Author's note: The last episode. Dear readers, thank you very much! Thanks to all of you who supported this story in one way or another. I would be happy to read some comments or anything you want to tell me (smile).

The last flashback is not a memory of Mac, but you will notice that soon enough.

Have fun reading!

Season 02 Episode 23: Macgyver + Macgyver

It was early afternoon when Alex finally found time to make a break. She went out of the Phoenix Foundation into the backyard, stretching her back. While doing it she saw someone sitting at the last table, his head resting on his arms, the face deep down between the sleeves of his black shirt. She would know the shape and posture everywhere, he was her patient often enough. So she went nearer to Mac. Against her first impression, he wasn't asleep, but as soon as she stepped next to the table, he just looked up at her. Red-eyed, shining traces went down over his cheeks.

"The question, if everything's okay is unnecessary." It was a dry comment.
He just starred at her and she sat down. This time it was serious, she knew that at once.
"What's wrong?"
He closed his eyes and shook his head, before he whispered: "I can't do that, it's too much. I'm not a puppet on a string."
"Your father?" Alex heard the rumor that Oversight was Mac's dad James. Without being involved personally in that crazy situation even for her it seemed to be so wrong. So near and so far away. She couldn't imagine how Mac would feel. On the other side, she just had to look at him. His face showed all the betrayal and desperate disappointment he clearly felt.

"You leave?" It was more a statement than a question. He nodded. Alex tried to sort out the feeling that bubbled up inside of her. She was sad, but at the same time she was eased in a way. He went through too much and a new beginning maybe would bring him far away from Murdoc, the treason here and all the danger his daily work held up for him.
Again Mac spoke very quiet and the nurse had to listen close to understand his words.
"His statement 'I was never really away, kid' couldn't be much more wrong. He was away. Unreachable. And I am, sure as hell, not his kid!"
„Who knows it? When you're sitting here alone I think you didn't told your decision to too many people."
"No one 'til now. I thanked Matty for giving me the hints to find him. I think she guesses something. James wants to meet me in half an hour. After that I'll go. I'm really sorry for my team, but I hope they can forgive me sometime."

The phone rang only twice until Harry picked up. He didn't say his name, but instantly got to the point.
"You really want to do it?"
James nodded firm even if Harry couldn't see it.
"There's no other way." He sighed. „Carter sent me a picture of Angus waiting for the school bus. There was a very clear warning by the picture, what he would do if I should further cross his ways."
Harry took a deep gasp. He knew that James' work never meant absolute safety. Ellen was dead and now the boy should lose his father too. To grow up with only his grandpa wouldn't be a nice childhood memory. But as soon as James decided something he never let it go. And now he was right in some way. It was only a matter of time until some of the criminals he had to bring down would use the boy to apply pressure. Also it seldom looked like it, Harry knew that James loved his son. It would be hard for both of them. On the contrary to James, Angus wouldn't find an explanation and Harry wasn't allowed to tell him the least.

"The boy is brilliant. I want you to inform me about his progress."
"Surely he is. Don't worry, I will inform you." For one moment Harry thought about, whether he should warn James to push Angus at the same direction he chose years ago. Then he abandoned that idea again. It wouldn't make any sense to leave the child behind for his safety and then bring him into such a dangerous profession. To be sure Harry would awake Angus' interest for the MIT as soon as he was ready for it. Hopefully he would decide the pure scientific way. Until then there would be a few years the boy should live as easy-going as possible under these circumstances.
"I'm at Mission City tomorrow noon. I prepared everything for his birthday."
"Thank you, Harry. I'm sorry for Angus and I hope he will forgive me sometime."
Harry didn't answer. He just hung up.

Alex looked at Mac and in her eyes were glistening tears, she hardly held back. The last thing Mac needed now was a teary good-bye. The decision was hard enough for him, that was clear. The agent wiped over his face with his sleeve, than he stood up. With a simple movement of his hands he requested Alex also to go up. Surprisingly he smiled, hugged her close and held her pressed against his chest.
"Thanks, Alex", he whispered at her ear. "For everything. You're wonderful, please look for yourself and for the others."

Alex simply nodded. She swallowed hard, bit her quivering lips and stayed silent. If she said something right now, she could never hold back the tears anymore. Mac sensed it, took her face softly with his hands, kissed her on her brow, turned around and went to the building. She watched him go, didn't care about her cheeks getting wet and spoke hoarsely under her breath: "Take care, Mac. Good luck."