Chapter 2: Eye of the Storm

Hannibal and Maggie had dinner well on the way when everyone began arriving.  Nancy and Murdock and Amy and Face arrived within a few minutes of each other. 

The two friends settled their wives on a couple of adjacent lounge chairs in the shade and got them cold drinks before taking a seat.

"Hey, Hannibal, you need a hand with anything," Face offered belatedly, already having sat down in a lawn chair next to Amy.

Hannibal was shaking his head anyway, "Nope, everything is under control.  Just take it easy, dinner will be ready soon."

"Good, I'm starving," Murdock said from the ground at Nancy's feet, "besides it may be my last meal.  I believe the big guy has a score to settle with me."

Face shook his head, "You've only been home a couple hours and you already ticked off BA, huh?"

Murdock grinned, "What can I say – it's a natural talent!"

Nancy put her hands on Murdock's shoulders, "Yes, but he promised to behave himself tonight," she said, giving him a kiss on the cheek.

Murdock looked surprised, and turned, leaning an arm across her lap and looking up at her quizzically, "When exactly did I agree to that?"

Nancy smiled at him suggestively, "This afternoon, awhile after Hannibal, Maggie, and BA left," she said raising her eyebrows.

"Ohhh," he said, realization dawning, "You can't hold me to a promise made in the heat of the moment!"

Face looked at his friend, "I wouldn't argue with a pregnant woman, Murdock - you'll never win," he said ruefully.  Amy reached out and smacked him on the back of his head.

Murdock considered that, "Yea, you're probably right," he said in surrender, "I promise to try to behave, Scout's honor," he held up three fingers in a Boy Scout salute.

"I don't believe you were ever a Boy Scout," Nancy said, giving him a look of mock severity, "And you better try hard," she added, "I don't want you scaring Char away."

Amy sat up, "BA's bringing Charlotte?  That's great!" she said enthusiastically.

"Yes," Maggie said, having come out of the house and caught Amy's exclamation, "And I expect you two," she indicated Murdock and Face, "to behave yourselves.  BA is sensitive enough about their relationship without you adding to the problem!"

They looked at each other, and Face said, "Maggie, I'm cut to the quick to think that you would think . . ."

Maggie shook her head, "Drop it, Face," she broke in, "I know you two all too well. I realize that it's an incredible temptation, but please don't tease him about Char. They need some time to get comfortable with each other before you start in on them."

"You tell 'em, Maggie," Amy agreed, "And Nan and I will keep them in line."

Nancy sighed, "Easy for you to say, Amy," she looked at Murdock through narrowed eyes, "This one is hard to keep quiet!"

Murdock winced, "I can keep just as quiet as Face," he said defensively.

"Since when?" Nancy asked teasingly.

"Since . . . anytime," he said, obviously having trouble finding an example, "Just watch," and he clamped his mouth shut.

"Yea," Nancy said, laughing, "That'll last about 5 minutes." Murdock just glared at her in stubborn silence.

BA drove in with the van a few minutes later.  He and Char got out, and Char opened the side door, while BA got out the wheelchair.  He brought it around and lifted his mother into it, while Char closed the van door.  They headed up to the deck, using the ramp the guys had added the previous summer, when Mama B had started using the wheelchair full time because of the severe arthritis in her knees.

Greetings were made all around, except Murdock who remained quiet. Mama B waved towards Amy and Nancy, "Wheel me over next to the girls, I need to check and make sure they're being properly taken care of."

Char obliged, pushing her over into the shade. Mama B smiled at Amy and Nancy, "You girls know Charlotte Lincoln, don't ya?"

Nancy and Amy both nodded and said hello as Face stood and let Char have his seat. Charlotte was a tall and willowy woman with long black hair that she kept up in a braid almost all the time.  She managed the local community center, having been instrumental in setting up many of the programs aimed at helping keep troubled youth off the streets, and out of the gangs. BA had always encouraged all of them to volunteer in various capacities with the kids, so they had all met and worked with Charlotte at one time or another over the last three years.

The four women sat in the shade and chatted idly.  Murdock and Face wandered over to the grill, where BA was helping Hannibal pull the steaks off. 

BA looked at Murdock as he walked over, "I don't want to hear a word outta you, fool," he said threateningly.

Murdock made a zipping motion across his face and just smiled. Face looked at him and laughed, "Nancy said he had a big mouth, so he's taking it as a challenge and not saying anything.  It's been about 10 minutes now," he added, looking at his watch, "I'm taking bets on how long it'll last."

Murdock scowled at Face.  He made a dismissive gesture and went into the house to see if he could help Maggie with the rest of the dinner preparations.

Hannibal laughed, "I'll take that bet.  Murdock can be pretty stubborn when he wants.  I'd bet we'll have a quiet evening!"

Nancy was watching as her husband headed into the house, and sighed.  Charlotte looked at her curiously, "What's up with Murdock? I don't think I've ever seen him so quiet."

"He's fine," Nancy said, "if we're lucky the silent treatment will last at least through dinner."

Amy chuckled, "Nan kind of shamed him into it.  We're trying to keep him and Face off your back for at least a little while."

Char looked amused, "Don't worry about me - I don't have a problem with inter-racial couples – I grew up with it.  It's BA that seems to be having trouble coming to grips with it," she added conspiratorially, "My Mom says Dad was the same way when they first met.  She told me to give it time."

Mama B shook her head in consternation, "Scooter just needs to stop worryin' 'bout what other people think. He looks unconventional, but he got some very old-fashioned ideas."

"Dinner is served," Hannibal called, "And I recommend you ladies get up here and get your plates before Murdock comes back out."

Face motioned Amy back to her seat, "You tell me what you want, babe - I'll get your plate."

Amy settled back in her seat with a content smile, "He certainly does have some redeeming qualities," she said.

They filled their plates, and all but Amy and Face sat at the picnic table to eat.  Conversation was light and cheerful.  Murdock remained unusually quiet, answering any questions directed at him in monosyllables. Half way through the meal, Nancy put an arm around his waist, and leaned in to his ear, "I didn't mean you couldn't be sociable, just don't tease," she whispered.

He turned and looked at her ruefully, "It's safer this way," he confided quietly, "it is way too tempting."

Nancy smiled, leaning her head against his shoulder.  At least he was honest.

Amy and Face filled them in on their appointment with Dr. Phillips.  Everything was fine and Amy was now scheduled for induction on Thursday of the coming week, which would be almost two weeks past her original due date. Dr. Phillips estimated that the baby was about eight pounds, and didn't anticipate Amy having any difficulties giving birth.

After dinner, they broke up into loose groups, visiting around the deck.  Nancy, Hannibal and Murdock ended up in a corner, discussing work.  Conversation had turned to the development of the new team. That had been Hannibal's pitch to the General for their retirement – they develop and implement a new team training program in exchange for being taken off the mission roster.  The development hadn't been a problem, but the implementation wasn't going as planned. Hannibal was still trying to convince a group of Abel Agents to go through the team training regimen they had developed over the last couple months, "Most of the Abels got their training at the CIA or FBI," Hannibal said, "and they've had 5-10 years of working in that mind set.  They're a little reluctant to change now."

"Well, I can certainly understand that. I know the FBI, particularly is pretty set by standard procedures, and a stringent hierarchy.  It's part of what turned me off," Nancy said thoughtfully, "By comparison, your way of operating is very . . . unconventional. "

Murdock chuckled, "That's a nice way of saying that we don't play by the rules."

Hannibal grinned, "We make our own rules – that's part of the beauty of the whole thing."

"Like I said . . ." Nancy chuckled, "You guys are little too outside-the-box for the Abels. Have you thought about going outside of Stockwell Enterprises for applicants for the new team? It might be worthwhile to consider some candidates that aren't quite so set in their ways."

Hannibal shrugged noncommittally, "It's an option, though we'd need to set some stringent criteria for acceptance.  The nice thing about the Abels is that they're all suited to this type of work - the weed-out is already done. Your Uncle only hires the cream of the crop."

Nancy laughed, "You're starting to sound like Uncle," she said raising an eyebrow, "You know there are people who don't work for the CIA or FBI, who might be more suited, particularly for what you want to do."

Hannibal was shaking his head, "There are a lot of problems with that, though," he argued, "not the least of which is that my time frame for implementation is going to move out.  That won't satisfy the General."

Nancy sat forward, "I disagree," she said earnestly, "Look at it this way, with less-experienced people from outside Agency you won't have to break all the habits they've learned to be independent field operatives.  You're starting with a clean slate, so to speak.  It may actually shorten your training period."

Murdock had been listening silently, enjoying the debate between his wife and commander, but now he broke in, "That may be the case, Nan, but the General is the boss, and if it doesn't fit his plan, than it's not gonna fly," he looked at her with a knowing smile, "You should recognize that better than anyone else."

She shrugged, and threw out a barb, "I always thought you guys were willing to go against the grain.  Uncle just needs to be shown the light. Just because he's got an idea about how things should be doesn't mean it's right."

"Now you're getting personal," Hannibal said, but he was grinning, "You make it sound like a challenge."

"Maybe it is," Nancy said tersely, "I understand Uncle has always done things this way, and been successful, but I think that if he really, truly wants to put together the next A-Team, his usual methodology just isn't gonna cut it. I would think you, of all people, would realize that, Hannibal."

Hannibal laughed, "You know, Nan, you're probably right. But I think first we'll try it the General's way."

"And move your time frame out that much more . . ." Nancy pressed stubbornly, suggesting, "Why not go on a parallel path.  At least start putting out feelers for outside candidates and developing your acceptance criteria."

Hannibal considered that, "Might not be a bad idea.  I could put Face on that front, while I'm working on the internal program. My biggest problem right now is being short-handed," he looked at Murdock, "What with you gallivanting around with the General and BA busy coordinating all the improvements at the Compound, I'm getting strapped for manpower."

Murdock looked at Hannibal hopefully, "So tell the General you need me here. Maybe then I could spend time at home instead of cloud hopping!"

Hannibal raised an eyebrow at his pilot, "I thought you liked the cloud hopping . . ."

"It wouldn't be so bad except for two things," Murdock said, holding up two fingers, "First, I am tired of never being home.  And second, I hate wearing my dress uniform - the General isn't content to just let me fly the jet, he's gotta drag me to all these boring meetings, and introduce me to all his stuffy contacts." he finished with a grimace.

Nancy laughed, "Come on, HM," she said, "I know you actually find that stuff kind of interesting."

"Maybe a little," he admitted, "But it really isn't my scene.  Besides, hasn't your Uncle ever heard of teleconferencing?"

Nancy smiled, "Uncle always has believed in the face to face approach."

Hannibal nodded, "It works best for him - intimidation is less effective over the telephone!"

After awhile, Murdock went out to the truck, and brought back Nancy's guitar, "You're gonna hafta practice, Short Cake.  And now's as good a time as any," he smiled, laying the guitar in her lap.

Nancy picked it up, "I cannot believe I agreed to this whole Charlie's thing.  It's not me."

Murdock laughed, "I disagree - it's totally like you. You feel responsible for Jazz, and you have to do this to help keep her out of trouble."

Nancy scowled at him, "I thought you were going to keep quiet," she said.

"This is a safe subject," he said grinning, "Just don't let me get started on BA." He looked at BA apprehensively, and zipped his mouth shut, throwing away the invisible key.

Nancy looked at him reflectively, "Well, since this was you're idea, you could sing with me . . ."

Murdock shook his head, "You're the one that needs the practice, not me."

"I think it's a great idea," Face chimed in, to Murdock's dismay, "You haven't serenaded us in a while."

Hannibal agreed, "Yea, guess we haven't been up in a plane lately. . ."

". . . with people shooting at us . . ." Face added, "Murdock always does his best singing under fire!"

Murdock looked at Hannibal and Face in disbelief, then turned to BA for support, "Come on, big guy, you'd rather just hear Nan – right?"

But BA shook his head, "They right, man, it's a good idea, you and Nan singin' together. I'd like to hear that."

Murdock dropped into a chair next to Nancy, "What do you have in mind?" he asked moodily.

Nancy shrugged, "I was thinking maybe 'A' or 'Life in a Nutshell' one of your Barenaked Ladies tunes."

"Not 'A'," Murdock said, and Nancy laughed at his expression, "Nutshell's a good one."

Nancy grinned, "I was hoping you'd pick that one!"

She began playing, and Murdock sang the song with Nancy joining him on the chorus.

When she was three
Her barbies always did it on the first date
Now she's with me,
There's never any need for them to demonstrate
She's like a baby, I'm like a cat;
When we are happy, we both get fat and still
it's never enough, it's never enough,
it's never enough

But I don't tend to worry about the things that other people say,
And I'm learning that I wouldn't want it any other way
Call me crazy, but it really doesn't matter
All that matters to me is she

Her life, in a nutshell
No way would she want it to change me
it's not that easy 'cause
My time is often decided for me
For me

She memorized every pencil crayon colour in the box
Her sky-blue eyes complement the burnt sienna in her locks
She's at the movies, I'm on the phone;
When we're separated, we're never alone, but still
it's never enough, it's never enough,
No it's never enough

But I don't tend to worry about the things that other people say,
And I'm learning that I wouldn't want it any other way
Call me crazy, but it really doesn't matter
All that matters to me is she

Her life, in a nutshell
No way would she want it to change me
it's not that easy 'cause
My time is often decided for me
For me
For me


I fell down
With no one there to catch me from falling
Then she came 'round
And only her tenderness stopped me from bawling my eyes out
I'm OK
And that's why

Her life, in a nutshell
No way would she want it to change me
it's not that easy 'cause
My time is often decided for me

But I don't tend to worry about the things that other people say,
And I'm learning that I wouldn't want it any other way
Call me crazy, but it really doesn't matter
All that matters to me is she

"That wasn't so bad, was it?" Nancy asked as they finished up, then smile mischievously, "I'd still like to do 'A'."

Murdock smiled, giving her a firm kiss on the lips before saying flatly, "No way."

"Who did you say sang that?" Face asked.

"Barenaked Ladies," Nancy said, "HM discovered them recently, and I don't think he's listened to anything else!"

"Now it's my turn to make a request," Murdock said, "I want to hear a Shawn Colvin song – I don't really care which one . . ."

Nancy smiled, "Alright . . . how about this one . . ."

Over by the wild wood, it was a hot summer night

We lay in the tall grass, 'til the morning light come shinin'.

If I had my way, I'd never, get the urge to roam.

But sometimes I serve my country, sometimes I stay at home.

Just don't put me in a frame upon a mantel, where memories grow dusty, old, and gray.

Don't leave me alone in the twilight, for twilight is the loneliest time of day.

And I never gave it a second thought, it never crossed my mind.

As to what is right, and what is wrong, I'm not the judging kind.

But I would steal your darkness and the storms from your skies.

We all have certain trials, burning up inside.

Just don't send me no distant salutations, or silly souvenirs from far away.

Don't leave me alone in the twilight, 'cause twilight is the loneliest time of day.

So don't put me in a frame upon a mantle, where memories grow dusty, old, and gray.

Don't leave me alone in the twilight, for twilight is the loneliest time of day.

"Good choice," Hannibal said appreciatively.

"While I do like that song," Murdock said in his best English professor voice, "Technically it does not meet my criteria . . . Robertson of the Band wrote it, not Shawn Colvin!"

"I've heard her sing it," Nancy argued, "You didn't say she had to write the song."

Amy laughed, "Well, I really like it, and I don't care who wrote it," she said, then looked at Nancy curiously, "So, are you really gonna sing at Charlie's with Jasmine?"

Nancy set the guitar aside, "I'm not so sure about that whole thing, but I promised Terra I'd give it a try."

Char sat forward, "You know, if you need a practice audience, the kids would love to hear, and we've got all the necessary equipment at the Community Center. Maybe, if it goes over well, we could even set up a benefit concert."

Nancy raised an eyebrow, "Sounds like good penance for Charlie," she said speculatively, "Maybe I'll talk to him about a cover charge to benefit the Community Center.  That would hit Charlie where he lives."

Murdock looked at Nancy reprovingly, "This isn't a ploy to get you out of the whole thing, is it?"

Nancy looked at him guiltily, and Maggie chuckled, saying in a motherly tone, "I would bet that Charlie will agree to donate at least part of the cover charge to the LCC, but I do think you need to consider Jazz's part in all of this.  It's good for her.  And it will be good for you, too, Nancy."

Nancy smiled, "OK, Maggie," she said in surrender, "I'll do it for Jazz - but it can't hurt to get something out of it for the LCC."

Maggie agreed, "Of course not - and you're right.  It'll be good for Charlie!"

As they were talking, Murdock had pulled something out of his pocket, and was looking at it in dismay.  Nancy saw and asked, "What's that?"

He looked at her grimacing, "Your uncle wanted to be able to get a hold of me if he needed something, so he gave me a pager. I'm way too connected to him at the moment."

"What does he want now?  I thought he had meetings in DC for the next few days?" Nancy said irritably.

"Well, I don't know without calling him back, but I'd guess his plans have changed. They always do." Murdock stood and headed into the house.

Nancy stood, too, "Where are you going?"

He glanced back over his shoulder, "To call and see what he wants, it'll just take a minute," he said, disappearing into the house.

She was on his heels, "He better just be calling to make sure you're enjoying your time off," she said impatiently.

Five minutes later, Nancy and Murdock were saying their goodbyes and getting into the truck.  Neither one of them looked very happy.

Maggie looked at Hannibal, "The General better find another pilot soon, or we're gonna have a mutiny on our hands."

Hannibal nodded thoughtfully, "Problem is, I don't think it's just a pilot that the General is looking for."

At home, Murdock threw clothes into a bag, while Nancy brooded by the bedroom door, "You just got home 8 hours ago," she said angrily, "What is so urgent that you have to go now?"

"He had an emergency meeting come up in Houston," he said shortly.

"But you just got home!" Nancy said adamantly.

Murdock's shoulders slumped and he looked at her wearily, "This isn't my idea, Nancy.  I work for your Uncle, and he calls the shots.  It's not like I have a real choice in the matter. I have to work under the terms of the contract."

Nancy crossed her arms, she knew why Murdock, and the others, had agreed to the contract, and it didn't make her feel any better, "You didn't have to sign the contract," she said quietly, "We could have worked it out."

Murdock took his cap off, ran an agitated hand back through his hair, before jamming the cap back on his head, "I really don't want to get into that discussion, again," he said irritably, "it doesn't matter anyways.  What's done is done."

Nancy bridled at his tone, "You could have walked away," she said, venting her anger, "it wasn't like I held a gun to your head . . ."

Murdock turned hurt eyes on her, "You know I couldn't walk away," he said quietly, "I asked you to marry me, remember?  Not your family.  They, in particular your uncle, just came with the deal."

Nancy realized she'd pushed too far, their arguments concerning her uncle always ended with her feeling guilty about what she'd said in the heat of the moment, "Is he always going to come between us, HM?" she asked.

He sighed, he knew he shouldn't have brought up the contract; it was a sore spot with both of them, "Only if we let him, Short Cake."

"I'll talk to him, tell him you need to be home," she offered.

He rubbed a hand across his eyes, "This isn't your fight, and I have talked to him.  It's going to take him time to find a replacement.  Until then, I'm it."

Nancy felt tears spill down her cheeks, and turned to hide them, wiping angrily at her face.  Murdock caught the movement out of the corner of his eye and moved to her side putting his arms around her, "Come on, Short Cake, don't cry.  I'll be back before you know it," he said soothingly.

She was in no mood to be comforted, and pushed him away, "Just go," she said irritably.

He stepped back and looked at her unhappily, "You're just tired," he said, almost to himself.  He picked up his bag, "I'll call you as soon as I know what our travel schedule is," he said stopping next to her, in the doorway.

"Fine" she said flatly, looking up at him.  Her expression softened as she looked into his brown eyes.  She leaned into him, putting her arms around his waist, and he put his free arm around her shoulders, pulling her close.  They both turned their heads as headlights flashed in the window.

"My ride's here," he held her tightly for a moment, murmuring against her hair, "I love you, Short Cake."

She closed her eyes, her head against his chest, "I love you, too," she said miserably, "get home safe . . . and soon."

He leaned down and gave her a lingering kiss, until a horn blew out in the drive.  Reluctantly, he let her go, "I'll call you soon," he promised, then headed down the stairs and out the door.

Nancy walked to the window and watched the car carrying her husband away back out of the drive, and head down the road out of sight.  She turned and flopped down on the bed, staring at the ceiling.  There were times when she really hated her Uncle, and this was one of them. Sometimes she felt certain he was determined to punish her for defying him and marrying Murdock.

She didn't even bother to get undressed.  She turned the light out and lay in the dark for some time, mulling over her argument with Murdock and feeling guilty, until she finally fell asleep.