TITLE: "New Beginnings V-Storm Clouds" AUTHORS: Anne R. and Pat Steiner SUMMARY: The fifth chapter of the New Beginnings series, in which Harm and Mac make tentative steps toward making 2002 'our year' as they promised. What starts as a weekend away ends in an urgent call for assistance, and trouble. 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://thearchive.mine.nu:85/exlibris/ or the Harm-Mac shipper archive at http://www.shipperarchive.com/fanfic/ Previously in NB: After a harrowing night of where Harm and Ryan are sent to bring in a witness and are ambushed, they along with Mac and Brooke take a well-deserved time out. "New Beginnings V-Storm Clouds" Dulles International Airport Friday, February 15th 6:00 PM EST "Ryan, give me that" Brooke said as they all piled out of Harm's SUV. "You are not supposed to be lifting anything." "Brooke, I think I can handle my carryon bag" Ryan sighed. "I'm not an invalid. "Give it to me" she said firmly and he finally relented. "They're so cute" Mac smiled as she and Harm pulled out the rest of the bags from the back of the SUV. "Yes they are" Harm agreed as he shivered in the cold February wind. "And I am so glad someone decided we should get out of here for a weekend." "What was the temperature this morning at Tybee?" Mac asked Brooke as she and Ryan came around to the back. "About 70 and sunny" Brooke supplied. "Which at this point sounds absolutely heavenly." "Yes it does" Harm said as he closed up the SUV. "Tybee Island here we come." After a lengthy wait through the security line they finally reached the gate and a short time later found their seats on board the plane, Brooke still fretting over Ryan. "You okay?" she asked as they settled in. "Can I get you anything?" "You can stop worrying for one thing" Ryan smiled. "I'm fine. And you're not going to have any fun on this trip if you don't relax." "Sorry" she said sheepishly. "I'll relax. I just want to make sure you're okay." "I'm fine," he said as he reached for her hand. "I'll let you know if I'm not. Promise." "I can live with that" she smiled. "Did you pack the blue bikini?" Harm whispered as he leaned closer to Mac. "Wouldn't you like to know?" Mac smiled. "You'll just have to wait and find out sailor." "Come on, tell me" Harm begged. "What's with the blue bikini?" Ryan asked as he looked over at the pair. "Long story" Mac blushed. "Uh, we went to Australia a couple years back and I had this blue bikini I wore." "You mean you wore part of" Harm corrected and Ryan's eyes widened. "You went topless?" he grinned and Brooke slapped his good arm playfully. "Ryan" "Like I said it's a long story" Mac sighed. "And a part of my life I'd much rather forget about." "We all have those" Ryan said as he looked out the window. Two hours later they touched down in Savannah, Harm and Mac handling the bags while Ryan and Brooke secured the rental car. "Now this I can handle," Harm said as he and Mac loaded the rental car. "Warm and no snow." A half-hour later Harm pulled the rental car in front of the ocean front cottage they'd rented. "Wow" Mac said as she and Brooke climbed out. "This is incredible." "Walk to the beach and everything else" Ryan smiled. "Pretty nice huh?" "Very nice" Brooke agreed. "Nice job Major" Harm added as he opened the trunk of the car. "I'm thinking we're going to have a real nice weekend." They settled in, Brooke sending Ryan to the porch to relax on the large wicker rocker while Harm and Mac took care of the luggage. He was rocking quietly when Harm joined him a few minutes later. "Everything okay?' Harm asked as he sat down next to Ryan. "Yeah, just relaxing" Ryan smiled. 'I'd forgotten how nice it is here. Been a long time since I've been here. Where's the girls?" "Inside getting everything set up. Mac said something about running to the store and getting some food. I told her we'd hang out here." "Smart man" Ryan grinned. "Yep" Harm said as he leaned back in the rocking chair. "What a pair" Mac whispered as she and Brooke stepped out onto the porch a short time later, both men asleep in the rockers. "We need a picture of this" Brooke giggled as she went back inside to get her camera. "I hope this comes out." She snapped the picture, the flash from the camera waking Harm. "What the hell are you two doing," he exploded as Mac and Brooke dissolved into laughter and Ryan leaped to his feet, suddenly every bit the Marine on guard, causing even more laughter. "I think we need to re-think this whole vacation thing," he groaned when he realized what they had done. "So are we cooking in or eating out?" "Oh we bought all the essentials like ice cream and Hershey bars," Mac laughed. "Real food, no that's tomorrow. Tonight we are most definitely being treated to a seafood dinner." "By anyone we know?" "You're pushing it Rabb," she told him. "Brooke and I have decided on seafood and a walk on the beach afterward." ============= The Fish House Restaurant 8PM "OK, once in a while a good idea from the lady Marine," Harm sighed, pushing back his plate with the remains of a lobster languishing upon it. "Have I mentioned how nice you look tonight?" "Yeah you did," she smiled and blushed at the same time, "but it never hurts to hear it again does it Brooke?" "I wouldn't know. I didn't hear it the first time." All eyes fell on Ryan, who had the good grace to look embarrassed. "Hey I'm new at all this. Harm you could have clued me in." "Oh please," Mac groaned before Harm could answer. "Harm is still a novice himself." "I'm trying," he protested. "In fact I was about to suggest that walk on the beach. The night is beautiful. We might even find a sand dune for a little privacy." "What are you here after your high school prom?" she scoffed, nonetheless letting him help her to her feet. "We'll see you later," he told Ryan and Brooke, taking her hand to lead her outside where she slipped off her shoes and delightedly let her feet sink into the sand. There was a half-moon hanging above the ocean and the waves crashed as they walked. "Pretty quiet tonight," she ventured after the first quarter-mile. "Anything to share?" "Lots of things," he smiled, nodding up the shoreline. "For one, that it wasn't all that far from here in nautical miles that I spent a long cold night in the water." "And I spent a long cold night thinking I was never going to see my best friend again," she returned, trembling slightly from the memory. He released her hand to slip his arm around her shoulders, and she rested her head against him. "All of that seems so far away right at this moment," he whispered and with his free hand tilted her head up so their eyes met. "You happy?" "Stupid question Flyboy," she whispered back and their lips met a second later in a gentle kiss. ================= "Hey you've kind of spaced out on me. You doing OK?" Brooke asked Ryan anxiously. "You're tired aren't you. We should start back." "Hey no I'm fine," he protested and when her gaze did not waver, added, "well OK a little weary but it's been a long day. I'm too much enjoying your company to want to go back though." "Oh I wasn't figuring on ditching you. I was thinking coffee in front of the gas log," she smiled, curling her fingers around his. "I just don't want you to overdo and get sick." "Not going to happen," he declared. "By the way, you do look nice tonight. Very nice. And it's nice too to have someone concerned about me. I haven't had anyone to care if I lived or died for a long long time." "Well I know someone who cares a lot," Brooke said quietly. "Yeah I know you do," he said with a forced smile. "And I care about you too. And it's been a long time since I've done that too." "I don't know what happened in your past, but you know if you ever want to talk I'm here" Brooke offered softly. "Thanks. It's all in the past now and that's where it belongs. I just don't want it to muck up any future we may have." "It won't if you don't let it, whatever it is." "Thanks. You are a wonderful person Brooke Hastings." "You're not so bad yourself Ryan Nichols" she smiled softly. "Come on, let's get you back." ******************** "We should head back" Harm sighed as he and Mac finally parted. "As much as I'd love to stay out here with you all night it's starting to get chilly." "That gas fireplace is sounding real good" Mac said as she shivered slightly in the cooler night air. Harm slipped his arm around her and she smiled appreciatively. "I guess someone else had your idea" Harm whispered as he and Mac looked in at Ryan and Brooke, almost asleep on the sofa near the fireplace. "I'm awake" Brooke murmured as she forced her eyes open. "Hi guys. How was the walk on the beach?" "Great. It's getting chilly though," Mac said as she and Harm sank down on the rug in front of the fireplace, Harm grabbing the light throw from the chair to wrap over them. "Still better than DC" Brooke smiled as she looked up. "We'd be freezing right about now." "Yes it definitely is" Mac agreed with a long yawn. "Come on get comfortable," Harm said as he gently pulled her so she was resting against him. In a matter of minutes she was asleep and Harm looking down at her lovingly. "You two are so perfect together," Brooke said softly. "Yeah we're trying" Harm smiled. "Hopefully this time we'll get it right." ******************* Saturday morning dawned sunny and warm and after breakfast prepared by Harm the group headed down to the beach to soak up some rays. "Okay, lets spread out that blanket" Mac directed Harm. "We are ready to warm up." "Yes, I need to thaw out" Brooke said as she slipped off her bathing suit cover, revealing a light blue bikini beneath. "I am not used to this winter stuff." "You will eventually" Mac laughed as she slid off her own cover, realizing that Harm and Ryan were both standing there watching them. "Harmon Rabb will you stop staring and spread out the blanket please." "Yes ma'am" Harm grinned. "I'd forgotten how good you looked in that." He spread out the blanket and Mac and Brooke settled into their sunbathing positions while Harm and Ryan sat down beside them. "Aren't you two going to soak up some rays?" Brooke asked. "In other words Ryan, she's dying to know if you're going to take off your shirt so she can see your chest" Mac teased. "Mac" Brooke blushed. "I wasn't saying that." "Sorry, couldn't resist teasing you" Mac laughed. "Though I am waiting for the Flyboy over there to take his shirt off so I can do my own gawking." "Cute Marine" Harm smiled as he slid off his shirt. "Real cute." "Well worth the wait" Mac grinned and Brooke did her own staring as Ryan slid off his shirt as well. An hour and a half-later Mac sat up, looking over at the guys who appeared to be asleep. "Are they asleep?" she whispered to Brooke. "I think so," Brooke said as she looked carefully at Ryan. "Can you believe that?" "I can believe Ryan but not Harm" Mac smiled. "Shall we go try the water while they're sleeping?" "Sure. We'll leave the sleeping beauties here," Brooke said as she stood up. Slowly the pair walked to the water, neither noticing that behind them the guys were in fact awake. "On the count of three" Harm grinned. "Wait till they get to the water" Ryan laughed. "Then we'll go." Harm nodded and as Mac and Brooke tentatively dipped their toes in the still somewhat cool water the guys took off running towards them. Before either could prepare themselves, Harm and Ryan were on top of them, Harm grabbing Mac and lifting her into his arms, dangling her above the water while Ryan slipped his arms around Brooke, not quite able to lift her with his arms. "Harmon Rabb put me down" Mac laughed as she beat playfully on his chest. "You sure you want me to put you down" Harm grinned as he started to lower her towards the water. "No" she screeched. "Don't you dare drop me in there." "Dare? Did you say dare? Oh that I can't resist," he yelped, lowering her and then lifting her again. "Harm I'm serious here, you need to put me down." "Serious are you," he teased, taking a few steps into deeper water. "I'll hurt you." That brought him up short. "I do believe you could you know." "Good move, now set me down---on my feet." "OK," he laughed, starting to set her down, failing to take notice that he had all the while been walking into deeper water. "You want down? Ask nice." "Let me down before I do something that will maim you for life." "Nice enough," he smiled and moved to kiss her as he released her. Just as he did so the largest wave of the morning slammed into his legs, knocking them both into the water. Harm got to his feet at once, laughing and sputtering. "Well you wanted down," he chortled. "Mac?" He spun his body in all directions at once, screaming her name again. In ankle deep water, Brooke and Ryan were just realizing something was wrong and Ryan shouted Harm's name as he grabbed Brooke's hand and plunged toward him. "Mac, God I can't find her," Harm screamed, starting to flail the water and then screamed her name once again. Ryan grabbed his arm and shook it hard. "Stop now. She's got to be right here." "Here, here she is," Brooke shouted and pointed, then quickly dove for her, snagging her arm just before another wave washed over them. She managed to hold her breath and pull Mac up with her at the same time, pushing her toward Harm "Mac," was all he could get out before reaching for her. "I'm OK," she panted, taking in large gulps of air. "I'm OK." "Sure?" He pulled her to him, trying to check her over, trying to make sure she was breathing despite her assurance that she was. "I'm so so sorry. My fault. My fault totally." Ryan reached Brooke and wrapped his good arm around her. "You OK?" "Three summers lifeguarding in high school, of course I'm OK," she laughed as she got her breath. "You're really all right?" Harm demanded again, walking her into the shallow water. "Just lost my breath for a second when I hit the water. I'm really all right," she assured him. "I do not believe how stupid that was," he berated himself while he guided her to the blanket. "You're forgiven. Really," she smiled. "Right now I just want to stretch out in the sun and warm up thank you." "Yeah," he nodded, bringing her to the blanket and letting her down. "What I want to know is why you're not kicking my six." "I'm saving it," she told him with a mischievous grin. "Sometime when you least expect it." "Oh God that's like having a Gypsy curse," he groaned, falling back onto their blanket much to the laughter of Brooke and Ryan. "Live in fear Flyboy," she laughed, but made no objection as he pulled her to rest against his chest. "I'm really OK. I'm sorry I scared you." "I'm just glad you're okay," he said softly as he pressed his lips to her forehead. The rest of the day passed quietly with time spent lying in the sand or splashing in the water. "So what kind of excitement is there in this town" Harm asked Ryan as they made their way down the strip looking for a place for dinner. "There's a few bars. I think the best we could do for excitement is finding a bar that has music or karaoke." "Karaoke" Brooke said enthusiastically. "I haven't done that in years." "Never have and never will" Mac laughed. "I would scare the people out of the place." "Ditto that" Ryan grinned. "No way am I getting up there and making a fool of myself." "Well I guess the Navy's just going to show them how it's done huh Harm" Brooke giggled. "Guess the Marine's aren't so tough after all." "Course they're not" Harm smiled. "Sure, we'll show them how it's done." "So you're going to sing?" Mac grinned. "Why not? You don't think I can sing?" "Did I say that?" Mac said innocently. "I just can't picture you up there singing in front of a group of strangers." "Well unlike you Marines, we Navy folk can handle the tough crowd," Harm said as he looked over at Brooke. "Right Lieutenant." "Yes sir" Brooke said with a mock salute. "Yeah we'll we Marines just know how not to make fools of ourselves" Ryan grinned. "Right Colonel." "Yes sir" Mac grinned. They finally located an eatery with a bar and karaoke machine. "Dinner first then we do karaoke" Harm said as they sat down in the booth. "Why you need a few drinks before you get up there?" Mac teased. "I'm hungry and well that too" Harm grinned. After dinner, they sat for a while simply talking until the bar filled up and the karaoke machine was started up. "Harm, you going to be first?" Brooke asked. "Or shall I?" "Yeah why don't you go first?" Harm said as he looked around the now crowded bar. "You're not going to chicken out are you?" Ryan teased. "No, I was just going to let the lady go first" Harm explained. "Yeah right" Mac laughed. "You're not going to do it." "Fine, I'll go first" Harm said as he slid out of the booth. "Just to prove to you Marines that this Navy Commander ain't afraid of a small crowd." He strode up to the stage and after a few minutes of looking through the song list with the man operating the machine, finally walked up on the stage and took the microphone. "Uh, hi everyone" he smiled. "This is my first attempt at karaoke so go easy on me. I'm going to sing a little song for a very special person. This one goes out to Sarah." Brooke and Ryan both smiled as they recognized the open strands to Savage Garden's "I knew I loved you" Maybe it's intuition Some things you just don't question Like in your eyes, I see my future in an instant And there it goes, I think I've found my best friend I know that it might sound More than a little crazy But I believe... I knew I loved you before I met you I think I dreamed you into life I knew I loved you before I met you I have been waiting all my life Mac sat transfixed, watching and listening as if they were the only two people in the room. He caught her glimpse as he looked up during the instrumental and for a moment their eyes locked. He flashed her the famous Flyboy smile that melted her heart and she felt the sting of tears. There's just no rhyme or reason Only a sense of completion And in your eyes, I see the missing pieces I'm searching for, I think I've found my way home I know that it might sound More than a little crazy But I believe I knew I loved you before I met you I think I dreamed you into life I knew I loved you before I met you I have been waiting all my life A thousand angels dance around you I am complete now that I have found you I knew I loved you before I met you I think I dreamed you into life I knew I loved you before I met you I have been waiting all my life He received a standing ovation from the bar patrons and he slowly walked back to the booth, Mac sliding out to meet him. "So how did I do?" he asked softly. "I'd say you did pretty good sailor" she whispered before his arms wrapped around her while his lips found hers in a long and meaningful kiss, much to the delight of the bar patrons, who applauded even louder. "I think we're a hit" Harm smiled when they finally parted while Mac blushed even more. "Brooke's turn" Ryan said as he gave her a small push from the booth. "Come on." "You want me to follow that" Brooke laughed. "Harm, you never told us you could sing. I mean, compared to you I'm going to look like a total fool up there." "I doubt that" Ryan smiled. "I bet you have a wonderful voice." "Yeah we'll don't say I didn't warn you" Brooke smiled as she headed for the stage. "Harm that was beautiful," Mac whispered, resting her head on his shoulder for a moment. "Thank you. It's something I'll remember for the rest of my life." "And I hope I'm right there to remind of it," he whispered back, his eyes never leaving hers. "Always." The music began and Brooke stepped onto the stage to the applause of those watching. "That's my date," Ryan proclaimed. "And my partner and my best friend and. . ." "And shut up and listen," Harm ordered. The first chords of Edwin McCain's "I Could Not Ask for More" wafted across the room and in her own styling, Brooke sang the first lines quietly and focused on the room as a whole. Lying here with you Listening to the rain Smiling just to see the smile upon your face These are the moments I thank God that I'm alive These are the moments I'll remember all my life I found all I've waited for And I could not ask for more Looking in your eyes Seeing all I need Everything you are is everything to me These are the moments I know heaven must exist These are the moments I know all I need is this I have all I've waited for And I could not ask for more It was not until she reached the second part that she walked across the stage opposite Ryan. Now when she sang, the words were to him, for him. I could not ask for more than this time together I could not ask for more than this time with you Every prayer has been answered Every dream I have's come true And right here in this moment is right where I'm meant to be Here with you here with me These are the moments I thank God that I'm alive These are the moments I'll remember all my life I've got all I've waited for And I could not ask for more I could not ask for more than the love you give me 'Coz it's all I've waited for And I could not ask for more I could not ask for more Ryan caught her hands when she got down from the stage, and as Harm and Mac had done, their eyes met and locked. "I don't know what to say," he whispered, his mouth to her ear, "except that I. . .well I couldn't ask for more either. I've got it all." Very gently, ever so lightly, he touched his lips to hers for the first time. The music resumed with an old Beatles song this time and with deep breaths from both, Ryan and Brooke settled back to listen, her head to his shoulder. "This is for my Joseph, who's deployed on the Stennis right now," the young woman began. Unconsciously Harm began to sing along in a barely audible voice. "As I write these words today to you luv, all my love to you luv. . .PS I love you. I'll be coming home again to you luv, until the day I do luv, PS I love you." "Hey aren't you a little young to know Beatles music," Mac demanded laughing. I mean how old were you when that song was written--maybe one?" "Every morning that six months my dad was gone, when I came down to breakfast my mom was playing that album on our hi-fi," he explained. "She said it was like he was saying those words to her. It's hopelessly stuck in my head." They sat for a few more songs and Brooke began to feel Ryan leaning more heavily on her. "Hey guys Ryan is giving out," she said softly. "I am not," he protested at once. "Yeah you are," Harm told him firmly, he himself noting he was pale. "You're not recovered yet mister." "Thanks," Brooke smiled gratefully, her arm going around her partner. They returned to the beach house and put on a movie, all of them growing sleepy as they watched. "OK this is dumb, we're all falling asleep," Harm finally declared, rising and pulling Mac to her feet. "Come on Marine I'll walk you to your room." Ryan followed suit, helping Brooke up with his good arm. "And we promise we won't get fresh." "Damn," Brooke laughed. When they reached the bedroom door the women were sharing, there was a moment of awkwardness until Brooke simply reached up and placed another light kiss on her partner's lips. Good nights were exchanged and Mac and Harm were left alone for a moment. "Think we can do better than they did?" he whispered. "I don't know Flyboy. But I understand you're a pretty good kisser. Care to demonstrate?" "I think I can do that" he smiled before their lips met in another long kiss that left them both breathless. "We'd better say goodnight" Mac whispered when they parted. "Good night Sarah" "Good night Harm" The smile was still on her face as she walked into the room she and Brooke were sharing. "Was today like the most incredible day ever" Brooke smiled. "I would rate it up there as being pretty good" Mac sighed happily. "It's not everyday the most incredible man in the world sings for me." "Mac, that man loves you. It was never more evident than tonight." "I don't know" Mac blushed. "You really think so." "Yeah I think so" Brooke smiled. "Well you and Ryan seem to be making good progress." "I like him a lot Mac. He's a great guy and I get the feeling someone hurt him real bad in the past." "We've all been hurt before" Mac said quietly. "And I'm sure Ryan will eventually open up to you about it. Just give him time." "Oh I will. There's just something about him." "You think this might be the one?" Mac teased. "Maybe" Brooke sighed happily as she sank back against the pillow. "All I know is this was a great day." ******************* They awoke to the smells of breakfast coming from the kitchen, Harm happily making them all breakfast again. "Mac you really should hang onto this guy" Brooke said as they sat down to eat. "He sings, he cooks. What more could you want?" "Not much" Mac smiled. "You didn't have to cook for us again flyboy." "My pleasure" Harm said as brought over the plate of food. "We have a nice long day of exploring the island on tap so eat up." "Harm and I thought it would be fun to go over to the lighthouse" Ryan spoke up. "It's open for visitors and then we'll do some more sight seeing of the island." "As long as you take it easy today" Brooke fretted. "Yes mom" Ryan smiled. "We're just going to do a little sight seeing. I'm sure I can handle that." Breakfast was cleaned up and a short time later they headed out to the Tybee Island Lighthouse. For the next several hours they wandered around the five-acre site, touring the old lighthouse and it's buildings before heading back to the condo. "And now for some R&R on the beach" Harm said as they headed down to the water. "This is so perfect" Mac sighed as they lay in the warm sun. "Harm, call the Admiral and tell him we'll be back when DC warms up." "Oh that'll work real well" Harm laughed. "Sorry Admiral, but your staff isn't coming back for a few weeks." "Sure. He'll understand" Mac grinned. They spent the remainder of the day relaxing on the beach, finally heading back to the cottage to change for dinner. "So what do the lovely ladies want tonight for dinner?" Harm asked. Before either could answer his cell phone rang. "That better not be the Admiral" Mac sighed as Harm pulled out his phone. "Rabb" "Harm, it's Boone." "Uh sir, what can I do for you?" Harm asked as he sank down in the chair, Mac giving him a long look. "Well first you can cut the sir part. I'm not calling on official business here." "Something wrong?" Harm asked, immediately catching something in his tone. "Very. You remember that good for nothing Lieutenant Mitchell you put away several years ago thanks to my testimony?" "Vaguely, why?" Harm asked. "He's out of Leavenworth. Has been for a few months I guess. And he's decided he wants revenge." "For what?" "Who knows. You know he was a bit of a wild cannon when we put him away. Well a few years at Leavenworth obviously didn't have a positive effect on him." "Has he contacted you?" Harm asked, trying to avoid using any words that would get Mac suspicious. "He's left his little calling card, and his threat includes you. But I'm not going to play his game. There's only one way to deal with these type of people and you know what that is. We go after him before he comes after us." For a moment Harm didn't say anything, his gaze going back to Mac. The last thing she needed after the stalking incident was something like this. If he could handle it without involving her...."I agree." "How soon can you be here?" Boone asked. "I think it's time we laid a little trap for Mitchell." He took a deep breath and looked at Mac once more, she now frowning broadly as she guessed something was up. "I'll get the first flight out. Call you when I know when I'll be in." "OK Flyboy spill it," she ordered as soon as he had hung up. "Admiral Boone has something going on that can't wait," he said softly, his mind painting vivid pictures of this man threatening him and coming to the realization that the easiest way to get to him might be through someone he loved. "I'll come with you." "NO." The word shot from him with such vehemence that she was startled. "Harm?" Her suspicions were up full at that point. "Sorry," he smiled sheepishly. "That's silly. You have another day on the beach that you can enjoy. Don't waste it." "Harm it's not going to be any fun without you here anyway," she protested. "More fun than going back to see what Admiral Boone needs." "That's the point. Something's got to be seriously up with him if he's calling you like this and I don't like you having to handle it alone." "Would you listen to yourself," he laughed. "I'm not going to be alone. I'm going to be with him. Mac it will be fine. I'm going to put my things together and then we can drive to Savannah, get something to eat and then drop me at the airport." "I don't like it." "Neither do I but I feel like it's not a summons I can ignore." He gave her shoulder a quick squeeze and sprinted for the room he and Ryan were sharing. "Mac this is really bothering you?" Brooke asked her gently. Mac gave her friend a look of frustration. "Yeah it is, but I can't put my finger on why---except that Admiral Boone was his dad's wingman, and Harm's loyalty to him may exceed his common sense." Ryan listened quietly to that and then slipped into the bedroom. "Hey you sure you want to do whatever this is alone? Mac is pretty concerned." Harm looked up to make sure the bedroom door was closed firmly. "That's exactly the problem. Mac will concern herself into the middle of this. The last thing I want is her anywhere near Boone or his problem." "Because?" "Because I don't know exactly what kind of trouble this is. It may be something we can clear up right away." "You want to share?" "No I do not," Harm told him firmly as he zipped his bag closed. "At least promise you'll call me if you need help. Me. Mac doesn't even have to know." Harm swallowed hard at those words, realizing what a good friend this man was becoming. "Thanks. I may take you up on that. Do something else for me would you? Take care of Mac." "Harm is this that serious?" Ryan yelped. "No, no I don't think so," Harm soothed quickly. "I'd just feel better if I have your word you'll look after her--even tomorrow just getting home. I know she's a Marine, lord knows she reminds me often enough, but this is for my peace of mind." "You know I will," Ryan promised. "You just be sure to stay in touch so she doesn't worry." "Much as I can," he promised. "OK let's take our women to dinner, and dear God don't let them ever hear us call them that." ************* Savannah Airport 2 Hours later "You'll call me when you get in right?" Mac asked again as they stood outside the security checkpoint. "Yes ma'am" Harm smiled. "Will you stop worrying please?" "I'd worry less if you'd told me why you had to take off like this" Mac sighed. "Mac, he needs my help with something. You know I can't just turn my back on him." "It couldn't wait another day?" "Unfortunately no" Harm sighed. "Look, you'll be back tomorrow night anyway." "Yeah well I'll still miss you," she said softly. "And I'll miss you" he whispered as he pulled her into his arms. "I'd better go. I'll see you tomorrow night." "You'll meet us at the airport?" she asked as she held onto him. "I'll be there," he said softly. He pulled away to give her a kiss, a long and meaningful one. "Take care sailor" she whispered when they parted. "You too Marine." "Guys, I'll see you tomorrow," Harm said as Brooke and Ryan came up to say goodbye. "Enjoy the beach for me." "We'd enjoy it more if you were with us," Brooke said with a small smile. "You're putting a damper on our trip Commander." "Sorry. Next time I'll hang out for the whole trip. Promise." "Take care" Ryan said as he looked at Harm. "You too" Harm nodded before heading through security. He stopped and waved on the other side before heading to the gate. "Come on, let's head back," Brooke said once Harm's flight had taken off. "Maybe we can stop and rent a movie for the night. " "Yeah sure" Mac said with a forced smile. She wasn't getting a good feeling about Harm going to see Boone and she wished she'd gone with him. "Mac, he'll be fine," Ryan said softly. "I hope so" she sighed. "I'm sorry. I'll try not to be too much of a downer." "It's okay" Brooke assured her. "You're worried about him. It would have been nice if he'd told you what he was doing. Maybe then you wouldn't worry so much." "Well the fact that he didn't just makes me worry more" Mac said quietly. "He didn't say anything to you did he?" "No" Ryan said quickly and Mac's suspicions were immediately aroused. "But he said something didn't he?" Mac demanded. "Ryan, what did he say?" "He didn't tell me anything he hadn't told you" Ryan sighed. "I just got the feeling that whatever it was its serious. And I shouldn't have said that. I'm sorry." "No, it's okay. I know it's serious. That's why he wouldn't tell me what it is." "Mac, he'll be okay" Ryan assured her again. "And we'll be back in DC in less than 24 hours so we can find out what's going on." She didn't miss the we part and she gave him a small smile. "Thanks Ryan. You and Brooke have become good friends to both of us and we really appreciate it." "The feeling is very mutual," Ryan said quietly. "You and Harm are great. You're better than family. And being at JAG is like being part of a nice family that cares about each other." "Yeah that's how I felt when I came too" Mac replied. "I didn't have much of a family and suddenly I was part of this group that cared." "It's kind of nice" Ryan smiled softly and Mac made a mental note to find out more about Ryan. Brooke's earlier words that he'd been hurt in the past seemed true and she wondered what kind of life he'd come from. "Yes it is" Mac agreed. They headed back to the cottage at Tybee Island, stopping first for a movie for the evening. Mac half watched the movie, watching the clock instead and waiting for Harm's call to let her know he'd arrived safely. She answered the phone on the first ring, diving for it when it finally rang. "Harm" she said anxiously. "Who else would be calling you there?" he teased. "Unless you already found another sailor to replace me." "Not in this lifetime" she sighed as she sat down on the kitchen chair. "Where are you?" "Admiral Boone's. I'm going to spend the night here." "Why?" she demanded. "Harm, what is going on?" "Nothing. Nothing that you need to worry about anyway. Promise. I'll have this wrapped up by the time you get back." "You're not going to tell me are you?" "Nope. It's not important and you don't need to worry about it. The Admiral and I are handling this one." "You'll promise to call me if it gets more than you can handle," she begged. "Harm you have me, and you have Ryan and Brooke here and we're wanting to help." "I know," he replied. "But this is not something that needs all of you. The fewer people knowing and involved the better. Now let me get to work and you enjoy some of that beautiful area tomorrow and I'll see you soon." "Promise me. One of yours that you don't break." "You've got it. Night honey." "Night Harm," she returned automatically. It wasn't until the connection broke that she fully processed what he had had said. "Honey." She repeated the word aloud. "Yes?" Ryan teased. "No he called me that," she snapped. "He wouldn't have unless he. . .unless he thought there could be some. . ." A small sob escaped her and Brooke put a quick hand on her arm. "You must be tired or you wouldn't be so easily bothered. I think he was just saying something on the phone he couldn't say yet in person. Go on up to bed Mac. I'll be right up and we'll watch a sappy TV movie until we fall asleep. And Ryan's taking us sailing at dawn." "I am?" "Yeah," Brooke told him, giving him a little push. "Sail around the island, maybe spot some dolphins." "Then I'd better get some sleep myself," he grinned, putting both hands on her shoulders to give her a soft kiss. "Night. Honey." "Say that again when you mean it," she laughed and gave him a push toward his room. "You two are good together," Mac sniffled softly, still marveling at Harm's endearment term. "And I need to stop this before I make you two and myself crazy. Thanks for being here for me though." ============ ADM BOONE'S HOME McLean, VA. "Honey?" Boone teased, hearing Harm's good night. "That would be Lieutenant Colonel Mackenzie?" "Yeah it would," Harm admitted sheepishly. "We're kind of. . .well you know. . .after all this time." "Of course I know--I wasn't always an old man. Did you tell her what's happening?" "Hell no." Harm's eyes flashed as he looked at Boone's notes, including the threat from Mitchell. "You think he'd really carry this out don't you." "Yeah I do," he nodded assuredly. "With his background in EOD, I have no doubt if we don't meet his demands, he'd do exactly as he threatened. And after nine- eleven, I don't want to live through any horror like that again." "Nor do I," Harm sighed. "We've got some time and I'm too wired to sleep. Gin? While we figure out what we're going to do about this sonofabitch." ==================== TYBEE ISLAND DAWN The rain pounded down onto the surf and the beach, and against the big picture window of the women's bedroom. "So much for sailing," Brooke murmured from her bed. "May as well sleep in." She opened one eye to find Mac staring into the grayness. "You OK? You want a cup of tea or anything?" "Thanks no. Just want to be alone with my thoughts I think," she smiled wanly. "But I already heard the radio say it was going to rain all day. Stalled weather front. I'm going to see if I can get a flight back I think. I probably would have made it out on the water, but staying inside in the rain is going to make me totally nuts. At least back in D.C. I'll be close by in case." "All right," Brooke murmured sleepily. "We'll talk about it later. Why don't you try to sleep a little more?" "I'm fine. I like the beach in the rain. I may take a walk in fact if I suddenly am not here." She sat there for a short time before finding herself too restless to sit and finally donned a pair of sweats and t-shirt along with her rain slicker and headed down to the beach to walk. The large waves were crashing loudly against the shore and for a moment she stopped and looked out at the angry sea. She shivered unconsciously as she watched it, finally walking on. She'd almost lost Harm to an angry sea like this so many months ago and she prayed she wasn't about to lose him to something else now. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was very wrong, that Admiral Boone would never have called Harm on his vacation unless he had good reason to. After several miles of walking she finally headed back to the condo. "There you are" Ryan said as she walked in., "I thought maybe you'd gotten a flight and left already." "No, but I think I'm going to call the airlines and see if I can get an earlier flight home. You and Brooke can stay on the original flight. No reason you should have to pay to switch flights at the last minute." "Well I don't think Brooke will mind and I surely don't. Besides, there's nothing we can do here today anyway. And this way we can all help Harm on whatever he's working on." "I agree" Brooke yawned as she walked into the kitchen. "We came together and we'll leave together." "Thanks guys" Mac smiled. "Why don't I make some calls and see what I can find then." A half-hour later she hung up the phone. "Finally. We've got a flight that leaves in four hours. Think we can get this placed cleaned up and still make it." "Do-able" Brooke assured her. "We'll be on that flight." True to her word they had the place cleaned and all the bags packed and ready to go two hours later. "Plenty of time" Brooke smiled. "We'll get to Savannah in a half hour and make it through security with time to spare." "I'll go load the car" Ryan offered and at once Mac and Brooke stopped him as he headed towards the luggage. "No way Marine" Mac smiled. "We'll take the bags down. You sit tight here while we load up the car." "I hate this" Ryan complained as he sank down on the sofa. "I know but until that shoulder is healed you are not supposed to be lifting anything" Brooke reminded him. "Yes mother" he sighed. "We'll be up in a few for the rest of the stuff," Brooke said as her and Mac started towards the door. "Double check the bedrooms and make sure we didn't leave anything behind." "You think I can manage that" Ryan growled as he headed to the bedrooms. "Poor thing" Mac smiled as she and Brooke walked down the stairs to the car. "Men just can't stand it when they need our help." "He's been a pretty good sport and I know it's hard but that shoulder won't get any better if he doesn't let it heal" Brooke replied. "You take good care of your partner, Lieutenant," Mac said as she loaded the bags into the trunk of the car. "I try my best ma'am" Brooke smiled. "They don't make it easy though." "No they don't" Mac sighed. "You're worried about Harm aren't you?" Brooke said gently. "Mac, I'm sure he's fine. You'll see him in a few hours." "Yeah I know. I just wish it was sooner." "Come on, let's get the rest of the stuff so we can get you back to Harm." They headed back up to the condo and at once Mac knew something was wrong when she saw Ryan on the phone. "Yes sir" he said quietly. "We'll be home in a few hours." "Ryan, what's wrong?" Mac whispered as he hung up the phone. "It's Harm isn't it. Something happened." He nodded, hating that he had to be the one to tell her this. "Why don't you sit down" he said gently as he took her arm and led her to the sofa. "Oh god, it's bad isn't it?" she cried and Brooke quickly sat down beside her as well. "What happened?" "Admiral Chegwidden didn't have all the details yet," Ryan said quietly. "But Harm and Admiral Boone were hurt in what appears to be a car bomb." "Is he alive?" she managed before a loud sob escaped and at once Brooke wrapped a comforting arm across Mac's shoulder. "Yes but the Admiral didn't have any information on their condition. It just happened a short time ago and they were both being medivac'd to the hospital. That's as much as he knew." "I have to get to him" Mac whispered as the tears rolled down her face. "I know" Ryan said softly. "We're going to be there in a few hours. Hopefully by then we'll have more information." She nodded and allowed Brooke to gently pull her to her feet, her mind still reeling from what Ryan had told her. Car bomb. He'd been hurt in a car bomb. Why? How? "Come on Mac" Brooke said softly. "We need to get going so we don't miss our flight." After one final sweep of the place they headed down to the car, Brooke handling the driving while Ryan sat in the back with Mac. Mac faced the window the whole way to the airport and when Ryan put a hand to her shoulder she shrugged it off. "Thanks. Really, I just need to be left alone right now." "Mac I promised Harm I'd look after you," he said slowly. "What? Excuse me? Harm asked you to look after me?" she screeched. "Harm knew there could be trouble? Harm told you all this? He knew and he tried to keep me away didn't he?" "Mac please," Ryan soothed. "Don't you dare patronize me Major," she roared. "In case you haven't forgotten-- and apparently Harm did--I'm the senior officer here. He deliberately kept me from knowing that he was going to do something dangerous and you helped him." "No ma'am," Ryan shook his head, falling back into military protocol with her use of his rank. "He did not tell me what was happening enough for me to know. And when I tried to press him, he shut me out." "Leave me alone," she snapped, pulling totally away from him. "Consider that an order if you have to. And just remember how you would feel in my shoes if that call had been about Brooke." "Oh God." Ryan let out an involuntary gasp as his mind painted the picture Mac had just given him. =========== Savannah Airport 30 Mins. later "She's hurting bad," Ryan sighed to Brooke, watching Mac stand by the window awaiting the boarding call. "Of course she is," Brooke nodded. "And she's blaming me." Her arm slipped quietly around his waist. "And when she's had time to think she'll realize how irrational she's being. Right now she's a woman who loves a man whose fate she doesn't know." "I know," he whispered. "But what she said about how I would feel if it was you really hit home. That can't happen. Not ever." He started to pull from her, only to have her clamp her arm more firmly. "No, don't you run from me. I need you right now and you need me," she hissed. "And Harm is going to be OK. It would take more than a car bomb to do that. A crashing Tomcat couldn't." The flight was called and Brooke and Ryan walked over to Mac, still standing by the window, tracks of silent tears across her cheeks. "Mac you remember before, with Townsend," Brooke whispered. "You knew Harm was alive. Aren't you getting that same feeling now?" "No," she answered bitterly. "I'm not getting anything. No sense of him at all." She gave Ryan a long hard stare as he reached for her arm and he backed away at once. "Brooke look after her," he said softly, walking down the jetway ahead of them. "Mac you're blaming him for something he had no control over," she pointed out, gently guiding Mac along. "Well I have to blame someone," she murmured. "I know it's not rational but right now it's keeping me going. I'm blaming Harm too if that makes any sense. I wanted to be with him. I knew this was all wrong." "He didn't want you with him cause he knew there would be trouble" Brooke said gently. "So he decided to handle it alone. "That wasn't his decision to make" Mac snapped as she fought back tears. "What about how I feel?" "Well he was doing what he thought was right. Protecting the woman he loves." At Brooke's words, a small sob escaped her. "And I love him too" Mac whispered. And now I don't know if I'm ever going to get the chance to tell him." "You will" Brooke said gently. "Harm's going to be okay." She led Mac onto the plane, finding their seats next to Ryan. He sat quietly most of the flight, not wanting to do anything else that would upset Mac. Brooke attempted to keep conversation but soon realized that neither was going to talk. For Mac the hour and half plane ride seemed like an eternity and as soon as they'd hit the ground she was ready to go. She raced off the plane, not seeing Tiner waiting for them outside the gate. "Colonel" Tiner called and Mac froze and turned around. "Tiner, what are you doing here?" Mac asked as Brooke and Ryan emerged from the plane. "Oh god it's Harm. He's...." Her voice trailed off as the word dead stuck her throat. "No ma'am" Tiner said quickly. "At least not that I know of. The Admiral asked me to come and pick you up. He called the airport and arranged for security to let me through to meet you." "Do you have any word on Harm?" Ryan asked. "No sir. The Admiral just called and asked me to come get you. He's been at Bethesda since he got word though." "Let's go then," Mac said quickly. She hurried through the airport to the baggage claim, Ryan barely able to keep up with her. Fortunately the bags had taken time to come down and theirs had just arrived when Brooke and Ryan finally caught up to her. "Mac, I know you're in a hurry but please slow down a bit," Brooke said quietly. "Some of us aren't in the best shape." One look at Ryan's pale face sent a wave of guilt through her. "I'm sorry. I just..." She stopped to take a deep breath and will the tears back and Ryan gave her a small smile. "It's okay. I can manage. Let's go find out how Harm is." With Tiner's help, Brooke managed to carry her bags and Ryan's as they hurried to the waiting government vehicle. Thanks to the government holiday the roads where quiet and Tiner quickly maneuvered the car to Bethesda and Mac climbed out the door before he'd put the car in park. "Go with her" Ryan urged Brooke as she helped him from the car. "We'll catch up in a few minutes." "You okay?" Brooke asked softly. "I know that run through the airport wasn't what you needed." "I'm fine," he said with a small smile. "I'll be a lot better when I know Harm is okay." "Hey, this is not your fault. And once Mac finds out Harm is fine she'll be apologizing for taking it out on you." "Yeah I know" Ryan sighed. "Go on. She'll need a friend in case he's not okay." Brooke nodded and hurried to catch up to Mac. "You okay Major?" Tiner asked. "Yeah just a little tired Tiner. I'll be fine. Come on let's go." They slowly made their way inside, finally locating Brooke with AJ. "How is he?" Ryan asked as he reached them. "Is Mac with him?" "Yes she is" AJ assured him. "And he's pretty banged up at the moment but the doctor says that it's nothing that won't heal. Several bruised ribs, some cuts from the metal and glass and a some first degree burns from the blast. Fortunately he wasn't in the car when it happened." "So he's going to be okay," Ryan said with a long sigh of relief. "Yeah in a week or so he'll be fine physically," AJ said quietly. "I don't know how he'll be emotionally." Inside Harm's room, Mac gently slid her hand around Harm's, willing back the tears as she looked down at him. The doctor had warned her that his injuries looked worse than they were, but it still hadn't prepared her for the sight of him. Course seeing him like this was better than the alternative. Better than what had happened to Admiral Boone. "I'm here sailor" she said softly as the tears slid down her face. "You're going to be okay you here me." He finally stirred, a low moan coming from him. At once she was up and leaning closer to him. "Harm, it's okay," Mac said softly. "I'm right here. You're at Bethesda and you're going to be fine." He finally opened his eyes to look up at her, the pain so evident in his face that she felt more tears. "Mac" he managed finally. "Yeah it's me" she smiled through the tears. "Who else would be here?" "No one else I'd want" he murmured as he closed his eyes again "Mac, Boone. How is he?" He felt her stiffen at his words and he forced his eyes open, the look on her face telling him something was wrong. "Mac?" "I'm so sorry Harm" she whispered. "He's dead." THE END