As promised, Daniels was on a plane back east by lunch time Friday. Stan allowed him to stay in Albuquerque only as long as it took to finish the transfer paperwork and pack his things up. As he was packing up the last of his personal effects from his desk, Marshall approached him. He'd waited to do so until both Royce and Stan were occupied elsewhere, wanting a chance to talk to the man without people hovering, waiting for him to swing.

As Marshall moved toward his desk, Teddy felt himself break out in a cold sweat. He'd been afraid that the other marshal wouldn't let him leave without some physical retribution for his ineptitude. He knew that in a fight, he didn't stand a chance against Marshall Mann, and he also knew that whatever damage the man inflicted on him would be wholly deserved. Having learned his lesson, though, he did not shrink back. He stood and awaited whatever was coming his way.

Marshall took in the younger man's pose and felt a twinge of respect. He could have turned tail and run, seeking out Stan, or the more sympathetic Royce. But here he stood ready to take whatever was coming. For a brief moment, he considered toying with Daniels, then decided he'd rather just have him on his way out of town, there was no need to scare him. "Relax, Daniels, I have no intention of laying hands on you. I just want to talk." He watched the tension leave Teddy's shoulders. When Marshall opened his mouth again, he pulled no punches. "You don't belong in WitSec. You don't belong in the field. When you get back east, find a desk and stay behind it. There's plenty of good that can be done as a marshal from in front of a computer. And if you're there, you're not putting anyone else's life at risk. Partners need to be able to rely on each other whole heartedly, no reservations. You're not cut out for that and if you try to prove otherwise, you could end up killing someone." Marshall said the words without malice. He wasn't being mean or trying to threaten, it was just fact. Daniels was brilliant, but his genius was not suited for the high stakes involved in field work.

For a brief second, Teddy wanted to argue, to tell the man facing him to mind his own business. But then his eyes strayed to the empty desk just over Marshall's shoulder and the sight of Mary bleeding on a stretcher, being pushed past the no admittance doors came into mind. He nodded. "You're right. Marshall, I'm sorry for what happened. I never wanted Mary to get hurt. I know the other day it sounded like I was putting her down, but in all honesty, I think she's kind of amazing. She's one of the most compassionate people I've ever met and the way she's able to handle everything that's thrown at her… She's something else. I wasn't prepared for it, not after that first day, when John and I got here, and you said she wasn't good with people."

Marshall was speechless for a moment. Not many saw Mary for what she really was. They saw her rough exterior and heard her sarcasm and they dismissed her. Few had ever taken the time to really look at Mary Shannon, to see her unfailing loyalty, her determined spirit, her great heart. If Teddy had learned all that in his short time here, then Marshall felt a thin connection with the man. "I know. I lied." He reached in his jacket pocket and pulled out an envelope, holding it out for Daniels. "This is from her. She wanted to talk to you in person, but the doctor wouldn't let her leave."

Teddy reached forward hesitantly and took the letter. Rather than open it, he put it in his own pocket, deciding to save it for the long flight home. He looked up and met Marshall's eyes. "Will you do me a favor, just tell her that it was an honor to work with her. And that I'm sorry I let her down."

Marshall nodded. He saw the sincerity in Teddy's eyes. "I'll tell her." Having nothing further to say, Marshall turned and headed for the elevator.

Though he would prefer to spend the day at Mary's side, staving off her boredom and making sure she didn't push herself too far, she had nixed that idea. She insisted that one of them should be in the office, seeing to their witnesses, and while she would be more than happy to be the one working, there were three men standing in her way, two of whom carried guns and the third who had the ability to dope her to high heaven, that being the case, Marshall was the only other choice.