Part 1A
by Paula B and CJ
18 September 2002
Alexandria, Virginia
The Boardroom of Federal Finance Savings and Loan
1100 hours
Cordelia worked with the molding hooks and fishing wire trying to manipulate them so that the three paintings would hang evenly in the boardroom at the Federal Finance Savings and Loan headquarters. The bank had cosponsored a competitive exhibit with the university and it was her job to showcase the winners at both locations. She hated using molding hooks. «The hooks aren't so bad. It's the damned wire. I swear to god, every time I get all six hooks even, when I hang the paintings, the wire stretches. If it stretched evenly, it would be fine, but it doesn't. And the bank doesn't want a nail hole in their wall. So be it. But it may have a hole big enough for scissors to go through in a few minutes.» She fumed and fretted, finally positioning all three parts of the triptych at the same height. She stood eyeing them, waiting for one of the wires to sag and throw the whole alignment off, when her cell phone rang.
A glance at the screen told Cordelia it was Clayton Webb. She picked up the phone, answering with a cheerful, "Hello."
"Cordelia, this is Clay. It's been a while since we went to the races and Tom Martin just invited me to see his horse run at Keeneland in the fall meet. He asked about you, and I thought you and AJ might like to come. When was the last time you went to the track? Would you like to go?" Clayton Webb sounded excited. He loved the races and it had been some time since he'd found the time to visit the track himself. «Wonder how Sarah feels about racing?»
"It has been a long time since I went to the track. It's been almost five years since I've even thought about having time for the races. I'd love to go. When is Keeneland's fall meet this year?" Cordelia asked.
"It opens Friday, October fourth. Tom invited us to a luncheon in the Kentucky Room that night and to join him in the Phoenix Room for lunch on Sunday. I thought we could fly down on Thursday and come back on Sunday night, maybe even Monday morning. What do you say?" Clay waited for her to answer.
"I'd love to," Cordelia paused. "Let me talk to AJ. I need to see if he can take off on such short notice."
Clay smiled. "Let me know as soon as you find out, and I'll get in touch with Tom. He's already there so his horses will be acclimated when the meet starts."
"I'll call AJ now. Tiner knows his schedule two weeks out better than he does anyway, unless there's something important on it." Cordelia laughed, "And as long as he's not asking for another three-week leave, I imagine he can swing it. I know I'd look forward to a long weekend. With Sam around, we don’t have to worry too much about the kids. As soon as I know something, I'll give you a call."
Cordelia hung up the phone then stared across the room at the wall. The three paintings hung level. She glanced around the room and smiled. "I'm finished here." She collected her supplies of molding hooks, fishing line, and scissors, dropped them into a bag, grabbed her purse and left. «I think I'll stop by the office and ask AJ in person.»
18 September 2002
Falls Church, Virginia
JAG Ops
1130 hours
At JAG Ops, Cordelia slipped through the bullpen into Tiner's office. "Is he in?" she asked.
Tiner nodded vigorously. "Yes, ma'am." Tiner eyed her carefully, looking for any odd gifts she might be carrying. «She leaves him the strangest things, but those little gifts always seem to lift Admiral Chegwidden's spirits. They make the day go better for the rest of us.» He didn't spy anything other than her purse in her hands and quickly buzzed the Admiral on the intercom, "Sir, Ms. Chegwidden is here to see you."
"Well, send her in, Tiner," AJ barked.
Tiner didn't mind. He knew the Admiral would be in a better mood all day after a visit from his wife. Before he could stand to open the door for Cordelia, she waved him back.
"I can get the door," Cordelia assured him as she reached for the knob. AJ stood and walked across the office to meet her as she closed the door behind her.
"I thought you were hanging an exhibit in Alexandria?" he asked.
Cordelia smiled. "I finished it. Of course, I may go back tomorrow and find it all hanging at different levels. I hate molding hooks," she gritted out just before he kissed her.
"If molding hooks are what bring you here, then I love 'em," AJ laughed and ran his fingers through her hair, splaying the loose curls over her shoulders.
"If you only knew how impossible they are," Cordelia grinned.
AJ gave her a sympathetic look. "Perhaps if I took you out to lunch it would make you feel better?"
"I think that might work. In fact, I was hoping you'd come to that conclusion." Cordelia ran her hands over his head, bringing them together behind his neck, and kissed him again.
"I need to wrap up a few things here and make one phone call, then we can leave," AJ said.
"Perfect. I need to check with Tiner about a couple of days on your schedule," Cordelia was already heading out the door. "If there's something there that can be changed, do you mind if I ask him to clear a couple of days?"
"What did you have in mind?" AJ gave her a curious glance.
"A little trip, " Cordelia said. "Just a long weekend."
"Sure. He'll know if it's something that can't be changed," AJ nodded as he spoke.
Cordelia slipped through the door. She spied Tiner at his desk and asked, "Does AJ have anything important scheduled on October third, fourth or seventh? Anything so important it can't be changed?"
Tiner glanced at the Admiral's calendar. "He has a meeting with the SecNav on that Thursday, ma'am. I can see if I can have it moved up to Wednesday or pushed back until Tuesday."
"Can you check and let me know when we get back from lunch?" Cordelia grinned.
"Sure thing, ma'am," Tiner nodded and reached for the phone. "I'll call now."
Cordelia stepped into the bullpen, where she saw Rabb. "Commander, who made the coffee?"
"Mac did, ma'am," he answered.
"Good. I think I'll have some." She followed Harm into the kitchen, where he poured two cups of coffee.
Harm handed her one of the cups, then gave her several packs of sugar and a tub of cream. "If I remember correctly, ma'am, you take cream and sugar?"
"That's right, Commander. Thank you." Cordelia took the coffee and stirred in the sugar and cream.
"How are the babies, ma'am?" Harm asked.
"They are growing like weeds. They may be taller than I am when I get home tonight," she laughed and took a sip of coffee.
"They get along with Master Chief Ryan?" Harm grinned.
Cordelia nodded. "They adore him. I don't know what we'd do without him. He loves the garage apartment at the Kellers. Having it open up so nearby was wonderful. Sam still has some privacy; I'm sure he's glad to get away from us. But he's near enough to walk over if he had to."
"Seems kind of odd, having a former SEAL as a babysitter," Harm shook his head.
"Don't say that around AJ!" Cordelia's eyes grew large.
"Don't say what around me?" AJ growled as he joined them in the kitchen.
"The Commander obviously hasn't spent much time around children. He seems to think that taking care of twins underutilizes Sam's skills. He has no idea what hazardous duty twins can be," Cordelia teased.
AJ nodded, "I like the idea of him being around, Rabb. And the funny thing is, he has Cordelia wrapped around his little finger. He can give her the same safety tip I do and she listens to him. But when I tell her --"
"When you tell me, you're a worrywart. He gives objective advice," Cordelia smiled sweetly and took AJ's arm. "Thank you for the coffee, Commander. Now about lunch. What did you have in mind?" she asked AJ as she led him out of the kitchen.
Tiner met them at the door. "Those dates are clear, ma'am. The SecNav says a Wednesday meeting suits him better, anyway." He turned to AJ, "This way you can meet with the SecNav before you leave and get it over with, sir. I can fill out the appropriate leave forms and have them ready for you to sign when you get back from lunch." He glanced back at Cordelia, "Ma'am, is there anything else I can do to help? I'd be glad to handle travel arrangements if you'd like."
"I can take care of that, Tiner. Right now I'm not sure how many people are going. I need to check on a few other things, too." Cordelia beamed.
AJ could tell she was happy. «Wonder where we're going?» He followed Cordelia to the truck and opened the door for her, then circled the vehicle and climbed in the driver's side. "Where to?" AJ asked.
"Well, there's Chen's. We could get takeout and check into the Watergate for lunch," Cordelia grinned. "I could check in while you pick up lunch. If we call it in on the way, I'll bet it would be ready when you walk in the door."
"You are evil," AJ laughed. "Call if you want."
Cordelia dialed the number and ordered lemon chicken, General Tso's chicken, white rice, pot stickers and egg rolls.
AJ listened to the litany of food. "You must be hungry."
"I'm planning on working up an appetite," Cordelia teased. "I'll pick up something to drink in the gift shop after I check us in. I'll call you from the room to let you know where to go. We can drop the car in valet parking."
"You know, someone is liable to try to figure out what kind of illicit tryst we're having," AJ raised his eyebrows.
"Shall I check in under an assumed name to really give anyone who might notice something to wonder about? I'm sure there's a cash machine nearby," Cordelia said.
AJ gave her a questioning look. "If I didn't know better, I'd be worried at your expertise."
"I am a woman of many hidden talents, my love," Cordelia whispered, leaning into him as she spoke.
Her breath was hot against his ear. "Those hidden talents are going to get me yet." With one hand, AJ gripped her wrist, bringing her palm to his lips and kissing each of her fingers slowly. When he pulled into the valet area at the Watergate, he growled, "I'll pick up where I left off in just a few minutes."
The valet took the keys from AJ and asked if they needed help with any bags. Before AJ could answer, Cordelia said, "We have everything under control."
AJ headed for the mall entrance to Chen's. Cordelia spied a cash machine and withdrew the maximum amount on two cards, then stopped by the gift shop for some bottled water before making her way to the front desk. In just a few moments, she was on her way to a room overlooking the Potomac.
Inside, she called AJ while she took off her clothes. She was torn between surprising him at the door by answering it naked and teasing him as she disrobed by describing her every movement over the phone. When she learned he was already waiting at the elevator, she opted for surprising him.
Reaching the room, AJ knocked on the door, glancing sheepishly as a couple of conference attendees strolling the corridor.
Cordelia opened the door and peeped out as she exposed one bare leg. "You're overdressed, Sailor," she grinned. The men in business suits coughed and scurried down the hall as she shut the door behind AJ.
The room had two beds, and Cordelia took the food from AJ's arms and spread it over one of them. She opened the containers and dipped her fingers into the lemon chicken, pulling up a slice of white meat, dropping it in her mouth and chewing slowly and licking her fingers. With her other hand, she rubbed her sex, her hips swaying with the rhythm of her own caress. She watched AJ undress. When he was naked, she grabbed the container, pushed him back on the bed and straddled him, swinging her hair behind her shoulder.
"Which appetite needs filling most?" Cordelia growled in a low voice. AJ remained speechless as she placed the container of food near his head and pressed both forefingers into his mouth. He sucked greedily at both of them, tasting the tart lemon mixed with Cori's juices. She wriggled above him, teasing his cock by letting the tip slip inside her. She reached for the chicken, holding a slice just over his mouth. "Which are you hungry for? Me? Or lemon chicken? Or do you want both?" she asked as she lowered herself over him, locking him in place with her muscles. She let the chicken fall into his mouth.
With one hand brace on his chest, she used the other to pick out pieces of chicken as her hips rose and fell over his shaft. Occasionally, she would take a bite of chicken, licking her fingers theatrically. She might bite into a piece of General Tso's chicken and place the rest in his mouth or feed him a slice of carrot in the hot sauce. Sometimes she let AJ lick her fingers. They finished the chicken, and Cordelia increased the rhythm of each thrust, taking him deeper each time, rubbing her clit against his flesh until finally, freed from the distraction of eating, he exploded inside her.
AJ lay on the bed staring at her. "That's a new way to eat Chinese food."
"You like?" Cordelia said sweetly. "We can try it again sometime. Of course, we still have the egg rolls and the pot stickers. And all that rice." She reached for the hot mustard and the sweet and sour sauce, opening the packages and mixing them together on his chest. She took an egg roll and dipped it in the mixture, then took a bite. She dipped it again, and the next bite was his. Alternating bites, they finished the egg rolls and Cordelia opened the sauce on the pot stickers. She tore one of the dumplings in half, held it near AJ's mouth, and poured a tiny bit of the sauce over her breast, letting it roll off into the dumpling. Then she popped it in his mouth. She dipped the other half of the dumpling in the sauce and ate it herself. She poured the sauce off her other breast with the next dumpling, and they made quick work of the pot stickers.
AJ shifted, moving so that he could reach Cordelia's breasts with his mouth, and licked the remaining sauce off her skin. Cordelia reached for a fortune cookie. The wrapper crinkled as she opened it. "Yours or mine?" she asked.
"Ours," AJ grinned.
Cordelia broke the cookie, placing half of it in AJ's mouth, and read, "You accomplish all that you set out to do."
"While in bed?" AJ chuckled.
Kissing him first, Cordelia laughed, "Most definitely. And on the floor, and in the shower, and on the beach, and on a boat. Anywhere."
"What does the other one say?" AJ asked.
Cordelia reached for the other cookie and peeled the wrapper off. AJ reached for her hands and broke the cookie, this time feeding her half before popping the remainder into his mouth. He unfolded the slip of paper and read the fortune, "Exciting things always happen to you."
"While in bed," Cordelia said emphatically, nodding her head.
"We have just enough time for a shower," he said. Cordelia grinned as he carried her into the bathroom. He draped her over his knee and leaned her back against one arm while he turned on the water and measured the temperature with his other arm. He pulled her with him under the water and she leaned against him, shifting so she could wrap her legs around his hips. She kissed him then leaned back and let the water splash over her face and onto his chest. Reaching behind her, she found the soap. She brought it behind his head and ripped open the package, then began to suds his chest, removing the last of the hot mustard and sweet and sour sauce. She let her legs fall to his sides and stood as she rinsed the soap off his body.
Turning her in his arms, AJ took the soap and ran it over her back, then over her stomach and breasts. He placed the soap on the ledge and used his hands to run the lather all over Cordelia's body. Her body undulating to his touch, Cordelia gasped. The water rippled over her body and AJ kissed her shoulders and entered her from behind. She reached for the wall of the shower as his hands slipped under her arms. With one hand he began to stroke her breasts and with the other, he searched for her clit. When he found it, he began to rub gently, worrying her nub until he could feel the tremors of her body. She began with a slow moan and as the volume increased, she moved harder and faster over AJ's cock. He squeezed her nub between his thumb and forefinger and they climaxed together with a loud cry. She leaned against him, gasping and he lifted her out of the shower and wrapped her in a towel.
AJ dried Cordelia gently then dried himself. They dressed quickly and AJ tossed the food containers into the trash. Cordelia braided her hair, tucking the plait underneath itself to hold it up. They each took an unopened bottle of water as they left the room.
"I'll call them and have an automatic checkout so we aren't so obvious," Cordelia grinned as the elevator reached the lobby.
"If you'd prefer to be a complete exhibitionist, you can check out while we wait for the valet to bring the car around. It will leave them talking." AJ teased and looked for the valet.
Cordelia rolled her eyes and promptly sauntered over to the registration desk to check out. She saw AJ watching her as he waited for the truck and winked at him.
The clerk gave her a printed sheet of the room and tax charges and said, "Come again, ma'am."
With an innocent look and a sarcastic grin, Cordelia enthusiastically said, "Oh, we will." The clerk coughed and blushed.
AJ heard the exchange and laughed under his breath. «She is incorrigible. And I love her.»
Cordelia joined him as the valet arrived with the truck. AJ walked Cordelia to the passenger side, then met the valet at the driver's door and took the keys. He climbed into the driver's seat and began the trip back to JAG Ops.
"I feel so wicked. Absolutely deliciously wicked," Cordelia laughed. Her cheeks were flushed.
"Deliciously wicked is the most appropriate way I can think of to describe today's lunch. I'm glad you decided to stop by." AJ looked at Cordelia appreciatively. "Why did you stop by? There's some trip we're taking? Where are we going?"
"Clay called this morning. An old friend has a thoroughbred racing at Keeneland and invited us to join him for the opening of the fall meet. It's been a long time since I've been to Keeneland, and I really enjoy it. Have you ever been to the races, AJ?" Cordelia asked.
"I've been to the track in Maryland and New York, but never Kentucky. It's pretty landlocked, Darlin'," AJ smiled nervously. A question was forming in his mind. «Does this mean we're taking a vacation with Clayton Webb?» Suddenly AJ wasn't looking forward to this trip quite as much. "How long has it been since you were there?"
Cordelia was quiet for a moment then said, "The last time we went was before Braxton found out about the tumor. He and Clay had a tradition of going each year to either the spring or fall meet at Keeneland. Or both meets, if they could."
«Great. Not only will I be spending a long weekend with Clayton Webb, I will be sitting in on Braxton's role. This is looking less and less appealing.» AJ wore a false smile, but Cordelia was so happy, she didn't seem to notice. «She's so excited about it. I guess I can suck it up. I wonder what is in Kentucky besides horses, Fort Knox, and bourbon? Although I may be glad for the bourbon before the weekend's over.»
When they reached JAG Ops, AJ walked Cordelia to her truck and kissed her good-bye. "I'll call Clay and start making travel arrangements. I'll bet he's asked Mac by now, too." Cordelia was planning out loud.
"When are we going?" AJ asked. «At least I can plan for it.»
"We'll be leaving Thursday, October third. We'll either come home Sunday night or Monday morning," Cordelia gave him the dates. "Tiner has the dates. He said he was filling out the paperwork. He probably has it done by now and ready for your signature."
"He probably does," AJ echoed, trying to hide his lack of enthusiasm. He watched Cordelia climb in her car and drive away. Then he slowly walked into the building.
When AJ entered the bullpen, Tiner called, "Admiral on deck." Everyone stood at attention.
AJ didn't seem to notice at first, then it dawned on him and he shook his head and said, "As you were."
"Everything OK, sir?" Mac asked.
"It's just fine, Colonel. Has Webb called you yet?" AJ growled.
Mac frowned, "About what, sir?"
"Going to the races. Do-dah, do-dah day," AJ shook his head.
"The races, sir?" Mac repeated.
Harm mouthed, "Do-dah, do-dah day?" to Sturgis, who shrugged.
"Seems like Clay and Braxton and Cordelia had a tradition of visiting Kentucky for the races and Cori and Clay have decided it's time to renew that tradition. We're going to be spending the first weekend of October there," AJ explained.
"The first weekend of October, sir?" Turner jumped into the conversation. "What part of the state will you be in? Anywhere near a town called Perryville?"
"I have no idea. I think the t racks are in Lexington and Louisville. I don't know anything about Perryville," AJ said.
"Perryville is the site of the largest Civil War battle in the state and one of the bloodiest battles of the war. It was actually fairly important for several reasons. The Confederacy won the battle, but couldn't sustain control and retreated, leaving the Union firmly in charge of the state. It allowed a base of operations for the Union Army to venture into the south. It was the battle that led Abraham Lincoln to say, 'I hope to have God on my side, but I must have Kentucky,'" Sturgis explained. "They host a battle reenactment, and this year, it's the only National Civil War Reenactment. It's supposed to be huge, the largest ever held in Kentucky. More than five-thousand re-enactors are supposed to be there."
AJ stared at Sturgis. "I had forgotten that you were a Civil War buff, Commander. You say this re-enactment is supposed to be a big deal?"
Sturgis nodded, "There are plenty of reenactments each year. Only the major ones make the national calendar. This year's national calendar has only one battle: Perryille. This one's interesting, too -- the Confederacy had two armies trying to join together and the Union wanted, of course, to keep them apart. At first there was only one Union battalion trying to defend a major Union supply base. But then the reinforcements started showing up for both the north and the south. It was huge. There were forty-thousand men and more than seventy-five-hundred casualties."
"Can you get me some information on this battle, Commander? It might be interesting. Perhaps I can talk Cordelia into one day away from the track." AJ grinned. «A battle reenactment. It might not be such a bad trip after all.»
Mac glared at Sturgis. "A battle reenactment?" she mouthed as AJ headed into his office. "Thanks, Sturgis."
18 September 2002
Falls Church, Virginia
JAG Ops
1800 hours
Mac stood at the window of her office, fuming. It wasn’t that he was late. His secretary had called her three hours ago and told her that he would be busy until after six. She had told Marie she didn’t mind. "Tell him to pick me up at work. I’ve got some work I have to finish anyway." Of course, that had been before the Admiral’s do-dah, do-dah day.
She was miffed. Miffed that he was late, miffed that he had asked Cordelia and AJ before he had asked her, miffed because the wedding was just two months away and «Why did he ask Cori first? I’m the damn fiancée. Doesn’t he understand how uncomfortable this makes me? Vacationing with my CO!»
"Hey." The soft whisper caused her to jump. "Oh, sweetheart, I’m sorry." His arm snaked around her waist and his lips nuzzled her neck. "I didn’t mean to scare you."
She stiffened and pulled away from him.
"Mac?"
"Sorry, you just startled me." She sniffed, but didn’t move back into his arms.
"Hey? What’s wrong?" he whispered. He made no move to reach out for her again. He had come to understand that when she was pissed, he had better figure out why before he tried to make it better.
"You got something to ask me, Clay?" she returned his whisper. The lights from the parking lot cast her face in hard shadows.
He sighed. "No games, Sarah. What’s wrong?"
"Wrong, Mr. Webb?" She turned to face him. "I understand we are going on vacation."
"Oh. What, did Cori call you?"
"No. The Admiral advised me we were going to the races."
"Ah. I see. Well, you see…"
"Clay! How could you! He’s my boss. There are rules! And why the hell did I have to hear it from him. Why didn’t you call me first! Damn it! What was I supposed to say? And while we’re on it, I hope to hell you like Civil War reenactments."
"Whoa!" Clay took a step backwards, holding up his hands in a defensive posture. "Mac, slow down." He ran his fingers through his hair and sighed. Flopping down on her desk chair he glared up at her. "I called Cori first because…because it’s something that she and Braxton and I used to do before Braxton got sick. I really like to go but I haven’t had a chance in recent years. An old friend of Braxton's and mine called and asked me. He asked about Cori and suggested that she might enjoy it. I wanted to ask her first before committing because I didn’t know how she would feel about it." He leaned back and studied the beautiful Marine glaring down at him. He would do anything for her and she was coming to realize that. Other than taking a page from AJ and insisting that he plan the honeymoon, Clay had acquiesced to her desire for a smaller wedding at the Naval Academy with Reverend Turner presiding, instead of the wedding he had envisioned at the National Cathedral. He had done the whole dutiful fiancé thing, letting Mac, Harriet and his mother plan the wedding. When she asked his opinion he hesitantly gave it. She usually picked where they went to dinner and all that was fine. She was in his bed and in his heart. But now he decided that she needed to know that she had him where she wanted him because that’s where he wanted to be. Standing up he approached her. She took a step back, but he reached out and took her by the shoulders.
"After she told me she was excited about it and would ask AJ, I picked up the phone to call you. I had just reached Tiner when Casey rushed in with an emergency. It seems that Diaz Escobar decided to try and negotiate the release of his brother, who was in a Peruvian prison, by kidnapping the Ambassador’s wife. We caught a break, Mac, or I wouldn’t be here now. I’d be on a flight out of the country. My job – your job – is more important sometimes than minor details. And this is a minor detail. Now tell me why you are really upset. This is something you should be teasing me about, not be really angry over."
"Clay. It isn’t so much you asking Cori first. I understand now why you did. Were you even going to ask me?"
"Mac. I was going to ask you six hours ago. Look…" He released her and turned away. "Look, I would really like to go to this race if everything works out. I don’t plan too many things like this, but if you really don’t like the idea then we won’t go."
She bit her lip and cursed herself. «There is no reason for us to be fighting about this. I should have figured out a way to just discuss it without attacking him before finding out what was going on.» Taking a deep breath she reached out and touched his shoulder. "Clay. It’s a lot of stuff. I don’t mind going away for a weekend with you. You know that. We’ve had some great weekends. And I’m sure the honeymoon you’ve planned will rival Portugal. I never knew you could be as competitive as this." She kissed his ear. "I just feel funny about going on a trip with my boss and his wife."
"Mac, honey." He turned and took her in his arms. "I’m not paying for AJ’s trip, and he’s not paying for yours. Two couples who work together are going away for four days." He smiled into her eyes. "Think of it as team building. You are helping me build a working relationship with someone that I need to work with." He rubbed his nose against hers. "Maybe this weekend will help him to see me as a human being and not a punching bag."
She slapped at him. "Idiot." She grew serious. "Clay, it’s just hard for me. He didn’t seem to think it was any big deal. I just don’t want people to think that I got where I am…"
"Mac. You’ve been his chief of staff for two years. Your record speaks for itself. If it makes you feel better, we don’t even have to stay at the same hotel. You and Cori work it out - if you want to go. If you don’t like horse racing then…"
"Stop it." She ran her lips over his. "I’ll call Cordelia. Just so you understand."
"I’m sorry you heard about if from AJ." He traced the whirl of her ear with his tongue causing a moan to flow up from her throat.
"So did you get the Ambassador’s wife back?" she managed.
As her hand trailed down from his neck, along his spine toward his hips, she moved closer, which made thinking, let along talking, suddenly harder. "Hmmmm. What? Oh, yeah. A Marine coming in for orders saw it go down, followed them, pulled her out of the get-away car and killed Escobar."
She nibbled on his chin. "Good for him. So how’s the weekend looking for you, Mr. Deputy Director?"
"Oh much better now." He lips captured hers and her mouth opened to him. Their tongues danced together and their caresses became rougher and more demanding. Pulling back he gasped. "Come on, let’s go home."
She stepped away from him and looked out into the bullpen. Everyone had gone home on time for a change. Shutting the door and locking it she turned back to him, a wicked grin on her face. "You know, we’re all alone up here. I’ve always had this fantasy, Clay."
He gulped. "You have, huh." He licked his lips and looked around the tiny cramped office. "I don’t supposed you’ve ever had a fantasy about doing it in AJ’s office. It’s bigger."
She laughed softly. Shedding her jacket, she hung it from the coat tree in the corner. "We’re fine right here."
He nodded and took a deep breath. "You’re sure we’re alone. What about the guard?" His voice was already getting a little ragged when her lacy bra appeared as she quickly shed her blouse.
"You’re falling behind here, Clay," she purred. Turning away from him. She hung up the blouse and quickly unzipped her skirt, tugging it over her hips. By the time she turned around, wearing only her panties and bra she found him standing there in his underwear. "Heavens, you spies work quickly." She glided up to him but he held her by the shoulders.
Looking around he considered the possibilities. "Chair’s too small, not enough space on the floor. It will take hours to clear a spot on your desk." He studied the partitioned walls then turned to the window. The sill, while wide was covered in books and papers.
"Clay?" She finally saw what he saw and pouted. "Damn. I guess…"
"Oh, no you don’t. Come here." Quickly he stacked the paraphernalia from the windowsill on the floor. "I just hope the guard in the shack down there doesn’t have night vision goggles." He stepped around her and turned off the lights before raising the blinds. Taking her hand he pulled her to him. "Where next, Sarah? The front seat of your Corvette?"
His lips on hers muffled her response. He quickly divested her of her bra and his hands caressed down her back until they met the waistband of her panties. Her hands were equally busy. Kneading the muscles of his back, tickling along his ribcage. Leaning against the windowsill, he tugged until the lacy nothings tore away from her. "I’ll buy you ten more pair tomorrow," he sighed before lowering his lips to the tops of her breasts.
She leaned back, offering herself up to him. He held her by the waist, nipping and licking her nipples until they were fully erect. "Oh yes, Clay. Just like that." She urged him on, running her fingers through his hair. "So good." He pulled her closer, dropping one hand to move her knee up to the sill on one side of him. Holding onto his shoulders, she lifted the other one. Instead of sinking down on him though, she arched higher and his lips continued to pleasure her. He held her tightly as his tongue parted her labia finding her clitoris. Whimpering, she held on as best she could as his tongue lapped her folds. She bit her lip to keep from crying out as her orgasm shook her. As he pulled her back into his embrace she ground her soaking pussy against his erection, which was straining against the tight briefs holding it prisoner. They embraced, Mac resting her head on top of his, Clay nuzzling the valley between her breasts.
Finally, catching her breath she eased off of him, standing between his thighs. Stepping back she pulled at the barrier between them. "Off. Now." He lifted slightly and she pulled the underwear down and off him. He reached for her, but she slapped his hand away. "Lean back," she commanded as she gently pushed him against the windowpane.
"Hey. That’s cold," he muttered, but didn’t fight her. He met her kiss, letting her taste herself on his lips. She licked him clean and then began trailing kisses down his neck. She nibbled his flat nipples until they were as hard as hers. Her hands rubbed down his torso until they found their prize. Grasping his cock in one hand and his tightening balls in the other she stared into his eyes as she drove him closer and closer to ecstasy. "Mac." He groaned into her mouth.
"What?"
"Please baby. I need to be inside you."
"You think so, huh? Maybe later." She grinned and then sank to her knees. The sill was high enough that she had to stretch to reach him, but she captured his cock between her lips and slowly sucked him deep into her throat. The angle was almost perfect and Webb gasped as she swallowed him.
"Oh God! Sarah!" he cried out as she began to milk him dry. All he could do was hold onto the sill as she deftly worked every last drop from him. When he was done he was completely oblivious to the cold against his back. He finally reached up and caressed her hair. "Oh baby. Jesus, make up sex with you is the very best. Can we go home now?"
"Don’t think so, Mr. Webb." She pulled back and then began a new assault on his cock. Kissing, licking and moving her mouth over his flaccid member, she slowly brought him back.
"I can’t believe you can do this to me, Sarah." He pulled her up by her shoulders and hungrily captured her mouth in his. Pushing her away from him, he stood and turned her around until she was leaning forward over the sill, bracing her weight on her hands. "Watch the guard shack, Mac. Imagine him watching me do this to you." Clay demanded as he plunged deep inside her. "So hot. So wonderful." He stood behind her, not moving, just revelling in the incredible sensations of her surrounding him. Leaning forward he kissed her back.
"Clay," she pouted. "Please."
"God, I love to hear you beg. Beg me, Sarah."
Mac ground against him, and began to whimper. "Please Clay. Fuck me. Touch me. Harder, Clay. Please, please, please, Clay. Yes!"
Her entreaties drove him on and he was pounding into her, holding her hips so tight he knew tiny little bruises would have to be kissed away tomorrow.
She felt the incredible burning begin as one hand released her hip and reached around to find her swollen nubbin. Arching back, turning her head, she found him so tight against her than their lips joined briefly as they both climaxed within seconds of each other.
Falling forward she finally noticed the guard shack and was thankful that it had begun to rain.
23 September 2002
McLean, Virginia
Home of AJ and Cordelia Chegwidden
1830 hours
AJ stared at the flyers and computer printouts Sturgis had given him. The battle sounded like it was a strategic challenge; ten Confederate Armies had come together to fight six Union Armies, all arriving from different directions and converging on the tiny town of Perryville and ending in extraordinary loss of life. A pyrrhic victory for the south and a technical loss for the north, there were no clear winners in the battle. The primary Generals involved had been Don Carlos Buell for the north and E. Kirby Smith and Braxton Bragg for the Confederacy. AJ shook his head as he read the Confederate General's name. «Braxton Bragg. As if I needed reminding.» He leaned back in the leather chair and placed the papers on the table beside him.
AJ wasn't sure what it was about Braxton Wallace that intimidated him. It hadn't started out that way. «Perhaps I asked too many questions about him, made him too real. Be careful what you ask for.» He stood and walked slowly to his desk, opened a drawer and pulled out the video of Braxton that Clay had given him. He stared at it. «Cordelia is upstairs in her studio. She won't hear it.» He hesitated for a moment then put it in the VCR and returned to the chair.
Braxton's words were imbedded in AJ's memory, but even so, he listened intently to the tape. He was concentrating on it with such intensity he didn't hear Cordelia come downstairs.
"AJ, what is that? Where on earth did you get a video of Braxton?" Cordelia faced the VCR then stared at AJ.
AJ lowered his head. "Webb gave me the tape. After the Inaugural Ball. He knew we had a history, knew enough to know that it might be hurtful for you to talk about it, so he wasn't going to ask. Knew me well enough to know what I'd tell him, which would have been more about what he could do to himself than about us. Anyway, he figured that since we had a history, things might already be serious. Webb helped Braxton make this tape and promised to give it to anyone you were seeing seriously."
"AJ, you act as if you've done something wrong. I'm not angry, just surprised. It's been a while since I heard his voice. It seems so strange." Cordelia's voice was strained.
"It is strange," AJ sighed.
Cordelia let out a little laugh and shook her head. "Braxton was very strange. I can't believe he made a video like that. Do you mind if I watch it?"
AJ hit the rewind button. "It's not very long," he assured her. Cordelia crossed the room and sat down on another chair. AJ started the tape from the beginning. It finished quickly and silence filled the room. "You going to respond? Are you upset? Or just speechless?" AJ asked.
"I'm not speechless. I just have too many things I want to say at once," Cordelia whispered.
"Pick one and start," AJ suggested.
Cordelia swallowed, then sighed. "Is that why you wanted a big wedding, because he asked you to do that for me?"
AJ nodded without speaking.
Cordelia grinned. "Well that's a relief. I never could figure that one out. You've never seemed the sort to care much about things like wedding ceremonies. I mean, I think you care whether or not they happen, but not about what the wedding is like. And you were so earnest about everything when we were married, so meticulous about the details, so worried about everything being perfect. You didn't really care so much about all of that, but you did it for me, even after I washed my hands of it. Would that be right?"
"I wouldn't put it quite that way," AJ stammered.
"OK, let me try putting it this way. If you had never seen this videotape, what would our wedding have been like if you had to plan it?" Cordelia quirked her mouth and raised her eyebrows.
AJ looked away.
"Your turn to be speechless?" Cordelia asked. "Tell me. It wasn't your idea of the perfect wedding; it was your idea of what you thought was my idea of a perfect wedding."
AJ nodded. "Something … like … that," he forced the words out. "Does that mean it wasn't?"
"It was a perfect wedding, AJ," Cordelia smiled. "I probably would have never planned anything like it, but it was perfect. Even more so, now that I know why you did it. To tell the truth, I was a little worried that I might ruin it for you. You seemed to have such a vision in your head. I was afraid I might mess everything up if I said anything."
"What would you have done differently?" AJ asked, suddenly concerned.
"I'd have never planned it the same way for myself, not any more than you would have. But it was perfect." Cordelia paused for a moment, then said, "Braxton had a brain tumor, you know. He did some really strange things there near the end."
AJ raised his eyebrows and gave her a quizzical look. "Like what?"
Cordelia laughed, "Like make that tape. I can't believe Clay gave it to you. I'd have loved to have been a fly on the wall when he made Clay make that promise. What was he thinking? What was either of them thinking?"
"They were thinking about taking care of you. I can't argue with that," AJ stated.
"Why were you watching the video now, AJ?" Cordelia asked.
"Part of me is fascinated by him," AJ said. Reluctantly, he continued, "Part of me is intimidated by him."
"Braxton intimidates you?" Cordelia watched AJ carefully, then said, "He's dead, AJ. How can he intimidate you?"
"I suppose that the idea of filling his shoes makes me uncomfortable. And sometimes -- especially when we socialize with Webb -- and I learn more about your life with Braxton. He was able to give you so much. Things I could never -- "
"And you give me things that he never could. Like those babies in the nursery. It isn't a competition, AJ. My life with Braxton is over. It doesn't matter what it was like; it doesn't exist any more. I think you should know that he couldn't fill your shoes any more than you could fill his. I love you, AJ. I've loved you since I was 19 years old." Cordelia tilted her head as she began to understand. "This trip has you unnerved, doesn't it? Because it's something Clay, Braxton and I used to do regularly."
AJ nodded, "I feel like you have expectations that it will be like what you remember with Braxton, only it's with me. We'll be visiting places where you have a history with Braxton, doing things that the two of you used to do. I don't think we've ever been anywhere that you used to go together. I don't know --"
Cordelia rose from her chair and walked to AJ. She sat in his lap and cut him off with a kiss. "You're right that you and I haven't been to many places that I went with Braxton," Cordelia began. "But I don't have some list to check off how you match up to him. You're different, AJ. I know that. It isn't even like comparing apples and oranges. It would be more like comparing pineapples and tomatoes."
"Which am I? The pineapple or the tomato?" AJ grinned.
"You are impossible!" Cordelia sighed. She kissed him again and said, "AJ, let me tell you something. Clay and Braxton and I went every year to the races. I always wanted to stay at this little boutique hotel, but Braxton liked all the amenities of the Marriott. I booked us at the smaller hotel, the Gratz Park Inn."
AJ asked, "Why did Braxton insist on the Marriott?"
"He played golf in the mornings," Cordelia laughed. "Griffin Gate, that's the Marriott, had a golf course."
"I've never been so glad that I don't play golf," AJ laughed.
Cordelia twisted in his lap. "Depends on your concept of golf." She reached for the knot in his sweat pants and slipped her hand under the knit material. She was aware that he was never far from an erection when she sat on his lap, and she took advantage of this knowledge, stroking and squeezing him to his full size. "I like this putter. Or would that be a driver?"
Leaning back, AJ grinned.
"I'll bet you could make a hole in one. Of course, there might be some hazards to distract you. But then, that shouldn't be a problem for an ace like you," Cordelia lifted her shirt, revealing a lacy, pale pink bra.
AJ reached behind her, snapping the hook and releasing her breasts. He kissed them, first one, then the other. Her aureolae turned dark pink as her nipples stiffened under his tongue. He kissed the valley between her breasts and Cordelia arched her back as AJ's lips traced a path over her stomach. She rose on her knees as he fumbled with the zipper to her jeans and pushed the fabric over her hips. He slid his tongue underneath the lace of her underwear, probing her sex.
Taking the waistband of her panties, Cordelia hooked them over her thumbs and lowered them, catching her jeans when she reached them, squirming out of them as AJ tugged at the hem of her jeans. He finally dropped them to the floor. Cordelia rocked into his body as she reached for his sweatpants and lowered them over his hips and down his thighs. AJ kicked them off as Cordelia ripped the tee shirt over his head then wrapped her arms around him, burying his face in her bosom.
Cordelia kissed the top of his head, and AJ leaned back. "Should we go to the bedroom?" he asked.
"Sam has gone home for the night. I think we're fine," Cordelia whispered. "Unless you'd prefer to lie down."
"I wasn't worried about Sam. I meant -- I wondered -- " AJ stammered. "Are you wearing --"
"My diaphragm?" Cordelia laughed quietly. "AJ, I switched to birth control pills when I stopped nursing. You've only just noticed?"
AJ grinned sheepishly, "I usually have my mind on other things." He kissed her breast. "Like this." He switched to her other breast. "Or this." His lips trailed over her belly once again, his tongue dipping into her navel before sliding over her mound and parting her labia. "Or this."
"This way I can have my mind on other things, too," Cordelia murmured as she squirmed against him. "I can concentrate on things like this." She slid down his body, grinding her hips against him. Her face was even with his, and she kissed him as she circled her hips, taking his shaft into her core. He groaned quietly as her walls tightened around him and she shuddered as the electrical sensations began to flow through her body.
Nibbling her left ear, AJ listened for Cordelia's gasp. As he held the tender flesh in his teeth, Cordelia arched her neck and drew a sharp breath, sighing. AJ smiled, ready to tour her familiar pleasure points and explore in an attempt to find some new ones. He lifted her arm as she rode him, and kissed the inside of her elbow, sucking on the soft skin. He glanced at her face, noting the flush that colored her cheeks. His lips lingered in the crook of her arm, but his hand wandered to her breast, teasing her nipple into a peak with a gentle pinch then circling her aureole. Cordelia arched her back, pressing her breasts into his chest. She reached for his head, cupping his chin in her hands before she kissed him, her tongue fiercely probing his mouth. AJ felt her begin to shudder, the tremors of her climax causing his own passion to peak, pushing him over the edge. He spilled inside her, filling her. She draped her body over his, her head leaning on his shoulder.
"I was afraid having babies would cut into this," Cordelia whispered.
AJ chuckled, "That comes later, when they're old enough to be mobile." He began to kiss her again, his lips roving over her body. Cordelia shivered, enjoying his touch. She leaned forward to kiss him, her lips tracing his ear, then his neck, then his following his collarbone. AJ lifted her, shifting her body in order to kiss behind her knee. His fingers caressed the arch of her foot and he began to suck her toes, taking them into his mouth one at a time. Cordelia moaned in his lap, leaning back, her head near the floor. AJ shifted, carrying them both off the chair. He kissed a path up Cordelia's leg as she grabbed his torso, her breasts against his stomach, and began to lick the pattern of his abdominal muscles. He parted her thighs, probing her sex, emitting a low moan as she gripped his ass and her mouth found his cock.
Cordelia teased the tip, her tongue running along the vein on the underside of his shaft. She reached from behind to squeeze his balls with one hand. AJ moaned and circled her clit with his tongue, making her burn with desire. She arched against him, and the vibrations of her moan teased his penis. He used his thumb to stimulate her, probing inside her with his tongue, thrusting and twisting as she trembled in the ecstasy of repeated climaxes. The undulations of her body pleased him and he shuddered against her, pumping into her mouth as she sucked him greedily. A low groan rumbled in his throat as they lay clinging to each other.
Finally AJ sat, pulled her to his lap, and cradled her in his arms. Cordelia's cheeks were flushed and warm against his chest. "I love you," he murmured.
Cordelia sighed softly and whispered, "Now we can go to the bedroom."
26 September 2002
Falls Church, Virginia
JAG Ops
1145 hours
Mac knocked on the office door and waited for the Admiral's gruff, "Enter." When it came, she stepped nervously inside. She stood without speaking and the door closed. Still she did not say anything.
"What is it, Colonel?" AJ asked.
Mac glanced at the floor, then at the Admiral. "Sir, it's about next week."
"What about it, Colonel? Changed your mind about going?" AJ grinned, "Or changed your mind about Webb?"
"No, sir, I haven’t changed my mind about anything. But I still feel a little -- uncomfortable. I know it's a bit unusual to vacation with your CO." Mac paused. "And after Clay and I are married, with his relationship to Ms. Chegwidden --"
AJ interrupted, "I thought you called her Cordelia?"
"I do, sir. At least, when I'm with her, or if Clay mentions her. It just seems more appropriate to refer to her more formally the rest of the time, especially with you or anyone else here at JAG," Mac explained.
Nodding, AJ agreed. "Cordelia doesn't always appreciate that type of formality, but I do, Colonel. Why don't you have a seat?" AJ leaned back in his chair. He waited while Mac sat, then began to speak once more. "What we have here is an awkward situation at best. You developed a friendship with Cori before she and I began to see each other. At least, before this time around." AJ grinned. "I happen to know that she values that friendship a great deal. I suspect that you do, as well, or you wouldn't be so concerned. And then there's Webb, whom, for some reason, Cori seems to regard as family. Given my history with Webb, that isn't always the easiest relationship, either. Of course, it doesn't really effect any military regulations. Or at least it didn't until you and Webb decided to become engaged to be married. I expect next week is just the first of many uncomfortable situations."
Mac's face looked strained. She listened carefully as AJ spoke, and nodded but did not speak.
"Here's how I break it down. Cori doesn't have many close friends. Of those she has, almost none of them are women her age. From what I've seen, you and Francesca are the only two female peers she's at all close to." AJ rolled his eyes. "You have no idea how strange it is that my wife is a social peer of my daughter, but I'll spare you those details."
A grin crossed Mac's face. «Little does he know I already know those details.»
AJ noticed her expression. "I take it that Cori has already shared my concerns about that with you?"
"A little, sir," Mac answered quietly.
"Spoken like a true diplomat, Colonel." AJ took a deep breath and continued. "She has no family, which, I suspect, is one of the reasons she took so easily to Adele and Francesca."
Mac grinned again. «I don't think I'd describe her friendship with Francesca as an easy one. That took a while for both of them. Does he truly have no idea?»
"And it explains very much the way she feels about the Webbs. Apparently Clay and Braxton were very close and Cordelia had the opportunity to get to know him well. There's no arguing that Clay and Porter treated Cori like family and gave her the kind of support she needed after Braxton died. Braxton's family certainly didn't give her any emotional support." AJ crossed his arms over his chest. "What I'm saying is this: Cori has only a few people in this world she cares about and trusts the way she does you and Webb. I don't want to interfere with that. That's why I agreed to the Admiral's Privilege that allows you to address her familiarly. We aren't breaking any rules, Mac. God knows, if anything, I'm tougher on you than I would be otherwise so that no one can say you have preferential treatment because of your friendship with my wife. I'm just thankful that you're an officer. This would be so much more difficult if you were enlisted."
"So you're comfortable with this vacation, sir?" Mac asked.
AJ laughed. "No, Colonel, I am not comfortable with this vacation, but for very different reasons. I've just managed to work it out in my head that when Cori's around, you're Mac, her friend, first and foremost, and when she isn't around, you're Mac, the Marine Colonel under my command. Now that you and Webb are getting married, there will be more of the Mac who's Cori's friend. I can live with that. My other option is for you to transfer, and I don't want to lose you. Or for me to transfer, and quite frankly, I'm rather comfortable here right now. That last thing I want to do is uproot Cordelia when she's finally settled into a tenured position at the university. As far as this vacation is concerned, Mac, as long as we're going to be spending it with Webb anyway, I'm glad that you'll be there." AJ clenched his teeth. «Your presence is one more thing that will make this trip different from the times with Braxton.»
"It just seems strange, sir. I know you're a very private man," Mac said.
"Colonel," AJ raised his eyebrows, "I suspect that you know more about my private life than I would care to be aware of. Cordelia may respect my privacy, but I believe she and I would define privacy differently. I'll wager she's told you a few things that have made you as uncomfortable as they would make me if I knew what they were." He raised his hand and turned his palm toward Mac. "Don't even agree with me, I really don't want to know."
Mac remained expressionless. "Yes sir. I understand, sir."
"Consider this weekend 'mandatory fun,' like the softball team or the JAGathon. Maybe that will make you more comfortable," AJ suggested.
"Aye, sir," Mac said.
"Is there anything else, Colonel?" AJ asked.
"No, sir." Mac sat quietly.
"Then you are dismissed, Colonel," AJ immediately focused on the paperwork that covered his desk.
Mac stood before she stated, "Aye, sir." Then she left the room.
3 October 2002
On a small private airplane between Washington DC and Lexington, Kentucky
0800 hours
Clay looked at Cordelia and grinned. She was fast asleep, leaning on AJ's shoulder.
"What's so funny, Webb?" AJ growled.
"Cordelia. Braxton used to say she was like a baby the way she could drop off to sleep anywhere." Clay shook his head. "She'll wake up just as the plane lands. Wait and see."
For a brief, panicked moment, AJ remembered that last time Cordelia had fallen asleep like that. «She can't be pregnant again. Don't even think about it.»
Mac stared at Clay. «He doesn't realize. He's just remembering his friend and has no idea that the Admiral is uncomfortable when he mentions Braxton. Of course, I wouldn't know either, if Cori hadn't mentioned it to me.» "Admiral, what about that Civil War reenactment Sturgis was talking about? Did you find out more about it?" she asked.
"He brought me some information. It's supposed to be a big deal. It's the only battle on the national reenactment calendar this year. I'd really like to check it out if we can fit it into the schedule," AJ said.
"When is the battle?" Clay asked.
"Saturday and Sunday. We don't need to go both days," AJ added.
"We should be able to make Saturday. We'll miss the races that day, though," Clay said. "Could be interesting. It's not every day you see a Civil War battle. Didn't they go out as spectators and watch battles? So it's sort of historically correct in context. Ironic, isn't it?"
"What do you mean, Clay?" Mac asked.
Clay shrugged. "People think of modern media as bringing the horrors of war into the living room. But during the Civil War, people skipped the media entirely and watched the real thing. You'd have thought that the war wouldn't have lasted so long with the public watching the battles that way."
"People were fighting for what they believed in. It wasn't just about slavery. That was really a minor part -- it's just the part that history focuses on. The war itself was about state's rights. But most people don't know that," AJ said quietly. "When it's something you believe in, time becomes irrelevant."
Cordelia shifted at the sound of AJ's voice. Without opening her eyes, she craned her neck and kissed his cheek. Her hand snaked over his lap and settled over his crotch. AJ coughed and took her hand in his, moving it nearer to his knee. Cordelia murmured something then settled back against AJ's shoulder.
"She's doing better, isn't she?" Clay asked. "Counseling has helped. She looks rested again."
"I think she's through the worst of it," AJ agreed.
"You know, AJ, I was worried about her for a long time after Braxton died. I knew he wanted her to marry again, and I knew that because he'd left her with a great deal of money, she'd be a prime target for some less than desirable fortune hunters. I'm glad she found you," Clay whispered.
AJ stared silently at Clay then echoed, "I'm glad, too. I guess it cut your responsibility short."
"No," Clay shook his head. "I promised to take care of her. There was no time period, no conditions. I take promises seriously, that's why I don't make them often. But I also know that she's safe with you. Not that being married to you doesn't have its own set of dangers, but you know how to handle them, too, whenever they pop up. But Cordelia, and by extension, you, are stuck with me."
AJ raised his eyebrows. He could tell that Clay wasn't finished.
"Cordelia says you spoil her, AJ. That's a good thing. I'm sure she'd never complain about the last couple of months with Braxton, but I was there during that time. Along with the general debilitation was the aberrant behavior. He was out of his mind and sometimes even verbally abusive. He was too weak to be physically abusive, but it was rough for her. It's hard for me to talk about, because he was my friend, and I'm sure it's even harder for Cori to talk about. He would have been so angry to see anyone talk to her that way; it would have killed him if he had been aware of the things he said to her at the end. She deserves to be spoiled after that, AJ. I know you're good to her and good for her. I know that if all you hear about Braxton is what a good man he was, and he was, don't get me wrong, then he seems a little larger than life. That's just the best and easiest example of how he wasn't perfect." It was obvious Clay was having trouble talking.
"And you're telling me this because… " AJ's voice faded.
"Because I think you should know. Because I talk about him and you have to listen to it, so you should know the whole truth about him, not just the truth that I like to remember." Clay stared coldly out the window. He added softly, "You know, this hotel where we're staying -- "
AJ interrupted, "The inn."
Clay nodded, "That's right, the inn. Cordelia always wanted to stay there. But Braxton never would. I'm glad she's finally getting to stay there. It's supposed to be really nice."
Mac had listened to the exchange and could tell both men were starting to feel uncomfortable. She artfully changed the subject. "Cori mentioned a restaurant she wanted to visit for lunch after we checked in. She talked about something called a 'hot brown.' She started to explain it to me, but then she got hungry. Want to tell me what that is?"
Cordelia stretched, "Did somebody say hot brown? Does that mean we're there?"
AJ and Clay both laughed. "Not quite, Darlin', but we know what you want for lunch," AJ teased.
"Hot brown. I've never seen them on the menu anywhere else," Cordelia murmured sleepily. "I'm hungry."
"So just what is a hot brown?" AJ asked.
"It's an open faced sandwich. Turkey, and country ham on toast covered with a white sauce, then cheese, and topped with a tomato and bacon." Clay said. "And Cordelia's addicted to them."
"We can eat at Ramsey's and have hot browns for lunch and pie for dessert. I'm already trying to decide between key lime, chocolate cream or coconut cream." Cordelia licked her lips. "Would I embarrass you if I have two pieces of pie and bring another piece back to the hotel? Then I can have all three."
"Cori, if you want to eat three whole pies, it's fine with me. You'll have to try harder than that to embarrass me," AJ kissed her forehead.
"We can share, Cori. I'll get one and you can get the other and we'll split them. Then we can each get a piece of pie to take back to the hotel, too," Mac suggested.
Clay glanced at AJ, then at the two women sitting between them and laughed. "We could be in trouble if they’ve been talking restaurants," Clay confided.
"The hotel has a good restaurant, too. The chef studied with Emeril," Cori grinned.
AJ laughed and shook his head. "Why do I suddenly get the feeling that this trip is as much about food and eating as it is about horses?"
"There's a ghost, too," Cordelia whispered mysteriously.
"A ghost?" Mac gave her a skeptical look.
Cordelia nodded. "At the hotel. A little girl who plays jacks on the second floor. She's supposed to be quite friendly."
"Do you really believe in ghosts, Cori?" AJ raised his eyebrows.
"I'm not sure. I've never seen one, but you never know. I'm not closed to the possibility," Cordelia said. "What if we saw the little girl playing jacks?"
"Highly unlikely," AJ scoffed.
"Maybe we'll see some ghosts on the battlefield," Clay grinned.
AJ gave him a glare, "Just as unlikely."
"You said the chef at the hotel studied with Emeril?" Mac asked, changing the subject again.
Cordelia nodded.
Clay laughed. "They're bringing the subject back to food. One track minds."
"We're just hungry, Clay. I've been wanting a hot brown since you mentioned this trip," Cordelia said.
"Well, we're almost there. We should be landing in a few minutes. They should make the announcement any time now," Clay assured them. "By the time we get settled in at the hotel, we should be just in time for an early lunch."