"What was that all about?" Michael asked once they were on the road and headed to the mall. "And, who was that deputy?"
"Deputy Wells," Julie told him distastefully. "He keeps showing up at the weirdest times."
"Some members of the sheriff's department don't seem to have any respect for personal space," Caryn told him. "Or personal property."
"They seem to think they can just butt into other people's business," Julie continued. "And I don't like it."
"Apparently, that's the way they have always done things in this county," Caryn reminded her. "And, they aren't about to change now."
"Well, at least Lieutenant Thomas likes you," Julie smiled over at her mother. "We can always count on him and the state police."
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~
"Shoes first," Julie announced as her mother drove into the mall's parking lot. "If you want another pair of Converse, let's try the shoe store in the mall. They may have another color in your size." She looked questioningly at Michael.
"If you say so," he conceded, looking over at Caryn who nodded and smiled encouragingly.
"And, then, for your shirt there is a men's store in the mall we need to try," Julie continued. "And, you also need another pair of jeans."
"Are you sure about all this?" Michael questioned. "Because I'm not really sure I need all this 'stuff'."
"Believe me, you do," Julie assured him. "And, there is that cardigan you were looking at in the department store on Tuesday. Do you want to go back and try it on again?"
"Aunt Caryn," Michael appealed. "What do you think?"
"I think that Julie might be getting a little carried away," Caryn replied with a smile. "Let's start with the shoes and then go from there."
Two hours later, with her arms full of packages, Julie stopped in front of the movie theater and looked at the posters on display.
"When was the last time you went to the movies?" she asked Michael.
"I don't remember," he confessed, juggling his own load of packages. "I know I saw all the Star Wars movies and also all the Star Trek movies, and I know I like Dr. Who, but as for the last movie I actually went to see in a theater, I'm not really sure."
"Mom?" Julie questioned, looking over at her mother.
"Julie – Julie Harris?" a teenaged girl who was standing with a group across from the theater gave a high-pitched squeal, and then began running towards her. "It is so good to see you!" She stopped in front Julie and waited expectantly.
"Hello, Um – m – m –" Julie clearly didn't remember the girl.
"It's Sarah Mae," the girl reminded her. "I am Peggy Sue's cousin. We met about a year ago when we were all over at Grainger's general store."
"Oh – Hello," Julie sounded confused.
The girl looked appraisingly at Michael. "And this must be your mother's cousin," she continued. "Peggy Sue said he was cute."
"This is Michael," Julie explained carefully. "He is visiting us for a while."
"Hello Michael!" the girl drooled. "It is so – o - o nice to meet you. I had no idea you were so tall."
She moved over to stand in front of him and held out her hand to shake. However, Michael's hands were both tangled up with his packages and all he could manage was a small wave.
"Hello," he replied, with an uncomfortable glance at Caryn.
"I certainly hope you are staying for a while," Sarah Mae continued. "I would love to show you around."
"You would?" Michael asked, clearly confused. "Actually, Julie and Aunt Caryn are doing a rather good job of that."
"But I know some special places," Sarah Mae replied seductively as she moved even closer to him. "You know, some places that are – secluded."
"Peggy Sue isn't with you today?" Caryn interrupted her performance.
"Oh, Peggy Sue," the girl flipped her hair. "She's always reading or studying or something like that. I don't know why she thinks she needs to be so smart. Although, if that is where she met you – " She batted her eyelashes at Michael.
"Maybe Peggy Sue wants something more out of life," Julie pointed out. "More than being tied down with a baby while she is still a teenager."
"You did have a baby with you when I met you, didn't you?" she asked pointedly.
"Oh, that's Taylor and he's with my grandmother," was the curt reply. "And, I will have you know that I filled out all the paperwork for the government programs all by myself. That's how smart I am! And, I didn't waste time going to school either."
"Now, are you thinking of going to the movies?" Sarah Mae continued, smiling at Michael. "Or are you going to do some more shopping?" She eyed the numerous packages being held by both Michael and Julie.
"No, I think we are heading home," Julie decided.
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~
Late that Saturday night, the FBI's Organized Crime unit carried out their long overdue raid on Joe Mac's office, home, and warehouse. While they were busily rounding up the various persons named in their warrants and confiscating their computers, Hotch's team began campaigning to be allowed to interview Joe Mac regarding their missing agent.