Chapter 56

Wow, wow, wow. I love season 5 so far and everything is so intense. We're coming up on 5x06, which is the third part of this 3-episode arc. Wow, one episode on paramount and it was so good. The show is still the same, but the action is better, and I never knew how much I needed the little bit of swearing lol. I know there are some that don't agree with the switch, but I think it's good. The show has always done well streaming and it's doing even better. I don't want to spoil too much about what's happening, but I hope we get a payoff on this storyline. Anyways, enjoy a new chapter! UPDATE: OMG THAT PROMO FOR 5X07! HOLY MOLY!

"A CIA undercover base was attacked last night in Germany," someone said on the screen of Jack's office.

"Any survivors?" Jack asked as Mandy looked at the pictures changing.

"We had a base of about a dozen there. Last I heard, we had two survivors. One is critical and the other wasn't on site when the explosion happened."

"You think Roman is linked," Mandy stated. "Judging by the pictures, the fire was made to look like an accident. How were the others killed?"

"A crew of five came in and executed them. Cameras went down a couple minutes before. Cameras in the area shows four people leaving about forty-five minutes later heading south before they get into a car," the person answered. "This guy was the last to leave after another fifteen minutes or so. Next thing, the place is on fire."

"He looks familiar," Jack said studying the picture of one suspect.

"That's because we've seen him in some pictures before recently," the person answered. "Last time we trailed Roman in the European area."

"Any idea why he's in Germany?" Jack asked.

"Probably a good place to meet an arms dealer or some specialist if he's planning something," Mandy jumped in. "Do we know if these guys took anything? Was there anything of high value at this base?"

"Seems whatever was left burned in the fire. We're going through all our intel now to see what exactly was there. Nothing has popped out yet," the person replied.

"Alright, keep me posted," Jack said ending the call and then looking at Mandy. "Mandy," Jack began.

"I should've just taken him out in J-Bad and no one would be dead. He's escalating. He wouldn't just attack this place if there wasn't something there," Mandy said frustratedly.

"You're not blaming yourself for any of this," Jack said walking over to her and bringing her into his arms. "This isn't your fault. This could all be a distraction as well. Even if you had taken him out, there's no guarantee that he didn't have some contingency plan in place. He was someone you trusted dearly and taking his life, even if he's the bad guy, would destroy you."

"There's still a chance I'll have to do that," Mandy said pulling back.

"Maybe," Jack sighed. "Now, take a moment to pull yourself together before coming out there. Don't let this ruin everything and don't shut us out," Jack said. "I love you," he added and kissed her forehead before leaving the office.

Jack had stopped just before entering the kitchen area where everyone gathered. He took a deep breath and glanced down the hall where he'd left Mandy. He knew she'd be okay, but he also knew she'd take losing agents hard since it was most likely tied to Roman. He pulled himself together and walked into the room putting on a smile. As he looked around, he caught Jason's worried eyes. Jack nodded his head towards the hallway and Jason got up nodding as he left the room.

Jason opened the office door quietly and slipped in. As he turned around, he saw Mandy standing in front of the screen looking at pictures of people. His mind running with what could've happened. He could just make out a picture of a burned down building behind the individuals. His gut told him the situation wasn't good and Mandy was taking it to heart.

"Ten dead," Mandy spoke as Jason came to stand behind her. "We think he went after a CIA base in Germany. One is in critical condition, and another wasn't there when it all went down."

"He's escalating," Jason said putting his hands on her waist and turning her around. "This isn't your fault."

"Yeah, but if I would've just-," Mandy began.

"Just what?" Jason asked sternly. "Killed him in J-Bad? There is no telling what could've happened if you did that. We may have never gotten Al-Hazred Junior. Maybe he would've had something, or someone set up to take over his plan. We can't prepare or see it all coming. He was someone you cared and trusted with your life. Taking his life shouldn't be easy."

"You sound like my Dad," Mandy said looking at him with glossy eyes.

"Well, we are two pretty smart guys," Jason smirked getting her to chuckle. "We're gonna get him. I know we will."

"We, huh," Mandy said.

"Yes, we," Jason replied confidently. "We're the best at what we do, and he won't get away with this."

"Okay," Mandy nodded as she put her arms around him. "Can we just...," Mandy trailed off as Jason gathered her in his arms.

"Yeah," Jason said knowing she needed a moment to gather herself. He squeezed her a little tighter as he looked at the pictures vowing to take down Roman once and for all.

After taking a few moments to gather herself in Jason's arms, they both made their way back towards the laughter in the house. The gathering had spilled out into the backyard. As they entered, Mandy smiled and went over towards the kids. The guys all looked towards Jason knowing something was going on, but Jason shook his head telling them now wasn't the time.

Jason stayed near Mandy as they played with the kids and dogs. Both laughing and having fleeting thoughts of what the future could hold. After playing around, Mandy declared they go take a tour of the grounds. The kids loved the barn, and the team was impressed with the size of the property. Mandy got the four wheelers out for the guys to explore the woods. Mandy took the girls for some site seeing.

As the sun went down, everyone made it back to the main house where Susan had catered in dinner for the large group. Outside on the lavish patio, a long table had been set for dinner. Susan had asked Mandy about favorite foods of everyone and provided a little bit of it all. Everyone was enjoying each other's company. With their jobs, it felt like the world was at peace at that very moment. Mandy looked around the table and smiled. She was grateful for all that she'd gotten in recent years. Suddenly, Jason was squeezing her hand and she looked over to see his concerned look. Instead of using words, she leaned in to give him quick kiss letting him know she was okay. She knew no matter what was coming, she had this family of misfits to back her.

Dinner was over and Jack had started up the fire pit in the backyard. Chairs and after dinner drinks or treats were setup for everyone. It reminded most there of their recent time in J-Bad sitting around the fire pit and chatting.

"I come baring with the good stuff," Jack said bringing a bottle of Sonny's favorite to him.

"You sure do know how to entertain Director," Sonny laughed loudly. "Who wants some?"

"All yours buddy," Trent replied.

"All right Haley, time for bed," Jessica said getting up.

"Noooo," Haley whined from Mandy's lap. "I don't wanna. Aunt Mandy isn't going to bed," she argued.

"Oh, no. You do not get to use me as a bargaining chip," Mandy smiled over Haley's head.

"Aunt Mandy is A LOT older than you," Jessica smirked.

"Not as old as you act though," Mandy shot back. "How about I go up with you?"

"Okay," Haley sighed as Mandy held her as she got up.

Naima started getting her kids as well for bed. Emma and Mikey had already headed up to their rooms a little while ago to catch up with friends over their summer adventures. Mandy laughed as she heard both kids on Facetime and their friend's reactions to the place.

"Uncle Jason too," Haley reached out her hand towards him.

"Wow, next thing you know I'll be replaced," Mandy joked.

"You're my number one Aunt Mandy. Hoes over bros, remember?" Haley said lifting her head from Mandy's shoulder.

"And on that note," Mandy said with wide eyes hurrying to walk away as Jason laughed behind her.

"So, what's going on?" Jessica asked as soon as they were out of view and away from little ears. "I know something happened or you wouldn't have pulled Mandy away this morning. He did something, didn't he?"

"Roman?" Clay asked. "How do you know about him?"

"He's Haley's father," Jessica replied before turning back to Jack.

"We think he's in Germany. CIA undercover base was hit. Ten are dead, one critical, and one wasn't on site," Jack sighed.

"And how did Mandy take it?" Jessica asked knowing her friend would feel guilty.

"Thinks she should've ended him back in J-Bad. She's hanging in there," Jack replied.

"Sounds like Mandy," Jessica sighed. "At least she has Jason and you all. Not sure if any of us would be able to talk her off the ledge this time around."

"This time around?" Ray asked concerned.

"Listen, Mandy takes a lot on her shoulders," Jessica sighed.

"Sounds like someone else we know," Blackburn muttered.

"Which is why those two are perfect for each other," Jessica smiled. "She's worked with a lot of operators over time, but you guys are different."

"Different?" Clay asked.

"There isn't anything she won't do to bring you guys home. Some how you broke through her walls," Jessica answered. "Or maybe it was Bravo one who did. She has one of the highest rates of bringing guys like you home and she takes it to heart," Jessica added looking at Jack who shook his head.

"She's turned down or been passed for promotions multiple times," Jack said. "Said she couldn't just abandon you guys and wanted to know who would fight for you guys when you needed it. It kills me to see her take the hit so many times but she's happy where she's at. Especially with Jason. They both need each other."

"I haven't seen Jason this relaxed in a long time or happy," Ray commented as the rest of the guys agreed.

"I don't think I've ever seen him take a vacation," Sonny added. "Any leads on Roman?"

"No, but we have people running down leads. I'm sure once Mandy is back next week she'll hit the ground running," Jack answered.

"Her suspension up by then?" Eric asked.

"Suspension?" Jessica asked.

"It's nothing, honey. Let it go," Troy assured Jessica who looked at him skeptically, but let it go. "It should be up by then. She'll have to go in front of a board of people. She'll play it right to stay on the Roman case. They'd be idiots to take her off since she knows him so well and he's challenged her."

"Mandy always gets us the target package and we always get the bad guys," Sonny confidently said raising his drink and so did the others.

"Okay, you really need to go to bed," Mandy tried again.

She and Jason had both taken either side of Haley and read her three stories. Jason watched Mandy as she read, and the way Haley curled into her. Mandy had done the same to Jason. She'd watched as he read and got animated at various parts.

"But I don't want to," Haley complained as Mandy sat on the edge with Jason behind her.

"Don't you want to go on the lake tomorrow with all of us and the barn party Friday?" Mandy bargained. "You wouldn't want to miss out on time with Uncle Jason either, would you," Mandy brought out the big guns as Haley sighed and shook her head no. "Okay, night. Love you," Mandy said kissing Haley's forehead.

"Good night," Jason said doing the same and then walking out with Mandy into the hall.

"How can putting a nine-year-old to bed be harder than extracting information out of a bad guy?" Mandy said aloud.

"It's the eyes," Jason replied as he chuckled and pulled her into his arms. "I remember few times with Emma looking into those wide innocent eyes and they just suck you in."

"You're a good Dad," Mandy reminded him. "Maybe you missed a lot but now maybe you can make up for it. Emma and Mikey are staying with us for the rest of summer. We'll do everything we can with them. And if we're not there, my Mom will be or Jessica or someone."

"What are you? A jedi mind reader," Jason asked.

"Well of course," Mandy smirked. "And I know you."

"You do," Jason said leaning his forehead against hers. "Do we have to go back downstairs?"

"Nah," Mandy smiled as Jason pulled her towards their room.