The Challenge as presented at the Fan Fiction Challenge at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ffchallange/ "The Other Man (or woman, if you like)" challenge: Your POV character discovers his/her lover is involved...VERY involved with another partner. Or your POV character discovers he is the Other Partner in an established relationship...How does he react to this discovery? Does he confront his cheating partner? Does he continue the relationship? Does he invite the other into the games? Please guys; this one has so many possibilities...write me some Title: Torn Author’s note: 1 – Notice the challenge? Infidelity! Consider this a warning! 2 – I know it called for a POV but I couldn’t get my mind wrapped around it. 0320 LOCAL HARM’S APARTMENT Mac lay on the bed and listened to the rhythmic breathing of her lover. It was thirteen months two weeks and four days (but who was counting?) since she and Harmon Rabb Jr. had shifted gears and gone from friends to lovers. Now she was restless. Harm was content with the status quo and she was not. If all she wanted were a fuck friend it would not have been Harm. She loved him and she thought that they wanted the same things. Obviously they did not. To be honest the sex was great, there was no complaint there… it’s just that… ah hell. She got out of the bed and got dressed. That was one of the things that bugged her. It was over a year they were a couple and one of them was still dressing to leave in the morning. She’d tried talking with him about it but he had the attention span of a five year old. Josh Pendry was more mature. She left. ========================= 0532 LOCAL HARM’S APARTMENT Harm rolled over and reached for her. He sat up abruptly when he realized that the bed was empty. She’d been up for a while as her side was also cold. “Mac?” He called out. Silence responded. He got out of the bed made a quick recon and realized that she had left. ========================= 0910 LOCAL JAG HQ “May I assist you sir?” Lt. Sims asked. “Yes I’m here to meet …” He looked at the paper in his hand. “Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie.” “If you follow me sir.” Harriett instructed and took the distinguished looking man to Mac’s office. “Yes?” Mac didn’t know who the man was but whoever he was he looked damn fine. “I’m Professor Anton Shiva? You made an appointment to meet about a case of yours?” the man enlightened. Mac was horrified – how could she have forgotten!!? “Professor! My profound apologies; it’s been one of those days.” “I know the feeling.” He was staring intently at her. She fidgeted under the scrutiny and he shifted his gaze. “If I understand the case you are looking to prosecute someone?” She had been trying not to stare at him but she felt an attraction to him that was instant and undeniable and if his visual examination of her was any indication he felt the same way too. She made the effort and focused. “Yes.” She began to explain. “You are familiar with the disaster at last year’s Army/Navy game?” “Yes.” He replied. “What the fire didn’t claim the stampede did. Two hundred and fifteen dead!” “Well the case if finally ready to go to trial.” She said. “… and I need expert testimony.” “I am your man.” He replied. She hesitated slightly and continued. “I am a lawyer not a disaster manager explain the disaster from your area of specialty.” “It’s called cognitive tunnel vision.” He began. She stopped him. “Cognitive tunnel vision?” “Sorry.” He apologized. “Simplify put it’s how a person understands, diagnoses and solves a problem.” “Thanks.“ she smiled. He continued. “Crowds are conventionally perceived as presenting a number of public order problems. As part of the Security Force Colonel Peters would have been exposed to such collective perceptions. It can be argued, in fact I do argue that the collective consciousness of the Military Police was one that was familiar with crowd control. Faced with the crisis at the Stadium cognitive vision turned into tunnel vision, as the situation was perceived to be that of one requiring crowd control and not assistance.” “Interesting. The primary charge is dereliction of duty could you in your expert capacity support that?” “I’m not a lawyer. Neither am I military. I do know this. The miss-diagnosis of the unfolding situation at the game led to the ineffective and inefficient use of personnel and increased the unnecessary risks of harm or violence. The crowd may not have been provoked in this scenario, however, grievous harm did occur. It must also be recognized that the collective experiences of the Military Police Officers as individuals and as an agency, is brought to bear in all situations, normally to the benefit of the people in the situation. This was the rare occasion when such experiences are channeled in a wrong direction resulting in wrong decisions. Had it indeed been a crowd invasion the actions of the Colonel and his staff would have been the correct course of action. It may be deduced that the inability to differentiate between pitch invasion and crowd crushing was the case faced by Colonel Peters on the day of the disaster. The experiences of the Police to date had been that of pitch invasions and not crowd crushing. Combined with the fact that this was his first duty as the On Scene Commander added to a complicated scenario.” He shrugged “Sorry the Professor in me cut loose there. Hope that helps.” “It does and you are going to me on my witness list.” She informed him. ========================= 2309 LOCAL MAC”S APPARTMENT She couldn’t sleep. The meeting of that day with the Professor kept running through her mind. ========================= TWO MONTHS LATER UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO The relationship between Harm and Mac had not changed. The sex was great and the work was compatible. Harm was happy and Mac was not. Now they were on a case in New Mexico and Mac found herself knocking on the door of Professor Anton Shiva.” Anton looked up and stared hard. The last person he’d expected to see was the beautiful Lt. Colonel! “Mac!… I mean Colonel!“ She grinned oh yes he was definitely interested. “Mac is fine.” “Only if you call me Anton.” He countered. “SO what brings you to my neck of the woods?” “Harm and I are on a murder investigation… and I thought I’d say hello.” She supplied. “Need my expert assistance again?” “No” She laughed. “I’m glad you came by.” He opened his arms “This is my little kingdom.” “Little indeed it’s bigger than my CO’s office” “We work hard.” He joked. They chattered for a while then Mac stood she’d out lived her welcome. He followed her to the door of his office and the woman in Mac finally let the Marine take over. “Anton are you gay?” His entire body registered surprise. “Gay? Me? What makes you ask that?” “I’m sorry that is none of my business. I really must be going.” He leaned against the door. “After a statement like that? I don’t think so.” He crossed his arms and waited. In for a penny in for a pound she expanded on her statement. “I thought I felt a chemistry but I was obviously wrong.” She reached for the doorknob. He remained glued to the door. “You are not mistaken I am attracted to you. Hell I’m not blind! I’m not gay either!” “Married?” “Single.” He assured her. “Truth be told I am scared of American women. I have spent my entire adult life here and I still don’t understand them. So it’s safer not to tackle something you don’t understand. And you my dear are a Marine trained to kill!” Mac was relieved. “That’s a relief… I think.” “Isn’t it just? So may one assume that it is safe to pursue a certain Marine Lt. Colonel?” he grinned. “One may.” She replied, “I guarantee safe passage.” “In that case.” He finally stopped blocking her way swept her up and kissed her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and returned the kiss in full measure. Somewhere in the back of her mind a thought of Harm surfaced but she pushed it aside. The door suddenly swung open and a student stepped in and immediately stepped out. Mac and Anton never noticed that there had been a temporary audience. The kissed was reluctantly ended. “Convinced now that I’m not gay?” “Can’t blame a girl for wondering why a good looking smart man like you is single.” She defended. “I’m glad you came to see me. I’m glad you asserted yourself and I’m glad my mother had me.” He listed. “I thought you were a serious Professor.” Her body hummed. “Don’t tell anyone.” He faked concern. “I really have to go.” She began to disentangle herself from his embrace. “OK. May I take you to dinner tonight?” “That would be nice.” “Pick you up at seven.” He arranged. “Let me walk you out.” “Seven is fine and I can find my way out.” And on that she was firm. + + + Mac stood at the elevator and heard the voices. “There she is.” One whispered. “That is a Marine?” Two replied. “She was kissing the Prof!” One insisted. Mac nonchalantly looked round, she couldn’t see the students but she sure as hell could hear them. “Damn” Two said, “If she walked into my office I’d kiss her too! And then some!” The elevator doors opened, Mac stepped in and hid her smile. ========================= 2000 LOCAL TEN FORWARD “That was an interesting place.” Mac said as she and her date walked down the road. “Isn’t it just? Of course the owner is a Star Trek fan hence the name the ambiance the menu…” “The prices.” She picked up the list. “The prices.” He echoed. They turned down into a garden and sat on a bench. “So tell me how is it that a good looking intelligent man like you is single.” “You don’t mince words do you.” “Sorry I’m prying again.” “Not at all.” He assured her. “Some women like aggressive men and so when they find that I’m not well…” He trailed off. “I prefer assertive to aggressive myself.” She replied. “I’ve been told that I treat women differently to most men. I suppose that comes from being raised with ten sisters.” Mac did a double take “TEN!” “The eldest is a boy then ten girls and yours truly brings up the rear.” He elaborated. “Twelve kids!” “Gives you a unique perspective on the female of the species.” He acknowledged “But somehow I haven’t been able to convert. I seem to be the sap.” “You seemed quite all right to me this afternoon.” She teased. “Speaking of which.” He stared a kiss, which she deepened. Harm was taking an evening walk as he Mac had gone off and he was at loose ends. As he walked by on the street above he glanced down and saw a couple kissing and smiled to himself ah young love. Never realizing that it was Mac he continued his saunter. =================================== ONE WEEK LATER 1400 LOCAL - JAG HQ Anton stepped out of the elevator with a spring in his step. He breezed into the bullpen and was intercepted by Lt. Sims. “Professor Shiva! May I help you sir?” she grinned at him. “You remember me Lieutenant I’m flattered.” He returned her grin “I’m looking for the Colonel.” “Oh I’m sorry sir she’s out on a case. May I take a message?” she offered. He paused to consider his options. “No thank you. “I’ll contact her later.” He turned to leave the way he’d come. “OK.” She returned to work. + + + Anton sat in the jaguar that he’d hired and consulted his PDA. He was trying to remember if he’d updated the database with Mac’s address. The information popped up. He had. He put the vehicle in gear and drove off. =================================== 2215 LOCAL MAC’S APARTMENT Harm had tried to get her to come over or alternatively for him to stay the night. But she was tired after the trip and just wanted to go to bed. That was true until she got to her front door. There was a note attached to it. She read it and never bothering to enter her apartment she turned on her heel and walked out of the building. + + + Forty-five minutes later the corvette screeched to a halt as she parked in the official lot. She crossed the lobby area rapidly with the plush atmosphere barely registering. Ten minutes later she was knocking on Anton’s door. He opened it still rubbing his eyes. She noticed that the t-shirt was USMC t-shirt. She also observed his sleepy state and her clock finally kicked in. She took a step back. “OH Anton! I’m so sorry! I didn’t stop to think. I saw the note and just reacted.” She apologized. “Look I’ll leave you to go back to sleep.” “Oh no you don’t!” He was awake now. “What time is it!” “2309” She instantly replied. His eyes narrowed. She’d never displayed her talent with time for him to see, but he made no comment. “Come inside.” He coaxed. She hesitated. “Mac! Inside!” “Aye sir.” she stepped in and found herself in a living room – he’d taken up residence in a suite. He gave her a gentle kiss on her lips and then waived her to a seat. “I’m glad you came over.” She became agitated again. “I’m so sorry!” “No need to be.” He assured her. “Now there are two options. I escort you home or you stay the night. The choice is yours.” “Anton I’m a Marine I don’t need escorting home.” She bristled. “I am the last boy with ten sisters before me. What do you think they or even my mother will say or worse do to me if I let you go cross town unescorted?” he presented his case. “I see what you mean.” She was amused then decided. “I’ll stay.” He slapped his knees. “Good! There are two bedrooms here.” He stated with no further elaboration. He provided her with one of his t-shirts and left her to her own devises. That night Mac slept alone. =================================== 1400 LOCAL TWO DAYS LATER MAC’S OFFICE “A package for you ma’am” Tiner announced. “Thanks.” She took the UPS envelope from him and once dismissed she ripped it open. In it was a medical report showing that Anton Phillip Shiva had taken an AIDS/HIV test and the result was… “Ma’am the Admiral is ready for the staff meeting.” Tiner had returned. She pocketed the report and walked out of her office. + + + With the cases all assigned Admiral AJ Chedwiggen moved to other business. “Well people it’s that time of year. The Independence Ball as usual I expect all to be there.” “Aye sir…. Yes sir” The officers assured their CO. “Colonel this will be the first time in a long time that you are in town to attend.” AJ said. “Yes sir.” She replied. “Gotta date Mac?” Sturgis asked. “None of your pokey nose.” She retorted but looked Harm dead in the eye as she said it. “OK That’s enough touch feely. Dismissed.” AJ interrupted. ========================= 1855 LOCAL NIGHT OF INDEPENDENCE BALL Anton was seated quite comfortably in Mac’s living room waiting for her to put on the finishing touches of her ensemble when the doorbell rang. He opened the door and came face to face with Commander Harmon Rabb in full dress whites. “Doctor” Harm entered. “Commander.” Anton replied. The two men eyed each other there was no difference in height. Mac walked in. “Did I hear the door bell?” The question died on her lips. “Harm?” “Mac.” He said. Anton said nothing but watched. “What are you doing here?” She finally got her voice. “I came to escort you to the Ball.” He informed her. She wanted to tear into him, but Anton was standing right there. She grabbed Harm by the hand and led him to the kitchen. Once there she hissed at him “Since when do we go out in public? And why now? And I usually get asked before my date shows up!” “Well we’ve been … you know.” He said. She knew. “And I thought that it was a good time to …” She stared at him unimpressed “Why is it that a lawyer with such formidable skills cannot articulate a statement about his emotions? I’m tired of the dance. You assume too much.” She turned to leave. Stopped at the kitchen door turned and said, “lock up after you.” She entered the living room and had a panic attack; there was no sign of Anton. Then she spotted him at the window. “Anton?” He turned. “Decided?” “A long time ago.” They went to the Ball and Anton was attentive but Mac’s intuition sensed that something was wrong. As he escorted her back home she was about to broach the topic of the earlier incident when he kissed her on the cheek and bid her goodnight. ========================= ONE WEEK LATER Mac sat in her office and fumed. It had been days since the triangle she was in had blown up in her face. It had been civil and all but blown up in her face. Anton had not called and was not returning her calls and Harm was ultra professional with her. She mentally shook herself. It was time to take control. She consulted her diary and made a call to the airline. + + + Admiral Chedwiggen had not been happy with the last minute request but had granted her two days off. It was Thursday she had a long weekend to talk with Anton. ========================= UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO Mac stood next to the SVU that she’d hired and contemplated her next move. Anton had left for the weekend and his secretary was protecting the details of his ware abouts with her life. “Ma’am?” Mac turned. “You looking for Professor Shiva?” The student asked. “Now how would you know that?” Mac replied with a question of her own. The boy blushed. Mac suddenly realized that he must have been one of the students she heard that day. She let him off the hook. “Yes I’m looking for him.” The student had an interesting story. “He has a cabin that he goes to. Particularly for a long weekend.” “Really? And do you have directions to this cabin?” + + + The SUV pulled up the drive of the cabin and Mac got out. She entered the hut and a quick search revealed that it was empty. She stood on the balcony and contemplated her next move. It was getting dark. She’d stay the night then return to DC. A light caught her eye. She followed the path that she hoped lead to the light. It did. + + + Shiva heard the rustling among the leaves. The person was making no attempt to hide their approach. He watched, waited then stared. “Mac?” She fished an envelope out of her pocket then walked up to him and dropped it n his lap. He looked at the envelope then at her. “Open it.” She ordered. He tore in open. “You took an AIDS test.” “As did you. With a similar negative result.” She sat next to him. “Now that is out of the way. Why aren’t you answering my calls?” “You came all the way to find that out?” “Among other things but first things first. The calls or lack thereof.” “I don’t do love triangles.” He stated flatly. “I deserve that.” She conceded. “Harm and I were an item… once.” “And now?” he probed. “That depends on you.” She challenged. He took a deep breath. “I love you but I have been taught to love myself more.” He said “I don’t do love triangles.” She ignored most of what he said except for … “You love me?” “I do.” He assured her “But if there is another …” “There isn’t.” She assured him. “Are you sure?” He insisted. “YES!” She stated. He grinned and relaxed. “Good.” Mac relaxed and took in the surroundings “This is beautiful.” “I’ve seen more beauty than this.” He said. “Where!” She disputed. “I’m looking at her.” She gasped and looked at him to see if he was teasing her. He was not. He pulled her down towards him and laid her down. He initiated a deep kiss and his hands began roaming freely over her body. Suddenly he stopped. “What?” Mac asked. “Any time you want me to stop just say.” He announced. “Anton. If you stop I guarantee you that I will inflict grievous bodily harm.” He said nothing and began kissing her again. She parted her lips and responded. They lay rolled in the blanket below the stars. He kissed her forehead. “You ok?” “Uh huh” She snuggled into him. “Took you long enough.” “Well I wanted the first time we made love with each other to be significant.” He said. She frowned. “That is a unique way of describing what happened.” “I mean what I say.” He replied “I didn’t make love to you solely or vice versa. We made love with each other. Guess its what happens when you have ten sisters.” “Remind me to thank them one day.” She chuckled. “You can do it yourself. My oldest brother Alva is getting married on the tenth of next month. Come with me?” “I can’t. I have a capitol case. I really couldn’t.” She was relived to have the excuse. She really wasn’t ready to take the step of meeting THE FAMILY. + + + Life conspired against her. The case had ceased to be when the accused changed his plea to guilty and Mac found herself with time on her hands and no man to spend it with. She packed her bags. ========================= SHIVA RESIDENCE The taxi passed through the gate and Mac no longer had any doubt that the man she was no involved with was wealthy. Well someone was. The car pulled up in the courtyard and a butler opened her door. “Name?” The man asked. “Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie.” She replied. He checked his list. “Ah yes.” He spoke to the driver as Mac fished out her purse. “Not necessary.” The driver assured her. “Pardon?” She was confused and watched as the taxi zoomed away. “The Shiva’s have an arrangement with the taxi drivers. All taxi fares to the wedding are taken care of.” The butler explained. “If you just go through I’ll have your bags taken to your room.” Mac was rooted to the spot. She’d arrived on the actual wedding day! “Are you alright?” The man was concerned. She snapped out of her shock. “Yes! Yes! I’m fine.” She reluctantly entered the mansion. A man who had to be related to Anton approached her. “Colonel Mackenzie.” The butler stated. “Mac!” The man cried as if he’s known her all his life. “Welcome!” She just stared. “My apologies. I’m Ali, one Anton’s many nephews. All he’s talked about since he arrived is you.” He guided her further into the mansion. “It’s Mac this and Mac that.” They rounded a corner and Mac was faced with the wedding reception in full swing. There was a massive stage were there was a live band and the hundreds of tables and chairs had been swept aside for the dance floor. It looked as if every one was on the floor. The song finished and without a pause or missing a beat the next song started. “That’s Allison.” Ali said “Cousin Allison.” He emphasized directly into her ear as the infections beat gripped the crowd. They all seemed to know the song. In one voice they dancers threatened to raise the roof. “La La La La Le La La Lal La.” The lyric was easy enough to remember as unconsciously Mac began taping her foot. Ali remained by her side while scanning the crowd in search of Anton as he too sang. With every chant of the song Allison had a comment. “Hey - Yes – I want you to say – Nice - Come again Come again Come again - Sing de ting! - Hey! - Yes dat nice dat nice dat nice - HA! - Listen, listen to this.” Mac’s pulse rate had adjusted to match the animated drumbeat. Ali grabbed her hand and commanded, “Dance with me!” Had he asked upon her immediate arrival she would have resisted, but she was already under the spell of the beat, the lead singer and the gyrating dancers. She followed him. They twirled round and where Ali led she followed. He was a good dancer and Mac was lost in the rythum. Allison had a powerful voice and belted out verse one. This is a simple calypso The words doh rhyme but sing it so All you really have to know Sing de chorus as you go Good Lord! Just start to jam you feet An you must get de swing just remember to sing Again in one voice the assembly sang the chorus and the lead singer had a commentary for every line. “That’s right! - Stamp you feet - Jam de ting - You looking good you looking nice - Come again – Hey! - I like dat I like dat - Leh we go - Hey! - You know what to do now? - Listen to this.” The singer began issuing instructions and as obedient slaves to the beat they all followed. You got to put you two hands akimbo Rock your body to and fro Bring your hand up to your chest Let you waist line do de rest When you really get de song Man you wine until you touch de ground Then you jump and you swing But remember to sing! And sing they did. “Sing de ting – Jump - Wine you waist - Yes! - Dat is it! - HA! - Go Ali - Wine! Wine! Wine! Wine! - Yes!” She’s called Ali’s name and Anton looked to see what his nephew was up to. He stared and them moved to intercept. As a male member of the band took over Anton tapped Ali. “May I?” The young man moved aside and Anton took his place. Mac turned and came face to face with the man she came to see. He enveloped her in a bear hug and began to move to the frenetic beat. Allison reclaimed center stage and cranked up the beat. Mac completed the hug and followed every twirl that Anton executed. You want to rest you want to stop The rhythm keep on getting up The concert hot it hard to breath The whole place bad like badda weed You come on hard and start to squeal The way the rythum make you feel Then you reel and you rock Till you feel you ca stop! The ritual unfolded and the chorus rang out. “Oh Lord! - Jam de ting Jam de ting Jam de ting - Yes! Yes! Yes! - Sing! Sing! Sing! Again - Yes – dat is it! - Now! - Wine dat waist – Anton who is dat! – Jump - Hands in de air - And sing!” Without warning a conga line formed. Mac found herself in line with Anton hard on her heels. The line snaked itself around the hall. With Allison egging them all the way… “Nice - Looking good - Don’t stop at all – Yeah - Keep dat ting!” They sang the chorus again and again and finally Anton guided her off the floor and out the door. In the cooler atmosphere he directed her toward a tree. She leaned against it breathing heavily. They hadn’t really spoken since they’d began the dance. He leaned toward her and kissed her deeply a kiss she returned in full. “I’m glad you came.” He said finally. “So am I.” Some one said. Mac’s head snapped round. “Hello.” A woman said. “Celia!” Anton groaned. “What?” She replied defiantly “I heard that your girlfriend was here and I wanted to meet her!” She informed him and then to Mac. “I’m Celia, Anton’s sister.” “Hello.” Mac replied. She was beginning to believe that coming here was not one of her better ideas. “Mother is waiting.” The other woman announced and walked off. Anton stuck his tongue out at the receding figure. Mac stared. “Hey I’m the last. The little brother as it were. I revert sometimes.” “Anton she’s a blue eyed blond!” “Sorry.” He said, “Forgot to tell you mom is not Indian. Six of us including me took after my father and look Asian the other six after mom… blue eyed blond. Ain’t genetics great! Come on let’s go see the Mother Superior.” “Mother Superior?” she followed him. “Yep. Ten sisters and a Mother Superior.” + + + Mac suddenly realized that she could not hear the music. “Is the reception over? I can’t hear any music.” “The room is sound proofed.” He replied, “No one wants to hear twelve kids and their friends’ racket.” He held a door open and Mac entered a library. Anton followed her in and came face to face with the Shiva “Convent” An older woman sat opposite the door with daughters scattered around the room. “Mother. This is Sarah Mackenzie. Sarah this is my mother Catherine.” “Pleased to meet you ma’am.” “Ma’am! Oh please. That makes me sound so old. Cat will do. Come sit with me.” The woman was gracious. As Mac moved to do as she was invited to do. The door behind her swung open and she felt a hand grab her shoulder. Her training took over and before she could process the thought she grabbed the hand and flipped the person over. It was Ali. “Hey!” He grunted. Mac was mortified. “Servers you right!” A sister said. “What are you doing here anyway!” “That’s Jean.” Anton whispered. “And mother to Ali.” “Sorry mum. I just…” “Just what!” Celia demanded. “You know the rules.” Ali took a quick look around and scurried out. These sisters of Anton were not to be played with! “Hello I’m Maria.” Yet another said. “You did great!” Anton began, “She a Lt. Colonel in the US….” “Marine Corps!” His sisters replied in one voice. Mac blushed. “You can tell he’s been talking about you.” Mother smiled. “Come!” “Well I’ll say this much little brother this time you brought a woman home!” Celia pronounced as she guided him out the door and shoved him out. He protested all the way. Mac was left alone to face the ten sisters and the Mother Superior.” + + + Half and hour later Anton was still pacing outside agonizing at the thought of Mac at the mercy of his sisters. His mother had been tempered by time – but not so his siblings. Finally they emerged and the first thing he heard was the sound of laughter. He relaxed. All was well with the world. They approached him “All is well?” “You did well little brother!” Celia pronounced. “I approve!” “As do we all.” Maria concurred. As she walked away she winked at Mac who winked back. “Treat her well Anton or you WILL answer to us!” Another sister warned and they all left to return to the reception, which was almost over. “Welcome.” He said sarcastically. “Thank you.” She matched his tone. They both chuckled. He hugged her and they too returned to the party.