Becky easily settled into life in Los Angeles, getting to know the neighborhood and meeting his various friends. For much of the summer she and her uncle were able to do just as they had planned, with day trips to the beach or visiting the museums, studios and amusement parks, taking easy hikes up in the surrounding hills, and generally enjoying each other's company. The nights were spent either relaxing in the loft chatting about the day's events over TV and popcorn, attending music concerts, or on overnight camping trips in the mountains for stargazing and stories.

Through his niece, MacGyver- thanks to her keen eye for detail, unfailing sense of wonder at every new experience and the pure joy she brought into his life- soon saw the city he currently called home in a new light, and even began to appreciate it more. Every night before falling asleep he found himself looking forward to all the new discoveries the next day's excursions would bring.

Despite Pete's promises he was still occasionally called into the Foundation for the odd emergency assignment, or whenever someone desperately needed his kind of assistance. He worried about Becky being by herself all day so he arranged for Pete or Nikki to check up on her from time to time, even though it turned out she didn't mind being left alone much as he'd originally feared. Whenever he returned to the loft she would always greet him with a hug, a warm smile, and a willing audience to hear his latest adventures.

Over the same period of time MacGyver- along with his friends- discovered further ways in which Becky resembled him. Quiet and shy around people at first but like him she possessed an intense curiosity and loved to help others, though without his unique talent. She did, however, have more of an affinity for paperwork than Mac, which came in handy during the times Pete or Helen needed extra assistance in the office and he was busy elsewhere. In addition, Becky possessed a lovely singing voice and as time passed became relaxed enough to use it whenever she was in a good mood and knew it wouldn't bother anyone else.

Mac was pleased at how quickly she became a welcome presence at the Phoenix Foundation, and how well she got along with his friends. From the start he hoped the memory of this vacation would be one she would always cherish and did his utmost to make sure she enjoyed herself.

As the summer drew to a close, Becky came to realize how much fun she'd been having with her uncle and his friends. Labor Day was coming up and school starting right after that; all too soon she had to return home, leaving the wonders of Southern California far behind.

One afternoon, while sitting at Helen's desk doing some paperwork for Pete, she reflected on the past three months. So many amazing experiences. The best vacation of her life, without question.

Though she missed her family dearly- including her big brother- just the same she wished she could stay with her uncle forever. Which was impossible of course, given his current lifestyle.

Still, a girl could dream. Right?

"Becky, could you please run these down to Nikki real quick?" Pete handed her a stack of folders. "Thanks for being my personal secretary the past couple days while Helen's sick. You don't have to, you know."

"I know that, Pete, but I want to. You can't give Uncle Mac the entire summer off, and this is a whole lot better than just hanging around the loft until he gets home. I like having something to do."

When she arrived at Nikki's office her secretary Angela didn't seem to be present but the door to the inner office was open. She was talking on the phone but smiled and waved her in.

Becky set the stack on the desk and sat down opposite her, staring at the beautiful dark-haired woman. I should set her and Uncle Mac up sometime, she mused. They'd make a great couple, and I'd really like to have an aunt.

Nikki hung up the phone a few minutes later. "Thanks a lot for the files. Is Pete keeping you busy?"

"Yeah, but I don't mind lending a hand. Actually, it's been relatively easy the past couple of days. Minimal paperwork, though a lot of other stuff."

"Well, I'm sure Pete and Helen both appreciate your willingness to help. And so does your uncle, believe me."

"Yeah. Hey, would you like to have dinner with us tonight? Apparently he wants to try out a new recipe; hopefully it won't be one of his tofu casseroles. I hate those!" Becky added with a grimace.

Nikki laughed. "You know, I don't have any plans. I'd love to join you. Where's MacGyver now?"

"He's working in one of the labs. I'll let him know you're coming when I see him."

The phone rang in the outer office and Angela answered. "Hello? ...Yes, sir, I'll see if she's still here. One moment." She popped her head in the doorway. "Becky? Director Thornton needs to speak with you."

"Thanks." She went to the desk and accepted the receiver. "Yes, Pete?"

"Becky, do you know where MacGyver went? There's a phone call." She could hear the distress in his voice; some urgent assignment must have come up.

So much for setting up a dinner date between her uncle and Nikki, then. "Sorry. I haven't seen him since he went down to the labs."

"Then could you come back up here right away? You'll need to hear this."

"Sure." When Becky arrived Pete ushered her directly into his office. He spoke briefly into the phone, then handed it to her. "Hello?"

"Is this Rebecca Grahme? I'm Officer Wilson with the Oregon State Police. I'm afraid I have some bad news regarding your family."

The sober tone to his voice made Becky's blood run cold. "Yes, what about them? What happened?"

"There was an automobile accident yesterday, and I regret to inform you that your parents and brother..."

Becky listened to the news with a growing sense of shock. This can't be happening, she thought. Mom, Dad, Chris, all dead? Not possible. She looked at the phone in disbelief, then started to scream.

Awareness of all else dimmed as she slowly dropped to her knees on the carpet, save for one familiar, beloved presence: "Pete, what's going on?"

"Mac, it's really bad. I'm sorry."

The phone left her limp hand. "Who is this? ...Yes, MacGyver speaking. What happened, exactly? ...I see. Thank you for calling. We'll be up there as soon as possible."

A sensation of solid warmth, as she was gathered close to his body; a faint frisson of ecstasy down her spine as a large hand gently stroked her back, accompanied by a soothing murmur "I'm here, sweetheart. I've got you."

She relaxed, safe in his arms. "Oh, Unc-" she sobbed.

"I know, Beck. I know."

Behind them she heard Pete uncomfortably clear his throat, then leave the office. "Everyone get back to work," he said briskly. "Give them some privacy, for god's sake." The door closed firmly behind him.

For a long time all they could do was cry, once Mac had no longer been able to hold back his own tears. They clung to each other fiercely, not wanting to let go.

She swallowed around the lump in her throat, with difficulty. "Oh god. What happened? All I remember was him saying they're dead-" She bit her lip fiercely to keep from breaking down again.

"It was an accident, according to the trooper. They were coming around the curve on the way back from camp when the logging truck hit them going the opposite direction. The brakes gave out; the driver couldn't stop. No one survived. Oh princess, they're gone." He whispered the last two words and tears again ran down his face.

"It's okay, Unc. Everything will be all right. Everything's gonna be fine." But she didn't believe those words any more than he did.

After another long while they finally released one another. Mac extracted a handkerchief from inside his jacket and dabbed at her tears, while at the same time she produced a tissue and attempted to dry his, making them both laugh softly at the timing. He helped her up and kissed her forehead then pulled back, his hands gently cupping her face as he stared at her, dark eyes mirroring her grief.

Becky swallowed. "What happens now?"

"I guess we'll have to drive up to Salem first thing in the morning, since the coroner wants us to identify the bodies. So let's get back to the loft and pack, what do you say?" She nodded faintly and they made their way through the outer office, clinging to each other for support.

"Mac? Becky? Wait a minute, please." She turned her head and saw Pete approaching before they reached the doors with Nikki behind him. He stepped in front of them, touching each one on the shoulder in a supportive manner. "Take all the time you need to get things settled. But if there's anything I can do, don't hesitate to give me a call."

Nikki nodded. "Same goes for me, Mac. I'm here for you too," she added softly.

"You both take good care of each other, okay?"

"Will do, Pete," Mac replied. "And thanks, both of you. We really appreciate it." Becky nodded her agreement and their friends allowed them to leave the office.

News of the phone call had spread fast around the Foundation, thanks to Helen, Angela and the rest of the secretarial grapevine. As they made their way to the parking garage various employees came forward, offering sympathetic words and light touches, which were quietly received with nods and smiles of thanks.

Once they settled in the jeep Mac reached to set the key in the the ignition but abruptly stopped. "Beck, the next few days are gonna be rough for both of us. But we'll get through them together and then see what the future holds. Just remember I'll be with you every step of the way. We're not alone, so long as we have each other."

"I know we're not, Unc," she murmured. "Can we go home now?"

"You bet." He started the jeep and they left the garage.

When they arrived at the loft Mac fixed dinner but neither was truly in much of a mood to eat. They soon abandoned the meal and attempted to watch TV, but no program held their interest for very long. Finally they gave up and went to pack clothes and toiletries in silence, there being both too much and too little to say to one another.

The numbness Becky felt immediately after the phone call had returned with a vengeance, as the initial shock ebbed and the reality of the situation began to sink in. A detachment from everything happening around her dulled all her senses, making it difficult to focus on anything in particular.

As if in a trance she showered and pulled on one of Mac's old worn t-shirts she had appropriated for her summer nightgown. After a long time tossing and turning in bed she sighed in frustration, got up without putting on her glasses and left the guest room, making her way through the darkened loft.

Finally she reached MacGyver's bed. He was sleeping, quiet and still, the lines of his athletic body faintly outlined by dim red neon from the hardware sign glowing outside the French doors at the far end.

She hated to disturb him, but there was no one else she could turn to.

Becky bit her lower lip, her thoughts in turmoil. I can't believe we heard the news only a few hours ago. What's waiting for me at home, with everyone gone? How can I live without them? Why did they have to die? Is it my fault somehow? What's going to happen to me?

"Hey, now." With a start she realized Mac was sitting up in bed and staring at her, curiously. "What's goin' on, Beck? Can't sleep?"

"Not alone. Not tonight."

He ran a hand through his tousled hair, then shifted to the other side of the bed. "C'mere," he said softly, lifting the sheet.

She settled with him against the pillows, resting her head against his broad chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart. He squeezed her shoulders as his arm curved around her and kissed the top of her head. "'Night, sweetheart."

"'Night, Unc." Becky had never felt so lost and helpless before in her life.