So, I'm waiting on Cost of Living to re-air this week so I can work on Marshal (I refuse to watch it online—it could be my least favorite ep of the season, and I'm a history teacher. I loved Grounds for Deception, BTW). Anyway, I have a few things in the works, but I think this one is the one that will take the least mental power as there is room for plenty of cheese. :) I have, however, done a little research on Lindsay's possible position in Montana when she was there before.

The title will make more sense in later chapters.

Disclaimer: As always I do not own any of the characters, but since in reality the real writers left them on the floor of a bar all summer long (thanks for the ironic wording Laurzz), something must be done to give them some mental power and exercise for the next few months.

Chapter 1: Mac

"Mac," Lindsay stepped into his office. "You wanted to see me?"

Mac remained seated, leaned back in his chair, templed his fingers together. As he studied her, he raised an eyebrow.

"What?" she attempted a smile, worried at her boss's scrutiny.

He simply shook his head. "I knew when I hired you I was getting a good forensic scientist. You've proved that over the years. So I'm not sure why this surprises me."

The worry began to churn in her stomach. "Mac … did I do something?"

"Yeah," he chuckled as he leaned forward. "Apparently, you left Montana."

He picked up a stack of papers, shuffled through them, then passed them over. "U.S Attorney for Montana went straight through to the US Attorney here, who went straight to Chief Sinclair. Jumped a few hoops, pushed a number of buttons and people around. Said they need you to come back for a few days, help with a case."

Lindsay frowned over it as she flipped through the papers, noted her familiar handwriting and notes, even a pretty good sketch of the crime scene as it had been then. Mountain terrain that would have somewhat changed. She groaned. "Mac—this was close to eight years ago. One of my first cases. Send the newbie out into the wild to do what no one else wants to do—sound familiar?"

Mac smiled at her as he shrugged. "You must have done a good job for them to want you to come out there."

"Just to do what they don't want to do?"

"Or can't, Lindsay. They need your eyes. You've got a good pair of them on you. I don't disagree. I know this case. You did a great job—so I know why they want you there. I just don't like not having one of my field agents because someone else needs them when I do."

She studied her own notes that had been faxed through from Montana. "What do they want me to do?"

"Apparently—hike up into the Rocky Mountains and find a crime scene. The guy you helped put in prison has stepped forward and admitted to committing a few more murders. He's given them the location of the bodies in relationship to—"

"An eight year old crime scene." Lindsay studied him as her mind raced through this new information. "Mac—I've got a three months old baby. A husband. They know that. I can't just … take off."

"Lindsay—you can try telling it to Sinclair, but even I couldn't break through his decision. I need you here."

"And you're going to tell me you need Danny, too."

"I—"

"Come on Mac—you think Danny's going to want to stay away from Lucy? And I can't leave her while I bounce off to Montana for a few days."

"Lindsay, right now this lab—"

"Would be fine, for a few days. Please Mac. If I'm going to have to go back to Montana, I need to take Danny with me. My parents are going to think he's avoiding them. Make a deal with the US Attorney that needs me so much."

"Don't use those brown eyes on me."

"Why?" Lindsay blinked innocently. "Does it work?"

When he smiled and shook his head, Lindsay laughed. "Does that mean we get to go as a family?"

"Go—tell him. Before I change my mind."

So, I know. This story line has been done before. Mac having to send Lindsay out to Montana. But it's not the plot that has me writing this. It's the story behind or in front that's there in Montana about Lindsay and Danny that's waiting … and what she has to do when she gets there or what she did when she was there … hard to project here. Or and what Danny has to do when he gets there. It's a D/L/L story, after all. All in good fun. Not currently planning to maim or kidnap, shoot or decapitate anyone. Might give someone some blisters. But all of that could change. Except the blisters. I think I'll keep those in. :p