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Until next time!

Xoxo

Chapter 9

It was getting easier to wake up, well at least this time around. When his eyes opened, he was met with another set of blue eyes, not as bright as his, darker, older, experienced.

"Hey, kid," Hannibal's voice whispered as he sat on the edge of the bed. "Try to stay up a little longer this time. You've slept quite enough."

"How long?"he asked tiredly.

"Almost a day," the Colonel answered.

Face's eyes widened a little, "What?"

"Doctor Cartwright told us that sometimes these things happen. You take one last deep sleep and then, you are up. How are you feeling?"

Face noticed that he didn't feel sleepy anymore and a little more alert, although still tired, "Better."

Smiling, Hannibal nodded, "I'm glad you are finally back lieutenant. Stockwell wants us out of here in the next forty-eight hours. Apparently, we've been hanging out too long in this place. The doctor's aren't too happy about it, but I guess they also have to follow orders."

Sighing heavily, he tried to understand the last statement.

"Don't worry that for now. I'm sure you'll appreciate being home recuperating than here," Hannibal finished.

With a sudden hesitation, Face attempted to rise up, but was quickly stopped by the burning that started out on his abdomen and rose to his chest. He immediately groaned his protest as Hannibal gently swayed him to lay back down, "Sorry, Kid. You won't be able to sit up for another few days."

"How will I get around?"

The colonel shrugged, "Won't without our help. You're going to be on bed rest for a couple of weeks. Doctor's orders."

Face rolled his eyes, "Stockwell is going to throw a fit."

At this Hannibal laughed, "I know! Isn't it great?"

Looking at his C.O., Face couldn't help to smile. Hannibal looked back at his second in command and offered his a sad smile, "You gave us quite a scare, kid. Scared us all. Don't do it again."

"I won't Colonel," Face whispered as he looked away, a bit embarrassed. The ordeal must have really scared Hannibal, Face thought. Hannibal hadn't called him kid, in a long while. Then, thinking about the words that Hannibal had just said, he looked back up. "Where's Ellen?"

"She's gone," Hannibal replied with a gentle tone.

"Gone?" Face was surprised. He wasn't expecting that answer.

"Face, Ellen told us that you asked for her to leave," Hannibal reminded him as he began to stand up from the bed. "Was she wrong? Did she misunderstand? If so, I can give her a call–"

"No!" Face immediately answered, a little too fast, he inwardly acknowledged. Calming down, a little he smiled nervously, "I mean. It's okay. I did tell her that. It's for the best Hannibal."

"Are you sure?"

Face looked away, a sad expression on his handsome features appeared, "She doesn't deserve…this. I want her to be happy Hannibal. I want her to have a life full of peace and happiness. Our father couldn't give that to her and I can't either. I don't want her in danger."

Hannibal walked back to the bed and sat back down, "Face. We have to believe that our pardons will come soon. This life that we live now…well, we won't have it. You know, the team had this conversation a few days ago. What would we do when we got our pardons? BA will get to see his mother frequently without the worry of the MP's coming to get him. Frankie will go back to his father."

This time, Hannibal was the one with the sad smile, "Murdock is seeing a girl he met up a few years back in California, Kelly. Apparently, the two have been communicating by mail since he was discharged from the VA. He went out to see her last month. And I, well, that got me thinking of contacting Maggie Sullivan and visiting my family. The thing is that we all have people we'd like to get back to. You have the opportunity to have someone in your life now."

"I can only cause her harm," he reasoned. "Would you want Maggie or your family in harm's way?"

"No, I can't say that I do," the colonel shook his head, "But, if they wanted to stick around at this point. I'm not sure I wouldn't want that."

"Why?" Face was shocked at the answer.

"Things are different Face," Hannibal replied. "We're working for the government. Most of our jobs are international and truth be told…we aren't getting any younger. I realize that and so does Stockwell. There will be a point where he will have no choice than to relieve us of duty."

"And if he doesn't?"

The older man laughed, "We know too many things, Lieutenant. Besides, after this experience, I've learned that Stockwell is not as bad as he seems."

"I think you're being more drugged up than I am," Face snorted.

Hannibal toned down his voice, "The point is that we all have someone to go back to. I don't want you to close your doors to that possibility."

The statement made Face ponder for a moment. Hannibal saw the wheel turning. The kid needed time to think. With that, the colonel stood up. "I'm going to get one of the docs to come and check on you. And, I'll tell the guys to come in and keep you company for a while."

"Thanks Hannibal," Face offered a gentle smile, but a quiet tone.

"Don't mention it," Hannibal replied as he made his way to the door. "With the lives that we lead, there aren't too many good opportunities, Face. We need to grab the few that come by whenever they present themselves."

XXXXXXXXXX

Forty-eight hours later, Face was home in his room resting as best as he could. It wasn't easy. Both Cartwright and Jones had gone to the house and set up the room with everything that he'd need. That included the IV bags, heart monitor and other devices that needed to be hooked on him for at least a week.

It was still uncomfortable at times. Face couldn't move much and he needed his friends and a live in nurse to help him make the bed more comfortable. He hated he couldn't even fluff his own pillows. The worst part was the catheter. Thankfully, Martha, the nurse that stay with the group for that week took care of that. He could barely sit up, so he spent most of the week sedated and sleeping. And when he was awake, he always needed someone's help. It was the embarrassing aspect of being hurt. Depending on others, something he wasn't really used to.

When Martha wasn't around, the guys kept him company. Except for Murdock. For some reason the Captain avoided him as best he could. Face noticed it immediately. His friend was there, but also wasn't really there. He wanted to speak to him alone, but Murdock found ways to either bail out or make some excuse to bring someone in to serve as a third participant in the conversation.

Too tired most of the time to do something about it, Face promised himself that when he'd feel better, he'd have a talk with Murdock.

Then, there was also his thoughts of his sister. He thought of Ellen a lot. Especially during the times he was alone, when there was no one to disrupt his thoughts. He wondered if she was doing well. Did she miss him? He had to admit that he did miss her. Seeing her at the hospital had made such a difference to him. She did care about him. She did love him. But then reasoning entered his thoughts and he'd again realize that she was better without him. It made him sad. He wanted nothing more than to be part in his sister's life. He loved her. And that's why I have to stay away, he reminded himself.

After a week and a half at home, Martha bid her goodbyes. Her patient was able to sit up and walk to and from the bathroom on his own. He was also able to shower (although he had to sit in a plastic chair while in the shower as he couldn't stand for long periods of time).

One day, Face was tired of being in his room. He begged Hannibal if it would be okay if he spent a few hours with the living room even if it mean just lying down on the couch. Hannibal wasn't too happy about it, but understood that no one would tolerate being stuck inside four walls for too long.

"Alright, Face," Hannibal said a little after noon time after he helped Face dress, "While you were in the shower, I put pillows and blankets on the couch. Now, I'll be checking up on you throughout the day. But, if I don't see you looking well. You're going back to bed."

"I got it Colonel," he nodded as Hannibal helped in up from the bed.

The two slowly made their way to the living room. By the time they reached the couch, Face was as white as a blank sheet of paper.

"You okay, kid?" Hannibal looked worried.

As Face sat down, he nodded, but didn't say a word. Breathing heavily for a few seconds, he finally answered, "Yeah, I'm okay."

"You don't sound okay."

Once he was able to control the pain with his breathing, Face asked Hannibal to help him lay down on the couch. The colonel helped his lieutenant get comfortable and then covered him with a couple of blankets. As he did so Frankie and BA, who were in the kitchen, walked in.

"Well, look who is up and about," BA smiled as he walked in carrying a tray with a pitcher of lemon water and a couple of glasses, "Hannibal told us you're able to be out of the room today." The big man made it to the table in the middle of the room and placed the tray on top of it before sitting down on the other side of the beige sectional.

"And, guess what?" Frankie smiled as he wore and apron over his jeans and grey t-shirt, "Since the docs upgraded you to solids, you my friend are going to have a nice full meal tonight."

Face smiled, "As long as it is not Italian."

Frankie rolled his eyes, "No kidding. No, tonight it's a nice piece of salmon and some mashed potatoes. Don't get too excited. It will be a small plate, according to both your doctors."

"Great!" He still didn't sound like himself, although he tried a lively tone. Face still didn't sound okay. Frankie noticed his tired features and the pained look. He took a quick look at Hannibal, but the Colonel soothed his worries by mouthing, 'it's okay' to him.

In reality, Face didn't have much of an appetite, so having a small meal was more than what he needed and wanted.

As the three men sat down, Hannibal could see the pain that Face tried to hide.

"Does it hurt?"

"Only when I breathe," Face answered.

"Well, you're looking better than you did when you was in that coma," BA shook his head sadly. "We almost lost you Faceman."

"Well, BA, I wasn't going to leave you guys that easily," Face tried to lighten up that mood. "To think I'd stand up all those lovely ladies I still haven't gone out with."

"Oh, that reminds me," Hannibal laughed, "You made quite an impression on two nurses. You evoked great sympathy."

"Two?" that seemed to brightened his spirits a little.

"Yeah, they left their telephone numbers for you," Frank rolled his eyes, "Even sedated the man lands dates."

As the four spoke, the French doors that faced the patio opened. Gina and Murdock walked in, the latter carrying a box of pizza while the woman carried two bags of garlic rolls.

"Hey!" Murdock greeted the room, "Gina and I thought we'd bring you all a little something from the restaurant."

With a smile filled with sympathy, Gina asked, "How're you doing, fella?"

"Great," Face genuinely answered looking at the woman, trying to place her. He didn't remember meeting her, "Great."

Gina caught the look and blushed a little, "We've never really met, but Murdock's told me all about you."

Face nodded and gave his friend a small curious gaze, Murdock shyly looked away. Still doesn't want to face me.

"How's your dad doing?" Hannibal asked.

Gina went off telling the group how the restaurant was booming and how they had had a full house ever since it reopened for business.

"Yeah, and get this," Murdock shimmed in, "I think I saw Stockwell's name on the register tonight."

Once the group had their laugh, Murdock looked at his fallen friend, "Oh, and take a look at this Faceman," Opening the pizza box, he showed the group the large size pizza with the words Get Well Face written all over it.

"Nice," Frankie nodded in appreciation.

"Great," Face smiled.

"Pizza," B.A.'s eyes widened as he leaned closer, "Get well, Face. Mmm…smells good." Looking closer at the pizza, his brows narrowed in question, "Anchovies?"

"Well, Face likes anchovies," Murdock reasoned.

"Yeah…well…" Face started, but was quickly cut off by BA.

"Nobody likes anchovies!" BA yelled as he took the pizza box away from Murdock, "I'm going to have to pick these things out!"

Hannibal looked at Face who smiled at the craziness of his best friends. "Listen, I need to go out for a moment, Face, you'll be okay?" He quickly checked for the time on his watch before his eyes went back to his lieutenant.

"Yeah, I'll be fine Hannibal. I'll watch a little TV maybe finish reading that book that's on my nightstand…I'll be fine."

"Great! Be back in a bit." Standing up, the colonel began walking out of the room.

"I'm going to fix up this pizza for lunch!" BA headed back to the kitchen as Frankie followed.

"Hey wait, I'm still making my masterpiece for dinner. Don't you go touch anything, B.A.!"

"Shut up fool!"

Before they knew it, only Face, Murdock and Gina were left in the quiet room.

Noticing that the two men weren't saying much, she chimed in, "So, Templeton. How long did the doctors say you'll be on leave?"

He sighed with some frustration in his features, "Well, the official report is six weeks. So far it's been a week and a half and I'm going crazy. They're saying that by week three I'll be able to walk on my own, but it doesn't look like it's happening any earlier than that."

"I wish I could tell you to treat it as an extended vacation, but…." She shrugged.

"Wishful thinking," he replied as he looked at Murdock, who remained quiet.

Noticing the awkwardness of the two men, Gina could tell that they needed some privacy, "You know. I think I better put these rolls in the oven and maybe see that B.A. doesn't completely kill that pizza. I'll be back in a little bit."

Face nodded his appreciation.

As Gina made her way to the kitchen, Murdock suddenly jumped, "You know Faceman, I see that Hannibal didn't bring your pain medication or that book that you were talking about. How about I get that for you?"

"How about we talk for a moment, Murdock?"

"Oh," suddenly Murdock felt nervous, "Okay. Shoot. I mean..."

"Why are you avoiding me?"

"What? No," he shook his head. "Come on Face. Not sure what you're talking about."

"Well, for the past week or so, you practically find any excuse in the book to get away whenever we are alone," Face countered. "What's going on?"

Sighing heavily, Murdock made his way to the other side of the sectional where Hannibal had sat earlier. Looking at the floor while he spoke he said, "I've…I've been wanting to tell you this for a long while, but I don't know how to say the words. Well, I know how to say the words…but they don't seem to be enough for what I did to you."

Baffled a little, Face asked, "What did you do to me?"

The pilot looked up, somewhat surprised, "Face, you're where you are because of me. I almost killed you."

The shock of the statement made Face smile with disbelief, "Murdock, you didn't shoot me."

"Not, directly. No. But, I might as well have had the gun in my hand! I didn't give us enough time to scout the place. I pushed you to do something you weren't ready for. You warned me, but I didn't listen–"

"Hey, hey," Face interrupted, "Stop it. It wasn't your fault. It could have happened to any one of us. There was no way of telling there was a third man. No way, Murdock. But that's not what's important. What's important for you to know is that I've never blamed you. You're my best friend. I know you have never done anything to hurt me."

"Oh Face," the man shook his head, "I've been a rotten friend to you this year. First, keeping A.J's secret from you and now this…I don't know how you couldn't hate me."

"Hate you?" Face rolled his eyes, "First of all, AJ manipulated you not to say anything to me. And we've gone through this before. If the roles were reversed, I would have done the same thing. You did what you thought was best. Just like in this situation."

"But you end up paying the price every time!"

"Well…that's true, but…hey, I've survived both hits," Face offered his most charming smile. "Seriously Murdock, I don't want you to keep feeling this way. It wasn't your fault. It was just circumstances. And in the end, it's not really the pain that's bothering me."

Murdock raised his brow.

"Well…it is, but not as much as having my best friend ignore and avoid me like the plague every chance he gets."

Nodding, a little embarrassed, Murdock answered, "I'm sorry Face."

"Apology accepted," he replied. Then, after a minute, Face said, "You know, if you really want to make it up to me, maybe you'll find a way to…"

"To what?"

"Fix me up with Gina?"

At this Murdock laughed, "You don't waste time, do you Faceman?"

Smiling with the most charming conman smile, Face replied, "Time? No, no my dear friend. Opportunities. I don't waste opportunities."

XXXXXXXXXX

By late afternoon, almost into the evening, Face found himself waking up after he felt someone shaking him gently, "Face?"

He had taken his pain medication a few hours earlier with some soup and crackers Frankie had made for him. He wished he could have the pizza and garlic rolls Murdock and Gina had brought earlier that day, but he knew his stomach still wasn't ready for the good stuff.

For some reason, it was hard to open his eyes. He hated the pain medication Cartwright and Jones had recommended. Those things knocked him out completely and gave his such a good slumber that it became hard to wake up. He had already slept for way too long, he was told. Why give him something to sleep more? Groaning as he tried opening his eyes, he asked "What?"

"Sorry, dinner will be ready soon."

It was Hannibal's voice, Face realized. The colonel had been gone for a while. Even after Gina left, he hadn't been back and now Face wondered where the man had been.

"What time is it?" Face asked in a groggy voice as he struggled to open his eyes.

"Six o'clock."

Damn! Last time he remembered, it was only one thirty. He had slept that long? Finally, his eyes opened and Face saw Hannibal's sympathetic gaze, "I hate these pills."

"I know. You'll only be taking them for another week or so," he reasoned. "Hungry?"

"No, not really," he sighed.

"Well, you have to eat," Hannibal said as he sat down across from him. "But before we do, I'd like to share something with you."

"Sure," Face replied as he tried to stretch. The little that he could.

"Stockwell, has arranged a short mission for us to Prague. Nothing mayor, just a retrieval of some documents from the home of one of their diplomats. I won't take us more than a week."

"Okay," Face nodded. "When do we leave?"

A little surprised about his response, Hannibal laughed, "Kid, you're not ready for this. You can't even walk on your own."

"What? Well, not now, but what are we talking about a week or two. I know I won't be able to run or jump any walls, but I can be useful."

"Face," Hannibal grew a little serious, "We leave the day after tomorrow."

"What?" Now it was Face who was shocked, "Wait, no! Who's going to stay here with me? And don't tell me it's one of those goofballs. Stockwell's Ables barely function as they're supposed to, much less take care of a sick man."

"Well, how about if I take care of you?"

Face heard a very familiar female voice. He looked across the room to find Ellen standing by the hallway. Had she been standing there the entire time, he thought.

Extremely surprised that she was there, in his home, Face suddenly paled, "Ellen?" Then, looking back at Hannibal he asked, "What's going on?"

"Opportunities," Hannibal shrugged as he took a cigar out of his pocket. "Remember our talk Face? Sometimes you need to grab'em especially when they show up when you least expect them." Standing up, he motioned for Ellen to enter the room. "I'll give you two time to talk things over." With that, the Colonel left the room.

The room fell silent for a long moment before Ellen spoke up, "How are you feeling?"

"What are you doing here, Ellen?" He looked angry, but also afraid. "You shouldn't be here."

"I came to take care of my brother," she ignored the last statement as she walked over to him. Sitting down, she continued, "I know you don't want me in your life–"

"It's not that," he shook head as he looked down.

Ellen stood up and walked over knelt in front of him. Looking into his blue eyes, she gently raised her hand and caressed his cheek, "You're afraid I might get hurt because of what you do. I know that's what you feel. That's what you're afraid of, but Templeton…I know how that feels, it's a horrible feeling. You know, at first I thought about me. About me getting hurt. But I found out that you getting hurt was far worse. And I can understand why you're afraid. I know why you push me away. I completely understand what you feel, but just like me… you need to get over it."

Face looked up. Shocked.

Ellen nodded, "We have been given a gift. A second chance. An opportunity that cannot be ignored. Fear is our obstacle. It was mine for a long time and now it's yours. Don't let it consume you. Give us a chance Templeton. Be my big brother. Be my family."

Listening to his sister, Face couldn't help the tears that formed and brimmed his eyes. A smile crept on his lips as he watched his sister's smile also emerge, "Our smiles are the same," he whispered.

At this Ellen laughed, "Finally, our father's given us something we both share." Without a thought, Ellen gently hugged her big brother and Face wasted no time reciprocating the gesture.

Close to the kitchen the rest of the team smiled as they watched the family reunion that took place in front of their eyes. Their friend was finally happy.

XXXXXXXXXX

The team had been gone for almost the week. Just like Hannibal said. They would return in two days. As always, the mission was successful, but all of them wanted to be back home sooner rather than later. Face's close call was still too vivid in their minds and the team wanted to be home to spend time with their friend.

Ellen stayed at the compound taking care of Face. It felt awkward at first, but with time, they found a pattern to make sure Face recuperated accordingly. Ellen cooked, helped him when he needed assistance and made sure he took his meds (despite his whining at times). Both physicians, Cartwright and Jones, paid visits daily to make sure their patient was doing what he needed to do. The siblings learned a lot from each other in the last few days. They shared stories of their childhood, their pain, and even their joys. Ellen even found out that her brother, once pardoned, wanted to return to California to begin a writing career. He had so many stories to tell. Face never shared that plan with anyone on the team. He wanted it to be a surprise when the first book in his series was published. He told her it was tentatively titled The A-team.

She had asked him why she hadn't shared that dream with the team. His simple answer, they think I'm interested in the glitz and glamor. Who am I to disappoint?

Why a writer?

Because I never knew my past, he answered. There's no history for Richard. I'll be damned if I leave this world without it knowing who Templeton Peck was.

For Ellen, it had been the best time she had ever experienced. She had missed what having family felt like. And for Face, he felt complete. He had a family. Sure, he lost his biological father and mother, but for years, he felt he had found a father in Hannibal, brothers in both Murdock and BA (even Frankie) and now his sister. He couldn't ask for anything more.

The night before the team was due back home, Ellen knocked on Face's room. He had felt rather tired that evening and his sister made him stay in bed. She had wanted to discuss a decision she had made before getting there, but had not found the opportunity. Well, actually she was afraid to tell him, but at this point, she had no choice. When the team got back, the chances of telling him privately would minimize.

Taking a deep breath, Ellen knocked on the door.

"Come in," he called and she walked in with two mugs.

"Thought you might want some tea," she said as she handed him one of the mugs.

"Thanks," he smiled as he put the book he was reading back on the nightstand.

"Feeling better?"

He shrugged, "Dr. Jones said there would be days where I would feel more run down than others. I guess it's just part of the process."

"Well, you did walk a lot more today and most of it on your own. Against doctor's orders."

"How else am I supposed to get better?" he smiled. Taking a sip of the mug, Face nodded, "It's good."

"Earl Grey," she chimed in. "Listen, I need to talk to you about something."

"Sure," he looked at her curiously, "What's up?"

Smiling, she looked at him, "How would you feel if I came and lived here, permanently?"

Face looked shocked, "Here? In this house?"

"Well, no," she immediately shook her head, "But close. A few minutes away, actually."

"What?"

"It's the apartment complex that Murdock lives in," she said. "There are a couple of units available and I thought about renting one and moving here."

"But, what about your job?"

"I actually found one already," she admitted. "I start in two weeks. It's a receptionist position, but it's enough to pay the bills and I can leave at four, which gives me the opportunity to go to school at night."

Face stayed quiet for a moment, being very careful not to say something that would sound, uncaring, "Ellen, to tell you the truth, everything you've told me sounds amazing. Of course I would love to see you more often and have you close by, but…why?"

Looking at her brother very seriously, she answered, "I told you I was serious Templeton. We have a lot of time to make up for. I'm sure your pardons will come soon, but in the meantime, I want the opportunity get to know you more."

"But, my job…my assignments–"

"I know," she nodded. "But like you said. No one will ever know you're my brother. I'm Ellen Bancroft and you are Templeton Peck. No relation."

Face thought for a moment, "Stockwell is not going to like this." Then, he smiled, "Stockwell is not going to like this."

She held herself from telling him that Stockwell had no choice in the matter and until the pardons came, she would be protected just as they were. Being the daughter of AJ Bancroft had its advantages. Ellen could sue the government to get the diary back and neither Stockwell nor the government wanted the exposure. It was better that Stockwell kept Ellen happy and if being close to her brother was what she wanted, then so be it. She had to thank Hannibal for the plan.

Face had a long road to recover. He didn't need to worry about this now. She'd tell him in due time. For the moment, all Ellen wanted was for him to be happy about her move.

"So, you're okay with this?" she asked, laying next to him carefully on the bed.

"Part of me is nervous and downright afraid," he confessed, "But, like you said, we have an opportunity and we can't allow it to pass us. Hannibal worked it out with you, didn't he?"

It was her turn to be surprised, "How…how did you know?"

"Opportunities," Face smiled, "And an opportunity for the Colonel to get under Stockwell's skin…" he shook his head noting the humor of it all.

"You're okay with this?" she asked.

"Are you?"

Ellen smiled at her brother as she carefully sat next to him, "Couldn't be happier."

Face slowly lifted his arm and put it around his sister, "So, am I."

XXXXXXXXXX

Four months later….

It had been a long couple of months, but Face was back on his feet. Well, kind of. He was back on assignments, but Hannibal kept him out of situations where he'd be exposed to fighting. His contributions involved his usual scams and to some degree helping the team build their "creative" inventions to get the bad guys. He still needed about two more months of recuperation.

While on assignment, Ellen did her best to keep busy. She worked and lived a "normal" life. At first, it had been hard. Harder than she thought. She wondered if her brother was okay, if he had gotten hurt, if he was dead. Ellen never thought that she'd have these feelings for her brother. She never knew she'd love him so much.

At the same time, Face wondered how she was doing on her own (while he was away). He called Stockwell every chance he could to check on his sister. For him, it was hard to go away, but somehow it got a little easier with each ongoing assignment.

One night after the team returned from their latest assignment, Ellen had welcomed them back with a home cooked meal, which they all appreciated it.

As they finished dinner, Murdock and Frankie began picking up the plates and cleaning the kitchen, leaving Face, Ellen, Hannibal and BA on the table. The group continued sharing with Ellen what they had done and how they had put the "bad guys" away. Soon the conversation changed and Ellen made an announcement of her own.

"So, guess what, guys," she looked excited. "I have a date tonight."

Face suddenly looked at his sister, "A date? With who?"

"It's a guy I met a work," she answered, "His name is Patrick. He's one of the accountants in the firm."

Looking a bit uneasy, Face carefully asked, "Ellen, don't you think it's a little soon to be dating."

"Soon?" she answered her brother with sarcasm, "Templeton, how old do you think I am?"

"Oh boy," Murdock muttered as he began cleaning the plates.

"Face is playing the big brother card," Frankie whispered. Murdock nodded as he tried not to laugh.

BA poured another glass of milk trying to avoid any eye contact between the siblings, while Hannibal found a newspaper sitting on the counter. He promptly picked it up and began reading it.

"I know how old you are Ellen," he answered, "That's not the point. How much do you know about this guy?"

"Well, he's been working for the firm for five years. He's nice Templeton."

"He's a stranger Ellen," he replied.

Standing up, Ellen looked at her brother, "Face, you can't tell me who to date!" They had found that she called him "Face" when he went all big brother on him.

"I'm just trying to make sure you are safe!" Turning to Hannibal, Face asked, "Hannibal? Are you going to say something? She listens to you."

Putting down the newspaper, the colonel looked at the young lady, "Hope you have fun."

Smiling, Ellen looked back at her brother, "Thank you Hannibal."

Face stared at Hannibal in disbelief, "You're not helping!"

Grinning, Hannibal began laughing, which ignited laughter from the rest of the group.

Satisfied, Ellen smiled at her brother, "I'll let you know how it turns out." With that, Ellen walked out of the kitchen, Face followed his sister to the living room and probably out the door.

"Well, what time are you going to be back? Where are you two going? Ellen, you better call me as soon as you get home!"

The team could hear Face dutifully playing the older brother card. They couldn't be happier.

Taking up the newspaper once again, Hannibal grinned, "I love it when a plans comes together."