Chapter 4

AJ and Mac were in his office discussing a case when Webb walked in without waiting to be announced. "Okay, Mommy and Daddy, it's time to go shopping," grinned Clay, rubbing his hands together.

Mac smiled as AJ leaned back in his chair and scowled, "Webb, have you ever heard of knocking before you entered a room?"

Sitting in a chair next to Sarah, Clay smiled, "Come on, AJ, loosen up and practice your role in the mission. Hell, married to Sarah, rich and getting ready to be a father, what more could a man ask for?"

AJ leaned forward and crossed his arms on the desk, "For you to disappear!"

"Yeah, well I'm not thrilled about going shopping with you either, but like you I have to follow orders," Clay responded. He sank deeper into the large chair.

"Where are we going, and what's it like, Clay?" asked Sarah.

"Well, you'll be staying at the Ritz, with room service and Internet access. There is a pool, tennis courts, and you will think you are in paradise compared to being here at this time of the year. Trust me, Sarah, Pensacola is beautiful anytime of the year," grinned Clay.

"Admiral, you have to admit it doesn't sound all that bad. Kind of like a working vacation," said Mac.

"You have to remember- it's AJ and Sarah. You're married now," Clay said, edging toward the door.

"Sarah, how's your caseload?" AJ replied, looking at Webb and frowning.

"Just this case we were discussing Sir...AJ." smiled Sarah.

"Pass it off to Bud, since we don't know how long this will take," he said as they walked out of the building.

"Okay, guys, which car do we take?" asked Clay.

AJ looked at Mac's 'Vette and Webb's little sports car…then his Escalade. He shook his head in disgust. "Webb, get your ass in the Escalade."

Mac giggled at Clay's offended look and all three climbed in. Once buckled up, AJ asked, "All right Webb, where to?"

"Downtown fashion district," he grinned. This was one place he felt comfortable with and knew that AJ would be out of his element.

"Why did I know he was going to say that, Sarah?" asked AJ, liking the way her name rolled off his tongue.

"Because it's the most expensive place to shop within a hundred miles around," laughed Mac excitedly, she was really getting into this mission.

"Okay-here's the deal. You spill something on it or tear it, you've bought it. If you decide you like it, when the mission is over, you can buy it," Clay calmly explained.

"No! New set of rules. I'm not going to have to worry about spilling something on an expensive suit, so CIA pays, no matter what!" AJ replied.

"I'll have to run it by the director first, AJ," frowned Webb.

"No, you won't. You're stalling for time, hoping I'll change my mind- which I won't," grinned AJ, pulling over to the side of the road.

"Better listen to him, Clay, he's in his Admiral mode," Mac told him as she watched the play for power between the two men. Never once in her mind did she doubt that AJ would win.

"All right, you've got a deal, AJ- but just be careful, and remember all of this is taxpayer money!" an agitated Clay reminded them.

"Laundered drug money, more like it, that the Agency is using to foot the bill," smirked AJ as he pulled in and parked.

They decided to shop for AJ first, knowing he was going to be hardest to please. Going into a store, Clay was greeted with, "Mr. Webb, our good customer! What can we do for you today?" by a small fat sales clerk.

"Josef, I would like for you to outfit my friend here, and I need it done today! That is why I came to you," Clay said. In an aside to Josef, he whispered, "Remember our deal, fit him the way I told you when I called, and you get paid double."

AJ rolled his eyes; he would never have made a good spook- too much cloak and dagger to suit him.

To be continued….