Thanks for the reviews! I'm about to finish this and feel sad...I'll miss you guys!
If he had been standing he would have staggered to his knees. The thought of never seeing his partner again made him dizzy. Whoa cowboy, partner?! complained his conscience.
Immediately reaching for his phone he dialed the one person that might know what was going on. "This is Stan"
"Is Mary getting transferred?" going for the jugular since he had nothing to lose but his best friend.
Stunned into silence Stan listens to Marshall's ragged breathing, taking a long breath he responds, "As far as I know, she's not going anywhere. Where is this coming from?"
"Allison is here, has been locked in the conference room with Mary for the past two hours!"
"Allison?! Allison Pearson?" asked a stunned Stan
"Yes Stan, Allison Pearson" words coming out terse.
"I have no idea what she is doing there, let alone what she's talking to Mary about."
Groaning Marshall looks up as Ben walks into his office, "I'll let you go Stan. What can I do for you Ben?"
Ben walks in and sits on a chair, nodding towards the conference room, "Is Mary getting transferred?"
Shaking his head, "I don't think so, but we'll find out as soon as they come out"
Another hour goes by and Marshall is at the end of his rope when the conference room door opens and both Mary and Allison walk out laughing. They stop by Mary's desk only long enough for her to pick up her bag.
Without a glance at either Marshall or Ben they get into the elevator together.
Marshall was shocked speechless; he knew how much Mary disliked Allison. For his part Ben was shocked to see the Chief speechless. Turning around he goes back into his office, more confused then when Allison walked into the office.
"Are you sure you wouldn't want to transfer to your old stomping grounds?"
Alison tried one last time to convince Mary to transfer to Jersey, but was having difficulty with the inspector.
Mary laughed, "Look, I'd rather quit the Marshal Service then return to Jersey. This is my home now, my children's home, we are a family at the WITSEC office. We wouldn't have that in Jersey."
Nodding understanding Allison folded her hands on her lap, "Well, I tried. But if you ever feel the need to try a new place, don't hesitate to call."
"I wouldn't hold my breathe" replied Mary.
"Originally I came out here because the FTF in Nevada needs experience Marshals, but when I got the call for an experience Marshal in Jersey I thought about you" Allison looked for any sign of approval from the inspector.
"When do I leave to Nevada?"
Alison shook her head, "You're not. Since I believed that you would jump at the chance of going back to Jersey I gave your position to another inspector."
Nodding, "I understand, well thank you for the offer and lunch, but I got some paperwork waiting for me"
Walking into the office Mary goes straight to her desk not paying attention to everyone looking at her. Her only thought was to hurry up so she could head home to the girls. The adrenaline coursing through her body when she thought that she might get transferred had her hands shaky. Her heart lurched, wincing in pain at the thought of never seeing her Marshall. You fool, he's not yours! reprimanded her conscience.
Ben saw her wince and stood up, walked around his desk towards hers. Stopping when he saw Marshall had also reacted to her pain. All four inspectors circled her desk until she finally looked up.
"What the hell's wrong with you numbskulls?" shooting daggers at her co-workers, not even sparing Marshall a glance.
"Mary, my office!" he walked away and waited patiently by his desk.
Rolling her eyes she scowled at Ben, "Get out of my way Franklin!"
Marshall holds the door and shuts it as soon as she's in the office. He points to a chair and waits for her to sit.
She's looking at her hands, still shaky and now she feels those damn helicopters in her stomach. "What can I do for you Chief?"
"What did Allison want to speak with you for?"
"It was personal"
"Are you getting transferred?" the cracked voice had Mary looking up and staring at Marshall's blue cobalt eyes.
Rapidly shaking her head, "N-no!"
He closes the blinds and pulls Mary up into a hug, "Thank God!"
Mary hugs him back, she missed him so much. His breathing ragged as he buried his face in her hair and inhaled, the contact sending goose bumps down her spine. She longed for this moment to last forever, but she knew that nothing so sweet ever lasted.
She would enjoy this moment, for it might be all she ever had.
Marshall felt her tense, ready to flee, "Mary," he murmured softly.
She looked up and found his mouth very close. His eyes held hers for a moment, before he tightened his arms and touched her lips with his own.
She felt the arousal run through her body under the kiss she'd longed for. This was the man she loved, no matter how hard she tried not to. She'd fought her feelings for years, and now she was in his arms, feeling his lips move softly over hers.
As he grew more sure of her his lips became hot, persistent, thrilling her with the intent she could feel. She pressed closer to him, seeking deeper caresses, and he responded by teasing her lips apart.
She was ready to climb him; she clawed at his back, shoulders and the nape of his neck. And again she ended perched on his desk with him between her knees, pulling her flush against him. Her hands around his shoulders, in his hair. She would give everything for one night of happiness in his arms, but in the same moment her conscience spoke in her head. It had Marshall's voice, I need you to release me
His speech ran through her mind, casting a shadow over every kiss, every caress. It ruined the moment which might have been so beautiful. She could feel Marshall's kiss become more demanding, his hands tightening on her hips. The passion in his kisses made it hard for Mary to think but she knew she shouldn't continue.
Putting out all her strength, she pushed him off.
"Mary…"
Holding up a shaky hand Mary shook her head, afraid that the unshed tears would spill. With a raspy passion filled voice, "I'm not getting transferred, but it was offered as an option."
Marshall immediately shook his head, "No, you can't…"
A tear slipped free and ran down her cheek, she hurriedly swiped it off, "After this…maybe it would be for the best"
She reached out, but before she turned the door knob she turns and looks him straight in the eyes, blue met green, "I'm sure you'll understand if I don't come to the wedding"
Face down, she walks to her desk, picks up her bag and walks out. Ben after her.
"Mary…Mary!"
"Don't…just don't!" Mary croaked as she walks into the elevator and shakes her head at Ben, who is trying to go with her.
The elevator doors shut and Ben turns to look towards Marshall's office. He walks over to the Chief's office, walking in he closes the door behind him.
"What happened?" Ben demanded
Marshall blushes deeply, muttering, "I don't think it's any of your concern!"
"That woman is my concern!"
Startled Marshall looks up and scowls, "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
"I don't know what the hell is going on between you two, but I want her to be God Damn Happy!" breathing raggedly hands on hips Ben looks down at his boss.
"Nothing is going on between us. I suggest you go back to your paperwork"
Ben growls and walks out of the office.
Marshall sat behind his desk, he was so confused. He wanted Mary, but she had always ran from him. He didn't know if he should break it off with Abigail or go through with the wedding. The wedding was that weekend and he still wasn't sure if he was going to marry Abigail. It was unfair of him to lead her on just to dump her on their wedding day. But, damn it Mary! You never really made it easy for anyone to love you. What do those kisses mean to you? Do you want me? Do you want an us?
He sat in his office till late that night. A million questions running through his brain. No useless facts like Mary would call them, to distract him. Get married? Risk losing Mary in a professional level if he came clean with his emotions? If he came clean, would she admit to having feelings for him? And if she didn't, would she still stay? What do I do? I love her.
TBC