TITLE: "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" Chapter 3 AUTHORS: Anne R. and Pat Steiner SUMMARY: Summer 2003. Harm embarks on a new sideline and invites Mac to join him. NOTE: Story is played out without regard to Singer-Sergei-NCIS, or Paraguay storylines. CLASSIFICATION/RATING: J/S/R/A PG for language and some 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 and previous chapters, as well as much of our other works, are available at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AnniePatJAGstories The message archives are open to all registered Yahoo users-no subbing required. Please ignore any notice of adult content you may see-there is no R nor NC17 content there. Other archives containing our stories: http://thearchive.mine.nu:85/exlibris/ or http://www.netroenterprises.com/exlibrisjag or BTL- http://www.wtv-zone.com/trgarchive/btl/ http://destined.to/btlarchive - {BTL H/M Fanfiction archive.} +++++++++++++++++++++++ From the Conclusion of Chapter 2— "Sir, Commander Turner just called. He's hopelessly mired at Quantico and then he's going straight home. He says whatever it is, it can wait until morning." "Yeah just as well. Thanks Tiner." "Just as well?" she questioned. "Sturgis is MIA for the rest of the day. I need to pull back a bit and stew before I hit him with this anyway. I'm glad we have practice tonight. For three hours I can just be Coach Harm." "Yeah well I don't want to see Coach Harm overdoing," she warned. "Your lungs are not ready for you to be running." "Oh I'm fine. I had some good nursing this weekend. It was fun having you over like that, though I hope there's another time when I'm not hacking up a lung or needing to be led to the bathroom like I was two." "There will be. You're not getting rid of me easily this time Flyboy," she told him sternly. "We've let too many other chances get away from us. Not any more." She rose to go and turned around with a sly grin. "Besides so far you're mentioned dress whites for our wedding and taking care of our children. I'm keeping score." His hand shot out to grasp hers and he smiled softly. "I want you to. Because we're going to figure it out this time. We're going to take it slow and get it right, but by god we're going to." He swallowed hard and added, "long as that's what the Colonel wants of course." "Commander, that's very much what the Colonel wants," she said softly, remembering with a rush what they had been doing when Jimmy's call interrupted. And how it felt to spend a solid twenty-four hours looking after him. "Pick you up for practice tonight?" "Yep. Going to iron my t-shirt," she teased. "Harm, about what happened earlier, let it go. It's going to work out. We'll figure it out and take care of it. Together." "Thanks," he breathed. "I need you on this." "You've got me, in every way," she smiled. ***************** "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" Chapter 3--- "Hi Coach Mac" Sam and Alex said happily as they ran from the car to the field. "Hey you two" Mac smiled. "Ready for practice?" "Sam, Alex" Diane Winters called from the car. "Remember I'm picking you up at seven. Do not be late." "But Mom" Alex groaned. "Practice isn't over until eight. You said we wouldn't have to leave early to go to the dumb play." "The play is not dumb" Diane snapped. "And you're going to be all sweaty and dirty so you'll have to go home and get cleaned up. Now be ready at seven." "Going somewhere tonight?" Mac asked once Diane had left. "Mom got us tickets for some stupid musical" Sam sighed. "The college where she goes is putting it on. Dad tried to get us out of it but she insisted we go. They had a big fight about last night and I guess Mom won." "They're always fighting now," Alex added soberly. "I'm sorry," Mac said quietly. "I know how that is. My Mom and Dad always used to fight too." "Did they get divorced?" Sam asked. "Jenny's Mom and Dad got divorced last year and she says that at least now they don't fight all the time." "No my Mom just left one day. And I didn't see her for a long time." "Did you miss her?" Alex asked. "I guess I got used to her not being there" Mac shrugged. "But I had a wonderful Uncle who got me involved with the Marines and then JAG." "And Coach Harm" Sam giggled. "He's cute." "Yeah he is" Mac laughed as she looked over at where Harm and AJ were talking to some of the other kids. He looked over at her and smiled and Sam and Alex giggled more. "He likes you." "And I like him" Mac admitted. "Now go on and get ready since you don't have much time." "Yes ma'am" they sang happily before running to the dugout. "Mind if I watch tonight?" Scott Nelson asked as he walked from the car with Jimmy. "They wanted me to take another day off so I figured I'd come down and watch Jimmy play since I'll probably never get to see a game." "Of course not" Harm smiled. "Sgt. Scott Nelson this is Admiral Chegwidden, the Judge Advocate General." "Coach AJ" AJ smiled. "Nice to meet you sir" Scott nodded. "I hope you heard what Harm did the other night for me." "Read all about it in the newspaper. But that's nothing I wouldn't expect from the Commander." "Well I'm grateful to him. And now I'll get out of your way so you can get these guys on the field." "We ready to get started?" Harm asked as he jogged over to Mac. "No sign of Toby yet" Mac frowned. "But I guess we can get started anyway." Practice was in full swing when Diane Winters returned promptly at seven for Sam and Alex. "Sam, Alex get over here" she called angrily from the car. "I told you to be ready." "You better go" Mac said to them. "We'll see you tomorrow night." "Oh yuck Eddie's with her" Alex moaned while Sam suddenly looked frightened. "I bet Dad doesn't know she's bringing him." "Sam you okay?" Mac asked. "I think I'm going to be sick" Sam whispered before running towards the portable bathrooms. "Sam where are you going?" Diane shouted. "Sam get back here." Mac ran after the young girl and found her sick and crying behind the structure. "Honey you okay?" Mac asked gently. "I don't want to go" Sam whispered. "Please don't make me go with them." "Honey it's not my place to interfere. Not in going to a musical. You're not being sent to the road gang. It's just a show, with your mom and her friend." "I hate him so much," she said softly. "I just want my mom and dad to be together and not fight but I know that's not going to happen. And since I can't have that, why do I have to have Eddie. My dad is gone some of the time and when he is, Eddie is always there." "OK calm down now and let's not give your mom a reason to pull you off this team," Mac urged and she pulled Sam up and into a warm hug, eyeing the parking area where Diane was looking back at them. "You want to tell me what it is about Eddie that makes you dislike him so much?" "No." Her voice was barely audible and Mac stroked the back of her hair as the little girl clung to her. "OK, I'm going. Before I make any more trouble. If I make Mom mad, that just makes her and Dad fight more." "All right." Mac pushed the small girl off her and smoothed down her hair, wiping ineffectually at the tear tracks on her cheeks. "Sam, listen to me. If there's someone hurting you, you can tell me. Or if you can't me, a teacher or someone at church." Sam regarded her silently, except for her sniffling, and with a barely perceptible nod, ran toward her mother. "Missy I don't know what that was all about but you have made me angry." Diane's voice echoed across the field as Mac trotted back to join the others. Harm was by her side at once, shaking his head. "I love having them on the team, and they're both great, but if it's going to cause this kind of trouble maybe it would be better if she did pull them," he sighed. "No. No I don't want that," Mac yelped. "Harm there's a real problem there. It could be something as simple as she's resentful of Eddie as a potential stepfather, but what if it's more." "And what if you make an accusation that's unfounded and she files a complaint with the Bar and-or the SecNav," he reminded her. "At this point I don't even know what to accuse her of," Mac sighed. "Plus the field here is not the place to talk about it with the child. And then there's Alex. She just said 'yuck' in reference to Eddie but that was all the reaction. At least in front of me." "Hey I said a lot worse than yuck regarding Frank," Harm smiled. "And then I grew up and realized he's one of the finest men I've met. Not to mention how much he loves my mother and how good he is to her." "Well Alex and Sam are a long way from growing up. And there may be nothing wrong with Eddie except that he's just around too much." "That's how it started with Frank," he laughed and hooking his arm around her neck gave her a quick hug before running off. Practice ended with wind sprints and the tea collapsed onto the cool grass, drinking water and laughing. And coughing. Harm. "I thought you were under orders not to run," Mac scolded, handing him a water bottle and rubbing his back. "Especially when you're already tired and now it's this damp evening air. Were you in a cockpit when the common sense was dished out or what?" "Sorry Mom," he groaned much to the amusement of the team. "Coach Mac you should be a mom," Dennis spoke up, one of the few times the quiet boy ever had. "She will be," Harm said between gasps for air. "Some guy has to marry her first," Donald chortled. "Hey you guys let me take care of all that," Harm grinned and Mac blushed as he added, "it's all covered thank you." "What have you got covered?" AJ demanded, hearing the last of the conversation. "Coach Harm marrying Coach Mac." Donald led the team in laughter. "Oh good grief, I've known forever that was going to happen someday," he groaned. "Even while I was preparing to walk her down the aisle and give her to another man. I knew someday- -somehow, some way, God was going to make it all right. So Coach Harm, Coach Mac, when is this blessed occasion?" "Sir whoa back up," Mac yelped laughing. "And you guys too. We're not any where near that yet. Everyone is rushing Coach Harm and he's going to rabbit out of here." "No." Harm turned serious on a dime and reached for her hand. "No he's not going to do that. It's still much a work in progress, but running away from his feelings is not going to happen. Not this time." "I think they want to be alone" Billy piped up. "Save that thought for later sailor" Mac whispered, her eyes never leaving Harm. "Because I think you're on to something." "I mean it" he nodded. "And we will talk more later." The arrival of cars signaled it was time to move on and Mac helped Harm to his feet, her hand still gently rubbing his back when he occasionally coughed. "Nice practice Coach" Scott said as he came to collect Jimmy. "I had my doubts about letting Jimmy do this but I think he got on the right team." "I wish you'd be able to come for a game" Jimmy sighed. "Maybe I'll take a night off sometime" Scott smiled. "And we'll get Mom to do the same so she can see you too." "Cool. Can you make it a night when I'm pitching?" "We'll see how the schedules go. But I think we can work something out. You think you're going to get in the starting rotation soon?" "He's getting better" Harm nodded. "Few more weeks and I think he can start a game." "Coach AJ has been helping me with my pitching" Jimmy told his father. "Did you know he's an Admiral?" "So I heard" Scott smiled. "You two got plans tonight? I'd like to take you out just as a small token for what you did the other night." "They want to be alone" Jimmy grinned and Mac blushed at his words. "Coach Harm is going to marry Coach Mac." "Are congratulations in order?" Scott asked. "Not quite yet" Harm said sheepishly. "It's a work in process right now. And I think we'd be happy to join you for a bite to eat." "Soon as we make sure everyone is collected" Mac nodded as she looked around. "Well at least you won't be waiting on me tonight" Scott smiled. When the last kid was finally picked up they followed Scott and Jimmy to the car. "There's a little pizza place nearby" Scott said to Harm. "If that's okay with you." "I am starving so anything is good" Mac laughed. "I think Harm would agree with that." "Oh yeah" he nodded. "We'll follow you." "You know this really is fun" Mac said when they were alone in the car. "We've met some really nice people and the kids are so great." "And for the last three hours I didn't even think about what happened today" he said with a small smile. "Harm we need to talk to the Admiral about that tomorrow morning." "I'll talk to the Admiral. Remember you are officially off this case. That woman is not all there." "You are not dealing with this alone. I won't let you." "And I won't let you get caught up in some web she's weaving" he sighed. "I care about you way too much to let that happen." "And I care about you too much to let you deal with this alone." "I won't. I'll dump it all on Sturgis tomorrow. Maybe I can get off the case." "I wonder how many times she's done something that to other men" Mac mused. "You think there's others?" Harm frowned. "If she is a bit off, it probably didn't happen over night. In fact it might be worth a little checking into to see if there's anything in her past." "No" Harm said firmly. "Mac I mean it. I don't want you involved." "What are you so afraid of?" "Something about that woman scares me," he admitted. "You weren't in there with her Mac. I was. I'm telling you she's got two different personalities." "Harm" she groaned. "You're over reacting." "I am not," he said as he pulled into the parking lot of the pizza shop. "But we'll talk about this later." "Harm you're not going to handle this alone," she told him sternly. "So what we'll talk about later is how we're going to handle it. Together." "Save me from stubborn Marines," he muttered. At the same time he gave a small shudder. Charlene Johansen had unnerved him. Mac had not experienced her first hand, but he had, and he was determined not to allow her any opportunity to do so, especially not alone. "Scott are you feeling better?" Mac asked as they were taking their seats. "As you heard, Commander Idiot here ran with the boys and got his coughing started." "Oh tell me about it. I took the trash out this morning and had to sit down and get my breath. But yeah for the most part I'm fine. I start back with three days light duty and then a re-check. Harm when are you supposed to go back?" "Uh. . .I'm fine." At once he felt Mac's eyes on him and a second later she had pinched the fold on the back of his hand. "Try again mister." "I mean, I'm going to be rechecked in a couple of days," he stammered. "Better," she giggled, taking his hand in hers. "So you two are getting married?" Scott grinned. "Will there be invitations and food?" "We're actually still in very preliminary negotiations," Mac laughed. "Harm kind of backed into it, and now he doesn't know how to get out of it gracefully." "Does he want to?" Scott scowled. "No way in hell," Harm laughed. "Nothing about our relationship has been conventional so why start now." ============== MAC's APT 1 Hour Later "Are you sure you're OK to drive home?" Mac unlocked the door and turned to face him. "You want to come in for coffee?" "Well that would wake me up but it would also delay me getting home. And more to the point, you to bed. I also want to give Sturgis a call." "OK." She took a long breath and looked directly into his eyes. "Harm about this marriage talk. Please don't feel. . ." Her words were cut off by a long kiss. "That's how I feel. Good night." "Good night," she whispered, her body tingling from the jolt the kiss had sent through it. ================= JAG HQ Following Morning "Harm I got your messages, all four of them," Sturgis smiled. "Sorry man. I got home and cleaned up and flopped in front of the TV to see the baseball scores and to read the paper and that's the last thing I remember until about 0400, when I went to bed. Now you want to talk about Jeffers? The man isn't going to plead out. We've talked about it. He says he's going down fighting. That he never touched the major." "Has he alleged anything else?" Harm asked carefully. "Like what?" Sturgis frowned. "Like she's some kind of a psycho-bitch," Harm returned. "Harm I'm not giving away my tactics," Sturgis smiled and sobered quickly when he saw the scowl on Harm's face. "Is this about the meeting you had with Major Johansen yesterday?" "You damn right it is," he muttered, thankful Mac was in court and he could talk to Sturgis alone. "She came on to me Sturgis. As soon as Mac left the room she turned into this whole other person. I don't know what happened. Like one of those impersonators. She turned away and when she turned back to me she was totally different, running her hand down my arm, asking if we could get together after work and so forth. And the worst thing is, she sensed something between Mac and me and that further unnerved me because. . . Look am I making sense here?" Sturgis drew a long breath before answering. "Too much so. I wasn't sure. Though Colonel Jeffers was pretty convincing. This has already cost him his marriage so he's got only his career to fight for." "No." Harm banged his fist on the desk in frustration. "No this is not going to happen. If the guy was guilty I'd volunteer to throw the switch, but he's not, and I'm not going to let this woman do that to him." "Harm what if he is, if I may play devil's advocate for a minute. What if he took her up on her offer and she withdrew it." "Huh?" "Just listen. Some women are teases. What would have happened if you had offered to meet her when she propositioned you. Called her bluff is what I'm saying. So maybe she was teasing my client. Hell you know the kind of stuff that goes on in offices. Nine-tenths of what's said is pure BS. No one ever intends to follow through. So if Jeffers took her seriously, maybe she withdrew the offer and he got upset." Harm shook his head. "Even if that's the case, it still substantiates that she's got some kind of psychological problem. Some kind of need to come on to men. You know I put with a year of hints and not so subtle advances from Krennick." "But you never filed on her." "No. And I sure as hell should have. But that's not what we're here for. Honest opinion now. Jeffers. Innocent or guilty. Forget he's your client. Gut feeling. Innocent or guilty?" "Gut feeling. Innocent. The guy had nothing in his past. He's happily married. Or was before this. It just didn't all fit." "I thought so" Harm sighed. "I want to talk to your client. I want to know exactly what happened that night." "Harm you're the prosecution." "Not for long if I can help it. I'm going to tell the Admiral what happened. And have myself removed from the case." "You know he'll put Mac on the case" Sturgis countered. "No way. I don't want her near that psycho woman. He'll have to put Bud or someone else on it." "You really think he's going to go for that based on what you tell him?" "Sturgis do you really think I would make something like this up?" Harm asked. "You know me better than that." "I know. And obviously this woman has really upset you." "You have no clue. I'm telling you Sturgis it was like Jeckel and Hyde. One minute she's crying, the next she's got her hands all over me. And then she was asking Mac about our relationship." "Which is what?" Sturgis teased. "None of your business" Harm sighed. "Ah so those rumors about you and your assistant coach aren't true?" "The Admiral didn't. . .?" "Didn't what? Tell me how you basically said you were going to marry Mac. Of course not. But for the record, it's about time. The woman's waited long enough for you." "Comments like that will not get you into the wedding party" Harm smiled. "So there is some serious thinking about this?" "Oh yeah. But for right now we're just letting things happen. We just had our first date Saturday night. I'm not sure the second one should be the wedding." "Why not?" Sturgis grinned. "I don't have time for this. I need to talk to the Admiral about Major Psycho." Tiner was at his desk and he motioned Harm into see the Admiral. "What is it Commander?" AJ asked. "Sir it's about Major Johansen. And her claim of being assaulted by Colonel Jeffers. I'm supposed to be prosecuting but I want to be removed from the case." "I assume you're going to tell me why?" "Sir, I can't prosecute this case. In fact if anything, I think we need to do further investigation before taking this to trial." "Commander all that was done in the Article 32. Which you prosecuted." "Sir something else has come up" Harm sighed. "Something that makes me believe this might all be a lie." "As in you think the Major is making this up?" AJ frowned. "Yes sir. Mac and I were doing a practice run for the trial yesterday. When Mac left the room to get us some coffee, Major Johansen came on to me." "Commander are you sure you're not misinterpreting her?" "Sir a comment like I'd like to get to know you after hours is not something you misinterpret." "She said that?" "Yes sir. While she ran her hand down my arm. And then she asked Mac about our relationship." "Okay that's definitely strange behavior. What would you like me to do Commander?" "Remove me from the case. But I ask that you not assign Mac as the prosecution. I don't trust Major Johansen." "Harm are you thinking this woman could be violent?" AJ frowned. "I'm really having a hard time imagining that." "Sir I'm concerned enough to be making an issue of it," he replied plaintively. AJ leaned back in his chair, pinching the bridge of his nose as he often did. "Do you think Colonel Mackenzie would object to being assigned the case. Honest answer please." Put on the spot, Harm made an exasperated face. "Sir of course not. You know her. She doesn't give any thought to things like that." "This from a man who walked into a house that had just been tear-gassed," AJ groaned. "OK let's do this. Colonel Mackenzie and Commander Manetti will prosecute. You are removed and that gives you leeway to testify for the defense since you feel so strongly. And I can see by your face you're not pleased." "No sir. In fact right now I'm real tempted to tell you to forget I said anything at all. I'd prefer to handle it myself than risk Mac's well-being." AJ resting his gaze on him. "You want to think it over?" "May I? And let you know?" "Within the hour Commander. This case is starting to grow hair it's been around so long." "Yes sir." Sturgis was awaiting Harm when he emerged and he gave him a sympathetic smile. "Doesn't look like you were excused." "I can be, but only if Mac and Tracy take it over. Which I guess if I can get Mac to understand she can't be alone with Major Looney Tunes it could work." "You should be talking to Mac about this." "No thanks. I'll make the decision." "Harm, how is Mac going to feel if you keep the case and have some kind of conduct unbecoming charge leveled at you. You know it will never go away, regardless of outcome, and your coaching days. . .well you won't be allowed near the field." "I just know I don't want Mac hurt. I can take anything but that," Harm snapped, striding into his office and slamming the door. Thirty minutes later he opened that same door in a much more quiet manner and walked to AJ's office, knocking on the open door. "Sir." "Mr. Rabb. You have a decision." "Yes sir." He stepped forward and closed the door. "I'm willing to see what happens if Mac and Tracy take over prosecution. To a point. And speaking freely sir let me add, I reserve the right to interfere, in whatever way I deem necessary, if it becomes apparent Major Johansen is a threat. To interfere before the fact, not when it's too late." "I love it when people tell me ahead of time they plan to go against orders and regs," AJ sighed. "I'll do what's necessary to protect her sir," Harm said softly, his tone leaving no doubt as to his seriousness. "You do what you have to son, and so will I," AJ replied. "Fair enough sir." ================== It was almost quitting time when Mac returned from court. "Hey coach. You got a win up your sleeve tonight?" "Well maybe avoiding a shellacking would be good," he grinned, happy to see her. "How was court?" "That civilian woman didn't know who she was dealing with," she replied. "I got the guy on three of four counts. He's going to the Big House. How was your day? Anything new on Jeffers and Johansen?" "I need to talk to you about that actually" Harm sighed. "You talked to the Admiral didn't you?" she asked and he nodded. "I had to Mac. Unfortunately I'm not real happy about what we decided on." "Let me guess. You're off the case and I'm on." "Bingo. With me a willing witness for the defense if they want me. I've already put a call into them." "Then you and I shouldn't be talking about this" Mac sighed. "I know this puts you in a bad position. And I'm sorry. But I couldn't continue to represent her interests Mac. And I really didn't want you doing it either but the Admiral didn't give me much choice." "It's okay. Does Major Johansen know what's going on?" "Not yet. I figured we could do that tomorrow morning. We do have a game tonight." "I'm going to need your files so I can at least get caught up on what's going on. I haven't been in the loop on this one." "Mac we have a game tonight" he frowned. "You're not going to miss out on it are you?" "No but when I get home I'm going to need to go over the stuff." "I'm sorry for dumping this on you. Honest." "Harm I'm not mad at you" she assured him. "But you know I like to be prepared." "I know. And I really am sorry." "Harm stop. I understand why you did it. And I'll manage." "Okay. But I'll make it up to you somehow" he sighed. ****************** "No sign of Toby again" Harm frowned just before the start of the game. "Maybe something came up" Mac offered. "Major Reynolds could have gotten reassigned." "It's possible. I have a number for them. Maybe I'll call tomorrow and see if there's anyone around. I can't imagine him just quitting like that." "Maybe he found another team for Toby. He didn't seem to impressed with our coaching skills." "I wasn't real impressed with his fathering skills" Harm sighed. "Easy Coach. I know you care but we can't tell the Major how to raise his kid." "I know. But the way he treated Toby wasn't right. He was just trying to do his best." "This really bothers you doesn't it?" she frowned. "Yeah it does," he admitted. "But I'll worry about it tomorrow. Tonight we've got a game to win." "That's the spirit coach" Mac grinned. "Let's go get the team psyched up." It was a high scoring game and in the end it was Sam who hit the game winning home run in the last inning. "I did it, I did it" she screamed happily as she past home plate. The team surrounded her in a hug and when it was over Gary Winters was the first to congratulate his daughter. "I am so proud of you" Gary smiled as he swept her up in a big hug. "That was incredible." "I hit a home room" she smiled. "All the way over the fence." "Yes you did. That's quite an arm you've got there slugger." "Did you see Alex's play?" Sam asked as her twin sister walked over. "Yes I did" Gary nodded. "I'm real proud of both of you." "You should be" Mac said as she walked over. "These two were a big reason we won tonight." "I can see that. I knew they'd be naturals. I played little league when I was growing up and I wanted them to have that same chance." "Well they're a great addition to the team" Mac smiled. "Thank you. This is the highlight of their day," he sighed, watching them run to join their teammates. "I know you kind of know things at home aren't great right now. In fact I've moved into Extended Stay and while I wait to take my apartment." "I'm sorry," Mac said at once. "Well it's best. Diane and I got into it so bad a couple nights ago the neighbors called the police. I can't afford to have anything like that on my record. So she got what she wanted. I'm leaving and I'm so sorry for dumping this on you. You must be very easy to talk to." "Maybe it's my face," Mac smiled. "Seriously, if you ever need any help. Well you know Harm and I are both lawyers and we can help with a referral. More to the point, I'd be glad to take the girls any time you need some time. Just give me a call." "Thank you. There still are nice people in the world," he smiled. "I'm afraid I've been drug around Diane's friends for so long I've forgotten that. But I've got a deposit on a nice place so they can come visit a lot, and they'll have their own room and their friends can come over and shutting up now." Mac smiled at that. "Hey I grew up in a house of chaos and screaming, and all the cop cars in the area only had to hear trouble at the Mackenzie's to know where to go. If it helps, I think you're doing the right thing." "It does, and thanks." He turned away only to stop when she called his name. "Gary. . ." She stopped with the realization she was about to tread into potentially dangerous ground. "About Eddie." "Mr. Wonderful? What about him?" "The girls don't like him," she replied cautiously. "Now that in itself is no surprise, but the man. . .well he inspires unease in me." "He's OK. Just a geek Diane met on campus and picked up for coffee one night and he's been around ever since. Not my ideal of stepfather material but Diane could do worse." Mac nodded, knowing if she continued she would be out of bounds. "Good luck Gary and remember what I said. "You and Gary talked?" Harm asked her a few minutes later when she was helping him to gather the equipment. "Yeah. He's moving out." "And you're more worried than ever." "And I'm more worried than ever." "I know you so well. We'll keep an eye on them. Promise." "Thanks. That helps. I guess it's not very professional of me to get so involved with these kids." "No but it is so you," he laughed and snatched off her cap, giving the tip of her nose, dirt and all, a quick kiss. ==================== JAG HQ Following Afternoon "Colonel, my court date got washed out," Tracy announced, stopping at the open door of Mac's office. "And I read the brief on Jeffers and Commander Rabb's case notes. With an open mind. I hope at least. Anyway, if you would like to go talk to her this afternoon, I'm all yours." "Oh amen to that," Mac nodded enthusiastically. "The Admiral is very upset this has gone on so long." "Where's the Commander? Should we tell him where we've gone?" "No and that's even better. He and Sturgis had client meeting the brig. We're out of here, and bless you for getting me out of this office on such a beautiful day. Tell Tiner where we're heading will you? I'll bring the car around." "So why did the Commander have himself removed from the case?" Tracy asked once they were in the car. "I'll tell you after we talk to Major Johansen. That way you won't be biased. I'm hoping I won't be." "It seemed like a pretty open and shut case against Colonel Jeffers. But somehow I get the feeling that's not the case." "I think we still have a case. We just need Major Johansen to make it work. Her testimony the day I practiced with her and Harm was very compelling." "Then I don't see what the problem is" Tracy frowned. "I'll explain later." They reached the off base apartment of Major Johansen a short time later and the young woman frowned when she opened the door. "Colonel Mackenzie. I wasn't expecting you." "I know but Commander Manetti and I needed to speak with you concerning the case." "About why Commander Rabb was removed from the prosecution?" Charlene Johansen asked. "Yes. Do you have a few moments?" "Of course. Please come in. I was rather surprised when I got word that the Commander was no longer on the case." "There's more to it than that Major" Mac said once they were inside. "Commander Rabb will be assisting the defense." "Excuse me?" Charlene frowned. "I don't understand." "Apparently when I was out of the room the other day, there was some sort of exchange between you and the Commander that left him very uncomfortable about the case." "I have no idea what exchange he's referring to ma'am. He and I hardly spoke while you were gone." Mac studied her closely to determine if she was lying. But there was nothing on the Major's face to indicate she was saying anything but the truth. "Well apparently the Commander just felt that something wasn't right" Mac continued. "And in the best interest of the case, removed himself." "I guess that's for the best then isn't it?" Charlene asked. "I mean, you said we would make Colonel Jeffers pay for what he did." "And we will" Mac assured her. "But you're the key to all this. Would you mind going over the testimony for Commander Manetti?" "It's not easy ma'am" Charlene said softly. "But I'll try." **************** JAG HQ's Same Time "Tiner where's Colonel Mackenzie?" Harm asked when he and Sturgis returned from their client visit. "She and Commander Manetti went out to talk to Major Johansen sir?" "Where at?" Harm demanded. "I believe her apartment sir. The Major hasn't been on duty since the assault." "How long ago did they leave?" "A few hours ago" Tiner shrugged. "Is there a problem sir?" "No problem except the woman is a fruit loop" Harm muttered as he walked back to his office. He knew Mac had wanted to tell Major Johansen that she was now prosecuting but he hadn't planned on her going without him. "Who's a fruit loop?" Sturgis asked. "Or was that a private conversation you were having with yourself?" "Major Johansen. Mac and Tracy went out to talk to her." "So. They should now that they've got the case." "Sturgis I don't trust the woman. What if she goes ballistic when she finds out I'm off the case?" "Would you listen to yourself," Sturgis frowned. "You're starting to freak me out and that's not something I do easily. She's a Naval officer and the complainant. I don't think she's going to do anything to jeopardize that." "Well offering sex to the prosecutor could be construed as jeopordization," he muttered. "Maybe but I don't think that's going to be the case here since the rules of engagement are changed," he soothed. "Because if it is, we've got even bigger problems." "That makes me feel so much better," Harm groaned. "Now where does Major Fruit Loop live. You've got the address? I turned over everything I had, a move I'm at this moment regretting totally. But not as much as she will if she hurts Mac." "Come on Commander before your feelings are on display for the whole office. We'll get the address and if we need to go out there we will, but let's try something a little more conservative first like calling Mac and checking on them. I uh. . .I don't suppose you've tried that already?" "No I think I went into panic mode first," he admitted, Sturgis's words calming him some and he meekly followed his friend into his office. "Harm this woman really did get to you badly didn't she?" "Yeah, on several fronts," he nodded, watching Sturgis pull up the file. "I'm afraid for damage she could do to my career but that's a minor concern compared to being afraid for what she could do to Mac if she thought she was some kind of a threat" "Did she make a threat against Mac, or your career?" "Well she said she misunderstood my grabbing and kissing her." "Whoa wait, you did that? Are you out of your mind or what?" Harm simply stared at his friend, giving him a minute to re-think his comment. "Sorry. When you said that. . .well I lost my head or something." "Never mind. You got that phone number or what." "Yeah but you won't need it. There's the two lost sheep now." Sturgis gestured out his window and sure enough Mac and Tracy were walking in. "Are you going to tell her you were worried?" "Hell no," he yelped, nevertheless striding toward Mac in double time. "Colonel here comes the Grand Inquisitor," Tracy smiled. "You know he's going to want to know what happened." "Want to know what?" Harm demanded. "You had to say something didn't you" Mac sighed. "And before you go ballistic there Commander, just take a deep breath." "I'll take a deep breath when you tell me what happened. She did something didn't she?" "Commander Manetti was trying to get more information about the night of the attack. And she suddenly got real upset with us." "How upset?" Harm asked. "Did she threaten you?" "She uh. . .she just picked up a kitchen knife," Mac admitted. "But then a second later she was fine and acting like nothing had happened." "Did she threaten you with the knife?" Harm demanded. "Mac I want to know what the hell happened out there." "She just waved it around a bit. But she never came near either of us." "Oh that's comforting." "Harm I'm telling you it was just a momentary lapse of sanity on her part." "She is insane" he retorted. "And I don't want you on this case. You're going to tell the Admiral what happened and then you're off this case." "Commander I think we need to have a chat in my office" Mac glared at Harm. "I think we should go" Sturgis smiled to Tracy. "They need to be alone to argue this one out." "We are not arguing" Harm snapped as Tracy and Sturgis walked away. "My office Commander" Mac ordered and with a long sigh Harm followed Mac to her office. "Look Mac I'm just trying to watch out for you. I'm sorry if you don't understand that." "I do. But last time I checked I was a United States Marine and very capable of taking care of myself. And it wasn't like she came charging at us with the knife. She just picked it up and waved it around a bit. And then it was over." "She's insane Mac. I'm telling you she's not right." "Well she's still the victim until it's proven otherwise. And since I'm prosecuting, I will have to have contact with her." "I hate this" he sighed. "I should have just stayed on the case." "Harm if you'd stayed on the case she might have made allegations against you. You did the right thing." "I'd rather lose my career than lose you." "Harm" she started. "Mac I'm serious. You are what's important in my life." "Well I'm glad you removed yourself," she said softly. "Because I happen to like having you as my partner. And I don't want you to worry about me. I can handle Major Johansen." "Just promise me you won't be alone with her" he sighed. "I'll see what I can do," she said with a small smile. "Are you calmer now?" "No. And I won't be until this mess is all over." "Harm it'll be fine. We're going to court in a few days and then it will be over. In the meantime you need to chill." "Good thing we have practice tonight. I can take my frustrations out on the baseball." "You do that coach" Mac smiled. "Mac are you going to report what the woman did?" he asked after a short moment of quiet. "I honestly don't know. I don't think she's the most stable person in the world right now that's a given, but I'm wondering if this whole thing hasn't provoked some kind of mental imbalance. You know if she was working away and suddenly was pounced on. I don't know Harm. I'm not a psychologist, but it might not hurt to have her evaluated." "Please promise me you'll never be alone with her," he begged. "I can do that," she nodded, "but I want the same promise from you. She could make allegations that even if never substantiated, could point your career toward the toilet." "Deal. And while I still don't feel like I got the entire picture of what happened this afternoon, come here. I need to hug on you." "That's the easiest request I've had of me today," she smiled and unhesitantly stepped forward into his arms, leaning more against him than she had actually intended, her body language admitting how much Maj. Johansen had unnerved her even if her words had minimized the situation. "Let's go take out life on a few balls," Harm grinned, and impulsively, taking advantage of the fact that they were completely alone, turned her face up to meet his for a soft kiss. "You're good for a woman at the end of a bad day," she sighed. "Bet you give great foot massages too." "I'm available to be auditioned." "You're on Sailor. Look right now all I want to do is spend a few hours with our kids and get dirty and smell sweat socks and leather. OK?" "Yes ma'am let's do it." =============== The team was started to gather when Harm and Mac arrived. Pulling up directly behind them, with a screech of brakes and a spray of gravel, was John Reynolds. Toby at once got out of the car, only to be stopped by his father's loud voice. "You're on probation tonight just remember that," he yelled. "You've gotten another chance. A smart kid won't blow it." "Yes sir," the young boy mumbled and with a quick nod to Harm and Mac hurried to join his team. "Major, everything OK?" Harm called. "Anything we can do?" "Yeah. You can tell me how to keep a rotten kid in line," he replied coldly. "On second thought--don't." With that he slammed the car into reverse and took off. "Nice guy," Mac sighed, looking to Toby who had gotten in line for throwing warm-ups. "And speaking of nice guys, I see we have Eddie with us tonight." "Another one that bears watching," Harm nodded. "Shall we get them started?" "Glad to have you back Toby" Mac smiled to the young boy as she made her way over to the kids. "We missed you." "Well I only get to play if I don't screw up" Toby said quietly. "Dad doesn't like losers." "Is he always like that?" Mac asked. "Yelling at you I mean." Toby looked away uncomfortably and Mac gave him a quick pat on the shoulder. "It's okay Toby. You don't have to talk if you don't want to. But if you ever do need to talk, Coach Harm and I are here to listen." "Thanks. But I'm fine." He wandered off with the others and Mac let out a long sigh. She knew there was more going on at the Reynolds household and she was determined to find out what it was. As she walked back to the dugout she caught sight of Eddie watching Sam and Alex and she gave him a long glare. "Having a stare down with our friend?" Harm asked as he walked up behind her. "I don't like him Harm" Mac sighed as she turned back to him. "He's weird." "Well I don't like the idea of him knowing who you are" Harm frowned. "If he is some flake like you think, I don't want him near you either." "So far he hasn't done anything but watch. But he's still weird." "Very. Did you get anything from Toby?" "No. But I guarantee you there's something going on." "Maybe I can make a trip by the Major's office one day. Have a little heart to heart with him about life. And what he's doing to his kid." "He's not going to be receptive to that Harm." "I know. But Toby doesn't deserve to be treated like that. No kid does." Practice went without a hitch and it wasn't until they were loading the equipment that they noticed Eddie attempting to lead Sam and Alex to his car. "Harm I think we have a problem" Mac said as she heard Sam's crying. "Let me handle this" he frowned. "You keep an eye on Jimmy and Toby." She started to protest but Harm was already sprinting across the parking area to the car. "I said get in" Eddie growled as Harm approached the car. "Hi I'm Coach Harm" Harm smiled. "I'm not sure we've met before. You are?" "Coach I want my Mom" Sam wailed. "Don't make me go home with him." "Your Mom asked me to pick you up" Eddie hissed. "Now get in the car like I told you." "I know Diane dropped them off," Harm said slowly. "But usually she or Gary picks them up." "Tonight's Diane's night with them. Gary and her split. And she had to take care of something so she asked me to bring them home." "You wouldn't mind if I verified that would you?" Harm asked. "Look Coach" Eddie snarled. "Diane asked me to pick them up tonight. I didn't know we had to clear it with you first." "Well part of my responsibility is to making sure the kids go home with who they're supposed to" Harm said calmly. "And obviously the girls weren't aware you were going to be taking them home." "Mom said she was coming back" Alex offered. "She didn't say Eddie was coming." "Look Diane got busy with something. She asked me to bring the girls home. I don't know what your problem is but this is none of your business." "It's my business when this little girl doesn't want to go with you" Harm answered. "And what I'm going to do next is call their father to come get them instead." "You're sticking your nose where it doesn't belong mister" Eddie hissed. "Coach Mac what's wrong?" Jimmy Nelson asked as he followed her gaze to where Harm and Eddie were talking. "Hopefully nothing" she sighed. "Looks like there's a not too happy dad there," Jimmy smiled. "What happened, Harm bench his kid?" "I wish it was that simple. No the man Harm is arguing with is some kind of friend of the mom. You know the girls, Sam and Alex. Anyway, Sam hates him." "Well kids can be strange like that," Jimmy frowned. "Are he and the mom involved?" "Well the mom and dad have just separated," Mac nodded. "So yeah at least potentially. The man simply bothers me. Well more to the point, it bothers me how much Sam especially doesn't want to be around him." "You're thinking he's messing with her?" Mac gasped, hearing the fear she had being put into words. "I'm afraid to go there but yeah that's been on my mind," she admitted. "And then I think I have nothing to base that on. Being a creep is not a crime and I could get into a world of hurting if I accuse someone with no basis." Jimmy nodded. "You might get the girls off alone, just you and them. You'd have to do it as just their friend though, not as their interrogator or they're going to clam up tight." "I've thought of that too. Problem is, I ask one question and then the cross examiner in me gets on a roll," she sighed. "But I think I will try to do something like that with them. Thanks." "Good. Now I'm going to casually saunter over to Harm before they exchange blows," Jimmy laughed, though his tone was serious. "I'm right behind you. Toby wait right here for me." By the time Mac and Jimmy had gotten there, the girls were behind Harm's restraining arm while he dialed Gary's number, blessing that he had input all the phone numbers into his phone. No answer. Not there, and not with Diane. Eddie had watched him, and when he heard him leaving voice messages, he began to grin. "Told you. Gary is not around because it's not his night to have them. Diane is busy. I'm it. Give me the girls. If you don't, I'll file a formal complaint. With Parks and Rec, and with your commanding officer. Just for starters." "Harm you don't have any choice," Mac said quietly. "This guy is not worth your career." "No he's not but there are other things that might be," Harm sighed and looked at the angry man before him. "So here's what's going to happen. I'm going to let the girls go with you Eddie, but you can be sure that this is not the end of this." Sam let out a soft sob at Harm's words and clung more tightly to his back. "Yeah well you do what you have to," Eddie sneered. "So will I. I'm in love with their mother, and as soon as she can dump the loser she's married to, I'm taking over. Girls--car. Now." With that he turned on his heel and strode in that direction. Harm turned to them and knelt down. "I'm sorry girls. You need to go with him. Unless one of you right now wants to tell me why you don't." Sam opened her mouth almost at once, only to have Alex elbow her hard. "No it's OK. We're going." Hearing that, Mac also squatted so that she could look at both of them. "This weekend I want to take you girls to lunch OK? You two and me are the only girls on the team, and we need to stick together. How about it? Lunch and the mall?" "That would be great," Alex smiled and even Sam looked brighter. "Is that a promise?" she asked softly. "You bet it is, long as it's OK with your mom," Mac smiled and kissed her tear-dampened cheek, feeling Harm's eyes boring into her back and choosing to ignore for the moment. "I'll give her a call tomorrow, promise. Now let me walk you to your car. Harm, I'll meet you over by Toby while we wait for his dad." Harm made a face but nodded, walking away slowly, choosing an angle where he could still keep his eye on Mac as she took the girls over to Eddie. "You are so in love with that woman," Jimmy groaned. "But then I already knew that. You need to put a ring on her finger and marry her when you guys take the tournament Labor Day weekend. Marry her at home plate." Harm gave a short laugh. "Well it would be a first for the Parks Department I'm sure. Right now I'm concerned about getting through the season, plus things at work." "Tell me about that," Jimmy sighed. "And I know what it's like to worry over a woman too. When I kiss Cindy goodbye, we do it like it might be the last time." ============ "OK Eddie they're all yours," Mac said softly. "I'll see you girls Saturday." "Practice?" Eddie scowled. "No. And that was woman talk," Mac smiled sweetly. "Tell Diane I'll be giving her a call." "Yeah right. You two get in the car. I can't believe I've put up with this crap tonight." "Go" Mac said to Alex and Sam. "I'll see you Saturday." She watched them leave and with a long sigh walked back to where Harm was now standing with Toby. Scott and Jimmy had left and it was just them and Toby. "No sign of the Major?" Mac frowned. "Not yet. We'll give him a little more time before we call." He sat down on the bench beside Toby and gave the young boy a smile. "You glad to be back on the team?" "I'm only on if I don't screw up," Toby said quietly. "What do you mean screw up?" Harm asked. "Cause trouble for Dad. He says I don't listen like I should and then he yells at me." "Does he do anything else?" Harm asked. The blaring of the horn kept Toby from replying as he looked up and saw his father's truck. "Come on Toby" John Reynolds yelled. "I don't have all night here." Toby hurried to the truck and Harm let out a long sigh. "This gets more interesting every night. And for the record, I am not happy about you making plans for Saturday." "Harm I need to find out what's going on there. Those girls are afraid of him and I'm sure there's a good reason why. I can't just turn my back on that." "Anymore than I can turn my back on Toby" Harm sighed. "I'm going to have to go talk to the Major. Even if he's not physically abusing Toby he sure is emotionally abusing him. That poor kid is scared to death of saying or doing the wrong thing." "Classic signs of abuse" Mac sighed. "Bet you didn't think there would be this much going on when you signed up to coach." "No I didn't. But you know I'm not the type of person to just let stuff like this go on." "And neither am I" she said quietly. "I just want you to be careful around Diane," he said as he led her to the car. "I don't trust her anymore than I do her weird boyfriend." "I can't believe she'd allow something like that to go on. She can't know what he's doing." "Let's hope not." "And at the end of the day we still have the trial to look forward to" she sighed as she climbed into the SUV. "You had to remind me of that didn't you. I swear if there was anyway to get you off the case I would do it." "That's sweet but we both know I have to do this. And hopefully it will be over quick." THE END Chapter 3 will follow shortly.