Disclaimer: Threshold is not mine. Life just isn't that kind.
A/N: Sorry, Celeste, they're not going anywhere exotic! As I said, just somewhere close to home…snickers at mention of hated show
In Search of Respite
"No," she protested. "Absolutely not!" Molly's hands found their way to her hips as she raised her chin rebelliously. The men were clustered around her, expressions varying from cheekily delighted to doubtful indecision to suppressed amusement, and finally to the singularly displeased. She was in no mood to appreciate the observation, though, considering how she had been ganged up on.
"Why not?" Ramsey, the chief culprit behind her predicament, rubbed his hands together with glee. "It's the perfect solution." He began to hum a merry little tune under his breath as he plotted.
"JT said we had to stick together…" Lucas said, shrugging helplessly. "In light of that, I think Ramsey's suggestion might actually be the best option available to us."
"After all, you said no to all my suggestions," Ramsey said in a miffed tone.
"Your suggestions involved strippers, night-clubs and booze," Molly said pointedly.
"And your objection was-?" he said, grinning in response to the disdainful look she tossed him.
Lucas continued, "We can't stay at my place, there's no way we would all fit, especially with Rachel around. I don't even want to think about how Ramsey's furnished his place-"
"Speaking of furnishings, I don't really have much of anything at mine," Cavennaugh interjected. "I don't really spend a lot of time there, so there wasn't any need. It sure wouldn't comfortably house the five of us for the next four days."
Fenway stiffened as he was placed under the spotlight, the focus of attention from the others. "What? Don't bring me into this- and if you think for one moment that I am going to be responsible for all of you, then you can just forget the whole idea. My house is off-limits."
"Why does he get to refuse?" Molly muttered rebelliously. "Look, I just moved in, I haven't had time to get organized, there's still some unpacking…"
"See, Molly, that makes it even more perfect," Ramsey enthused. "We can certainly help you with that- it can be our way of unwinding, and we will learn the true meaning of team spirit and co-operation in coming to the aid of a colleague."
She looked at him disparagingly. "You just want to go through my underwear drawer again, don't you?" said Molly. "Well, that is strictly off-limits, and no matter what JT says about sticking together, if I find out you've breached this rule, I am throwing you out."
"Understood," he said with immediate nonchalance, spreading his hands as if to declare himself innocent of any wrongdoing. Molly nevertheless kept that pointed stare on him til he uncomfortably felt the urge to squirm under its force, rather like the sensation of a worm on a hook, before she finally resigned herself to making the best of a bad situation.
"Guys, I never thought I'd say this to you, but- looks like we're having a sleepover at my place!" a tight little smile appeared on her face as she spun around and made her way out of the conference room. "I'll make the arrangements with JT. And," Molly paused at the doorway, determined to have the last word in this, "I just hope you all don't live to regret making this decision."
She vanished, leaving the men with a disconcerting feeling of apprehension.
"What did she mean by that?" Lucas wondered.
Ramsey shrugged. "She didn't mean anything by that." He met their disbelieving looks. "What?"
"Women convey a lot of subtleties by tone- I think that tone meant something," said Cavennaugh.
"My ex-wives could testify to that…" murmured Fenway. "And my personal experience would advise you all to harbour some misgivings over what is to come."
"It's not like she's going to kill us or something," Ramsey scoffed.
Lucas cleared his throat nervously. "I really wish you hadn't mentioned that possibility," he said. "Well, I'm going to go get ready. Something tells me Molly won't be hanging around, waiting for any stragglers…"
"You're right- I don't want to risk missing out on this!" Ramsey agreed, the two leaving together.
"The dwarf who thinks there's the remotest possibility that he might hook up with Molly is looking forward to this; the guy with a dozen ex-wives is sensing negative vibes," Cavennaugh summarized the situation. He met the doctor's gaze, "So I should expect trouble?"
"A hippo does not have a sting in its tail, but a wise man would still rather be sat on by a bee," Fenway said expressively, delighting in the perplexing phrase. He did so enjoy being enigmatic. "Polish proverb. Interpret it as you wish. Meanwhile, I still have some productive avenues I can pursue whilst you ponder."
"Where is the linguist when you need him?" Cavennaugh said to an empty room, after watching Fenway leave. He himself was in no hurry, with few possessions to load him down and necessities already packed and waiting. Molly had been an inspiration in that area; the occasions on which she had been prepared with an extra set of clothing to handle unforeseen events had prompted him to adopt a similar approach in order not to be caught out. Uncharacteristically pensive, Cavennaugh now wondered what other things they would learn of and from this woman in the next four days…
A/N: This is all an elaborate set-up to get the gang to Molly's place, it's not meant to be taken seriously, okay?
