HELPLESS

Author: Tracey DeGrace
Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters. I am
simply borrowing them for entertainment purposes only.
Rating: R (Warning: Descriptions of a sexual assault.)
Spoilers: Takes place prior to Lieutenant Singer’s
assignment to the USS Seahawk.
Summary: Mac and Harm are assigned to join the DC
police in an investigation into a trio of serial
rapists. The investigation becomes personal when Harm
learns Mac is involved. Shipper Alert!
Comments: Welcome at musicat12@yahoo.com. Thanks and
enjoy!

0230 Zulu (2130 Local)
Sarah Mackenzie’s Apartment
Georgetown

Mac was sitting on the edge of the couch with a cup of
coffee in hand. A pile of files and papers were spread
over the coffee table in front of her. Mac had been
working for hours and was beginning to feel the
frustration from finding little success.
“Come on, there has got to be something I’m missing,”
Mac spoke aloud to the pages in front of her.
“That’s it, I need a break,” with that Mac put down
the files and the coffee and headed to the door. Mac
picked up her running shoes from beside the door and
quickly put them on her feet. She then grabbed her
keys and headed out the door for a nice evening run.
The night air felt soothing against her skin. It was
early June and the air was just warm enough to be
comfortable. Mac felt the clarity wash over her as she
ran. She had been running for twenty minutes and
thirty-four seconds before she came upon her favorite
hang out spot. She decided to stop in for a club soda.


0251 Zulu (2151 Local)
McMurphy’s Tavern

Mac sat quietly at the bar, occasionally glancing
around in search of any of her JAG friends. There were
several military personnel enjoying the bar that
evening, but none of whom she was familiar. After she
finished her drink, she decided to head back home to
get a fresh start on the case she was working on. Mac
said farewell to the bartender, with whom she was
acquainted, and headed out the door. Mac’s apartment
was only a few blocks from the bar so she decided to
take a leisurely walk rather than resuming her run. It
was a nice night for a walk, she thought as she headed
down the street. Just as Mac was passing an alleyway
she noticed footsteps behind her.

“Now surely you’re not going home to an empty bed
Colonel,” Mac heard a voice from behind her.
“Red light…”
Her response was cut off by a quick kick to the
stomach by a man in a black ski mask. Caught off
guard, Mac was knocked to the ground. She attempted to
return to her standing position but was quickly
grabbed by a second man. He held her arms above her
head and the two men began dragging her into the
alley. The first man had a firm hold on Mac’s legs,
preventing her from kicking him. Mac attempted to
scream, but a third man placed a piece of duck tape
over her mouth before she had the chance. Mac
struggled against her captures but, being out sized
and out muscled by the three men, she was helplessly
pinned to the ground. Mac eventually managed to get
one leg free and she kicked the man holding her other.
The man was thrown back to the ground. She finally had
the upper hand, or so she thought. Before Mac got the
chance to move again, she felt a sting in her arm. The
man that had taped her mouth earlier had stuck a
syringe in her arm.
Mac quickly began to feel the effects of the drug. Her
entire body was numbing. She remained conscious but
within a matter of seconds she was unable to move her
body at all. At this point Mac was petrified. All her
Marine training, prepared her for a fight, prepared
her to out think an opponent, but here she was, alone
and unable to move. There was nothing she could do.
She was completely helpless.
The man whom had been holding her legs was now pulling
down her down her jogging pants and panties. Her heart
froze as she knew what was coming next. The second man
had forcefully brought her shirt up to her throat,
while the third man fondled her through her sports
bra. Mac could feel the cold hands of her attackers
roaming over her paralyzed body. She felt a hand trace
up her thigh slowly, sending shivers of fear down her
spine. Her heart pounded rapidly as the men began to
laugh. Mac could do nothing but close her eyes and
pray that it would be over soon.
The seconds seemed like forever. She knew that any
moment it would happen. She desperately wanted to
scream. The fear and anger was coursing through her
veins but she couldn’t do anything. Her mind froze as
she heard the sound of a zipper being lowered. Her
eyelids shut tightly as she felt one of the men climb
on top of her. Please no, she cried silently. Suddenly
Mac heard what she thought was laughter in the
distance. The three men also heard the laughter, and
began to panic.
“Come on, we have to get out of here!” one man
whispered harshly.
“We’re not done yet,” the second replied.
“Leave the bitch! Come on lets go!” the third ordered,
there was panic in his voice.
The three men quickly ran off leaving Mac lying on the
ground, her paralyzed body exposed to the night air.
All Mac could do was lie there and cry. Images of what
had just happened played again and again in her mind.
Through her blurred vision she could see the faint
stars above her. She heard cars driving past the
alleyway. She even heard more voices in the distance,
but none came close enough to see her lying there in
the alley. She was completely alone; waiting for the
drugs to wear off.

Mac’s internal clock told her that she had been lying
on the ground for eight minutes and thirty-six seconds
when she felt her mobility beginning to return. It
took an additional one minute and fifteen seconds
before she fully regained her mobility. Mac picked
herself up off the ground and replaced her disheveled
clothing. Although her mobility had returned, she was
completely drained, both mentally and physically. Mac
surveyed her surroundings, and began slowly making her
way out of the alley toward home.


0740 Zulu (0240 Local)
Sarah Mackenzie’s Apartment
Georgetown

Mac lay asleep in bed, tossing and turning…

Fear overwhelmed her as she lay on the ground unable
to move. The masked men knelt around her laughing and
fondling her body. She was helpless. The one thing Mac
had always feared the most was being helpless. She lay
there completely aware of her surroundings. The warm
night air and the damp ground beneath her; the musty
smell of the alleyway; the eyes of her attackers; the
cold hand tracing a line up her thigh; the men
laughing as they controlled her. Mac desperately
wanted to scream but was unable to do so. She was
alone and there was no one to help her. She was all
alone. He said she would never be alone…
“Harm!” she yelled as her body sprung awake. 

Mac’s face was covered with sweat. She was out of
breath and her heart was racing. She searched her
surroundings franticly. Realizing she was alone, in
the safety of her home, she tried to calm herself.
After a few minutes Mac was able to calm her breathing
but she was far to rattled to even attempt to go back
to sleep. Her first thought was to call her partner,
but being that it was only 0245, she didn’t want to
wake him. Besides I don’t think I could face him right
now, she thought. She decided to get up and take a
long hot shower.
Mac stood in the shower, letting the warm water fall
over her. She desperately tried to block the images
that flooded her mind. She kept hearing the laughter,
kept feeling their icy hands on her skin. The feeling
of being completely helpless. Mac’s eyes filled with
tears as she fought to fight her feelings. She curled
her arms around herself and sank to the floor of the
shower. She stayed under the water like that and cried
until she had no more tears to shed. When her skin was
completely saturated and wrinkled from the water, she
turned off the water and stepped out of the shower.
She dried herself off and quickly dressed in her
uniform. Her inner clock told her it was only 0400
hours but she couldn’t just wait around her apartment.
She picked up her cover and keys and headed out the
door.


0930 Zulu (0430 Local)
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

Mac stepped off the elevator and walked into the empty
bullpen. She stopped for a moment and noticed how
quiet and peaceful the office was at this hour. She
took a small comfort in the fact that she would not
have to face anyone for another three hours and
twenty-four minutes or so. The office usually didn’t
fill up until 0800. Normally Mac’s first activity of
the day would be a cup of coffee, but today she
decided to go straight to work. 
Mac hardly noticed the time pass as she worked
diligently, keeping her mind solely on the tasks in
front of her. Mac was a woman on a mission. In less
than three hours she had already cleared the paperwork
on over three dozen cases that had been piling up on
her desk.

1254 Zulu (0754 Local)
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

Petty Officer Jason Tiner and Admiral AJ Chegwidden
stepped off the elevator and headed for the still
quiet bullpen. The Admiral headed directly to his
office while Tiner headed toward the kitchen to make
the morning pot of coffee. As he passed Colonel
Mackenzie’s office, Tiner noticed that the Colonel was
already in.
“Getting an early start this morning Colonel?” Tiner
questioned as he popped his head in,
“What?” Mac replied startled.
“Sorry, Ma’am, didn’t mean to startle you,” He
apologized.
“What can I do for you Petty Officer?” Mac replied
coldly.
“Ma’am?” Tiner questioned, surprised that she had
addressed him so formally.
“I’m sorry Tiner. I didn’t get much sleep last night,”
she replied.
“Yes Ma’am. Can I get you a cup of coffee Ma’am?” he
asked.
“No thank you Tiner,” she replied. Tiner was slightly
confused, because the Colonel always drank coffee in
the morning. His face saddened as he noticed how tired
she looked.
“Permission to speak freely Ma’am?” Tiner requested.
“Sure Tiner,” she replied.
“Exactly what time did you get in this morning Ma’am?”
“0430,” she replied simply. “Is there anything else?”
she continued.
“No Ma’am,” he replied and executed an about-face
before continuing to the kitchen.
Within minutes the bullpen began to fill up and was
soon full of action.

Commander Harmon Rabb Jr. strolled off the elevator a
few minutes late, not totally uncommon for him. He
began surveying the faces in the bullpen, in search of
his ever reliable partner. He knew he could depend on
her for some early morning repartee. He always enjoyed
their little tiffs. She always had a comeback for
everything. He had always loved that about her. His
searching was soon over, when he spotted his partner
working busily at her desk. He grabbed a cup of coffee
for himself and one for his partner and then proceeded
to her office.
“Good morning,” Harm greeted from the doorway.
“What? Oh, good morning,” she replied seemingly
distracted.
“You’re awfully busy this morning,” he started as he
entered the room. “I brought you some coffee.”
“Oh, thanks,” she took the cup and set it on her desk.
“Mac, are you okay?” he inquired.
“Oh, I’m fine. I’m just trying to get caught up on my
paperwork,” she replied still focused on her work,
never looking up at her partner.
“Well I can see that you’re busy. I’ll stop by later,”
he told her as he headed out the door somewhat
confused by her behavior. Maybe she really is busy, he
thought.
Harm began to head toward his office, but changed his
mind and decided to see Tiner instead.

“Tiner, got a minute?” Harm asked as he entered
Tiner’s working space.
“Sure Commander, what can I do for you?” Tiner asked
eagerly.
“Was Mac here when you arrived this morning?” he
inquired.
“Yes sir. She was busy working,” he replied.
“Before 0800?” he asked in surprise.
“Yes sir. The Colonel told me that she arrived at 0430
sir,” Tiner informed him.
“Are you sure Tiner?”
“Yes sir,” he replied.
“Thank you,” Harm replied.
“You’re welcome sir,” Tiner replied.

Being somewhat surprised by Tiner’s information Harm
decided to return to Mac’s office. Harm knocked on the
door before stepping inside.
“Mac, is it true that you have been here since 0430?”
Harm asked straight out.
“Yes,” she replied simply, her eyes still on her work.
Harm saw the avoidance in her body language. He walked
over to her desk.
“Mac?” he whispered as he placed his hand on hers. She
pulled her hand away quickly, surprising him.
“What’s wrong?” he asked worriedly.
“Nothing,” she replied.
“Why were you here so early this morning and why did
you pull away just now when I touched you?” his heart
was sad as he questioned her. It was clear to him that
something wasn’t right.
“I’m sorry Harm I just didn’t sleep very well last
night. Look I’m real busy. Can we talk about this
later?” she asked him purposely avoiding eye contact
with him.
“Mac I…”
“Please Harm, later,” she replied looking into his
eyes. Her eyes seemed so lifeless to him.
“Sure Mac, but whatever is going on, remember I’m
here,” he replied calmly.
“I know you are,” she replied dropping her eyes from
his, desperately trying to stop herself from crying.
Harm saw so much sadness in her eyes. The burning fire
that he always saw in them was gone. He knew something
was very wrong with her but he knew her well enough to
not push her, for now. He just hoped that she would
come to him if she needed him. Harm sadly returned to
his office and began working on his own pile of files.






2145 Zulu (1645 Local)
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

Mac had finished every file that had been on her desk,
and had reorganized her desk, by the time she had
finally emerged from her office. Mac was beginning to
feel like herself again as she chatted with Harriet
and Harm in the bullpen. Their conversation was
interrupted when Bud caught the attention of the
entire staff in the bullpen. He picked up the
television remote and turned up the volume for a ZNN
Special Report.

“It has been confirmed that a sixth woman has fallen
victim to the gang rapists that have plagued the
Washington D.C. area over the past four weeks. The
victim’s name has not been released as of this time.
It has been confirmed that the gang consists of three
white men, who always wear black ski masks. They
surprise their victim from behind and drug them,
disabling them from fighting back. The D.C. police
have issued the following statement. ‘Women in the
D.C. area are advised not to go walking alone after
dark. They should stay in highly populated and
well-lit areas.’ The police are doing everything in
their power to bring the Beltway Rapists to justice.
If anyone has any information on the attackers, please
contact the D.C. police immediately. Thank you.”
Everyone listened closely to the ZNN report, before
continuing their duties.

“This is terrible. I hope they find those men soon.
There are too many things in this world to worry about
right now. We shouldn’t have to be afraid to leave our
homes at night,” Harriet commented to Mac. “Ma’am?”
Mac didn’t hear Harriet’s comment. Her face was as
pale as a ghost. She didn’t move until Harm came up
behind her.
“Mac?” he spoke as he put his hand on her shoulder.
She suddenly dropped the files she was holding and
jumped back away from Harm. Her friends were quite
shocked by her reaction to Harm.
“Oh God, I’m sorry,” she muttered as she began
collecting her files from the floor.
“I’ll get that Ma’am,” Harriet offered as she began
picking up the files.
“I got them thanks,” Mac replied. “I need to get back
to work.” Without another word she returned to her
office.
Mac’s scene had caught the attention of the entire
bullpen. Everyone stared as Mac entered her office.
“As you were!” Harm ordered. Everyone returned their
focus to their own tasks.
“What was that about sir?” Bud questioned Harm.
“I don’t know Bud. She said she didn’t sleep very well
last night,” Harm supplied, but he couldn’t even
convince himself that it was only that simple.
“Even so sir, she usually isn’t the type to react to
anything the way she just did,” Harriet interjected.
“I know. She’ll probably be back to her charming self
tomorrow,” he replied trying to convince himself that
everything would be fine, although his heart knew
better than to believe that. Tiner entered the bullpen
and joined Harriet, Bud, and Harm.
“Excuse me sir, the Admiral needs to see you and the
Colonel in his office,” Tiner informed Harm.
“Thank you Tiner,” he replied.
Tiner started toward Mac’s office but Harm quickly
stopped him.
“I’ll get the Colonel, Tiner,” Harm told him.
“Ok sir,” Tiner nodded and returned to his office.
Harm gently knocked on Mac’s door. He desperately
wanted to ask her what was wrong but he knew that this
wasn’t the time or place.
“The Admiral needs to see us Mac,” Harm simply stated.
“Ok,” she answered as she stood up and walked out the
door before Harm got the chance to say another word.
Harm quickly caught up to her as they headed for the
Admiral’s office. Tiner entered and announced the
Colonel and the Commander’s presence.
“Send them in Tiner,” the Admiral replied.
“You wanted to see us sir?” Harm questioned as they
both stood at attention.
“At ease,” the Admiral ordered. “I assume you both
caught the ZNN Report about the Beltway Rapists?”
“Yes sir,” Harm answered. Mac remained silent.
“The latest victim was a Navy Lieutenant Megan Cleary.
I want you to meet up with the D.C. police tomorrow
morning and aid them in the investigation. Although it
is D.C jurisdiction, I want JAG involved. We need to
protect our own,” the Admiral explained.
“Yes sir. Is there anything else sir?” Harm inquired.
“No that will be all,” he replied.
“Yes sir,” Harm replied as they both snapped to
attention before executing about-faces and exited the
room. Mac and Harm walked into the bullpen in silence.
“Do you want to grab some dinner tonight?” Harm
invited.
“Can I get a rain check?” Mac answered.
“Always,” Harm replied with a soft smile. “Are you
sure you’re okay? You didn’t seem like yourself
today,” he inquired.
“I’m just tired. I’ll see you tomorrow okay?” Mac
replied.
“Okay. Have a good night and get some rest,” he
replied caringly.
“I will,” she replied before parting company with him.

0115 Zulu (2015 Local)
Harm’s Apartment
North of Union Station

Harm sat down at the dining room table and began
eating his salad which he had prepared for dinner.
Harm ate slowly as his mind pondered the events of the
day with Mac. Why had Mac been so jumpy today? She is
usually cool as ice. She didn’t even drink her coffee,
which is unheard of for Mac. Why was she at work at
0430? She didn’t even insult me once today. That is
certainly not like her. Harm thought as he ate his
salad. Mac was an expert at hiding her emotions, but
she couldn’t hide them from him. He had always been
able to read the emotions in her eyes. What he had
seen today worried him. He read sadness, pain, and
above all else, fear. He rarely saw that much fear in
Mac’s eyes. The last time he saw her that afraid, was
when she was being stalked and Dalton was killed.
“No it can’t be!” he exclaimed as he stood from the
table.
It was being to dawn on him. He remembered how she had
reacted to the ZNN report earlier. Please no. Please
be wrong. He thought as he grabbed his coat and keys
and bolted out the door.

0125 Zulu (2025 Local)
Sarah Mackenzie’s Apartment
Georgetown

Mac sat on her couch huddled in a blanket. Her eyes
were worn and red from crying. It took several seconds
before she realized that there was knocking at her
door. She didn’t move.
“Mac! It’s Harm, open up!” Harm called out. “Mac,
please open the door!” he yelled as he continued to
knock on the door. Mac quickly got up and opened the
door.
“Harm what’s wrong?” she asked as she backed up to
allow him to enter.
“That’s what I wanted to ask you,” he replied as he
removed his jacket and hung it by the door.
“I’m fine Harm,” she replied.
“No you’re not,” he returned.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she replied
as she turned her head and began walking away. Harm
grabbed her arm to stop her.
“Don’t touch me!” she yelled as she pulled away from
him.
“Okay, okay calm down. I’m not going to hurt you,” he
quickly replied as he backed away from her.
“I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry,” she repeated as
tears once again flowed from her eyes. Mac soon lost
all her strength and slowly sank to the floor.
“What happened last night?” Harm asked softly.
Mac sat on the floor with her arms and legs curled up
into the rest of her body. Her body rocked back and
forth for several seconds before she answered.
“You weren’t there,” she replied softly.
“Where? What happened to you?” Harm asked still
standing away from her.
“I was all alone. I needed you and you weren’t there,”
she stated as she brought her tearful eyes to meet
his. Harm took this as his cue. He slowly walked
toward her and sat down next to her. She didn’t pull
away from him, so he wrapped his arms around her and
pulled her against his chest.
“Shhh. I’m here. You’re not alone. I’m here,” he
whispered as he gently rocked her in his arms. Harm’s
heart was breaking as he held her and listened to her
cry. His strong Marine, now shattered into a million
broken pieces. He wanted her to tell him everything,
but he just let her cry. Besides, he already had a
pretty good idea of what had happened to her. His
heart fell as he listened to her tears. Tears began
flowing from his own eyes as thoughts of what might
have happened to her raced through his mind. He wanted
so much to protect her. It was killing him to see his
Sarah in so much pain.
Harm just held her until her breathing slowed,
signaling that she had fallen asleep in his arms. He
gently picked her up and carried her into the bedroom.
He put Mac in her bed and tucked her under the warm
blankets. Harm stood over her, watching her sleep. Her
face was so pale and was washed with tears.
“You’re never alone my love,” Harm whispered and
placed a soft kiss on her forehead.
There is no way I’m leaving her alone tonight, he
thought as he headed for the living room. Harm locked
the door, turned off the lights, and headed for the
couch. He sat down and removed his shoes. He then
grabbed the blanket Mac had left out and pulled it
over him as he laid down. Harm’s eyes were filled with
pain and so many questions. He wished that he could
make everything better. He couldn’t stand to see his
Sarah suffer like that. After what seemed like a
lifetime, his eyes grew weary and sleep finally
claimed him.

0530 Zulu (0030 Local)
Sarah Mackenzie’s Apartment
Georgetown

Mac tossed and turned in her bed.
“No, stop, no, no…” Mac moaned in her sleep. “Harm!”
she screamed as her body flung awake. Harm heard her
call and was by her side almost instantly.
“I’m here,” he whispered as he climbed into the bed
and pulled her into his arms. “It’s okay. You’re
safe,” he assured her.
“I was alone Harm,” Mac cried.
“It was a dream. I’m here. You’re not alone,” Harm
whispered as he held her tight. “Please tell me what
happened, Sarah.” 
After a few minutes, Mac took a deep breath and began
to tell her story. “I was working and I needed a
break. I went for a run. I had a club soda at
McMurphy’s. I started walking home and…” Mac paused as
the tears began to overtake her again.
“It’s ok, I’m here,” Harm whispered in her ear pulling
her tighter in his arms.
“I was walking and I…someone kicked me in the stomach.
The next thing I knew, I was pinned to the ground by
three men. One of them stuck a needle in my arm. I
couldn’t move. My body went numb. I was helpless. They
were pulling away my clothes, touching me. I was
helpless. Then they ran and left me there. I couldn’t
move. I was alone, lying there. You weren’t there. You
weren’t there. I needed you and you weren’t there,”
she finished completely overcome by tears.
“I’m so sorry. I wish I had been there. I wish I could
have protected you. I’m so sorry baby,” Harm replied
in tears, holding her tightly in his arms. “I’m so
sorry.”
“Don’t leave me,” she pleaded.
“Never,” he whispered. Harm pulled the blankets over
them and guided Mac to lay down, still wrapped in his
arms. Mac rested her head on Harm’s chest and closed
her eyes as her exhaustion washed over her. “Go to
sleep. I’m here. You’re not alone,” Harm whispered as
he placed another kiss on the top of her head. His
arms were wrapped around his partner as he sadly
joined her in sleep.








1000 Zulu (0500 Local)
Sarah Mackenzie’s Apartment
Georgetown

Harm was awakened by the warm body in his arms
sneaking away from him.
“Mac?” Harm said as he opened his eyes. “Where are you
going?”
“It’s time to get up sleepy head,” she replied as she
headed into the bathroom. Harm got out of bed and
headed for the kitchen to prepare breakfast. Harm was
pretty sure that Mac hadn’t eaten the day before.
There were eggs cooking on the stove when she emerged
in uniform.
“Mmm that smells good,” Mac stated as she entered the
kitchen.
“How are you?” Harm asked calmly.
“Well I’m not fine, but I think I will be,” she smiled
faintly. Harm could see a glimpse of life in her eyes.
“Come here,” he asked as he reached his arms out
toward her. She walked to him and he wrapped his arms
around her. “I will always be here for you Sarah,” he
whispered.
“I know,” she replied as she savored how safe she felt
in his arms. “You might want to get those before they
burn,” she added noticing the cooking eggs. Harm let
her go and finished attending to the eggs. Mac and
Harm sat down at the table to eat their breakfast. The
meal was eaten in silence. Mac was thankful for the
food. It wasn’t until now that she realized that she
hadn’t eaten at all the day before. She glanced at her
partner sitting across from her. She smiled in
gladness that he was by her side. After both had
finished breakfast, Harm broke the silence with a
question he dreaded asking but one that needed to be
answered.

“Mac, I…uh, did they…I mean…did they rape you?” he
asked nervously.
“That was their plan. They heard voices in the
distance and split before they got the chance,” she
replied with some relief.
“Oh, thank god,” he replied with a smile.
“Do you remember anything else about the attack?” Harm
inquired as he motioned them toward the couch.
“I don’t know. It sort of comes in flashes,” she
started. “I remember being overpowered before I even
got the chance to react. There were three of them, all
wearing ski masks. They pinned me down and put duck
tape over my mouth. One stuck a needle in my arm and
within seconds my body was paralyzed. I remember
thinking that all my marine training meant nothing in
that moment. I was completely helpless. I couldn’t
move,” she explained desperately trying to hold back
the tears. Harm intertwined his fingers with hers.
“It’s okay,” he whispered. 
“I remember them moving my clothes, feeling his cold
hand on my thigh. I remember hearing voices. I think
the men heard the voices too because they panicked and
ran off. They left me lying there. I continued to hear
voices in the distance but no one came. I laid there
until the drug finally wore off. You weren’t there. I
wanted you there. I wanted you to save me. I was so
alone. I have never felt that helpless before Harm,”
she finished as a few tears fell from her eyes. Harm
raised his hand to her cheek to wipe away the tears.

“I’m so sorry you had to go through that Sarah,” he
comforted her, pulling her into his embrace. “I
promise we are going to get these creeps. I’ll tell
the Admiral that you are sick and I’ll get Bud to help
me with the investigation,” Harm told her.
“No. I need to be involved. I need to tell the police
what I remember,” Mac replied.
“Are you sure you’re up to it?” Harm asked her.
“No, but I need to do it. I got lucky last night Harm.
Seven other women weren’t so lucky. I can’t let them
hurt anyone else,” she explained. 
“You are so brave,” he whispered with pride in his
voice. “You can come under one condition,” he started.
“Name it,” she replied.
“Let me be with you when you speak to the police,” he
told her.
“Of course,” she replied.
“Also, you let me handle the bulk of the
investigation. I don’t want you hurt anymore than you
already do.”
“Just don’t shut me out,” she added.
“Agreed,” he told her as he laid them back against the
arm of the couch.
For a few moments neither said a word. They focused on
each other’s heartbeats; each others warmth. Mac felt
so safe in Harm’s embrace. She felt safe knowing that
he was by her side. Harm hated to disrupt the peaceful
calm between them, but he had to start thinking about
the coming day.
“Do you want me to tell the Admiral, Mac?” Harm asked.
“I don’t think I can face him just yet Harm,” she
replied.
“Don’t worry about it. I’ll take care of everything,”
he replied as he placed a soft kiss on her forehead
and tightened his arms around her.
“Thank you,” she whispered.

1315 Zulu (0815 Local)
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

Admiral Chegwidden was busy writing at his deck when
he heard a knock at his door.
“Enter!” he called out.
“Sir, do you have a minute?” Harm asked.
“Aren’t you and the Colonel supposed to be in
Washington by now?” the Admiral inquired.
“Yes sir,” Harm replied.
“What’s on your mind, Commander?”
“Well Admiral, new information has come to my
attention and I wanted to tell you before I share it
with the police,” Harm replied.
“What is it?” the Admiral asked curiously.
“It seems that there was an eighth victim sir, a
marine. Two nights ago. Fortunately the attack was
interrupted before the woman was raped, but the attack
occurred none-the-less,” Harm explained.
“And where did you acquire this information
Commander?” AJ questioned.
“From Sarah, Colonel Mackenzie sir,” he replied.
“And where did she get the information?” the Admiral
was beginning to lose his patience.
“Well actually, the victim was…Mac, Admiral,” he
stated nervously.
“What?” the Admiral rose from his chair in shock. “Are
you telling me that Mac was raped by these maniacs?
“No sir, fortunately the perps were spooked before
they got the chance,” Harm answered.
“Why didn’t you tell me this before?” he asked.
“I only found out for myself last night, sir,” Harm
replied.
“Is the Colonel okay?” AJ asked caringly.
“She will be sir. She is stronger than she gives
herself credit for,” Harm replied. “She is going to
tell the police everything she remembers. With your
permission she would like to remain on the case. She
has agreed to let me handle it, but she didn’t want to
be shut out of it,” Harm requested.
“Take care of her son,” AJ replied more as a friend
than his commanding officer.
“I will sir,” Harm assured him.
“Dismissed.”
“Aye aye sir,” Harm snapped to attention and executed
an about face before leaving the office.

1400 Zulu (0900 Local)
Police Headquarters
Washington DC

Harm and Mac stood outside Police Headquarters staring
at the door to the main entrance.
“Are you sure you’re ready to do this?” Harm asked his
partner standing next to him.
“I have to Harm, whether I’m ready or not,” she
answered as only a tough marine would.
“Remember I’m right here with you,” he whispered as he
took her hand in his.
“Ok,” she replied. Harm squeezed her hand before
letting it go as they entered the station.

The lobby of the police station was a large open area.
The ceilings were high and the walls were plastered
with Wanted posters and other assorted flyers. The
station was lively with action this morning. There
were busy people all around. Mac and Harm spotted an
officer at the front desk and went over to speak with
him.
“Can I help you?” the officer asked.
“Yes, we are here to see the detectives working on the
Beltway Rapist case,” Harm told the officer.
“May I ask who you are and what your interest in this
case is?” the officer requested.
“I’m Commander Rabb and this Colonel Mackenzie, we are
with the JAG corp. We were ordered to assist with the
investigation,” Harm informed him.
“I’ll be right back,” the officer told him and left
the desk.
“Why is it that the police always get uptight when
they hear that JAG is going to aid in their
investigations? Mac asked Harm with a sly smile.
“Well because they just love working with us military
folk,” Harm returned with his trademark ‘flyboy’
smile.
“Or maybe it’s because you usually step on their
toes?” Mac threw back with a smile.
Before Harm got the chance to reply to Mac’s blatant
comment, a detective emerged to greet them.
“I am Detective Jason Samms, in charge of the Beltway
Rapist case, what can I do for you?” the detective
told them.
“I am Commander Harmon Rabb and this is my partner
Colonel Sarah Mackenzie, JAG corp. We were ordered to
assist in the investigation,” Harm told him.
“JAG has no jurisdiction here,” the detective told
them.
“Yes sir, but since the last victim was a Naval
Officer, are C.O. wanted us involved,” Harm replied.
“Yes I’m sure he does but I don’t think…” Harm
interrupted before he finished his sentence.
“We also have new information that is relevant to the
case,” Harm added.
“What new information?” the detective inquired.
Harm looked at his partner before answering. She was
holding together pretty well. The Marine in her was
not going to let her fall.
“Not here, can we talk somewhere private?” Harm
requested.
“Sure,” Samms replied. “Follow me,” the detective led
them through the station house toward an interrogation
room in the back. “Have a seat,” he told them as he
pointed toward the table in the center of the room.
Harm and Mac sat on one side of the table while the
detective took a seat across from them.
“Now what new information do you have for me?” the
detective asked. Harm looked over at her partner and
could see that she was having trouble coming up with
the right words to say.
“There were not seven victims, there were eight,” Harm
told him.
“Eight? How do you know that?” the detective asked in
surprise. Harm was reluctant with a reply.
“Because I was the eighth victim, sir,” Mac spoke up.
“Actually I was probably number seven.”
“You?” the detective replied in surprise. “I’m sorry
Ma’am. Can you tell me what happened?” he asked.
Mac looked over at Harm before she began. Mac’s hand
was resting on her lap. Harm took it in his and gave
her a squeeze. His touch gave her the comfort and
strength to face this. She knew wasn’t alone anymore.
“Two nights ago I went out for a run at 2130. I
stopped at McMurphy’s for a club soda before heading
home. I left there at 2220. I was walking past an
alley when I was jumped from behind. I was dragged
into the alley by three men wearing black ski masks.
They pinned me to the ground and duck taped my mouth.”
Mac paused looking to her partner for the strength to
continue. Harm smiled and squeezed her hand again.
“One of the men injected something into my arm and
within seconds I felt my body go numb. The men moved
my clothing and…began to touch me. I felt their hands
all over me. On my…chest and thigh…” Again Mac
stopped, trying to stop herself from crying. Harm’s
heart sank as he listened to his partner describe her
horrifying experience. “I heard one of the men unzip
his pants…and then I heard laughing in the distance.
The men heard it too. One said ‘Come on, we have to
get out of here,’” she remembered closing her eyes.
“Another said ‘We’re not done yet.’ The third man said
‘Leave the bitch. Come on lets go,’” she told the
detective. She opened her eyes and they were glassy
with unshed tears.
“Would you recognize their voices if you heard them
again?” the detective asked.
“Yes, I think I might,” she told him.
“Can you tell me anything about what they looked
like?” he inquired.
“All three were white. All wore dark clothing, black
gloves, and ski masks. The leader had brown eyes. The
other two had blue eyes. They were physically fit,
built, and very strong,” she told him.
“Thank you Colonel,” he replied.
“Oh one more thing detective,” she jumped in again.
“They seemed to be very skilled at what they did. They
seemed to have every move planned out carefully. At
one point I got a leg free and kicked one man back. He
fell back, but before I had the chance to move again,
the needle was in my arm. They knew exactly what they
were doing,” Mac explained.
“I appreciate you coming forward like this. If it is
alright with you, I will need a sample of your blood
to identify the drug they used on you,” the detective
told her.
“Would it still be in her system after two days?” Harm
questioned.
“If it is the same substance they used on the others,
it will still be found in trace,” he answered. “I’ll
be right back with someone to take your blood,” he
told them as he left the room. After the detective
left, Mac let out a deep breath and relaxed.
“I am so proud of you Sarah,” Harm whispered in her
ear. She loved it when he called her Sarah.
“Thank you for being here Harm,” she replied with a
smile.
“Of course, I’ll always be here for you Sarah,” he
replied with a sweet smile. Mac smiled as her eyes
locked with his. Their moment was interrupted by the
door opening again. Detective Samms and a lab
technician entered the room. The technician took Mac’s
blood and the detective asked the technician to rush
the analysis.
“Do you have any leads detective?” Harm inquired.
“Not too much. We got a DNA sample off the last
victim. There was no match in the system,” he
answered.
“Did you get anything off the other victims?” Harm
questioned.
“No. We caught a break. I guess they got careless,” he
explained.
“I know why,” Mac interjected. Harm and Samms turned
to her in surprise. “Like I said earlier, I was victim
number seven. The last victim was not part of their
plan,” she told them.
“What do you mean?” Harm asked.
“Well the attacks usually happen a few days apart.
This was the first time there were two attacks on the
same night,” she told them. “I was their planned
attack, but it went sour when they were interrupted.
My guess is that Lieutenant Cleary was a last minute
decision. They needed to finish what they had started
with me. The attack was probably less precise than the
others, because it was out of necessity,” Mac told
them with a clear and investigative mind. Harm was
happy to see Mac returning to her normal self.
“You are correct Colonel. Ms. Cleary did describe her
attackers as a bit careless, which was odd considering
the M.O. of the previous attacks had been highly
organized,” the detective told her.
“Is there anything else we can do to help with the
investigation detective?” Harm inquired.
“At the moment? No. I have my men canvassing the areas
of the attacks. They are trying to find some
connections between the victims and/or the places,”
Samms told them.
“Could I get a list of the women that were attacked
detective?” Harm questioned.
“I knew you’d want them, here you are. Names,
addresses and details of the attacks,” he replied as
he handed Harm a folder.
“Thank you,” Harm replied.
“Where was Lieutenant Cleary attacked detective?” Mac
asked.
“She was walking home from a late dinner at the
Luigino Restaurant,” he informed them.
“I know that place. Sturgis and the Admiral like to
eat there all the time. I hear they have great pizza,”
Harm interjected.
“I will let you know if anything else comes up. For
now, I am not sure there is much you two can do. If
you think of anything else Colonel, please let me
know,” Samms told them as they headed out of the
interrogation room.
“I will. Thank you detective,” she replied.
“Oh, one more thing detective,” Harm stopped. “What
was the drug used on the victims?”
“It is called Succinylcholine. It is usually used as
an anesthetic for short medical procedures,” the
detectives informed them.
“So at least one of the attackers may work in a
hospital,” Mac suggested.
“We are looking into that possibility,” he replied.
“Well thank you detective,” Harm replied as he and Mac
headed out. Harm and Mac left the police station and
stopped on the sidewalk outside.
“Would you mind if we didn’t go back to the office
just yet?” Mac asked shyly.
“Not at all, what do you say to a walk in the Botanic
Gardens?” Harm suggested.
“Sounds good,” she answered with a smile.
“Come on Marine,” Harm told her as they headed for his
Vette.

1535 Zulu (1035 Local)
The United States Botanic Gardens
National Mall
Washington D.C.

“I’ve always loved this place,” Mac told Harm as they
walked down a path in the Gardens.
“I knew you would. It is beautiful, just like you,”
Harm replied wondering how Mac would react to his
comment.
“You think I’m beautiful? Even after the condition you
saw me in last night?” Mac inquired nervously.
“Even more so,” he answered with a serious tone. Mac
looked into his eyes and could see it.
“You do don’t you?” she replied.
“I always have Sarah,” he whispered moving closer to
her.
“Harm, I…” she wanted to say something but heard
someone nearby. She took a step back as another couple
passed by them.
“Sorry, this isn’t the right time or place,” Harm told
her as he continued to walk. Mac quickly fell into
step with him as they continued to walk together in
silence. They simply enjoyed each others company.
“I know I don’t need to ask this but, are you going to
tell anyone else at JAG about what happened to me?”
Mac inquired.
“I would never do that to you Mac. If you don’t want
anyone else to know, I will respect that. However, Bud
and Harriet are worried about you,” Harm told her.
“Besides it may come out eventually.”
“I know. I will tell Harriet. I don’t think she would
forgive me if she heard it from someone else. And we
know that Harriet could never keep a secret from Bud,”
she said with a smile.
“No, they don’t hide anything from one another. I
really admire that about them. They have a great
relationship,” Harm smiled.
“They do, don’t they?” Mac returned a proud smile.

1735 Zulu (1235 Local)
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

Mac and Harm stepped off the elevator and was
immediately greeted by their energetic assistant Bud.
“Afternoon, Ma’am, Sir,” he greeted with a smile.
“Afternoon,” Mac replied.
“Bud I have a task for you,” Harm started.
“Yes sir. What can I do to help?” Bud replied eagerly.
“I need you to find any information on a drug called
Succinylcholine. It is used in medical procedures.
Also see if you can pull up any information on the
women on this list. See if you can find a connection.
The last one is a Navy Lieutenant, so start there,”
Harm requested.
“No problem sir. Is this for the Beltway Rapist case?”
Bud inquired curiously.
“Yes it is Bud. Please do not share what you find with
anyone besides the Colonel, the Admiral, or myself,”
Harm said quietly.
“Yes, sir,” Bud agreed before heading back to his
desk.
“Howya doing Marine?” Harm asked his partner quietly.
“I’m okay,” she replied. “I think I am going to get to
work. I have an interview with a witness in the
Delaney case at 1400 hours,” Mac told him.
“Ok. Let me know if you need anything,” he told her.
“I will thanks.” Mac replied with a smile. Mac and
Harm departed to their respective offices.







1835 Zulu (1335 Local)
JAG Headquarters 
Falls Church, Virginia

Mac was busy at work when she heard a knock at her
door. “Enter!” she called out.
“Colonel? Lieutenant Carey called. He is stuck in
Washington and won’t be able to make his appointment
at 1400 hours. I have rescheduled for tomorrow morning
at 0900, if that is okay with you Ma’am,” Harriet
informed Mac.
“No problem Harriet, thank you,” Mac replied. Harriet
took a step further into the room.
“Permission to speak freely Ma’am?” Harriet asked.
“Always,” Mac replied turning her attention from the
papers in front of her.
“What’s wrong Ma’am?” she blurted out. “Oh, I’m sorry.
That didn’t come out how I wanted it. What I mean is
that yesterday you seemed like there was something
very wrong with you Ma’am,” Harriet stated. “Feel free
to tell me it’s none of my business Ma’am,” she
finished nervously.
“Close the door and have a seat Harriet,” Mac replied.
“There was something wrong with me yesterday. Well it
still is today but it is getting better,” Mac started.
********************
Harm was working in his office when he saw Harriet in
Mac’s office. He watched the two women for a few
minutes, knowing exactly what they were talking about.
Harm was happy that Mac was confiding in Harriet. He
knew she would. He watched closely, waiting to see how
Mac handled telling her. For a moment it looked like
Harriet was going to get hysterical but Mac quickly
calmed her down. Mac still held a strong face. Harm
was happy, she was starting to heal. Things were going
to be alright.
“Oh my goodness!” Harriet said rather loudly sparking
the attention of her husband Bud out in the bullpen.
Bud stood up and stepped toward Mac’s office.
“Bud, can I see you for a moment?” Harm quickly jumped
in.
“Yes sir,” Bud replied heading for Harm’s office. Mac
noticed what Harm had done for her and she waved
thanks to him through the window.
“So how’s your research coming?” Harm asked taking him
into his office.

********************
“Ma’am, I’m so sorry. Is there anything I can do for
you?” Harriet asked Mac.
“I’ll be okay. You’re being my friend is enough,” Mac
replied. “I was lucky.”
“Thank God for that Ma’am,” Harriet replied.
“Look I don’t want everyone at JAG to know right now,”
she told Harriet. “Harm knows as well as the Admiral,
and of course you can tell Bud, but other than that…”
“Don’t worry about it Ma’am. No one will hear it from
me, well except Bud,” Harriet assured her.
“Are you going to be alright Ma’am?” Harriet asked
caringly.
“I will,” she replied. “Harm is helping me through
it.”
“He cares about you very much,” Harriet replied.
“Yes he does. He makes me feel very safe,” Mac added.
“There’s nothing he wouldn’t do to protect you Ma’am,”
she added.
“I know,” Mac replied as she looked at her partner
talking with Bud. A bright smile came upon her face.
“If I may Ma’am?” Harriet asked. “He loves you Ma’am.
I’m sure of it.”
“I know he does,” she replied with a smile.
“Has he told you that Ma’am?” Harriet asked with hope
in her eyes.
“No. But I know he does,” Mac replied.
“And you love him?”
“Yes, I do. When I was lying in the alley, I kept
thinking about Harm. How much I needed him beside me,”
Mac confided. Harriet’s face lit up with joy.
“I knew it! Are you going to tell him Ma’am?” Harriet
asked. Mac didn’t reply. “Don’t worry about your
careers Ma’am. The Admiral would find a way to make it
work, like with Bud and I,” Harriet assured her.
“Please don’t say anything about what I said,” Mac
requested.
“I won’t Ma’am, but remember what I said. The two of
you deserve to be happy,” Harriet smiled.
“Thank you,” Mac replied.
“Well I will let you get back to work Ma’am,” Harriet
replied as she headed for the door.
“Thank you Harriet,” Mac said as Harriet left with a
smile.
Harm and Bud passed Harriet as she left the Colonel’s
office.
“Mac, Bud has found some information,” Harm stated as
they reached the doorway.
“Have a seat,” she told them as she gestured to the
chairs in front of her desk. “What have you found
out?”
“Well I’ve found some information on that drug you
asked me about,” Bud started. “Succinylcholine
Chloride is a white, odorless, slightly bitter powder
and is very soluble in water, according to
generalmedical.com. It is administered by injection
and is used mostly in short medical procedures. It
causes temporary paralysis in the patient. It usually
lasts only five to fifteen minutes,” Bud informed
them.
“That’s a good start,” Mac replied.
“I also looked into any connections between the
victims. I found out that four of the women, including
Lieutenant Cleary, had military connections. Martha
Greenly’s husband is a Captain at Andrew’s Air Force
Base, Theresa Lancaster’s husband is in CID (Criminal
Investigation Division) at Fort Myer, and Grace Lane
works in the Commissary at Quantico. The other three I
found no connection Ma’am,” Bud finished.
“Excellent work Bud,” Mac replied.
“Five. That has got to be more than a coincidence,”
Harm stated without thinking.
“Five sir?” Bud asked in confusion.
“Ah, Harriet will fill you in Bud. Thanks for the good
work,” Mac told Bud as she and Harm stood up.
“Yes Ma’am,” Bud replied as he left the office in
search of his wife.
“We need to talk to the other three women,” Harm told
Mac as he grabbed his cover and keys from his office.
Mac and Harm hurried out through the bullpen into the
elevator.





0620 Zulu (0120 Local)
Residence of Catherine Turner
Georgetown

Harm’s Vette pulled up to the home of the third victim
of the Beltway Rapists. Harm and Mac exited the
vehicle and were greeted by a woman working in the
yard.
“Can I help you?” the woman asked.
“Are you Catherine Turner?” Harm asked.
“Yes. What can I do for you?” she replied.
“I am Colonel Sarah Mackenzie and this is my partner
Commander Rabb. We are with the JAG corp.” Mac jumped
in. “We would like to ask you a couple of questions
about your attack on May 25th.”
“I already told the police everything I could
remember,” Ms. Turner replied coldly.
“Ma’am I know you have been through a lot. We are
trying to find out who did this,” Harm told her.
“And what would you know about what I have been
through?” she snapped at Harm.
“I was also a victim Ma’am,” Mac told her flat out.
“Then you know how hard this is,” Ms. Turner told her.
“Yes I do. I also know how painful it is to keep the
feelings buried inside,” Mac told her calmly.
“I don’t know how I can help you. I told you, I told
the police everything I remember,” she told them.
“Ms. Turner, are you dating or related to anyone
connected to the military?” Harm asked her.
“I was seeing this guy. He was a Petty Officer with
the Navy. We broke up not long after the attack,” she
replied.
“What was his name?” Mac asked.
“Christopher Collins,” she replied.
“Did you ever visit the Brass Monkey before the night
you were attacked?” Harm inquired.
“Yes. Chris and I went there often. That is where we
met actually,” she told them. Mac and Harm both looked
at each other. They were getting closer to finding the
truth.
“Thank you very much. We really appreciate your help,”
Mac told her.
“You’re welcome,” Ms. Turner replied.
“Have a good evening Ma’am,” Harm added before he and
Mac headed back to the car. 

As they began to drive to the residence of the next
woman on the list, Harm had a hypothesis. “I bet the
other two women are connected to the military in some
way as well,” Harm spoke up.
“Perhaps the perps stake out local military hangouts,”
Mac added.
“My thoughts exactly,” Harm added with his ‘flyboy’
grin. How Mac loved that smile.





2135 Zulu (1635 Local)
Residence of Meagan Jones
Georgetown

Mac and Harm stood in the kitchen of Meagan Jones
while Ms. Jones was busy fixing dinner.
“I’m sorry. Like I said this isn’t really the best
time to talk. My husband will be home soon and dinner
isn’t quite ready yet,” Mrs. Jones told them while
busily stirred pots on the stove.
“We apologize for the inconvenience Ma’am. Our
questions will be brief,” Harm assured her.
“I’m not sure what else can I tell you. I already
talked with the police,” she told them.
“We know. We are just following up on a few new
leads,” Mac told her.
“What do you want to know?” Meagan asked.
“Did you ever visit McMurphy’s Tavern before the night
you were attacked?” Harm asked.
“Yeah. My friends and I go there all the time,” she
replied. “You know, now that I think about it, I think
I have seen the two of you in there before.”
“It’s possible. We go there fairly regularly, when
we’re not out of the country that is,” Mac said with a
smile.
“What do you do for a living Ma’am?” Harm asked
returning to the investigation.
“Kindergarten Teacher,” she replied.
“And your husband?” Mac followed up.
“He’s an Investment Banker,” she informed them. “What
does this have to do with the attack?”
“We are just trying to establish some kind of pattern
or connection to all women who were attacked,” Harm
answered.
“Well I hope I was some help. Now if you will please
excuse me, I need to finish dinner,” she asked them
politely.
“Certainly, we can find our way out,” Mac replied.
“Thank you for your help.” Mac and Harm were walking
through the living room, heading for the door, when
Harm glanced at a photograph on the mantle.
“Mac,” Harm whispered pointing at a photograph of a
young man in a Naval uniform.
“Ma’am? Who is the man in this photograph?” Mac called
out to Meagan. Meagan glanced around the corner and
saw the picture in question.
“That’s my brother Craig. He is communications officer
on the Guadalcanal,” she answered. Harm and Mac looked
at each other, realizing their theory was coming to be
true.
“Did Craig ever go to McMurphy’s with you?” Harm asked
quickly.
“Yes once or twice when he was on leave,” Meagan
answered.
“Well thank you very much Ma’am. Have a nice evening,”
Harm said farewell and he and Mac left the residence.
“Well that’s seven. One more conversation and it will
be confirmed,” Harm told his partner.
“Harm, I don't like where this investigation is going.
Either the attackers have a grudge against the
military, or…”
“…they are in the military,” Harm finished Mac’s
sentence.
“Yeah,” she agreed. “If they are in the service, it
would explain their strength and carefully planned
attacks,” Mac added as her eyes saddened as her mind
drifted back to the events of two nights previous.
Harm saw the change in her eyes as they entered the
car. Harm intertwined his fingers with hers and gave
her a soft smile.
“It’s going to be okay Mac,” Harm whispered.
“It’s not okay, Harm. We put our lives on the line for
this country and these maniacs are purposely targeting
us!” Mac said becoming angry and tearful.
“Hey we are going to stop them Mac,” Harm whispered as
he pulled her toward him, wrapping his arms around
her. “I’m not going to let them hurt you,” he told her
rocking her gently. Harm released her to look into her
eyes. “Hey,” he brushed the tears from her face. “Can
you be strong for me?” he asked with caring and
sincerity.
“Yes,” she replied softly.
“You are the strongest person I know Mac, and no
cowardly criminals are going to break my marine,” he
told her with a smile. “What do you say Ninja-girl?”
he asked with a smirk.
“You’re right, I am a tough Marine. I’m not going to
let those bastards break me down,” Mac said with
confidence.
“That’s my girl,” Harm replied with a smile.
“Thanks for the reminder flyboy,” she returned.
“What are friends for?” he replied.
“I’m glad I have a friend like you Harm,” she told him
as she placed her hand on his. He squeezed her hand
and smiled at her.
“The last woman on the list works at the Luigino
Restaurant. What do you say we pick up a pizza and go
back to my place? I just bought a new CD,” Harm
suggested.
“Sounds good,” Mac replied with a smile. Harm started
the car and they headed toward the restaurant.
 
2235 Zulu (1735 Local)
Luigino Restaurant
1100 New York Ave NW
Washington, DC

Mac and Harm walked into the busy Italian Restaurant.
“I can see why the Admiral likes this place, it has a
relaxing yet classy ambiance about it,” Mac told Harm.
“It’s nice,” he replied as he noticed the host
approaching them.
“Dining in or taking out?” the host asked.
“Taking out,” Harm replied.
“You can go right over to that counter and place your
order,” the host explained.
“Thanks,” Mac replied.
“Excuse me, can you tell if Tanya Manning is working
tonight?” Harm asked the host.
“Yes she is. She is tending bar,” he replied pointing
to the woman behind the bar, which was located at the
rear of the restaurant.
“Thank you,” Harm replied as the host left to greet
other customers.
“Mac why don’t you place the order,” he told her
handing her a twenty dollar bill. “Anything you want,
my treat,” he told her with his classic ‘flyboy’
smile.
“Well, how can I say no to that offer,” she replied.
Not that she could say no to that smile of his anyway.
“Are you going to talk to Ms. Manning while I’m gone?”
she asked already knowing his answer.
“Is that alright with you?” he asked seriously.
“Sure, just don’t forget to get her number,” Mac
teased.
“Yours’ is the only number I need,” he replied before
heading toward the bar.
Mac was slightly surprised by his comment, but then
again, not really. He does love me, she thought as she
headed to order an onion and meatball pizza.
Harm walked over to the bar and sat down on the stool.
“What can I get ya?” the bartender asked with a smile.
“Are you Tanya Manning?” Harm asked.
“Yes. Who’s asking?” she replied.
“Commander Harmon Rabb, JAG corp.” he replied.
“What can I do for JAG, Commander?” she asked as she
leaned against the counter, closer to Harm.
“I am working on the Beltway Rapists Case,” he said
quietly.
“Oh,” Tanya replied as she backed away from Harm.
“Look I don’t want to upset you I just need to ask you
a few questions,” he explained.
“I already told the police everything I know,” she
replied. “Besides, I am working right now.”
“I know. I will make it quick I promise,” Harm
replied. His ‘flyboy’ grin can get him just about
anything.
“Okay, but quick,” she conceded.
“Are you dating or related to anyone in the military?”
Harm asked.
“No relatives and am currently single,” she replied
with a flirtatious smile.
“Have you dated any in the past?” Harm amended the
question.
“I meet lots of military men working here. Sometimes I
chat for a while with some of them,” she replied.
“Take any home?” Harm asked bluntly.
“Well I’m not a slut if that is what you’re asking,”
Tanya replied strongly.
“I’m sorry Ma’am, I didn’t mean to suggest that you
were,” Harm apologized. 
“Sorry, I guess I have been a little defensive
since…since that night.”
“I understand,” Harm replied.
“There was one sailor I was kind of sweet on. He came
in several times and just spent the evening at the bar
talking to me,” she replied.
“Anything ever become of it?” Harm inquired as he
popped a peanut in his mouth.
“No, he was shipped out a few days before the attack.
He won’t be back for five months,” she replied. “It’s
too bad, he was a nice guy. Are you single Commander?”
she inquired.
“Ah…I…” Harm looked over his shoulder and saw Mac
waiting by the door with a pizza. He nodded in her
direction.
“She’s pretty,” Tanya told him.
“What?” Harm asked returning his attention to her.
“Your girlfriend, she’s pretty,” she elaborated.
“Oh, she’s not, ah…yeah she is, thanks,” Harm replied
with a twinkle in his eye. “Well I will let you get
back to work, thank you for your help,” Harm told her
as he got up from the bar, leaving her a tip.
“Take care Commander,” she smiled as she headed to
help another customer. Mac watched Harm as he walked
over toward her. Mac was patiently waiting by the door
holding the pizza box.
“Get what you needed?” Mac inquired.
“Yeah, I did, and no phone number,” he teased as he
held the door for Mac.
“So what did you find out?” Mac asked her partner.
“She’s not related to nor dating any military
personnel. She flirts a lot and had several
conversations with one sailor in particular while she
was working, but their relationship never went further
than here,” Harm filled her in.
“So clearly the attackers are watching their victims
within the establishments prior to the nights of the
attacks,” Mac speculated.
“It looks that way,” Harm agreed as he opened the car
door for Mac. She climbed in the car and placed the
pizza box on her lap.
“She wouldn’t give you her phone number?” she teased.
“Oh she would have, had I asked,” he replied with a
smile.

2315 Zulu (1815 Local)
Harm’s Apartment
North of Union Station

The door lock clicked open and Harm opened the door to
his apartment. Mac walked over to the kitchen counter
and put the pizza box down. She turned to watch Harm
putting his keys away before turning to watch her.
“How’ya doing Marine?”
“Hungry,” she replied.
“Let’s eat,” Harm replied as he went over to the
counter and opened the pizza box. “Meatball?” he asked
in protest.
“You said anything I wanted. A little meat now and
then won’t kill you Harm,” she replied with a sly
smile as she picked up a slice and took a bite.
“Ok just this once,” he folded. “It’s a good thing I
like you Marine,” he told her as he grabbed a piece.
“Like it?” Mac asked as he took a bite of the
offending pizza.
“Yeah, it’s okay,” he replied taking another bite.
Mac and Harm sat at the counter eating their pizza in
silence. Mac enjoyed spending personal time with Harm.
She was comfortable with him. She knew she could
always be herself with him. She didn’t have to put up
a front with him. Harm could see that the light had
returned to Mac’s big brown eyes. He could see so much
of her through her eyes. Sometimes he felt like he
could get lost in her eyes forever. He quickly turned
his glance when he noticed she had caught him staring
at her. She smiled at the attention.
After dinner Harm and Mac moved into the living room
to relax. Harm went to the stereo to put in his new
CD. The music that emerged from the speakers took Mac
a little by surprise. The music was soft romantic
jazz. He usually would listen to something more in the
classical variety or at least classic jazz. 
“Not exactly what I expected you to play,” Mac smiled.
“It was on sale, thought I’d give it a try,” he
replied. “I can change it if you don’t like it.”
“No, it’s nice,” she replied as Harm joined her on the
couch.
“I don’t want to talk about the case tonight Harm,”
she told him softly.
“Ok, what do you want to talk about?”
“Can we just sit here and listen to the music?” she
requested.
“Anything you want,” he whispered as he leaned up
against the end of the couch so he was sitting up
comfortably. “Come here,” he requested. Mac moved over
and sat between Harm’s legs and leaned her head on his
chest. Harm wrapped his arms around her gently. They
sat in silence for several minutes, staring out the
window and listening to the music.
“Look it’s raining,” Mac pointed out as she watched
the raindrops begin to fall.
“I love the sound of rain,” Harm whispered.
“Me too,” she replied as she snuggled closer against
Harm’s chest and closed her eyes, focusing on the
sound of the music and the rain. Harm’s heart swelled
as he pulled her close in his arms. She felt so
wonderful in his arms. He didn’t want to ever let her
go. I have to tell her, but tonight things are
perfect, just as they are, he thought as he closed his
eyes and leaned his head against hers. Within minutes,
both Mac and Harm were fast asleep in each others
arms.

0815 Zulu (0315 Local)
Harm’s Apartment
North of Union Station

Harm was awakened by the movement of Mac still asleep
in his arms. He watched her for a moment, not sure he
should wake her.
“Goodbye,” she said in her sleep. Harm listened to her
carefully without disturbing her. “Red light,” she
said calmly but then she quickly began moaning and
tossing violently.
“Mac, Mac wake up,” he called her as he shook her
gently. Mac sprang awake and jumped out of his arms.
“No, Mac it’s me. You’re okay,” he assured her.
She looked up at Harm with glassy eyes. “Harm?” she
questioned as she recognized him.
“It’s ok, I’m here,” he whispered. “Come here,” he
requested. She slowly walked over to him and sat in a
fetal position within his arms. “Its okay baby, I’m
not going to let anyone hurt you ever again,” he
whispered in her ear as he gently rocked her in his
arms.
“I saw it again Harm,” she told him as she stopped her
tears. 
“Do you want to tell me what happened?” he whispered.
“I was leaving McMurphy’s. I was walking past an
alley. I turned around and was kicked in the stomach.
By the time I started to get up, there were three men
holding me. They picked me up and carried me into the
alleyway. They placed me on the ground. Two of the men
held my arms and legs. The third put tape over my
mouth. I managed to pull one leg free and I kicked the
man, throwing him several feet from me,” she started.
“That’s my girl,” Harm interjected.
“It didn’t do any good because before I got the chance
to move again, I felt the needle in my arm. My body
went numb in a matter of seconds. That was the most
awful feeling in the world. Not being able to move. I
was completely helpless,” she began crying.
“It’s ok,” Harm whispered hugging her tighter.
“I felt their hands on my chest, on my thigh. Ice cold
hands.”
“I thought they wore gloves?” Harm questioned.
“They did. They took them off after they drugged me,”
she replied. “After they ran off I just laid there on
the cold ground. My skin was exposed to the night air.
I heard voices in the distance but no one came. I just
lay there staring at the stars for almost ten minutes
until I felt my body again. I just kept wishing that
you were there. Wishing you would rescue me. Wishing
it was only a dream, but it wasn’t Harm. It was real
and you weren’t there,” she told him crying once
again.
“I’m here, and it was just a dream tonight. You are
safe. I would have given anything to have been there
to protect you Sarah. It is killing me that you hurt
this much. I love you so much and I wouldn’t be able
to survive if I lost you,” Harm cried not realizing
what he’d just said.
“You…love me?” Mac spoke softly looking into Harm’s
eyes.
“Yes I do. I have loved you for a very long time
Sarah,” he replied brushing his hand on her cheek.
“I love you too Harm,” she smiled, wiping the tears
from his face. Harm brushed a light kiss on her lips.
As Harm began to pull away, Mac pulled him closer for
a stronger kiss. She pressed herself closer into him,
and her kisses became almost desperate. 
“No, we can’t,” Harm broke the kiss. “Not like this.
Not tonight,” he told her looking into her eyes.
“Harm, I…” she started.
“I know,” he whispered. “We have all the time in the
world,” he told her, pulling her to his chest. “Try to
get some sleep, my love.” Mac laid her head on his
chest and soon fell asleep. Harm sat there thinking
for a while, replaying the events of the past few
days.

1215 Zulu (0715 Local)
Harm’s Apartment 
North of Union Station

Mac awoke to find herself curled up in Harm’s strong
arms. A smile lit up her face as she watched him
sleep. She admired how handsome his face was. Harm
soon awoke to find his beautiful partner’s eyes
staring into his own.
“Good morning,” he greeted.
“Good morning,” she replied with a gentle smile.
“Did you get any sleep?” he asked in concern.
“A little,” she replied. “Did you really tell me that
you loved me last night?” she asked cautiously.
“Yes, I did, and I do,” he replied as he searched for
confirmation in her eyes.
“So do I,” she replied with a smile. Harm placed a
soft kiss on her lips before pulling her back into his
arms for a long hug.
“Mac something about last night has been bothering
me,” Harm started.
“I was too aggressive wasn’t I?” she replied in panic.
“No, it’s ok, that’s not what I meant,” he told her as
he pulled her to his chest again and kissed her
forehead. “While you were dreaming, right before you
started tossing and moaning you said ‘red light’. Do
you remember why you said that?” he asked her.
“No,” she replied quickly. She closed her eyes
desperately trying to remember.
“You said ‘goodbye’ and then a few seconds later you
said ‘red light’,” he told her.
“I said goodbye to the bartender at McMurphy’s. I was
walking down the street…I heard something behind me.
Come on what was it?” she yelled at herself trying to
remember.
“Think Mac,” Harm encouraged.
Mac closed her eyes and thought carefully. “I heard a
man’s voice,” she kept thinking. “He said…come on,
think,” she kept thinking. “He said…surely you’re not
going home to an empty bed Colonel,” she remembered.
“That’s it. I figured it was someone from the corp.
that’s why I said red light. That’s when I was kicked
in stomach,” she told him. “Harm, he called me
Colonel,” light dawned on her. “I wasn’t wearing a
uniform that night,” she said as fear played across
her face.
“We already know the attackers watched their victims
before they attacked,” Harm told her.
“No one calls me Colonel in the pub. It’s always Mac
or Ma’am,” she added.
“That means the attackers knew what your insignias
meant,” Harm replied as it was beginning to make
sense.” Mac,”
“My attackers are in the corp. My God damn attackers
are in the Marine Corp. Harm!” she yelled as she got
up and threw a pillow on the floor.
“Calm down Mac,” he pulled her back down on the couch.
“It’s possible they are in the corp., but there may be
other explanations for them knowing your rank,” Harm
tried to calm her, though realizing that she was
probably correct in her assumption.

1315 Zulu (0815 Local)
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

The Admiral sat at his desk reading through papers
when he heard Tiner’s voice on the intercom.
“Commander Rabb is here to see you sir.”
“Send him in,” the Admiral replied. A moment later
Rabb walked into the office.
“Good morning Commander,” the Admiral greeted.
“I’m not so sure Admiral,” Harm replied.
“What seems to be the problem Commander?”
“I believe that the Beltway Rapists might be members
of the Marine Corp., or in the least are members of
the military,” Rabb informed him.
“Please tell me you’re joking,” the Admiral responded.
“I wish I were sir. Further more we have linked all
eight victims to the military. Two were officers,
three were related to officers, one is a civilian
working on a base, and two were dating military
personnel,” Harm filled him in. “I believe the
attackers watched and targeted women of the military
or those with military personnel and would later
attack them when they were alone.”
The Admiral dropped his face to his hands for a
moment. “What makes you think they are Marines,
Commander?” the Admiral questioned.
“Last night Sarah, ah Colonel Mackenzie remembered
something else from the attack,” he started. “Right
before she was jumped, one of the men spoke to her as
he came up behind her. The man called her Colonel,
sir. She was not wearing her uniform that night. Also
when we go to McMurphy’s, she is never referred to as
Colonel so they must have known the insignias,” he
continued. “Also the precise timing and planning in
these crimes, as well as the physical attributes of
the attackers would also support our theory.”
“What do you plan to do?” the Admiral inquired,
clearly upset with what he had just been told.
“Well Sarah, ah Mac and I have decided that we need to
set up an undercover operation and attempt to drive
out the attackers,” the Admiral couldn’t help but
notice Harm calling the Colonel, Sarah for the second
time this morning. He also recalled his flub the day
before as well. “Going by pattern, we believe that
they are due back at the Brass Monkey this week. Being
that they already know Mac, I am going to need the
assistance of Tiner and Lt. Singer with your
permission of course,” Harm explained his plan.
“Permission granted. I want you to get these guys,”
the Admiral told him sternly.
“Yes sir,” Harm responded snapping to attention.
“Commander, before you go.”
“Sir?”
“How is Colonel Mackenzie doing?” a clear showing of
concern in his voice.
“She is taking it one step at a time. She would have
been here with me but I don’t think she is quite ready
to face you sir,” Harm replied.
“You’re taking good care of her?”
“Yes I am sir,” Harm replied.
“I know you love her,” AJ interjected.
“Sir?” Harm replied trying to sound confused.
“It’s okay Commander. Just love her, and take care of
her. I will take care of the rest,” AJ told him with a
fatherly smile.
“I will sir,” Harm replied
“Oh one more thing, this set up you have planned? The
D.C. police are involved correct?” the Admiral
inquired returning to the topic at hand.
“Yes sir. I called them this morning and told them
everything. They are going to stake out the Brass
Monkey tonight and tomorrow night,” Harm replied.
“Very good. Keep me posted. Dismissed,” the Admiral
ordered.
“Aye aye sir,” Harm snapped to attention before
exiting the room.

“Tiner, walk with me,” Harm ordered as he headed into
the bullpen, closely followed by Petty Officer Jason
Tiner. Mac met Harm and Tiner in the bullpen.
“Is everything ok?” Mac asked Harm.
“Yes. The Admiral is okay with our plan,” Harm
replied. “Lieutenant Singer? May I have a moment
please?” Harm asked the Lieutenant to join them. The
eager Junior Officer quickly walked to him.
“Yes sir,” she replied.
“Tiner, Lauren, I am sure you both have heard that Mac
and I are working on the Beltway Rapist case?” Harm
started.
“Yes sir,” they both answered.
“We need your help,” Harm continued.
“How do you feel about doing some undercover work?”
Mac added.
Lauren replied eagerly. “Anything I can do to help
sir,” she answered totally ignoring Mac.
“What do you want us to do?” Tiner inquired.
“We want the two of you to go on a date tonight at the
Brass Monkey,” Harm informed them.
“Excuse me sir?” Lauren asked somewhat put off.
“With all do respect sir,” Tiner objected but Harm cut
him off.
“The rapists are targeting women involved with members
of the military as well as military women,” Harm
started in a Commanding tone. “We need you to pretend
you’re on a date. It has to look convincing,” he
continued looking directly at Lauren. “You need to
look as if you are enjoying each others company. That
means flirting, dancing, laughing, and so forth. Mac
and I will be there undercover as backup. Tiner, wear
your uniform. They need to know you are military.
Lauren you need to make yourself noticeable. Wear
something sexy and for God’s sake, look like you’re
having a good time,” he added. “Both of you.”
“Yes sir,” they both snapped to attention.
“Dismissed,” Harm ordered.
“So should I pick you up at 2100 Ma’am?” Tiner asked
with a smile.
“No Petty Officer, I will pick you up at 2100,” she
replied with a commanding tone.    
“Yes Ma’am,” Tiner replied and returned to his desk.
Harm and Mac had returned to Mac’s office.
“Do you think they can handle it?” Mac asked her
partner.
“Sure,” he replied.
“Without killing each other?” she returned with a
smile.
“I hope so,” he returned the smile, stopping himself
from laughing.
“Well I’ll be in my office if you need me,” Harm told
her as he turned to leave.
“Harm?” she asked and he turned toward her. “I love
you flyboy,” she whispered.
“I love you too Ninja-girl,” he whispered in return.
They both smiled and then Harm returned to his office.

0215 Zulu (2115 Local)
The Brass Monkey
Washington, DC

Lauren Singer and Jason Tiner entered the lightly
dimmed bar. Lauren wore a red flowing dress that
hugged her curves in all the right places. She wore
her hair down and it hung attractively on her
shoulders. Jason wore his dress uniform. Lauren
glanced around the room in search of Mac and Harm.
They had not yet arrived.
“What do you say we get a drink?” Tiner suggested
uncomfortably.
“That sounds like a good idea,” Lauren replied with
enthusiasm. 
Lauren really disliked having to be on a date with
Tiner, even if it was just pretend. She had always
considered him beneath her. But for the sake of the
investigation she would play along accordingly. Tiner
and Lauren sat down at the bar and ordered their
drinks.
“So what do you think of the case Petty Officer?”
Lauren started.
“Jason Ma’am. My name is Jason. We are supposed to be
on a date, remember?” he whispered. “Why don’t we talk
about something not related to work?”
“Like what?” she questioned.
“Well what do you like to do for fun?” Tiner inquired.
“Fun?”
“Yeah, you do know what fun is, don’t you?” Tiner
teased.
“Of course I know what fun is Tiner,” she replied
heatedly.
“It’s Jason, Lauren.”
“Fine, Jason,” she replied. Before she could continue
she noticed Mac and Harm enter the bar, walking hand
in hand.
Mac wore a thigh length, black dress and black heels.
She was also disguised in a shoulder length, red wig.
Harm wore black slacks and a light blue shirt. Lauren
always thought Harm was a handsome man, but she was
always more interested in his job, than his body.
“The Colonel and the Commander are here,” Lauren
whispered to Tiner. Harm glanced at Lauren but made no
gesture. Tonight they had to pretend to not know each
other.
“They do make a cute couple,” Tiner told Lauren as he
inconspicuously watched them sit at a table in the
back of the bar.
“It’s an act. They are undercover remember? Just like
us,” she whispered in reply.
“Right,” he agreed with a sly smile as he put his arm
around her waist.
“Red light Tiner,” she told him.
“We are on a date. Try to pretend like you’re
attracted to me,” he reminded her.
“Fine, but watch where you put your hands, Jason,” she
warned.
“I’ll try,” he replied with a smile. Lauren downed the
remainder of her drink and quickly asked the bartender
for another.

Mac and Harm sat at a table toward the rear of the
bar. From there they had a good view of the entire
place. Harm ordered a beer and Mac ordered a club soda
with a twist of lime. Mac took a leisurely glance
around the room, surveying the other patrons. The
place was pretty crowded tonight, being that it was a
Thursday night. As Mac’s eyes wandered around the
room, Harm’s roamed over Mac’s body. He noticed how
her black dress complimented her figure very well. How
the collar was just wide enough and low enough to show
off the slightest bit of cleavage. The hem of the
dress hung across her thigh, revealing her creamy skin
to his hungry eyes. Harm had always wanted her, but
now that they had confessed their love, his desire for
her burned him to the core. To top it off, the red wig
was a serious turn-on for him. Harm leaned in and
began placing soft kisses on her neck.
“Harm what are you doing?” she whispered. “What if
Lauren and Tiner see us?”
“We’re undercover Mac, we don’t want to look like
we’re staking out the place,” he replied. “Just relax
and enjoy,” he whispered before continuing. 
She allowed him to continue his gentle assault on her
neck. She allowed herself to enjoy the feelings
washing over her as he worked his magic. Mac felt as
if she could lose herself in his touch. She allowed
her eyes to close as she momentarily forgot their real
reason for being at the bar. Meanwhile, Lauren was on
her third drink and was finally beginning to warm up
to Tiner.
“This place is actually quite nice,” Lauren told her
date. 
“What do you say to a game of pool?” Tiner whispered
in Lauren’s ear.
“I don’t know how to play,” she replied embarrassed.
“Don’t worry, I’ll teach you,” he took her hand and
led her toward the empty pool table.
Jason handed her a pool cue and showed her how to hold
it and then showed her how to position the stick to
hit the ball. He placed his hands over hers, guiding
the stick. He leaned in closer to her and was pleased
by the scent of her perfume.
“You smell nice,” he whispered in her ear. Tiner was
becoming aware of her femininity and an attraction
began bubbling inside him.
“Thank you,” she replied as she tried to keep her
concentration on the task in front of her. She thrust
the stick forward to strike the cue ball. She
connected with the ball but the cue ball missed the
other balls completely.
“That’s ok. Try it again,” he encouraged her.
“Thanks,” she replied with a genuine smile.
“You have a nice smile,” he complimented. She blushed
in reply. Lauren got set up for another shot. This
time the white ball hit another ball.
“I did it!” she squealed in delight as she wrapped her
arms around Tiner. Realizing what she had done, she
gave him a quick hug and returned to the game before
her. Tiner cleared his throat and pulled back from her
slightly. He knew he shouldn’t be feeling the way was.
“Tiner and Lauren seem to be getting along,” Harm
whispered as he glanced at the couple at the pool
table.
“Who would’ve thought?” Mac replied.
“See anyone suspicious yet?” Harm asked.
“No not yet sailor,” she replied as she began nibbling
on his ear.
“Mac I…”
“It’s my turn flyboy,” she whispered seductively and
licked his ear.
“Oh god,” he shuttered under her ministrations. 

0345 Zulu (2245 Local)
The Brass Monkey
Washington DC

Harm was desperately trying to maintain his composer
as Mac assaulted his ear and neck with her tongue.
Harm noticed several couples out on the dance floor,
including Lauren and Tiner.
“Mac lets dance,” he whispered desperately trying to
stop her ministrations before he lost all control.
“Ok flyboy,” she replied with a smile. Harm took Mac’s
hand and led her to the dance floor. Harm pulled Mac
close to him as they began to move with the music. Mac
rested her head on Harm’s chest and enjoyed how warm
and safe she felt in his arms. She enjoyed the feeling
of his hard body pressed against hers. Harm held on
tightly to the woman he had in his arms. For so long
he had wanted to feel her in his arms. Now that he had
the woman he loved more than life itself, he was never
letting her go. 
Tiner moved Lauren around the dance floor like a pro.
She was actually impressed by his dancing abilities.
Lauren was also surprised by the fact that she was
actually enjoying herself. The three drinks probably
have something to do with it, she thought to herself.
Tiner forgot that he was out with Lieutenant Singer.
He simply enjoyed the company of her alter-ego Lauren.
Lauren was actually kind of fun when she wasn’t
ordering him around. 
Harm led Mac slowly toward the part of the floor that
Lauren and Tiner occupied. Harm and Mac continued
dancing as they looked at each other, pretending to be
having a conversation.
“How are things going Tiner?” Harm asked still looking
at Mac.
“Good sir, Lauren here is actually having fun,” he
smiled as he replied not looking at Harm.
“Have you seen anyone suspicious yet sir?” Tiner
inquired.
“We’ve been watching a lot of people. No one really
stands out yet. Just enjoy yourselves tonight. They
won’t make their move your first time out. You’ll have
to come back tomorrow night to have a chance of
catching them,” Harm told them as he and Mac began
dancing away from their co-workers.

0555 Zulu (0055 Local) 
The Brass Monkey
Washington DC

Harm and Mac were sitting at their table, and had been
kissing and cuddling for quite sometime. Lauren and
Tiner were sitting at the bar talking and laughing.
Lauren glanced over at Mac and Harm and witnessed
their game of tonsil-hockey.
“Ok explain how that is classified as undercover. If
they are acting, then I have green hair,” Lauren
whispered in Tiner’s ear as she clung to his shoulder.
“Well I can’t. I have always wondered about those two.
Personally I am happy for them. They deserve to be
happy for once,” Jason told his beautiful date.
“Happy. I know what you mean,” she replied with a
seductive smile. Jason was a little surprised by
Lauren’s behavioral change toward him, not that he
minded terribly.
“It’s getting late, I should take you home now,” Jason
told her as he stood off the bar stool.
“Okay,” she replied as she took his hand and let him
lead her out of the bar.

0620 Zulu (0120 Local)
Lauren Singer’s Apartment

“Well here we are, safe and sound,” Tiner stated
nervously.
“Thank you Jason,” Lauren said as she pulled him
toward her and kissed him. Jason tried to pull away,
but she held on to him tightly, deepening the kiss.
Jason let himself fall into the kiss. Oh god, she
feels so good. She is as strong a kisser as she is
when it comes to her career, he thought Oh god our
careers! Jason tried harder to pull away.
“Lauren, please we can’t to this,” he pleaded.
“Sure we can. You’ve had sex before right?” she
questioned, snaking her hands in his shirt.
“Yes, but I, we can’t. Regs forbid it,” he told her as
he backed away from her.
“Forget regs for one night sailor. You’re attracted to
me right?”
“Yes, but we have an assignment together,” he told
her.
“Yes, an assignment to date. Sex is a natural part of
dating,” she told him stepping closer to him.
“Lauren please, I don’t want to hurt you but you know
this is wrong,” he pleaded. “Commissioned and Enlisted
are not allowed to fraternize, Ma’am. I’m sorry,”
Tiner reminded her. “I am going to hail a cab. I will
see you in the morning.”
Tiner left and Lauren went into her apartment alone.

0625 Zulu (0125 Local)
Harm’s Apartment
North of Union Station

Harm barely got the door open as he and Mac continued
kissing passionately. Harm closed the door behind him
and Mac began to quickly unbutton his shirt. Harm
reached around to her back to find the zipper on the
back of her dress. He desperately tried to lower the
zipper but it wasn’t cooperating with him. After Mac
finished unbuttoning his shirt revealing his hard
chest to her, she turned around to allow Harm better
access to her zipper. With one clean move, the dress
pooled to the floor, revealing her black lace lingerie
to his hungry eyes. Once again Harm’s lips found Mac’s
and he pulled her close. He wanted her to feel how
much she affected him. He kissed her passionately but
slowly. He wanted to memorize the taste of her. He had
loved her for so long and now she was his. He wanted
her so much, but he needed to know that she felt the
same.
“Sarah, are you sure you want to do this? We can wait.
We have all the time in the world.”
“I want this Harm. I love you.” 
Without another word, his lips recaptured hers and he
picked her up in his arms and carried her into the
bedroom. Harm gently laid her on the bed and stepped
back to savor the vision of her before him. He climbed
on the bed slowly and placed a soft kiss on her
stomach. His hand began to lightly trace the curve of
her leg, starting from her foot and slowly working
upward. 
Suddenly memories of that night in the alley flashed
through her mind. “No!” she screamed pulling away from
him.
“What’s wrong? What did I do?” Harm asked in panic
that he had hurt her. Mac crawled up to the headboard
and curled up into a ball. Harm stood there stunned,
not knowing what to do.
“They touched me like that,” she explained. “You
weren’t there. He was touching me there and I
couldn’t…” she cried. He walked over to her and joined
her on the bed. He pulled her into his arms and rocked
her gently.
“Its ok baby, I’m here,” he whispered holding her in a
protective embrace. Mac cried for several minutes
before she finally got quiet and calmed down.
“I’m sorry Harm. I thought I could but I…I’m sorry,”
she whimpered into his chest. Harm put his hand on her
chin and raised her head so she was looking him at his
eyes.
“Look at me Sarah. You have nothing to be sorry about.
Don’t worry about this. We have all the time in the
world,” he whispered, she tried to look away. “Sarah,
I’m not going anywhere. I love you. I can wait. I love
you,” he placed a soft kiss of her lips.
“I love you too Harm,” she whispered.
“Try to get some sleep my love,” he whispered as he
brought the covers over them and laid her down. She
rested her head on his chest, his arms wrapped tightly
around her. Harm’s heart was breaking. He couldn’t
stand to see her in so much pain. He was determined he
was going to find the men that shattered her
confidence. He was determined to help his love find
her peace.



1315 Zulu (0815 Local)
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

Harm and Mac walked into the bullpen and was greeted
by Lieutenant Singer.
“Good morning Sir, Ma’am.”
“Good morning Lieutenant,” Harm replied and Lt. Singer
returned to her work.
“Is it just me, or did she actually sound like she
meant that?” Mac whispered to her partner.
“Maybe Tiner was a positive influence on her last
night,” Harm replied with a sly smile.
“You don’t think they slept together last night do
you? They did seem awfully cozy at the bar,” Mac
questioned as she and Harm entered her office.
“They wouldn’t dare. UCMJ forbids it. There is nothing
Lauren cares for more than her career,” Harm answered
while closing the door.
“Look about last night, I am really sorry,” Mac
apologized.
“Mac do you trust me?” Harm asked seriously.
“Of course I do, Harm,” she replied.
“Then trust me when I say that I love you and I will
wait as long as it takes for you to heal. I am not
going anywhere. Ever,” he told her clearly as he
walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her. “I’m
yours until the end of the world,” he whispered
placing a passionate kiss on her lips. Mac returned
the kiss and pulled him into her tighter. Harm’s arms
roamed her back as her fingers ran through his soft
hair. Finally realizing where they were, they released
their embrace of one another.
“It’s a good thing the blinds are closed or we would
probably be finding ourselves on our way to a
court-martial,” Mac told him with a smile.
“We should get to work. Have lunch with me?”
“You bet,” she replied.
“I love you,” he whispered and placed a soft kiss on
her lips before leaving her office. Mac sat at her
desk and began working. Her giddy smile never leaving
her face.

Tiner noticed Lt. Singer as he passed through the
bullpen. He was nervous about making eye contact with
her.
“Tiner, may I see you in the kitchen for a moment?”
She asked in a firm military tone.
“Yes Ma’am,” he answered, following her into the
kitchen.
“Look I just want to get one thing straight. What
happened last night, never happened, got it?” she told
him strongly.
“Yes Ma’am,” he replied. After a moment he turned to
leave.
“Jason,” she called after him with a lighter tone. “I
wanted to thank you.”
“For what Ma’am?” he questioned.
“A lesser man wouldn’t have hesitated on an invitation
for sex. Thank you for putting my career, and yours,
above our personal desires last night,” she told him
sincerely.
“You’re welcome Ma’am,” he replied. “Permission to
speak freely Ma’am?”
“Granted,” she replied.
“I enjoyed your company last night and I was attracted
to you Lauren,” he told her with a sincere smile.
“I enjoyed your company as well, Jason,” she replied
with a smile.
“See you tonight?”
“Yes you will,” she replied.
“Would it be alright if I picked you up tonight?”
Tiner asked nervously.
“That would be fine,” she replied.
“Will there be anything else Ma’am?”
“No that will be all Petty Officer,” she replied.
“Aye aye Ma’am,” he snapped to attention and left the
kitchen. Lauren waited a moment before returning to
her duties.

2100 Zulu (1600 Local)
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

Harm, Mac, Tiner, and Lauren met in Harm’s office to
discuss the plan for their evening stake out.
“Tonight we hope to catch the attackers’ attention,”
Harm started. “Lauren, Tiner, you will visit the Brass
Monkey again tonight as a couple. You will need to
play it up big time. Make it look as if you are
serious with each other,” Harm continued. Lauren and
Tiner glanced at each other quickly but said nothing.
“Tiner, your pager is going to go off around 2230
hours. When you receive the page, use the phone like
any other normal time. You will then tell Lauren that
you have to leave and kiss her goodbye. It needs to
look good,” Harm finished.
“Lauren you will stay at the bar for another few
minutes,” Mac continued the briefing. “You will then
leave the bar. Do not cross the street. Make sure you
walk away from any other people. We need you alone,”
Mac finished.
“Don’t worry you will be perfectly safe. There will be
an undercover police car near by,” Harm added. “Mac
and I will be in the bar again keeping an eye out. If
we see anyone follow you out, we will be right behind
you.”
“Got it sir,” Lauren replied.
“I will be near by too Ma’am,” Tiner interjected.
“Thank you Tiner. I’m not worried,” she replied.
“Any questions?” Harm asked.
“No sir,” both Lauren and Tiner answered. 
“Ok we will see you at the Brass Monkey this evening,
dismissed,” Harm ordered.
“Aye sir,” they both snapped to attention and left the
office. After Lauren and Tiner left, Mac relaxed
slightly.
“You okay Mac?” Harm asked.
“Yeah. I’ll be glad when this is over,” she replied
sitting down in a chair.
“Mac we are going to get these bastards,” he assured
her. “I promise,” he whispered, placing his hand on
her shoulder. Mac placed her hand over his. After a
few moments, Harm decided to lighten the mood a
little.
“So are you all ready for tonight? I hope you are
wearing something as equally stunning as last night,”
Harm inquired with a sly grin.
“Maybe,” she replied teasingly.
“Just don’t forget the wig,” he whispered.
“Did you like it?” she asked playfully.
“Oh yeah,” he replied leaning over and capturing her
lips with his. She stood up and happily fell into his
embrace. They soon broke apart, remembering they were
still at the office.
“It’s a good thing you keep your blinds shut now or we
would be facing that court-martial for sure,” Mac told
him.
“Why do you think I keep them closed Mac?” Harm
whispered slyly.
“You’re bad,” she teased.
“Do you like it?” he countered.
“Yes,” she replied placing a quick hard kiss on his
lips.
“I’ll pick you up at 2030 hours?” Harm inquired.
“Don’t be late, flyboy,” she replied with a smile.
“Don’t worry, I’ll be there,” he replied.
“See you later my love,” she replied. Mac leaned in
close and squeezed his butt, catching him  off guard,
and then walked out of the office casually. Harm took
a moment to collect himself before sitting at his
desk.

0110 Zulu (2010 Local)
Sarah Mackenzie’s Apartment
Georgetown

Mac was busily putting the finishing touches on her
wig when she heard a knock at the door. She was
surprised. She wasn’t expecting anyone but Harm and he
wasn’t due for at least another twenty minutes. Mac
was even more surprised to open the door and see Harm
standing there with a bouquet of red roses.
“You’re early,” she said with surprise.
“I couldn’t wait another minute to see you,” he
replied with his ‘flyboy’ smile as he handed her the
flowers, “for you.”
“They’re beautiful.” She took the flowers and stepped
back to let him enter the apartment.
“Not as beautiful as you though,” he replied. Mac
blushed and turned to get a vase. As she prepared the
roses in the vase, Harm came up behind her and wrapped
his arms around her waist. Harm pressed his body
against hers and started placing soft kisses on her
neck.
“Mmmm,” she moaned as she leaned into his strong body.
“Harm, we have to go,” she mumbled as he covered her
lips with his. Mac turned so she was facing Harm. She
wrapped her arms around him, pulling him closer to
her. Mac felt helpless in his arms. She felt as if she
would collapse to the floor if he hadn’t been holding
on to her. Realizing that this was heating up fast,
Harm pulled away before he wouldn’t be able to stop.
“I love you,” he whispered.
“I love you too.”
“We should get going, we have a job to do after all,”
he reminded her as he placed a soft kiss on her lips.
“Did I tell you how beautiful you look tonight?”
“Yes, but a girl never gets tired of hearing it,” she
replied with a playful smile.
“Well you can get used to hearing it everyday for the
rest of your life,” he whispered. “Come on, let’s go,”
he told her.
“Let me get my shoes. I’ll be right back,” she told
him and headed for the bedroom. I will have to ask him
about that ‘for the rest of your life’ comment as well
as the ‘I’m yours till the end of world’ comment from
earlier, later, she thought to herself. In a moment
she emerged to find the love of her life, patiently
waiting by the door.
“You look very handsome tonight,” she complimented.
“Only for you my love,” he replied pulling her into
his arms for another earth-shattering kiss.
“I love it when you call me that,” she smiled.
“My love?” Harm questioned already knowing the answer.
“Yes,” she replied. He pulled her against him firmly
and kissed her again.
“We really need to go, before this gets any further,”
she whispered opening the door.
“You’re right my love,” he replied, taking her hand in
his as they headed out the door.

0200 Zulu (2100 Local)
Lauren Singer’s Apartment

Lauren was waiting in her living room when she heard a
knock at the door. As she opened the door a bright
smile lit up Tiner’s face.
“Wow, you look stunning Lauren,” he greeted.
“Thank you Jason, come in,” she replied letting him
enter.
“How are you?” Jason asked sincerely. “Are you okay
with us? I mean pretending we’re involved and
everything?”
“I actually wanted to talk to you about that. Do you
want to sit down?” she asked, showing him into the
living room.
“What’s wrong Lauren?” he asked worriedly.
“I wanted to apologize for last night,” she started.
“You did that already, Lauren. Don’t worry about it,”
he assured her.
“Look I can’t pretend to be attracted to you Jason,”
she told him.
“Oh I understand, after all I’m just an enlisted man,”
he said sadly.
“I can’t pretend to be attracted to you because I am
attracted to you,” she told him moving closer on the
couch, surprising Tiner.
“I thought we talked about this. We can’t have a
relationship. Regs forbid it,” Jason reminded her.
“If regs weren’t the issue, would you want me?” she
questioned nervously.
“But they are an issue Lauren,” he replied.
“But if they weren’t, would you want me?” she
repeated.
“Yes, I want you. I want you so bad I feel like my
skin is on fire, but we can’t,” he admitted turning
away from her.
“I’m being transferred to the Seahawk,” she told him.
“What?” he turned to look at her.
“The Admiral told me this morning. I ship out next
week,” she explained.
“Congratulations. That is a good career move,” he
tried to be happy for her.
“Look since I am going to be leaving anyway…make love
to me Jason,” she requested.
“But…”
“Please,” she begged. Without another word, he wrapped
his arms around her and captured her lips in a searing
kiss. In one quick move, he scooped her up in his arms
and carried her toward the bedroom.

0245 Zulu (2145 Local)
The Brass Monkey
Washington DC

Mac and Harm entered the establishment, happily
walking hand in hand. Mac surveyed the place, looking
for any signs of possible suspects and also a free
table. Harm almost tripped over a bar stool as his
eyes were glued to his beautiful companion. Harm had
to admit, that red wig and fitted black dress had
completely enthralled him.
“Eyes on the sky, flyboy,” she teased. He didn’t reply
as he felt a little embarrassed at his clumsy
behavior. Mac spotted a free table in the corner, next
to two others. One had five men sitting at it, and the
other was occupied by a young couple. Mac and Harm
took their seats and ordered their drinks.
“You know if you keep looking at me like that, we are
never going to make it through this evening,” she
teased. “We are on stakeout, remember?” she whispered.
“Lauren and Tiner aren’t even here yet, we’ve got
time,” he replied with his trademark ‘flyboy’ grin as
he captured her lips in a passionate kiss. After a few
minutes, the love birds finally came up for air. They
looked into each others eyes for a moment before
something caught Mac’s attention. Mac noticed Lauren
and Tiner enter the bar. Harm and Mac were both a bit
surprised by the fact that they walked in holding
hands and smiling at each other.
“Ok is that Lauren and Tiner holding hands?” Harm
whispered in shock.
“That can’t be a smile I see on Lauren’s face. I
didn’t think she knew how to do that,” Mac added.
“I guess they got this whole undercover thing down,”
Harm suggested.
“I don’t know. I’ve seen that look before,” Mac
started. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d swear they
just had sex.”
“With each other?” Harm asked a little louder than he
had intended.
“Shhh, yes with each other,” Mac laughed.
“They wouldn’t. UCMJ forbids it and neither would ever
do anything to hurt their careers, especially Lauren.
Her career is the only thing she is in love with,”
Harm explained.
“Maybe Tiner showed her that there is more in life to
love,” Mac replied. “Besides, Lauren is leaving,” she
added.
“What do you mean?” Harm inquired.
“I happened to overhear a conversation she had with
the Admiral this morning. She is being transferred to
the Seahawk,” she filled him in.
“Really?” Harm couldn’t help but be happy that Lauren
was leaving.
“You can’t say anything. I wasn’t supposed to have
heard that. I guess the Admiral is waiting to announce
it or something. I don’t know,” Mac told him.
“Well good for her. Now we definitely have some
celebrating to do,” he smiled and began kissing Mac’s
neck.
“You are too bad,” she replied as she enjoyed the
affections. Mac was thoroughly enjoying Harm’s
ministrations, when she heard loud laughter from the
table next to them. Their laughter rang through her
mind and her body froze in fear.
“What’s wrong?” Harm questioned worriedly as he
noticed her freeze up.
“They’re here,” she whispered.
“Who?” he questioned.
“The men who attacked me,” she became uneasy.
“Shh it’s okay. Take a deep breath and calm down,” he
whispered pulling her close to him. “How do you know?
Where are they?” he questioned trying to make their
interaction as least noticeable as possible.
“They are at the table right next to us. I remember
that laugh,” she told him on the verge of tears. Harm
cupped her face in his hands. “Look at me,” he
whispered. “You are a strong and capable woman and a
damn fine marine. You are not weak, by any means. They
can’t hurt you unless you let them. Don’t give them
that power over you,” Harm whispered strongly. “I love
you, and I am always here for you, but you need to
believe in your own strength, your fire. Don’t give up
on me, Sarah.”
“You’re right. I am a marine. I am strong. They can’t
hurt me,” she told him.
“That’s my girl,” Harm replied with a smile. “Now here
is what we are going to do,” he started. “You are
going to go to the head and wash your face. I am going
to go over to the bar and tell Lauren to meet you in
there. You are going to tell her where the suspects
are. Then you are going to come back here to me, and
we are going to enjoy ourselves while we keep an eye
on them. The rest of the plan stays the same,” he
explained. “Okay?”
“Okay. I’ll be right back,” she gave him a quick kiss
and got up and headed toward the ladies’ room.
Harm watched Mac leave the room. How he loved to watch
her as she walked, how he loved to watch her at
anytime, doing almost anything. Harm returned his
thoughts to the present and walked over to the bar.
Harm walked up right next to Lauren and Tiner. Harm
nodded politely before ordering another beer. Harm
paid for the beer and glanced at the television for a
moment.
“Wait a minute, then go meet Mac in the head, she has
new information,” Harm whispered to Lauren while
keeping his eyes on the television. He picked up his
drink and returned to his table, carefully studying
the three men sitting at the table adjacent to his. He
sat down and waited for Mac’s return. Harm watched as
Lauren headed toward the ladies’ room. While Harm
waited, he pulled out his cell phone and informed the
cops outside, of the situation. Just as he hung up the
phone, Mac emerged from the head and rejoined Harm at
their table.
“Miss me?” she asked playfully.
“Always,” he answered pulling her onto his lap and
initiated a deep kiss. When they finally needed air,
they broke apart and looked into each other’s eyes. 
“Well if I can expect that kind of welcome every time,
I should leave more often,” she said playfully.
“I don’t want you to ever leave me,” he replied
seriously. “I love you,” he whispered placing a soft
kiss on her lips.
“I love you too Harm,” she returned the kiss and
wrapped her arms around his body and gave him a strong
hug. After savoring the moment for a few minutes, they
realized they still had a job to do.
“Take care of everything you needed to?” Harm asked
cryptically.
“Everything’s all set,” she replied and began nibbling
his ear. “I told her we’d keep an eye on them and that
everything should still go according to plan,” she
whispered still playing with his earlobe. “I told her
we’d be right behind her if they followed her out.”
“You are so amazing,” he replied with a shutter. To
his surprise, Mac took his hand and placed it on her
thigh, showing she trusted him.
“When this is all over, I want to make love with you,”
she whispered in his ear.
“When this is all over, I will be more than happy to
make all your dreams come true, my love,” he replied,
looking into her eyes.
If those words had come from any other man to any
other woman, Mac would have thought it egotistical or
just a line, but when Harm said it to her, she knew it
was a promise and a guarantee. He knew every inch of
her mind and soul. He would make her dreams come true,
because he shared the same dreams. Over the past seven
years, they had seen every side of each other, the
good and the bad. They were partners, best friends,
soul-mates, and soon would be lovers; there is nothing
better in the world than what their union will mean.
She knew she was going to love this man for the rest
of her life, and that he would always love her.
Harm noticed as Tiner’s pager buzzed him. They both
watched as Tiner went to use the phone. Moments later
he returned to Lauren and explained that he had to
leave and gave her cab fare. Tiner whispered in
Lauren’s ear and gave her a passionate kiss before
exiting the bar. Lauren remained at the bar and
finished her drink.
“They definitely have an attraction. You don’t kiss
like that without feeling something,” Mac whispered.
“Well I hope they know what they’re doing,” Harm
commented.
“As far as we know, it’s just an act, part of the
cover. We can’t swear to anything,” Mac replied
cunningly.
As Lauren stood from her stool and put on her coat,
Mac and Harm noticed one of the three suspects, exit
the bar.
“Harm,” Mac whispered.
“I see him, don’t worry. As soon as the others follow,
we will be right behind,” Harm assured her. 
Mac and watched as Lauren left the bar. Moments later
the other two men got up and left. Harm and Mac got up
and casually walked toward the exit. As they made
their way to the street, they noticed the police
stakeout car, watching Lt. Singer. One cop pointed in
the direction she had taken, and Harm and Mac headed
that way. As they rounded the corner, they heard a
commotion in the alleyway. They ran to find the three
men pinning Lauren to the ground. Mac signaled the
cops and Harm ran into the alleyway followed close
behind by Mac. They jumped the men and threw them off
of Lauren. Two cops showed up as Mac and Harm fought
the assailants. Tiner ran into the alley behind the
cops and pulled Lauren into his arms holding her
tightly.
In a matter of a minute, the three suspects were taken
into custody. As the police took away the prisoners,
Harm pulled Mac against his chest and wrapped his arms
around her.
“It’s over my love,” he whispered.
“It’s over,” she replied with tears of relief pooling
in her eyes.
“Is she okay?” Harm asked Tiner, concerned about
Lauren.
“I think so ,” he replied.
“I’m fine sir. I’m glad we got those bastards,” she
replied strongly.
“Thanks to you Lauren, you did well,” Harm
complimented.
“Thank you sir,” she replied.
“Tiner?” Harm started.
“I’ll make sure she gets home okay sir,” Tiner jumped
in.
“I know you will. Have a good night and weekend. We
got them,” Harm replied, still holding his love
tightly in his arms.
“See you Monday sir,” Tiner said farewell as he and
Lauren left the alley.
“Are you ready to go home, my love?” Harm asked Mac.
“My home or yours?” she replied.
“Your choice.”
“Yours,” she replied.
“I love you ninja-girl,” Harm told her as they left
the alley hand in hand.
“I love you too, flyboy,” she replied with a smile.

0415 Zulu (2315 Local)
Harm’s Apartment
North of Union Station

“Welcome home, my love,” he flashed his ‘flyboy’
smile.
“I like the sound of that,” she blushed.
“I hoped you would,” he whispered. “Make yourself
comfortable, I’ll be right back,” he told her before
heading into the bedroom. He returned only seconds
later. Mac walked up to him and ran her hands across
his chest. Harm took her hands in his and stopped her.
“Mac, can we talk?” Harm asked pointing to the couch.
“What’s wrong Harm?” she asked worriedly.
“Nothing, I just want to talk,” he replied as they sat
down.
“What’s on your mind sailor?” Mac asked playfully. 
“What’s not on my mind right now?” he replied. “Tell
me the truth Sarah. Are you okay with everything that
happened tonight?”
“Yes,” Mac answered.
“You answered that way too quick,” Harm replied.
“I know, but it’s true. You reminded me of how strong
I am. I was lucky that I was not raped. I’m okay,
because we nailed the bad guys and I’m sitting next to
the man I love. I don’t think I could be anymore
okay,” she explained.
“Care to wager on that?” Harm asked as he pulled out a
diamond ring. Mac sat speechless. “I love you Sarah
Catherine Mackenzie. Make me the happiest man in the
world, and be my wife?” he proposed with one knee on
the floor.
“Oh Harm, I love so much. Of course I will marry you,”
she answered and Harm slipped the ring on her finger.
Harm captured her lips and kissed her softly but
passionately. Every bit of love he felt for this woman
was in his kiss. Mac felt as if she was going to melt
into him as his kiss burnt a path to her soul. One
thought plagued her mind so she pulled away from him.
“Okay, I have one question,” she demanded.
“Name it,” he whispered.
“You have barely left my side this week, when did you
have time to buy the ring?” Mac inquired.
“I bought that ring two months ago Sarah,” he replied
honestly. “I had been trying to find a way to tell you
how I’ve felt for months now.”
“What made you finally do it?” Mac asked shyly.
“Because I couldn’t bare the thought of losing you, of
never having the chance to tell you how much I love
you, of never having you as my wife,” he answered as
he cupped her face in his hands.
“Oh Harm,” she replied and pulled him into her kiss.
“Make love to me,” she whispered.
“Forever my love, forever,” he whispered as he picked
his fiancée up in his arms and carried her into their
bedroom.