Title: Reduce Altitude
Author: Hollyjp
Summary: Harm and Mac find a way to each other.
Rating: PG-13 with a couple of NC-17 chapters. They are marked.
Spoilers: Anything and everything I’ve read as well as all episodes through Season 10 and my imagination.
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.
Author’s Notes: I just loved that line Mattie used at the end of Corporate Raiders. I got to think about how Mac could use it and here I am writing another FanFic! Oh well, with no new episode this week, I’ll need something to entertain me.
CHAPTER 1
Harm stood by the door still holding Mattie’s sweater, staring at the closed door and smiling. He shook his head thinking about Mattie’s parting ‘command’ to him...’reduce altitude’ indeed! She was even more of a pilot geek then he use to be. He returned to his desk and the work waiting there for him, tossing the sweater back onto the chair where he had taken it from.
The paperwork that Turner was throwing at them was about to drive him insane. Even Mac had been expressing her frustrations more and more and had actually refused to work on one file Sturgis had handed to her. Harm wasn’t sure which event amazed him more - Mac’s refusal to comply with orders from Turner or Turner’s apparent lack of understanding that she was balking at his directives.
Shaking his head again he tried to focus on the work in front of him. Before he could settle in, the phone rang.
“Rabb.”
{Hey Harm...am I interrupting?}
“Oh, Hi Mac...no, I seem to be unable to focus on anything this evening. This ‘make-work’ Sturgis is dishing out is getting out of hand.”
{You can say that again.}
“I couldn’t believe you practically told him to shove that file today Mac...and that he didn’t get what it was you were actually saying to him.”
{Now Harm, don’t start trouble...I didn’t refuse...I just told him I’d have it ready when pigs fly.}
“Great, he’ll probably asked Bud to find out when he can expect that event to happen so he’ll know when to expect the file from you.”
{At least he won’t ask you to do it.}
“No, but Bud’s been great about helping wade through all the files and getting the paperwork in order. If he sends Bud on a fools errand, I’m stuck with it.”
{Whoa! Is this Harmon Rabb Junior sounding sorry for himself and admitting he needs help?}
“Yup...I think I’m getting pretty good at it. What do you think?”
{You have changed a lot this year Harm. Any particular reason why?}
“I don’t know, Mac...I guess being responsible for a teenager, losing everything that means anything to me, and having to grovel to get even a portion of what I had back can be a wake-up call - even for me.”
{I think most of it is Mattie...}
“You could be right,” Harm chuckled thinking about her latest command.
{What?}
“Nothing much...Mattie left not long before you called to go have dinner with her Dad. She came back to get her sweater and ask me again to join them. I told her I had too much work to do and go ahead without me.”
{Harm, you shouldn’t let work come between you...but then I guess it doesn’t surprise me that you are starting to put up walls.} Mac gentley scolded.
“That’s not what I’m doing. You know, Mattie reassured me that she knows I’m not trying to get rid of her.”
{That’s a good sign.}
“Yes, it is. She also told me that she still needs me because my personal and annoying questions do make a difference. I told her that I knew that so she left but without the sweater she came back for. I grabbed it and called her back. She came in and she tried to convince me again to go with them. Then she told me to ‘reduce altitude’ ...”
{What did she say?}
“Reduce altitude...”
{Why?}
“So she could kiss my cheek...”
{Harm that’s so cute!}
“It’s typical Mattie. Anyway, she ended up leaving her sweater behind after all that.”
{She does adore you.}
“I love her Mac...she gave me a purpose when I needed one. It felt so good to be able to help and to have to find it in me to meet the challenges she offered time and time again.”
{You make a good Dad...}
“Yeah, well I took the easy way out on one thing.”
{What was that?}
“Mattie has a boyfriend in Blacksburg and I asked her if she knew about sex. She told me she’d learned the basics from MTV and the popular girls at school. I told her she needed to go to her Dad on that one. She agreed she would.”
{You are a prude!}
“No I’m not...out of practice maybe, not a prude...”
{Sure...if you say so.} Mac grinned trying to picture Harm’s face and the way he moved around trying to hide the fact he was nervous.
“It has been almost three years...Mac why did you call?”
{Three years?}
“Never mind. Why did you call?”
{To talk.}
“About what?”
{Anything...}
“You okay?”
{I’m fine...I just felt like talking...but if you’re busy I’ll let you go.}
“Mac, wait...I’m not that busy...I just thought I’d try to get a handle on this busy work Sturgis has handed out.”
{I know. I got mine done.}
“Did pigs fly?”
{No. I just didn’t want it hanging over my head anymore.}
“Me either.”
{Okay, I’ll let you get back to it.}
“Gee, thanks Mac.”
{Harm?}
“Yes?”
{Want to have lunch with me tomorrow?}
“Sounds great.”
{I’ll see you in the morning.}
“Thanks Mac.”
0740 Local
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
“Get all your busy work finished last night?” Mac asked as she saw Harm step off the elevator.
“Most of it, yeah. You give yours to Sturgis?” Harm asked with the lop-sided grin and raised eyebrow look on his face.
“I’ll get to it...”
“Yeah, I know...when pigs fly!” Harm laughed then.
“Good morning, Colonel...Commander.”
“Good morning to you too Commander,” Mac smiled looking at the man that had been through so much in the last few years to seemingly come out on top.
“Hey Bud.”
“What’s this I hear about pigs flying?” Bud asked.
“Mac told Sturgis she’d give him the paperwork he wanted when pigs fly,” Harm chuckled.
“Oh...that’s why I was asked to find out when to expect that occurrence...” Bud somehow kept a straight face as he innocently looked at Mac and then Harm.
Mac looked horrified and Harm laughed aloud.
“Bud, tell me he didn’t...” Mac started before Bud couldn’t keep it together anymore and burst out laughing along with Harm.
“Did you set me up Commander Rabb?” asked Mac stepping up toe to toe to Harm trying to ‘get in his face’ despite the several inches he had on her.
“Mac, I swear I never said a word.”
“But that’s exactly what you said last night...” Mac accused.
“It’s just I know Sturgis and Bud,” Harm explained.
“I overheard part of your conversation and I guess I know the commanders pretty well myself,” Bud chuckled enjoying the fact that he could indulge in humor with the other senior attorneys now without having rank pulled on him all the time like they used to do.
“So Bud...do you think you will get to the point where you will be able to call us by our first names anytime in the next few years?” Harm asked.
“I do try, Harm, really I do, “ Bud assured them.
“Good man.” Harm praised him.
“Well I guess I’d better get to work.” Bud left Harm and Mac standing outside Mac’s office. Harm glanced up at the name tag holder on the office next to hers, his old office before Admiral Chegwidden had ordered Sturgis to move into it and make it his space. Mac saw his look.
“You still miss this office don’t you, Harm?”
“It’s just an office - a room - why would I miss it. I have a desk and file cabinets and everything I need in the office I have now.” Harm denied her claim.
“Harm...” Mac warned him.
“I miss being next to you Mac...not the office.” Harm admitted before turning on his heel and returning to his small office down the hall.
Since he had been at JAG, he had shared a small office with Meg before being moved into the larger office when he became a Lt. Commander. He had stayed there until he return to flying. Then he lost the office to Mic Brumby and had been moved into the larger office next to Mac. When he returned after his stint with the CIA he had been demoted to the out of the way office he had now. He had made it home after they had gotten rid of the smell. Now, all he missed was being near Mac...but then he missed her spending time with him in his home and during off duty hours too, so changing offices wouldn’t fix that.
Mac watched Harm walked away and decided to do something about the situation. She stalked into the outer office and asked Petty Officer Coates if Commander Turner was available.
“Yes Ma’am. Just a minute...Commander Turner?”
{Yes Coates}
“Colonel Mackenzie to see you sir.”
{Send her in}
“Thanks Jen.” Mac smiled before turning to speak to Sturgis Turner.
“Have my work for me Colonel?” asked Sturgis.
“Pigs flying today?”
“What?”
“Nothing. I’ll have it for you shortly. I came to see you about another matter.”
“Have a seat Mac. What’s up?”
“Sturgis you said you have no idea when the new JAG will be appointed, correct?”
“Yes...”
“And you don’t use two offices at the same time. It would be a time saving and therefore cost effective measure to move Commander Rabb back to his old office as you have assigned us to work together several times and when the new JAG comes on board, you will likely work more with Commander Roberts then either of us.”
“You might have a point there, Mac. Did Harm put you up to this?”
“No Sturgis, I thought this up on my own.” Mac struggled to keep her contempt for Sturgis Turner out of her voice.
“It does make sense. I’ll tell Coates to pack up my things and have Harm moved in as soon as possible.”
“Very well, Commander. And I’ll have those files and reports you wanted on your desk within the hour.”
“Anything else?” asked Sturgis and at Mac’s negative response. “Dismissed.”
Mac left Admiral Chegwidden’s old office feeling some small measure of vindication for the raw deal that Harm had received after rescuing her and Clay. Returning to her office, Mac settled in to work until it was time to have lunch with Harm.
****
CHAPTER 2
1315 Local
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
Harm and Mac were laughing as they returned to their offices. Harm had been surprised when Coates had informed him that his office would be moved while he was at lunch. As they had rounded the corner by Mac’s office he looked up and once again his name hung above the door. He couldn’t help but smile.
He saw Mac snatch a note off her office door and smile.
“Good news?” Harm asked.
“Clay called.” Mac said just as Petty Officer Coates rushed up to them.
“Commander Turner wants you both in his office ASAP! Sec Nav’s on the line and doesn’t want to be kept waiting so go right in.”
Harm and Mac hurried after Coates, figuring that it must be something big. She opened the door and announced them.
“Colonel Mackenzie and Commander Rabb are here now, Mr. Secretary,” announced Commander Turner.
{Good. We have a situation on the USS Stennis that needs immediate attention. Mackenzie...}
“Yes sir.”
{Your language skills will probably play an integral part in this investigation as well as your diplomacy. Rabb.}
“Aye, Aye Sir.”
{Your reputation for going after the truth and your ability to be diplomatic - a rare combination I might add - are critical to this situation. I want you on the next transport out of Andrews. I will have all critical information waiting for you when you arrive on your flight as well as your flight schedule and connections. I’m counting on you to get to the truth and not start any insurrections.}
“Aye, aye sir,” Harm and Mac chorused as if they had rehearsed it at the same time they heard the dial tone.
“You heard the SecNav. You don’t have a lot of time. Anything I need to know before you leave?”
“No sir. All reports were in before we left for lunch. I’ll have the new Ensign contact the two people I had appointments with and reschedule them,” Mac informed Turner.
“Rabb?”
“No sir, but if you don’t mind I’ll have Coates tie up a couple of loose ends for me.”
“Go ahead. Will you have time to see Mattie?” Sturgis asked.
“Unfortunately no, but she’ll probably spend some time with her Dad anyway. Coates will fill her in.”
“Harm, make sure you two keep me posted.”
“Yes, sir! May I be dismissed, sir?”
Sturgis rolled his eyes as Harm went into ‘respect-for-superior-officer’ mode. “Get out of here Harm.”
Harm stopped by Jennifer Coates desk to fill her in.
“I’ve got you covered, Commander. I’ll call the school and let them know that I’ll pick Mattie up. I think her Dad is picking her up tomorrow night anyway.”
“Yes, he is. Thanks again Jennifer.”
“Just be careful, Commander.”
Harm met Mac at the elevator. “You already packed?”
“Sea bags in the car. You?”
“Ready to roll. Mac, why don’t I pick you up and then we only have to leave one car at Andrews.”
“You don’t mind?”
“I have the Lexus.”
“Good plan. Thanks.”
They parted in the parking lot and Mac pulled out ahead of Harm. He used his cell phone to call and leave a message for Mattie.
“Hey, Mathilda Grace...sorry I couldn’t be there with you this evening. Jen knows your Dad is picking you up tomorrow from school. She’ll take you in for me in the morning. Be good. I miss you already. I’ll call when I can...so check the messages. Love you kid.”
Harm pulled up in front of Mac’s to see her come out of her parking area with her sea bag. He jumped out to get it for her knowing how heavy they usually were.
“I’ve got it Harm.”
“I know...I guess being a gentleman is as much a habit for me as addressing us formally is for Bud.” Harm grinned at her.
“I’ll forgive you seeing as you put it that way,” Mac smiled as she climbed into the car.
They arrived at Andrews and reported in. As promised a courier was waiting for them with files for each of them. Mac opened hers to find them all in another language with a note on top. ‘Our allies are providing you with these files. Hope you can read them as fluently as you can speak it.’
“Great...”
“Problems?”
“My files are not in English.” Mac watched Harm’s eyes grow wide as he hurriedly opened his package and then saw the relief on his face as he discovered his were in English.
“Thank you!”
“Sir? Ma’am? Follow me to your transport.”
“Lead the way, Gunny,” Harm instructed.
The plane they were on was fitted with a few airline type seats for transport purposes. Harm looked into his package again and found the travel itinerary. He read it to Mac.
“The transport out of Andrews will take you to Gitmo where you will board a helicopter for the Stennis. Good luck.”
“Harm, I thought the Stennis was in the Gulf of Arabia. When did they head this way?” Mac asked quite puzzled having been on the Stennis less then a month ago.
“Don’t know. I’ll read the file after we take off and see what I can find out. Hell, Mac, we don’t even know what this case is about yet...just that you have a file in Farsi and I need to get to the truth while both of us employ our best diplomatic skills.” Harm shook his head as they settled into their seats.
An hour later Harm closed his eyes and leaned back against the head rest. “This is going to be intense Mac.”
“What have you found out so far?”
“It appears that Ahmed Abdul Farisi went undercover to investigate some of the prisoner abuse reports. Your file should give us background on him. Anyway, he was captured during an insurgents uprising in Tarik. He was later transported with another twenty prisoners to Gitmo aboard the USS Stennis. It appears that the Stennis took a turn as a prisoner shuttle seeing as they were planning to return to Mayport for some repairs.”
“What else is there? SecNav doesn’t normally over react,” Mac commented. “So far I haven’t heard anything that would prompt his reaction.”
“I agree.”
“That’s a switch...we should let AJ know...” Mac teased.
“You seem to be in a good mood for being sent on an investigation, Mac.”
“What can I say? Things just seem to be going good in my world for the first time in a long time.” Mac smiled but went back to reading the file in Farsi.
Harm watched her smile and his heart sank. He had felt that they were working things out since Webb’s reappearance and Mac’s announcement that it was over with Webb. Although she had said she didn’t know what she wanted while they were sitting on the beach that day, Mac had called him to talk at times and if she turned down his invitation, she always offered an alternative suggestion. He was feeling like they were getting their working rhythm back and she had even started doing things with Mattie and him. He had seen her smile more often in the last few weeks although today she seemed more happy then usual. She seemed content and he had noticed it shortly after she had announced that Clay had called.
Harm knew deep in his soul that whatever made Mac happy he would accept. He would still be a friend and try to be happy for her. He pushed his dread and heartache aside and went back to the file.
Talking on a chopper was not convenient so Harm and Mac completed the last part of their journey without talking. They both tried working on their respective files. Harm knew when they were close to the Stennis and tapped Mac’s arm so she could watch the approach. As many times as he had done this, it always gave him a thrill.
Harm and Mac were met at the chopper and shown to the on-board JAG office.
“Sorry, Ma’am, Commander...we are experiencing close quarters on this trip because of the prisoners. We were told that you could both make due with sharing the JAG office.”
“We’ll be fine, Petty Officer Sanderson. Dismissed.” Mac closed the door as he left. “Okay, what else do you have for us, Harm?”
“It seems that the crew of the Stennis is being accused by Farisi of perpetuating the abuse and humiliation of prisoners. What have you found out about Farisi?” Harm asked not liking the way this case was adding up.
“Better sit down. It seems that Farisi is related to one of the guards and he’s got a bone to pick with him. It would appear that its one of the men on the Stennis.”
“What’s the bone?” Harm asked, his puzzlement clear in every word he spoke.
“Farisi grew up in Philadelphia and his brother was on the airplane that went down in Pennsylvania on September eleventh. One of his cousins was suppose to have made the flight and switched with Farisi’s brother at the last minute. Another cousin is serving on the Stennis...Chief Petty Officer Marc Abdul. Abdul has a clean record and has served with distinction. Anyway, Farisi is claiming that Abdul has been abusing the prisoners.”
“You don’t sound as if you believe it, Mac.”
“Let’s just say I’m open to the possibility that there is something else going on here,” Mac informed her partner.
“Good. We’re in agreement on that then. I think I’m beginning to understand why the SecNav wants the truth and diplomacy combined on this one.” Harm sighed and closed the file. He had been sitting for hours as they traveled and felt the need to stretch his long legs. “Mac, I’m going to take a walk on deck while the flights crews are out. They’ll be coming in soon and we’ll need to eat before long or get caught up in the high traffic. You want to come with me?”
“No, go ahead. I have a couple of calls I need to make and I’ll update Sturgis while I’m at it. Come and get me before you go to the mess.”
“See you later.” Harm closed the door to the JAG office and started on his walk feeling the his world was collapsing around him. Mac had gotten a call from Clay before they left and ever since had seemed happier and freer then he had seen her for almost a year. He wanted Mac to be happy and he had started to have hope that they would find happiness with each other. He should of known that was too good to be true.
By the time Harm had walked the deck for the third time, he had resolved in his own mind what he would do. He would do his best to not let Mac see he was hurting; he would be the best friend she had ever had if it killed him; and finally he would start dating again. He would keep an open mind and try to find someone that he could enjoy spending off duty hours with. With that resolved in his own mind, he returned to the office to find Mac just coming out.
“Thought you were waiting for me,” Harm commented.
“I was...I was actually coming to meet you.” Mac smiled and passed Harm leading the way to the officers dining quarters.
They ate the meal and discussed their approach to the case in general terms. When they finished eating they began conducting their interviews.
“Commander Rabb, it’s good to see you sir.”
“Seamen Holly, right?”
“Yes sir.”
“How are things going?”
“Great sir. It will be nice to get home and see my family sir. How can I help you?”
“Well Seamen Holly, I understand that you’ve been taking guard duty shifts with the prisoners on board.”
“Yes sir. We’re all chipping in. It helps with the tight quarters and no one has to take the abuse all the time.”
“The abuse Seamen?”
“Yes sir. The prisoners will keep up a stream of comments all the time you’re in there. They tell you about the plans they have in store for more terrorist attacks; they make derogatory comments about family members; and they look for things that will get the men charged up. Once they’ve identified them they spread the word amongst themselves and needle each of us while we are standing guard duty. Some of the men have short fuses and with the kinds of insults and threats they listen to they don’t always keep their emotions under wrap.”
“Have you ever observed and kind of physical abuse going on toward the prisoners from the guards?”
“No sir. I have seen guards get in their faces and stare them down and I heard one guard tell a prisoner, that Farisi guy that his time would come. I haven’t seen any abuse from guards toward prisoners.”
“Thank you Seamen Holly. That will be all for now. I may call you again if I have more questions.”
“Seamen Raff and I owe you a lot Commander. I wish there was something more I could do to help you.”
“Just tell me the truth. That’s all I ask.”
“Yes sir.”
****
CHAPTER 3
2350 Local
USS Stennis
JAG office
It was almost midnight in Washington D.C. when Mac and Harm wrapped up their interviews for the day. They returned to the JAG office to review their notes and decide on the course of action for the next day. Mac tried to stifle a yawn but Harm caught her.
“Mac, go get some sleep.”
“I will. You need your sleep too.”
“I know. Look take the bunk and I’ll take the chairs...”
“Harm if you do that you’ll end up in sick bay unable to walk.”
“Mac, I’ll be fine. I’ll sit in the arm chair and put a pillow behind my head. I can put my feet on my bags or up on the office chair. I can probably stretch out as good their as I can in one of these midget racks.” Harm smiled. “Please Mac, go hit the rack and get some rest.”
“Alright...but if I wake up in the night I’ll switch places with you.”
Five hours later, Mac was awake listening to Harm’s breathing as he slept. She turned on her side and watched him sleep in the chair. He actually looked quite comfortable but and he was right. The bunk in the JAG office was short. Mac’s head and her feet touched the wall on both ends of the bunk. Considering that Harm had at least seven inches in height on her he wouldn’t be any more comfortable on the bunk then his makeshift chair bed.
Mac saw Harm’s eyes flutter open. She smiled and spoke quietly in the pre-dawn dark.
“Harm, do you want to lay down for awhile. We’ll have to be up in about an hour...”
“Thanks, but I’m fine Mac. Stay where you are.”
“I’m going to get up anyway. Thought I’d take my walk on deck this morning.”
“Okay.”
Mac slid out of the bunk and took her things to the head to get dressed. As she slipped out the door, Harm called, “I may join you shortly.”
Mac smiled and went on her way. Harm got up and stretched out the kinks in his body. He knew that trying to sleep while resting his head on Mac pillow wouldn’t work. Her scent would just remind him of all the things that he wouldn’t share with her. His resolve to remain her friend and support her so she would be happy was too new to be tested like that yet.
2030 Local
USS Stennis
JAG Office
“What do you think Mac?” asked Harm as she joined him after interviewing a few more prisoners.
“I think we have a mess here and when we dock at Gitmo in the morning, we’re going to have to be careful where we step.”
“That’s reassuring. Any suggestions?” Harm asked.
“Let’s go over exactly what we’ve got and make sure you and I are in agreement and that we are not missing a thing. Then we should call Sturgis and make him earn his post by making the difficult decisions.”
“Evil, Mac...but I like the way you think,” grinned Harm.
For the next hour they reviewed their notes and built their summary for Sturgis. They could either charge the guards as a whole and once again shed a negative light on the US military, or they could charge specific individuals and bring in to the open some very incriminating evidence that showed incompetence on the part of the United States intelligence system. Neither position was a good one, but at this point Harm and Mac couldn’t see a resolution.
“I’ll call this time - but feel free to jumo in whenever,” Harm invited Mac.
{Commander Turner}
“Rabb and Mackenzie here.”
{Go ahead.}
“Here’s what we’ve got. Farisi appears to be a double agent and has detailed plans of how he can continue to make others in the United States pay for the loss of his brother on September eleventh.”
{Victim or terrorist?}
“Appears to be terrorist, Commander.”
{Go on.}
“Farisi had two American born cousins both serving in the military. Chief Petty Officer Marc Abdul is on the USS Stennis and is guarding the prisoners. He speaks fluent Farsi and Mac has interviewed him several times as well as having bugged his quarters and reviewed the surveillance tapes on the brig. We have nothing on him, sir, accept the accusations of a prisoner related to him and angry with him for the loss of his brother.”
{What do you have?}
“Lance Corporal Ben Abdul has been serving with the Corps in Iraq and has been on prisoner detail. He looks quite different from his brother Marc and did not learn his grandparents native language like his older brother, Marc, did.”
{Are you saying that Lance Corporal Abdul has been abusing the prisoners while serving the United States military?}
“It looks that way Commander...and there’s more.”
{Go ahead.}
“Ben Abdul had planned to be on the airplane that went down in Pennsylvania but at the last minute convinced the younger brother of Ahmed Farisi to take that flight. Farisi has been trying to make him pay ever since.”
{I thought that Farisi was angry with Marc Abdul for his brother’s death but you are saying that its Ben Abdul that he has the beef with?}
“It would appear Commander that Farisi lost his brother and so in order to get back at Ben Abdul he must discredit and or kill Ben’s brother which is Marc,” explained Colonel Mackenzie.
{This tail is getting more and more twisted.}
“Yes it does...and you still haven’t heard it all, Sturgis.” Harm was almost enjoying the stress he could hear in his old friend’s voice.
{Then give me the rest of it.}
“Are you familiar with Representative O’Malley from Pennsylvania?” Harm asked.
{Yes...he’s on the armed forces intelligence committee. Why?}
“He’s maternal grandfather to both Ben and Marc Abdul and Ahmed Abdul Farisi and his deceased brother...” Harm paused to let the information sink in.
{Are you telling me that the grandfather of the four men involved and somehow connected to nine-one-one is on the Intel Committee and could have effected the outcome of the intel we received?}
“That’s about the size of it Commander.”
{What do you suggest?}
“We could go after Farisi as a double agent and expose the link which could discredit our intel further or we could focus on the prosecution of Ben Abdul who is the only one that we can be certain was involved in the abuse of the prisoners. OF course there is no guarantee that US intel still wouldn’t be compromised as part of the defense attorney’s attack.”
{Colonel Mackenzie...You are awfully quiet. What do you recommend?}
“ I agree with the Commander on this. We have two options. I think you’ll need to discuss this with the SecNav and decide how you wants us to proceed. We dock at Gitmo in the morning. I’m assuming the SecNav will want to meet us there.”
{You could be right Colonel. Alright...I’ll call SecNav and we’ll see what he feels is the best course of action. He did say he wanted the truth.}
After the call was disconnected, Harm, perched on the edge of the desk and watched Mac stretch and try to loosen the knot in her shoulders.
“You okay Mac?”
“Yeah, why?”
“You just seem tense.”
“I’m fine Harm...it seems that the bunk in here isn’t the most comfortable after all. I think I ended up with the sore neck while you seem to be fine after sleeping in a chair all night.”
“I was a little stiff this morning, but the walk helped work out the kinks. So you want the bed or the chair tonight?” Harm asked with a kind smile.
“Suppose you could message my neck for me a little...work the knots out?”
Harm gulped. He wasn’t sure he was ready to touch her that way. He remembered the other times he had given her a neck rub and the little sounds she made had gotten to him. Feeling as he did and in cramped quarters he was playing with fire...but he couldn’t stand to have her in pain if he could fix it.
“Sure...why don’t you put your tank and shorts on first then I won’t mess up your uniform.”
“Thanks Harm.” Mac stepped into the bathroom and less then three minutes later was back wearing the tight tank top and shorts she usually wore for sleeping on assignment aboard ship.
Harm patted the office chair. He continued to perch on the corner of the big desk. Her skin under his hands seemed to come alive. It was like warm silk to the touch. He was close enough so every breath he took, he could smell her scent. It was a light spice scent so uniquely hers.
Mac could feel the gentle strength of Harm’s long, warm fingers working the muscles in her neck. She was feeling a lot of stress on this case. She felt that over the past month she and Harm were getting back to where they had been two years ago. She also felt that they would move forward. Getting the call from Clay before she left had thrilled her as well. Not because he was trying to get back into her life, but because she finally knew without a doubt what she wanted and she felt that it could happen.
Harm abruptly stopped messaging her neck. The little sounds she made were driving him wild. Although he was glad he could ease her stress, his own had increased ten-fold.
“Why don’t you get some sleep Mac...I’m going to get some fresh air and then I’ll be back.” Harm didn’t wait for her to agree, but left the office to make his laps around the deck.
Mac shook her head as she watched him go. Sometimes she just didn’t know what to make of him. He was a puzzle at times. One minute so tender, caring and supportive and the next it seemed as if he couldn’t get away from him fast enough. She thought about Mattie telling him to ‘reduce altitude’ so she could kiss his cheek. He always seemed to blush over those truly caring gestures yet could tell the raunchiest of jokes to the guys, even with her there, and not miss a beat.
Mac settled into the bunk and smiled thinking about the roller coaster ride that was their relationship. She knew that she was to blame for the most recent challenges they had faced. Thinking back over the past year she could see now where she had made poor choices. Her first mistake had been saying ‘never’ to him in Paraguay. She also knew that it had been her adrenaline talking and that he had forgiven her for that. He understood it because he had done it too. It hadn’t hurt any less at the time, but as with many things, time can heal many wounds.
Her next tactical error had been punishing him for not returning her calls. Instead of accepting that it was his way of dealing with the hurt she had inflicted on her adrenaline high, she had chosen to pretend she hadn’t missed him and that it was fine he was back but she could have lived with him not returning too. On top of that, every time he had tried to find out if the relationship between her and Clay was serious, she had evaded his question or given an answer that could be taken in more then one way. She wasn’t proud of her actions, but she was certainly beginning to understand them with the help of Commander McCool.
Mac had to admit to herself that when Harm came to talk to her about Mattie and all she could do was get angry with him for not fighting for their relationship, his reaction shocked her back into humanity. She did a lot of soul searching after he slammed out if her apartment that night and she knew that no matter what else happened, Harm was right. The life of a young girl depended on him putting up a good fight and making the court understand how much he could do for the girl. When the judge had ruled to send Mattie to a foster home, Mac had gone into Marine mode and executed a brilliant counter attack on Harm’s behalf. It had worked. Tom Johnson saw the intelligence of her argument and agreed to go to the judge with her so her decision would be changed.
Tom had asked Mac to take Mattie to him, because he feared he would cave watching his daughter walk away. Mac had been delighted to do it and she remembered feeling how lucky Mattie was that she could just say what was on her mind with Harm and not have to worry about how others would take it. She had agreed to see Clay that night and when Harm had asked her to join them, it killed her to say no. She had wanted to share what they already had. They were willing but she couldn’t risk letting go to join them.
After Harm lost his hearing and Mac took out Sadik Faud, she had known at some level that things between her and Harm weren’t over, yet once again she had let the adrenaline control her better judgement and she had crossed the line with Clay into a physical relationship. She had missed that in her life since Mic had left and tried to make it work with Clay. When he wasn’t drinking he was good company and they had fun. The only thing that matter was the here and now. When Mac had started feeling some discomfort during sex, she had attributed it to an injury from fighting Sadik. Later she had decided that she was too tense and that never knowing where Clay was and what he was doing or where he was going was creating the tension. She had almost reached the point where she was going to call it off when Clay had asked her for one more chance. She had agreed.
That was when she learned he had died and that he hadn’t sent the gifts, but his secretary had. That was when she decided that she couldn’t take the deception. That was when Harm got her to the doctor and took care of her until she could handle the pain and the disappointment again. During that time she had spent more time with him and with Mattie. She still had trouble accepting his need to find answers and take action but from her talks with Commander McCool she was beginning to understand why. She was beginning to accept his attention and see that he needed to be needed too at times. She also was beginning to accept that not everything was her fault.
Then Clay had shown up alive. She knew for sure it was over...yet once again when Harm had asked her if that was what she wanted, instead of giving him a straight forward, ‘yes,’ she had responded that she didn’t know what she wanted.
Again she had lied to Harm. She knew what she wanted. She wanted him - as her best friend, her partner, her lover, her husband, and the father of her children. Dr. Chen had assured her that she still had a couple of years to have a child following the procedure she had done the day of the Dining Out provided the treatments were effective. Two weeks ago she had been told that everything was looking encouraging. She had also learned - thanks to some of Harm’s research that he had left in a file on her desk, that once she had a child, her chances of getting pregnant again within two to three years was even better if the endometriosis stayed under control. There had been another flyer in the file about first time parents in their forties. She had laughed because it was his subtle way of letting her know they had time before that dream had to be conceded.
Mac sighed and wrapped her arms around herself. Clay had called just before they had left on this assignment. She knew without a doubt that things were over between them. She wasn’t going to look back. She wanted to move on with Harm, and as soon as she thought he would be ready to hear it, she planned to let him know that she wanted them to turn back time and try to make their relationship work.
Mac fell asleep then with a smile on her face pretending that her own arms were those of Harmon Rabb Junior holding her in the night.
****
CHAPTER 4
0730 Local
Guantanamo Naval Base
Cuba
Harm and Mac disembarked from the USS Stennis and were met by the Secretary of the Navy, Mr. Sheffield.
“Commander Rabb, Colonel Mackenzie, thank you for your diplomacy on this case. I know it couldn’t have been easy.”
“Thank you sir.” Harm waited until they were inside the office before continuing. “Has a decision been made on the best way to proceed?”
“Yes it has. There will be two trials. The first will be for the abuse of the Iraqi prisoners. We know thanks to your investigation that abuse did occur. Farisi is saying that it was Marc Abdul and your investigation showed it was Ben Abdul. Colonel Mackenzie, I would like to have you prosecute Ben Abdul in this case.”
“You want me to present the defense?” asked Harm.
“No Commander Rabb, you will begin preparing your case against Farisi for espionage, terrorism and treason. I’m asking Tracy Manetti to defend Abdul.”
“And Farisi?”
“That will be Commander Turner. It looks like we will have the new JAG on board by the end of the week. I understand he knows you Colonel.”
“May I ask who it is sir?”
“Colonel Cresswell has been approved for a double promotion and will be assuming the role as Judge Advocate General very soon.”
“I have heard of him, Sir.” Mac frowned as she thought about the implications on her career. Harm noticed her expression and made a note to himself to ask her about it later when they were alone.
“When you and Tracy are finished with the first trial, you will join your respective teams on the Farisi case,” Sheffield instructed. “If you have completed your investigation for now, you will accompany me back to Washington, D.C. The accused will be transported to the brig there after they have been processed here. Tracy and Sturgis are anxiously awaiting your reports. I trust you will have them ready for disclosure by tomorrow morning?”
“Yes sir,” they answered in unison.
“Very well. Our transport awaits us.” Sheffield led the way to a car which drove them onto the airstrip where they boarded a waiting Leer jet. Once they were seated, Harm started telling Mac about the time he landed in Cuba with Krennick and Meg. Secretary Sheffield started to laugh.
“I heard about that Commander.”
“Sir?”
“I know the man who had ‘heart failure’ with you at the controls. Seems like I remember you sabotaged an F-14 and then had to reverse the procedure before you hightailed it out of Indian Country.” Sheffield shook his head as he recalled the incident from an old acquaintance of his.
“Harm has given me heart failure a few times when I’ve flown with him sir,” Mac offered.
“You know Rabb, for a pilot with as good a reputation as you have - an award winning pilot - the people that you know don’t have very good luck flying with you,” Sheffield was having fun ganging up on Harm with Mac.
“Well, there have been a few odd accidents - but I won’t take the blame for all of them. I mean, the first time I took Colonel Mackenzie up in a plane we ran into a little mechanical problem, but we would have been just fine if we had stayed with the plane instead of walking into that nest of psychotic poachers.” Harm grinned at Mac as if he had been waiting to get that point in for years.
“What about the Admiral, Harm? How did he manage to get ejected?” Sheffield asked.
Harm shook his head recalling the incident. “Well sir, it’s a bit embarrassing really - for the Admiral at least. You see, its not unusual for gases to build up in your system when you are doing some of the maneuvers. Pilots know to eat carefully before flying and how to prepare their bodies for the side effects. I advised the Admiral to expel any gas build-up as he would be more comfortable. He unhitched his safety belt to do that and gave me the all clear before he had reclasped it. When I went into a roll, he grabbed to secure himself and accidentally grabbed his ejection seat.”
Mac, Harm and Sheffield all laughed at AJ Chegwidden’s expense. Sheffield through his laughter told them, “I’ll have to give him a hard time when I talk to him. He never did tell me exactly what happened...and I didn’t know the questions to ask to get to the truth before. I must say Harm, whether you look for trouble or not it seems to find you.”
“Yes sir. I’ve been trying to change my life a little so that trouble passes me by a little more often.” Harm told them.
“From what I understand, Commander, you have become quite the family man. Is this child a relative?”
“No sir. Mattie is someone I met when I was out of the Navy last year. She had been left alone and I offered to help her out. Colonel Mackenzie helped make that happen as well. We owe her so much for what she did.”
“You don’t owe me anything, Commander. I was glad to be able to do something to help out.” Mac looked at Harm and smiled.
“How long have the two of you worked together now?” asked Sheffield.
“Almost nine years,” answered Mac.
“Well, I know its unusual for billet to last as long as the ones at JAG have, but we want our best people in here and you two are among the best there is. If the time comes and either of you need a change, you let me know and I’ll see what I can do.”
“Thank you sir,” they chorused.
When they landed at Andrews, Sheffield instructed them to report back to JAG headquarters the following morning with their reports ready to pass on and to be prepared to meet the new JAG at some point during the day as well.
Together they walked to the lot where Harm had parked his SUV and once settled in they headed for Mac’s. Harm heard Mac’s stomach growl as he reached Highway 4.
“Shall we stop for lunch or are you in a hurry to get home?” Harm asked.
“Lunch sounds good. Hunan East is right up here on the right. How’s that?” Mac asked.
“Perfect.” Harm swung the car off the highway and into the parking lot. Together they got out and proceeded into the restaurant. It had the typical display of tropical fish popular in so many Asian Restaurants. Harm and Mac were seated and placed their orders. While they waited they talked about the case and the newly appointed JAG.
“So Mac, what do you know about Cresswell?”
“He was in Okinawa and was a contemporary of John Farrow’s. He is the one that saw us together the night before I left Japan and questioned our relationship. He never filed charges but John told me that he held it over his head until they were reassigned. John then took command of a squad that ended up in Haiti and you know that story.”
“Yes I do...and Cresswell?”
“Apparently he got the command of the TSO at Okinawa which is what he had been bucking for. Looks like he’s become a mover and a shaker and has the attention of somebody. This is unusual for the Marine Corps to have a someone appointed as JAG.”
“You sound surprised.”
“You know, Harm, the more I’m around Sheffield, the less I’m surprised by anything. I think he takes great pleasure in being unorthodox.”
“You might be right, Mac. He did enjoy hearing the stories on the flight back.”
“Speaking of which, have you heard from the Admiral lately?”
“No...have you?”
“I got an email about two weeks ago. He sounded like he was having fun. He said Francesca is getting sick of baseball but is being a good sport about it. They have an agreement I guess. She gets to check out local fashion designers at each location where there is a major league team.”
“Well San Francisco, Anaheim and New York are probably more interesting for her then places like Phoenix, St. Paul’s and Kansas City,” Mac chuckled. They enjoyed their lunch and although both avoided the fortunate cookies, they each slipped one into their pocket to read at a later time.
Three Weeks Later
1745 Local
Harm’s Apartment
North of Union Station
Mattie looked up from the table as she heard the commotion at the door. From the laughter she knew that Harm wasn’t alone, yet it didn’t sound like Mac’s laugh.
“Hey Mattie,” Harm greeted his teenager. “I’d like you to meet Alicia Montez. We’ve been working on a case together and it’s finally settled. I invited her over for dinner to celebrate with us.”
“Oh...”
“You sound upset Mattie. Something wrong?”
“No, Harm, every things great. Nice to meet you Ms. Montez. If you’ll excuse me I’m going back so I can work on this assignment.”
“Aren’t you going to stay for dinner? Did you already eat?”
“No...I’m not hungry. I’ll talk to you tomorrow I guess.” Mattie took her things and left. Harm watched her walk out the door. He was a bit puzzled by her behavior. He turned to Alicia to apologize. “I’m sorry about that. She gets moody every now and then. I’ve been gone so much lately between this case and the ones I’ve pulled at JAG that I thought she’s prefer to have me home.”
“Don’t worry about it Harm. I have friends with teenagers and I know that moodiness is part of the growing phase they go through. Besides, I kind of like the idea of having you to myself for a change.
“Really?” Harm’s eyebrow went up and he flashed his big smile. “I promise you I won’t let anything else interfere in our celebration this evening. I’ll talk to Mattie in the morning before school.”
Harm set out the take out food they had picked up. They had gotten enough for three figuring Mattie would be with them. He had put the food in the oven to warm it up when he heard a knock on the door. Thinking Mattie had changed her mind, he pulled it open and then stopped short when Mac stepped through the door.
“Hey Harm, I had something I wanted to talk to you about...”
“Can it wait Mac?” Harm asked. He hoped she would be honest with him. If she needed him, he wanted to be there as he had promised, but he also knew he couldn’t put his life on hold anymore. With Clay ‘back from the dead’ and Mac’s contentment since she got the call from him just before they left for the USS Stennis, he knew he had to try and move on. He didn’t want to become bitter. There had to be someone out there for him, if he kept looking.
“Yeah...sure...sorry I didn’t realize you had company.” Mac made her exit as gracefully as she could, pulling the door shut behind her. She made it to the elevator before the tears started. By the time she got to the entry, she had to stop and compose herself. With her arms wrapped around her waist, she tried holding herself together. Harm had moved on! Taking a deep breath she made it to her car and called Commander McCool.
{Commander McCool.}
“This is Colonel Sarah Mackenzie. Do you...have some time...this eve...ning to...see me?” Mac sobbed.
“Right now. I’m in my office and will wait for you. Are you okay to drive?”
“Yes...Thank you.”
Mac disconnected the call and started her car. Her heart felt shattered. She had waited too long to tell Harm that she knew what she wanted.
Once at Commander McCool’s office, Mac paced as she told her story. “About three and a half weeks ago I knew for sure what I wanted. You see Clay called me and begged me for another chance but I said no...that I didn’t want what he had to offer and that I had only been fooling myself and him into thinking we could have what it was I wanted. A real family life...two people that are there for each other no matter what...two people that can love each other and children - whether or not they are biological children. Someone I can trust and count on. Someone that needs me as much as I need him...I realized that I wanted to take what Harm and I have to the next level. I had accepted that Harm might want that too...he’s been there for me so many times...he doesn’t judge me. He accepts me for who I am - weak or strong. We can give that to each other.”
“Did you tell him that?”
“No...there was no time. We were called away on assignment and when we got back we each were hit with heavy caseloads. Harm was also involved in a case on his own time. I knew that the case had been settled today so I went over to congratulate him and hoped that we could talk. I wanted to tell him and its too late. He’s moved on.”
“How do you know that?”
“I saw her there...in his apartment...alone with him. Mattie wasn’t there...the table was set for two and she was lighting candles and pouring wine...”
“Did you tell him you wanted to talk to him?”
“Yes...and he asked if it could wait...so much for being there for me, huh?”
“Sarah, think about what you just said...he asked you if it could wait and what did you tell him?”
“That it could wait.”
“How is he suppose to know you need him when you let him think that what you have to say isn’t important?”
“He’s suppose to know!”
“Sarah, listen to yourself. You’re looking for trouble here. I want you to think back very carefully to the day that Clay called. Did you say anything to Harm that day about Clay calling?”
“Yes...”
“Did you tell him why he called?”
“No...we got called away.”
“Don’t you think its possible that Harm thought you had patched things up with Clay and that you were resuming that relationship?”
“I suppose so.”
“And in the three or so weeks since Clay called, have you invited Harm or his daughter to spend time with you?”
“No...we’ve all been very busy.”
“So why is okay for you to assume things because you are busy but Harm is condemned for not being able to read your mind?”
“How long has he known this woman?”
“I think about a month.”
“Have you ever heard him talk about her?”
“Only in regards to the case they were working on...and I teased him about getting stuck with another brunette instead of a blonde.”
“So in fact you were pushing him to look at this person as a woman and not just a colleague, weren’t you?”
“Was I?”
“You tell me what you think?”
“I guess I was,” Mac admitted.
“You are an investigator Sarah...think about the evidence? Has he come in tired? Has he had lipstick on him? Has he acted secretive at all?”
“No...he’s been busy with the cases and I know he was upset about not having more time with Mattie.”
“What do you and he do when you work together on a tough case and win?”
“Sometimes we go out for dinner or eat in at his place or mine...You think they might have just been celebrating their win?”
“What do you think? You saw them together? What does the evidence tell you?”
“That I’ve over reacted...Thank you Commander McCool.”
“Sarah, you’ve made great strides this summer working things through. Tonight proves it. Instead of waiting until your next appointment and letting things simmer and get out of control and punishing people for what you have assumed, you called for help now. What will your next step be?”
“Go home and get some sleep. Tomorrow I’ll see Harm at work and congratulate him on his case and then ask him when he has time to talk to me...and that its important and can’t wait too long.”
“Are you going to be angry with him?”
“No...I need my energy to tell him how stupid I’ve been.”
“Good job. Call if you need me.”
“I will Commander. Thank you.”
Mac drove home with a lighter heart and a glimmer of hope.
****
CHAPTER 5
1930 Local
Harm’s Apartment
North of Union Station
“Harm...Harm? Hello, earth calling Harm?”
“Sorry Alicia. I guess I’m not very good company this evening after all.”
“No problem. You’re worried about Mattie aren’t you?”
“Yeah...and Mac.”
“Why Mac?”
“She’s just starting to reach out when she needs something. I hope that she meant it when she said it could wait.”
“I’m sure she did. Besides you’ll see here tomorrow.” Alicia leaned closer to Harm, to let him know she was interested in more from him and that talking about another woman or a teenager wasn’t want she had in mind.
Harm looked at the woman moving toward him. He knew that she wanted him to kiss her. He touched his tongue to his lips and abruptly stood up.
“Would you like coffee? More wine?”
“No thanks...come back here and I’ll show you what I want...” Alicia purred.
“Aahhh..Alicia, I’m sorry if you’ve gotten the wrong impression. You are an attractive woman, and another time and place and maybe I could enjoy what you are offering, but...”
“There’s someone else isn’t there?”
“Yes.”
“And that’s why you haven’t made a move on me?”
“Yes.”
“Did I ever really have a chance?”
“I tried to tell myself you did, Alicia.”
“Well she’s a lucky woman...but foolish if she’s turning down all that you have to offer.”
“I haven’t really offered much yet...but I hope to change that.”
“Good luck Harm. Thank you for taking this case. I couldn’t have done it without you.” Alicia got her things and gracefully left Harm’s apartment.
He moved around the apartment, picking things up and then looked at the clock. Knowing Mattie would still be up he headed over to see her.
[Knock knock]
“Commander...come in.” Jennifer Coates greeted him.
“Hey Jennifer...she locked in her room?”
“She’s in there, but the door’s not locked. What happened?”
“I’m not sure. I think we need to talk.”
“Mattie? Harm’s here to see you. Why don’t you come out here and then I can go to bed and read.”
Mattie appeared in her bathrobe and slippers looking a little rumpled.
“Hey Mathilda Grace...what’s up?”
“Nothing...”
“Mattie, come on...its me. I know I have been busy lately and you’ve been with your Dad more and more...but I was looking forward to sharing dinner with you tonight and I wanted you to meet Alicia.”
“Why? She your girlfriend?”
“No...is that what this is about? You don’t want me to have a girlfriend?”
“I didn’t say that.”
“So tell me what’s going on.”
“I thought you were working thinks out with Mac. Mac should have been here celebrating with us...not Alicia.”
“Mattie...I think Mac is seeing Clay again. As for Alicia, she worked this case with me and is an instructor at Georgetown University. I thought she would make a good reference for you if you got to know her.”
“Oh...you aren’t dating her?”
“No although I’ve thought about it.”
“Because you think Mac is seeing Clay?”
“Yes.”
“Harm, have you asked Mac if she’s back with him?”
“No. She told me he called one day and she’s been very happy and content ever since.”
“Oh...”
“Yeah, oh...”
“But you are still hoping to work things out, right?”
“Yes...I guess I am.”
“Then stop inviting other women home, Harm!” Mattie looked up at him as he stood beside her and grinned. “Any food left over?”
“You didn’t eat did you?”
“No. Are there leftovers?”
“Yes, come on...”
“Jen, I’m going over to raid Harm’s refrigerator...be back soon!” Mattie turned to follow Harm and when she caught up to him she took his hand and threaded her fingers into his. Looking up she grinned, “Reduce altitude, Dad...”
Harm smiled and leaned down to her knowing what was coming. Mattie kissed his cheek again before leading the way to the leftovers.
0745 Local
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
Mac was just climbing out of her Corvette when Harm parked his SUV the next morning.
“Morning Mac.” he called as he opened his door.
“Hi Harm. Congratulations by the way on your win. I hear you and Ms. Montez did a hell of a job.”
“Thanks Mac...every thing okay?”
“I think so...I do need to talk to you though. Are you busy after work?”
“If nothing major breaks, I should be able to get out of here by 1600 today. What did you have in mind?”
“How about a walk in the park?”
“Okay. Which one?”
“Brentwood Park has some good trails now...how about if I come over to your place and we walk from there...then we can pick up supper and eat with Mattie.” Mac suggested.
“Okay...I’ll have Jen pick up Mattie from school after practice.”
Then arrived at their offices, now next door to each other, with plans in place. They had witness interviews scheduled for the morning and a pretrial hearing with the judge after lunch. Mac made sure the board had them cleared for off duty by 1600.
Harm had left the SUV for Jen and rode with Mac. They stopped at her place so she could change into civvies. She grabbed a change of clothes in case they decided to run instead of walk. Harm quickly changed into sweats, t-shirt and sneakers and grabbed a sweat shirt in case it turned cool quick. They did start off at a walk but by the time they got to the park they decided to run the trail before they talked.
They slowed to a walk again after the five mile run.
“Harm, you told me to tell you when I’m ready to talk to you...are you ready to listen?”
“Yes. I’m sorry about last night Mac.”
“It’s okay...it’s my own fault for telling you it could wait...yet I guess it could after all.”
“I’m listening.”
“Remember just before we left for the USS Stennis, I told you Clay called?”
“Yes. How are things going with you two?”
“They aren’t.”
“I’m sorry, Mac...”
“Harm...listen first, okay?” He nodded his agreement and Mac went on. “I had more or less decided that I was glad at the way things worked out. There were things I liked about the relationship I had with Clay. It was about the here and now. It was fun and we laughed...but there was no future to it. I realized the night before that I wanted more...so much more then Clay had to offer. It was like he sensed it and he called. He begged me for another chance Harm and I told him no. He did not have what it took to make me happy long term. The doubts, I thought were all gone. I wanted to tell you but the time as usual never seemed just right...and you were sometimes right there and other times I felt like you were running from me. I waited. Now that our case load is more manageable with just this one big case we’re working on I wanted to congratulate you last night and tell you that I was ready not only to talk, but to take another look at what we have...”
“And when you got there I was alone with Alicia...
“Yes.”
“Mac, it’s not what you might think...not really.”
“Are you dating her, Harm?”
“No...I did think about it. I thought that if you were happy with Clay then I needed to keep looking to find the right person for me. But I couldn’t do it. Mattie was suppose to have eaten with us, but she was mad at me and wouldn’t stay.”
“What did you do?”
“I had invited Alicia for dinner and not you...”
“Mattie said that?”
“Yes...when she finally started speaking to me again last night.”
“You worked it out last night?”
“Yes. I figured she’s be hungry and I knew I wouldn’t sleep much with both of you upset.”
“And you used her hunger to get her to listen to you?”
“No, actually we talked it out before her stomach started growling.”
“Poor Harm...surrounded by chocolate loving, junk food and meat eating women...”
“I don’t mind it...most of the time.”
Mac shivered and Harm handed her his sweat shirt. “Come on, Mac, it gets cool quick after the sun goes down this time of year. Let’s head back.”
“Alright...why don’t we stop and pick up pizza for supper?”
“Or we could go back and have it delivered so we can get cleaned up before we eat.”
“Good idea...” Mac slipped her hand into Harm’s as they walked. “Can you listen while we walk?”
“Sure.”
“Harm, I know its taken me a long time to get to this point, and I’ll understand if you aren’t there yet...but the way we’ve been there for each other over the years is something important to me. I haven’t had that kind of relationship with any other man...”
“Thanks...I think.” Harm smiled down at her.
“Anyway, I’ve thought a lot about the people that I know with happy marriages and the one common denominator they all seem to have is the ability to be there for each other. It’s there out of love or respect or need or lust...and once in awhile it’s there for all those reasons and more. We share so much in common, Harm. We’ve each overcome our own demons and as a result we both want a family. We both love children and we love our jobs and feel privileged to serve our country. We both believe in finding the truth even though we sometimes approach it from different view points...”
“Mac...are you telling me that you want us to try to work things out?”
“Yes. I love you Harm. I know that I’ve told you that I’ve said it to other men...but its always after they’ve told me they love me. This time I want to tell you first. I think you feel the same way about me, because you’ve shown me in so many ways that you do. I know before I needed you to say the words...now I just want you to keep showing me that you care about me...about us...and if the words come...great and if they don’t then as long as you show me what’s in your heart I don’t need the words.” Mac felt Harm’s hand squeeze her hand as she talked. They were almost back to his place and still walking hand in hand. Harm hadn’t said much, but Mac hadn’t expected him too. Instead he just held on to her and tried to keep his composure.
Jen and Mattie were just getting back as they came around the corner of the building. They stopped and waited for them by the front door. Harm didn’t see Mac looking up at him, longing for him to kiss her or at the very least, letting her kiss him. Mattie recognized the look on Mac’s face and grinned.
“Hey Mac...try this...Harm, reduce altitude, please...”
Harm bent down and Mattie planted a kiss on his cheek. Before he could stand up again Mac leaned over and kissed his other cheek.
“Thanks Mattie. I’d heard about that but hadn’t seen it work before.” Harm let go of Mac’s hand as she and Mattie proceeded him into the hall and up the stairs.
“Thanks Jen.”
“No problem, Commander.”
“Join us for pizza?”
“No thanks...I have class tonight. I’ll get a bite there.”
“Okay. Thanks again Jen.”
****
CHAPTER 6 (Rating: NC-17)
2215 Local
Harm’s Apartment
North of Union Station
“Wow! I didn’t realize the time. Mac, thanks for the pizza. I hope you’ll spend more time with us. It’s fun having you around.”
“Thanks Mattie. I’ve had fun too.” Mac smiled at the teenager who was putting her things away in the kitchen. Harm had stood up too with the intent of refilling their coffee cups. As he met Mattie coming out of the kitchen, he grinned knowing what was coming. Before she could issue the now standard command, he bent down.
“See Mac...if you tell him enough what you expect, he can learn it! Night Dad...Love you...”
“I love you too Mathilda.” Harm kissed her cheek in return.
Mattie then hugged Mac and made her way to her bedroom in the apartment she shared with Jennifer Coates.
“Harm, she’s come so far. You’ve been good for each other, huh?”
“We have. I had to change the way I did things for her. I learned first and foremost that I could change and then I learned that I liked the man I was becoming better then who I use to be.” Harm smiled at Mac. “Have another cup of coffee with me?”
“I’d like that.”
“Me too.” Harm fixed the coffee and brought their cups over to the couch. “Here you go.”
“Thanks...” Mac patted the seat next to her. Harm sat down and reached for Mac’s hand, pulling her closer to him.
“There’s something I’ve been wanting to do for hours...”
“What’s that, Harm?” asked Mac.
“Kiss you...”
“You do?”
“You doubt it?” Harm asked.
“No...sometimes. I just thought crossing that line wasn’t something you were ready for.”
“Mac, remember you said that sometimes I seemed to want to run away from you?”
“Yes.”
“I did...because I was afraid I would be taken to task if I touched you the way I wanted to.”
“If I promise not to take you to task, will you stop talking and start touching?” Mac whispered.
Harm pulled her into his arms, much as he had on the Admiral’s porch during her engagement party to Brumby, and kissed her. This time they were exploring each other and making mental notes of the response each touch or taste elicited.
Harm’s large hands were warm and gentle on her body, but the heat they created inside of her was rapidly burning out of control.