TITLE: "Phantasm" Chapter 1 [of 4] AUTHORS: Anne R. and Pat Steiner SUMMARY: On assignment to a Naval Station undergoing security breeches, Harm and Mac attempt to adjust to a newly achieved next level in their relationship while keeping their cover personas in tact. NOTE: Story was written before the events of Fortunate Son, Second Acts, Ice Queen etc. Singer, Sergei, Lindsey, NCIS etc are not a factor. CLASSIFICATION/RATING: J/S/A/R [Harm-Mac] PG for language and mild violence. SPOILERS: In any of our work, any JAG episode may be referred to. FEEDBACK: If you're so moved but never expected nor begged for. Addy is ssbpmn@aol.com. Please however, we request you respect the work, and the effort that goes into writing it. NOTE: All parts of this story, as well as the majority 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 simply click through any notice of adult content you may see-there are no R nor NC17 stories there. Other archives containing our stories: http://thearchive.mine.nu:85/exlibris/ or http://www.netroenterprises.com/exlibrisjag or BTL- http://www.wtv-zone.com/trgarchive/btl/ http://destined.to/btlarchive - {BTL H/M Fanfiction archive.} Much of our work is also featured at Http://www.capitalcitycollaborations.com ==================== JAG HQ May, 2003 "God is it hot" Mac groaned as she and Harm walked out from the JAG building. "There is no way I am going to get any sleep with the air conditioning on the blink at my place." "A few months ago you were complaining it was too cold" Harm laughed. "Well it was. But that didn't mean we needed to go from winter to summer overnight. It is not supposed to be this warm already. And I can't even imagine cooking anything in this heat." "So then if I asked you to dinner you'd say yes?" he smiled. "Well I would even if it wasn't ninety degrees," she said with a small smile. "Where did you have in mind? Please tell me its air conditioned." "Isn't everywhere?" "Not the local pizza shop down the street. I stopped there last night and about died waiting for the pizza." "I was thinking more along the lines of that new Chinese place near you. I heard it's pretty good." "I can live with that" she said as she reached her car. "I guess I'll follow you?" "Deal. And maybe afterwards we can go get ice cream." "Love to. See you there." She waited for his Vette to pull out before she slipped out of her spot. She cranked the air, waiting for the coolness to hit her. Summer in DC was always such a treat. Problem was it wasn't even summer yet. Traffic was miserable as always and by the time they reached the restaurant Mac was muttering under her breath about the drivers. "Chill Marine" Harm laughed as he opened the door to the restaurant for her. "Coolness and good food await you." Once they were seated and she'd taken a long sip of her water she let out a long sigh. "Thank you. This was a wonderful idea." "I wasn't looking forward to cooking either," he admitted. "Besides it gave us an excuse to go out." "Did we need one?" she smiled. "Well I suppose I could just have asked you to dinner" he said sheepishly. "But this was a whole lot easier." "Well I'm glad you mentioned it. At least for a while I can stay cool." "Is it really that bad at your place?" he frowned. "Top floor of a brick building in the middle of a heat wave with pathetic air conditioning. What do you think?" "So come and stay with me. My place is pretty cool." "I can't stay with you" she smiled. "Though it sure sounds nice." "Why not? We can stop at your place and get your stuff for the evening, then go get that ice cream I mentioned and then go back to my place." "You didn't have this all figured out already did you?" she teased. "Maybe" he grinned. "If I didn't know better Commander, I'd swear you had something up your sleeve." "Just looking out for my partner. I don't want to see you wilt in your apartment." "Can I get back to you on that offer once I see how it is there?" she asked. "I might be tempted if it's still a sauna up there." "Of course. Just remember you're welcome anytime." "Thanks. You know there was a time when we weren't welcome at each other's places any more. That took a lot of getting used to." "When the hell was this? When haven't I wanted you at my place?" he scowled. "When you were busy with Renee." "I was never that busy." He scowled further and realized what she was saying. "OK yeah when Mr. Brumby was at your place which he always seemed to be, I felt like I had the plague when I walked in." "Oh come on. He loved you." Spoken with such seriousness that Harm burst out laughing. "It wasn't until him arriving on the scene that I bought the extra deadbolt lock for my place." "A time in our lives I really don't care to think about too much," Mac sighed, giving the stubborn door a hard shove. She was met by a wave of heat and stale air that took her breath away and she stepped back, landing against Harm. "Sorry. I wasn't expecting that." Harm pushed past her into the apartment and immediately went to the vent. "There isn't an ounce of air coming out. I swear you could smoke a ham in here." "I guess it crapped out totally then," she sighed. "Last summer it wheezed its way through the first two weeks of September. I can open the windows." "Oh yeah that's a great idea. You'll let in a head index of one hundred and all that smog besides. Start packing Colonel. My place or a hotel but you're not staying here." She did not need much convincing. "OK thanks. Your place. I'll pack. You go wait in the car. No need for both of us to pass out." "You would have had me out of here until you said those last two words," he smiled. "I'll wait right here for you." He had read only the first page of the Washington Post when she returned, duffle bag over her shoulder and a uniform on a hanger. "Wow. You do move fast Marine." "I've got moves you haven't seen yet," she returned. "Moves I haven't shown anyone in fact. Moves I'm saving for. . ." "Well don't stop now. You're on a roll." He took the bag from her despite her look of protest and waited for her reply. "Sorry Flyboy. We're not far enough--not yet--to where you even get to know what I'm saving them for." With that she laughed and tossed her head toward the door. "Now let's get out of here. I'm melting." Harm took a long breath, an action he immediately regretted in the stale air. They were getting along so well, and yet as she had said, not far enough. Not yet. "Rabb move it," she yelled, standing in the doorway with the key. "I can't lock up with you in there, though there have been times since I've known you that might have been tempting." =========== HARM's APARTMENT 45 Mins Later "That drive across the city just gets worse, and the heat doesn't help," Harm muttered as he opened the door. "Oh my god does it ever feel good in here though," Mac enthused. "You do keep it cold don't you. Doesn't that cost?" "Yeah but my comfort is worth it." "Well you're certainly a life saver tonight. I wouldn't have lasted ten minutes. I guess it's shut down because they're working on it." "Well I don't want you staying in there until it's fixed," he said seriously. "Especially living alone. If you got sick you might not be able to call for help. . .what?" He realized how oddly she was looking at him and shook his head. "I care OK. So kill me." "Not tonight. I need you too bad. . .I mean I need your place." "Too late. I heard the first one," he grinned and grinned more broadly when she blushed. Their eyes held for a moment longer and he finally turned away. "Let me put your things up and we can get some ice cream. I believe that was the plan." "Yes it was" she nodded. "And I for one am looking forward to that ice cream." Once her uniform was hung in the closet they headed back down, this time riding together to the nearby ice cream store that was now overflowing with customers. "I guess everyone had our idea" he grinned. "Wonder how long this line is going to take." "I've been here a half hour" the man in front of them grumped. "Okay so maybe this isn't such a good idea" Harm sighed. "What do you think?" "Well we could go to the grocery store and buy a couple pints of ice cream and sit in your nice cool place eating it" she smiled. "Which I think is a much better idea than standing here for the next half hour." "Good plan. Let's go." They returned to Harm's place a short time later and he quickly grabbed two spoons and brought them to the table where Mac was already unpacking the ice cream. "Chocolate chip for me" she smiled as she pulled out the pint of Ben & Jerry's ice cream. "Boring vanilla for you." "It may be boring but it's still nice and cold" he smiled. "Come on we'll go into the living room and relax." He motioned her to the living room and he quickly put on the stereo to a radio station playing smooth jazz tunes. "How's your ice cream?" he asked as they got comfortable on the sofa. "Perfect" she smiled. "Thanks. I was dreading tonight and so far it's turned out pretty good. First dinner and now ice cream. And of course letting me stay in this nice cool place." "I'm glad you're enjoying it" he smiled as well. "And for the record, so am I." "Well I'm really glad that I complained to you. Otherwise I'd be sitting in that apartment sweltering." "Which would have been a bad idea." "I would have managed. I just would have been really crabby in the morning." "Translation, you would have objected to everything I said in court tomorrow" Harm smiled. "Probably" she giggled. "So you may have a better day because of it." "My client will thank me. And speaking of my client, you don't have a chance in hell of pinning this one on him. The people has the wrong person." "Is that so? Well we'll just see about that." "Yes we will," he said as he put his ice cream aside. "That's all you're eating?" she frowned. "Come on Harm, I already finished half of mine." "You can afford it more than I can" he smiled. "You up to a game of cards?" "What are we playing?" "Strip poker?" he grinned and she gave him a long look. "That might have worked at my place but not here in Antarctica" she laughed. "Are you cold? I can turn the temp up if you want. I'm just used to keeping it cool in here." "No it's okay. It really does feel good." "Well feel free to adjust it if it's too much. As for the cards, I was thinking of a few rounds of gin." "Deal" she smiled. "We playing for money?" "I thought we'd just play for fun. Unless you want me to take your money." "You think you're going to win? No way sailor." "Wanna make a bet?" he smiled. "I'll put my money where my mouth is any time," she declared. "Dollar a point to five-hundred, quarter for every point over?" "You my Sarah are on," he laughed, reaching into the drawer for a deck of cards and pen and pad. "Deal 'em honey." "You got. . ." she began and stopped. 'My Sarah'. 'Honey'. What had. . . "Mac you OK?" "Huh?" "You totally went blank. I know it's not the heat. You got frozen brain cells? Seriously, are you OK?" "Yes I'm fine," she returned, dismissing his words as being part of the game. "Hold on to your socks Commander. Cards coming out." They played for two hours, the score going back and forth and it looked like Harm had it won until. . . "I think I'm going to stage a comeback," she announced suddenly, eyeing the score pad and what was in her hand. "Gin." "Damn. That's going to take you to five hundred isn't it?" "More like five thirty," she chortled. "And I don't take checks." "How do you feel about taking it in trade." She sat back in her chair, giving him a long look. "I'm not going to play cards with you any more. It makes you weird." He didn't answer her for a few seconds, thinking over her words. "I think it's just having you here makes me seem different. More loose maybe. I don't know. Maybe it's just time?" "Time?" "Time for the dance to start ending," he smiled and rose from his chair. "I'll get you a light blanket for the sofa. In fact I'd take the sofa myself but I've got about a half-foot on it." "No that's fine. I'm just glad not to be in the heat," she replied, her eyes following him to the linen closet and back. "They should have the stupid thing fixed tomorrow and I'll be out of your hair." "What if I happen to like having you in my hair," he whispered as he dropped the blanket onto the sofa and put his hands on her shoulders. "What if you. . .?" She cocked her head quizzically and before she could speak further he had dropped a kiss on her lips, soft and quick. "Good night Colonel." And with that he strode to the bedroom. "You can be so infuriating," she yelled after him, at the same time smiling softly to herself as the pleasurable feelings from that kiss spread over her. It was the middle of the night when she suddenly realized she was cold; the light blanket Harm had given her not enough in the cool apartment. She pushed herself from the sofa and made her way down the hallway to the linen closet where Harm had gotten the blanket from earlier. "Mac you okay?" Harm murmured from the bedroom. "Yeah just cold" she called softly. "I'm sorry for waking you." "You want me to turn the air down?" he asked as emerged from the bedroom. She turned around after she'd grabbed another blanket, her eyes freezing on him. He was clad only in boxers and the sight of his bare chest suddenly made her heart race. "See something you like?" he whispered as he moved closer to her. Before she could stop herself, she was in his arms, their lips meeting in a long and passionate kiss. The blanket dropped to the floor and when they finally parted both were breathless. "What just happened here?" she whispered. "I think we both know the answer to that," he said softly. "And I for one don't want to stop it any longer." "Neither do I" she whispered boldly. That was all the invitation he needed and he swooped her into his arms and carried her to his bedroom. "You're sure?" he whispered as he gently laid her on the bed. "Because right now I want to make love to you but only if that's what you want." "I want you" she whispered. Their first time making love was slow and gentle and that was repeated more than once during the night. They finally fell asleep tangled in each other's arms, neither waking until Harm's alarm clock went off the next morning. "Good Morning beautiful" he said softly as he sank back down on the bed next to her after he'd turned off the alarm. "Morning" she said shyly. "Mac tell me you're okay with what we did last night" he whispered. "Are you?" she asked. "At the risk of further ruining us, yes" he said honestly. "Sarah, making love to you last night was more than I ever dreamed it would be. And I know we sort of put the horse before the cart but I don't think that's a bad thing in this case." She nodded but said nothing and he felt his hopes start to fade. She regretted what they'd done. And now everything was different between them. "Mac talk to me" he whispered. "Say something. Anything except you hate me." "I don't hate you," she said as a small smile crossed her face. "But I sure had you going there for a minute." "You're going to pay for that Marine" he grinned as he reached for her, grabbing her and pining her down on the bed before she could escape. "I'll be happy to pay the punishment" she giggled as he leaned closer to her, his lips inches from hers. "Just answer me honestly. Are you okay with last night?" "Very okay" she whispered as she reached her hands around his head and pulled him to her. Their lips met in another long kiss before he finally managed to pull himself away. "As much as I'd love to make love to you again we need to get going" he whispered. "I don't think the Admiral would appreciate us both being late. You go on and take your shower and I'll get us some coffee." She nodded and once he released her she gave him one last quick kiss before hurrying to the bathroom. For several moments he didn't move, still not believing that this was real. He hadn't intended to seduce Mac into this bed but he wasn't upset at himself for doing it. "All yours" she announced a short time later as she emerged from the bathroom with his robe wrapped around her. "I hope you don't mind me borrowing this." "Looks better on you than me" he smiled as he walked to her. "There's coffee ready if you want it." "Thanks." "I'll see you in a bit" he said before heading to the bathroom. She was dressed and pacing the floor when he finally finished dressing. "You didn't have to wait" he frowned. "No reason both of us have to be late." "I was trying to spare you the wrath of Chegwidden" she smiled. "He's less likely to yell at you if I'm late too." "It will just be a group yell," he grinned. "We ready to face it?" "It's not like we've never been late," she laughed. "Some of us more than others is all. Yeah I'm ready to go." She stepped up and caught his arm, pulling her to him. "Thank you for last night. If that was meant to be all. . ." Her voice faltered and she swallowed before she could continue. "All we have? All that we're ever going to be?" he demanded, searching her face. "Like that was it?" "Yeah. I was going to say if we never have anything more that was beautiful," she whispered. "Do you want more?" "I want it all," she admitted honestly, "but I'll take any part of you that you can give me." A slow grin spread across his face. "I can give you it all. Including my love. You know the 'I love you's' I said last night weren't just in the heat of what we were doing don't you?" "Mine weren't either," she whispered again. "I meant every syllable." "So did I, and last night was just the beginning of having it all. And that's a promise." "OK. I'm sorry." "Excuse me? What the hell for?" "I can sometimes have these insecurities," she giggled, "especially for something I want so bad I can taste it." "You did that already," he laughed and when she blushed bright he laughed harder. "Sarah Mackenzie I love you. Does that help?" "Oh yeah. Thanks." "You're welcome. And I'll tell you that as often as you want to hear it." ============ JAG HQ 1 Hr Later "Mr. Rabb there you are and oh good here comes your counterpart right behind you," AJ greeted them from where he was checking the incoming distribution at Tiner's desk. "Look rather than tell me some sort of tale of woe about traffic on the bridge, why don't both of you get a cup of coffee and come in." "Yes sir we can do that," Harm nodded, leading Mac to the kitchen. "Something's up," Harm said quietly, pulling down their coffee mugs to fill. "I just hope it's not something that's going to separate us," she replied, keeping an eye out for anyone who might overhear. Harm froze in place, his hand holding the sugar packet over his coffee. "Not now. Please. God wouldn't be that cruel." "Not God no," she smiled and brushed his arm with her hand as she reached for the coffee. "But the Admiral might." "Don't tempt fate," he hissed and she smiled and mouthed 'I love you' before walking out. "Sir you have that 'I have a job for you two' look" Harm observed when they were seated before AJ's desk. "Yes I do. How would you two like to get out of DC?" "Yes sir. Anchorage would be great," Mac smiled. "Sorry Colonel. The job is South." "South as in a place that's already hotter than here?" she groaned. "Naval Station Pascagoula, Mississippi to be exact" AJ smiled. "And it's not your ordinary assignment." "Sir?" Harm frowned. "There's been some security breaches at the base and recently some weapons came up missing. Commander Janice Rhodes asked if I could provide her some people on the inside to investigate and I told her I'd be happy to." "We're going undercover?" "Yes. Colonel you will now be Lt. Jennifer Silver, the new administrative assistant to Major Jason Grimes, the head of base security. Commander Rhodes doesn't trust the Major and she wanted someone inside to get close to him." "Just how close?" Harm frowned. "Not what you're thinking Commander" AJ frowned. "And before you say another word, I'm not leaving the Colonel to deal with this alone. You will be working for the Major as well. As new Master Sergeant Thomas Reeves. You'll both be living off base so that will give you opportunity to meet up and discuss what's going on. But it's military housing so you'll have to be careful since the Commander is not sure who's involved at this point." "Anything else we should know sir?" Mac asked. "Lt. Cdr. Manetti will be handling what everyone believes is the official JAG investigation into the missing weapons. She knows you two will be working undercover at the base. You can get in touch with her if needed. Colonel you're expected at the base in forty-eight and Commander you're expected in seventy-two. Only Cdr. Rhodes and Lt. Cdr. Manetti will know exactly who you are." "So if we have trouble, they're the only ones we can contact," Mac said quietly. "And each other. I'm trusting you two will keep an eye out for each other as much as you can." "Yes sir we will" Harm assured him as he glanced over at Mac. Already he was having misgivings about this assignment. Especially when Mac was going to be working directly with the prime suspect. "You've got the rest of the day to get yourselves together and learn your bio's before you leave. Keep in touch and good luck." "Okay what's with the scowl?" Mac asked as she and Harm walked back to her office. "You know." "Harm it'll be fine. Well except for the part about us not being in contact with each other, at least not working together." "I don't like this whole arrangement. I don't see why they needed both of us on the inside. You should have just gone down with Manetti in the official capacity." "You're worried about me? Harm I'm just going to be the guy's administrative assistant. I'm sure if he's behind missing weapons he doesn't share that information with his secretary." "Yeah but if he is behind it, I still don't like the idea of you working that close with him." "Well I'm sure the handsome new Master Sergeant will keep his eye out for me" she smiled. "Trust me I will. I just wish we had a more secure area we could meet in." "It's sure going to be hard pretending I don't know you," she said softly. "Especially after last night." "This puts a slight kink in our plans of working on us you know." "Only temporary right?" she asked. "Oh yeah" he assured her. "Last night was not a one time thing Colonel. I promise you that." "You want to help pack and study my part?" she asked. "Seeing as how in forty-eight hours I'm supposed to be on duty in Pascagoula." "Love to. I just hope the air conditioning is fixed at your place. Otherwise we're packing quick and we'll study at my place." He followed her back to her place and once again the rush of warm air met them when Mac opened the door to the apartment. A notice had been pushed under the door and Mac frowned as she read it. "Working on the air conditioning. Sorry for the inconvenience. Yeah right." "Well at least it's not mid day yet" Harm said as they walked in. "I'm sure it will be worse later. So just pack your stuff and we'll go to my place." "I may as well just pack my things and move into your place," she sighed. "And this would be bad because. . .?" he laughed. "Well because. . .because you and I. . .don't talk to me," she yelped. An hour later they were ensconced at his apartment reading through the case file to the accompaniment hum of the air conditioner. "I uh. . .I see Major Grimes has had a colorful career," Harm said slowly, first to break the silence. "Couple Article 32s, formal reprimand here and there. And here's a real gem, a court martial for assault, found innocent for lack of witness testimony. What a sweetheart. I'm calling the Admiral and telling him you're not going within a hundred yards of this guy." "Thank you but I hardly think he's going to take out his AA," she moaned. "I'll just look at working with him as a challenge, like I do about working with you." "Well I don't like it," he pouted. "Harm if you don't want the 'I'm a Marine' speech you better back off," she smiled as sweetly as she could. "And there's the no small possibility of someone in the Marine contingent. Someone you'll be working closely with or for. I mean what do we know about the OIC, Lt. Underwood?" "Mark Underwood," he frowned. "Not much because he's too new. Academy and then some training and then a short OJT assignment at LeJeune and now he's here heading up this security detachment. Some kind of wonderkid maybe." "Let me see." Harm held up his picture and Mac smiled. "Whoa, what a hottie." "Excuse me? A hottie? You're calling this kid who looks like he dropped out of high school a hottie?" "Actually I'm just yanking your chain," she smiled. "I'm not a cradle robber. You keep reading. I'm going to try my uniform on to make sure it's OK. Size ten doesn't mean what it used to." "You could use a hand," Harm grinned and started to rise. "Keep your seat Sailor," she ordered with a sly smile. "This is a working afternoon." "Right. Making a note of that." Mac went into the bedroom and Harm immersed himself in the file until five minutes later there was a sharp cry from her, followed by a quick laugh. "Mac you OK? What's going on? You need help?" "Harm, chill. I'm fine. This is just not quite what I expected. Hang loose for a second because you're not going to believe this." "What am I not going to believe," he demanded from the other side of the door. "Just a sec. You know Lt. Jennifer Silver--that's me. Well I just assumed she was USMC right?" "Yeah?" His tone clearly indicated he had no real clue as to what she was referring to. "Well meet the real Lt. Silver, USN," Mac announced and flung open the door, nearly colliding with Harm who took a step back as he gasped in shock. He took another look at her and stepped back even further, until his back hit the wall, his eyes wide and his breathing coming in short gasps. "Harm are you OK? You are scaring me. Badly." She reached for his hand, only to have him pull away and she reached again, this time clamping her hands around his upper arm. "You've got exactly two seconds to start talking to me before I conclude you're having a seizure and call 911." "Diane," he croaked out, his voice barely registering with her. "Harm what did you say?" she asked gently. "It sounded like Di. . .Diane. Oh my god. Of course. You assumed like I did that I'd be a Marine. I must have badly startled you. I'm sorry. I didn't even think." He swallowed hard and found his voice. "No I'm sorry. You did startle me but my god I've looked at you every day practically for a long time now. I should be able to not see you as Diane." She smiled softly and kissed his cheek. "This is going to be hard for you. I'm going to call the Admiral and tell him to make Lt. Silver USMC." "No. No please don't. This is all set up and I don't want to muck with it." "It wouldn't be a problem and he—and I—would understand. Harm you loved her. There's no shame in that." He started to speak and then shook his head. "No. Leave it go. I'll wait for you in the living room. Take your time." It was not but a few minutes before she returned, dressed once more in her regular clothes. "Now that you think your partner and the man you said you love is a total idiot," he smiled sheepishly, holding his arms out to her. She came to his embrace at once, wrapping her arms around his middle and letting him guide her to the sofa, where he tucked her body to his. "I do love you and I'm listening," she whispered. He shrugged and shook his head. "It was this time of the year that she was killed. The anniversary of her death was a few weeks back and then I had a dream about her not too long ago that seemed to stay with me. At least it keeps coming back." "About being in love with her?" Mac prodded gently. "No. About her death." When no further details were forthcoming, she gently pressed his cheek with the back of her hand. "This didn't happen a few years ago when we were in Gulfport. Or if it did, you didn't mention it to me." He took several seconds to answer, thinking that over. "You know what, you're right. But for one thing I knew you would be in Navy uniform before I got there, and for another, well at that time you and I were so disconnected. I mean you had just come back from that glorious thirty day leave that you had no doubt spent in Mic Brumby's bed." Those last words poured from him before he could censor and he knew there was old hurt pouring with them; and the expression on her face told him she knew the same thing. "Guilty" she said finally. "But that's all in the past." "Yes it is and I'm sorry for even bringing it up" he sighed. "It's okay," she said with a small smile. "I'm not real proud of the way I acted then." "Me neither" he admitted. "And I for one am glad we got past all that." "And we're where we are now?" she grinned. "Exactly" he whispered before he pulled her close for a long kiss. It wasn't long before the kiss turned into more and they stumbled their way to his bedroom where they made love. "And I thought last night was good" he sighed when they were finished. "Don't get too used to this sailor" she smiled. "We're not going to be able to do this while we're in Pascagoula." "Don't remind me" he pouted. "Just when we get our act together, we have to go off and pretend to be someone else." "Speaking of which I need to go get my bio and find out more about Jennifer Silver. May I please?" Reluctantly he let go of her and she hurried to the living room to grab their bio's before hurrying back to his bed and his arms. "So tell me about Ms. Silver." "Mrs. Silver, when she's not being Lt. Silver, is a widow. Husband was killed in a car accident three years ago. He was a Marine. We'd been married for two years." "Wonder why they did that" Harm frowned. "Apparently something to break the ice with Major Grimes" she shrugged. "I play the lonely widow and get closer to him." "I don't like the idea of that. You getting closer to him I mean." She rolled her eyes again but said nothing as she continued to read. "Just came back from a six months overseas. No other mention of family. And I graduated from University of Arizona in the ROTC program. Now let's read about you." She opened his bio and smiled. "Master Sergeant Thomas Reeves. Decorated Marine. Never married." "That's a plus" Harm smiled. "At least I can go courting Lt. Silver now." "Cute sailor. You aren't going to be able to court me. Well not until we get back anyway. Then I expect some major courting to take place. I mean this is wonderful and all but. . ." Her voice trailed off and she looked away. "But you want to know I want you not just as bedmate?" he asked softly and she nodded. "I do want you as more than just someone to warm my bed" he whispered. "I love you Sarah. And if we weren't going off on this ridiculous assignment I'd be showing you that. But I promise you when we get back, I will court you like you've never been courted before." "I'll be looking forward to that" she smiled softly. "Me too." The day passed quietly as they lounged together on the sofa. Harm cooked dinner and they shared the dinner together under the candlelight "I can't believe this is our last night together" she sighed as retired to the living room. "We're going to have to find ways to get together" he smiled. "Because there is no way I'm going to survive weeks without you." "You think it's going to take that long to figure out what's going on?" "I hope not. But at the same time I'm being realistic. I don't think we're going to waltz in and figure it out right away." "This sucks. You know your time is quite impeccable sailor. You chose the night before we're sent away on a long assignment to make your move." "Sorry. But at least we have something to look forward to when we get back" he smiled. "Well better you moved than not at all," she smiled. "Of course there was nothing to say that I couldn't have been more assertive. Nothing except that once burned. . ." "Excuse me. . .never mind. Sydney. I still have nightmares about that time. I've replayed that night over and over in my dreams and always no matter how sure I am of what I'm going to say, it comes out the same. Like being a kid and watching a cartoon you've seen over and over but still thinking it could go a different way." "More stuff in the past," she reminded him. "I want to look ahead Harm. We could have so much." "Not could Sarah. Will. You and me, that baby I promised you." She nodded silently and he gave her belly a quick tickle. "What I'm sort of stumbling through here is that I think we can do it this time. All the way." "To?" "You're going to make me say it aren't you." "Don't stop now," she giggled. "All the way to the what Sailor?" "To that place where we stand before God and pledge our lives to each other," he whispered and his heartfelt words drew a quick sob from her as she tried to respond. "I want that. Well I want that if you do." "I think so. I mean I think. . ." "Hey don't sweat it Flyboy. I didn't mean to put you on the spot or make you stammer. It will all work out. We just have to take our time and figure out what's best for both of us that's all. And what's best for both of us is an early night being as 0500 comes awfully early." "Does that mean you want me to sleep on the sofa?" "You try it and I'll pound you," she laughed. "I can sleep on the plane. When I said an early night, you can guess what I had in mind can't you." ========== HOLIDAY INN Mobile Alabama Following afternoon "This feels positively decadent, checking in to a hotel in the middle of the day," Mac giggled as they rode up on the elevator. "Well Tiner did make it for connecting rooms," he laughed. "So how decadent can that be." "Are you asking me," she giggled again. "I was envisioning on a path being worn in the carpet." "At least we have the rest of the day before you report to this Major that I already hate," he growled. "Harm don't do that please. I want to be open minded about this guy. Just because the C.O. has her doubts. It's easy to be wrong about people. Lord knows you have often enough." His mouth automatically opened to reply when her last words registered and he gave her a quick push. "Cute Marine cute." They reached their rooms and he pushed open the door, stepping back to admit her. "For the next twenty-four hours we are on vacation." "And then I move into housing followed by you two days later," she smiled. "Not my favorite part. Having you out of touch and consorting with the enemy." "Well right now the only person I plan to consort with is you Flyboy. You want to show me your hotel room technique?" ====================== 24 HOURS LATER "Harm this has been great but it's back to the real world," Mac laughed, giving his shoulder a firm shake. "Hey Sleepy." He murmured and rolled over, pulling the pillow over his head. "Never mind. But I am leaving soon as I shower and dress." It had been a late night and while she required little sleep, he was paying for the late night movie and togetherness. A short time later she was out of the shower, dressed in her cover uniform, standing at the mirror and checking her hair. "Diane?" She froze at his voice, the brush still atop her head. "Harm no." He gave a huge groan and sat up, rubbing his stubbled face. "Sarah." "Right. Who is going to work," she smiled and came to the edge of the bed, letting him pull her down against him for a long kiss. "You'll call me later?" "I'll call you later. Promise me you're not going to sit here and brood. On the other hand, promise me you're not going to hang out by the pool and pick up women." "No to both, Now you promise me you'll be careful." "You know I will." She sealed her vow with a long kiss and hurried out. ==================== PASCAGOULA 1 hour later "Lt. Jennifer Jo Silver reporting to Major Grimes," Mac announced to the sergeant sitting at the desk in the security office. "Yes ma'am, go in. He's expecting you." "Lieutenant come in please," Grimes rose from his chair to shake her hand and gesture that she should be seated. "Welcome aboard. About time they sent me someone easy on the eyes who looks like she can get the job done." "Yes sir. I'm glad to be here. Thank you." She touched her single bar and smiled. "New rank and new assignment. You can count on me to go a good job for you." "I already am. Your desk is right there and I'm very much looking forward to transferring some of the load to you. I've been alone too long here." "Looking forward to it sir" she smiled again. "First off, we're going to be working together so I think it's best we drop the sir stuff. Jason when we're alone will work fine. Do you prefer Jennifer or Jen?" "Jen is fine" Mac nodded. "Good. And if you don't mind, I'd just like to spend a little time getting to know you before we get into the work. First off, did you get settled okay? Your stuff all here?" "All unpacked and settled. I've got a nice little place over in BOQ housing." "Between me and you that's good for now but later you may want to find your own place" Jason Grimes smiled. "It's not bad but if you're going to be here a while you may want something a little nicer." "I'll keep that in mind" Mac smiled. "But the place seemed nice enough for me anyway." "Good" he nodded again. "As long as you're happy that's all that matters. Can I ask why you requested assignment here in Pascagoula?" "Just needed a change of scenery I guess" she said quietly. "I'm sure you're read that my husband died three years ago. I've been trying to put my life together and I thought getting away from where we'd been would be the first step." "I did read that" Jason nodded. "And you have my condolences of course. And I hope that your time here at Pascagoula will be helpful to you. And if there's ever anything I can do, please just let me know. I've been here for two years so I'm pretty familiar with the area. I'd be happy to show you around if you'd like." "Thank you. I'd like that," Mac smiled, knowing that Harm would flip when she told him she was planning on spending time outside the office with the Major. But if she were going to have a clue as to what the man was like, this would be the best way. "I'm not real good at meeting people. Danny, my husband, was always the ice breaker for us." "I can help you out with that. It's a pretty good bunch of people here and I'm sure you'll enjoy your time here." "I hope I do" Mac smiled. After their get to know each other session, she finally got to work. It was obvious there hadn't been anyone there in a while and Mac started the task of starting to bring some order to the office. "Lunch time" Jason announced a few hours later. "And I'd like to take you out unless you have some objection." "No that's perfect. I didn't really have a chance to get the kitchen together yet so I figured I'd be eating out the first few days." "Well lunch is on me" he smiled. "And not the O'club either. Something a little quieter where we can talk some more." "Sounds great" Mac smiled back. "Let's go." ************ "You didn't call" Harm pouted when Mac walked into the hotel room that evening. "What happened to I'm going to call later." "I didn't have time" Mac sighed. "Honestly I would have but the Major was all over me." "Excuse me?" Harm demanded. "Not like that. He was just with me most of the day so there was no chance to call you." "What about lunch?" "I had lunch with him. Sorry." "So is he as bad as his record makes him sound?" Harm asked. "Or worse?" "He's actually very nice. Maybe a little too nice." "Let me guess he's coming on to you already" Harm groaned. "I knew it. The guy is a total sleaze and now he thinks he's got you to toy with." "He can think anything he wants" Mac reminded Harm. "But I'm not going to let him do anything. I am going to get close enough to see what I can find out about him. But that's all." "How close?" he frowned. "He's offered to show me around the area. And it's not like I can refuse. Not if I want him to open up to me." "Great so now you'll be spending even more time with him." "Are jealous or worried?" she smiled. "Both" he admitted as he reached for her and pulled her into his arms. "I don't want anything to happen to you. I just got you into my life you know." "First off you have no reason to be jealous. He doesn't interest me in the least bit except for the fact that he's our prime suspect in this whole thing. And I don't want you worrying the whole time I'm here." "I'll try. But it's not easy. Especially since every time I look at you in that uniform I'm having flashbacks to Dianne again." "You thought I was her this morning" Mac said softly. "I know. And that's because I was having that dream again. I don't know why all of a sudden it's all coming back to me. And it's not just you in the uniform. This was happening before this assignment came up." "Have you been thinking about her?" Mac asked. "No. Unless it's subconsciously. It's like she's invaded my dreams for some reason. But I'm babbling and right now I've got better things to be doing with you since this is our last night together." "You're right, too much talking," she agreed. "Are you hungry?" "Oh yeah, but food isn't on my mind at the moment." =============== PASCAGOULA Following Morning "Master Sergeant Thomas Reeves reporting for duty," Harm announced, standing before the desk of the young Lieutenant and saluting. "Sergeant good morning," Lt. Mark Underwood returned his salute. "About time they sent me some help here." He reached for the packet of orders Harm was presenting and glanced through. "Nice career Sergeant. Welcome aboard." "Thank you sir. Glad to be here. Very glad." "Your record speaks for you Sergeant. I can always use a good senior NCO. I swear some of the kids they send me. . .and OK I've seen that look before. You're thinking--sir you're just a kid yourself." "Well I. . .yes sir guilty. You are young, but that's the trend nowadays. Get them right out of school before anyone else does." "I did the Academy and then elected Marines," Mark nodded as he touched a button on his phone. "Gunny, have Master Sergeant Blake to report to me please." Mark and Harm were talking ten minutes later when the door opened and a woman Marine stepped through. "Sir yes sir." "Sergeant Holly Blake, meet Sergeant Thomas Reeves who is joining us," Mark announced and Harm got to his feet to shake hands with the Marine. Tall and dark, her light brown hair in a neat bun at her neck, her uniform managed to accentuate rather than hide her natural beauty. "Sergeant," Harm smiled. "Sergeant," Holly returned. "Tom, I'm going to assign Holly to you for this first week," Mark told him. "She'll stick with you until you learn the lay of the place and how we do things and then I'll marry you up with one of the younger guys." "Yes sir that's fine," Harm nodded. "Sergeant I hope you don't regret not being on leave this week." "Holly please and I'm sure I'll enjoy having you along. You look like you can handle yourself." "He brings a good package to us," Mark added. "Why don't you two get to work." "Holly how long have you been here?" Harm asked as he followed the woman out. "Almost four years. I'm expecting orders any time now. Tom-that's OK isn't it? Where did you come from?" "Most recently sixty days in the desert, and Tom is just fine," Harm told her, giving her an admiring glance and one of his best smiles, hoping to put her at ease with him in case she might have case sensitive information. "I'm going to like it here a lot I think." =================== BASE DINING FACILITY Noon "How's your salad Tom? I don't believe a big hulking Marine like you is a vegetarian," Holly laughed. "I've got all kinds of secrets," Harm smiled. "So does he," Holly groused, gesturing to the door as Maj. Grimes entered, with Mac close behind, much to Harm's dismay. "And that would be?" Harm asked quietly, nearly choking on a piece of lettuce watching Jason guide Mac to the serving line. "Hey I'm pleading the fifth here." Holly shook her head. "I already said too much." At once a small alarm bell sounded in Harm's head and he forced himself to take a drink before he spoke, keeping his voice casual. "That would be our boss." "Yes it would. Major Lothario." "Excuse me?" He nearly choked again. "Sorry. Just seeing him with that Lieutenant made me think about his reputation which I have no right to be inflicting on you." "No that's OK," he replied with forced casualness. "You've been around long enough to know there's always scuttlebutt about people that new arrivals eventually get indoctrinated about. So this guy is a Romeo huh?" "That's what I hear," Holly nodded, taking a bite of her burger. "Now he's never been anything but a gentleman around me but then I'm enlisted and apparently he respects the UCMJ at least in that regard." "How is he to work for otherwise? Lt. Underwood didn't mention him at all." "He's a good buffer between his troops and the Major," Holly smiled. "I really like the kid." "But you can't say the same for the Major," Harm prodded, watching Jason lead Mac through the line and head to the other side of the facility. "I didn't say that at all," she laughed and for the first time he glimpsed a hint of a dimple in her left cheek. "You didn't have to," he sighed, pushing his salad away, his appetite gone. Less and less was he liking this assignment. ***************** Two Days Later "Jen this is Lt. Cdr. Manetti from JAG" Jason said as he walked Tracy into the office. "Lt. Cdr. Manetti this is my assistant Lt. Silvers." "Nice to meet you" Tracy smiled at Mac. "Lt. Manetti is here to investigate the alleged missing weapons" Jason explained to Mac. "Alleged Major?" Tracy questioned. "Lieutenant. as you'll find out, there is no proof that the weapons were ever received here" Jason continued. "I do believe this whole thing is one big mix up." "Along with the security breaches" Tracy smiled. "Commander Rhodes tends to exaggerate" Jason said patiently. "But I have nothing to hide and Lt. Silver will be happy to assist you with whatever you need." "I'll be needing to speak to some of the members of the security force. Including a Lt. Underwood and Master Sergeant Blake. I do believe they are the two officers on duty on the nights in question." "Lt. Silver will arrange for you to meet with whomever you wish to speak to. And if there's anything else I can help with, please don't hesitate to ask." "Where would you like to start Commander?" Mac asked Tracy. "I'd like to speak to Lt. Underwood and Master Sergeant Blake. Can you arrange that?" "Both are on duty ma'am," Mac nodded as she checked the duty roster. "I can take you over if you'd like." "Thank you" Tracy smiled. "Major I'll be back later to catch up with you." "I'm sure you will" Jason sighed. "So how's it going?" Tracy asked once she and Mac were out of the building. "Besides the guy being a real Cassanova, nothing" Mac sighed. "And I haven't even had a chance to catch up with Harm yet. The Major has been taking me on a tour of Pascagoula the past few nights." "Well I'll try and get some time alone with the Commander to see if he's found anything yet. I know we can't all get together but maybe I can pass some information for you two." "I wish" Mac murmured under her breath. Two days without Harm was getting to her. Instead she'd been forced to deal with Jason Grimes and his unrelenting pursuit of her. "Here comes trouble" Mark Underwood sighed as Mac walked into his office with Tracy. "Lt. Underwood this is Lt. Cdr. Manetti from JAG" Mac explained. "She's conducting a JAG investigation of the security breaches and allegedly missing weapons. Major Grimes said to give her your full cooperation." "Just what I need" Mark sighed. "Thank you Lieutenantt." "Ma'am if you need anything else, just holler" Mac said to Tracy. "In the meantime, I think the Lieutenant can answer all your questions." "Thank you. I'm sure I'll see you later." Mac nodded and headed out of the office, nearly colliding with Harm a moment later as she turned the corner. "Sorry ma'am" Harm smiled. "No problem Sergeant" Mac smiled as well. She'd forgotten how well he looked in a Marine uniform and for a moment she could take her eyes off of him. "I want to see you tonight" he whispered as he looked down the hallway. "Can I come over?" "I'll call if I'm home" she whispered. "What do you mean if you're home?" he frowned. "I've been touring Pascagoula with our fearless leader the past two nights. Hopefully tonight he'll have other plans." "Have I mentioned how much I hate this" he groaned as he heard footsteps coming and Mac started in the other direction. "There you are" Holly smiled as she saw Harm and Mac couldn't help but turn and watch as the young Marine with Harm. She watched them walk off together before letting off a long sigh. She could only hope that tonight she and Harm would be able to find some time alone. And not just to discuss the case. ************** Mac's Apartment, Base Housing 10:00 PM CST "You sure no one saw you?" Mac hissed as she opened the door and let Harm into her place. "No one" he managed before he pulled her into his arms, their lips meeting in a long kiss. "God I have missed you" she whispered when they finally parted to breathe. "I'm so glad he had other plans." "Well I can't stay long" he sighed. "I'm on call tonight." "I'll take whatever I can get" she whispered. "But I suppose we should talk about the case first. I'm pretty sure the Admiral is going to be calling for an update." "About your new-found friend Jason," he groused. "Yeah. I'm about to tell him who I really am so you and I can be together as God intended," she retorted. "I have a headache every night from playing my part. And he's having a hard time understanding why I'm not succumbing to his charms." "I knew it. He's tried something hasn't he," he raged. "Chill Harm. He's not done anything I can't handle. He's not that stupid." "If he values his life he'll stay that way," he sighed, putting his hands on her shoulders to look into her eyes. "Honest now, you're OK with all of this?" "No not OK but it's not something I can't deal with," she assured him. "And I do love that you care." "Damn right I do. Now, you think he's dirty?" "I wish I knew," she sighed. " Except I almost don't want to. He's a nice guy." "How nice is he?" Harm scowled. "Get off it," she yelped and pushed herself away from him. "Harm please don't make this harder than it is. Grimes so far hasn't shown me any reason to think he's any more than one of those guys who thinks he's god's gift to women." "You wanna tell me how he demonstrates that?" "No I don't," she giggled. "We're talking case here. He seems to know his job and care about what's going on here. He's disturbed about the JAG investigation and cooperating. In other words so far he's making all the right moves. . .and don't you dare comment on that." "OK OK. So on your side we have Major Perfect. Now on my side we have Holly." "That would be Master Sergeant 36-24-36," Mac smiled. "You're cute when you're jealous. I hadn't noticed her figure but I'm assuming that's whom you're referring to." "Hadn't noticed? You're a lying sack of you know what, but we don't need to go there. She given you any clues as to who? Or any reason to suspect her?" "She talked to Tracy for a short time and told her she knew nothing. Now I can't really question her, and believe me it's hard to rein in that bull dog tendency I have. I mean I'm supposed to be the new guy here just getting acclimated. It's hard when I'm used to charging in and taking over." "Like Spike the bull dog," she agreed with a quick laugh. "Yeah exactly. Thing is. . ." He bit his lip before he continued. "She's been here a good while and knows everyone and I would imagine has a lot of back-channels. I can't say that I can trust her because I don't know her, but so far she hasn't given me any reason to doubt her. And she and I get along good when we're working. As much as a few shifts would tell you anyway. You see where I'm going with this?" She started to shake her head and then gave him a sad smile. "You want to let her get close to you don't you." "Yeah I do," he said softly, taking her hand and putting a soft kiss in the palm. I want to ask her out." "Since when do you need my permission to ask a woman out?" "Since you and I. . .do I have to answer that?" "No" she smiled. "But I will. Since I told you I loved you. Which I do very much. And I'm hating that we're apart like this when we're together." "That made no sense sailor" she giggled. "See being away from you is making me crazy" he sighed. "I can't believe how much I miss you. And of course I'm worrying about you and Jason." "Don't. I really don't think he's behind this Harm. He just doesn't seem like the type." "Well now that I have your permission, I'll see if Holly is interested in me at all." "She'd be a fool not to be" Mac smiled. "Especially since you look so hot in that Marine uniform. Course you'd look even better without it on." "I guess that means we're done discussing the case" he whispered as he pulled her to him. "And now it's our time." His lips found hers in a long kiss and she melted against him. "You know the Admiral would kill us if he knew what we were doing" Mac panted when they parted. "And this is really risky." "That just makes it more fun" Harm whispered before kissing her again. This time his hands worked to remove the restricting clothing between them and she quickly joined in. "Bedroom" he panted. She quickly guided them to the bedroom where the rest of the clothing was promptly removed before they fell onto the bed together. "God I have missed you" he managed between kisses. "Not as much as I've missed you." A moment later his beeper on the floor went off and he let out a litany of swear words as he pulled himself away from her. "Don't tell me you have to go now" she moaned. "Please." "Sorry" he sighed as he reached for it. "It's the base. I have to go." "Talk about lousy timing" she sighed as she sat up. "Just when we get a moment alone. I don't suppose there's any chance you can come back?" "Not likely. I don't know what happened or how long it will take to get it squared away. And there's no reason for you to stay awake waiting for me." "No reason except I really was looking forward to our time" she pouted. "I know" he said with a small smile as he reached for his pants and shirt. "So was I. But duty calls. And we'll find another time. Soon I hope." "You be careful" she urged as he finished dressing. "You're just as deep in this as I am and we don't know who's behind this." "I will. I love you and I'll call you when I can. Take care of yourself sailor." "You too Marine" she smiled at his words. "And I love you too." He leaned down for one last kiss before hurrying from her apartment. She dropped back against the pillows with a long sigh. There was no way she was going to sleep now. THE END Chapter 2 will begin posting on Sat. 14 Jun.