Sins of the
Mind
Chapter One
Fear.
The sound of my heartbeat drowns out any
other noise around me. I am lost; I don’t know where I am. I don’t know where to
go, or even how to stop this horror. The only thing that I do know is that I
probably won’t make it out alive.
I run and trip over something, and fall
helplessly to the ground. I felt the bone in my ankle snap, and I know that it
seals my fate. I have been hunted down like an animal, and will die like one
too. My heart is beating nearly out of my chest, and I struggle to keep my
breathing from coming in gasps, praying that whoever is hunting me did not see
me fall, and perhaps if I am still enough, quiet enough, I will be
alright.
I hear the distant sound of footsteps grow
stronger, as boots crunch the twigs and gravel on the ground, eating the
distance away. I am up against a log, with my back to whoever this is that is
coming closer with each step. Finally close by, the steps cease for a moment. My
heart is pounding even faster still, and my eyes are closed in a quiet plea to
for God to spare me.
Something inside commands me to open my
eyes. I do so slowly, and I raise my eyes to look above me. There standing above
is evil incarnate. My vision slowly begins to fade to black, pressing the only
thing that I feel back to the surface yet again.
Fear…Horror…
Death.
1600 Zulu
Armed Forces Retirement
Home
A tall naval officer walked confidently up to reception to
announce his intentions to the middle-aged woman sitting behind a small wooden
desk.
“May I help you, sir?”
“Yes, ma’am. My name is Commander Harmon Rabb. I am with the
Navy’s Judge Advocate General’s office. I am here to see a retired Lt.
Anton.”
The woman gave a knowing smile as she replied, “Yes, sir. Lt. Anton is the North East section, Third floor, room 312. He told me that someone from JAG would be in today; he’s expecting you.”
Following her directions, Harm made his way into the elevator, up to the third floor and followed the small signs leading the general direction by groups of rooms. In moments, he knocked on a plain white door, awaiting an answer.
He was startled momentarily when a voice came from behind the door.
“Slide your Identification under the door.”
“Lieutenant, I am…” Harm began.
“Slide your identification under the door. I want to verify who you are.” The voice demanded.
Shaking his head at this situation, Harm leaned down and slid his military ID under the door, and stood back up straight.
A moment passed before the door slowly opened and he was offered entrance. He stood face to face with a tall, silver-haired man who leaned heavily on a walking cane.
“Commander, please come in. I apologize for the mistrust, but you never know who would try to get in here and cause trouble anymore, especially with what I want to tell you.” The man said as Harm slowly entered his quarters.
Well, Lieutenant, I am curious as to what you would like to talk to me about too. From what I am told, you were not forthcoming with much information, except that you wanted to report a murder to be investigated that occurred on Navy property.
Anton nodded. “Yes sir, that is correct. I did not want to give too much information over the phone. As I said, you never know who is listening and could cause trouble.”
“Did you notify the authorities, such as NCIS or even the police?” Harm asked as he reached into his coat and pulled out a small note pad.
“No sir.” He said, but was interrupted before he could give an explanation.
“It is necessary for all criminal acts or suspicious activity to be reported, Lt. Why didn’t you notify them?” Harm asked, his voice sounding slightly irritated.
Anton sat up straight and looked Harm in the eye. “Sir, if you will let me explain, I think that what I have to tell you will answer any questions that you have of me.”
Anton braced himself with his cane and pulled himself to a standing position; he slowly walked over to a hall closet and pulled out a large scrapbook and a small box. Motioning for Harm to join him, Anton took his effects and placed them on the dining room table.
“I was with the 7th Marine
Regiment in
I met up with an old
acquaintance, Barbara Reston, at
One night, we were supposed to meet for dinner when she got off duty. I waited at her barracks, but she never showed. I asked some of her barrack mates about her whereabouts, and no one could tell me anything. They were all surprised, because they said that she was always excited to go out with me, and none of them felt like she was trying to dump me.
I had a funny feeling that something was not right all night. Finally the next morning, I was sick with worry, and notified the MP’s of my concern. I didn’t want her to get into trouble, but I was more worried for her safety.”
Harm was mesmerized by the story, and leaned forward in the chair in anticipation. The older man was becoming visibly shaken, and he gave him ample time to regroup.
Anton closed his eyes and willed the tears not to fall. Collecting himself he took a breath and then continued.
“They searched the base and the surrounding areas for two days. Finally, they found her. She had been killed. They would not tell me how she died right away, but later they told me that she had been raped and strangled. Somewhere in the struggle, she had apparently broken her ankle as well. She was in such bad condition, they would not let us view the body to be able to say goodbye.
I loved her. I loved her from
the moment that I met her, but I never told her how I felt. I was ready that
night. I had planned out the entire night: I was going to take her to dinner and
dancing in D.C. and then walk down along the
When they found her body, I just shut down. I wanted to die right along with her. I stopped my rehab and did not fight the order for medical retirement.”
Harm was hooked. He knew that he would be as soon as he began relating facts so mirror-perfect to the ill-fated romance he shared with Diane Schonke. He could take the silence no more. “Did they ever find out who did it?”
A flash of pain flooded the older man’s face before he answered.
“No.”
Harm was a bit surprised at the curt answer. “Did they ever have any suspects?”
“Besides me? None that they shared with me. They cleared me, but felt that just in case they were mistaken, I did not need to know any details. They kept the case open for a couple of months, but since no clues were coming in, it was pushed to the back burner, and then eventually closed as unsolved.” Anton answered.
Something called from within Harm. He had to see this through and try to find the killer. He had no rational explanation, but he felt that he just had to do this.
“Mr. Anton, I will do what I can to get to the bottom of this. I cannot guarantee a formal JAGMAN investigation, until I present this to Admiral Chegwidden. However, even if it is not picked up in an official capacity, I will help as best as I can.” Harm said, then rose and waited to be escorted back to the door.
“That is the best that I can expect. Thank you, Commander.” Anton said, and then turned to walk to his front door.
* * * * * * * *
1820 Zulu
JAG Headquarters
“Enter!”
The voice on the other side of the heavy wooden door granted permission. Harm opened the door, and noted his superior officer sitting in his leather chair, talking to someone else in the room. Walking further into room and coming to attention, he noted that the other person in the room was Lt. Colonel Sarah “Mac” Mackenzie. Seeing Mac flooded him with hurt, anger and disappointment every time. His thoughts were quickly interrupted by the next command of Admiral A.J. Chegwidden.
“At ease, Commander, have a seat. Colonel Mackenzie was just bringing me up to speed on the progress you have been making on Commander Imes’ cases. It seems that you have been clearing up cases more quickly than anyone else. Since you seem to have found your groove at this, at tomorrow’s status meeting, I would like you to discuss your plan of attack with your colleagues. Perhaps some of your techniques will motivate them to pick up the pace as well.”
Normally, he would have leaned over and made some comment to
Mac, but he couldn’t. He chose to remain detached and ignore her presence
somewhat. Since the horrific time in
“I’d be happy to sir.” Harm answered. He paused and then continued, “Sir, if you have a few moments, I have something that I would like to discuss with you.”
“Fine, Commander. Is this something that the Colonel can sit in for?” The Admiral asked, clearly detecting the tension between his two officers.
“If you don’t mind sir, I would like to have a private conversation with you.” Harm said, fighting the desire to look over at her and see if there was any type of expression on her face.
Chegwidden took another quick glance between the two officers, who were attempting to maintain a look of quiet disinterest, and failing miserably. He sighed and looked down at his desk blotter as he spoke. “Very well. Colonel, if you will excuse us?”
Mac stood and came to attention. “Yes sir.” She efficiently turned and exited the office, closing the door quietly behind her.
“Before you begin with whatever it is that you are going to tell me, I want to know just how long the two of you are going to continue this grudge match? This is bordering on the edge of interfering with the good order and discipline of this office, and I want that to stop immediately!” AJ commanded.
Harm pulled his eyes front and center, calling on his military discipline to help him. “Yes sir. Permission to speak freely sir?”
“Permission granted.”
Harm looked down at his hand for a second before he
continued. “Admiral, I am trying, honestly I am. In
AJ Chegwidden leaned forward in his chair as he observed the broken spirit emerge from the man in front of him. He paused to remark, searching inside himself for some words of wisdom, but finding none. “Have you talked to her since you have returned to duty?”
Harm gave a rueful laugh. “Sir, I have tried, but every time I open my mouth, I am called Commander and ordered to keep it to JAG business. We have talked outside of work once, but that was interrupted by someone, and to be honest, it wasn’t a very productive conversation on either of our parts up to that point.”
“What do you plan to do about it? It cannot continue like this.” AJ stated.
“Well sir, back during the JAG-A-THON, you told me not to push any of her buttons. That is the approach that I have adapted. I have given up on the fact that our friendship is salvageable, but I hope that in time, perhaps our working relationship will be palatable for all involved.”
AJ knew what he had to say, but did not like the fact that he had to. “If it doesn’t show any signs of improvement soon, I will be forced to separate one or both of you from HQ. I hope that it will not come to that. You two are the best damn pair of lawyers in JAG. I would hate to have something come up that would not only separate you, but put permanent damage to your careers as well.”
“So do I, Admiral. So do I.”
AJ tried to salvage the man’s morale and decided to push on. “So Commander, what was it that you originally wanted to talk to me about?”
Harm did a mental head shake to clear his thoughts and
answered. “Sir, I was contacted by a retired Lt. James Anton, who wanted to ask
for help in investigating a murder that happened at
AJ was flummoxed. “You’re joking.”
“I wish I was Admiral. Lt. Anton was back from
AJ’s eyes widened at the mention of the woman’s name.
“Barbara Reston, the daughter of Senator Andrew Reston, from
Harm was surprised. “I don’t know sir. Although I would suspect that the death of a Senator’s daughter would have never been closed so quickly.”
“No, he wasn’t a Senator then. He ran in the 60’s, but one of
his campaign points was crimes against women on military bases.” AJ answered. He
told of how his daughter died brutally while at
Harm could see a flash of determination in the Admiral’s eyes. He decided to press for an answer. “Sir, about the investigation?”
“Do it.” AJ stated plainly. “Investigate it quickly but thoroughly. Let me know what you find. Since you have done more than your share of the Imes cases, this will be your only case for as long as I can allow.”
“Thank you sir.” Harm said as he stood and was dismissed.
Harm stopped at the desk formerly manned by Petty Officer Jason Tiner. The young man had finished law school and was now on his way to becoming an officer. The desk was now assigned to Petty Officer Jennifer Coates. Coates had come a long way in less than two years. The first time he met her, she had been arrested and he was stuck with finding someone to watch her over Christmas until her trial began. Now here she was, working for Admiral Chegwidden at JAG, and had served as Bud’s legal man on the Sea Hawk until he lost his leg. She even had a part in that as well. She saved Bud’s life that day, forever securing a place in this small, unorthodox family.
“Petty Officer Coates?” Harm stated.
“Yes Commander. Is there something you need?” Coates asked as she stood at his entrance.
“At ease. Yes, as a matter of fact, there is. I would like
you to find out some information for me regarding Senator Andrew Reston, from
Coates was writing notes quickly and looked up at that. “Do you think that Agent Gibbs will cooperate willingly?”
Harm answered from over his shoulder as he left the office, “If he doesn’t tell him that after the trouble they caused me, I think I deserve their cooperation.”
Chapter Two
The pounding of my own heart is all that I
can hear. I am so tired; I should be feeling pain after what I have had happen
to me, but for now, I am numb.
I am lost and I know that it is just a
matter of time before this is all over-one way or another. My foot catches on
something and I fall promptly, hearing more than feeling the bone on my ankle
snap. It is over.
I can hear the steady pounding of footsteps
across the wooded land. I close my eyes tightly as I hear them stronger.
Suddenly, they stop.
Standing above me is a man. I am not
accustomed to seeing such hate coming from anyone. I feel the tightness of his
fingers about my neck as my breathing becomes more difficult, and then
impossible. I open my eyes again, but the grey and black begin to fill my vision
from the outside in, and all I can see are those eyes.
1530 Zulu
JAG Headquarters
Sarah Mackenzie was tired. Slowly she made her way into her office and sat down, nursing the fourth cup of coffee already this morning, in an attempt to put some energy into her body. It wasn’t working. She had not had a decent night’s sleep in three days. Each night she awoke very early from what seemed to be such a vivid nightmare that she was too shaken to try and go back to sleep. As she had done the other two days, she dressed and came to work long before the sun rose. She continued to think about it; each time she had the dream she woke clutching her throat, as if she were fighting for air. She had not felt this shaken since her visions about Commander Aiken. This was different somehow. She did not feel like this was imminent, and she never saw her own body, like she did in that case. She mentally shrugged it off and tried to push past it; however, ever so often she found her self analyzing the dream again.
Usually when she would have a dream, she would remember only bits of it. However, this time it seemed that she could remember the entire thing. It wasn’t like a movie, in that it all did not flow smoothly together. This dream came in scenes, in feelings, in things that she sensed rather than what all she saw. And those eyes!
The one thing that she always came to when she thought about the dream was those eyes. They were seemed lifeless, void of all feeling. She could sense nothing but evil. She shivered involuntarily, and this was the first thing that Bud Roberts noticed when he stood in her door. He knocked, but she did not seem to notice. He could sense that she was someplace away from here in her thoughts.
“Ma’am?” Bud said as he tried again to get her attention.
“Lieutenant, come in. What can I do for you?” Mac asked.
Bud slowly limped into the office. More than a year ago, he
had lost his leg in a land mine incident in
“Something wrong, Bud?” Mac asked, her face full of genuine concern.
Bud sat down and gave her a small smile before answering. “Yes and no ma’am. It is this prosthesis; it is giving me some trouble. It is new; I have started jogging with my therapist, and I got a different type of prosthesis. The foot moves about in all directions to give me better range of motion, and quite frankly ma’am, I am afraid that I am going to turn the wrong way and get dumped on my six.”
That elicited a small smile from Mac. “You’ll just have to watch your steps carefully until you get your footing.”
“Yes ma’am. The reason that I came in is that I heard back from Admiral Morris on our plea agreement. He has no problems with it and all the paperwork should be signed and processed by close of business today.” Bud stated. He paused and girded up his courage inwardly before continuing. “There is something else ma’am. Permission to speak freely?”
“Granted. What is it Bud?” Mac asked, her face showing concern.
“Well ma’am. I noticed that when I came up you seemed lost in thought. I knocked, but I don’t think that you heard me. Is everything alright Colonel?” Bud asked, his face now showing the concern.
Mac was surprised. She had tried to hide the feelings that she had been having, but apparently she was not hiding them well enough.
“Bud, I am ok, I guess. It has been hard coming back after
“In what way, Colonel?” Bud asked, his curiosity piqued.
Mac sighed and unleashed her thoughts. “So much has changed; the atmosphere around here is so tense most of the time that you can cut it with a knife.” She took a deep breath and continued, “The Admiral has been angry more, Tiner is gone, and Sturgis is still frosty to you.”
Bud, ever the proper officer, would not speak badly of a superior officer directly. “Things have been strained between the Commander and me. I was wrong and am dealing with it, ma’am.”
Mac, sensing that he was a bit uncomfortable talking to her about his problems with Commander Turner, moved to her next point.
“Then Sturgis and I are nearly coming to blows on a daily basis, and I won’t even get into Harm. If I believed in them, I would say that aliens have abducted him and sucked out all his goodness. He is abrasive and hurtful. I don’t know what I am doing right now Bud and I don’t like feeling this way. To borrow from you, I am afraid that I am going to turn the wrong way and get dumped on my six!”
“Well then ma’am, to borrow from you, you’ll just have to watch your steps carefully until you get your footing.” That gained a small smile from Mac as her comments were turned back on her.
Bud continued. “Lt. Singer’s murder and Commander Rabb’s arrest turned this office upside down. Then as soon as things start to smooth out, you were gone ma’am. The Commander was anxious and the entire office picked up on that. Once you two returned, and the Commander’s resignation was not overturned, and then Tiner was gone—it was just a bit too much to take in. I think we are all a little raw. It is going to take some time to settle down.”
Mac was amazed at this quiet man’s inner strength and at his observations. “I’m sorry for dumping this on you, Bud. It is probably inappropriate for me to do so, but I thank you for listening.”
Bud gave a small smile and rose slowly. “Any time ma’am. Remember, it will get better, it will just take some time.” He walked out of the office and back into the bullpen.
Mac watched the Lieutenant slowly stride away. “You are right Bud. I hope”
She hated this detached feeling that the entire office seemed to be immersed in now. No one seemed to be getting along as well as they normally did. She thought about the common denominator, and it only made her heart ache more: Harm. Harm’s absence was felt more deeply than anyone around here cared to admit, herself included. Now that he was back, he seemed different, a bit more detached than usual. He never came in late any more, which was an improvement, but he was almost always the first out the door too. It was as if he were hurrying to do his time and get out.
She missed him. She had not brought herself to admit it out loud, but she missed her best friend. If they were back to normal, she could talk to him about this dream and they could seek out a possible reason together. Now as it is, he would not even look her in the eye. She hurt; not a physical pain, but an emotional and spiritual ache for the loss of her friend, of her partner, and of the only man she truly ever loved.
* * * * * * * *
“Coates. Welcome to the seventh level of Hell. Come in and have a seat.” Harm joked as Coates made her way into his office with a box in her arms.
“Sir, not to complain, but what is that smell? It is like something died in here.” Jennifer commented as she scrunched up her nose at the offending odor.
To say that Harm’s office left much to be desired was being kind. Much to his torture, there was a dead animal of some kind in the walls, and the place stunk to high heaven.
Harm smiled. “That would be correct, Petty Officer. They just don’t know exactly where. Good thing you waited a bit after having your lunch to come down, especially if you have a weak stomach.”
This was Bud’s office a long time ago, and time had not lessened the pain of sitting here. There were no windows, but instead, bare pipes hung overhead, filling the room with the sound with rushing water on a regular basis. That particular fact brought back memories of being on a carrier. That experience was the only thing that kept him from yelling out in frustration.
Coates sat down after arranging the chair next to her to hold the box. “Sir, I have that information that you wanted.”
Harm was pleased. “OK, let’s see what you have.”
Coates began pulling out a few of the papers that she had
acquired as she continued. “Barbara Reston was the daughter of Senator Andrew
Reston of
“Excellent work, Coates. I never imagined that you would find so much information. Leave it there and I’ll take a look at it.” Harm said as she stood.
“Sir, I could read through it and make notes of the facts for you, if you would like.” Jen offered.
“Thank you Coates, but I think that I want to go over this myself. I need to be up to speed on the facts of the case.” Harm said before dismissing her.
Looking down at his watch, he was surprised to see the time was 1700. He needed to get home and call Mattie Grace, his hopefully soon-to-be ward. He called each evening, just to make sure she was alright. He would eat and go over the files when he hung up with Mattie. Rising and putting his coat back on, he took his hat and briefcase in one hand and slid the box up and held it in the other and made his way out to go home.
2340 Zulu
Harm’s Apartment
North of Union Station
Harm spoke to Mattie and then re-heated some leftovers from the night before and settled down on the sofa with a bottle of water. The box between his feet, he reached into it and pulled out the news clippings and gave them a cursory read. They mostly said the same thing: Barbara Reston was killed and no one had any clues as to who could have done it. Finishing up his meal, Harm pulled out the case file and began to read the first page.
Harm summarized in his head as he read. Barbara Reston was
reported missing on
He opened the manila folder marked crime scene photos and began to look at the scene. Ms. Reston was partially clothed, and was lying on her back, tucked up next to a fallen tree. The bruising on her neck made it obvious that she had been strangled. Her eyes were open and she was looking directly into the camera. The look of horror and pain frozen on her face made Harm’s skin crawl. Her shoes were missing, and from the look on the abrasions to her feet and ankles, she had been literally running for her life barefoot. He noted the grotesque angle that her left leg was in, and the stark white bone that protruded from just above her ankle.
He noted the sign for Pritchett’s Trail in one of the photos, and made a mental note to take a look at the area, not so much for clues, but just to get a feel for the area. He thumbed through the list of contacts that the victim knew, coworkers, family, and the like that had been considered suspects. He noted them and then he also found the sticky note that Jen had put on the list, stating that she had made a copy of the names from this form and was attempting to look up contact information. He made a mental note to thank her for the efficient move. He would follow up with her in the morning and attempt to contact any of the people that she was able to find.
Glancing at the clock, he was surprised to see how pulled into this case he had become, and it was only the first couple of days. It was already 2300. He got up, put everything carefully into the box, along with his notes, and turned in for the night. His mind was racing, and so many thoughts were going in his head. Perhaps a case like this would be just the thing to take his mind off of Mac for a while.
Then again, maybe not.
Chapter Three
I am so tired. I have been running for what
seems like hours. The rough ground is cutting into my feet and it is becoming
harder and harder to run. I am in the woods and have no real idea how I got
here. I am lost and scared and running for my life.
My foot catches and I fall, feeling the bone
on my ankle as it breaks under the odd angle and the pressure to which it has
been subjected.
God please don’t let me
die!
There he is, please God don’t let him see
me!
He finds me and as I look up into his face,
I can only focus on his eyes. They are a familiar hazel, but so full of rage,
they look like a bottomless pit that threatens to suck me in, never to be heard
from again.
The pressure on my neck is unbearable. I
feel the blood rushing into my face and the pressure on my eyes is painful. I am
starting to black out, seeing the world slipping into a fuzzy grey/black abyss.
I can see nothing but those cold, murderous eyes. What have I done to merit so
much hate?
I am defenseless and
scared.
I am going to die here.
Mac bolted up in bed with her hands at her throat, clawing for air. She had been fighting an imaginary foe that sought to kill her. Trying desperately to slow the thunderous pounding in her chest, she turned on the light at her bedside and took several deep breaths, trying to focus and gain control.
‘Never has it been this bad before!’ Her thoughts interjected. Glancing over at the clock, she noticed that it is only 0230. She had been averaging about two or three hours sleep over the last four nights, and it was due to this dream. Knowing that there is no way that she will get back to sleep tonight; Mac slowly rose from bed pulling the sweaty sheets off and tossed them into the laundry area. Stopping to make coffee and then shower, she then began to prepare for another long day at work.
*
* * *
* * *
*
0900 Zulu
JAG Headquarters
Mac quietly made her way towards her office, noting that the bullpen lights were already on. Not really caring to investigate the source, she put her things down and turned on her computer. While the PC was starting up, she made her way into the coffee area and began to make a strong batch of Marine coffee. She gave a small chuckle at the fact that she was probably going to have a permanent fast pulse rate from all the caffeine that she had been drinking over the last few days.
Hearing a noise from the bullpen, Mac decided to investigate the cause. As she turned from out of the break room, she could see the retreating form of Harmon Rabb leaving the copier. She was a bit surprised to find anyone here so early, much less Harm.
Mac slowly made her way into the bullpen, smelling the masculine scent of his cologne in the air. She missed him. She missed the closeness that they shared. In short, she missed her friend. Deciding that she would be the first to offer an olive branch, she made her way towards his office.
She found him studying a large stack of papers and photos, writing notes frantically on what looked to be computer printouts. It had been a long time since she had seen him so involved in anything JAG related. She turned to go and leave him to his studies, but was startled when his voice broke the silence.
“You know, I may have to come in this early every morning. The dead rat smell isn’t so strong before the sun comes up.” Harm said calmly, never looking up.
Mac was amazed that he did not attack her on the first move, but decided to play along.
“Well, you could get one of those heavy duty, industrial sized pine tree fresheners that you can buy at a wholesale club. I think one the size of a real Christmas tree ought to do the trick.”
That earned her a smile as he looked up at her. That was the first smile she had seen from him in months. She could not help it, but a single tear slipped from out of the corner of her eye, and fell down her cheek. She glanced down and surreptitiously wiped it from her face.
Harm could not say anything at first. He was taking in the sight of his once best friend. She looked sad and bone-weary. She had not been sleeping, it was obvious. He needed to say something.
“You know, the guard looked a bit surprised to see me. He jokingly asked if you and I were having a contest. It seems that you have been in at this insane hour every day this week. What gives, Mac?” Harm asked, concern showing on his face.
“Nothing Harm. I am OK. I just wanted to get an early start.” Mac answered, trying to keep him from seeing that she was lying.
Harm watched her lip do that thing that it did when she lied. “Um huh. Well, I know when I have been leaving this week and you are still here working strong when I go, so you have been putting in what, 14, 16 hour days?”
“I just wanted to get ahead on my caseload.” Mac tried to reason.
“I know that the Randally case is the only active case that you are working right now, Sturgis told me that you were going to settle, and come to think of it – I believe that he told me you received the settlement papers earlier in the week. And before you try to pull the Imes cases, there is very little you can do to them at this hour of the morning. So, tell me the truth. What is up?”
Mac was determined that she would not lose control and cry in front of him. She turned the tables. “Nothing, really. What about you, why are you here at such an early hour?”
Harm gave a smirk and shook his head, knowing that the topic had been dismissed. He continued, “I am investigating a murder. It happened in 1953. Senator Reston’s daughter was killed on a base and it has never been solved. There has been some contact from interested parties, asking that the investigation be re-opened. So that is what I am doing.”
Mac walked around closer to him and noted a hand drawn diagram of the crime scene. It was nothing at all specific to any crime, but something happened inside her. Panic. Intense fear filled her very being. Her heart began to pound and she could not escape. She was going to die. She could feel the hands around her throat, beginning to choke her.
“Hey, what is wrong?” Harm noticed her breathing change and a small line of perspiration form on her forehead.
Mac had to get out of here, away from that drawing. “Nothing. I have to go.”
She turned and practically ran back to her office. Sitting quickly in her chair, she tried to control her breathing and collect herself. She could see nothing but those terrifying eyes and she had to get them out of her head to calm down. She pulled over the picture of Harm and herself holding baby AJ at his christening. She focused on the picture, pulling the memories of that day into her mind. She began to feel better.
“You mind telling me what just happened to you?” The voice startled her and she looked up to find Harm in her doorway, watching her with a worried expression.
“Nothing.” Mac answered sharply.
“Mac. Sarah, please tell me what is wrong? You were terrified.” Harm tried to reason.
“I told you nothing is wrong. Now go, damn it. I just want to be alone!” Mac snapped, venom dripping from each word.
Against better judgment, Harm hesitated to leave and saw the tears come unbidden from the Marine. “Hey, talk to me please.” He asked her, his heart hurting for her.
“Please Harm, I am begging you. Please just go. I’ll be alright.” Mac pled.
“You are exhausted. Why don’t you go home and get some rest.” Harm offered.
Mac, her emotions raw, flipped and snapped once again. “I am fine! Don’t concern yourself Commander!”
Harm felt as if he had been slapped. He gave a self-deprecating smirk and shook his head as he answered. “You know, you’re right. I don’t know why I bother.”
With that, he turned and walked out into the bullpen.
Instantly Mac felt the guilt creep in for treating him this way. She felt sorry for it, but she could just not deal with him now, the friction was bound to creep in and it was too painful to re-live each day.
Harm made it half way across the bullpen before he spun on his heels and made his way back to her office. Storming in, he did not give her an opportunity to object.
“I’ll tell you why I bother, Sarah Mackenzie. Contrary to what it seems lately, I care about you and despite the fact that we are in a very rough spot right now, that hasn’t changed. It never will change! Now damn it, talk to me Marine!”
Mac was floored. She never expected this from Harm. He put his emotions out and despite the risk of physical and emotional conflict, he came in anyway. She was moved beyond all words. She still had a lot to think about regarding him, and this proved it. She loved him, she always had, but it had become too easy to bury it. Now with her fatigue, she found herself unable to focus well enough on that right now. She could not fight him. It was a beginning.
She broke down and began to cry. Harm slid down the wall to sit on the floor, pulling her with him and turning her so that she would slide onto his lap. He held her as he asked her
“How long has it been since you had a good night’s sleep?”
Mac wiped the tears with her palm. “At least a week.”
Harm reached into his pants pocket and pulled out his cell phone. He hit a number stored in speed dial and waited for the message. “Admiral, this is Commander Rabb. Mac came in early and I arrived and found her ill. I am going to take her home in her car and make sure that she is alright. I’ll call you later to let you know how she is doing and if I will be in today. Thank you sir.”
Pressing end, he looked at Mac. She wiped the tears away once again and tried to reason. “Harm, I’ll be alright, I just need some rest, like you said. I can drive myself, you were getting into that case and I don’t want to break your stride in the investigation.”
Harm silenced her with a look. “Mac, first of all, I am taking you home. As tired as you look, you could go off the road and I could not live with the fact that I let you go alone. Secondly, that case is over 50 years old; it can wait another day or so. This is most important. You are most important.”
“Thank you Harm. For everything.” She meant for what he did
here and what he did in
He knew what she meant, but neither of them was prepared for that conversation without rest first. He segued into another pertinent topic. “You had an old fashioned panic attack in there Mac. What is up? And what has happened to keep you from sleeping?”
Mac felt the tightening around her throat as he asked about her dream. She could not go into it here, and he could sense it. He tried to change the subject with something that would be sure to get this out of her mind.
“You aren’t going to tell me that Webb has been keeping her up to all hours doing God knows what? No, don’t tell me, my heart can’t take it!”
Mac let out a growl and gave him a firm slap on the arm, thinking he was reverting into his caustic ways, then realized he was attempting to break her current thought pattern until she could rest. She slapped him once more, this time not as hard. “Jerk.”
They smiled at each other for a moment and shared the closeness, savoring it and holding it dear.
*
* * *
* * *
*
1055 Zulu
Mac’s Apartment
“Here, drink this.” Harm said as he slid a glass of warm milk to Mac.
“Thanks Harm.” Mac said, taking the glass of milk and began sipping it.
They sat in companionable silence as she drank the milk. Mac had never admitted it, but was glad that Harm had insisted on taking her home. His presence made her feel better, safer.
“Did you eat breakfast before you came in?” He asked as he took the now-empty glass to the kitchen and then took off his coat and laid it over his briefcase on a chair.
Mac sighed, knowing what his response to her answer would be. “No, I haven’t had much of an appetite this week.”
“Mac, how can you possibly feel good if you don’t take care of yourself? You have to eat.” Harm cautioned, just as Mac knew he would do.
In any other situation, she would feel scolded, but since the gap in their friendship had widened, she craved this conversation.
“And where is Webb? I am surprised that he lets you go about not taking care of yourself! I am going to tell him what I think about it! Why if he thinks that…” Harm paused, seeing the expression of shock and pain on Mac’s face, realized what he was doing.
“Mac,” he began. “I am sorry. It is none of my business about Webb and I have no right to do or say anything of the sort to him. I just want you to be happy.”
Mac was surprised at his turnaround. Normally he would just push and push with the sarcasm until she ran away. He deserved to know what was going on, but she just could not do it now; she did not have the strength. “Harm, we need to have a talk about...things.”
“Later. Get some rest now. Neither of us does well with the other on little to no sleep.” Harm answered as he slid onto the sofa with her and had begun to massage her feet. She gave him a big smile and was enjoying the massage immensely.
“There’s something I haven’t seen in a long time.” Harm observed.
Mac was curious as to what he was referring. “What?”
“Your smile. It is nice to see it.” Said Harm.
“It is nice to be able to give it.” Mac added as she gave a yawn.
Harm saw the move and said, “That warm milk must be doing the trick.”
Mac did not want to go to sleep, for she knew what awaited her if she did. She grabbed on to his arm and said, “Please, I don’t want to go to sleep. I have been having dreams. Nightmares actually. I wake up and I can’t breathe. I am afraid. Don’t leave me, please.”
“I won’t leave you, Sarah. Now or ever.” Harm said as he pulled her up and walked with her, helping her onto the bed. He slipped off her shoes and picked up her legs, tucking them under the blankets. She fought sleep to watch what he did. Harm pulled off his own shoes and sat on the bed behind her. She felt movement behind her and then noticed the warmth of him as he slid the length of his body against her, providing comfort merely by being there.
Chapter Four
The wooded land is cutting my feet as I run
through. The bark from the trees tears at my hands. I am so alone and scared.
Scared of the soulless man that seeks to kill me. He has taken my body, now he
wants my life.
I can hear him coming for me, the boots
crunching on the ground, twigs breaking as he steps. He can move so much faster
than I, unless I can trick him, it won’t be long till he catches me. I see a
sign up ahead. I am lost and don’t know where it leads, but I see that
Pritchett’s trail is two-tenths ahead.
My foot catches on the ground and I fall,
feeling my ankle snap, and I know I am falling. The only thing in my mind is
that I hope that I don’t scream out in pain.
He heard me fall and I hear him turn and
come towards me. Oh God, those eyes. So familiar, hazel and full of
venom.
I am going to die.
The sound of Mac’s scream pierced through the night, causing Harm to bolt upright in bed. Mac was clawing at her neck, shouting “No, No. Stop, please! God help me, I don’t want to die!”
Harm grabbed Mac by the arms and gave her a gentle shake. He called to wake her “Mac! It’s Harm. It is just a dream.”
Mac could hear his call and she was able to wake and face him, the tears running freely down her face. Seeing him clearly, she grabbed on to him and hugged him fiercely, seeking comfort and protection. “Oh, Harm.” She weakly cried.
Harm stayed with her like this, holding her and stroking her back until she settled. Once the tears had ceased, he settled her against the headboard and sat next to her, taking her hand in his.
“Alright now Mac, I want the whole story. You had slept for a couple of hours and then that happened. That was not just some nightmare, you were terrified and it seemed so real to you; you were clawing at your neck, screaming, as it something was holding you there.” Harm continued to watch her as he waited for her to answer him.
Mac took a deep breath and steeled her nerves and her courage and began.
“I keep having the same dream. Each night, it seems as if I am in a real place. I am in first person; it is happening to me. I am running from someone. I don’t know for sure, but I believe that he has already hurt me and is looking to kill me. Each night it gets a bit more detailed, but on the same theme. I am running, I see a trail up ahead and decide to head for it. I trip over something and hear my ankle snap and I know that I am done for. I try to hide, but he finds me. I can’t see his face, only these horrible, evil hazel eyes that want nothing but to see me dead. Then I feel him begin to strangle me. I spend the rest of the dream fighting the lack of oxygen, trying to see who it is that is killing me. Still, all I see are the eyes, and then I wake up – gasping for air and my heart pounding.”
Harm held her and calmed her as she had become somewhat upset in the description that she gave. He thought about what she had said, and asked, “Do you know where you were?”
Mac shrugged her shoulders, and then answered. “Usually I feel completely lost, but tonight I saw a sign for that trail I mentioned. Pritchett’s trail. It was only two-tenths of a mile ahead, and I was going to head for it.”
Harm’s eyes widened in shock. “Mac, when you were in my office, how much of the paperwork and photos did you see before you left?”
“I only saw a diagram of the base that you showed me. Nothing else.” She answered.
“Are you sure?” He asked, his stare beginning to worry her.
Mac was getting nervous. “Yes I am sure. Why?”
“Wait here.” At that, Harm rose and went to the living room. Pulling out the folder of photos, he shuffled through them and pulled out the one he wanted her to see.
“Is this the sign you saw, Mac?” Harm asked as he held out the photograph.
Mac felt an eerie chill on her skin. “Yes, that is it exactly. Why?”
“That sign is right smack in the middle of the crime scene for this 50 year old Murder.”
Mac paled visibly. “What? Harm, how can that be?”
Harm rested his hand on her shoulder and said, “I don’t know Mac. Maybe you are having visions and dreams like with Commander Aiken.”
Mac shook her head. “No, I knew Commander Aiken. I have never met these people.”
“No, but you know me. Perhaps you reached out to me and that is how it is connected.” Harm offered.
Mac was surprised. She was shocked at the connection. Perhaps Harm was right; maybe she wanted to connect with him and fix this mess that had happened, and this is what she latched on to.
“Did you see any other details?” Harm asked curiously.
Mac thought before she answered. “No, I don’t think I missed anything.”
Harm nodded. “OK, but if you see any more details, let me know. I do know one thing for certain; I am going to contact the Admiral and ask to have you assigned to this investigation as well.”
Noting that it was just after 0800, Harm reached over and called the Admiral. Explaining the entire situation to him, Harm asked for Mac to be assigned to the case as well.
“Sounds like she is on the case whether she wants to be or not.” AJ commented.
“Yes sir. And it is so terrible to watch. She is in abject horror. She said that it is actually happening to her. She gets a bit more information as she dreams more, but it has to be completely frightening for her.” Harm explained.
“Well, at least one good thing has come about from all this so far.” Chegwidden added. “It seems that you two are talking and working together. Maybe there’s hope after all.”
Harm gave a wistful smile and answered. “Yes sir. We are going to work this out.”
AJ added, “Both of you take the day and start again tomorrow at 0800. Not a minute before, is that understood?”
“Yes sir. Thank you sir.” Harm answered, a grin splitting his lips.
The two men hung up and Harm padded over to the bed, where Mac still sat with her back on the headboard. “Well Sailor?”
Harm smiled at the nickname. “The Admiral approved your working the case, since it seems that you are living it anyway. He also said that both of us are to take the day and get some rest and then we are to report back to work tomorrow no earlier than 0800.”
Mac smiled. “I think that is the best advice and orders that I have heard in a long, long time.”
Harm reached out and stroked her face, cupping her cheek as he looked into her eyes. “Lie back down; I will be here with you. Nothing will get to you, I promise.”
Mac slid down in the bed and made herself comfortable, then reached out for him, prompting him to do the same. Harm slid down on the bed and smiled as Mac took his arm and placed it around her waist in a protective gesture. They both closed their eyes and allowed sleep to claim them.
1300 Zulu
JAG Headquarters
Harm and Mac walked in together, talking and acting as close to normal as they had in a long time. They stowed their things in their respective offices and then went straight to the Admiral’s office, stopping long enough for Coates to announce them.
When they were cleared to enter, Coates added. “Sir, two things. First, I have the contact information for the potential suspects and it is on your desk.”
“Good.” Harm added. “And I wanted to thank you for taking the initiative. It really saved time. What was the second thing, Petty Officer?”
Coates gave them both a brief smile as she said, “It is just good to see you two starting to get a few things settled, that’s all, sir, ma’am.”
“Thank you Jennifer.” Mac added as Harm suddenly became quiet.
The pair knocked on the door and was granted access and asked to sit.
“Colonel, I understand from Commander Rabb here that you had a bad go of things yesterday and that you had been neglecting important things like sleep and food.” AJ stated more than asked.
Mac looked down for a moment at the admonishment. “Yes sir. It will not happen again. I slept most of the day yesterday, and I feel much improved.”
AJ smiled. “Good. See that it doesn’t happen again. Rabb, I am going to hold you responsible for making sure that your partner takes care of herself over the next few days until she gets back up to full speed.”
Harm smiled and answered. “It would be an honor, sir.”
“One thing.” Chegwidden asked. “How did you two seem to put everything behind you so easily now, when this has been dragging on for months?”
Mac answered this one. “Sir, the thing is that we did not put it all behind us. We worked on some critical things and the other important issues we decided to push back until I am more rested and we are both able to be more objective.”
“Well, whatever it takes, make sure that you have that discussion.” AJ stated.
Harm turned and looked Mac in the eye and answered, “We intend to sir. That is a promise.”
AJ smiled. “Good, now both of you get out there and get to work.”
“Aye aye, sir.”
Heading back towards their offices, Harm said, “Why don’t I grab the sheets that Coates gave me and I’ll meet you in your office? That is, unless you want to go to mine?”
Mac gave him a smirk. “Not on your life, sailor. Meet me in my office, I’ll bring the coffee.”
“Deal.” Harm stated as he headed off for the papers.
Soon they both met in Mac’s office and shared coffee as they worked. Each decided to contact those still alive on the sheets and set up times to talk with them either in person or via phone if necessary. There were five names of people still alive out of the six names originally listed, and Lt. Anton was one of them. Harm was to call those that were out of the area and interview them then if able, or set up a time for an interview via phone or by flying out to see them if the need arose. Mac was to call the remaining locals and set up times to interview them.
Harm and Mac set out calling the men on the list and setting
up appointments. They would go see the man that lived in
*
* * *
* * *
*
1510 Zulu
Aspen Hill Estates
The visit to
They had acquired a Navy-issued vehicle and Harm had driven to the first interview. The pair had slid into an easy banter, and they were both loath to end it as they pulled up into the drive at the modest home of the first suspect.
Harm slid effortlessly from the car and went over to open the door for Mac. She was still getting used to the improvement in their friendship and this even surprised her as well. She had a funny look on her face.
“What?” Harm observed as she rose and stepped past him.
“Nothing, just a little surprised at the show of chivalry. A week ago, you probably would have just locked me in the car and went on.” Mac said as she turned to look him in the eye.
“Mac a week ago, I would not have even have been in the car with you. But that is past. We’re here now, and we’ll talk more later.” Harm said, placing his hand on her upper arm for comfort.
That thought surprised her. It gave her some insight into how Harm had been dealing with the rift that had settled between them. It frightened her that he could even think that he would not want to be around her and it also amazed her that he was able to relate that information to her in such a comfortable manner. Perhaps things were changing after all.
Harm had already knocked on the door as she stepped into place at his side. The door opened to reveal an older man, slightly bald and with a pudgy build.
“Thomas Monaghan?” Harm asked the man.
“Yes and it’s Tom. You must be the two JAG attorneys?” The man offered his hand to them and then asked them into his home and to have a seat.
Harm motioned for Mac to find a seat and the two men waited for her to sit, then they sat as well. “Sir, I am Commander Harmon Rabb and this is Lt. Col. Sarah Mackenzie. As you already know, we are with the Navy’s Judge Advocate General’s office. We have been asked to re-open the murder investigation of Barbara Reston.”
Monaghan paled slightly. “Sir, are you alright?” Mac asked as she observed his state.
“I...I am alright, really. Sorry about that. It is just that it has been a long time since I heard Barbara’s name. It was so sad and so tragic that she died so young.” Monaghan stated, the grief visible in his expression.
Harm allowed him to gather his thoughts and then began, “Sir, we found you because you were listed as being on the base during the time frame that the murder occurred, and because you knew her and had been seen with her in the day prior to her death.”
Mac picked up here. “Sir, I know that it was a long time ago, but can you tell us anything that you remember about Barbara and when she died?”
“I will never forget it sir, ma’am. I was her fiancé.”
This revelation caught the pair off guard. They quickly turned and looked at one another, trying to see if the other had heard the same thing.
“Excuse me sir, but are you suggesting that you were engaged to be married to Ms. Reston?” Mac asked, waiting intently for the answer.
Monaghan nodded. “That’s right. I met Barbara about a year
before she died. She had just been posted at
Harm and Mac looked at each other again. This became more and more insane as
It went on. Mac nodded for Harm to continue.
“Sir,” Harm began, “Do you know that there is another man
that says that he and Ms. Reston were dating at the time she was at
“That is a lie! I had liberty that weekend and we were going to meet my parents early the next day and go sailing. Who is this man, Commander? I want to rip his heart out!” Monaghan stated, anger filling his expression.
Mac intervened then. “Sir, I apologize for this shock. Believe me, this comes as a surprise to us as well. If I may ask, do you have any letters or anything that we can take a look over from Mrs. Reston? We would like to get a better sense about her, and how she lived.”
Monaghan sat back and shook his head. “No ma’am. I kept everything that she ever gave me and held on so tightly, praying that someone had made a mistake and that she was alright and that she would just walk back in through the door at any time. I had to give her up-let her go. I burned every letter, every scrap; it was so painful to do, but more painful holding on. I know that doesn’t help you much, but believe me, it helped me. I was able to put it behind me and move on. I met and married my Becky. We had 37 wonderful years together until she passed two years ago.”
Harm and Mac rose and the man showed them to the door. Mac gave him a card to contact them, should he remember anything. Neither said a word until they had gotten back onto Interstate 495, heading back towards DC.
“What just happened here? I mean either Anton is lying, or Monaghan is.” Harm stated.
“We need to talk to Lt. Anton again, see what he has to say. Perhaps I can get something when I speak to him.” Mac reasoned.
“Sounds good. In the mean time, your question to him about letters gave me an idea. I am going to contact her family and see if on the off chance they might have some of her belongings stored. Perhaps we can find some letters, a diary, something that might help.” Harm explained.
Mac nodded. “Sounds like a plan. Hey since we are close to DC, get off at the Hillendale exit and go through Beltway Burgers for me. For the first time in days, I am hungry.”
Harm laughed inwardly, his shoulders shaking the only outward sign as he shook his head. “Normally, I would complain about your food choices, but I guess the desire to eat that swill is probably a good sign you are feeling better.”
Mac took it all in; she was not able even to playfully banter with him right then. She was too happy, for it seemed that she had her friend back.
Chapter Five
1800 Zulu
Armed Forces Retirement
Home
“What? That is not funny Commander!” Anton said, after rising and taking a defensive posture.
“No, it isn’t funny! You asked me to help. You told me that the two of you were together – I want to know the truth and I want it now, Mr. Anton!” Harm demanded.
It was time for Mac to step in and try to salvage the conversation. The pair had arrived in much the same way as Harm had the first time he came here. The pair quickly went inside and soon the conversation had reached a combustible level.
“Lt. Anton, Commander Rabb! Please let’s stop this and talk in a civil fashion! Yelling and finger pointing will get us nowhere.” Mac paused as the two of them allowed her reasoning to sink in. “Now, Mr. Anton, we are a bit confused and frustrated at what we had found out today. Is there anything that you have or know of that can allow us to know the veracity of your version of events?”
Anton went over to a small closet and pulled out nearly two dozen letters, all postmarked from the area and all quite old, based on the fading and yellowing of the stationary.
“Here, these are the letters that Barbara wrote me. I kept every scrap, every thing that she ever gave me. Read for yourself.”
The two lawyers read over each of the letters and Mac felt that the man was obviously in pain over the situation and that she felt that he was telling the truth.
“Thinking back about the whole time, I always wondered why Barbara was not married or seeing someone when we met up. She was witty, bright and beautiful. She was reluctant at first to start anything up with me. I saw her a couple of times before we even held hands. She never told me why, but I could sense at first that she was holding back; I assumed that she was nervous.” Anton explained.
The pair finished up their visit quickly, with Mac asking for and receiving one of Barbara’s letters to take in case they found a diary or something. If they did, handwriting could be compared to make sure that Anton wasn’t lying.
The two exited the large buildings and returned to the navy-issued car awaiting them.
“Well? Aren’t you going to scold me for arguing with him?” Harm asked, sounding much like a little boy.
Mac smiled, “No, it sounds to me like you are doing a good enough job on your own.”
Harm nodded his head in agreement, and then asked, “What do you think?”
“I think that he is telling the truth. My gut says that he didn’t do it.” Mac reasoned. “I think that she was seeing them both and that unfortunately neither of them found out. Until now, that is.”
“Perhaps.” Harm answered thoughtfully. He had never thought about how it would feel finding out that the woman you loved was involved with someone else. Until now. Despite their rift and the fact that they never had any real claim on each other, it still hurt knowing that Mac was seeing Webb. At least he thought that she was, she never confirmed nor denied anything when he had tried to get her to speak of Webb in the past.
“Penny for your thoughts?” Mac asked, trying to rouse him from his introspection.
Harm looked up at the concerned expression on his partner’s face. “They aren’t worth even that much, Mac. Believe me.”
Their conversation was cut short by the ringing of Harm’s cell phone. The conversation was brief and Harm hung up the phone, looking up to Mac’s curious face.
“Well” She asked, her eyebrows raised in curiosity.
“That was Margaret Reston-Jennings, Barbara’s younger sister,
Seems that there are some journals that were stored in the attic of the family
home in
“Will she let us have a look at them?” Mac asked.
“We can go get them now. Let’s go.” Harm said as he opened the car door and slid inside.
1800 Zulu
Reston Family Home
“Colonel, Commander, do come in. I am Margaret. We spoke on the phone. I must admit that bringing all this up so many years later fills me with mixed emotions. I mean I want to see whoever did this found, but trudging up the old painful memories hurts so, too.”
Mac smiled in empathy. “I know that this must be difficult for you, and the last thing that either of us would like to do is cause you or your family any more pain, but if there is any way that the killer can be identified, the closure may help.”
Margaret gave a brief smile. “You sound as if you speak from experience, Colonel.”
“You could say that ma’am.” Mac said, her answer enigmatic.
“Michael! Can you bring those books down?” Margaret called
out, and then explained. “Michael is my husband; we found the journals when we
were going through Father’s papers several years ago. I wanted to read them, but
I just couldn’t do it. Barbara was my older sister, ten years older to be exact,
and there are times that I cannot remember what she looked like. I was only
twelve when she was killed, and in some ways, I don’t remember her. Michael was
stationed at
The conversation ended when footsteps distracted them from their conversation. Coming from the staircase was a man in his mid seventies, the aura of a country gentleman about him. Tall and distinguished, he came to the trio holding two leather bound journals.
“Michael, this is the two military investigators that I spoke of.” Margaret stated.
Michael smiled and nodded his head in respect to the pair. Mac, seeing his burden, approached him to take the books.
“These are the only two that we came across. This one is the year before her death, and this one is the year of her death.” Michael explained.
“We’ll take good care of them and I promise we will return them to you as soon as possible.” Harm promised.
As Mac approached the man, she began to feel herself pulled into the feelings that she only had previously experienced in her dream.
Fear, much like the dream, engulfed her very being and threatened to make her heart beat out of her chest. Her breathing sped up as she filled with terror.
“Mac!” Harm called out as he came to her side, noticing her pallor.
Michael steadied Mac on her feet and helped her to a chair to sit for a moment. He rose and let Harm approach her.
“Mac, are you alright, come on Marine, you are scaring me here!” Harm asked, growing more and more worried.
Mac wanted to answer, but she was drowning in the emotion. She was able to answer him as the sensation began to wane.
“I’m OK, I think. I touched the journal and was overcome with the same fear that I dreamed.” She explained as she rested.
Rising, she stated, “I am OK now, it passed.”
Margaret expressed her concern and offered, “Would you like to stay for a bit longer? Perhaps I can call my physician and have him come and take a look?”
Mac turned and answered, “Thank you Ms. Jennings, but that will not be necessary. What ever it was has passed.”
Harm reached down and picked up the journals and then Margaret escorted the two of them to the door.
Reaching the car, Harm opened the door and helped Mac sit. Coming around to the driver’s side, he slid in and looked at her, “Mind telling me what in the hell just happened in there?”
“Like I said, I touched the journal and the fear from the dream just washed over me. Perhaps her writing and sharing her emotions was what triggered it. It passed quickly, I am OK, really.” Mac reasoned.
“I can’t help it. Seeing my best friend having a first class panic attack makes me worry.” Harm stated.
“Am I still?” Mac asked, her voice choked from emotion. They had been apart for so long that she wondered if they were even friends anymore.
“Always.” Came Harm’s succinct answer. The truth was that he was in love with her as well, and seeing her in pain like that hurt him just as badly.
Harm reached into his pocket and pulled out his cell phone, dialing a familiar number.
“Bud, Colonel Mackenzie overdid it today. I am taking her home to rest. I need for you to follow up with Coates and the two of you need to contact the last two names on the list of possible suspects. Either set up a time for Mac or myself to meet them tomorrow, or interview them today, if possible. Call me and let me know what happens.”
With that, he hung up and put away the phone. Turning toward her, he said,
“I am taking you home. We can stop by my place and pick up fresh clothes first, then I am treating you to a nice home-cooked meal, then you can kick back and we can go over the journal together and see what we find.”
Chapter Six
0300 Zulu
Mac’s Apartment
I cannot believe that I saw him today. James
Anton is every bit as handsome as he was in high school! He asked me out, and I
know that I should say no, but I cannot. Tom has pressured me to set a date for
marriage, but I cannot think about that now, to be honest, seeing James today
has made me doubt that I still want to marry him; it has made me doubt if I even
still love him. I want to see James again, and see if this was just a one time
thing, nerves perhaps.
I have to think on this more, my head is
spinning now.
I love them both! What am I to do? I cannot
bear the thought of hurting either one of them, yet I know that is what I am
doing. Why has fate played such a cruel joke on me?
I have to talk to someone, but know of no
one. Work is good, except for Cpl. Edwards; I wish I could pack him up and send
him off to
Harm and Mac sat on the couch and read the journal. After the day’s events, Harm held it and read aloud as Mac listened.
“It sounds to me like she was torn between the two, but nothing indicated that either one of the men had mistreated her.” Mac stated in observation as she rose to get a bottle of water.
Harm read aloud a couple of other entries, similar to the others, gaining nothing substantial from them. Then, one particular entry caught his eye. “Hey Mac, listen to this:
Corporal Edwards is beginning to worry me. I
think that I remind him of someone, because he nearly clung to me from the first
day he was stationed on base. Every time I turn around, there he is, asking if
there is anything he can help with, if he can buy me lunch. I can’t put my
finger on it, but something about him makes me nervous. He is just getting
started in the Marines, I don’t want to hurt his chances at advancement, but I
will have to talk to him.
“Sounds like he was smitten.” Mac stated as she sat back down.
Harm continued to thumb through the pages and paused on one, then flipped back again back and forth to other pages, as if comparing something.
“More like she had a stalker. There are at least five more entries here between the first time we see his name and the last entry that she made, the day she disappeared. In each one you can see the contact escalating.”
Mac was interested. “So he couldn’t take no for an answer?”
“Right. Here, towards the end of October, he bought her a diamond bracelet, but she refused it.” Harm continued.
“Sounds like Corporal Edwards is a strong candidate for a suspect. I wonder why he wasn’t on the list of suspects?” Mac asked.
“We’ll find out soon enough.” Harm commented.
“Harm, why don’t you just head on home? I will be OK here. You have been wonderful, but I don’t want to take up every free moment of your time.” Mac reasoned.
“No way.” Harm stated flatly.
“Harm there must be something that you want to do besides sitting here babysitting me. Go.” Said Mac.
“There is nothing more important to me that being here with you, working on this case, and making sure that you are OK. You can try to kick, me out, but I am not going.” Harm stated firmly.
Knowing that she was beaten, she nodded acquiescence and the topic was not discussed
again. Harm rose and made his way into her kitchen, pulling open the cabinets with a familiarity that she found endearing. Pulling out the needed items and beginning, Harm emerged from the kitchen a few minutes later with two steaming mugs of hot cocoa.
Harm sat her mug on the end table beside her and then sat down as well. “We need to talk.”
Mac stared ahead and shook her head in surprise. “That is the first time that I have ever heard you say that.”
“Things change, Mac. People change. But we still need to talk.” Harm stated.
“I know, but I am worried, I guess. I mean things have been going along so well the past couple of days with us, and I don’t want to go back to how it was only a few days ago.” Mac said, her face serious.
She turned on the couch to face him completely, and the two of them just sat there, unable to do anything but just look at each other. Harm made the first move by sticking out his tongue at her. They both laughed and the ice was broken.
Mac looked down for a second, as if to gain strength. “I
never did thank you. For
Harm just sat there a moment, studying his cocoa before he answered.
“I couldn’t do or say anything. You were right, we both wanted to be on top. I had given you nothing to really indicate my feelings and what I wanted from you, for us. Like you said before you left, I only showed interest when you had one foot out the door. But Mac, when you were gone, I just shut down. I couldn’t work or eat, and when I tried to sleep, my nights were filled with nightmares about what was happening to you.”
Leaning forward, he continued. “When the Admiral told me that you were missing – I just knew that I had to find you. I had to know that you were alright and that I had to tell you my intentions. I wanted for us to have a chance at a relationship. Then seeing what had happened to you and how you were with Webb, I knew that I was in time to save you, but too late to have you.
When we got back and the Admiral told me that I was out, it all seemed…fitting somehow. My life as I knew it was over.”
Mac sat there in silence listening to him, then when he finished she asked, “But why did you just drop away? You never contacted anyone more than absolutely necessary.”
Harm let out a deep breath before he answered. “Mac, I couldn’t just pick up with my friends – they were all from JAG – they were close to you. I had to cut ties with them and make a clean break to keep from tearing apart inside. If I had stayed around, I would have had my old life-my job and most importantly you-rubbed in my face. I couldn’t do that. It hurt too much.”
Tears of hurt and empathy rolled down Mac’s cheeks at the pain she knew he was feeling now, and at how much he must have felt then.
“Harm, I am so
sorry about how the whole thing played out. If I could go back and erase what
happened, I would. I spent most of the time in
Mac ran her hand through her hair, and then added. “We all fought and argued with one another so fiercely. I realized the problem eventually. There was no Harm. You were the common glue that held all of us together. We all had one thing in common-you. Without you, every thing seemed less than it should be.”
Harm knew that it took much out of both of them to be so open with one another and he felt like she should know about something else too.
“Mac…Sarah, there is someone you should know about.”
Mac’s heart sank. He had moved on. “Is it another woman?”
Harm gave a brief smile and answered, “Yes…no…well, sort of. Her name is Mattie Grace.”
Harm proceeded to tell Mac about the precocious teen of which he was seeking guardianship. Mac felt a flash of hurt inwardly because he had never mentioned her in all this time, but she was not surprised. His big heart and caring nature would drive him to care for others. That was one of the things that she had always loved about him. He would always have a special place in her heart, and he was endearing himself to her more over the last few days.
Sarah Mackenzie had been involved with other men-Ragle, Farrow, Mic to name a few, and now most recently Clayton Webb. None of them could ever take the place of this tall, cocky aviator turned attorney that owned her heart. All the bristling, anger, tears and hurtful words proved that to her and really hit home; for if she did not care for him and about him, he would not evoke such strong feelings from her.
“Harm,” She began, “I know that you will do right by her. She is so very lucky to have found you. That kind heart and caring nature are what I hope to find in the father of my children; it is what most would want. I will help in any way you need; I am in your corner, flyboy.”
Harm was speechless at the openness of her words; a single tear had slipped down her cheek as she spoke. Reaching out, he cupped her cheek with the palm of his hand and wiped at the tear with his thumb. She leaned into his hand, savoring the contact. He took in the sight of her for a moment and then leaned forward and his lips gently found hers. She returned his kiss as he placed his other hand in her hair at the back of her head, pulling her to him. The kiss was not platonic, nor was it fraught with passion; rather it was a kiss of promise, of forgiveness, of new hope and of second chances.
The kiss ended sweetly, both knowing that these feelings they still shared were far from over. He rested his head on top of hers as they held each other close, savoring this burgeoning facet of their relationship.
Chapter Seven
1300 Zulu
JAG Headquarters
The next morning found Harm and Mac going through more of Barbara Reston’s journal, closing in on the day of her disappearance. They had found one more entry two days prior describing Corporal Edwards and how his advances continued. She noted that she turned him down again and he became angry, telling her that no one else would have her, and he would not stop until she was his, and he would see her when ever and how ever he liked. She had written that she told him to stay away from her and that if she saw him around her again, she would report him to the base commander and have charges filed. According to the entry, he apologized and left, but his facial expression never seemed “right”.
Bud Roberts and Petty Officer Coates reported their findings to the pair as well. Jennifer’s interview revealed nothing pertinent, as the man was fairly senile, living in a nursing home. Bud’s report of his interview, however, was different. He had interviewed Lt. John Bradley and asked him if he knew about the incident and if he could remember anything that would be of assistance. According to Mr. Bradley, he remembered Corporal Mitchell Edwards and that he had overheard a conversation where Edwards acted inappropriately and made veiled threats to the woman.
Harm and Mac were thrilled at this news! Mac asked Bud to arrange an interview with Mr. Bradley ASAP. Perhaps things were turning around in the investigation after all.
*
* * *
* * *
*
“Mr. Bradley, you told Lt. Roberts that you remembered someone bothering Ms. Reston. Can you tell us about this?” Mac asked as she looked over the man.
John Bradley, a man of small stature for a Marine, sat forward, resting his elbows on the conference room table.
“Yes, I told the Lieutenant that one day I was in the next office over from Ms. Reston in the PAO. I heard someone getting angry and close to yelling something to the effect of ‘if he couldn’t have her, no one would.’ I heard her order him to stop and to leave and then I stepped out and asked if everything was alright and told her that if she needed anything, to please let me know. That afternoon, I saw him out on the practice field with a bayonet, stabbing it into a practice dummy repeatedly. I asked him what was up and he said that he was just having ‘woman troubles’ and this was the only way that felt good to work it out.”
Harm nodded and took notes as he spoke, then looked up. “Did you report this to NCIS or anyone when she turned up missing?”
“When the Naval Investigative Service was investigating, I went to them and told them of my suspicions, but to be honest, the