.

"Hey, Mac," Matty said a gentleness in her tone Jack had never heard from the diminutive woman.

"Matty." Mac managed. Matty studied him. Mac met her gaze and managed not to fidget. Matty nodded at Riley. Everyone turned to the wall screen. Mac automatically walked to stand close to Jack. Jack moved over until his arm brushed Mac's offering what comfort he could. Mac narrowed his eyes. The first image showed Mac running blindly from Fred's office. Jack watched Mac out of the corner of his eye. He tapped his chin with his index finger.

"Riley?" Riley paused it. "Can you get a map of that street and the buildings around it? We should be able to figure out where this was filmed." Riley grinned and nodded her fingers tapping her keyboard.

"Ready?" Mac coughed and nodded. There was another minute of Mac running, then Jack skidding in front of him. Mac smiled glancing over at his friend. Jack had a small smile on his face too. Mac looked back at the screen and froze. He took a step forward his mouth hanging open. It was a home movie, probably copied from VHS if the quality was any indicator. A young woman with curly blond hair was holding a baby and grinning into the camera. Mac's heart pounded.

"Mac?" Someone asked from nearby. Mac felt his eyes grow moist.

"Mom." He said, his voice small and strangled. Jack's head whipped around.

"Mac?" Jack reached out gently. Mac smiled at Jack.

"That's my mom." He said softly. Jack turned around, and everyone was talking. Mac barely noticed. He walked closer and almost reached out to the screen. Mac pulled his hand back and shook his head, realizing where Mac was and what he was doing. He rubbed at his eyes and took a steadying breath. "Do we know where that park is?" Mac asked studying the children playing on swings and slide down a plastic slide. He couldn't see anything indicating a town or city, just a background of woods and...Mac gasped and took two panicked steps back. Jack was at his side in an instant. Mac's face had drained to bone white. Jack held onto Mac's shoulder; he could feel the shuddering.

"Mac?" Mac blinked and stared at Jack blankly. He shook his head.

"Riley, rewind it." Mac's voice was a strangled whisper. He watched the screen. "Stop. Enhance here." Mac pointed at a place almost out of sight on the video. Mac turned away and held onto his head with both hands.

"Son of a bitch! Is that the…?" Jack asked.

"Yes," Mac said not turning around. A figure stood at the edge of the forest, a clown. Jack thought back to the description Mac had given him when they were in Colorado. It was the same clown-tall, thin, happy face, wearing white with large red circles that seemed to be liquid somehow. The clown held a giant wooden mallet over his shoulder. He was apparently studying Mac and his mom. Jack scowled as he thought about the implications. Before he could say a word, an animal scream blared seeming to echo off the building's walls themselves. Jack watched as Mac turned around. Everything slid into slow motion. Jack saw Mac's eyes widen, his mouth opened, his eyes squinted shut, and Mac covered his ears screaming.

"Riley!" Jack bellowed as he jumped to Mac's side. Mac's knees buckled. Riley silenced the video; everyone was standing and hovering near Mac, not sure what to do next. Mac stopped screaming, began hyperventilating, then his knees buckled. Jack caught him and eased them both to their knees. Mac's eyes were wild black dots. His hands dug into Jack's arm.

"Hey, hey, breathe," Jack said looking over at Dr. Mendez. The psychiatrist calmly drew medicine into a shot. Doc Carl knelt beside Mac listening to his heart through a stethoscope. Mac stared at Jack his eyes begging for help as the younger man desperately fought for air. Mac's body began to shake; he fell forward. Jack caught him and held him up. Dr. Mendez knelt behind Mac and pushed back the sleeve of his shirt injecting the medicine into Mac's upper arm. Mac's eyes closed and he went completely limp. Jack caught him and pulled him close taking a deep breath and closing his eyes.

"It's ok, bud, you're going to be ok." Jack wasn't sure if he was saying it for Mac or himself.