::  Murder In Baltimore  ::

Chapter Thirty Six

The meeting at JAG headquarters broke up at around 2000 hours. Harriet and Bud left earlier to pick up their son from the sitter. Harriet had a list from Mac on administrative details that needed to be done and Bud had a full day in court on Tuesday.

Mac had quickly looked over the new case log that had come in and was able to assign an interesting one to Rabb, a case involving several pilots and a possible repeat of Tailhook. Kate also had a full day’s work already mapped out, so Mac left a note taped to Singer’s computer monitor to see her first thing in the morning. She would have to work with Singer on the case and she wasn’t looking forward to it, but she would manage.

Rabb offered to drive Kate back to her hotel and was surprised when she declined. "That’s okay, Harm. Harriet made sure I got a vehicle from the pool." She grabbed her briefcase and coat and hurried to the elevator.

Rabb watched her leave, a curious look on his face. He then turned to Mac and Webb. "So who's up for some dinner?"

Mac didn’t even bother to look at Webb. "Sorry Harm. I’m really ready for bed. I’ll see you in the morning."

Webb nearly choked; he was so shocked at her choice of words. Rabb could never remember ever seeing the spy blush. However, Rabb noticed that Webb’s embarrassment didn’t keep him from following the Marine Colonel out of the office. Rabb stood in the middle of the bullpen, completely alone. He shook his head and went back to his office. He grabbed his coat and slowly walked back to the elevator. By the time he reached the parking lot, no one else was in sight.

When they reached the parking lot. Mac looked around and then back at Webb. "Where’s your car?"

He smiled at her. "I took a cab over. I still don’t trust myself to drive."

She eyed him very carefully. "Are you sure you’re not in any pain?"

He answered her with a half smile. "Wait a little while and I’ll prove it to you."

She let her gaze take in everything. His charcoal grey three-piece suit looked like he had just put it on. His trench coat completed the picture. She allowed her gaze to rest just below his waist and raised her eyebrow at the bulge that was beginning to make its presence known. She looked back into his eyes and then stepped up to him, let her lips barely graze his, and whispered. "Your place or mine?"

He pulled her to him and growled. "My place, Colonel. We have definite business to finish there." He let her loose without kissing her and walked her to the ‘vette. She unlocked the doors and he shut hers after she had arranged herself behind the steering wheel. He walked around to the passenger door, opened it and made damned sure that he betrayed no twinge of discomfort as he got in. He knew she was watching him closely as he strapped himself in. If he could have figured out a way not to strap in he would have, but he forced himself to do it without gritting his teeth. At least the ‘twinge’ had the effect of diminishing his erection.

They drove in silence. Mac sat with both hands on the steering wheel. She couldn’t believe how bold she had just been. She knew she wanted this more than she had wanted anything in a very long time. She only hoped that she could please him. She was suddenly very nervous. She and Mic had indulged in sex regularly and the Australian, while a skilled lover, was never really very astute in his lovemaking and had never noticed that she seldom came with the same intensity that he did. Dalton had noticed; not enough to find out why, but he had noticed. She kept her eyes firmly on the road, maneuvering with skill through the still crowded Washington streets. She was so engrossed in her thoughts and her driving that his voice came as something of a shock.

"Having second thoughts." He said it quietly so as not to scare her, but he noticed that she still jumped.

"About tonight? No." Her voice was firm but he could tell something was wrong.

"Sarah, we don’t have to do anything tonight if you aren’t ready. I’ve waited this long. I didn’t mean to pressure you in the elevator."

She didn’t answer him until she had pulled up in front of his townhouse. She shut off the engine and turned toward him. "I am not having second thoughts about tonight or you." She closed her eyes and tried to tell him. She felt his hand lightly trace her cheekbone.

"What’s wrong then?" She heard the concern and even love in his voice.

She sat back in the seat, her eyes still closed. He saw the pain on her face, but he did as he had done so many times in the past and just waited. Finally she sighed and started, her breathing ragged. "Clay, I don’t loose control very often. When I do, I usually end up drunk. I keep a tight lid on every aspect of my life. Witson is helping, but I still have a long way to go." Her sigh was so long that when she finished with it she had to gasp for breath. Clay watched as tears began to form in her eyes, threatening to spill over.

"Sarah, look at me." When she didn’t immediately comply he whispered, "Please."

She took in another deep breath and turned to him, her face now moist. He reached up and gently ran his thumb along her tear tracks, wiping them away. "Do you trust me?"

She thought for a long time, never letting her eyes leave his. She realized that yes, in this aspect of their lives, she did trust him completely. He had proven time and time again to be a good and steady friend. "Yes, Clay. I trust you."

"Completely?"

"Yes, Clay, completely."

Clay sat back in his seat and thought for a moment and then quickly got out of the car, his pain now forgotten. He came around and as she opened the driver’s door reached in and helped her out of the car. He took her by the hand and led her up the steps. He reached into his pocket, found his keys and opened the door, and reclaimed her hand and led her into the darkened hallway. She stood and watched as he locked the door and reset the alarm. She headed determinedly toward the steps leading to his bedroom when she heard a firm. "No. Not tonight."

She turned in surprise.

He returned her gaze steadily. "Tonight, we finish what we started Saturday night." He then beckoned her to the back of the house. She followed him past the beautiful living room and office. Tonight, she saw the door under the stairs was open and the room was indeed a lovely appointed dining room. She saw him holding the swinging door open for her. She stepped into the kitchen and waited until he opened the door to the room where they had spent Saturday night so close together and yet, so very far apart.

He took her by the shoulders and commanded. "You had a great time Saturday night. You got to boss me around; you were in complete control. Tonight is my turn. Agreed?"

She was shocked by the images that his request and the tone of his voice brought to mind. Part of her wanted to protest, to argue. But, part of her was intrigued and stimulated. She felt herself grow very warm and noticed that she could feel her crotch begin to get wet. She licked her lips and managed a slightly squeaky, "Agreed. But, what are…"

He looked at her sternly. "Not another word, Colonel. You don’t have to do anything. I will do everything tonight. You may moan and thrash and hopefully scream my name. You are expected to return my kisses. But, that is the end of your responsibility tonight. Okay?"

She was pleased that he sounded so very sure of himself right up to the end. She knew that he wanted nothing more than to please her and she wanted nothing more than to allow him to do so. She took a deep cleansing breath and nodded. "Okay."

"Very good. Now just stand there, don’t move." He walked to the closet and opened the door. He quickly removed his trench coat and hung it on a hanger. Next came the suit coat, the vest, his tie, his crisp white shirt, and finely the pants. He toed off his shoes and brought each foot up and removed his socks. He stripped his undershirt off finally and turned back to her. He approached her wearing only his briefs. Her eyes were wide circles by now and she couldn’t have said anything if she had tried. She kept licking her suddenly dry lips. He saw her nervousness and took her shoulders and pulled her to him. He captured her lips and gently kissed her. She moaned softly and did one of the few things allowed her and kissed him back, opening her lips to his questing tongue. He embraced her and deepened the kiss, his hands roaming up and down her coat. Finally one hand moved up to her neck and then up to her hat and removed it. He broke the kiss and took the cap and walked over to the dresser and placed the cap next to the wallet and keys that he had removed from his pants' pockets.

He turned back to her and began untying the coat belt. He opened the two buttons holding the coat closed. He locked his eyes on hers and gently pushed the coat off her shoulders. When the coat was off, he took it to the closet and hung it next to his. He turned back to her and noticed that she had unconsciously brought her hand to begin on her uniform jacket. He gently slapped it away. "No, I’ll do it." She quickly put her hand back at her side and allowed him to unbutton the jacket. His hands gently grazed her breasts as he opened it and pushed it off her shoulders. She groaned at the contact and then whimpered when it was gone. He padded over once again to the closet and hung that article of clothing up too. She stood perfectly still as he returned to her. She waited anxiously to see what he would take off next, her skirt or her blouse. She didn’t have long to ponder as he slowly brought both hands up to her neck and gently undid the tie at her collar. He unbuttoned each small white button until he reached her waistband, then pulled the shirt from inside of her skirt and finished the process. He brought his hand to her waist and began to open the shirt to remove it. He gasped at the sight and looked into her now amused eyes. "Colonel, are these regulation Marine undergarments?"

Sarah stood at full attention; her breasts covered in a barely there sheer white lacy nothing, thrusting out at him. "Sir, no, sir."

He forced himself to stay in control of the situation. He moved the shirt off her shoulders. This time however, instead of walking to the closet and neatly hanging it up, he tossed it over his shoulder. He pulled her to him again, kissing her passionately, groaning at the feel of her breasts pushed against his skin. He licked and nipped his way down her jaw, careful not to leave any marks, just yet. He was still gentle at her throat, but when he reached her collarbone he began to get just a little bolder, a little rougher. He felt her breath quicken. He turned her away from the bed and sat on the bed. He gazed at her perfect breasts. "Dear God, Sarah. You are so beautiful." He brought his hands up and squeezed her through the bra. She threw her head back in ecstasy, her moans almost constant now. His hands glided downward to her skirt, he managed the button and the zipper. All thought of neatness gone, he allowed the skirt to pool at her feet. She kicked the skirt away and waited for him to continue. He stood and moved her backward toward the large chair where she had spent Saturday night. Grasping the waistband of her slip he lowered himself to kneel before her. As the slip fell away, he discovered just how now non-regulation she was tonight. He looked into her passion filled eyes and said with some amusement. "I never had a chance tonight, did I?"

She smiled sweetly, "Nope. I’ve wanted you for a very long time, Mr. Webb. Now, finish the job." He gazed as her garter fastened stockings and her sheer white thong. Her heady smell nearly driving him over the edge. He buried his face into her sweet triangle and lost himself in her scent. His kisses through the material brought mews of pleasure from her. He gently pushed her back onto the chair and raised one stocking clad foot to his lips and nibbled on her arch. He ran his hands up her calf and along her thigh and loosened one stocking. Slowing he pulled the nylon down her leg, allowing his nails to rake her inner thigh. She arched her back in pleasure, moaning his name over and over. He repeated the process on her other leg, this time gently caressing her clit through the sheer fabric.

She arched into his hand, demanding more contact. She had never felt this wanton before. She wanted, no - needed his touch. He moved toward her and kissed her again through her now soaked panties. He began making his way up, licking and nipping and kissing until he found her breasts. He gently bit her nipples, still encased in the nothingness that she called a bra. He expertly flipped open the front closure and groaned as she was fully exposed to him. He thought he would lose it right there. But he was determined to make her cum before he ever entered her. He kissed and suckled and pinched her nipples until they were hard pebbles. He brought his body up to cover hers and grabbed her lips in a searing kiss. She tasted her juices on his lips and she felt her stomach clinch, the beginnings of her orgasm. He pushed her over to one side of the chair. He put one arm around behind her shoulders and allowed the other hand to slowly trace his earlier path back down her torso, stopping briefly to torture her tits some more. By this time, all Mac could do was toss her head back and forth. Webb claimed her mouth again, thrusting his tongue in and out; a promise of what was to come.

As his hand found her pussy again, he pulled at the lace and ripped it from her body. Mac felt her passion increase to the point that she would have called completion before tonight, but felt him roughly move her left leg over the arm of the chair, exposing her more than she had ever been before. She felt his hand gently caress her folds. Then he plunged one finger deep into her. She cried out "Clay, oh God." She was frantic with need now, and he obliged by thrusting two more fingers deep within her. He wanted her stretched and ready for him when he finally entered her.

He slowly pumped his hand and then broke the contact with her lips. He stared deep into her eyes and said, "Come for me now, Sarah." His voice had just enough mixture of command and utter love that it was all she needed. He watched her as she stiffened and then nearly arched right off the chair. He held her and stroked her until her shuttering was over. He pulled her him and gently kissed her eyes, her nose and then her mouth.

"Oh, God, Clay. That was the most intense…the very best." She barely managed to say. She looked deep in his eyes and saw love and just a hint of amusement.

His grin was almost evil. "Well, I guess you’ll really like the good stuff then." At her shocked expression, he stood and pulled her to her feet. She was unsteady but managed to follow him to the bed. He turned her around and gently pushed her so she was laying across the bed. As he stooped to remove his briefs, she positioned herself at the head of the bed. She pulled both pillows under her head and waited.

As he climbed in with her, she studied his face. Seeing only love and passion there, she languidly stretched her hand toward his very impressive cock. She licked her lips and moaned, "Clay, let me touch you. Let me taste you, like you tasted me."

He shook his head firmly, "Next time, tonight is about you." He knew he was so close that he was afraid that if she even touched him, he would come. Even thinking about her beautiful lips on his cock made him surge, causing a drop of pre-cum to drip down onto her belly. He pulled one of the pillows from behind her head and positioned it under her hips. Then he took his cock in hand and placed it her opening. Keeping eye contact with her, he slowly entered her, inch by torturous inch.

Sarah had thought that her orgasm has been it for her. She was prepared to simply watch Clayton take his own pleasure now, but she was surprised as he slowly entered her, she felt the same stirrings begin again for her. She had never had multiple orgasms in her life. And so now, after the most intense sexual experience she had ever had, she found her passions building yet again. As Clay increase his tempo, she found that she was meeting him thrust for thrust, gasping every time her clit came in contact with him. Finally, just as she heard him shout, "Sarah, oh, oh, oh, Sarah" she followed him over the edge. The orgasm was so consuming this time that she saw spots before her eyes and thought she would pass out.

Clay tried very hard to collapse to her side. He pulled her to him and kissed her deeply. Their breathing was coming in short gasps and Clay held her tightly. When she was finally able to focus again, she pulled back from him and said softly, "So all those stupid romance novels didn’t lie." When she saw the question in his eyes, "The earth really did move." He laid back then on the bed, there was no pillow there and the movement caused him to gasp in pain. She moved to rest on her elbow, her expression grave. "You really are a very stubborn and determined man, aren’t you Mr. Webb?"

He was able to weakly respond. "I’m fine. And, besides, it was worth it."

She shook her head in complete annoyance. "Roll over Mr. Stoic and let me check it out."

"Sarah, really, it’s fine. The ‘company’ doctor checked it out this morning. There is a small scab, but I’m told the bruise is lovely. When I can, I’ll be sure to roll over and let you inspect it. Now, let's get some sleep so you can make it to work tomorrow bright-eyed and bushy tailed."

She laughed and curled onto his chest. He embraced her gently. They lay there for a while until the chill caused Clay to reach down for the covers. Mac kissed him gently on the chest and rose from the bed. "Wait a minute. She padded softly to the bathroom and pulled the door almost closed, to keep the light from shining into his eyes. He shut them anyway and listened as she fussed in the bathroom. He heard the water running and then stop. He listened as she pushed open the door and made her way toward the bed; her progress halted for a moment and he realized that she had stooped and picked up her skirt. She shook it out and then tossed it neatly over the back of the chair. Finally, he opened his eyes and watched as she gently cleaned him off. Starting with his face and working her way down toward his now flacid cock. He groaned as she did so, but no amount of tender attention would get him hard again tonight. She grinned down at him and took the towel that she had placed at the foot of the bed. She gently dried him and then tossed the towel and washcloth toward the bathroom door. She got into bed and pulled the covers up over them. In the moonlight that still gently lit the room, she fell asleep in his arms, feeling completely sated for the first time in her life.

::  Chapter 37  ::

AJ returned from his morning run on Tuesday feeling better than he had in a very long time. He quickly showered and dressed. By the time Tiner arrived, promptly at 0730, AJ had coffee ready and was already sifting through the mess.

"Morning, Tiner." Tiner was surprised to hear an almost cheery timbre in the Admiral’s voice as he was led into the house. He shed his pea coat and stood, waiting for his instructions. "Help yourself to some coffee if you wish. There are colas in the fridge, also juice if you want." AJ remembered that Tiner disliked coffee and usually had a can of Coke on his desk.

"Morning, Admiral. Thanks, I’m fine. You want to show me where to start?"

AJ led him to the office. All of the picture frames that had their glass broken were stacked neatly in a box. "When you leave today, I would appreciate it if you could drop these off at "I Was Framed" down route 6. I get all of my pictures mounted there. Just give the owner one of my cards and ask her to replace all the glass. And Tiner, just tell her you have no idea how they got broken. She is a nice lady but an awful gossip." AJ watched in amusement as Tiner nodded in disappointment. He was just as bad as Mrs. Desmond, but, if he was ordered not to discuss something, he usually could be counted on not to say anything. He handed Tiner the broom and dustbin. "In my address book, you will find a number for my locksmith, Golden Key. Call them after 0900 and find out when they can come and fix the back window." He took a deep breath and gazed at his computer. "I really hope you can get it running. If not, call Dave and have him come out. And, Tiner, don’t put up with any crap from him. If he has a problem, have him come see me. Understood." Tiner’s smile worried AJ for a moment. He and the ISD guru never got along and AJ hoped that he would have a working computer by the end of the day.

Promptly at 0800 he left his house and proceeded down to the highway. Traffic was worse than normal and he was lucky to make it to the Hoover building ten minutes before the start of his meeting. He parked in the visitor’s parking lot and made it up to the Director’s office with one minute to spare. Jacob’s secretary ushered him in to the warm paneled office and over to the large conference table situated to the left of the huge mahogany desk. Jacobs stood and shook his hand and AJ sat and nodded to the SecNav and waited to be introduced to the General seated directly across from him.

Jacobs did the honors. "General Joseph Gallagher, I don’t believe you know Admiral Chegwidden. AJ, General Gallagher has been stationed out west. He has been in charge of Army Intel out there and has some interesting information concerning the thefts from the Army depots." AJ and Gallagher eyed each other and as AJ reached across the table, Joe Gallagher stood and took his hand.

"Pleasure to meet you, AJ."

Pleased that his Army counterpart wanted to keep this somewhat casual, AJ nodded and replied, "Good to meet you, Joe."

SecNav cleared his throat. "I’m just here as the representative for the President and will report our action plan to him and the JCS this afternoon." He had been talking directly to Gallagher, but turned his attention to Jacobs. "Who are you going to get to head the task force, Mr. Jacobs?" SecNav wondered if the two military men would be able to work together in the long haul, particularly if one of them was put in charge over the other.

Jacobs looked at the door to his office, almost willing it to open. He sighed deeply and got up and opened the door himself. The men sitting at the table exchanged glances, but said nothing. Suddenly after a small commotion out in the front office they heard a lilting feminine voice say, "Sorry, sir. No excuse, I overslept." AJ smiled in recognition and Gallagher raised his eyebrow in surprise. The three men stood as Cassie walked briskly into the office.

Gallagher saw only a very young woman with her hair done up in a very tight bun and dressed in a severely cut business suit in the most remarkable shade of purple he had ever seen. He was sure his wife would have some fancy name for the color, like eggplant. To him it was purple. He was surprised that it looked just right with her deep auburn hair. AJ worked very hard to keep his mouth from dropping open. He felt her beauty in the pit of his stomach. He nodded at her and turned to enjoy Gallagher’s reaction.

Taking the chair at the foot of the table, Cassie waited for Jacobs to introduce her formally to the men before her. She smiled at AJ when Jacobs announced, "Well, you and Chegwidden here know each other. I don’t believe you have ever met the Secretary of the Navy, Mr. Nelson. And, this is General Joseph Gallagher." She nodded at each man in turn, reaching to grasp each hand as it was offered to her. They sat back down at the same time and looked to Jacobs to proceed.

Jacobs gave a quick rundown of what they knew and outlined Cassie’s role in the Baltimore operation. He then dropped his bombshell. "Gentlemen, I have discussed this with the President last night and he has placed the responsibility for heading the task force in the hands of the FBI. I can think of no one better to head up that task force that Agent Ryan here."

SecNav had a surprised look on his face, which grew more surprised when he saw Chegwidden’s unconcealed glee. Gallagher sputtered, "This young woman?"

Before Jacobs could defend her, Ryan glared at her boss. He had not told her before hand that she was being given this responsibility. She wasn’t really happy about it. She needed a vacation. She glanced over at the handsome Admiral to her right and then back at her boss. "Sir, if General Gallagher doesn’t think he can work with me, even though he doesn’t know anything about me, then perhaps it would be best to name someone else. Perhaps, Agent Hobson would be a better choice."

She sat back in her chair and watched Jacobs keep his shock from showing on his face. He had never known her to completely cave-in to male skepticism. Hell, she thrived on rubbing their noses in the fact that she was the most competent person for any job she tackled. He realized that she was tired and he sensed that something was developing between her and Chegwidden, but he needed her. He decided to ignore her bluff. "Nonsense, you’ve been on this case for two years. *You* are the best person for the job. General, if you have a problem with Agent Ryan, then it’s your problem. Are you going to work with her or not?" This last statement was said with almost too much force and Gallagher looked at him speechless.

AJ decided to play peacemaker. He didn’t know what was going on in her beautiful head. He would find out on the drive up to Baltimore, if she still planned on meeting Stark with him. "General, believe me, Agent Ryan will do an excellent job heading up the task force. I have no problem with working with her and neither will any of my people."

Ryan found she was intently studying the whorls in the veneer of Jacobs conference table. She wanted only to get back out into the field. She had fought promotion for the past five years. She had no desire to be Assistant Director. She enjoyed fieldwork and even though she had headed several task forces over the years, she wasn’t looking forward to the politics of this one. She tensed when Jacobs leaned over and whispered something in Gallagher’s ear. Gallagher listened closely and then looked at her with new respect. "You headed the Navajo Reservation task force?"

Ryan sighed. She should have known that Jacobs would use that. She was rightfully proud of that accomplishment. The FBI and Indian tribes never got along. But when she had been sent down to head the task force combining the Arizona State Police, BIA investigators and Navaho Indian Council police as well as the FBI, she had the case solved within record time and everyone walking away happy in their contribution. It was the one completely perfect case in her career. The serial killer, unheard of in the Native American community, had been caught and brought to trial. She even had the plaque from the Indian Council thanking her. "Yes, General."

"Well then, I guess I have no problem with your appointment."

She could still see the look of disbelieve on his face, but she merely nodded and gritted her teeth. "Well gentlemen, then let's get down to work."

Four hours and a typical Bureau lunch later, they had a plan laid out. General Gallagher left feeling better about her abilities and the SecNav was pleased with what he could tell the President and JCS. AJ glanced at his watch and looked at her with a question in his eyes.

"Mr. Jacobs, I promised Admiral Chegwidden that I would accompany him back to Baltimore to see if we can get Stark to drop the charges against Gunnery Sergeant Galindez." AJ and Jacobs both saw her look. She wasn’t asking permission to go, merely telling him where she would be for the rest of the day.

"I have no problem with that Agent, but I would appreciate a few minutes before you go." Jacobs was equally polite, but AJ excused himself. Cassie would be staying for a few minutes.

"If I may, I’d like to use a phone to check in with my office." AJ stood and walked to the door. Jacobs followed him and spoke quickly to his secretary, who immediately got up and showed AJ to an unused office just down the hall.

AJ called in and spoke to Mac, who succinctly brought him up-to-date with everything that was going on. When she advised him that everything was ready for his meeting, he asked her if she could meet him there because he didn’t think he would have enough time to drive out to Falls Church to pick her up.

"No problem, sir. I just got off the phone with Coulter. She has her preliminary findings and they are very encouraging for us. She is going to meet us there at 1445 hours so that you can quickly review her findings. Our meeting is confirmed for 1500 hours. I spoke with Stark’s secretary about two hours ago."

He nodded and broke the connection. He had an idea at the back of his mind that had been there for a while. Now was the time to implement it. He would arrange a few minutes tonight or tomorrow and let her know. As he left the unused office, he saw Cassie coming out the Director’s office, a sad troubled look on her face. In fact, it almost looked like she was on the verge of tears. AJ waited for her to approach him. By the time she was standing next to him, waiting for the elevator to arrive, her face was composed and calm. They rode quietly down to the parking level and AJ led her to his car. "Is this okay?" He asked pointing to the SUV. "I’ll drive you back." At her silent approval, he opened the door for her and helped her in. He crossed to his door and got in.

They were halfway to Baltimore before he worked up the nerve to ask. "What’s wrong? Can you tell me."

Gravely, she looked over at him. She was surprised to feel tears welling up in her chest. She took a shaky breath before she started. "Nothing is wrong. Not really, the Director just told me that the SAC position in Denver has opened up. The current guy is retiring at the end of the year and…" Her voice broke. AJ gripped the steering wheel tightly. <<<Denver is so far away. Does she want it? What about the task force? What about us? Is there an us?>>>

He managed to calmly ask. "And?"

Sensing his tension she looked over at him for a moment before returning her gaze to the suburbs as they whizzed by. "He’s going to offer it to Lee."

"And you are upset by this? You want it?"

The question shocked her out of her doldrums. "Want it? What? Are you nuts! No, AJ. I don’t want a SAC position. Hell, I don’t want to head the damn task force. It’s just…" She paused trying to put her feelings into words. She knew that this was the perfect move for Hobson. Sylvie deserved to have her husband home most nights and the SAC job would insure that happening most of the time. "It’s just he’s been my partner for 10 years. Hell, he has been the only stable man in my life." Her self-deprecating laugh caused AJ to smile. "I am going to miss him and Sylvie and the kids so much. They beat the hell out of my "real" family."

Hoping to get her mind off her pain he asked lightly. "You have a family?"

The effect was exactly what he wanted. She snorted "Yeah Chegwidden, what did you think? I sprang forth from the bowels of the Hoover building a fully-equipped Febbie?"

He laughed with her. "So tell me about them."

"Oh, AJ you *so* don’t want to know. Besides, I’d like for you to get to know me a little better before I throw the Duchess at you." His laugh grew louder until he looked over at her and saw she was watching him closely.

"Duchess? What is that - a nickname for an eccentric aunt or something?" He began to get very worried when she began to shake her head. "You gonna tell me?"

She smiled enigmatically at him. "One of these days. But, you’ve been warned." 

::  Chapter 38  ::

Mac pulled up to the 70-year old building housing the Mayor’s offices, City Clerk's office and the District Attorney’s offices just before 1430 hours. She found a place to park and walked up to the front desk. She showed her credentials and the man behind the desk looked at them carefully before directing her to the fourth floor. "The other Navy lady is up there too." She nodded and walked over to the elevator. Just before she stepped in, she heard "Mac, wait up." She turned to see Admiral Chegwidden and a very pretty woman walking up to her. She smiled at the Admiral and looked expectantly at his companion. "Colonel MacKenzie, this is Special Agent Ryan, FBI."

Mac managed to keep her surprised confined to her raised eyebrow. "Agent Ryan. I’ve heard quite a lot about you."

Ryan felt a ridiculous jab of jealously but kept her response to a simple, "Indeed. It’s a pleasure to meet you." AJ rode up the elevator planted firmly between the two women, wondering why the atmosphere had suddenly turned slightly chilly. As they existed at the fourth floor, Commander Theresa Coulter met them. She greeted them warmly in her soft southern drawl. AJ took her by the elbow and led her to an ancient but sturdy wooden bench against the marble wall and sat with her to discuss her findings.

This left Mac and Cassie alone to size each other up. Just as Cassie started to ask a completely inane question, Mac’s cell phone rang. "MacKenzie." She answered the phone in a brisk professional voice only to have her tone soften immediately. "Oh, hi. How’s the back? Good." She turned and walked toward a secluded alcove with a window overlooking the city. Cassie might not have had a date in over two years, but she still recognized the signs. <<<Damn Ryan, act like a freaking teenager, why don’t you? You hate jealous women and you’ve just acted like one in front of a man that has only kissed you what, twice, well okay, three times.>>> She tried not to watch the other woman as she nervously looked out the window and twisted her hair around her little finger. Whatever was said by the other person must have pleased her because when Mac turned around, Cassie saw the gentle smile just before it was replaced by the colonel’s more professional façade. Cassie afforded her the dignity she deserved by totally ignoring the entire incident.

Finally AJ and Coulter walked up. The look in AJ’s eyes said it all. They were going bear huntin’.

The four were ushered into Stark’s office. Stark eyed AJ warily but made a point to ignore Cassie completely. "Well Admiral, what brings you here with such lovely reinforcements." Stark was even oilier than AJ remembered. But he forced himself to remain calm and polite. He accepted the seat directly in front of Stark’s desk and motioned for Mac and Coulter to sit on either side of him. He looked at Ryan and then at the chair against the back wall and started toward it to move it up with the others, when Cassie gracefully walked to it and sat down, crossing her legs. Her skirt rose only a faction up her thighs.

AJ paused about to say something to her, but returned to his seat and began. "Mr. Stark, I am here to request that you drop all charges against Gunnery Sergeant Victor Galindez." AJ figured it was worth a try. "I am sure that you have heard what Michael Smith admitted last night."

Stark waved his hand dismissively. "Now Admiral, Mr. Smith is dead. You can hardly put him on the stand now, can you?"

Mac looked at AJ for approval and then stood up and approached Stark. She reached out to hand him the report and was repulsed when Stark reached a little too far up to grab it. She could have sworn that he actually caressed her fingers when he took the report from her. She knew that she wasn’t imagining it when she heard the Admiral’s sharp intact of breath. She turned in time to see him narrow his eyes at his adversary. <<<Auh Oh. The testosterone level just rose by 100%>>> She spared a glance back at Ryan and noticed a glare was developing there too. Mac wasn’t sure what had changed between them in the past 15 minutes but the chill had left the air almost immediately after she had hung up with Clay. An inkling of an idea began to worm its way into her consciousness. She glanced quickly at the Admiral and then sat down. She quickly pushed the idea to the back burner. She had other things to concentrate on now.

Stark skimmed over London’s statement. AJ took pleasure at his blanched look. He hadn’t had a chance to read the report. But he had been given enough information to know that it was damning.

Stark threw the copy of the report down on his desk. "Nasty, Chegwidden. A real piece of work, your Mr. London, but I still don’t see where this gets your man off. You could have promised London anything to get his cooperation. How do we know he isn’t making this stuff up, to save a good buddy and get reduced jail time?" The accusation nearly had Mac out of her chair. Only years of serving under the Admiral’s command kept her firmly in her seat. She heard Coulter’s surprised hiss and an angry growl from Ryan.

AJ eyed Stark for a long time before he spoke. Mac had heard that voice before. Never directed at her, thank God. Even during her Article 32 hearing his voice was not that hard. "So that’s how you are going to play it. Commander Coulter, please advise Mr. Stark of your findings." He bit the words off, flustering Coulter for a second.

Terri Coulter kept her eyes firmly on her report. "Well, from what I have discovered, the first autopsy was barely cursory. A lot of the notations in the official report cannot be verified by the data. I talked to a Lieutenant Anderson and Assistant Police Chief Miller today and I understand that there will be an internal investigation." Stark continued to look completely unmoved. Coulter continued. "Most of the bruising on her body was old, suggesting that she hadn’t been beaten in a rage as was earlier thought. You can even see the yellowing in the color photos that were taken during the autopsy." She looked over at AJ and Mac. "By the way, Lieutenant Roberts’ original assessment of the report outlining her drug usage was a good catch. There was enough heroin in her blood to have killed her but no signs of long term addiction. I have to agree with the cause of death that the coroner signed off on. She died of manual strangulation. Her trachea was crushed. As far as the semen found at the site; I understand that no DNA testing has been done yet, and I would have to recommend to the defense team that they block the test entirely."

AJ and Mac looked at her in horror. Stark finally pounced. "Why? Because it proves what I have been saying all along. We have our man."

Coulter smiled smugly, "No. Because the semen is so tainted, we could concede it was his and the prosecution still wouldn’t have valid proof. There are definite traces of talc and fine lint mixed into the fluid. This would lead me to testify, as an expert witness, that the semen found on Sherilee’s stomach had once been in a prophylactic and had been wiped on or around with a fine linen cloth, like a handkerchief. Sir, I feel comfortable in advising you that, from a physical evidence standpoint at least, Galindez should never have been arrested. There just isn’t enough there."

Stark was momentarily taken aback. He then rallied and sat calmly back in his chair. "In your opinion, Commander Coulter. I think I will let the jury decide who has the best case. Oh, and Admiral, just in case you want to go to the judge with a writ, don’t bother. Or, go ahead and waste your time. I have already talked to the judges on duty today. None of them will grant your writ." His sneer was open now. "And, if you want to take it to the press, then you can talk to them after I am through downstairs. I’ve called a press conference for this afternoon in about," he glanced at his expensive watch, "10 minutes. If you will excuse me, I think we are done here."

Without waiting for them to react, he got up from his desk and walked to his door. He quickly walked down to the elevator and pushed the button.

AJ couldn’t believe it. The little bastard was going on with it. He knew he could win the case, but it galled him to know that Galindez would have to be put through it all again. This time the accusations, even when he was found innocent, would stick longer and more tenaciously than the first time. He rose and led his team out the door. Cassie brought up the rear, a look of intense concentration on her face. She followed them down to the elevator and got on last.

Coulter and Mac were making conciliatory remarks but AJ ignored them both. He wanted to smash his fist into that supercilious face and wipe the smirk from it. But, he knew he was denied that luxury. He mentally kicked himself. He should have known that Stark was up for reelection and in his hometown he could take the opportunity to make the Navy look foolish, even if he eventually lost.

They walked into the cold, just as the sun was setting. They saw that microphones had been set up in preparation for Stark’s press conference. AJ started to lead the way down the steps, when suddenly one of the reporters milling around called out, "Hey Cassie, what’s the FBI doing here?"

Cassie looked over and recognized Michael Tomlison from the Post; Tomlison had covered several cases she had worked on and they had even considered dating a long time ago. "Hey Mike." She paused and looked again. She looked over at Chegwidden and cocked her head in thought. She was just as angry about what happened upstairs as he was, but now, perhaps she was in a position to help. She looked over at Stark and back at AJ and said a silent prayer that she would find something to do after Jacobs fired her. She stepped up to the tall British reporter and found that suddenly everyone else in the crowd of reporters was straining their microphones toward her, so they could pick up her response. Several of the local affiliates who had placed mikes on the podium ripped them off and stuck them in her face.

She cleared her voice and began. "Well Mike, I came with Admiral Chegwidden today to clear up any misunderstanding that the People of Baltimore, represented by Mr. Stark here, might still hold against Gunnery Sergeant Victor Galindez. You see Galindez just happened to get in the way of a FBI investigation. We…no…I knew all along that Galindez wasn’t guilty, but I couldn’t say anything about it because of what was going down. I came here today to make sure than Mr. Stark knew that I would testify on Galindez’s behalf."

AJ watched in awe as the woman laid her career on the line for Galindez. He had no idea exactly how Jacobs would take this very public washing of FBI dirty laundry. The fact that Galindez was severely injured because of her silence made it look even worse. The only time he tore his eyes from her was to look over at Stark and watch his reaction.

In the end, Stark had no choice. Faced with Ryan’s eloquent admission, he approached the microphones, now trained on him. He cleared his throat and managed an almost perfect imitation of a man in charge. "The reason why I called you here today was to advise you all that because of FBI bumbling of their case, it has come to my attention that charges had been incorrectly filed against Sergeant Victor Galindez. I just want you all to know…."

AJ didn’t want to know just how Stark would twist her ‘confession’ to his use. He quickly grabbed her by the arm and led her down the stairs. Only a few of the reporters bothered to even glance their way; so busy were they getting the rest of their lead story. Mac walked up to the other side of her and Terri Coulter, stepped in front of the three and effectively formed a protective phalanx around the FBI agent. They made their way to the three cars parked down the street.

Mac walked up to the woman she had just met and took her hand in hers. "Agent Ryan, that was damn near the bravest thing I have ever seen in my life." She turned toward the Admiral. "Sir, will you be in tomorrow morning?"

"Yes, Colonel. And, I want to see you at 0800 sharp. There is something I need to discuss with you." Mac stood very straight and saluted. "Aye, sir." She turned and got into her car.

Terri Coulter looked at Ryan. "Ma’am I have no idea of what just happened back there but, I second what the Colonel said." She too, took the agent’s hand. "Admiral, if you are through with me. I’ll e-mail you my official report when I get back to Houston. I’m needed down there. But, you let me know if that little snake tries something. I’ll come back up right away."

AJ reached for her hand. "Thank you, Commander. Thank you for coming up on such short notice and doing such a fine job. I’ll make sure than Admiral Rogers knows what a help you’ve been." Terri Coulter blushed at the compliment, turned and got into her car.

That left the two of them standing on the street curb together. He pulled her to him and hugged her tightly. "What the hell were you thinking back there?" He whispered into her hair.

She tried to look into his eyes, but closed hers in pain. "I just wanted it to be over for him. I know you could have saved him, but damn it. It just wasn’t fair. It was either that or shoot the bastard." She opened her eyes. "I gotta call Jacobs. He is gonna have my hide. Hell, he’ll probably transfer me to Boise."

AJ opened the car door for her and she got in. She whipped out her phone and immediately punched in a number. "Sir, it’s…" She pulled the phone away from her ear. AJ got in just in time to hear a very angry Jacobs reiterate his admonishment. "Sir, I just saw no other way." As AJ wove his way through the city streets, he listened as she firmly answered each point Jacobs was making. "Yes, sir. I understand. Sir, I said I understand. I will be more than happy to surrender my badge and weapon…" Again she pulled the phone from her ear and AJ was able to hear Jacobs clear as bell.

"Don’t even think about it, Ryan. Your ass is mine. You deserve this chewing out and frankly it’s a damn good thing you aren’t here right now."

His voice dropped to a normal tone again and Cassie put the phone back to her now very red ear. She listened for a moment, looked at AJ and then snapped into the receiver. "No, sir. Admiral Chegwidden had no idea I was going to do that. He didn’t…" Finally having enough, Cassie said, "Look, sir. We are on are way back to D.C. now. I’ll bring him to your office and the two of you can yell at me in stereo. The reception is starting to get staticky - I gotta go. I’ll see you in a little bit." She quickly hung up the phone and for good measure, turned the power off.

AJ looked over at her and dryly noted. "I thought the FBI used digital phones, too. I never get static on mine."

She sighed deeply. "Yeah, I know. He knew it too. I just needed an excuse to end the call."

Softly, "You know I’m not going to yell at you, don’t you?"

She wouldn’t turn to him. "Yeah, I know. I guess I have to go face the music in person now. Will you drop me off at the Hoover?"

Throughout the rest of the drive, he kept glancing over at her but she was staring at absolutely nothing out the passenger window. He longed to pull over and just hold her but he didn’t. He didn’t even know right now if she would welcome it or not. Just as he was turning off the Beltway, heading for the Pennsylvania Avenue, his cell phone chirped. He pushed the hands-free button and answered. "Chegwidden."

"Admiral, its Jacobs."

"Yes." AJ looked over at Cassie. She still didn’t turn from the window.

AJ picked up the phone and held it between his shoulder and cheek. He listened for a few moments before answering. "I couldn’t agree with you more. I’ll stop by tomorrow around 1100 hours. You want to grab some lunch then?" He hung up the phone and continued driving.

Cassie ignored the whole conversation, but when she noticed that they passed the Federal Triangle and were long past the Hoover, she looked over at him questioningly.

"He tried to call you back. But for some reason your phone wouldn’t answer." She didn’t even acknowledge his pathetic attempt at humor. He wants you to go home and get some rest. You’ve got a lot to do tomorrow."

"What, pack up my desk?" Her voice was dead.

"Well, yeah."

His answer finally got a rise out of her. "He told you I was fired. Before he…"

"No. I didn’t say he told me you were fired. He said you couldn’t very well run a task force as large as this one is going to be out of your office at the Hoover. Evidently, there is a building in Alexandria that the government owns. He wants you to stop in tomorrow morning and pick up the keys and go out and see if it will suit your needs."

Her eyes narrowed, "Why are you going over there tomorrow then?"

He had just come to the stoplight at "M" and 19^th Streets. He turned to her, throwing his arm over the back of her seat and met her angry gaze. "Damage control. Cassie what you did was very noble, but... "

She looked at him at him in shock. "Noble!" Her voice was barely a whisper. "Damn you, AJ." She turned and threw open the door. She ripped open the seat belt and bounded from the car."

AJ cursed. The light had turned green and cars behind him were beginning to honk. He followed her as she ran up the sidewalk along 19^th Street. He kept her in sight until he was forced to stop by the traffic flowing into the very popular Washington D.C. neighborhood. He got lucky when a large Lincoln pulled away from the curb and he was able to park. He opened his door and stepped out into traffic, cursing as cars honked at him. He ran up the street and thanked God for her radiant hair. Even put up as it was, he knew he could spot it from a block away. He ran up toward the Circle, glancing down side streets and alleys as he did. He remembered that she had on more sensible shoes this time, but still he thought he could out-run her. He finally caught sight of her only a block ahead. He was thankful that there were no more cross streets until they reached the Circle itself. He almost caught up to her when she made a mad dash across the Circle. He stood and cringed as several cars braked suddenly, horns blaring and drivers rolling down their windows to swear at the crazy woman. He kept an eye on her as she made her way across the park. He quickly followed the Circle around, causing only one major stoppage and horn blowing as he crossed New Hampshire. It took her a while to cross the street at Connecticut and she finally had to wait to cross at 19^th on the other side. He saw her enter one of the last stately apartment buildings actually on the Circle itself. In a last burst of speed he bounded up the steps and grabbed the security door before it closed behind her. She was standing at the elevator, keys in hand when he reached her and grabbed her by the shoulders. She turned around and reached up to slap at him, but too many years as a SeAL had honed his reflexes and he caught her hand in his. He prayed that none of the neighbors would come in at this moment. She struggled against him but her purse and keys in her one hand seriously hampered her usual abilities. Finally, the door opened and he pushed her in and away from him. They stood on opposite ends of the car, both of them panting heavily.

"Damn it Cassie, why did you run away?" He gasped out.

"I don’t need your damn pity, AJ. I did what I did. It was my fault he was hurt and I took care of it. I took care of him, the best I could." Suddenly she clutched her stomach and fell to her knees. The last coherent words he understood were, "But, it just wasn’t good enough." Great racking sobs claimed her. He watched her as she rocked, clutching at her arms, muttering words of distress he couldn’t even make out. He walked up to her and bent down and gently pulled her to her feet. Her purse and keys still clutched in her hand.

"Cassie." He tried to be gentle but her sobs were loud and he wasn't even sure she heard him. The elevator still hadn’t moved and he was afraid that someone would press a call button. He raised his voice and gently shook her. "Cassie, Jesus. What floor are you on? She couldn’t even get her breath anymore. She stood before him, tears running down her face, gasping for breath. She handed him the keys and pointed to the control panel. He looked at the keys, saw a funny shaped one and found a corresponding lock marked "5" on the panel. He looked at her once more before reaching over and inserting the key. As he turned it, the elevator began its slow assent. He pocketed the keys and reached for her. She put up a token struggle this time but allowed him to pull her to him. He held her tightly, whispering soothing nothings into her ear. This caused her to begin weeping anew. She clung to him and he finally made out what she was saying over and over. "I’m sorry, I’m so sorry." Finally the elevator reached the 5^th floor. As the doors opened and they stepped out, he reached again for her keys only to find that they were standing in the large foyer of what was obviously the only apartment on the floor. He raised his eyebrow and looked down at her. He wasn’t sure where she had gotten the money for this, but with Washington prices being what they were, he was pretty sure she couldn’t afford it on her salary.

He pulled her into the living area and sat her against the back of the huge sofa. He stripped off his overcoat and then reached to take hers. She jerked away from him and he grabbed her, spinning her around so her back was against his chest. He reached around her and roughly opened the buttons. He stripped the coat from her. She was caught between him and the coach. She tried to pull away from him as far as she could. Her sobs reduced to hiccups and the occasional moan. He took her by the hand this time and pulled her around to the front of the couch and sat her down. He sat next to her and waited. She looked around the room and then back at him, looking for an escape route. He waited until she had stilled a little more and then he held open his arms. With one last gasp she crawled into his lap and buried her face into his shoulder.

He didn’t know how long he held her. The night sky, aided by the streetlights in the Circle cast the only light in the room. She finally stirred and looked into his eyes. He thought for a moment he would drown in them, but he pushed her up to sit on his knees. "Listen to me." She gravely gave him her full attention. "What happened to Galindez happened. You DID do everything you could." She started to shake her head but he gripped her face between his huge hands. "No, damn it, no. You did everything you could. You even tried to sabotage your career, tonight. But, I’m not letting you off the hook that easily. I’ve done things in my life and career that I wished that I hadn’t, but I did. You learn to live with the pain and the guilt and go on. Galindez was incarcerated because you didn’t come forward, but you didn’t stab him. Hell, Cassie, do you think that if he had made bail, Tino would have let him live? Or Grayson? Or London, for that matter? Stop beating yourself up. It’s over and he is going to get better. And, you have another, important, job to do now."

She took a shuddering exhalation and then scooted back onto his lap. She laid her head back on his shoulder and the next thing AJ knew, her breathing evened out and her chest began a rhythmic rise and fall. When gentle snoring began AJ shook his head in wonder and arranged both of them more comfortably on the deep oversized sofa. He stretched out and pulled her around so her head was resting on his chest and her legs were stretched out next to his. He managed to loosen his tie and tried not to think how he would look the next morning strolling down 19^th toward his car. It never occurred to him to leave her.

Chapters 39 - 40

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