A/N: Hope you guys enjoy this one, even if there isn't a ton of stuff happening!

XXX

December 2nd

Marshall,

I tried to get back to you as soon as I could. I didn't know until this morning that you'd written to me again; I had to drive Brandi to a job interview yesterday, and was at work for most of the night. I wouldn't have made you wait if I'd known what was sitting in my inbox. I want you to know that I read that last line of your message very carefully, and I am taking it into consideration. I am only going to 'Mary' this once, I promise. So, listen carefully.

Sack up, strap on, put on your big girl panties and do it.

Marshall, you have to talk to Abigail. Nothing is going to be gained from keeping buttoned-up. Even if she isn't sleeping with Cliff, something is obviously going on. You're her husband; you have a right to know what it is. You have more right than anyone else on the planet to know what it is. If there are things she feels like she can't tell you, then you two have a problem. I may not be an expert when it comes to relationships, but I've figured out over the years that staying closed down – like I do – doesn't get you anywhere. I ruined so many connections with guys because I didn't want them to know the whole story. I didn't want them to know about my father and how much he'd hurt me. I didn't want them to know I had a mother who was a drunk, or else a mother who used to be a drunk. I especially didn't want them to know about the fact that I had a little sister six years younger, but still an adult, that couldn't take care of herself because I hadn't taught her how. Raph never even knew that I'd been married before, and we ended up engaged. Whatever the circumstances Marshall, keeping secrets – even if they're my kind of secrets – doesn't lead to anything favorable. All they do is get you in trouble, and you've already got more trouble than this is worth.

Having said all that though…I really hate to tell you this, partner. I don't want to put ideas in your head, because it's not my place. I don't know what's going on, and I haven't seen any of what you have. My sense of judgment is wasted on this. But, I know how intelligent you are. I know how you operate when you want to uncover the truth. You're careful; you're calculating; no stone goes unturned. And Marshall, if you think Abigail's having an affair – I mean, if you've done your homework – then maybe she is. All of that wasn't even supposed to be a compliment embedded within dropping such a blow; it's just the way it is. You don't hurl allegations at people; you don't act before you're certain (we've never been the same in that way.) Don't doubt yourself and your abilities on this just because you don't want it to be true – not that I'd blame you if you were. It's tough, and it sucks; no bones about it. I haven't stepped on this landmine either, so I guess this is new to both of us. I wish I could tell you what to do. I wish I'd been there to see if what you're seeing is the same as what I'm seeing. All I can tell you is that if Abigail has been double-dipping, it comes as much of a shock to me as it does to you. She might not exactly be my cup of tea on some stuff, but she seems like a good person. She's good at her job, and I thought she was a good wife to you – or at least a good girlfriend, since I haven't been around you two since you've been married. Whatever her motivations though; I don't want to hear you blaming yourself. She's an adult. She makes her own decisions.

I am sure I don't need to tell you that you should get some more evidence before you decide to talk to Abigail, that is if you decide to talk to her. But Marshall, don't wait on this. If you've got the answer, it doesn't benefit you to just sit back on your haunches and linger about waiting for her to come clean. Don't sell yourself short; you're a federal Marshal for a reason. You have instincts the public doesn't. You deserve the facts from your own wife. If you had to be honest with her about our relationship, she can be honest with you about whatever is going on with Cliff.

I need to get going; I'm late running back to the office after lunch. I had to come home and grab my coat because it dropped to like, twenty-below overnight. Is there any way you can get to a phone and call me? I know you said the headquarters phone was only for emergencies, but you'll be gone in a few weeks and you've never used it before. Surely they can make an exception. I really want to talk to you about this and get a read on what you're really thinking. I can't glean it all from words on a page. In any case, get back to me soon.

Love,

- Mary

X

December 5th

Dear Mary,

I have had a few extra days to mull everything over, but have not gotten very far. I am sure you're annoyed it's taken me three days to give you an update, but the last thing I wanted was to let my guard down in front of Abigail. If she sees me sitting around, playing typist and writing lengthy messages to you, she's going to become wary. I have to be careful, or I will not look credible when I confront her.

About that – I've made a decision. I'm going to talk to her tonight. I have not quite worked out all the phrases or each insubstantial word, but I have a general idea of how to go about discussing this. There is little misgiving in my mind now that there is definitely something happening with Cliff. It may not be as overblown as an affair, or even a midnight romp; for all I know, they could've merely kissed and Abigail is feeling especially shameful about it. I do not want to believe the worst of her before I have given her a chance to explain herself. It is not her fault that Cliff and I do not get along. Early on, she made such an effort to build bridges between us. If we were unreceptive, she cannot be blamed for that. She also cannot be blamed if Cliff came onto her; I have seen the way he is with women. It's entirely possible he attempted to get fresh with Abigail and she had no part of it. Until I hear otherwise, it is what I am choosing to accept as true.

I know what a step it was for you to reign yourself in, and limit yourself to only one line of snark on my behalf in your last note. I wanted to tell you I appreciate the consideration. Mary, regardless of what happens with Abigail and I, my last message was not an invitation for you to debrief on your own struggles with men. There are various reasons why you have not found 'the one' yet, but that doesn't mean it's of your choosing. Sometimes, we do run because we're afraid. I don't look at it as a strength or a weakness, but as part of who we are; who we're molded into from a very young age. Like it or not, James put you through the wringer and changed your entire outlook from the age of seven. I am aware we never cross into these murky waters because of how uncomfortable it makes you, but I would venture a guess he's changed a part of you since his death as well. No matter who you are, losing your father in such a brutal fashion – in front of your very eyes – would mess with anyone's head, Mary. It's not a flaw, and if it's the reason you and Kenny parted ways – because it was just too soon – that would be a perfectly valid reason. You don't have to admit to it, but I know how much your father meant to you. A confused part of you must miss him now that he's gone.

Cut me some slack on my rambling and analyzing, inspector. I am far more panicked than I have ever been in my life, because in spite of the planning and cunning way I've approached this, nothing can prepare me for it. Abigail and I have reached a plateau and it's time we faced whatever wedge has forced itself into our union, but that doesn't make it easy. It's going to be painful for me as well as for her, even if I am mistaken about her and Cliff. There is not a good ending here, but as you said, we're just sitting in park unless we address it. Marriages are often fraught with complications and roadblocks. I am hoping that if we get through this one early, it will make future obstacles that much easier to hurdle over. The first one is always the hardest.

I'll let you know – when I can – about how things shake out. Wish me luck, and give Norah a kiss from me.

- Marshall

XXX

A/N: I apologize for making you wait again! Hopefully it's worth it!