TITLE: "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" Chapter 4 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 3--- "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." ***************** "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" Chapter 4 JAG HQ's Next Morning "Commander I'm glad you're here" Tiner said as he met Harm at the elevator. "Something wrong Tiner?" Harm frowned. "Well sir you know the victim in the case the Colonel is prosecuting, Major Johansen." "Yeah I do. What about her?" "She was waiting for the Colonel this morning. Said she needed to talk to her. The Colonel gave me a weird look and told me to come and get her when the Admiral needed her. Sir, the Admiral isn't in today. The Colonel knew that." "Is Commander Manetti in yet?" Harm asked. "No sir. So am I supposed to go get the Colonel or what?" "Yes. Tell her that the Admiral is waiting for her in his office." "But he's not sir" Tiner frowned. "No but I will be. Now go. And make sure the Colonel goes into the Admiral's office. And then make sure Major Johansen leaves the building." "Sir I don't understand." "Do you need to?" Harm's tone and raised eyebrow put fear into the young man's heart. "Sir no sir. Going." Harm took up a position near the filing cabinet, making sure he could see the area. A few moments later, Mac and the Major appeared in the doorway, and even from the distance Harm could tell the woman was agitated. Mac spoke to her and started across the floor toward AJ's office while Tiner remained right at her elbow, leading her toward the door. It was with a large sign of relief that she left the building without incident and he hurried to Mac's office. "You have poor Tiner confused," he called softly. "I gather you didn't wish to talk with the Major." "We said all we had to yesterday," Mac nodded, gripping the edge of the doorjamb. "As it was, she was getting upset. Now if she's truly the victim, I can see where she might be. If she's not, then well. . ." "She scared you yesterday more than you're telling me didn't she," he all but squealed. "Dammit, I should have kept this case. Dammit." "Harm chill no," she told him sternly, putting her hand on his arm and bringing him inside her office, closing the door behind him. "No I don't wish you had her back. What she might do to me is far less than her potential for damaging your career, or even your freedom if she trumped up some kind of sexual assault charge. I can handle this." "But this morning. . ." "This morning I had nothing further I needed to get from her. She admitted she had nothing more to add to her allegations, and she started again asking about you and me and if you were seeing someone and I told her our business was over." "Dammit." "That's your third dammit in five minutes. Give it a rest. Good thing you're more calm on the field." "Where your well being is concerned I can't be," he groused. "Calm that is. Especially since I can't count on you to be totally straight with me about things like that. You minimize." "If I didn't you'd have that stroke for real," she smiled gently. "What are you going to be like when I'm pregnant?" His mouth opened for an immediate retort and he got out but a half syllable before he froze in mid-utterance. "Pregnant?" he finally managed. She giggled and shook her head. "Not now. Someday. You want that too don't you?" "Oh yeah of course I do," he sighed, his mind going from Charlene Johansen to Sarah Mackenzie, large with his child. "Good me too. Now don't you have work to do before the Admiral decides he doesn't need us on staff?" "You're throwing me out aren't you?" "Damn right," she giggled again. "I've already had one nut-case in here this morning. I don't need you too." ================= PARKS & REC FIELDS Thursday Evening "DIane hi." Mac smiled as pleasantly as she could when she met the car bearing Alex and Sam. "Hi Coach Mac," both girls yelled from the backseat, hurriedly shrugging out of their seatbelts to get to the field. "I understand you want to take my girls out Saturday," Diane frowned. "Yes ma'am. I left a couple of messages for you to get back to me," Mac replied. "Yeah I've been in a lock in conference since Tuesday morning. Some of us work for a living." Keeping her smile in place, Mac let that pass. "I just thought it would be a chance for the only females on the team to do a little girl bonding thing. I won't take them far, and have them back at the time you asked." "Frankly how would you like to have them for the night? Or would that be too much to ask? Eddie's been dying to get away to Atlantic City. You could pick them up Saturday morning and he and I will take them off your hands Sunday evening." Mac tried to hide her surprise at the woman's offer. It wasn't every mother who would simply hand over her kids so she could have a weekend away with her boyfriend. But then again she wasn't sure Diane Winters was the normal mother. "That would be fine," Mac said finally. "I'd be happy to have the girls for a sleepover." "Great" Diane smiled. "Why don't you pick them up around nine? And of course if you need anything, you have Gary's number. Eddie and I won't be reachable." It was on the tip of her tongue to ask why not but she stopped herself. The important thing was she would have some time alone with Sam and Alex to find out exactly what was going on. "Sounds good. We'll see you after practice." "Actually Eddie will be picking them up. Which reminds me I'd like to have a word with the guy you're coaching with. I was real close to calling the Parks and Rec chief about him for what he did the other night." "Look Diane, we have to follow the rules too" Mac countered. "We don't know Eddie and Harm was just concerned as to why you or Gary wasn't picking up the girls." "Eddie has been here several times. And if I'm not here and it's not Gary's night, well then he can take them home." "Fine" Mac sighed. "I'll let Harm know." Diane walked back to her car and Mac had a decided frown on her face when she reached the practice field. "Okay what's wrong?" Harm asked. "Nothing. That woman bothers me. But I'll explain it later. And by the way, Eddie's picking them up tonight." "She told you that?" "Yes. Apparently Eddie ratted on you the other night and she wasn't happy about it." "We'll talk more after practice" Harm frowned. "Everyone here?" "Toby's missing again" Mac sighed. "Which I guess doesn't surprise me. I guess the Major decided one night was enough." As she spoke the large truck pulled up and Toby was out of the truck even before it had come to a complete stop. Major Reynolds pulled away with squealing tires and Harm could see from the look on Toby's face that the little boy had been crying. "Mac why don't you get them started," Harm said. "I'm going to talk to Toby for a minute." She nodded and Harm quickly intercepted Toby before he reached the other kids. "Everything okay Toby?" Harm asked. "Yeah it's fine" Toby mumbled as he wiped his face again. "I just want to practice with the others." "I know and you will. But you seem a little upset. Did you and your Dad have a fight?" "I didn't clean up my room after school the way he wanted" Toby answered quietly. "So he wasn't going to let me come to practice." "Did you clean your room?" Harm asked. "Yes sir. It just wasn't the way he wanted it to be." Toby looked away as he spoke it was then that Harm noticed the red spot on the side of his cheek. Obviously from a hand. "Go on and join the others" Harm smiled to him. "I'll talk to you after practice." Toby nodded and ran to the field where the others were warming up and Harm let out a long sigh. He was going to have to make that visit to Toby's father soon. "Okay so what did Diane say?" Harm asked as he and Mac were gathering the equipment after practice. "She wants me to take the girls for the night. She and Eddie want to get away." "She's going to trust a stranger with her kids?" Harm frowned. "My thoughts exactly" Mac sighed. "I wonder who else she's been dumping the girls with. At least I'm responsible." "I'd trust you with my life," Harm smiled. "Hell I have trusted you with my life. Mac please, I know I've said this before and I know I'll say it again. If Eddie felt backed into a corner, he might fight." "I know. I'm not afraid of him. Harm you've said it many times yourself. Some things are worth fighting for." "OK. For now. Next problem. Toby. You know that was a hand print on his face don't you." "Well of course I do. He was backhanded. Quick and hard. Possibly for mouthing off, possibly for not moving as fast as his dad thought he should. Possibly because his dad was in a foul mood and just felt like taking it out on someone." Harm regarded her solemnly for a moment then reached out to brush the back of his hand against her cheek. "Your dad?" "Not often, but enough so that I know what it's like." Harm's eyes narrowed, and he had an unreasoning urge to kill a man who was already dead. "I hate him," he whispered. "Oh Harm it was forever ago," she smiled, swallowing one lone sob. "And who knows, maybe dealing with him gave me some of the gravel in my gut now." He nodded and instead of releasing her, held her steady to receive a quick kiss. "I think you're pretty wonderful." "Now I am going to cry," she said softly. "Nah don't do that. You'll streak your dirt." Her almost-sob changed into a laugh and then a giant hiccup. "Oh fine, look what you did." Harm laughed as well, pulling her against him in a large hug. "You know I love you don't you." "Yeah I do," she whispered, her head buried in his dirty t-shirt. "And I love you." ==================== JAG HQ Friday Morning "So you're stuck in court all morning?" Harm frowned. "Harm what have I been whining about for the last ten minutes? I do not believe this clown asked for a JAG representation. Maybe I can hit him upside the head with a ball peen hammer and get a medal for eliminating a problem. What are you going to do anyway?" "Nothing as constructive as that," he grinned. "Lunch I hope?" "Yeah me too," she sighed. "Stay out of trouble." "Don't I always?" "Actually I thought maybe you'd start today." "You don't do cute that well," he muttered. "Go murder a client and leave me to my paperwork." It was not the paperwork that had Harm's attention an hour later. It was Toby Reynolds. And the mark on his face. And Mac's words about how it was to be an abused child. It took but twenty seconds for him to grab his MDW personnel book and locate Major John Reynolds, OIC, Procurement, at the Pentagon. With Mac gone, it would be the perfect chance to pay a visit--buy the man a cup of coffee, and tell him if he ever touched the boy. . . With several possible threats in mind, Harm left word he was going to the Pentagon with a busy Tiner who barely acknowledged him. Perfect. =================== "Major how are you?" Harm said as he walked into John Reynolds office at the Pentagon a short time later. "Just fine. Except that I'm not sure why my kid's Little League coach is at my office." "I just thought maybe we could talk for a bit" Harm smiled. "You know grab a cup of coffee outside the office and chat for a little bit." "Look Commander I'm a little busy here" the Major sighed as he pointed to the desk full of paper. "Maybe another time." "Maybe you wouldn't like your superior office to find out that you're abusing your son" Harm said in a quiet voice and John Reynolds glared at Harm. "I don't know what the hell you're talking about" he hissed. "But you'd better just walk right back out that door before you regret coming here." "I'm not leaving until we talk. And we can either do it alone or I can walk down to your CO's office and have a little talk with him. Which is it going to be?" "You have no right. What goes on at my home is none of your concern." "It is if I know a little boy is being abused" Harm retorted. "And I'd bet my career he is." "You're not going to have a career when I'm done with you" Reynolds snarled. "Coming in here and making false accusations about something you know nothing about." "I know Toby has a hand mark on his cheek last night. And I'm sure if I were to check I'd find other marks on him." "Get out" John ordered. "Now. I will not listen to this crap." "Maybe your CO will." Harm turned to walk out of the office, only getting as far as the door when John Reynolds grabbed his arm and whirled him around. "You will not go talk to my CO" he hissed. "So help me Commander if you do, you're going to be one sorry man." "Let go Major" Harm said calmly. "I mean it Commander. Stay out of my business. Or else." "Or else what? You'll haul off and hit me like you do Toby when he doesn't listen to you? When he doesn't clean up his room like you like it? When he doesn't hit the game winning homerun?" John Reynolds' face grew redder with each word and before Harm could stop him, his fist came flying towards Harm's jaw, connecting solidly with it. He raised his fist again but this time Harm caught his arm in time. "That wasn't a smart move Major" Harm managed. "Get out" Reynolds hissed. "Get out now before I really hurt you." "I don't care what you do to me," Harm said as he rubbed his jaw. "But I will make sure you never lay a hand on Toby again. I'll be contacting child services when I get back to my office." "Get out. Now." Harm walked out of the office, stopping long enough at an administrative assistant's desk to find out who Major Reynolds CO was before heading back to the JAG office. ************** JAG HQ's Same Time "Tiner where's the Commander?" Mac asked the young petty officer. "Did he leave the building?" "He said something ma'am" Tiner said sheepishly. "I uh don't exactly remember where he said he was going." "So he did leave?" "Yes ma'am. That much I do know." "Thanks Tiner" she sighed before walking back to her office. She hadn't expected Harm not to be there. He hadn't made any indication to her about leaving. For a moment Major Johansen crossed her mind and she quickly shook that thought away. There was no way he would have gone to see her. "Okay Rabb where are you?" she murmured as she looked out the window. She got her answer a short time later when he stepped off the elevator, his hand still rubbing his now sore jaw. "Hey where did you go?" she asked. "I had to take care of a little business. Nothing for you to worry about." "Okay if it's not then why are you rubbing your jaw like it hurts" she frowned. "And why does it look like someone hit you there." "Because I got into it with John Reynolds at his office, and someone did hit me there. Major Reynolds." "Harm you're joking right? You had a barfight or something. I mean Maj. Reynolds would not punch a superior officer on duty." "Wanna bet?" "Oh my god you're not kidding," she frowned. "First are you OK? Did he break something?" As she spoke she reached up and touched the area, frowning even more when he winced sharply. "OK Mohammed Ali, ice bag time." "Some Advil too please," he sighed. "It's given me a monster headache." "I'll bet. You must have really provoked the man." Harm nodded but said nothing further until they were in the break room with him holding ice to his face. "I was saying you must have really provoked him," she prompted, indicating she expected to hear the rest of the story. "When are you filing charges?" Harm shrugged and winced again, pulling the ice away which caused her to make an exasperated noise and take the bag from him. "Harm you're not going to let him get away with that? He's a bully and a child abuser and now he's struck a superior officer." "Yeah, but I'm more interested in the child abuse side of him. I'm going to have to file a report. If for no other reason than I'm obligated as the head coach of the team and have knowledge of an abusive situation." "Yeah I think it might be time," she nodded thoughtfully. "What did you hope to accomplish by visiting him anyway?" "I just wanted him to know I was aware of what was going on," he sighed. "I didn't think I wanted to just ambush him by making the call. I think the abuse is escalating though." "Of course it is," she said softly. "The boy is getting older, he's seeing that his friends don't live in homes where that crap goes on. When he's fourteen or so, he may solve it with a gun. On his dad or worse, on twenty innocent people before he kills himself." "You didn't do anything like that." "No but I was a coward. I drank. And I ran. As far and as fast as I could. I didn't have a White Knight like you to stand up for me." "Well I'm going to now. In fact oddly enough in the inch thick packet they gave me of typed instructions there's a form to fill out. I need to do that." "Put me down as corroboration." Harm looked aghast. "No. No way." "Yes of course you will. Why wouldn't you?" she yelped. "And have you get on this guy's enemy list? Are you crazy? Me he just punched for threatening. What if he thinks about doing a lot more than that when he's formally accused. I'm already worried about Eddie and you. And we don't even know if he's violent. We sure do with Reynolds." "So it's OK for you to put yourself at risk but not me?" "Yes. No. Hell I don't know." Harm's voice grew louder with his frustration, traveling easily out of the open breakroom door. "I just know I don't want anything to happen to you. I happen to love you." The silence that befell the bull pen as those words reached there was deafening. "Commander you do know how to quiet a room sir," Harriet called. "You sure he didn't hit your head as well as your jaw?" Mac teased in an attempt to let Harm out of the trap he walked into. "No he didn't" Harm managed after a few moments. "I love you Sarah Mackenzie. There I said and everyone knows. And I don't care if everyone knows. Because it's the truth. I love you." Every ear in the bullpen waited for Mac's response but only those with the best of hearing would have heard it. "I love you too" she whispered. "More than you'll ever know." "Okay I'll leave you two alone now" Harriet smiled as she closed the door to the break room behind her. "This isn't exactly how I planned to tell you that" Harm said sheepishly when they were alone. "But you don't seem to understand why I don't want you involved with all this stuff." "Harm you can't protect me from everything. And I can manage myself pretty well. At least I haven't gone off and gotten my jaw broken yet." "It's not broken" he sighed. "It's just sore." "Well you're lucky it's not" she frowned as she looked at the rapidly bruising area. "You need to keep the ice on it and stop talking." "I need to file the report about the Major." "The one saying that he punched a superior officer?" "No. I told you I'm not going to do that. I'm more concerned about Toby. I just hope I didn't make things worse for him at home by doing this. Maybe I should just call Children's Services directly and let them know what's going on." "This a private party?" AJ asked as he walked into the break room. "No sir" Mac said at once. "I'm just nursing the Commander's battle wounds." "Battle wounds?" "I went to see Major Reynolds" Harm explained. "You know, Toby's father. The one that's slightly overzealous about winning." "He hit you?" AJ frowned. Harm nodded. "I asked him about Toby because when he showed up for practice the other night he had a huge handprint across his face." "You think he's abusing the boy?" "Yes sir. I'm almost positive of it. When I threatened to tell the Major's CO, he hit me. He's violent and I think he takes that out on Toby." "Do you know if there's a mother around?" AJ asked. "We've never seen her" Mac answered. "It's always been the Major. And honestly Toby has never mentioned his mother." "Not that it's an excuse but that might be part of the problem" AJ sighed. "Why don't I take a look into the Major's background and see what the story is there." "Thank you sir. But I still feel I should at least file a report with Children's services." "I agree. But it won't hurt to see what we're dealing with here either." "Yes sir" Harm nodded. "Oh by the way, congratulations" AJ grinned. "I believe I heard that I love you's had been exchanged between you two." "Sorry sir" Mac blushed. "Hey it wasn't a surprise to me. I've seen you two out of the office remember. Just let me know when the wedding will be so I can get my dress whites ready." "Labor Day at home plate" Harm grinned. "I think you'd better check with the Colonel on that first" AJ laughed. "She might want something a little nicer." "Sounds perfect to me" she smiled. "Course I don't believe I've been asked yet." "Better get to work on that Commander" AJ said on his way out. "Harm you don't" she started. "Is the idea that bad?" he asked softly. "You marrying me?" "Are you kidding" she smiled. "It's the best idea you've ever come up with partner." He looked at her in silence for a long moment. "I know we bandied this about the other night on the field too. I guess when it's a serious matter I hide behind remarks and loose talk and. . ." She stopped him with a gentle hand to his mouth. "I know you're only like this with me." He nodded, still prevented from speaking. "Do you love me?" More nodding, vigorously this time. "Do you seriously want to marry me?" She took her hand away for his answer. "More than anything I've ever wanted in this life." "Then I think we're pretty clear all around," she smiled. "And now that everyone knows it, as if they didn't already." "Labor Day at homeplate," he grinned happily despite the ache in his jaw. "Sounds good to me." "Mac I'm kidding. Unless that's what you would want." "Hey I love it," she giggled. "And anyway, you know I tried the big deal with Mic remember. The gown, the rehearsal dinner, the church, the honeymoon planned for Australia and New Zealand, and it almost cost you your life. Never mind I was about to marry a man I didn't love." "So that is what you want?" "Yes it is. I think so. I think having our friends, along with the team, there and maybe Chaplain Turner to do a simple thing. Totally works for me. And the Admiral won't have to clean his dresswhites." "You got it," he sighed, feeling the warmth of happiness spread through him and with their privacy secured he brought her to him, kissing her as best he could. ===================== FRIDAY NIGHT Game Time "Harm Toby's not here," Mac pointed out quietly. "And his dad didn't even call." "Yeah I know. I just hope I did the right thing." He had filled out the form as required, adding Mac's name as an additional person being aware of the problem, and he had undergone a brief phone interview with a case worker who promised to get back to him. "Well you said you thought Mrs. Pennington sounded like she would follow through," she reminded him. "Yeah she did. Look, would it seem insane if we drove by their place when we leave here. I don't know why, but it would make me feel better just to see that everything is OK. I mean like that there's no yellow crime scene tape." "Of course it would seem insane but then you've seemed that way to me many times," she giggled and gave his cheek a quick pat. "Let's do it. And you can get me a Starbucks for my trouble while we're out." "And here's Sam and Alex," Harm nodded. "I guess you're still on with them for tomorrow." "Of course. You promised to take us women to the mall remember and then we're having the sleepover on my floor." "I know. I'll need time at some point though to recover from my hernia from moving the furniture." "Sorry. I'll make it up to you later." "Is that a promise?" he grinned. "Of course. But right now we've got a game to win coach. Let's do it." Under the strong arm of Jimmy Nelson, they came through with a win and it was a proud Scott Nelson that ran to hug his son when it was over. "Did you see it Dad?" Jimmy said happily. "Did you see the game?" "Not all of it but I got here for the last few innings" Scott smiled. "Your Mom is going to be so proud of you." "Nice job Jimmy" Harm added. "And excellent hitting from the girls tonight too. Nice job Sam and Alex." "I can't believe we won" Mac smiled. "And they all played so well." "Took down the number one team" Harm said proudly. "I guess we're all starting to work together." "Are we still having a sleepover at your house tomorrow?" Sam asked Mac as they gathered their stuff. "Yes we are Mac smiled. "I'll be over bright and early to pick you two up. We'll do some shopping and eating and watch some movies." "And stay up all night and talk about boys?" Alex giggled. "And you can tell us all about you and Coach Harm." "We'll see" Mac laughed. "But I'll see you tomorrow morning." They bounded off to meet their mother and Mac frowned when she saw Eddie in the car with Diane. "I really don't like him" she sighed as Harm walked over to her. "I hope I can find out if anything's going on there." "Speaking of finding out what's going on, let's head over to the Reynolds house. The address should be on my clipboard with the others." "This is really bothering you isn't it?" she frowned. "Yes. I should have done something sooner. I knew what was going on. I knew from the first night something was wrong there." "Hey don't blame yourself. It's not always easy to spot this kind of stuff. And Toby did a good job of hiding it." "I know" Harm sighed. "And he shouldn't have to grow up like that. No kid should have to grow up like that." "No but a lot do" Mac said softly. "I'm sorry. I know this probably brings up bad memories for you." "Yes but at the same time I know we have a duty to protect to these kids." "I wish someone had been there for you," he said quietly. "Someone is there for me now" Mac whispered. "And that's all that matters. All the rest is in the past." "I love you Sarah" Harm said softly. "Don't ever forget that." "I love you too. Now let's go see what happened to Toby." They made the trip across town to the address listed on Toby's form and Harm sighed when he saw a dark home. "I bet they're not here" he said as he pulled into the drive. "Well let's knock anyway. Maybe they just have all the lights out." "Why?" Harm frowned. "I don't know. But let's see if there's anyone around." She climbed out and together they headed to the front door of the small house. Mac pressed the doorbell and they waited for the door to open. "There's no one here" Harm sighed when no one answered. "Damn. I hope he didn't take off with Toby." "He might have" Mac said quietly. "A lot of times that's what abusers do. Course being in the military he doesn't have that option to just pick up and go without being UA." They were about to leave when Harm heard a noise at the door. It sounded like an animal scratching at the door and he rang the doorbell again. "Anyone home" he called as he knocked on the door. "Toby you in there. It's Coach Harm." The next words he heard made his blood chill. "Help me coach." It was Toby's voice, weak and desperate and Mac gasped and covered her mouth with her hand. "Toby" Harm yelled. "Toby can you open the door?" "No." "Toby move away from the door. I'm going to break the lock. Just move as far away as you can." "It's hard Harm. I hurt." "My god what's happened to him," Mac gasped again, reaching at once for her cell phone and pounding out 911, just as the door splintered under the force of Harm's powerful kick. The house was dark and they could hear soft sobbing. Leaving Mac to complete the call, Harm groped for the light switch that he expected to be just inside the door. A few seconds later the hallway was bathed in light and Harm froze at the sight before him, partially blocking Mac's view. Toby Reynolds lie at the bottom of the steps, just a few feet inside the doorway. One eye was swollen shut, the cheek below it bearing an angry red mark. "My legs Coach. I can't move my legs. Why can't I move?" Before he could answer, he heard Mac complete the call and felt her grasp his arm. "Harm we have to help him." "Where's your father Toby," Harm asked, keeping Mac behind him but wanting to kneel beside him and yet afraid John Reynolds could be nearby. "He's gone. We argued and he smacked me. I backed away from him and he smacked me again. I didn't know I was so close to the steps and when I backed up again my feet just went off and I fell all the way down. I was crying and he yelled at me--called me stupid--and then I heard the garage door. I heard him drive off and he hasn't come back. Harm--Mac I hurt. My back hurts and I can't get up." Harm swallowed hard and knelt beside him. "OK son. Ambulance is on the way I promise and they're going to take good care of you. I'm going to help you lie down here and I want you to relax until the medics get here." "What about my dad Harm?" The boy's eyes were wide with fright and Harm pressed his hand to his forehead. "He's never going to hurt you again. And that's a promise. Ask Mac--promises I keep." "That's right," she said softly, kneeling beside him, still holding to Harm in her shock at finding the boy like this. "We're going to make sure no one hurts you like this again. Toby where's your mother?" "She's dead." More tears came to his eyes and he shuddered hard. "How about grandparents. Someone we can call?" "Nobody. I never had anybody but my mom and dad." "Well you've got us now," Harm told him firmly. "We're going to make sure you're taken care of. Starting with making the pain stop." "Real soon now in fact," Mac smiled, stroking his forehead while the siren sound grew closer. "Don't leave me," Toby begged. "Please. I'm scared. My back hurts. I can't move my legs. I'm scared." "We won't. Don't worry. We will not leave you," Harm told him, trying to keep him calm. Three minutes later two paramedics and two police officers bounded up the steps. "What the hell happened to this child?" The first officer on the scene sent Harm an accusing look. "And let's start with who you are." "Officer, please. The boy is scared. Let's keep it low key," Harm begged. "My name is Harmon Rabb, and this is Sarah Mackenzie. We're with the JAG Corps in Falls Church. This is Tobias Reynolds. Toby. We're also his baseball coaches. His father did this. He smacked him twice and caused him to fall down the steps." "Yeah?" Officer Patrick Marshall knelt beside the boy. "Toby is that right?" "Yes sir. Then he drove away. I don't know where he went." "Sir you're his coach? You've got medical proxy then?" The paramedic looked at Harm anxiously. "Yes I do. I'll assume full responsibility for the child's welfare. Please be careful with him. He says he can't move his legs." Ten minutes later they had secured Toby to the back board, and Harm and Mac had answered innumerable questions. The two police officers were busy with their clipboards when Harm began to help lift Toby onto the stretcher. Suddenly from the street came the sound of an SUV driving up and stopping. "That's my dad," Toby gasped. "I know what our truck sounds like. Don't let him hurt me." "I won't" Harm promised as he reached for Toby's hand. "He's never going to hurt you again. Just relax. No one is going to let him hurt you." Before Harm could stop her, Mac hurried outside to seek out John Reynolds. "Major" she yelled as she ran to the truck. "What the hell is going on here?" he demanded as he jumped out of the truck. "Who let you into my house? And why the hell are the cops here?" "You know damn well why." "That little brat. He told you I hurt him didn't he. I'll fix him good next time." "Major you're not going to get away with this anymore" Mac said firmly. "The cops know everything. As well as children's services." John glared at Mac before turning and running back to his truck as he saw the door to the house open. Without a thought, Mac ran after him, reaching the drivers side as the engine roared to life. Realizing she would try to stop him, he reached out his hand and gave her a hard shove to the pavement before flooring the engine and peeling out of the driveway. "Mac" Harm screamed as he saw her on the ground, not sure what had happened. "Mac." "I'm fine," she said as he reached her. "He just pushed me real hard." "The truck didn't hit you did he?" he said anxiously as his eyes went over her. "No I was trying to stop him and he pushed me out of the way." "We'll get an APB out on him" Officer Marshall said as he joined Harm and Mac outside. "Harm, Toby" Mac said as the paramedics lifted the stretcher through the door. "I know. Just tell me you're okay please." "I'm fine. He needs you a lot more than I do." Harm nodded and hurried to Toby's side, climbing into the ambulance with him. "How you doing buddy?" Harm asked as he reached for his hand. "I'm scared" Toby whispered. "Don't be scared. Your Dad isn't going to hurt you ever again. I promise." "Am I going to be okay?" "Of course. They're going to get you to the hospital and you're going to be just fine." "Will you stay with me?" Toby sniffled. "No way I would leave" Harm assured him with a small smile. "You just hang tight okay." "I'll meet you at the hospital" Mac said from outside the ambulance. "Thanks" Harm nodded. **************** GW HOSP Harm was pacing the waiting room when Mac arrived and at once he took her into his arms. "This is my fault" he sighed. "Your fault?" she frowned. "How do you figure that?" "You know he did this to Toby because of me." "Harm don't blame yourself for this. He's an abuser. Anything can set him off." "Anything like me filing charges. I should have just gotten Toby out of there first." "He's going to be okay," Mac said softly. "I hope" Harm sighed. "He's just a little boy. He doesn't deserve this." "No he doesn't. No kid does. And hopefully this really will be the end of it. They'll get Reynolds and he'll never be able to hurt Toby again." "With the Military and the police looking for him, he won't get far surely," she said softly. "But it doesn't even matter that much. Just keeping Toby safe from him, and making sure he gets the care he needs. What are they telling you?" "Not a damn thing," he yelped, running a hand through his hair. "Other than to stay out of the way. They took him for an MRI I think they said, to see what damage there is to his spinal cord from his fall." "OK, let's sit down. I can feel you shaking." "Mac I can't remember the last time I was this angry," he said softly. "If I had John Reynolds in front of me right now I'd rip his heart out and stuff it down his throat." "Exactly. You're shaking and I'm worried about you. Harm the authorities will take care of Reynolds. You and I have a small boy to worry about." "You and. . .us. . .you and me," he gasped, hearing her words. "You're with me on this?" "Harm have you been sniffing something in one of those big cylinders? Of course I'm with you. It doesn't sound like he's got family. Until they make some kind of permanent arrangements for him, you and I can look after him. Good grief we've got no end to help if we need it. The Admiral, Sturgis, Bud and Harriet. That's what the JAG family does--we take care of our own." "OK thanks. I was wracking my brain trying to think how I could. . .well just thanks." "Harm you and I are going to be married. Get used to thinking 'we' would you. I know that's hard for you given your confirmed bachelor status, but you'd better start." "I think I better. You're right," he smiled sheepishly, keeping his arms around her and leading her toward one of the sofas. He sat first and brought her down with him, not missing the small moan of discomfort that came from her when her body hit the cushion. "What?" he demanded at once and almost in the same instance realization hit him. "No. No you're not hurt are you? Mac you told me you were OK. Please. Talk to me." "Harm power down will you," she sighed. "I hit the street on my very unpadded backside remember. Of course I'm sore. I suspect I'll be spectacular shades of purple and blue and black by morning and no you can't see. Not now, not then." "Mac I can't bear anything but something happening to you. Please. Go down to the ER and get them to look at you." "No. I'm not spending five hours in that zoo while some school boy pokes at me. Harm it's a bruise. Nothing vital broken or ruptured. I promise. I'm going to sit right here with you while we wait word on Toby." His mouth opened and she put a finger to his lips. "No." "God save me from stubborn jarheads," he groaned. "OK at least let me hold you so you're not uncomfortable." "Now those terms I can live with." He snuggled her to him, curling his body around hers and they were both all but asleep three hours later when the doctor shook Harm's shoulder. "Mr. Rabb?" "Sir yes sir," Harm gasped, jumping and waking Mac at the same time. "Dr. Peter Bessard, chief resident, Orthopedics. About Tobias Reynolds." "Yes sir, Toby," Harm gasped, struggling to awaken fully. "Please, he's OK?" "I think he's going to be fine. The fall has caused some swelling and bruising around his spinal cord from the way he landed, but no permanent damage. We have him on ice packs, and sedated. He's going to sleep for several hours. You may as well go on home." "He's not paralyzed then?" Harm gasped. "Not likely. He's going to be pretty sore and it's going to be painful to walk when the feeling starts returning, but he'll likely make a full recovery right now. Thing is this may set him up for an adulthood of back trouble, but for right now, he's going to be fine." Harm let out the breath he was holding. "I don't think I should leave him." "No sir, that's exactly what you should do. Both you and this pretty lady here look exhausted. In fact she looks like she got hit by a truck. Are you OK ma'am." "Yes I'm fine," Mac giggled, leaning heavily against Harm nevertheless. "She almost did have that happen to her. Lousy bastard," Harm hissed. "Right," Peter nodded in confusion. "Go home, come back mid morning and he'll be up and talking. I understand the police want to speak to him to?" "Yes they do. Which reminds me. His father caused this and the police are looking for him." "Yes sir. Already got that word. His door is being monitored." "Fine. You're to call security and the police if you see the man. There's a warrant out for him for felony child abuse. Also, I don't want the police talking to the boy without me. Make sure that's on his chart." "Yes sir. We've got that." "Okay Marine let's get you home" he sighed. "Good thing we can sleep late." "No" Mac gasped. "We can't. I have to pick up Sam and Alex at nine. Remember I have them for the day." "I don't suppose you can cancel that?" "Probably not. They were looking forward to it." "Okay we'll manage something" Harm sighed. "Right now we both need some sleep." "And a hot bath" Mac smiled. "If I wasn't so tired and upset and I'd have a witty comeback for that." "You're welcome to join me." "You inviting me to a sleepover tonight?" Harm said with a small smile. "I don't think you should be alone tonight. You're still upset about all this and I know I'd love to have you with me." "Then I'm staying with you." =============== She was asleep when he pulled up at her building and with a gentle shake he woke her. "Hey you need me to carry you?" he asked softly. "Don't even think it about it" she murmured as she pushed herself awake. "But I won't complain about some help." At once he was around to her side and gently helped her down, not missing her wince. "You need that hot bath all right" he frowned. "And you probably should have been checked over at the hospital." "It's just a bruise. I'll be fine." "You better be. I can't even imagine my life without you." "Not going anywhere as long as I can help it" she smiled. "You are very stuck with me." He helped her upstairs and led her straight to the bathroom. "You joining me?" she asked. "No. You go relax. I'm going to make us some tea so maybe we'll be able to sleep." "You're still worried about Toby aren't you?" "It's my fault Mac. I should have known he'd lash out at Toby." "Harm stop. I know people like John Reynolds better than you do. It is not your fault. He would have lashed out at Toby even if you hadn't gone to see him. He's an abuser." "I know. But still. I should have been able to do more for him." "You'll be there for him and that's what he needs. Now stop blaming yourself for this." "Can I have a hug?" he asked softly. "Of course" she whispered as she wrapped her arms around him. "I love you. And it's going to be okay. I promise." "I love you too. And thank you for being here." "Nowhere else I'd be" she smiled. "Go take your bath" he urged. "I'll see you in a bit." "Yes you will and I'm glad you're here with me." She drew his head to hers and they exchanged a long and loving kiss. "Now I can take that bath." She sank chin-deep into the warm water, letting the scent of chocolate from her aromatherapy collection waft into the room. Meanwhile Harm paced the room, tried to settle in front of the TV and paced some more. A call to the hospital to assure himself Toby was sleeping helped relax him some and finally he dropped heavily onto the sofa. CNN was beginning to stupefy him when he heard Mac call his name. "Yeah?" "Harm where are you?" "Losing brain cells in front of the TV. What do you need?" "Help." The word went straight to his heart and leaped from the sofa, reaching the bathroom door scant seconds later. Without thinking he flung it open, coming face to face with her reclined in the tub. "Oh my god. Oh my god I'm sorry," he gasped. "I thought you said you needed help." At once he slammed the door and leaned against it. "Harm I do," she sighed. "I can't get up myself." "What? Why not?" Alarm spread through him and he opened the door once more, this time just an inch. "Should I call 911 or what?" "Well let's try a little less drastic option first," she giggled. "Harm it's just that I'm suddenly so sore every time I try to lever myself from the tub I fall back down. So close your eyes, get in here and pick me up. Once I'm out of the tub I can take it from there." "Yeah. . .OK. . .yeah I can do that," he stammered, stepping forward and keeping his eyes averted. "I won't look any more than I can help." "Well it's not a big deal. We're going to be married. I love you, and most important, I trust you with my life. I can certainly trust you with seeing my body. But no ogling please. Just lift me up." 'Yeah." Gingerly he reached for her from behind her back and brought her to her feet, and in doing so got a look at her back. "Mac?" "Am I starting to color up?" "Oh yeah. You look like a topographical map of Tunisia." "Thanks." "On the other hand, what I'm seeing except for that is beautiful," he whispered while pressing her soft terry robe to her back, his mouth to her ear. "Thanks. I'll be right out. I can manage from here." "OK I'm going to make some tea." "Thanks. And then you and I. . .well we could do that holding thing?" "You got it." Twenty minutes later exactly that was happening. They were curled together in a nest pillows and blankets on the floor, soft music playing and relaxation came over them. "Mac about Toby," Harm said finally. "Yeah?" "I kind of feel committed or obligated there," he said slowly. "I'm not sure yet exactly what that entails, but with no family. I guess I'm just saying I'm not going to be able to just abandon him to the system. " "You wouldn't be the Harmon Rabb I fell in love with if you were," she smiled. "Long as you remember you're not alone here. We can share your obligation can't we?" "You bet we can," he sighed happily, helping her to settle comfortably against him. "Love you." It was her last conscious thought before sleep took her. Next morning Mac awoke to the smell of coffee and bacon. A good thing. But without his arms around her which was not. "Harm?" "Right here. You hungry?" "You have to ask? I'm just not sure I can get up." "I'll be right there. I don't suppose you want to cancel the Alex-Sam thing?" "No. I feel obligated there, like you do with Toby. Really all I'm hoping today is that they'll think of me as someone they can trust and maybe another time--if there is something wrong--will want to open up to me." "And if it's a case of dislike for a potential stepfather?" "Then I'll apologize to all concerned. Now get me to the breakfast table. Starving Marine here." "Okay easy" he said as he gently helped her. She grimaced slightly but managed to get to her feet a few seconds later. "Going to be a long day at the mall" she sighed. "Mac you can't do this. There's no way. You're in no shape." "I can't cancel. Diane and Eddie are going away and Gary isn't around either." "Diane and Eddie can cancel their trip to Atlantic City" Harm frowned. "And you can reschedule." "I just need some Advil and I'll be fine" Mac sighed as she made her way to the kitchen. "I'll manage." "Well I'm going with you then." "Harm you need to be with Toby. When he wakes up he's going to be scared." "Yeah but I don't like you being alone either. You really need to cancel Alex and Sam." "Harm no. They're so looking forward to this. I'll be fine. A little sore and stiff but fine." "I'm coming over tonight then to make sure you're okay. And do not even tell me no." "I wouldn't," she said with a small smile. "Just promise me you won't leave Toby if he needs you. I'll mange but he won't." "I won't" Harm promised. "I'm going to take care of him Mac. I'm never going to let anything happen to him again. If I'd been more on top of the situation, this would never have happened." "I know you blame yourself," Mac said softly. "But it's not your fault. And right now the only thing that's going to help Toby is you being there for him. Without all the guilt going with it." Harm nodded. "I'll try. I just can't believe that man is such a monster." "There are too many monsters like him out there. And hopefully this one will be put away forever." "I need to call Officer Marshall and see if they've found him yet" Harm sighed. "I can't imagine he's gotten far. Not with everyone looking for him." "Feed me then make the call" Mac smiled. While Mac ate, Harm called the station. To his disappointment there had been no sign of Major John Reynolds, despite both the local authorities and the military police looking for him. "Where would he hide out?" Harm sighed after he hung up. "Toby said they had no family." "Maybe he knows somewhere his father might have gone." "I don't want to make him talk about if he doesn't want to. But I guess I could ask if his Dad took him anywhere. Or had a special place." "Don't force him. Just see what he offers. And on that note I need to hit the shower if I'm going to pick Sam and Alex up on time." "Need any help?" "I'd take you up on that offer if every part of my body didn't ache" she smiled. "So hold that thought." "I wish you weren't doing this today" he sighed. "Harm chill. I'm fine. Shopping is not going to kill me. Neither is the slumber party tonight." "Promise me you'll keep in touch. I'll probably be with Toby unless they find the Major." "And if they do I don't want you near him" Mac frowned. "Why?" "You know why. I'm afraid of what you'll do if you get near him." "You know what I'd like to do" Harm murmured. "Yes I do and that will not change what has happened. And Toby needs you. You can't take care of him if you're in the brig on assault charges." "My voice of reason" Harm sighed as he put his around Mac. "What would I do without you?" "Good thing you'll never have to find out" Mac smiled. "Now help me to the shower. I have two young girls waiting for a day of shopping." "They would understand you being hurt and wanting to do something less strenuous." "I know they would but I honestly think once I've showered and taken something I'll be fine. And also that moving is probably good for it anyway." "OK. I give up. Shower with you then." He encircled her waist and led her to the bathroom keeping alert in case she stumbled. "OK I can manage," she assured him once at the door. "Thanks." She reached to pat his cheek and instead drew him to her, partaking of a long kiss. "This last night was nice. More than nice in fact. It was kind of a window to what. . ." "What what?" he frowned. "You were thinking it was like what it will be like after we get married weren't you?" "Well yeah," she admitted hesitantly. "But it's OK. I mean if you. . ." "Sarah Mackenzie I am very much in love with you," he interrupted. "And it's not OK by any means if you're having doubts about how I feel." "No I'm not. Not really," she sighed. "I'm still adjusting to it that's all. I mean from my own heart I've known forever that I love you. Knowing that you love me is taking me some time to get my head wrapped around." "Well speaking of heads if mine hadn't been tucked away where the sun don't shine we'd already be married far as I'm concerned." He rested his hand on her belly and smiled softly, adding, "and the baby I promised you forever ago would be here now, if not in a crib in the nursery of our home." "Wow Flyboy you can wax the old windsong when you want to," she sighed, leaning her forehead against his broad chest. "I only have a problem with timing," he grinned. "Shall we get you cleaned up." She looked up almost shyly at him. "Thanks but I'll take care of it. You know what, and this is going to sound really silly but as long as we're waxing anyway, I have had in my head for ages, this fantasy of kind of floating to you on our wedding night for the first time and you're laughing. I can see the corners of your mouth turning up. Not that it's not cute." "I'm not laughing. I'm smiling because I find it incredibly old fashioned and romantic and wonderful. And because I happen to enjoy cold showers." His mouth sought hers and they kissed softly. "Thank you," she whispered, laying her head on his chest for a moment. "I won't be long." She emerged twenty minutes later, dressed and ready, and moving more easily. "Now you promise me you'll call me if this gets too much," he reminded her, taking her into this arms for a goodbye. "Yeah of course I do. And if things with Toby are too much for you, you have my number." "All I need now is a good bye," he grinned. "I think I can manage that" she smiled and after a long kiss she finally pulled herself away. "Call me if you need anything" Harm said seriously. "I mean it. If the girls are too much for you, I'll come and help." "You stay with Toby. I'll be fine." "I love you," he said as he walked her to the door. "Be careful please." "Love you too." ****************** "You're late" Diane frowned when Mac finally pulled into the driveway. "Sorry" Mac sighed as she climbed out of the car. "We had a late night last night." "Well the girls are ready. Eddie and I will be back tomorrow around noon. You can drop them off then." "No problem." "Hi Mac" the girls chorused as they hurried out of the house with their backpacks. "Hey girls" Mac smiled. "You two remember to listen to Mac. And if they give you any problems, well call Gary. I'm sure you have his number." "Can I ask where you're staying?" "We don't have reservations" Diane replied. "If something happens, call Gary." "All right. Have a good trip." "Give me a hug" Diane said to the girls. "And did you tell Eddie goodbye." Mac finally was able to herd them to the car, frowning when she saw Eddie watching from the upstairs bedroom. "Does Eddie stay here often?" she asked once they were alone in the car. "Now that Daddy's gone, yeah" Alex answered. "He's always here." "I wish he would go away" Sam whispered. "I hate him." "Well for today let's not think about Eddie. Today is just girls day at the mall." "Where's Coach Harm?" Alex smiled. "He's actually with Toby" Mac said slowly. "Toby got hurt last night and Harm is with him at the hospital." "What happened?" Sam asked. "He fell down the stairs" Mac answered. "But he's going to be okay." "Why is Coach Harm with him?" "Because Toby's Dad caused the fall. And Toby's mom isn't alive anymore. And he doesn't have any other family around." "His Dad hurts him doesn't he?" Sam said softly. "Yes he does" Mac nodded. "But that's not going to happen anymore. Harm is going to make sure of that." ************** GW HOSP Washington DC "Hey buddy" Harm said as he walked into Toby's room and sat down. "How you feeling?" "Hurts" Toby murmured. "I know. And it's going to for a little bit. But you're going to be okay. I promise." "Did you find Dad?" "No. They're still looking for him. But we'll find him. He's not going to hurt you anymore Toby." Tears slid down the young boy's face and Harm gently reached for his hand. "I'm so sorry. But from now on it's going to be better Toby." "I don't have anyone" Toby whispered. "You have me. And I'm not going anywhere." "That's what Mom used to say." "Toby what happened to your Mom?" Harm asked gently. "Was she sick?" Toby shook his head, more tears falling down his face. "I came home from school one day and Dad said she was dead. That she'd fallen and hit her head and by the time he'd found her it was too late." Harm drew in a deep breath at the boy's words. Apparently John Reynolds had taken his abuse out on his wife as well. Only that time he'd gotten away with it. "I'm sorry Toby," he whispered. "Where were you guys living then?" "Ft. Bragg. I was seven. I don't remember too much except that the MPs asked me some questions and I didn't know what to say. My dad has always said we have to keep our family business in the family." "Yeah I'll bet he has," Harm muttered. "This whole thing is my fault anyway for wanting to play baseball," the boy sighed. "Me and dad were doing pretty OK until I wanted to do this and then he thought it was a good idea. But then he wanted me to be the star of the team and I'm not that good. I just wanted to meet some guys and play the game because I love it. I let him down." "No Toby. He let you down," Harm told him. "He had no right to treat you the way he did." "That's what the nice lady that was here this morning said too. She says I need someone to take care of me if I don't have any family. That's her card there by the phone. I guess I'm going to some kind of place for kids like me." Harm picked up the card. "Robyn Doherty, Child Protection Services. Was she nice?" "Yeah and pretty, not an old lady," he laughed. "I told her you were helping me and she said you can call her if you want." "I want," Harm said firmly, already his mind wondering if it would be possible to assume responsibility for care of this boy, even temporarily. "Where's Mac today Harm?" "Huh? Oh Mac. She's with Alex and Sam today. We're having a sleepover tonight later on." "That's good. I like Sam. I like Alex too but I especially like Sam and if she's with Mac she's away from Eddie." Harm fixed a quizzical stare on the young boy. "Does she not like Eddie?" he asked, carefully keeping his tone neutral. "No. But she won't say why. Just that he creeps her out." "Is he mean to her? Or to Alex maybe?" Toby shrugged. "I don't know. But he creeps me out too. He's always looking at them funny." "Toby you're a popular young man." Harm wheeled around to find a doctor standing in the doorway. A young doctor. "Sorry kid, track practice is at the gym," he growled, getting up to shake hands. "Harmon Rabb." "Dr. Colfax. You can call me Patrick. Everyone does. And thank you for that compliment." "You look about twenty." "Twenty-four actually, and I'm doing a residency in ortho. Toby your CT Scan we did earlier looks good. How's the back?" "Hurts when I try to stretch my legs." "Yeah. Toby the police are here to talk to you about your dad, but you say the word and I tell them to beat feet." The boy laughed at that but looked to Harm who nodded to the doctor. "Let them in Patrick. We want to find his father." Two hours passed with Harm urging on the police investigation and no sooner had they left but another stranger appeared. "See Harm that's Ms. Doherty," Toby pointed. "Sorry ma'am. He's got a woman." "That's too bad," Robyn said softly, taking a long look at the handsome Naval Commander. "I had to be downstairs for a while so I thought I'd wander back up here and see how you were doing. So this is the guy you think you'd like to take care of you." "Yes ma'am. Please." Toby all but jumped on the bed and Harm did not miss his look of pain. "Plant it mister, and you don't get a lot of say in the matter I'm afraid." At once Toby looked stricken. "Harm honest I don't have anyone else. I mean I don't know why other kids get to have grandmothers and all but I don't." "Options ma'am?" Harm asked. "Foster care is where we're heading for the time being, but I've got nothing at all there right now. Juvie shelter once he's out of here." "No. No don't do that to him. I can take him." "Mr. Rabb think real hard before you commit to something like that please," she gasped. "I already have. I've got a fiancee who loves me and friends who will help me. He's not going to a shelter. Now isn't there paperwork I should be filling out?" "You're sure about this? Taking care of a young boy is not easy. Do you have the time to commit to him?" "Yes ma'am. I'm not letting him go to a shelter or to a foster home where no one cares." "All right then" Robyn said finally. "I'll get the paperwork for you. But we're not just going to hand him over to you without doing some checking." "Please do. I have nothing to hide." "I'll be in touch then. Toby you take care. I'll be back tomorrow." "Thank you ma'am" he smiled. "Well that's the best smile I've seen on your face in a while" Harm said when he and Toby were alone. "Yes sir. I can't believe you want me." "You're a good kid Toby. And I know things have been rough for you in the past. But it's going to get better from here on out." "Will I ever see Dad again?" Toby asked suddenly. "I don't know. Hopefully they'll find him and at some point you may have to go to court and tell a judge what happened. Not just to you but to your Mom." "Will you be there?" "You got it buddy" Harm said seriously. "I'm going to take care of you Toby. I promise." CHAPTER 5 to follow