:: It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas ::Part Six Wonder whose arms will hold you good and tight 27 December 2002 Mac put her daughter into the playpen that Harriet and Bud sent over yesterday. The thing had seemed so big when Mac set it up, but after placing the giant teddy bear in it that Kate had brought over Wednesday afternoon, well, it pretty much filled all the space. The playpen had belonged to little AJ who was obviously too old to use it anymore. Her Little Moose, as Mac had recently begun to call Haley Marie, had practically outgrown her bassinet and Mac hadn’t gotten around to buying a playpen of her own. She hadn’t gotten around to doing a lot of things lately. "We need to go out and do some serious shopping, sweetie," she told her smiling daughter as Clint Black crooned in the background. "You and I are hitting the Mall this morning, right after the Admiral leaves." Mrs. Webb had offered to accompany her, but Mac just couldn’t see her doing the after-Christmas sales; instead, they were meeting "Nana" for a late lunch around 1400 hours. She had the envelope ready for the Admiral. It included her letter of resignation, even though Mac knew he’d probably want to yell at her again for giving it to him. The Admiral had called yesterday while he was en route from Italy to let her know he’d be by this morning and asked her to have two copies of the results he could take with him. What he wanted with two copies, she didn’t know. He’d be here any minute. Two carafes waited on the coffee table -- decaf for her and "Navy-strong" for him -- as well as a neatly sliced coffeecake she’d picked up last night. She checked herself in the mirror one last time. Make-up good, hair good, but her eyes were a mess. Harm had called this morning to let her know he’d be back in town tonight. His mom wasn’t doing well -- the news that she wasn’t going to get better had hit Mac hard. Trish was a sweet lady. And Harm wasn’t doing much better, either. He’d tried hard to keep the tears out of his voice and those hurt more than the news of his mom. Frank had ended up grabbing the phone from him and she’d heard Harm yelling at him in the background. She splashed some water on her face and grabbed the hand towel just as she heard the knock. AJ juggled the packages in his arms as he moved to knock a second time. Suddenly the door opened just as the largest of the three slipped from his grasp. He watched her step back quickly so that it wouldn’t land on her foot. "Are you okay?" The question was so simple, a nicety really. Mac almost didn’t answer. The Admiral quickly scooped up the fallen box as she opened the door farther so he could come in. He set the packages on the small entrance table and turned to her. "No" was all she managed to get out before dissolving into tears. :: :: ::
27 December 2002 The question caught AJ by surprise. "Lieutenant Austin?" He found himself swallowing hard, the coffeecake suddenly making his mouth more dry than it should be. He made a production out of picking up his coffee cup and taking a quick drink before answering. "Yes. She was at JAG for a few months after I arrived. Why do you ask?" "Harm mentioned he ran into her a few days ago." She absently handed him a napkin and he gratefully wiped his mouth. "Although I suggested yesterday morning that he get together with her before he left. Considering his mother’s condition, I doubt he had the chance. I was just wondering if you remembered her." AJ felt his moment of panic leave. His handling of Meg Austin’s charges against Allison Krennick was not one of his prouder moments. He should have had Allison before an Article 32 hearing, but the Lieutenant’s most damning evidence was still only hearsay -- just her word that Rabb had told her on more than one occasion he could "handle Krennick." AJ knew what Krennick was capable of. And he was sure that, had he questioned Rabb, Krennick's career would have been over right then. But he didn’t know Rabb that well at the time, and he was concerned about how far Krennick had her hooks into him. He liked Rabb, but if the young Lieutenant had given in to Allison’s charms it would have been detrimental to his career as well. As it turned out, Rabb had indeed "handled her" and his career would have been safe. "Yes," he finally got out. "Good officer, highly intelligent." <<<And she resigned her commission right after I sent her away, dammit!>>> He hoped the young woman had done well for herself. AJ cleared his throat before changing the subject. "Now, I have several options on how to handle this, Mac. I intend to have a punitive letter of reprimand drawn up before you return to duty. As you know, this letter will be placed in your file and remain there for two years. However, as far as Rabb is concerned, your informing him of Haley Marie’s parentage is up to you. As I see it, you’ll have to inform him of the DNA test results eventually. I’ll do what I can to minimize any damage Harm might decide to do should you opt to provide him a name. However, until you decide to do so, the contents of that letter will stay in your file only." He didn’t mention Victor, she noted. "Sir, what’s going to happen to Gunnery Sergeant Galindez?" "That’s not your concern right now." <<<Oh god, what is he going to do to him!>>> "But sir...." AJ shook his head, indicating that she had no say on this matter. "I like Gunny, Mac," he said a bit too firmly. "But there is really not a heck of a lot I can do for him. If he’s smart, he’ll sign his retirement papers and be done with it. Don’t argue with me, Colonel -- you know that’s his best option right now. He’s got more than twenty in so it’s not like he’s going to suffer." Mac felt the tears prick her eyes. <<<It’s not like he didn’t warn me.>>> "Understood, sir," she choked out. <<<Dammit! I’m doing the best I can!>>> "You asked for my help and this is the best I could do." AJ stood in preparation to leave. He walked over to the playpen where Haley Marie slept contentedly. <<<How the hell did we all miss the resemblance?>>> Mac composed herself as she picked up the Admiral’s cover and coat. She moved to stand next to him as he looked at her daughter. "Thank you, sir. I don’t mean to seem ungrateful...." "These are difficult times for you right now, Mac. I’ll see that your career is secure, but that’s the best I can do." He leaned down to touch Haley Marie’s face. "You’re right, Mac," he said softly. "She does look just like her father." He stood up when the little girl’s arms twitched and turned to take his cover and coat from Mac. He blushed at the smile his officer gave him, knowing it was because of that silly grin he always got whenever he looked at her daughter. "I still can’t believe no one noticed the resemblance," he said in amazement. She held his coat out for him to put his arms into. Once he had his back to her, she said, "Webb did." His arms were barely in their sleeves when he spun on her. "WHAT?" Mac couldn’t help backing up a step at his vehemence. "He noticed the night he met her." "Jesus, Mac -- why didn’t you tell me Webb knew!" Her tone was defensive as well as confused. "Because I didn’t think it was important." "Not important?!" "He’s Harm’s friend, Admiral. He doesn’t want to do anything to hurt him." She thrust the cover into his hands and walked purposefully to the door. "And like you, he’s leaving that up to me." He should have figured Webb would know. AJ intended to give the CIA deputy director a call after he got to the office, just to make sure he was on the same sheet of music. AJ had pulled a lot of strings to keep Mac protected, and that spy wasn’t going to do a thing to hurt her now! He roughly pushed his cover on his head and followed Mac to the door. :: :: ::
27 December 2002 Gunny had stood outside the building long enough. He quickly strode through the door, signed for a visitors’ badge at the front desk, then headed for the stairs. He wanted to arrive precisely on time for his meeting. Yeah, he was taking the coward’s way out -- he was scared of running into Commander Rabb. For all he knew, though, the Commander was waiting for him in the Admiral’s office. He hoped the Admiral had more sense, though. <<<Please, just allow me to go out with dignity.>>> He really didn’t think the Admiral would have him arrested. If for no other reason than for Mac’s sake. Gunny paused outside the glass doors leading to the main offices and glanced inside. Everything looked normal. He quickly walked to the Admiral’s office, not even noticing Harriet’s confused look as he passed by her desk without even giving her a nod. Someone new was at Tiner’s desk, though. "Gunnery Sergeant Galindez to see Admiral Chegwidden," he told the petty officer. "Go on in. He’s expecting you." <<<He doesn’t even warn the Admiral?>>> Gunny rapped sharply on the door. At the harsh "Enter!" he walked in, closing the door behind him. "Gunnery Sergeant Victor Galindez, reporting as ordered, Sir!" Through his peripheral vision, Victor noticed the Admiral didn’t even bother to look up from the file. He just seemed to sit there. Gunny stayed at attention for what seemed an inordinate amount of time before his former CO finally moved, and then it was only to close the folder. Ever so slowly, the Admiral removed his glasses and set them carefully on top of the file. Gunny knew that gesture well -- the admiral was definitely pissed. "Do you have any idea why you’re here, Gunny?" <<<Oh shit.>>> "I received orders in Peru, sir!" AJ stood slowly. Gunny’s cageyness was admirable, but totally inappropriate right now. "That’s not what I meant, Gunnery Sergeant! Now do you know why you’re here?" Sweat beaded on his forehead as he answered the highly pissed two-star. "Sir, I might venture that you spoke to a certain Lieutenant Colonel recently...Sir." "YOU’RE DAMN RIGHT I SPOKE TO HER, GUNNERY SERGEANT!" Gunny swallowed, but maintained his stance at attention. Knowing the JAG offices, there were probably at least three people gathering near the petty officer’s desk waiting for the Admiral’s next outburst. AJ moved in front of his desk and got in Gunny’s face. "Do you have any idea as to the position you put her in?" "Sir, it was not my intention...." "YOUR INTENTIONS BE DAMNED GUNNERY SERGEANT!" Only years of experience at standing at attention kept his back straight during the Admiral’s onslaught. <<<Maybe if he yells at me enough, he’ll leave her alone.>>> "Yes sir." "And what are you prepared to do about it?" <<<Is he giving her an out?>>> "Sir, whatever you see fit to ensure she is protected." "Very good, Gunnery Sergeant." AJ walked back around his desk. "At ease, Gunny." Once AJ had taken his seat he motioned for Gunny to sit as well. Gunny handed him an envelope before placing his coat and cover on one chair and sitting in the one AJ indicated. AJ handed him a clipboard and pen. "The top sheet is a copy of the DNA results for you to keep. I believe you’ll recognize the rest of the paperwork." Gunny could feel his heart pounding in his chest as he glanced at the form until his eyes finally fell to the highlighted portion. He couldn’t help the smile that came when he saw it. <<<Yes!>>> He then looked at the forms underneath. Full retirement, full benefits. He couldn’t ask for more. He quickly signed the paperwork, took the DNA test results off the top and placed it in his jacket, then handed the clipboard and pen back to the Admiral. "I’ll see this letter gets into your permanent file. Major Dominguez had some very nice things to say about you." "The Major was a fine CO, sir. I’ve never worked with one finer...on the battlefield, Sir." AJ smiled. "Nice save, Gunny. So, what made this major so terrific?" It was Victor’s turn to smile. "He kicked butt, then took names. The unit was in pretty sad shape before he arrived, sir. The officers in charge had apparently forgotten that your assets are to be used, not just ordered around." "That bad, huh?" "Worse. The casualty rate was appalling." Shades of Vietnam revisited AJ. "Jeez." "He straightened the unit out in no time, sir. It was an honor to serve under him." AJ was well familiar with jungle warfare, and the hazards poor leadership could wreak. Gunny was damn lucky to be alive. "So, Victor, now that you’re a civilian, what do you intend to do?" "I haven’t thought much about it, sir." "Well, if you need it, I know a couple of people who could help point you in the right direction, or even offer you a job if you’re interested in staying in the area." "Thank you, Admiral. I’d appreciate that." AJ handed him his business card and Gunny stood to take it. "Give me a call when you get settled. And let Harriet know when you’d like to schedule a formal retirement ceremony. You’ve had a fine career and deserve a decent exit." "Will do. Thank you, sir." "Dismissed." "Aye-aye, sir!" "Oh, and Gunny. What you do with Mac is none of my business...." Victor gave him a sharp look. "That it is, sir." And walked out the door. :: :: ::
"Gunny!" Her voice halted him, which was a good thing since he was about to run her over. "Ma’am," was all he managed to get out. "Wait right here." He watched, still somewhat dazed from his encounter with the Admiral, as Lieutenant Sims grabbed her purse from her desk, then her cover and coat from the rack. She stopped by a young female sergeant’s desk and spoke to her. When she finished, she returned to him. "Come on. I’m taking you to lunch." "Um...that’s not necessary, ma’am." Harriet stopped and turned to her former office manager. She gave him a sweet smile, and then, in a quiet voice that brooked no argument, told him, "You just got back from ten months of hell in Peru, you haven’t slept well in three days, you just got yelled at by the Admiral, and you look like crap. Do you really think I’m going to let you walk out of here by yourself?" "Uh, no ma’am?" "Good. Then I’m taking you to lunch." As she walked away, Victor shook his head and followed reluctantly. He had five sisters, and he knew when he’d been beaten. The only way out of this was total and utter rudeness, and he both liked and respected the Lieutenant way too much to do that. When he caught up to her at the elevators, she’d already pushed the button and was waiting for one to arrive. "Ah, Lieutenant. Would you mind running me by my hotel instead?" <<<What the heck is he doing getting a hotel when he can stay in enlisted barracks until he finds a place?>>> "Your hotel?" "Yeah. I got a room and dropped my stuff off there before I came here." The elevator door opened, a few people got off, and they got on. Harriet looked at him appraisingly as the otherwise empty car headed toward the first deck. Now was not the time to push him, though. "You will tell me everything." Victor swallowed. The Lieutenant was getting very scary -- when did she become such a kick-ass? "Ma’am?" he managed to get out when the door opened. Harriet led him to the front desk where he dropped his visitor’s badge, then out the front door. They were halfway to the Robert’s van before he finally spoke. "Uh, Lieutenant?" She again stopped him with a glare. "Must I make this an order, Gunnery Sergeant?" <<<Oh god.>>> Victor hadn’t felt like he’d been laid so low by a woman since the last time he was stupid enough to go toe-to-toe with his mother. "Um...You can’t order me anymore. I’m no longer in the military." Now that stopped her. Harriet’s eyes went wide. "I just signed my retirement papers." Harriet blinked as her mind started spinning. <<<What. Is. Going. On. Here?>>> She cleared her throat and decided on a fresh tack. "Well good then. There’s nothing stopping us from being the very best of friends. Now come tell your new best friend what’s bothering you." She turned and walked the rest of the way to the minivan. Unlocking the doors, she waited by the driver’s side until he reached the passenger door. "You’ll have to tell me where your hotel is." "The Motel 6 on Backlick Road, in Springfield. It was the cheapest place I could find on short notice." Harriet waited until they were heading toward I-66 before speaking. "You could have left your stuff at our home and Bud and I would have helped you find a place." Victor took his time in replying. "I appreciate that, ma’am, but I feel better when I’m on my own doing for myself." "Admirable traits, Gunny, but right now you shouldn’t be doing everything yourself." He stared at the road ahead as they took the exit ramp onto I-66 West. "Well, when all you have is yourself, you make do." <<<This man is severely depressed.>>> "That’s nonsense. You have plenty of friends in this area, and there’s not one person at JAG who wouldn’t help you if you asked." Victor just turned to the window and watched the sights along the interstate. He wasn't the kind of guy to ask for help. Harriet was definitely getting worried. "Listen, I don’t know what happened between you and the Admiral today, but I’d be willing to bet he’s still there for you." <<<And if he’s not I’ll have a few choice words for him as well.>>> "Yes ma’am," he said softly. "He’s already offered to help me find a job." <<<Whew! Thank goodness -- that saves me from giving the Admiral a piece of my mind.>>> "All right then, just who at JAG do you think is ready to kill you?" She was just joking, but when she saw his head jerk toward her she knew she’d hit paydirt. "Good grief, Victor -- what is going on?" "Please, ma’am. I just want to get back to my hotel and get out of this uniform. I...I just don’t feel right wearing it right now." "All right, Victor," she relented. But then, "Just tell me one thing, please. Two months ago you told me you refused rotation out of Peru; a month ago you said you intended to stay for as long as it took; when I saw you three weeks ago you were ready to go back. What changed? What happened to make you decide to pack it in? To leave the life you love? And don’t tell me you don’t love the Corps." He felt the tears prick his eyes. How the hell could this woman do this to him? Only his Mother got to him like this. "You’re right, ma’am. Something did happen, but not down there." Her voice was soft. "What, Gunny?" Victor swallowed, unsure how much he could say. "Before I went down there I did something, and it’s had some pretty severe long-term repercussions. In fact, the only way the Admiral saw fit to keep me out of trouble was to have me sign my retirement papers." "Omigod. Are you okay? You’re not going to jail or anything, are you?" He glanced over at her and shook his head quickly. "No ma’am. I’m fine. I’ll be fine." "What happened? What could you have possibly done? I know you, Victor, and you are just not capable of doing anything illegal!" Victor turned his eyes back to the window. "It was a momentary error of judgment, ma’am. Can’t you just leave it at that?" <<<They make him retire because of an error in judgment?! This is crazy!>>> "No I will not! Look at you. You’re a mess. You need someone to talk to...and dammit, I’m your friend and I want to know what’s happened and how I can help!" She sighed heavily, then reached over and gently took his hand. "Victor, if anything happened to me, if I got into any kind of trouble, you’d be there for me, right? Just let me be here for you, okay?" He knew she was right, but he still couldn’t look at her. "Thanks, ma’am." "You know if you’re going to tell me your deepest, darkest secret, I suggest you start calling me Harriet." "Uh...Harriet?" She felt herself smile, knowing that she’d finally won this round. "Yes, Victor?" "Can we just get to my hotel first? I really need to get out of this uniform." Harriet gave his hand a quick squeeze before releasing it. "Sure Victor." He glanced down at her hand as it left his, missing the human contact already, then turned back to the window. "Thanks." <<<Dammit, this is my life and she is my daughter, and by God if I want to tell a friend about it, then that’s my right!>>> Nothing really mattered anymore anyway. His military career was over. And if Mac...if Mac didn’t want anything to do with him, well, then so was his life. :: :: ::
28 December 2002 Mac stared at the phone. <<<How dare he! "Welcome Fucking Home" indeed!>>> What the hell did he want from her anyway? He asked for the truth, she gave it to him. She did what the Admiral asked -- waited until he got home. It’s not like she could have kept the test results from him forever! Sure, she could have prepared him better. But how the hell do you tell a man that the little girl he thinks is his...isn’t? There is no easy way. But did he have to get so damn snippy about it? It was times like these when she wished she was still drinking. With a drink, or two, she just might be able to get some sleep tonight. But now she’d never be able to get to sleep. Not with that nap she’d had earlier. Mac headed for her bedroom in frustration. She’d had an extremely exhausting morning, then shopping with a fussy Haley Marie, then lunch with Porter (thank God the Little Moose slept through it!), and then another three hours battling the malls trying to get Haley outfitted for the next three months. But Porter still wanted to take her out shopping tomorrow as well. As Mac hung up her robe, her eyes fell on her vibrator. She’d pulled it out the night before, but Haley Marie had interrupted her. She picked it up and thought about something Porter had said, or rather what Mac had told her about Victor. <<<How does that woman do it? She never asks one question, but I’m always spilling my guts around her.>>> She smiled and picked up the implement. <<<Well, that’s one way to fall asleep.>>> :: :: ::
28 December 2002 "I know I’ve got it around here somewhere!" Harm muttered as he searched through his garment bag. "Hah!" He held up the small card in triumph. He was still mad as hell at Mac, not to mention whatever gods out there that were trying to make his life miserable, but he felt distinctly better when he decided to call Meg. The problem then was trying to find her business card with her phone number. Problem solved, he smiled to himself as he looked at the card while he dialed her number. "Meg. Hey, it’s Harm. I didn’t wake you, did I?" "Harm! No. Just laying in bed reading before shutting out the lights." "Anything interesting?" She smiled wickedly to herself before answering. "What do you mean, Harm? What I’m reading, or what I’m wearing?" Harm began blessing all the gods he’d just finished cursing as he pushed his bags off his bed onto the floor. "Both." Meg felt a big grin coming on. The promise of phone sex always guarantees at least one phone call. "Oh, nothing interesting. At the moment. I take it you got in okay?" "Yeah. About a half an hour ago. I tried getting an earlier flight, but no such luck." Might as well get started, she thought -- better to keep a guy off guard. "Um, Harm? What are you doing? I mean, right now." <<<Thank you, Lord!>>> "Other than talking to you? I’m getting ready for bed. It’s been a long day." She kept her voice innocent; she liked doing this in stages. "Uh-huh. And exactly how are you getting ready for bed?" "I’m taking my clothes off, Meg." "Harm?" "Yes?" "When did you take your coat off?" Harm could feel himself stiffening just listening to her voice. "Right after I walked in the door." "When did you take your shoes off?" "A few minutes ago." "And your socks?" "Right after I took my shoes off." "Do you still have your shirt on?" "Yes." "Take your shirt off, Harm." "Hang on." Harm dropped the phone and maneuvered the shirt first over his cast, then over his head; he tossed it across the room. "Okay. It’s gone." "And?" "I threw it at the closet." She liked that image. "That’s good. Are you wearing an undershirt?" "Yes. Do you want me to take that off as well?" After last night, she definitely had Harm pegged as a guy who liked to be told what to do. "Not yet. Are you wearing those button-fly jeans you told me about?" "Yes." "Good. Do you remember what you said to me as I was bent over the front seat and you were doing me from behind?" <<<Sweet Jesus.>>> The image was still fresh in his mind, making him uncomfortable in his jeans. He quickly straightened his erection before answering her. "I remember saying I wish I had two good hands. Oh, and I told you what I’d do with both of them, didn’t I?" She’d heard him do something with his clothes, but didn’t think he was getting ahead of the game so she decided to let it slide. "Yes, you did, Harm. Now, as you unbutton each button, I want you to tell me what you’d like to do with your hands." "Okay, but first I want to know what you’re wearing." "Not much." "Tell me." "I have on a short camisole tank top and a pair of hi-cut panties." "Cotton?" "Of course." Harm propped up a couple of pillows, then lay back on them. "Well, first I’d take my right hand and trace each nipple -- just to see each outlined clearly." Meg touched herself as he spoke -- his voice was a real turn-on to her. "Uh-huh." "Then I’d slide my left hand underneath your shirt to touch each of them in turn. I’d roll them between my fingers until I saw you squirm." Nice imagination, she thought with a smile. "Oh my. That’s definitely good for a button," she purred. "And what are you going to do for your next button?" "Let’s see now. This time I’ll take my right hand and lift up your shirt to expose just one nipple. And while I lightly run the tip of my tongue over that nipple, my left hand is going to wander down between your legs and ease your thighs apart." <<<Definite points here.>>> She kept her voice even as she responded. "Very good Harm, go for another button. Oh, and Harm? No playing with yourself. At least, not until I tell you to." "Yes ma’am." "Now, what are you going to do next?" "Next I think I’ll expose your other nipple with my left hand, and this time I’m going to suck on it." "Oh, very nice." "And with my right hand I’m going to touch you, very gently, through your panties, and I’m going to find your hood with my index finger and make you pant." <<<Damn, I’m going to have to get this man back in bed, soon!>>> "Oh, definitely good for another button, Harm." "Thank you. Uh, Meg. I’m really hard here." <<<Oh, how I do love doing this.>>> She suppressed a triumphant giggle. "No touching yet, Harm. You’re not done with me yet. You still have one more button to go, remember?" "Okay, well, since I’m feeling a little impatient I think I’m going to use both hands." "You better make it worth a button, Harm." "I’ll do my best. I’m going to get in front of you and pull your panties off. Then, I’m going to spread your legs and start kissing the insides of your thighs." "Keep going," she told him once she’d removed her panties. "You bet. I’m going to work my way toward your lovely curls and when I get there I’m going to use my left hand to spread your lips so my tongue can get at your hood, and what it’s hiding." This guy was good -- she was already wet! "And your right hand?" "That one’s going a little lower. Because when you start to squirm, I’m going to insert two fingers and I’m going to rotate them around until I hear you scream." "Oh yes," she sighed as she slid a couple of her own fingers around in preparation for the fun to come. "Go for your last button, Harm." "Can I take them off?" "Not yet. You didn’t remove your undershirt, did you?" "No. You told me not to." "Good. ‘Cause you know what I want you to do?" "I have an idea." "Very good, Harm. I want you to do to yourself what you said you were going to do to me. Minus the tongue stuff. But I want you to imagine it’s me. Especially the tongue stuff. Are you ready?" "Oh yeah." "I want you to trace your nipples with your hand. I know how sensitive your nipples are." "Doing it." "Pull your shirt out of your pants now, and then I want you to reach under it and pinch and fondle them until they’re nice and hard." "Yes ma’am. Do you have any idea how hard I’m getting while I’m doing this?" "Do you have any idea how wet I am?" His groan made her chuckle. "Now I want you to lift up your shirt and expose one of your nipples. Then I want you to lick one fingertip until it’s really wet and I want you to run that finger over your nipple and imagine it’s my tongue." She heard his sharp intake of breath and smiled. She was doing the same with her left hand, and her right hand, which was still between her legs, got wetter. "Good boy. Now I want you to run your hand down to your crotch...don’t you dare rub your cock, and I want you to gently push your thighs apart." "Oh baby, Meg. I’m hurting here." "Don’t worry, Harm. I’ll let you scratch that itch soon." "God, you’re so good." "Do you know what I want you to do now?" At his groan, she said, "I want you to expose the other nipple, Harm, and this time I want you to lick two fingers. Get them really wet. Sloppy wet. Because they’re going to be my lips and tongue." She did so enjoy hearing Harm moan! "I want you to make that nipple really hard while you’re playing with it. And when you’re done, then, and only then, are you allowed to touch yourself. And when you do, I only want you to take one finger. You can run it down one side, over your balls, then back up the other." "You’re killing me, Meg," he panted. "Just you wait, Harm. Remember. Just one fingertip." "God, Meg." "Are you being good, Harm?" "You’re the one who’s good, Meg." "Do you know what you’re doing next, Harm?" "I get to remove my jeans?" "And your underwear. But Harm?" "Yes?" he breathed. "Jeans first. Wait for me before you take off your underwear." "Yes ma’am." He set the phone down so he could stand up and remove his jeans. When he finished, he lay back down and picked up the phone. "Jeans are off." Meg really wished she had her vibrator right now, but the noise would be distracting. "Good boy. Now I’m going to tell you exactly how to remove your underwear." "Please do." "First I want you to lift up just the waistband and gently set it near the base of your cock. Gently, now -- I don’t want you to hurt anything. That’s my job." Yup, she definitely enjoyed hearing him moan. "Okay. Now I want you to lift your hips and pull the back of your underwear just under your buttocks. Can you do that?" His grunt told her he could and did. "When you’re done, I want you to take that pesky waistband off of your cock and place it on your thighs, then push your underwear down until it’s totally out of the way." "Not off?" "We’re low on time. And you’ve suffered enough." "Thank you." "Are you ready?" "I’m taking it off." He tossed the briefs after his shirt. "There! Okay, I’m ready." "Oh, Harm. I can see you, laying on your bed, your undershirt rucked up, your legs spread and your knees bent. I definitely can imagine what you look like right now." "What do you want me to do?" "Mmmm....what I want to do is tell you to wait until I can get there and sit on that cock of yours." She heard him chuckle. "But that’s not an option, is it? Sooo, I suppose I could ask you to lick your finger again, and this time run it from the base of your cock up the underside, then just circle the head right below it. And Harm, I want you to imagine my tongue is doing that." "Oh god, Meg. You’re killing me." "Do you know how badly I want to be there right now Harm? How much I want to sit on you? Make you as wet as I am right now?" "Oh, baby, please." "Harm, I want you to wrap your hand around your cock, and I want you to run your thumb over the head and give your cock a quick squeeze to let it know I wish I was there. Then I want you to start pumping. Slowly at first, ‘cause baby I’m almost there and I want to hear you go when I do." "Sweet Jesus, Meg." "Oh yes. Talk to me." "God. I can’t...." "Go for it." "Uhhhhh....UHHH....AHHHH!" "Ooooo.....oh yeah." "Ooh, that was great, Meg." "Uh-huh." "You bet." "Call me tomorrow? I’m a little tired now and need to sleep." "Oh, okay. In the afternoon? I need to talk to you anyway." "Sure, Harm. Goodnight." "Night, Meg. And thanks." :: :: ::
29 December 2002 Ellen May Fredricks couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt so uncomfortable with Albert Jethro Chegwidden. Okay, maybe that time she got busted for pot. Nope, she didn’t feel this uncomfortable. Her brother’s best friend had chewed her out and she’d felt lower than low, but she didn’t feel uncomfortable. It was those damn leather pants. She’d brought the costume over this morning right before they headed out to brunch. She’d hung the bag up in his coat closet and he’d come up behind her. She thought for sure that he’d want to take the bag out to look at it, but instead he’d reached around her and grabbed his coat. A leather coat. Okay, so it was black leather, and the pants were dark brown suede, but still. She’d blushed furiously and stammered out of his way. She managed to get through brunch okay. That is until he helped her on with her coat. She’d turned away from him to put her arms in the sleeves and she saw the coat of the guy at the next table -- brown suede, just the same color as the pants. Those damn pants! That time he’d noticed her flushed face. "Are you okay? You know, we can always cancel this afternoon if you don’t feel well." "Don’t be ridiculous! The Skin’s got tromped last year at this time, and this year they actually have a shot at the playoffs." "Yes, but we don’t have to go to the game. If you’re not feeling well, we’ll just go watch it at my place." Which is how they’d ended up back here. <<<Thank God Harm showed up when he did!>>> AJ had put their coats in the closet and pulled out the garment bag to look at the costume since they had plenty of time before the game started. Ellie felt a moment of panic that lasted until the doorbell rang. AJ handed her the bag, and when she saw who it was, she "graciously" offered to put it back in his closet for him while he talked to Harm. Ellie touched the leather one last time before quietly zipping up the bag. Damn -- the leather is so soft, too, she thought with a sigh. The boots were a soft black suede. The last time she saw AJ in leather pants he’d been nineteen and had driven home from the Naval Academy on a motorbike. Her thirteen-year-old mind had fixated on his butt, until he greeted her with his typical "Hey there, Ellie Mae!" She’d been so pissed that she didn’t talk to him for a week, and by then she’d forgotten all about those black leather biker pants. Ellie felt like that hormonal teenager. She gave herself a good pinch, told herself to get a grip, and then forced herself to join AJ and Harm in the living room. But Harm looked like a whipped puppy. AJ was speaking quietly to him and, rather than disturbing what was obviously a private conversation, she quickly bypassed them for the kitchen and a couple of beers. AJ sighed heavily as he waited for Ellie to pass by before he returned to his errant lawyer. "Hurting them isn’t going to make you feel better. Listen, Rabb. I know you’re in pain, and you’re gonna hurt like hell for a long time. I know how I felt when Marcella sent me away. I didn’t see Francesca for a lot of years, and a lot of that time I wondered if I’d ever be able to see my baby girl again. But Mac is your friend and she loves you, and even as pissed off as you are right now, I know you love her, too. If you start something now you’re going to lose everything. You’ll never have your best friend back, and you’ll never see Haley Marie again. And don’t tell me you don’t love that little girl." Harm felt angry and helpless -- his CO not only knew about this, he was going to let it go? "So nothing’s going to happen to them? They commit a major military offense and get off scot free?" "I didn’t say that, Commander. Gunny’s been forced to retire from the Marine Corps and is currently somewhere out there pounding the pavement looking for a job. I tried to do what I could for Mac, but she’ll be getting a punitive letter of reprimand, which basically kills any chance she’ll have for further promotion before she retires." <<<What?!>>> "That’s the least punishment they could get!" "You’re damn right it is. What good would it do for me to have Gunny slammed into irons and Mac tossed out on her ear? Think about Haley Marie, Harm. She’s the innocent in all this. Those two had to be punished, but should she be hurt?" Harm hung his head. "Oh, god." "It’s understandable that when you’re hurting like this that you want to lash out. But you’re a prosecuting attorney, Rabb. You know that in any crime there are innocents who get hurt. Don’t let Haley Marie get hurt just because you’re in pain." His head in his hands, he stammered, "I...god, I...." "It’s okay. They’ve been punished. You need to let go now. Try to salvage what you can out of this. Offer her an olive branch. You’re better than this, Harm. Find a way to forgive her so that you and she can get back to your lives. After everything she’s been through, her career won’t survive this. She needs a friend. She needs her best friend back." "I don’t know...." "Call her up. Ask to meet her. You need to finish that conversation you started last night. Don’t be afraid to be angry. Don’t be afraid to be hurt. She knows and understands what you’re going through. She wants to be there for her best friend. Just like she needs her best friend to be there for her." AJ saw Ellie out of the corner of his eye standing at the kitchen entrance with two beers and he desperately wanted one of them. He stood to indicate to Rabb their conversation was over. "Just try, Rabb." Harm got to his feet. He wasn’t done but he was smart enough to know he’d outstayed the Admiral’s welcome on a Sunday. "Thank you, sir. I’ll do my best." "I have faith in you, Commander. You’ll get through this just fine." After Harm left, Ellie handed AJ a beer. "You think he’ll be okay?" "Hell, better than I would," he snorted. "If that were me, Gunny’d be dead and I’d be in jail." Ellie’s eyes went wide. "What?! What’s going on, AJ?" "Well, now that Harm knows, I guess it’s no longer a secret." He motioned for her to take a seat on the couch and he sat in the armchair nearby. "Haley Marie isn’t Harm’s." "WHAT?" AJ explained the story as he knew it and Ellie just shook her head. "You don’t think he’d do anything to Gunny, do you?" "Rabb? Of course not. Number one, he doesn’t have the balls for it, and number two, Gunny would see him coming." Ellie slapped his shoulder. "You are so bad!" He gave her a sly smile. "Well, he might contemplate killing his CO after he finds out what I’ve done." <<<What the heck?>>> "And what did you do?" He took a long swig off his beer before answering. She glared at him until he eventually did. "Gunny’s in town," he finally said. "And?" "And, I found out on Friday that he’s got it pretty bad for Mac." "Really! And how does Mac feel about him?" "Well, of that I haven’t got a clue. However...." AJ took another long pull off his beer. "...despite the fact that Victor Galindez made it clear to me he doesn’t want my help in that area I decided to do what I could to see that the guy at least had a shot at her." Ellie found herself in shock. This just wasn’t like him! "What did you do, AJ!?" "It was really Harriet’s idea." "What, AJ!" "I got him a ticket to Tuesday night’s Ball." "And just what makes you think Mac will be there?" Mac had already told her she wouldn’t be going. "Not my job. Harriet’s working on that." Ellie just shook her head. "AJ, this is a side of you I never suspected." "What’s that?" "A romantic." "Hey, I’m romantic! I believe in hearts and flowers and all that...." He leaned close teasingly. "...girly stuff." She swung out her foot and caught him in the shin. "That’s not what I meant. I mean in wanting to see two other people happy. In wanting to play matchmaker. I never thought it of you." He rubbed his leg where the side of her foot got him. "Well, I never would have thought of it either, but Harriet just put a bug in my ear. She knows how fond I am of Mac, and once Gunny told her what I did for him she decided I must be fond of Gunny too." "And you are fond of him, aren’t you?" "Well, he’s a good man and was a fine Marine. And if Mac cared enough about him to do something so monumentally stupid as...well, there must be more to him that I can see." "You’re still angry with her?" "She’s a fine officer, Ellie. This has destroyed her career. Yeah, I’m pretty ticked." "Well, I still think that what you’re doing is sweet." She glanced absently at her watch, noting they still had a few minutes. "So, what character will he be?" "I didn’t pick it out," he said quickly. "AJ!" "I mentioned I was getting a ticket for Gunny to Tim Fawkes, and he offered to pick one up." "And just how did he get involved?" "Gunny’s unemployed, he needs a job, I knew Tim would like him once they met so I asked him to interview him. When I mentioned I needed to get another ticket he said he was going by there and he’d pick one up for me." "So -- what did Gunny end up getting?" "Zorro." <<<Oh god. Leather pants -- again!>>> She glanced at her watch again and said quickly, "Grab the remote, AJ. The pre-game’s starting." :: :: ::
30 December 2002 Currently unemployed and former Gunnery Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps (hoo-yah!) Victor Galindez watched as the now-thoroughly-cowed costumer retreated to get the Zorro costume for him. It wasn’t the first time some guy had been stupid enough to hit on him, but at least this time Victor had kept his cool. He’d just stared the guy down until he literally withered. Victor hadn’t even bothered answering the guy’s flirtatious "Leather’s so hard to get to mold perfectly to the body. I’ll be happy to check the fit of the pants on you." The guy had paled so badly that Victor thought for a moment he was going to take a header. The kid finally managed to stammer, "I’ll get it for you right away," before slinking to the back room. He still wasn’t a hundred-percent sure if he was going to the damn party. He’d been trying to reach Mac for three days now. He’d even driven by her place, just in case she was screening her calls, but she wasn’t around. The Admiral said she’d be there, though. Why the Admiral wanted to do this for him he didn’t know. Hell, he didn’t understand why the man was doing anything for him right now considering what happened. After he’d picked up a cell phone on Friday afternoon, he called the Admiral to let him know how to reach him. His former CO had already arranged an interview for him at noon Saturday. "You’ll like him. What’s more, he’ll like you. And if you don’t like what he has to offer, he has contacts all over DC." The Admiral was right. Victor liked him well enough. But what the old guy wanted would involve travel -- a lot of it -- and if Victor stayed in the area that wasn’t what he wanted. However, if Mac...well...he told the guy he’d think about it. No matter what happened, he was going to list Mac and Haley Marie as his beneficiaries, and this Tim Fawkes was offering a more-than-generous salary. "I hope your friend didn’t think I was ungrateful," Victor had told the Admiral after the interview was over. "Not to worry. Neither of us really thought you’d take the job considering your situation right now. But Tim was very interested in meeting you." Victor had looked at him sharply. "What do you mean?" "As I said, the man has contacts all over the area. Now that he’s met you and has a better idea of what you’re made of, he’ll make a few phone calls. His offer was quite sincere, though. If you change your mind, you have his card." Right after that, the Admiral handed him the invitation. "She’ll be there," was all he said. "But will she want to see me?" Victor muttered. "Excuse me?" Victor turned quickly to see that the costumer had returned with a large garment bag. He reached over the large counter and took the bag and started to walk away. "Um, sir?" Victor looked back at the kid, who was holding out a card. "Uh, if you have any problems, give Miss Parker a call -- her number’s on the card. She’s the best seamstress here and will help you out if you...um...need to get fitted...sir." He took the card, thanked the kid, and left for his hotel. He had an interview to get to at 1300 hours over at the Treasury Department that Mr. Fawkes had set up for him. He was almost surprised that the guy didn’t set him up with one at the CIA. The guy seemed like the spook type and, had he not been such good friends with the Admiral, Victor thought Mr. Fawkes could have been related to Mr. Webb. Even though Victor didn’t think the Secret Service or even the ATF was anything he’d want either, he wasn’t about to discount anything at this point. Since Lieutenant Sims had helped him with his resume on Sunday, he felt confident it was in pretty good shape. She’d also taken him shopping for a nice "interview suit" along with several decent shirts and ties. She was really great with the clerks at Syms -- she even got them to do the alterations right then so he wouldn’t have to go back. The Lieutenant was even the one who talked him into going to this party. "I told you the Admiral really liked you Gunny," she’d said happily. "And Zorro! You have to come. Hey, if you’re nervous, you can just speak Spanish all night -- it would be so in character, too!" It was the language thing that convinced him more than anything else. He figured that, with the mask and the Spanish, that would pretty much ensure no one would recognize him. Other than a few times talking on the phone to his mother, no one at JAG had ever heard him speak Spanish before. And, at the rate he was going, it might be the only time he’d get to talk to Mac, if she was there, without her husband. He shook his head quickly as he opened the door to the rental he was using. He needed to stop depressing himself if he was going to have his act together anytime soon. :: :: ::
30 December, 2002 Kate Pike stared out the window. She’d been doing that a lot since the day after Christmas. She was almost happy that the big murder case had landed on her desk. Well not really happy that Abbie Darnell was dead, but happy to have something to fill her time and keep her mind off of Clayton Neville Webb. "Hi." "Hello, Harm." She didn’t bother to turn around. "What’s up?" "Hey, you want to discuss the case over lunch?" "Ah, gee no, Rabb. But thanks for asking. I need to get these briefs finished." Ever since Rabb had returned from California and found out that Clay was out of the country, he had latched on to her like his long lost Auntie Kate, pouring out his heart. The man was incredible and almost completely clueless. But then he always had been; at least where women were concerned. In three days she had learned more about the trials and tribulations of Harmon Rabb, Jr. than she had in all the time they had partnered together. "Oh. Have you heard anything from Webb?" Kate sighed and just stared out the window. "Not since yesterday morning." "He must really care about you, Kate. I don’t think he’s supposed to do that while he’s on assignment." "Oh it’s nothing covert this time. Not really anyway." She forced herself to turn and sit at her desk. Resolutely, she picked up a file and studied it. "Well if you’re sure," he sighed. The next thing she heard was "Hey Sturgis, what are you doing for lunch?" She was almost positive that she really didn’t hear a groan escape from Turner. "Kind of early to be thinking about that, isn’t it?" The rest of the conversation was lost and Kate could put down her file and drop all pretense of pretending to study it. "What lousy Karma," she muttered as she let the memory of six days ago overtake her. They had barely managed to take a shower after the wonderfully naughty sex in the back of Mike’s limo. She still blushed at the images that played across her mind. Of all the wonderful images of sex with Clayton Webb, those three days after the kidnapping were memorable. She had little doubt as to why that particular memory replayed itself over and over again in her wet dreams. Of course, that’s all she had right now and she tried desperately to keep the anxiety from her demeanor. It was funny. Considering how her confidences had gotten her in trouble with the Lieutenant Colonel two years ago, the one person Kate could completely open up to now was Mac. She and Clay had awakened Christmas morning to snow falling. She was the first up, went to "her" room and found the lush white terry robe that she had treated herself to last Christmas. Returning to the bedroom, she was almost surprised to see him dressed in flannel sleep pants. An open flannel robe revealed a flash of his chest. "Have I ever told you that I like your chest very much, Clayton Webb?" "Don’t think so." He actually blushed. "We never actually get very far discussing each other’s uhm...attributes. If I remember correctly we seem to have our minds elsewhere." "Oh yeah?" she grinned as she walked up to him. Running her hands across the bare chest before her she moved down to take one long lap at his nipple. "I like your chest very much." "Stop," he groaned. He evidently had other plans because he had taken her hand and led her down the stairs. "I’ll go get the coffee, you turn the tree lights on." "Okay." It had been scary how perfect their gifts to each other had been. He had insisted that she open the large, heavy box first. "Oh my God." "Remind you of anything?" The large glass bowl was almost freeform in shape. Half the rim seemed to rise like a wave. The dark green and blue swirls through the glass looked just like the jungle and ocean. Bold splashes of purple and yellow brought to mind the fruit that had sustained them. "Oh God, Clay. It’s incredible." He blushed happily. "Can I use it? Or is it art glass?" He shrugged. "Well it’s not dishwasher or microwave...watch it Pike." He evaded her mock jab. "I think you could put something in it like flowers or something...what’s with the Penny’s bag for goodness sake?" He watched as she hoisted the bag over to him. Damn, what’s in it? He reached in and pulled out yet another bag. This one was emblazoned with the words, "Harry and David’s". Looking at her in confusion he tore back the paper to see a plain brown wrapped box. The only words on the paper were "Product of Hawaii". When he finally worked the cover off the box, he gasped in delight. "Passion fruit! Harry and David’s carries Passion Fruit?" "No, I had them order it special. I wasn’t sure it would get here in time." Those had been the perfect gifts. Sweet memories of a harrowing time. She still blushed at his reaction to the pink and white box with the Victoria Secret logo. "Uhm.... Kate.... hm...." "Silly! Open it." He held up the garter belt all black and lacy. The fasteners dangled down. His other hand held up the sheer black stockings. He finally breathed a sigh of relief when he found the scrap of black lace thong. That definitely wouldn’t fit him. "Oh. This is for you to wear for me." "Of course. Oh Ewwwwwwww. Clayton Webb! Absolutely no way do I want to picture you in woman’s clothes." She burst into laughter as she realized what he must have thought. "Though now that you...." The rest of her saucy retort was swallowed by his lips on hers. "Yum. I’ll try them on." "Wait. You haven’t opened mine yet." She heard the nervousness in his voice and wondered what evil thing he had gotten her. Visions of various "toys" streaked through her head. <<<No, those are your evil thoughts. The one time you glanced out the window all day yesterday and you had to see "The Pleasure Palace.">>> She ripped open the paper and considered the scrawl of red across the field of black. "What does this say?" she demanded after a moment of study. His gulp seemed to echo around the room. He mumbled something. "Excuse me?" "Le Désir Du Coeur. It's French. Uhm...Roughly translated it means Heart’s Desire," he managed. "Indeed, Mr....oh." She lifted up the soft stretchy red latex top and held it up to her chest. "Oh dear." Dropping it back into the box she lifted up the soft supple leather. Now it was her gulp that seemed to fill the room. "Uhm...Kate...I didn’t mean to insult you or anything. If you don’t like it...." She pushed the box off her lap and knelt before him. Capturing his face in her hands she lowered her lips to his. "I love it," she gasped when she finally came up for air. "I love that you see me that way -- sometimes," she blushed. "I know you know I’m smart, Clay. That’s what I’ve strived for my whole career." Tears brightened her eyes. "But to have you see me as sexy, and playful too...." He grasped her by the waist and lowered her to the soft rug. Ornaments tinkled as he positioned himself over her. He covered her with his body. He gently kissed her eliciting a long moan. "I love you, Kate Pike." "Oh Clay, I...damn," she cursed at the chirp of the phone. "Damn, damn, damn. Can’t you let it ring?" All playfulness was gone and he hoisted himself up. "I can’t Kate. It’s coming from my office." Even his glare couldn’t keep her from following him. He took a deep breath then picked up the phone. "Hello? Yeah....WHAT! ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND!....Can’t it wait? Its...oh shit...yeah, fine...whatever....Look George, somebody has to do it. It’s my department. I’ll do it. What time is the flight?" Kate’s heart sunk at the pain on his face. When he carefully replaced the receiver she whispered. "When?" "An hour." "Tell me this is a joke?" His tortured eyes met hers. "I’m sorry, Clay, that was wrong of me." She arranged her face and the reality of her involvement with him hit her in the stomach full force. "I’ll run and get dressed and drive you to the airport." "A car will be here in ten minutes." "Can I ride with you?" He walked up to her and held her tightly. "No baby, there will be people there to brief me. Kate, I’m sorry. I’ll try and call you when I can." "This is the way it’s going to be, isn’t it?" "Yeah." He closed his eyes. "Come with me upstairs?" She tried to keep the tears from her voice. "Sure." Kate watched him dress. He managed to wash his face, brush his teeth don the three-piece suit all in eight minutes. It wasn’t until he was tying his shoes that he told the floor, "I really would like you to stay here, Kate. But if you want to go back to Ellie’s...." "I don’t know, Clay. When -- if -- you call, I’ll let you know." "Kate, please." "I know, Clay. Damn, there’s the bell." He pulled a suitcase from out of the closet. "Already packed," he smiled ruefully. "I see," was her only comment. The bell rang again and she followed him down the stairs. Just as he reached for the doorknob she jerked him around and kissed him hard. "You come home to me, Clayton Webb." "Kate, I’ll explain later, but on this mission, please don’t worry about me. It’s a mess but not dangerous." "Yeah, okay." "Damn it Kate, I mean it." She bit her lips between her teeth and nodded. "I need you to do something, Kate." "Okay." "Can you deliver the gifts to Mac and Haley? I won’t ask you to deliver any of the others, but please." "Of course, Clay. Go." He opened the door and she wrapped the robe around her and followed him out to the stoop. A man stood at the curb holding open the door to the limo. He paused to turn and look at her, the misery so apparent on his face she couldn’t help herself. "I love you, Clayton Webb," she mouthed. She didn’t wait for him to close the door, but quickly returned to the suddenly cold interior of his richly warm town home. She had kept her word. Dressing at noon, she solemnly picked up the huge bear and the box marked "To Sarah, From Clay and Kate." She started to pick up the phone to call a cab, when the doorbell rang. Trudging to the door she opened and stared, mouth agape. "Mike? What are you doing here?" "Mr. Webb called me, ma’am. He said you would be making a couple of stops. Told me to pick you up and drive you." "But it’s Christmas, Mike. What about your family?" "Now don’t you worry none. We had our festivities this morning. ‘Sides Cecilia’s momma and sister came over." He pointedly shuddered. "Don’t you worry none at all. I’ll like this just fine." "Thank you, Mike." He hadn’t brought a stretch limo today. Instead it was a comfortable-looking Cadillac SUV. "Thought this might be better in the snow, Ma’am." She insisted upon sitting in front with him. "Please, Mike. I would really like to. Besides I want to hear all about you and your momma and your sister-in-law." Mike had kept her amused with the hilariously impossible antics of his in-laws. Just the descriptions of his mother-in-law’s hats were enough to momentarily ease the pain of Clay’s departure. When she got there, Mac had held her tightly as she cried. Together they ate popcorn, played with Haley and exchanged confidences. Mac finally told her about Haley not being Harm’s. It never occurred to Kate to probe to find out who the father was. At 1730, she left to return home to change for Ellie’s party. Mac insisted, "Clay would want you to go, Kate. Besides, you know you want to go." She hadn’t but had been pleasantly surprised when they had arrived. She told Mike to go home after he dropped her off. "My friend will pick me up later." Mac drove the Jeep Cherokee that she had willingly exchanged the Corvette for as soon as she discovered she was pregnant; Harm had the Volvo. The evening had been more pleasant than Kate had imagined it would be. The simple dinner had been catered. Many of the people there were from the Museum but she spent most of the evening with Mac and Porter. Haley just lay there in her infant seat, waving her arms and kicking her feet, much to the delight of the staid curators. And one not-so-staid one who, much to Haley’s delight, kept singing bars of "Friends in Low Places" to her. Mac began yawning at 2000 hours and Kate had been more than willing to go. They offered to drive Porter home and were surprised and pleased when she accepted. "This way I don’t have to have Harrison come pick me up." Porter sat in the front with Mac. Kate had Haley all to herself on the way back. She found herself softly caressing Haley’s cheek. "She’s so pretty, Mac." She breathed quietly. She happened to glance up and found herself under scrutiny from Porter. Quickly, she dropped her head. "He’ll be fine, Kate. He called me from the limo." "It was very, very hard wasn’t it, Mrs. Webb? Not just when your husband disappeared like that, but just always when he wasn’t home." "Please call me Porter, dear. And yes, it was very hard. But hopefully, if you let me, I can be there for you." "Me too, Kate." Mac met her eyes in the rearview mirror. Kate was overwhelmed. Here were two women, both with their own lives and troubles, offering to help her while her lover went away on a "business trip." She knew all too well how easily his "business" could get him killed. "Thanks." It sounded so inadequate. Thankfully it had been busy in the office on Thursday. She was supposed to have stayed away until the following morning, but looking around the townhouse she had decided that she didn’t want to be alone. It was a good thing she did, too. The acting JAG sighed in relief when he saw her and threw the Darnell case on her desk. "We need that cleared up as quickly as possible, Commander. When Rabb comes back you can give him the O’Brien case." "Aye-aye, sir." Cases didn’t get any uglier than the Christmas Day murder of Abbie Darnell. It had been brutal and bloody, almost as bad as Amy Li’s death had been. Marine Master Sergeant Darnell stood suspected of killing his wife. Unfortunately, the wife was Senator Chase’s only daughter. Hickory has assigned her to prosecute. Poor Bud had gotten defense. She spent long hours at the office on Thursday before dragging herself home to fall asleep, clutching his pillow. Early Friday morning she took an apologetic phone call from Rabb. "Hey, Kate, I can’t get an earlier flight out, I tried calling Webb, to see if he could call in another favor, but he’s not answering his cell phone. You got him tied up someplace?" Kate had rather sharply explained that Webb was out of the country and she had no idea when he would be back. "Oh man, Kate. I’m such a heel. I’m really sorry." "Don’t worry about it, Rabb," she’d snapped. "I won’t be in until late. I...uhm...I’ll take a cab back to my place." She could hear the angling of his voice. She had sighed. If she didn’t make the offer then she knew he would call Mac and she wanted to at least spare her friend that much. "What flight?" "Hey no, it’s okay. Really I’ll call a cab." "But Not Mac." It really hadn’t been a question. "Hey, no. Come on Kate. The flight doesn’t get in until 2300 hours." She heard the hesitation. "So, Clay’s out of town?" She didn’t say anything. "You want to have breakfast? You can fill me in on everything." That had been her first mistake. During their ride back to her place Christmas night, Mac had told her that one of the things that used to bother her about Rabb was that he never stopped talking. "He talks and talks but he NEVER LISTENS!" Man, she hadn't been exaggerating. Kate hadn't remembered him that way. At least not when they had been partners. Oh, he would talk about the case they were working on. But even that one weekend they had spent together after she had transferred out to JAG Pacific he had been very attentive to her needs. But damn, that certainly had changed. Saturday morning he had told her about his mother and Frank. That had been fine. She felt for him. Both her parents were dead so she could appreciate the pain he was going through. She had kind of zoned out though when he started talking about Meg Austin Powers. At first she had laughed out loud, but he had looked at her really funny until she had explained. "Oh, I never saw that movie." And then he proceeded to wax poetic on his former partner. "You know, I really think that I can come to terms with Mac wanting this." His sigh was almost pathetic. Kate really felt Mac was doing the right thing and felt a little sorry for Meg -- she’d liked the young computer wiz. He had taken her hand across the table. "You know when I see what you and Clay feel for each other...." She pulled her hand out of his grasp. "Thanks, Rabb. Uhm...I really need to get going. I have to get into the office." "Oh sure, hey, I’ll come with you." "Don’t you want to see Haley?" It was an obvious question and she didn’t want him to know that Mac had confided in her. "Yeah, but Mac and I are having dinner tonight. Hashing out the final details and everything. She told me this morning that she’s spending the day shopping with Mrs. Webb." He’d let her go, though, eventually saying something about needing to see Harriet and little AJ. Sunday morning, he had stopped by with a bracelet for her and a bottle of expensive scotch for Clay. She had rummaged through all the gift bags under the tree until she had found the one with his name on it. "Damn, this is as heavy as the...well, never mind," she blushed. She had no intention of telling Rabb about the passion fruit. "Oh wow. I’ve wanted this cookbook for a long time." "I uhm...didn’t realize that there were that many vegetarian recipes in the world." "Little you know," he’d snorted. It looked for a while like she was going to have to invite him to stay for lunch. Either that or kill him and hide the body. But, at 1132 hours the phone rang. "Hello?" "Hi." "Clay." Her voice caught and she looked quickly at Harm. But thankfully, even Harmon Rabb knew it was time to go. "Say hi for me," was his only comment before he bent down and kissed her hair. "Clay, are you okay?" "Oh yeah. It’s just a monumental cock up. I’m sure you’ve been seeing it on the news." "Oh my God. You’re part of that? I mean the...the...the...you know where you work is part of that mess?" "Honey, the phone you are on is secure. But thanks for not saying anything." "When do you think you might be home?" She bit her lip but he just sighed. "Don’t know yet." "Clay, I’m not going to that stupid party without you. Mac’s not going. I’m not going if you’re not there." A long drawn out sigh filtered through the earphone. "Okay, Kate. Whatever you decide. I’m really glad you decided to stay at the house." A long low chuckle escaped her. "Well, when else was I going to clean out your closest? You know you have a lot of stuff that looks like you haven’t worn it for a while. I think I’ll call Ellie and see if we can weed out some of that stuff. She can take it to that church she helps out at." She heard the panic in his voice. "Kate...some of those suits are pretty expensive. Promise me. You won’t throw anything away." She laughed even louder. "Well then I think you best hurry your sorry butt back home. No dawdling. I’m going to have to make a stop at ‘The Pleasure Palace’ and find me a replacement for you." She expected to hear him yell at her. "You like that idea, Commander Pike? Tell me what you would get?" She gasped at the implications and was just about ready to play along when she heard a heartfelt, "Shit. Fine. I’ll be right there. Sorry Kate gotta go. Did you mean it?" She didn’t have to ask. "Yes, Clay, I meant it. I love you. Damn you. I do love you." "Good. I love you too." Now, Monday, one day before New Years Eve, it seemed like all hell was breaking loose. Master Sergeant Darnell had been found hanging dead in his cell. AJ had returned Friday in a snit over something and had mercifully assigned Harm to represent JAG in the investigation into the Master Sergeant’s death. Harm wasn’t going to be able to meet with the NCIS detective until 1500 hours, hence his panther-like pacing around the office. Ellie had called her and told her to be sure and come by and pick up her costume, which was still hanging in the guest bedroom closet at her house. Plus she hadn’t slept well last night. Dreams -- both wet and nightmare -- kept her tossing and turning and either moaning or weeping into Clay’s pillow. Finally, she got up and found the plaid flannel robe he had worn Christmas morning and wrapped herself in it. She had eventually fallen asleep at 0330 hours. She took a break and went for a cup of coffee. She had just made another pot when she heard Wilkins’ voice. "Hey, have any of you guys seen, Commander Pike? She has an urgent overseas’ phone...." She stormed out of the coffee room. "Oh hi, Commander, you want it here?" He held up his phone. "Uhm...no. Give me a minute, then send it to me." "Commander?" She heard the Admiral’s voice, but hurried away without thinking. "Did she just ignore me?" AJ stared at her retreating back. Harriet tried to soothe their CO. "Oh sir, I’m sure she didn’t mean to. Wilkins!" she snapped and pointed to the phone on his desk. "Oh yeah, sorry Lieutenant." AJ’s new clerk had just started to pick up the phone to transfer the call when a highly indignant voice floated through the bullpen. "WILKINS!" "Jeeze. Sorreeeeee," the young man huffed petulantly. AJ finally understood, snorted and stomped back into his office. "When she gets off the phone with Mr. Webb, kindly have the Commander come in and see me." "Aye-aye sir." :: :: ::
"Clay?" "Hi beautiful." "I heard that things are getting settled over there," she sighed wistfully. "Yeah, I’m trying to get a flight out." <<<Yes!>>> "Can’t you call in a favor?" His laugh was tired. "Not too many people in Tajikistan owe me any favors, Kate. But the Army is trying to fly me out. I should be home some time late tonight or early tomorrow morning. Don’t wait up for me Kate. But I’m really going to be glad that you’ll be there when I wake up." "Me too, sweetheart. But please." Her voice turned husky for a moment. "I’ve been such a good girl all week." Then went back to normal when she remembered. "Well except for the fact that I just completely ignored the Admiral when he was talking to me just now. Please call me when you get to the airport. I won’t come out to pick you up, but I want to know when you land." "All right, Kate. If that’s what you want." :: :: ::
30 December 2002 "Harriet?" She almost kept walking. She didn’t have time for this. But she knew that Commander Harmon Rabb, despite his being a royal pain in the butt lately, was a senior officer and therefore worthy of her respect. <<<Pain in the butt is right.>>> Now, now, she told herself. He’s had three days to calm down. Maybe he’s feeling more reasonable today. <<<And maybe pigs will fly out the Admiral’s six.>>> She was just so frustrated after what he’d told her on Saturday. He’d come over shortly after Bud had left to pick up their costumes at Fords’. Bud had been so pleased to be picked to portray Lancelot -- he and Commander Sturgis had been working for more than a year on his weight, and her husband was downright buff -- and Harriet had gotten plenty of mileage out of "her Lancelot" ever since they received the invitations. Harriet had been about to take little AJ out to the park when the Commander had arrived. Her son had been more than pleased, though, to go play with his "Bobby Brumble Box" while the two adults talked. She’d had a moment of panic when he mentioned that Haley wasn’t his, but he apparently didn’t know about Gunny, much less that he was in town. That part of the conversation had been fine, though. What upset her the most was when told her that he’d known all along. Well, not exactly that. But he did know about the fact that she’d been with someone. That it had made him crazy. That it had made him scared all over again that he was going to lose his best friend to some guy. But that hadn’t been the worst part. No, the worst part was that he was glad the condom had broken and that he’d hoped like hell that she would end up pregnant. That she would be forever tied to him by their child. <<<Too much information, Commander Rabb!>>> He then proceeded to rail at Mac, her baby’s father, and God and the universe in general. Harriet had let him rant, happy that her son was ensconced in his bedroom and therefore out of earshot. But she’d drawn the line at his first "fuck" and told him that he’d better calm down or he’d have to leave. He’d calmed, but he’d also left. Harriet let out a sigh, plastered a smile on her face, and turned to face him. "Yes sir." "Got a minute?" <<<No!>>> "Sure, Commander." She entered his office and stood in front of his desk. "I just wanted to thank you for being there for me on Saturday when I came by. I really appreciated your listening to me." He sounded so sincere that her smile turned genuine. "You’re a friend. You needed a friend." "Thanks. And anyway, I just wanted to let you know that I’m really trying to get my anger under control." "It’s going to take time, Commander." "Tell me about it. After having another blowup with Mac Saturday night about...well, never mind...but I tried to make it up to her last night and that ended badly as well. Not as bad as Saturday, but bad enough." "Sir. Harm. If I might make a suggestion?" <<<Heck, if this works, my number one problem is solved.>>> "Please do, Harriet." "Do something for her." "Huh? I...." She cut him off quickly before he actually thought of something. "Sometimes when angry, the best way to get over it is to do something nice. And I know just the thing!" Harm was skeptical, but willing to listen. "What’s that?" "Mac’s trusts very few people with Haley. In fact, I think you’re the only person she’s willingly left Haley with for more than an hour." Harm felt a smile coming on, realizing the truth of her statement. <<<Hey, maybe there’s something to this after all.>>> "What did you have in mind?" "Mac hasn’t been out and about and among adults without Haley since before she was born. And the only time she’s been without Haley since then is when you’ve taken her so she can go shopping. And you can hardly count that as being out among adults." Harm was starting to feel like a heel again. He should have realized this a long time ago. "And so you want me to offer to babysit?" "Yes. What are you doing for New Year’s Eve?" He had no plans. Maybe to call Meg and destroy his phone bill. "Mac and I had tickets to that ball, but we’re not going now." "Why don’t you talk her into going? Bud and I will be there, so we’ll be sure to keep an eye on her. Oh, but Mac mentioned she didn’t know where the tickets were...." "That’s because I have them." He opened up his center desk drawer and rummaged until he found the envelope. "So you think I should pick up her costume and convince her to go by offering to babysit?" <<<I’m impressed -- the man got a clue!>>> "Oh, would you? Tell her Bud and I will be happy to pick her up, and we’ll run by your place afterward so she can pick up Haley since she’ll probably be more than ready to eat by then." "You’re a gem, Harriet!" "Tell Mac I’ll give her a call tomorrow to find out what time to pick her up. We can swing by to drop off Haley...." "Don’t worry about dropping off Haley Marie. I’ll pick her up around 1900 hours so that Mac can have some time to get ready in peace. Just pick her up at 2030 -- that way you’ll have plenty of time to get to the party by 2100." "Thanks, Commander. This will be so good for her." <<<Son-of-a-gun! Problem solved.>>> "No, thank you, Harriet. This is gonna be great. I haven’t spent time with Haley Marie in ages. I really appreciate your thinking of this." Home :: JAG Index :: e-mail Paula :: e-mail TheLadyT |