TITLE: "New Beginnings VI-Gathering Storm"
AUTHORS: Anne R. and Pat Steiner
SUMMARY: The sixth 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@a...] 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: Harm is asked by Adm. Boone to
return from his time off 
to assist in an urgent matter. Both are injured in a
car bombing and Mac is 
forced to break the news to Harm that his father's
friend succumbed to his 
injuries.
++++++++++++

"New Beginnings VI-Gathering Storm" Part 1---

"Dead? Dead? Thomas Boone? No," Harm whispered. "I
don't. . .I can't. . 
can't accept that. I don't know. . ." 

"Ssshhh," Mac soothed. "I know you're not supposed to
be getting all excited 
here.." She pushed him down gently back into the
pillow. "God Harm that 
could have been you too. How did. . .?"

For a long minute he could not answer as he stared
straight ahead in shock, a 
tear making its way down each cheek. 

Mac sat back in her seat, one hand on his forehead and
the other stroking his 
arm. "Never mind Sailor. We'll talk about it later.
Right now you just 
relax and worry about getting well. You were very very
lucky--as was I."

"No listen, it's important," he protested, choking
down a sob. "Mitchell. 
George Mitchell, from the Seahawk. Admiral Boone was
the CAG on the Seahawk. 
Back when I worked with Kate. He was LSO and had been
drinking. There was 
an emergency and he couldn't react in time. Didn't get
the wave off posted 
and a plane went in. The pilot was hurt so bad he
couldn't fly again. I 
helped prosecute."

"Oh my God," Mac gasped. "He did confinement didn't
he?" 

"Five years worth," Harm nodded. "Thing is, before
avionics, he had another 
designator. EOD."

She gasped again, as her mind painted the picture of
the car bombing.

"He wanted to meet with us. Said if we wouldn't
cooperate he'd do something. 
A mini nine-eleven he called it. And Admiral Boone was
sure he would carry 
it out. So we figured we'd meet him and take him and.
. ." He stopped 
speaking as a look of pain passed over his face. "God
I hurt."

"I know you do," she whispered, grimacing to see him
in pain and releasing 
him long enough to ring for the nurse. "And you've
talked enough. Time to 
rest."

"I was just on my way in," the nurse announced from
the door way. "Are we in 
pain?"

"Minor agony," Harm grumbled. 

"Good thing you men don't do the birthing," she smiled
pleasantly, injecting 
his IV line. "This will help. It will also knock you
out. Say good night."

"Mac I've got a lot more to tell you," he groaned,
sinking into the pillow. 

"I'm not going anywhere," she reminded him. "I'll be
here when you wake up."

Harm closed his eyes, only to open them two seconds
later. "Mac 
please--please tell Admiral Chegwidden what's
happening. About Mitchell."

"I will. But I'm not leaving you until you sleep. I
also need. . . .I need 
to talk to Ryan. I'm afraid I kind of blamed him for
me not being with you. 
And that's a subject you and I are going to visit
anyway when you're better."

"My God honey that's the first thing I thought of," he
murmured, his voice 
getting faint as the injection took hold. "My last
breath I was thanking God 
I'd had the sense to make you stay away." His eyes
closed with that and his 
face went slack as the pain left it.

"You're going to be OK, and we'll figure all this out.
I promise," she 
whispered, laying a light kiss on his lips. Once she
was sure he was deeply 
asleep, she tucked his hand under the covers and
walked outside, finding AJ 
pacing while talking on his cell phone at the far end
of the corridor and 
Ryan in a chair, Brooke hovering over him.

"Ryan are you OK?" Mac asked, leaning down to him.
"You're not looking 
great."

"No he's not and I want him to go get looked at, but
he's insisting he needs 
to be sure Harm's OK," Brooke spoke up.

"Harm is sleeping and he's going to be OK," Mac
assured him. "Thank God. 
And Ryan you and I need. . .well about my actions
earlier. I owe you an 
apology. I wasn't rational."

"Mac it's okay," Ryan said with a forced smile. "Of
course you weren't 
rational. You didn't know if Harm was alive or dead. I
know if I were in 
that situation I would have been just as irrational."

"Yeah but I'm a Senior Officer who should know how to
handle herself in 
those situations" Mac countered. "And I didn't do a
very good job. And I'm 
sorry."

"It's okay. We're all friends remember. Harm's really
okay?"

"He's hurting quite a bit right now," Mac admitted.
"But it's nothing that 
won't heal."

"The Admiral told us about Admiral Boone" Brooke said
quietly. "I take it 
that he and Harm were pretty close."

"Yeah it's a long story. One day I'll have to tell you
guys all about Harm 
and his dad. But yes, Harm and Admiral Boone were real
close."

"Does he know about Admiral Boone?" Ryan asked.

"Yeah I just told him," Mac said after a deep breath.
"I'm not sure if it 
really sunk in though. He's pretty out of it from the
pain and medication."

"Was he able to tell you anything about who might be
responsible for this?" 
AJ asked as he joined the pair.

"He did sir" Mac replied. "It appears someone that
Harm put away with 
Admiral Boone's help is responsible for it. He was
able to tell me the guys' 
name. That should at least get us started on finding
him."

"Good, cause I just got off the phone with the SecNav.
He wanted to make 
sure the best were working on this. I assured him you
would be with Brooke 
and Ryan's assistance."

"Thank you sir. We'll find this psycho and make sure
he gets what he 
deserves" Mac said quietly.

"I want you all to be careful dealing with this guy.
If he was capable of 
this, he could be capable of anything."

Ryan's gaze drifted to Brooke, knowing there was no
way he wanted her 
involved in this. She caught his glance, mouthing a no
way to him when she 
realized what he was thinking.

"Yes sir, we'll all be careful," Mac said finally.
"Uh, do you know who's 
going to be handling the funeral arrangements for
Admiral Boone?"

"In the absence of family, the Sec Nav is going to
handle it" AJ replied. 
"He'll let us know the details as soon as he has
them."

"Sir, you know Harm is going to want to be there," Mac
said softly. "Not 
that he'll be in any shape to go but a few days might
make a difference."

"Sec Nav is aware of that. And has promised to take it
into consideration 
while he's making arrangements."

"Thank you sir. This is going to be hard enough as it
is for him."

"Yes it is" AJ agreed. "I'm guessing you're going to
stay here with him for 
a while?"

"Until they throw me out" Mac said firmly. "And even
then not without a 
fight."

"I figured that" AJ smiled. "Mr. Nichols, can I take
you home before you 
fall on your face here?"

"Sir, I'm fine. I'd rather stay here with Mac."

"Ryan, it's okay. I'll be fine here and Harm's going
to be fine. You go home 
and get some rest. And Brooke you should go with him."

"You sure?" Brooke asked, not wanting to leave Ryan
alone but also not 
wanting to leave Mac if she needed her.

"Yeah I'm sure" Mac assured her. "I'm just going to
hang out here until they 
kick me out."

"And then what will you do?" Brooke asked. "How about
I go home with Ryan 
and get him settled and then come back for you? You
don't have a car and 
this way you don't have to worry about getting a cab.
And we'll stop and 
pick up dinner somewhere and bring it back to Ryan's."

"That works" Ryan spoke up before Mac could.

"All right, I can live with that" Mac sighed. "But
don't come back right 
away. I'm not leaving him for a while."

"I'll call you first," Brooke said as she reached out
an arm to help Ryan to 
his feet. "Easy Marine" she said as she wrapped her
arm around his waist.

"You need some help Lt.?" AJ asked as Ryan wavered
slightly.

"No sir, I think we can manage" Brooke assured him as
she tightened her arm 
around Ryan.

"I thought so," AJ said with a small smile. "Mac, if
you need anything call 
us."

"Thank you sir. Right now the rest is the best thing
for him. I just want to 
stay and make sure he's really okay."

AJ looked at his three officers. "OK, you all have my
cell phone number if 
anything comes up." He dropped a light hand on Mac's
shoulder. "Hey he's 
going to be fine. God didn't bring you two this far to
take him from you 
now."

"Thank you sir. I needed to hear that."

Listlessly she wandered back to his room where he was
sleeping soundly. 
Disdaining the chair for the edge of the bed she
managed to fit herself along 
side him and finally allowed her own eyes to close.
=============
RYAN's APARTMENT
20 Minutes Later

"Down you go mister," Brooke ordered, only when he was
near the sofa would 
she release her hold.

"I'm just tired," he objected. "Don't have the energy
I had before this 
happened."

"Three words--major blood loss," she growled, easing
him down. "Now what 
else do you need?"

"You, here, sitting with me," he grinned, patting the
space next to him.

She obliged him gladly and they were silent for a few
minutes.

"I'm glad you and Mac talked," she whispered finally.
"I know she felt bad 
for ragging on you but she was upset. Being six
hundred miles from the man 
you love--and not knowing if he's alive--will do
that."

"I can relate," he nodded, slipping his arm over her
shoulders. "What would 
it take to get you to somehow walk away from this
investigation?"

"A lot more than you've got that's for damn sure Major
Jarhead," she 
declared, her eyes flashing indignantly. "No way.
We're partners. We take 
the same risks."

"I just don't want to see anything happen to you," he
murmured. "Not when 
we. . ." He left the thought unfinished as he pulled
her against him. 


BETHESDA HOSPITAL
3 Days Later

"You brought my uniform right?" Harm demanded as soon
as Mac came into the 
room.

"Yes I did but that doesn't mean you should go," she
groused. "Harm this is 
crazy. You can barely stand up you're still hurting so
bad."

"I'm going to be there no matter what," he insisted.
"They are not going to 
bury Thomas Boone without me."

"And they may need to open up the grave next to his
for you. But we don't 
have time to argue. I'll help you. By the way, Ryan
and Brooke are going to 
be part of the burial detail. Bud and Turner too.
Under the Admiral's 
command. I was going to. . ." She paused and took a
breath, "but I decided 
I wanted to stand with you."

"Well I should be doing it," he grumbled.

"Oh yeah right. That'll be good on the 6PM news. Honor
guardsman at the 
burial of a decorated war hero falls on his face
during the service." 

When he did not respond, she put her arms around his
back. "I'm sorry about 
him. I know I've told you that a dozen times."

"Another piece of my dad's world," he whispered,
turning around so that he 
could embrace her. "You'll stick to me today right?"

"Like a piece of gum on your shoe," she promised.
=============
ARLINGTON CEMETERY
1 HOUR LATER

Though they were supposed to be at attention, eyes
front, Mac could not 
refrain from frequent sidelong glances at Harm as the
casket was carried from 
the road up the gently sloping grass to the grave
site. He was standing 
ramrod straight, his face totally impassive and that
worried her. She knew 
he was masking his pain, both physical and emotional.
Finally she moved her 
hand just enough so the back touched his and just the
barest hint of a smile 
came to his lips. He was remembering another time when
they had experienced 
the same contact. A surreptitious touch at a party
supposedly celebrating 
her engagement to another man.

Brooke was keeping her own eyes on Ryan, having
stationed herself so that she 
could be opposite him. He had refused all of her
requests that he stand 
down, and she could see that even though he was not
using his sore arm to 
support the casket, he was still laboring.

"OK?" she mouthed and he barely nodded.

The casket was set upon the brace and Chaplain Henry
stepped forward. "For 
we enter this world with nothing, and it is certain we
shall take nothing 
from it," he intoned, adding a biblical passage to his
words before stepping 
back to allow the honor guard to fold the flag as the
twenty-one gun salute 
began. 

Each of the three volleys sent a shock wave through
Harm, and Mac again 
pressed the back of her hand to his. 

As the bugler blew Taps, AJ held out the triangular
flag to Harm. He reached 
to take it, and his arms and hands shook so badly that
he at once put them 
down at his side and gestured for AJ to give it to
Mac. "On behalf of the 
President, with the thanks of a grateful nation," AJ
told her softly and she 
pressed the flag to her chest.

The notes of Taps died away on that clear cool morning
and it was done.

The Secnav at once stepped forward, greeting AJ and
turning to Harm and Mac. 
"Commander good to see you out of the hospital.
Colonel, I trust AJ did the 
right thing putting you in charge of the investigation
into Admiral Boone's 
death. Any progress?"

Her breath caught in her throat. She had not shared
that assignment with 
Harm as yet.

"You're handling the investigation?" Harm demanded.
"When the hell did you 
plan on telling your partner that? When I heard about
your murder on the six 
o'clock news."

The Sec Nav raised and eyebrow and Mac shot Harm a
pleading look.

"Harm, we'll talk about this later," she said quietly.

"No, we're going to talk about it now" Harm said
irritably. "Why are you 
handling this?"

"Because I assigned her the case Mr. Rabb" the Sec Nav
spoke up. "I wanted 
the best working on this. Is there a problem with
that?"

"Harm, please" Mac begged.

"No Mr. Secretary there's no problem" Harm said
quietly.

"Good. Colonel, I want daily updates on this. I want
this man caught and 
punished for what he did."

"Yes sir, we all do" Mac said as she avoided Harm's
look.

The SecNav nodded and walked away, AJ following.

"When did you plan on telling me you were working this
case?" Harm demanded 
when they were alone again.

"When I knew you could handle it without going
ballistic" she sighed. "Harm, 
you had enough on your mind with today. I didn't want
you to be worried 
about this on top of it."

"Damn right I'm going to go ballistic" he shrieked.
"Did you forget that 
this psycho killed someone. Do you really think I'd
want you anywhere near 
this."

"No I didn't forget that he killed someone," Mac
shouted back. "Cause he 
almost killed the person I care very much about."

"Well I happen to care just as much about you which is
why I want you to 
tell the Admiral you will not be handling this
investigation" he said 
quietly. "I'll handle it with Ryan's help."

"Oh no. There is no way you and Ryan are going to
handle this" Mac said as 
the pair joined them. "Neither of you is in any shape
to handle anything."

"Well there's no way I'm letting you and Brooke get
near this psycho" Harm 
countered irritably as he tried to ignore a sudden
wave of dizziness. "Even 
if you don't care…." He stopped as the dizziness
intensified, reaching out 
for Mac's arm.

"Harm, what's wrong?" Mac demanded as she reached for
him, quickly wrapping 
an arm around his waist to help support him.

"I think I've been up to long," he said vaguely as he
fought to stay awake.

"Brooke, I need some help" Mac said anxiously and at
once Brooke hurried to 
grab onto Harm's other side.

"Let's get him to the car" Mac directed and with Ryan
hovering behind the 
two women managed to maneuver Harm to the vehicle and
into the back seat.

"I can't believe the doctors allowed you to leave to
do this today" Mac 
fretted as she climbed in beside him, placing a gentle
hand to his forehead 
and pushing a way a few locks of hair from his now
sweaty forehead.

"They didn't" he murmured, his eyes still closed.

"Excuse me? What did you just say?"

"I said they didn't. They only released me because I
told them I was going 
home."

"You lied to the doctor?" Mac screeched. "Harmon Rabb,
I have half a mind to 
haul your six right back to the hospital."

"Mac please" he pleaded as he forced open his eyes to
look at her. "I just 
need some sleep. I'll be fine. I am not going back to
the hospital."

"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't take you
back?"

"Because I'll get more sleep at home and much better
care if you're the one 
taking care of me," he said with a small smile.

"I don't believe I'm saying this but all right, I'll
take you home" Mac 
sighed. "But you'd better listen to me when we get
there. You are going 
straight to bed and that's all there is to it."

"Yes ma'am you won't get any complaints from me on
that" he said tiredly.

Meanwhile Brooke had helped Ryan into the passenger
seat, fussing over him 
as 
much as Mac was Harm.

"You don't look any better than your friend in the
back" she sighed. "You 
didn't need to do this today."

"I'm fine, just tired" Ryan assured her. "Honest. I'll
be fine with some 
rest."

"Mac, what are we going to do with these two?" Brooke
said with a small 
smile as she looked back at her friend.

"I guess we take them home and give them a little TLC"
Mac smiled as she 
looked down at Harm.

"Mac, how much investigating have you done into
Mitchell?" Harm asked as his 
eyes suddenly flew open again.

"Not much why? And don't even start on the you and
Ryan are going to handle 
this business."

"Mac, I'm serious about this guy being a nutcase. If
he finds out you're on 
his tail, I'm afraid of what he'll do."

"Brooke and I have made a few inquiries into his
whereabouts" Mac admitted. 
"But that's it."

"That's enough with him" Harm sighed. "This is why I
didn't want you on 
this. Mac this guy is not going back to Leavenworth.
He'll kill anyone who 
tries to stop him from doing what he wants and who
tries to put him back 
there."

"And what does he want?"

"Me dead like Thomas Boone is" Harm said quietly.

"That's not going to happen," she told him firmly,
suppressing a strong 
shudder. "No way no how. They'll have to come through
me first."

"And that's supposed to cheer me up?" he muttered. "I
do not believe the 
Secnav asked for you."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" she asked
indignantly. "Harm I'm 
not in the secretarial pool. I'm a JAG officer same as
you. And I can 
handle the risks same as you."

"Yes I'm sure you can," he groaned. "I can't handle
you handling them that's 
all. And now this man is looking for me, and you could
be in his way. You 
aren't even involved."

"I am involved because you are. And because I'm a
Marine who's been tasked 
with this case and I won't run from that. Or you, and
if you know what's 
good for you, you won't even attempt to make me."

He groaned again and leaned back to close his eyes,
resting his hand in her 
lap. "Sleep Sailor," she whispered, closing her hands
over his.

"You still with me?" Brooke asked softly, leaning over
toward Ryan as far as 
she could.

"Would shooting me be out of the question? Never mind
someone already did 
that."

"Yeah I know," she whispered, not thrilled with the
memory of knowing he had 
been hurt. Her hand slid across to his, squeezing it
tightly and he simply 
grabbed hold, not releasing as his eyes closed.
=================
"Now what do we do with them?" Brooke asked once
inside Harm's apartment, her 
arm firmly around Ryan's waist.

"Put that one on the sofa, and this one goes to his
bed," Mac directed.

"You two are just loving all this," Harm groaned.

"No we're not," Mac told him at once, her tone
serious. "Not at all. It 
hurts us to see you in pain, and that's why we want
you better. And you're 
lagging. Bed for you. Not chair, bed." She tightened
her hold of him and 
tugged him to his bed.

"You're staying aren't you?" he begged, taking the
pain pill she handed him.

"Yeah of course I am. Brooke and I are going to spread
out the case on the 
dining table and see what's happening with it. We have
a couple leads and 
we're going to make some calls."

"I want to help," he pouted. 

"You help yourself into that bed," she ordered. "We're
just going to make 
some calls. That's all."

"OK," Harm sighed, sliding onto the bed with her help.
"Any minute here I'm 
going to wake up. I'm going to wake up and find out
that I did not just come 
from the burial of my father's best friend." His gaze
fell to the folded 
flag which she had placed on his dresser. "Thank you.
For everything--thank 
you. I couldn't have gotten through today without
you--without knowing you 
were there. I needed you today Sarah. Hell I need you
every day."

"I need you too Harm. In my life," she smiled. "In my
arms, and someday in 
my bed."

That brought a slow smile to his face and he snuggled
into the pillow. "I'm 
going to dream about it."

"You do that." She sat down on the edge of the edge of
the bed and his hands 
immediately sought hers. "About this morning at the
cemetery. I made a 
scene in front of the Admiral and Secnav and I'm
sorry. I should have been 
more tactful, and saved it for a more private time."

"You were sick and stressed. It's OK."

"Well I'm not sorry for what I said, only how and
where I said it," he 
sighed. "This man is going to come after you--of that
I'm certain. I just 
pray I'm there when he does." His face twisted in pain
as he tried to get 
more comfortable and she pressed a palm to his cheek. 

"Right now all you're going to do is rest," she chided
him. "All this will 
keep. And I promise we'll keep you informed. Close
your eyes. Sleep. You 
need to heal."

"When I do, I see the car blowing, and hear him
screaming," he sighed. "One 
long scream. I'll never forget that scream. Never."

"I'm so sorry" she whispered, her hand gently stroking
his forehead. "Just 
try and get some rest."

"Will you stay here and do that till I fall asleep" he
murmured tiredly.

"Of course" she said softly and reached for his hand
with her free one. 
"I'll stay right here until you fall asleep."

She did that finally leaving his side when she was
sure he was asleep. With 
a gentle kiss to his forehead she headed to the
kitchen where Brooke had 
already spread out the case file.

"How's Harm?" she asked.

"Finally asleep" Mac sighed. "Ryan?"

"Asleep too" Brooke said as she gestured to the living
room where Ryan too 
was sound asleep. "Think we can get some work done
while they're both out."

"I hope so. I want to find this guy and make sure he
gets what's coming to 
him," Mac said vehemently. "Course nothing will ever
be enough."

**************
1 Week Later
JAG HQ's
09:00 AM

"Mac, I've got something," Brooke said excitedly as
she hurried into Mac's 
office. "I think I've got a location on our Lt.
Mitchell."

"Yes. Where?"

"A man at the farm supply store in some small town
north of Richmond called 
Ladysmith remembers selling some dynamite to a man
fitting Mitchell's 
description a few days before the blast."

"I don't suppose he gave an address did he?" Mac
asked.

"No but the man said he's seen him around the town.
Most likely he's staying 
at one of the rundown motels there."

"How many can there be in a town named Ladysmith?" Mac
smiled. "This is our 
first real lead. I say we get down there and see if
anyone else in town 
remembers seeing him."

"What about Harm and Ryan?" Brooke asked.

"Well knowing those two they'll battle it out in court
all morning. And 
we'll leave them a note and tell them we went to check
on a lead and we'll 
back in the afternoon."

"You know they're going to be mad at us for leaving
without telling them" 
Brooke pointed out.

"I can live with that. I can't live with anything
happening to Harm. And I 
may be out on a limb here but I think you feel the
same way about Ryan. And 
there's no reason we can't go investigate this on our
own."

"You're not out on a limb," Brooke said with a small
smile. "I'd do anything 
to keep him from getting involved in this mess."

"Then we handle this ourselves Lieutenant." Mac said
firmly. "Give me a 
minute to 
write Harm a quick note and then we'll be ready to
go."

"Tiner, make sure the Commander gets this when he gets
back from court" Mac 
said as she handed him the note a few minutes later.
"And the Lieutenant and 
I will 
be back in a few hours."

***********************
JAG HQ's
11:30 AM EST

"Geez, you're not even one hundred percent and you
still kicked my six in 
court" Ryan groaned as he and Harm made their way back
from the courtroom.

"You're still learning" Harm said with a small smile.
"Give it time."

"Next time" Ryan said determinedly. "How you holding
up by the way?"

"I'm all right" Harm sighed. "Not sure I was totally
ready for a morning in 
court with you."

"You up to lunch out? We'll grab the girls and head
out somewhere?"

"Well we would if they were around" Harm frowned as he
looked at their two 
dark offices.

"They weren't supposed to be going anywhere were
they?" Ryan asked.

"Not that I knew of. Let's check with Tiner. Maybe he
knows."

"Sir, Colonel Mackenzie left this for you" Tiner said
as he handed him Mac's 
note.

"Did they leave?" Harm asked as he opened the note.

"Yes sir. About 2 hours ago"

"Damn it" Harm swore as he read Mac's note.

"What's wrong?" Ryan asked. "Where did they go?"

"To find Mitchell. They got some lead that he might be
in some small town 
outside of Richmond so they decided to go check it out
on their own."

"Alone" Ryan screeched.

"Careful Major, you're getting real close to showing
how much you care," 
Harm said with a long sigh. "And I echo your
sentiments exactly but we have 
to remember they're both trained officers."

"We have to go after them," Ryan said quickly. "What
if this guy finds out 
they're onto him? You said he didn't care who he
hurt."

"No he doesn't. Tiner, tell the Admiral the Major and
I had to leave as 
well. Ryan, grab your coat and let's go."

"How can you be so calm?" Ryan demanded as Harm
started the car. 

"Fighter pilot nerves," he said quietly. "But I'm not
inside, believe me. 
And the fact that both of them have turned off their
cells is not making me 
feel any better. I know they felt like they were just
running down a lead 
and ordinarily that would be OK, but not with this
guy. He's going to smell 
them out."

They were silent as Harm drove away from the DC area
down into the rural 
Virginia countryside until Ryan cleared his throat and
spoke up. "This is 
why partners don't get involved."

"Yes it is," Harm nodded, "but it happens. You have
two choices--you can 
back off, or you can live with the risks of losing
her."

"Neither are real good alternatives," he muttered.
"I'm pretty used to 
having her around--just in this short period of time.
Uh. . .how long did it 
take for you and Mac to. . .well get close?"

"You know some of our history," Harm sighed. "Not some
of my more stellar 
moments. But I can tell you the exact moment. We
worked our first case. 
Her Uncle and the stolen Declaration. You know about
that?"

"Yes sir."

"OK, so I'm hanging out of a chopper a thousand feet
over the desert, my grip 
on the skids about to fail, and I feel these small
strong hands close over 
mine. For a couple seconds her eyes locked onto mine,
just as her hands 
were, and then I knew. Like Fate or something."

"Took Fate a long time," Ryan observed.

"Tell me about it. A lot of damn wasted time," Harm
muttered, slamming his 
fist into the steering wheel. 

"Yeah. But we're going to get here and find they're
just fine aren't we? 
And that they're ready to kill us for interfering."

"Please God," Harm breathed.
===================
LADYSMITH VA.

"What were you saying about how many places there
could be to check," Brooke 
groused, coming from their third strip motel. 

"Not exactly the cream of society in these places,"
Mac admitted. "But 
exactly the kind of place this guy would stay." 

It was just a short drive to their next target. And
this time they got more 
than a bored shake of the head from the desk clerk.
"Yeah I know him. 
Kicked him out of here two days ago for non payment.
Told him I was gonna 
sic the sheriff on him. He kind of worried me. I would
swear he had a gun 
in his pants under his coat. But when I mentioned
sheriff he left peaceably 
enough. What's he done?"

"We just need to talk to him." Mac gave him her most
winning smile. "Where 
else might he hang out would you know?"

"Try Dave's place across the highway," the man
pointed. "Sometimes the old 
man lets a guy sweep up and wash dishes for a mattress
in the back."

"Thanks," Mac nodded and slipped him her card. "If you
hear from him again, 
my cell phone would appreciate a call. Just don't tell
him we're looking for 
him." She motioned to Brooke to follow her out and
they both took a deep 
breath of fresh air. 

"God I need a shower," she murmured.

"Well judging from the looks of Dave's it's not going
to be any better in 
there," Mac groaned. "Let's walk over. We need the
airing out."
==================
"Thank god there it is," Ryan pointed out the exit,
unnecessarily so as Harm 
was watching every sign since Fredericksburg.

"Yeah we just have to transfer over to U.S. 1 now,"
Harm nodded, taking the 
exit at undue speed. "Right or left?" he asked when
they got to the end the 
connector road. 

"Left," Ryan said decisively after a quick look at the
signs. "Well Dave's 
Roadhouse--sounds like a place this sonofabitch would
hang out."

Harm swung the SUV in that direction, his jaw set in a
tight line. He knew 
Mac was going to be upset with them following her, and
at the same time he 
reasoned she did not see what Mitchell was capable of.
=============
DAVE'S

The bar was dimly lit and the odor of smoke and stale
beer intense when Mac 
and Brooke entered, attracting immediate whistling and
catcalls from the men 
hanging around the pool tables.

Brooke cringed slightly and Mac gave her an
encouraging nod. "This is not 
the worst place I've been in." She led Brooke to the
bar, showing her ID as 
she had done all afternoon.
=================
"That them?"

"Yeah," Mitchell nodded, peering out of the door to
the kitchen, "you know 
what to do right? Remember I don't forget people who
help me. And I don't 
forget them that cross me."

"Hey relax. I'm going to tell them exactly what you
said," Dave told him. 
"But you better come through."

"I will. Stall them for a few minutes will you."

Mitchell slipped out the back door to the small shed
behind the building 
while Dave went out to the bar.

"You need some help here Chuck?" Dave asked as he
walked over to the man 
talking to Mac and Brooke.

"Uh, these two pretty things are looking for some guy"
Chuck replied. "Told 
them I just got into town after two weeks on the road
so I can't help them."

"Who you looking for sweet thing?" Dave smiled as
admired both women.

"Uh, it's Colonel Mackenzie" Mac said with a deep
breath.

"Sorry Colonel" Dave grinned more. "We don't get too
many pretty things like 
you and your friend in this place."

"I can see why" Brooke muttered under her breath as
she looked around the 
place.

"Mr…, I'm sorry, what was your name?" Mac asked.

"Dave Rogers, owner" the older man grinned.

"Mr. Rogers, we're trying to find this man," Mac said
as she showed him the 
picture of Mitchell. "Have you seen him around?'

"Why what's he done? He in some kind of trouble?"

"We just want to talk to him" Mac lied. "You know
where we might find him?"

"Yeah I've seen him. I can even tell you where he is."

************
"There's Brooke's car" Ryan said as they pulled into
the parking lot of 
Dave's Roadhouse. "Thank god we've found them."

He and Harm hurried inside the restaurant, both
cringing as they looked 
around the place.

"Okay where are they?" Harm asked when he didn't see
them.

"Can I help you?" Chuck asked as Harm and Ryan walked
up to the bar.

"We're looking for our partners. Marine Colonel and
Navy Lieutenant."

"The two good looking chicks" Chuck grinned and Harm
held out a hand to keep 
Ryan back. "They're out back with Dave."

"Doing what?" Harm demanded.

"Taking them to see some guy they was looking for"
Chuck replied.

"Mitchell" Harm whispered. "Take us to them. Now."

"Hey I don't have to do anything" Chuck retorted. "Who
do you think you are 
anyway?"

"Now buddy" Ryan said as he grabbed the man's shirt.

"All right, all right" Chuck said as he yanked away
from Ryan. "Take it easy 
Marine. This way."

He led Harm and Ryan through the kitchen and to the
back door. They'd just 
stepped out and spotted Mac and Brooke walking towards
an old shed when the 
shed suddenly exploded in a blinding flash of fire and
smoke.

"No" Harm screamed as he watched the force of the
blast knock them to the 
ground. "Mac"

He and Ryan ran to where Brooke and Mac were slowly
pushing themselves up to 
sitting positions.

"Mac" Harm cried as he dropped to the ground beside
her. "Are you okay? Does 
it hurt anywhere?"

"Slow down sailor" Mac said as she caught her breath.
"I think I'm okay. 
Brooke?"

"I'm okay," she said as Ryan knelt down beside her.

"You could have been killed" Ryan said as he pulled
her into his arms, for 
the moment forgetting all about military protocol.
"One second later and you 
would have been."

Harm gulped hard at Ryan's words, his gaze going from
Mac to the burning 
shed. If they'd gotten there a second later….or if
the building had blown a 
second earlier, he would have lost her.

"We're both fine" Mac said softly, reading Harm's
mind.

"He's right" Harm whispered. "My god Mac, he almost
killed you. One second…" 
He stopped, the image his mind was picturing too awful
to imagine and he 
pulled her tightly against him, ignoring the pain it
caused.

"Harm, I'm fine," she said softly. "Neither of us was
hurt. And you don't 
know Mitchell was responsible for this. It might have
been some kind of 
accident."

"Yeah right" Harm scoffed. "That was Mitchell. He knew
you were onto him. 
And when we get back to JAG, I'm telling the Admiral
you are off the case."

"Harm" Mac sighed as she gently pulled away to look at
him. "Harm, you know 
you can't do that."

"Give me one good reason why I can't" he countered.
"The fact that you and 
Brooke were nearly killed by this lunatic should be
reason enough. I will 
not stand by and let you and Brooke become his next
target."

"We'll talk about that on the way home" Mac sighed.
"Come on sailor. You're 
not looking too good and I'm sure this is what the
doctor meant by over 
doing it too soon."

"Well you wouldn't look too good if you'd almost
witnessed seeing the person 
you care about most almost killed."

"No and I pray to God I never have to," she gasped,
relaxing against him for 
a moment while sirens screamed in the background. "We
need to find. . 
.Mitchell. Harm where did he go? Did you see?" She
struggled against him 
and he held her firmly, shaking his head.

"Just keep still there Wonder Woman. When the shed
went up, a guy took off 
running. Now that we know he's in this area, we'll get
him. I'm going to 
get the sheriff's office and the state boys to help.
You're just going to 
take it easy. I'm not through hugging on you yet."

"Well what about you," she demanded. "You're hurting
and don't deny it."

"Yeah but I've been hurting for so long I'm used to
it," he grinned, relief 
making him shaky. "Ryan, Brooke?"

"She's OK," Ryan nodded, nonetheless not making any
move to release her. 
"The sheriff and fire department is here. Not that
there's much left. That 
old wood thing went up like dry kindling."

"You could let me get up now," Brooke said softly,
just the hint of a smile 
as she enjoyed the protectiveness of his arms.

"Yeah OK, but I may need to have a repeat of this
later," Ryan told her, 
helping her to her feet, only to have her stagger as
soon as he loosened his 
grip of her. "Hey easy," he gasped. "You'd better come
sit down." 

"No I'm fine," she insisted, though her voice was
unsteady and she put an 
immediate hand to her forehead. 

"You look anything but fine at this moment," Ryan
fretted, renewing his hold 
of her. "In fact I want the paramedics to check you."

"Thanks but I'm just dizzy."

"Dizzy is not fine," he yelped. "Harm? Harm help me
out here."

Harm looked over the top of Mac's head and smiled
softly, recognizing himself 
five years before in the younger man. "Let's get them
inside."

"No, please," Mac protested at once. "Then I'll be
dizzy. That place is 
foul. Just let us go to the car while you talk to the
sheriff."

"Yeah OK," Harm agreed, rising and bringing her up
with him. Like Ryan 
before him, he kept a good firm hand on her until she
had taken a few steps. 
"You're OK?"

Mac nodded and squeezed his hand. "But it's nice to be
worried over."

"Yeah well we're going to be talking about his again,"
he growled. "You 
succeeded in scaring me and Ryan to death. Brooke?
Lieutenant, are you all 
right and straight answer." He used her formal rank in
his question, 
indicating he was now being her superior officer.

"Yes sir," she answered at once. "I think I just got
up too fast. There's 
some water in the car that will help."

"Major take the Lieutenant and the Colonel to their
car and take care of 
them. I'll be along directly."

"Yes sir," Ryan nodded, acknowledging that they were
back in military 
protocol with the arrival of the sheriff and fire
department.

Nonetheless Harm pressed a quick palm to Mac's cheek
before turning her over 
to Ryan's proffered hand. "I'm glad you're OK," he
whispered unnecessarily.

Ryan walked the two women to their car, opening the
back door and guiding Mac 
in, and then helping Brooke to sit down on the front
seat, urging her head 
back will he pulled the water bottle from the floor
and held it to her lips. 
She took a quick drink and he poured some into the
palm of his hand, gently 
wiping her face. "This was close. Too close," he told
her quietly, his hand 
shaking slightly. 

She smiled slightly and covered his hand with hers.
"I'm OK, promise."

"This time," he muttered darkly.

It took another twenty minutes for Harm to give the
information to the 
sheriff, the man promising to have Mitchell's picture
faxed throughout the 
area. With a long sigh, he walked slowly back to the
car, knowing despite 
the sheriff's assurances, that it would not be them
finding Mitchell but 
rather Mitchell coming for him.

On a hill overlooking the scene, crouched behind a
large rock, the fugitive 
watched. There would be another time, another place,
and this time the 
timing would be better.

"OK Marine how are you doing?" Harm squatted in the
open doorway to the back 
seat. "You're not as pale as you were." His palm went
to her cheek once 
again, his eyes still full of concern.

"I'm really OK, and if we're done here, could we maybe
go home? Back to my 
place. Brooke and I need to shower and get out of
these filthy uniforms."

"Sounds like a plan," Harm nodded, eager to get her
away from the scene.

Ryan drove Brooke's car back, following Harm and Mac
in the Lexus. They were 
just getting back to the Beltway when Brooke raised
her head and looked over 
at her partner, seeing him staring straight ahead, his
jaw set firmly as if 
something was on his mind.

"You haven't said a word since we left there," she
said quietly, putting a 
hand on his arm. "Something bothering you?"

He shook his head and yet a moment later turned to
stare at her for a moment. 
"Oh Hell no," he screeched. "I just almost watched a
person I care about--a 
helluva lot about--be blown to pieces that's all.
Look, I know we haven't 
known each other real long and all, but I think we
both know--we both feel it 
and suddenly this job, this duty, is becoming more
than just the routine risk 
deal it should be." He pulled his arm away from her
and stared straight 
ahead, not daring to look at her at that moment.

"I'm sorry," was all she could think of to say, and
she turned away from him, 
staring out the side window for the remainder of the
ride back, silent tears 
in her eyes.

"Brooke, I'm sorry" he said quietly when they pulled
into Mac's lot. "I 
didn't mean to yell at you."

She finally turned to face him and he felt a stab of
guilt at the obvious 
tears in her eyes.

"Brooke" he whispered before gently pulling her into
his arms. "I'm sorry 
honey."

She sniffled loudly, allowing a few of the unshed
tears to slide down her 
face. "Why did you yell at me?" she whispered.

"I don't know" Ryan sighed as he held her. "Because
I'm really starting to 
care for you and today was something I don't ever want
to have to repeat."

"I care about you too" Brooke said softly as she wiped
away her tears. "How 
do you think I felt when you and Harm were missing
that day? And then to 
find out you'd been hurt."

"This isn't going to be easy" Ryan said softly. "You
know that don't you?"

"Would you rather we didn't see what could happen?"
she whispered.

"And be like Harm and Mac" Ryan teased and Brooke
smiled.

"You know they love each other very much. More than
they'll ever admit to 
each other."

"Yeah I know. And I am really sorry I yelled at you.
When that building blew 
and I saw you go flying, I thought my world was about
to end. You really do 
mean a lot to me Lt."

"So do you to me" Brooke admitted. "We'd better go up
before Harm and Mac 
think we got lost."

"Not before this" Ryan whispered, his lips meeting
hers in a soft and gentle 
kiss.

"What was that for?" she said with a small smile when
they parted.

"Just to let you know how much you mean to me Brooke
Hastings" he smiled as 
well. "Come on, let's get you upstairs."

"You two get lost?" Harm teased when Ryan and Brooke
finally made their way 
up to Mac's apartment.

"Brooke, the shower's all yours" Mac called from her
bedroom.

"I'll be back" she smiled before heading down the
hallway to the bathroom.

"God that was close" Ryan sighed as he dropped down in
the chair.

"Way too close" Harm agreed quietly. "And now that
Mitchell knows who they 
are, they're not safe."

"I hate this. You didn't warn me it would be this
bad."

"Yes I did. But sometimes you can't help what you
feel" Harm sighed. "And 
seeing someone you care that much about almost killed
isn't something you 
soon forget."

"I can still see it happening in slow motion" Ryan
nodded. "I close my eyes 
and the shed explodes and I see Brooke go flying."

Harm didn't say anything, his mind envisioning the
same thing. "I have to 
get them off this case" he said finally. "Mitchell is
a psycho and I won't 
allow them to be put at risk like this."

"What are you thinking?" Ryan asked.

"Nothing that concerns you Major. Mitchell's problem
is with me. And I'm the 
one he's going to get."

"Harm if you're thinking of going after Mitchell
alone.."

"Ryan, this is my problem. Not yours or Mac's or
Brooke's. I'm going to 
handle this my own way."

Before Ryan could reply Mac walked out from the
bedroom.

"Am I interrupting?" she asked as she looked at the
pair.

"No, of course not" Harm smiled. "How are you
feeling?"

"I'm fine and I wish you'd stop worrying. I'm more
worried about the fact 
that you've overdone it today. I think your duty
station for the rest of the 
day should be the sofa there."

"Mac" he protested.

"Come on sailor" she said as she led him to the sofa.
"I want you to rest 
for a while at least. I'm going to call the Admiral
and bring him up to 
speed on what's going on and then we'll order some
dinner."

She headed to the kitchen to make her call and Ryan
looked over at Harm 
again.

"Harm, what are you thinking of doing?" he demanded.

"Ryan the less you know the better" Harm sighed. "I'm
going to handle this 
on my own."

"Harm, either you tell me what you're going to do or
I'm going to tell Mac 
that you're considering going after Mitchell
yourself."

"You wouldn't?"

"Well someone has to watch your six since you're
suddenly hell bent on 
getting it killed" Ryan retorted. "In case you don't
realize it that woman 
happens to care a lot about you. And if anything
happened to you it would 
destroy her. I know. I was the one who had to tell her
you'd been hurt. I 
saw the look in her eyes Harm. I don't want to have to
do that again because 
you think you have to protect the rest of us."

"Ryan" Harm groaned.

"I'm serious Harm. Tell me what you're planning or I'm
telling Mac."

"Look, you're a good friend and for that reason I
don't want you to concern 
yourself. I will handle it."

"No what you're going to handle is getting yourself
killed and I'll have to 
be the one to tell Mac that you won't be coming back
to her," he hissed, "and 
then I'll have to watch her take another flag--this
time it will be from your 
casket and it will destroy her. So listen up you dumb
Sailor, and if you 
want to bring charges for that you go right ahead, but
I'm not going to live 
through that if I can prevent it."

Harm stared at him for a long moment. "Thank you," he
finally choked. 
"Thank you."

"What am I missing," Mac demanded when she returned
from the kitchen.

"Man talk," Harm laughed, recovering himself and
grabbing Mac around the 
waist to pull her into a hug. He was not at all
prepared for what happened 
next.

A look of pain crossed her pretty features and her
hand went to her side 
where his arm had held her. "Harm," she gasped,
attempting to adjust herself.

"What the hell?" he demanded, releasing her for a
second only to grab her 
arm. "How did I hurt you?"

"Just the way your arm hit me," she told him, letting
out a breath. "It's OK 
now."

"The hell it is," he exploded. "This is from what
happened to you before 
isn't it."

"I told you I'm fine."

"I know what you told me. You'd tell me you were fine
if your neck was 
broken." He put a gentle palm to her cheek. "Talk to
me Sarah."

"I have a bruise on my side," she admitted. "I think a
chunk of wood hit me 
there."

"Let me see."

She looked at him incredulously. "Show you my side?
Show you a bruise on my 
side? My naked side?"

"I'm worried about you," he retorted. "If you had said
this afternoon you 
had an injury I would have taken you to the ER. Let me
see."

"Are you going to nag until I do?"

"Bingo."

His fingers went out to the edge of her tee shirt and
she smacked him away. 
"OK one look, but know this. It's just a bruise. It's
not life threatening 
and I'm not going to the ER." 

He glared but nodded his agreement and she lifted the
shirt by the hem, 
revealing a six inch black and blue area at the lower
part of her rib cage.

He had to swallow several times before he could speak.
"And you didn't think 
this was worth mentioning?" At the same time he looked
over her head to Ryan, 
catching his eye, letting him know his resolve was
firmer than ever. He 
would do anything in his power to prevent her being
hurt again.

"Hey what am I missing," Brooke called with her quick
laugh. "Do you want me 
to take Ryan so you two can be alone?"

"No take Harm so he'll stop fussing," Mac sighed,
turning slightly so Brooke 
could see what they were referring to.

"That happened to you today?" she gasped.

"Yes it did, and she didn't feel like it was something
she wanted to share," 
Harm said accusingly.

"I didn't know about it until I showered," Mac pointed
out. "And it's just a 
bruise. Now kindly let it be." With that she pulled
away and shoved the tee 
shirt back down.

"And how about you Lieutenant--what injuries are you
hiding under that robe?" 
Ryan demanded, new concern for her surfacing in view
of Mac's injury.

"You want to do a strip search" Brooke smiled.

"Maybe we should leave you two alone" Mac teased.

"They are not taking this very seriously" Ryan
groaned.

"I'm fine Mr. Nichols so just calm yourself over
there. Honestly you and 
Harm need to relax before both of you have a heart
attack."

"Yeah we'll excuse us if we found today to be just a
little more serious 
than you two did" Ryan sighed.

"Guys it wasn't as close it looked" Mac spoke up. "And
Brooke's right. It's 
over and now you both need to relax. We'll find
Mitchell and then this will 
all be over."

"Yes we will" Harm muttered under his breath as he
looked at Ryan, who 
nodded his understanding.

"Now, what are you guys in the mood for?" Mac asked.
"Pizza, Chinese or 
something else."

They settled on pizza and after filling up on pizza,
they all retired to 
Mac's living room, Harm and Mac getting comfortable on
the sofa while Brooke 
and Ryan took the floor. Mac and Brooke were sound
asleep when Mac's phone 
rang a short time later.

"I'll get it" Harm said as he gently pulled away from
Mac, hurrying to 
answer it. "Colonel Mackenzie's residence."

"You spend the night there too Commander. Didn't
realize you and the Colonel 
were so close. Too bad I missed this afternoon."

"Mitchell you bastard" Harm hissed in a low voice, not
wanting to wake the 
girls. Ryan heard at once and looked over at Harm.

"You're one smart cookie Commander" the voice on the
other end laughed. "And 
here I didn't give you much credit."

"So help me God Mitchell if you come near either one
of them again, I swear 
I'll kill you with my bare hands" Harm said in a low
but threatening voice.

"Big words from the big JAG lawyer. You forget what I
did to your friend 
good ole Admiral Boone. I can do the same thing to
them."

"What do you want Mitchell?" Harm demanded.

"I want the two Nancy Drew's off my back" Mitchell
replied. "If I see them 
anywhere near me, they're dead."

"They won't be. From now on Mitchell this is between
you and me."

"Good" Mitchell laughed. "Cause that's what I want."

"Name a time and place and I'll be there" Harm said
quietly.

"Alone?" Mitchell asked.

"Yes alone" Harm said as he looked over at Ryan, who
shook his head 
vehemently.

"All right. Tomorrow night 6:00 PM. You remember the
old prison in Lorton? 
I'll be waiting for you there."

"I'll be there."

"Oh I know you will" Mitchell laughed. "And make sure
you kiss the pretty 
Colonel goodbye before you leave her tomorrow. Cause
by this time tomorrow 
night you'll be joining Boone in hell."

He hung up before Harm could get in another word and
Harm resisted the urge 
to slam the phone, not wanting to wake the girls.

"You're not going alone," Ryan said quietly as Harm
walked back to the sofa, 
once again gathering Mac against him.

"Did the phone ring?" she murmured tiredly.

"Wrong number honey" he whispered as he dropped a kiss
on her forehead. "Go 
back to sleep."

She snuggled closer against him and for a moment all
he could do was stare 
at her. That she meant more to him than life he knew
for fact. And that he'd 
rather die than watch anything happen to her.

"Harm" Ryan said softly and Harm looked over at his
friend.

"If I don't go to him, he'll come after them" Harm
sighed. "He said if he 
sees them again they're dead. And I know there's no
way Mac will give up the 
case."

"He said that?"

"Yes he did. And I won't let that happen."

"We won't let that happen" Ryan corrected. "You're not
handling this alone 
Harm."

"Ryan he wants me there alone" Harm sighed. "And I
don't know what he'll do 
if I don't."

"Either I go with you as back up or I tell Mac what's
going on. It's your 
choice. Me as your backup or Mac."

"You're not making this easy."

"I don't want it to be easy," Ryan said with a small
smile. "And I know 
there's no way you want Mac involved so I guess that
means you'll be letting 
me come with you."

"Yeah OK," he sighed reluctantly.

"Harm it doesn't hurt to ask for help. It doesn't make
you less of a man or 
a naval officer to ask for help."

"Yeah, but it's not easy for me. I hold guilt real
easily, and if my problem 
causes someone to be hurt I know it would kill me.
Plus look at you, look at 
what you're holding. If something happened to her
because of me, think how 
you'd feel."

Ryan drew in a sharp breath. "I would. . .I would hope
I would know that it 
was in the line of duty," he said quietly,
involuntarily tightening his hold 
on the woman who in such a short time had come to mean
so much to him. 
"Actually I'm having a hard time right now with that
whole thing of risk and 
something happening to her."

Harm nodded silently, pressing his lips into Mac's
soft hair. "I'm going to 
take her to bed, and I think I'll just sack out next
to her. If you guys 
just want to take the sofa, I'm sure it's OK."

"Thanks sir," Ryan grinned.

Harm lifted Mac up, wanting to carry her and knowing
he could not. "Honey 
let's get you into bed," he whispered, urging her
forward.

Ryan meanwhile helped Brooke to her feet and guided
her to the sofa.

"Time go to home?" she murmured.

"No, time to sleep," Ryan told her helping her to
settle on the sofa and 
gathering her to him. 

Harm watched for a moment, giving him a quick nod of
approval before he 
walked Mac to the bed, covering her carefully and then
dropping down next to 
her, stifling a groan precipitated by his still aching
ribs. He lie awake 
for a long time, the pain keeping him up, but also
Mac's nearness. Finally 
he carefully rolled to his side until he found a
comfortable position, and 
very tentatively he rested his hand on her side.
Feeling her breathing 
soothed him and he slept.

625AM arrived and Mac awoke. Five minutes ahead of the
alarm as per normal, 
she instinctively reached for it, not opening her
eyes, and to her surprise 
her hand fell short of its mark. She was trapped,
being held by an unseen. . .

"Harmon Rabb what the hell are you doing?"

His eyes flew open at once, and he stared at her face,
a mere inch from his 
as he had her in a death grip of an embrace.

"Sleepwalking?" he tried. "Don't hurt me. Last night I
brought you to bed 
and it was late and I was too tired to drive home and
I just crashed here. 
Don't hurt me."

She burst into laughter and playfully struggled within
his grasp. "No wonder 
I slept so well," she finally whispered and to his
surprise, kissed him 
gently.

"I don't even remember doing this," he admitted,
looking at where his arms 
were still wrapped around her as if he was afraid she
would escape. "Really 
I was being good, staying on my own side, not
molesting you--not that I 
didn't want to."

"Stuff it Flyboy," she giggled and tickled his side.
To her undying surprise 
he let go at once, all but falling from the bed as he
reacted to her touch.

"Harmon Rabb you are ticklish," she gasped in between
giggles. "Now there's 
something I'm not going to forget easily."

"Oh yeah," he growled, leaping toward her and in one
swift motion had her 
pinned to the bed, even as a small voice told him if
she wanted to she could 
easily free herself, maiming him in the process.
Looming over her at that 
point, he began to lower his head slowly. Her giggling
stopped as she 
waited, eyes only half opened, for his lips to touch
hers. This was a long 
serious kiss that left them both breathless. 

"I uh. . .I think we'd better go to work," he panted,
sobering quickly at the 
thought of what he would be doing in less than twelve
hours. "I need to get 
home and clean up."

"Yeah," she nodded quietly, concerned at his sudden
seriousness. "You OK? 
About that kiss I mean. You don't regret it all of a
sudden do you?"

"Hell no," he smiled. "Just something about a case
intruded on my thoughts 
is all. I don't regret anything. I mean I. . I do, but
not anything since 
Christmas and you and me and. . .and I'm making no
sense here." Mitchell was 
weighing heavily on his mind, and he was torn between
not wanting her to know 
anything was going to happen, and wanting her to know
how he felt just in 
case. . .

"Harm. . .Harm you're spacing again. Again--are you
OK? Is there something 
we need to talk about?"

"Yeah. . .uh. . .no everything's fine. And between us
it's more than fine. 
I need to get out of here." Without another word, he
rolled from the bed and 
dressed hurriedly. "See you at JAG?"

"Yeah," she frowned, still confused. "Just promise me
between us everything 
is good."

"More than," he smiled gently. "I lo . . ." The word
stuck in his throat 
and instead he kissed her cheek and sprinted from the
apartment, past a 
startled Brooke and Ryan who were just wakening.

"What's with him?" Ryan demanded, seeing the puzzled
look on Mac's face.

"I have no idea" Mac sighed. "And did we have a
slumber party last night 
that I missed?"

"Yes ma'am we did" Ryan smiled. "Uh you and Brooke
were like down for the 
count so Harm suggested we stay here for the night."

"I was that out of it?" Mac moaned. "I need coffee."

"And we need to get going" Ryan said as he helped
Brooke to her feet. 
"Thanks for letting us stay."

"Yeah sure" Mac said as she pondered Harm's strange
mood. For a second she'd 
thought he was going to say I love you but in his
usual manner he'd clamed 
up.

"Mac you okay?" Brooke asked.

"Yeah don't pay any attention to me. I'm just trying
to figure out the 
working of the Rabb mind which I know I'll never do.
He just seemed odd this 
morning. Like there was something he wanted to tell
me."

"Like I love you" Brooke teased.

"Never mind Lt." Mac groaned. "Get going before you're
late. Even though 
we're friends I'm still your boss remember."

"Yes ma'am" both Ryan and Brooke said with a mock
salute.

"Go" Mac ordered with exasperation as she shook her
head. "I'll see you two 
later."


JAG HQ
04:30 PM EST

"So what are we going to tell Mac and Brooke?" Ryan
asked as he sat down in 
the chair in front of Harm's desk. "You know you're
running out of time 
here."

"Yeah I know" Harm sighed. "I've been wracking my
brains all day trying to 
come up with some excuse that doesn't sound totally
lame."

"You don't think they'll buy we're doing a guys night
out thing?" Ryan 
asked.

"Not when Mac's in overprotective mode."

"Okay what are you two plotting now?" Mac asked as she
and Brooke walked 
into Harm's office.

"Nothing. Just discussing the finer points of the
Scott case."

"Why don't I believe you?" Mac sighed. "You're up to
something Rabb. I know 
it."

"The only thing I'm up to. . ." he started before
Tiner interrupted.

"Ma'ams, sorry to interrupt but the SecNav is on his
way over to be briefed 
on the Mitchell case. The Admiral asked that you and
Lt. Hastings stay so 
you can give him the update."

"When he is due?" Mac asked.

"About 20 minutes ma'am" Tiner replied. "And the
Admiral wanted to go over 
everything with you again before he gets here."

"We'll be there in a few minutes" Mac assured the
yeoman.

"This sounds like fun" Brooke sighed. "The SecNav?"

"Sounds like you two are going to be a little late
tonight" Harm said 
casually.

"You're not going to wait for us?" Mac smiled.

"No way Colonel. I know how the SecNav can be. Ryan
and I will head home, 
watch the basketball game and chill."

"All right. I'd better get going. I'll see you later."

"Yeah of course" he said with a small smile, praying
that would actually be 
the case.

"Okay. Take care. Stay out of trouble you two" Mac
said as she and Brooke 
headed for the door.

"See yah later" Brooke said softly to Ryan and Harm
felt a stab of guilt. If 
anything happened to Ryan because of him he'd never
forgive himself.

"Have fun" Ryan smiled.

"How can you sit there so calmly?" Ryan asked once
they were gone. "You 
really do have nerves of steel."

"No I don't" Harm said with a long sigh. "But I can't
let her know what I'm 
doing tonight. She'd want to go and I don't want her
near Mitchell again."

"I know and that's why I didn't say anything to
Brooke" Ryan said quietly. 
"Though I wish I would have."

"I sort of did that this morning with Mac"

"Did you tell her you love her?"

"I tried" Harm admitted with a small smile. "But I
couldn't quite get the 
word out."

"Well there will be plenty of other opportunities to
tell her," Ryan said 
quickly. "We're going to nail Mitchell tonight and
this will all be over 
with."

"Thanks, I needed to hear that. And we'd better go if
we're going to get 
ready for tonight."

Ryan nodded and minutes later the two men made their
way out of JAG HQ's.

"Tell me we're doing the right thing" Ryan sighed as
he and Harm sped toward 
Lorton a short time later.

"Just think of Brooke" Harm said softly. "And you'll
know you're doing the 
right thing."
===============
"Mac you OK? I know I've asked you that but you're
still way far away," 
Brooke whispered as they were seated at the conference
table awaiting the 
Secnav and Admiral. "You're not in pain from your
bruise are you?"

"Yeah but that's not the big problem," she said
distractedly. "Harm was just 
acting so strangely all day. You know we went to lunch
and he poked his 
salad, and then when we got back here, before we got
out of the car, he 
looked around to see if there was anyone in the area,
and when there wasn't, 
he gave me this real long kiss. Like he was about to
go on some secret 
mission and he was saying. . .no, he wouldn't. Oh my
God he wouldn't. . ."

"Wouldn't what Colonel?"

Mac froze at the words of the Secnav coming through
the door. "Nothing sir, 
just griping," she said quickly, coming to attention.

"As you were," AJ told them. "I trust we're ready to
discuss this Mitchell 
matter. I hope we've made some real progress."

"I'll be glad to lay out what we've done," Mac said
softly, opening the 
folder, her eyes meeting Brooke's as she did so.
=============
LORTON REFORMATORY

Harm pulled up to within a hundred feet of the main
building and stopped, 
shutting off the engine and lights. 

"What the hell?" Ryan demanded.

"This is as far as you go," Harm ordered.

"No way."

"Major Nichols you are wearing the uniform of a US
Marine and I am issuing 
you a lawful order. You will stay back here. Acting as
back up. If there's 
a problem, you can use your best judgment. Otherwise
your orders are to let 
me handle it."

"Sir please."

"Orders major. You heard me."

"Yes sir. Not happily. Please Harm, be careful. I
don't want Mac to. . 
.well you know what I mean."

"Yes I do," Harm sighed. "And I hear you. Please---if
this ends badly. . ."

"You know I will. Brooke and I will, but don't make me
do that," Ryan 
begged. "Let's get this guy."

"Exactly my plan. Remember your orders." Harm gave his
friend's shoulder a 
final clap and started forward. He had gotten nearly
to the main building 
when a spotlight from the suddenly opened door hit him
square in the face.

"Step inside Commander and we'll talk about what's
going to happen next," a 
voice behind it boomed. "Terms for how you're going to
help me get out of 
the country and then maybe I won't be exacting my
revenge on those two women 
you and your friend you think so highly of."

"You got it," Harm answered easily, shading his eyes
from the light and 
feeling Ryan's stare at his back as he stepped forward
without hesitation. 
He was sure the man would not kill him outright. He
was going to toy with 
him until he found out he was of no use. And if it
kept his focus away from 
Mac and also Brooke, Harm was more than in favor.
Keeping his hands up in a 
non threatening mode, he walked through the door,
following the light inside.

Ryan watched from his vantage point, sure that
Mitchell did not know he was 
there. A half hour, forty-five minutes, then an hour.
No sound from the old 
building. "Harm don't kill me. . .or court-martial
me," he breathed reaching 
for the cell phone.
==============
JAG HQ
Same Time

"Good Night Mr. Secretary." AJ walked him to his
waiting car and when he 
returned Tiner was holding the phone out toward him.

"You're still concerned about Harm?" Brooke asked Mac
as they walked out of 
the conference room.

"More than ever," she murmured. "It was all I could do
to sit through the 
meeting here. I'm going to call him right now, and if
I don't get hold of 
him, or if I do and don't like what he's telling me,
I'm confronting the 
Admiral and if that doesn't work, Clayton Webb. I
swear if that man has sent 
him off someplace and he didn't tell me I'm going to
use them for bayonet 
practice."

AJ heard her rant and held up his hand. "Major I'm
putting you on the 
speaker phone. The Colonel and your partner are here
now. Repeat please."

Mac and Brooke stared at each other in shock as Ryan
them the story of where 
they were and what Harm had done.

"My God we've got to get people in there," Mac yelped,
her hand going to her 
mouth.

"Ma'am, with respect, no," Ryan begged. "If Mitchell
hears choppers and 
sirens, he's going to kill him for sure."

"You don't know that he already hasn't," Mac snapped.

"Doubtful," he maintained. "It's been totally quiet in
there, and I think 
Mitchell is toying, playing. The man is a psycho. No,
I'm going to go see 
what's up. Sir, Admiral--I need back up but I need it
quiet. Not a show of 
force."

"On the way Major," AJ said decisively, about to click
off the speaker when 
Brooke's hand shot out to stop him. 

"Ryan, Ryan it's Brooke, please watch yourself."

AJ gave her a small smile as he broke the connection.
"A little partnerly 
concern Lieutenant?" 

"Yes sir," she said with as much defiance as she could
muster.

"OK," AJ smiled again, looking to Mac who had not
moved, her hand to her 
mouth still in shock. "Colonel what say you and I and
the Lieutenant here 
see if we can't help out your partners."

****************
Lorton Reformatory
15 Minutes Later

With backup on the way, Ryan knew what he had to do
next. He slowly made his 
way to the door he'd seen Harm go in and with one last
glance around opened 
the door and stepped inside. He never saw the figure
behind the door waiting 
that leveled a quick blow to the back of his head.

"Too easy Major" Mitchell laughed as he dragged Ryan
over to where Harm lay 
on the floor, knocked out and tied up as well. "I knew
the great Harmon Rabb 
wouldn't come alone. And by the time the backup I'm
sure you called for 
arrives, it'll be too late."

He carefully checked the detonators, all now counting
down to the big 
moment.

"Too bad I won't be here to see it" Mitchell laughed
as he started to the 
door only to stop at the sound of a vehicle.

*****************
"Okay, where's Ryan?" Brooke demanded when they pulled
up at the empty 
vehicle.

"Being a jarhead he probably went in to find Harm" AJ
sighed. "We'll find 
him."

"Sir, I think we should split up" Mac spoke up. "We'll
find them a lot 
faster if we do."

"I don't like it, but you're probably right. Both of
you be careful please"

With slight nods from both, they started towards the
front entrance. AJ 
motioned that he was going around to the back and
Brooke started towards the 
side. Mac made her way to the door and with a deep
breath reached for the 
handle. Before she could, the door suddenly opened and
a rough pair of hands 
grabbed her but not before she managed a small cry.

"I knew you'd come for your flyboy" Mitchell hissed in
her ear. "Now you can 
die right along with him."

"Mac" Brooke yelled as she turned and saw the man
starting to drag Mac back 
into the building.

"And of course you brought your little friend with
you" Mitchell glowered. 
"This is not part of the plan." He started to reach
into his pocket for his 
weapon and at once Mac made her move. With an elbow to
his ribs, he released 
her and she quickly backed away as his gun was
suddenly aimed at her. She 
closed her eyes as she waited for the gunshot, hearing
it but feeling 
nothing and quickly opened her eyes to see Mitchell
fall to the ground from 
the bullet to the chest. She looked over to see Brooke
frozen, the gun 
still aimed at Mitchell. With one quick check to
confirm that Mitchell was 
dead, she hurried over to her.

"Brooke it's over" Mac said quietly.

"Is he dead?" she whispered.

"Yes. The bullet must have hit him right in the
heart."

Brooke didn't say anything as she started back and
forth between the gun and 
Mitchell.

"Is this the first time you've killed someone?" Mac
asked gently and Brooke 
nodded numbly.

"Mac, Brooke, you okay?" AJ yelled as he hurried back
around to them.

"Yes sir, we need to hurry though. I think Mitchell's
got this place set to 
go at any minute."

"You two stay out here and I'll go check for Harm and
Ryan" AJ said firmly.

"With all due respect sir, there's no way in hell I'm
waiting out here" Mac 
snapped and before he could stop her pushed past him
and into the building.
Brooke finally snapped out of her numbness and hurried
in after her.

"God save me from partners in love" AJ muttered before
hurrying in after 
them.


"Ryan wake up" Harm ordered as he looked over at his
friend. He had no idea 
why Ryan had come in but he did know it was only a
matter of minutes before 
the whole place went up.

"Harm" Ryan groaned as he forced his eyes open,
suddenly remembering what 
had happened.

"Did I not order to you to stay outside" Harm sighed.
"Why the hell did you 
come in here?"

"To save your six" Ryan said as he looked over at
Harm. "I'd called the 
girls.."

"Harm" The unmistakable voice of Mac sent a wave of
fear through Harm as he 
looked over at the detonator, the minutes counting
down.

"Mac, get the hell out of here" Harm yelled. "This
place is going to go in a 
few minutes."

"Not without you" she yelled back. "Keep talking so we
can find you. I can 
barely see in this place."

"What we" Ryan shouted.

"Me and Admiral" Brooke replied.

"Brooke are you nuts?" Ryan screeched. "Get out of
here. Sir, do something. 
They shouldn't be in here."

"Yeah like anything short of tying them up would have
worked" AJ sighed. 
"How long do we have?"

"According to the one in here 5 minutes sir" Harm said
quickly. "That's not 
enough time for you to find us and get out."

"Yes it is" Mac said determinedly, her voice in fact
now much closer.

Another minute counted off, leaving just under three.
"Mac listen to me," 
Harm yelled frantically. "This is crazy. You're going
to need time to get 
out. You're not going be able to find us and get us
untied and get us out 
all in one piece. I want you out of here. Now.
AJ--Admiral, sir, please. 
Please make her leave."

"And Brooke," Ryan chimed in, equally as frantic to
see that she was safe.

"Shut up both of you," Mac ordered. "I'm not going
anywhere and I'm not even 
going to waste my breath trying to talk Brooke into
it. And the Admiral is. 
. ."

"You know I won't leave my people," he interrupted,
turning to Mac. "But 
Colonel it's a maze down here. Where?"

For a long several seconds, she held her breath. "To
the left. Not far now."
============
"Harm, how do we make them leave?" Ryan begged, his
eyes on the countdown as 
it passed the two minute mark.

"I don't know," he gasped, his eyes showing the fear
he was feeling, 
struggling with the ropes once more even though he
could feel this hands wet 
from blood where he had worn away the skin around his
wrists.

"You don't," Mac yelped, bursting through the door.

"How did you. . . never mind, get out," Harm
screeched.

"No way to greet a lady," Mac grinned, stopping for
one second to kiss his 
cheek before she dropped behind him to slit the bonds
around his wrists and 
ankles. "Flyboy you do get yourself into the damnedest
messes don't you."

"I don't believe this," Ryan breathed as Brooke did
the same thing to him. "I 
don't want you sacrificing yourself for me."

"Shut up." 

AJ roughly hauled Harm to his feet and pushed him
toward the door while Mac 
quickly wrapped her arms around him to steady him.
"Let's go Marine you 
too," he ordered, reaching for Ryan who was being
assisted by Brooke. Ryan 
took a step forward and stumbled badly, falling down
onto one knee.

"Dammit man we don't have time for this," AJ
admonished him.

"I can't. . can't make it," he whispered, grabbing for
his leg.

"Ryan please you have to," Brooke wailed softly. "I
won't go without you."

"Mac get Harm out of here," AJ ordered. We'll be right
behind you."

Mac hesitated only for a moment before taking firm
hold of her sailor. "Move 
it mister. You heard the man."

Once he was sure his two senior officers were on their
way, AJ grabbed Ryan's 
arm and pulled it over his shoulder in traditional
injured man technique. 
"I've got him Lieutenant, go."

"With respect sir, no," she objected.

"It wasn't a suggestion," AJ roared. "We'll make
better time with you ahead 
of us."

Not sure whether she was more afraid of the Admiral or
of leaving Ryan, she 
stared at both of them for a few seconds before she
reached up to kiss Ryan's 
cheek much as Mac had done. "OK I'm going but you
better be right behind 
me." 

She turned and ran and AJ started after her hauling
her hobbling Marine major 
partner with him.

The building went up as Harm and Mac reached the exit.
Like a being shoved 
by a giant hand they where pushed to the ground by the
initial concussion and 
Harm had less than a second to throw himself on top of
her before the fire 
ball went up.

"Harm the others" Mac said a few seconds later as she
tried to push him off 
her. "Are they okay?"

He finally moved away and she quickly scrambled to her
feet as she saw the 
other three nearer to the building but all seemingly
in one piece despite 
the blast.

"Everyone okay?" she asked anxiously.

"I think so," AJ said as looked around at his staff,
Ryan and Brooke nodding 
their agreement. "Good thing the old guy can still
run."

"Yes sir it is" Ryan said with a small smile.

"Sir, my apologizes for getting the Major involved in
this" Harm sighed as 
he found his way over to them.

"Yeah we'll be having a long discussion about you
deciding to handle this on 
your own Commander" AJ sighed.

"Did Mitchell get away?" Harm asked.

"He's dead," Brooke said softly as she motioned to
where the body lay. "I 
killed him."

Harm didn't miss the tone of her voice and he looked
to Mac, who nodded her 
confirmation at what he was thinking.

"Brooke I'm sorry" Harm said with a stab of guilt. It
was his fault that his 
friends had gotten mixed up in this mess.

"I had to" Brooke replied "He would have killed Mac if
I hadn't."

Harm's eyes widened in alarm. "Oh god, I almost got
you killed as well" he 
whispered.

"Well it was a little close," Mac said as she looked
at Brooke. "But Lt. 
Hastings acted without a second thought and yes she
saved my life."

"Commander I think you're going to be indebted to your
friends here for a 
good long time" AJ spoke up.

"Yes sir I am" Harm said quietly. "Brooke I'm sorry
you had to do that. But 
I'm not sorry you killed him."

"No sir, neither am I" Brooke said softly as Ryan
wrapped an arm around her.

**************
Arlington National Cemetery
2 Days Later

"We got him Admiral" Harm said quietly as he knelt in
front of the grave of 
Admiral Thomas Boone. "I just wish we'd gotten him
first. Somehow a bullet 
through the heart doesn't seem like enough punishment
for what he did."

Harm paused and looked a deep breath as he looked
around the quiet cemetery. 
"I hope wherever you are you and Dad are making up for
lost times. Tell him 
I miss him. And I'll miss you too. You taught me a lot
about life and I'll 
never forget that."

He stepped back and with one final salute turned
around, surprised to see 
Brooke standing there.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to interrupt," she said
quietly. "Mac said you were 
coming here and I needed to come here too."

"Brooke you did what you had to do" Harm said softly.
"You saved Mac's 
life."

"I know" she whispered. "But it doesn't make it any
easier."

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry because of me you were put in
that position."

"I'm not blaming you. I knew one day it might happen."
She took a deep 
breath as she willed her tears back. "Would you mind
telling me about 
Admiral Thomas Boone? Maybe I can work through this a
little better if I 
know more about the man this monster killed. I might
have an easier time 
with why I had to kill him."

"I can do that," Harm said softly. "Come on, we'll
take a walk."

He wrapped a protective arm around her shoulder and
together they walked 
slowly down the row of graves.

"Mac do you think they'll be okay?" Ryan said softly
from the car where they 
waited.

"I think so" Mac assured him. "Harm has closure now
and Brooke will work 
through this. It just takes time. And someone there
when she needs a 
friend."

"She's got that," Ryan said firmly. "And more."

THE END
Watch for the next chapter of New Beginnings coming
soon.