A4 Simple Dreams and Flying Machines

by KennaC

Sequel to Mad Season: Nancy and Murdock are both stretched pretty thin, and things aren't about to improve when Nancy brings home a couple of stray . . . kids, that is. What could make things any more hectic?

2. Part 2

Caught in the Act

Back down in the living room, Nancy flopped on the couch, feeling all the energy drain out of her. Murdock sat down next to her and pulled her into his arms, "You look all in, Short Cake - I know it's still early, but maybe we should head to bed, too."

Nancy's eyes had closed, and she nodded, "Bed sounds good - you still gotta go to work at 4am tomorrow?"

"Yep, but I should be back around six - I'll make you ladies breakfast in the morning, how's that sound?"

"I don't much care about the food, but it'll be good to see you in the morning," Nancy said, curling into him, "Will you have time to go to the hospital with us in the morning to see how Jack is doing?"

"I'll make time," Murdock said, "We'll have to make sure we're back in time for the 10 o'clock meeting at the Compound, though."

"I checked, visiting hours are 8 to 10," Nancy said, "I don't want to make Callie leave any earlier than she has to. I think she really misses Jack. I hate to put the meeting off again, but do you think Hannibal will have a problem switching the meeting time to 10:30?" she sat up and looked at Murdock quizzically.

Murdock smiled warmly at her, "I'm sure he won't, Short Cake," he said confidently, then his tone turned teasing "'sides you're the boss . . . You big softy."

"I'm not being a softy," she disagreed, "It's just that I can imagine how I would feel in her shoes. She and Jack only seem to have each other, and being separated from him is hard on her."

"You're probably right," Murdock said, nodding, but his grin widened as he continued, "But I still think you're a big softy!"

Nancy smiled and shook her head, "You're the softy in the family . . . I'm the practical one."

"Yea, bringin' a couple stray kids home is real practical . . ." he said, his eyes dancing with amusement.

"And what would have been better, letting Callie go to the orphanage . . . And probably get separated from her brother," Nancy said indignantly, "I promised her I would do what I could to make sure that didn't happen - and bringing her home was the most practical solution."

Murdock reached up and pulled a fuming Nancy down into his arms, "C'mon, Short Cake, ya know I was just teasin' you . . . You did just what I would have expected you to do," he smiled and ran a finger under her chin, "It's OK to be a softy sometimes, just means you're human."

He leaned down and kissed her nose, then looked into her eyes. She smiled slightly, "I guess I do kinda have a soft spot for strays . . . After all, I married you!"

Their eyes held, and he murmured, "Yea, I'm one lucky stray," then leaned down to kiss her, probing her mouth with his tongue, and enjoying the familiarity of it. He was always surprised at how readily she responded to him, and he could feel himself being swept up in the tidal wave of need she always aroused in him. He slid his hand under her shirt, sliding it up over her pregnancy-swollen belly, to the soft curve of her breast. Nancy moaned as he began gently teasing the tip of her nipple through her bra with his fingers.

The phone rang, "Ignore it," Murdock said huskily, leaning in to nuzzle her neck again.

Nancy groaned, "But it might be about Jack, honey," she said.

Murdock stopped and looked into sky blue eyes that reflected his own disappointment at being interrupted. Reluctantly he reached over and picked up the handset, "H'lo?"

"Hey Murdock," Hannibal said, "How's everything there?"

Murdock sighed and leaned back against the couch as Nancy got up, "S'OK, Hannibal," he said, "Callie's clean and in bed."

"How's the little boy?"

"Stable," Murdock said, "Dr. Lyons said he was optimistic, but that Jack wasn't out of the woods yet. They were gonna put him in ICU so they can keep a close watch on him."

"You still up for rooster duty in the morning, or do you want one of us to spell you?" Hannibal asked.

"Naw," Murdock said, "I'll catch rooster duty, as long as you take over like this morning so I can come back and have breakfast with the ladies."

"No problem," Hannibal said, "Is there anything else you need tonight?"

"Don't think so," Murdock said, but Nancy hurried back around the couch, gesturing to her wrist watch to remind him about changing the meeting time, "Oh yea, Hannibal, can we move the meeting back to 10:30 at the Compound? Visiting hours aren't over until 10, so we'll be at the hospital 'til then."

"OK," Hannibal agreed readily, "I'll let Zeb, BA and Face know. You have a good night. We'll see you tomorrow."

"'Night," Murdock said, and hung up the phone.

He stood up, "Time for babies and mama to go to bed? You've had quite a day."

Nancy smiled and nodded, as they started towards the stairs, arm in arm, "That's an understatement."

"Short Cake, where you're concerned the normal English language usually doesn't come close to expressing the reality!"

Upstairs Nancy stopped by Callie's room and pushed the door open a crack to listen. Callie's breathing was deep and even, and Nancy nodded gratefully.

Murdock put his hands on her shoulders, "Out like a light," he whispered, then leaned down and kissed his wife's cheek, and playfully fondled her breast, "C'mon, I believe we have some unfinished business."

In the bedroom, Murdock watched as Nancy peeled off her shirt, grabbing her playfully around the waist and nuzzling the back of her neck, unhooking her bra in the process. Nancy giggled and turned in his arms, allowing her bra to fall to the floor before, putting her own arms around his neck. She pulled his head down so she could reach his mouth and they kissed passionately, Nancy running her hands down his back to find the bottom of his t-shirt. She pulled back and slipped the shirt up and over his head, allowing it to drop to the floor, as she melted back into him. They slowly removed the rest of their clothing, enjoying the simple act of undressing as an excuse to caress and fondle, rediscovering each other's bodies with each touch.

They were moving towards the bed when Nancy suddenly stopped and pulled away, "Did you hear something?" she asked anxiously, looking towards the open bedroom door.

Murdock pulled her close again, "It's just the house settling," he said quietly, kissing her collar bone and eliciting a groan.

"But what if Callie wakes up?" Nancy asked quietly, her hands flat against his chest.

Murdock reached back with a foot, kicking the door shut, "She's sound asleep," he said huskily, dipping his head for a hungry kiss, "and I promise to keep it quiet," he added hastily as Nancy hesitated once again.

Nancy looked into his brown eyes, allowing herself to fall into their depths, she couldn't resist him, "You're right, she's sound asleep," Nancy said, and pulled him down onto the bed, wrapping her legs around him as he slid into her, moaning with mounting urgency, they began rocking in a slow, steadily increasing rhythm, until they both reached climax, clinging to each other and reveling in the unity of the release. Once spent, they lay back in each other's arms, kissing and caressing idly, until sleep overtook them.

Callie awoke with a start, staring in panic into inky blackness, until her eyes adjusted to the dim moonlight coming in the window. She heard low voices, and slipped out of bed, stopping suddenly when the floor creaked under her weight. She moved more carefully after that, slowly making her way to the door to her room. She moved silently into the hall, watching as the door to the bedroom across the hall closed, then bounced open several inches.

Callie moved forward cautiously and looked into the bedroom from the hallway, her eyes as big as saucers watching as Nancy and Murdock slipped into bed. She stood like a statue for a minute, watching in stricken silence. Finally she realized that neither of the people in the bed had heard her, so she slowly and silently backed her way to her room. She slipped back into the bed, and covered her head, falling into an uneasy sleep.

Beauty and the Beast

Cuttey unlocked the door to his apartment, and cursed when the door caught on the chain, "Damn it, Nee, open the fuckin' door."

Footsteps pounded towards the door, "Sorry, Cuttey," Nee said, quickly opening the door, "I didn't hear the key in the door." He brushed past her, casting an irritated look that made her lick her lips nervously.

Nee was about 5'6", slim and pretty with dark, curly hair, warm brown eyes, and smooth golden skin, except where the bruises were turning shades of purple and green. She hurried back to the kitchen, "I made enchiladas for supper, hope you're hungry."

"Already ate," he said curtly, "You better have the laundry done, I gotta pack for the weekend – gotta work."

Nee pulled the pan out of the oven and put it on the stove top. She turned and looked at Cuttey, who was going through the pile of mail, "Laundry's all done and put away," she said, "Did you stop by the old neighborhood today?" she asked tentatively.

"Didn't have a chance," he said absently.

She crossed her arms, a defiant look on her face, "Cuttey, you . . . you promised."

He looked up at her sharply, and Nee stepped back as if struck, "I said, I didn't have a chance."

Nee hugged herself, and looked at him nervously, but pressed, "Maybe you could, you know, give me enough money so I could take the bus over there tomorrow, to check for myself."

"It's a waste of time and money, and I don't want you goin' over there alone," Cuttey said coldly, turning away, "You stay put."

"Please, Cuttey, just let me go check . . ."

"I said 'no', now drop it," Cuttey said sharply, "And you better not set foot outta this apartment, or I'll know. You understand."

Cuttey looked up and his gaze softened, he moved forward and put a hand under her chin, caressing her cheek with his thumb, "Come on chaquita, you know I'm just tryin' to do what's right for us. Forget about it," he reached into his pocket and pulled out several small packets of white powder, "Here, I picked these up for you today, you must be getting' low. Didn't I tell you I'd take care of you? Now go eat, I gotta pack a bag for this weekend."

Nee took the bags with trembling fingers. Cuttey kissed her roughly on the lips then turned and walked into the bedroom. She watched his retreating back, a single tear slipping silently down her cheek.

Good Morning, Alice

Callie woke in the morning and looked out from under the covers in confusion - where was she? Slowly the events of the previous afternoon and evening came back to her and she sat up looking around the room she was in.

The walls were textured plaster, painted a pale peach, and the floor was pine, painted in ivory, all dappled with the sunlight shining through the trees and in through the open window. There were only three pieces of furniture in the room, the four poster full bed she was sitting on, a tall cherry wardrobe, and the old wooden rocker that she had moved in front of the door. She noticed that it was back in place and her clean clothes were folded neatly and lying on it. She made a mental note to improve her alarm system for the future, she hadn't even heard the door open.

She stood and stretched, looking out the window, which overlooked a wooden deck with gardens all around it and a stair leading into the back yard. The yard was open grass bordered by a gravel horseshoe-shaped driveway. Leading off the back of the driveway was a rutted track, which led between a cinder-block garage on the left and another cinder block building with a fence around one end on the right. The track continued on back behind the buildings, disappearing between two corn fields. Just past the cinder block building was a pile of old wooden beams, lying in the middle of a field stone foundation.

There was a soft knock on the door, and Nancy peeked through the opening and smiled as Callie turned from the window, "You're awake," she said kindly, "How did you sleep?"

"OK," Callie said uncertainly, looking for some sign that she might be in trouble after her nocturnal wandering.

"Well, HM has breakfast started downstairs," Nancy said, showing no sign that she was the least bit upset, "Why don't you get dressed and join us in the kitchen? Once we're done with breakfast, it'll be time to head in and see Jack."

Callie nodded mutely as Nancy pulled the door shut. Callie could hear her walking back down the stairs and turned to begin getting dressed slowly, her thoughts whirling. She felt like Alice waking in wonderland, and she wasn't too sure what lay around the next corner.

A few minutes later, she had finished dressing, and heard a whistle. She looked out the back window to see Nancy headed across the drive with a couple bowls. Two large brown dogs came bounding out of an opening in the side of the cinder block building, greeting Nancy enthusiastically at the gate in the fence. Nancy opened the gate and walked into the kennel, setting the bowls of food next to a water trough, which she turned and started filling from a nearby hose.

The dogs immediately began wolfing down the food, "Hey guys, you're gettin' a treat this morning," Nancy said, scratching each dog in turn, "HM made bacon, and you got the drippings . . . We'll get you some pancakes later!"

She finished filling the water trough, then closed the kennel gate and headed back to the house. She glanced up and waved when she saw Callie looking out the window. Callie raised a hand in response, then turned abruptly away, embarrassed to be caught watching. She wandered slowly around the room once more, looking in the dresser and the wardrobe curiously before deciding that it was time to see what wonderland had in store for her downstairs.

Callie stopped at the bottom of the stairs. She could hear Nancy talking on the phone, and she could tell it had something to do with her, "Yea, Jazz, whatever you've got . . . I'd say she's about a size 10 or 12 girls. If you have any of Terra's old clothes that she's outgrown it'd be a big help. I haven't got anything even close to her size around here."

There was a pause, then Nancy continued, "No, we don't need to cancel practice, I just may be a little later than 8 . . . I think visiting hours run until then, and I imagine Callie will want to be there 'til they're over. We'll get to the Center as soon as we can."

Callie stepped out of the doorway leading from the stairway into the dining room, and Nancy caught sight of her from the kitchen entry, motioning for her to come into the kitchen.

In the kitchen, Murdock was finishing another batch of bacon and was humming happily as he slid another pancake onto the pile in the oven. He turned as Callie entered, "G'mornin', Callie-girl - grab a plate and load up. We're gonna eat on the deck. It's a beautiful morning!"

Nancy meanwhile was finishing her telephone conversation, "Thanks a million, Jazz! We'll see ya at the Center . . . probably around 8:30 or so. 'Bye!" Nancy hung up the phone and walked past Callie to the counter by the stove.

She picked up a plate and handed it to Callie, who was standing hesitantly in the middle of the kitchen, "Better fill your plate before HM gets started or you won't get enough to eat!" she said encouragingly.

Callie looked at them thoughtfully, as Murdock put a couple pancakes on her plate, along with three slices of thick, crispy bacon. Murdock was dressed in khakis and a red t-shirt that read "Nobody's home", with black high-top tennis shoes on his feet. His hair was wet and he smelled of shaving cream, cluing her in that he had gotten out of the shower just recently. Nancy had on a tank top, under a pair of maternity coverall denim shorts, with her wet hair pulled back haphazardly into a braid tail, with loose wisps all around her face.

Murdock motioned out the back door, "Nan's got the table on the deck set, you'll find the butter and maple syrup out there."

Nancy walked to the refrigerator, asking, "Do you want milk or juice to drink?"

Callie looked at Nancy blankly, then seemed to realize that the question was directed at her, "Um . . . milk would be good."

"Chocolate or white?"

Callie smiled spontaneously, "Chocolate!"

Nancy returned the smile. She filled a glass with milk, then squeezed some Hershey's chocolate syrup into the cup. She closed the refrigerator and opened the silverware drawer, pulling out a long teaspoon and putting it in the cup. She picked the cup up and turned, handing it to Callie, "Hope that's enough chocolate."

Callie nodded, adding awkwardly, "Thanks."

"Your welcome," Nancy said warmly, "Head on out back, we'll be out in just a minute."

As Nancy and Murdock sat down to join Callie at the table a few minutes later, she looked up at Murdock, her eyes narrowed, "You know, I'm not a baby . . ." she said accusingly.

Murdock looked at her in confusion, "OK . . ." he said, waiting for more explanation.

Callie looked at him as if he were dense, then indicated the pancakes on her plate, "You didn' hafta make Mickey Mouse pancakes for me," she said flatly.

Realization dawned in Murdock's face, and Nancy pressed her lips together, trying not to laugh, "Callie, he didn't make the Mickey Mouse pancakes for you . . .," she started to explain.

Murdock looked at his wife indignantly, "What other shape is there?" he asked.

Callie was looking at Murdock shrewdly, trying to decide if he was making fun of her, while Nancy tried to get her fit of laughter under control.

He gazed at Callie steadily, "If you don't like Mickey Mouse pancakes, you'll have to make your own," he said seriously, "I don't make any other kind."

Callie cocked an eyebrow in disbelief, causing Murdock to sigh, "Listen, if you don't like Mickey, then there is always the option of alteration. For example, you can eat the sides of his ears off and turn him into a devil," he demonstrated with a pancake on his plate, "Or if you eat one entire ear you have a unicorn," another demonstration, "or you can eat both ears and you'll have your traditional, boring old round pancake," a final demonstration. He looked at Callie seriously, "I honestly have never understood what anyone ever saw in circle pancakes - they're totally boring."

With that, he filled his plate with a half dozen un-mutilated Mickey pancakes, smothered them in syrup, and proceeded to plow through them while Callie looked on in surprise.

She turned and looked at Nancy, whose eyes were still shining with amusement, "Is he for real?" Callie asked, shaking her head.

Nancy smiled fondly at her husband, "Oh, he's the most real person I've every met," she said decisively, "That's partly why I married him."

Turning to Callie, she nodded to her plate, "Better eat up," she said, starting on her own food, "He's quick, and bottomless, and if you want more than what's on your plate you're gonna have to beat him to it."

Callie looked over at Murdock's plate, which was already half empty, and remembered what Nancy had said the day before, "And keep your hands and feet away from his mouth . . ." she said, her expression serious.

Murdock looked up and said sulkily, "Once again, I'm sitting right here!"

Callie looked and Nancy, who winked at her and grinned, and couldn't help smiling herself.

Murdock sighed, "I'm not sure I like being outnumbered in my own house."

Nancy looked over at him, and saw the tolerant smile in place, "Don't lie, you love being teased by two women," she admonished.

A wide grin crossed his face, "It's kinda like havin' Strawberries to go with my Short Cake," he said happily, looking at Callie, he raised his fork in the air and brought it down by each of her shoulders, "You are hereby dubbed 'Strawberry'."

Callie looked from one to the other and shook her head in wonder, "You guys are really weird . . .," she said, almost to herself.

Nancy had finished her food, when she looked up, a slightly concerned look on her face, "You know, Carla never called yesterday . . ."

"You talked to her Tuesday night," Murdock said with a shrug, "your Uncle was doing fine then, she probably just figured she didn't need to bother you yesterday."

Nancy shook her head, "She has been calling me once a day like clockwork," she said, "You know how she is . . . it's just not like her to break with routine."

"Nan, I'm sure if anything happens with Hunt, you will be the first person that she'll call. You're worrying about nothing," he said soothingly.

Nancy didn't look convinced, but she picked up her dishes, "We better get moving if we're going to get to the hospital at 8," she said absently as she disappeared into the house.

Callie looked at Murdock curiously, "Who's Carla?"

"Nancy's Uncle's personal assistant," Murdock answered, then picked up his dishes, turning to follow Nancy into the house, "When you're done, bring your dishes in, Strawberry."

When Callie got into the kitchen with her dishes, Nancy was loading the dishwasher, with a portable phone cradled against her ear, "Carla, this is Nancy, just wondered if everything was OK. I'll be at the compound all morning, and you can always get hold of me on my cell," She punched the release button on the handset and set it on the counter, "She's not answering her phone," she said, concern reflected in her tone.

Murdock sighed, "You know she has to turn the cell off while she's at the hospital . . . I'm telling you, you're worrying over nothing."

Nancy shrugged again, and turned to take Callie's dishes, "Callie, would you do me a favor and bring all the other stuff in off the table, there's a tray over there you can use," Callie nodded and headed back outside.

When she came back in, Nancy was on the phone again, "When do the interviews start?"

Callie couldn't hear the reply, but Nancy was nodding, "OK, I'll be there by 2 at the latest. Is Tad in today?"

A satisfied smile crossed her face, "Good, let's hope it lasts for awhile," Glancing at the clock Nancy straightened and closed the dishwasher, "Well, I gotta get moving, Riley, I'll see you at 2, maybe a little before."

Nancy smiled at Callie, "Thanks for clearing the table for me Callie," she said as she started putting things into the refrigerator, "Why don't you go get your shoes on, and we'll get headed out to the hospital to see Jack."

"Where's HM?" Callie asked.

"He has to stop at the airfield before going to the hospital," Nancy explained, "He'll meet us there."

Callie nodded acceptance and went to put on her shoes while Nancy went into the bathroom to change.

When Callie returned from upstairs, Nancy was walking out of the bathroom, dressed in a pair of khaki slacks and a yellow maternity top that tied at the back. Her hair was brushed, and pulled back into a neat bun. She walked into the kitchen and shoved her feet into a pair of white canvas slip on shoes and grabbed her purse and briefcase, "Let's go, Callie," she said as she started out the door.

And the Chaos Begins

In the VW bug, Nancy tossed her briefcase in the back, and dropped her purse in between the two seats, pulling out a cell phone and plugging it into the lighter outlet, muttering to herself about forgetting to charge it the evening before.

She turned and looked at Callie, who was settling into the passenger seat, "All set?" she asked, and at Callie's nod, Nancy turned on the ignition, "Buckle up and we're on our way."

A few silent minutes down the road, the phone rang.

Nancy picked it up, "Hullo?"

Callie glanced over, and listened quietly to Nancy's side of the conversation.

"Carla, is everything OK?"

"Yes, Nancy, everything is fine," Carla said tartly, "I was at the hospital all day yesterday. Your Uncle was feeling quite good, and was on a tear to get some correspondence completed. I'm afraid I was just too tied up to get in touch."

"I'm glad to hear that he's feeling good," she said in relief, "I was a little concerned when I didn't hear from you."

Carla took that as an unspoken admonishment, "I told you, I was just too busy to call. You aren't my primary concern you know."

Nancy felt her jaw tense, she and Carla had come to an uneasy truce after Nancy took over Stockwell Enterprises, but the friction was always there, "I understand that," she said slowly, keeping her temper in check, "I was just making a comment. Is the jet still scheduled in tomorrow?"

"Your Uncle has informed me that he doesn't want you to make the trip to Houston this week. He's well, and he thinks that your time would be better spent in Langley, rather than fussing over him."

Nancy sighed, "I suppose that's just as well, I'd prefer not to have to travel out this week. I do have some things I want to discuss with Uncle, though. I will expect the jet to be here next Friday . . . tell him I'll see him then. I'll talk to you tomorrow," she ended pointedly.

"Until tomorrow, then," Carla said, and hung up.

She pressed the release button and set the phone down, her expression grim. Talking to Carla never failed to put her in a sour mood. She made a mental note to call her Uncle tonight at the hospital and talk to him personally, since she wasn't going to see him until the following week. He wasn't one for casual conversation, so she usually didn't call just to say hello, but she could give him an update on her travel plans, and satisfy herself that he was doing well.

The phone rang again, and she picked it up and pressed the send button, "Hullo?"

A relaxed smile crossed her face, "We're on our way to the hospital right now."

"Yep, we'll see you there. Love you, too," she pushed the release button and set the phone down.

Callie looked at her, "Are you always on the phone?"

Nancy chuckled, "Pretty much grows out of my ear, these days," she said ruefully as she pulled onto the highway, "Want to listen to some music?"

Callie nodded and Nancy turned on the cassette, "It's all yours," she said, indicating a cassette case in between the seats, "There's a little bit of everything in there, pick what you like."

In the airfield office, Murdock set the phone back in its cradle and turned to Steve, "I really appreciate this, Steve. Do you have any questions before I take off?"

Steve smiled, "Nope, I think I understand what needs to be done . . . it's not all that complicated. What time will you be back?"

Murdock glanced at his watch, "I've got a meeting at the Compound at 10:30 that'll probably last about an hour, I'll be back after that. Probably 'round noon."

"Sounds good, see you then."

Murdock waved goodbye, "Thanks, again, Steve-o."

Traffic at that time of morning was heavy, and Nancy and Callie pulled into the hospital parking lot at about 8:15. At the front desk they inquired about Jack Temple's room, and were directed to ICU on the second floor in the west wing. They were told to check in at the nurse's station about visiting.

In ICU, Nancy stopped at the main station, "Hi, we're here to visit with Jack Temple, in Room 223."

The nurse stood, and smiled, "Hi, I'm Linda," she said cheerfully, shaking Nancy's hand. She looked down at Callie with a wink, "You must be Callie, Jack's been asking when you would be here all morning."

Nancy smiled apologetically, "Traffic was worse than I anticipated, so we're running a little late."

The nurse came around the desk and motioned for them to follow, "I know, traffic around here just seems to get worse by the day. Be glad you don't have to deal with it on a routine basis!"

She led them around a set of nursing stations, with all kinds of equipment, and stopped outside room 223, "Why don't you head on in and say 'hi' to Jack, Callie," she said motioning the girl into the room.

She turned to Nancy as Callie disappeared into the room, "Dr. Lyons asked me to page him when you arrived, Mrs. Murdock. I'll go do that now, if you'll just wait here."

Nancy nodded and the nurse moved away to a nearby telephone. Nancy turned and looked through the window into Jack's room. Jack was sitting up in bed, and Callie was perched beside him and talking to him animatedly about Nancy and Murdock's house. Callie glanced out the window, and Nancy moved away quickly so that she wouldn't think she was eavesdropping.

Callie looked over her shoulder and saw Nancy moving away.

She turned back to Jack as he said, "It sounds so cool, Cal – I can't wait to see it."

"Don't get too excited," Callie said quietly, "we gotta be careful Jackie . . . they helped us out, but we don't know if we can trust them . . ."

She glanced nervously over her shoulder again, but no one was looking in the window now, "I'm workin' on a stash – they got all kinds of stuff and they'll never miss a couple little things. That way when you get out, if we hafta take off we'll be all set. But you gotta work on gettin' better, 'cause until your out, we're stuck."

Jack pouted, "But it sounds so cool there – can't we stay for awhile. I wanna play with the dogs, and play in the yard," Jack said hopefully, "We never had a yard afore."

"Yea, Jackie, I know," Callie said soothingly, "But we gotta be ready for anything. We'll just hafta see how things go."

Nancy was standing at a nearby counter when the nurse stopped back, "Dr. Lyons will be up as soon as he's done with his rounds. It may be a few minutes."

About ten minutes later, Nancy saw the nurse motioning towards her, and smiled as Murdock came striding down the hall, "How's the little man?" he asked, stopping at her side.

"He seems to be better, he's alert and sitting up. But he still looks pale and tired," she said, glancing back at the room, "Dr. Lyons is on his way up to give us an update. I haven't gone in to talk to Jack, yet, myself. I've been letting Callie spend some time with him alone."

Murdock nodded, and walked over to the window, waving at the two children in the room, then moving back to his wife's side, "'Course, he doesn't know me from Adam. Probably wonders who the weirdo in the baseball cap is."

"I doubt if he'll remember me either. He was pretty out of it yesterday," she grinned, "But I'm sure Callie will fill him in. I heard her telling him all about the house and I'm sure she won't leave out a detail about the weird people that live there."

They talked quietly about the day ahead. Nancy filled him in on her conversation with Carla, "That woman infuriates me at times," she said in frustration.

Murdock chuckled, "I know, Nan, but you have to admit that she's darn good at her job!"

Nancy sighed, and then straightened suddenly when she noticed Dr. Lyons coming towards them. He was smiling brightly, which helped to set Nancy's mind at ease.

"Sorry I kept you waiting," he said, walking on past them and glancing in the window to Jack's room. With a satisfied nod, he picked up a chart out of a holder on the door, and turned back to Nancy and Murdock, "Jack is doing much better this morning," he said cheerfully, consulting the chart, "His electrolytes are good, his fever is under control, and he's even eaten some chicken broth and kept it down this morning."

He looked up at them, "I think we'll be able to move him to a regular room as soon as tomorrow if he continues to progress at this rate. I won't make that decision until his fever has remained down for at least 24 hours and he's taken in some solid food. However, at this point, I am willing to say that he's out of the woods, and well on his way to recovery!"

"That's a relief," Nancy said, "When do you think he'll be discharged?"

Dr. Lyons reached back and put the chart back in its place, "Probably sometime next week," he said, turning to look at Nancy and Murdock his expression serious, "Mr. and Mrs. Murdock, we're going to have to discuss arrangements for the children."

"They're welcome to stay with us, Doctor," Murdock said certainly.

Dr. Lyons smiled gratefully, "And if it were up to me, I'd leave it at that, but I'm afraid in a situation like this, I really don't have a choice but to get Children's Services involved. The children have apparently been abandoned, and they will have to be placed legally with a foster family until more permanent arrangements can be made."

Nancy's expression reflected her concern, "But you said with Jack in the hospital, they might be split up. I promised Callie that I'd do what I could to make sure she and her brother weren't separated. What would HM and I have to do to keep them? We'd be willing to take them both."

Dr. Lyons smiled in understanding, "That will, of course, be up to the Agency, but I'm sure that you would be considered. I'll call today, and put in a good word for you myself."

Nancy and Murdock nodded, and Murdock spoke, "Tell them that we'd really like to help however possible. We've already gotten pretty attached to Callie," he looked at his wife fondly, "I'm sure Jack won't be far behind."

Dr. Lyons nodded, "I understand, Mr. Murdock, but a word of caution - just because you're willing, doesn't mean you'll get the children to foster. And even if you foster, once the state makes permanent arrangements the children will likely be taken out of your care. There just aren't any guarantees."

Nancy nodded, "I can handle that, as long as they're placed together. That's my primary concern at this point."

"Very well," the Doctor said, "I'll call Children's Services and have them get in touch with you . . . I'll tell them that there's no urgency, since you're willing to take care of Callie. But I would imagine they'll be in touch either today or tomorrow."

Dr. Lyons took Nancy's and Murdock's contact information, "I don't think there should be any problem with you all visiting with Jack at once. But please do leave when visiting hours are over. He really needs his rest."

They nodded in agreement, "We'll be back this evening - visiting hours are 6 to 8 right?" Nancy asked.

Dr. Lyons nodded, "I'm sure Jack will be glad to have the company, but I don't want to tax his energy too much. Keep your visits to designated hours for the weekend. Next week we'll talk about the possibility of Callie seeing him more often than that if we can't send him home."

Callie came out of the room as Dr. Lyons was providing this advice. She walked over and tugged on his coat, "Is Jack gonna be alright, Doc?"

Dr. Lyons crouched down so he was at Callie's level and nodded, "I'm pretty confident that Jack is going to be just fine. But, he still needs his rest. How are you doing?"

Callie shrugged, "I'm OK. But I miss Jack. We haven't been apart for a long time."

Dr. Lyons nodded, "I understand, Callie, but Jack really needs to spend a good deal of time just sleeping and getting better. There's no point in you hanging around and watching him - the nurses can do that. You come and visit when you can, and let the nurses do their job. We'll make sure Jack is taken care of properly."

"OK," she said, turning to head back into Jack's room. She stopped at the door and turned back as Dr. Lyons stood up, "Thanks for takin' care of Jack for me, Doc," she said seriously, then disappeared into the room.

Dr. Lyons smiled, shaking his head, "so young, and the weight of the world on her shoulders," he said quietly, "It just makes me sick to see kids like that. Of course," he looked at Nancy and Murdock with a smile, "They're two of the lucky ones. Well, I'll probably see you folks tomorrow." He waved as he headed down the hall.

Nancy and Murdock went to the door to Jack's room and waited to be acknowledged. Callie was sitting in a guest chair near the bed, and turned to motion them in authoritatively. She turned back to her brother and introduced them, "Jack, this is Nancy, and this is HM - they're the ones I stayed with last night."

"Hello Jack," Nancy said warmly.

"Hi there, buddy," Murdock said cheerfully, "You sure do look a whole lot better today!"

Jack's eyes were locked on Nancy, and he spoke quietly, "I 'member you - you came to the alley."

Nancy moved up to the side of the bed, and instinctively placed a hand on his forehead, and smiled at the coolness compared to the raging fever she'd felt the day before, "Yep, that's me," she said, looking searchingly into the bright hazel eyes that gazed back at her, "you were one sick little boy."

Callie had stood as Nancy moved towards her brother, her expression watchful, and distrustful.

Jack didn't seem to notice, "I thought you were an angel . . .," he said.

Nancy chuckled, "I'm no angel, Jack - but I'll take that as a compliment."

Callie pushed impatiently past Nancy, distrust and jealousy apparent in her demeanor. She stood at Jack's head, "She sure ain't an angel," she said derisively, "Angels don't do what she did with him las' night."

Murdock's eyes widened in surprise, "What did you say?" he asked incredulously.

Callie looked at him uncertainly, but when she turned back to Jack, her tone was defiant, "I saw 'em, they was naked and kissin' . . . 'n doin' lots of other stuff," she turned to Murdock with narrowed eyes, "It's the truth!"

"That may be," Murdock said, looking at Callie sternly, "But, you certainly had no business in our bedroom last night!"

"The door was open!" she said angrily.

"Regardless, it isn't something that you should have seen, and it certainly isn't something that you should talk about!" Murdock said, equally as angry.

Nancy stood up between the two and looking at her husband said quietly, "What's done is done," she then turned and looked at Callie firmly, "However, from now on I have to ask, Callie, that you please respect the privacy of our bedroom."

Callie looked embarrassed, but her jaw was set in a stubborn line, "You're not my mother," she spat, "You can't tell me what to do."

Nancy turned to look at the girl squarely, "No Callie, I'm not your mother," she said evenly and firmly, "but while you are staying in our home, you will obey the rules of the house, and that includes respecting people's privacy. Do you understand?"

Nancy held Callie's gaze until she finally mumbled, "Yes."

Nancy nodded acceptance, "Alright then, that's the end of it," she said turning her attention back to Jack. She sat down on the edge of the bed and patted the boy's arm, "Dr. Lyons said you may get to leave as early as next week - you're making real good progress."

Jack's eyes were wide with concern as he looked from Nancy to his sister, who still looked defiant, if a little shell-shocked, but was now quiet. Seeing that the argument seemed to have passed, he smiled, "Good, Cal said you got dogs- can I play with 'em?"

Murdock's expression relaxed, and he looked at Jack and chuckled, "You mean Billy and Ginger? They'd just love to play with ya, buddy. When you're feelin' better we'll take 'em back to the pond and throw sticks. They love to go swimmin' after 'em!"

Callie was still brooding over the argument, but mention of the pond seemed to distract her, and she perked up, "You got a pond?" she asked incredulously, "Can we go swimmin' too?"

Murdock chuckled and gave her shoulders an affectionate squeeze, "Maybe when the weather's a little warmer . . . Do ya know how to swim, Strawberry?"

Callie flinched and tensed at the touch, but didn't pull away. Looking up at Murdock with a combination of wariness and uncertainty, she bit her lip, "Not really . . ."

Murdock prudently stepped back, shoving his hands in his pockets, but he still smiled encouragingly, "Then we'll just have to teach you."

The rest of the visit passed uneventfully, with Callie and Jack making plans for what they wanted to do when Jack got out of the hospital. By 10, Jack was looking worn out, and Nancy stood, "We're going to have to get going and let Jack get some rest," she said gently.

Callie looked at Jack discerningly, as he yawned widely, "Yea, he does look pretty tired."

"You remember what Dr. Lyons said, Jack needs to get plenty of sleep. We'll come back tonight at 6 and you can visit again."

Jack looked up, "Will all of you come?"

Murdock smiled, "Of course we'll all come. Now you get some rest, buddy and we'll see you tonight."

Jack smiled and waved weakly as they exited. When they looked back in the window, his eyes were already closed.

After leaving Jack, they walked in silence out of the hospital. Out parking lot Callie hesitated to get in the car and Nancy looked at her curiously, "Is something wrong, Callie?"

She looked at Nancy and Murdock ruefully, "About . . . well about last night . . . I didn' mean to be, you know, nosey."

Nancy and Murdock exchanged a glance, then Murdock smiled at Callie, "It's all but forgotten, already, Strawberry. . ."

She didn't look convinced, and started explaining impetuously, "You see, I woke up and was scared and I sat in the room for a minute, then I heard you and Nancy talkin' and I went out and looked in your bedroom door . . . and I . . . I, well . . . you were, uhm . . . I didn' know what to do . . . so, I went back to my room," She stumbled to a stop, looking at Murdock apologetically.

Murdock nodded thoughtfully, "I imagine it was a bit of a shock. And honestly, Nan and I aren't used to sharing the house with a half-pint. Let's make a deal," he said, "We'll make sure the door's shut, and next time you want to talk to us at night, just be sure to knock first."

Callie nodded, "It's a deal," she said seriously.

More than One Mistress

Cuttey rolled out of bed late, lighting a cigarette before he even dressed. He took a drag, then looked out the dirty third-floor window, going over his plan for the day. His main goal for today was to get a cab for use in the kidnapping. He wanted an old cab, one that no one would report stolen. Easiest would be to take an old car and paint it like a cab. He'd call on another buddy for that – he always had spare cars around, and could paint it however Cuttey needed, for the right price.

He glanced over his shoulder, then reached under the bed, pulling a cigar box out and counting the money in it absently, then again, more agitatedly. Then he stood and stormed into the living room, where Nee was folding clothes. He waved the money in her face, and grabbed her wrist with his free hand, "Did you take money outta here?"

"No, Cuttey, no," she said frantically moving as far away as possible with him holding her wrist. Her eyes were bright and watery, and the spent bag of cocaine was a clue as to why.

"Don't lie to me, you took 50 bucks out of here – what were you planning on doing with it? Buying more drugs? Taking a trip to the old neighborhood?" Cuttey's face was red, in stark contrast to Nee's, which was pale and frightened.

"No, I . . . I just needed some money to go to the store – we're out of cigs and a bunch of other stuff . . ."

Cuttey just stared at her for a moment, then back-handed her across the face, with enough force to throw her to the floor, "Next time, ask. And you better not get on no fuckin' bus."

"Consider that your household allowance for the week," Cuttey spat, as he walked back to the bedroom to get dressed.

Callie rode with Nancy again, listening in on several phone calls from the time they left the hospital until they arrived at the Compound.

"Boy you ain't kiddin' when you say that thing grows outta your ear!" Callie said as they got out of the car. She looked around, and her eyes grew wide, "Wow, is this your house, too?"

Nancy laughed, and led her up the steps to the front door, "No, I just work here."

The door opened, and Hannibal stood there grinning, "'Bout time you showed up, Murdock was here ten minutes ago."

Nancy shrugged, "Yea, well, Murdock has a lead foot, too."

Hannibal chuckled, "Can't argue there," he agreed, he looked down at Callie and winked, "Hi there, Callie, good to see you again."

He motioned back into the house, "We're all set in the living room, just waiting on you."

Nancy nodded, "Sorry I'm late . . . I tend to slow down when I'm on the phone, and I had several calls on the way here."

Callie was trailing along and she tugged on Nancy's shirt, "You work for him or somethin'?" she asked quietly, looking uncertainly at Hannibal's back. She remembered him from the hospital cafeteria the day before, but that seemed like ages ago.

Nancy smiled, "Yea, or somethin' . . ."

Hannibal turned and looked at Callie, his grin wide, "Heck kid, she's the boss."

Callie looked at Nancy in surprise, "You mean, like, they hafta do what you say?"

Nancy laughed, "Well, that's a matter for debate," she said, as they entered the living room, "Would you like to go outside and play- this won't take too long."

Callie looked at Nancy apprehensively, "Do I have to?"

Nancy smiled, "You don't have to do anything you don't want to, Cal. I just think that you're probably going to be kinda bored," when Callie shrugged and didn't make a move to go outside, Nancy motioned to the dining room table, "go ahead and have a seat, and please keep quiet."

Murdock came walking in from the kitchen, and ruffled Callie's hair as he walked by. She smiled, at least she knew more than one person here. She recognized two of the other men in the room from the first day at the hospital, but she couldn't remember their names. She was feeling like Alice, again, at the Hatter's tea party, and wondered when the Queen would show up.

Nancy took another seat at the dining room table, dropping her briefcase on the floor, and pulling her planner out, "Sorry to keep you all waiting . . . more than once," she said ruefully, "This is Callie Temple, for those who don't know - she's staying with HM and I for awhile."

There was quiet conversation around the room, until Nancy was settled and said, "Well we might as well get started . . . Hannibal?"

Hannibal provided a brief rundown of progress with the new teams, "At this point, the best option is to split them into two groups, and maybe fill in with a couple more applicants. They all work well together, and it will give us some more flexibility in assignment, once they're ready to go."

"Sounds like an excellent idea, Colonel," Nancy said, "When will we be ready to set the first assignment?"

Hannibal looked at her with raised eyebrows, "No sooner . . . we still have 8 and a half weeks of training left. We need to start exploring specialties and get started with the individual training, as we discussed earlier in the week."

Nancy nodded, "I think pulling some instructors in from the outside will help strengthen the individual training phase. Do you think there's any shortening the schedule?" she asked, pulling a file folder marked 'Prospective Projects' out of her briefcase and flipping through several pages.

"Not if you want a fully functional team," Hannibal said shortly.

"Nothing less than fully functional, Hannibal," Nancy said, smiling slightly. She passed several sheets over to him, "These are some projects that are pending, and the timing should be right for first assignment. I want to give the new teams something that will be good to cut their teeth on without too much risk. Take a look and let me know what you think. If anything else comes along, I'll pass them on. We'll probably have to hold off on a final decision until we get a good profile on capabilities."

Hannibal nodded as he took the sheets, "That's all for me. I'll let BA and Face fill you in on their parts, since they're here."

"BA?" Nancy prompted.

"The renovations are on schedule to be complete by the end of next month . . . if the obstacle course equipment ever gets here," he looked at Face accusingly.

Nancy raised an eyebrow, "Face?"

"I have been assured that the obstacle course equipment is en route," Face said defensively.

"Face," Nancy said with a slightly amused look, "The equipment has been 'en route' for over a month. I think it's time to lean on the supplier and tell them to get it here, or we're finding another source."

"If we end up placing a new order with a different source it could delay delivery by another 8 weeks," Face said.

Nancy shrugged, "It could be another 8 weeks at this rate, anyway - I'm willing to take the chance. What do you think, Hannibal?"

Hannibal nodded, "Do it, Face. We're getting along with the old course for now, but I'd really like to break the new equipment in with this round of recruits."

Face nodded, "Will do."

"Speaking of recruits," Nancy said leadingly, "How are we doing with the next round of interviews?"

"The applications have slowed to a trickle," Face said, "But we're still probably getting one or two a week. I've got 12 candidates scheduled in next week. They're scheduled in groups of four, each morning on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Are you going to want to be there?"

Nancy was quiet for a moment, considering her schedule, "I'll have to see what I can swing," she said uncertainly, "I'll have to let you know."

"You don't really need to be there, Nan," Murdock said.

"Murdock's right, we can handle the interviews," Hannibal agreed.

Nancy looked from one to the other, "I'm sure you can, but I'd like to at least have a look," she said, "I'll let you know when I can be here." Murdock shot Hannibal a frustrated glance as Nancy turned her attention to Zebediah Deal, who had worked for Stockwell Enterprises longer than any other Abel Agent, "What have you got, Zeb?"

Zeb cleared his throat, "Well, we have ten active projects at the moment, and my time has been spent keeping abreast of developments and making sure we have coverage. The Columbian project is taking more time than I expected and it seems like there has been little progress in the past month . . ."

Nancy nodded, "I noticed that, and we've been on that one for 6 months already . . . what's the hold up?"

"The Agent in charge is adamant that we need to sit tight and bide our time. We'll get our in, if we're patient," Zeb said, though his voice reflected his uncertainty.

Nancy looked at Zeb directly, "What do you think, Zeb?"

He took a deep breath, "I think our positioning is off. We're not going to get anywhere the way things are going. I'd pull the team, and try another tack. Based on the most recent intelligence, there are much more vulnerable angles that could be taken advantage of more quickly."

Nancy nodded, "DEA is lead on this one, right?" Zeb nodded affirmative, and Nancy continued, "Talk to the lead Agent and give him your opinion. We'll give this one another month, then we'll have to pull out if they don't make progress or decide to change tacks. We can't afford to have two agents sitting idle."

Zeb looked uncomfortable, "You want me to talk to the lead Agent? Usually the General would handle that kind of communication . . ."

Nancy looked up sharply, but bit back a retort, instead saying evenly, "Zeb, you can handle it. If the lead Agent gives you any problem about pulling our agents, you can have him talk to me. Otherwise, I want you to handle it."

Zeb shrugged, "Whatever you say."

Nancy flipped back several pages in her planner, "Have there been any developments with the personnel issue you had last meeting?"

Zeb sighed, "Collins and Harrington are still at each other's throats - too long in close quarters I guess."

"Is it affecting performance?"

"Maybe somewhat. I did as you suggested, and coached them on some coping tactics, but it doesn't seem to be helping."

"When are they due to cycle out of the project?" Nancy asked.

"Not for another month."

"Should we move the schedule up?"

"I would, but we're short-handed right now. We have 25 agents on the roster, and with ten active projects, we're stretched pretty thin."

"Which gets us to our current staffing problem . . ." Nancy said quietly.

"Exactly. Have you made any progress on that front?" Zeb asked.

Nancy sighed wearily; she'd been hoping that this problem would rectify itself. Her uncle hadn't hired in over a year, and she felt certain there had to be a reason. It was one of the items she had hoped to speak to him about this week. Maybe she could broach it tonight when she talked to him, "How short are we, Zeb?"

"I could put three more agents to work immediately, and that would still leave us with no buffer. We've got agents in the field that haven't had a sabbatical in a year. We have to do something about the personnel shortage, and the sooner the better!"

"I'll work on it," Nancy said, "Is there anything else?"

"When can I expect to see some additional manpower?" Zeb asked forcefully.

"I said, I'll work on it, Zeb," Nancy said flatly, "Do you have anything else?"

"No."

"Alright, does anybody have anything for the good of the order?" Nancy glanced around the room absently, "That's it then. We'll meet again next week."

As the group broke up, Murdock conferred briefly with Hannibal, then walked over to the table, where Nancy and Callie were still sitting, "What's up for the rest of the day?"

Nancy looked up, her smile relaxing, "I have two conference calls, and I need to get back to AI for interviews starting at two. What about you?"

'I'm headed to the airfield for the afternoon," he turned to Callie, "You wanna stick with Nan or come with me to the field, 'Berry?"

"I'll come with you," Callie said certainly, "a bunch of conference calls don't sound too interesting."

Nancy chuckled, "No, they don't . . . wish I could come with you!"

"You could . . ." Murdock said, raising his eyebrows suggestively, "Just play hookie."

Nancy smiled ruefully, "It would just be that much worse when I came back . . . I'll see you two at home tonight?"

Murdock leaned down and gave her a kiss on the cheek, "This afternoon," he said looking into her eyes seriously before straightening up, "and don't forget that visiting hours start at 6 - we'll have to get dinner early."

"I won't forget," she promised.

He nodded, then motioned to Callie, "Come on, Strawberry, let's go!" he said, steering her out of the house.

Nancy watched them leave, then turned and gathered her files together to head back to the office and get ready for the first conference call of the day.

Murdock and Callie arrived at the airfield to find Steve on the phone with his father, "Dad, I said we can discuss it when I get back . . . yes, I'll see you then."

Steve hung up the phone as they approached, and Murdock asked worriedly, "Is everything OK?"

Steve smiled at Murdock, "No problems here, boss," he said with forced cheerfulness.

Murdock gazed at him discerningly, "If this is gonna cause problems between you and your Dad, Steve-o, I can find another solution . . ."

Steve shook his head vehemently, "No way, I really enjoyed myself here this morning," he said certainly, "Dad will just have to come to grips with it."

Steve stepped out from behind the counter, "Ready for your lesson?" he asked, then caught sight of Callie, "Hi, there - who're you?"

Murdock grinned, "This is Callie Temple, she's stayin' with me and Nan for a while."

Steve held out a hand, which Callie shook shyly, "Nice to meet you, Callie - you gonna come up with us today?"

Callie looked at Murdock uncertainly, and he smiled at her, "That's entirely up to you, Strawberry."

She smiled happily, "Then yes," she said.

Steve nodded, "Great! If you don't mind, I'd like to get the lesson done now, I promised Dad I'd be at the store by 1."

"Let's go!" Murdock said enthusiastically, taking Callie's hand and leading her out to the field. Callie hesitated slightly, and Murdock stopped and looked down at her, "Is something wrong, Strawberry?"

Callie shrugged, "No, I was jus' thinkin' that I wished Jack was here – he really loves airplanes."

Murdock smiled, "Well, then, when he gets out of the hospital, we'll just have to take him for a ride."

Callie smiled broadly at him, "Yea, guess we will!"

They took up a Cessna for the lesson, with Steve in the pilot seat, and Murdock copiloting, and providing guidance.

Callie sat in the back, and listened to the two men bantering back and forth. After about half an hour in the air, Steve looked over and laughed at the longing expression on Murdock's face, "Why don't you take her home, Murdock," he said with a chuckle, "I can tell you're dying to get at the controls!"

Murdock gladly took the controls, and banked to head towards home with a howl.

Back at the field, Steve looked at his watch, "I better get going - you want me back later this afternoon?"

Murdock looked up from the post-flight checklist, "If you can," he said uncertainly, "say from 4:30 'til 7 - then hang out the closed sign."

"No problem - see you at 4:30!" Steve lifted his hand in a wave, then turned and left.

Nancy spent the next two hours on the phone in conference calls regarding perspective projects that she knew she didn't have the resources to cover. Then she hurried to Adam's Investigations and spent the rest of the afternoon in interviews.

She and Riley were discussing the candidates when Stephanie stuck her head in, "Hey, I'm takin' off, I'll see ya tomorrow."

"See ya, Steph," Nancy said, looking at her watch absently, then jumped out of the chair, "Shit, it's after 5, and I promised HM I'd be home for an early dinner . . . Gotta go Riley," she started out the door.

"Hang on," Riley said, "We didn't decide who to invite back for second round . . ."

Nancy glanced back, "I'll talk to you about it in the morning," she said hurriedly, "I really gotta get home."

The cab was acquired – a buddy from his unit in 'Nam was setting him up right. He'd pick it up the next morning. Now all that was left to do was take his clothes to the cabin, and get everything there ready. Cuttey liked to have everything laid out and clean, so he spent the rest of the afternoon at the cabin, envisioning with perverse the pleasure the weekend ahead.

Late Again

Callie helped Murdock fix a dinner of burgers, baked beans, and fries by setting the table. Murdock had let Billy and Ginger out of the kennel, and after finishing the table setting Callie happily played fetch with the dogs while Murdock finished grilling the burgers.

Murdock went into the house and pulled the fries out of the oven, glancing at the clock. It was after five and Nancy hadn't shown up yet.

He picked up the phone and dialed Adam's Investigations. When Riley answered, he greeted him shortly, "Hey, Riley, is Nan still there?"

"Nope," Riley said crankily, "Said she had to get home - and we hadn't even finished our interview process. She just jumped up and ran out on me, again!"

"Cut her some slack, Riley," Murdock said defensively, "she's doin' the best she can."

Riley sighed, "I know, HM," he said appeasingly, "And I suppose if anyone has the right to pull her away, it's you - but dammit I've known her longer!"

Murdock chuckled humorlessly, "Using that logic, I guess that means Stockwell has first dibs."

"Ah, shit," Riley said wearily.

"My sentiments exactly," Murdock said flatly.

Nancy pulled into the driveway about 5:30, thinking she was lucky she'd made it home without a speeding ticket. She jumped out of the car and ran to the back of the house where she found Murdock and Callie finishing up their dinner. She slowed to a walk and climbed up the steps onto the deck heavily, "Sorry I'm late," she said dropping her purse and briefcase by the back door and coming to the table.

Murdock looked up and smiled, "It's OK," he said reassuringly, "Callie and I will clean up while you eat. Then we can get in to see Jack."

Nancy watched as he stood and picked up his empty dishes. He stooped briefly and kissed her cheek, "Better hurry and eat, we don't want to be too late for visiting hours," he turned and strode into the house, stopping briefly to pick up her purse and briefcase.

Nancy sighed, looking at the food guiltily, and the fact that Murdock wasn't upset just seemed to make her feel worse, "I'm not all that hungry, any ways," she said, mostly to herself. She picked up a couple plates of leftovers, "I'll just eat later. Callie, if you're done, please help clear the table."

They had the table cleared and were pulling out of the drive 5 minutes later in Nancy's bug, with Murdock behind the wheel.

Murdock glanced at Nancy, "Do you want me to stop somewhere and pick you up a burger?"

Nancy shrugged, she wasn't feeling all that hungry, but she knew she should eat, "I can't handle any fast food . . ."

"How about the deli - I could get you a quick sandwich there . . ."

"I'm OK for now, hon," she said with a smile, "Maybe we can stop on the way to the Center," she added when he appeared ready to protest. Nancy then turned slightly in her seat, "So, Callie what did you and HM do this afternoon?"

Callie launched into an animated description of the flying lesson, "Steve was good, but HM did all kinds of cool stuff - like loops and spins . . ."

Nancy grinned at her enthusiasm, "Yea, riding with him is kinda like riding a roller coaster," she agreed, glancing affectionately at her husband.

"I don't know, I've never been on a roller coaster," Callie said uncertainly, then her smile returned, "But it sure was fun. I can't wait to tell Jack all about it. Do you think I could learn to do all that stuff?"

Murdock's smile was broad, "You betcha, Strawberry," he said, "We can take you up in Aunt Bea to start - the controls are all close."

"Aunt Bea?" Callie said quizzically.

"That's Nan's plane," Murdock said in explanation.

Callie looked at Nancy, "You fly, too?"

Nancy smiled, "Yep," she said, then looked at her husband, adding teasingly, "I don't think HM would have married me otherwise."

Murdock grinned good-naturedly, "Sure I would have - we just would have had to correct that one tiny flaw!"

They laughed and talked all the way into the hospital. At the front desk they checked to see if Jack had been moved out of ICU, but were told he was still in the same room. So they trooped up to 223, checking in at the nurse's station on the way.

Jack was already sitting up in bed when they arrived. Callie bounced into the room and sat on the edge of Jack's bed, excitedly talking about her day. Though Jack's color was definitely better, he still lay quietly, mostly just listening to Callie ramble. That was, until she got to the part about her airplane ride with Murdock.

Jack perked right up, "Can I go for an airplane ride, too?"

"HM said we'd take you as soon as you get out of the hospital," Callie said assuredly.

"Cool," Jack said, and huge smile lighting his face, and his eyes taking on a far away look, "I always imagined flying away like in a chanted airplane - to a kingdom where there were only gentle people and nobody ever got hurt."

Nancy and Murdock exchanged a glance, and Murdock smiled at the boy warmly, "Never heard of a Chanted airplane, but it sure sounds like a really great dream . . ."

Jack's eyes refocused on Murdock and he grinned, "I think it's true, there is a place like that. You just have to believe."

Callie sighed, "It's just a stupid old song Mom taught him."

Jack smiled, nodding, and sang in a sweet voice:

Just waitin' for the time
Could maybe make me insane.
My heart is so hungry
Livin' on patience alone,
Please hurry chanted sky machines
Take all the gentle home.

Nancy smiled in recognition and joined him in the next verse:

My desire is a rosebud
In the magic design.
I can't wait to feel it bloom
They'll be landin' anytime.
Then when the skeptics are wonderin'
Where all the faithful have flown,
We'll be on enchanted sky machines
The gentle are goin' home.

Jack grinned at Nancy, "You know 'bout the chanted airplanes, too."

"I sure do, sweetheart," she said, smiling, "I sure do."

Callie just harrumphed, "I ain't never seen one, and I don't think there's any such place."

"Is so," Jack said.

"Is not, and it's just . . . just babyish to think so," Callie countered.

"I'm not a baby, and it does so exist," Jack said angrily, bright red splotches rising on his cheeks.

"Whoa, buddy," Murdock said, pushing him gently back onto his pillows.

"But it's true," Jack insisted, "You just have to believe – Mama said so."

Callie crossed her arms and slumped in her chair, "Ma would say anything to get you to go to sleep so she could go party," she said quietly.

Nancy patted Callie's shoulder, "It's OK to believe in things you've never seen, Callie. It's not babyish, it's a gift," then she turned to Jack and grinned, "But, it's also good to have a healthy skepticism, Jack. Maybe that's why you and Callie make such a good team – you have enough faith for Callie, and she has enough skepticism for you. You just need to learn from each other."

Jack relaxed against the pillows, but then a quizzical look crossed his features, "What's 'keptism'?"

Murdock smiled, "Skepticism - it means not believing everything you're told," he explained.

Callie nodded, "I have lot's of s-k-e-p-t-i-c-i-s-m," she said.

Murdock looked at Callie and chuckled, "Yes, Strawberry, you've demonstrated that – but sometimes you really need to trust people."

Callie pursed her lips and shrugged, "Guess so," she said noncommittally, as Jack started asking Murdock questions about flying.

Callie watched Nancy and Murdock through veiled eyes. Trust didn't come easily to her, but she found her guard dropping around these two grownups. They were different from the people her Mom always hung around. She was sure hoping that her trust in them wasn't misplaced – she was getting tired of running, but she was always ready. She just had to bide her time until Jack was healthy and out of the hospital. Then they'd have options. Worst case, if things went south, they could run again.

Cuttey walked in the apartment and back to the bedroom without a word, dropping on the bed fully clothed.

Nee stood in the bedroom doorway, "Are you hungry?"

"No," he said, lifting his head, "I'm goin' to bed. Got a long weekend ahead of me, and I need to get plenty of sleep. Don't wake me until 10:30 tomorrow morning."

As his head dropped back onto the pillow, Nee moved to the other side of the bed and picked up her pillow, watching as Cuttey's eyes closed. She gripped the pillow savagely as she looked at him, envisioning the pillow over his face. Finally she turned and left the room, she knew she didn't have the strength to go through with it. She closed the bedroom door and dropped the pillow on the end of the couch. Then she headed back to the kitchen for a solo supper, and maybe a little after-supper relaxation, she needed it.

Practice Makes Perfect

Callie stood at 8 sharp, and announced authoritatively that they should leave and let Jack get his rest, "The Doc said so."

They did stop at the deli and pick up a sandwich for Nancy, as well as a couple sweet pastries for Murdock and Callie. Then they headed for the Langley Community Center, arriving a little past 8:30. Murdock retrieved Nancy's guitar from the trunk, and they headed inside.

Charlotte Lincoln, the Center's Director, and BA's fiancée, greeted them at the door, "You made it," she said happily, then turned to Callie, holding out a hand, "You must be Callie - I'm Charlotte. BA was telling me all about you and your brother - how is Jack doing?"

Callie smiled shyly, "He's doing a lot better, thank you."

BA had come up behind Charlotte and put a hand at the small of her back, "Hey there, little sister - glad to hear Jack's doin' better," he then looked up at Nancy and Murdock in greeting, "Hi little Mama, hey Murdock, everybody else is already here."

The Thursday night rehearsal had become a regular gathering of friends at the LCC. Trixie and Joe Martin were there, with their two children, along with Nancy's father Carl Clay, BA's Mama, Hannibal and Maggie, Face and Amy and little Jonny, and BA and Charlotte. Terra, Jazz's daughter, was there hanging out with a group of kids from the Center. Even Blanche, Jazz's mother, was present, apparently having the evening off from the diner.

Jazz looked up as they entered the main room, and waved enthusiastically. She headed towards them, snagging Terra on the way and pulling her along.

"Hi, Nan, HM, and you must be Callie," she indicated Terra, "I'm Jasmine, and this is my daughter Terra. Terra, why don't you take Callie over and introduce her to some of the other kids?"

Terra grinned at Callie, "C'mon Callie. We're hangin' out over here waiting for practice to start," she took Callie by the arm, not leaving any chance for protest, talking to her conspiratorially as they walked away.

Jazz watched them for a few seconds, and then turned back to Nancy and Murdock, "I've got a whole big bag of clothes for you in the front hall. Ma had 'em stashed away in the attic - hopefully they'll fit her. She looks like she's skin and bones, so I don't know . . ."

Nancy smiled appreciatively, "I'm sure they'll be better than what she has, which isn't a whole lot," she glanced curiously over at the group of kids sitting by the side of the stage, "Quite a few of the kids here tonight," she commented, "Must not be any good movies on this week.

Jazz just smiled, "Yea, guess so . . . Ready to get started?"

The two women headed up to the stage and set up, while Murdock wandered back and sat down with Face and Amy, quickly taking possession of Jonny, and visiting quietly.

Jazz smiled at Nancy, her eyes twinkling, "Want to try somethin' different tonite . . . maybe somethin' from Matchbox20 like, Stop or You're so Real?"

Nancy looked at Jazz uncertainly, "I thought we decided we couldn't make those work . . . they have too much percussion and backup instrumental and vocal."

"Well, that's true," Jazz said, motioning off-stage, "But I think we may have a fix for that . . ."

A group of kids from the floor came running up on stage, huge grins on their faces. Nancy watched them assemble behind her, and looked at Jazz, "What's going on here?"

"Just go with it . . . Let's try You're So Real ," she suggested, "The kids really like that one."

"I've never done that one – I don't know the music." Nancy said uncertainly.

Jazz smiled, and took her guitar, "That's OK, you know the words, right?" Nancy nodded, "OK, then just sing."

Nancy turned back to the front, feeling at a loss without her guitar. Liza was playing the bass, and Nancy started singing rather tentatively:

Yes I am

I hope you think you read me

Hope I start talking crazy

Before you understand me

Are we thru, you think that I'm beneath you

But you like the things that I do

Wrap them up and take them with you . . .

She practically jumped off the stage in surprise when the music started. Looking back she missed her next cue. Jazz stopped the kids, "Nan, are you gonna sing?" The kids were laughing.

Nancy nodded dazedly, "Yea, yea . . . I just can't believe the sound, it's incredible! Not sure I can compete with that kind of backup."

"Just belt it out, like I know you can," Jazz said chidingly. She raised an eyebrow, as Nancy continued to look back at the assembled kids, "Whenever you're ready, Nan . . ."

Nancy nodded dumbly and Liza started the bass line again. She managed to get all her cues, and by the time they were into the second verse, she was getting comfortable:

Yes I am

I hope you think you read me

Hope I start talking crazy

Before you understand me

Are we thru, you think that I'm beneath you

But you like the things that I do

Wrap them up and take them with you

I'm alright

Hope I can sleep for one night

If not to cool my insides

Maybe to calm my back side

Shame on me

Rain on me

I got a weakness in me

I think that weakness feeds me

I don't think you think you need me

Sunshine, you're the best time

I ever, ever had

But I think I made you feel bad.

Black fly, on your neck tie,

Time after time . . .

But when the sun starts sinking on your beautiful soul

Make you cry, cry baby, make you feel so cold

Don't you know it's alright, sometimes you just got to show how you feel

'Cause that's you, baby

Yea, you're so real.

Run this round in your head

Like you don't know what's on the inside

You don't know me too well

You ain't seen my bad side

Shame on me

Shame on the things that I'd be

If you could complicate me

If you could get inside me.

Sometimes, you're the best time

I've ever, ever known

A handsome boy with a wicked smile on

But I've cried for the last time

Somethin' just don't feel right.

But when the sun starts sinking on your beautiful soul

Make you cry, cry baby, make you feel so cold

Don't you know it's alright, sometimes you just got to show how you feel

'Cause that's you, baby

Yea, you're so real . . .

You always know just who you are

You never needed someone else

To realize yourself

But when the sun starts sinking on your beautiful soul

Make you cry, cry baby, make you feel so cold

Don't you know it's alright, sometimes you just got to show how you feel

'Cause that's you, baby

Yea, you're so real.

Yea, baby, you're so real.

Yea, baby, you're so real, so real, so real

Oh, oh yea, yea, yea

You're so real!

When the song was over the reaction from the gathered people was enthusiastic, and Nancy turned around and clapped, too, "You guys sound terrific!" she said excitedly.

They practiced a few more songs that the kids had worked on. After about half an hour, the kids had exhausted the songs they had ready, and Nancy was getting hoarse.

While they were practicing, Murdock managed to snag Callie from Terra, and walked around with her, introducing her to the folks she hadn't met already.

They took a break, and Nancy and Jazz talked with the kids briefly before they took off to enjoy the rest of the evening.

Nancy looked at Jazz wonderingly, "When did you do that?"

Jazz grinned happily, "Well, a bunch of the kids were hangin' out one day while I was giving lessons, and they wanted to know why we weren't doing some of the songs they'd heard us try, like You're so Real, and I told them it was because we didn't have the backup to make that kind of music sound right. That got 'em to thinking, and they asked if I'd work with them so they could do the backup."

Nancy shook her head in wonder, "They were terrific, Jazz . . . But unfortunately, I don't think they'll all fit in Charlie's, not to mention that they probably shouldn't be hangin' out at a bar . . ."

"Well, actually, we kinda figured those songs would be for that benefit concert we talked about having here at the Center," Jazz said, "I think Charlie will have to make due with just us."

Nancy grinned, "Sounds like a plan . . .," she said, "Unfortunately, I'm not sure I'm up to it – I feel like I've been through a heck of a work out, and that was only a half hour . . ."

Jazz chuckled, "You also have two babies crowding your diaphragm – give it some time. We won't be ready to do the benefit for awhile, anyway."

"Definitely experiencing a crowded diaphragm, bladder, and various other internal organs," Nancy agreed with a rueful smile. She turned as Terra, with Callie in tow once again, came walking up, "What's up, girls?"

Callie seemed hesitant to say anything, but Terra had never been shy, "A bunch of the kids are goin' down the block to see a movie . . . Can Callie and I go, too?"

Jazz smiled, "You can go, as long as the movie's out and you're back here by 11. Callie will have to get permission from Nancy."

Callie looked at Nancy, "Can I go Nancy?"

Nancy looked at Callie uncertainly, Terra saw the hesitation, and took Nancy's arm, "Please, Nan, I promise I'll look after her . . . And we'll be back by 11, just like Mom said."

Nancy chuckled, and relented, "I guess it's OK," she said turning to Callie, her expression stern, "as long as you promise to stick with Terra," she motioned over towards Murdock, "Go hit HM up for some money for the movie and some popcorn and pop."

Callie's face lit up and she jumped up and down, "Thank you Nancy!" she and Terra said in unison, then they ran across the room to Murdock who glanced over at Nancy questioningly. At Nancy's affirmative nod, he pulled his wallet out and handed them some money, with a smile and a wave.

He walked over to Nancy, "You did say they could go to the movies, right?"

"You know how Terra is," she responded with a little laugh, "She doesn't take 'no' for an answer!"

Callie and Terra settled in adjacent seats at the cinema, eating a large bucket of popcorn and drinking pop.

Callie considered Terra for a moment, then asked hesitantly, "Hey, Terra, how long have you known Nancy and HM?"

"Oh, I've known HM for 4, no, 5 . . . or is it 6 years . . . somethin' like that. I was kinda young when he moved here," she looked pensive, "And I've known Nan for a little over three years, ever since she and HM started seein' each other. Gram and me even went to their wedding!"

Callie looked at her quizzically, "Your Mom didn't go?"

Terra shrugged, her expression closed, "Mom wasn't around then . . ." she said vaguely, then brightened, "You shoulda seen the wedding – HM and Nan and Face and Amy. They had all kindsa flowers and Nan and Amy were dressed in these beautiful gowns . . . I didn't really know anybody but HM then, but it was a really nice wedding."

"Sounds neat, wish I coulda seen it," Callie said, then looked sideways at Terra, "So, like, what are they like?"

Terra smiled, "They're cool, Cal," she said certainly, "HM's a real trip, he's always doin' somethin' crazy. Trust me, he's a blast, you'll never be bored with him around. Nan's kinda quiet, 'specially compared to HM, but she's . . .," Terra paused, tipping her head to the side, "she's neat. She's tough, not mean like, but cool under pressure, you know . . ."

The lights in the theater dimmed, and Terra looked up then turned to Callie and said earnestly, "Listen, Cal, you got nothin' to worry about with HM and Nancy – if they say they'll take care of you, they will."

Callie sighed, and hunched down in her chair, "I hope you're right." She said quietly.

A little after 9:30 pm, Jazz looked up towards the door and a broad smile lit her face. They finished the song they were playing, and Jazz looked over at Nancy, "How about we take a break?"

Nancy nodded and watched with a smile as Jazz hurried down the steps. She followed at a more leisurely pace, walking over to where her husband was sitting with her father, Face and Amy. Murdock looked up quizzically, "Kinda early for a break, isn't it?"

Nancy dropped into the chair next to him, and shrugged, watching as Jazz greeted the most recent arrival to the gathering. Murdock followed her gaze, and grimaced, "Oh, great, Katt is here."

Nancy crossed her arms and looked at him through narrowed eyes, "You're never happy where he's concerned," she chastised, "You were the one that suggested he and Jazz go out . . ."

"I beg to differ," Murdock corrected, "I suggested he get a girl friend, preferably one from Timbuktu . . . actually you're the one that introduced him to Jazz . . . and since they started seeing each other, he's around even more then before."

Amy chuckled, "Honestly, HM, you need to lighten up. I think Brett and Jazz make a great couple."

Nancy nodded agreement, "I just hope it works out," she glanced over at the couple standing arm in arm and talking, "Brett can be a bit . . . difficult."

"You know, dear," Carl said, remembering the night he first met Brett, and the argument between Brett and Nancy that ensued, "Jazz's frame of reference is a little different then yours. She probably appreciates his protectiveness."

"Yes, Jazz has been pretty tolerant of the overprotective act," Nancy agreed with a shrug, "It was one of the things that used to really bug me sometimes."

"C'mon, Nan," Face said, laughing, "You practically beg for it. You can't seem to keep your nose clean even when you're supposedly behaving. You need a keeper."

Nancy grimaced at Face, "Don't you start, Templeton. I don't need a keeper," she said irritably, then she smiled impishly, "I just need the cavalry to come in and get me out of trouble every once in a while – not move in."

Murdock was watching his wife shrewdly, "So, you dumped Brett because he was overprotective?" this revelation had him a little alarmed, as he tended towards the overprotective side himself, especially lately.

"No, I wouldn't say that, necessarily," Nancy said evasively, adding quietly, "There was no one, defining reason, really, and it's all ancient history, anyway . . . it really isn't important."

Murdock slumped back in his chair, a brooding look on his face, "So it wasn't the overprotective thing – I just want to be clear. Because I don't want to end up in the same boat."

Nancy sighed and turned to look at him, shaking her head, "I love you, HM," she said, "and you really don't have to worry about 'ending up in the same boat' . . .," her look turned mischievous, " because I'm not letting you off that easy!"

Jazz was motioning to Nancy from the stage, and she leaned in and gave Murdock a warm kiss, "Please stop obsessing about it," she said quietly, looking him in the eye before turning and heading up on stage.

Jazz looked at Nancy curiously as she walked up the steps, "What's wrong?"

Nancy shook her head, "HM is getting weird about Brett, again. He just can't seem to let it go that Brett and I used to date," she looked up at Jazz questioningly, "It was such a long time ago, what difference does it make now?"

Jazz pursed her lips, "Well, I don't know, but I would guess that he can't quite figure out how he got so lucky that you and Brett didn't stay together," she said quietly, "I know that I feel that way . . . sometimes."

"Jazz, there's nothing but friendship between me and Brett . . ."

She smiled, "I know, but I just wonder sometimes, what if . . . I mean how would I feel if you were footloose. I'd probably worry that Brett wasn't going to hang around," she shrugged, "I'm not saying it's reasonable, it's just . . . you know, there and it makes a person think about what if's."

Nancy wasn't sure how to respond. The fact that HM wasn't alone made her wonder what other people saw between her and Brett.

"Why don't you just explain to HM what happened between you and Brett," Jazz said, as her gaze wandered out to where Brett was standing. He was talking to Leslie Jenkins, who had just arrived. Jazz sighed, "And while you're at it, you can clue me in. Might make us both feel better about . . . everything."

Nancy's fingers were picking agitatedly at the strings on her guitar, "It's not that easy, Jazz. It's kinda . . . complicated," she realized Jazz wasn't really paying attention to her reply and followed her gaze out to where Brett and Leslie were laughing and talking, their shoulders brushing occasionally.

Nancy put her guitar down, "I need just a few more minutes, Jazz, I need to talk to Les – I'll be right back," Jazz nodded acknowledgment absently as Nancy started down the stairs.

Murdock sighed as Nancy walked away, and Face shook his head, "Why can't you just let it go, man?" he asked, "Nancy's your wife, not Brett's. Let him play the jealous act."

Murdock sat forward, "It doesn't seem strange to you that they didn't stay together?" he asked, quietly, then turned to Carl, "Maybe you could shed some light on it . . ."

Carl shook his head, "'Fraid not. I just met Brett a few months ago myself. Don't know anything about him . . . or them."

"You just met him?" Murdock asked in surprise, "I thought they'd known each other for, like 10 years . . . and I get the impression that the relationship was quite a while ago . . ."

"Sorry, HM, I really can't help you," Carl said, looking a bit consternated by the inconsistency himself – his daughter had always confided in him, so the fact that he hadn't ever met Brett did seem strange.

"Curiouser, and curiouser," Murdock said.

Amy shook her head, "You're just driving yourself crazy about nothing, Murdock," she chastised, "Nancy's not going to leave you for Brett – whatever was there is over. Just let it go."

Murdock sighed as he watched his wife walk over to where Brett was standing, talking to Les Jenkins, "I know I should, but I can't," he said, almost to himself, "There something more there that I need to know."

Nancy walked straight over to Les and Brett, "Hey, Leslie, can I talk to you for a minute . . ."

Les smiled warmly at Brett and squeezed his arm, "I'll see ya later, Brett."

Nancy nodded curtly to Brett as she took Leslie's arm and steered her out of the room, "What's up, Nan? I don't really have anything new on Juanita Temple right now – I just stopped by to say 'hi'."

They were standing out in the entry hall, alone, and Nancy turned to Les, her arms crossed, "What's going on with you and Brett?"

Les crossed her arms, too, but she didn't look defensive, just uncomfortable. It was a full minute before she replied, "Nan, you gotta believe me, I never meant it to go this far . . .,"

"Shit, I knew that look . . .," Nancy said, her irritation apparent, "How long?"

"Couple weeks, is all," Les said quietly, "It started out innocently enough, we ran into each other at Mabel's and ended up grabbing a bite to eat together. One thing led to another . . . I thought it would just end up being a one-night stand, but it's developed into more. Brett's supposed to talk to Jazz about it . . . I know she's your friend . . . Nan, I'm really sorry."

"I'm not the one you should be apologizing to," Nancy said angrily, but at Les' crestfallen face, she relented, "It's OK, Les, these things happen . . . I guess. But Jazz needs to know – the longer it goes on the worse it'll be for her."

Les nodded in agreement, "I told Brett the same thing. He said he'd take care of it tonight . . . that's really why I stopped . . . to remind him of that."

"Let's just hope he doesn't wimp out," Nancy said dejectedly.

Callie and Terra returned promptly at 11, just as Nancy and Jazz were packing up from their regular practice. The two girls had apparently become fast friends already.

"Mom, can Callie come spend the night?" Terra asked, as Nancy and Jazz came down off the stage. Most everyone else had already left, and Murdock came walking up from behind, trailing after the girls.

But Nancy was shaking her head, "I don't think so, Terra, Not tonight. We have to be at the hospital at 8 for visiting hours, and I don't want Callie to miss them - Jack would be too disappointed."

"Besides, you have school tomorrow, young lady," Jazz said to Terra.

Callie was nodding agreement, "I didn't even think of that," she said thoughtfully, "Maybe after Jack is out of the hospital?" she ventured tentatively.

Nancy smiled, "We'll have to wait and see - I'd say it's definitely a possibility."

They said their goodnights and headed home. In the car, Callie talked non-stop about the evening, and the movie. Once in the house, Murdock turned to Callie, "Whoa, there, Strawberry, you need to settle down, it's late. Head on up to your room and jump into bed - we got an early morning ahead of us tomorrow."

Callie was rapidly loosing steam, having had a very full day, "OK, g'night HM, 'night Nan - see ya in the morning."

Nancy watched as she headed upstairs, then flopped on the couch, "Jeez . . . I feel like I've been running all day."

Murdock sat down next to her, "You have been running all day . . . And by all rights you should be exhausted."

Nancy sighed, "I am, but I need to wind down . . . Wanna watch some TV before we head to bed?"

Murdock shook his head, "Not tonight, Short Cake, 4am is gonna come way too soon as it is."

Nanacy grimaced, "I forgot you still had rooster duty . . . Tomorrow's your last day, right?"

"Yep, then I'll have three weeks off. Not too bad, really."

He yawned and stretched, "I'm goin' on up to bed . . . You gonna come?"

Nancy glanced into the front room, where her home office was set up, "I don't think I can sleep right now . . . Maybe I'll work on some correspondence. That can put me to sleep first thing in the morning after a mug of coffee!"

Murdock didn't look too happy with the idea, but knew it wouldn't do any good to argue with her, "OK, just don't stay up too late," he admonished. He leaned down and gave her a kiss goodnight, then went upstairs. Nancy watched him go, then headed into the front room and turned on her computer to start work.

Nightmares

A little after 1am, Nancy headed up to bed. She poked her head into Callie's room to check on her, knocking into the rocking chair. To her surprise Callie lifted the covers, "Nancy?" she asked tentatively.

"What are you doing still awake?" Nancy asked quietly, moving into the room a little, and pushing the rocking chair off to the side.

Callie sat up, "I was asleep, but I had a nightmare . . ."

Nancy sat down on the edge of the bed, "Wanna talk about it . . . Sometimes that helps."

Callie's eyes were wide, and she seemed to consider the offer, finally she started talking hesitantly, "Jack came home from the hospital, and Sherry came and said that you could only keep one of us, but not both, and you decided to keep Jack, and they sent me back to my Mom and she was livin' with this guy that was greasy an' kinda scary, and he kept tellin' me that if I wasn't good he'd beat me and they made me do all the housework and cookin' and when I made Mickey Mouse pancakes one morning they yelled at me and tol' me they weren't babies and that was a bad thing to do and the guy grabbed me by my neck and started draggin' me back to the bedroom and I was kickin' and screamin' and askin' Mom to help me but she was too coked up to realize what was goin' on. He tied me up to the bed and I knew he was gonna start beatin' on me . . . then I woke up when you opened the door," Callie had talked faster and faster, until she got to the end, her voice starting to catch when she talked about her mother.

She stopped, breathing hard, the nightmare obviously still very real in her head. Nancy reached out, and smoothed her hair gently, and Callie hesitated only a moment before leaning into Nancy's arms and sobbing, "You wouldn't get rid a me an' keep Jack, would ya, Nan? I promise I'll be good and I can do housework and whatever you want, just please let me stay here."

Nancy smoothed the girl's hair, "Shhh, Cal – it was just a dream. Of course we wouldn't keep Jack and get rid of you. That's just silly," they sat together for a few moments, until Callie quieted down.

Callie sat back and looked at Nancy, "Does that mean that Jack and I can both stay here?" she asked hopefully.

Nancy ran a hand down along her cheek and held her chin, looking seriously into her eyes, "Honey, I'd love to tell you that you and Jack could stay here forever, but I'm afraid that that will not be up to me," when Callie started to protest, Nancy held up her hand, "But, that doesn't mean that HM and I won't do everything that we can to try and make it so you can stay here, at least for awhile - and at the very least, I promise that I will do everything in my power to make sure that you and Jack are not separated under any circumstances, just like I promised. Do you understand?"

Callie nodded, still wide-eyed. Nancy stood, and laid her down, tucking the covers under her chin, "You really need to get some sleep, Sweetheart - please don't worry about what's going to happen, let HM and I handle that - that's what having those adults around is good for," Nancy leaned down and kissed her forehead, "Goodnight, Strawberry, and from now on, only sweet dreams - OK?"

Callie nodded, her eyes already beginning to droop, but she woke suddenly and grabbed Nancy's hand, holding it tight and saying urgently, "Please sit with me until I fall asleep . . ."

Nancy smiled and sat back down on the edge of the bed, patting Callie's hand, and then smoothing her hair back from her face again, "I won't go anywhere, Cal - now go to sleep."

About half an hour later, Nancy slipped out of Callie's room and went into her bedroom, silently stripping down to her underwear, and slipping on a nightshirt, before crawling into bed next to Murdock.

Murdock rolled over and put his arms around her, mumbling, "What time is it?"

Nancy glanced at the clock, "1:45 - now go back to sleep. You've gotta be up in a couple hours."

He propped up on an elbow and looked at her critically, "I told you not to stay up too late," he said quietly.

"Callie had a nightmare - I've been in her room for the last little bit," Nancy said in explanation.

"Is she OK?"

Nancy sighed, pulling Murdock's arms tighter around herself, and soaking in his warmth as he settled next to her, "I think she'll be OK - I think she'd feel a lot better if she knew what was going to happen with her and Jack - I know I would."

Murdock kissed his wife's cheek, "Nobody knows for sure what's gonna happen in their life, Short Cake - but I'm sure what's comin' has to be better than what's been, 'specially for those two."

Nancy gazed wide-eyed out the window, "I certainly hope so," she said quietly, but there aren't any guarantees, she thought ruefully. A thought that caused her to lie awake for sometime after Murdock had fallen back to sleep.