Jack drove in a winding path far from Mac's house. The gray Ford kept up. Apparently whoever was driving the car had surveillance experience. That raised Jack's alarm to a whole different level. Riley glanced at him picking up the increase in his tension. She blocked it out and typed. Jack noticed the wrinkle on her forehead.
"Jack, the plates are coming back as Diplomatic plates from the LA Consulate of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina."
"What?" Jack hadn't expected that. Thinking back to their speech, it could have been Bosnian. "Screw this! Time for some answers." Jack sped up enough to make his tail think he was trying to ditch them, but slow enough not to lose them. Mac muttered unintelligibly in the back. Riley looked back at him. "He ok?" Jack asked.
"I think he's still asleep."
"Good, hold on." Jack stomped on the clutch and slammed the gear down as he yanked the steering wheel. The car went into a controlled sideways skid. There was a loud thump as Mac was rolled off the back seat and hit the back of the front seat.
"What the hell?" He groused hitting the carpeted floor.
"Hold on, bud."
"To what?" Jack didn't have time to answer as he abruptly halted the car leaving the warm smell of burned rubber hanging in a cloud wafting across the deserted alley. Jack had his Baretta leveled and stepped behind the door waiting. His heart pumped harder as he saw the Ford skid by, stop and turn into the alley. Jack smiled. The two men were as surprised as Jack hoped. He took a step forward; the dark-haired driver leaned out with a UZI. Jack ducked low as a quick spurt of bullets riddled the GTO's rear end. Mac screamed.
"Jack!" Riley yelled desperately. Jack glanced in to see the woman climb into the back seat. Jack gritted his teeth.
"Sorry, brother." He gritted as he raised and fired. The windshield spider-webbed but didn't break. "Polycarbonate, damn." Jack ducked another spurt of gunfire. Jack glanced in at Riley. "How is he?"
"I think he passed out." Jack rose up and returned fire, this time aiming at the engine. He heard yelling then the car revved and skid into reverse, wobbling and driving away in traffic. Jack snarled in frustration. Generally, he would give chase, but he had a more pressing problem. He bent over the driver's seat. Riley crouched over Mac who she had rolled back onto the back seat, his long legs dangling limply off the seat folded in the footwell on the passenger side.
"Dammit," Jack said eyes wide as he holstered his Baretta. A steady stream of bloody puss poured out of his ear and down his cheek which was wet with tears. Jack ran his hand through his hair as he debated what he should do. The best option would be Phoenix medical but that was across the city, and the lunch traffic would be in full force. Of course, the same would be true of Cedars-Sinai and Good Sam. Jack frowned. If he didn't know better, he'd swear Mac intentionally chose a house so far from them. Mac hissed in pain and raised his hand to his forehead.
"Mac?" Riley asked softly.
"Shhh...don't yell," Mac whispered. He opened his eyes and wiped his face looking up at Jack puzzled.
"What happened?"
"We got into trouble," Riley said barely above a whisper. The corners of Mac's mouth twitched into a wry smile.
"When are we ever not in trouble?" He groaned as he slowly and painfully pushed himself to sit. Jack reached down and helped. Mac flopped back against the seat, eyes closed as if on a tilt a whirl.
"You ok, brother?" Jack said as softly as he could. Mac turned his head and probed his ear with his finger. Riley smacked his hand. He glared at her. Jack noted a twin stream running out of his other ear. Mac closed his eyes and swiveled his jaw. He looked up and smiled.
"I feel a lot better, although my ears are ringing like crazy." Jack let out a deep breath.
"Must've needed draining." Riley mused. Mac shrugged and winced rubbing his neck. He blinked and squinted taking in where they were. Riley bent down and found the yellow lensed sunglasses and handed them to Mac.
"Thanks. Where in the hell are we? What's going on?" Jack hesitated. "Jack?" Mac said. Jack sighed and filled him in on what happened. Mac sat back thoughtful.
"Probably Bosnian mafia. Why do they want to bother Yu and Fai?" Mac looked over at Riley. "Let Matty know, something's going on, and if the Bosnian mafia is involved, it'll be a hell of a lot bigger than one neighborhood pharmacy."
"Right." Riley agreed. She climbed back into the front seat and began tapping on her laptop.
"Jack, we should-"
"Take you home and get your medicine on board." Mac opened his mouth to protest. Jack gave him a familiar look. Mac closed his eyes, sighed and laid his head back in resignation.
"Fine, we can look into it tomorrow." Jack opened his mouth then closed it shaking his head with frustration. Jack huffed turned and eased the car back on the road. After making sure no one followed them, he drove to Mac's house. In the mirror, Jack could see a pained expression on Mac's face, but the younger man didn't make a noise. Jack scoffed. That meant that he must be feeling better. The kid's hives were faded, almost back to normal skin tone. But his eyes, Jack scowled. If anything his partner looked even worse. The nurse had told him the shot would wear off in 10-12 hours. Jack glanced at his watch. That left a couple of hours. It should work out nicely. Mac's meds should start to take effect as the shot wore off. Once he got his charge situated in his dark and quiet room under the watchful eyes of Riley and Bozer, Jack had some sniffing of his own to do. He thought of the Jin's as part of their extended family. If they were in trouble, he was going to do his damnedest to get them out of it.
Mac studied his partners. Jack was white knuckling the steering wheel. The blond knew what was going through the older man's mind. He wanted to go out and confront the people who threatened the Jin's and do them some serious bodily harm. Riley was laser focused on hunting information. All of them knew the Jin's well. Mac smiled. They had needed enough medicines over the years. Although Mac admitted to himself, they didn't mind giving the Jins the money; there were many times the drugs sat ignored in the medicine cabinet. Mac stared out the window. What could the Bosnian mafia possibly want with the small pharmacy?
"You ok, Mac?" Jack asked. Mac frowned. Everything had a tinny ring echo, and there was a horrible constant buzzing that seemed to shake his head. He did feel better, almost himself. He was getting tired of people asking if he was alright. Mac rolled his eyes then closed them in pain. His eyelids were even more swollen as if they had packed glass under them scraping his eyes raw. He didn't imagine the drops would be very pleasant either. Mac realized the other two were staring at him waiting for an answer.
"I wish you'd stop asking that," Mac mumbled tiredly.
"We will when you stop looking bug-eyed and green," Jack said. Mac eyed the back of his friend's head thoughtfully. The man joked, but his voice had a distant quality to it Mac knew well. Jack may hate the idea of Mac doing something stupid without him but never had a problem leaving Mac behind especially if he thought it would keep Mac safe. Mac smiled already working on an idea.
When they pulled up to the house, Bozer was pacing along the sidewalk in front of the house talking excitedly on the phone to Matty if Mac had to guess. After they had pulled in, Jack and Riley jumped out of the car. Riley crossed over to Bozer. Bozer gave her an all encompassing hug. He'd had to stay behind for training. Mac knew Boze wasn't a big fan of going into the field, especially after they were disavowed in Amsterdam, but he also knew how much it ate at his friend when he couldn't be there to help. Mac understood, luckily Mac rarely missed a mission. Mac smiled wryly. Usually, when he was sick or wounded, the entire team stood down. That never seemed to keep them out of trouble.
Jack held out a hand. Mac took it and climbed out of the car. He still wobbled but not as bad as before, and the world didn't swirl every time his head moved. The entire world assaulted him. The bright sunlight and sound of distant traffic, neighbors, his friend's voices and even the birdsong banged painfully across his skull. He closed his eyes. Mac paused. Mentally pushing down the contents of his belly. Mac burped the awful taste of dead fish and burnt chemicals burning his throat. Mac fell into a coughing fit. It wasn't as severe as earlier but still reminded him where all the pulled and bruised muscles were. Mac spit out a glob of green into the lawn, wiped his mouth and looked up at the three staring at him. He smiled and walked into the house by himself some of his natural grace returning. The house had a strong smell. Mac frowned. It was probably Mama Bozer's chicken noodle soup, but Mac's nose filtered it through the nasty taste. His stomach again rolled over.
Mac groaned and sprawled on the couch taking deep breaths. The others came in their voices thundering with the audio equivalent of double vision. Mac rubbed his forehead.
"Mac, you look a little green. Are you hungry? I made some soup." Bozer said softly.
"That sounds great." Mac lied in a whisper, "Smells good too, but maybe later?". Bozer smiled and headed into the kitchen. Mac took off Jack's shades and set them on the coffee table. He fought the urge to rub his swollen eyes. Mac jumped as something cold and wet hit the side of his face. Before he could say anything, a damp washcloth covered his eyes. Mac sighed in gratitude. The soothing darkness was heaven.
"Thank you, that feels wonderful," Mac said. He heard a familiar chuckle.
"My mom got a lot of migraines," Riley explained. Mac held up a fist someone fist
-bumped him. He began to feel his muscles unknot.[
"What did you find out, Riles?" Mac asked. He could almost hear the questioning look Riley gave to Jack. Mac knew what Jack's response would be. Mac held up a placating hand. "Look the Jins are in real trouble, especially if it is the Bosnian mob. There isn't much we can do until tomorrow, right?" Mac could hear Jack suck in a frustrated breath. Mac smiled. The older man hated it when Mac out maneuvered him with logic. Mac also guessed his friend was impatient and wanted to jump into the situation whether it was wise or not.
"I checked with the Bosnian consulate they said that the plates were stolen,
But wouldn't give me any more information."
"I'll get Matty on it," Bozer said. Mac could hear him walk down the hall to place the call. The casual friendship Bozer had with Matty always surprised MacGyver. He didn't know why it should. Bozer was hard not to like.
"Why didn't you do your thing and hack in?" Jack asked. Riley scoffed.
"Seriously, Jack? Of course, I hacked in. The last person assigned the car was an attache to the consulate, A Halil Gauric."
"Yep, that's one of the guys, the tall blond one." Mac guessed that last part was for his benefit.
"I also pulled video from a street cam and found the ID of our other dude, Rijad Dedic. He has no ties with the consulate, but is on Interpol's list for several suspected assassinations across Europe." Riley continued. Mac frowned.
"Did you look into connections with the Jinns?" Mac asked.
"What? You don't think they're working for the mafia?" Mac could hear the anger rising in Jack's voice. Mac again held up a hand.
"No, not directly but the Bosnians obviously want something." There was silence as Riley tapped on the computer. Bozer came back into the living room.
"Uh...boss lady is a little...angry? About, and I'm quoting here, 'looking for more trouble when Mac should be recuperating.' She also threatened to cut all kinds of substantial body parts if we didn't stand down." Mac smiled. Jack chuckled.
"And what did she find out?" Jack asked.
"She said the feebies have been looking at a suspected drug/ money laundering thing going on at the consulate." Mac frowned.
"I see that look in your eyes, Mac," Jack asked.
"I don't know; there's something...off about that," Mac muttered. He yawned feeling drained.
"You should rest, I got your bedroom all set up," Bozer said. Mac scowled recognizing the same tone Bozer used when he took over the kitchen to make Mac a meal designed to fatten him up. "I put up blackout curtains and put the flannels on." Mac huffed and slowly sat up with a groan.
"Look I appreciate everyone's help, I do but…" Mac removed the washcloth from his face and broke off covering his eyes with his palms as he leaned forward. Twin ice picks slashed through the tender parts of his brain. Mac gasped. Everything vanished except the agony.[
"...me?" Mac jumped at a hand on his shoulder. He risked opening his eyes into tiny slits. He breathed out. His eyes still hurt like hell, but his friends had lowered every shade and curtain. Jack sat on the coffee table in front of him, a familiar worried look on his face. Mac managed a small smile.
"Yeah, thanks, that's better," Mac whispered blinking Jack's face into focus. The older man's face resolved into a blurry fingerprint. Just the act of focusing made Mac nauseous.
"Are you ready to take these?" Jack held something out in his hand. Mac frowned. Pills-he hated pills. He glared in the general direction of Jack's face. Jack growled with exasperation "You know you're going to take them." Mac tried to glare but closed his eyes with a moan as white lightening impaled his head. Mac yawned which broke off into a long coughing fit. Mac gasped holding his middle. He held out his hand too tired and miserable to fight about it anymore. He popped a pill the size of a gumdrop with a much worse taste and a little one that felt plastic in his mouth. Jack handed him a bottle of water. Mac smiled feeling the coldness. He drank down the pills. Paused taking deep breaths to avoid coughing or puking After a long pause, Mac took a long pull of water. He felt its path down his throat to his belly. It was bliss, even though it tasted horrible. Mac's stomach flip-flopped. He capped the water and handed it back. He leaned back and let out a long slow breath. He closed his eyes. Mac held out his hand.
"Can I get the cold pack back?" He heard Jack snickering at him. Mac opened his eyes and squinted at the older man.
"You know Jack; revenge is a bitch you won't know where or how, but it's
coming." Mac grinned as Jack's face lost its humor. Mac laughed then broke off as an epic bout of coughing hit. He blindly reached out, his hand finding Jack's arm. Everything again spun dizzily, but Mac couldn't stop coughing. He felt Jack lean closer, and shove something into his mouth. He tried to push it away.[
"Easy, bud, it's the inhaler," Jack screamed in his ear, or that's how it seemed. Mac couldn't stop coughing. He felt a blast of air burn into his mouth and down his lungs. He kept barking, and Jack sprayed again. Everything dimmed. The inhaler left his mouth, and Mac was able to take in air between coughs. The coughing weakened then stopped. Mac fell forward bonelessly sucking in air. His forehead hit Jack's shoulder. Mac could feel the older man rubbing his back and mumbling something comforting. Soon Mac's breathing became easier. Mac blinked he felt jittery, but his chest was looser than it had in a long time. He pushed back and sighed.
"I'm ok." He offered as reassurance. Jack helped him lean back. Mac blinked at the others staring at him with worry. "I'm fine. I promise." They didn't look convinced. Mac looked at Jack. "Might as well get the eye drops over with." Although he couldn't see it, Mac knew Jack's eye brows had just jumped to the older man's forehead. Mac asking for meds? Mac fought the urge to laugh. "Look I know they're going to hurt like hell, but I hate everything being blurry." Jack sighed.
"Alright, let's do it in your bedroom so you can get some sleep." Mac opened his mouth to complain, but it turned into a yawn. He did feel like a limp dishrag. Mac sighed and nodded. He reluctantly opened his eyes and pushed to his feet. His stomach complained. Mac took few swallows until the sensation eased. He made it to his room only needing to hold onto the wall twice.
Mac sat in the dark room with contentment. Jack quickly read his mind.
"You know we need light for the drops." Mac let out a quiet breath and nodded. Mac realized his partner couldn't see him
"I know. Let me get changed first."
"Changed?"
"I'm all sweaty." Mac felt Jack's warm hand brush his forehead.
"You're clammy." Papa Jack just checked in, Mac thought. He slapped away Jack's hands and easily found new sweats and T-shirt. He laid back and braced himself.
"Alright, let's get this done." Mac frowned as Jack sat on the bed beside him. Before he could ask, light blared in his eyes. Mac cried out and automatically moved to cover his eyes. Jack blocked his hands. Mac's eyes opened by instinct. With reptile speed, Jack dribbled drops into his eyes. Mac howled and tried to push Jack away as acid bubbled and fizzed in his eyes. Mac's heart galloped, his panted, his nausea worsened. It took a few minutes, but eventually, everything settled down to tolerable. Mac found himself wrapped in a half hug while Jack held his arms.
"Shhh, easy kid." Mac sucked in a long breath and forced his body to relax.
"Well...that sucked." He rasped.
"I thought you took it pretty we
"You're a jackass; you know that?" Mac pulled away and laid back rubbing at his face.
"Yeah but I'm your jackass." Mac laughed and reached out to give his partner's shoulder a brief squeeze.
"Tomorrow we'll help the Jinns, I promise," Mac said softly around a pulled up the covers.
"Get some rest." He said softly closing the door after him. In total darkness, Mac rolled onto his side and sighed relaxing. Jack always thought he could be sneaky with Mac. By not answering, Jack practically screamed he planned to leave Mac behind to get himself in trouble alone. Mac smiled. Mac had plans of his own. He slid into a deep sleep.