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The Right Reasons 2: The Game Begins
Rating: IM15 (for now – we’ll see how it goes for later *veg*) Summary: What is Webb doing? Disclaimer: See Part 1 for disclaimers. Spoilers: All the way through the Season 9 finale. Let’s hope I get this done before Season 10 begins.
Undisclosed Location
“I take it the rumors of your death were somewhat exaggerated, sir?” Gunny said to Webb, as he led him to a black SUV with tinted windows, parked behind some sand dunes.
“They were. Do you have some clothes for me?” he asked Gunny as they climbed in. “I’m a little damp here.”
“Yes, sir.” Gunny handed Webb a duffle bag. He started the SUV and began driving. “Sir, can I ask you something?”
“You can ask, and I might answer,” Webb replied, his voice muffled as he changed into dry clothes.
“What am I doing here? And why did you fake your own death?”
“You’re here because you’re the person I can trust the most. You proved that in Paraguay.” Webb paused for a moment. “As for why I ‘died’, there are a lot of reasons behind that. Some professional, some personal.” His tone indicated he wasn’t ready to talk about that yet.
“Got it, sir. I just wanted to make sure we weren’t getting into another Paraguay situation.”
“As far as I know, no.” Webb sighed. “The toughest part of this assignment was out in that ocean.” Webb wanted to forget about that as quickly as possible. It was the first time since Paraguay that he’d killed someone. Even though he knew they would have killed him had they had the chance, it still affected him. And the deaths of the ship’s crew were not part of the plan. “All we should have to do is spend a little time watching a few people.”
“Surveillance?” Gunny sounded doubtful. “So why do you need me?”
“Because I’m ‘dead’. These people can’t know I’m alive – we’re hoping that if they think I’m out of the picture, they’ll make a wrong step and we’ll catch them.”
“Who are we after?”
Webb held up a folder. “When we get to the motel, you can read all about them.”
“Fair enough, sir.” He looked over at Webb. “Why don’t you grab a little shuteye? You look like you could use some rest.”
“I could indeed.” He leaned his seat back and yawned.
Before long, Gunny heard snores coming from Webb’s side of the vehicle.
Mac’s Apartment Later That Evening
“Thank you for bringing me home tonight,” Mac said, leaning against Harm as they walked out of the elevator in her building. “The pain was more than I had expected it would be.”
“That’s all right,” Harm replied. “We’ll go back and get your car tomorrow. When you’re feeling better.”
She handed him her keys and he unlocked the door and guided her through the doorway. Gently, he settled her in a recliner in the living room. “Is there anything I can get you?”
Mac, grimacing, said, “No. I can deal with it.” The doctor had warned her there might be some soreness from the procedure, but she hadn’t believed her, had thought she could take it.
“Come on, Mac. You don’t have to put on the tough act with me.” Harm headed towards the bathroom. “The Advil’s still in the medicine cabinet, right? Or did the doctor give you something stronger to use?”
She caved. “On the kitchen counter. I just hate taking painkillers. They make me feel woozy and out of control.”
He found the bottle, read the label and dumped a pill into his hand. Filling a glass with water, he brought them to Mac. “In that case, I’ll stay here on the sofa, to make sure nothing happens.” He held up his hand. “I know, I know. You can take care of yourself. Call it humoring an overprotective friend.”
Mac smiled to herself. Going to the party had probably not been the smartest thing to do, but she was glad she had. She and Harm were on better terms than they had been in years, really. She tried to speak then, to thank him, but the painkillers were kicking in then. She couldn’t keep her eyes open any longer, and drifted to dreamland.
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