Disclaimers: Donald P. Bellisario and Paramount own
JAG and all of its characters. CBS and Studios USA
Television own The District and the character of Jack
Mannion. I am merely borrowing them for my writing and
(hopefully) your reading pleasure. Any resemblance of
any other fictional characters or places to actual
people or places is purely coincidental. I derive no
profit from this hobby.  


2002 - Harm and Macs Year Chapter IV: Hunted

JoAnn Fisher 


Spoilers: Everything up to and including Exculpatory
Evidence is fair game. 

Rating: PG-13 for mild language, adult situations and
suggested violence 


Summary: Harm and Mac begin planning their wedding.
Someone is hunting down JAG staff. The entire JAG team
must pull together to find out who it is and stop
them. 


Feedback: Please?! (Off list, of course) Give me the
good, the bad, and the ugly. 


Authors Notes: This is the fourth chapter to my
series of stories about Harm and Mac becoming a couple
(at last) in 2002. This chapter will be (I hope) more
adventurous than the previous 3 chapters. Warning:
Character Death. Additional notes at the end. 


Monday, March 11, 2002

1500 Local Time

JAG Headquarters

Falls Church, Virginia 


Lieutenant Colonel Sarah MacKenzie and Ensign Melanie
Mays were not having a good day.  


Mac overslept for the first time in a very long time.
As a result, she was late to work then discovered she
had left an important file she needed for the case she
was prosecuting in her apartment . She enlisted
Harriets help to retrieve the file, and got it just
moments before she went into the courtroom. At lunch,
she managed to drip salad dressing on her skirt and
had to retrieve her sea bag from her car to change
into a clean skirt. She barely made it back to court
in time for final arguments. It hadnt taken the
members very long to come back with a verdict in the
case. She lost to her future sister-in-law, Lieutenant
Loren Singer. To make matters worse, Harm had left her
a message to let her know that he was going to have to
stay in Pensacola one more night. Seems the judge in
the case caught the stomach virus and had to postpone
delivering his ruling. Harm had been down there for
nearly a week handling an investigation and Article 32
hearing while the base JAG was out on bereavement
leave.  


Melanie overslept for the umpteenth time in six months
and barely made it to work on time. As she hurried off
of the elevator, she ran into Lieutenant Singer, who
was not the least bit pleased. At lunchtime, she went
to the break room to fix her lunch. She was in the
process of opening a can of tuna to add to her salad
when Commander Sturgis Turner walked in and cheerily
said, Hello! She had been startled and dropped the
can opener and the partially opened can of tuna. It
hit the edge of her salad bowel, spilling its contents
on the floor and splashing the water from the tuna can
on her uniform. Despite efforts to wipe it off, she
could still smell tuna. 


Melanie tried to push the thoughts of her lousy day
out of her head as she carried an armload of files
through the bullpen. She was helping Lieutenant
Roberts with a project and needed to review these
files at her desk so that she could enter certain
pieces of information into her computer. The stack was
fairly high and she could barely see over it. 


Mac decided to ask the Admiral for the rest of the day
off so she could go home and try to erase the memory
of her bad day by soaking in a warm tub. She was so
off kilter that she wasnt paying close attention to
where she was going as she crossed the bullpen. 


Suddenly, Melanie tripped on a chair leg, pitched
forward and lost her balance. She fell face first to
the floor, the files flew forward several feet, a few
of which hit Mac. Papers were scattered everywhere.
Upon hearing a loud noise, Bud, Harriet, and the
Admiral rushed to the bullpen to see what had
happened. Melanie was horrified but pushed herself up
off the floor before anyone could offer to help her.
Everyone just stared at the mess on the floor for a
moment before AJ said sternly, Get this mess cleaned
up! Aye, sir, the rest chimed in unison. Melanie
fought back the tears that threatened to spill onto
the files as she bent to begin picking up the various
folders and papers. Harriet, Bud and Mac stooped down
to help as well. It was then that Melanie realized two
things: she had no idea which papers went into which
folder; and Macs face was bleeding. Oh! Maam youre
bleeding! Melanie cried out to Mac. Im so sorry. 


Its okay Ensign, Mac said calmly. Its probably
just a paper cut from one of the folders. Mac excused
herself to clean up the blood.  


Mac was still dabbing at the cut on her cheek when she
entered AJs office a few moments later. AJ noticed
right away. Mac! Are you okay? He asked as he rose
and walked around his desk to stand in front of her. 


Yes, sir. Just a paper cut, sir, Mac replied. 


Like, hell! AJ said. That looks deeper than a paper
cut. You might want to go have that checked out. 


Im sure it will be fine, sir, Mac replied. On the
outside, she appeared to be the tough marine she
usually was. On the inside, she was touched by AJs
concern. 


Very well. Was there something you wanted? AJ asked.


Yes, sir. I was wondering if I might take the rest of
the day off, sir, Mac requested. 


Thats fine, Mac, AJ said.  


Thank you, sir, Mac said and turned to walk out of
his office. His voice stopped her before she reached
the door. 


By the way, have you and Harm set a date for the
wedding, yet? AJ asked. 


No, sir. We have decided that we would like to be
married in September, but were still trying to
coordinate an exact date with Chaplin Turner and
Harms mother, Mac replied. 


Okay. I was just curious, AJ said. For the record,
I still think you should have that cut looked at. 


Duly noted, sir, Mac replied as she walked out the
door.  


Damn, stubborn marines, AJ muttered as he took his
seat again. 


Meanwhile, Melanie, Bud and Harriet were desperately
trying to gather all of the folders and papers.
Harriet took note of Melanies distress. Bud, Im
sure you have more important things to do. Melanie and
I can clean up this mess, Harriet said to her husband
and gave him a knowing look. 


Bud looked at his wife in confusion for a moment then
took the hint and returned to his office. Harriet
looked at the young woman and asked gently, Are you
okay? 


Yes, maam. Im just such a klutz! I tripped and
fell, Melanie replied. She was still fighting back
the tears. I cant believe what a mess Ive made! How
will I ever get these back to rights? 


Ill help you. Accidents happen, Harriet responded. 


Yes, maam, I know. They happen to me a lot, Melanie
said despondently.  


Harriet gave her a sympathetic smile. Within minutes
they had two piles of folders and one pile of assorted
papers safely on Melanies desk. Harriet excused
herself to speak to Bud. After entering his office,
she asked, Bud, when do you have to have that project
completed? 


By the end of the week, Bud replied. Why? 


Id like to get the Admirals permission to send her
home early. She is really shook up and I dont think
shes going to be very useful for the rest of the
day, Harriet replied. May I use your phone for a
moment? Bud nodded and Harriet dialed the Admirals
extension. Having received permission, she walked back
to Melanies desk to find the ensign attempting to
find the right folder for the paper on top of the
pile. She appeared to be completely frustrated. 


Melanie, why dont you go on home? Harriet
suggested.  


Melanie looked at the senior officer for a moment
before speaking. Oh, no, maam. I couldnt.
Lieutenant Roberts needs this project and&, Melanie
started only to be interrupted by Harriet. 


Ive spoken to Lieutenant Roberts and the Admiral.
Ill help you with this in the morning, Harriet said.


Melanie still seemed unsure, so Harriet added, Thats
an order, Ensign. 


Yes, maam, Melanie replied as she stood and grabbed
her purse from her desk drawer. Thank you, maam. 


No problem, Melanie. Be on time tomorrow. Well
tackle this first thing, Harriet said with a smile.
Melanie nodded then walked away. 


Melanie managed to get to her Plymouth Neon in the
parking lot before giving in to the urge to cry. The
tears blurred her vision and she had trouble seeing to
put the key in the lock. She raised one hand to her
face to dash away the tears before opening the door
and climbing into the car. I just want this miserable
day to be over, she cried. Im so tired of being a
klutz! She took a few deep breaths to calm herself
before attempting to drive home.  


Mac exited the building as Melanie was backing out of
her parking spot. I hope she gets home in one piece,
she thought. When she reached her car, she caught a
glimpse of her cheek in the side mirror. Oh, hell!
She swore. No wonder the Admiral wanted me to have it
checked out. Mac really just wanted to go home, soak
in a tub for a while, then go to bed. Sighing loudly
in frustration, she decided she really should have it
looked at. No way am I spending the next several
hours in the waiting area of the local emergency
room, she mumbled to herself as she got into her
corvette. She reached for her cell phone and dialed a
few numbers. Five minutes later, she was on her way to
her doctors office at Bethesda Naval Hospital. 


1615 Local Time

Bethesda Naval Hospital

Bethesda, Maryland 


That is a nasty cut, Mac, Dr. Andrew Green said.
You were right to have it looked at. Its a bit deep
but it wont need stitches and I dont think it will
scar. How did it happen? 


Whirlwind Melanie, Mac muttered. The doctor looked
puzzled so Mac quickly gave him the short version of
Melanies clumsiness and the accident in the office. 


Dr. Green soaked a gauze pad with some solution. This
will sting a bit, he warned. Mac never flinched. When
he was finished cleaning the wound, he applied some
antibiotic ointment on it. It should heal okay as
long as you put this on it, he said and handed her a
sample of the antibiotic cream. See my nurse for more
samples. I want you to apply that at least twice daily
for one week. Call me if it doesnt look like its
healing or if it looks infected.  


Mac nodded her agreement. Dr. Green picked up her
chart to note the visit. Looks like you are due for
your annual physical, he said. Why dont we take of
it now? He suggested. 


Im sure you have other patients to see. I can make
an appointment on my way out, Mac replied. She just
wanted to go home. 


Dr. Green looked at his schedule. Actually, you are
my last appointment today. Ill be on vacation the
week after next for two weeks. That leaves only next
week for you get the physical in this month, and Im
fairly certain that Im booked up, he said. He could
see that she still didnt like the idea so he added,
I promise it wont take long. You look tired and Im
sure youd rather just go home, but Id feel better if
we took care of this now. Andrew had been Macs
doctor since she moved here five years ago, and he
could tell that something just wasnt right with her.
He wanted to find out what was wrong. 


Mac could tell by the firm set of his jaw that Dr.
Green wasnt going to give up easily. Okay. Lets get
it over with, she finally said.  


Tuesday, March 12, 2002

0745 Local Time

JAG Headquarters

Falls Church, Virginia 


Tiner! Admiral Chegwidden bellowed as he stepped off
the elevator.  


Yes, sir? Tiner asked. 


Is everyone in, yet? AJ wanted to know. 


No, sir, Tiner replied. 


AJ frowned and looked at his watch. He hadnt realized
it wasnt even 0800. Very well. Gather everyone in
the conference room at 0800 sharp, he ordered. And
dont disturb me until then. 


Aye, sir! Tiner called. 


Fifteen minutes later, the available JAG staff
assembled in the conference room. Most of the senior
staff sat at the table while the enlisted personnel
stood around the perimeter of the room. Attention on
deck! Tiner called as AJ entered the room. Everyone
stood at attention. 


AJ walked to the head of the table. At ease, he
said. Crossing his arms over his chest he began,
There is no easy way to say this, so I am not going
to sugarcoat it, he began. I received a phone call
late last night from DC Police Chief Mannion. Ensign
Mays was found dead outside of her apartment
building. AJ paused to allow his words to sink in.
It appears as though she jumped or fell from the
balcony of her apartment. A pall fell over the room.
Even Loren appeared subdued.  


Has her family been notified, sir? Harriet asked,
her voice quaking slightly. 


AJ shook his head. Her parents live in Martinsdale,
Montana. DC police contacted the local sheriffs
office. They will send a deputy, AJ said and looked
at his watch. Its only 0600 there now, so it will
probably be at least an hour before they are notified.
I would imagine that her parents will want to bury her
out there. When I know what the arrangements are I
will look at the case load and decide who will attend
the service from this office, he said in a voice that
brooked no argument. Since she was a recent graduate
of the Academy, I called the Commandant to notify him.
He will arrange for a memorial service to be held in
the Naval Chapel there regardless of the funeral
arrangements. 


AJ looked at his silent staff and knew that they would
need some time to absorb the news. Even Singer looked
pale. For the first time in a long time, the ex-seal
was at a loss as to what to do next. He didnt want to
seem callous, but he couldnt afford to dismiss his
entire staff for the day. I know this is upsetting,
but we still have an office to run. Take some time to
gather yourselves, he said. Id like to see
Commander Turner, Colonel MacKenzie, and Petty Officer
Tiner in my office in fifteen minutes. AJ stood for a
moment before finally walking out of the room.  


Tears ran down Harriets face despite her best efforts
to hold them off. Bud squeezed her shoulder as a
gesture of comfort. Tiner left the room and returned
moments later with a box of tissues. He placed the box
in front of Harriet. Thanks, Tiner, Harriet choked
out. 


Anytime, maam, Tiner said quietly.  


Slowly, the staff began leaving the room. Bud and
Singer had court appointments they had to keep. Mac
and Sturgis walked Harriet back to her desk in the
bullpen. 


Are you going to be okay, Harriet? Sturgis asked,
concern etched in his face. 


Harriet nodded. Yes, sir. Thank you, she replied.
Im going to go splash some water on my face, she
said and excused herself to go to the ladies room. 


Sturgis looked at Mac. How about you? Are you okay?
He asked. 


Yeah. Im a bit stunned, but Im fine, Mac replied.
Wed better go see what the Admiral wants. 


They walked in silence to the Admirals outer office.
Tiner knocked on the door, then opened it for the two
officers. The three stood at attention in front of
AJs desk until he told them take their seats.  


Tiner, Id like you to arrange for a grief counselor
to come in and be available to the staff, AJ started.
If possible, Id like someone here by noon. Once you
know someone is coming, send out an e-mail to alert
staff. AJ paused to rub his temples. Make sure
everyone knows that it is not mandatory that they see
the counselor. 


Aye, sir, Tiner said. 


Then I want you to contact the Meagher County
Sheriffs Department and find out if theyve told her
parents, yet. I want to call them, but I want to make
sure they know first, AJ said. Thats all, Tiner. 


Tiner sat for a moment before AJ glared at him. Aye,
sir, Tiner said as he stood. He turned on his heel
and walked out of the room, closing the door behind
him. 


AJ handed a piece of paper to Sturgis. Commander, Id
like you to lead the investigation from our end. You
will work with Detective Peter Doblery of the DC
police. His name and phone numbers are on that paper,
AJ said. 


Catching his commanding officers grim look, Sturgis
asked, What more do you know, sir? 


AJ crossed his arms before answering. There was no
sign of forced entry or a struggle. Thats why they
believe it was a fall or suicide. 


I take it you dont agree, sir? Mac asked. 


I dont know what to believe, Colonel, AJ said.
There was no suicide note, either. 


Where is the body now, sir? Sturgis asked. 


At Bethesda, AJ replied then looked at Mac. Thats
why I want you involved, he said to her. Lieutenant
Commander Coulter is handling the autopsy herself, at
my request. 


Teresa Coulter? Mac asked. 


Yes. She just transferred to Bethesda last week, AJ
replied. Since you and Commander Rabb are familiar
with her, Id like you to go over there and get her
findings personally. 


Aye, sir, Mac replied.  


Also, once I find out what the arrangements are for
her funeral and memorial service, Id like you to help
me figure out who and how many from this office can
attend without too much disruption., AJ added. 


Aye, sir, Mac replied. 


Very well. Dismissed, AJ said. 


The pair stood, snapped to attention, turned and
walked out of the office. 


Im going to call this detective, then see if hell
let me in Melanies apartment, Sturgis said. 


Okay. Im going to try to call Harm and tell him the
news before he gets on the plane to come home. Then
Im heading out to Bethesda. Ill call you as soon as
I know something. 


Sounds good. Ill call you if I find out anything
first, Sturgis replied. 


0915 Local Time

Bethesda Naval Hospital

Bethesda, Maryland 


Mac stood waiting in the hallway outside the pathology
lab. Teresa was still conducting the autopsy and Mac
was hoping shed finish soon. For some reason, the
smells from the labs were bothering her today. Unable
to reach Harm, she had left a message for him to call
her as soon as possible. 


Just then Macs cell phone rang, startling her.
MacKenzie, she spoke into the mouthpiece.  


Hey, Mac. Its me, Harm said. Whats wrong? You
sounded upset on the message you left. 


Im okay. I have to give you some news, Mac replied.
She took a breath before continuing. Ensign Mays was
found dead outside of her apartment building late last
night. Mac felt tears pricking at her eyes. 


Harm didnt know what to say at first. He was stunned.
What happened? He asked when he finally found his
voice. 


Mac quickly related what little she knew. Im at
Bethesda waiting for Teresa to finish with the
autopsy, she finished. 


Theresa Coulter? Harm asked. 


Yeah. Apparently, she just transferred here last
week, Mac replied. 


Mac could hear a voice in the background before Harm
spoke again. I have to board my plane. I should be
landing at Andrews around 1130, he said. Any chance
you can pick me up? 


Im sure that can be arranged. Ill leave you a
message on your cell phone if I cant, Mac responded.


Great! Ill see you soon, Harm said brightly.  


She disconnected the call. Turning she spotted Teresa
emerging from the lab and turning in the opposite
direction. Commander Coulter! Mac called to get her
attention. 


Teresa turned around and smiled broadly when she saw
who was calling her. Mac! Its great to see you!
Teresa called back. 


Same here, Teresa; although, I wish the circumstances
were different, Mac responded.  


Teresa suddenly noticed the cut on Macs cheek. If
you dont mind my asking, what happened to you? She
asked. 


I was hit by a flying manila folder yesterday, Mac
replied stoically. At Theresas puzzled look, she
added, Trust me, its a long story. 


Teresa shrugged her shoulders and changed the topic.
I take it you are here about the autopsy on that
young ensign? 


Yes. She worked in our office, Mac said. 


I didnt know that. I guess I should have figured it
out though, since I understand that Admiral Chegwidden
requested that I perform the autopsy myself, Teresa
said. Unfortunately, it makes what I have to report
even more difficult, she said grimly. Lets go to my
office. Ive been on my feet since 0600 and I need to
sit down. 


Teresa led Mac down a long hallway. So, hows Harm?
Teresa inquired. 


Hes great, Mac replied. Hes on his way back from
Pensacola right now. 


Is he still dating that Barbie doll? What was her
name? Teresa asked curiously. She stopped to unlock a
door and ushered Mac inside her office. 


Renee. No, they broke up. She married a mortician
from Minnesota, Mac told her, trying not to laugh at
Teresas description of Harms ex-girlfriend. She
noticed Teresas interest pique at the thought that
Harm might be available. Hes engaged, Mac informed
her. 


Really? Teresa asked. Whos the lucky woman? She
was obviously surprised by the news. Mac smiled
broadly and held up her left hand. Teresas eyes grew
large and a huge smile spread across her face. Oh,
Mac! She exclaimed. Thats wonderful! I am very
happy for you both. She took Macs left hand in her
own to look closely at the ring. That is a gorgeous
ring. 


Thank you. This is the ring Harms father gave his
mother, Mac said. 


They chatted for a few more moments about Harm and
their engagement while Teresa started a pot of coffee.
She offered Mac a cup but Mac declined. When Teresa
sat down, she began telling Mac about the autopsy
results. There are bruises on her neck, which could
have been caused by her hitting something on the way
down, Teresa reported. 


Mac nodded. But? She asked, feeling that Teresa
wasnt finished. 


But her crushed trachea couldnt be, Teresa
finished. That girl was murdered. 


Mac looked at Teresa for a long moment. She felt numb.
She hadnt wanted to believe that Melanie committed
suicide, but the thought that she was murdered was
just as hard to comprehend. The thought made her
shudder, and she felt a wave of nausea hit her. Teresa
noticed Mac shudder. 


Are you okay? Teresa asked. You look very pale. 


Mac nodded her head. Ill be all right. I need to
call the other JAG officer on the investigation, she
said. 


Id really like to see where she was found and the
balcony, if possible, Teresa requested. It would be
helpful to me. 


Ill see if Commander Turner is still at the scene,
Mac said and picked up her cell phone. 


After a quick conversation with Sturgis, Mac asked
Teresa, Are you available to go there now? At
Teresas nod, she relayed the information to Sturgis.
We should be there in about 40 minutes, she told
Sturgis before disconnecting the call. 


1015 Local Time

Melanies Apartment

Near Gallaudet University, Washington DC 


Sturgis met Mac and Teresa at the entrance to
Melanies apartment building. After Mac introduced
Sturgis to Teresa, he asked, Do you want to see the
apartment or where they found her first? 


Lets look at where she was found first, Teresa
replied. 


Very well. Follow me, Sturgis said. He led them
around the corner of the building and down a shrub
lined path the grounds behind the apartment building.
The grounds apparently back up to Brentwood Park,
Sturgis informed them. Yellow crime scene tape and a
white chalk outline demarked the spot where Melanies
body had been found.  


Teresa walked around the area cordoned off by the
tape. A guy walking his dog found her at
approximately 2300 last night, Sturgis told her.  


Teresa stopped and looked up at the balconies. Which
one was hers? She asked.  


Fourth floor, second from the left, Sturgis replied.
All three Naval officers looked up at the balcony in
question. No one said anything for a long moment. Mac
swallowed hard in an attempt to dislodge the lump
forming in her throat. The thought of someone she knew
falling from that height was almost unbearable. 


Teresa finally broke the silence by saying, Lets go
look at the apartment. 


Sturgis led the way back to the front of the building
and into the lobby. While they waited for the elevator
Sturgis said, I believe Detective Doblery is still up
there. 


Thats good, Id like to compare notes with him,
Teresa replied. 


When they finally reached the sparsely furnished but
cluttered apartment, Sturgis introduced Mac and Teresa
to Peter Doblery. The tall, well-built man with dark
blonde hair and brown eyes shook hands with both women
before he and Sturgis reported what they knew. There
is no sign of forced entry or a struggle, Peter said.
Unfortunately, we havent found a suicide note
either. 


She had a crushed trachea, detective, Teresa said.
I believe she was murdered. 


Peter sighed and ran his hand through his blonde hair
before speaking. First, call me Peter, he said. A
sweep of his hand indicated that all of them were
included in that request, but he kept his gaze on
Teresa. If she was murdered, then it would appear she
knew her killer. 


Id have to agree, Teresa said. I saw no evidence
that she struggled with her killer. Although, I
scraped underneath her fingernails to see if I could
detect anything out of the ordinary. 


Did you find anything? Peter asked. 


Yes. There were traces of skin other than her own,
Teresa answered.  


I assume the apartment has been dusted for prints?
Mac inquired of Peter. 


Yes, the crime lab crew spent most of the night here.
They finished up around 0800, Peter replied. Noticing
the amused expressions on the Naval officers faces at
his use of military time, he explained, I went to
Penn State on an Air Force ROTC Scholarship and served
four years on active duty. The others nodded in
understanding so he returned to the topic at hand.
Proving she was murdered and finding the culprit are
going to be nearly impossible. 


Can I take a look at the balcony? Teresa asked
Peter. 


Sure, he said and led her out onto the balcony. 


I have get to Andrews to pick up Harm. I doubt youll
still be here by the time we get back, so could you
possibly take Teresa back to Bethesda? Mac asked
Sturgis as they followed behind. 


Sure, Mac. Thats not a problem, Sturgis replied as
they stepped out onto the balcony. 


Whats not a problem? Teresa asked. 


Sturgis is going to take you back to Bethesda since I
have to go pick up Harm at Andrews, Mac responded. 


Id be happy to take you back to Bethesda, Peter
said to her. Id like to see if any of the test
results from the autopsy are back, yet, he said to
all of them. 


Thats fine by me, Teresa said and smiled at him. 


Mac and Sturgis exchanged a quick, knowing look before
she said, Ill call you later, Teresa. 


Sounds good, Mac. Ill fax the report over to you as
soon as its completed, Teresa responded. Tell Harm I
said, hello. 


I will. Well have to get together for dinner one
night soon, Mac said.

 
That would be nice, Teresa said. 


See you back at the office, Sturgis said to Mac. 


Mac nodded and smiled before walking away. 


1130 Local Time

Andrews AFB

Maryland 


Mac waited patiently for the C9 transport plane to
stop taxiing so the passengers could disembark. It had
only been one week, but Mac had missed Harm terribly
and couldnt wait to see him. She really needed for
him to hold her. Unfortunately, that would have to
wait until after they left Andrews. A few minutes
later, the planes door finally opened and passengers
began to descend the stairs to the tarmac. Harm was
practically the last one off the plane. He was
carrying an extra bag and appeared to be chatting with
a pretty blonde behind him. Mac felt a stab of
jealousy and, for a moment, was annoyed. Then she saw
why Harm was helping the pretty young officer - she
was obviously several months pregnant. When Harm and
the officer reached the door of the building, Harm
shifted the bags so he could open the door for her. An
older woman holding a little girl greeted the pregnant
officer. Harm set the womans bag down and accepted
their thanks for his help. Spotting Mac, he quickly
made his way to her. 


Hey, Mac! Its great to see you again, Harm said
excitedly. His statement turned from happy to
concerned as soon as he noticed the cut on her cheek.
Mac! How did you get hurt? Did you have that cut
checked out? Harms words came in a rush. He fought
to keep from reaching out a hand to touch her face. 


I got hit by a flying manila folder yesterday when
Melanie tripped in the bullpen while carrying a stack
of files, Mac replied. Remembering his second
question, she added, I managed to get into see my
doctor. He cleaned it up and gave me some ointment to
put on it. 


Good, Harm said. He lowered his voice and added, I
missed you.  


I missed you, too, Mac replied quietly. You ready
to get out of here? 


You better believe it, Harm replied with a wink and
a grin. 


They walked quickly and wordlessly to Macs car. Once
Harms bag was stowed in the Corvettes tiny trunk and
Harm settled himself into the passenger seat, Mac put
the car in gear and pulled out of her parking spot.
Mac filled Harm in on events at the office as she
drove along Route 4. Harm looked at her curiously when
she turned onto Donnell Drive. Are we taking a
detour, he inquired. 


Mac smiled and said, Im hungry. She turned into the
Forest Village Park Mall and parked the car several
spots away from the nearest car.  


Im sure there are closer spots, Mac, Harm said. 


Maybe I want a few minutes alone with my fianc�, Mac
replied and leaned over to kiss him. 


Mmm, Harm murmured as he leaned towards her. Their
lips met in a sweet kiss that left them both wanting
more. Harm looked at her with one eyebrow cocked. Im
sorry I couldnt greet you that way when I got off the
plane, he said. 


Yeah, yeah. You were too busy with that pretty
blonde, anyway, Mac teased. 


Did you happen to notice she was very pregnant? Harm
asked defensively. 


I noticed. It was very nice of you to help her, Mac
said. 


Oh, yeah? Does that mean I get a reward? Harm asked
mischievously. 


Maybe later, Mac said with a smile. Right now, I
just really need you to hold me. Im not quite sure
why, but Melanies murder really has me upset. 


Harm pulled her into his arms before the word,
murder registered in his brain. Melanie was
murdered? He asked. 


Thats what Teresa believes. Somebody apparently
strangled her and threw her off the balcony, Mac told
him. 


1230 Local Time

JAG Headquarters

Falls Church, VA 


When they arrived at JAG, Mac headed to her office to
check her messages, and Harm headed for the Admrials
office to give him his report on his assignment in
Florida. Sturgis knocked on Macs door a few minutes
later. Mac was returning a phone call, but she
motioned for him to sit. After leaving a message, she
hung up the phone. Anything new with the
investigation? Mac asked. 


We decided to meet here at 0900 tomorrow morning.
Teresa will bring the preliminary autopsy report with
her and Peter should have at least some of the results
of the crime lab tests, Sturgis reported. 


Sounds good, Mac said and checked her calendar to
see if she had any appointments tomorrow. Oh, shoot!
I have a deposition at 1000 at Quantico. 


Get someone else to go, AJ said from the door way.
Sturgis and Mac both started to stand, but AJ motioned
them to remain seated. Harm stood beside him. I
really want you on this case, Mac. See if Roberts or
Singer can go. 


Im free, sir, Harm offered. He didnt really want
to go, but he figured he probably wasnt going to be
part of the investigation at this point. 


Thanks, Commander, but Id prefer you were here, AJ
said. I want at least one available senior officer
tomorrow. However, if Commander Turner and Colonel
MacKenzie dont mind, you might join their meeting
with Commander Coulter and Detective Doblery
unofficially. 


Harm looked hopefully at his friend and fianc�e. Mac
and Sturgis looked at each other then at Harm. What
do you think, Colonel? Should we let him come?
Sturgis asked. 


I suppose he might be useful, Mac replied teasingly.


Gee, thanks, Harm said dryly and pretended to be
hurt.  


AJ crossed his arms and shook his head slowly. The
Admiral looked at his three senior officers for a long
moment before speaking. The grief counselor is
available in the conference room. Be sure to knock
before entering, he told them. It isnt mandatory
that you meet with her, but I do recommend it. Even if
you feel like you are handling things okay now, you
may want to at least meet the woman and take her card
for future reference. AJ paused to take a deep
breath. Keep me posted on the investigation, he said
before turning and walking away. 


Nobody knew quite what to say for a long moment.
Finally, Harm broke the silence by saying, I better
go check my messages and e-mail. Ill catch you
later. He turned and walked towards his office. 


I have a motion to suppress hearing in 20, so I need
to go, too. If I dont see you before the end of the
day, Ill see you at 0900 tomorrow, Sturgis said. 


Okay, Mac replied. She spent the next fifteen
minutes shuffling papers and staring at her computer
screen. She had plenty of work to do, but she just
didnt seem to have the ambition or the mental
capacity to tackle any of it. Finally, she rose from
her chair and walked out of her office. Ill just go
get a soda or something from the break room, she
thought to herself. She looked in the refrigerator for
nearly a full minute before pulling out a bottled
water. As she left the break room she turned towards
the conference room instead of her office. She didnt
recall making a conscious decision to do so, but she
was going to talk to the counselor. 


1700 Local Time 


After talking for nearly 30 minutes with the grief
counselor, Mac felt somewhat better and was able to
focus on her work. She even managed to accomplish a
few of her tasks. She had been surprised to see Loren
enter the conference room to talk with the counselor
when Mac went to use the ladies room about an hour
ago. I guess Lieutenant witch is human, after all,
she had mumbled to herself.  


Mac was ready to go home. She was tired and hungry.
Harms car was at her apartment, so she walked over to
his office to see if he was ready to go. He was on the
phone when she appeared in his doorway, but he
motioned for her to come in and sit. A few minutes
later, he hung up. Im sorry about that, Harm said.
You ready to go grab some dinner before we look at
that apartment? He asked her, knowing full well that
she was most likely hungry. Macs lease on her current
apartment would be up before they were married, so
they had started looking at two-bedroom apartments the
week before Harm was sent to Florida. 


Confusion registered on her face. Apartment? She
asked. 


Yeah, we were supposed to go look at an apartment at
Shenandoah Crossing last week, but we had to postpone
until tonight because of my trip, Harm said. He was a
bit concerned. She looked tired and didnt seem to be
quite herself these days. Hed blame it on Melanies
death, but he had noticed it before he left last week.


Suddenly, Mac remembered talking to the manager after
Harm learned that he was being sent to Pensacola. Oh,
Harm, Im sorry, she said. I totally forgot about
it. We have to be there at 1900, so it will have to be
a quick dinner. Let me go get my coat and cover, then
Ill be ready. She rose and left the office. Harm
gathered his things, turned out the light, and closed
his door as he stepped out into the bullpen. 


Would you like me to drive? Harm asked when she
emerged from her office. 


That would be great, Mac said and tossed him her
keys. 


Wednesday, March 13, 2002

0815 Local Time

JAG Headquarters

Falls Church, Virginia 


Mac couldnt believe she and Harm had managed to get
to work early. Last night, they had spent nearly an
hour looking around the apartment and the complex. It
was very nice, but they had a few more places they
wanted to check out first. By the time they arrived at
Macs apartment, she was ready to drop. Harm spent the
night since he was also tired and didnt feel like
driving across town to his place. She was certain that
he had hoped to make love with her after being apart
for a week, but she had been too tired to do more than
change her clothes, crawl under the covers and give
him a quick kiss. She felt badly and knew shed need
to make it up to him somehow. Right now, I just want
to find out who killed Melanie and why, she thought
to herself.  


Harm couldnt believe he was in the office early for
the second time in less than one month. Better watch
out, Rabb, you arent even married yet and shes
already changing your ways, he thought with a smile.
His smile changed to a frown as he thought about the
previous night. Mac had seemed to perk up after
dinner, and she appeared to be very interested in
looking at the apartment, but when they got home, she
went straight to bed. He was concerned about her, but
he was almost afraid to ask her about it for fear she
was having second thoughts about marrying him. He
shook his head to clear it of that depressing thought.
Once Melanies killer was found, hed talk to Mac and
make sure everything was okay. 


Sturgis was surprised to see Harm and Mac in their
offices when he arrived at 0830. He would have been
earlier, but he had stopped to pick up some fruit,
Danish, and juice for the meeting. He knew they
wouldnt be able to solve the case during this
meeting, but he hoped they would come up with some
productive leads. 


Teresa, Mac, and Harm gathered in the conference just
before 0900. Sturgis brought in a large write-on/wipe
off board and drew a line down the center of it. On
one side he wrote, Known Facts and on the other,
Potential Leads. Has anyone heard from Peter? He
asked. When everyone shook their heads, he continued,
Lets get started anyway. Maybe hes stuck in
traffic. Sturgis poured himself a cup of coffee from
the carafe on the side table. Id really like Theresa
and Peter to present everything theyve found so far,
and Ill write the facts on the board. Then, we can
all try to make some sense of whatever evidence we
have and generate some productive leads, he said.
Teresa, why dont you start with the autopsy report?


Before Teresa could say anything, the door opened and
Bud showed Peter into the room. Im sorry Im late,
Peter said apologetically. He dropped a stack of
papers and files on the table and began removing his
coat. I was waiting for the crime lab reports, he
said.  


Thats okay, Sturgis said. We were just getting
started. He took a moment to introduce Peter to Harm
while Peter poured himself a cup of coffee and grabbed
a small bunch of grapes. 


Theresa passed out copies of the autopsy report to
Mac, Peter, and Sturgis. Harm, I didnt know you were
going to be here. I only made 3 copies, she said. 


Thats okay, Harm said.  


He can share my copy, Mac said. 


Okay, Teresa replied. Ive estimated her time of
death to be sometime between 2200 and 2230. As I said
yesterday, she sustained a crushed trachea, which I
highly doubt she sustained in the fall. I believe she
was strangled first. She died of internal bleeding
from the massive injuries she sustained in the fall,
but she was unconscious before she hit the ground.
Theresa paused to take a sip of coffee while Sturgis
wrote the time and cause of death on the board under
Known Facts. In addition to the crushed trachea, she
had six broken ribs, a punctured right lung, a
shattered right ulna, multiple fractures on the right
side of her skull, a hemorrhage in the right temporal
lobe, a perforated gallbladder, and one of the broken
ribs nicked her aorta she reported. Everyone took a
moment to absorb this information. Even though they
had all dealt with death before, it was hard for Mac,
Harm, and Sturgis to listen to Teresas report when it
was about someone they knew. Teresa continued, There
was no sign of sexual assault, but there were traces
of skin under the nails on her right hand. It wasnt
her own skin, so I can only guess that she either
tried to scratch her assailant or dig her nails into
him before she lost consciousness.  


Teresa spent the next several minutes going over the
toxicology results, which didnt add anything to the
case or shed any light on it. When she was finished,
Sturgis asked Peter to share his findings. 


Peter put a file of crime scene folders in the center
of the table. The photos showed that Melanie had
landed partially on a bush and partially on the
cement. This explained why her injuries were mostly
from the waist up. The crime scene crew found two
full sets of prints, he informed them. One set
belonged to the victim. The other set didnt match any
that we have on file. Peter flipped through some
papers in the stack in front of him before continuing.
They also lifted a partial set of prints off of the
door knob of her apartment door, but they most likely
belong to the manager who let the beat cops into the
apartment. Hes volunteered to come down to the
station this morning to be fingerprinted.  


Sturgis wrote the word fingerprints on the Potential
Leads side of the board.  


The crime scene crew said that the killer apparently
tried to wipe off anything he may have touched, Peter
said. There was evidence that somebody had wiped down
the balcony door handle, both door knobs on the
apartment door, and a few other items in the
apartment. Peter looked down at the report in front
of him. But, the crew combed fibers out of the
carpet. Initial tests suggest that they are wool, dyed
a very dark blue. 


Like from a Navy uniform, maybe? Harm asked. 


I dont know, Peter answered. Ill have to ask the
forensics guys that one. Theyre still running tests
to better identify the fibers. 


If they are from a Navy uniform, they could simply be
from Melanies uniform, Mac said solemnly. 


Or the killer could be in the Navy, Harm suggested. 


Do any of you know if she was dating anyone? Peter
asked. 


Harm, Mac, and Sturgis all shook their heads. I can
go ask Harriet if she knows, Mac offered. She stood,
became momentarily dizzy, and grabbed the back of the
chair for support. Harm was immediately alarmed and
moved to stand. Mac waved him off saying, Im all
right. I just stood up too fast or something. Harm
looked skeptical, but she walked out of the room
without any further incident. 


Peter, do you think it would be possible for me to
get a small sample of those fibers? Theresa asked.
Id like to have our forensic team at NCIS look at
them. They should be able to determine for certain if
they came from a Navy uniform. 


I think that can probably be arranged, Peter replied
with a smile and pulled out his cell phone to dial the
forensic lab. He disconnected the call a few moments
later. Its all taken care of. If you want, you can
follow me there when were done here. Then you can
take them to your forensic team, Peter said to her. 


Mac came back into the room a moment later. Harriet
said Melanie didnt mention having a boyfriend, she
reported. But, she also said that Melanie didnt
share much personal information. 


Did the crime scene crew find a date book or anything
that might help in her apartment? Sturgis asked. 


Peter looked at another paper. No. I dont recall
seeing one either, he said. In fact, I dont believe
she even had an address book. 


She was a computer whiz. Maybe she kept that sort of
information on her computer, Harm suggested. 


Good point, Commander, Peter said. Ill have the
boys look at her computer. 


The meeting lasted several hours, but produced few
leads. Harm was called out of the meeting at 1215 to
handle a call from the JAG office in San Diego. The
rest stayed for another hour, but finally called it
quits when they realized they were getting nowhere.
We need to identify those fibers and find some
suspects, Sturgis said. Peter promised to let them
know if the computer guys found anything of use on
Melanies computer. Teresa promised to let them know
if NCIS identified the fibers. Peter gave Teresa
directions to police headquarters, then she followed
him out of the conference room. Sturgis opened his
mouth to ask Mac a question, but Tiner knocked on the
door and announced that she had an urgent call. Mac
hurried to her office, leaving Sturgis alone in the
conference room. 


Harm found him there a few minutes later. Hey,
buddy, Harm said. You want to grab some lunch? 


Sure, Sturgis replied. Mac joining us? 


No. She said she had to go take care of something
important and wouldnt be back until at least 1600. 


Sturgis studied his friend for a moment. Is she okay?
I cant put my finger on it, but something doesnt
seem right with her, he observed. 


Im sure shes fine, Harm replied said with more
confidence than he felt as he punched the button for
the elevator. 


Maybe shes just a little overwhelmed with the
wedding and apartment hunting, Sturgis suggested.
This murder investigation cant be helping any
either. 


Youre probably right, Harm said. 


1445 Local Time

National Naval Hospital

Bethesda, Maryland 


Mac sat in the drivers seat of Harms Lexus in
stunned silence. Why now? She whispered to the empty
minivan. A million thoughts jumbled in her mind. She
couldnt begin to comprehend what Dr. Green told her
twenty minutes ago. How am I ever going to tell
Harm? Mac knew she had to tell him and soon, but she
needed a little time to absorb the news herself first.
She took a deep breath to compose herself, put the key
in the ignition and started the vehicle. Somehow, she
arrived back at JAG in one piece.  


Friday, March 15, 2002

0800 Local Time

JAG Headquarters

Falls Church, Virginia 


Sturgis, Loren, Harriet, and AJ were the only ones in
the office at this hour. AJ and Harriet were preparing
to go to the airport to pick up Melanies parents.
Since they would be flying back to Bozeman, Montana
with Melanies body immediately after tomorrows
memorial service at the Naval Academy, her parents had
arranged to fly in and out of BWI instead of Dulles.
AJ graciously gave Bud the day off to spend with his
son, since he would soon be leaving for sea duty.
Loren was in early because she had taken to getting up
with Sergei for his new job flying the helicopter for
the local CBS affiliate. Sturgis was finishing some
paperwork before leaving to pick up Mac for their
meeting with Peter and Teresa at Bethesda to go over
the latest developments. They would also be there when
Melanies parents arrived to view Melanies body. Harm
was due in court at 0930 so he would not be able to
join the investigation meeting. Tiner was unusually
late. 


0900 Local Time

Naval National Hospital

Bethesda, Maryland 


I seem to be spending a lot of time at this hospital
lately, Mac thought to herself as she waited in
Teresas office with Sturgis and Teresa. Peter was
late again. Mac still had not told Harm about her
visit to the doctor. Tomorrow after the service, she
promised herself.  


Melanies memorial service was scheduled for 1000 on
Saturday at the Naval Academy Chapel. Everyone from
the office was going. AJ, Sturgis, and the Roberts
would be flying out to Montana on Tuesday to attend
the funeral on Wednesday. Mac would be acting JAG
while they were gone since Harm was expecting to be in
court battling Loren in a DOD case. Mikey Roberts was
on leave next week and offered to baby sit little AJ
so that both Harriet and Bud could go to the funeral. 


Peters arrival ended Macs reflection on the upcoming
week. Sorry Im late, again, Peter said sheepishly
as he tugged off his gloves. I got lost in the
hospital, he said with an embarrassed grin.  


So, what do we have? Sturgis asked. 


The NCIS lab positively identified the fibers as
coming from a Navy issue coat, Teresa reported. 


Peter, would it be possible for you to let me into
Melanies apartment again? Teresa asked. 


I believe so, Peter responded. What do you hope to
find? 


I need to borrow her jacket and her coat to see if
the lab can make a positive match, Teresa responded.
If the fibers dont match any of her coats, then
well know that the fibers came from her killers
coat. 


But wouldnt all Navy issue coats match those
fibers? Sturgis asked. 


Not necessarily, Teresa replied. According to NCIS,
only coats coming from the same exact dye lot would
match. Even then, there could be traces of hair, oil
from the wearers skin, or chemicals such as perfume,
soap, or hairspray on the fibers, she explained. 


Sturgis asked Peter if his computer experts had found
anything useful on Melanies computer. 


Im not sure yet, Peter replied. But Commander Rabb
was right, she kept her appointment and address books
on the computer. There was a notation for Monday to
meet someone named Michael at 1900. Were trying to
find this Michael in the address database, but she had
a lot of names in there. 


The meeting ended when a phone call from the Admiral
informed them that he, Lieutenant Sims and Melanies
parents would be arriving within 15 minutes. Teresa
agreed to meet them in the hospital lobby. 


Peter, Mac, and Sturgis decided to walk up to the
lobby with her. Mac and Sturgis had decided that they
would leave after meeting Mr. & Mrs. Mays to allow
them some privacy when they went to see Melanies
body. Peter was planning on talking with them
afterwards to see if they could offer anything in the
way of suspects. Before they could leave the office,
Peters cell phone rang. 


Doberly, Peter barked into the mouthpiece. He didnt
say much for the next several moments as he listened
to the caller and jotted notes in his pocket notepad.
Occasionally, hed ask a one word question. He
disconnected the call within two minutes. Im going
to have to leave, he said as he dug into his coat
pocket and pulled out a business card. He handed the
card to Sturgis and said, Please give this to the
Mays and ask them to call me sometime this afternoon
to set up a meeting. Ive been called to a mugging in
Anacostia Park. 


A mugging? Mac asked surprised. But youre a
homicide detective. 

 
Yeah, but it wasnt a routine mugging. Nothing is
missing. It looks more like an attempted murder, and
there may be a connection to Ensign Mays murder,
Peter replied.  


How so? Sturgis asked. 


The attacker tried to strangle a Navy enlisted man,
Peter replied and opened his note pad to find the
name. Petty Officer First Class, Jason Tiner. The
sound of Macs mug shattering as it hit the floor
caused everyone in the room to jump.  


I take it you know him? Peter asked as Teresa moved
to find a towel to clean up the mess. 


We all do, Sturgis replied. Hes our COs Yeoman. 


Mac stared at the mess in front of her and tried to
figure out a way to help Teresa. Im so sorry, she
said. 


Dont worry about it Mac, Teresa replied. Just stay
still for a moment. I dont want you to get cut on the
broken pieces. Sturgis put a hand on Macs shoulder
and indicated for her to sit down. Peter bent down to
help Teresa. Did you get any hot tea on you? Teresa
asked Mac. 


Mac quickly scanned her uniform. I got some on my
skirt, but Im not burned, she replied. 


Peter and Teresa had the mess cleaned up in a few
moments. 


Five minutes later, the three Naval officers were
standing in the hospital lobby. They stood about Tiner
until Teresa noticed Harriet and the Admiral entering
the lobby with a middle-aged couple. Melanie
apparently looked a lot like her mother. AJ made the
introductions. 


Im very sorry for your loss, Teresa said. 


Thank you, Commander. She was the light of our life,
and we were very proud of her, Thomas said. 


Melanies parents looked tired, but otherwise appeared
to be staying strong.  


Where is Detective Doberly? AJ asked. 


He had to leave, sir, Sturgis replied. Turning to
Melanies parents, he said, He asked me to give you
his card and have you call him. Hed like to talk to
you about the investigation into Melanies death. 


Im not sure what we could possibly offer, but well
call him, Thomas said. 


If you are sure youre ready, Ill take you to the
morgue now, Teresa offered. 


I guess we are as ready as well ever be, Allison
said. 


Lieutenant, why dont you come with us? Teresa
asked. 


Harriet paled immediately and looked like she would be
sick, but she nodded her head in agreement 


Noticing her look, Teresa immediately added, You can
wait in the hallway outside the morgue and bring them
back up to the lobby. Unfortunately, I have another,
umm, commitment. 


Yes, maam, Harriet said. Color returned to her
face. 


Ill come too, if thats okay, AJ said. 


Actually, sir, I need to talk to you, Sturgis said.
When AJ scowled at him, he quickly added, Its
important. 


Very well, AJ said. 


Teresa led Harriet, Allison, and Thomas to the
elevator. As soon as the doors closed behind them,
Sturgis quickly told AJ about Tiner. 


AJ was stunned. Thats why he wasnt at the office
this morning, he muttered. Id like both of you to
get over to DC General Hospital and see if you can
talk to him, AJ said as soon as he had cleared his
head. Im going to drive Harriet and Melanies
parents back to JAG, then Ill get over to the
hospital.  


AJ suddenly noticed that Mac looked a little pale.
Colonel, are you okay? AJ asked with concern in his
voice.  


Yes, sir. Im just a little shook up, Mac responded.
With your permission, Id like to have Commander
Turner leave me off at my apartment so I can change my
uniform, she added and moved her coat draped arm,
which had been hiding the tea stain on her skirt. I
dropped my tea mug when I heard about Tiner, sir. 


Permission denied, AJ said a bit gruffly. Mac was
taken aback by his attitude. AJ turned to Sturgis.
Take her to her apartment so she can change, but do
not leave her there. I dont think I want her
driving, he said more calmly. His statement gave away
the concern he felt for Mac.  


Really, sir, Im fine, Mac argued. 


AJ glared. Thats an order, he said. 


Yes, sir! Mac and Sturgis called together. Turning
on their heels, they quickly left the building. 


Sturgis drove Mac to her apartment. She invited him to
wait in the living room while she changed her skirt in
the bedroom. They were on their way to DC General
Hospital within 10 minutes. 


1145 Local Time

District of Columbia General Hospital

Washington DC 


Peter spotted Mac and Sturgis as they entered the
emergency department. Mac, Sturgis! Over here! He
called. Turning, they saw him near an exam room and
walked over to him.  


How is he? Mac asked with concern. 


The doctors say hell be okay, but he has a severely
bruised trachea and larynx. As a result, he cant
speak, Peter reported. He hit his head and has a
slight concussion, so the doctors are admitting him
for observation. 


Can we see him? Sturgis asked. 


Peter shook his head, The doctors are in there with
him right now. Peter found a uniformed officer and
spoke to him briefly. Returning his attention to the
JAG lawyers, he said, Lets go to the cafeteria and
talk. The officer will get us when we can see him or
the doctors. 


I cant speak for Mac, but I think Id better stay
here, Sturgis said. Admiral Chegwidden will be here
soon, and I dont want him to find all of us gone.
Mac agreed with Sturgis. 


Lets sit in the waiting area, Mac suggested. I see
an empty corner where I can keep an eye out for the
Admiral. 


Peter made sure the officer knew of his change in
plans before walking over to the waiting area with Mac
and Sturgis. I got here just a few minutes before you
two, so Ive only spoken to the doctor. A team is
canvassing the park for any possible witnesses, but
given the early hour of the attack, theyre not likely
to find any, Peter said glumly. 


Maybe Tiner will be able to give us a written
description, Mac suggested hopefully.  


I hope so, Peter said. We really need a break in
this. We cant even definitely connect his attack to
the murder of Ensign Mays at this point. 


The three of them spent the next fifteen minutes
discussing the two cases when Peters pager beeped. He
looked at the number on the display screen. its the
computer guy. Maybe he found something in Melanies
addresses, Peter said. He excused himself to go
outside and call the station since he couldnt use his
cell phone in the emergency department.  


The Admiral walked in before Peter returned. Spotting
Mac and Sturgis, he headed over to them. Wheres
Tiner? He asked. 


Hes still in with the doctors, sir, Sturgis
answered. They say hell be okay, but he cant talk
right now. Sturgis was about to tell his boss about
Tiners injuries, when Peter reentered the waiting
area with a smile on his face.  


I think we caught a break, he said before noticing
the Admiral. He waited to be introduced before
continuing. Ensign Mays was supposed to meet 2nd
Lieutenant Michael Appleyard at 1930. Her cell phone
indicates that she called his number at 1642, he
said. 


Presumably, to cancel the date, Mac concluded. 


Probably, Peter agreed. As soon as I see if I can
find out anything from Petty Officer Tiner, Im going
down to Quantico to talk to the young man, he said.
You two want to join me? 


Definitely, Sturgis said. 


Actually, since Mr. And Mrs. Mays are only in town
for today and tomorrow, Mac started. Perhaps we
could save time if I went and talked to them while you
two go talk to the Lieutenant. 


Thats a good idea, Mac, Peter said. I understand
they inquired about taking her effects back to Montana
with them, but unfortunately, we still cant release
the crime scene. They were told that, but I thought
you should know in case they ask you about it. 


Thanks, Ill let them know if they ask, Mac said.
Turning to AJ, she asked, Sir, could I possibly ride
back to the office with you so I can borrow Commander
Rabbs car? 


I was planning on staying here for most of the day,
Colonel, AJ said. At least until his family
arrives. 


You can take my car, Mac, if Peter doesnt mind
dropping me off at JAG on our way back from Quantico,
Sturgis said and looked questioningly at Peter. 


No problem, Peter said. 


Then its settled, Sturgis said and gave Mac his car
keys.  


Thanks, Sturgis, Mac said. 


Mac waited until they were able to see for themselves
that Tiner was going to be okay before she left.  


1315 Local Time

JAG Headquarters

Falls Church, VA 


Mac returned to the office intending to call Melanies
parents and arrange to meet them somewhere. However,
she found that wasnt going to be necessary as they
were in Buds office. Puzzled, Mac found Harriet.
Harriet, why are Ensign Mays parents still here? 


Maam, after the Admiral left, they used my phone to
call Detective Doblery at the station, but he still
wasnt there. They asked if they could wait for his
call here since they dont really have anywhere to go
right now, Harriet explained. 


Dont they have hotel reservations? Mac asked. 


Yes, maam, but they cant check in until 1500,
Harriet said. I didnt know what else to do. Its not
like I could take them sightseeing. 


Youre right, Harriet. Im sorry. I was just
surprised to see them, Mac said. Actually, this
works out better for me. Ill be talking to them
instead of the detective. Mac indicated for Harriet
to follow her into her office. Once there, Mac took
off her coat and hung it. Have they eaten lunch,
yet? Mac asked. 


No, maam. I was just about to go ask them if they
would like to join Bud and me, Harriet replied. 


Thats okay, Harriet, Ill take care of it, Mac
said. 


Are you sure, maam? Its no problem, Harriet said
in a rush. 


Im sure, but thank you, Mac replied. Has Commander
Rabb come out of court yet? Mac inquired as she sat
at her desk. 


Not that Ive seen, maam. Harriet said then
inquired as to Tiners condition. Mac told her what
she knew about his injuries and prognosis. 


Noticing the calendar on her desk, Mac said, I
realize this is not the right time, but I need to ask
you something while I am thinking of it, Harriet. 


Maam? Harriet asked when her friend said nothing
for long moment. 


I was wondering if you would be interested in having
dinner with me on Monday night? Mac asked. Before
Harriet could answer she continued, Sturgis has
planned a guys night out to say goodbye to Bud that
night. So I thought we could have a girls night out.


Id like to maam, but Ill have to see if I can find
a sitter, Harriet replied. The girl who usually
watches AJ for me, is only available on weekends.
Normally, I ask Tiner as back up& she said before her
voice trailed off. A knock on the doorframe ended any
further discussion. Mac looked up and saw Harm at her
door. Commander, Harriet greeted Harm. Was there
anything else, maam?  


Thats all. Thank you, Mac said. Harriet snapped to
attention before turning on her heels and leaving the
office.  


Hey, how was your morning? Mac asked. 


Okay, Harm replied and narrowed his eyes. How was
yours? 


Not good, Mac said. She quickly updated Harm on
everything that had happened. So, how long do you
have for lunch? 


Ninety minutes, Harm said.  


Good. Want to have lunch with me and Melanies
parents? Mac asked. Her voice sounded even, but her
eyes were pleading with him. 


Sure, Harm said. He closed the door and shut the
blinds before gently pulling Mac from her chair and
into his embrace. He held for a few moments before
reluctantly letting her go.  


Thanks, I needed that, Mac said with a weak smile.
Pulling herself together, she said, Lets go talk to
Melanies parents. 


1420 Local Time

JAG Headquarters

Falls Church, Virginia 


Mac sat in her office going over the few notes she
managed to jot down from her conversation with
Melanies parents. Sturgis had called a few minutes
before to let her know that he and Peter were on their
way back to JAG. Melanies parents indicated that they
would like to see some of the sights in DC since they
had never been here before and would probably never
come back. I know it must seem awful, that we want to
see the city considering why were here, but we have
to do something, or Im afraid well go crazy, Mrs.
Mays had said by way of explanation. Mac asked Harriet
to play tour guide since she had to meet with Peter
and Sturgis. 


A knock on her door interrupted Macs thoughts. She
looked up to see Loren standing outside her door.
Enter! Mac called to the Lieutenant. 


Loren opened the door and stepped into Macs office.
I just wanted to find out how Tiner was, maam, she
said. 


Gee, she does have a heart. The unbidden thought
popped into Macs mind and she quickly chided herself
for thinking so ill of her future sister-in-law.
Hell be fine. He wont be able to speak for a while,
and hell probably have a nasty headache for a day or
so, Mac said. 


Im glad hes going to be okay, maam, Loren said. 


We all are, Loren, Mac said. Loren turned to go, but
Mac stopped her. Since you are here, Loren, there is
something I wanted to ask you, she said then waited
for Loren to face her again. Im putting a girls
night out together for Monday night. I had planned on
asking you earlier this week, but& Macs voice
trailed off, but Loren understood what she had
implied. 


Id like that maam. Thank you, Loren said. She was
clearly shocked that Mac was including her. 


Harriet needs to find a baby sitter, but Ill let you
as soon as I finalize everything, Mac told her.
Sturgis and Peter appeared at her door just as Loren
was leaving. You want to meet with us here or in the
conference room? He asked. 


Might as well meet here, Mac said. So what did you
two find out from Lieutenant Appleyard? 


Not much, Peter replied. He and Melanie began
dating during their junior year at the Academy. He was
planning on taking her out to dinner Monday night, but
she left him a message saying that she was having an
awful day and didnt feel like going out. 


He said she sounded very upset so he called her back.
She told him all about her day and they made plans to
spend the weekend together. Sturgis supplied. 


Can anyone verify his whereabouts for that night?
Mac asked. 


Yeah. The 20 other marines who watched a hockey game
and hung out with him until 2230, Peter said. You
learn anything useful from the Ensigns parents? 


No, Mac said glumly. They talk with her by phone
approximately once a week, but their conversations
reportedly dont last very long so they dont get into
anything too deep. 


Did they know about the Lieutenant? Sturgis asked. 


Yes. They said they met him at graduation last year,
Mac replied. They thought he was an incredibly nice
young man. 


He is, Sturgis said. Poor guy didnt even know
about Melanies death until yesterday. 


So where does that leave us? Mac asked. 


Still in search of a suspect and a motive, Peter
said. Petty Officer Tiner was too groggy from some
pain medications to be of any help. 


The doctor suggested we talk to him tomorrow,
Sturgis added. Ill go after the memorial service
tomorrow. 


Ill go, too, Mac said. 


Thats okay, Mac, Peter said. I planned on going
too. No need or room for all of us to be there. 


Oh. Okay, then, Mac said with a mixture of relief
and disappointment. Just a thought, but were there
any other numbers on her cell phone that might be of
use? 


Peter shook his head. We checked the records for the
phone in the apartment. Nothing terribly unusual, and
the last call she made was to Dominos Pizza at
approximately 2120. 


Macs brow furrowed as she tried to picture Melanies
apartment. I dont remember seeing a pizza box. 


Sturgis and Peter looked at each other for a moment.
I dont either, Sturgis said. 


Peter flipped through his notes while Mac looked at
the autopsy report again. Her last meal was salad
with tuna fish, Mac read from the report. 


That was her lunch! Sturgis exclaimed. I remember
seeing her opening the tuna can. She jumped when I
said, hello and splashed the water from the tuna can
on her uniform. 


There is no mention of a pizza box in the notes from
the scene, Peter said. I need to run by her
apartment to borrow her coat for Teresa, so Ill look
again. Ill also call Dominos and see if the pizza
was ever delivered. 


1655 Local Time 


Macs phone rang as she was gathering her things to go
home. Harm was standing in the door waiting for her.
Giving him an apologetic look, she picked up the
receiver. MacKenzie, she said into the mouthpiece. 


I think we finally got our break! Peter nearly
shouted into the phone.  


Should I get Sturgis in here to hear this? Mac
asked. 


If hes handy. I only have a few minutes, Peter
replied.  


At Macs nod, Harm sprinted across the bull pen to
Sturgis office. The two returned in less than one
minute. Mac put the phone on speaker as Harm shut the
door. Okay, Harm, Sturgis and I are here, Peter.
Lets hear what you got. 


I checked the apartment, definitely no pizza box. The
manager says he doesnt recall seeing one when he let
the police in the night of the murder either. So then,
I talked to the manager at Dominos. Luckily, they now
keep records of all orders on computer. According to
his records, the pizza was delivered and paid for,
Peter said in a rush. 


Okay, so somebody paid for a pizza that was supposed
to be delivered to Melanie, Sturgis said. That
doesnt mean it was connected to her murder. 


Not yet, but Im working on it, Peter said. I asked
the manager if I could talk to the delivery person. He
said it was student from Catholic University and gave
me his name. Unfortunately, the kid went home to New
York for his sisters wedding this weekend. I wont be
able to talk to him until Monday. 


Of course, if he killed Melanie, he may not come back
to town, Harm suggested.  


If he doesnt, Ill get his home address from the
school and go to New York to talk to him, Peter said.


Good work, Peter, Mac said. Did you take the coat
to Teresa, yet? 


Yeah, Peter said. He cleared his throat before
continuing. Im going to take her out to dinner
tonight. He sounded almost shy about admitting this.
The three in Macs office shared an amused look. 


Like Mac said, good work, Peter, Sturgis said with a
smile. Well talk to you on Monday. 


Count on it, Peter said. Good night! 


Good night. Have a good time tonight, Mac said
before disconnecting the call. 


Saturday, March 16, 2002

0945 AM

US Naval Academy Chapel

Annapolis, MD 


Harm and Mac waited outside in front of the chapel for
Bud, Harriet, and Sturgis. The Admiral was waiting in
an ante room with Melanies parents, the Commandant
and the Chaplain. Sydney, Sergei and Loren were
waiting for them inside the chapel. Here they come,
Mac said, nudging Harm who had been looking across the
campus towards the Severn River. He turned as the trio
approached. 


Sorry to be running late, I had to park over by the
tennis courts, Sturgis said. As they crossed the
street to the chapel , they noticed two other
uniformed people hurrying towards them. The five were
nearly speechless as Teresa and Air Force Lieutenant
Peter Doblery joined them on the steps to the chapel.
This is a surprise, Sturgis said as he returned
Peters salute. 


Im still in the reserves, Peter said in explanation
of his uniform. And I dont normally attend services
for the victims of my cases, but this one seemed
special somehow. 


Lets get inside, Harm said. They entered the church
and quickly found their seats. A few moments later,
Admiral Chegwidden escorted Melanies parents to their
seats in the front row of the chapel, then claimed his
seat next to Sydney in the row behind them. At Mrs.
Mays request, Michael Appleyard sat with them in the
front row.  


Captain Luther C. Alexander, Command Chaplain, stood
in the pulpit and began the service by thanking
everyone for attending and outlining the order of
service. The choir sang one of Melanies favorite
hymns. Afterwards, Vice Admiral John R. Ryan,
Superintendent of the Naval Academy, spoke eloquently
of Melanies accomplishments during her four years at
the Naval Academy. When he was finished, the attendees
were invited to come forward to give a brief
testimonial about Melanie. Several of her former
classmates spoke of Melanie. A few told poignant
stories and a few told humorous ones. All of them
obviously cared a great deal about Melanie. Michael
spoke of his love for Melanie. He was unable to finish
as he became to choked up to speak. When he sat down,
Mrs. Mays put her arm around his shoulders in an
effort to comfort him despite her own tears. 


Harriet had told Sturgis and Bud that she would like
to be able to say a few words but wasnt sure she
would be able to bring herself to do it. Sturgis stood
and reached for Harriets hand. Leaning down, he
whispered to her, Come on, well do this together.
She smiled a weak smile up at him as she stood and
followed him out of the pew. When they reached the
podium, Sturgis spoke first. Im Commander Sturgis
Turner, JAG Corps. This is Lieutenant Harriet Sims
also of the JAG Corp. We were fortunate to know Ensign
Mays, even if for only a short time, he said. He
stepped slightly away from the microphone and nodded
to Harriet. 


Nervously, Harriet stepped to the microphone. Melanie
was always willing to take on any project we threw at
her. Large or small. It didnt matter if it was part
of her normal job duties or not, she tackled it with a
smile. JAG is a little like a family, and we were very
proud to include Melanie in our family. I am only
sorry that I did not have the opportunity to get to
know her more personally. She was a warm and wonderful
person, Harriet said as tears began to roll down her
cheeks. 


Sturgis escorted her back to her seat and Bud handed
her a handkerchief. Mac leaned across Bud to squeeze
Harriets hand. A few of Melanies instructors spoke
next. Finally, Admiral Chegwidden stood to speak. I
didnt have the privilege of knowing Ensign Mays for
very long, but in the short time she was in my
command, I knew she was a very special young woman. I
believe she had a long career ahead of her in the Navy
and at JAG, he began. As the head of the JAG family,
I believe I speak for my entire staff, when I say that
she is and will continue to be missed for a long
time. 


When AJ reclaimed his seat, Chaplain Alexander stood
and led the congregation in prayer. He then announced,
A reception will be held at Superintendent Ryans
home immediately after the service. Mr. And Mrs. Mays
will try to greet everyone who wishes to speak to them
personally. However, they have a flight to catch at
1330. Please remain in the chapel until they have been
escorted out. The service concluded with the choir
singing Amazing Grace and the Naval Academys Alma
Mater, Navy Blue and Gold. 


Once Melanies parents left the chapel with Michael,
the Superintendent and the Commandant, the Chaplain
signaled for AJ and his staff to rise and walk back up
the aisle. The JAG staff walked the short distance
down the street to the Superintendents home. Those
who hadnt already spoken to Mr. And Mrs. Mays or
Michael, expressed their condolences. The men went to
get drinks for the ladies. Harriet and Mac still
looked somewhat dazed by the weeks events. Even Loren
seemed uncharacteristically rattled. Sergei handed her
a paper cup filled with punch. Thank you, Loren said
as she lifted the cup to her lips. 


Sergei responded by gently squeezing her free hand
before wrapping his arm around her waist protectively.
After a few minutes, Harriet excused herself to speak
to the Admiral about the arrangements for taking
Melanies parents to the airport. 


By 1145 the crowd in the Superintendents home had
begun to thin out; although, a long line of midshipmen
still waited outside to give their condolences to
Melanies parents and Michael. AJ and Sydney
approached the JAG group still standing on one side of
the room. Harriet, AJ said quietly. There has been
a change of plans. Lieutenant Appleyard has asked to
accompany Melanies parents to the airport. Hell be
riding with us, so there is really no need for you to
go . 


Yes, sir, Harriet said. Thats fine, sir.  


Actually, well be leaving soon, so please dont feel
that you need to stay. Im sure you all have other
things to do today, AJ told the group before he
walked away.  


A few minutes later, Harm decided it was time to
leave. Mac was unusually quiet and looked tired. He
hoped she wasnt getting sick. You ready to go home?
Harm asked Mac quietly. She nodded. Sergei, I think
its time we left, lets go get the coats, Harm said
to his little brother. Sturgis looked at Bud and
Harriet and decided they should go too. Peter and
Teresa walked out with the rest of the group.  


As soon as they reached the sidewalk, Teresa reached
into her purse to turn on her cell phones ringer.
Seeing that she had a message, she dialed a few
numbers and listened intently. When she disconnected
the call, she announced to the group, I got a message
from one of the lab guys at NCIS. The fibers they
tested did not come from Melanies coat. 


And that means? Loren asked curiously. 


That means that her killer is or was in the Navy,
Teresa replied. Everyone was silent as they absorbed
this news. The only other possibility is that the
killer bought a second-hand Navy issue coat. 


Hopefully, Ill be able to get something out of the
delivery kid on Monday, Peter said. Turning to
Sturgis, he said, Ill meet you at DC General at 1400
to try to talk to the Petty Officer. 


Thats fine, Sturgis replied. 


Tell Tiner were thinking of him, and that Harm and I
will try to visit him tomorrow, Mac said. 


We will, Mac, Sturgis said. 

 
1300 Local Time

Harms Apartment

North of Union Station 


Mac had brought an overnight bag with her, so she
headed to the bedroom with Harm to change out of their
uniforms as soon as they walked into the apartment.
Sergei and Loren had invited them to stay for lunch,
but Mac claimed she had a headache so they begged off.
I just need to tell Harm everything, then wait for
his reaction, Mac thought to herself. She silently
prayed to God to give her the right words to tell Harm
her news.  


Hows your headache? Can I get you anything? Harm
asked, interrupting Macs thoughts. 


My headache is fine, thanks, Mac replied. Finished
changing, she wandered into the living room and looked
out the window until she felt him come up behind her. 


Are you sure youre okay? Harm asked. He was very
concerned about her. He hoped that whatever was
bothering her was just the pressure of trying to find
Melanies killer and not something else. Something
like having second thoughts about marrying him. He
tried to push the negativity out of his mind as he
took her hand and led her to the sofa. 


No, Mac said as she sat down on the sofa and faced
Harm, whose face turned pale. I have something
important to tell you. 


Just tell me, Mac. Whatever it is, Im sure Ill
understand and we can work it out together, Harm
replied. His heart raced. Oh, God, please dont let
her tell me she wants to break up with me, he prayed
silently. 


As you know, I went to my doctor the other day to
have the cut on my face checked out, Mac began. I
didnt want to spend several hours in a hospital
emergency room so I called Dr. Green. Luckily, he was
able to squeeze me in. Mac paused for a moment to
take both of Harms hands in hers. He noticed that I
was due for my annual physical so he insisted on doing
it then. 


Harms heart began to race even faster. He feared that
she was about to tell him something even worse than he
first thought. 


Dr. Green called me Wednesday morning and asked me to
come to his office to discuss the results of one of
the tests he ran, Mac said.  


Oh, God! Harm thought. He squeezed her hands in
effort to convey an assurance that he didnt really
feel. He wasnt sure what she was about to tell him,
but she was clearly having difficulty doing it. He was
certain his world was about to be rocked. 


I am a marine, why am I so nervous about this? Mac
asked herself. She knew they hadnt discussed having
children, other than the baby deal, but she didnt
think he would be too upset. Must be my hormones
making me this way, she decided. She took a deep
breath and attempted to clear the nervousness out of
her mind. Harm, Im pregnant, Mac said simply. 


Of all the things Harm imagined Mac telling him, that
wasnt one of them. He was stunned, he was relieved,
his mind went blank. He simply looked at her like he
didnt hear or understand her. 


Why doesnt he say something?  Mac thought silently.
Were going to have a baby, Harm. I know we didnt
plan to do this right away, Macs voice broke as
tears began to run down her cheeks. She couldnt
imagine what he was thinking. Maybe I was wrong about
him not being upset by this, she thought. 


Harm found his voice at the same time a smile began to
form on his lips. A-a-a baby? Harm stammered. Were
going to be parents?! Harm half asked, half exclaimed
joyously. 


Mac released the breath she hadnt realized she was
holding. She was grateful Harm seemed okay with this
development and sent a quick, silent prayer of thanks
heavenward. Yes, Harm. Were going to be parents.
For the first time all day, Mac smiled. She was
relieved to have finally shared her secret. 


Harm leaned forward and placed a quick kiss on her
lips and brushed her tears away with his thumbs.
Thank God! Harm said excitedly. Seeing her confused
statement, he explained, I was convinced you were
going to tell me something awful. Like you had changed
your mind about us, or that you were seriously ill. 


Im sorry, you were so worried. And Im sorry I
didnt tell you sooner, but I was so stunned by the
news myself, I needed some time to absorb it first,
Mac said. 


Its okay, Harm said as he shifted so he could pull
her into his embrace. Im just so glad it was good
news. Harm held her for several minutes before
speaking again. So when do you think this happened? I
mean, weve been pretty careful. 


I know exactly when it happened, Mac said. At his
questioning look, she continued. Or to be more
precise, I know where it happened. In the shower at
the cabin, Mac told him. 


A grin formed on his face as Harm remembered making
love with her the weekend they finally admitted their
feelings for each other. Youre right, we didnt use
anything then, he said absently. He still couldnt
get over AJ sending them to that cabin on false
pretenses just to get them to finally open up to each
other. Harm would always be grateful to his CO for
helping him finally admit to his feelings for Mac.
Well, if its a boy, I am not naming him Albert
Jethro, Harm said with a chuckle. 


Me either, Mac said. She laughed then.  


So that means you are due in late October, right?
Harm asked. 


Yes. Maybe youll share your birthday with your son
or daughter, Mac suggested. Harm smiled at the
thought. This does pose a big problem with the
wedding. 


What problem? Harm asked. He didnt think she was
changing her mind about marrying him. 


I refuse to waddle down the aisle in September, Mac
replied. She looked at him with raised eyebrows,
silently daring him to argue that one with her. We
need to move it up. 


Whenever you want, Mac, Harm said. He lifted one of
her hands to his lips to place a kiss on the back of
her hand. Im ready to marry you tonight, if you
want. 


No. Id really like for your mom to be there and all
of our close friends, Mac said. Im not looking to
have the wedding of the year or anything, but I dont
think we should elope either. 


Pick a month then. Ill check with Chaplain Turner
and my mother to see which Saturday they have free,
Harm said. 


How does May sound, Mac suggested. 


Harm narrowed his eyes for a moment before answering.
Are you sure thats when you want? He asked. I know
you didnt really want to have it anytime near when
you were supposed to marry Mic. 


That is true, but April is too soon, and Ill
probably be getting fat by June, Mac responded, then
thought for a moment. On second thought, maybe we
should try for late April or early May. As much as I
wanted a warm weather wedding, I dont want to wearing
a maternity dress at the altar. 


You could never be fat, Harm said. Ill call mom
and Chaplain Turner today and see if they are both
free on the same Saturday. 


If you dont mind, Id like to keep the pregnancy a
secret for a little while longer. I dont want it to
affect the Admirals decisions on what cases I get,
Mac started before Harm interrupted. 


I dont want you on any dangerous assignments while
your pregnant. I know you are used to taking care of
yourself, but now you have another, defenseless person
to take care of too, Harm said firmly. 


I promise I wont take any unnecessary risks. If the
Admiral assigns something really tough, Ill tell him
and asked to be reassigned, Mac reassured him.  


Okay. Then I promise not to tell anyone about your
pregnancy until youre ready, Harm said. But Im
going to have a lot of explaining to do with my mom
and Chaplain Turner. 


Just tell them your quals are in September, Mac
quipped and smiled at him. 


Ha, ha. But just so you know, my quals are in late
June this year, Harm told her. If I decide to keep
flying, he thought to himself. A distressing thought
crossed his mind just then. The biggest problem with
moving up the wedding will be Bud. 


Bud? Mac asked, confused. 


Hell be on the Seahawk. One of the reasons we picked
September was so he would be finished his first
deployment. I wont be able to ask him to be in the
wedding, and he wont understand that. 


Harm, give Bud a little credit. Im sure hell
understand once you tell him why we changed the
wedding date, Mac said. 


Harms answer was to look at her with one cocked
eyebrow. 


Okay, youre probably right, hell be hurt. And if
you tell him about my pregnancy now, hell tell
Harriet. 


Uh-huh, Harm said. Ill just ask him to be in the
wedding and hope that he can get leave to be there. 


Monday, March 18, 2002

1530 Local Time

JAG Headquarters

Falls Church, Virginia 


Macs phone rang just as she entered her office after
a grueling day of interviewing witnesses in a DOD case
with Singer. She reached for the phone as she dropped
into her chair. MacKenzie, she said into the
mouthpiece. 


Mac! Its Peter. I just spoke to the delivery kid.
Are Sturgis and Harm there to hear this too? Peters
words were rushed in his excitement, but she was able
to understand everything he said. Tiner hadnt been
much help, since he never saw who attacked him, so it
was good to hear Peter sound excited. Maybe they had
finally caught a break. 


Theyre at JAG today, but not in my office. Give me
your number. Ill call you back in a few minutes after
I find them, Mac said. She wrote down Peters cell
phone number on her note pad, then buzzed Sturgis
office. She was just about to buzz Harm when she
noticed him approaching her office. 


How did it go today? Harm asked as he entered her
office and shut the door behind him. 


Fine, Mac replied. Im glad youre here. Peter just
called. He spoke to the pizza delivery kid. I was just
about to buzz you so you can join Sturgis and I when
we call him back. 


Did it sound like good news? Harm asked as he sat in
one of the chairs facing her desk. 


He sounded excited, Mac said. Sturgis knocked on
Macs door so she motioned for him to enter. Mac
dialed Peters cell phone number on the speaker phone
while Sturgis lowered himself into the other chair.
Peter picked up after the first ring. 


Peter, its Mac. Harm and Sturgis are here with me,
Mac said What have you got? 


The kid says he pulled up in front of her building at
2145. A guy in a short Navy coat and cap approached
the door at the same time. The kid said that Melanies
apartment number wasnt readable on the delivery slip,
so he asked the Navy guy if he knew Ensign Mays. The
guy told the kid he did, offered to take the pizza to
her, and paid him for it. The kid said he gave him a
generous tip, too. 


So the delivery kid never went to Melanies
apartment? Mac asked. 


Thats right. Now we know how her killer got into her
apartment, Peter replied. Teresa had given me some
pictures of Navy uniforms, so I showed them to the
kid. He picked out an enlisted mans coat and cap. 


Okay, that rules out all of the officers, Harm said
dryly. 


The kid is down here at the station now, working with
the sketch artist to develop a composite, Peter said.
It should be ready later tonight. 


Scowling at Harm for his remark, Mac said, Good work,
Peter. Keep us posted. 


I will, Mac. Ill fax the sketch to you when its
complete. Ill also call you to let you know when to
look for it, Peter said. Ill talk to you later. 


Okay, Peter. Thanks, Sturgis said. 


Sturgis excused himself almost immediately to go back
to the opening argument he had been writing. 


So what are you girls up to tonight? Harm asked. 


Were meeting at Harriet and Buds place since she
couldnt find a babysitter for AJ, Mac told him.
Well probably order some Chinese food and just sit
around talk. 


Who all did you invite? Harm asked.  


Loren, Sydney, and Teresa, but Sydney has evening
hours tonight and Teresa has a date with Peter, she
replied. Having seen his look of disgust at the
mention of Lorens name, she said, Harm, weve been
over this. She is your sister-in-law, like it or not.
You need to try to be nicer to her. 


Harm didnt say a word. He just looked at her.
Please? Mac asked with a look that she knew usually
got her what she wanted. 


He crossed his arms over his chest before relenting
slightly. Fine, he said grudgingly. 


Mac smiled. Thank you, she said brightly. Now. I
need to get some work done. Harm nodded and turned to
leave. See you later? 


I dont know how late well be out with Bud. Ill
probably just crash at my place, Harm said. But Ill
say goodbye before I leave here tonight. At Macs
nod, he left. 


1705 Local Time

JAG Headquarters 


Mac wasnt in her office when Peter called, so he
dialed Sturgis number. Turner, Sturgis said into
the phone after picking up the receiver on the third
ring. He listened as Peter informed him that he had
just faxed the composite sketch of the man who paid
for Melanies pizza. When he hung up, Sturgis walked
out into the bullpen to the fax machine. The sketch
was still on the machines output tray. Picking it up,
he glanced at Macs dark office. Looking at Harms
office, he could see Bud and Harm talking. He looked
at the sketch briefly before walking over to Harms
door.  


Bud saw Sturgis first. Ready to go Commander? 


Not quite, Bud, Sturgis replied. Holding the paper
out towards Harm, he said, This is the sketch Peter
faxed over.  


Harms eyes narrowed. The face looked somewhat
familiar, but he couldnt quite place it. He handed
the paper to Bud. Does he look familiar to you, Bud?
He asked. 


Buds eyes widened immediately after looking at the
sketch. He looks very familiar, sir, he said to
Harm. Im just not quite sure where Ive seen him
before. 


You think he could be a former client or someone
youve prosecuted? Sturgis asked. 


I think that might be, sir, Bud said. I just wish I
could remember who. 


Let me see that again, Harm asked. He studied the
sketch for a few moments. I think it was someone
fairly recent. Within the last year or two, maybe.
Looking at his friends, he said, I know we were
supposed to go out tonight, but I think we should go
through our files and see if we can identify this
guy. 


Sturgis and Bud nodded in agreement. Why dont I go
get a pizza and some soda, then well go into the
conference room and spread out the files? Bud
suggested. 


Good idea, Lieutenant, Sturgis said. Harm and I can
start pulling files while youre out. 


The three men agreed on pizza toppings, then Bud went
to his office to call in the order and retrieve his
coat and cover. Harm was about to say something when
his phone rang. Rabb, he said.  


Hello, big brother, Sergei said. Im afraid I
cannot go with you tonight. The station needs me to be
available to fly since the other pilot called out
sick. 


Thats okay, Sergei, Harm said. It looks like Bud,
Sturgis, and I are going to be working, anyway. We
have a possible lead were exploring in Melanies
murder. At Sturgiss stern look, he added, But dont
share that with your bosses at the television station.
It is up to the DC Police to determine when the media
finds out about this. 


No problem, big brother. My lips are, how you say,
sealed, Sergei responded. 


Harm smiled at Sergeis attempt to sound American.
Okay, Sergei. Thanks. Well try to get together later
this week. The two brothers exchanged goodbyes before
ending the call.  


Should we call Mac about this? Sturgis asked. 


Harm thought for a moment. No. Shes been working
hard, she deserves this night out with the girls, he
said. Lets go pull files. 


1730 Local Time

Outside the Roberts Apartment

Rosslyn, Virginia 


A man stood behind a tree across from Harriet and
Buds apartment building. He looked up at the lit
windows of the Roberts apartment. Soon that twit
Roberts will know that he cant mess with me, he
thought with a smile. He watched as another female
face he recognized from that night at the bar entered
the building. Her hair was down and she wasnt in
uniform, but he was sure it was the one whose marriage
they had celebrated. Join the party, pretty officer,
he said to himself. The more the merrier. He patted
his bag of party favors and smiled evilly. 

 
Same Time

The Roberts Apartment

Rosslyn, Virginia 

 
Harriet closed the door behind Singer. Let me take
your coat, she said sweetly. Can I get you something
to drink? 


Water would be great, thanks, Loren replied. Hi,
Mac. 


Hi, Loren. Im glad you could come, Mac said.  


Loren looked momentarily startled, but she didnt say
anything. When Harriet returned to the living room,
she sat next to Loren. 


Before we order dinner, Mac began. I have something
very important to ask both of you. She paused for a
moment. Harm and I have had a scheduling conflict, so
weve moved the wedding up to Saturday May 11th. Im
hoping youll both agree to be in the wedding party.
She waited for their reactions. 


Harriet spoke first. Oh, Mac, you know I will! She
was obviously excited. 


Loren looked stunned. She couldnt believe Mac just
asked her to be in the wedding. Its probably only
because I married Harms brother, she thought to
herself. Mac and Harriet were both looking at Loren,
waiting for her response. Id be honored, Mac. Thank
you, Loren finally said. 


Will Chloe be in the wedding, too? Harriet asked. 


I havent had a chance to ask her, yet, but Im sure
she will, Mac said. Harm is asking Sergei, Bud, and
Sturgis tonight. He couldnt decide who to ask to be
his best man, though. So we agreed to not have a best
man and matron of honor. 


Thats great, Mac! Harriet said brightly before
remembering that her husband would be at sea on May
11th. Bud wont be able to be there though. 


Were aware of the possibility of that, Harriet. But
the change in date couldnt be helped. Harms still
going to ask Bud and hope that he can get leave, Mac
replied sympathetically. Picking up a menu, she asked,
Now, whos ready to order dinner? 


Same Time

JAG Headquarters

Falls Church, Virginia 


Harm, Bud and Sturgis decided to eat the pizza before
beginning on the files to avoid the possibility of
spilling anything on them. Oh, by the way, Mac and I
had to move up the wedding date due to a scheduling
conflict. Were now getting married on May 11th. I was
hoping you two would agree to stand up with me, Harm
said between slices of pizza. Im going to ask
Sergei, too. 


Sir, Ill be on the Seahawk, so I dont think, Ill
be able to be there, Bud said glumly. But thank you
for asking. 


Im sorry, Bud, the change in date couldnt be
helped. Maybe youll be able to get leave for the
weekend. Its right around AJs birthday isnt it? 


Yes, sir. Ill try, sir, Bud said. 


Well, I will definitely be there, buddy, Sturgis
said. 


Thanks, Sturgis, Harm said.  


Fifteen minutes later, the three finished eating and
began looking at files. Some of the files had photos,
so they were the most helpful. Its amazing how many
cases weve worked on over the last two years isnt,
sir? Bud asked Harm. 


Yes, it is, Bud. Lets get cracking on this, I really
dont want to be here all night, Harm replied. 


Just then the conference room door opened and AJ
entered the room. He appeared less than pleased to see
the three men there. I thought we were meeting at
McMurphys at 1730? He asked in a clipped tone. 


The three men looked at him like deer caught in
headlights. How could we have forgotten to call the
Admiral? Harm thought miserably. Im so sorry, sir.
Its my fault, Sturgis said. Peter faxed over the
sketch of the man we think killed Ensign Mays, and we
decided to look through old case files after both Bud
and Harm said they thought the guy looked familiar. I
completely forgot to call you. 


Its okay, Commander, AJ said. Looking at the pile of
folders on the table, he softened and asked, Could
you use some more help? 


Absolutely, sir, Bud said enthusiastically. After
catching Harms look, he stammered, If you want, but
please dont feel you have to or anything. Deciding
he had backpedaled himself into a corner, he shut up. 


Im happy to help. Ill be right back, AJ said
before leaving the room. He retuned a minute later
with another person behind him. I brought
reinforcements, AJ said as Gunnery Sergeant Victor
Galindez stepped out from behind him. 


Gunny! Bud exclaimed. Good to see you! What are you
doing here? 


Good to see you, too, sir. I caught some leave time
and heard about your new assignment, Gunny said to
Bud. Turning to Harm, he added, And your engagement
to the Colonel. Congratulations, sir! 


Thank you, Gunny. Mac will be disappointed that she
missed you, Harm said. 


Anyway, I decided to spend a day here, so I called
the Admiral, and we worked it out for me to surprise
you at McMurphys. 


Sturgis opened his mouth to apologize to Gunny and to
welcome him back, when AJ spoke, Okay, gentlemen,
chit-chat while we work, Id still like to try and get
a beer tonight. A chorus of aye, aye, sir was heard
from the other four men before they set to work. 

 
1820 Local Time

The Roberts Apartment

Rosslyn, Virginia 


A knock at the door signaled the Chinese foods
arrival. Harriet rose and crossed to the door. An
Asian, teenaged boy stood in the hallway with a large
bag. Harriet paid him and took the bag. Closing the
door, she turned to walk to the dining area. Smells
good, she said as another knock on the door was
heard. The three women exchanged a curious look.
Maybe he forgot our fortune cookies, she said. She
placed the bag on the table and walked back to the
door. Without looking through the peephole, she opened
a door. It was not the delivery kid. 


The man easily pushed his way into the apartment,
shutting and locking the door behind him. Good
evening ladies, he said menacingly. I thought Id
come join your party. He opened his Navy pea coat to
reveal a gun tucked into his waistband. He removed his
coat. Please ladies, enjoy your food at the dining
room table. He hung his coat on the tree beside the
door. 


What do you want? Mac asked angrily. 


Revenge, the man replied. Turning to Harriet, he
asked, When will your husband be home? 


Im not sure, Harriet replied nervously.  


You better not be lying to me, the man snapped. Sit
down!! All of you! He pointed his gun at the table.
He put his bag on the sofa . I brought some party
favors to keep us entertained while we wait for
Lieutenant Roberts to come home. Opening his bag, he
withdrew several small, putty-like devices and
something that looked a little like the remote control
for one little AJs toy cars. Do you know what these
are? He asked the women. He answered his own question
by saying, Bombs. He stuck one to the underside of
the dining table. Each one of these will blow a fifty
foot hole in this building. He placed the rest in
various places around the room. Then he returned to
his bag and withdrew a device the size of a toaster.
He held it up for the ladies to admire and proudly
said, This one will level half of the building. There
is another one just like it hidden in the stairwell. 


Little did the women know that the bombs were fake.
Although, he could easily build bombs, he had no
interest in blowing up the place and himself. He felt
it was too messy and obvious. He preferred methods
that made it look like the victim had an accident. The
bombs were just a way to keep everyone cooperative
so he could slowly exact his revenge on Roberts and
Rabb. 


What have we done to you that you want revenge on
us? Loren dared to ask.  


You ladies have done nothing except had the
misfortune of being associated with Lieutenant Roberts
and Commander Rabb, the man said. 


What did they do to you? Harriet wanted to know. 


The man walked over to stand beside Harriet. They
made me look like a fool in front of a courtroom full
of people, he said. Turning towards Mac, he
continued, Then, they sent me to a nut house, but
obviously I escaped. He turned to Loren and said,
You had the unfortunate luck of being here at the
wrong time and of being related to Rabb. 


It could be hours before my husband comes home,
Harriet said. 


I dont think so, the man said. I think theyll
both come running once you call your husband and tell
him that you ladies are in an apartment full of bombs.
Then, once they arrive outside the building, Im going
to have my fun with each of you, before I kill Roberts
and Rabb. 


No! AJ Roberts yelled from the hallway. He hadnt
understood everything he heard the man say, but he
understood his last name and the word, kill. 


AJ! Harriet yelped. Oh, God! How could I have
forgotten my son was here? She thought, horrified
that the little boy had overheard their conversation.
The man was momentarily caught unaware, but he quickly
took control again. Go to your mother! He yelled at
the kid as he ran his hand over his very short hair.
AJ ran to his mother, who immediately scooped him up
into her arms. The man faced the women pointing his
gun at them. Colonel MacKenzie, move over closer to
Mrs. Roberts, he snapped. Mac did as he asked. Now
you two sit there and behave. While this pretty lady
and I take a walk into the other room. He turned to
Loren and ordered her to get up. And dont forget
that I have the detonator for these bombs. One funny
move and Ill blow us all to bits.  


The man grabbed Lorens arm and propelled her into the
kitchen. Now, you are going to call your
brother-in-law and tell him that you are here with the
other three, and that I want him and Roberts to come
alone. They should wait outside until they see us at
the window. He handed her the portable phone, then
pressed the gun to her temple. I dont know Commander
Rabbs cell phone number, Loren said hotly. 


Dont get smart with me, bitch! The man snapped.
Colonel, please state Commander Rabbs cell phone
number so that your friend can dial it. Mac
reluctantly relayed the information. 


1855 Local Time

JAG Headquarters

Falls Church, Virginia 


The five men had only been looking through the files
for an hour, when Bud found one that was interesting.
He showed the folder to Harm, it wasnt a photo but
the case summary that had drawn Buds attention. Sir,
isnt this eerily similar to what happened to Melanie
and Tiner? Bud asked, pointing to the paragraph
describing the strangulation death of a seaman. Harms
eyes narrowed then widened as he read.  


Shit! Harm exclaimed. The others stared at him. Id
need a photo to be sure, but I think youre right,
Bud. He took the file from Bud and leafed through it.
He had just found the photo that proved they had
identified the right man when his cell phone rang. He
looked at the caller ID and immediately recognized
Buds home phone number. 


Rabb, Harm said into the mouthpiece, expecting to
hear Macs voice on the other end. 


Commander. This is Lieutenant Singer, Loren said as
calmly as she could. 


Harm immediately detected something different in
Lorens voice. He couldnt quite figure out what it
was, though. What can I do for you, Loren, he said
to let the others know who was calling.  


Sir, Im at Lieutenant Roberts home with Lieutenant
Simms, her son, and Colonel MacKenzie. Were being
held hostage by a man with a gun, she said. Her voice
wavered slightly as she added, And several bombs.
The man pressed his mouth close to her ear and
whispered, Very nice. 


What?!!!! Harm yelled into the phone. He stood so
quickly that he knocked his chair backwards, and it
crashed to the floor with a loud bang. The others
looked at him with alarmed expressions. He tried to
calm himself for a second before speaking. Are you
okay? Are the others okay? 


For now, sir, Loren said. Her voice was shakier now.
Harm now recognized what he had been hearing in her
voice - fear. Before Loren could say anything else,
the man ripped the phone out of her hand. 


Listen up Rabb, the man snapped. You and Roberts
have 30 minutes to get your butts over here. Wait
outside the building. Ill be looking for you. Ill
send the ladies down one at a time, then the three of
us will talk. If I see cops, I start detonating these
bombs. He hung up before Harm could say anything. 


It took Harm a few seconds to recognize the voice as
belonging to the man whose file he had just been
reviewing. Damn it! He yelled and snapped his cell
phone shut. He relayed what the man had said about the
women. I always knew he was a sick bastard, but&If he
hurts them& Harm couldnt seem to finish a thought. 


Lets go, sir. What are we waiting for? Gunny asked
as he stood.  


I need to call Sergei, Harm said at the same time as
Sturgis said, We need to call Peter and the local
police. 


No! Harm said. He said no cops or hell start
setting off the bombs. 


Excuse me, sir, but why do you need to call Sergei?
And how would you be able to call him anyway? Gunny
asked, clearly confused. 


Ill explain it all to you in the car. Lets go
gentlemen, AJ ordered. Well take my SUV so we can
come up with a plan. Bring that file. 


Same Time

Harriets Apartment 


Nice job, Lieutenant, the man sneered. Since you
did such a nice job, Im going to reward you by
letting you go second. At her look, he added, That
snot-nosed little brat is first.

He grabbed her right wrist and pulled her back towards
the table.  

 
1930 Local Time 


Petty Officer First Class Frank Deuell smiled as he
looked out the window and saw that Harm and Bud had
arrived. Honey! Your husbands home! He taunted
Harriet. He opened the window and yelled, About time
you two got here! 


Yeah were here, now let the women and little boy
go, Harm called back. 


Oh, Ill send them down to you, dont worry, Frank
said. 


I gotta go potty, mommy, AJ said loudly.  


Frank turned abruptly towards the table. Cant he
just go in his diaper? 


No. Hes potty trained. He isnt wearing a diaper,
Harriet said. I need to take him to the bathroom. 


Actually, I have to go to the bathroom, too. I could
take him, Mac said. She hoped that if she could get
back into the hallway, she could find another way out
of the apartment and get help before he could set off
the bombs.  


No way! Frank said gruffly. He goes alone or he
goes in his pants. Choose quickly. Harriet sent the
boy off to the bathroom by himself. Come right back
here when youre done, kid, Frank told him.  


Your problem is with my husband and the commander,
Harriet began. Why must you take it out on my son? 


Because the only way to exact revenge on them is to
hurt the ones they love, Frank replied. Now shut
up!  


Whats going on, Deuell? Harm yelled from down
below. Why havent you sent anyone out yet? 


Cool your jets, commander, Frank yelled. Were
taking a little potty break, then Ill send the kid
down. 


Keep him at the window and talking, Bud, Harm said
quietly. Give Gunny and the Admiral another minute or
so. Harm stealthily walked towards the building. 


Yes, sir, Bud said to Harm before turning his
attention to the window above. How do we even know
that AJ and the women are alive? 


I guess youll just have to trust me, Roberts, Frank
yelled. Wheres Rabb? 


You mentioned a potty break. He decided he needed the
head, too, so he went behind one those trees, Bud
said, pointing to his left. Let one of the women come
to window, so we can see that theyre okay, Bud
yelled. Harm quietly opened the door to the building
and slipped inside. 


Without turning from the window, Frank ordered Mac to
come over to him. Mac stood and walked closer. When
she was within his reach, he grabbed her arm and
pulled her to him. Frank wrapped one arm around her
neck and pressed the gun to the side of her head. Try
anything, and Ill throw you out the window and shoot
you on the way down, he growled in her ear. 


Mac had heard Harm call him Deuell and struggled for
a few minutes before remembering that Harm and Bud had
prosecuted the guy last year for murdering a seaman on
the Benjamin Harrison. The guy was a sociopath. She
suspected that he killed Melanie and tried to kill
Tiner. His arm around her throat was tight, and she
was starting to have trouble breathing. She was a
Marine, but she had another life to think about now.
She sincerely hoped Harm and Bud had some sort of
plan. 


There! You see, the Colonel is alive and well, Frank
called down to Bud.  


Maam are you and the others all right? Bud asked. 


Mac opened her mouth to answer him, but couldnt get
enough air to get the words out. Of course, theyre
all right, Lieutenant, Frank answered instead. Mac
was starting to feel light-headed. I told you Im
going to send them down to you. 


How did you get out of the psych facility, Deuell?
Bud called up to him. He wished the others would
hurry, Mac didnt look so good and he was running out
of things to say to this psycho. 


Harm was just outside the apartment door, waiting for
just the right moment. He couldnt see into the
apartment, but he could hear Frank. Keep him talking,
Bud, he murmured to himself. 


Shut up, Roberts! Frank yelled. Without turning his
head, he yelled to Harriet, What the hell is taking
that kid so long? 


Hes just a little boy and he isnt used to going by
himself, Harriet replied nervously. She wasnt
entirely sure why her son hadnt come back. She looked
towards the hallway and to her disbelief saw AJ
standing there. He motioned to her to keep quiet.
Nodding slightly, she turned her attention back to
Frank. Its even possible that hes fallen asleep in
there, she suggested.  


Hey, Deuell! Bud yelled, earning Franks undivided
attention. Why dont you let go of the Colonels
neck. She looks like shes about to pass out! AJ
quietly stole into the room and helped Harriet and
Loren get up without a sound. The three of them crept
out of the room and down the hallway. 


No! Since your son is still in the bathroom, Ive
decided Im going to send this one down first! Frank
yelled and stepped even closer to the window. It was
now abundantly clear to Bud that Frank intended to
throw Mac out the window.  


Bud yelled, If youre going to do it this way, then
send my wife out first! 


Having heard Buds words, Harm knew that it meant Mac
was in immediate danger. Without another thought, he
kicked in the door. The sound caused Frank to spin
around quickly. He pulled Mac even tighter to him and
told Harm, Come any closer and she is a dead woman.
Ill blow her brains all over this room, then Ill
shoot you. Now put down your weapon. 


Harm moved slowly to his right, trying to turn Frank
away from the hallway so Gunny could get behind him if
possible. Mac, are you okay? 


Macs eyes were still open. She could see that Harm
was talking, but he sounded like he was very far away.
 

Harm slowly lowered his service pistol towards the
floor and tried to bargain with Frank. Im putting
down my gun, why dont you at least loosen your grip
on her neck? Frank did, slightly. Mac! Can you hear
me? 


Mac could finally get air into her lungs again. It was
another moment or two before she realized Harm was
asking her if she was okay. Still unable to speak, she
nodded. She and Harm maintained eye contact even as
Harm tried to reason with Frank. Let her go, Deuell,
he said as he continued to slowly move to his right.. 


No, way. Then I wouldnt have anything to hurt you
with, Frank said. Stop moving! 


Harm froze. He broke eye contact long enough to look
at Franks face. It was flushed. Things werent going
the way he had planned. That made Frank even more
dangerous. Harm could see Gunny in the hall behind
Frank ready to act if an opportunity presented itself.


Sure you do, Frank. You have your gun. You could
shoot me. You have your bombs, Harm said as he
crouched to place his gun on the floor..  


Frank had momentarily forgotten about the bombs.  


Oh, wait. The bombs arent real. They wont hurt me,
Harm said mockingly as a way of letting Mac know that
the bombs were fakes.  


Macs head was beginning to clear slightly. If it
werent for the gun Frank was holding to her temple,
she would try to flip him or elbow him in the gut.
Suddenly, an idea formed in her mind. She judged the
distance between Harm and his gun. Meeting Harms
eyes, she mouthed, Back up gun? Harm almost
imperceptibly looked down then back up at her.  


Harm nearly lost his balance momentarily when he
accidentally stepped forward one step as he came up
out of his crouch. Frank tensed and suddenly tightened
his grip on Macs neck. Mac gasped for air before
feeling her body go limp. Suddenly, the sound of a
helicopter overhead could be heard. Sergei had
arrived. Frank looked upwards as if he could see
through the ceiling. What the hell! Frank shouted.
Having lost consciousness, Macs knees buckled, and
she became dead weight against her captor. Frank let
go of her, and she fell to the floor with a thud. 


Mac! Harm called in alarm. You bastard! He shouted
at Frank, who was now aiming his gun at the ceiling.
oh, man! Hes really lost it now, Harm thought. At
that moment, Gunny lunged forward, knocking Frank to
the floor. Franks head hit the edge of the coffee
table, knocking Frank unconscious and the gun to the
floor. Harm moved quickly to kick the gun away from
Frank, and gather an unconscious Mac into his arms.
Mac, he said again. Wake up, Mac. A bruise was
already beginning to form on her neck. 


Macs eyes slowly opened as she heard Harm talking to
her.. Thank, God! Harm said. Are you okay? Mac
opened her mouth to answer him, but she could only
whisper, Im fine. 


Harm cocked an eyebrow and said, You are not. He
looked at Gunny and said, What about him? 


Hes alive, sir, Gunny replied. 


Thank you for everything, Gunny. You saved Macs life
and mine too, Harm said. 


Nothing to it, sir. All in a days work, Gunny
replied with smile.  


Harm stood with Mac still in his arms. She couldnt
talk, but her look clearly said, put me down! Harm
smiled at her and said, You are in no condition to
argue, Im carrying you out of here and thats that. 


Outside, Bud held his son in one arm and wrapped the
other around a nearly hysterical Harriet. Teresa and
Peter had arrived a few minutes after AJ escorted
Harriet and Loren out of the building. Sturgis had
called Peter from the car. Loren actually looked like
she might pass out, so Sturgis led her to a bench to
sit down. AJ paced. The local police were ready to
move in, and AJ was praying that they wouldnt move
too soon and cause Deuell to start shooting. An
ambulance waited nearby, just in case. Suddenly, a
helicopter flew overhead and lowered to land in a
nearby field. As it slowly descended, AJ could see the
call letters for the station where Sergei worked.  


A few minutes later, Harm emerged from the building
with a limp Mac in his arms. She had passed out again.
The police started to rush past him, but Harm called
to them. Deuell is unconscious. A marine is guarding
him for you. Two paramedics ran up to him and tried
to take Mac from him, but he wouldnt let go.  


Sir, we need to take her to the ambulance, one of
the paramedics said.  


Ive got her, Harm replied stiffly. The paramedics
tried again to convince him to let them put her on the
gurney, but he wouldnt release his grip on her. 


Stand down, Commander! Thats an order! AJ shouted.
Harms shoulders slumped in defeat, and he placed Mac
on the gurney. Pulling one paramedic aside, he
whispered to her that Mac was pregnant. She thanked
him for the information and told him that he could
ride with her to the hospital. 


Sergei ran up just as the ambulance was pulling away.
Spotting Loren on the bench with Sturgis, he ran to
her. Sturgis rose and walked towards the admiral to
allow the young man to comfort his wife.  


How did you get them out of there? Peter asked AJ. 


Im a former SEAL, son. I did what I was trained to
do, AJ replied. Noticing the looks on Peters and
Teresas faces, he knew he was not going to be able to
get away with that simple answer. We got here before
his deadline. Gunny, Sturgis and I quickly checked out
the building. We alerted the neighbors then climbed
out of a window in that apartment and into a window in
Bud and Harriets bedroom. Getting little AJ was pure
luck, he just happened to need to go to the bathroom.
Sturgis brought him out. 


But what about the bombs? Teresa asked. 


They were fake, as we assumed they would be, AJ
said. 


What made you think they would be fakes? Peter
demanded. 


It didnt fit his MO, AJ replied. And I found the one
in the stairwell. It was obviously fake to anyone
whos disabled bombs before. 


2200 Local Time.

George Washington University Hospital

Washington, DC 


Having finished with the police at the Roberts
apartment building, everyone gathered in the emergency
room to find out about Mac. Harm told them that she
was going to be fine in a week or so. She had a
bruised larynx and wouldnt be able to talk very well
for a few days. Theyll keep her here overnight for
observation, Harm told his friends. Whats happening
with Deuell? 


The Rosslyn Police and Peter are interrogating him,
Bud said. If we can provide sufficient evidence that
he killed Ensign Mays, then the Rosslyn Police will
turn him over to the DC District Attorney to stand
trial for her murder and the attempted murder of Tiner
first, then eventually Fairfax County will try him for
a laundry list of charges stemming from tonight. 


Good, hell be put away for a long time, Harm said.
Turning to Harriet, he asked, How is AJ and where is
he? 


Hell be fine, I think, sir, Harriet replied. He
was so tired, he fell asleep right after we got him
into bed. Teresa offered to stay with him so we could
check on the colonel. 


Ill let her know you were here, Harriet. You should
go home and get some rest, too, Harm said.  


AJ looked at Harm and said, I dont suppose it would
do any good to order you to go home, would it? 


No, sir. Macs already managed to order me to go
home, Harm said and displayed the note Mac wrote to
him. Actually, Im going to stay at her apartment.
Its closer and Ill be able to bring her a change of
clothes in the morning, he added. 


I wish I could give you a few days leave, but I
cant spare you this week, were already
short-handed, AJ said reluctantly. 


I understand sir, Harm said. 


I would be happy to bring the colonel home and stay
with her while youre at work tomorrow, commander,
Gunny said. 


Thank you, Gunny. I think that would be fine, Harm
replied. Shell just be frustrated that she cant
talk to you. 


Not a problem, sir, Gunny replied. 


AJ turned to Bud and Harriet. Considering the
circumstances, I wont blame you if you both decide
not to fly to Montana for the funeral. 


Weve already discussed that, sir, Bud said. Were
going. 


Very well. Lets go people, Im not running an all
night cab service here, AJ told them. Goodnight,
Harm. Tell Mac, Im glad shes okay. 


Thank you, sir. I will. 


Sturgis walked up to Harm and handed him the keys to
Macs corvette. I wasnt sure if you would need a car
tonight or in the morning, so I drove Macs car here
so you wouldnt be stuck without one since your SUV is
still at the office, he said. 


Thanks, man. I appreciate it, Harm said. Ill walk
out with all of you. 

 
The end. For now. 

 
Additional Authors Notes: I had written more than
half of this story before I realized that Teresa was a
reservist, to avoid a major rewrite of this chapter
and to enable to bring her into future chapters, I
have decided to make her active duty. The names of the
Chaplain and the Superintendant at the Naval Academy
in this story are the names of the current Naval
Academy Chaplain and Superintendent - my apologies for
using their names without permission. Shennandoah
Crossing is the name of an actual apartment complex in
Fairfax, Virginia. While writing this chapter, I
discovered that I had been spelling Lieutenant
Singers first name wrong. I corrected it in this
chapter and it will be correct in all future chapters.