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Murdock wasn't sure what woke him up, but he awoke with a start. He set up a moment, looking around the motel room.
He was on the roll-away-bed that he had placed against the far wall, he looked to the other side of the room, by the window, and noted that BA was still snoring with gusto, laying on the sofa-sleeper. His focus then went to the two double beds, both occupants of the beds seemed to be sleeping soundly.
*So, why am I awake?*
He listened intently, drowning out the big guy's snores and the normal motel sounds. After a moment, he heard the slam of the doors.
Jumping up, he walked as quickly and quietly as he could to the window.
Through the small gap he allowed himself to peak through, he saw the four MP cars, and the six men walking to the main lobby.
Not allowing the panic he felt to set in, he immediately reached over and shook BA awake. "Wake up BA, come on big guy, we gotta get out of here. There are MPs headed to the lobby now.". BA, who was just about to start growling his annoyance at the Captain,
shot out of bed.
BA went to Hannibal, while Murdock went to wake Face.
"Hannibal, come on, wake up. We gotta go. They found us."
Like BA before him, Hannibal's eyes immediately shot open and his brain went into action.
"Shit. Get everything together BA, we'll go out the window and hopefully be able to get on the road before they find out what room we are in."
As they always had, the van was parked behind the motel, near the first floor room they were occupying for the night. This was a precautionary act they never failed to use, just in case this very thing should occur.
The Colonel looked towards Face's bed, relieved to see that Murdock had already woken him up and was helping him get dressed.
His team was always in sync, always working together. They were one unit. Without this, Hannibal knew they would have been captured long ago.
BA had everything together in minutes, just four small overnight bags, and had managed to throw his clothing on in seconds. Murdock had Face ready to go, and was dressed himself. Hannibal was ready, but was now second guessing himself. *What if we get Face out there, and the MPs are already stationed in back, waiting for us*. But, he knew he couldn't think like that. There has not been enough time for them to get the room information, they would make it before they found them. They had to, and if they didn't, they'd take that step when they got to it. They'd get out of this situation just like they had gotten out of all the others.
"Okay guys, Let's blow this joint. BA you go first. Murdock, you go next and stand guard while I help Face get through to BA. Hold on him to BA. I'll be right behind you guys, then we head to the van together. We've done this a thousand time, guys,
there's no need to panic now."
"Right" BA spoke as he wedged his bulk through the small open window...jewelry banging together.
Murdock went next, long, wiry body getting a little tangled, but going through much easier.
Hannibal reached behind him for Face, guiding him to and out the window, placing his hand above the Lieutenant's head to prevent him from bumping it. It took a little longer to get Face safely out. Hannibal lost his hold and his charge tumbled out the low window into the muscular arms that lay open below him, breaking a certain fall. Hannibal followed his Lieutenant, while Murdock stood at the corner watching for any danger. BA was watching the other corner while maintaining a light grip on Face's arm. Once Hannibal was safely out, they headed toward the security of the van, which wasn't far away.
They reached it safely and the elusive black machine quietly took off into the early morning light.
Hannibal smiled as he imagined the MPs storming into the now deserted room. His thoughts drifted to his Lieutenant in the back seat, who he stole a glance at in the rearview mirror. He was even more uplifted to see that charming smile spread across the handsome face. *We are going to be alright*...pale eyes were dancing as the smile seem to be frozen onto the Colonel's face.
Murdock's voice woke Hannibal from his thoughts. "Here they come, Hannibal!"
His previous smile turned into a grin..."GO BA!"
The big man shot him a grin in return as he put his foot down on the accelerator.
BA lost the MPs in no time and they were back on their quest to the cabin.
The team's joy dwindled a couple hours later, replaced by worry, when Face asked Hannibal if he had any pain medication. "My head is killing me, Hannibal."
Handing him some pills over the back seat, Hannibal was reminded of the side-effects that Maggie had mentioned.
"Just stay still Face and try to ride it out, Maggie said we could expect Migraines. If you feel like you need to puke, just let us know and we'll pull over."
Face took the medicine and with Murdock's help, reclined his seat.
He then tried to sleep. Feeling his best friend place a damp towel over his face, he mumbled his thanks.
Soon after, Murdock could tell by the even breathing that Face had fallen asleep.