TITLE: "Time Gives and Time Takes Away" Ch.4
                    AUTHORS:  Anne R. and Pat Steiner
                    SUMMARY:   The third chapter of what will be an 
ongoing series in 2003 featuring 
Lt. Cdr. Hunter Reed.   Story began in the summer of 2002, without the 
Sergei or Singer stories, 
nor the events of Enemy Below  a factor.
                    CLASSIFICATION/RATING:   J/S/R/A    PG for language 
and mild violence.
                    SPOILERS:  In any of our work, any JAG episode may 
be referred to.
                    FEEDBACK:  If you're so moved but never expected 
nor begged for.  Addy is 
ssbpmn@aol.com.  Please however, we request you respect the work, and 
the effort that goes 
into writing it.
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chapters, as well as much of our other 
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http://destined.to/btlarchive - {BTL H/M Fanfiction archive.}

===============
Previously in Time Gives—
           Harm and Mac survive a serious rift after Hunter reports to 
the authorities that Harm's 
eyesight has deteriorated beyond the point where he could safely fly 
fighters.  A crash 
investigation caused by a man who would not step down helped Harm to 
see the courage in 
Hunter's action, and brought Mac and him closer than ever.  Now Hunter 
pursues a relationship 
with a classmate from his NCIS training, and deals with his training 
officer, a Krennick-clone.

  ************************
MAC's APARTMENT
Dec. 2002
  
  "Harm you ready yet?" Mac called. "Come on we're going to be late."
  
  "You really think Hunter will be on time?" Harm asked as he walked 
out of 
  the bedroom. "Neither he nor Ann Marie know where they're going."
  
  "True. And that was worth the wait" she smiled as she admired the 
tight 
  black jeans he wore. "You look pretty hot sailor."
  
  "Maybe we should skip the double date" he grinned evilly.
  
  "No. We promised Hunter we would be there and we will be."
  
  "I know. Just kidding. You ready."
  
  A short time later they arrived at the Lazy Susan Dinner theatre. To 
their 
  surprise Hunter was waiting just inside the door, a young woman at 
his side. 
  She was slightly shorter than Mac with short brown hair, her green 
eyes 
  smiling warmly as they approached.
  
  "I thought maybe you'd forgotten me" Hunter smiled as they walked in.
  
  "Blame Harm" Mac smiled. "He was the one who took forever getting 
ready. But 
  we're here now."
  
  "Good. And this is Ann Marie. Ann Marie this is Harm and Mac. The two 
you've 
  heard me babbling all the time about."
  
  "Nice to meet both of you" she smiled. "And thanks for the wonderful 
idea 
  for tonight. This place is pretty neat."
  
  "I've been here a few times and I've always enjoyed it" Mac replied. 
"And 
  the food is excellent."

  "Speaking of food we'd better get moving or we'll miss the buffet" 
Hunter 
  fretted.
  
  They followed the host to their table and a short time later had 
loaded 
  their plates with food from the buffet.
  
  "So Hunter says you're new to the area too" Mac said once they were 
all 
  seated again.
  
  "Yeah. I just moved from Ohio a few months ago. I'm still getting 
adjusted 
  to all the people here."
  
  "It takes a little time" Mac smiled. "Eventually you do though."
  
  "I hope so. I do like it so far. Especially some of the people I've 
gotten 
  to know like Hunter."
  
  "We can highly recommend him," Harm smiled.  "Hunter says you came to 
NCIS just out of 
school?"
 
 "Ohio State.  They came and recruited.  I was a criminology and 
psychology dual major see 
and I still didn't know what I wanted to do.  FBI was a thought but 
they're pretty selective so I 
decided I didn't want to waste my time.  NCIS was pretty insistent, and 
hey there are people 
with my qualifications doing cashiering at the grocery store so when I 
was offered the position I 
took it."
 
 "I'm glad you did," Hunter smiled.  "You're the only thing that's 
keeping my sanity with Beverly."
 
 "Who's your training officer Ann Marie?" Mac asked, smiling at his 
mention of the dragon lady.
 
 "A very nice guy named Commander Westlake," she smiled.  "Very 
patient.  Very considerate 
and helpful and patient.  Oh I said that.  Well I need it. The patience 
I mean.  And very 
knowledgeable."
 
 "She left out that he's forty, looks thirty, works out, and has 
several women panting after him," 
Hunter sighed.
 
 "Can I get an introduction?" Mac asked with such seriousness that 
Harm's eyebrows went up 
for a few seconds until he realized she was playing.
 
 "His wife wouldn't like that anyway," Ann Marie giggled.
 
 "You didn't tell me he was married," Hunter yelped.
 
 "I know," she giggled again, her dimples coming out this time and 
Hunter gave her hand a 
quick squeeze.
 
 "You going to eat that Flyboy?" Mac asked and before Harm could reply 
reached over with her 
fork and stabbed a piece of his chicken.  Quick as a flash he sank his 
fork into the same piece 
and they dueled over it before she managed to pull it away and get it 
to her mouth.
 
 "You guys are funny," Ann Marie laughed.  "And so easy around each 
other."
 
 "Well that's this week," Hunter told her.  "No actually you two are 
different.  I mean there's 
something about you. . .  "
 
 "Hunter give it a rest," Mac ordered.  "It's as simple as knowing that 
Harm and I got a lot closer 
over this past week.  You can read in to that what you will."
 
 "I get it I get it," Hunter chortled. 
 
 As they were finishing dessert the lights began to lower and the 
plates were cleared away.  
"We should get comfortable," Harm urged, helping Mac to move her chair 
next to his and when 
she sat back down his arm went easily around her, her head resting 
against his shoulder.
 
 "You think we could do that?  Just for the play?" Hunter whispered.
 
 Ann Marie gave him a bemused look as she set her chair beside his to 
face the stage, not 
answering his question at first.  She sat down and he smiled 
uncertainly.  "Hunter you can hold 
my hand or put your arm around me," she told him with amusement.  "I 
won't break, and if 
you're doing something I'm not happy with I will let you know you can 
be sure of that."
   
 They gave a loud round of applause when the show was over and Harm and 
Mac 
 started to rise.
 
 "Hey you guys interested in stopping for coffee somewhere?" Hunter 
asked as 
 he and Ann Marie rose as well.
 
 "I'm game. But how about we do McMurphy's instead. It's a nice little 
bar not to 
 far from where you and Mac are."
 
 "Sounds great" Hunter smiled as he looked at Ann Marie. "That is if 
it's 
 okay with you."
 
 "The night is still young" she grinned. "And trust after spending most 
of 
 the past two months in my apartment I'm more than happy to get out and 
see 
 the town."
 
 "And the company isn't too bad either is it?" Hunter said softly.
 
 "No it's actually very nice," she admitted.
 
 "McMurphy's it is then" Harm smiled. "I guess you two will be 
following 
 since you have no idea where we're going."
 
 "Yeah. So try not to run any red lights."
 
 "She seems real nice," Mac said once she and Harm were alone in their 
car. 
 "And I think Hunter is a bit smitten."
 
 "A bit" Harm laughed. "I'd say he's gotten over you."
 
 "Well that's good" she smiled as she leaned over the seat kissed his 
cheek. 
 "Because he didn't stand a chance."
 
 "Not even during my stupid stage?"
 
 "Not even then. I knew you'd snap out of it eventually. At least I 
prayed 
 you would."
 
 "Fortunately God gave me some brains" he smiled as he pulled out of 
the 
 parking lot.
 
 McMurphy's was a buzz with activity when they arrived and Harm guided 
them 
 through the crowds of people to a small table in the back.
 
 "Have a seat" Harm said over the music as he pulled out a chair for 
Mac. 
 "I'll go up and get our drinks. What do you want?"
 
 "Tonic water with lime is fine" she smiled.
 
 "What can I get you?" Hunter asked Ann Marie as she sat down.
 
 "Vodka and Cranberry juice" she replied. "With a touch of Sprite."
 
 "We'll be right back," Hunter said before he and Harm headed towards 
the 
 bar.
 
 "Thanks for coming along with us tonight" Ann Marie said when they 
were 
 alone. "I appreciate you two helping break the ice a little."
 
 "Hunter's a good friend. And we're having a lot of fun tonight."
 
 "How long have you known Hunter?" she asked.
 
 "Just a few months actually. We met on an investigation Harm and I 
were 
 handling at Pax."
 
 "So you were there when he crashed?"
 
 "Oh yeah" Mac shuddered. "It isn't something I like to think about. I 
still 
 wish we'd figured out who was behind the accidents before that 
happened. 
 Hunter still had many good years of flying left."
 
 "Well I know he misses it. But at the same time because of it we met. 
Which 
 is a good thing."
 
 "He's a great guy. If Harm weren't in my life, well I wouldn't have 
had to 
 think twice about Hunter."
 
 "If you don't mind me asking how long has Harm been in your life?"
 
 "Seven years. It's just taken us a while to get to where we are now."
 
 "But from the looks of it you're pretty together now" Ann Marie 
smiled.
 
 "Yeah we finally got on the right track. It's been a bumpy road but I 
think 
 this time we've got it right."
 
 Harm and Hunter returned with the drinks and the couples continued to 
chat 
 for the next hour.
 
 "Refills anyone?" Harm asked as he finished his beer.
 
 "Ladies room first" Ann Marie said sheepishly as she stood up. "Mac 
can you 
 point me in the right direction."
 
 "No problem. Heading there myself. I will take another tonic water."
 
 "Another Vodka and cranberry juice?" Hunter asked Ann Marie.
 
 "Sure."
 
 Mac and Ann Marie made their way through the crowd to the ladies room, 
Ann 
 Marie's eyes gazing on a woman on the dance floor.
 
 "You know her?" Mac asked.
 
 "That's Beverly. Hunter's training partner. The one who's made it 
pretty 
 clear she wants him."
  
Mac broke into a broad grin.  "That old broad?  OK attitude check, not 
nice.  But really. . .come 
on now.  How old is she you think?  And we sound like a couple of catty 
women don't we."

Ann Marie giggled.  "She's in her early forties Hunter said.  I realize 
she's not a threat really, but 
she does get to him.  Of course half the time if we do get together to 
study, it's the highlight of 
the evening to hear the latest Beverly story."

"Has he brought it to the attention of the training superior?" Mac 
frowned.

"No, he's just trying not to make waves.  Thing is, it's just passing 
along the problem.  I did hear 
that there's a standing joke that Beverly is to be assigned only to the 
best looking male class 
member.  That she hasn't trained a woman in like five years."

"Well Harm had a superior officer similar to that.  Allison Krennick.  
He's told me a few stories 
but he's too much of a gentleman to go into a lot of detail."

"And he never filed charges?"

"No and I never got into why with him.  Probably had to do with his ego 
at the time, which was 
legendary.  And hasn't changed much."

Ann Marie giggled at that and Mac ushered her into the ladies room.

Both men were waiting for them just outside the door and Mac burst into 
laughter.  "Harm we 
were coming back."

"Hey no you promised we were going to cruise the bar for a couple of 
hot guys," Ann Marie 
yelped, trying without success to keep a straight face.

"You can do that later," Harm growled.  "And drinks are up, but we 
wanted a dance first."

"OK Flyboy I guess we can allow that," Mac smiled and melded into his 
arms.  "This reminds me 
of what we're going to be doing later," she whispered, allowing him to 
glide with her across the 
floor.  

"This is our first dance," Hunter said softly, his arm wrapping around 
Ann Marie's back.

She nodded and Hunter could tell she was preoccupied suddenly.  "Hey 
what's wrong?  Talk to 
me."

"Just thinking. . .nothing."

"Not an acceptable answer," he smiled, and she smiled in return, 
recognizing he was quoting 
the most oft heard instructor comment in one of their classes.  
"Something is nagging at you.  
Can't you share it?"

"Were you in love with Mac?"  The words poured out before she could 
stop them and she bit her 
lip.

"I don't know," he replied.  "I know the potential was there.  I know 
that she and I connected on 
a level that both awed and frightened me.  And I also know that it 
wasn't ever going to be no 
matter how much I tried to convince myself.  The bond between her and 
Harm, it's like steel 
reinforced chain link or something."

"OK."

He stopped their dance and tilted her chin up to look into her eyes.  
"On the other hand, you and 
I. . .we have something special.  Something that I want to see grow.  
And I don't want us to take 
seven years to find it."

Very slowly he lowered his face to hers, placing a gentle kiss on her 
lips.

"Hello Partner."  Beverly's words, dripping with sarcasm.  

Hunter froze for a second and Ann Marie jumped slightly, though Hunter 
consciously did not 
release her.

"Beverly," Hunter greeted her, forcing calm and quiet in his voice.  
"You know Ann Marie of 
course."

"Of course.  You know it's only been recently that the rules about 
being involved with fellow 
students have been relaxed."

"Yes I know," Hunter nodded.  "Though the ones that state that the 
senior training partner will 
not be involved with his or her trainee are still on the books."

"Looks like you've been doing your homework.  Just remember the senior 
training partner can 
make your life a living hell, and then wreck your career.  Excuse me, I 
see someone I know."  
With that she flitted away and Ann Marie turned troubled eyes to him.  

"Hunter you've got to report her," she gasped.  "She just threatened 
you, in front of a witness.  
Me."

"Oh no.  No way in hell," he returned.  "No way are you getting 
involved.  You don't want it in 
your file that you participated in that kind of inquiry if you can help 
it.  Labels like boat rocker 
and whistle blower are not considered good career enhancers.  Don't 
worry, I'm keeping a file 
on her.  But for now, I'm letting her rave on.  At some point, she'll 
hang herself."
  
 "What if she hangs you first?" Ann Marie wailed. "You've worked hard 
for 
 this."
 
 "We are doing nothing wrong" he reminded her. "She's the one who's 
totally 
 out of line. I'm not the least bit concerned about her causing trouble 
for 
 us. Now lets forget about her. We were having a good time remember."
 
 She leaned to him, her head resting on his shoulder. This man was a 
godsend 
 in her life and she was almost afraid that it was all happening to 
quickly. 
 That she was going to wake up and find it was all a dream.
 
 "I think this was a good idea" Mac whispered as she glanced over at 
Hunter 
 and Ann Marie.
 
 "Oh yeah. I think our friend has found himself a very nice young 
lady."
 
 "And she does seem really nice."
 
 "Jealous?" Harm asked
 
 "I'm with you now sailor" Mac said firmly as she looked up at him. "So 
don't 
 even be thinking those thoughts."
 
 "Sorry. Won't happen again."
 
 "Better not. And to clarify I'm just happy he found a nice person like 
Ann 
 Marie. Real happy actually."
 
 "Me too" Harm smiled. "Now I know there's no competition."
 
 "There never was" she smiled.
 
 They returned to the table after a few dances, Mac noticing at once 
that Ann 
 Marie was suddenly quieter.
 
 "Everything okay?" she asked when Harm and Hunter went up to refill 
the 
 drinks again.
 
 "I'm just having a paranoid moment" Ann Marie said with a long sigh. 
 "Beverly came up to us while we were dancing. She made some comment 
about 
 students getting involved and then Hunter made a comment back about 
how 
 instructors act. And she basically made it clear that if she wants to 
she 
 can ruin him there."
 
 "She said that?" Mac's eyes widened.
 
 "Yes and I told Hunter he needs to report her but he says he won't. 
But this 
 woman is trouble Mac. Big trouble."
 
 "So who's your friend?" Beverly asked Hunter as she came up behind him 
and 
 Harm at your bar.
 
 Harm turned around and took a good look at the woman who had spoken 
before 
 looking at Hunter. Hunter's eyes rolled slowly and Harm knew this must 
be 
 the woman Mac had told him about.
 
 "Beverly this is Harm" Hunter said slowly. "Beverly is my training 
partner 
 at NCIS."
 
 "Nice to meet you Harm" Beverly smiled. "So you and Hunter are 
friends?"
 
 "Yes ma'am" Harm replied.
 
 "You two could pass for brothers" Beverly continued as her swept over 
Harm. 
 "You must have been a Flyboy too Harm."
 
 "At one time."
 
 "Well Beverly we're going to head back to our dates" Hunter said as 
the 
 bartender handed him the drinks.
 
 "So you're taken too" Beverly said with obvious disappointment as she 
looked 
 at Harm.
 
 "Very" Harm smiled. "Now if you'll excuse us."
 
 He and Hunter turned and Beverly reached out her hand to grab Hunter's 
arm.
 
 "You're making a mistake" she hissed. "She's not what you need. You 
need a 
 real woman. Someone who knows how to treat a man."
 
 "I'm quite happy with what I've got" he retorted before removing her 
hand 
 and walking away.
 
 "Okay" Harm said as he and Hunter reached the table. "That was fun."
 
 "What was fun?" Mac asked.
 
 "Harm met Beverly. She uh thought he was pretty hot I guess."
 
 "Only cause she couldn't have you buddy" Harm laughed. "Im just the 
second 
 choice. She wants you."
 
 "Hunter you really need to do something about her" Ann Marie sighed. 
"She's 
 way out of control."
 
 "Yeah but the next class will come through and she'll set her sights 
on 
 someone else. She won't be my partner anymore and she'll forget all 
about 
 me."
 
Ann Marie shook her head.  "Look I'm sorry but she worries me.  Mac 
what do you think?"
 
"Well I'm tempted to say she's an old broad who thinks of herself as 
devastatingly attractive and 
doesn't fathom that men don't," she said slowly.  "Hey maybe she's good 
in bed."

"You think?" Harm laughed with teasing hopefulness.

"I think if you find out you're going to be a dead squid," Mac replied, 
punching his arm.  
"Seriously, Hunter be careful of her.  She can ruin a career.  Even if 
you get charges lodged, 
that's going to be on your record forever regardless of the outcome."
 
"But just putting up with it is wrong too," Ann Marie objected, her 
eyes flashing angrily and she 
wrapped her hand around Hunter's.

"Hey it's going to be OK, and I certainly didn't mean to ruin our 
evening," he soothed.  "I'll deal 
with her.  I'm not sure how, and I'm not sure that ignoring it isn't 
just the best course, but I'll 
handle it."  He paused and looked to Ann Marie, gently touching her 
cheek with his knuckles.  
"And the last thing I want is for you to be involved.  I already told 
you that.  She comes off in 
outward appearance a lot worse than the problem is."

"How is she on the job Hunter?" Harm asked seriously, his concern 
obvious.  "Do you feel like 
you're getting the learning and the experience you need?"

"Yeah I do.  She's actually very good as far as knowledge and technique 
goes.  I guess she's 
been doing this man-killer act so long her superiors just ignore her 
because she's a good 
training officer."  He stopped speaking mid breath and shook his head 
before adding in a quieter 
voice.  "She did mention when I first met that her last two partners 
had washed out of the 
program though.  I really didn't give it too much thought until now."

"Maybe they turned her down--didn't play her game," Mac offered.

"Maybe so, but if she tried that with me. . .well lets say I'd take her 
down with me," Hunter 
sighed.  "At that point I'd have nothing to lose."

"Still just be careful," Mac urged.  

"Yes do," Harm added forcefully.  "I thought it was kind of funny until 
I saw her just now.  Now 
I'm more concerned."

"Hunter," Ann Marie wailed softly.

"OK that's enough.  We're scaring you unnecessarily.  She's my problem 
and I'll deal with her if 
it comes up.  Mostly I'm just marking my time.  Once I leave the 
training phase behind and 
become a rookie I'll have a different partner."  He smiled and took Ann 
Marie's hand, adding 
teasingly, "if I'm really lucky a tall leggy blonde."
 
   =================
   Two Weeks Later
   JAG HQ's
   
   "Who's the hot date with?" Mac teased as she watched Harm throw some 
papers 
   in his briefcase. "You're in a hurry to get out of here."
   
   "Hunter and I are going to the gym to work out and then we're going 
to catch 
   the basketball game at the sports bar near his place."
   
   "I'm being dumped for Hunter and basketball?" she frowned.
   
   "I know I told you about this. At least I thought I did. Okay maybe 
I 
   didn't."
   
   "Didn't. But I guess I'll survive one night on my own."
   
   "Well you know I'll be back later to keep you company in bed" he 
grinned. 
   "Unless of course you don't want me to."
   
   "Of course I want you to" she smiled as well. "I'll be waiting for 
you so 
   the sooner you lose Hunter the better."
   
   "I can always call him and tell him something came up and I can't 
make it. 
   Course he did sound like he wanted to talk about something."
   
   "Beverly probably" Mac frowned. "Unless he and Ann Marie aren't 
working 
   out."
   
   "No he said that was still good. So I'm sure it's Beverly."
   
   "Then go. You're the best person for him to talk to about this. 
You've been 
   there and you can guide him on what he can do about her."
   
   "You'll be waiting up for me though right?" Harm asked.
   
   "Oh yeah. In that silky nightgown you love."
   
   "I'll tell him to talk quick" Harm grinned. "I love you and I'll see 
you 
   later."
   
   Hunter was waiting for him at the gym and it wasn't long before he 
was 
   hitting the punching bag while Harm looked on.
   
   "You wanna talk about something?" Harm teased as Hunter pummeled the 
bag.
   
   "Harm I thought I could deal with this but I can't. She's driving me 
crazy. 
   I swear I'm going to strangle her and then you're going to have to 
defend me 
   on murder charges."
   
   "Okay back up. I'm guessing we're talking about Beverly and not Ann 
Marie."
   
   "Ann Marie is wonderful," Hunter said with a small smile. "And 
that's all 
   you need to know about that. And yes Beverly is the problem."
   
   "What did she do now?"
   
   "She's doing the full court press now" Hunter sighed. "She's hanging 
all 
   over me on the job. Especially when we're in the office and she 
knows Ann 
   Marie is around. "
   
   "You considered mentioning this to anyone yet?" Harm asked.
   
   "I didn't want to rock the boat. But if she's not going to get the 
picture 
   I'm not sure I'm going to have any choice. I want Ann Marie and I to 
work 
   and we can't if she's going to be playing her little games all the 
time. Not 
   to mention she's acting like her and I are sleeping together and I 
don't 
   want the higher ups hearing that kind of crap."
   
   "Then I suggest you nip this is the bud while you can. Before it 
gets way 
   out of hand."
   
   "You think I should file a complaint against her?" Hunter sighed.
   
   "If that's the only thing that's going to get her attention, yes. I 
know 
   you're new and you don't want to stir things up but at this point 
you may 
   have to. Otherwise you're risking your career and your relationship 
with Ann 
   Marie."
   
   "I keep telling myself it's just a few more weeks and then I won't 
be her 
   partner anymore. And then maybe she'll just get over and move on. 
But I'm 
   not so sure that's the case. I swear Harm it's like she's obsessed 
with me."
   
   "Then now is the time to do this. Before this obsession gets any 
worse."
   
   Hunter nodded and gave the bag one final punch. "You know everything 
is 
   perfect except having to deal with her. I like the job, I like Ann 
Marie a 
   lot."
   
   "You keep mentioning Ann Marie" Harm smiled as he and Hunter 
switched places 
   and he began to take aim at the bag. "Sounds like things are going 
really 
   well with you two."
   
   "Harm she's wonderful. I mean she's not like all these other chicks 
you meet 
   in the bars. She wants to settle down and have a life, not sleep 
with every 
   guy she meets. And quite frankly settling down doesn't sound like 
such a bad 
   idea anymore."
   
   "No it doesn't" Harm nodded.
   
   "And speaking of women, you and Mac sure seem to have gotten closer" 
Hunter 
   grinned. "She doesn't even call me up and take me to lunch anymore."
   
   "That's because she's got a lunch date now" Harm smiled. "And yeah 
we have 
   gotten pretty close."
   
   "So when you moving in with her?"
   
   "None of your business."
   
   An hour later they made their way into the nearby sports bar, 
threading 
   their way through the crowd to a small table. They'd just sat down 
when 
   Hunter looked up to see Beverly walking in.
   
   "I don't believe it" he hissed.
   
   "Believe what?" Harm asked as he looked around. "What's wrong?"
   
   "Beverly. She's here.  She's following me Harm."
   
   "She's following you?" Harm frowned. "As in stalking you?"
   
   "I left that part out earlier cause I thought you might think I was 
nuts. 
   But she's been showing up wherever I go. The other night it was the 
   restaurant Ann Marie and I had dinner at. Now she's here."
   
   "Coincidence maybe?"
   
   "No way. She doesn't even live on this side of town."
  
  "Well no wonder you think she's following you," Harm scowled.
  
  "I'm beginning to yeah.  Harm she's been in the business for a long 
time.  She would know 
how to get addresses, and she certainly knows surveillance.  Hell she 
teaches it.  She doesn't 
live over here anywhere near here.  If anything she lives totally 
opposite, over by Oxon Hill.  
Now how does she end up in Georgetown if not minding after me."
  
  "Have you spoken to her?"
  
  He shrugged helplessly.  "I don't know if that's the best approach or 
not.  I've been trying to 
stick it out, knowing she'll get assigned another partner and I'll move 
on to field duty and rookie 
status.  If she lets me that is."
  
  "Bingo," Harm declared.  "You've said it yourself--she can ruin you."
  
  "There's another facet to the problem," he sighed.  "The other day 
she started asking me more 
about Ann Marie.  And you and Mac."
  
  "Serious?" Harm scowled once more.
  
  "Yeah.  Of course I'm not giving her any information but she could 
find out anything about any 
of us she would want to."  As he spoke he pulled a notebook from his 
jacket pocket and wrote 
down the place and time of the encounter.  "I'm documenting, but unless 
she makes some kind 
of threat--and why am I telling you the law.  Plus serious again, I 
swear she's starting to zero in 
on you as well.  Like you're Plan B."
  
  "Mac," Harm gasped, reading his friend's thoughts.
  
  "Harm it's a mess, and I don't know what to do about it."  He lowered 
his voice and mouthed, 
"unless of course I hire a hitman."
  
  Harm's thoughts were dwelling on Mac and he looked up with a wry 
smile.  "Let's not rule 
anything out."
  =============
  SATURDAY AFTERNOON
  4 DAYS LATER
  
  "Harm stop grimacing.  Didn't your mom tell you your face was going 
to freeze that way.  And 
when Hunter gets here I want you boys to play nice.  Ann Marie has 
never been to Georgetown 
Parke and it's a good chance for her and me to just have some girl 
time."
  
  "What could you do together you can't do with me and Hunter right 
along?"
  
  "Talk about you guys.  Shop for underwear.  Get a bikini wax.  Should 
I go on?"
  
  "Uh. . .no.  Mac I'm concerned about Beverly."
  
  "Harm you're a worrier.  What in the world do you think that woman is 
going to do?  She's a 
Krennick clone.  Obnoxious but harmless.  There's two of us, a lot 
younger than she is, and if 
she's getting off on following us around, well then she should be 
pitied.  You want to worry, 
worry about the damage she's doing to Hunter's career."
  
  "I do," he muttered, "and it's getting worse but I can only tell him 
so many times to fight her.  
It's got to be him handling it unless he's asking for legal advice."
  
  "Exactly, so stop fretting and enjoy the afternoon.  I heard you tell 
him on the phone there was 
a full lineup of sports.  Plus you have that dinner to fix.  You should 
be very busy."
  
  His next words were cut off by the doorbell and the arrival of Hunter 
and Ann Marie.  
  
  "Mac are you ready," she wailed as soon as they got inside.
  
  "Yes.  Let me guess, he's making you crazy."
  
  "In spades."
  
  "Well promise him you'll show him your bikini wax and that will 
mollify him," Mac giggled.  
"Meanwhile let's get going.  That underground parking fills up and 
street parking is a joke."  She 
sighed and walked over to Harm.  "Chill Flyboy.  And how about a proper 
goodbye?"
  
  He gave a long sigh of resignation and took her into his arms.  The 
kiss they exchanged was 
warm and loving and Hunter gave Ann Marie's arm a poke.  "We can do 
better can't we?"
  
  "Well now I don't know," she smiled.  "Especially considering we 
argued all the way over here."
    
  "Well you know what they say about making up" Hunter grinned. "Now 
let's 
  show the old folks how it's done."
  
  She willingly succumbed to his arms and lips and both were breathing 
heavily 
  when they finally parted.
  
  "Okay break it up" Mac laughed. "We have some shopping to do."
  
  "Bye" Hunter whispered. "I'll see you later. And please be careful."
  
  "We will" Ann Marie promised with a small smile. "Promise me you 
won't sit 
  here worrying all day."
  
  "Not likely but I'll try" he said softly. "I'll see ya later."
  
  "You have your cell phone right?" Harm asked as he and Hunter 
followed Ann 
  Marie outside. "And you'll keep it on right?"
  
  "Yes to both" Mac sighed. "Now will you relax. We're going to the 
mall for 
  goodness sake. What's the worst that can happen?"
  
  "Where should I start?" he groaned.
  
  "Don't. We'll see you later. And remember we'll be expecting that 
wonderful 
  dinner when we get home."
  
  "You'll have it," he said softly. "I love you. Take care of 
yourself."
  
  "I will. Can we go now?"
  
  Grudgingly they let go of both women and Mac laughed as she and Ann 
Marie 
  climbed into her car.
  
  "Can you believe those two?"
  
  "I swear I wasn't sure Hunter was going to let me go" Ann Marie 
smiled. 
  "Course in a way that makes me feel pretty good that he cares that 
much."
  
  "Oh he does" Mac grinned. "Trust me."
  
  "Well the feeling is pretty mutual" Ann Marie blushed. "I can't even 
believe 
  this is all real sometimes. I mean I never thought I'd ever meet 
anyone like 
  Hunter. Besides the obvious of being gorgeous and smart, he's one of 
the 
  most caring and warm people I've ever met."
  
  "He's a good guy that's for sure. You've got yourself a keeper 
there."
  
  "I'm not sure I'm ready for that but maybe one day" Ann Marie said 
quietly. 
  "I went down that road once before with disastrous results."
  
  "You were married before?" Mac asked.
  
  "Yes and I can't believe I just told you that because I haven't even 
told 
  Hunter. Promise me you won't say anything to him."
  
  "Trust me I'd be the last person to do that. I have my own disastrous 
road 
  in the past."
  
  "Does Harm know about it?"
  
  "He didn't find out until he was defending me for murdering him" Mac 
  admitted.
  
  "You killed your ex-husband?" Ann Marie gasped. "And please don't 
feel you 
  have to answer that. It's none of my business."
  
  "No it's not something I talk about much but yes it did happen. And 
Harm 
  defended me and the jury determined I was innocent based on what had 
  happened."
  
  "Self defense?" Ann Marie asked.
  
  "Yes. It's a long story but I hadn't seen Chris in years and he 
suddenly 
  shows up looking for money from me. It was just one long nightmare 
than I'm 
  glad is over."
  
  "Greg" Ann Marie said quietly. "Mine was Greg."
  
  "Your ex?"
  
  "For all of two months. I was able to have it dissolved because we'd 
been 
  together for such a short time and he didn't fight it because he'd 
already 
  found someone else."
  
  "After two months?" Mac gasped.
  
  "It was wrong from the beginning" Ann Marie sighed. "We met at a golf 
  course. I was working behind the snack bar counter and he was playing 
that 
  day. He asked me out and against my better judgment I said yes. I 
ended up 
  falling for him and a month later we got married. I thought I had 
everything 
  in life."
  
  "What happened?"
  
  "A month after we got married he was going out with other women. I 
didn't 
  find out until a friend told me she'd seen him with someone. I asked 
  him about it and he didn't even deny it."
  
  "What a jerk. Did he ever give you a reason?"
  
  Ann Marie looked forward and for a moment there was silence in the 
car.
  
  "I'm sorry I shouldn't have asked that" Mac said quietly. "That's 
personal."
  
  "No it's okay," she said finally. "It's been so long since I've 
talked to 
  anyone about this that's all. But basically he said I wasn't 
performing my 
  duties as a wife to him good enough.  In bed that is."
  
 "Did you love him?" Mac asked gently.
 
 "Yeah I guess so.  Much as any eighteen year old virgin can love," she 
smiled.  "Anyway we 
parted, on not good terms of course, and I fled the area to college.  
Never went back.  My folks 
divorced when I was ten and they both started new families so they 
argued over me.  Not who 
would be allowed to have me but who was going to get stuck with me on 
top of their little ones."
 
 Mac sighed and shook her head.  "I wasn't a wanted child either.  It's 
not fun."
 
 "I married Greg to escape as much as anything," Ann Marie nodded.  
"And in college I dated a 
couple guys but never formed any attachments.  Then along came Hunter.  
Like no one I'd ever 
met before."
 
 "The two of you are good together," Mac smiled, glad to change the 
subject.
 
 "Well so are you and Harm.  I also know that you and Hunter have a 
past."
 
 "Hunter and I became friends the second we met," Mac told her firmly.  
"But it never went pass 
a couple of kisses.  And we were there for each other when things in 
our lives were bad.  And 
yeah OK, if there had been no Harm, maybe.  But even then . . .I don't 
actually think so."
 
 "So it's not a matter of he's with me until you decide you want him."
 
 "I think you know better," Mac smiled again, giving her a sidelong 
look, and smiling even more 
broadly when she remembered a long ago time when Jordan Parker had said 
the same to her.  
Except that time, she had in fact decided she did want the 'him' in 
question.  She just had no 
clue how to bring it about and in a matter of weeks, he was gone from 
her life for six long 
months anyway.
 
 "Mac?  Mac you OK?"
 
 "Yeah sorry.  I got caught up in an old memory.  And here we are.  And 
would you look at that--
there's actually a parking space.  With the same ease that Harm would 
have docked a Tomcat 
before his eyes took that away, she whipped the Vette into the space.  
"Let's do it."
 ==============
 HARM'S APARTMENT
 
"Hunter we need the potatoes for the potroast now," Harm called.  "And 
unless you're peeling 
while you're standing there could we have a little attention to the 
task at hand?"
 
 "OK sorry.  Just fretting like she ordered me not to," he sighed.  "I 
guess it's that I feel pretty 
responsible for Beverly being a part of your lives now too.  I'm 
sorry."
 
 "Less sorry and more peeling.  I've got a crock pot that's not going 
to wait.  But wait until you 
taste how tender this roast is going to come out."
 
 "Yeah OK, peeling sir; but it's been a while since I pulled spud 
duty."
 
 "I'm sure.  Hey I'm worried too, but then that's got more to do with 
not being comfortable with 
her out of my sight.  Not because I want to give Beverly any credence."
 
 "I guess we can't keep them glued to us."
 
 "Not and live.  You're getting closer--you and Ann Marie--all the time 
aren't you."
 
 "Yeah we are.  I guess it's pretty noticeable."
 
 "Oh not at all," Harm laughed.  "She's a great girl Hunter.  You could 
do a helluva lot worse."
 
 "Oh I have I assure you," he grunted.
 =====================
 GEORGETOWN PARKE MALL
 
 Ann Marie was leaning against the rail of the second level balcony 
waiting for Mac to pay for 
her purchase.  The small clothing shop was crowded and she had moved 
out in the corridor to 
get some air.  As she stood and watched Mac inch her way forward to the 
cash register, her 
gaze wandered upward and she froze at the sight.  Beverly was on the 
level above, staring 
down at her and with a good view of Mac as well.
 
 Forcing herself to be casual, Ann Marie walked back into the shop to 
stand beside Mac.  
"Beverly's here," she whispered, keeping her back to the woman.
 
 "Are you serious?  This is way beyond bizarre," Mac sighed, keeping 
her eyes straight ahead.  
 
 "I bet she followed Hunter and me to Harm's place and when she saw us 
leave together, 
decided to see what we were doing.  What is surprising is that she 
didn't think of it as a golden 
opportunity to go talk to them alone.  Some trumped up partner training 
thing."
 
 "Looks like we're her targets for today."
 
 "Please don't say that," she begged.  "I know I should not let it, but 
she does unnerve me."
 
 "And that's exactly what she wants," Mac said firmly.  "Look, this is 
a crowded mall, full of 
people and security.  She's not going to do anything but follow us, and 
there's not a blessed 
thing we can do about it.  And if we let her chase us off, then she's 
gotten that satisfaction.  
Forget her.  Lord knows she needs the exercise she'll get following us.  
Now let me pay for this 
and we're off to look at shoes right?"
 
 "Yeah OK you're right," she nodded.  "Don't let me forget I promised 
to call Hunter when we left 
here."  She looked up at Beverly and giggled slightly.  "OK let's make 
her work for it.  A lap 
around before we duck into the shoe place."
 
 "Good idea" Mac smiled. "Let's go. There was a dress on the other side 
I 
 wanted to look at again anyway."
 
 They looped around to the other side of the mall to the dress store, 
both 
 keeping an eye to see if Beverly was still following them.
 
 "She's need to get a life" Mac murmured as she checked out the dress, 
at the 
 same time noting that Beverly had in deed followed them. "So what do 
you 
 think?" she smiled as she held up the sleek dress that only someone of 
Mac 
 or Ann Marie's size would look good in.
 
 "I think Harm would enjoy it very much" Ann Marie smiled. "You going 
to try 
 it on?"
 
 "Sure. Let's model for her since she's so intent on watching us."
 
 Ann Marie nodded and followed Mac to the dressing rooms waiting 
outside 
 while Mac slipped on the dress. She could feel Beverly's eyes on her 
but she 
 didn't turn around, instead looking at another rack of dresses near 
the 
 dressing rooms.
 
 "How do I look?" Mac asked as she waltzed out and spun around for 
effect.
 
 "You gotta get that. Of course then you'll have to persuade Harm to 
take you 
 somewhere so you can wear it."
 
 "That should be easy enough" she smiled. "So should I get it?"
 
 "How much is it?" Ann Marie asked as she reached for the price tag. 
"Well if 
 you can afford it. That's a bit steep for a once in a while dress."
 
 "Oh yeah" Mac sighed as she looked at the tag. "Lieutenant Colonel pay 
is nice but 
 not that nice. Maybe next time. Especially since we still haven't hit 
the 
 shoe store and I know I'm going to find something there."
 
 "Of course" Ann Marie laughed.
 
 Mac changed back to her clothes and they headed to the shoe store, 
Beverly 
 still keeping tabs behind them.
 
 "You think by now she'd have gotten tired of watching us shop" Mac 
murmured. 
 "I mean how long have we been here?"
 
 "She has no life. And that's what's kind of creepy about her. Anyone 
that 
 would follow us around the mall needs serious help."
 
 "Well we're almost done and then we're out of here. And I don't think 
we 
 should tell Harm and Hunter that she was here. They'll just freak for 
no 
 reason."
 
 "Good idea. They're already on the verge of strokes as it is."
 
 It was another hour before they left the shoe store; their arms now 
full 
 with bags of shoes.
 
 "What a deal" Mac grinned. "Half off. I can't believe we actually hit 
the 
 half off sale."
 
 "Works for me" Ann Marie smiled. "I was desperately needing to update 
my 
 collection."
 
 "Me too. And I don't know about you but I am starving and I hope those 
two 
 Flyboys have dinner ready when we get there."
 
 "We gave them plenty of time so they better have no excuses."
 
 "That we did" Mac laughed. "We'd better call them because they're 
likely to 
 be freaking out."
 
 "I haven't seen Beverly for a while have you?" Ann Marie asked as they 
 headed toward the parking garage.
 
 "She probably got bored and went home. I know I would have."
 
 "Good. I know I shouldn't let her bother me but sometimes its just 
kind of 
 eerie knowing someone is watching your every move."
 
 "Well she's gone so let's call Harm and Hunter and tell them we're on 
our 
 way."
 
 Ann Marie nodded and juggled her bags while she reached for her phone 
in her 
 person.
 
 "Hi it's me" she said softly a second later when Hunter answered his 
cell 
 phone.
 
 "Where are you two?" he demanded. "Do you have any idea how long 
you've been 
 gone?"
 
 "Mac how long have we been gone?" she giggled as she looked over at 
Mac.
 
 "Four hours, twenty-three minutes and seventeen seconds" Mac smiled.
 
 "You guys are a real laugh a minute" Hunter groaned. "You know we're 
sitting 
 here worried and you're being comediennes."
 
 "Hey take a chill pill," Ann Marie said seriously. "We're fine. We 
were out 
 shopping. You know how long it takes for women to shop."
 
 "Well you could have at least called. Is everything okay?"
 
 "It's fine," she said as she and Mac started across the parking garage 
to 
 Mac's Vette. She stopped as one of her bags dropped to the ground and 
with a 
 sigh she reached down for it.
 
 "You're on your way home I hope?" he sighed.
 
 Her response was cut off as the sound of squealing tires made both Mac 
and 
 Ann Marie look up to see a car barreling towards them, Ann Marie 
directly in 
 it's path.
 
 "Ann Marie look out" Mac screamed as she dove towards her, somehow 
managing 
 to push her out of the way and escape the car as well. They both 
landed in a 
 heap on the hard cement floor of the parking garage, Hunter's 
screaming 
 voice coming through Ann Marie's cell phone that now lay on the 
ground.
  
Hunter's panicked shouting brought Harm to his side at once and he 
grabbed his arm.  "Tell 
me," Harm hissed.

Hunter looked up as if in shock.  "I don't know.  We were talking and 
there was a scream and I 
could hear brakes squeal.  They were in the parking garage I know.  
Harm. . .oh god Harm what 
if they were run down."

"Stop that," he ordered, taking the phone and shouting in to it.  
"Hello Mac.  Ann Marie.  Are you 
there?  Are you two all right?  Answer me goddammit.  Now."  

Dead air.  A second later he realized he was talking to no one.  In a 
cross between anger and 
fear he dialed Mac's number and got only her voice mail.  He thrust the 
phone back to Hunter.  
"Call Ann Marie."

"Nothing Harm, nothing," he whispered a few seconds later. "Harm you 
know something bad 
has happened."

"They're all right," he hissed fiercely, punching in 911.  

"911.  Do you have an emergency?"

"No.  What ever gave you that idea?  Listen, there's something wrong in 
the parking garage 
below the Georgetown Parke mall.  Two friends were talking and it 
sounded like they might 
have been hit by a car.  You need to get some people over there."

"Wait one sir."

It seemed like an hour but it was actually less than five seconds that 
her calm voice took to 
come back to her.  "Yes sir, we have police and paramedics enroute.  It 
was called in by a 
witness.  Attempted hit and run apparently."

"Oh my god.  Are they OK?  You have to find out for me.  They're our. . 
.well my. . .she's my. . 
.they're very important.  Please."   As he spoke he grabbed his car 
keys off the table and 
pushed Hunter to the door.

"Yes sir wait one again."

Harm held his breath as Hunter stared at him, knowing they were 
awaiting word.

"Sir the security guard on scene is reporting only minor injuries.  Our 
people are still enroute."

"OK thank you.  You've got a couple of guys here who can breathe again.  
Listen, can you have 
the guard tell them that Harm and Hunter are on their way and that we 
love them and to sit tight 
please."

"Of course I can, provided they don't need to be transported."

That last word sent a cold chill through Harm despite the previous 
assurance of minor injuries 
and he pushed Hunter that much harder through the door as soon as he 
had broken the 
connection.

"Tell me they're going to be OK," Hunter begged as his feet pounded the 
steps just ahead of 
Harm, and he did not realize he was widening the distance until he 
heard Harm panting behind 
him, his feet not moving.

"Harm you all right?"  Hunter's anxious voice echoed back up the long 
flight to the one above.

"Yeah I just needed to get my breath for a second," he replied.  "I 
didn't need this run on top of 
that news."

"But they're OK right," Hunter demanded, watching for Harm to come from 
the landing.  "Ann 
Marie. . .I mean both of them. . ."

"Sounds to me like yeah," he called, his breathing easier and he soon 
joined Hunter.  "No 
serious injuries they said but I won't be happy until I see for myself.  
Can you drive?"

"You got it."

"And I want to get there in one piece please."

It took a good twenty minutes to reach the parking garage, and the glow 
of red lights told them 
they were in the right place.  It was an ear splitting blast on a 
police whistle that made Hunter hit 
the brakes.

"OK Buddy, turn it back around and take it elsewhere," the police 
sergeant ordered.

"Not likely Sergeant," Hunter glowered.  "The victims in the hit and 
run are our friends."

"We need to get in there please," Harm begged.  "We have to know 
they're OK."

"Yeah well park it on the side there.  Who are you two?"

"Hunter Reed, Harmon Rabb."

The sergeant gave them another look and spoke into his radio mike.  
"John, there's a Rabb and 
Reed coming at you.  Friends of the victims."
 
  Hunter parked and they hurried inside the parking garage, running 
towards 
  the area where the crowd of police, security and EMS had gathered.
  
  "You must be Rabb and Reed," one of the officers said as he met them. 
"I'm 
  John."
  
  "Yes sir. How are they?"
  
  "Frankly they're damn lucky. From what the witness said the car 
barely 
  missed them. If it hadn't been for the tall one pushing the other one 
out of 
  the way we'd have a completely different story. But that didn't 
happen so 
  let's get you to them before you freak."
  
  "We're way past freaking" Harm managed. Hunter just stood by mutely; 
the 
  officer's words send a bone tingling chill down his spine.
  
  "Son you might want to breathe" John said as he looked at Hunter. 
"She's 
  okay. Nothing a little TLC can't fix."
  
  Hunter nodded and a moment later they were led to where the 
paramedics were 
  attending to Mac and Ann Marie.
  
  "I think you know these two fellows" John smiled as he brought Harm 
and 
  Hunter forward.
  
  "Mac thank god" Harm breathed as he quickly pushed past everyone to 
where 
  Mac was sitting on a stretcher, a paramedic attempting to inspect a 
lump 
  from where her head had grazed the garage floor.
  
  "Harm I have never been so glad to see you" she whispered, her arms 
going 
  around him at once as the paramedic stepped back to give them a 
moment.
  
  "Just tell me you're okay" he whispered.
  
  "She's got a bit of a lump. I'd like to take her over for them to do 
some scans 
  just to make sure it's not a concussion."
  
  "Of course" Harm said quickly. "But I'm going with her."
  
  Meanwhile Hunter had gotten to Ann Marie, at first just staring down 
numbly 
  at her while the paramedic looked at her left arm.
  
  "Hunter you okay?" she asked softly.
  
  "Only if you are" he managed finally.
  
  "The left arm is broken from where she landed on it" the paramedic 
offered. 
  "And she's got a small gash on her forehead. We were just getting 
ready to 
  transport both of them."
  
  Hunter nodded, still in shock as to what had happened.
  
  "We got the word you'd called," she said quietly. "Did you mean what 
the 
  message said?"
  
  "I uh don't even remember what the message was" he stammered. "The 
last half 
  hour has been a blur."
  
  "I told them to tell Mac and Ann Marie that we loved them" Harm 
offered as 
  he looked over at Hunter and Ann Marie.
  
  "It's okay Hunter" Ann Marie said with a weak smile when Hunter 
didn't reply 
  right away. "I didn't mean to put you on the spot."
  
  "No" he whispered as he finally knelt down in front of her and took 
her good 
  hand in his. "You're not. And what Harm said was right. And I didn't 
even 
  realize how much you've come to mean to me until the officer just 
told us 
  that you would have been killed if Mac hadn't gotten you out of the 
way. I 
  could have lost you. One second I was talking to you and the next you 
could 
  have been gone from my world forever."
  
  "Hunter I'm in pain and under the influence of drugs here" she 
murmured. "Is 
  there a yes I love you in there somewhere?"
  
  "Yes there is" he smiled softly. "I love you. And now we're going to 
take a 
  little trip to the hospital so they can get you all fixed up."
  
  "Love you too" she whispered.
  
  "Sir, we're ready to go now," the paramedic said as he looked up at 
Hunter.
  
  "Harm I want to stay with her" Hunter wailed.
  
  It took some arranging but they finally managed to get John to have 
their 
  car driven to the hospital so that they could ride with Mac and Ann 
Marie.
  
  "I guess I owe you a big thank you," Hunter said softly as he looked 
over at 
  Mac, his hand still holding on tightly to Ann Marie's. "From what 
they told 
  us you saved her life."
  
  Harm's hand tightened around Mac's and she squeezed his to reassure 
him she 
  was fine.
  
  "I'm just glad I saw it coming before it was too late," Mac said 
softly.
  
  "Did you see the person?" Hunter asked. "Because whoever it is, I'm 
  personally going to track them down and ring their neck myself."
  
  "I didn't. But you should know that Beverly was following us all 
afternoon."
  
  "No" Hunter whispered. "You said everything was okay today."
  
  "It was until then," Ann Marie said weakly. "I didn't want you to 
worry. She 
  was just watching us."
  
  "Was she still following you when you left?" Harm asked.
  
  "No" Mac shook her head and instantly regretted it, grimacing enough 
that 
  Harm looked over worriedly at the paramedic.
  
  "It's okay sir. She's going to have some pain."
  
  "So she wasn't behind you when you left?" Hunter gasped. "Oh god, 
she's 
  probably the one who did this. She tried to kill you."
  
 "We've already given her name to the police," Mac said softly.  "But 
no one saw the car.  The 
one witness that called 911 heard the brakes squeal and the scream but 
the car was down the 
exit ramp by the time she got to us."
 
 "And did you see it?" Harm asked gently, trying to hold on to her 
without hurting her.
 
 "I just got a flash of a dark color," she sighed miserably.  "No help 
at all."
 
 "Beverly drives a dark  sedan.  It's like a maroon or dark cherry or 
something," Hunter groaned.  
"Big surprise."
 
 "Yeah well so do about a hundred thousand other people in this area," 
Mac reminded him.  "I 
don't have make or model.  It just flashed.  I couldn't even swear to 
the color. It could have been 
black or charcoal or anything."
 
 "Ann Marie what about you?" Harm asked.
 
 "Nothing," she whimpered softly, her eyes glazed now that the shock 
had worn off and the real 
pain was setting in."
 
 "It's OK honey," Hunter assured her.  "We'll find out the truth."
 
 "Well part of that truth is that she didn't intend to ram us anyway," 
Mac sighed.
 
 "Serious?" Harm scowled.
 
 "Yeah.  Ann Marie thinks I saved her life, but honestly I don't.  I 
think the driver wanted to scare 
us.  The brakes and tires squealing would say that.  At the last second 
she slammed on the 
brakes and swerved off."
 
 "Yeah well you can be sure she and I are going to have a discussion 
tomorrow," Hunter 
grimaced.  
 
 "You need to tell me when and where so I can be there," Harm spoke up.  
"Of course the police 
are going to have a word with her first I'm assuming."
 ==============
 GEORGETOWN HOSP ER
 1 hour later
 
 "Mr. Rabb congratulations, you've set a new record for wearing a path 
in the carpet.  Forty five 
minutes and you haven't stopped pacing." 
 
 "Less humor and more telling me how Sarah is," Harm begged.
 
 "Sorry," Dr. Canfield smiled.  "She's a lucky young woman.  Mild 
concussion that doesn't seem 
to be carrying any complications and a nice assortment of bumps and 
bruises, all of which are 
going to hurt worse in the morning.  She's probably going to feel like 
she's played a quarter on 
the Redskins line."
 
 "But she's OK?"
 
 "Good as new in a few days.  I'm going to let her leave, only because 
she's assured me she 
has you to keep an eye on her.  Dizziness, vomiting, disorientation I 
want her back here.  I'm 
giving her pain medication, but she needs to be woken every three hours 
for the next twenty-
four."
 
 "I don't follow."
 
 "To make sure she hasn't slipped into a coma, which is not likely but 
not impossible.  Head 
injuries are tricky buggers."
 
 "I won't let her out of my sight," Harm promised.  "Can I see her now?  
And she's ready to go?  
How's our other friend?  She had a broken arm."
 
 "Which is being casted as we speak and there's an anxious young man 
pacing outside her 
cubicle too," Dr. Canfield laughed.  "And she is likewise sore, though 
she escaped a head 
injury.  The medication they gave her to set her arm is making her 
loopy, but she'll be fine."
 
 "Thank god," Harm sighed, following the doctor inside.  
 
 "Harm I want to go home.  Now." Mac murmured, reaching her hand out 
for him.
 
 "You're leaving but not for home," he said softly.  "Back to my place 
for the night.  You can't be 
by yourself until we know for sure you're OK."  He took her hand and 
pressed a small kiss into 
the palm.  "You scared me big time honey.  You would not believe what 
my mind was conjuring 
up while I was trying to find out what happened to you." 

 "You were freaking weren't you?" she sighed.
 
 "Only big time. And trust me you're not getting out of my sight for a 
good 
 long time."
 
 "Is Ann Marie okay?" Mac asked.
 
 "Yeah they're just finishing setting her arm. She's going to be fine. 
Hunter 
 on the other hand is still in stroke mode I think."
 
 "No worse than you I'm sure" she smiled softly. "But I knew he cared 
about 
 her. And you even got him to admit the big L word."
 
 "That wasn't too hard" Harm smiled. "Now let's get you home and into 
bed."
 
 "Nice thought but I'm not sure I'm up to that tonight" she teased. 
"And 
 don't we have to wait for Ann Marie?"
 
 "Oh yeah. The doctor said they were just finishing up her cast. You 
wait 
 here and I'll see if they're ready to let her go." He gave her hand a 
quick 
 squeeze and dropped a kiss on her forehead before heading off to find 
Hunter 
 and Ann Marie.
 
 "Hunter how is she?" Harm asked when he located them a few minutes 
later, 
 Ann Marie leaning heavily against him.
 
 "Out of it from the medication" Hunter sighed. "Can you just drop us 
off at 
 my place and tomorrow we'll figure out how to get my car back?"
 
 "Sure. I'll get Mac and then we'll get out of here."
 
 A short time later they were on their way to Hunter's place, both 
women 
 falling asleep almost immediately.
 
 "Harm you know Beverly was behind this don't you?" Hunter said quietly 
and 
 Harm nodded. "So what are we going to do about it?"
 
 "Well first we're going to let the police do their job. And then if we 
don't 
 like what we hear we'll go have a talk with her."
 
 "What if they come up with nothing? I know this woman Harm. She's 
going to 
 cover her tracks. She isn't that stupid."
 
 "I know. But we'll just have to wait and see. Right now the main thing 
is to 
 keep her away from Mac and Ann Marie."
 
 "I'm not leaving Ann Marie alone until that woman is locked up 
somewhere" 
 Hunter vowed. "I know she did this and I'm not about to let her try 
again."
 
 "I know what you're saying and I'm planning on sticking to Mac like 
glue 
 until we know what's going on."
 
 "I'm sorry you and Mac got dragged into this" he sighed. "I should 
have done 
 something about Beverly a long time ago."
 
 "You had no way of knowing she was this out there."
 
 "No I didn't. And I'm sorry. I'm just glad neither of them were hurt 
any 
 worse."
 
 "Me too" Harm sighed as he looked over at Mac. He shuddered to think 
of what 
 else could have happened to them. How easily they both could have been 
 killed.
 
 "Thanks for the lift" Hunter said when they reached his place. "I'll 
give 
 you a call tomorrow and hopefully we can figure out how to get my car 
back."
 
 "You need any help?" Harm asked.
 
 "No I got her," Hunter said as he gently lifted Ann Marie into his 
arms.
 
 "Try not to worry too much. We'll get this Beverly before she does 
something 
 else."
 
 "I hope so" Hunter sighed.
 
 Harm waited until he was sure Hunter and Ann Marie were safely inside 
before 
 heading to his place. Mac didn't stir when he lifted her from the seat 
and 
 carried her upstairs and he gently deposited her on his bed. He could 
let 
 her sleep for a bit more before he'd have to wake her.
 
 "I love you" he whispered as he gently kissed her lips. "And I'll make 
sure 
 she never hurts you again."
 
 ************************
 "Mac honey" he said with a gentle shake the next morning.
 
 "Go away" she groaned. "Haven't you woken me up enough times already?"
 
 "No. Every three hours for twenty four hours."
 
 "Okay I'm awake" she sighed. "And feeling every bump and bruise from 
last 
 night."
 
 "You hurting bad?" he frowned as he sat down on the edge of the bed, 
his 
 hand gently caressing her back.
 
 "No I just feel like I got run over by a truck," she said with a weak 
smile 
 as she raised her head enough to look up at him.

"I'll get you some juice and a pill," he offered.

"Juice please, but hold up on that pill there Doc.  I've been out of it 
far too long.  I'll try a hot 
soak instead.  I don't suppose there's any word on the driver?"

"I called the precinct a couple of hours ago.  They sent a detective to 
Beverly's last night and 
she of course denied even being in the area.  She does however drive a 
dark sedan as Hunter 
said.  Now of course it's your word against hers that she was at the 
Mall."

"Well there's no doubt she was but at the same time, I guess it's 
possible it was some drunk 
since we didn't get a look at the driver.  All just happened too fast."  
She attempted to get up, 
only to have the pain and stiffness force her back.  "Hot soak is for 
sure needed.  Have you 
talked to Hunter?"

"I called him too, and she was sleeping finally.  She had a lot of pain 
keeping her up he said.  
He's pretty upset.  As am I for that matter."

"Yeah I was pretty out of it at the hospital but I hear you were 
legend.  Let me up."  

"Well there's something about having the woman I love being nearly 
killed by a maniac behind 
the wheel that tends to be a little upsetting," he groused, reaching 
for her to carefully bring her 
to her feet. "You're going to need some help getting into that tub."

"Are you making an offer?"

"No I thought I'd call Bud over and give him the thrill."  With his arm 
around her closely she 
hobbled at his side to the bathroom and he held her with one hand while 
he started the tub 
filling with the other. "OK now what?" 

"Flyboy I trust you with my life.  I certainly trust you to see me sans 
clothing so you can help me 
into that wonderful looking water."

"Yeah OK," he laughed, still nervous as he helped her out of the 
clothes from yesterday, still 
dirty and spattered with blood from her head injury.  "I'm trying not 
to look."

"Why?"

"Why am. . .well I. . .Hell I don't know.   But as long as I have 
permission."  He was smiling as 
he spoke until his eyes fell on her side and back, this morning covered 
by an angry area of 
black and purple.  "Mac. . ."  Gently he touched the area, his eyes 
full of sympathy, sympathy 
tinged with anger.

Her eyes followed his gaze and she shook her head.  "I'm just bruised 
and sore.  Relax will 
you."

"I'm not going to relax until that lunatic woman is behind bars," he 
muttered, adding 'or dead' 
under his breath.  The phone rang as he was easing her down into the 
tub and he kissed her 
cheek before hurrying to answer.

"Harm, Hunter.  How's Mac?"

"Really sore but up and in a hot tub of water.  Ann Marie?"

"Sleeping still.  Harm what are we going to do about this.  Not to 
mention how much this is my 
fault for trying to ignore it.  I should have known it would get bad.  
Really bad.  I'm sorry Harm.  
My stupidity could have caused you to lose Mac."

"Hunter none of that matters right now.  Only what we're going to do to 
about it.  This afternoon 
we'll get you over here to get your car back and talk.  OK?  Mac and 
Ann Marie will want to see 
each other anyway."

"OK sounds like a plan."

Harm hung up and returned to Mac, leaning his head inside the door.  
"Mac you OK?"

"Yeah just enjoying this water.  Was that Hunter?"

"Ann Marie is sleeping after a bad night but she's OK.  If you feel up 
to it later we'll drive over 
and get them and then he and I have some talking to do."

"That's fine, but Harm, you guys--I don't want you doing anything 
that's going to come back on 
you.  We don't know for sure it was Beverly behind the wheel."
  
  "Mac there's no doubt it was her. She was following you two around 
the mall 
  and then suddenly vanished when you went to leave. No it was her."
  
  "Harm" Mac sighed.
  
  "She could have killed you and Ann Marie. Hunter and I aren't going 
to let 
  that go. We'll do what it takes to prove she was the driver."
  
  "Just don't end up in the brig doing it. I need you in my life 
remember."
  
  "And I will be" he promised. "Now enjoy your soak. Just call me when 
you're 
  ready to get out because I know you're going to need my help."
  
  "That I will" she groaned as she shifted in the tub.
  
  Harm said nothing but as he watched the pain on her face he made a 
vow to 
  himself that Beverly would pay for what she'd done. No way would he 
let her 
  get away with hurting Mac.
  
  **************
  "Hi guys" Hunter said a few hours later as he let Harm and Mac into 
his 
  place. "Mac how you feeling?"
  
  "I'm okay" she managed with a weak smile.
  
  "She's hurting like hell" Harm sighed.
  
  "Sorry" Hunter said automatically. "This is my fault."
  
  "Hunter stop it" Mac ordered. "It's not your fault. And don't pay any 
  attention to Harm. He's in super freak mode right now."
  
  "Sounds familiar" Ann Marie said as she started towards them from the 
sofa.
  
  "Hey what are you doing moving around" Hunter demanded as he hurried 
to meet 
  her and led her back to the sofa. "You're supposed to be resting."
  
  "Hunter I just slept for the past six hours."
  
  "I know. But you still should be taking it easy. I wish you didn't 
have to 
  come with us but I'm not about to leave you alone here."
  
  "We both could stay" Mac offered.
  
  "NO" Harm and Hunter said at the same time.
  
  "Okay you two need to chill" Mac said as she made her way to the sofa 
and 
  sat down next to Ann Marie. "You're both freaking for no good reason. 
  There's no proof that Beverly was driving the car. And I doubt she's 
going 
  to come back after us while we're here."
  
  "I don't need proof" Hunter retorted. "It's intuition and gut 
instinct Mac. 
  Harm knows exactly what I mean."
  
  "Mac it's not worth the argument" Ann Marie sighed. "He's convinced 
Beverly 
  is behind it."
  
  "Okay so what if she is?" Mac asked. "Do you really think she's going 
to 
  come after us again?"
  
  "Yes" Hunter nodded. "She's not all there Mac. I've been working with 
her 
  long enough to know that's the case. I let it go at first cause I 
figured 
  she would be gone and I wouldn't have to deal with her. That it would 
be 
  someone else's problem. But now it's mine."
  
  "Ours" Harm corrected. "We'll both deal with her."
  
  "Guys you have nothing on her" Mac protested. "How do you plan on 
dealing 
  with her?"
  
  "Leave that to us" Hunter said quietly. "Ann Marie you sure you're up 
to 
  driving over to Mac's?"
  
  "I'm okay. Don't worry please."
  
  "Not going to happen anytime soon" he muttered. "Okay let's do this 
so we 
  can get you back and into bed."
  
  There was no mistaking the pain on both women's faces when they 
reached 
  Mac's place and Harm gently eased Mac from the SUV while Hunter 
helped Ann 
  Marie.
  
  "You shouldn't be moving around like this" Hunter fretted as they 
walked 
  inside.
  
  "I'm okay," Ann Marie said unconvincingly. "Just hurting a little. 
I'd take 
  one of those pills but I know I'll crash right away."
  
  "That's exactly what you need to do."
  
  "Mac too" Harm sighed. "Both of you should be resting. And I think a 
little 
  nap is a good idea right now."
  
  "Harm I'm fine" Mac protested.
  
  "Oh yeah that's why you can barely walk" Harm scoffed. "Bed and I'm 
bringing 
  a pill with some juice. Hunter feel free to get Ann Marie comfortable 
on the 
  sofa."
 
 "I'll take the pill but I'll do the recliner thanks," she bargained.  
"I want to be able to watch you 
move that cute six of yours around my kitchen while you fix us one of 
those great soups you 
make.  Of course you're going to have to run to the corner given the 
state of my cupboards."
 
 "Cute six huh.  OK I can do that," Harm nodded.  "Soon as I know for 
sure you're resting.  And 
Hunter I'm putting you in charge while I'm gone.  And while they're 
resting and the soup is 
cooking, we're going to talk about Beverly.  Hunter I know you didn't 
want to cause problems, 
but this is escalating.  If she's after them, it could be really 
serious next time.  Aimed at them, or 
at you or me."
 
 "I know," he nodded soberly.  "I'm ready to do what it takes.  And 
obviously she managed to 
fool the police and we're on our own here.  If I go to our 
superiors--hers and mine--I'm going to 
look like twelve kinds of fool without any more proof than I've got 
now.  She's pretty much got 
them snowed anyway."
 
 Harm nodded and clapped his shoulder, turning his attention to Mac.  
"You're still up."
 
 "Going now," she laughed.  "Just getting a blanket thank you.  Drafty 
corner there."
 
 "Let me help you with that," Harm urged, taking the cover from her 
when she returned.  "This 
feels so soft and old and. . .oh my god I don't believe it.  There's a 
bear on this blanket.  My 
Marine has a bear blanket."
 
 "That's Bedtime Bear thank you very little," she snapped, snatching 
the tattered blanket from 
him.  "He was a Christmas present from my grandmother the year I was 
six.  When things got 
too much for me at home I'd wrap up in this blanket and cry into the 
stuffed bear that came with 
it.  The bear long since disintegrated, but I've kept this blanket ever 
since.  OK?  May I lie down 
now?"
 
 "Please, and let me bring the blankie," Harm laughed and tugged it 
from her.  
 
 "No."  She grabbed it tightly and hung on and a second later the sound 
of fabric ripping filled 
the room.
 
 "Oh my god I'm so sorry," he gasped in horror, letting go at once.  So 
suddenly that, given that 
she was already not too steady, she lost her balance and staggered 
backwards, landing on her 
backside on the floor.
 
 "Maaa-aaac."  The word left his throat in a short strangled cry as he 
realized what he had done 
and he dropped down beside her at once.  "Honey I'm so sorry.  Are you 
OK?  Tell me where 
you're hurt.  I'm such an idiot I don't believe it."
 
 "Ouch," she said simply and looked into his horrified face, finally 
bursting into laughter.  "Harm 
I'm OK.  Honest."  She reached up to stroke his face lightly.  "But the 
blanket is not," she added 
with another laugh.  
 
 "I'll sew it."
 
 "May I watch," Hunter yelped.
 
 "Cute Reed, cute," he groaned and got to his feet, then lifted Mac and 
the blanket into his arms 
in one fell swoop, depositing her onto the recliner.  "You're sure 
you're OK now?"
 
 "The only thing wrong with me is I'm starving," she sighed.  
"Shouldn't you be at the market?"
 
 "All right I'm going.  Hunter be sure you lock up.  And yes I'm being 
paranoid but that's my 
mood right now.  And when I get back we're going to talk Beverly.  And 
a plan for getting rid of 
same."
   
 It was quiet when Harm returned, with the exception of Hunter's 
pacing. Both 
 Mac and Ann Marie were asleep thanks to the medication.
 
 "Everything okay?" Harm asked.
 
 "Yeah I'm just edgy" Hunter sighed. "This Beverly thing has gotten way 
out 
 of control and it's my fault for letting it."
 
 "I told you we're going to take care of this. We're not going to let 
this 
 continue like this. She's liable to do worse the next time and I for 
one 
 don't plan on letting her have a next time."
 
 "Me neither. So what's your idea?"
 
 "I don't know" Harm sighed. "I've been wracking my brain trying to 
figure 
 out what to do about her."
 
 "What if I talked to her?" Hunter offered. "Got her to open up and 
admit she 
 was the one responsible?"
 
 "How do you plan on doing that?"
 
 "By giving her what she wants. Me."
 
 "You forget that this woman has a few screws loose?" Harm sighed. 
"Hunter if 
 you're alone with her who knows what she'll do."
 
 "And you don't think I can handle her?"
 
 "Not if she's got other plans for you. I'm just saying you going to 
her 
 alone isn't the best idea."
 
 "Harm I'll do whatever it takes to protect Ann Marie and Mac. You 
know."
 
 "Protecting Mac is my job" Harm smiled despite the situation. "You 
stick to 
 your own woman."
 
 "Believe me I will" Hunter sighed as he looked over at Ann Marie. "She 
means 
 a lot to me Harm. And I won't let anything happen to her."
 
 "I know where you're coming from. And I feel exactly the same way 
about 
 Mac."
 
 "So then you let me confront Beverly."
 
 "No. We'll confront her together. I'm serious Hunter. This woman is 
 dangerous. And Mac will kill me if I let you handle this alone."
 
 "You mean she still has a soft spot for me" Hunter teased and Harm 
rolled 
 his eyes as the phone rang. He quickly ran to grab it so it wouldn't 
wake 
 Mac and Ann Mare.
 
 "Rabb" he said quickly.
 
 "How's your girlfriend Commander?"
 
 "Who is this?" Harm demanded.
 
 "I heard she and Ann Marie had a close call last night. You know 
you're just 
 not safe anywhere in this world anymore."
 
 "Who is this?" Harm hissed. "Beverly?"
 
 "Tell Hunter his precious little woman isn't safe anywhere" the woman 
 laughed. "But if he wants to keep her safe he knows what to do." She 
hung up 
 before Harm could say anything else.
 
 "Was that her?" Hunter demanded as Harm slowly hung up the phone. "Was 
that 
 Beverly?"
 
 "I think so" he sighed. "She's not going to stop Hunter. She said to 
tell 
 you Ann Marie isn't safe anywhere. But she also said you know what to 
do if 
 you want to keep her safe."
 
 "Okay that's it" Hunter said quietly. "I've stood by long enough and 
let her 
 get away with this. This ends now. Before she does something else." He 
took 
 one last look at Ann Marie before heading for the door.
 
 "Hunter wait" Harm ordered as he grabbed his friend's arm. "You're not 
going 
 anywhere alone."
 
 "You can't leave them alone" Hunter hissed. "I'm a helluva lot more 
worried 
 about them than I am about myself."
 
 "Fine. Give me five minutes and I'll have someone over here to stay 
with 
 them. But you're not going alone."
 
 "Harm this is my problem."  His eyes flashed in anger and Harm held up 
his hand for calm.

"No Commander it's not.  Not yours alone.  This woman has made a 
confirmed threat 
concerning a federal officer and is a prime suspect in an attack on 
that officer and a member of 
the armed services."

"When you put it like that. . ." Hunter sighed.

"That's how I'm putting it.  I'm opening an official JAGman 
investigation into the possibility of 
Beverly Alberts being the perpetrator."

"OK I'm glad," Hunter sighed.  "Well part of me at least. A big part of 
me wanted to take care of 
it myself."

The call was made and an hour later Sturgis arrived and Harm and Hunter 
kept him in the 
hallway to explain.

"So my assignment is to babysit two beautiful women?" Sturgis laughed 
and shook his head.  
"By all means, and don't feel like you have to pay me."

"We don't," Harm told him.  "Sturgis serious now.  I don't think she'd 
try anything here, but. . .OK 
I'm feeling really stupid reminding you to be careful.  I know you 
know.  And you brought the 
stuff right?"

"Yeah.  Camera and wire.  You could get an NCIS team together you 
know."

"She'd rabbit at the first sign of anything like that.  This way we can 
get to her.  She'll want to 
see us.  Want to discuss the terms of our surrender.  Want me in her 
life." Hunter shook his 
head sadly.  "God I am so stupid.  I should have stood up to her right 
away.  Not let this get to 
this point."

"Quit beating yourself up and let's see if we can end it," Harm 
ordered.  "Sturgis. . ."

"Harm go.  I'm on the job.  And your soup smells wonderful."
===================
"This would be it," Hunter said forty-five minutes later as he checked 
the address on the card 
Beverly had given him when they first met and pulled up in front of a 
small bungalow in a semi 
rural area outside the Beltway.  "And her car is there so she probably 
is too."

Harm nodded and once again checked the recording equipment and camera.  
"I wish we had a 
better plan.  I feel like she's calling the shots."

"Well she is in a way," Hunter sighed.  "I'll do anything to get her to 
leave Ann Marie out of this."
    
  "And Mac" Harm added. "Okay you ready?"
  
  "I'd feel a lot better if I hadn't dragged you into this" Hunter said 
  quietly. "Mac will never forgive me if anything happens to you 
because of 
  this."
  
  "Nothing is going to happen to either of us" Harm promised. "I have a 
woman 
  I love very much waiting for me back home and I'm going to go back to 
her. 
  And you're going to do the same."
  
  "Harm I know pilot bravado when I hear it" Hunter said with a small 
smile. 
  "Remember I used to be one too."
  
  "It might be pilot bravado but there's no way she's going to win. Now 
let's 
  do it."
  
  Hunter nodded and together they climbed out of the are made their way 
up to 
  the house. With a long sigh Hunter hit the doorbell and a moment 
later 
  Beverly appeared at the door.
  
  "Hunter" she smiled. "And you brought your friend Harm. How 
wonderful. 
  Please come in."
  
  "Hi Beverly" Harm smiled, turning on his Flyboy charm. "It's so nice 
to see 
  you again."
  
  "I bet it is. I'm sure that Marine of yours doesn't do for you what I 
can 
  do."
  
  "Probably not" Harm smiled.
  
  "And don't worry Hunter" Beverly purred. "You won't be left out."
  
  "I hope not" he smiled.
  
  "Now aren't you glad you realized how much better I could be for you 
than 
  those two thin little things you were with before."
  
  "Well you don't have to worry about them," Harm said as he looked 
over at 
  Hunter. "They'll be out of our lives."
  
  "Do you want me to take care of that for you?" Beverly asked.
  
  "We were just thinking of breaking up with them" Harm continued.
  
  "I can do a lot better than that" she smiled evilly. "I can make sure 
  they'll never interfere with us again."
  
  "How?" Hunter asked.
  
  "I'll tell you later" she whispered as she moved closer to Hunter. 
"But 
  first I need so make sure you're really with me on this."
  
  "Oh I am" Hunter breathed as he moved forward. "I was a fool to go 
with Ann 
  Marie. She's not the woman you are."
  
  "Took you a while to realize that" Beverly smiled. "I've been trying 
for 
  weeks to get your attention."
  
  "We Flyboys aren't always the smartest ones in the bunch" Hunter 
grinned. 
  "But we're the best there is in other areas."
  
  "So I've heard. But never had the pleasure of actually finding out. 
Until 
  now. And I'll get both of you at once."
  
  "Both?" Harm managed.
  
  "Is that a problem Harm?" she smiled.
  
  "I just thought we were each going to get our chance to enjoy you" he 
smiled 
  back.
  
  "That would be boring" she laughed. "Besides I want to see how good 
you two 
  really are."
  
  "But you'd probably enjoy it more if we each took our time with you" 
Hunter 
  spoke up.
  
  "Boys is this a problem?" she snapped. "I thought you came here to 
give me 
  what you wanted. Or would you rather next time I didn't swerve out of 
the 
  way of your little women."
  
  "Easy honey" Harm cooed. "This isn't a problem."
  
  "Good" she smiled as she moved closer to him. "I think I'll start 
with you 
  Commander." Before he could stop her, her hands suddenly went to his 
chest 
  and Harm did his best to grab them and bring them to his lips before 
she 
  could feel the wire.
  
  "Playing hard to get Commander?" she smiled.
  
  "Of course" he smiled.
  
  "I'm going to slip into something more comfortable" she laughed. 
"When I get 
  back you two better be ready to show me some fun."
  
  She headed to the bedroom and Harm let out a long sigh. "I think 
she's on to 
  us."
  
  "But we've got what we want" Hunter hissed.  "Let's just get out of 
here 
  while she's changing."
  
  Harm nodded and both men headed to the door. It was the clicking of 
the gun 
  that made Harm freeze as he reached for the doorknob.
  
  "How do you think Mac would feel if I pulled the trigger?" Beverly 
said 
  behind him. "And poor Ann Marie. She'd be beside herself if she lost 
Hunter 
  Reed."
    
 Harm for a long moment did not move, feeling Hunter breathing at his 
neck, also frozen still.
 
 "Come on back in boys.  I want to play," she told them.  
 
 "Beverly you are totally over the deep end," Hunter managed, thankful 
for the tape machine 
that was still going.  "I know you're good with that gun too."
 
 "You better believe I am," she nodded and they heard the safety 
clicking off and on.   "Turn 
around slowly, both of you.  Keep your hands where I can see them."
 
 "Harm we can take her," Hunter hissed.
 
 "Don't make that mistake Junior Flyboy.  I'll have a bullet in each of 
you before you can get 
within grabbing distance.  Turn around."
 
  Harm did as she said, nodding to Hunter to do the same.  "We'll get 
our chance."
 
 "I wouldn't count on it," she said firmly.  "OK both of you walk over 
to that sofa and have a 
seat."  As she was speaking she backed away, giving them a wide berth.
 
 "Harm she's an expert marksman," Hunter said.  "I've seen her range 
scores."
 
 "Bright boy, now sit down."
 
 Harm and Hunter were just settling themselves on the sofa when the 
doorbell rang.
 
 "Do not move or make a sound," Beverly snapped, taking her own advice.  
The door bell rang 
once more, more insistent this time and a voice rang out.  "Ms. 
Alberts, Pizza Hut."
 
 Both Hunter and Harm held their breath, each knowing the other was 
uttering the same prayer, 
as their gaze rested on the glass window panes on either side of the 
door.  Windows she had 
not bothered to ever curtain.  Sure enough a few seconds later the 
young woman peered inside.  
In the late afternoon overcast and Autumn early darkness, Beverly had 
turned on two floor 
lamps which bathed the room in light, making them easily visible from 
the gloom outside.  
 
 'Please let her see this lunatic woman with a gun on us' Harm mouthed 
and Hunter's eyes 
widened as he understood what Harm was hoping.  Harm chanced a look at 
Beverly who had 
not moved, nor had she put the gun down, but seemingly was transfixed.  
Finally she backed up 
to the door, keeping the weapon on the two men.
 
 "Put that pizza box on the step and get the hell out of here girl," 
she roared through the door.  
 
 Even through the heavy door they could hear the sound of running 
footsteps and both breathed 
a long sigh of relief.  
 
 "I'd forgotten I'd ordered this," Beverly smiled.  "Good thing it's a 
large.  And I have some red 
wine.  Now that the snippy little girl is gone, we can relax."
 ==================
 MAC's APARTMENT
 30 Minutes later
 
 The soft muffled sound  of the TV was the first thing Mac heard as she 
awoke and stretched 
away the stiffness of sore and bruised body parts.  "Harm?  Honey could 
I get some juice?"
 
 "I'm not Harm Honey but I'll be glad to bring you something," Sturgis 
called from the kitchen.  
 
 "Where's Harm?" Mac demanded at once, now instantly awake.

 "Harm had to run an errand but he didn't want you and Ann Marie 
alone."
 
 "Errand where? Sturgis tell me he didn't go to see that Beverly 
woman."
 
 Before he could answer her eyes caught sight of the TV where the 
breaking 
 news sign was being flashed across the screen. She reached for the 
remote as 
 the newsperson started talking.
 
 "We're in front of this home where police say a woman is apparently 
holding 
 two men hostage. A pizza delivery woman called police after peering 
inside 
 and seeing the woman with a gun on two men."
 
 "What is this world coming to" Mac sighed as she started to turn down 
the 
 sound on the TV. It was then that the cameraman panned away from the 
 reporter and she gasped when she saw Harm's car parked in front of the 
 house. "No. It can't be. They wouldn't have."
 
 "What?" Sturgis demanded as he hurried over to her. "What's going on?"
 
 Mac turned up the remote again just as the reporter repeated what the 
story.
 
 "Sturgis it has to be them. That's Harm's car in front of house. They 
went 
 to see Beverly and now she's holding them hostage."
 
 "You don't know that" he countered but at the same time he knew she 
was 
 right."
 
 "That's his car Sturgis. And that's the so-called errand you said they 
went 
 on isn't it? To see her."
 
 "Yeah it was" he sighed. "And I told them not to go in there alone. To 
get 
 an NCIS team but they wouldn't listen to me."
 
 "We have to get over there. We have to get them out of there."
 
 "Hey hold up there Marine" Sturgis ordered as she pushed herself off 
the 
 sofa. "There are plenty of trained professionals over there doing 
their job 
 right now."
 
 "If you think I'm going to sit here while Harm and Hunter are being 
held by 
 that lunatic you are crazy" she retorted.
 
 "What's all the fuss about?" Ann Marie murmured as she opened tired 
eyes to 
 look up at them.
 
 "Harm and Hunter went to see Beverly" Mac said quietly. "And according 
to 
 the news flash that was just on, she's now holding them hostage."
 
 "No" Ann Marie gasped as her face paled. "We have to get over there."
 
 "Okay now this is exactly what Harm and Hunter didn't want you two 
doing" 
 Sturgis fretted. "Both of you are supposed to be resting and taking it 
 easy."
 
 "We are going to do neither while they're locked in with that maniac" 
Mac 
 snapped. "Now you can take us over there or we'll drive ourselves."
 
 "Okay fine. But I don't know what good you think this is going to do."
 
 "Beverly wants us out of the picture" Ann Marie said softly. "Maybe if 
we go 
 there she'll be willing to make a trade."
 
 "Oh yeah that's going to go over real well" he muttered. "You two are 
as 
 crazy as they were for going there in the first place."
 
 "Sturgis stop talking" Mac ordered. "And get the keys."
 
 ****************
 Beverly's Home
 Same Time
 
 "Damn it" Beverly shrieked.
 
 "You really didn't think you'd get away with this did you?" Harm 
asked.
 
 "I would have if that damn delivery person hadn't looked in here," she 
 shouted. "No one would have known you were here until they pulled your 
dead 
 bodies out. Now there's no way to get out of this."
 
 "You can make a deal. Let us go and turn yourself in."
 
 "I am not going to prison" she snapped. "Never."
 
 "You can't stay in here forever" Harm sighed. "You know how these 
things 
 work. They'll give you a few hours and then they'll move in. Shooting 
first 
 and asking questions later."
 
 "Shut up" she shouted as she waved her gun at him.
 
 "Easy Harm" Hunter murmured. "I don't want to tell Mac that you got 
killed 
 because you didn't keep your mouth shut."
 
 "Yeah well I'm getting real tired of sitting here."
 
 "I can fix that for you if you'd like" Beverly warned.
 
 "Beverly come on" Hunter sighed. "You know this is hopeless. Just give 
it up 
 now before you end up getting hurt. You can still walk out of this 
alive."
 
 "And right to prison. No thanks."
 
 "It's better than being dead."
 
 For a moment she seemed to consider Hunter's idea and a moment later 
the 
 phone rang as the police negotiator's tried to reach Beverly.
 
 "Come on Beverly" Hunter said quietly. "Talk them. I'm sure you can 
work a 
 deal. Something that will get us all out of this alive."
 
 "I don't care if you two get out of this alive" she retorted.
 
 "But you do care if you do" he countered. "You don't want to die 
Beverly. 
 You told me that a hundred times. You weren't afraid of anything 
except 
 dying."
 
 "Shut up" she snapped.
 
 "Beverly you know what they'll do eventually. They'll come in with 
guns 
 blazing and they won't stop to listen to anything you have to say 
then. You 
 give up peacefully and likely Harm will be able to get you the name of 
a 
 good defense attorney who can help you plea bargain down and get you 
the 
 help you need."
 
 "You'll help?" Beverly asked as she looked at Harm.
 
 "I know a few people" Harm nodded. "Good criminal lawyers who probably 
can 
 get you a very reduced sentence if you admit to needing help."
 
 The phone continued to ring and finally Beverly walked over to it and 
 answered it. Both Harm and Hunter held their breaths, praying this 
would all 
 be over soon.
 
 "We're all going to walk out together" she told the negotiator. "I'm 
going 
 to turn myself in."
 
 She hung up and motioned for Harm and Hunter to go to the front door 
of the 
 house. Harm slowly opened the door and a moment later the three walked 
out 
 of the house, Beverly dropping her weapon as the police quickly 
surrounded 
 her.
 
 "That was some smooth talking" Harm said with a long sigh as he looked 
at 
 Hunter.
 
 As he spoke, Sturgis's car pulled up as close as it could to the 
scene, Mac 
 and Ann Marie bolting from the car before it came to a stop.
 
 "I think they found out" Hunter sighed as he caught sight of the two 
women 
 running towards them.
 
 "Hunter thank god" Ann Marie wailed as she threw herself into his 
arms, 
 hugging him as tightly as she could. "I was so scared."
 
 Next to them, Mac had corralled Harm into a likewise long hug, not 
daring to 
 let him go for even a second. "You've got some serious explaining to 
do 
Flyboy" she whispered. "But right now I just need to hold you."

"What the hell are you doing out of bed anyway," he murmured into her 
ear, hugging her as 
tightly as he dared remembering her injuries.  "How did you know about 
all this?"

"TV.  I was lying there whining for juice.  By the way I called Sturgis 
honey.  Anyway, the news 
broke in.  You know how they do for every little thing and there you 
were.  Your car anyway, and 
we knew you guys were in trouble here."

"And I told her you were going to kill me for bringing them," Sturgis 
added when he came to 
stand by Harm.  "But you know your Marine.  She gets an idea in her 
head and she won't let it 
go."

"I had to know you were OK," she whispered, nearly in tears now.  "I 
had to know.  If I'd have 
stayed at the apartment I would have gone insane with worry.  Ann Marie 
too."  

Harm lifted his head and looked to the NCIS agent-trainees and smiled 
softly.  "They're going to 
be OK, and so are we."  He would have said more but was stopped by the 
sight of Beverly,  her 
arms locked behind her in cuffs, being placed in the back of a police 
car.  "She needs a lot of 
help."

"Well I can be sympathetic now, but if she had hurt you, I wouldn't be 
feeling it," Mac smiled, 
leaning more heavily against him as the excitement was quickly zapping 
her strength.  

"Let's get you guys home.  Hunter you ready?"

"I'm not through hugging on him," Ann Marie grumbled, not lifting her 
head from his neck.

"Yeah but you need to get back to resting," Hunter told her firmly.  
"Harm shall we take our 
ladies home?"

"By all means," he grinned.

An hour later back at Mac's apartment, under Sturgis's tutelage, Harm 
and Mac were installed 
on the sofa with Hunter and Ann Marie on the love seat.  "Now you guys 
think you can behave if 
I go home and try to get some work done?" he laughed.

"Sturgis we owe you," Harm said quietly.

"Yeah you do," he grinned.  "And having an opposing counsel owe me is 
not a bad thing.  See 
you at JAG.  Make these women stay put until they're healed will you."

"Count on it."

With one last look around, Sturgis left them alone and both men pulled 
the women in their lives 
closer to them.  

Life would go on.  Four lives filled with love.

THE END

Watch for future chapters when this series turns the focus to Ann Marie 
and Hunter as NCIS 
agents with appearances by Harm and Mac.