TITLE:  "New Beginnings IV - Night of Peril"
    AUTHORS:  Anne R. and Pat Steiner
    SUMMARY:  The fourth chapter of the New Beginnings series,  in 
which Harm 
and Mac make tentative steps toward making 2002 ‘our year’ as they 
promised.  A 
‘routine’ assignment takes Harm and Ryan away in the night.  Rated PG 
for mild 
language and violence.
    DISCLAIMER:  JAG belongs to CBS, Paramount et al.  No copyright 
infringement is intended with this work of fiction.
    FEEDBACK:  Yes, if you're moved to do so, to [SSbpmn@aol.com] and 
it would 
be much appreciated by both of us.  However, if your intent is only to 
tell us you are 
not liking our work, please don't spend the time.  While we realize our 
work does 
not please everyone, we do ask that the journey be respected.
    
    NOTE:  All parts of this story and previous chapter will be 
available at 
             http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AnniePatJAGstories
      No subbing is required to read from the message archives.
 
Also, previous chapters, as well as our other efforts, should be 
available at

http://www.netroenterprises.com/exlibrisjag/ or the Harm-Mac shipper 
archive at-  
http://www.shipperarchive.com/fanfic/

Previously in PPF:    The issue of Mac’s stalker is ended, and Major 
Ryan Nichols 
absolved.  He and Lt. Brooke Hastings are made partners and a firm 
friendship is 
growing between them, and between them and Harm and Mac.
    
"New Beginnings IV-Night of Peril”


 Saturday, February 9th
 Harm's Rented Garage
 
 "I can't believe you're really restoring this thing," Ryan said as he 
looked 
 around the garage.
 
 "Well Turner was helping until he up and left for the sunny skies of 
Hawaii" 
 Harm replied. "You sure you want to tackle this?"
 
 "I messed with a few cars when I was younger" Ryan smiled. "Not sure 
how 
 much help I'll be but I'm game for trying."
 
 "Thanks. As you can tell I can use all the help I can get" Harm 
grinned.
 
 "Yeah it looks like you got more parts than you know what to do with" 
Ryan 
 teased. "This thing come with directions at all."
 
 "Nope. Now you know why I wanted help."
 
 "Speaking of help, I was wondering if you could help me out with 
something."
 
 "Sure what is it?"
 
 "Uh, I was thinking about asking Brooke to uh, go away next weekend, 
since 
 we've got Monday off and…I uh, I'm not real sure how to ask her so 
that she 
 doesn't think…well you know…" His voice trailed off and Harm smiled at 
 Ryan's obvious embarrassment.
 
 "Major, let me give you a piece of advice" Harm said as he placed his 
hand 
 on Ryan's shoulder. "If you like Ms. Hastings, don't waste time 
playing 
 games."
 
 "What if she doesn't feel the same way?" Ryan countered. "Then I'll 
feel 
 like a doofus every time I see her at work. I'll have to transfer out 
of JAG 
 and I love it here."
 
 "First off, I'm pretty sure that she feels the same way. So you don't 
have 
 to worry about being a doofus."
 
 "You really think so?" Ryan asked hopefully.
 
 "Yeah I think so" Harm laughed. "Okay, so what were you planning for 
this 
 weekend away."
 
 "Going somewhere warm. My parents lived in Georgia and we used to go 
to Tybee 
 Island all the time. Figure it's got to be warmer there than it is 
here."
 
 "That's for sure" Harm agreed. "Sounds nice. So what do you want me to 
do?"
 
 "I was sort of hoping that maybe you and Mac would come along" Ryan 
said 
 sheepishly. "So that it's like we're all just hanging out so there's 
not so 
 much pressure on Brooke."
 
 "Well I can't say that a weekend somewhere warm wouldn't be a bad 
thing.  
 And Mac is pretty hot in her bikini."
 
 "I can imagine" Ryan smiled. "On second thought, maybe I'd better 
not."
 
 "Imagine Brooke instead would you" Harm grinned. "Mac is off limits to 
 anyone's fantasies but mine."
 
 "Are you two ever going to get serious?" Ryan asked. "I mean you've 
been 
 partners for how long now?"
 
 "Six years. And we're working on. We've mucked it up enough in six 
years 
 that this time we're willing to take it slow to make sure we don’t 
mess it 
 up this time."
 
 "What's there to mess up? You love her, she loves you. It's pretty 
simple."
 
 "Ryan, my friend, nothing is simple when it comes to love" Harm 
smiled.
 
 "So will you and Mac come along for the weekend?" Ryan asked. "Please. 
It 
 would make it so much easier."
 
 "I'm sure Mac wouldn't mind and I think it would be great to get away 
from 
 here for a few days."
 
 "Would you mind mentioning it over dinner tonight?"
 
 "No way" Harm grinned. "You do the asking. I'll jump in but you have 
to 
 bring it up first."
 
 "All right, I think I can handle that. But if she looks like she's not 
 interested, don’t push it. I don't want to force her to be with me."
 
 "Like that would be the case" Harm scoffed.
=============
GEORGETOWN PARK MALL
Same time

"We've looked in every shoe store in the place," Brooke laughed, 
rubbing her ankle 
as she sat down.  

"No there's two more on the top level," Mac smiled, handing her a cup 
of coffee.  
"Of course right now I feel like we're going to still be wearing boots 
six months from 
now."

"I would kill to get out of this city even for a weekend.  California 
raised woman 
here," Brooke sighed, "and that brings me to something I wanted to ask 
you about."

"Oh yeah?"

"Going away for a weekend."

"You and me?  Brooke this is so sudden, not to mention against UCMJ," 
Mac 
teased.

"Me and Ryan," Brooke sighed.  "I want to invite him to go someplace 
warm for the 
holiday weekend."  She blushed slightly and added quickly, "separate 
rooms of 
course."

"Of course," Mac smiled. 

"Honest Mac," she blushed slightly.  "I'm not planning a seduction 
here. I just like 
him.  We're becoming friends, good close friends, and I'd like us to 
spend a little off 
duty time together.  We've shared Chinese and pizza a couple times but 
it always 
turns to work.  Not to mention, like I said, I need to go someplace and 
bake this 
cold and damp out of me."

"I'm just yanking your chain," Mac grinned.  "Now what can I do to 
help?"

"Come with us."

"Uh, I don't think you need a third wheel," she smiled.

"You and Harm silly.  We get adjoining rooms, you and me in one, Harm 
and Ryan 
in the other, and we just enjoy some time maybe lying on a beach or 
eating some 
good food, and just kind of getting to know each other."

"Well Harm and I know each other too well as it is," she murmured.

"Is that what keeps you apart?"

Now it was Mac's turn to blush. "I wish it were that simple.  But 
basically we're 
taking it very slow.  We both spent a half of last year and most of the 
year before 
trying to convince ourselves we could be in love with other people.  
That was a 
dismal failure, and now we're trying to find our way toward each other.  
But it can't 
be rushed or it's going to crash and burn."

"Then it sounds like a weekend away would help," Brooke insisted.

"Well it couldn't hurt," Mac agreed.  "OK we'll bring up the subject 
together when 
we get back."
====================
Harm's Apartment
2 hours later

"Ryan come sit and watch the game.  Have a beer," Harm urged.  "What in 
the hell 
is the matter with you anyway.  Why are you pacing?"

"Shouldn't they be back by now?" he exploded.  "Harm it's sleeting out 
there, on 
top of roads already not in great shape."  

"I think you're in a premature panic son," Harm grinned, "and I think. 
. ."  Before he 
could continue the sound of a siren split the quiet afternoon outside 
the window 
and Harm leaped to his feet.   "Yeah they should have been back.  What 
the hell is 
the matter with them staying out this long without calling when the 
roads are so 
bad."

"What was that about a premature panic?" Ryan sighed, straining his 
neck to see 
around the corner.

"Forget that, what are we going to. . ."  His words were cut off by the 
sound of soft 
tapping at the door, and Mac's soft call.  "Harm it's us.  Open up."

Harm crossed the floor and flung the door open in two seconds flat.  
"Thank God," 
he gasped and with that grabbed Mac, bags and all, into a large hug.

"What's going on?" she demanded, her voice muffled by him pressing her 
head into 
his shirt.  "Did you think we'd been abducted by aliens or what?"
  
 "No but in case you didn't notice, it's icy out there and you two have 
been 
 gone a while and then we heard sirens…"
 
 "Calm and take a breath sailor" Mac smiled as she finally managed to 
free 
 herself from his hold.
 
 "Where have you two been?" Ryan demanded. "We were worried sick."
 
 "We were shopping" Brooke smiled. "And as you can see we're perfectly 
fine."
 
 "Well now that we're done having heart attacks, what do you guys want 
to do 
 for dinner?" Harm asked.
 
 "You mean you didn't cook while we were out shopping?" Mac smiled. 
"Come on 
 flyboy. I thought by now you and Ryan would have whipped up something 
good. 
 I keep telling Brooke how good of a cook you are."
 
 "We work on the car all day while they shop and we have to cook" Harm 
 grinned.
 
 "You want me to cook?" Mac teased. "I'm not sure it would be edible 
though."
 
 "On that note, Ryan would you like to join me in the kitchen" Harm 
said as 
 he started towards the kitchen.
 
 "Harm this is wonderful" Brooke raved a short time later between bites 
of 
 pasta. "This is homemade sauce?"
 
 "Yes ma'am. Only the best."
 
 "I am so impressed" Brooke smiled.
 
 "So is everyone else as sick of this weather as I am?" Ryan said 
casually, 
 shooting a glance at Harm at the same time.
 
 "Totally" Brooke agreed as she looked over at Mac. "I would love to 
escape 
 this weather for a weekend."
 
 "You would?" Ryan said hopefully. "I was, uh, thinking that maybe, 
well we 
 could all go somewhere next weekend."
 
 "I think that sounds like a wonderful idea" Mac spoke up, giving Harm 
a 
 quick smile.
 
 "Me too" Brooke smiled. "What did you have in mind?"
 
 "Well there's this nice little area called Tybee Island just east of 
 Savannah" Ryan replied. "Nice beach and its quiet this time of year."
 
 "It's sounds great" Brooke said enthusiastically. "Mac, you and Harm 
will 
 come right?"
 
 "I'm there" Mac smiled. "Harm?"
 
 "Count me in. I can handle a little fun in the sun."
 
 "Sounds like we're all in" Brooke said to Ryan. "And I'm looking 
forward to 
 it."
 
 "Me too" Ryan smiled sheepishly and Mac gave Harm another small smile. 
It 
 was so obvious that their two friends liked each other.
 
 "Since we did the cooking, you two can do the cleaning" Harm said as 
he 
 stood up.
 
 "See if there's a good movie on" Mac called as Harm and Ryan headed to 
the 
 living room.
 
 "That was easier than I thought" Ryan sighed as he sank down in the 
chair.
 
 "I told you she'd want to go. And I knew Mac wouldn't mind either."
 
 "Thanks. You have no idea how much I appreciate this."
 
 "Well I get a weekend with Mac so I'm not going to complain" Harm 
smiled as 
 he turned on the TV. He was flipping through the stations when the 
weather 
 advisory caught his attention.
 
 "So what's on flyboy?" Mac asked as she and Brooke walked into the 
living 
 room. "Besides the weather."
 
 "Shh" Harm said as he turned up the volume, just in time to hear "icy 
roads 
 causing hazardous driving conditions."
 
 "That's it, you're all staying here tonight" Harm said firmly.  "No 
one's 
 leaving here."
 
 "Harm" Mac said with a long look. "We can't all stay here."
 
 "Oh yes we can. There's plenty of room for all of us. You can have the 
bed, 
 Brooke can take the sofa and Ryan and I can handle the floor."
 
 "Sounds like a slumber party sailor" Mac smiled. "But I will not take 
your 
 bed."
 
 "You want to share it?" Harm teased.
 
 "Uh, maybe Brooke and I should leave" Ryan grinned. "You two need to 
be 
 alone?"
 
 "Where's the blankets flyboy?" Mac asked as she looked at Brooke with 
an 
 amusement.

"Uh I don't have pajamas," she laughed and blushed at the same time.

"There's things here you two can use," Harm said quietly, suddenly 
unable to look 
at Mac, and Brooke raised a quizzical eyebrow.

"Renee?" Mac asked him gently.

"Jordan and Annie too," he mumbled, and she smiled at his 
embarrassment.

"Flyboy we all have a past.  It's OK."

"I don't" Brooke chortled and looked at Ryan.

"I have no comment," he sighed, suddenly fixated on the sights outside 
the dark 
window.

The other three looked at each other and Harm shook his head, 
indicating yes 
there could be something there, and no don't ask about it.

"Harm you need another bathroom if you're going to have these sleep 
over deals," 
Mac told him changing the subject quickly.

"Or a shower like they have in the men's locker rooms," he suggested.

"You know sliding into a ditch is starting to look better all the 
time," she returned.  
"Go ahead Brooke."

It took more than an hour to accomplish but finally everyone was ready 
for bed.  
The sleet had turned to snow and the world outside the window glistened 
pristinely.  
Mac stood there watching while Brooke and Ryan talked quietly at the 
table over 
coffee.

"Hey you," Harm called, the last one from the bathroom.  In boxers and 
a tee shirt, 
a towel around his neck, and a robe hanging loosely he looked like he 
belonged in 
a college dorm she decided when she turned at the sound of his voice.

"Just enjoying the view," she smiled.  "The snow is hiding the dirt.  
Thanks for 
having us.  I wasn't looking forward to the drive across DC in that 
snowboard on 
wheels."

"And I wasn't looking forward to a stroke on top of the heart attack I 
had earlier," he 
smiled, resting both hands on her shoulders as he stood behind her.  
"You're a 
pretty important part of my life Colonel Mackenzie.  I'm not willing to 
let go of that."
 
"OK, where is my Harmon Rabb?," she demanded, leaning backwards against 
his 
chest for a brief moment.  

"Your Harmon Rabb has been here all along," he answered seriously.  "It 
was that 
other guy that wasn't me."

"Watch it Rabb, we might have that Hallmark moment yet."

"This Rabb is ready," he told her and before she could react he leaned 
down and 
kissed her just below her ear, then immediately released her.  
"Something to sleep 
on."

"You bet it is," she gasped, still in shock.

"Hey no fooling around in front of the junior officers," Brooke 
laughed, having seen 
the exchange.  "Are we going to put on a movie or what?"
==================
315AM

Harm grabbed the phone on the first ring.  "Huh?.  Uh I mean Commander 
Rabb 
sir."

"Commander it's Admiral Chegwidden.  I'm glad I found you.  I can't 
raise your 
partner, nor Hastings or Nichols.  Where the hell is everyone on a 
night like this?"

"Here sir," he answered automatically.

"Here where?" AJ demanded.  "At your place?  Doing what for godsake?"

"Sleeping now sir."  

"What are you people doing, having a catered orgy over there Rabb?"

AJ's voice brought him fully awake.  "No sir, no.  We're uh. . .sir the 
roads got bad 
and I wouldn't let them leave.  You know Mac's Corvette is bad on snow 
and I just 
felt like they all should. . ."

"Rabb shut up."

"Yes sir.  Sir may I ask why you called."

"I wanted to get to that first thing.  Captain Laurence Townsend."

Harm was even more awake.  "Where sir?"  Townsend was a key witness in 
an 
espionage case that had been a long time in coming about and who had 
disappeared without a trace over the summer.

"He's ready to turn himself in.  Only to you.  Take him to the safe 
house in College 
Park.  They're ready for him there."

"Yes sir," Harm nodded, already starting to reach for his jeans.  

"Two things Rabb," AJ went on.  "Take someone with you.  And you'd 
better go 
armed just in case."
  
 "Yes sir" Harm said as AJ gave him the address where he would meet 
Townsend. 
 "I'll take Ryan with me."
 
 "Call me when you get him there" AJ continued. "I want to know he's 
there 
 safe."
 
 "Yes sir. Will do"
 
 "Mr. Nichols, look alive" Harm said as he gave him a shake. "Duty 
calls."
 
 "What?" Ryan groaned. "What time is it?"
 
 "Little after 3:00. We need to go move a witness. Someone who's been 
hiding 
 out for a while for good reason."
 
 Ryan was instantly awake. "Give me five and I'll be ready."
 
 "Ready for what?" Mac asked sleepily as she wandered out from the 
bedroom. 
 "What's going on?"
 
 "Townsend's finally decided to turn himself in. I'm going to take him 
to the 
 safe house."
 
 "Not alone" Mac screeched.
 
 "No. Ryan is going with me."
 
 "Harm, I don't like this" Mac complained. "I should be going with you. 
I'm 
 your partner."
 
 "I know you are" he smiled. "But Ryan's going with me on this one. 
Okay."
 
 "Harm, what aren't you telling me?"
 
 "Nothing. The Admiral just suggested I bring someone along with me and 
 instead of bothering you, I'm bothering Ryan instead."
 
 "Because he's afraid there might be trouble, right?"
 
 "He said we should come armed" Harm sighed. "And now you're going to 
worry."
 
 "Damn right I'm going to worry" Mac retorted. "I know what kind of 
people 
 Townsend was dealing with."
 
 "Hey, what's going on?" Brooke asked as the voices woke here. She 
looked 
 around; noticing that Ryan was dressed. "Ryan, where are you going?"
 
 "We're going to take a witness to a safe house" Ryan explained.
 
 "Come on Ryan, we need to get going" Harm said as he headed to the 
kitchen 
 and pulled out his service weapon.
 
 "Hey, where are you going that you need that" Brooke asked. "Mac?"
 
 "They're going off to get Captain Townsend" Mac sighed. "He's our key 
 witness in an espionage case. He's been in hiding since summer."
 
 "And it's no big deal" Harm said as he reached for his coat. "We'll 
see you 
 guys later."
 
 "Harm, please be careful" Mac said as she walked over to him.
 
 "Aren't I always?" he smiled.
 
 "I'm serious. I don’t like the way this sounds. Why is he suddenly 
calling 
 at 3:00 AM to turn himself in?"
 
 "Because he's too afraid to show his face during the day. I don't know 
Mac. 
 But I'm sure there's nothing for you to worry about. Ryan and I will 
get him 
 to the safe house and we'll be at JAG before you and Brooke get there 
 probably."
 
 "Just promise me you'll keep your eyes open."
 
 "Promise. Now go back to sleep. We'll see you later." He turned to 
head for 
 the door and she reached out an arm out to stop him.
 
 "Can I get another one of those hugs" she said softly.
 
 "I think I can arrange that" he whispered as he pulled her into his 
arms. He 
 held her tightly for a second before letting her go. "I've got to go. 
Ryan, 
 come on."
 
 They headed out and with a sigh Mac sank down on the sofa next to 
Brooke.
 
 "Hey, they'll be fine" Brooke said with a forced smile. "Won't they?"
 
 "Yeah I'm sure they will. You should try and get some sleep though. 
I'm used 
 to only a few hours of sleep."
 
 "You think I'm going to sleep now?"
 
 "Why don't I go make us both some tea" Mac said as she pushed herself 
off 
 the sofa.
 
 "I'll help" Brooke said as she pushed back the covers and stood up. 
"So tell 
 me, do you always worry about Harm when he goes off on something like 
this?"
 
 "I try not to but of course that doesn't work. Harm has this uncanny 
way of 
 getting himself into trouble."
 
"I wish I had hugged Ryan before he left," Brooke sighed, not even 
realizing she 
had spoke aloud.

Mac raised an eyebrow and then smiled.  "Welcome to the club 
Lieutenant."

"Ma'am?"

"Mac.  The partners who worry about each other club.  Eventually you'll 
see that 
most of the time there's no need.  Ninety-nine out of a hundred of 
these things are 
so routine they're dull."

"Please reassure me."

"OK.  They'll drive to wherever the Admiral told them Townsend is 
waiting.  They'll 
get him into the car, and take the long way around--probably make a 
complete loop 
of the beltway, making sure they're not being followed, before they 
take the exit for 
the safe house.  There will be agents or marshals there, someone will 
sign a 
receipt, and they're finished."

"You think?"

"I think worrying isn't going to make it better," Mac advised, for her 
own sake as 
well as Brooke's.  That AJ had told them to go armed did not set well 
with her.  "Of 
course the roads are not great, so that's going to slow them down."

"So we just wait?"

Mac nodded.  "And we report for duty in the morning and wait to hear.  
You'll find 
that this job entails a lot of waiting."

"I hope valium goes with it," she sighed.  "Mac I'm starting to care 
for him."

"Tell me something I don't know," she snorted.  "Here drink this.  It's 
very calming 
and then we can maybe get another couple hours sleep."

"You honestly think we're going to sleep now?"

"No way in hell," she smiled, "but it sounded good."

Dawn brought rising temperatures and improving road conditions.  What 
it did not 
bring was a call from either Harm or Ryan.  

"Mac," Brooke whispered as they both stirred to get ready to leave 
Harm's place.  
"Mac?"

"I know," she said quietly.  "And what we're going to do is assume 
they're totally 
fine and report for duty."

"I'm not sure I can."

"It's not an option Lieutenant," she said firmly.  "Not that I like it.  
But that's what 
we're going to do.  Besides, the Admiral may know something."

"I hope so," she sighed.
==============================
JAG HQ
0730 AM

"Morning Lieutenant," AJ addressed the night duty officer outside his 
office who 
was just hanging up the phone and scribbling furiously at the same 
time.  

"Sir, good morning.  I'm afraid I have bad news and now I get to 
deliver it in 
person."

"Could I get coffee first?"

"You're going to want to hear this now sir," Paxton said softly.  
"First, the people 
from College Park called.  No sign of Commander Rabb with the detainee.  
So I 
was just writing that down and another call came through."

"Commander Rabb I trust?"

"No sir.  Prince George's Hospital Center."
====================
"Mac I don't see either of their cars," Brook whispered, looking around 
nervously in 
the Officer's Parking Lot after they had parked and were walking toward 
the door.

"OK, let's not panic yet," Mac told her, refusing to allow her self to 
believe anything 
could be wrong.  "We need to see if the Admiral has heard anything.  If 
they've 
checked Townsend into the safe house."

"I think we're going to be able to ask him pretty quick," she replied, 
seeing a grim 
faced AJ come through the doors, having seen them from the window.  He 
made 
an about face signal and hurried to catch up with them.

"What's wrong sir?" Mac asked quietly, feeling ice water begin to seep 
into her 
belly.

"Mr. Rabb and Mr. Nichols did not show up at the safe house.  Prince 
George's 
Hospital called about ten minutes ago.   They have an injured man who 
gave them 
this phone number right before he lost consciousness.  No ID on him and 
he 
passed out before he could give his name."

Mac drew her breathe in sharply and for a second Brooke froze in place.  
"Sir did 
they give you a description?"

"No, tall with dark hair.  They're calling it a street crime since all 
personal effects 
were missing."

"You know better," Mac gasped.  "You know it has something to do with 
Townsend.  
Sir, how bad is he hurt?"

"The wound itself isn't bad, but they're concerned over the loss of 
blood," AJ 
replied, swallowing hard.  "They were transfusing him at that time and 
then they 
were going to clean up the area.  Of course that doesn't tell us where 
the other one 
is."

"He could be lying dead somewhere," Brooke spoke up.  "God this is a 
nightmare.  
How can this happen?"

AJ opened the car door before he answered.  "Lieutenant, sometimes 
these kinds 
of things hit the fan.  When they do, we pick up the pieces and go on.  
Soon as we 
know the circumstances we'll locate the lost one."
   
 "Yes sir" Brooke replied, trying her best to keep her composure as she 
 climbed into the car.
 
 "Brooke it'll be okay" Mac assured her once they were inside.
 
 "Is there something I should know about?" AJ asked from the front 
seat. "I 
 was a little surprised this morning when I called Mr. Rabb and found 
that 
 you all were there for the night."
 
 "No sir" Brooke said quickly.
 
 "Lieutentant, don't ever play poker with me" AJ smiled as he looked 
back at her.
 
 "Sir, I, uh" Brooke stammered.
 
 "Sir, we've all been hanging out together," Mac said as she came to 
Brooke's 
 rescue.
 
 "I know about you and Harm. I'm just wondering if I've got a second 
couple 
 on my hands. I'll need to stock up on the Alka Seltzer if that's the 
case."
 
 "Sir?" Mac blushed.
 
 "Colonel, I may be old but I ain't stupid. A blind man could see 
what's 
 going on between you two. And the Lieutenant and Major seem to be 
following in 
your footsteps."
 
 "We're all just friends," Mac said lamely.
 
 "Keep telling yourself that," AJ said with a small smile. He knew his 
people 
 well and he knew that there was more going on than they were letting 
on.
 
 They road in silence the rest of the way, both women doing their best 
to 
 keep their fears in check while AJ wondered what he was going to do 
with the 
 two once they found out what had happened. He didn't like the fact 
that one 
 of his officers had been hurt and the other was missing because of an 
 assignment he'd sent them on. He'd warned Harm it might be dangerous 
but 
 he'd never thought they would go after Townsend.
 
 A long forty-five minutes they arrived at the hospital, AJ quickly 
leading 
 them into the ER.
 
 "AJ Chegwidden from JAG" he said to the woman behind the desk. "I got 
a call 
 that one of my men had been brought here."
 
 "Oh yes, the John Doe who managed to give us your number" she replied. 
"I'm 
 not sure they're finished with him just yet."
 
 "Ma'am, I need to find out who it is," AJ said as he noticed both 
women's 
 anxious faces. "Is there any way I can get in to see him?"
 
 "No sir, I'm sorry. It really shouldn't be much longer. Why don't you 
take a 
 seat and I'll let the doctor know you're here and when he's finished 
he'll 
 let you know his condition."
 
 "Sir, I don't think either of us can wait' Mac murmured as she looked 
over 
 at Brooke. "Can't they just let one of us see him."
 
 "Ma'am, I really do need to know which of my officers is injured" AJ 
tried 
 again.
 
 "Well I have his description. That doesn't help."
 
 "Sorry, they're both tall with short dark hair" AJ sighed. "Please 
it's real 
 important."
 
 "I'm sorry sir. I wish I could help. Really it shouldn't be much 
longer."
 
 AJ led Mac and Brooke to the chairs and with a sigh Mac sank down. She 
 started to fiddle with her ring before a thought struck her.
 
 "Sir, their rings" she said suddenly. "They can check and see if it's 
a 
 Marine Corps ring or Navy ring."
 
 "Good thought. Course it won't tell us what happened to the other" AJ 
sighed 
 as he headed to the desk again. Mac and Brooke watched anxiously as AJ 
 explained to her about the rings and she nodded before heading into 
the 
 back. She returned a few minutes later and Mac held her breath as AJ 
walked 
 back to her and Brooke.
 
 "Sir?" Mac whispered.
 
 "It's Ryan" AJ said quietly and Brooke quickly covered her mouth with 
her 
 hand to hold back her gasp.  "They're almost finished fixing him up 
but he's 
 going to be a while before he's awake and conscious enough to tell us 
what 
 happened."
 
 "Is he going to be okay?" Brooke managed finally.
 
 "They're pretty sure he'll be fine" AJ assured her.
 
 "Sir, we have to find Harm" Mac said quietly. "He could be lying 
somewhere 
 hurt. Or worse." She tried to block the image of him lying in some 
alley out 
 of her mind and only partially succeeded as she felt the tears 
forming.
 
 "Okay, I need you both to hold it together here" AJ said sharply. "I 
know 
 you're worried about both of them, but we'll get this figured out. 
Once Ryan 
 is awake he can tell us what happened. In the meantime, I'll see who I 
can 
 get to start looking for Harm. We'll start in the area where Ryan was 
 found."
 
 Mac nodded as she took a deep breath to keep the tears at bay. "Yes 
sir. And 
 I expect to be part of that group looking for him."
 
 "Let me make some phone calls while we're waiting" AJ sighed. "And 
then 
 we'll talk about that."
 
 He headed off to make some calls on his cell phone in a quieter area 
and 
 Brooke reached a comforting hand to Mac's arm.
 
 "He'll be okay," she said softly.
 
 "I don't even know if he's dead or alive" Mac whispered, finally 
allowing 
 some of the tears that had threatened to come through.
 
 "He's not dead," Brooke said quickly. "Don't even think that."

"I'm trying not to."  She wiped her face and swallowed hard, finally 
getting the 
tearfulness under control. 

Brooke covered Mac's hand with hers and they sat together in silence 
until AJ 
returned ten minutes later, looking more grim faced than before.

"Sir?" Mac was sure he could hear her heart pounding in her chest as 
she feared 
the worst.

"Uh. . .no news really," he stammered only to face her cold stare.  
"OK, you want it 
straight?"

"You know I do sir.  The not knowing is killing me.  I'll deal with the 
truth.  
Somehow."

"OK.  Apparently they got as far as almost to the safe house.  One of 
the marshals 
that was there to receive Townsend was killed.  As of now, there's no 
sign of Harm 
or Townsend.  The D.C., Montgomery and Prince George's county police 
have 
been given descriptions of both, as have all hospitals and so forth.  
You know the 
drill there."

"Killed," Mac repeated, still fearing for Harm's life.

"Yes, but I think the fact that Harm wasn't is a good sign," AJ 
maintained.  

"Why hasn't he contacted us yet then," she moaned.

AJ shook his head.  "People on his tail maybe.  Maybe getting Townsend 
someplace safe.  Or--most likely. . ."  he smiled softly then.  "Most 
likely he's trying 
to avoid involving you."

"Yeah well I am involved," she growled.  "Fully.  And if I find out he 
took all the risk 
just to avoid that, I'm going to kick his six around JAG's parking 
lot."

"I'll help," AJ smiled, squeezing her shoulder.  "OK they promised by 
the time we 
start back they'll have something more concrete.  I threatened them you 
see."  He 
turned kindly eyes on Brooke, who sat immobile, trying to listen but 
her mind on her 
own partner.

"Lieutenant, I gather your preference is to wait here?"

"Yeah."  She stirred herself to full alertness, remembering her place.  
"Yes sir.  
Please.  He shouldn't wake up with no one there, and besides he knows 
what 
happened.  He's the only one besides Harm. . .uh the Commander."

"Right you are," AJ approved.  "OK you will stick with him.  Let me 
know the minute 
you have something.  Colonel let's go."

Brooke rose slowly, her legs shaking and Mac stepped up for them to 
share a quick 
hug.  "This is worse for you," Brooke whispered.  "I mean Ryan and I. . 
."

"Not worse, maybe different is all," Mac whispered back, "only because 
the 
connection between Harm and I is older is all.  He'll be OK.  You 
watch."

"Harm too."

"I can't believe anything else," Mac told her firmly, allowing AJ to 
lead her away, 
and the Admiral kept his hand around her arm as they walked to the car.

"Mac he's been in tight spots before," AJ reminded her softly as he 
helped her in.  
"Need I remind you of this summer?"

Her hand went to her mouth at once.  "Oh my God AJ I've been so upset I 
didn't let 
myself realize--but Harm's not dead.  He couldn't be.  No I'd know it 
if he was.  I 
would know it I'm sure."

"OK calm," AJ smiled.  "I don't think he is either.  He's too smart to 
let these guys 
get at him."  He got into the driver's seat and fixated his cell phone 
to the holder on 
the dash, ready to take the call when it came.
*********
  "Ms. Hastings" the nurse called and Brooke hurried to the desk.
  
  "Yes how is he?" Brooke demanded.
  
  "He's going to be fine. He's still pretty out of it but he's been 
moved to a 
  room and you can sit with him."
  
  "Thank you" Brooke said as she followed the nurse back.
  
  She was ushered into his room and for a second she froze, not quite 
prepared 
  for the sight of him in the hospital bed. She finally forced herself 
  forward, dropping into the chair beside the bed and taking his hand 
in hers.
  
  "You're going to be okay Ryan," she said softly. "I'm right here."
  
  **************
  "Sir, why hasn't anyone called us" Mac groaned. "Shouldn't they.."
  
  She was cut off by the ringing of AJ's cell phone and he quickly 
punched the 
  button.
  
  "Chegwidden."
  
  "Sir, its Harm. I'm glad I got you.  I need some help here and I 
didn't want 
  Mac involved in this."
  
  "Harmon Rabb" Mac screeched. "Where in the hell are you?"
  
  "Sorry, Harm, it was on hands free" AJ said with a small smile. "To 
repeat 
  Mac's question where are you and are you okay?"
  
  "I'm fine sir and so is Townsend for the moment. Is Ryan okay? I 
hated like 
  hell to leave him. Did the ambulance I called get to him in time?"
  
  "He'll be okay. Brooke is with him now.  Now where are you?"
  
  "Patuxtent River Wildlife Refuge" Harm replied. "I got this far 
before the 
  car died."
  
  "The guys that ambushed you?" AJ asked.
  
  "Probably still on our tail" Harm sighed. "I ditched the car and 
we're in 
  the woods here. But I'm sure it won't be long before they find the 
car and 
  us."
  
  "All right Harm. Mac and I are on our way. I'll call the authorities 
and 
  have them meet us as well."
  
  "Thank you sir" Harm sighed. "I'm sorry this ended up like this. And 
I'm 
  real sorry about Ryan."
  
  "Not your fault Commander. I knew this might get hairy but I didn't 
think 
  these guys were that serious."
  
  "Oh they're serious all right. Very. Which is why I didn't want Mac 
involved 
  in this."
  
  "Well I'm here now and I'm involved" Mac retorted having kept quiet 
as long 
  as she could.
  
  "Mac, these men don’t care who they kill. I'd rather you weren't in 
their 
  path."
  
  "Thank you for your concern but I am a Marine and quite capable of 
handling 
  myself when the situation arises. And you should have called me 
sooner. Do 
  you realize how worried I've been."
  
  "I'm sorry but I didn't want you involved in this mess" Harm sighed. 
"I 
  happen to care about you and it was bad enough Ryan got hurt."
  
  "And I'll interrupt before this gets any deeper" AJ spoke up. "You 
two can 
  argue about this later. Right now just tell me where exactly you are 
so I 
  can call the authorities to meet us."
  
  "Yes sir" Harm said before supplying AJ with his location.
  
  "Harm, we'll be there shortly" AJ replied. "Just hang tight. I'll 
call the 
  others in case we need backup."
  
  "Will do sir. With any luck you'll get here before they find us."
  
  "I hope so" AJ sighed before hanging up.
  
  Mac sat quietly while AJ called the authorities to let them know 
where Harm 
  and Townsend were, with the promise they'd be right behind them.
  
  "Sir, can't you drive a little faster" Mac prodded as they neared 
Harm's 
  location.
  
  "Colonel we'll get to him before the others do" AJ assured her but 
pushed 
  the gas petal a little harder.
  
  They finally reached the small dirt road Harm had mentioned and 
moments 
  later stopped the car behind the broken down car.
  
  "Harm" Mac called as she and AJ looked around.
  
  Seconds later Harm and Townsend appeared from behind a clump of 
trees.
  
  "Thank god" Mac whispered when she finally spotted him, starting 
towards 
  him.
  
  "Captain" AJ said as he walked to Townsend. "We'll have you out of 
here in a 
  few minutes and somewhere safe."
  
  "Thank you sir" Townsend replied. "So far the Commander has done an 
  excellent job under the circumstances. I'm sorry your other man got 
hurt."
  
  "He'll be fine" AJ assured him. "Let's get you back.
 
 Harm and Mac simply stared at each other for a moment.
 
 "I'm glad you're OK," she whispered, her eye on AJ as she spoke.  "I 
was pretty 
scared for you."
 
 "Colonel," AJ interrupted.  "Permission to hug the Commander."
 
 "Thank you," she breathed and with a small smile melded into arms that 
opened 
for her at once.
 
 "And I didn't want you out here," he replied, his mouth to her ear.
 
 "We'll talk about that later," she insisted, giving him a firm hard 
squeeze before 
stepping back from him.  "Someone needs a shower."
 
 "And coffee and sleep," he sighed, "but that doesn't change the fact 
that there are 
people who want to kill this man, and anyone else.  Is Ryan really OK?"
 
 "Yeah they think he's going to be," she nodded, watching AJ walk ahead 
of them 
with Townsend and putting her arm through his to lead him toward the 
car. "I'll call 
Brooke now and tell her we found you."
 ===========
 Prince Georges Hospital Center
 Same Time
 
 "Brooke that you?"  Ryan's voice was a croaking whisper.
 
 "No," she answered teasingly, relief washing over her.  "Of course 
it's me Idiot, 
your partner remember.  Who else would sit here holding your hand and 
praying 
you'd wake up?"
 
 "Holding my. . .," he stammered and she gave his hand a firm squeeze 
in 
response.
 
 "I've been plenty scared for you," she admitted, wiping a lone tear 
from her cheek.  
"Come on now Jarhead get those eyes open too."
 
 With a look of intense concentration he managed to do that, at least 
partway.  "Hi."
 
 "Hi yourself," she smiled, shaking slightly with relief.  "Are you OK?  
Pain?"
 
 "I don't think so but whatever they're dripping in me here is giving 
me weird 
dreams.  Like that you're holding my hand."
 
 "Hey for the second time, I am holding your hand," she laughed 
lightly, lifting their 
joined hands so he could see.  
 
 "Why?"
 
 "Because you dumb Jarhead I happen to care about you," she exploded.  
"I 
happen to care and I was scared and you're my friend and. . .and does 
that about 
cover it?"
 
 "I got it," he breathed and suddently struggled to sit up.  "Harm.  
Harm and 
Townsend.  Where are they?  What happened?"
 
 "Nothing that you're going to do anything about," she chided him 
sharply.  "The 
Admiral and Mac are seeing to that.  Your job is to lie here and start 
getting better."  
She gave him a firm shove back onto his pillow.  "That is a bullet hole 
through your 
shoulder there remember."
 
 "That much I do remember.  Shots being fired and the pain," he 
groaned, relaxing 
backwards.  "Could I have some water.  I'm glad you're here."
 
 "I'm glad I'm here too," she smiled, wiping his damp forehead and then 
holding the 
water cup to his lips.
 
 "Thanks.  I'm also glad you weren't with us last night.  That was the 
first thing I 
thought of when I heard the shots.  I'm sure it was Harm's thought 
about Mac too."
 
 "Well it sounds like you both needed someone to be watching your 
back," she 
murmured, pushing some hair off his forehead.
 
 Before she could answer her cell phone rang.  "Lieutenant Hastings. . 
. .Mac hi.  
Did you find him?"
  
 "Yes we did.  Harm's fine and Townsend is with him and we're walking 
back to the 
car," she reported, slowing her pace slightly to talk more easily.  
"How's Ryan 
doing?"
 
 No sooner was that question out of her mouth than came the sound of 
gunfire and 
a bullet whizzed past her ear.  Instinctively she ducked and rolled, 
hearing Harm's 
shout of her name as she did so. 
 
 Harm had unknowingly gotten several feet ahead of her with Townsend 
and when 
the first shots rang out he spun in her direction, seeing her rolling 
on the ground.  
Sure she was hit, he screamed again and started for her, only to have 
AJ push him 
down behind a fallen tree.
   
  "I need to get to her" Harm shouted as he tried to get away from AJ.
  
  "Yeah and get yourself killed in the process" AJ retorted. "Stay 
down."
  
  No sooner had AJ said the words then more gunfire started, this time 
from 
  the backups that he'd called for. In a matter of minutes there was 
finally 
  silence as the hit men who'd been after Townsend had been taken out.
  
  "Mac" Harm screamed as he hurried to where she'd fallen.
  
  "I'm okay flyboy," she said as she slowly pushed herself to her feet. 
"I'm a 
  Marine. I know how to duck remember."
  
  "Thank god" he whispered as he wrapped his arms around her. "For a 
second I 
  thought I'd lost you."
  
  "Not in this lifetime" she sighed as she allowed the comfort of his 
arms 
  around her for a few seconds, realizing just how close it had been.
  
  "Everyone okay?" AJ asked as he helped Captain Townsend to his feet.
  
  "Yes sir" Harm answered as he finally let go of Mac.
  
  "Oh god, Brooke" Mac gasped as she remembered she'd been talking to 
her 
when the shots had started. She looked around for her cell phone, 
finally 
  locating it on the ground. She quickly dialed Brooke's number again.
  
  "Mac" Brooke screeched. "What happened? I heard shots and then I lost 
you. 
  Are you okay?"
  
  "We're all fine here" Mac assured her. "Our backup arrived just in 
time."
  
  "Thank god" she sighed. "I was about to lose it over here."
  
  "Stay calm Lt., we're all fine" Mac smiled. "How's Ryan?"
  
  "He's awake but pretty weak."
  
  "Is Harm okay?" Ryan demanded as he tried to sit up again, only to be 
met 
  with Brooke's firm hand.
  
  "Everyone is fine" she assured him. "Now sit back and rest like 
you're 
  supposed to."
  
  "We'll be in to see you guys once we get this mess cleaned up and 
Harm goes 
  home and gets some sleep."
  
  "I'll be here," Brooke said as she looked over at Ryan.
  
  "I know" Mac smiled. "Take care Lt. We'll see you soon."
  
  
  Prince George Hospital
  6 Hours Later
  
  "You really should have gotten more than two hours sleep" Mac fretted 
as 
  they made their way down to Ryan's room.
  
  "I'll sleep tonight. I wanted to see Ryan before visiting hours were 
over."
  
  "You know we're going to have to pull Brooke out of there" Mac 
smiled. 
  "She's not going to want to leave him."
  
  "We'll just order her to come with us" Harm grinned. "She wouldn't 
obey a 
  direct order."
  
  "Hey, you look a heck of a lot better than when I left you last 
night" Harm 
  said as they walked into Ryan's room. "Which by the way, I hated 
doing."
  
  "You did the right thing" Ryan replied. "Brooke said you got Townsend 
to the 
  safe house finally?"
  
  "Yes and with any luck his testimony will put a few people away for a 
good 
  long while."
  
  "Good" Ryan nodded. "I'm sorry that got so messed up."
  
  "Not your fault" Harm assured him. "Just glad you're going to be 
okay. Has 
  your nurse left your side at all today?"
  
  "No, even though I told her to go get some dinner" Ryan said as he 
looked at 
  Brooke.
  
  "Well fix that" Mac smiled. "Come on Brooke. You need to eat 
something."
  
  "I'm really not hungry" Brooke protested. "Honest. My stomach is 
still 
  settling from the scare you gave me earlier."
  
  "A little soup at least" Mac said motherly as she reached for 
Brooke's arm. 
  "Guys, we'll be back in a little bit."
  
  "We'll be here," Harm said as he sat down in the chair beside the 
bed.
  
  "You're going to make her go home and get some sleep right?" Ryan 
asked when 
  they were alone.
  
  "Oh yeah" Harm assured him. "We'll make sure of that. Mac said she 
was 
  pretty upset when she found out what happened?"
  
  "And you dont think Mac was worried about you?" Ryan countered.
  
  "We're lucky men, my friend" Harm smiled. "Very lucky."
  
  "That was pretty scary this morning," Ryan admitted. "But you know 
what my 
  first thought was?"
  
  "I can guess but go ahead"
 
  "How glad I was that Brooke wasn't there" Ryan said quietly.
  
  "Welcome to my world. And trust me Ryan, it doesn't get any easier."
  
  "I figured that" Ryan sighed. "But at the same time, I really like 
Brooke."
  
  "Tell me something I don't know" Harm laughed. "I think the feeling 
is 
  pretty mutual."
  
  Brooke and Mac returned, staying until the nurse gave them one final 
glare 
  while informing them that visiting hours were over.
  
  "Come on Lt." Harm said gently to Brooke. "Nurse Hatchet is going to 
call 
  security if we dont leave."
  
  "I'll be out in a second," she said as she looked at Mac.
  
  "Come on Harm" Mac said as she took his arm. "Brooke we'll be waiting 
  outside."
  
  "Thanks" she smiled.
 
 When they were alone, Brooke put a quick kiss in the palm of his hand.  
"You 
behave yourself Jarhead.  And leave your hands off the nurses.  They've 
got 
enough guff from sick people so they don't need yours."
 
 "OK, but only because I want to sleep," he sighed tiredly.  "Thanks 
Brooke.  
Thanks for being here with me."
 
 "Wouldn't be anywhere else.  Partners remember," she smiled, tucking 
his hand 
back under the covers.
 
 "I need you to do something for me," he said quickly.
 
 "Anything I can."
 
 "Get me the hell out of here."
 
 "Soon as the doctor says you can," she smiled.  "I need my partner 
back.  But hey, 
remember we've got a long weekend coming up.  I distinctly recall 
making 
arrangements for that weekend with a guy I care about."
 
 "Anyone I know?"
 
 "Oh yeah.  A handsome marine officer," she smiled.  "Quit stalling and 
get some 
sleep.  I'll be here in the morning, and if you've behaved maybe 
they'll let you come 
home."
 
 A soft smile had formed on his lips as she spoke.  'A guy I care 
about' she had 
said.  "Thanks partner, good night."
 
 She pulled the covers up around him a little more snugly and 
impulsively kissed 
his cheek.  "Good night."
 
 "Brooke," Mac called gently from the doorway in reminder.
 
 "Yeah," she nodded and made herself walk out.
 
 "Harm went to pull the car up," Mac told her.  "Hey he's going to be 
OK.  I know it's 
not easy, but try to relax."
 
 "Thanks.  And I should be comforting you anyway.  You for a while 
didn't know if 
Harm was alive."
 
 "Over now," she smiled.  "But if I had listened to my heart, I would 
have known the 
truth.  It’s there where I feel him."  

THE END