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London, June 1953
Robert McCall was totally comfortable. He supposed he should have felt like an outsider here in the home of this American couple and their young son, but he didn't. Something about Matt and Jenny Stetson put him completely at ease, not an simple thing for a nineteen year old boy who'd been on his own for so long. He'd lost his mother in the Blitz when he was just a youngster and his father had died serving in the RAF only a year or so later. He'd lived with his aunt and uncle while he finished school but it had been all they could do to provide him with the essentials. He'd learned soon enough to make his own way.
He'd done well for himself. School had come easily for him and he'd managed to get accepted into Oxford, no small task for a boy from the country with no connections. It was there he'd met up with Matt Stetson. The American was supposedly on campus conducting some kind of research for a university in the States. It had all sounded very vague to Robert... something about curriculum and hours studied and the like. It hadn't really mattered though. The man was open and affable and they'd quickly become friends.
The Stetsons had opened their home to him and he visited them often. Tonight the occasion was their son's third birthday and Robert had come readily enough, gift in hand. He liked the little tyke. He was a happy, friendly child, not like the whining little brat of his landlady's. Robert shuddered. He couldn't recall a time when he'd seen a smile on that one's face. Little Lee, on the other hand, rarely did anything else.
Dinner was over and Jenny had served them all up huge portions of birthday cake. She was younger than her husband, only three or four years older than Robert himself and, though it was obvious she loved Matthew a great deal, Robert always got the impression she was a bit homesick. She talked about her family in the States a great deal, though always with a touch of sadness in her blue eyes. He also noticed that whenever she got this way, Matthew never failed to come over and put a comforting arm around her shoulders, always managing to cheer her up.
Oblivious to what the adults around him were doing, Lee had been busy tearing open the small pile of presents, shouting gleefully at each new toy. There were cars and airplanes and some sort of building set that looked like logs. Robert wondered suddenly if the gift he'd brought might be too young for this energetic child. With some anxiety, he watched as Lee tore open the tissue paper the girl in the store had used to wrap it and finally revealed the large, stuffed Paddington Bear.
Lee stared at it for a moment, then clutched it tightly and laughed. Robert allowed himself to breathe again, with no small relief. Lee got up to show his new toy to his mother.
"Look, Mommy," he cried in delight. "Lookit my bear."
"That's lovely, honey," Jenny replied with motherly appreciation. Then she bent down to whisper in her son's ear, "Remember to thank Robert."
Lee nodded dutifully and walked over to the couch. "Thank you," he said solemnly.
"You're more than welcome," Robert assured him with a wink.
Lee smiled at that and hugged the bear tighter. Then he gave Robert a curious look. "What's his name?"
"Paddington," Robert informed the child with a smile.
"That's a rather famous bear you've got there, Son," Matthew broke in. He grinned at Robert. "Whoever owns him has to promise to look after him." He pointed to the tag on the bear's coat. "See there? That's what it says right on him."
Lee's eyes darted between the two of them. "I promise," he said then ran off to show the tag to Jenny.
Matthew came over and put a hand on Robert's shoulder. He motioned the young man to follow him outside. Robert got up and walked with his friend out onto the small balcony of their flat.
The night air was mild. Matthew stood for a moment, lighting his pipe. Robert liked the smell of it. It reminded him of his own father. Finally, after taking a few puffs, Matthew at last broached the subject Robert knew had brought them out here.
"So... have you come to a decision?"
Robert glanced up at his friend and recalled vividly all the conversations they'd had in the last few months. He was still uncertain.
"I don't know, Matthew. It all seems so... I don't know, so unpatriotic or something."
Matthew laughed kindly. "Why? Because you'll be working for the U.S. instead of Great Britain? Hell, Robert... we're all on the same side."
Robert smiled and nodded. "I know. But a whole new organization? I guess I'm still just a bit confused why they want me?"
Matthew's face grew serious. "You've got talent, Robert. And you're unattached... no family... no ties. You're just the kind of man the Company needs."
Robert gave his friend a scrutinizing look. "Tell me one thing, Matthew. Is that the whole reason you took me in? To recruit me?"
Matthew had the grace to look uncomfortable. "Maybe at first," he admitted candidly. "I'm sure you've figured out that's why I'm here."
Robert nodded silently. "Thank you for being honest," he said evenly. He glanced back over his shoulder into the living room. He could see Jenny playing on the floor with Lee. If this new Company had men like Matthew Stetson in it, then Robert would be only too happy to work for them. He turned back around, his decision made.
"Count me in," he stated firmly.
Matthew grinned and slapped him lightly on the back. "I knew I could depend on you," he confided.
Robert smiled back. "I want to make a difference," he declared confidently. "If this is the way I can help, then I want to do it."
Matthew's smile never dimmed, only now there was a degree of pride in it... pride in his young friend. Robert could see it there and he stood a little straighter. He made a vow to himself to never let his friend down. He would always warrant that pride and trust.
Matthew took another puff on his pipe then knocked it against the wall. "Let's go back inside," he suggested warmly. "It's almost Lee's bedtime and I have to read him a story. After that we can talk some more."
The two men walked into the warmth of the flat, the older man's hand resting lightly on Robert's shoulder.
Glorieta, June 1973
McCall sighed wearily and leaned his arms on the fence rail, watching distractedly as the yearlings cavorted around the meadow. It was still early enough in the morning that the summer heat wasn't bothering the animals yet. Frisky in the dewy morning, they were running and chasing each other with reckless abandon. Such a contrast to the stormy scene he'd just left behind in the kitchen of the old ranch house.
He didn't even know why he and Kay pretended anymore. That wasn't exactly true, he supposed. They tried because of Scott. That was why McCall had consented to come to the reunion this year. It was one of the rare times he'd been home at the same time as the family gathering and when Scottie had come to ask him if he were going with them... well, McCall could hardly turn the child down. He knew Kay had put the boy up to it, but it hadn't mattered. He would come and at least try and be a family for his son's sake.
He hadn't reckoned with his father-in-law. Jake had been in top form this morning and McCall had left, rather than make a scene. In recent years, Kay had stopped taking McCall's side in these arguments and was now blatantly supporting her father. McCall knew in his heart that time was counting down on his marriage. It was terminal and there was nothing he could do to save it.
"McCall!"
He turned, recognizing the eager voice, and he smiled as he saw Lee trotting out to join him at the fence. Young Stetson had grown into a fine man, looking so much like his father it was uncanny. He came up beside McCall and stood there, his blue eyes twinkling with excitement, a grin lighting his face.
"Damn, but it's hard to find anybody alone around here," Lee greeted him. "Geez, McCall, I've been waiting for two days to be able to talk to you."
McCall chuckled in appreciation of the difficulty. "You'd better talk away then," he advised. "Before Jake finds me again."
Lee snorted and rolled his eyes. "He needs some serious attitude adjusting," he agreed. "Try not to let him bug you."
"I'll try my hardest," McCall replied dryly. "So... what's so urgent that you had to talk to me about?"
Lee's face grew more serious, though he couldn't quite lose the twinkle in his eyes. "I'm in," he announced with fierce pride. "I've been accepted by the Agency."
McCall wasn't quite sure how to take that news. He knew Lee had been recruited a few months ago and though he knew how much the young man wanted this, he couldn't be completely happy for him. He couldn't explain it really... not in any way Lee would understand. He was too young and idealistic at the moment. Only time and experience would allow him the vantage point to comprehend McCall's doubts and apprehensions.
This was not the time to voice them. This was a day Lee had looked forward to for a long time. McCall put a smile on his face and held out a congratulatory hand. Lee shook it enthusiastically.
"Welcome aboard," McCall told him. "I'm sure you'll do a fine job."
Lee shrugged self-consciously. "Whatever I do, I have you to thank."
McCall narrowed his eyes. "Me? Why?"
Lee laughed embarrassedly. "As if you didn't know. Ever since I was a kid, all I've wanted was to be like you. Of course, back then, I didn't know what it was you did."
You still don't know what I do, Lee, came the unbidden thought. I hope to God you never find out.
"Anyway," Lee was saying, "I know we won't be working in the same place, but at least it's the same line of work."
"The Agency's a little different than the Company," McCall informed him in a quiet voice. "The world's a different place than when I started out. That's why they created the Agency... to deal with the world in a different way."
Lee gave him a puzzled look, obviously not sure what he was getting at. "If you say so," he commented. "I guess I was sort of expecting you to be the one to recruit me. When those guys first talked to me, I thought you'd sent them."
McCall shook his head. He'd never told Lee of course, but the last person McCall had personally recruited had been J.J., Lee's own cousin. After young Michaels' death, so shortly after he'd joined the ranks, McCall had vowed never to be involved in that distasteful process again.
"I'm sorry to disappoint you, Lee," he said lightly. "They did come to me, of course. I gave them my honest opinion of you. It seems they took you anyway."
Lee glanced up in surprise, then realized McCall was teasing him. His face relaxed into a grin. "Thanks," he answered dryly.
McCall smiled and placed a hand on the younger man's shoulder. "Don't pay any attention to me," he advised his friend. "I've had a rough morning. Congratulations. I know you'll do a fine job."
Lee swelled visibly. "Thanks, McCall. That means a lot to me."
McCall nodded. "And that means a lot to me." He glanced back at the house. "I suppose it would be the height of cowardice not to go back inside, eh?"
Lee laughed and shook his head. "I don't know... What's that about the better part of valor?"
"You're absolutely right, my friend," McCall agreed whole-heartedly. "What do you say we go for a ride instead?"
"Sounds great." Lee ducked under the fence and set about rounding up a couple of horses.
McCall watched him work. He'd outgrown the gawkiness of his youth. The rest of his body had caught up with his height. Handling the horses, he seemed strong and sure of himself. McCall nodded slightly, confident the boy would do well. He was so much like his father.
Rockville, June 1994
Lee paused in the middle of brushing Amanda's mare and shot his daughter a stern glance.
"I don't want to have to tell you again about walking underneath her, Jenny," he instructed firmly.
Five years old and oblivious to the danger she was courting, Jenny pouted and walked around the horse, giving its rear a wide berth. She came up beside Lee and plopped down on a small stool.
"Aw, Daddy," she complained. "Pepper wouldn't hurt me. She loves me."
Lee shook his head. "When you're underneath her, Pepper doesn't know it's you," he reasoned. "She can't see you down there. I just don't want you to get kicked. Okay?"
Jenny thought about it for a moment then she nodded reluctantly. "Okay," she promised with a sigh.
"That's my girl." He smiled at her and motioned for her to bring her stool closer. "Here, give me a hand grooming her."
Ecstatic, Jenny grabbed up a comb and quickly stepped up on the stool. Soon she was eagerly brushing the mare's sides.
"No... not all fast like that," Lee corrected with a smile. He took his daughter's hand in his and demonstrated the long, firm strokes. "See? She likes it better that way."
Jenny grinned as she tried to follow his example. "Am I doing it right now, Daddy?" she asked.
He nodded. "You're doing a fine job, Princess."
The little girl beamed with pride at her father's praise. Lee smiled and moved around to work on the horse's neck and head. They continued on for some time before they were interrupted.
"Lee? Can I talk to you?"
Lee glanced up to see Phillip standing at the entrance to the barn. His stepson looked a little anxious and Lee wondered what could be bothering the boy.
"Sure, come on in."
Phillip walked over and Lee had to correct himself. Phillip was definitely no longer a boy. Though not as tall as Lee, he hadn't missed it by much. He'd graduated from Georgetown this past Spring and was planning on continuing with his Masters. Always a confident kid, Phillip had grown into a self-assured adult.
Which made it even more unusual for him to be standing there fidgeting around with the grooming tools instead of just coming out and saying what was on his mind. Lee regarded him curiously then glanced over at Jenny, realizing what the problem was.
"Hey, Princess... why don't you go on in the house and see if Mommy needs you to help her with dinner?"
Jenny shook her head. "I'm helping you, Daddy."
"C'mon, Jenn," Phillip piped up. "I know Mom wants to see you."
Jenny shook her head again and stubbornly continued with her brushing.
Lee could tell by Phillip's exasperated look that this was important and he didn't want to sit around and argue with his little sister. To expedite matters, Lee resorted to the tried and true.
"Jenny, why don't you go on inside and then you can go riding with Daddy later." He supposed in its truest form it was bribery, and he knew Amanda hated to use that on the kids, but there were times when it definitely came in handy. Jenny brightened.
"Okay," she complied and jumped down off her stool. In a few moments she was skipping out of the barn and up the walk to the house.
"Your mother's gonna kill me for that," Lee chuckled ruefully.
"I guess I owe you one," Phillip told him with a grin.
Lee shrugged and returned to grooming the horse. "So... what's so urgent?"
Phillip picked up a currycomb and moved to the opposite side of the animal and began to brush. Lee waited, knowing when the time was right, Phillip would talk. They worked together for a few moments in silence, then Phillip finally spoke up.
"I got approached today."
Lee paused in mid-stroke, then made a valiant effort to recover and continued his work. "Oh yeah?" he asked. "Who was it?"
"CIA," came the quick response. "Couple of their recruiters. I guess they've had their eye on me for a while."
Lee felt his heart racing but he managed an outward calm. He eyed Phillip curiously. "You interested?" he asked casually.
Phillip gave him an incredulous look. "Are you kidding?" he burst out. "Ever since I first met you, that's what I wanted to do." His eyes narrowed. "At first I kinda thought you were behind it, but..."
Lee shook his head. "Not me," he confessed, then smiled proudly. "You got this on your own."
They both returned to their work for a time, then Lee spoke up again. "So... what are you going to do?"
Phillip shook his head. "I'm not sure. There's a lot to think about."
"Like Michelle?" Lee asked, then had to duck his head to hide his smile at Phillip's look of complete astonishment. Those two had thought they were being so secretive.
Recovering after a moment, Phillip nodded once. "Yeah. We've sort of been making some plans... school and that kind of stuff. You know, she's tops in her class at MIT."
Lee nodded. He was well aware of Michelle's accomplishments. It was, after all, almost the only thing Skip talked about these days.
"Anyway..." Phillip continued. "I guess I should talk to her too." He glanced up and met Lee's eyes. "I know you and Mom had it rough for a while. I wouldn't want to go through that."
"You know, you don't have to be a field agent," Lee told him. "There's lots of things you could do."
"I know," Phillip answered. "I was thinking about analysis. I talked about it with the contacts. I think that's what they had in mind too."
Lee smiled, a feeling of relief flooding through him. "I think your mother could adjust to that."
Phillip laughed. "I think I'll talk to Michelle first. Then we can all go talk to Mom."
"Chicken," Lee quipped, then grew more serious. "Honestly though, Phillip... the world's a lot different than when I started. I think you'll be just fine."
Phillip straightened up, his pride in Lee's words obvious. "You really think so, Lee?"
Lee nodded, then couldn't resist teasing. "So... when are you going to tell Joe you're not going to law school?"
"Oh, man!" Phillip groaned. "I don't even want to think about what Dad's going to say. I'm sure he'll blame you."
Lee laughed lightly. "Probably, but he's been mad at me before and I've survived. He'll get over it."
Phillip looked hopeful. "Then that'll be two I owe you."
Lee laughed again and shook his head. "You don't owe me anything, Son. Just do a good job." He stepped back from the horse. "I think we've about brushed this poor animal to death. What do you say we put her away and go get cleaned up for dinner?"
"That suits me," Phillip agreed.
It took only a few minutes for Lee to stable the horse. Then he and Phillip walked up to the house. Half way there, Lee reached out to tousle Phillip's hair, then settled his hand on his stepson's shoulder as they walked in the door.