Partner for a Reason

Chapter 5

Mac had to wait another two hours until Jack stirred again. The room was still dimmed to make it easier for his partner when he woke up. The Delta groaned and moved his head from side to side. Lines of pain were deeply embedded in his face. Jack eyes opened and he looked in Macs direction and the blond was worried how unfocused his friends glance was.

„Hey, there you are. About time you opened your eyes brother." Mac greeted him softly.

„Water," croaked Jack and Mac held out a cup with a straw. He pulled it away after a few sips, which earned him an annoyed growl.

„Just go easy Jack. I'll give you more in a few minutes. We don't want you to puke again, do we?"

Jack nodded and immediately regretted the motion. „What happened?" He seemed more coherent now.

Mac asked. „What do you remember?"

Jack frowned, thinking. He raised his hands and rubbed over his head. Before Mac could stop him, he had found the healing row of stitches.

„What the hell?" He stopped and looked at Mac. „There was a log house in Canada. A lot of bad guys?" Jack shot his partner a questioning look.

Mac nodded. „You got hit in the head by one of them and a bullet graze on your arm. You've got a serious concussion. Do you remember what happened after you came back?"

„I think I drove to Vegas to pick up an agent or something, then only bits and pieces. A long flight I don't remember where, we brought back a lot of people. I was driving … somewhere …" Jack was not sure.

„Do you know what day it is?"

Jack thought for a minute, then scrunched up his face in pain. He closed his eyes for a moment and answered. „I have no idea, Thursday maybe?"

Mac sighed. „Today is Sunday, Jack." It was a normal symptom from a concussion, but Mac was worried nevertheless.

„Looks like I've lost a few days along the way," Jack joked weakly.

„You could have lost your life brother," Mac said sincerely. „How do you feel?"

„I've got the mother of all headaches. Did I get hit in the head again?" Jack asked confused.

„Well, apparently you've worked all week, without resting and eating much, I've heard. And that although you should have been in bed and sleeping that concussion off. Why did you do it, Jack? Did my Dad force you to?" Mac had to know.

Jack thought for a few minutes. Slowly the events of the week came back, although they slightly blurred together, especially the trip to …. Europe, Jack decided. Not able to come up with the country. He remembered the fights with James. He glanced at Mac. No, he decided. He couldn't do this to his friend. Jack knew how Mac has been struggling with his feelings towards his father. The blond was searching if there was any love left for his Dad, after decades of abandonment and hurt feelings. Jack could tell, Mac was torn, he couldn't shake off the anger and disappointment so easily, but there was still that little boy in him who wanted to be loved. On the other side the blond was confused by James constant presence in the war room, but he behaved so distantly. Jack wouldn't add more hurt and strain to the already heavy pack his friend carried.