Title: One More Time
Author: Hollyjp
Summary: Harm and Mac try one more time to get things right.
Spoilers: This was started prior to the airing of the Season 10 opener. Anything up through the current episode and spoilers are fair game when I’m writing.
Disclaimer: JAG is the property of Bellisario Productions, CBS, and Paramount. I have borrowed their characters for entertainment purposes only. No monetary gain will result from their appearance in my story.
CHAPTER 1
1130 Local
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
“Harm?” Mac called as she poked her head into his office. The office that had been his, then Sturgis’, and finally Harm’s again.
“Oh, Hi Mac. How you doing?” Harm looked up to see Mac dressed in civilian clothes standing in his doorway smiling at him.
“I’m fine. I see you are back in your old office space. How’s it feel?”
“Almost like I’m home again. Have a seat Mac.”
“I don’t want to keep you from your work, but I thought if you weren’t busy you might have lunch with me.”
Harm cuffed back his sleeve and looked at the time, surprised to see it was almost lunch time. “I’d love to Mac. I just have to finish this report and get it into Sturgis. He needs it for a meeting with the SecNav this afternoon. Give me twenty minutes?”
“No problem. I’ve got to see Sturgis myself.”
Harm raised his eyebrows in silent question to Mac and she smiled and waved at him as she walked away. Harm shook his head and smiled. When Mac was ready to fill him in she would. He knew that for sure now after the way the summer had been going.
Mac knocked on the inner office door. It felt strange knowing that Admiral AJ Chegwidden would no longer be granting her admission. Instead it was Commander Turner that bid her to enter.
“Come in, Colonel Mackenzie. How are you?”
“I’m fine now Commander. The doctor says that I can return for full duty tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow...well that is good news. I have a couple of cases that I think you will be able to handle just fine. I was going to give one to Bud and the other to Harm, but they are both swamped with paperwork right now and I hate to give either of them an excuse to put it off any longer.”
“Then I’ll report tomorrow ready to work.”
“Very well. Colonel, there is something I’ve been meaning to ask you.”
“Go ahead.”
“When you have been the acting JAG, were you able to keep Rabb in line?”
Mac smiled at the question and the memories it evoked. “I guess I would have to say that he wasn’t any worse for me then he was for the Admiral. I did find that giving him direct orders was more effective then making appeals to his better judgement. He always found a loop hole, but he was usually right so there were never consequences for his actions...at least not at the time.”
“What do you mean?”
“I think Harm has paid a higher price for going after the truth and living by his creed then any of us realized.”
“I don’t follow Mac.”
“Don’t take this wrong, Sturgis, but Harm should be the acting JAG now. He isn’t because he stood by what he believed to be the truth and he stood by...friendship. He left the service to do what no one else would do and while he might have gone about things wrong, he did it for the right reasons. Can you imagine how he would feel to give up everything that had been his life and then not only be told that he was stupid for doing it by a friend, but then while dealing with his own traumatic stress he is told by the person he’s given up his life’s work that she doesn’t think he’s worthy, his commanding officer tells him he’s not a team player and he’s out, finding a new career that allows him to serve his country, put his life on the line to save a whole family including children and to lose that job because a camera was in the wrong place and the wrong time and then to find his friend moved into his office and he’s little more then the whipping boy when he does return - well can you imagine how that must feel?”
“It was his own fault Mac. He made choices and needed to live with the consequences.”
“But that’s what I’m saying, Sturgis. Harm has lived with the consequences. He hasn’t complained about it - just gone about his business with dignity and hard work taking what’s been dished out to him. Instead of seeing and remembering how much of the load he’s always carried for us, we shut him out, put him down and in general kept our heads up and our hands clean because he did the dirty work that needed to be done. Yet, because he has done the things he’s done, you end up building your resume this time and I have a shoulder to lean on.”
“So are you saying that I should step down because I have this chance that should be Harm’s?”
“No Sturgis, I’m saying that you should remember how you got this chance and give Harm credit where credit is due.”
“I just don’t follow you Mac. You’ve been put down and insulted by Harm over and over again...You’ve treated him pretty lousy yourself and yet here you are telling me I should give him credit for my career?”
“No Sturgis, that’s not what I’m saying.”
“I don’t get it Mac...after three years, I don’t get you, Harm, or your relationship.”
“I know you don’t Sturgis. Sometimes I don’t think we’ll ever get it and other times I think we will. What I do know, is that you giving Harm back his office was a good thing - for whatever the reason you did it. Just like my taking Harm out for lunch today to thank him for being there for me this summer when I’ve needed him is a good thing.”
“I won’t keep you then...but I was hoping he’d have that report to me before he took off for lunch.”
“He will Sturgis. He’s finishing it up as we speak and will have it to you before we leave. There’s one more thing Sturgis. I’ve thought a lot about some of the things you said to me this past year. I know I was not myself most of the past year, and I did say some things to you that I shouldn’t have. I apologize for those comments. But one thing I still wonder about, is whether or not you have realized that sometimes you hold people to a higher standard then what even you can reach. You need to curb your perfectionist and high brow standards at time and live in the real world.”
< Knock-knock>
“Come on in Harm.”
“Here’s the report you needed. Sorry you had to wait.”
“No problem. I understand the Colonel is taking you to lunch.”
“Yes, she is.” Harm grinned and turned to Mac. “Ready?”
“Yes. Are you?”
“Let’s go. Sturgis, good luck with your meeting. Tell me how it went later.”
“Sure...Harm?”
“Yeah?”
“Do you want to get together later for some hoops?”
“Not today Sturgis. I”ve got plans later, but thanks anyway.” Harm stepped aside to follow Mac out of the office and then pulled the door shut behind him. “So where you taking me, Mac?”
“I know you like Ho’s House of Noodles. How’s that?”
“Great. You now Mac, it doesn’t really matter where we go or what we eat...being with you makes it better.”
“Harmon Rabb Junior...you almost sound...I don’t know...romantic maybe?”
“Ah, come on Mac. I’m just being honest here.”
“I know Harm...I’m sorry to tease you. I really do want to talk about something though.”
“Okay. Let’s have it.”
“Over lunch.” By then they had arrived in the parking lot and Harm slid into the passenger side of Mac’s car. She started it up and drove the short distance to the restaurant. Once seated inside, she turned to Harm.
“Harm, I wanted to thank you for standing by me this summer as I worked through everything.”
“Mac, you don’t have to do that.”
“Yes, Harm, I do. I never thanked you for giving up everything to rescue me in Paraguay.”
“It’s not necessary.”
“Yes Harm, it is. I still have a few things to do to finish healing from everything this last year or so. Apologizing to you and thanking you are only part of it. I also needed to air some things out with Sturgis, which I just tried to do.”
“Oh no Mac. How did it go?”
“You know Sturgis. He doesn’t see how he could ever be in a position like what we’ve faced because he wouldn’t stoop that low...I know you two have been friends, but as hard as I’ve tried to like and trust Sturgis, I just can’t - not completely.”
“Did you tell him that?”
“Not in so many words, but I’ve danced around it. I’ll work with him because I have to, but I don’t enjoy it and if he gets restationed somewhere else, then so be it.”
“Mac, he’s the acting JAG!”
“I don’t care. You should be in that office. You’ve filled in before and you’ve done a good job.”
“Maybe...but I was relieved not to have that responsibility this summer. I wanted to be able to spend time with you and Mattie.”
“You’ve done that. Spending time with both of you has been wonderful for me as well, Harm. Thank you for that.”
“Mac...you don’t have to keep thanking me.”
“But I want to...and there’s something else I wanted to talk to you about.”
“What is it?”
“I know that I’ve pushed you away again...but this summer I’ve realized that I’ve made some huge mistakes...telling you never was one of them. Not realizing how much you care for me was another.”
“I do care for you Mac. I’m sorry if I haven’t said it very well...”
“It’s okay Harm...I know. You’ve always been one to let your actions speak for you. The problem was I was listening to so much of the mistakes and bad stuff that I stopped listening to the good stuff. I think I finally understand what you were trying to tell me on the Wake Island.”
“You do?” Harm gulped not sure where she was going and half afraid she did get it and half afraid she didn’t.
“Yes Harm...” Mac reached across the table and took his hand as it lay on the table. “You’ve been telling me since Mic left that you were ready to explore what we have, but I kept running away or pushing you away every time you put any pressure on me to commit to you. When you said that if I loved Webb it wouldn’t matter what you wanted, it was because you would once again walk away to ensure my happiness, right?”
“Yes.”
“Then Harm, you need to know that although I cared for Webb, he wasn’t you...and I finally know that you may be the only person that can make me happy.” Mac smiled as she watched the words sink into Harm’s head and he processed what she meant.
“Are you saying that you think we could work things out?”
“I hope so. If you still want to try...”
“Yes...I do, Mac. I’ve wanted this for so long, but this past year it has been almost unbearable.”
“You do realize that we’ll have to be careful in uniform...I mean the new JAG might not be as understanding as AJ was.”
“I know...and I don’t care. I want to see what we can have together. It’s time for us now.”
“I agree.” Mac and Harm smiled across the table holding hands until the waiter finally came to take their order.
“It’s not going to be easy to break old patterns, you know Harm.” Mac told him after their orders were placed.
“I suppose not...but I think I’ve been able to break a few bad habits this past year...maybe I can still manage a couple of more.” Harm smiled at the lovely woman across from him.
“It’s not you I’m worried about - it’s me. Will you promise me something?”
“If I can.”
“If I start to rely on old patterns, just remind me...”
“I think I can do that,” Harm assured her.
“Good.”
“You know, there is one thing that worries me, too.”
“I’m listening.”
“I’ve worked so hard not to think of you as a girlfriend or react to you like I would a girlfriend, that you may find I’m not reading you just right in some situations without some...hints,” Harm told her, almost blushing.
“I can do hints.”
“One more thing...”
“What’s that?”
“Can we still go head to head no-holes barred when we oppose each other in the courtroom?”
Mac threw back her head and laughed in delight. She and Harm would always have this ‘thing’ that some called their competitive streak. It wasn’t that exactly, because although they both liked to win, they both wanted to get to the truth. This ‘thing’ was more the exhilaration they got from pushing the other to be at the top of their game and to dig deeper within themselves to go the extra mile. There were times they had taken it to a personal level by mistake which they now knew they needed to avoid. At the same time, they knew that the ‘competition’ or the challenge they gave each other made them sharper. For Harm it was almost the adrenaline rush that replaced the negative g forces he experienced in a plane. For Mac, it was the healthy high that replaced her need for alcohol at times.
“Yes Harm... I’m sure that is one thing that won’t change.”
They ate their lunch and then Mac took Harm back to JAG before she told him, “Oh there’s one more thing.”
“What’s that?”
“I’m back to work tomorrow. Clean bill of health from Dr. Chen and with Dr. McCool’s blessing.”
“Outstanding, Marine! I’m looking forward to being your office neighbor again.” Harm leaned over as if he wanted to kiss her then backed away. “How about I pick you up for dinner tonight to celebrate?”
“I have another idea...why don’t you come over and have dinner with me. I’ll make eggplant parmesan, tossed salad and brownie sundaes...” Mac smiled at his raised eyebrows. “I’ve told you I can cook when I want to...I just don’t usually want to...today I do.”
“Then I’ll be there...”
“Come right after work if you want...save you a few miles.”
“I’ll call when I’m on my way. See you later Mac.”
Harm returned to work while Mac went on home to finish the dinner she had started preparing that morning before her appointments.
CHAPTER 2
1750 Local
Mac’s Apartment
Georgetown
“Come on in, Harm!” Mac called when she heard the knock on the door. She listened for him as she took the casserole dish out of the oven. “How did your afternoon go?” When he didn’t answer she called his name as she turned around, “Harm?...Tanveer! What are you doing here?”
“Looking for you Sarah. You know its not advisable to leave your door unlocked and call for some one to enter. You never know who might be there,” Tanveer scolded gently.
“I was expecting Harm...Commander Rabb.”
“Yes, I gathered as much.” Tanveer wandered around Mac’s living room and dining area looking at her home and her things. Mac watched and waited for him to enlighten her as to why he was there.
“Just tell me if this is a social call or not, Simon.”
“Not.”
“Then tell me what it’s about.”
“I will but as long as you are waiting for your Commander Rabb I’ll wait and tell you both at the same time. You may want him in on this.”
“And if I don’t?”
“Let’s just say that I’m pretty sure you will and leave it at that. Dinner smells good. Will it stretch to one more?”
“Yes.”
“Good, I’m hungry and we can always talk over dinner. I take it Rabb is on his way?”
“Rabb’s here. The question is who are you and what are you doing here?”
“Harm, it’s Simon Tanveer...remember...” Mac started to explain.
“Ah yes, MI6...clean now?” asked Harm.
“Yes and lucky for you that I’m back in the field and have my ears open.” Tanveer was saying just enough to peak their curiosity but not enough for them to know how much he was toying with them and how much he really knew.
“Spill it Tanveer.”
“Let’s sit down, shall we. This could take awhile. I take it we aren’t going to talk over dinner?”
“Not yet.” Mac stated as she sat on the sofa and looked up at the two men. Harm moved first and sat next to her on the sofa.
Simon Tanveer sat in the chair across from them and began. “How much do you know about Clayton Webb’s demise?”
“We know he died at sea in the straits of Malacca. He was on a mission but had told me he was going to be in Germany...he lied.”
“He did that for you, Sarah. He was trying to keep you safe.”
“What are you talking about Tanveer?” Harm barked, his body tensing all over while he also took Mac’s hand.
“Webb caught wind of a plot to assassinate one Lieutenant Colonel Sarah Mackenzie. It did originate out of Germany but from there it lead him to the Middle East and then to the Philippines. He had to get out of town quick when he stumbled on and took out most of an Al-quida terrorist cell. The top two got away and reissued the hit on you and one on Webb.”
“Interesting Tanveer. What proof do you have?” asked Harm still holding Mac’s hand in his.
“They caught Webb and he got away by faking his death at sea. A fishing trawler rescued him and got him to Australia where he was able to get word back through our system across Asia and Europe.”
“You’re saying Clay’s alive?”
“He was. I’m sorry Sarah, but I think they got him. His message was intercepted, but I got enough to know that he wanted you to be safe.”
Simon’s words hit Mac like a sledge hammer. She thought she had put it all behind her but here this agent was sitting in her home telling her that once again a man had dies because of her. Webb’s lies, the fear of being hunted, and her still somewhat weakened state combined to crush Sarah Mackenzie. Harm felt her collapse against him and her the sobs that wracked her body at the same time. He turned to pull her into his arms. He studied Simon Tanveer.
“Leave us. Give me a half hour or so with her. Then we’ll talk.” Harm requested of Simon who nodded his agreement and left the apartment.
Harm held Mac in his arms and let her cry on his chest. After a few minutes, he could hear her trying to talk through her tears.
“Sorry...it’s too much. He lied to me...about his death...he died protecting me...I don’t want anyone to die for me!” Mac’s mood shifted from grief and frustration to anger. Soon she was using her fists to hit at Harm’s chest.
“Mac...stop! Mac, its okay to cry...let it out...come on...that’s a girl....ssshhh...”he soothed her as she stopped pummeling him and wrapped her arms around him while he held her close with one arm and rubbed her back gently with the other.
When the half-hour was almost up she sat up and wiped at her eyes. Her breathing caught a little when she inhaled. Harm took a kleenex and gently wiped her face. “Better?”
Mac could only nod. “I...”
“Mac, you don’t have to say a thing. No one needs to know that things got to you for a moment. I won’t tell.”
“I know what you mean...but I still know I fell apart.” Mac tried to explain herself.
Simon returned then to Mac’s apartment. “So what do you think we should do about your safety?” he asked.
“Mac, I know you don’t want to be driven from your home, but what if we went away for a few days? It would do you good, and Simon here but be able to find out more...maybe track this assassin down.” Harm suggested just wanting to get Mac to a safe place.
“Harm, I know what you are trying to do, but it’s too soon...and no one is going send me into hiding. I want to hunt this guy down myself.”
“I know, Mac, but stop for a minute a think...” Harm looked up to see a slight smile on Mac’s face. “What?”
“I’m sorry Harm, but this is just such a change - you telling me to stop and think - that’s usually my role.”
Giving her a slightly lop-sided grin, Harm knew that she was ready to reconsider his idea. “I know...Look Mac, hear me out...then I’ll let you make the call. Deal?”
“Yes.”
“Alright. If we go away - on an investigation maybe - no one is going to think much of it. We’ve been partners off and on for years.”
“I know Harm, but...”
“Let me finish, Mac.”
“Alright...”
“Tanveer can stake out your place and see if there is any action - keep his eyes and ears open. We can check in every morning and night to see if there are any new developments. If there is nothing then we can probably assume that’s its safe for you to come home,” Harm explained his idea.
“I can almost agree with that plan...”
“Okay, what do you want to change?” Harm asked.
“I don’t think we should be investigating anything for JAG. I think if it looks like we are just going on a long weekend we have a better chance of getting this guy to show himself.”
“You may be right. So civilian attire?”
“Definitely. Look, Harm, I know it may be a bit awkward, but I think it will be the most believable if it looks like this is very personal kind of weekend.”
“A romantic get-a-way?” Harm asked, eyebrows up and a somewhat pleased grin on his face thinking of the possibilities.
“I guess...”
“Sorry if I’m intruding here, folks, but I think that if they are after Sarah, and they are watching her, they are going to be following you. If they think you are so engrossed in each other that you won’t notice them, they are apt to get sloppy. I can follow you at a distance so that if something happens I can be back-up.” Simon added his suggestions, reaffirming Mac’s idea of the romantic get-a-way.
Once that was decided the three of them ended up eating dinner and further discussing the plans. Harm knew someone that had a place in Maryland on the shore. He rented cabins scattered along the beach and in the wooded areas, but had a main lodge with a restaurant, in-door pool, fitness center and dancing floor that were part of the resort. There was a golf course nearby and of course the beach. It was agreed that Harm would call to see if they could secure a cabin. While he called to make those arrangements, Mac decided to question Tanveer again about Webb.
“Did you see him get killed, Simon?”
“No, Sarah, I didn’t. However, there have been no further messages from him or about him. That usually happens only when someone has been wiped out.”
“I guess you’re right...it’s just he’s faked his death before...”
“And you are holding on to the hope that he’s alive...you must have loved him very much if you are having trouble letting go after the way he’s walked away from you, lied to you and shown you how very different his values are.” Simon watched this woman in front of him. He was having trouble figuring out just what her real relationship with Rabb was considering he was so protective and she was able to trust him completely.
“It’s not that...I just would like to have a chance to tell him to go to hell is all...” Mac stated matter-of-factly.
“Who me?” asked Harm as he returned.
“No...you’re off the hook this time Sailor,” Mac smiled up at him. “Any luck?”
“Certainly. Dan said the cabin is clean and empty and perfect for what we need. We can have it tonight or he’ll hold it until tomorrow. It’s up to you.” Harm smiled pleased that Dan had been able to move guests around to give them a more secluded beach front cabin. This may be an assignment of sorts, but it didn’t mean he wouldn’t enjoy spending time alone with Mac, or lavishing attention on her the way he had been craving.
“What about Mattie?” asked Mac.
“She’s with Jen tonight, shopping, and then her Dad is picking her up tomorrow. He’ll drop her off Monday morning.” Harm was glad Tom and Mattie were spending time together, but he wasn’t looking forward to the day she was ready to leave him.
“Then why don’t we go tonight?” Mac decided.
“Okay...I’ll clean up from dinner while you get your bag ready,” suggested Harm.
“Look, I’m going to leave so that when you two leave it won’t look odd having three of us walk out together,” Simon remarked standing up.
“Right...look, here’s my cell phone number,” Harm handed Simon a card.
“And mine,” Simon said handing him back his own. “Good luck to you both. I hope that this is just a false alarm.”
“You can say that again. Thanks Simon for giving us the heads-up,” Harm shook his hand and watch him leave Mac’s apartment.
Harm had just finished putting everything away and the dishes in the dishwasher when Mac returned.
“Harm?” she called from the dining area.
“Yeah, Mac?” he answered as he stepped from the kitchen and turned off the light.
“I was just thinking. You know, we spend so much time together in uniform and observing protocol, that I’m not sure I’ll be able to do this very well.”
“Be relaxed or be physically close to me?” Harm asked quietly, a little hurt at what he thought Mac was saying.
“I like being close to you, Harm...but we need to look convincing as a couple, and that’s not how we usually are together.”
“How are we Mac? Stand-offish? Cool? Angry?”
“No of course not...we’re friends.”
“Then where’s the problem?”
“Harm, we are suppose to look like we are on a romantic weekend. You said yourself that you weren’t sure if you would be able to treat me like you would a girlfriend. To me that means holding hands, hugging, kissing, walks on the beach at sunset, whispering, giggling...”
Harm knew what Mac was saying. They had never been like that with each other, but Harm wanted things to be like that between them...had for a long time. He just never thought that Mac would accept that from him.
“I’ll tell you what Mac...I’ll try to be all those things with you, if you think you can meet me part way. I think we can pull it off.”
“Okay...I mean we have talked about wanting to work on us.” Harm smiled when he heard her say that.
“So think of this as practice.”
2301 Local
Sheffield Lodge
Ocean City, Maryland
“Harm this is beautiful!” Mac exclaimed as they pulled up in Harm’s corvette to the ocean side resort in a wooded area of Ocean City. “How on earth did you find out about this place?”
“Keeter’s brother owns and runs the resort.” Harm smiled over at her.
“Keeter? As in your flyboy buddy from Annapolis Jack Keeter?” Mac asked in wonder.
“The very one. Jack and Dan are very different as far as temperament. Jack laughs at everything - on the outside at least; Dan is very serious - but has a sense of humor. Jack’s a bit of a playboy, while Dan is settled, married, and happy as a husband and father. Jack loves adventure; and Dan loves stability. But both of them are great guys...good friends,” Harm tried to explain.
Harm parked the Corvette and reached in for both of their bags and then reached for Mac’s hand. He smiled down at her as she looked up. Both were a little self conscious about holding hands in public, but both were enjoying the feel of the other’s hand.
“Harm, what’s Dan going to say about this...charade?”
“He may realize that its not as much of a charade as we’re trying to pretend it isn’t.”
Mac shook her head and then laughed. “Harm that made absolutely no sense at all and yet I understood exactly what you meant - I think.”
“You keep referring to this as a charade Mac. All I’m saying is that I’m not looking at this as a charade - at least not all of it. I do want to work on us and I think this will be a great way for us to practice without feeling as awkward about it because we know we are suppose to...it gives us permission to hug, kiss and cuddle that we might want to do but would stop ourselves from doing thinking we would be invading the others space or stepping over the boundaries of partners.”
“I know. That’s why I said that I understood the first time you said it.” Mac leaned into him a little. Harm liked it.
They stepped into the foyer of the lodge and a man about Mac’s age in a wheelchair moved toward them. Blond hair and brown eyes that smiled as he looked up at Harm and reached out a hand to shake it.
“Harm! It’s great to see you again.”
“Same here Dan. Dan, I’d like you to meet Sarah Mackenzie. This is Dan Keeter.”
“Nice to meet you Dan.”
“Thank you. You wouldn’t be Mac would you?” asked Dan.
“Yes, that’s what my friends call me,” responded Mac.
“Oh Harm, now I understand what Jack meant.”
“What did Jack say Dan?” asked Harm.
“Let’s see...he said Harm’s got himself a gorgeous female partner and claims they are only friends and if they are only friends then our buddy Harm has totally lost his charm, his looks, and his good sense. I’d have to agree.”
Harm wrapped his arm around Mac and pulled her closer to his side. He smiled down at her first before turning to Dan to answer him.
“We’re working on us, aren’t we, Babe?”
“Yes. It’s a big step...one that we thought would be easier in a neutral place,” Mac responded.
“Dan,” Harm went on, “ This weekend is about us getting away and working on us.”
“Then let’s get you off to your cabin. Tomorrow I’d love to have you to lunch so you can see Sue and the kids.”
“That sounds great, Dan. Thanks.”
Before long, Harm and Mac had been given a golfcart to use on the grounds to go from the cabin to the lodge. They followed the directions and found a neat cabin tucked into the woods at the end of the lane with an ocean front beach and view. Stepping on to the porch with a two seat swing hanging from the rafters, Harm unlocked the door and stepped into the open space with the sofa by the fireplace, the kitchen and dining areas. One door in the back wall led into a bedroom with a king size bed and another door led into the bathroom complete with whirlpool soaker-tub, shower, and double sinks.
Harm set the bags on the two stands in the bedroom before turning to Mac.
“Look, if you’re not comfortable sharing a room and a bed just yet, I’ll sleep on the sofa.” Harm offered like the gentleman he was.
“Harm, we’ve shared a bed before. I don’t have a problem with that...and this bed is huge.” Mac tried not to laugh at his thoughtfulness although when he got nervous he always bumbled things a little and she thought he was cuter then ever when that happened.
Mac looked around and they found staples in the kitchen - bread, milk, eggs, butter, flour, sugar, coffee, tea, cans of soup, crackers, peanut butter and jelly. After exploring the kitchen supplies, they decided it was too late for a fire in the fireplace tonight and that it time to get ready for bed. Harm used the bathroom while Mac got her things together. While she used the bathroom, he stripped down to his boxers and got under the covers. He turned his back to the bathroom door to give Mac some privacy when she came out. Ten minutes later he felt the bed give as she slid under the covers on her side.
“Harm?”
“Yeah,” he answered as he rolled onto his back and turned to look at her.
“I almost forgot that we’re here because someone is after me.” Mac’s voice was hushed and he detected a slight quaver.
“Mac, try to think about this as time for us. We don’t have any really proof that someone is after you, but then I didn’t want to hang around and take a chance either.”
“I know. Harm?”
“Yes.”
“You said I could give you hints sometimes if I thought you weren’t treating me like I thought you would treat a girlfriend.”
“Yes I did...and what do you think I should be doing?” Harm asked.
“Well, if you had been with Jordan or Renee, would you have been hugging the edge of the bed?”
Harm chuckled and scooted toward Mac, reaching out his arm to her.
“No, but I didn’t think you would welcome that this quick,” he smirked a little thinking about how randy he had been with both those girlfriends. He wasn’t sure that Mac really had an idea about that side of him. He was looking forward to the day when she would be ready for that part of their relationship.
“Oh! Well maybe not, but could we cuddle a little. I’m freezing.” At that Harm pulled her into his arms and wrapped her in his warmth.
“You know what Harm?”
“What Mac?”
“This is even better then when we cuddled under the stars in Afghanistan. Don’t have to worry about bombs tonight.”
“True...now go to sleep Mac. Tomorrow we’ve got to bait a trap.”
“Good night Harm, “ Mac murmured as she snuggled into him and felt herself drifting off to sleep almost immediately.
Contentment and exhaustion combined allowed Harm to fall asleep much more readily then he had anticipated. By morning, however, the warmth and close proximity of the woman in the bed beside him, combined with his dreams, created an entirely different scenario. Quietly trying to slide away from the warmth of the body wrapped around him still asleep, he eased himself out of bed and headed for the bathroom. He stood up as much as he could given the condition he was in and made his way around the bed, all the while praying that Mac wouldn’t wake up and notice. She wasn’t ready for this from him just yet. He was almost too the bathroom, relieved that he was going to make it, when he heard her sleepy voice.
“Morning...running away?”
“Nah,” he responded as he stopped, his back to her. “Just answering nature’s call. Be right back.” Harm took the last step into the bathroom and got the door shut without turning around. He tried to use the head but ended up turning on the shower, stripping off his boxers and stepping under the cold water. After a few minutes, with teeth chattering, he toweled off, used the head and then pulled his boxer back on, confident that he wouldn’t embarrass either of them when he returned to the bedroom. He heard Mac call out just as he finish brushing his teeth.
“Harm? Will you be much longer?”
“Be right out!” he called back as he stepped away from the sink finishing his quick morning routine. He stepped out of the restroom and smiled at Mac sitting on the edge of the bed.
“I’ll get coffee and breakfast ready while you shower and dress.”
“Harm...” he turned back to her as he stepped past the bed raising his brow in question. “Get dressed too.” With that, Mac closed the door to the bathroom and Harm shook his head.
Grabbing jeans and a light green knit sport shirt, he proceeded to the kitchen still barefoot. He started the coffee and scrambled some eggs. Normally he used only the whites, but sometimes as a special treat he allowed himself the whole egg. Having breakfast with Mac was special at this point, so he decided to treat himself.
Harm had just set the buttered toast and fluffy scrambled eggs on plates when Mac joined him in the kitchen. She nudged his side as she joined him.
“Looks good...and the coffee smells good.”
“Take your plate and get started. I’ll pour the coffee and join you. I tried to make it Marine issue in your honor,” Harm informed her as he set their coffee on the table.
Mac took a sip and smiled. “Wow! This is good. Sure you can handle it?”
Harm smiled as he took a taste. Over the years he had adjusted to drinking the strong coffee that Mac, Gunny, and the Admiral made. He hated to tell Mac in case he disillusioned her, but he had grown to like his coffee as strong as she did.
“Oh I think I can handle it just fine, Marine.”
Together they enjoyed their breakfast and coffee. Harm had stretched his legs out under the small table and twice he had felt Mac’s barefoot brush his own. Each time he had fought not to show the jolt of electricity that had shot through him at the contact. It was time for them to get out and start being seen.
“So how do you want to spend the morning before we have lunch with Dan and Sue?”
“Well, we need to be in public places, right?”
“Yes.”
“Then why don’t we see if we can get tee time. This afternoon, I’d like to spend some time in town browsing in all the little shops.” Mac smiled at his facial expressions.
“Ah - I see. You think if we play golf this morning, I won’t complain so much about shopping with you.” Harm smiled thinking that compromising with Mac might not be so bad after all.
“Something like that. That would give us something for the morning where we wouldn’t be as pressured to be hanging all over each other and yet we could have fun together. I know you’ll get some laughs in when you see me play golf, so be prepared.”
“I promise I won’t laugh at you.” Harm crossed his heart with his finger and then smiled reassuringly.
“Anyway, I figure that will give us something to talk about to Dan and Sue if we need it, and give us time to readjust from uh...sleeping in the same bed- before we need to be so cozy again.”
Harm caught Mac’s reference to their closeness and bed and wondered if he had been found out, or if Mac too had felt it when she woke up this morning. Maybe someday she’d tell him.
“Good plan. Let’s get moving then.”
They dressed their feet and headed for the golf cart to take them to the golf course, along the paths well marked like miniature highways which were through out the grounds of the resort.
CHAPTER 3
1159 Local
Sheffield Resort
Ocean City, Maryland
Mac drove the golf cart up to the parking area behind the resort’s main building. Dan and an attractive dark haired women Mac assumed to be Sue were waiting on the patio. Harm’s arm rested on the back of the seat behind her, his hand brushing her shoulder every now and then. They stepped out of the cart and Harm held out his hand for Mac, who smiled as she took it.
“Sorry if we kept you waiting, Dan,” Harm apologized. “Hey Sue,” he greeted the woman at Dan’s side with a quick kiss on her cheek. “Sue this is Sarah Mackenzie. Mac, Sue Keeter.”
“Nice to meet you Sarah. Why don’t we go ahead in and let Harm tell Dan his version of the golf stories while you and I get acquainted?” Sue smiled and showed Mac inside. Harm slowly released her hand. As he watched her walk away he realized that this wasn’t part of their act. He really would rather that she stay by his side.
“Good morning on the links, Harm?” Dan asked.
“It’s a great course. Mac’s only starting playing golf a year or two ago. I use to play a lot more, but hadn’t been in almost a year. With her being new and me being rusty, we had a lot of laughs,” Harm admitted.
“Mac beat you?” Dan asked with the insight of dealing with a cocky pilot in his brother and with having known Harm for close to twenty years.
“Almost,” Harm smiled. “She’s a bit of a distraction and when she figured that out I didn’t have much of a chance. I turned the tables on her near the end so I could at least keep a respectable score. She figured it out and we played fair on the last two holes. I beat her by one stroke.” Harm and Dan were chuckling as they went into the private living quarters attached to the resort.
While Harm and Dan were discussing the day on the course, Mac and Sue were getting to know each other.
“Dan said you are the infamous ‘Mac’ that his brother met in Iran a few years ago. You’ve known Harm a long time, huh?”
“Yes, almost nine years.”
“You and Harm are entering a new phase of your relationship if I’m not mistaken. How’s it going?” Sue asked.
Mac couldn’t put her finger on exactly what it was the made her so comfortable with Sue right away, but she didn’t hesitate to answer her.
“Yes, Harm and I have been friends, partners and adversaries a long time, but the time was just never right to explore anything more personal. Either he’s had a girlfriend or I’ve had a boyfriend- or just broke up with one - so it wasn’t the right time. Just before nine-one-one we were getting somewhere, and they the world went crazy and we lost our focus and let things get in the way. They I stupidly got involved with someone else - someone that’s not good for me. Harm waited, said he hoped I would see my way clear to give him one more chance.”
“And you did.” Sue stated looking pleased.
“I was afraid to at first, but the guy I got involved with was killed recently, or so we thought. Then I found out he had told me a lot of lies. I can handle anything but that. Even though I didn’t have the chance to break up with him, at least finding out the truth of who and what he is or was, has made me realize that he wasn’t the right person for me. I need stability and Harm has given me that in one form or another for years - even when he makes me mad...he tells the truth.”
“Harm’s a great guy. I’ve known him almost as long as I have Dan and Jack.”
“How did you meet the Keeter boys?” Mac asked smiling thinking about the two brothers so different, yet so alike.”
Sue smiled as she thought back. “I was waiting tables at a restaurant and they came in and ended up at my table. Jack was making passes at me, but I couldn’t take my eyes off of Dan. Finally Jack said to Dan, ‘Danny Boy, you may be in a chair but you told me everything is in working order, so why aren’t you asking this pretty lady out and seeing if she’ll let you score.’ You know Jack...” Sue laughed.
“And the rest is history, right?” Mac smiled.
“Yes...a long one. It took us ten years to get to the point where we did anything physical and two more to admit we loved each other and another two before we talked marriage. We were into our second year of fighting about whether we should have children, when I got pregnant. After that we decided the fighting wasn’t necessary and it only upset the babies. We have a good marriage and two beautiful children. You’ll meet them soon.”
Just then Dan and Harm joined them followed by the sounds of a three year old chatter box and the cooing of an infant. Mac turned and saw the baby and fought to keep the tears away.
Harm immediately came to her side and pressed a kiss to her temple as his arm wrapped around behind her. Quietly Mac whispered, “I’m okay Harm. She just told me their story.” Harm nodded and watched the nanny hand the baby to Sue as the toddler climbed into his father’s lap.
Harm, Mac, meet Andrew Keeter. Drew, can you say hello to Mac and Harm?”
“Hello.” Big brown eyes below an unruly mop of dark curls looked up at Harm and Mac. For an instant he imagined that if Mac and he had a son someday he might have dark hair and big brown eyes, too.
Harm and Mac each shook his hand.
“That’s my new sis-ser. Her name’s Webby.”
Harm and Mac exchanged a puzzled look and then glanced at Dan.
“We haven’t mastered our ‘r’ yet. Her name is Rebecca and he insists her nickname is Rebby, but he can’t say it so he says Webby. We keep trying to convince him to go with Becky or Becca, but nothing doing.”
“They’re beautiful children,” Mac enthused. “How old are they?”
“Drew’s just turned three and Rebby is five months.” Sue answered as she stepped toward Mac and offered her a chance to hold the bright eyed little girl in her arms.
“Would you like to hold her while I get her bottle ready?”
Mac smiled and took the little girl in her arms. She promised herself to savor the moments much as she wanted to do with her time with Harm this weekend. The baby snuggled into the crook of Mac’s neck sucking on her fist. Her feet bounced as if she was in a jump seat. Mac pulled her head back to see what was exciting the little girl, when she realized that Rebby could see Harm, who was making faces and smiling at the infant. Mac laughed as they baby giggled aloud at more of Harm’s antics.
“Cute sailor. I suppose you want to hold her too.” Mac half heartily attempted to offer Harm a turn.
“It’s okay, Mac. You hold her while I entertain her. I’ll hold her later.”
Drew watched the attention his sister was getting and slid off his father’s lap and stood next to Harm’s leg, tipping his head back to look up at him.
“You have a wittle boy I can pway wif?” asked Drew.
Harm squatted down to look the little man in the eye. “No little boys. We have two godsons though. AJ is five and Jimmy is one.”
“I tree.”
“Yes I know. I bet you are a big help to Mom and Dad, huh?” Harm asked.
Drew nodded his head up and down.
Just then Sue returned with the bottle for Rebby and announced they should come sit down for lunch. Drew took Harm’s hand while Mac carried the baby.
They enjoyed the family atmosphere of lunch and being with the children. Sue and Dan were nice people and Mac felt that their invitation to come visit again soon was genuine, as was her response that she would love to. Mac was glad that the Jack Keeter and Harm stories were kept under control. Harm tended to revert to the old ‘cocky, arrogant, flyboy’ attitude when they were together for any length of time. Mac thought perhaps just talking about their antics would stir that up in Harm to some degree.
When they left Dan and Sue’s place, they headed for the car to make the drive into town. As they slid into the Corvette, Mac turned to Harm with an observation.
“I feel like we’ve been ignoring our assignment. We had so much fun on the golf course and lunch was so relaxing, I just hate to think about the fact that we are trying to draw someone out that’s after me.”
“I know, Mac. Well, let’s hope it’s a false alarm and just keep enjoying ourselves. Simon thought that if we seemed distracted it would draw the shooter out faster.”
They found parking in the middle of one street that was lined with interesting shops. They started off hand in hand walking down one side of the street looking in the windows. After five or six shops, Harm slid his arm around Mac’s neck and pulled her close to his side. He leaned down and whispered to Mac.
“So far I’ve spotted Simon twice here and I saw him once on the golf course. Have you noticed anyone?” Harm asked.
“No one. I even missed Simon.”
“I think its because of my height that I spotted him.”
“Could be, Harm.
“Mac, I thought it would be a little easier for us to have a plan, so that we both knew what to expect. We started out holding hands and now I’ve got my arm around you and I’m whispering in your ear...I though when we get to the end of this street, maybe we could add a kiss or a hug...”
“And I should probably blush and giggle?” asked Mac somewhat amused at Harm’s preconceived notion of how dating couples would act in this situation.
“I some how don’t see you as a giggler in my vision, Mac.”
“Good, because I usually only giggle with Chloe and little kids.”
“Not when you’re being tickled?”
“Nope...I scream and I hit - but I don’t giggle,” Mac glared at Harm before laughing at the pained expression on his face. “Come on Sailor, let’s get back to the act.”
“Remind me never to try tickling you,” Harm grumped as they resumed their shopping stroll.
By the time they returned to the car three hours later, Harm looked a little like a pack mule carrying the packages Mac had bought. There had been three more sightings of Simon, but nothing else. As Harm unloaded the packages into the tiny space in the Corvette, he looked at Mac and shook his head.
“If you buy anything more you’ll need to have it shipped because it won’t fit in this car with us and our bags to go home tomorrow.”
“I know...I’m about finished with my Christmas shopping anyway.”
“What? Christmas shopping? Mac, it’s only July!”
“I know. Last year I was about finished in May. I’m behind this year.” Mac smiled at Harm as he stepped closer to her.
“Mac?”
“Yeah?”
“We didn’t add the kissing part yet.”
“I know...”
“I think to make this believable....”
“Then kiss me...” Mac commanded as she stepped into his arms and slowly slid her hands up his chest and around his neck looking up at him.
Harm lowered his head and his lips captured hers. The kiss was slow and gentle with just a hint of something more. Mac couldn’t quite identify what else it was she felt in that kiss...but she longed for this one to go on and for their to be more of them.
Lifting his head up, Harm could see the soldering look in Mac’s eyes that he felt in his own. Clearing his throat he whispered, “Get in...I think this calls for a romantic dinner, some dancing and a walk in the moonlight.”
Once the door closed, Mac caught her breath again that Harm’s kiss had stolen from her. He slid into the low sports car beside her and drove back to the resort.
2215 Local
Sheffield Resort
Ocean City, Maryland
They had dined at the main lodge with candle light and soft music. Harm had held he in his arms and danced her around the small dance floor. Mac certainly would not mistake the way he held her for the way a brother holds a sister, on this night. Mac was sure that Harm must know that she could feel her effect on him. She wondered if her dress was too much and if she was being a tease in his eyes. She pulled away just a little.
“What’s wrong, Mac? Did you see something?”
“No...it’s not that...”
“What is it then?”
“Harm, do you think this dress is too daring...am I being a tease?”
Harm looked her over wearing the navy blue spaghetti strap backless sun dress with the low cut v neckline and the way it flirted with her shape. The short dress with the strappy sandals had taken his breath away on her. He wished that this weekend and tonight were about them and not about drawing out a potential killer.
“Mac, you are a beautiful woman and I am proud to be with you. Yes, you turn heads but you do that in Marine green button-up uniforms.”
“But am I being a tease?”
“I don’t know Mac. Are you doing things intentionally to get my interest with no intention of following through?”
“Harm, I’m not doing anything intentionally!” Mac pulled away a little further and would have broken away except for Harm’s strong arms gently surrounding her.
“I know that Mac. I’m just asking you so you can evaluate this yourself.”
“Oh.”
“Yes, oh. Look Mac, I’ll admit that you are having an effect on me...which I’m sure you realize...but it won’t go anywhere you don’t want it to go. Understand?” Harm asked only feeling a little awkward talking this way with Mac.
“I know. And if I want it to go somewhere?” Mac asked leaving the question dangling between them as Harm’s air whooshed from his lungs.
“Ah...then hopefully we can both have what we want.”
“Harm. I’d like to leave...I think you promised me a stroll in the moonlight.”
After signing the bill, Harm escorted Mac back to their golf cart and they drove up the path toward their cabin. Once there, Harm parked the cart and took Mac’s hand as he started toward the water’s edge pulling Mac behind him.
“Slow down, Sailor,” Mac laughed at Harm’s rush to reach the beach. “I’ve got heels on Harm...”
Harm stopped then, turning to catch Mac as she bumped into him. He caught her in his arms and lifted her feet off the ground spinning her around.
“Harm! What are you doing?” Mac was still laughing despite his antics.
“You know what Mac...driving back to the cabin, I realized I couldn’t wait to be alone with you...I want to see where a romantic walk on the beach in the moonlight will take us...I want to forget we have a job to do and just enjoy the time alone with you.”
“Oh, Harm...I want that too.”
“Then come here...” Harm lower his head and began kissing her. His lips were gentle at first, just tasting and touching her lips. Slowly he let his tongue tease her lips asking her for further access into her mouth. His arms around her pulling her body tightly against his while her arms circled his neck. She felt her breasts pressed against his rock hard chest and gasped as his tongue sought hers.
While their tongues dueled and learned the taste and textured of the other, their hearts hammered in unison. Mac could feel the effect that she was having on Harm, and wondered if he realized the effect he was having on her. It was then that Harm pulled back, gasping for air and rested his head against hers as he held her in the moonlight on the beach.
“Wow...I could get addicted to you, you know,” Harm murmured against her hair.
“I think I already am.”
“Come on...let’s walk and talk and slow this down for a bit.” Harm put his arm around her holding Mac to his side as they fell into step together. They walked along the beach in silence until they came to a rocky outcropping. Together they turned around and headed back down the beach. This time they talked as they walked.
“Mac, I hope you understand the main reason I stopped things tonight.”
“Because we’re out here to do a job?”
“Yes...and because I feel like we’ve taken our relationship from zero to sixty in a matter of hours...I want to make sure its what we both want.”
“It’s the smart thing to do,” Mac conceded as they continued strolling along the beach back toward the cottage.
“I for one don’t want to risk prying eyes watching us enjoy intimate moments together,” Harm added.
“Race you to the cabin!” Mac called as she took off at a run for the cabin, laughing over her shoulder as she ran.
Harm took off after her, but the surprise of her mad dash had given her a lead. Mac was fifteen feet from the cabin door and Harm only six feet behind her, when the shot rang out. Harm dropped and rolled, turning to find Mac as he took cover behind the shrubs beside the front door. She lay still in the pathway. In the darkness Harm couldn’t tell if she had been hit, or was faking as there were few places to take cover. He waited to see if any more shots were being fired. All was quiet. He couldn’t even hear Mac’s breathing.
CHAPTER 4
0014 Local
Sheffield Resort
Ocean City, Maryland
“NO!” screamed Harm as he reached Mac’s side and felt the warm sticky unmistakable feel of blood on her head as he carefully lifted and turned her so he could search for a pulse and breath. “Hang on Mac...Come on Baby...Hang on...help’s coming...Oh God, please...don’t let her die...” Harm reached into his pocket and found his flip phone, opened it and called 911. The officer and lawyer reached deep within himself to find the strength and focus to get Sarah Mackenzie the help she desperately needed.
“This is Commander Harmon Rabb, Junior, United States Navy. My partner has been shot and I need an ambulance at the Sheffield Resort in Ocean City, Maryland. Our cabin is on the beach, not far from the twelfth green on the Sheffield Oceanside golf course. It may be the fasted way to reach us as there is an access road about fifty yards away. We are about a half mile from the resort itself.”
“Very well, Commander. The ambulance and police are on their way. You should be able to hear the sirens shortly. What’s your partner’s name?”
“Lieutenant Colonel Sarah Mackenzie, United States Marine Corps.” Harm answered fighting not to panic.
“Is she breathing?”
“Yes, but its very shallow. She has a head injury...”
“You said she had been shot?”
“Yes...but I think it only grazed her...” Harm was focusing now and had realized that the bullet must have only grazed her head. He had felt all over her head and found only a bloody streak across the right side of her head above her ear. “I see the ambulance and police lights...”
“Good. I can relay information to them. Are they heading toward you?”
“Yes...they’re here. Thank you...” Harm glanced heavenward as the first of the crew arrived. Reluctantly he turned Sarah Mackenzie over to them. He stood up and thanked the operator before disconnecting his call.
The police arrived and Harm turned to answer their questions while the paramedics worked on Mac.
“Commander Rabb? I’m Detective Joel Banniker. This is my partner Detective Hilary Thomas. Can you tell us what happened?”
“Yes...I think so. Mac - Lieutenant Colonel Sarah Mackenzie - and I were here because we got word that someone was out to get her. Agent Simon Tanveer from MI6 has been following to see if he could find who was after her. We came up with this plan to go away this weekend and try to draw the guy out by being so engrossed in each other that they would get careless and show themselves. We played golf today, had lunch with Dan and Sue Keeter that own this place and then went into town shopping. We only saw Tanveer following us, no one else. He hadn’t contacted us so we assumed that there was no news.”
“Go on, Commander.”
“Mac and I have been friends for years and playing around that we were...involved sort of led us to admit we wanted more out of our relationship after all these years. Tonight we ate at the restaurant and danced and then came back here for a walk on the beach in the moonlight. We were on our way back here when Mac challenged me to a race to see who could get back here first. I was almost up to her and she turned around to see how close I was and then I heard the shot and hit the ground rolling. I saw her go down and I thought she was doing the same thing I was, but when I looked up she was just laying there. I crawled over to her and I found blood on her head. I turned her over to check for breath and pulse and called nine-one-one. You people got here fast.”
“Thanks to you Commander. You saved us close to five minutes by telling us how close you were to the access road on the golf course,” offered Detective Thomas. “Tell me Commander, where’s Tanveer?”
“I don’t know. Maybe they got him and that’s how they got to Mac.” Harm was watching them load Mac on to the stretcher and prepare her for transport. One paramedic was headed their way.
“Excuse me, Detectives. We’re ready to transport. Will you be riding in the ambulance with us, Commander?”
“No...where will you take her?”
“Ocean City Hospital. They will access her condition there and if they need to transport her to Bethesda they call in a chopper or take another ambulance.”
“Thank you. I’ll meet her there. Excuse me detectives...I want to see Mac before they go. I’ll be right back.”
The detectives watched the distraught tall man move to the woman’s side and bend over her.
“They’re going to get you to the hospital Mac. I’ll be there as soon as I can. Let them take care of you for me. Be tough Marine. You’re going to get through this. You have to or I won’t be able to tell you how much I love you...” Harm’s voice caught and so he placed a kiss on her lips and then stood up so they could get her to the hospital. He watched them take her away from him for a minute while he said a silent prayer. Then he turned back to the detectives.
“Do you need me for anything more right now? I’d like to get cleaned up and get some things for her and get over to the hospital.”
“No problem Commander. Thank you for your help. Just give us your address and phone number so we can get a hold of you. We’ll look around and see if we can find anything, but it’s not likely.”
“May I suggest that NCIS be called in. We are both military and this may be a result of Colonel Mackenzie’s TAD with the CIA last year.” Harm told the two detectives thinking NCIS may have more experience and expertise then a local police agency.
“You could be right, Commander. We’ll place the call.”
“Ask for an Agent Gibbs and his team if at all possible.” Harm told them as he stepped away and into the cabin. Quickly he changed into jeans and a t-shirt and packed their bags. Taking them out to the golf cart he returned to the resort, left a message for Dan that he would call with news, paid with his credit card and climbed into the Corvette to head for Ocean City Hospital.
0045 Local
Ocean City Hospital
Ocean City, Maryland
Harm entered the hospital and went to the emergency room. He had seen the ambulance parked in the bay and hoped they had admitted Mac and not had to send her to Bethesda. He found the nurse on duty and asked for Sarah Mackenzie.
“I’m sorry sir. I have no one listed by that name.”
“She was just brought in. Head injury?”
“Oh, yes a woman was brought in...the doctor’s are still accessing her condition. If you have a seat I will let them know you are here.”
“Thank you.” Harm couldn’t sit, so he paced by the windows in the small seating area. He spotted the pay phone and placed a call to the acting JAG, Commander Strugis Turner.
{Hello...} came the sleepy voice on the end of the line.
“Sorry to bother you Sturgis, but Mac’s been shot.”
{What? Harm?}
“Yes.”
{What happened?}
“Long story. Here’s the short version. Mac and I were out for a midnight stroll and almost back to our cabin when there was a single shot fired and Mac went down. There was blood on the right side of her head and she had a weak pulse and shallow breathing but was hanging on. The ambulance brought her to Ocean City Hospital in Maryland and I’m waiting on an up date. Local detectives talked to me and I suggested they called Gibbs at NCIS.”
{Is this tied to a case?}
“Could be. We had gotten word from Agent Simon Tanveer of MI6 that someone was after Mac. We were trying to draw them out.”
{Harm are you okay?}
“I will be if Mac makes it.”
{You want me to come down there?}
“No. It’s not necessary...”
{Take what ever time you need, Harm. Bud and I can keep JAG going with the two new lawyers arriving this week.}
“Thanks, Sturgis.”
{Tell her we’re all pulling for her Harm.}
“Thanks. I’ll keep you posted.” Harm hung up the phone and resumed his pacing for another five minutes before the doctor came out.
“Commander Rabb? I’m Doctor Prescott.”
“Yes...how’s Mac?”
“Mac?”
“Sorry, Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie...her friends call her Mac.”
“Good to know. She’s going to have one hell of a headache when she comes around, but she’ll be fine in a day or two.”
“Thank you. How bad is it?”
“She was lucky. She has what amounts to a cut about four inches long on her scalp that starts above her right ear and goes toward the back of her head. It’s not deep and x-rays show that it did not penetrate the skull. The impact was enough to cause a concussion.”
“There was so much blood.”
“Yes...head injuries will do that. Scalp wounds tend to bleed like crazy and yet can be very minor.”
“Why was her breathing so shallow and her pulse weak?”
“That’s not uncommon but is often due from the shock of the incident more then the injury itself. Would you like to sit with her?”
“Yes, very much.”
“We are going to have her admitted for the night and see how she does tomorrow. She should come around soon and if she is up to it she should be able to go home tomorrow.”
“Thank you doctor.” Harm shook the man’s hand.
“I’ll send the nurse to get you once we have her in her room.”
Harm turned to look out the window. His mind began to wander back over the events of the last couple of days. Something wasn’t adding up and he couldn’t put his finger on it. Maybe once he saw for himself that Mac was okay he could focus and figure out what he was missing now.
0212 Local
Mac’s Hospital Room
Ocean City Hospital
Harm sat in the softly lit room next to Mac’s bed. His elbows rest on his long legs and his hands supported his head as he watched her breath and waited for her to move, an indication that she had regained consciousness. The doctor told him to expect her to come around anytime. He closed his eyes for a moment offering another silent prayer for her full recovery. While his eyes were closed, he didn’t see her eyes flutter or the hand resting on her stomach twitch. The soft groan when she tried to open her eyes was the first indication he had that she was waking up.
“Mac? Take it easy...stay still. Can you open your eyes?”
“Harm...stop...shouting...”Mac slowly whispered - her eyes still closed.
“Sorry,” Harm smiled. “Head hurt?”
“Yes. Did you tackle me?” Mac asked as her eyes finally opened and she tried to focus on Harm.
“No...but I probably should have.”
“What happened?”
“You don’t remember?”
“I was racing you to the cabin and I turned because I thought you about to catch me and I felt something go by me...and then nothing. I woke up here.”
“Mac,” Harm began as he took her hand in his. “You were grazed by a bullet. You dropped like a rock. The bullet caused a slight concussion but the doctor things you hit your head when you went down. You also have a scalp wound about four inches long that had to have stitches. The good news is that the doctor says he doesn’t think there is any lasting damage and that you may be able to go home later today.”
“Who shot at me?”
“I don’t know Mac. I had them call NCIS to investigate.”
“Good plan, Harm.” Mac groaned again.
“Do you need some pain medicine?”
“No...I could use some sleep though.”
“Okay. Do you want me to stay with you?”
“Why don’t you go back and get some sleep?”
“Won’t sleep without you...I almost lost you tonight, Mac.”
“I know. Harm?”
“Yes?”
“I think I remember hearing two shots.”
“Two?”
“Didn’t you?”
“I know I heard one, and I can’t swear about the other,” Harm admitted. “Looks like Tanveer was right and someone is after you and maybe me too.”
“Harm...I changed my mind. Stay here tonight?”
“I can do that. You get some sleep now.” Harm stood up and leaned over to kiss her forehead and caress the side of her face. “You need to get better so we can finish what we started.”
“I don’t want to ever finish with you...” Mac’s voice drifted off as she fell asleep.
“Me either, Sarah Mackenzie...me either.” Harm sat down again beside her bed and watched her sleep. Eventually he fell asleep too.
0730 Local
Mac’s Hospital Room
Ocean City Hospital
Harm heard the doctor and nurse talking outside the door. He sat up and rubbed his face while he listened to their conversation. Mac began to stir at about the same time.
“...stay all night?”
“Yes, doctor. She woke up and I heard them talking and when I checked back they were both asleep.”
“Did she ask for pain medication?”
“No sir.”
“Very good. I think we can probably release her if she is able to keep breakfast down. All systems functioning?”
“I’m not sure sir. I haven’t been in this morning to check with her on her out put.”
“Go ahead and do that. I want to see Mrs. Wells next door and then I’ll be in.”
“Yes doctor.”
Harm smiled at Mac, “Sounds like they’re going to let you out of here.”
“Good. I need a shower and clean clothes.”
“I brought your bad so you wouldn’t have to wear your dress home.”
“Good thing...I think they cut it off me last night,” Mac informed him.
“Too bad. I was hoping you’d wear it again when we pick up where we left off.” Harm grinned.
“Good morning,” the nurse greeted them. “How are you feeling this morning, Miss Mackenzie?”
“Not bad...but I want to shower and get dressed and get out of here.”
“I’m sure you do but we need you to eat breakfast first and make sure all systems are working properly before we can let that happen.”
Harm blushed and Mac stiffened her spine as she glared at the nurse. “I am about to get up, shower, dress, and go home. If my systems don’t work I’ll let you know.”
“But...”
“I’ll sign myself out!” Mac threatened.
Harm tried to calm her down. “Mac, the nurse is only doing her job.” Mac glared at him so he turned his back and escorted the nurse out of the room while he talked to her. “Nurse, that woman in there is a Marine. I would advise against trying to stop her if she has her mind made up. I promise I will make sure she eats and if she’ll let me I’ll stay with her. If she won’t I won’t be far away. If I see any problems I’ll get her to Bethesda.”
“Alright...but the doctor won’t be happy.”
Harm watched the nurse walk away and then returned to the room to wait for Mac. He spotted her bag on the floor and realized she had gone to the bathroom without taking anything with her. Harm carefully opened the bathroom door and slipped the bag inside. The doctor came in while he waited for Mac.
“Where’s our patient?”
“Showering, getting dressed and preparing to sign herself out.”
“Yes...the nurse told me. How does she seem?”
“She seems fine...like her old self this morning.”
The doctor signed a paper on the clip board and handed it to Harm.
“If you detect rapid mood swings, unusual forgetfulness, changes in personality, or if she vomits more than once in the next twenty-four hours, take her to Bethesda and ask for Commander David Rice. He specializes in head trauma...I don’t think you’ll need it as she sounds like she’s got it together, but just in case...”
“Yes sir. Thank you.”
“Good luck Mr. Rabb.”
CHAPTER 5
Sunday 1930 Local
Mac’s Apartment
Georgetown
“Harm...oohhhhh...sometimes you drive me crazy! You know that?”
“Sure...but its mutual so its okay,” he grinned as he sat back down on the couch next to her.
“Harm, I do not need a babysitter. Go home.”
“I can’t Mac. I promised the doctor I would stay here. He didn’t want you alone for another twenty-four hours.”
Mac at that point changed tactics. She decided that the one thing that always sent Harmon Rabb running was for her to make a move on him. So she slid closer to him and wrapped her arms around his waist, leaning into him. She could hear his breath catch as she rubbed her cheek against his chest and used one hand to smooth his shirt. When she felt his throat moving above her head, she increased her assault. She added blowing lightly against the skin at his open neckline and saw this throat swallow. Then she heard his raspy voice whisper her name.
“Mac...what are you doing?”
“That long that you’ve forgotten?” Mac purred as she cuddled closer, rubbing her chest against his.
“Mac,” Harm found his voice and firmly set her away from him and held her arms to keep her at arms length. “I know what you are doing. I’m not leaving and you are only going to succeed in making us both uncomfortable because you are in no condition tonight to finish what we started last night. We will...soon...I promise...but you need to behave tonight. Please, Mac?”
Mac gave in then looking him in the eye. She smiled and shrugged, “It was worth a try.”
“It was...and I was enjoying it - too much. Give it a couple of days and try that again and you’ll find a much different response from me - I promise.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Yeah...how would you like to watch a movie?”
“I can’t convince you to leave?”
“No. But if you are tired and want to go to bed, I’ll stay here and leave you alone.”
“No...let’s watch a movie.” Mac proceeded to curl up next to Harm when he sat back down after loading the movie she requested. Within minutes she was asleep. Harm shut off the movie and sat and watched her while she slept curled against him. He let his mind drift.
It had taken Harm a long time to realize that what he felt for his partner was more then friendship. He had thought of her as his best friend and favorite adversary for a long time and her reaction to him leaving JAG to return to flight status had puzzled him, yet at the same time he was glad there was something to tie their futures together while he was gone. It had taken him by surprise to see the distance that grew between them and the animosity that had greeted him upon his return to JAG.
Harm and Mac had rebuilt their friendship despite the tension they had both felt. With Mic Brumby in the picture Harm had found himself fluctuating between disgust that Mac could be interested in Brumby and disgust with himself for even thinking Mac would lower her standards to that extreme. Then had come that faithful trip to Australia when he and Mic had broken Bud’s jaw and the admiral had sent them to punish each other. When Mac had offered herself to him after having flirted with Mic on the beach and going topless - or at least looking like she had been topless- he had held himself back. He had said ‘not yet’ because he knew he was angry enough still that he might accidently take it out on Mac. He wanted to admit that he wanted her but he also kept thinking about the fact that he knew he wasn’t ready to settle down yet and once he started something with Mac he sensed that it would be the forever kind of thing.
So Harm had kept some distance between them and Mic Brumby had found his opening. He had managed to manipulate Mac to the point that they had become engaged and planned to marry. Harm had found himself reevaluating what it was he felt for Mac and was surprised when his thoughts of her when from friendly companionship to hot, sexy, passionate desire. It had surprised Harm the first few times he was faced with his new view of his partner. As he adjusted to it, he knew with greater certainty that he couldn’t let her walk away - walk into Brumby’s life without letting her know.
Time got away from him and suddenly it was Mac’s engagement party. She must have sensed that he wanted - needed - to talk to her. She made sure it happened. It wasn’t the setting Harm would have picked - their commanding officers porch on the night of her engagement to another man, but he was smart enough to take what was offered. So many times he relived that night...the words they said...the looks they exchanged...and the kiss they shared.
Harm had planned to give her a congratulatory kiss and the minute his lips touched hers, it burned out of control. He had grabbed on to her not wanting to let go. He had wanted to beg her not to marry Mic - to reconsider what they could have with each other. But years of training to be an officer and a gentleman kicked in and his mother and grandmother’s efforts to raise a Rabb man with a sense of duty and loyalty were too much. He had let her go saying just enough to let her know he loved her and he would be there if she wanted to walk away.
Mac had walked away that night...from him...right back to Brumby. The next time he saw her in the office he had apologized for being out of line and she had assured him that they were alright. And their friendship was on track until he had to leave for his qualification flights on a carrier just days before the wedding. Mac was upset and Harm had let his mouth run away when he told her that if he needed to be at her wedding then maybe she should rethink who she was marrying.
Harm felt Mac stir in his arms. He looked down and saw a flicker of pain cross her face. He looked at the head wound. They had done well to only shave a small portion that she would easily be able to hide now that her hair was longer. The wound looked clean and pink, not angry or inflamed. He could see it was already healing. Studying the wound made him think how close he had come to losing her just as they were on the brink of finding that elusive place that had evaded them for so many years.
The fact that Mac had fallen apart at the pre-wedding dinner when they got word that he had gone down at sea never really reached him until months later. Bud and Harriet had told him finally about that night. It had started out as a funny story about Bud once again ending up at a major event in less then appropriate attire. It had been raining and he had fallen in the mud puddle and although he was in uniform he had been wet and quite uncomfortable. From there they started talking about how they stopped thinking or worrying about that little discomfort once they got the call about Harm. Bud had told Harm that Mac had really taken it hard. Harriet had explained that Mic had tried to talk her into rejoining the group several times, but only Chloe could get through to her.
Harm knew that he and Mac had both experienced that desperate sense of loss over the other one - and probably more then once. He swore to himself that as soon as Mac was ready to move on, he was going to make sure that she had no doubts about what he wanted or how he felt. He wanted them to have it all in one form or another.
Chloe and Mattie were not babies when they had come into their lives, and they both loved those girls as if they were their own. If fate was so cruel as to not allowed then to fulfil their deal then they would find young children - maybe even babies - that needed their love and support. They would do foster care or adopt if they couldn’t have children. But the would have each other.
Harm felt Mac stir again. He waited until she quieted and then stood up and carried her to her bed. Sliding her into bed and covering her with her blankets, he used the bathroom and then went back to lay on the couch. As much as he loved holding her she needed to be comfortable and to sleep. He was ready to try and sleep as well.
Monday 0545 Local
Mac’s Apartment
Georgetown
“Harm? Harm...do you have a clean uniform in the car? Harm!” Mac’s voice began to penetrate his sleep induced fog.
“Mac? What are you doing here?” Harm mumbled as he tried to roll over only to find himself half off the couch.
“Awake yet?” Mac smirked as he caught himself and sat on the edge of the couch.
“Yeah...what time is it?”
“Time for you to either hit the shower or head home to shower and dress so you can get to JAG on time.”
“Thanks Mac. You sleep okay? Any vomiting?”
“I’m fine Harm. As a matter of fact I think I’ll be reporting for duty as well.”
“You sure?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll get out of your way now, but how about I pick you up and drive you to JAG in about an hour?”
“You don’t have to...”
“It’s not what I have to do is what I want to do. Please?”
“Don’t be late or I’ll be gone...” Mac called over her shoulder as she headed for her bathroom.
Harm went into motion then. He grabbed his things glad he had brought his moccasins in his bag. He slipped them on and broke into a trot to his car. He was home in eighteen minutes, showered and dressed in twelve, picked up coffee and bagels and knocked on Mac’s door with three minutes to spare. Mac opened the door with a smile dressed in her uniform.
“Good job Sailor. You didn’t bring coffee by any chance did you?”
“Piping hot in the car waiting with a bagel.”
“Good answer. Shall we?”
Together they walked to Harm’s Lexus this time and he held the door while Mac slid in. Once under way they sipped their coffee and munched on the bagel.
“Harm, I think we need to call NCIS to see if they have any information about the shooter.”
“I agree...you know its really strange but there has been no contact from Tanveer. The shooter either got him or...” Harm trailed off a little afraid to voice the thoughts in his head.
“...Or Tanveer was the shooter?”
“That’s exactly what I was thinking...”
“Look at the facts Harm. First, all we had was word from Tanveer. Second the only one that we spotted trailing us was Tanveer. Third, on the beach was the only time he could have observed us and taken a shot without being seen.”
“It adds up Mac. I’ll call Gibbs when we get to headquarters.”
“We’ll call and put him on speaker phone,” Mac informed Harm.
0755 Local
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
“Agent Gibbs...this is Commander Harmon Rabb and Lieutenant Colonel Sarah Mackenzie from JAG on speaker phone. Have your people found out anything about the shooter?”
“Good morning...yes we have a few things. As you know we don’t like to release our information as it could effect the investigation.”
“Yes...I remember that well, Gibbs,” said Mac. “But I was the victim of a shooting and I think I have a right to know if you have found out anything.”
“I know how you feel Colonel, but I am still not at liberty to discuss this case with you.”
“Look Gibbs!” Mac started a bit hot under the collar, still smarting for the treatment Harm endured from Gibbs and his team a year and a half ago.
“Agent Gibbs, we have a theory that we’d like to present to you...of course you may have already considered it, but just in case you haven’t hear us out.”
“Alright Commander. I’m listening.”
“Please put Agents Todd and Dnozzo on the speaker phone too,” Mac requested.
“Done.” Gibbs wasn’t about to waste time with words when it wasn’t necessary.
“Look, the only evidence we had that someone was after Mac was Tanveer’s word...”
“And Harm and I have experience spotting people that are tailing us...”
“And the only time that we were in an area alone where the shooter could go unobserved was on the beach that night.”
“You’re saying that the shooter is Tanveer?”
“We were in contact with him by cell phone and he’s not been in touch since the shooting, so if he’s not the shooter then he must be dead.” Harm finished.
“Why would Tanveer want you Colonel?” asked Agent Todd.
“I don’t know...”
“He liked her,” Harm interjected.
“He liked her so he wanted to kill her? Doesn’t make sense to me,” Kate Todd responded.
“Hear me out...I know this could be a stretch, but what if Tanveer had fallen for Mac when he met her and then he heard that she was Webb’s girlfriend...”
“Clayton Webb?” asked Tony Dnozzo.
“Yes...”
“I always thought you two had a thing...” Tony added. Harm and Mac couldn’t see the look over the phone that Gibbs threw him to quiet him down.
“Anyway,” Harm continued, “he thought Webb could still be alive and that Mac could draw Clayton out. Once he showed himself, Tanveer could kill Webb and then have a shot at Mac himself...her hero so to speak.”
“Harm, I don’t need a hero...” Mac was quite indignant.
“I know that Mac...but Tanveer might have thought you did.” Harm explained.
“Alright Commander, suppose you’re right. Why did he finally decide to take Mac out?”
“He followed us for an evening and a day. Through out the course of that day he probably saw Mac and I getting closer and when Webb didn’t appear, he decided that Mac wouldn’t turn to him after all and so when he had a chance he decided to get rid of her.”
“It does seem a stretch Commander, but we have nothing else to go on so I’ll assume there could be some truth to this and check it out. We’ll be in touch.” Agent Gibbs disconnected the call.
“Harm, do you really think that when Tanveer saw us kissing he got mad and wanted to take me out instead of using me for bait?”
“I don’t know Mac. I just know that this is all strange and it really bothers me to admit I can’t keep you safe.”
“I’m a Marine, Harm...”
“I know...I know... but it doesn’t make it any easier because you happen to be someone I care about...”
Harm and Mac just sat a few seconds staring at each other.
“I care about you too, you know?” Mac said.
“We’ve got staff call. Can’t keep Commander Turner waiting.” Harm smiled and escorted Mac to the conference room.
“Colonel Mackenzie...how are you?” asked Sturgis.
“Fine thank you. And you?”
“Fine. Yes, well shall we get down to business?” Commander Turner ran the meeting with a no non-sense approach. He was organized and direct and there was no humor. They all missed the humor with which AJ had run the office. Sturgis was also very careful to keep anything personal out of the office, which came as no surprise to Harm and Mac. They had always known that Sturgis had been uncomfortable around JAG when anything of a personal nature came up.
As Sturgis dismissed the staff, he asked Harm and Mac to stay back for a moment.
Harm and Mac exchanged a look and took their seats.
“I hope you are feeling aright today Colonel. I was a little surprised to see you here this morning after Harm report the other night.”
“It’s sore to touch, but I am capable of doing my job, Commander.” Mac informed Turner with as much thinly disguised respect as she could muster.
“Harm I thought I told you to keep me apprised of the situation, yet I heard nothing more from you after your call in the middle of the night until you both showed up here this morning. What do you have to say for yourself?”
“Either your voice mail is down or you didn’t check it or your messages because I left messages on both your home voice mail and your cell phone voice mail; I emailed you here at JAG and I called the duty desk. Each of my messages told you that Mac had been released and I was taking her home but the doctor didn’t want her alone. I also said to expect me and probably Mac this morning.”
“I know he did Commander,” Mac spoke up.
“Fine. I’m glad you are back...The budget reports have to be finished by end of business today. Dismissed.” With that Sturgis rose and stalked out of the conference room to return to his temporary office as JAG.
“You know, Sturgis has always had this pompous air about him. I’m tempted to call the Chaplain for his intervention...” Harm mumbled to Mac’s amusement as they followed Sturgis from the conference room to return to their individual offices.
“Harm, do you want to do a working lunch later?”
“Good idea Mac. Why don’t we see if Bud wants to join us as well?”
“Good idea. I’ll talk to him. See you later.” Mac ducked into her office and watched Harm enter his office next door. She missed having him next door to her. Mac’s phone rang as she sat down.
“Colonel Mackenzie.”
“Hi Mac...it’s Harriet.”
“Harriet! How are you?”
“I’m fine, Ma’am...although I’m a little bored. I thought I’d see if you want to do lunch today.”
“Gee Harriet...I’d love to but I’m afraid we need to do a working lunch to day to finish this budget report. I was just going to call Bud and ask him if he wanted to join Harm and me.”
“That’s alright, Mac...look, why don’t I bring lunch and then maybe I can help you for awhile.”
“Really?”
“I’d love to...”
“Okay, I’ll let Harm and Bud know and I’ll reserve the conference room. See you at twelve hundred?”
“Yes, Ma’am!”
“I liked it when you called me Mac better...See you later Harriet.”
CHAPTER 6
1322 Local
Conference Room
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
Sturgis Turner held him self ramrod straight and burst into the conference room with his teeth clenched and his eyes spitting fire. He stopped and looked around at the four people with paper and food spread out on the table before them. The last straw after not being able to find the three top attorneys, was hearing the laughter coming from the conference room.
“I have no desire to hear the explanation for this free-for-all going on it here, but I do want the budget reports on my desk in one hour! I’ve been after these for days and there’s always something more important in your eyes. I’ve waited long enough. You seem to think that because I’m the same rank you don’t have to listen to me while I’m acting JAG. Let me make it clear that you do need to listen to me and any further delay in those reports will result in disciplinary action. I want those reports NOW!” With that Commander Turner pivoted on his heel and stormed out of the conference room.
Harm, Mac, Bud and Harriet all froze during his tirade, but when he went out the door they dissolved into laughter. No one was sure who laughed first but they all succumbed to the humor of the situation. Over lunch, with Harriet’s help, they had been able to find the three errors in the budget reports that had been haunting them all for a week and had finished proofing the last of the pages. Their laughter had been over the fact that Harriet had brought a handful of fortune cookies with their lunch and they had each read them aloud. This time instead of them all being the same, they had different ones that had a connection to the reader.
Bud’s had said, “Your diligence is overlooked by the man in charge. Show him.” But had found one of the errors that Sturgis hadn’t been able to locate.
Mac had gone next. “Use your head wisely and your heart will not hurt.” Mac and Harm exchanged a look. They knew that had she not turned her head to look back at him, the situation would have been much different.”
Harm read his next: “Your head can keep your feet on the ground while your heart soars.” Again Mac and Harm exchanged looks, while Bud and Harriet silently watched them.
Harriet opened hers next: You bring luck to those you feed.” At that point that had burst out laughing as they had finished their work while they ate and knew that they were going to make one Sturgis Turner happy that they had finally cracked the budget reports and found the errors that had been haunting them for a week. That was when an angry acting Jag had descended upon them and reamed them out.
“Harriet, thank you for bringing us food and luck. Bud, why don’t you help Harriet clean this up. I’ll go see Turner.” Harm offered.
“I’ll go with you,” Mac offered.
Harm hesitated a minute and then said, “Mac, I appreciate your offer, but I’d like a moment to speak to my old academy roommate, if you don’t mind.”
“I don’t mind...but don’t get yourself in trouble for this. It’s not worth it.” Mac cautioned.
Harm nodded and took the reports and files with him to Turner’s office. He rapped on the door and waited for the command to enter.
“Enter...Rabb...Is that the completed corrected budget report?”
“It is.”
“If you had focused you would have had this done long ago.”
“Permission to speak freely, sir.” Harm formally addressed the acting JAG.
“Go ahead.”
“For your information, we all have been working on the sections of the budget that you handed out to no avail. Mac and I decided to ask Bud for a working lunch to see if we could help each other. Harriet was kind enough to not only pick up and deliver our food, but sit there with us and go through the files. While we were relaxed and eating and talking over the reports, we started locating the errors. In a matter of minutes, with Harriet’s help we had found the errors and corrected them. We were just celebrating that when you came in spitting fire and reamed us all a new one. It was uncalled for Sturgis and you were out of line.” Harm spoke with a deadly calm that belied his contempt for Turner’s behavior.
“Are you finished?”
“Yes.”
“Just because you’ve been acting JAG don’t think for a minute that you could do a better job. I happen to know that neither you or Mac were on the list for consideration for acting Jag. I also know that Mac’s days as Chief of Staff are numbered.”
“You see Turner, I don’t care. I’ve done the job and I don’t want it. Neither does Mac. As far as Mac stepping down as Chief of Staff, she asked for that to happen. She wants to be able to spend some time on investigation and lately she hasn’t been able to do that.”
“She volunteered to take a career hit?”
“Sometimes life hands you situations that require you to make difficult decisions. Mac has certainly faced more then her share this past year or so. Don’t add to her problems.”
“You’re a fine one to talk Harm. You are the basis for most of Mac’s problems.”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about Sturgis. As acting JAG you should watch that. May I be dismissed?”
“Get out of here Rabb. Stay out of my sights for the next few days would you?”
“I’ll do my best Commander.”
1715 Local
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
“Mac, you going to be ready before long?” Harm asked as he poked his head into her office door.
“I’m ready to get out of here right now,” she answered smiling up at him. She picked up a couple of files and put them in her briefcase, grabbed her cover and joined him at the door. “How did things go with Sturgis?”
“Let’s get out of here before I tell you that one.” Together they had exited the building and once they were in the Lexus and headed away from JAG, Harm filled Mac in. “...Anyway, he told me to stay out of his sights for awhile.” Harm finished.
“He really said that?”
“Yes.”
“Harm you didn’t need to defend me to him.”
“I know...but I couldn’t help myself.”
“Look, I’m sure you are anxious to get back to your own apartment, and I’m not sure I’m ready to stay alone yet. Would you mind if I get some things and follow you home?”
“Not at all. Do you want me to wait for you?”
“No. Look, I’ll pick up something to eat and see you at your place by eighteen thirty.”
Harm stopped in front of her apartment and watched her get out. “Be careful and I’ll see you in a little while.”
Mac smiled and waved him away before proceeding to her apartment. She hoped that he would be more receptive to talking with her tonight about what had almost happened over the weekend...before the shot was fired.
Once in her apartment, Mac showered and dressed with something other then work in mind. She called to a restaurant near Union Station that had take out and ordered a large grilled chicken caesar salad for Harm and Chef’s salad for herself with a side order of bread sticks with marinara sauce and a piece of cake called death by chocolate which from past experience she knew was perfect for sharing. With that done, she packed her bag and grabbed a clean uniform for the morning and headed off. She didn’t see the light blinking on her answering machine and shut and locked the door. Harm was waiting.
1825 Local
Harm’s Apartment
North of Union Station
Harm had been disgusted with his apartment when he got home. The dust had collected and his first order of business was getting that taken care of. By eighteen hundred he could live in his apartment again after dusting and making his bed up clean. He decided to hit the shower before Mac arrived. He had just stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around his waist when he heard the knock on the door.
“Just a minute, Mac! Be right there.”
Mac, with her arms full heard Harm but wasn’t sure what he said, and so decided to use the spare key to let herself in. He had after all told her on more then one occasion to do just that. So with her arms full she pushed the door open and stepped into the room just in time to see Harm standing buck naked in his bedroom with his back to her reaching for a pair of pants in his closet.
Without saying a word Mac tore her eyes away and moved to the kitchen keeping her back to the bedroom area. “My arms were full,, so I used the spare key like you always tell I should do.”
“No problem...” Harm was glad he had kept his back to the door so neither one of them would be any more embarrassed. He had hoped that they might return to where they were before the shot rang out Saturday night - not physically return to the resort - but to return to the point they had reached in their relationship. Zipping up his pants and pulling on a light yellow cotton striped shirt he fastened a few buttons before joining Mac in his kitchen.
“What we got?”
“Salads, bread sticks and cake.”
“Nice choices Marine...thank you.”
“Sorry I walked in on you...”
“No problem. Let’s eat shall we?” Harm helped her set the food out on the table and they fell into a relaxed camaraderie as they ate and cleaned up afterwards. They had decided to wait for later to eat the cake.
“Harm, have you heard from Mattie?” Mac asked as they settled onto the couch.
“Yes. Things are going well for her and her Dad, but she told me she still needs me...that she’s still counting on me to bug her and make sure she keeps her focus.”
“Chloe said almost the same thing to me after she started living with her grandparents. She loves them, but sometimes she doesn’t always trust them right away and having me reinforce what they’ve told her has helped.”
“When’s Chloe coming down again?”
“I was hoping she could come down for Christmas this year. Her dad was home the last two years but he’s away again and not slated to come home until at least February.”
“We should plan on doing something with the two girls together.”
“That would be nice. You know Harm, sometimes I think that Mattie doesn’t like me and other times things seem fine. Do you know what’s going on?”
“That’s probably my fault. She has a way of getting me to talk to her even when I don’t want to...and after one of our fall outs last winter or early spring, I was moping around and she got me to tell her what was wrong.”
“So when you are mad at me she’s mad at me?” Mac asked a little amazed at Harm’s candor.
“Something like that. I’m sorry Mac...”
“No its okay. Chloe’s like that too. I mean she didn’t like Mic at all at first but then because she thought he made me happy, she stopped being a Harm fan and became a Mic fan...of course then she didn’t like you and blamed you when things fell apart with me and Mic. As our friendship grew, she grew to accept you again.”
“And with Clay?”
“She didn’t know about him. She kept asking me why you and I weren’t moving things along.”
“Really? And what did you tell her?”
“I said we were friends and that I wasn’t sure we wanted the same things.”
“Really? I told Mattie that we were working some things out...but I didn’t know if you wanted the same things either.” Harm’s voice had dropped to a husky whisper as they sat two feet apart talking on his couch.
“What do you want Harm?”
“I want us to have a chance to see what this is brewing between us. I want to know if this is something that will go away once the itch has been scratched or if it will just become stronger and deeper still with time and nourishment. What do you want Mac?”
“I want to know too. You said you’d always be there for me...and you have been with maybe one exception...”
“And it almost killed me to turn you away when Renee’s father died.”
“I know...but that wasn’t what I was thinking of.”
“It wasn’t?”
“No. I was thinking of the times I called you when you were with the CIA.”
“I’m sorry Mac...after you said ‘never’ on the street in Paraguay I was so angry with you for not giving us a chance that I had to stay away. I couldn’t even talk to you.”
“I know...I’m sorry. I realized after that situation, that you really do take me at my word. I was a fool.”
“Not more then I was. Mac?”
“Yes...”
“This past weekend started out as an assignment...but Saturday night...on the dance floor and on the beach...that wasn’t an assignment for me. Was it for you?”
“No.”
“What would have happened if that gun shot hadn’t interrupted us?”
“I’m not sure...but I hoped that you would catch me and kiss me and make love to me.”
“Do you still want that?”
“Yes.”
Harm slid closer to Mac and wrapped her in his arms as he bent to kiss her. It started out as a sweet kiss, filled with promise, but the heat rose fast between these two overly cautious, stubborn people.
They stood up kissing and touching...moving toward Harm’s bedroom as pieces of clothes were dropped along the way. Mac’s shoes were left by the couch and Harm’s shirt was left on the coffee table; Mac’s top was on the table; and her jeans were on the steps to the bedroom. Harm looked at Mac clad only in her red satin bra and panties and gasped as the air rushed from his lungs at the sight of her. Her fingers at his waist band nearly drove him over the edge.
“Better wait on that for a bit longer, Mac...”
“Why’s that, Harm?”
“Let’s just say I got dressed in a hurry,” he mumbled against her mouth as he reached for the clasp on her bra and removed that garment exposing her beautiful breasts to his eyes, finally. “You are so beautiful...”
“You know, you’re body is pretty nice considering that you are not a young man anymore...”
“Oh? So you think I’m old?” Harm asked with a playful growl as he buried his face in Mac’s neck, kissing her and teaching the pulse point in her neck.
“I didn’t say that Harm,” laughed Mac as she lovingly caressed his chest and reached for the button on his pants again. “I want to see you...” she whispered as she opened the top button and gently lowered the zipper on his pants. The material slid down his body and as Harm stepped out of his pants and kneeled on the bed beside her, Mac reached out to his lower body and watched it come to full life under her touch.
Harm then reached for the satin panties Mac wore and eased then down her body, placing kisses on the curves he eased them over. When they were finally both completely naked and exposed to the other, Harm whispered to Mac, “I don’t think this is something that’s going to go away anytime soon.”
“You don’t?”
“No. Do you?”
“No.”
“Why?”
“Why what?”
“Mac, why do you think this thing between us will last?”
“Because it had already survived us for nine years.”
“I love you Mac...”
“I love you too, Harm...”
“I want to show you...”
“Yes...”
CHAPTER 7
November 24, 2004
Harm’s Apartment
North of Union Station
“Harm?”
“Yes Mattie?”
“What time is Mac coming over with Chloe?”
“They’ll be here anytime. Why?”
“Duh...because I want to meet Chloe.”
“What kind of a word is ‘duh’?”
“One that points out how dumb you can be at times, Harm.”
“Really? Then maybe I should rethink the plans for this weekend.”
“No! Harm you wouldn’t would you? Please tell me you’re just kidding!”
“I’m just kidding Mattie...I can’t believe you wormed my plans out of me to begin with.”
Mattie just grinned at her mentor and second father.
“Harm it’s time...you’ve known each other almost ten years.”
“I know...but there’s no guarantee she’ll agree to this plan.”
“She will Harm. Just do exactly what you said you were going to do and she won’t be able to turn you down.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“I am.” Just then a knock was heard on the door and Mattie ran to open it.
“Hi Mattie.”
“Hi Mac! Come in...you must be Chloe. I’m Mattie. Harm will be right here. He’s slowing down a little these days you know.” Mattie chattered happily to Mac and Chloe.
Harm came down the steps from his bedroom and bent to kiss Mac quickly on the lips. “Hey Chloe. I hear you’ve met my chatter box, Mathilda Grace.”
“Yes. Good to see you, Harm.”
“Like wise. Mattie, why don’t you take Chloe over to show her your room, while I talk to Mac.”
“Okay. Come on Chloe. See you later.” As the door closed behind them, Harm pulled Mac into his arms for a longer more satisfying kiss.
“That’s better. I missed you today.”
“I guess you may need to get use to it, Harm.”
“You liked the job?”
“I did. It’s going to be a challenge yet I won’t have to travel. Hours are fairly constant.”
“Mac, you’re not settling are you?”
“No Harm, I promise I’m not settling. I think its best for everyone. General Cresswell and I are off to a less then stellar start. He’s already been on your case about fraternization and impropriety with Coates and I just think it will be the best all the way around if I move on from JAG.”
“Thanks for backing me up on that whole thing with Coates. Once again you covered my six.”
“I’d rather uncover your six, but your welcome anyway.”
“Mac! The girls are next door...”
“I know. I wouldn’t say that in front of them. Although they’d love it.”
“You and Mattie have really gotten close haven’t you?”
“Yes. She’s a good kid. I was afraid Chloe would get jealous, but she’s been fine.”
“Mac, I have a surprise for everyone before we go out to eat. Shall we go get the girls and head out?”
“Surprise? What is it?”
“Mac, if I tell you it won’t be a surprise now will it?”
Mac rolled her eyes at Harm and they went to collect the girls before climbing into the new Lexus. It was almost identical to the old one, but a newer model. Harm headed toward Fall Church, Virginia and then north toward Great Falls, Virginia.
“Harm, where are we going?”
“I told you...”
“I know it’s a surprise...but where is the surprise?” Mac pressed.
“Walker Lake Road.”
“New restaurant?”
“You’ll see...By the way I heard from Gibbs today.”
“You did?”
“I did. They got Tanveer. He not only spilled the whole story on us, but he told them where Webb’s body is.”
“Thank you for telling me that Harm.”
“You okay?”
“Yes. I’m sad he’s gone but I know that nothing could have lasted between us.”
Chloe and Mattie sat in the back seat watching the two adults and sharing a few secrets. As Harm and Mac had figured it wouldn’t take long for the two girls to hit it off.
Harm made one more turn and then pulled into the drive way of a modest size house on a large plot of land. There was a wooded lot on each side of the house ensuring privacy.
“Who lives here?” Chloe asked.
“Harm?” Mac questioned him.
“I do...or I will in a few weeks. Come on.”
“Harm? You bought this house?”
“Yes.”
“Mattie did you know about this?”
“Yes.”
“Harm I can’t believe you didn’t say anything to me.”
“Mac you knew I’ve been looking at houses.”
“Looking yes, but I didn’t know you found one.”
“Well, Mattie and I went out last weekend when you didn’t come with us and when we saw this place we had to make a decision. They called me this morning to tell me I got it. Want to see it?”
“Let’s go Mac...” Chloe bounded out of the car, her enthusiasm contagious.
Harm and Mac followed at a slower pace while Mattie and Chloe ran ahead checking out the wrap around porch. A two car garage was to the left of the house. Harm unlocked the door and let Mac proceed him into the house. It was getting dark but the electricity had been turned on so they were able to turn on lights as they went from room to room.
They had come into a foyer area with a coat closet and half bath off the right side of the entry and a formal dining room on the left. Just beyond that was an open floor plan which included an eat in kitchen on the left which opened into a family room along the back of the house. The back right side of the house included an office space and stairs that led up to the second floor and down to the basement.
As they walked around Mac realized that the wrap around porch went across the back of the house and turned into a deck overlooking the lake. There were sliding doors from the family room into this deck. That’s where Chloe and Mattie were peaking it at them.
Harm let them in with a laugh. “What do you girls think?”
“This is great Harm. Can I come stay with you and Mattie when I’m down?”
“Hey. What’s wrong with my place?” asked Mac only have kidding.
“You’ve got a nice apartment Mac...but look at this lake view!”
“Come on Chloe...let me show you my room,” Mattie enthused as she led the way down to the basement.
“The basement?” asked Chloe.
“Wait and see,” Mattie told her.
Mac just looked at Harm and raised an eyebrow. Harm reached for her hand and said, “You’ll see in a minute. Come with me first.” He led her to the stairs to the second floor. The were six stairs and landing and then after a turn seven more stairs. At the top of the stairs Harm showed her the bedroom and adjoining bathroom.
“Is this the master suite?” Mac asked.
“No. That’s next.” Harm led her into the next room. It was a large airy room with sliders onto a balcony and an arch way into an adjoining sitting room. There was also a huge walk in closet and full bath complete with a spa tub.
“I’m surprised Mattie didn’t claim this room.”
“No...she knows I have plans for it.” Harm led Mac out to the balcony off the bedroom area. Standing there with his arms around her looking out at the lake he whispered in her ear. “What would you think of coming here to live with me?”
“Harm, I’m not sure that says the right message for Mattie or Chloe. We’ve been very careful about the example we’ve set so far...”
“Mac...Mac...listened to me. I’m not asking you to just move in with me. I want to know if you’ll marry me.”
“Oh! That changes things.”
“So?”
Mac smiled, “I haven’t heard a question yet.”
Harm knelt down on one knee in front of Mac and reached into his pocket as he took out a ring and slid it onto the tip of her left ring finger. “Sarah Mackenzie, I love you and I know usually a couple picks out a house together, but I didn’t want to pass up this deal...would you marry me and come live here with me?”
“Yes.”
“Mattie will be here with us but we’ll still have privacy because she wants the finished basement as her room. There’s a washer and dryer in a laundry room off the garage...”
“Harm...I said yes.”
“I thought the sitting area could double for a nursery...if we are lucky enough to have a baby or adopt one. If not we have the bedroom and bathroom upstairs for an older child. Please say you’ll at least think about it.”
“Harm...” Mac leaned down to kiss him as he looked up at her. “ I love you and I want to marry you. I said yes.”
“Oh...” Harm grinned then and slid the ring on to her finger. Standing up he took her in his arms and kissed her. “You sure?”
“Yes. I love you and Mattie and this house and you have made me so happy...”
“Harm?” Mattie’s voice called from the door way.
“Come on in,” Harm called from the balcony.
He took Mac’s hand in his and they returned to the bedroom area to meet Chloe and Mattie. Mattie looked at Harm, eyebrows raised, “Well?”
“She said yes.” Harm grinned and held out Mac’s hand with his ring sparkling there.
Chloe and Mattie launched themselves at Mac and Harm, laughing and hugging and congratulating them for finally waking up and realizing what Chloe claimed to have known all along.
Eventually they made there way back downstairs to Mattie’s suite. The basement was finished off. One room was perfect to use as a gym, while the other area was like an efficiency apartment. There was a french door that opened on to the back yard off a room large enough to have a bedroom, sitting area and desk as well as a bathroom with a toilet, sink and shower. Mac could see how the space would appeal to Mattie. It was also perfect to allow Harm and Mac to have their privacy.
They had gone out to eat and to celebrate the engagement as a family. They called Harm’s parents when they returned to his place. On Thanksgiving Day, they would share their news with the rest of their JAG family and friends as well as his Grandmother. Chloe and Mattie of course wanted to start planning the wedding. They told them to feel free to come up with some ideas, but they got the final approval.
Bud and Harriet were thrilled for them and offered to help any way they could. Sturgis was not with them for Thanksgiving dinner. Following his stint as acting JAG he had taken a temporary assignment at Groton commanding a submarine fleet in training while their commanding officer was recuperating from surgery. Chaplain Turner was there and told them he would be honored to perform their wedding if they wanted him too. Mac had nodded readily at the suggestion.
And so, with everyone pitching in and making suggestions and offers of help, Harm and Mac found themselves surrounded by family and friends a month after their engagement standing in front of Chaplain Turner in their own home with the lake and a Christmas tree as a backdrop. It was a small group that had gathered to witness the exchange of vows on Christmas eve.
Mac wore a simple ivory velvet dress and Harm a charcoal grey suit with an ivory shirt. His tie was festive but subtle in charcoal with dark green, red and ivory stripes. Chloe and Mattie each wore dresses similar to Mac only in Christmas colors. Chloe had gone for the green while Mattie had chosen the red. AJ Chegwidden had been there to give the bride away and Bud Roberts stood tall next to Harm as his best man.
Harriet had catered the meal that they shared following the ceremony. At Harm and Mac’s insistence, the exchange of presents traditionally done at a wedding, was eliminated. Instead, they enjoyed the exchanging of Christmas gifts with everyone instead.
An hour before midnight, Harm and Mac excused themselves from the festivities to make a trip to the wall in tribute to Harm’s father. Afterwards they returned to a dimly lit quiet house to spend their wedding night in their own home. It was their first night in the new house but Mattie and Chloe were asleep downstairs and Frank and Trish were in the upstairs guest bedroom while Grandma Rabb was sleeping in the den.
Harm and Mac turned off even more lights as they made their way into their bedroom. Once the door had shut, Harm pulled Mac into his arms and kissed her. “I love you Mrs. Rabb.”
“I love you too, Mr. Rabb.”
“Can we dispense with precautionary measures from this night forward?” Harm asked Mac as he ran his hands over her body and pulled her against him to feel his need for her already.
“I think that’s a great plan, Harm. I only hope...” Mac’s voice trailed off.
“Look...don’t go looking for trouble. Just think of it as a night of firsts...the first time we’ve made love completely naked...”
“The first time we make love as husband and wife...The first time in our new home...”
“I think there are much better ways for you to use that mouth then talking all night,” Harm hinted. And his wife listened.
EPILOGUE
December 24, 2029
Rabb Residence
Great Falls, Virginia
Harm and Mac sat at the head of the huge specially built table that filled the dining room. Tonight they were celebrating their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. Around the table sat Mattie and her husband, Joel, with their son and daughter; Chloe and her husband, Keith with their two daughters; and now in his late seventies, retired Admiral AJ Chegwidden. They had held off dinner for over an hour hoping that Allie and Grace, now in their freshman year of college would make it back in time for dinner. They had left things a bit up in the air with their parents saying that they would try to be there. Just as they were about to thank the lord for their dinner, the door opened and Allie and Grace came rushing in.
“Sorry we’re late. We had to stop to pick up some last minutes presents.” Grace told them as they were hugged and kissed.
“Did you leave them in the car? You want me to go get them.” Harm asked his twin daughters glad that at least they could be there for this special event.
“Would you Dad? I’d hate for them to freeze.” Grace said as she hung up her coat and took Allie’s from her.
“Harm, I’m sure they’ll be fine until after dinner,” Mac patted the chair next to her as she smiled at her zany twin daughters. At nineteen, they were as close as ever and yet as different as ever. Allie had Mac’s dark hair and eyes and olive skin, but her goal was to be a naval aviator as her father had been. Grace had lighter brown hair, but the green eyes of her father. Her goal was to follow in their footsteps as a lawyer, but she also planned to wear Marine green as her mother had.
“Please, Mom...let him get the gifts now.” Allie pleaded with her mother to agree to the plan.
“Alright. You might as well Harm or we won’t hear the end of it,” Mac acquiesced.
He turned to the front door, not bothering with a coat as he was wearing a turtleneck and sweater with his dark dress pants. He opened the door and stopped.
“Mac, you’d better come quick,” Harm called. Mac pushed away from the table and followed her husband to the door. Chloe, Mattie, their husbands, AJ, Grace and Allie and the four children all followed.
“Oh! You’re here! Harm let them in and shut the door,” Mac commanded never having lost the ability to show authority with her voice. “Let me get a look at you.”
Two young men stepped into the house removing their covers and coats. One was dressed in Marine green the other in Navy Blue. Harm just stood there speechless.
“Surprised Dad,” the young man in his Marine green uniform asked.
“I am. You said last night there was no way you could make it here today Matt.”
“I know, Dad. Sorry I lied to you, but we really wanted to surprise you. Besides, I wasn’t sure even this morning if I would be able to get here on time. The weather has been horrible in Colorado.”
“And you Steven...I talked to your commanding officer myself yesterday. He made it clear that you would not be getting liberty any time soon after your most recent stunt.”
“I know Dad, but Commander Pendry called me into his office about an hour later and told me to pack my bag I had fifteen minutes to catch the COD. I asked him what changed his mind and he said that he had called to wish his mother a Merry Christmas and she reminded him of a few things. He said that after giving it some thought he had changed his mind.”
“Josh Pendry is your CO,” Mac asked her son.
“Yeah, he just got promoted and took over our squad’s command this month. You know him?”
“We sure do, Steve. Your dad and his were at the academy and flew together.” answered his mother.
“He didn’t tell me that. Maybe that’s what his mother reminded him about.” Harm suggested. “Well come on in, Boys and have a seat. We were just ready to eat but your sisters arrived just before you and I promised to get some gifts out of the car for them so they didn’t freeze. I’ll be right back.”
“Oh! Dad?” Grace called. “That was the gifts.”
“What?”
“That’s why Allie and I were late. We had to go pick them up and we weren’t sure exactly what time they were getting in.”
“You knew about this?” Mac asked them.
“Yes Mom...are you surprised?” Grace asked.
“Yes...this is the best gift I could have gotten. Harm?” Mac said as she reached out for his hand. Our family is here. Let’s give thanks and eat.”
And so on their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary, they were surrounded by Chloe and Mattie and their honorary grandchildren, their twin sons, born before their first anniversary and the twin girls that came along much to their surprise and delight five years later. The event was made even sweeter by having the man that had introduced them to one another all those years before still with them as part of their family. One more time AJ Chegwidden was glad that they hadn’t listened to him when he had warned them about getting too close that day in the Rose Garden.
THE END