Breakfast had been delicious; John's pancakes being a much appreciated delicacy. Alan had been quiet and withdrawn, however, only participating in conversation when something was directed at him. His brothers noticed his mood with some worry, but didn't pry; instead they tried lightening the mood with their usual banter and jests. Jeff was also worried about Alan's quietness, but attributed it to the upcoming interview with Agent Sufern.
After breakfast, Alan finally spoke up of his own accord, "Mind if I take a shower?"
Jeff smiled at his youngest from across the table, "Of course, Alan. Scott, Virgil, and Gordon have to do dishes anyway; seeing as you and John cooked."
"And you stink," Gordon piped up with a crooked grin.
"Look who's talking, Fish," John smirked, "When was the last time you showered anyway."
"My guess is," Scott said leaning closer to Gordon and sniffing, "Two…Three days."
Gordon glowered at his brothers, and then sniffed his under arm, "I am not that bad!"
"I agree," Alan defended his next older brother, "it's only been one and a half tops."
"Thanks for nothing," Gordon grumbled. Alan just smiled and gently slapped Gordon's back as he walked past.
Virgil got up too, and followed Alan into the bedroom, "We packed you some clothes, Sprout," he explained, walking over to one of the suitcases and taking out some garments.
"Thanks, Virgie," Alan replied, taking the offered bundle, "It will feel good to be clean again."
"I hear you," Virgil said patting Alan's shoulder, "I also want you to cover your hand to keep the bandage dry," having said that, Virgil left to get a plastic bag from the kitchen.
Alan nodded and waited for Virgil to return. A minute later, Virgil came back in, helping Alan cover his hand, then taping it shut, "Okay, Sprout, you're good to go. Try not to use your right hand, though."
"It would be kind of difficult to anyways," Alan retorted, going into the bathroom and closing the door.
Virgil went back into the main part of the hotel room, and helped with the dishes.
In the shower, letting the hot water beat down on him, Alan was sitting on the little bench; his knees drawn up to his chest. Resting his head on his knees, Alan let out some of his built up emotions, allowing the water to wash away the silent tears he let fall.
As his tears went down the drain and the water relaxed the tension out of his muscles, Alan slowly stood up. Washing his hair and body of the past 40 hours.
Turning off the water and stepping out of the shower, Alan dried off. Wrapping the towel around his waist, Alan looked in the mirror and jumped in fright; standing to his right was a tall, dark, featureless figure. Spinning around, Alan clutched the sink, but he didn't see anything. Get a hold of yourself! No one is here…just you and your imagination, he tried to calm himself.
Taking a deep breath, Alan finished getting dressed, and walked back out to his family.
"You leave any hot water for the rest of us?" Scott teased.
"Nope," Alan put on a fake smile, "Thought you could use a little more waking up. What better way than a cold shower?"
"Well," Gordon said standing up and moving for the bedroom, "Since you all have expressed how much I smell; I'm taking whatever hot water is left! The rest of you can figure out your shower order," then he marched into the bedroom and dramatically closed the door.
"Agent Sufern called while you were in the shower," Jeff said as Alan sat down between Scott and John on the couch, "He'll be here in a couple of hours."
"This the guy that doesn't back down under your glare, Scooter?" Alan asked in small voice.
"He was that guy," Scott replied, putting a strong arm around Alan, "But I got him to crack yesterday."
"And then you punched a wall," Virgil added with a sneer.
"Yeah, well," Scott shrugged, "I still had him shaking in his boots."
"And he has respectfully requested that you not be present," Jeff sighed, "Course, I said it was Alan's choice."
The four older Tracy's all looked at Alan, who shrugged, "It would be easier to just tell all of you at the same time."
"Then I'll make sure, Sufern, doesn't overdo it," Scott declared, giving Alan a supportive squeeze.
"Until then," John said, picking up the remote, "Let's watch a movie and forget the world."
"Sounds like a plan," Virgil agreed, "What are we going to watch?"
"Something funny," Alan requested, getting more comfortable on the couch.
"I'm with, Sprout," Scott stated, mimicking Alan's motions, so the two were slouched; Alan was leaning into Scott, under his arm, using Scott's strong chest as a pillow and draping his bandaged hand over Scott's stomach.
"How about, the 2008 version of Get Smart?" John said, flicking through the movie list, "Has Steve Carell, Anne Hathaway, and 'The Rock'."
With agreement from everyone, John selected the movie. Gordon came out of the bedroom ten minutes into the movie and took Virgil's seat, as Virgil went to take his shower.
When Virgil came back, John left to take his shower, then Jeff. Alan had fallen asleep so, not wanting to disturb his exhausted brother, Scott opted out of taking a shower; falling asleep himself halfway through the movie.
Jeff got a call from Sufern, as the end credits were starting, "I'll be there in ten minutes," the agent informed.
"Alright," Jeff replied, "Alan is sleeping right now, but if I wake him up now, he should be coherent enough for you."
Sufern chuckled, "Likes his sleep, does he?"
"Very much," Jeff responded, "But he is also still exhausted from his experience," he added coolly.
That sobered up Agent Sufern, who then ended the call in a professional manner.
"You see," Scott grumbled, "He's lucky I hit the wall instead."
"Just make sure if you have the urge to hit him again," Jeff sighed, "You leave the room and don't destroy anything."
"I don't think I'll be able to," Scott muttered, "He deserves whatever he gets."
Hearing, Scott talking, considering his ear was right on Scott's chest, Alan blinked his eyes open and yawned, "What time is it?"
"A little before one," Jeff said, sitting next to his youngest, "Agent Sufern just called, he will be here in a few minutes."
"Yay," Alan replied dryly.
"See?" Scott pointed at Alan, "He hasn't even met the guy, and already Alan doesn't like him! You should have gotten someone else."
"It wouldn't have happened, Scott," Jeff shook his head; "Sufern is the lead agent, and so he decides who does what. Now behave yourself or I will send you out of the room!"