Jack woke as dawn was breaking. He sat up, yawned and stretched. He grinned no one else in the house was awake. He'd crashed on the couch to keep an eye on Mac and help him with his eye drops which were due every two hours overnight. Jack silently got a set of spare clothes he kept in the house and took a shower. Feeling refreshed he started some coffee brewing. Looking out the window over the sink, he thought about what his first step should be. His stomach growled. First stop had to be the donut shop, he thought. With a smile, he mentally added, and I can buy Mac a peace offering for ditching him.
Jack gathered his keys and went to his car. Dawn was just breaking, a smudgy pink line across the horizon. Jack took a deep breath and sighed. This early it was cool and quiet in Mac's neighborhood. Jack hopped into the GTO and started it, or tried. Instead of the throaty purr he expected, the ignition clicked. Jack growled. He yanked the hood open to see wires going to his distributor cap gone.
"That little son of a bitch!" Jack kicked the tire. He leaned over studying the grass taking deep breaths trying to reign in his temper. When he was calm enough not to suffocate his friend, he stormed into the house.
"Angus MacGyver-" He roared opening Mac's bedroom door. His voice squelched in his throat. Mac wasn't in his room. A cold finger ran up his spine. "Mac?" Jack turned and started to dash through the house searching for his partner or any sign of where he went. Bozer poked his head out of his bedroom.
"Jack? What's going on?"
"Mac's gone."
"Gone where?" Bozer rubbed his eyes not processing what Jack was saying.
"If I knew I wouldn't be looking now would I?" Jack growled his fear mixing with anger and frustration. Bozer raised an eyebrow. He opened his mouth to say something but the front door opened and the cause for all the ruckus casually walked in. He had his dark ray bans on, a t-shirt and shorts that were wet with sweat. His face and hair were dripping wet, and he was winded. He turned to see them and smirked at Jack.
"Morning Jack," Jack growled, moved with blinding speed, grabbed the front of Mac's T and pushed him back into the door—hard. Mac thumped into it, and his breath whooshed out of him. He started to gasp for air. Jack was too angry to notice.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" Jack demanded. Bozer put his hands on Jack's arms and tried to break the grip.
"Jack! He can't breathe!" Bozer's voice finally penetrated through Jack's emotional fog. In horror, he saw a red faced MacGyver trying to suck in air. Jack let go. Mac slid to the floor coughing and wheezing. Jack stared at him, his mouth open in shock.
"Oh man, Mac I am so sorry…I…oh man." Jack ran his hand through his hair and stepped back. Bozer stood up and shoved his face close to Jack's.
"What the hell, Jack? What were you thinking?" Bozer's eyes flashed with a hot rage Jack had never seen before. Jack was surprised the other man hadn't punched him into tomorrow. Truth be told, it gave Jack a whole new respect for Bozer. Jack straightened up and didn't turn from Bozer's gaze. Jack didn't make excuses. He was going to try explaining when Mac's hoarse whisper interrupted.
"Boze, it's ok." Mac sucked in air and rose to his feet as he leaned against the door. Jack looked down and walked away from them. Bozer was going to confront him when Mac put a hand on his friend's shoulder. Mac removed his shades and sat down on the couch with a plop sucking in air. "Jack, it's ok really. I expected you to be pissed." Jack whirled around his eyes glistening with tears.
"No, it's not OK, Mac. No matter how mad…I never…but you weren't here…" Jack looked down and sat on the couch his elbows on his knees, his head in his hands. Mac stood up and crossed to his friend. Jack shied away. Mac ignored that and put his arm around Jack's shoulders.
"Look at me," He said softly. Jack didn't. Mac shook the older man. "Jack!" Jack looked up. "It's over and done. I get it. The GTO is your baby; the wires are out in the garage…" Jack's eyes blazed with anger again.
"What? You think I'm this upset because you messed with my car?" Jack's voice built to a roar. He stood up, his hands in fists. Bozer came forward and put a cautioning hand on Jack's shoulder. Jack shook his head, his face reddening. He shook off Bozer's hand and paced the length of the room. Mac watched him puzzled.
"Then what…"
"You weren't here. Where the hell did you go? Why didn't you leave a note? I thought…" Jack trailed off, and he turned away again taking steady breaths.
"Oh. I went for a walk."
"A walk or a run?" Bozer asked his temper flaring at Mac. Mac took a deep breath and brushed his wet hair away from his face.
"I won't lie, I originally wanted to go for a long run, but it ended up being a short walk," Mac admitted.
"How short?" Bozer demanded. Mac shrugged.
"I don't know, a mile?" Two very pissed off friends glared at him. Mac raised his hands in surrender. "I'm sorry. I just needed some air." Jack turned his anger evaporating. He took in Mac's appearance. Honestly, Mac did almost look normal. The hives were gone, his eyes were red-rimmed but not swollen, and his breathing was better. When Jack wasn't strangling him, Jack thought ruefully. He sighed and shook his head.
"Ok fine, what are we going to do about the Jins?" Mac glanced at his watch and wiped his dripping forehead with the back of his hand.
"They open in a couple of hours, why don't we have breakfast then head over there? With traffic, it'll take us at least that long." While Mac showered, Bozer made one of his signature batch of waffles. Jack sat at the table sipping his coffee staring into space. Bozer turned around to face him. Jack looked up curious.
"Jack, look I'm sorry…" Bozer began. Jack smiled at him stood up and slapped him on the back.
"No, man, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get that angry—"
"But-."
"Let it go, Boze. I thought you were kinda badass." Bozer grinned.
"Really? Yeah I guess I was—"
"Bozer, I said kinda." They both laughed and gave a one shouldered bro hug. "Seriously, Bozer we're all good."
Mac stood panting in the shower his head lowered. He ran the water cooler than normal but still felt hot. He had only made it a block running before his lungs had tightened up and he began coughing. Using the inhaler had helped, and he slowed to a slow stroll. He knew he wasn't at 100%, but why did he feel like he normally did when he pushed himself full speed for an extra long run? Mac shook his head. He reminded himself to check with Matty to find out what the hell was in that crap. Mac turned off the shower and stepped out. Mac wasn't sure he wanted to face Matty who had promised some form of evisceration if he didn't rest. Mac dried off. Besides, he silently argued, was could be more restful than going to see some friends about Bosnian mafiosos? Mac grimaced. He'd have to come up with a better argument before he faced Matty.
Mac paused as he walked out into the hallway carrying his dirty clothes to the hamper in the laundry room. He paused taking in the smell of Bozer's waffles. For the first time, his sense of smell was almost normal. Mac smacked his lips hoping his taste was too. Bozer's waffles looked amazing and tasted even better, but after eating only a few bites, Mac's appetite evaporated. Looking at the rest of the plate made him feel nauseous even though his stomach growled for food. Mac sighed. He went to stand up but found his way blocked by both of his friends standing legs apart, arms crossed staring at him like pissed off drill sergeants. Mac blinked in surprise.
"Is that all you're going to eat?" Jack's voice was quiet, but Mac could easily hear the threatening edge. Mac looked glumly down at the dish.
"C'mon, Mac, you tell us you're ok but don't eat? Especially when I made these from scratch?" Mac rubbed his forehead. It was still damp.
"I know guys, I thought I was starving, but after a couple of bites…"Mac looked up and shrugged. The others shared a worried look. They could tell Mac was telling the truth instead of trying to get out of eating because he wanted to do something. Bozer huffed and took the plate.
"I'll put it in the fridge for later," Bozer said.
"And you will eat it later," Jack said leaning forward. Mac smiled and raised his hands in surrender.
"Absolutely." Mac stood up. He got his jacket as they were going out the door Mac turned to Bozer. "Hey, Boze, when Riley comes over see what you can find out about the Bosnian consulate." Bozer waved and gave Mac a patronizing grin.
"We got this." Mac's eyes narrowed.
"Do not go to the consulate." He said taking a step forward pointing at Bozer.
"Wasn't even thinking of that," Bozer said with wide-eyed innocence. Jack stood beside Mac.
"We mean it, Bozer. Anything with the Bosnian mafia is dangerous." Bozer's face turned serious.
"I got it." Jack held his gaze a long minute then turned to follow Mac out to the car.
"Good," Jack said. He nodded at Bozer then closed the door behind him. Mac was bent over the hood of Jack's GTO reattaching the wires. Jack shook his head. He should have known better than to think he could out maneuver the kid. At least Mac seemed to be well on the mend. Traffic inched along. Living in LA, both men were accustomed to time measured in inches. They sat in comfortable silence listening to the complete CMA disc collection Mac had bought Jack. Jack grinned noticing Mac was tapping his fingers in time to the music. Mac looked at him with a raised eyebrow. Jack shrugged but couldn't keep from smiling. Jack had been really worried. Mac didn't get sick often, but when he did, he didn't do it by half measures.
It was three hours later when Jack parked a block away from the Jin's pharmacy. The bright sun promised a warm day, but not the sweltering heat they normally had this time of year. Jack paused when Mac pulled on his arm. Mac nodded. Black suited figures were entering and leaving the old pharmacy carrying boxes. They placed them in an unmarked black van.
"Government agents." Jack didn't phrase it as a question.
"Yeah," Jack went to take his Baretta out of the holster at the small of his back. Mac put his arm on Jack's. "Let's try this the quiet way." Jack huffed and removed his hand, dropping the bottom of his jacket over the pistol.
"You are starting to cut into my fun, man." Jack groused.
"I know, buddy. Don't worry there will probably be more shooting later." Mac offered as he took out his phone and photographed the men, boxes, and van. He sent them to Riley.
"I hope so because I am starting to get irritated," Jack growled. Mac absently patted him on the back as he crossed traffic toward the pharmacy. "You don't care, just as you get to make a bomb or some gizmo, but I need some job satisfaction, dude. I mean-"
"Jack, this is us. How many times have we ever gotten into a situation that didn't need guns or fighting?"
"Oh yeah." Jack smiled and sighed with contentment. Mac walked to the pharmacy door and stood to the side as one of the men passed him. Mac studied him as he passed. The man had dark hair, dark shades, black suit—all pointing to a typical agent from a hundred possible agencies. His jacket wasn't fitted to hide a pistol in a holster under his left arm, and on his feet, he wore grimy rubber- soled boots. He was a low-level fixer, possibly CIA. Mac nodded and held the door open for a man almost identical to the others.
"This is like a Mr. Smith convention," Jack whispered in Mac's ear. Mac smiled. There was still an odd echo, but he could hear perfectly fine, maybe even better. All of the shelves were empty; even the soda cooler was gone. Reflected sunlight lit the room. The door behind the counter was open, and the men were boxing up all of the medicines that were on the shelf. A tall, gangly blond man with long hippie hair was writing on a clip board. His nose was bulbous and had the tell-tale bumps of multiple breaks. He looked up at the two, his prominent Adam's apple bobbing like a jumping rabbit. Jack took a step forward; Mac put his hand on his partner's forearm.
"Hi, where's Jin Fai?" Mac asked conversationally. The guy's eyes swung back and forth with desperate speed as if he were hunting a way out.
"I-I—" The man babbled.
"That's alright, Chester. Continue with your counts." A round man in a pinstriped suit spoke in a heavily Slavic accent. Mac and Jack shared a glance."Hello, how may I help you? I'm afraid this business is closing."
" Sorry to hear that, " Jack said. " I was here yesterday, and Fai didn't mention the Jin's had planned on selling out."
"Oh, this has been an ongoing deal for many months. Unfortunately, the Jin's ran into some trouble and had to sell; it is very sad to see small businesses lost in this way." The man looked down and shook his head, but his sincerity was as fake as Monopoly money. Mac felt Jack's muscles tighten and hear a low growl around gritted teeth. Mac knew there wouldn't be holding Jack back much longer. Mac turned to leave and paused. On the wall in an otherwise empty picture frame was an ornately written Chinese character. Mac turned back.
"It is very sad. I'm sure the Jin's will be back, they are very resourceful." Mac said. Jack's face didn't change expression, but he glanced at Mac from the corner of his eye. To anyone who didn't know him, Mac would have looked sad. Jack could see the tension in the corner of his partner's eyes and how his sad smile didn't reach the blue eyes which seemed to jump into the room with a threat of their own.
"Yes," The man growled. Jack put his right hand on his hip. There was no mistaking the threat in that tone. Jack heard the faint scuff of shoes spreading out behind him. Jack casually yawned, and half turned taking in the threat. No guns out, yet, but the Mr. Smiths were all in a line standing in crisp at-ease. So they had some military experience. Jack wondered if they were independent contractors. "If you see them, tell them we will take care of this old place as if it were our own." Mac smiled and nodded.
"I'll do that, sorry to get in your way." He said. He grabbed Jack's sleeve and pulled. Jack nodded at the round man his dark eyes black as coal. He let Mac get a step ahead of him and kept his gaze on the row of Mr. Smiths. They didn't acknowledge him. Jack didn't relax until they reached the GTO. Jack pulled out his pistol and set it on the seat beside him his eyes constantly moving up and down the street. He glanced over to Mac who had his phone out.
"Riley, I need the Jin's home address." Mac nodded and wrote the address on his palm. "Yeah, ok. Will do." Mac showed the address to Jack who started the GTO. Mac frowned looking out the window.
"Well?" Jack said irritated. Mac blinked looking at him puzzled.
"Oh, yeah, Riley said Boze wants us to bring home stuff for supper." Jack rolled his eyes and gripped the steering wheel in a tighter grip. He forced his voice to be calm.
"Ok, that's fine. What's going on inside that head of yours?" Mac took a deep breath and let it out.
"Did you see what was on the wall?" Jack blinked.
"Some calligraphy, why? Is that important?" Mac looked at him and tilted his head.
"It was a mix of the word trap and captive." Jack straightened and pushed the gas harder taking roads known only to cabbies and short cuts that weren't especially legal. Still, it felt like an eternity before they pulled up to a tall beige brick apartment building. The building was in a part of LA that bordered the 'bad' part of town but hadn't fallen into slum decay yet. A cadre of Asian-Americans bustled in and out and around the cars in the parking lot. The older ones stopped to visit; the younger ones strode as if they were on a mission. Jack felt a sense of community. As they crossed the lot into the building, the silence and stares that followed in their wake reminded him that he and Mac definitely did not belong to that community.
The door to the Jin's apartment was cracked and the broken frame hung by bent nails. Mac stepped back. Jack pulled his Baretta. Checking to make sure his partner was behind him. He shoved the door open and entered pausing to clear the room. No one was in the living room, the kitchen, the bathroom or master bedroom. Everything in the apartment had been smashed or thrown or ripped open. Jack swallowed. Many of the things were from China and had been in the Jin family for generations. He froze as he heard a noise from the smaller second bedroom. He waved to Mac who looked up. Jack indicated that he heard something. Mac nodded and crossed to stay close behind his partner. Jack looked at Mac, and they mentally counted down. Jack pushed into the room. Agony flared across his wrist as something solid hit it. Jack's hand automatically dropped his gun. Before he could turn to face his opponent, something slammed into the side of his head.