Title: USN vs USMC -In Due Time
Author: Hollyjp
Summary: Harm and Creswell go head to head; Mac hears from her mother; JAG meets Mrs. Creswell;
Spoilers: Any spoilers and speculations of my own will be woven with things from all ten seasons of JAG that help me create my story.
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 had started this as part of “In Due Time” but it wasn’t going well so I posted the first part as a stand alone...but I had so many requests for a sequel, that I decided to go back and continue work on this portion. I’m not sure its much more then a series of Vignette’s linked together.
USN vs USMC - In Due Time
CHAPTER 1
1113 Local
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
Harm, Mac, and Coates reported in to General Creswell upon their return from Key West Naval Air Station. Due to the storm in Washington DC they had not been able to get back for an additional thirty-six hours.
“I must say you used a fairly unorthodox method to get the job done. But it was done right and you made choices for the right reasons. I guess I can live with unorthodox once in a while if it gets the job done.” Creswell informed them.
“Thank you, Sir.” Mac spoke figuring the General would assign them new cases or dismiss them at the very least.
“Coates, Colonel, you are dismissed. Commander, have a seat.”
“Yes sir.”
Once Harm was seated Creswell continued.
“I’m a little disturbed by some things I’ve read and I was hoping you could shed some light on the subject. Commander, your file...I’m not sure what to say about it...I see strokes of genius mixed in with some of the biggest bone-head moves I’ve ever heard of...yet you’re here at JAG and respected and revered by most.”
Creswell paused and turned from his desk to hide the little smile quivering on his lips. His wife always scolded him for doing this to the kids - making them squirm and think they were in big trouble just for the fun of getting a rise and a surprise out of them. He supposed she was right and had tried to lay off at home, but here at JAG, they were his people and he could get away with it...so he did.
“Sir?” Harm hesitated as he tried to comment.
“Come on now Rabb...I called Admiral Chegwidden the other day about a matter and the first thing he asked was what you’d done now. I asked Sturgis to look into a loose cannon and he assumes its you - not Roberts. I tell Colonel Mackenzie that I think she’s lost some of her confidence because she hasn’t faced real competition going up against a bunch of squids and she hedges. Yet, since I’ve been here I’ve seen nothing that would warrant any of those responses. What’s with you?”
“I’ve matured I guess sir.”
“Matured...like gotten old? Commander what are you-forty?” Creswell demanded.
“Forty-one sir.”
“In shape?”
“Yes sir.”
“You run?”
“Yes sir.”
“Box?”
“A little kick boxing mostly.”
“Swim?”
“Yes.”
“Bike?”
“Yes. Sir, I’m not sure where you’re going with this?”
“I wasn’t either but it’s getting clearer. How are you on the range?” Creswell fired back.
“At thirty-thousand feet I’m...”
“On the ground?”
“I can hold my own.”
“Ever qualify on a Marine range?”
“No sir. With all due respect sir, I have work that needs to be tended to.” Harm was getting agitated and he didn’t want to go there with his new commanding officer. He had intended to play by the rules as much as he could with this guy...for Mac’s sake as much as his own.
“Are you afraid of some real competition Rabb?” Creswell demanded glaring down at him as he rounded the desk and went nose to nose with the still seated Commander.
“No sir I’m not.” Rabb came to his feet at that point and looked down on his commanding officer. “I thrive on competition in and out of the courtroom, but I have learned to temper how I deal with that competitive drive. If you feel the need to compete with me sir to put me in my place or make sure I respect you, I can assure you there is no need. But if you order me to go up against you in some sort of competition, I will promise you it will be no holds barred regardless of your rank or position, sir!”
“Very well Rabb. I’ll set it up and let you know when and where. Nothing I like more then a little friendly competition between the Navy and Marines. Dismissed.”
“Aye, aye sir!” Harm spun on his heel and left the office shutting the door with deadly quiet.
Once in his office he allowed his anger to seep out. He was fuming but knew that he needed to control it until he got to the gym. He reached for the phone to buzz Mac when she knocked on his door.
“Everything okay?”
“No...come on it and shut the door. I don’t trust that sneaky little bastard right now as far as I can throw him.” Harm practically spat his response.
“What to hell happened?” Mac asked sitting next to the desk.
“Major General Creswell has just challenged me to a competition to show him who’s better...why are you grinning, Mac?”
“Sorry Harm...it’s just when I did my shooting quals I went head to head with him and beat him. I’m not sure of his exact score but I did beat him. You’ve been with me at the range. You matched me target for target...until the last round...and I didn’t beat you by much.”
“I know Mac...but I think he’s going to challenge me to a marathon or something. He asked me all kinds of questions about whether or not I’m in shape and what I do to work out. I think he’s going to put together some kind of contest.”
“Are you going to give it your best shot?”
“Yes,” Harm answered with emphasis. Still frowning he went on, “Mac, he questioned my competitive streak. You know more then most people what I’m like. Is he looking for an excuse to get me out of here?”
“I don’t think so Harm. I think he likes the challenge and he respects people that can handle it. You can. I think if you just relax a little you can have some fun with this. Besides...I can help you get ready if you want.”
“Oh yeah? My own personal coach?”
“Something like that. Want to get started planning your strategy and conditioning program tonight?” Mac asked seeing that Harm had relaxed and was smiling again.
“You bet. Where and when?” Harm asked.
“Why don’t we stop at the fitness center on the way home from work and then grab some take out and eat at my place?” Mac suggested.
“Okay. See you later then.”
2038 Local
Mac’s Apartment
Georgetown
“Mac, when I suggested that we plan to go out when we got back from that last case, this really wasn’t what I had planned. I wanted to take you out - make it a real date,” Harm explained as they set their food on her dining room table and hung up their coats.
“I know...but we need to do this and the restaurants are crowded and I’d have to fress up and I just feel like lounging around with you tonight. Besides, we can talk better here.”
“Really?” Harm questioned, touched by her sentiment.
“Don’t let it go to your head, Sailor,” she laughed as she fixed them each a large glass of water with ice.
“Trust me, you’ve always kept me a little off balance and now Creswell’s got my head spinning. What is it with you Marine’s anyway?” Harm asked her.
“I don’t know...good natured fun I guess - helping each other to be the best we can be.”
“Haven’t we done that in the past Mac?” Harm asked.
“Yes. And Creswell will realize that he’s misjudged you. You are not most sailor’s. I think that’s why the Admiral always pushed you further and put the heat on you first. He knew you were made of something special.” Mac reached out and caressed the back of his hand.
“You believe that? Even though I’ve screwed things up with us so many times?”
“Yes, I do. I think Creswell will soon see you’re a Marine in a sailor suit.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.” Harm frowned as he thought about what she said.
“Harm, I think that if you give it your best shot at whatever Creswell comes up with for you, it won’t matter if he beats you or you beat him...he’ll learn you deserve the respect people have for you.”
“You’re probably right.”
“And Harm?”
“Yeah?”
“Don’t let your macho image run away while your mouth and put yourself at a disadvantage like you did at JAG-a-thon that time.” She smiled and raised her eyebrows at him.
“I won’t...eat your dinner before it gets cold.” Harm chided her as he dug into his eggplant parmesan.
“Harm, I’ve been thinking about this challenge that Creswell is mounting. I think he’s trying to get to know you. I don’t think there is any more to it then that. He likes playing with our minds.” Mac tried to reassure Harm.
“Mmmmm probably,” Harm agreed. They moved from the table to the sofa. Sitting side by side, Mac managed to tuck herself into the shelter of his arm as if it was the most natural thing in the world. Harm was enjoying this new freer, open side she was allowing him to be a part of. Mac kept talking.
“If he’s smart, he won’t box with you because you have a longer reach. Now running is a possibility because he’s smaller and lighter and could counteract your long legs, but he’s had a leg injury and the impact might not help it. Swimming also would probably be a fairly equal match and a better choice for him over running. I don’t see him on a bike, although he does have kids. I can also see him trying to mount a fair competition and selecting things that you would have a chance to do well in...”
“Mac...”
“My guess is he’ll go with swimming, shooting, rowing, and maybe running or an obstacle course...at Quantico or maybe...”
“Mac.”
“Yes?” Mac looked up at Harm to see his face flushed and beads of sweat on his upper lip. “Are you okay Harm?”
“Yeah...uh...its just um...” he looked down at his lap where her hand rested so close to his groin. “Are you ready for what might happen if you don’t move your hand?” Harm asked.
“Wow...oh my Harm...I didn’t mean...I mean...” Mac couldn’t seem to stop control her hand as she left it resting high on his thigh. Her fingers still moved in a slow caressing motion.
Harm closed his eyes and gulped before he grabbed her hand in his and brought it to his chest to still the wandering fingers.
“Mac...you have to stop unless you are ready for us to go there...its been too long for me...”
“Harm, do you want me - or would anyone one do?”
“You...only you, Sarah...” The memory of the words drifting to her on the ferry in Sydney Harbor five years before brought a smile to her lips and contentment to her heart. With the confidence she hadn’t felt with Harm since, she met his gaze.
“Then touch me...touch me the way I’ve been touching you.” Mac offered.
In that moment Harm realized that Mac wanted him maybe as much as he wanted her. He lowered his head to taste her beautiful full lips. Her tongue tangled with his as she turned more fully into his body, her arms around his neck. With their passion building with each kiss, Harm pulled back to look into her eyes and make sure she wasn’t having second thoughts.
“So can I tell the world you’re my girl, now?” Harm asked.
“You’d better,” Mac laughed as she pressed her body more fully against him. “Are you going to back off and stop this dance again tonight?”
“Not unless that’s what you want,” Harm informed her.
“Then let’s move this party to the bedroom,” Mac told him.
They had undressed each other slowly, tenderly, kissing, tasting and touching as they went. At one point, Mac knelt in front of Harm but he stopped her. “Next time, Mac...anyway you want...but this first time...is about us and being together...” Mac nodded her understanding.
Later, Harm asked Mac if she wanted him to use a condom or take the chance. They decided that it was worth risking pregnancy given that her chances of conceiving were so minimal. Both had been tested and knew they were disease free.
Later, as they lay in the tangle of sheets, blankets, and pillows wearing nothing but a smile, Mac kissed Harm’s chin. “I thought we’d be uneasy with each other - a little- but I don’t feel that at all. Do you?” Mac asked Harm.
“No. I feel...rejuvenated maybe...definitely horny...”
“Harmon! And I thought you were a prude most of the time,” Mac laughed as she kissed his chin again.
“I told you I wasn’t a prude...I’m just conservative in public I guess.”
“Is that why you hold your cover in front of you so often?” Mac giggled as she caressed him.
“Have you been checking me out?” Harm asked feeling as playful as she was.
“Maybe...”
“You tried haven’t you?”
“Maybe...”
“And your hand wandering tonight wasn’t an accident was it?”
“Actually tonight was an accident...or at least it wasn’t conscious on my part.” Mac defended herself.
“Oh really...so in your subconscious you planned this?” Harm teased.
“Maybe I did...do you mind?”
“Not at all. Are you planning for a repeat?” Harm asked as he felt his body spring to life beneath her caressing hand.
“You told me I could do things my way the second time,” Mac reminded him.
“Aaahhhh, I guess I did. So what do you want to do with me?”
Mac proceeded to show him.
CHAPTER 2
0754 Local
Mac’s Apartment
Georgetown
The phone ringing woke Harm and he reached over to stop the offensive noise. Mac quickly grabbed the phone away from him.
“Colonel Mackenzie.”
“Good morning Colonel. Are you busy tomorrow?”
“Nothing special General. Do you need me to go TAD?”
“No...but I could use your help at Quantico starting at seven hundred tomorrow...timing and scoring for a little competitive PT and some target practice. I’ve got Sarge and Guns coming to help as well.”
“Why me, sir?”
“Well, you seem to know and like that squid you work with. I thought it was time to see what he’s made of. Any objections?”
“Are you talking about Commander Rabb, sir?”
“Yes I am. You have a problem with that?”
“No sir. But you may have underestimated him sir.”
“We’ll see. Can I count on you to help out?”
“Yes sir.”
“Good. I’ve tried to call him at home. Only got the answering machine. Do you know if he’s home this weekend?”
“Did you try his cell phone? He usually has that on or checks the voice messages on that regularly in case Mattie, his ward, needs him.”
“Thank you, Colonel. Do you have the number?”
“Yes sir I do.” Mac gave him the number and Creswell hung up.
“Go get your cell phone...quick. You don have it with you don’t you?”
“Yes...in my coat pocket.”
“Go get it...” Mac pushed him toward the side of the bed.
Harm rolled out and walked naked into the living room to retrieve his cell phone from his coat. It was on and it started ringing, before he got back to the bedroom.
“Rabb.”
“Good morning, Commander. Did I wake you?”
“No sir, General Creswell.”
“Good. Look I’ve been thinking about our competition and I’ve been able to secure the course at Quantico tomorrow for our use. Colonel Mackenzie will help time and keep score for us. I’ve also asked a couple others to help out. Any objections?”
“No sir.”
“Outstanding. I will see you at seven hundred tomorrow at the PT course.”
“Yes sir.” Harm hung up when he heard the dial tone in his ear and groaned.
Creswell hung up the phone and turned as his wife spoke.
“Biff, you are not picking on one of your men again are you?”
“He’s a big boy. I think he can take it. If he can’t he doesn’t have any business hooking up with a marine.”
“Hooking up with...as in dating...marrying?” Mrs. Creswell asked.
“Yes. So that must have been the female Lt. Colonel under your command that you are so impressed with and it’s a Naval officer that you think she’s involved with that you think needs to prove himself. Am I close?”
“You know me so well,” Gordon Creswell smiled as he leaned in to kiss his wife.
“So when am I going to meet your command?” Dora Creswell queried her husband.
“Soon. Once I’ve analyzed this situation a little more then I can let my guard down and it will be time for them to meet you - and you to meet them, Dorrie.”
“But you need every bit of your hard ass persona to intimidate this officer until you’ve tested his mettle, am I right?” Dora Creswell held her husbands face in her hands and looked him in the eye. “Grow up Biff...you don’t need to constantly prove yourself this way. You are going to end up getting hurt.”
“It will be fine, Dorrie...it will be fine.” And he kissed his wife again holding her close against him.
0650 Local
Quantico Marine Base
Physical Training Course and Rifle Range
Harm and Mac had decided to drive separately to Quantico. They had just parked the cars and climbed out when General Creswell pulled up in his vehicle.
“Good morning!”
“General.” They responded simultaneously.
“Guns and Sarge are already on the course waiting for us. I thought we’d start with some target shooting first. Colonel, would you like to join us for the marksmanship round?”
“No sir. I would like to stand back and watch this competition. I’ll be glad to take you on at another time however.” Mac smiled and the General nodded his consent. They grabbed their gear and followed the General to the rifel range where he introduced them to the two men waiting there.
“Colonel Mackenzie, Commander Rabb, this is Sargent Belknap - we call him Sarge, and this is Gunnery Sargent Nicholas Marchant - we call him Guns. Sarge, what you got set up for this match today?”
“Four targets - ten rounds each at 200 yards, sir.”
“Practice round?” asked Creswell.
“One target ten rounds.”
“Outstanding. Rabb you ready?”
“Yes sir.”
They positioned themselves for the practice round. Harm was relaxed and took his shots without rushing. When they finished Sarge directed them to prepare for the first target.
Mac watched the two men as they loaded and prepared to shoot. Harm was relaxed and comfortable while Creswell was excited and full of energy. Mac smiled knowing that the little instruction session she had given Harm was paying off. He was staying calm and confident and not let the competitive energy exhaust him at this level. Their strategy was to have Harm do his best and not worry if he didn’t beat the General this round. Mac suspected that this level of competition would be close. She was right.
On the first target, Creswell beat Harm by one point. On the second target, Harm beat Creswell by one point. The third target was a draw and the fourth target went to Harm, by two points. It was the best Harm had ever shot on the range. Creswell congratulated the naval officer as they took care of their weapons.
Sarge turned to the officers then and directed them to the next round.
“We’re going inside to the pool next. Colonel, I’ll need you to help this time as Guns has to set up the obstacle course.”
“Glad to. Why don’t we head over now? General, Commander, I’ll see you at the pool.”
Harm and Creswell entered the locker room area and went in to change. Towel around the neck and barefoot, dressed in his navy blue PT trunks, Harm towered over Creswell in his khaki trunks as they padded their way to pool side.
“Alright gentleman,” Sarge began. “Colonel will be timing General Creswell and I’ll have the clock on Commander Rabb. This will be the best time for twenty laps. Your hands or feet must touch the side at each turn. You’ll dive in at this end on my go.”
Mac took a breath and waited for the command, ready to clock the General. She heard the command and started the clock while both men hit the water. Harm set a steady pace and with his long legs and strong arms ate up lap after lap. General Creswell stayed within striking distance, often catching up on the turns. By lap eighteen, Creswell was swimming even with Harm and showed no sign of tiring. Mac’s words played over and over in his head. ‘Stay calm...don’t tense up and make a stupid move.’
By lap nineteen, Harm wasn’t ready to settle for a close race. He wanted to show Creswell that he was competitive. At that point Harm turned it on, swimming faster and stronger then before, but on the lap into turn twenty, Creswell was with him and started to pull ahead. Harm relaxed and let his long arms and strong legs do their thing. It was Harm’s hand that hit the wall first. He couldn’t contain himself when he was announced as the winner by the smallest of margins.
“Yeah!” he shouted as Creswell turned his back and hauled himself out of the pool. Sarge was the only one that saw Creswell’s smile but he was a smart man and wasn’t about to let on to anyone what Creswell was really like.
“Round two goes to you as well Commander. But I will make you hurt on the obstacle course...mark my words.”
“Bring it on, sir,” Harm grinned as Mac rolled her eyes.
After drying off and changing into his sweats in the locker room, he tied his sneakers and headed with Creswell for the obstacle course. Mac was their with Sarge and Guns waiting for them.
“This course rambles over a five mile trail. Do you wish to walk it Commander?” Guns asked.
“Just talk me through it, Guns. I’ve done a fair number of obstacle courses over the years. Trail well marked?” Harm asked.
“Yes. I’ve run here often, Harm,” Mac told him. “It’s a lot like Rock Creek trail.”
“Thanks.”
“This is a standard PT course. You will be penalized five seconds for any obstacle you do not complete and thirty seconds for each obstacle you do not attempt. Questions?” Guns asked. “Very well. This is a dual trail and you must stay in your lane for the duration. I was able to get chips so we don’t have to use stopwatches. Please put these bibs on.”
Harm and Creswell each slid the race bibs over their heads and snapped them around their waists. Harm was in lane one, Creswell lane two.
“Your command will be set-go and then the timer will begin. Take your position men...Set! Go!”
Mac watched as Creswell streaked out ahead of Harm in lane two. Harm let his long legs set his own rhythm to start with. The first mile of the course was just a trail run. Harm kept Creswell in sight but allowed himself to fully warm up as he ran. As they started the second mile, they came onto the barbed wire crawl. Harm hit his belly and went under the barbed wire when Creswell was about half way through that obstacle. When he got out on the other side, he realized that he had actually gained a little on the General.
They kept a steady pace as their feet pounded over the typical wooded trail terrain. After covering another half mile, they came to a pond with two wooden row boats. Creswell reached his boat first and was pulling out into the pond when Harm made his boat.
“Standard trail my ass,” Harm muttered as he took his seat and rowed with the strong steady strokes he knew would cover the distance and give him the maximum glide between strokes. They hit land at the same time and covered the next half mile almost side by side. The next obstacle was a rope bridge over a river bed. Creswell’s smaller and lighter build gave him the advantage on this obstacle, and Harm watched him hit the trail before he made it half way across.
Mac’s voice in his head kept him focus as he remembered her repeatedly reminding him, ‘Stay focused, don’t panic, and run your race. He’ll have the advantage at some points and you’ll have it at others. Stay strong, steady and confident...just be you.’ He smiled as he remembered her ongoing coaching sessions throughout the day and night before the race.
Miles three and four were laden with obstacles while mile five would be an all out run. First they hit the rope over the puddle followed by the tractor tires. Then they had a balance beam followed by the suspended ‘ladder’ that had to be negotiated with only their arms as their bodies hung in the air. Next they had to climb a suspended cargo net and then roll to the ground on the opposite side.
Harm could feel the exhaustion trying to set in. His lungs burned but this is where he entered his zone. This is when he knew he was reaching his stride. Creswell was leading again, but Harm was within easy striking distance. They had exchanged the lead several times, almost with each obstacle they faced.
On the hill overlooking this part of the trail, Sarge, Guns and Mac watched the battle unfolding.
“Are you sure that guys Navy?” Sarge asked.
“Absolutely,” Mac responded grinning.
“What do you think Creswell’s chances are against this one, Guns?” asked Sarge.
“Fading, I’m afraid, Sarge.”
“Does he do this often?” Mac asked.
“Not set up a special competition, no...but he loves the thrill of competition. Ever met his wife?” asked Sarge.
“No.”
“She’s a great lady. She gives him hell for his competitiveness with his men - and women so he won’t introduce her to them until he’s sized everyone up in his command.”
“Oh, really?” Mac smiled as she watched Harm take the lead again as he ran along the down hill portion of the race. They would soon be out of sight until they relocated.
“Yup,” Sarge said as he started the jeep up and headed to the next viewing spot. “She takes away his competitive edge once they’ve met her. No one that nice and kind would hook herself up with the kind of tough arrogant SOB he likes to let his people think he is and so once they know her, the jigs up.”
“You’ve known Creswell awhile Sarge?” Mac asked as they stopped at the next viewing deck.
“Yeah, at least twenty years I guess. He’s a great guy. Fair, tough, even fun to be around. He really cares about his people. I’ve never seen him pit Marine and Navy against each other like this. Have you Guns?”
“Just once.”
“You going to tell us about it?” asked Mac.
“No Ma’am. Mrs. Creswell will fill you in when its time, Ma’am.” Guns informed her.
Mac smiled. She was looking forward to meeting the so far elusive Mrs. Creswell as each moment passed.
Harm and Creswell were approaching over-under obstacle. They had to go over the first and under the second and so on until they got to the other side. Mac was surprised at how well Harm did. Usually big men had trouble on that obstacle, but Harm sailed through it.
Both men were breathing hard as they approached the wall. Harm hit the wall with the perfect stride and was up and over and on the ground running before Creswell cleared the top. Harm found his stride again knowing that it was an all out running race from this point on. He reached heartbreak hill will gusto and at the top he could see Mac, Sarge and Guns at the finishing line. Harm looked over his shoulder and saw Creswell was coming. That was when he turned on the afterburners and managed an all out sprint the last four hundred yards to the finish line.
He had done it. He pumped the air with his fist one time and then took a couple of deep breaths before turning to greet his commanding officer as he crossed the finish line twelve seconds behind him.
Mac stood to one side with Sarge and Guns as they watched the two competitors. Harm held his hand out to General Creswell who shook it as he looked up at the towering naval officer.
“Is there anything you aren’t good at, Rabb?” asked Creswell.
“Yes sir.”
“Care to give me a clue?”
“No sir.” Harm smiled.
“Didn’t think so.” Turning to Mac, Creswell squinted at her. “Did you know he was this good?”
“Yes sir.”
“You tried to tell me didn’t you?”
“Yes sir.”
“Guess I better listen closer next time.” Creswell looked from one to the other and then thanked Sarge and Guns for helping out. Both enlisted men shook Harm’s hand, touched their heads in an informal salute to Mac, and then took their leave. Harm. Mac, and Creswell headed back toward the locker rooms together. Creswell asked the question that had been burning in the background for awhile.
“You two involved outside of work?”
“Just recently sir...We’ve been friends for years though.” Mac informed him.
“I surmised as much. Normally I don’t think Squids and Marines are a good mix, but every now and then the Navy ends up with someone that should have been a Marine. Keep it out of the office and if it looks permanent, keep me in the loop.”
“Aye, aye sir.” Harm and Mac answered as they exchanged a look.
“And don’t bother wasting gas with two cars next time either.” Creswell called as he quickened his pace and moved ahead of them.
“Did he just give us the okay to date?” Harm asked.
“Yes, I think so. I learned a few things from Sarge and Guns while you two were running.”
“Really?”
“I’ll fill you in over breakfast and coffee. Go change. I’ll wait in the parking lot.” Mac told him.
Harm dropped a quick kiss on her lips before trotting away to the locker room.
0940 Local
Restaurant
On the road to Washington DC
“I should have known you’d know where to find the food on this road,” Harm commented as they finished their buffet breakfast and the bottomless coffee cup.
“I use to come here on Sunday mornings when I was stationed at Quantico - years ago before you landed in my life. Actually I’ve come here for a breakfast a few times since I’ve been at JAG. It’s too goo to forget about.”
“I agree. So do you have plans for the rest of the day?” Harm asked.
“I need to tend to some household chores - laundry, groceries, vacuum cleaner...”
“Awe, yes...I use to wait to do all my chores on the weekend, too.” Harm smiled.
“You don’t now?”
“Not if I can help it. My grandmother always said that if you want to rest on Sunday you have to plan your chores accordingly. She always taught me to tackle one chore a day that gets done weekly and there is no rule that says it has to be done every seven days...sometimes it gets done again after four days and sometimes it might be ten days.”
“Sounds like a smart lady.”
“She is...its hard to believe that she’s failed so much in the last few years. She can’t really live on her own any more but I can’t convince her to sell the farm, either.” Harm shared his concern with Mac and realized it felt good.
“When did you last go see her?” Mac asked gently.
“Thanksgiving. I called her at Christmas and New Year’s though.”
“What about your Mother?”
“I haven’t seen her for awhile, but I try to call at least once a month.”
“Didn’t you try to see her when you were at China Lake?”
“Yeah I did. She was gone on an art buying trip.”
“Oh.”
“Mac, she has her own life with Frank. Talking on the phone once a month is a vast improvement over what it was.”
“I know. A year ago you couldn’t remember the last time you called her.” Mac reminded him.
“A lot has changed since then Mac.”
“I know. How’s Mattie doing?” Mac asked,
“Good. She and Tom are working together to get Grace Aviation running and making money again. Mattie started ground school this week.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, Tom and I went halves on the cost for her birthday present but she had to wait until the next cycle. She gets to go up in the air with her instructor in March or April.”
“That’s great. She must be excited. Tom doesn’t mind?”
“No. As much as I love to fly, I think I had more reservations about it then he did. Mattie has a good head on her shoulders though. She’ll be okay.”
“Harm there are always things that can happen out of our control. It’s taken me a long time to realize that.”
“I know. Do you think we were out of our control?” Harm asked her as he leaned across the table to kiss her lightly.
“Maybe we were...”
“So how long will it take you to do the stuff at your place that you need to do?”
“Why?”
“You said that you need to go grocery shopping and I could use a few things...I thought maybe we could go together.”
“Oh really? What if I don’t want to grocery shop with you?”
“Then we won’t go together. Will I see you later?”
“Yes.”
“When?”
“When you pick me up to go grocery shopping,” Mac smiled at him, putting the thousand watt smile back on his face.
They walked out to their cars hand in hand. Harm kissed her good-bye and told her to drive safely before climbing in the Lexus and heading back to his place.
CHAPTER 3
Monday
0800 Local
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
Major General Gordon Creswell entered the conference room for the Monday morning staff meeting. The senior attorneys were already seated but rose when the door opened.
“As you were. My wife informs me it is time for her to inspect the troops and has arranged a dinner party at our home Thursday evening this week at nineteen hundred. You are welcomed to bring your spouse or significant other if you have one. Please let Coates know if you will be bringing someone by eight hundred Wednesday morning so she can notify Mrs. Creswell of the actual numbers. Now, Turner and Roberts, you’ve been handling the Johnson-Alvarez case, correct?”
“Yes sir. Lt. Alvarez claims that Lt. Johnson broke into his home and Lt. Johnson claims that she had been living there and came home to find her key not working, thought the lock was broken and so she picked it so she could enter what she considered to be her home as well.” Commander Turner explained.
“Is this going to court or is an amicable solution being worked out?” Creswell asked.
“Too soon to tell, sir,” Bud explained. “While we are certainly willing to find a solution, Lt. Alvarez seems unwilling to drop the charges of breaking and entering.”
“Commander Turner?”
“Yes sir, Lt. Alvarez explained to Lt. Johnson via email that he wanted their relationship to change, that he was changing the locks and that she should call him when she docked so he could arrange for her to get her things. He is unwilling to drop charges as he and Miss Martinez suffered undue stress as a result of Lt. Johnson’s action.”
“As you can see sir,” Bud began, “I’m not getting too far with settling the situation.”
“I see. So we go to court on this?” Creswell asked astounded.
“I’m afraid so, General,” replied Lt. Commander Bud Roberts.
“Commander Rabb? Colonel Mackenzie? I don’t suppose you’d like to take a crack at settling this case?”
“If that’s what you want sir,” Mac informed him.
“Give it a shot, please. If you don’t get anywhere then we’ll have to get it on the docket. Now, I have some files up for appeal review. Mr. Roberts got the last bundle so I’m going to ask you to take these, Mr. Turner.”
“You want me to do appeal reviews?” asked Sturgis.
“Yes, I do. Is there a reason I shouldn’t ask you?” Creswell asked as his eyes squinted into slits and he looked side ways at the Commander.
“No sir.”
“Good. Get on them. Anything else? Outstanding. Everyone will be ready to catch cases as they come in. I’ll call you if I need to do any reassignments between now and next week. Dismissed.”
They stood as Creswell exited as quickly as he had entered.
“And just how do you plan on settling this case with Johnson and Alvarez?” Sturgis asked Harm and Mac.
“Well, I’m thinking a counter suit might be wise,” Mac suggested.
“Adultery?” Harm queried.
“No...not married. I was thinking theft of personal property and duress.”
“I’ll notify Lt. Alvarez of the changes,” Harm stated.
“Very well. I’ll contact Lt. Johnson.”
Three hours later a settlement had been reached. Mac and Harm accompanied Lt. Johnson to retrieve her possessions from the place she had made her home for over a year with Lt. Alvarez. She handed over her key and walked away. Harm and Mac then helped her settle into the unmarried officers quarters at Pax River.
On the way back to JAG headquarters, Harm decided to invite Mac over for dinner that evening.
“Mac, if you aren’t busy tonight why don’t you come over and have dinner with me? I got some Salmon and there’s more then I can eat.”
“Sounds good Harm, but can I take a rain check. I’m a little tired tonight.”
“You okay?” Harm asked, his voice showing his concern.
“Yeah...just one of those days, you know?” Mac hinted at the cause for her refusal.
“I could wait on you...you wouldn’t have to cook or do dishes.”
“I know...but another time.”
“Alright. I’ll probably eat about 1930 if you change your mind, just come on over.”
“Thanks Harm.”
1918 Local
Harm’s Apartment
North of Union Station
<KNOCK! Knock!>
Harm looked through the peep hole and threw open the door with a big smile.
“Knew you couldn’t turn down my cooking!” Harm crowed. One look at Mac’s face told him something was amiss. “Mac? What’s wrong?”
Mac stepped into his arms, wrapped her arms around his face and held on without speaking.
“Mac? Honey, what is it? Has Webb called you?” Harm looked down a little helplessly at the top of her rich brunette head while wrapping his arms around her and closing his door. He could hear Mac sniffing and felt the moisture from her tears through his shirt.
“Come over here.” Harm got her to walk with him still buried into his chest, until they got to the island. “Tell me what happened Mac. I can’t help if I don’t know what happened.”
“M-my mother called...”
“Is she okay?” He felt Mac nod against him. “Then why the tears?”
“She wanted to know if I was married or had children yet. I told her no and she said it was just as well as I didn’t have kids...” <sniff> “...I was probably more like her then I realized and would find I didn’t have it in me to be a parent...<sniff>...anymore then she did.” The tears came faster and harder then and Harm just wrapped his long arms around her, holding her tight.
“Ssshhhh...I don’t believe it for a second...” Harm placed a kiss on her hair and whispered soothingly near her ear. “I’ve seen you with children Mac...your situation would be very different from hers...you will be a great mom. Ssshhh...”
“Do you really think so?” Mac asked as she looked up at him through tear filled eyes.
“Yes. Mac you know how much I want children...would I want you to be their mother if I thought you wouldn’t be a good mother?”
“No.”
“Okay...now, let’s dry your eyes...” Harm tried to wipe her face as she sniffled a little.
“Can I use your bathroom?” Mac finally asked, knowing only washing her face would help at this point.
“Of course. Will you eat some dinner when you come back out? It’s ready...”
“Maybe a little. Thanks.”
While Harm served their dinner, Mac splashed cold water on her face and dried it on a fluffy towel. She was still suffering from the after effects of her sobbing, but she was more composed.
“Okay?” Harm asked as she stepped down from the bedroom.
“Better. Thanks for being here for me.”
“Thanks for coming to me.”
“Harm?”
“Yes?”
“What if my mother is right? What if we get together and have a family and then something happens and we separate? What if I can’t handle the stress and I abandon our children like my mother did me? Can I even take that chance?” Mac asked.
“Mac, the situation you describe is very different then what your mother endured. I think that if we didn’t make it as a couple, we would both find a way to make sure the children felt loved and cared for...that both of us wanted them and that no matter what we loved them.”
“I’m sorry for crying all over you.”
“Any time...” Harm smiled glad that Mac had come to him and opened up. He knew tonight wasn’t the time to bring it up, but in his heart he knew that Mac had decided she wanted them to be together as much as he did.
They had finished dinner and were seated on the couch drinking tea when Mac brought up the subject of her mother again. “Harm, why do you think my mother called me out of the blue like this?”
“Maybe she wants to reestablish ties with you Mac. Have you talked to her since you saw her when your father died?”
“No. Nothing. Not a car, phone call, nothing.”
“Did she give you her address or phone number back then?”
“No...just that she had been living in the Seattle Washington area and that she hadn’t gotten her new phone in.”
“Did you ever try and find her?”
“Yes - lots of times. Dead ends, every one.”
“Phone ID?”
“Just said out of area.”
“Star six nine?”
“If no one else tried to call, it might work.” Mac said thoughtfully.
“Do you want me to take you home so you can try it?” Harm asked her.
“No. Would you mind if I stayed here tonight?”
“Of course not.”
“I’ll sleep on the couch,” Mac offered.
“No, you’ll sleep in my bed with me...just to be close to me.” Harm smiled reassuringly at her. Mac leaned against him and wrapped her arms around his waist again.
“I could get use to this...just a little,” Mac admitted as she relaxed against him and he held her gently.
“Good.” Harm kissed her forehead, nose and lips before he sighed. Sometimes this woman made his heart soar higher then his beloved Tomcats.
CHAPTER 4
Thursday Evening
1858 Local
Creswell Home
Fairfax, Virginia
Harm and Mac pulled in behind Sturgis and Varese while Bud and Harriet pulled up behind them. They all met on the sidewalk and Harm chuckled.
“We should have car pooled,” he murmured to Mac and Bud who were on each side of him.
Sturgis rang the door bell and stepped back waiting for it to be answered. General Creswell answered the door.
“Right on time. You’re off to a good start...mostly.” He stepped back to allowed his six guests to enter. “Dorrie, I’d like you to meet Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie, United States Marine Corps. Colonel, I’ll allow you to do the introductions of the others.”
“Thank you sir. Nice to meet you Ma’am. This is Commander Sturgis Turner and Varese Chestnut, Lt. Commander Bud Roberts and his wife Harriet Sims-Roberts, and Commander Harmon Rabb, Jr.”
“Colonel, are you the only Marine in the bunch?” Dora Creswell asked with a beaming smile.
“Yes Ma’am.”
“I’m sure its difficult for you my dear, but I’m delighted. What Biff neglected to tell you was that I’m a retired Lt. Commander from the United States Navy!”
While Biff ran a hand around the inside of his collar trying to act uncomfortable his smile gave him a way. He was very proud of his wife and he loved her without a shadow of a doubt. He saw them in Harm and Mac...but he wasn’t going to be obvious and tell them.
After their coats were stowed in the closet, they were led into a dining room and encouraged to have a seat. The General took his position at the head of the table, beautifully set for eight. Sturgis sat on his left, with Varese beside him, while Bud sat on his right with Harriet beside him. Harm sat next to Harriet and Mac sat next to Varese. Dora Creswell left them to check on dinner and returned with two teenagers in tow.
“This is our daughter, Cammie and our son, Evan. They pulled kitchen duty this week and will also be serving us so I can enjoy the evening with our guests.” Quickly the guests were identified to the two teenagers while Dora Creswell took her seat. Harm and Mac were beside her.
Over the appetizer, Dora asked them where they came from and during dinner they were asked to explain how they had met. Bud and Harriet told their story with plenty of add-ins from Harm and Mac. Dora, as the perfect hostess was able to keep the conversation flowing and moved the story on to Varese and Sturgis next who told of meeting when Varese was flown in to go on a USO tour arranged by non-other then Harriet. Finally Dora turned to Mac and Harm.
“Petty Officer Coates informed me that you were coming together, so does that mean you are dating?” asked Mrs. Creswell.
“Yes, just recently actually,” Mac spoke up before Harm could speak. He smiled and relaxed at her response. “We met nine years ago when Admiral Chegwidden first assigned us to work together and sent us on a case to Arizona which turned out to involve my uncle.”
“Matt O’Hara is your uncle?” Gordon Creswell asked.
“Yes sir.”
“Excuse me, Mac, but did you say that you and Harm met nine years ago and you’ve only recently started dating?” Dora latched on to a potential story with these two.
“Yes, Ma’am.”
Sturgis spoke up, “They’ve been out together a lot, but they always called it a working dinner, an assignment, or something else so they wouldn’t have to deal with the fact they were dating all the time they were seeing other people.”
“The Colonel and Commander have always put duty first,” Bud interjected.
Harm sensed Mac’s discomfort and spoke up to try to salvage the moment. “Look, Mac and I made a connection right away unlike anything either of us had ever experienced before. We were in the same chain of command and Admiral Chegwidden had warned us not to get too close.”
“But you did eventually,” Creswell added.
“Yes, You see, Mac has always been independent and I’ve always been a bit of a loner. We got along as partners and developed a friendship and loyalty that over the years has had to survive some significant hits. We both had relationships with other people. When the time was right for both of us, then we moved forward testing out where a relationship between us would go. If people don’t understand or can’t accept how we came to be, then they don’t understand the need for a solid foundation if we are going to build something that will last.”
“I think it sounds wise...mature...not at all like the craziness my husband and I put each other through.” Dorrie Creswell smiled at her guests.
“Dorrie, you aren’t going to do this to me are you?” General Creswell pleaded with his wife.
“You know I am...I always do!” she laughed.
“If you must...” he conceded.
“When Biff and I met, he was fresh out of law school and I had just finished nursing school. Luckily we were the same rank and in different commands, so we didn’t have to watch our step like what the two of you have had to do. But, I was in the Navy and there was another nurse, a marine, that had set her sights on Biff. I had to prove to him that I was worthy of associating with a Marine.” She smiled as she paused and glanced at her guests.
“So you were very competitive with each other, Ma’am,” asked Harriet.
“Boy were we!” Dorrie laughed. “And we fought about everything. It didn’t take long thought before we realized that we were just masking our attraction to each other. We gave in and were married within six months and our first child was born a year later...” She saddened suddenly then as she told them, “but we learned to grow up fast and deal with the important things in life when our precious baby fell ill and we lost her when she was barely four months old. We weren’t sure we were going to be blessed with more children for several years, but eventually Cammie came along and then Evan. Biff may come on as hard nosed, but know that if you ever have family needs, don’t hesitate to tell him. He knows first hand how important that connection is.”
Everyone was sober for a few seconds when Mrs. Creswell stopped talking. Harriet was the first to speak up.
“Bud and I lost our first daughter. She was our second child, and it almost tore us apart. But we came through it and are stronger. We won’t ever forget her, but we also have four beautiful children that live and need our love and attention every day.”
“You’ve been there for each other for these personal things as well as professional strife, am I right?” asked Creswell.
“Yes,” answered Bud. “We’ve become our own family at JAG and although they say you shouldn’t do that, we wouldn’t have gotten through so many things without each other to lean on over the years - figuratively and literally.”
From that point on the sense of family, so long missing from JAG, began creeping its way back in. Dora Creswell would see that this group - this family - would stay in tact. She had tried to bring groups together as families before so they could have the sense of caring and support an extended family provides. With this newest assignment of her husband, it didn’t need to be created, just revived.
It may be United States Navy versus the United States Marine Corps for fun, but the two would unite in due time to serve their country and each other.
The End