Chapter 29: Time Off for Good Behavior

Nancy and Jazz were wrapping up practice on Thursday night, and discussing some last minute changes to the play list. Nancy had found out mid-week that after their program at the LCC on the previous Friday, Jazz had talked to Charlie, and they had set the coming Saturday as their first official gig at Charlie's.

Murdock walked up to the stage, where his wife was yawning and stretching. He picked up her guitar and took her hand, "Come on Short Cake," he said gently, "Let's get you home to bed.  You look exhausted."

Jazz was nodding in agreement, "You do look all in - you need to get a good rest.  Let's skip practice tomorrow night. I think we're ready anyway. This is the second night we've been through the play list, and it sounded good. The changes we've made are minor."

"I think that's a good idea.  That way I can make sure you're in bed at a decent hour tomorrow night," Murdock said solicitously.

Nancy had moved closer to him, and had her head leaning against his chest, "OK," was her muffled reply. 

Murdock put an arm around her, smiling at Jazz gratefully, "See ya Saturday, if not before.  Thanks, Jazz."

He steered his wife out of the Center, bidding hurried goodbyes to the usual group on their way out.

Nancy dozed on the way home, waking up when they pulled in the drive.  She looked up at the dark house, "Is Dad still out?" she couldn't remember seeing him at the center that evening.

Murdock shrugged, "He's been kinda scarce this week.  I think he's been seeing that realty lady that's been helping him find a house."

Nancy looked at Murdock in surprise, "Seeing, as in dating?"

They had gotten out of the truck as they talked and Murdock came around and put an arm around her shoulders as they started towards the house, "Yes, as in dating," he confirmed with a smile, "She's a pretty lady, and I think you're Dad might have noticed."

Nancy smiled, "That's great," she said quietly, then yawned again, "Dad's been alone too long.  I don't ever remember him dating much when I was growing up. It's about time he found someone to spend time with."

Murdock unlocked the door and flipped on the living room light, "Let's get you in bed.  You look totally exhausted. You've been pushing way too hard this week."

Nancy nodded wearily, "I am tired. I'm glad Jazz canceled practice for tomorrow. I think a night off before Charlie's is a good idea."

Friday, Nancy and Murdock both decided to take the day off and spend some time together.  Nancy had an appointment with Dr. Phillips, to go over the ultrasound results. She told them that everything looked good, and that the due date might be slightly earlier than originally projected, but with twins it was difficult to predict.  However, she did want to schedule Nancy for regular ultrasounds during the last trimester, to make sure that both babies were developing appropriately.

After that, they went over to Face and Amy's to visit.  They were still there when Hannibal and Maggie stopped by.

Hannibal came in without his usual cigar, "Maggie told me I'm not allowed to smoke around Jonny," he said ruefully.

Amy laughed, "It'll be good for you to cut down, Grampa," she said sternly, "We'd like you to stick around for awhile, and those things will kill you."

Maggie had an arm around his waist and squeezed, "Amy's right, we want you around as long as possible."

Hannibal looked at Nancy, "How're you doin', kiddo? You still look pretty tired."

Nancy smiled, then yawned, chuckling, "The power of suggestion.  HM said he's putting me in bed early tonight, and I plan on being a vegetable pretty much all day today and tomorrow!"

Maggie nodded, "That's good, you've been running awful hard this week.  It's not good to get too worn down, especially when you're pregnant.  It's a lot harder to bounce back."

Hannibal looked at Nancy, "Have you had to go back to the Agency since Wednesday?"

She shook her head, "Nope, and I won't either," she said, a spark lighting her eyes, "I told those pompous so and so's that if they had any more questions, they could make an appointment with my secretary.  And I think that I will be permanently unavailable.  Three times over the same ground is enough.  If they don't have what they want, they aren't gonna get it!"

Hannibal chuckled, "Well, I talked to the General yesterday afternoon, he said that his last meeting with the Agency was yesterday morning, and they told him that their inquiry was completed, and he was free to go.  So, I guess they decided they really couldn't do anything to get even with him."

Nancy sighed, "Casey warned me when I first started this ball rolling that I was 'wading into a political morass' - boy was that an understatement. Now I'm remembering why I decided not to join the FBI or CIA."

Amy stood as she heard Jonny starting to fuss over the monitor.  Nancy stood too, "I'll go with you, Ames," she said, "I need a reminder of the important things in life!"

Maggie followed the two young women upstairs, leaving Face, Murdock and Hannibal sitting in the living room.  Hannibal looked at Murdock and grinned, "So, what do you think about the possibility of sleeping with the boss?" he asked lightly.

Murdock looked at him in surprise, then grinned, "I don't really think the General is my type, Hannibal."

Face looked surprised, "Did the General say he was going to approach Nancy about taking over?"

Hannibal shrugged, "Let's say that I think he is reconsidering his options.  She did a hell of a job on this LaSalle case.  She's turned a lot of heads and I think Stockwell is finally taking notice.  'Course there's nothing like being hit across the bridge of the nose with something to do that to a man."

Murdock didn't look all that happy, "I'm still not sure about the whole thing.  I want Nancy at home, not jetting around the country. But, I guess it's up to her."

Face looked at his friend sympathetically, "I wouldn't worry too much about it, Murdock," he said, "I think if Nan takes the job, she'll do it her way - and I doubt that it will entail being gone as much as the General is."

Hannibal nodded in agreement, "Nancy's definitely gonna have her own ideas about how to run Stockwell Enterprises.  I don't think you have too much to worry about. Unlike the General, she's got her priorities in good order."