TITLE: "New Beginnings XI—Scorched Earth" AUTHORS: Anne R. and Pat Steiner SUMMARY: The eleventh in the New Beginnings series as Harm and Mac endeavor to keep their promise to each other—to make 2002 'their' year. 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 chapters, as well as much of our other works, are available at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AnniePatJAGstories The message archives are open to all registered Yahoo users—no subbing required. Please ignore any notice of adult content you may see—there is no R nor NC17 content there. Other archives containing our stories: http://thearchive.mine.nu:85/exlibris/ or http://www.netroenterprises.com/exlibrisjag or the Harm-Mac shipper archive at http://hmarchive.topcities.com/index2.html [sadly, not always up and running] or BTL- http://www.wtv-zone.com/trgarchive/btl/ http://destined.to/btlarchive - {BTL H/M Fanfiction archive.} Previously in NB: Recovered from the events of Panama, Harm & Mac, Brooke & Ryan, settle back into JAG, each couple discovering renewed joy within themselves. Until Mac's alarming premonitions begin to form into reality and a person whom Ryan never wanted to see again re-enters his life. From NB X- Past is Prologue: "What happened down there?" Ryan asked as he and Brooke stood outside his office. "I don't know. She just started screaming for Harm. Said he was in trouble. It was pretty weird." "You okay?" he asked softly. "Yeah, just worried about Mac" she sighed. "Uh, Major, I hate to interrupt" Tiner said as he approached the pair. "But there's someone here to see you." "Who is it?" Ryan asked. "She said her name was Kelly Nichols. She said she was your wife." *************************** "New Beginnings XI—Scorched Earth" "Ryan?" Brooke's eyes were wide with a combination of fear and alarm, quickly replaced by hurt. "Excuse me." Ryan reached for her, only to have her shake off his arm and stride away down the hall, her heels making a staccato clacking sound, leaving Ryan standing self- consciously under Tiner's puzzled gaze. "Sir what should I tell Mrs. Nichols?" "Tell her I said to go. . ." Ryan began and stopped himself. "Tiner please show her into the lounge, get her some coffee, and tell her I'll be with her momentarily. I have something more important to attend to right now." "Yes sir," Tiner frowned, hurrying to do what he was ordered. He was still frowning when he came from the lounge, and it was that same frown that caught AJ's eye a moment later when he returned to his desk. "Tiner what the hell is the matter with you? And where did you run off to anyway?" "The lounge. We have a guest sir." "Who Tiner, who?" "Mrs. Nichols sir. As in Mrs. Major Nichols. . .I mean as in she says she's Major Nichols's wife." Tiner ran a hand through his hair uncomfortably. "Son you must be mistaken. Major Nichols is not married. His 401 shows him as single." "Sir all I know is what the lady told me." ============= Ryan meanwhile had taken off after Brooke, reaching the door toward which she had been heading without seeing her. His shoulders slumped as he walked back toward Harm's office, figuring she could be anywhere in or out of the building. In his office, Harm was still holding tightly to Mac, feeling her tremble. "Mac honey I can't help you if I don't know what's wrong," he whispered. "I want you to breathe now. Long slow breaths, and then I want you to try to tell me what happened." "I made a total fool of myself," she wailed softly. "I started screaming that I had to find you. Brooke has to think I'm ready for a psych discharge. Not to mention poor Mrs. Phelps and her clerks. I'm sure I scared them to death. And when the Admiral hears about it, he's going to tell me to take a long rest." "And maybe that's not a bad idea," Harm told her. "OK now, let's get you sitting down and some water maybe." "No. NO. I can't let go of you." "Honey I'm not going anywhere except to get you something to drink. There's a lot more obviously that you need to tell me. Should I take you home and we can talk there?" "Yes. . .no. No. Just hold me for a minute please," she begged, willing herself to calm down and for her breathing to even out since she had the proof in her arms that he was fine. "I can do that," he nodded, rocking her gently back and forth. They remained in that position until there was a light tapping at the door. "It's Ryan." "Enter," Harm called and Mac looked up sheepishly. "Hey Ryan. I just scared Brooke to death. Is she OK?" "Welcome to the club," he sighed. "I did too. Well not me directly but something happened that did. First though Mac are you OK?" "Yeah better," she nodded, finding the strength to relax. "Now what about Brooke?" "I have a guest I need to see to," Ryan sighed again. "And I can't find Brooke. She heard Tiner tell me who it was and she just. . .just left me. Not that I blame her." "So who the hell is it?" Harm demanded. "Kelly." "And who might this Kelly be?" Harm asked irritably. "Make sense here Major." "Yes sir. Kelly Nichols. My wife. No, my very-ex-wife." Mac momentarily forgot her distress in the face of his admission. "Major watch what you're confessing to here," she gasped, having a pretty good idea what went on between Brooke and him over their weekend together. "We're supposed to be divorced, five years divorced," Ryan groaned. "Look I'm going down to talk to her, and then I'll try somehow to explain all this. Somehow. It's Brooke I'm worried about. And you Colonel. Are you OK?" "She'll be fine," Harm spoke up. "You go tend to your visitor. I'll see to Mac and then we'll see if we can locate Brooke. Go Major. Before this woman makes some kind of loud problem." Ryan nodded and took off for the lounge, only to find AJ waiting for him. "Major do we have something to discuss?" "You know sir?" "I do now. And right now it must suck to be you." "Yes sir, big time. Look, would it be OK if I talk to her, and then I'll come see you as soon as I get a handle on what's going on. Please sir." "Go Major. I'll be in my office." With a deep breath for calm Ryan made his way into the lounge. "Hello Ryan" the tall long haired brunette said as he walked in. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" he hissed. "Walking in here and saying you're Mrs. Nichols." "Well technically I am" she smiled. "You know I never legally changed back to my maiden name. Did I cause a problem?" "What do you want?" Ryan sighed. "I want your help," she said as she smiled dropped from her face. "Like I asked you for the other night." "And I told you then that I couldn't help you." "You have to. I don't have anyone else to turn to." "And that's my problem" he snapped. "You're the one who decided five years ago that Jared was the one who could make you happy and not me. What's wrong did he cut off your allowance or something?" "I thought after what we had you'd be more understanding," she said quietly. "We were married you know." "Well one of us didn't take those marriage vows very seriously now did they" he retorted. "Six months after the honeymoon you decided being married to a Captain wasn't good enough for you." "Ryan I was young and stupid then. I didn't know what I was giving up to be with Jared." "You're sweet talk isn't going to work this time Kelly. I'm sorry you're having problems with Jared but that's not my problem." "Dammit Ryan, you can't do this to me. I need your help. You can't just turn your back on me. And I know you won't." "Kelly, I've moved on with my life" Ryan said after a slight pause. "I'm sorry if you don't understand that." "You can't tell me you don't still care about me" Kelly prodded. "Otherwise you wouldn't have come the other night." "That's where you're wrong. It took a while but I did stop caring about you. You made it perfectly clear when you left that I wasn't going to offer everything you wanted and needed. Not like Colonel Jared Reynolds could." "Look me in the eye and tell me you don't care" Kelly said quietly. "I don't care Kelly," he said as he looked into her green eyes. "I'm sorry but that's the way it is." "So what's her name?" "What?" "What's her name? The one you're in love with it. Or think you're in love with it." "This conversation is pointless" Ryan sighed. "I'd appreciate it if you'd leave now and not come back again." "You didn't even listen to me" she sniffled. "Dammit, Ryan, I need a place to stay. I can't go back to Jared." "So get a hotel room. It's not my problem." "I can't. I don't have any money. It's all in his name and took away my credit cards and I don't have any where else to turn." "Hire an attorney" Ryan sighed. "You are an attorney" she countered. "And a damn good one I bet. I always knew you were going to be something Ryan Nichols." "Stop it Kelly. This isn't going to work this time." ************* "Harm, I'm okay now," Mac said softly as she stepped away from the comfort of his arms. "You sure?" "Yeah I'm sure. And I want to find Brooke. I'm sure she's upset." "Yeah well I'm a little upset that this has happened again," Harm said quietly. "Mac I'm worried about you." "I'm okay" she tried to reassure him. "Whatever it was it's over now." "At least you didn't pass out this time" he sighed. "But if this happens, I am taking you to Bethesda." "We can discuss that later. I want to find Brooke." He nodded and moments later they were combing the JAG grounds for Brooke. They finally located her out in the courtyard, sobbing softly against one of the trees. "Brooke" Mac said softly as she came up behind her. "Mac, please I'd rather not talk right now" Brooke sobbed without turning around. "Brooke" Harm said gently. "Oh god, you're here too" Brooke wailed as she turned around to face both of them. "Now I really want to die." "Brooke before you go jumping to conclusions I think you need to hear Ryan's side of the story" Harm said quietly. "Hear what. How he's married? No thank you. I'll just go put in my request to transfer back to San Diego and forget all about JAG and Ryan Nichols." "I know you're not serious," Mac said gently. "Yes I am" Brooke sobbed. "Stop that right now Lieutenant," Harm ordered. "You are not going to cut and run the first time there's a problem." "He's married Commander. Married. M A R R I E D. What part of married do you not understand?" she snapped. Mac drew her breath in sharply and opened her mouth to reprimand when Harm held up his hand for her to let him. "Lieutenant, you and Ryan are my closest friends after Mac here, and I care about you both a great deal. But we are in uniform here, and at our duty stations, and you will respect the bars I wear. Are we clear?" "Yes sir," she sniffled slightly, straightening up. "Sir he's married. I violated regs sleeping with him. We've committed adultery here. You're not suggesting I continue to do so." "I'm suggesting there's some explanation needed that's for sure. But believe it or not, this is not the first time this has happened," Harm smiled and squeezed Mac's hand. "One night about three years ago I was sound asleep and got a call from the D.C. police. Seems my partner's husband had come to town, and was now very dead." Brooke's mouth dropped open, her own problems forgotten for that second. "Mac?" "Hey that's far too long a story for right now and I come off badly in it. What needs to happen right now is that you and me and Harm are going to march back inside. You're going to hold your head high and you're going to confront Ryan and he's going to explain to you. And to us." "I'm not sure I care," she sighed, knowing she was lying as the words were leaving her mouth. "You love this man?" "Sir I. . ." "Answer the Commander's question Lieutenant," Mac ordered sharply. Mac's tone again reached her. "Yes ma'am. Sir yes I do. Love him I mean." A quick sob choked her last word and she quickly stifled it. "OK, I apologize for my unmilitary manner and I do want to see Ryan. I owe him a hearing out at least. Just please. . .please could I have a few minutes so I can not fall apart in front of him again." "My office, ten minutes," Mac told her sternly. Brooke nodded and watched Harm guide Mac back into the JAG building, resting a warm palm on her back and the sight made her long for Ryan, remembering his arms around her from the weekend. "Well Ryan the mystery of what was bothering you is done with anyway," she murmured, taking a tissue from her pocket and blowing her nose. ================ "I need help here Ryan. I can't believe you would just turn your back on me," Kelly whispered tearfully. "What can I do to make you see. "I've already told you. Hire an attorney. Though frankly why don't you just tell the man to go to hell and walk out of his life?" "I can't" she wailed. "You don't know Jared. He said if I ever tried to leave him, I'd be sorry. And he means it." "What do you mean sorry?" "Sorry as in he'll come after me" she whispered. "Ryan I'm scared. Don't you see that." "Has he hurt you before?" Ryan asked. She nodded slowly. "That's why I never tried to leave him." "Kelly you need an attorney and I'm not the right person" Ryan sighed. "I'd be happy to find you the name of a good divorce lawyer but that's all I can do." "Don't you care?" she snapped. "This man is a monster. I need your help." "You need help. But not mine. I'm sorry Kelly." "I don't believe you're turning your back on me like this" she shouted. "We were married for godsake." "Yes and I'll remind you again that you were the one who decided our marriage didn't mean anything" Ryan said quietly. "Is there a problem in here?" AJ asked as he walked into the lounge. "Admiral, I'm sorry sir" Ryan said quickly. "Uh, Kelly was just leaving." "No, I wasn't" Kelly glared. "Maybe the Admiral will be willing to listen to me." "Kelly" Ryan pleaded. "Why don't I listen to Mrs. Nichols problem while you return to your duty station Major" AJ replied. "There's a matter that needs your attention." "Yes sir" Ryan said quickly. "I'll see Mrs. Nichols out" AJ assured him and Ryan nodded before hurrying out. He headed back to his office finding Brooke waiting inside. "Hi" he said quietly. "I guess I have some explaining to do." "Why didn't you tell me?" she whispered. "Brooke she's not my wife. Not anymore. We were married. But that was five years ago. I haven't seen her since the day the divorce was final. Until she called last week and said she needed to see me." "You're divorced?" "Yes. I know I should have told you I'd been married before but it just wasn't something I wanted to bring up." "Is she the one that hurt you?" Brooke asked quietly. "Kelly was the first person I really fell in love with," Ryan said softly. "I had this dream we would be together forever. But six months after we were married, I found her with another guy. And I realized that the only person Kelly loved was herself." "This was in Okinawa?" "Yeah" he nodded. "I filed for divorce right away and put in a request to transfer to Quantico." "Do you still love her?" "I stopped loving her a long time ago Brooke" he said quietly. "And until I met you I never thought I would love anyone again. I didn't want to be hurt like that again." *********** "Well this has been an interesting morning" Mac sighed as she and Harm walked past Ryan's office. "That's one way of putting it" Harm said with a small smile. "How you doing? You okay after that little episode this morning?" "I'm fine. I'm just worried about Brooke and Ryan at the moment." "They'll get through it. I'm sure there's an explanation for everything." "Commander, Colonel, you have a moment" AJ sighed as he walked back from the elevator. "Is this about Mrs. Nichols?" Harm asked as they followed him to his office. "Ex Mrs. Nichols" AJ corrected. "They've been divorced for five years. She just kept his name instead of using her maiden name." "That's a relief," Mac said quietly. "So what did Mrs. Ex want?" "She's involved with a Colonel Jared Reynolds. They're living together but not married. Claims he's abused her. She wants to bring charges against him." "Why do I know that name?" Harm frowned. "Deputy Chief of Staff for personnel," Mac supplied and Harm gave a low whistle. "That's why. He's supposed to come out on the next General's list. He'd be the youngest Marine general since Vietnam." "That would be the one," AJ nodded. "The major is not one of her favorite people at the moment. She claims she begged him for help and got turned her down. She's thinking of filing a complaint to that effect." "I hope you talked her out of it sir," Harm gasped. "If Major Nichols told her he wouldn't help her you know he had good reason for doing so. His integrity is beyond reproach." "I sent her over to the Holiday Inn for the night. She's pretty upset right now. And I promised her we would handle her problem. She's made an accusation that needs to be investigated." "Sir they're not even married. Why doesn't she just leave town?" AJ swallowed hard and when he spoke again, his voice was barely audible. "She says he'll come for her if she attempts to leave him. Do you know what the Colonel did in his first fifteen years of service?" Both Harm and Mac shook their heads. "Counterintelligence. Then he was hurt in the line of duty and couldn't meet the physical profile for it, so he switched over to his secondary of personnel so he could stay in rather than take disability. She's afraid of him. And she could have good reason. He would know a hundred different ways to kill her and make it look like suicide on top of that." "This is getting more bizarre by the second," Harm sighed, shaking his head. "Sir, Ryan and Brooke are. . .you know we're close to them. They're just beginning to realize what it took Mac and I years to be able to admit to. I don't. . .we don't. . .want anything to happen to that. Not like it did to us for so long." "My god Rabb when did you turn into such a romantic," AJ groaned. "When I finally could admit I was in love," he grinned and Mac blushed as she smiled. "Sir I'll take the case," she spoke up. "You're volunteering?" "Not while I'm conscious," Harm sputtered. "Mac did you not just hear our CO here explain that Colonel Reynolds could be a threat. . .a danger to Mrs. Nichols. It's not a far leap to being a danger to anyone on her side." She gave him an exasperated look. "Harm you're mother-henning. Besides the Admiral here is about to dump this in our laps anyway. And like you I don't want anything to happen to what Brooke and Ryan have found. They belong together. Like you and I do." "No." "Mr. Rabb," AJ said warningly. "The Colonel is right. This problem is not going to go away quietly." "OK but you won't be doing it alone," he stipulated and then looked to AJ. "Sorry sir. I've over stepped. If it's OK, I'd like to assist the Colonel. Please." "Rabb we both know that even if I said no, you'd be right there at her side anyway," he snorted. "Colonel you'll be in charge, with permission for Commander Rabb, along with Nichols and Hastings, to assist." "Thank you sir," Harm breathed. "Go both of you, and check on them please." AJ waved them off and strode to his office, shaking his head as he went. =================== Brooke looked up at him shyly, her eyes wet but determined not to cry. "You told me you loved me when we were in the Shenandoah." "And I meant every syllable," he vowed. "As God as my witness Brooke Hastings, I love you. Moreover, I am in love with you." He lifted her to her feet, and with just a quick glance to assure their privacy, swept her into a long embrace and kiss before she could say anything further. It was during that moment that Harm opened the door. "OK I think they're fine," he whispered over his shoulder to Mac. "Sir, ma'am" Ryan said as he quickly let go off Brooke. "At ease Major. Just don't do that when the Admiral is around" Harm smiled. "I take it this means you two have gotten things straightened out?" "I think so sir" Ryan said as he looked at Brooke. "Yes sir" Brooke nodded. "And my apologies sir for my behavior earlier." "Already forgotten" Harm assured her. "Did the Admiral take care of Kelly?" Ryan asked. "That's what we came to talk to you about" Mac spoke up. "The Admiral has asked Harm and I to investigate her allegations against Colonel Reynolds." "Against my wishes" Harm muttered. Mac ignored his comment and continued on. "How much do you know about Kelly's relationship with him?" "More than I care to talk about" Ryan sighed. "But I guess that's not going to be an option." "Is this guy dangerous?" Harm asked. "That I can't tell you. I never had much contact with him. Did she tell the Admiral she was afraid he was going to come after her?" "Among other things" Mac sighed. "We're just trying to get an idea of what might really be going on here." "I can tell you this much. I don't think Kelly would make up a story like this. If she could leave Reynolds, she would. She had no problem leaving me when she did." "So you think there might be some validity to her allegations that he's threatened her if she leaves him?" Harm asked. "Probably. She's not a hysterical female. Kelly grew up without much of a family and she's not the type to pull that kind of act." "Not what I wanted to hear" Harm sighed as he looked at Mac. "I'm liking less and less the fact that the Admiral put you in charge of this." "Like I'd feel any better if you were handling it alone" she scoffed. "Guys I'm sorry. I should have handled this and then neither of you would have to be involved." "Excuse me, are you crazy" Brooke yelped. "This guy sounds like a psycho." "Better than having my friends in the middle of this" Ryan sighed. "Look, Mr. Rabb here is getting all up tight for no reason" Mac said calmly. "We have no reason to believe that Reynolds is going to do anything yet. Right now we're just going to go talk to Kelly and get the full story." ***************** Holiday Inn Georgetown "Who is it?" "Commander Rabb and Colonel Mackenzie from JAG" Harm called. "Admiral Chegwidden asked us to come and speak to you." The door opened to reveal the tall brunette and she motioned them inside. "I'm surprised he acted so quickly," she said as she sat down. "Seeing as how Ryan didn't believe a word I said." "We're just here to get the facts" Mac replied. "So why don't you start by telling us about Colonel Reynolds alleged abuse." "It's not alleged" Kelly retorted. "You think I'm just making this up?" "Mrs. Nichols, we're not saying you're lying" Harm said patiently. "It's alleged until it's proven in a court of law." "I forgot you're lawyers" she sighed. "Just tell us what happened" Mac prodded. "We'd been together for a couple years before it happened. I'd made some comment about us getting married. He went ballistic. Told me that he was the one in charge of the relationship. Well that was after I woke up. He shoved me into the wall so hard I didn't know what hit me." "Why didn't you leave him then?" Harm asked. "Because that's when he took everything away from me. The money, the credit cards. He wanted me around, but only on his terms. And the abuse wasn't all the time." "What made you leave this time?" Mac asked. "He threatened to kill me," Kelly said quietly. "He found out I'd tried contacting Ryan about getting away from him. He was like a madman. He kept waving the gun at me, telling me if I ever did anything like that again I'd be sorry. He put the gun to my head several times and pretended he was pulling the trigger. He finally calmed and when he did I ran. But I know he's going to come after me." "Why are you so sure?" "Because I have enough information to ruin his career forever" Kelly smirked. "And the only thing that matters to Jared is his career." Harm's attention increased tenfold. "Like?" "Like a safe full of records. Like a computer I know the password too," she smiled deviously. "This man is so full of himself he's kept a journal of his exploits. He's got friends in low places if you know what I mean. About to be made the youngest general didn't just fall in to his lap. He worked long and hard to make that happen. Does the name George Butler mean anything to you?" "Colonel Butler. Hit by a car--a hit and run--while jogging two months ago." Mac's eyes opened wide. "Are you alleging. . ." "Yeah," Kelly answered quietly. "See when Jared drank his pitcher of martinis, which he did every evening, he'd get careless. Forget about me being around listening, leave his computer open, sometimes the safe, and so forth. His email file alone would send him to prison." "Whoooo-kaaaay," Harm breathed, looking over at Mac, his brow creased in a worried frown. His protective nature was going into high gear and at that moment he wanted her anywhere but involved in this case. "Or maybe you're bringing these allegations because you and him can't make a go of things?" Mac asked her, reading, and choosing to ignore, Harm's look. "Look, I don't even have money for a bus ticket out of DC," she hissed. "Let alone any resources to start over. I have no family, my ex husband hates me, and my current guy could have me killed with a phone call, so pardon me if I do sound a little desperate here." "You could be a candidate for Witness Protection," Harm said thoughtfully. For the first time Kelly looked hopeful. "But you'd have to spill your guts," Mac pointed out. "Your information would have to put this guy away, and of course it would have to be more than your word." "I could start a new life somewhere?" "Basically yeah," Harm confirmed. Kelly walked slowly to the window, her shoulders shaking slightly with suppressed tears. Harm and Mac exchanged looks and Mac walked over to her. "Look Kelly," she began softly. "I've done a lot in my past I'm not proud of. All of us have. Sometimes it's not easy to make it right. But looks like you have the chance." "I don't know what I want, except that his man scares the shit out of me," she whispered. "If I had any money to my name I would be out of this town so fast. . ." "Look Kelly," Harm began firmly. "You're going to have to decide what you want. . ." His voice trailed off as he was distracted by a small dark car barreling along the line of parked cars. "Gun--down" he screamed as loud as he could, frantically trying to reach for Mac to pull her to the floor. The plate glass shattered into thousands of shards as the first bullets hit. His hand closed around Mac's at the same time and with all his weight behind them he propelled them to the carpet. The attack that seemed to last hours was actually over in less than five seconds as the car sped off in a screech of tires, leaving behind an eerie silence. "Kelly we may owe you an apology," Harm groaned, lifting his head enough to see that she was all right, having dove for cover behind a chair. "Obviously he knew where you went." Beneath him, Mac made a muffled moan and Harm rolled off her. It was then he saw the blood staining her torn uniform sleeve, soaking it thoroughly. "Mac no. Mac you were shot," he gasped in horror and suddenly it was as if he was back in the jungle of Panama when he had come so close to losing her. His arms went around her at once like holding her could keep her with him. "No. . .no I don't think so. I think it's glass," she whispered, attempting to hold back tears of pain. "I can still feel it." "Kelly get on the phone and call Admiral Chegwidden or Ryan," Harm shouted to the frightened woman still cowering. "Now missy. Move it." Kelly crawled over the bed, reaching for the phone, her hands shaking violently as she dialed Ryan's number. Harm turned his attention back to Mac, his hands similarly shaking as he tried to simultaneously hold her and slip off her jacket. "God Mac," was all he could manage when he saw the source of her blood. A two-inch triangle of glass was imbedded, blood seeping around it, in her upper arm, having left a jagged gash before it sank into the soft flesh. "Ryan it's Kelly" she wailed when Ryan finally answered. "What's wrong?" Ryan demanded. "He tried to kill me" she wailed. "He shot at us." "Us. As in Harm and Mac are there with you? Are they okay?" "Tell him to meet us at Georgetown University Hospital" Harm ordered as he looked up at Kelly. "I'm taking Mac there." He turned his attention back to Mac, his voice soft and gentle as he spoke. "Mac, honey, this needs much more attention than I can give it. I'm going to get you over to Georgetown and you're going to be just fine." She nodded slowly as he gently lifted her to her feet, his arm going around her waist to support her. Ryan could hear Harm's voice in the background and held his breath as asked the next question. "What happened to Mac? Did she get shot?" "No, but she's hurt pretty badly from the glass" Kelly managed. "Tell Harm we're on our way" Ryan said as he quickly hung up and sprinted out of his office in search of Brooke. He ran into the large frame of AJ Chegwidden, who reached a hand to stop the young Major. "Easy Major, what's the rush?" AJ asked. "Kelly just called sir. While Harm and Mac were interviewing her, someone shot at them." "Are they all right?" AJ demanded. "She said Mac got hurt by some glass. Harm's taking her off to Georgetown now. I was just looking for Brooke to go with me." "I guess you're ex-wife wasn't lying" AJ sighed. "Find Lt. Hastings and get over there and find out what happened. And then someone call me and let me know what's going on." "Yes sir" Ryan said before hurrying off to find Brooke. "Come on Mrs. Nichols" Harm ordered as he gently led Mac across the room. "You're going to have to stay with us until Ryan comes to meet us." Kelly nodded and grabbed her coat and purse, following Harm and Mac out to their car. "Drive" Harm said as he handed Kelly the keys. "Georgetown University Hospital. And don't worry about speeding." He gently helped Mac into the car before climbing in beside her, her head dropping against his shoulder almost immediately. "Hang on honey" he whispered. "I'm going to get you to the hospital real soon." True to his words they arrived at the Trauma Center a few minutes later, Harm quickly lifting her out of the car and into his arms, not bothering to wait for a wheelchair to be brought out. "I see it's not going to be a quiet afternoon" one of the nurses said as Harm hurried through the sliding doors of the ER, not bothering to make sure Kelly was still behind him. "Right this way sir." "She's been cut and she's bleeding really bad" Harm managed as he carried her into the back and onto the gurney the nurse pointed to. "I can see that" the nurse smiled. "And you can go back and wait in the waiting room while we take good care of her." She gave him a gentle push out as she called for the doctor and with a long sigh he headed back to the waiting room, where he was met with the nurse and a clipboard of forms. "Sir, I'm sorry," Kelly said quietly as he sank down in the chair next to her. "I tried to tell Ryan that Jared was serious." "Did you tell Ryan what you had on Jared?" Harm demanded. "Or the Admiral? Cause if you'd told either of them, Mac and I would have had a better idea of what we were getting into." "I'm sorry" she repeated. "I guess I should have told the Admiral." "Well it's too late now" Harm sighed as he tried to concentrate on the form in front of him. "And once I know Mac is okay we'll figure out what we're going to do with you." "Can you get me some kind of protection?" she asked quietly. "We'll have to talk to the Admiral about all that" Harm replied. "But if you have what you say you have, I'm sure we'll be able to work something out." She nodded and said nothing for the next few minutes while Harm worked on filling out the form. It wasn't until Ryan and Brooke came rushing through the doors that she moved. "Ryan" she wailed as she leapt from her seat, throwing herself into his arms. "It's a Kodak moment," Brooke could not help groaning as she stepped around them, having spotted Harm who cast aside the clip board to accept her hug of commiseration. "How is she? And how are you?" "I keep telling myself it's not near as bad as it looked," he whispered, "But Brooke she was bleeding badly. And what if it had been more than glass. What if. . " "What if you calm down," she soothed. "I can feel you shaking. Sit down Commander. She's a tough Marine lady and she's going to be fine." "Yeah OK, thanks," he panted, letting her guide him back to the chair. At the same time he looked beyond her to Ryan and Kelly, at Ryan's attempt to peel Kelly from him. "Hey don't be concerned about that," he whispered. "You know Ryan doesn't give a twit about her any more. It's you he's in love with." "I know," she sighed, "but it's still hard to watch." "Of course it is." He patted her hand and looked over to Ryan. "Major would you bring Mrs. Nichols over here please." "Yes sir," Ryan answered gratefully, taking firm hold of Kelly's arm and ushering her to the nearest chair. "Stay put right there," Harm ordered her, ignoring her answering glare. "Sir what happened?" Brooke begged. "We're a little confused here." "This is not the place to talk," Harm reminded her, "but suffice it to say that Ms. Nichols here was not being totally straight with us. One of the main reasons Colonel Main Squeeze there doesn't want her to go is because he's afraid of what she's got on him. Apparently with good reason." He lowered his voice even more and added, "we're talking Witness Protection here." Ryan gave a low whistle. "Kelly you always could find yourself the biggest mess and wallow in it." "Leave me alone," she hissed, suddenly tearful. "We all might have died this afternoon. Jared sent hitmen after us. Don't you understand that." Ryan set an awkward hand on her shoulder for a moment. Regardless of how badly she had hurt him, here was a terrified woman. "Remember what I told you," Harm said quickly to Brooke, catching her look of dismay. "I know," she sighed, turning away from them just as the nurse approached the group and Harm sprang to his feet. "Mr. . .Rabb," she stammered. "Sorry. Bad day. Ms. Mackenzie is resting. We removed the glass, stitched and bandaged. She was in a lot of pain and has been given a shot of morphine so she's going to be a little out of it." "I have to be with her." His look dared the nurse to deny him. "She's asking for you. This way." Harm took a few steps forward and turned back to Ryan. "Major I'm making you responsible for the safety of Ms. Nichols. You and Lieutenant Hastings. Don't let me down." "No sir, count on us," Ryan nodded. "And please tell Mac we love her." When Harm had left them, Brooke and Ryan exchanged long looks, neither being the first one to speak. "Oh for Godsake," Kelly snapped. "Ryan, tell her you love her and that I'm no threat to you guys." "I love you and she's no threat to us guys," Ryan said softly, putting his arm around Brooke's shoulders. "Thanks I needed to hear that" Brooke whispered softly. "So how long have you two been dating?" Kelly inquired. "Kelly I don't think this is the time nor the place to discuss this" Ryan sighed. "It may not matter to you but someone we care about a great deal was hurt today." "You four really are a chummy bunch aren't you?" Kelly glowered. =================== "Hey Marine" Harm whispered as he sat down beside the gurney Mac was lying on and reached for her hand, kissing it gently. "Harm" she murmured, just awake enough to recognize him. "You scared me again there for a moment," he said softly. "All I saw was blood and I about freaked." "I'm okay" she sighed. "Whatever they gave me is doing the trick." "Good" he smiled. "And as soon as they say you can go I'm taking you home and you know I'm not going anywhere." "Kelly?" Mac asked. "Ryan and Brooke are watching her. And her problem is no longer your concern." She opened her mouth to protest but closed it. She was too tired to argue with him at this point. "We'll talk about that later" she managed as her eyes drifted shut again. "We'll see Marine" he whispered. He knew she wasn't going to willingly give up the investigation but there was no way he wanted her anywhere near this mess that the ex-Mrs. Nichols was in. Not when men like Jared Reynolds played hardball like this. "Everything okay?" Brooke asked softly a short time later when she tiptoed into the room. "Yeah I think they'll let me take her home soon" Harm replied. "She's still pretty out of it from the shot though. I'm going to stay with her tonight." "Like I expected you to do anything else." "How's Ryan and Mrs. Ex doing?" "They're fine. Ryan seemed to have it under control so I thought I'd check in here and make sure Mac was okay." "Don't let her get to you" Harm warned. "Right now she's just clinging to him because she doesn't have anyone else." "I know. And in a way I feel bad for her" Brooke sighed. "At the same time, I hate that her and Ryan have a past." "Yes but that's exactly what it is. A past. You're with him now. Not her." "Harm" Mac murmured, coming out of the fog of medication again at the sound of voices. "Right here honey" Harm said softly as he reached for her hand, Brooke smiling at his term of endearment. "Mac I'm sorry if we woke you" Brooke said quietly. "No it's okay," Mac said as she forced herself awake. "They should be letting me out of here soon anyway." "And you're going straight home and to bed when they do" Harm said firmly. "He's a little protective" Mac smiled. The doctor finally allowed her to leave and Harm gently helped her to the wheelchair, her legs barely able to stand. "Okay Marine, let's get you home" Harm said as he wheeled her out. "Mac how you doing?" Ryan asked when the pair reached him and Kelly in the waiting room. "I'll live" she assured him with a weak smile. "I'm taking Mac home and I'm staying with her tonight" Harm explained to Ryan. "For tonight, I think Kelly should stay with Brooke. Until we can make arrangements to get her some place safe." "No" Ryan said quickly. "It's too dangerous for her." "Major, we've had this discussion before" Brooke said tersely. "You promised you wouldn't question my ability in front of a superior officer again." "I'm not questioning your ability. I'm just saying that this is too dangerous for you to handle alone." "God, you really do love her don't you?" Kelly groaned. "Ryan if you're that worried, you can stay with them" Harm sighed. "It probably wouldn't be a bad idea for night. Right now my main concern is getting my partner home and into bed. Tomorrow we'll reevaluate the situation and figure out what works best." "I think it would be best" Ryan replied. "Is it okay if we stay at Brooke's?" "Fine. Just let the Admiral know what's going on. And if you change plans let me know." Ryan nodded and the trio followed Harm and Mac out of the ER. "Harm if you need anything, call me" Brooke said once he'd gotten Mac into the car. "Thanks" he said as he turned to give her a quick hug. "Be careful tonight. This guy is serious. I don't want to see anyone else get hurt." She nodded and headed off with Ryan and Kelly. "They're going to have fun tonight" Mac murmured when Harm climbed into the car. "Don't worry, Brooke can take care of herself" Harm smiled. "Besides, Ryan's in love with her. Not Kelly." "I was in love with you and not Mic," she sighed. "And I with you and not Renee," he laughed lightly and squeezed her hand. "Home to bed." For the short drive to her apartment she kept her eyes closed, leaning back against the seat, coming awake only when he pulled into the space. "Sit tight, I'm coming around for you," he ordered. "Don't want you falling flat on your six." She landed in his arms when he opened the door and he took advantage of that to give her a long hug. "Permission to carry the Colonel?" "Absolutely not," she screeched indignantly. "I'm not that far gone." The next half hour was spent getting her settled into bed. "Harm quit fussing. I'm OK. By morning I'll be back to normal and back in uniform," she finally protested. "You're wearing your uniform of the day for tomorrow," he informed her sharply. "No way you're going back to duty that soon." "Harm I'm. . . OK I'm too weak to argue," she sighed. "But I'm not going to lie in this bed all day tomorrow. The Kelly problem was given to me." "No you volunteered," he corrected her, watching her turn on her side to try to get comfortable and he leaned over to help her settle her arm on a pillow. "Look right now I'm too thankful that you're alive to be getting into all that. Please let your body rest. I need to speak to the Man and then I need to check with Ryan and Brooke, and also the Admiral." "I should be doing something," she sighed sleepily. "You're healing. And right now that looks to be about all you can handle." He put a gentle kiss on her lips as her eyes closed. "I love you Marine." "I love you Navy," she returned in her last moment before sleep took her. =============== BROOKE's APARTMENT Same Time "Kelly the shower is through there and there's towels on the shelves and I'll set some clothes inside the door," Brooke pointed with a long sigh. Kelly nodded and silently walked to the bathroom, closing the door with only a halfway slam. "Are you going to be able to do this?" Ryan asked when he came from doing a double check of the doors and had drawn all the drapes shut as well. "It's not forever." Brooke gave him a half smile and walked to the kitchen to put on water for tea. "Let me tell you, with Kelly a day can seem like ten," he groaned, following her. She was standing at the sink filling the tea kettle when he came up behind her, pressing his body to hers and wrapping his long arms around her middle. For a long minute he swayed her back and forth in silence until she said softly, "you loved her a whole lot didn't you?" Gently he turned her to face him, keeping his arms around her. "Yes I did, but she was incapable of returning that love. We'd only been married a couple of months when the rumors started in the unit of her seeing other guys. We did shift work and so she was home some of the time I wasn't--that sort of thing. At first I ignored it, but then I started finding bits of evidence. Finally my closest friend in the unit came to me and said that I was being played for a fool and the whole section knew it. If I didn't believe him I should go home right then and see what Kelly was doing. Anyway to cut to the chase, I opened the door and they were right there on the floor--didn't even make it as far as the bed. I packed my things at once and moved to the guest house and told her she'd hear from my lawyer. The last words I ever said to her without our lawyers in the room until I met her the other day. I did hear she had resigned and was following some officer." "I'm sorry," she whispered, snuggling her head against him. "I'm not." That made her look up in puzzlement. "You said you loved her." "I did. But that was nothing to what I feel for you," he said softly, tilting her chin up to cover her mouth with his in a long kiss. "I love you Brooke Hastings." "I'm going to barf," Kelly groaned from the doorway where she stood wrapped in a bathtowel that barely covered. "Sorry to disturb. The hot water gave out and Brooke there were no clothes waiting like you promised." Brooke attempted to pull away from him and he would not release her. "Kelly get used to this. This is how I am with her. It's called loving someone with all my heart." "Please" Kelly sighed. "Now let her go so I don't have to stand here freezing any longer." "I'll be right back," Brooke said as Ryan finally let go of her. He nodded and she headed to her bedroom, Kelly following her. "So how long have you and Ryan been seeing each other?" she inquired as Brooke dug through her drawers for a pair of sweats and sweatshirt. "A few months" Brooke replied. "So it didn't take him long to make the moves on you when he got to JAG did it?" Kelly smirked. "Sounds familiar." "Here's your clothes" Brooke said as she handed them to Kelly and walked out. "You okay?" Ryan asked when Brooke returned to the kitchen. "Yeah sure" Brooke said with a forced smile. "Though I think it's going to be a long evening." "Please don't let her get to you" Ryan pleaded. "She's just trying to make you upset. Just remember I love you." To reinforce his words he drew her into his arms and gave her a long kiss. "Better" he whispered when they parted. "Much" she smiled. "Can we give it a rest for a few minutes" Kelly groaned as she walked into the kitchen. "You two are disgusting." "Kelly why don't you give it a rest" Ryan sighed. "Look, we're going to be stuck together and you're just going to have to get used to this." "You know I'm the one Jared wants dead. The least you could do is be a little understanding of that fact. But all your concerned about is your pretty little partner here." "Damn right" Ryan retorted. "I happen to love her and the last thing I want is something to happen to her because of you." "So I'm chopped liver compared to her" Kelly said irritably. "I guess I know where I stand if Jared sends a hitman after me again. I'd be better off on my own." "Look Kelly. I'm an officer sworn to do my duty" Ryan said quietly. "And I will do that. I'll protect you from Jared." "Well I guess that's something" she retorted. ************** Mac's Apartment Next Morning "No" "Yes" "Mac you are in no condition to go to work" Harm argued. "I talked to the Admiral and he had no problem with us taking the day off." "Harm, help me with my jacket" she ordered. "I'm going to work. End of discussion." "Stubborn Jarhead" he muttered under his breath as he helped her into her jacket. "You say something sailor?" "I'm on the record as saying I am totally against this" Harm sighed. "But as usual it's a losing battle fighting with you." "Good, I like it when you realize I'm right" she smiled. An hour later they joined Brooke and Ryan in the Admiral's office, Kelly with them as well. "I see we got through the night without any further incidents" AJ sighed. "And unfortunately it's going to be another day before we can get Mrs. Nichols to a safe house so we're going to have to make arrangements for tonight as well. During the day, Mrs. Nichols will be safe here." "Sir, I think we should go to another location tonight" Ryan spoke up. "Agreed. We just have to determine where that should be." "Sir, I think that Ryan and I should handle this from here on out" Harm spoke up. "We can take Mrs. Nichols to my place for the evening." "Excuse me" Kelly spoke up. "Nothing against the Commander and the Major here but I'm not sure that I want to be stuck with the two of them at the Commander's bachelor pad." "I was just going to say that that probably wouldn't be the most appropriate option" AJ replied. "Sir, why don't we use my place?" Mac offered, earning her a long glare from Harm. "Lt. Hastings and I can handle it for the night." "NO" Harm and Ryan said at the same time. "Gentlemen please" AJ sighed. "Sir, there's no way they should be alone" Harm continued on. "For starters Mac isn't well enough to be handling this." "I can still fire a weapon if I need to" Mac countered. "Sir, you know this is the best answer. And it's just for tonight." "The only way I'll allow it is if we're close by" Harm argued. "Excuse me Commander, but I believe that I'm the one running this office" AJ said irritably. "I don't know why we can't just all go to a hotel or something," Harm went on, knowing he was dangerously close to AJ's wrath but unable to check himself. "Because in a hotel there are people coming and going all the time. Too hard to tell friend from foe," Ryan said gently and Mac reached for Harm's hand, entwining their fingers as she often did when she wanted him to calm down. "Thank you Mr. Nichols," AJ nodded. "And it's a matter of safety to others. If something were to happen, we could take enormous heat for endangering civilian lives." "I don't like it all, but back to my original stipulation--that Ryan and I be nearby." "Harm there's a Ramada across the street up the block remember," Mac pointed out. "You and Ryan can check in there if you really think it's necessary." "I think it's very necessary," Harm growled. "It's just for tonight," AJ reminded all of them. "The NCIS and FBI are going to move against Reynolds. Subpoenas and warrants are being drawn up today. Once they're approved, the boys at Justice will take charge of Ms. Nichols." "The man is probably going to ask for a JAG counsel," Brooke smiled. "No Lieutenant. He's going to want someone from a high powered law firm-- JAG is not going to be able to keep him out of Leavenworth." "I'd like to volunteer to prosecute," Ryan sighed and it was Brooke's turn to take the hand of the man she loved. "People--please--if we're ever having the Secnav as a guest, let's put a lid on the handholding," AJ groaned. "Sir you know how it is," Harm teased, feeling a little more relaxed. "Well I used to," he nodded. "OK back to work." The four filed out and Mac gave Harm's hand another firm squeeze before letting him go. "Later Flyboy. Ryan this would be a good time for you and me to head to the library on the Benson thing." "Hey I can think of worse things than spending the morning in the library with a beautiful woman," Ryan smiled. "Watch that mister." Harm poked his arm and turned to Mac. "And I have court, with my second chair." "Yes sir, that's me," Brooke grinned. "I need to get the notes from my research yesterday. Uh. . .what about Kelly. . .Ms. Nichols?" "I'll get Singer to watch her," Harm grinned. "They deserve each other and I'll deny every syllable of that if I'm accused of saying it." ========= LAW LIBRARY One Hour Later "Ryan I am about to lose it here," Mac sighed. "This is useless. A million dollars worth of books in this place and nothing." "We should try the Annex," he said slowly. "Mac that's an old reference. It could very well be there." "Oh why not. I can always enjoy getting dirty," she muttered, leading him to the back of the empty library. She used her ID card to open the door and a second later, to Ryan's complete surprise and alarm, her arms went over her head and she gave a low cry that gradually increased to a scream, ending in a high pitched screech of Harm's name, then she fell limply backwards. Only Ryan's swift catch saved her from hitting the floor. He quickly lifted her into his arms, carrying her back to the main part of the library, yelling for help as he walked. "What happened?" one of the law clerks who minded the library asked as Ryan gently set Mac down on the floor. "I have no idea," Ryan said as reached a slightly trembling hand to check for a pulse. "Should I call 911?" she asked. He shook his head as his hand felt a steady pulse. "I don't think so. I'm not sure why she passed out like that. Unless it's some reaction to something they gave her for her arm." To his relief she stirred, only to let another loud wail of Harm's name. "Mac calm down" Ryan ordered. "Harm is fine. He's in court with Brooke." "No" Mac wailed. "I have to find him. He's hurt." She attempted to get up, only to be met with Ryan's strong hand pushing her back down on the floor. "I want you to listen to me," Ryan said calmly. "Harm is fine. He's not hurt. Please calm down." "No" she screamed hysterically. "I have to find Harm before it's too late." "Sir, maybe if you brought the Commander to her she'd be okay" the young woman suggested. "I can't leave her" Ryan sighed. "Not like this. Can you call the Admiral and let him know what's happened?" "What do I tell him sir?" "That Colonel Mackenzie is hysterical and he needs to get Commander Rabb down here ASAP." **************** Court Room 5 minutes later "You're honor, I object" Harm said as he shot up from his chair. Before Admiral Morris could reply the door to the courtroom swung open and AJ walked in. "Admiral, I'm sorry to interrupt" AJ said as he approached the bench. "But there's been an emergency and Commander Rabb is needed elsewhere immediately." "Mac?" Harm whispered and AJ nodded. "Why don't we pick this up after lunch then?" Admiral Morris suggested. "This court is in recess until 13:00 hours." "Sir, what happened?" Harm demanded. "What happened to Mac?" "I don't know" AJ admitted. "I got a call from the law library that she passed out on Ryan and now she's going on hysterically about finding you." "Oh god, not that again" Harm whispered. "This has happened before?" AJ asked. "Yes sir. I'll explain later but right now I need to get down there. Last time she wouldn't calm until I was with her." "Did you know about this Lt.?" AJ asked as Harm hurried from the courtroom. "Yes sir" Brooke replied. "The last time it happened I was with her." "Why am I the last one to find out these things?" AJ sighed as she followed after Harm. "Mac" Harm called as he reached the library minutes later. "Harm" she wailed as she pushed past Ryan's restraining hand to get to Harm. He gathered her in his arms, holding her close while she sobbed. "Shh, it's okay" he soothed. "I'm right here and everything is okay." "I couldn't find you" she whimpered. "I knew you were in there but I couldn't find you." "I wasn't in there sweetie," he said softly. "I was in court with Brooke. And I'm fine. And you need to calm down." She nodded as she burrowed closer to him, Harm giving Brooke and Ryan a worried glance as he held onto Mac. "You okay?" Brooke asked. "Yeah" he sighed. "Just scared for a minute. She just started screaming and then she passed out on me. I had no idea what was wrong." "How you doing?" Harm asked as he gently lifted Mac's head from his chest. "Better?" "I think so" she whispered. "Was it the same thing as last time?" he asked. "The fire?" "There was an explosion," she said almost inaudibly. "I couldn't find you. The smoke and the flames were everywhere." She choked back a sob and he once again drew her against him. "Shh, it's okay. I'm right here with you. And we're both fine." AJ leaned over Harm's back. "Colonel are you all right now?" "I am now," she sighed, safe in Harm's arms. "Sir I'm sorry." Another sob had to be choked down before she could attempt to speak again and his arms tightened across her. "Mac I want you to get help for whatever is causing this," AJ said gently. "Off the record here. Before it becomes part of your jacket." "Sir that's not necessary," Harm yelped, his protective nature going into over- drive. "Yes it is," AJ said firmly. "Don't make me make it an order. If you did something like this in front of the Secnav or CNO. . ." "Yes sir I understand," she said softly, putting her hand to her head as the room began to spin, and Harm took notice of her distress at once. Her head dropped back on Harm's shoulder and he gently stroked her cheek. "I think you need a doctor my love." "That is the last thing I want. Just some Advil please and to finish this case would do a lot toward helping me." "Ma'am. . .Mac," Brooke said tentatively, "It's got something to do with this room, the library. You were here before when you. . ." "Freaked," Mac finished for here. "Yeah I know it does. Premonitions, second sight, clairvoyance, whatever. I just know there's a massive explosion and I can't get to Harm. He disappears behind a wall of flame." "And this happens while you're wide awake?" AJ frowned. "And moving," she nodded miserably. "Harm, take her home," AJ said firmly. "Sir no I'm OK," she objected. "There's Ms. Nichols and too much to do here." "And I don't need my senior officer passing out," AJ told her firmly. "Lieutenant Hastings will request a continuance with my regards to Admiral Morris. At the end of the day, the Major and Lieutenant will bring Ms. Nichols to your place as we planned." "Thank you sir." "Sir no. Just let met get back to my desk and. . ." Mac tried, struggling to get up, only to find her legs would not support even a modicum of effort. "You're relieved for the rest of the day, and that is an order," AJ told her. "And as soon as Ms. Nichols is turned over the people from Justice, you're going to look into what's causing these spells." "Yes sir," Mac sighed, yielding to the inevitable. "OK Flyboy are you going to help me up or just sit there with your mouth open." "Allow me," Ryan grinned and leaned down to lift Mac off Harm's lap with AJ lending a hand, allowing Harm to scramble to his feet and then take her back. "Sir you've been more than understanding through all this," Harm said softly, realizing not for the first time what a friend they had in the Admiral. "I know. And you know what they say about payback," AJ grinned. "Go on get out of here." *************** Mac's Apartment 10:00 PM EST "Okay, you two out of here" Mac ordered. "The Lt. and I have this under control." "I don't like this" Harm growled, refusing to let her out of his arms. "I don't know why Ryan and I can't just stay here." "Because there's one bedroom and one sofa and Brooke is already stuck on the floor" Mac sighed. "We'll be fine." "I'm with Harm" Ryan complained from his spot on the floor with Brooke. "I think we should stay here." "I don't" Kelly groaned. "Cause if I have to watch you four a minute longer I'm going to throw up." "I'm sorry you feel that way" Ryan smiled. "But then again you never did have a romantic bone in your body did you Kelly?" "I'm going to bed" Kelly snapped as she stood up and headed to Mac's bedroom. "You're not giving her your bed are you?" Harm whispered. "Harm, she's a guest" Mac sighed. "I couldn't very well tell her to sleep on the floor. She's taking my bed, I have the sofa and Brooke is on the floor." "You should be in your own bed" Harm fretted. "Especially after what happened today." "I'm fine. You've been with me all afternoon and I've been fine. So stop worrying." "That is not going to happen anytime soon," Harm said as he leaned forward for a kiss before finally releasing Mac. "Come on Major. Let's go find our rooms at the Ramada." "We'll be fine" Brooke whispered as she allowed Ryan one last hug and kiss. "We'll see you two in the morning." "If you hear anything remotely out of the ordinary, I want you to call us" Harm said as he stood up. "Promise." "Yes sir" Mac smiled. "We'll be fine." "I love you" he whispered as gave her one last kiss. "Love you too" she said softly. "Now go get some sleep like Brooke and I are going to." "Lock up" Harm ordered as she followed him and Ryan to the door. "I will. Bye" ============ "So are we going to the Ramada?" Ryan asked as he and Harm headed down the stairs of Mac's apartment. "Hell no. We're going to sleep in the car." "We're taking turns right?" Ryan smiled. "Of course. If they think we're leaving them alone on this one, they're crazy." ============ "I didn't think they were going to leave" Brooke smiled as she got comfortable on Mac's floor. "Not that I minded them being here." "I know. But there's no reason for them to hang out here" Mac sighed as she sank down on the sofa. In the morning, we'll hand Kelly over and this will all be over." "And not a moment too soon" Brooke murmured. "You've handled yourself pretty well Lt.. Not that there was ever any doubt as to who Ryan loved." "Well they did have a past," Brooke said quietly. "I wasn't sure how deep they'd been. Obviously not that deep." "Not compared to you" Mac smiled. "You two have something very special. And Harm and I are going to make sure you two don't fall into the same trap we did of worrying about the regs and what everyone else will think." "I don't think we will. But it's nice to know you two are on our side." "Well we hate to see anyone else wait seven years to get it right. Sometimes I think about all the time Harm and I wasted and wish there'd been someone to set us straight. We lost a lot of time together." "Yeah but you're going to have a long future" Brooke smiled. "I don't think anything will ever keep you and Harm apart now." "I hope not," Mac said as a small shudder escaped her. The scene from this afternoon in the library came vividly into her mind again and she closed her eyes in an effort to make it go away. "Mac you okay?" Brooked asked. "Yeah just a lingering memory from this afternoon" Mac sighed. "I just can't help thinking these visions are trying to tell me something. That something is going to happen." "Don't even think that," Brooke said quickly. "Nothing is going to happen. Not now. Not when you and Harm have finally gotten it right." "You're right," Mac said with a forced smile. "We'd best get some rest." "Should we see if our guest needs anything?" "Do I look like the concierge?" Mac snapped and was instantly regretful. "Brooke honey I'm sorry. That was totally uncalled for. I'm just on edge." "You're not feeling well are you?" Brooke pierced her with a sharp stare. "Something you didn't share with Harm. You were totally quiet all evening though--he had to notice that." "I just feel strange, but you're right, I do have a headache that won't quit," she sighed, "added to that I can't shake the feeling that these visions are premonitions of. . .well of impending doom. Pardon the melodrama. Then there's the fact that the admiral has reached the conclusion that I'm certifiable and if I don't start getting my head examined he's probably going to recommend me for a psych eval and. . ." "Hey you're getting all in a dither like my mom used to say," she smiled, putting her hand on her friend's arm. "Maybe once this thing with Miss. . .uh attitude check. . .Ms. Nichols is solved, things will calm down some." Mac smiled wanly. "Yeah I hope so. I can't even talk to Harm about it because it scares him. He's a worrier." "Oh like you're not," she scoffed. "Of course he's a worrier. That man loves you. And he's terrified that what took so long to bring about could be taken from him. It's just that simple." "Yeah I guess. Look I'm not up to any more talk. I'm just going to lie down and quietly sink further into dementia if that's OK." "By all means," Brooke giggled. "I'm going to read some if the light won't bother you." "No not at all. I just want to lay here and die." "Don't say that around Harm." "No for sure. Good night." ============== "Thanks for this," Ryan said while they were opening sacks of sandwiches and coffee procured from the corner deli, preparing for a night of sleeping in shifts. "I really really was not comfortable leaving them there, but I didn't want to go against your orders either." "No problem," Harm grinned, gesturing up to Mac's windows where the lights were dimmed now. "We wouldn't have gotten any rest at the Ramada, let alone back at your place or mine." "I love her Harm," Ryan said softly after a moment. "Yeah I know," he grinned. "Since just about the first. Same for me and Mac-- only difference is you and her are smart enough to do something about it. Mac and I just tiptoed around each other for so long it got to be habit or something." "You're making it right now," he smiled. "But you've got to see that she takes care of whatever is bothering her. That was so scary today to have her just like. . .well lose it." "Yeah I know," he nodded soberly. "Especially now that the Admiral knows." With the closing of the few shops, the street fell into silent darkness and Harm dozed against the window, having agreed that Ryan would have the first watch. It was just after midnight when Ryan spotted a figure walking slowly along the sidewalk, just able to make out his silhouette in the dim light of the street lamp from the corner. He could see he was carrying something, but not what, and for a moment Ryan dismissed him as a wino looking for a doorway in which to sleep it off. This man was carrying a bottle all right, but not of cheap wine or whiskey. "Oh-- my--god," Ryan yelped and for a long second could only stare as if what was happening before him was a movie and this was a scene in slow motion. With a yell that would wake the dead, Ryan leaped from the car and executed a flying tackle that would have brought down an all American. Not in time however. Not before the bottle filled with gasoline, a flaming rag stuck in the narrow neck, had sailed from his hand. And his aim was deadly, for the breaking glass along with the sound of the explosion and fire became all one horrific sound in the night. Ryan's scream woke Harm, who took one look at the burning apartment and let out his own scream. "Forget about him" Harm yelled as he ran to the building, pulling out his cell phone and dialing 911 was he went. Ryan gave the man one last punch before hurrying in after Harm. "Mac" Brooke screamed as the living room erupted into flames. She was awake at once, coughing as the thick smoke quickly filled the apartment. "On the floor" Brooke managed as she grabbed Mac's good arm and pulled her to the floor with her. "We have to get Kelly" Mac gasped. "She's going to be trapped back there." Even as she said the words, the fire was creating a barrier to the bedroom and Brooke gave Mac a gentle nudge to the door. "I'll get her. You get out of here." "I'll help you" Mac coughed. "You can't crawl with your arm. I'll get her. Go get help." Before Mac could stop her, Brooke started towards the bedroom, standing long enough to run through the flames and into the bedroom where Kelly's screams could already be heard. Knowing she needed to get help, Mac managed to crawl to the door, her arm throbbing painfully as she did. She's just reached the door when she heard banging. "Mac" Harm screamed. "Open up." "Harm" she managed before she was cut off by a long cough. Somehow she pulled herself to her feet and turned the locks on the door, Harm and Ryan bursting as she did. She fell into Harm's waiting arms and Ryan looked around anxiously for Brooke. "Where's Brooke?" he screamed. "She went to get Kelly" Mac gasped. "In the bedroom." Ryan's eyes widened with fear and without another thought he ran through the flaming living room towards the bedroom. Harm quickly carried Mac out to the hallway, the sound of sirens blaring in the distance. "Honey I need to go help Ryan" he said quietly. "No" she screamed as she clung tightly to him. "You can't go back in there." "Mac" he started. "No it's my vision" she wailed before another long cough cut her off. "Mac, I have to go" he whispered, dropping a kiss on her lips before heading into the apartment. The smoke and flames were worse and he could barely see as he dropped to the floor, slowly making his way towards the bedroom. "Ryan you can't leave me" Kelly coughed. "Please don’t leave me." "I'll be right back. As soon as I get Brooke out of here." He didn't wait and grabbed a hold of Brooke, carrying her over the flames before the smoke forced him to the floor and gently tugged her along with him. He was coughing hard now and could feel himself starting to get lightheaded. "I got her" he heard Harm say and he let go of her, feeling strong hands take her away. He tried to continue on managing a few more feet before Harm returned, dragging him from the apartment. "Kelly" Ryan gasped. "She's still in there." "Harm no" Mac screamed as he turned to go back in. "No, you can't." "Sir no" a voice yelled, several fireman suddenly appearing. "We'll get her. Where is she?" "Bedroom" Harm said as he sank to the floor while the firefighters rushed inside. "Brooke honey" Ryan gasped as he held her in his arms. "Oh god, you have to be okay." "Sir, let me see her" one of the paramedics said gently, taking Brooke from him and quickly securing an oxygen mask over her face. "Please she has to be okay" Ryan wailed between coughs. "And she will be" the man said gently. "And while we're checking her you need to relax and take some deep breaths" he said as he handed Ryan an oxygen mask. "Sir, how about you?" the other paramedic asked as he looked over at Harm. "I'm fine" Harm said with a small cough. "How about a few breaths to make sure" he smiled. "For me and for the lady with you who looks like she's about to lose it. Ma'am are you okay?" "Honey it's okay" Harm said as he drew her closer as she started to shake. "I'm okay. You didn't lose me." He coughed again and the paramedic gave him a long look. He took a few breaths of oxygen before turning his attention back to Mac. "Mac" he said softly. "It's okay honey." A loud cough from Brooke sent Ryan to her side and she opened her eyes to see him leaning over her. "Don't talk honey, just breathe" Ryan whispered as she tried to speak. "You're going to be fine." She nodded and he reached for her hand, squeezing it tightly in his. Seconds later the firemen burst out of the apartment, carrying Kelly's limp body in his arms. He set her down and at once the paramedic hurried over to her. "No pulse" the paramedic said grimly. Ryan watched with muted horror as they attempted to breathe life back into the woman who had once been his wife. A woman he'd once loved with all his heart. "Ryan" Brooke whispered. He said nothing, continuing to stare at the scene in front of him. He'd made the choice to get Brooke out first. A choice he hadn't had to think twice about. A choice he knew he'd make again. "I'm sorry sir. She's dead. " THE END