Oh, being normal sounds absolutely riveting. But I think I'll pass. - Anonymous
He hadn't planned on this. What he'd planned was a short respite before getting back into the world he knew. The world he loved. He'd been a little surprised that Face wasn't that enthused, but he'd done what he always did. Followed his colonel. He chuckled. Instead of taking some time off, his lieutenant was busy getting the new 'organization' set up. All legit this time, and Face was reveling in his 'new' world.
BA had, naturally, gone to Chicago for his vacation. Murdock had hemmed and hawed until Face handed him a certain veterinarian's number, assuring him that she had decided she also needed a vacation.
Kid hadn't lost his touch.
Hannibal stated he needed some fresh air after the DC 'smog' and showed up at Maggie's door. She'd been both happy and exasperated, stating she couldn't cancel any patients but he could stay. They'd spent five very busy, but happy, days together.
He'd called Face that morning, not totally happy to learn it would be over a month before everything was settled. From the sound of his voice, Face wasn't any happier. But, considering all the hidden investments the team had, it had become very complicated bringing them out 'into the open'. He'd had to hire a tax attorney and a high-priced accountant to prove to the IRS that the taxes actually had been paid.
"So when can we get back to work - legally?"
"Well, if we don't need a place to store our equipment once we purchase it, or want to depend on word of mouth to let people know we're back, or have a reliable way for clients to reach us, or a place to meet with them - then we can start any time. But if you want an actual business, then another two to three weeks, at least."
Hannibal called BA next, to let him know the time frame they were looking at. BA sounded all too happy to have the extra time. Apparently there were a lot of things to fix or 'upgrade' at his mother's building.
The call to Murdock was of a similar tone. Between Kelly having gone back to work, the subsequent animals to work (and play) with, and trying to get his license back, the pilot sounded relieved at the delay.
Hanging up the phone, Hannibal wandered to the kitchen. Maggie was still with a patient, so he took his cup of coffee into the backyard. He wasn't sure how long he'd sat there, trying to figure out just what he wanted to do next, when suddenly Maggie was there. Her smile faded as he gave her the latest update, his frustration clear.
She frowned, looking at her coffee. Not him.
"When I first believed that you'd been executed, I was devastated. I was starting to deal with it when you called and let me know you were alive. But when you showed up at my door, after months of silence... I love having you here, John. I really do. I care about you. But I don't want to be on standby. I don't want to be your go-to only when you have time, or when you or one of the others need to be stitched up. I can't be your fallback. I won't be.
"If you want to stay here, you're more than welcome to. But by the end of the week, you need to give me a decision. Maybe I'm shooting myself in the foot for saying this, but we're either together - or we're not. Okay?"
Hannibal could only nod. Maggie stood, gave him a quick pat on the back, and went back in the house.
He sighed. He hadn't even thought about this. Hadn't thought about what Maggie really wanted. Especially since the trial. How that had affected her. Too busy dealing with the team, Stockwell. Watching his team trying to deal with the stress of missions and being under the general's thumb. Trying, not always succeeding...
And she was mad because he didn't call her?
Okay. He could have called her. But what would they talk about? He couldn't tell her where they were. He couldn't tell her about the jobs. Hell, he couldn't even mention Stockwell's name. And he had no interest in her patients or what out-dated movie was playing at the local theater. Before the trial, she knew he couldn't make any promises, and neither of them really wanted to. She had a life that didn't include him, and he had his. But now...
Did he expect her to just put her private life on hold, waiting until he showed up? Did she expect him to give up the only way of life he'd known for over forty years?
It dawned on him that she didn't understand him any more than he had understood her.
Heading back into the house, his mind was already on LA. Face could get done faster with Hannibal there to help...