TITLE:  “Past Present Future XV-Vengeance is Mine"
AUTHORS:  Anne R. and Pat Steiner
SUMMARY:  The fifteenth chapter of the PPF series, in which the matters 
of Lt. 
Harmon Rabb Sr. and Sergei Zhukov are re-visited.  All will be Harm-Mac 
stories of 
course, with Clayton Webb; and rated PG for mild language and violence.
DISCLAIMER:  JAG belongs to CBS, Paramount et al.  No copyright 
infringement is 
intended with this work of fiction.
FEEDBACK:  Yes, if you’re moved to do so, to [SSbpmn@aol.com] and it 
would be 
much appreciated by both of us.  However, if your intent is only to 
tell us you are not 
liking our work, please don’t spend the time.  While we realize our 
work does not 
please everyone, we do ask that the journey be respected.

            NOTE:  All parts of this story, as well as much of our 
previous efforts, will be 
available to registered Yahoo users at:  
                     http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AnniePatJAGstories
              No subbing is required to read from the message archives.
       
 Other archives where our work may be found:

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.}

Note:  For purposes of this story, the events of any episode after 
Adrift do not play a 
part.


Previously in the PPF series---The trail led to the Hocking Hills area 
of Ohio, rural and 
secluded, the perfect place for a final confrontation.

The close of PPF Chapter XIV--
 "Madison, it's me. What's wrong? Is Mac okay?"
 
 Before she could reply the phone was ripped from her hand and she let 
out a 
 small cry.
 
 "Madison" Clay screamed. "Madison what's wrong?"
 
 The connection was broken and Clay screamed her name as he slammed 
down the 
 phone shut. He hit redial and waited as it rang.
 
 "Answer please" Clay begged. "Madison, please answer."
 
 When the connection was finally made, he blurted her name out 
anxiously. 
 "Madison are you okay?"
 
 "Not anymore" a voice with a heavy Russian accent laughed before 
 disconnecting again. 

****************  
“Past Present Future XVI-Vengeance is Mine"---
 
Clay's cry of anguish echoed through the nearby cliffs, going on and on 
until he was 
breathless. Panting hard he dropped to his knees, staring at the phone 
and finally he 
threw it as hard as he could, hearing it bounce on a rock somewhere 
below.  
"Madison," he murmured when he could breathe once again.  Every fiber 
of his being 
wanted to get into the car and go back to the hospital, and yet 
instinctively he knew he 
would not find them there.  They had been taken, and for all he knew at 
that moment 
might not even be alive.  That realization sent a long sob racing 
through him, leaving 
him once again gasping for breath.

Finally he got to his feet, steadying himself against the car as spots 
swam before his 
eyes.

"Madison I'm so sorry," he sobbed lightly, and right then made a vow to 
determine her 
fate and to bring down vengeance upon anyone who hurt her.  With a long 
sigh he 
withdrew his weapon from beneath the seat.  "Sergei you are a dead 
man," he said 
aloud as he set off to search for Harm and the Russian.
==============
Soft hands touching his forehead brought Keeter back to consciousness. 
"Mac?"

"Yeah it's me," she whispered.  They were in the back of a panel van, 
in total darkness, 
swaying with the motion of the highway.

"How long have I been out," he groaned, touching the his aching head 
and groaning 
again.

"Forty Seven minutes," Mac replied as he struggled to sit up.

"I don't suppose anyone has any idea where we're being taken?"

"To Harm I pray," Mac whispered.   "He should never have gone, and nor 
should Clay, 
not without people to help.  Not without backup."

"Mac he thought he was doing the right thing," Keeter reminded her. "He 
thought he 
could end this.  You guys can't lead a normal life as long as he's out 
there."

"I'm scared for him. . .for him and Clay," Madison murmured.  "And Clay 
knows what 
happened.  He's going to be frantic, and that might cost him---might 
make him unable 
to think and react.

"Somehow we've got to end this nightmare for all of us," Mac sighed, 
reaching for 
Keeter's hand and giving it a gentle squeeze.  "Now we've involved 
you."

"Yeah well some bodyguard," he growled.

"Our fault too for trying to slip you," Madison sighed.  

"Well speaking of slipping, we're going to have to get away from these 
guys somehow," 
he moaned.

An hour passed before they got their chance and then it did not 
materialize, for once 
the back of the van was opened, two men immediately leveled guns at 
them.  "We will 
be spending the night right here," the Russian announced and gestured 
to a small 
farmhouse.  "Fortunately we have contacts who can arrange such things 
on short 
notice."

Madison and Mac both felt Keeter tense and both at once grabbed his 
arms, knowing 
what he was thinking.

"Not in the face of two loaded guns," Madison hissed.

"A very wise direction.  This way please." 

Moving stiffly Madison stepped out first, followed by Keeter who 
reached back for Mac.  

"I'm OK," she insisted, shrugging off his helping hand, only to find 
her knees buckling 
as soon as she put weight on her legs.

"You are anything but, and we need to get you back to that hospital," 
Keeter groaned, 
knowing he may as well be wishing for a leprechaun and a pot of gold.  
He caught her 
in his grasp, holding on to her as she stepped forward hesitantly.

"This way please," the Russian persisted just as the front door was 
opened.  

"Leonid, Craig, welcome."  The man who greeted them spoke with a slight 
Russian 
accent and from behind his arm a petite dark haired woman peeked at the 
new arrivals.  

"Andrei hello," Leonid smiled.  "And this would be Sharon?

"Absolutely," Andrei declared, "And the small one is of course my son 
Dimitri."

When Sharon stepped from behind the large man, they could see a baby on 
her 
shoulder.

"Sharon show these people where they'll be staying."

"OK," Sharon nodded timidly.  "I've made up the attic rooms for you, 
and Andrei put the 
lock on just as he said he would."

With his gun Leonid gestured up the stairs, and Keeter took Mac's arm 
once again.  
"We'll get our chance," he hissed, wanting their captors to hear his 
threat.

"Big talk for a man with no weapon."  Craig spoke his first words and 
poked Keeter in 
the back with his.  "Go."
 
  They were herded up the stairs to the attic and given a rough shove 
before 
  the door was closed and locked behind them.
  
  "Great" Keeter sighed. "Just great. I guess we might as well get 
comfortable 
  up here. You two can share the bed, I'll take the floor."
  
  "How's your head?" Mac asked.
  
  "I'll live. Well at least until Harm and Clay find me. Then I'm 
dead."
  
  "Keeter it's not your fault. And we'll tell Clay and Harm that when 
we find 
  them" Madison spoke up.
  
  "If it's not too late" Mac whispered. "What if he's already dead? 
What if 
  Sergei was waiting for him."
  
  "Mac you know Harm" Keeter said as sunk to the floor. "He's not going 
to let 
  Sergei win this time. He has too much at stake."
  
  "Mac you should lay down and rest" Madison ordered. "Keeter was right 
about 
  you still being in the hospital."
  
  "I'll be okay once I know Harm is okay" Mac replied as she allowed 
Madison 
  to lead her to the bed and get her situated.
  
  "In the meantime you can rest. Same with you Keeter."
  
  "What about you?" Keeter asked.
  
  "Right now I'm too wired to sleep and all I can think about is how 
frantic 
  Clay must be" she sighed.  "Plus I think one of should stay awake in 
case 
  there's a chance to escape later."
  
  "You think there might be?"
  
  "Sharon looked scared," Madison said quietly. "I think she'd just 
doing what 
  she's told. We might be able to get her to help us."
  
  "I hope so" Keeter sighed. "Otherwise I'm dead meat."
  
  ********************
  Cantwell Cliffs
  
  "Damn it Sergei what kind of game are you playing?" Harm muttered 
irritably 
  as he walked carefully in the fading light. He could barely see in 
front of 
  him and there had been no sign of Sergei anywhere.
  
  "Harmon" The voice of Sergei echoed in the quiet and Harm froze.
  
  "I'm here Sergei" Harm called back. "Show yourself and we'll end this 
once 
  and for all."
  
  "Not yet brother" Sergei yelled. "I have other things to attend to 
first. 
  Like the beautiful Sarah Mackenzie."
  
  At the mention of Mac's name a wave of fear swept over him. He had to 
be 
  bluffing. He'd left Mac in Keeter's care and he knew his friend would 
do 
  anything to keep her safe.
  
  "What is wrong Harmon" Sergei laughed.
  
  "You're bluffing. Mac is safe at the hospital. You can't hurt her."
  
  "Just keep believing that brother. But in the morning you will see."
  
  "NOOOOOO" Harm screamed. "If you've hurt her in any way I swear I'll 
tear 
  you apart limb by limb."
  
  "You should have thought about that before you left her."
  
  "What have you done to her?" Harm shrieked, his fear growing with 
Sergei's 
  words.
  
  There was no reply and Harm realized that Sergei was gone. He'd shown 
  himself long enough to taunt him and now he was gone.
  
  "Dear Lord please don't let anything happen to her" Harm whispered as 
he 
  dropped to the ground. "Please, I need her."
  
  He sat there as the last bit of light faded, leaving him alone in the 
dark. 
  He made no attempt to move, too lost in his grief to worry about 
himself. 
  All he could think about was Mac. And how if anything had happened to 
her, 
  his life was over as well.
  
  *************
  Madison's eyes had almost drifted shut when she heard the lock on the 
door 
  open and the door slowly open, Sharon slowly walking in.
  
  "I came to let you out" she whispered. "I will help you escape but 
only if 
  you can help me."
  
  "How do I know I can trust you?" Madison asked quietly.
  
  "Please. I promise you I am not going to get you in trouble. I want 
to help 
  you. But I am afraid."
  
  "Of Andrei" Madison whispered and Sharon nodded.
  
  "I did not know he was involved with people like Leonid and Craig. 
Now all I 
  want is to take Dimitri and get as far away from here as I can."
  
  "Do you know a man named Sergei Zhukov?" Madison asked.
  
  "I have heard the name before" Sharon whispered. "Andrei was in 
contact with 
  him a lot. He's KGB isn't he?"
  
  "Yes he is" Madison nodded. "If you help us out of here, I can get 
  protection for you and your son. But you'll have to tell us 
everything you 
  know about what's going on."
  
  "I can do that" Sharon nodded. "Wake the others and I will get 
Dimitri and 
  we will go."
  
  Moments later they crept quietly down the attic stairs, Sharon 
leading them 
  down. Dimitri was asleep on her shoulder and amazingly stayed quiet 
as they 
  made their way out. Sharon put the car in neutral and Keeter and 
Madison 
  gave it a push down the driveway, away from the farmhouse.
  
  "Okay everyone in and then we're out of here" Madison declared once 
they 
  were far enough away from the house. With a turn of the key she 
started the 
  car, and moments later they were speeding away from the farmhouse.
 
 "They're going to know we're gone and know to where," Keeter sighed, 
raising up 
slowly and for the moment thankful for the darkness.
 
 "And we're not taking Sharon and the baby to Cantwell," Madison added 
firmly.  
"Sharon you just keep to the back roads here for a bit.  I'm going to 
make some calls."
 
 "Andrei will find me," she said softly, almost tearfully.
 
 "That's not going to happen unless you let it," Madison told her 
firmly.  "You and Dimitri 
can disappear.  I can see to that.  Clay and I that is.  New names and 
identities.  For 
what you're doing now, the US government owes you that much and I will 
see to it.  I 
promise.  But first we have to find a place for you and the baby to 
stay."  She reached 
up to pat the scared woman's shoulder and fished out her cell phone at 
the same time.  
"I need to secure a witness and her baby."
 ======================
 Cold and exhausted and nearly paralyzed by fear for Mac, Harm found a 
flat rock and 
curled up onto it, gleaning what warmth he could.  He was forcing 
himself with every 
ounce of self control not to jump back into the car and head back to 
the hospital.  She 
was not there.  Of that he was certain.  And what Sergei had done with 
her he could 
only imagine with horror.  Finally he dropped into a troubled sleep, 
haunted by visions 
of his Marine in trouble.  
 
 Clay as well dropped to the side of the trail as the darkness became 
more than he 
could cope with.  Sunrise would come soon enough.  He would find Harm, 
they would 
deal with Sergei and then he would determine what had happened to 
Madison.  His 
heart tore into pieces when he thought of her.  He had been sure he was 
doing the right 
thing by leaving her behind.  Now he blamed himself for her situation; 
not to mention 
how upset she was going to be with him for running off.  All of the 
wealth of feelings he 
had felt for her three years before had come rushing back in the past 
days they had 
been back together.  Feelings he thought he had long buried; and from 
her he sensed 
the same.  Now to have her taken from him like this was wracking his 
body with pain 
like none other.  "Please God, please let her be all right.  Let me 
help her."
 
 Sunrise brought an early fog and chill to the Cantwell Cliffs area.  
The mist hung low 
over the deep gorges and Harm and Clay, now about a mile apart, both 
rose and 
stretched away the stiffness of a night on the rocks.
 
 "Harmon are you ready for our game?"  The Russian accented words 
echoed through 
the rocks as soon as the sun began to burn away the midst.  "Come on 
Harmon I am 
not far from you.  Only by finding me can you learn your Sarah's fate."
 
 A sharp shudder went through him as he heard the words, listening 
carefully for the 
echo to die to get the direction.  "Zhukov you are one dead Russian," 
he screamed.
 
 It was that scream that Clay heard, and he knew his friend was nearby.  
His mouth 
opened to shout that he was close and he let out only a small croak 
before he thought 
better of it.  Better the element of surprise on his side he decided.  
"Hang on Harm.  
Help is right behind you," he breathed, forcing all thoughts of Madison 
out of his mind 
while he dealt with the matter at hand.
 ====================
 With Sharon and Dimitri stowed safely at an out of the way motel, and 
with Madison's 
solemn promise they would be taken care of,  Keeter with Mac and 
Madison had driven 
the rest of the way to the Cantwell area, pulling off the road to rest 
for the remaining 
hours of darkness.  
 
 "Keeter wake up," Madison urged as the sunrise broke through the 
trees.  "We've got 
work to do.  Mac you OK back there?  I suppose it would be a total 
waste of time to ask 
you to let us take you somewhere and wait this out."
 
 "You know me pretty well," she smiled wanly, not opening her eyes 
against the 
brightness.  "I'm OK.  Nothing that finding Harm won't cure at least.  
After that the rest 
will take care of itself."
 
 "And by now Andrei and the other two know we've gone and will know 
where we're 
headed," Keeter pointed out.  
 
 "One problem at a time," Madison told him.  "Some coffee on the way 
please."
   
  They stopped at McDonalds for a coffee before heading to Cantwell 
Cliffs.
  
  "How are we supposed to find them?" Mac wailed as they looked at the 
map of 
  the hiking trails at the entrance to the park. "They could be 
anywhere in 
  here."
  
  "Not to mention we don't want to alert Sergei that we're here" Keeter 
  reminded her quietly. "We can't just go in there screaming for Harm 
and 
  Clay."
  
  "Mac I really don't think you should be doing this" Madison fretted. 
"You're 
  in no condition for this."
  
  "I have to find Harm" she whispered. "Before Sergei does. I'll be 
fine."
  
  "Well he can kill both of us when he finds out we let her do this" 
Keeter 
  sighed as he looked at Madison. "Because I know this Marine isn't 
going to 
  go anywhere except with us."
  
  "All right" Madison said finally. "But we'll take it slow and you're 
going 
  to take breaks along the way. And we'd better get going before Andrei 
and 
  his buddies catch up to us."
  
  They negotiated their way down the winding steps to the bottom of the 
gorge, 
  Keeter keeping a watchful eye on Mac as they went.
  
  "Okay break time" Keeter panted when they reached the bottom.
  
  Madison nodded and led Mac to a nearby rock where they both sat down.
  
  "How you holding up?" she asked Mac. "You doing okay?"
  
  "I'm okay. I just want to find Harm. And I know you want to find 
Clay."
  
  "I hope he's okay" Madison sighed. "I know he was probably freaking 
after 
  last night. And hopefully Sergei hasn't found him or Harm yet."
  
  Mac shuddered at the thought and Madison put a comforting arm around 
her. 
  "They'll be okay. We just have to believe that."
  
  *********************
  On the other end of the park Harm continued his search for Sergei.
  
  "Sergei come on out and we'll finish this once and for all" Harm 
called. 
  "I'm ready to end this now."
  
  "Harm be careful" Clay whispered as he followed behind his friend. 
"Please 
  be careful."
  
  "Are you in a hurry to get back to Sarah?" Sergei's voice echoed 
through the 
  area and Harm looked around for him. "It's too late anyway."
  
  "I don't believe you" Harm yelled back.
  
  "You are a fool Harmon. You came out here to get me and in the end it 
is 
  going to cost you everything. First Sarah's life and then your own."
  
  "If you've hurt her you'd better kill me then" Harm shouted. "Because 
if you 
  don't I swear I'm going to tear you apart limb by limb."
  
  A loud laughter filled the area. "We'll see Harmon" Sergei laughed. 
"We'll 
  see. And you and I will have our time. But first I have other matters 
to 
  attend to."
  
  "Sergei" Harm called. "Dammit let's finish this now. Sergei."
  
  Only silence greeted him and he let out a loud curse as his fist 
pounded a 
  nearby tree in frustration.
  
  "Harm"
  
  At the sound of Clay's voice he whirled around, surprised to see his 
friend 
  slowly walking towards him.
  
  "Clay" Harm whispered. "What the hell are you doing here?"
  
  "Trying to keep you from getting yourself killed" Clay said quietly. 
"Do you 
  have a death wish here or what?"
  
  "If he's hurt Mac in any way shape or form it doesn't matter what 
happens to 
  me" Harm retorted. "And somehow I know he's not lying."
  
  "He's not," Clay said somberly. "I left Madison and Keeter with her. 
I tried 
  calling Madison last night and I got her for one second before 
someone with 
  a Russian accent grabbed the phone. He has them Harm. And right now 
I'm just 
  praying he hasn't hurt them."
  
  "Oh god, he wasn't lying" Harm gulped. "Clay you know he'll hurt her 
just to 
  hurt me."
  
  "I know. But maybe he's just going to try and torture you instead by 
letting 
  you think he's hurt her."
  
  "Well he's doing a good job of it" Harm sighed. "God Clay exactly 
what I was 
  afraid of happening has happened. Sergei has Mac and he's going to 
hurt her. 
  I know it."
  
  "Try and stay calm. First we have to get Sergei and then we'll find 
Mac and 
  Madison."
  
  "And Keeter" Harm groaned. "I've brought another person into my mess 
and god 
  only knows what Sergei has done to him. I've put everyone close to me 
in 
  danger and I can't let it happen anymore."
  
  "Harm I'm going to help you bring down Sergei. But we're going to do 
it 
  together."
  
  "No" Harm shook his head. "This is my problem. Not yours."
  
  Before Clay could stop him he took off running down the trail, 
vanishing 
  into the trees before Clay could catch up to him.
  
  ********************
  "Someone's coming" Madison whispered. "It might be Andrei."
  
  Keeter nodded and reached for Mac's hand, pulling her behind a large 
tree 
  with him while Madison ducked behind another.
  
 "No it's Clay.  Oh my god it's Clay," Madison gasped, tears of 
gladness in her eyes as 
she stepped onto the trail.
 
 "Madison?"  Clay at first could not believe what he was seeing.  
"Madison is that you?"
 
 "Oh yeah it is," she breathed and took off running, as did he.  They 
met each other in a 
crash of their bodies as in one swift motion their arms went around 
each other and their 
lips met.
 
 "I love you Madison Malone," he gasped out, caught up in the emotion 
of the moment.  
"And I was so scared.  So scared they'd hurt you."
 
 "You. . .did you just hear yourself?" she breathed.  "You told me you 
loved me.  Are 
you OK?"
 
 "I'm more than OK now that I'm holding you," he declared.  "And of 
course I heard 
myself.  I love you.  Last night when I was so cold and alone and 
scared, and right now 
seeing you--I had to tell you.  I had to let you know before anything 
else happened."
 
 "And I love you Clayton Aaron Webb," she gasped.  "I have never 
stopped loving you 
not for one moment of the time we were apart."  They clung together, 
both breathing 
hard and Madison crying softly.
 
 "It's a Kodak moment," Keeter panted, finally catching up to them, 
slowed by helping 
Mac along.
 
 "Hi Clay, I'm glad to see you," Mac smiled.
 
 "No more than I am you," he grinned, releasing Madison with one arm to 
give her a 
quick hug.  "But I have to say Colonel you look like hell.   Keeter 
Harm is going to have 
your ass for her being here."
 
 "Tell me about it," he groaned.  "But we didn't have any choice once 
Mac got up out of 
bed."
 
 "Yeah that's the part he's going to kill you for."
 
 "Thanks Clay."
 
 "Clay we have to find him first," Mac fretted, her face suddenly 
turning troubled.
 
 "Well I just left him ten minutes ago--more accurately I lost him 
about ten minutes 
ago," he groaned.
 
 Mac's eyes widened with both fear and hope.  "Clay serious?  
Where--how?  How 
could you let him get away from you?"
 
 "Mac you know how he is.  That guilt thing about dragging all of us 
into what he thinks 
of as his mess."
 
 "Bullshit," she spat, the tension getting to her.  "Now how do we find 
him?"
 
 "Mac you're looking rockier by the second," Keeter spoke up.  "I think 
both you and 
Madison should find someplace safe where you can wait this out."
 
 "Keeter, I love you," Clay declared, looking hopefully to Madison, 
hoping that this one 
time she would agree to stand down.
 
 "You're supposed to be in love with me," Madison declared, pinching 
his arm.
 
 "Yee-oww.  Stop that.  Mac serious now.  Harm took off into the woods.  
Sergei's here 
and Harm is determined to finish this here and now."
 
 "Clay no.  Alone?  No.  What was he thinking?"  She looked from Clay 
to Keeter and 
back, her eyes wide with alarm.
 
 "I was about to try to catch up to him and convince him otherwise."
 
 "I want you to do that.  Now."  She pressed her hand to his shoulder 
to emphasize her 
words.  "Please Clay.  I can't keep up and I'll just slow you down.  
Please don't leave 
him out there alone."
 
 "Mac you know I won't" Clay said seriously.  "I'll do everything in my 
power 
 to make sure nothing happens to him."
 
 "Thank you" Mac sniffled.
 
 "Don't forget about me" Keeter reminded her as he draped a comforting 
arm 
 around her shoulders. "There's two of us and one Sergei. And if I get 
my 
 hands on that little Russian spy, he's going to wish he'd stayed in 
Russia."
 
 "Andrei" Madison gasped. "Keeter, don't forget about Andrei and 
Leonid. I'm 
 sure they're here to help Sergei."
 
 "Who's Andrei and Leonid?" Clay asked.
 
 "The two guys who grabbed us at the hospital" Keeter explained. "They 
work 
 for the KGB. Andrei's wife helped us escape."
 
 "We took her somewhere safe" Madison told Clay. "She'll be willing to 
 testify against him if it comes to that."
 
 "It won't" Clay said quietly. "The only way this is going to end is 
with 
 them dead. They won't allow themselves to be taken in. Especially 
Sergei."
 
 "Exactly why you have to find Harm" Mac wailed. "Please you two go. 
Before 
 Sergei and his buddies find him."
 
 "All right we're going" Keeter said as he looked at Clay. "But you two 
need 
 to stay somewhere that we can find you when this is all over. And 
somewhere 
 that these goons won't find you either."
 
 "In the rocks up there" Clay pointed to where over time running water 
had 
 carved into the rock wall and created the perfect hiding place. "That 
way 
 you'll be able to see them before they see you."
 
 "Good idea" Madison nodded. "Mac do you think you can make it up 
there?"
 
 "I'll handle that," Keeter said as he swiftly lifted the Marine into 
his 
 arms and started up the trail towards the top.
 
 "You're lucky I don't have the strength to fight you" Mac sighed as 
she 
 dropped her head against Keeter's shoulder. "Otherwise you'd be in big 
 trouble for that move."
 
 "Well I'd rather have your wrath than Harm's. As it is he's going to 
flip 
 when he sees you like this. Talk about going ballistic."
 
 He was panting hard by the time he reached the top and gently 
deposited her 
 onto one of the large rocks, Madison and Clay quickly joining them a 
minute 
 later.
 
 "Okay I want you two to stay here and stay hidden" Clay ordered.
 
 Madison nodded and walked slowly into his arms, holding onto him for 
several 
 seconds.
 
 "You be careful" she whispered. "I need you in my life Clayton Webb."
 
 "You'll have me," he said softly. "For a long time. You take care of 
Mac. 
 Keeter and I will bring Harm back here as soon as we've taken care of 
Sergei 
 and his friends."
 
 "You ready Clay?" Keeter asked. "Time's a wasting and we need to find 
Harm 
 before he gets himself in more trouble."
 
 "Yeah I'm ready," Clay said with one last look at Madison. "We'll be 
back 
 soon. I promise."
 
 The two men started back down the cliff and with a long sigh Madison 
sank 
 down beside Mac.
 
 "You okay?" she asked.
 
 "I'm so scared Madison" Mac whispered. "I just want them to find Harm 
and 
 have this nightmare finally be over."
 
 "I know. So do I. I never dreamed I'd hear the words I love you from 
Clay."
 
 "You had any doubts?" Mac said with a small smile. "That man is 
hopelessly 
 in love with you. And as scared for you as you are for him."
 
 "At least he's not alone. Keeter seems like a good guy."
 
 "He is" Mac nodded. "He and Harm have been friends since the Academy. 
He's 
 done some work for Clay before so he knows how to handle himself. 
Course 
 Harm and I had to save his six one time when Clay sent him on a 
mission that 
 went sour."
 
 "What happened to Clay?" Madison smiled. "Wasn't he around to fix his 
mess?"
 
 "He was directing things from the carrier. He was not one of Harm's 
favorite 
 people on that mission."
 
 "Wait. Is this the Stealth incident?"
 
 "Yes ma'am" Mac nodded.
 
 "I remember. Keeter had landed the Stealth in Iran right. And you guys 
got 
 him and the Stealth out."
 
 "Yes we did" Mac smiled. "Course to do it, Harm had to fly the Stealth 
back 
 to the Seahawk and Keeter and I had to go across the desert to Turkey 
before 
 we could be picked up."
 
 "Bet Harm was freaking about that" Madison smiled.
 
 "Well this was during the time we both knew there was something there 
but 
 neither of us was willing to admit it. I was so scared when he took 
off in 
 the Stealth. Keeter had been forced to land the Stealth in Iran 
because of 
 systems problem. And Harm was flying to the Seahawk and there was no 
room 
 for problems.  And of course Keeter and I were in the middle of the 
desert 
 so I had no way of knowing if he'd landed safely or not."
 
 "But I'm sure Harm was worried about you too."
 
 "I don't know but he sure was glad to see me when we got to the 
Seahawk" Mac 
 smiled as she remembered the large hug she'd received in front of the 
 others.
 
 "I'm sure he was" Madison smiled. "That man loves you more than life 
 itself."
 
 "As I do him" Mac whispered.
 
"It's going to end," Madison assured her.  "They've got Sergei here.  
Clay and Harm 
and Keeter are determined to end it once and for all."

Mac nodded and swallowed hard.  "I want it over.  I want to take Harm 
home and hold 
him and never let him go and I know that didn't sound very Marine-like 
but I really don't 
feel much like a Marine right now.  I'm tired, I'm sick, and I'm 
scared."

"Well if it makes you feel any better, despite my brave front, it's 
sometimes just that.  
And then other times I get upset when Clay tries to protect me."

"He loves you.  No shame in that," Mac smiled.  "You and him--if I can 
ask--before you 
got involved in the Sergei thing?"

"We were about there, but fighting it," she smiled.  "Three years ago.  
You know about 
that.  What we were both feeling was so intense it scared us I think.  
Both of us.  So we 
backed off.  But we backed off too far and we were trying to get it 
back when I was hurt.  
And then Clay just up and left my life once he knew I was going to be 
OK.  I thought I 
could start over, tried seeing a few other people--failing miserably, 
and then resigned 
myself to a life wishing for what might have been.  Then suddenly I'm 
called back to DC 
and he's there and it's. . .well I'm caught right back up."

"He told you he loves you," Mac said with another small smile.

"And did you see me faint," she giggled.  "I love him too.  I never 
stopped."
============
"Clay how much farther?" Keeter panted from several feet behind him, 
not able to keep 
up with the more agile agent.

"You got me," he called.  "This whole place is a maze.  I just know 
this is the direction."

"Yeah well my bunion is getting a corn and someone is going to pay for 
that," he 
screeched.  

A second later the sound of rifle fire echoed from the rocks in another 
second Clay had 
grabbed his arm, falling to the trail and instinctively rolling into 
the brush, leaving bright 
blood spots in the dirt.

Keeter too dove for cover, seeing Clay was hurt and feeling powerless 
to help him.  
And then he realized he was premature in his worry for Clay rolled to a 
kneeling 
position and fired in the direction of the rifle shots.

Keeter immediately followed suit, getting off four shots before Clay 
held up his hand.  
"Let's see if they show themselves," he hissed.

"You OK?  You look like you're bleeding pretty good."

"It'll keep," he grunted, hoping he could get it stopped soon as he was 
already feeling 
the first effects of the trauma of a bullet passing through his upper 
arm. 
   
   "Let me see that" Keeter demanded and reluctantly Clay turned to let 
him 
  look at his arm. "That is not going to keep" Keeter muttered. "You 
watch for 
  them while I at least get the bleeding stopped."
  
  Clay nodded and while Keeter quickly made a makeshift bandage from 
the 
  bottom of his shirt watched for signs of the other. He finally caught 
sight 
  of movement and motioned to Keeter, who drew his weapon. Seconds 
later 
  Andrei stood in front of them, Keeter quickly firing and bringing the 
man 
  down. Leonid was next to go down, this time a victim of Clay's well 
placed 
  shot.
  
  "Nice shot" Keeter sighed. "That's two down one to go."
  
  "Now we just need to find Harm and kill that bastard Sergei" Clay 
nodded.
  
  "You need to go back and sit with the girls" Keeter countered. "That 
arm is 
  not looking pretty Clay."
  
  "It'll keep. You did a good job of patching it up. I promised Mac I 
wouldn't 
  let anything happen to Harm and I won't. We're going to find him 
before 
  Sergei does."
  
  "All right" Keeter agreed. "Just stick close in case that lousy 
Russian is 
  around here."
  
  *************
  The gunshots had been heard across the park and in their rock shelter 
Mac 
  and Madison sat frozen.
  
  "Dear God, please let them be okay" Mac whispered first.
  
  "We need to find them" Madison declared. "What if they were ambushed? 
Oh god 
  Mac, they could be laying there hurt or worse."
  
  For a moment Mac let Madison's words sink in, images of Sergei 
standing over 
  Harm with a gun like he had that time in San Diego running though her 
mind 
  again. She had no doubt that Sergei would kill Harm without a second 
  thought, along with Clay and Keeter.
  
  "You're right," Mac said finally. "We have to go find them."
  
  "Mac no" Madison gasped. "I didn't mean for you to come with me. 
You're in 
  no condition to do anything."
  
  "I'm sure as hell not sitting here while you go off alone. No way. 
I'm going 
  with you and that's all that's too it."
  
  "Clay warned me you were stubborn" Madison sighed. "Just promise 
you'll take 
  it easy. If anything happens to you, Harm will kill me."
  
  "The only people something is going to happen to is Harm and Clay if 
we 
  don't find them before Sergei and his goons do" Mac said quietly. 
"That's 
  all that matters to me right now."
  
  "Same here" Madison nodded. "All right. Let's go then."
  
  Cautiously they made their way down from the rock shelter; Madison 
keeping a 
  firm arm on Mac's to make sure she didn't fall. When they reached the 
  bottom, Madison motioned for her to rest.
  
  "You okay?" she asked Mac.
  
  "I'm fine. Right now all that matters is finding them."
  
  **************
  
  "Two down, three to go"
  
  Harm froze at the sound of Sergei's voice, nearby enough that there 
was no 
  doubt it was him. He'd heard the gunshots as well, and had prayed 
that Clay 
  hadn't been on the receiving end of the gunshots.
  
  "Harmon I know you are out there. And I know you heard the gun shots. 
And 
  now two of your friends are dead."
  
  "No" Harm whispered. He wouldn't believe it. Sergei hadn't killed 
anyone. 
  There was no way. But he knew that Mac and Madison and Keeter had 
been taken 
  and it was very likely Sergei had brought them down here.
  
  "Don't you want to find out who is dead Harmon" Sergei taunted. 
"Don't you 
  want to see the bodies of those who have died because of you."
  
  "You bastard" Harm yelled, Sergei's words finally getting the best of 
him. 
  If he'd hurt any one of his friends, not to mention Mac, death would 
not be a 
  harsh enough punishment.
  
  "I knew you were listening brother" Sergei laughed. "Do you want to 
settle 
  this now before someone else gets hurt. Before you lose all the 
people that 
  you care about it."
  
  "Oh yeah" Harm whispered. It was time to end this once and for all. 
Time for 
  Sergei to die.
  
 Sergei stood at the top of the gorge, leaning on his knees as he 
watched Harm on the 
trail below.  He would complete his assignment today.  Harmon Rabb 
would die, and 
with his death all inquiry as to not only his father, but of American 
POW's in Russia, 
and also the treatment of said POWs in Vietnam.
 
 "Harmon are you coming?"  His yell taunted Harm, who looked up into 
the sun at him.
 
 "Oh yeah I'm coming," he yelled back.  "I'm coming to end this.  I'm 
going to wrap my 
fingers around your Russian neck and squeeze the life from you."
 ===========
 "Mac this is not working," Madison panted, looking over at the 
Marine's pale face as 
she pushed herself along.  "You're not going to make it."
 
 "Don't even suggest that," she gasped, reaching out her hand to 
support herself on 
Madison's shoulder.  "I won't fall out.  Just keep going.  I'm right 
behind you."
 
 "I'm a dead woman.  Harm is going to take one look at you and I'm a 
dead woman," 
she moaned.  
 
 "I just hope we're going the right. . ."  She stopped both moving and 
talking and 
gripped Madison's shoulder hard.  "Madison that's blood."
 
 "What. . .where?" she gasped, fear gripping her heart, and she looked 
where Mac's 
trembling arm pointed to the side of the trail.  
 
 "I know it's blood," Mac whispered.  "The question is, whose."
 
 "I'm afraid to even think.  We should keep. . ."  Now it was her turn 
to stop, pointing off 
the trail to where there was clearly a body in the bush, legs and feet 
visible. "Oh god 
Mac look.  Who could it. . .I can't. . .if it's Clay. . ."
 
 Mac swallowed hard.  "Harm."  The word came out of her in a hoarse 
croak and she 
swallowed again.  "OK we look together."  Her hand clasped Madison's 
and she tugged 
her forward.  
 
 "Mac you're going to have to look.  My eyes are closed."
 
 "OK but there's more than one," the Marine breathed, shuddering again 
when she saw 
beyond the one body.
 
 Madison opened her eyes.  "I'm with you Marine.  But if it's Clay I 
won't guarantee for 
how long."  
 
 "Yeah well don't expect me not to lose it either.  In fact for Harm 
or. . .no it's Leonid 
and Andrei.  Oh thank god it's not them."  Mac leaned weakly against 
Madison, this 
stress having all but zapped her strength reserve.
 
 "Well at least we know they're not a threat," Madison breathed.  "How 
you holding up?  
You going to make it?"
 
 "If I'm holding on by one toenail," she replied.  "I have to find him, 
Madison.  I have to."
 ===============
 "Clay you're going to fall out of this march," Keeter groaned.  Now it 
was he who was 
in the lead with Webb behind.  "You're losing blood again and even if 
we catch up, what 
good are you going to be?"
  
  "I'm not leaving Harm to deal with Sergei alone" Clay sighed. "I'll 
be 
  fine."
  
  "Webb it's not for discussion. Take a seat and wait this one out. As 
soon as 
  Harm and I take care of Sergei we'll be back for you and the girls."
  
  "Keeter Sergei is dangerous."
  
  "Yeah well so am I" Keeter smiled. "He doesn't know what he's up 
against 
  with me and Harm."
  
  "Keeter I'm serious. I'm going with you."
  
  "No you are not," Keeter said firmly. "Now sit your sorry six down 
and wait here 
  while I go help Harm. I mean it." He gently shoved the agent to the 
ground, 
  leaning him up against a nearby tree.
  
  "All right I'm fine" Clay sighed. "Go. Harm needs help. You can't let 
  anything happen to him Keeter. I promised Mac I wouldn't let anything 
happen 
  to him."
  
  "I know. They love each other very much. I knew the weekend they came 
down 
  to see me. And I'm going to make sure they stay together."
  
  "Thanks Keeter" Clay sighed. "I owe you one buddy."
  
  "Yeah and I'm keeping tabs" Keeter teased. "I'll be back. You just 
take it 
  easy."
  
  *************
  "Mac you okay?" Madison asked again.
  
  "I'm fine, just keep moving. We have to find Harm and Clay."
  
  "Let's take five" Madison suggested and gently led Mac to a nearby 
rock. 
  With a long sigh Mac sank to the rock, closing her eyes against the 
pounding 
  in her head.
  
  "Mac this is crazy. You're in no condition to be doing this."
  
  "I have to" Mac whispered. "I have to find Harm. I love him Madison. 
I can't 
  just stand by and let something happen to him."
  
  "He's not going to be happy when he sees you like this" Madison 
sighed.
  
  "Come on let's keep moving" Mac said with a deep breath. "They can't 
be much 
  further away."
  
  Madison nodded and assisted Mac to her feet, keeping an arm on Mac's 
to 
  steady her when she wavered unsteadily.
  
  "I'm okay" Mac sighed. "I just got up too quick."
  
  They hadn't gone far before Madison let out a loud gasp and took off 
  running.
  
  "Clay" she wailed as she reached him. "Clay oh my god are you okay?"
  
  "Madison" he murmured weakly. "What are you doing here? And where's 
Mac?"
  
  "She's right behind me. My god, Clay you've been shot. You need to 
get out 
  of here and get to a doctor."
  
  "Clay what happened?" Mac demanded as she finally reached the pair. 
"Where's 
  Keeter and Harm?"
  
  "Keeter and I had a run in with Andrei and Leonid. They got in a 
lucky shot. 
  Keeter went to find Harm and Sergei."
  
  "I have to go find him" Mac wailed. "Before Sergei does."
  
  "Mac wait" Madison said as she grabbed her arm. "You can't just go 
running 
  off alone. Not with Sergei out there."
  
  "I don't care" Mac wailed. "I don't care about anything but finding 
Harm."
  
  "Madison help me up" Clay ordered. "We need to find Harm and Keeter."
  
  "Clay no" Madison said quickly. "The last thing you need to do is 
move with 
  that arm bleeding like that. You've already lost a lot of blood and 
until we 
  can get you out of here you need to take it easy."
  
  "Madison help me up" Clay repeated. "I'm not going to sit here when I 
know 
  Sergei is out there somewhere trying to kill Harm. Harm and Mac have 
both 
  laid their lives on the line for me before and I have to help Mac 
find 
  Harm."
  
  "This is insane" she muttered as she helped him to his feet. "So help 
me god 
  Clayton Webb if you die on me, you're going to be one sorry spook."
  
  "You think you could get rid of me that easily," Clay said with a 
weak 
  smile. "Mac how you holding up?"
  
  "Clay you don't have to do this" Mac whispered. "Madison is right. I 
can go 
  on my own to find Harm."
  
  "Like hell you will. I'm not going to answer to Harm about letting 
you 
  around this place alone when Sergei is out here. My nose has been 
broken 
  enough times already."
  
 "Clay please.  Let me take you back to the entrance and call in our 
people.  We can 
have a chopper in here," Madison begged.  "And maybe as important--we 
can get 
some back up."
 
 "Normally I'd agree with you, but not with Harm and now Keeter off on 
their own," he 
grimaced, pressing his hand tightly to his injury.  "I'll give you 
three minutes to bandage 
this better and to get me on my feet.  We are going to find that 
stubborn Sailor and his 
just as stubborn friend."  
 
 "Talk about the pot calling the kettle," Madison sighed and looked to 
Mac.  "And you're 
no better too.  We're going to find Harm, but when we do, you're going 
to be passed out 
on the ground and he's going to have that stroke yet."
 
 "I'm not going anywhere so you guys can forget that," she screeched.  
"Clay can you 
make it?"
 
 "Just get me wrapped up and on my feet," he grimaced, then smiled as 
Madison 
stripped out of her buttoned shirt and then pulled off her tee shirt.  
"We can re-visit this 
show at some point can't we?" he asked with a sly grin despite his 
pain.
 
 "Yeah.  All you have to do is live through whatever comes next and 
then I'll even let 
you see what's under the gray knit."
 
 Carefully he reached out and touched the strap of her gray sports bra.  
"Something to 
live for."
 
 Madison quickly finished her task and leaned in to kiss him gently, 
then both she and 
Mac tugged him to his feet.  They had taken but a few steps down the 
trail when a 
gunshot sounded through the otherwise silent forest.  
 
 A sharp shiver went through Mac as another followed a few seconds 
later.  "Please 
keep him safe Lord."
 
 For the next twenty minutes they walked, Madison keeping a firm hand 
around Clay's 
arm, and now and again the still air there would be a the sound of a 
gun shot, serving 
as an effective direction beam.
 
 "Oh my god I see them," Mac gasped suddenly, peering through the 
trees.  "The back 
there is right.  The trail does end, and it looks like the only way to 
go is straight down."
  
   She let out another gasp as she saw Sergei raise his gun at Harm, 
who stood 
  at the end of the trail. Just as she screamed Harm's name, Keeter 
came 
  barreling through the trees, hitting Sergei's arm just as he fired 
his 
  weapon. Mac held her breath as she watched Harm dive out of the way 
of the 
  bullet that was just slightly off its target while the gun went 
flying from 
  Sergei's hand.
  
  The next events played out in slow motion as Sergei turned and 
leveled a 
  blow to Keeter that left him momentarily stunned. To Mac's horror, 
Sergei 
  then turned his attention to Harm, who was making his way to his 
feet. The 
  Russian charged at Harm, knocking him to the ground at the edge of 
the 
  trail.
  
  "Harm" Mac screamed as she tried to run to where the two men were 
fighting. 
  But her body wasn't cooperating and with the first step she felt the 
world 
  spin around her. She waited for the wave of dizziness to pass, 
looking up 
  just in time to see Harm and Sergei teetering on the edge before 
Sergei gave 
  one last push that sent them both over.
  
  "NOOOOO" she screamed before the world darkened around her and with 
one last 
  cry of his name she fell to the ground.
  
  The End
	Watch for the concluding chapter of Past Present Future coming soon.