TITLE: "Anchors Aweigh" Chapter 2 [of 2] AUTHORS: Anne R. and Pat Steiner SUMMARY: In Chapter 1 Harm and Mac become Mr. and Mrs. David Quinlan, trapped in a small cabin aboard a ship from Carnival Cruiselines. Chapter 2 concludes that portion of the story and brings them back to DC for final justice. NOTE: Story is set [and was written] before the events of Ice Queen. Singer, Sergei, Gibbs & Company etc are not a factor. CLASSIFICATION/RATING: J/S/A/R [Harm-Mac] PG for language and mild violence. SPOILERS: In any of our work, any JAG episode may be referred to. FEEDBACK: If you're so moved but never expected nor begged for. Addy is ssbpmn@aol.com. Please however, we request you respect the work, and the effort that goes into writing it. NOTE: All parts of this story, as well as the majority of our other works, are available at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AnniePatJAGstories The message archives are open to all registered Yahoo users-no subbing required. Please simply click through any notice of adult content you may see-there are no R nor NC17 stories there. Other archives containing our stories: http://thearchive.mine.nu:85/exlibris/ or http://www.netroenterprises.com/exlibrisjag or BTL- http://www.wtv-zone.com/trgarchive/btl/ http://destined.to/btlarchive - {BTL H/M Fanfiction archive.} Much of our work is also featured at Http://www.capitalcitycollaborations.com ==================== From the conclusion of Chapter 1--- "I brought you a plate," Harm said to Mac when he and William returned from the buffet. "That way you don't have to get up." "Thanks. I could have got up though." "I know. But you're going to be doing all that walking later so you might as well take it easy now." "Still hurting?" William asked Mac. "A little sore" she admitted. "And I don't think I'll be doing roller blading again for a while." "Not in my lifetime" Harm groaned. "Thank you but the old guy cannot take another one of those moments." They kept the talk casual over breakfast, finally splitting up to get ready for the trip to Altun Ha. "God I just want this to be over" Harm sighed as he paced the small cabin. "I'm going to be trying to make sure you're okay and they're okay." "Harm chill. First I can watch myself. Second we'll both be watching them." "I am not going to chill until you're back on this boat safe" he whispered as he pulled her into his arms, mindful of her sore abdomen. "I love you and I hate this whole arrangement." "It's going to be fine. And then we'll have the rest of the trip back to be together." """"""""""""""""""""" "Anchors Aweigh" Ch. 2--- Shortly before noon they followed the Fields family as they made their way off the cruise ship and into Belize. They would take a bus as far as they could but then they would have to walk the remainder of the way to the temple at Altun Ha. Harm and Mac kept their distance from them on the bus, just in case they were being followed. "I'm beginning to see why I had a bad feeling about this" Harm said as they made their way through the trees to the temple. "This place is in the middle of no where." "You didn't think our buyers were going to go out in the open did you?" she sighed. "How you holding up?" he asked. "You okay? I didn't realize there was going to be this much walking." "I'm fine. Let's not lose track of them." He nodded and took her hand as they continued to follow just behind the Fields family. "Okay here we are," he said softly as they reached the meeting spot. "Keep your eyes open Marine. I don't see any sign of our friends from NCIS." "So far I don't see anyone who looks like our buyers either," she said as she scanned the area. "He better not have lied to us. So help me if he got us out here for nothing, I'm going to strangle him." "Easy sailor. I think I see our buyers." Instinctively his hand reached for her arm and she felt his tension. "Harm it's going to be OK. Walk out there with me now. High school drama skills here. We're ordinary tourists looking at these ruins I've even got a guide book as a prop." "Yeah? Have you got a weapon?" he muttered, knowing the answer. As per plan, the Fields family stepped first into the clearing that bore the ancient temple. Only a handful of passengers had elected this part of the port call, the remainder having decided to stay near the docks and take advantage of the shopping; or to ride a tour bus into the hills. The tour guide that met the group began to speak, and while some paid attention, others were content to wander. Harm lifted the camcorder, taking film but knowing that the real evidence was being gathered by the tiny cam around Mac's neck, disguised as a heavy pendant. William feigned attention for a few minutes, then sidled way from Margo. Their two oldest began a game of chase and he motioned for Margo to keep away from him, giving a bare nod to Harm and Mac. The others paid no mind to the two men whom Mac had seen trying to blend into the ship's group as they too pretended interest in the crumbling structure. It took another agonizingly tense five minutes for the two to begin to walk toward William. "OK you're going over with Margo," Harm hissed. Her eyes widened to their fullest. "Excuse me? I know we didn't have a real plan, just to play it by ear, but I hardly think me going over by Margo was part of it. I'm wearing the camera right. Plus I think I can get closer to him without them suspecting." "Maa-aac," he whined in a hoarse whisper. "Stop now," she ordered. "You come with, just don't let them know at first we're together and stay back some. They won't do anything if you're crowding." "I hate this," he gasped but she had already moved away. The men were approaching William at the same time and she made sure her camera was pointed right at them. Harm kept a watchful eye on Mac and Margo at the same time. Margo was doing her part to ignore William, keeping the children occupied and he gave her a quick nod. He was about to step forward toward Mac, acting as if he was filming the area when he was bumped from behind. "Mr. Rabb just keep on doing what you're doing," the voice whispered. "Don't acknowledge me. John Dilanski, NCIS. My partner is across the clearing. Remember the exchange has to be made." "I know what the rules of evidence are," Harm groused. "See the dark haired woman in the blue shirt? She's my partner. Nothing can happen to her." "Hey I know where you're coming from," he replied softly. "I care about Jenna too." "Did you try to get her not to come?" "Might as well have been talking to a rock" he groaned. "She's stubborn as they come. Former Marine so she thinks she's tough." "I know the feeling" Harm sighed and immediately tensed as the two men moved towards William and Mac. "I think its show time." "Just wait" John counseled. "We need the exchange to take place." As he spoke Jenna moved towards Margo and the children and John swore under his breath. "Come on let's get this over with," he said anxiously. William for his part moved towards the men, wanting to keep as much distance from Margo and the kids as possible. Mac followed and Harm tensed even more as he noticed one of the men watching her. "Back off" he whispered. "Mac back off." To his relief, she backed off slightly and Harm let out a sigh of relief. He didn't want her close enough for to getting caught should the men try anything besides a simple exchange. That exchange happened a moment later as one of the men approached William. Without a word, William handed him the envelope of information and the man took it. "Okay it's done" Harm hissed. "Let's move." The two men had no clue what was coming as Harm and John moved in on them. Before either could grab their weapons, they were on the ground and Jenna and Mac ran over to assist. "Nice move boys" Jenna Martin smiled as Harm and John handcuffed the two men. "I assume it's all on camera." "Oh yeah" Mac nodded. "Got it all." "Thank you" William sighed as he gathered his family into his arms. "All of you. I can't thank you enough." "I wouldn't be thanking us too much" John smiled. "Lieutenant William Fields, you're under arrest." "No wait" Harm interrupted. "I told Drucker that Lt. Fields isn't the one behind this. The person you want is in DC." "Explain yourself Commander" John demanded. "I will. Once you get these two wherever you're taking them. But do not arrest Lt. Fields." "He's coming with us then" John maintained. "Until I hear something concrete I don't want him out of my sight." "I'll go where you want" William said quietly. "I want to help bring this whole nightmare to an end." "Dilanski he's going to be with us" Harm countered. "We'll take him back to the ship and he's not going to go anywhere. When we all get back to DC, we'll sit down and figure out how we're going to nail the real person behind this." "John let them go" Jenna said finally. "I trust the Commander and Colonel. And it's not like he can jump ship." "You going to explain to Drucker why he isn't with us?" "I'm not afraid of Drucker" she smiled. "Commander, Colonel we're going to get our two suspects out of here. I'll be happy to take that camera from you though first." "Of course" Mac said as she lifted the chain from around her neck. "Everything you need is on there." "Great. Come on John. We've got a chopper to meet." "It's over" William sighed as Jenna and John led their two suspects away. "Not quite" Harm reminded him. "We still need to nail Lindsey for his part in this. And we're going to need your help in that." "I'll do whatever I have to. Please just tell me Margo and the kids don't have to be involved." "They won't" Mac promised. "We'll see to that and we'll make sure they're safe." "Thank you. I know I keep saying that but you don't know how relieved I am that this nightmare is almost over." "Let's get back to the ship" Harm said as he patted the younger man's shoulder. "You can buy me a drink." ============== By the time they had made the trek back to the ship, Mac was looking every bit as tired as she felt. "I wanted you to stay," Harm told her, making clucking noises as he helped her to their cabin. "When pigs fly," she responded. "How much rest do you think I would have gotten back here knowing you were at risk. Wise up Flyboy. I happen to love you." "You want to prove that?" he smiled, closing and locking the door. "Oh yeah," she whispered and before the sound of the lock clicking into place had died, her lips were against his and he guided them down onto the bed, never breaking the hold. "As soon as I'm feeling more up to it, that's not going to be enough," she panted. "I want that too. That and a whole lot more," he gasped. "But when you're better and when we don't have the specter of this case hanging over us." "We did good today didn't we," she sighed. "Thank you you know," "For?" "For being willing to listen to me about William. For not telling me all we're here to do is what we're ordered, arrest the man. For being open minded. For loving me." "It's because of that last one I was easily able to do the others. But then there's also the fact that I respect your judgment and instincts so much, even though I don't always act like that I admit." "You have a stampede tendency," she laughed. "But it's also part of your charm. If I was going to hate you for that, it would have started at Red Rock." "You weren't in love with me either." "No but I saw potential in you as a friend if nothing else," she giggled. "And through all that's happened to us. . .OK I was going to say we've always been best friends, but that's not quite true is it." "It was hard to have me leave you, and almost as hard for me to come back to things totally changed," he said softly. "Like Brumby. Like your promotion." "I know," she said softly, feeling her eyes dampen, "see to me your leaving that day started me on this roller coaster that I couldn't stop or jump off. And it didn't stop until the night you crashed and I almost lost you. It was suddenly perfectly clear to me, and yet it took Mic pushing me in the right direction. I'll always bless him for knowing what was best for both him and me when I sure as hell didn't." "Well I knew what was best for both you and me a few days later, and it wasn't flying off to Minnesota with Renee," he groused. "I've pulled off some major screw-ups in my life but that has to be one of the biggest. And right now we're talking and you should be resting." "You told William he could buy you a drink," she whispered as her eyes closed despite her efforts to the contrary. "Soon as I know you're sleeping good I'll go see if he's wanting to do that," Harm told her. "I should check on him anyway. I called NCIS off him and it's kind of my head on the chopping block." "It's going to be fine," she smiled as she grew more drowsy in his arms. Another ten minutes and she was comfortably asleep, and because of the medication and her exhaustion, she remained asleep for the next several hours. It was an unfamiliar sound that woke her. The sound of someone being. . . "Harm are you OK? What's wrong?" She stumbled from the bed ignoring the pain that went through her as she made her way to the tiny bathroom. The sound was exactly as she guessed, a very large man being sick over a very small toilet. "Mac get away from me. I don't want you sick," he managed before letting loose once more. "No I won't do that," she gasped, grabbing a washcloth to wet and press to his forehead. "What the hell happened to you?" "I don't know. Honestly I don't," he croaked. "I spent an hour with William and I started to not feel well but I figured it was just the alcohol, though god knows it's never bothered me before. Then I came back here and laid down on the lounger so I wouldn't bother you. Fell asleep and the next thing I know I'm dying." "Well you're not dying but you do have a fever," she fretted. "Let's get you into bed." He nodded and allowed her to help him up, only to break free from her a moment later and turn back to the toilet again. "Okay this is not good" she sighed when he was finished. "Maybe I should call Angela." "Who's Angela?" he moaned. "The nice lady who took care of me" she smiled. "The one that you thought was still in high school." "I don't want to see anyone. I just want to die." "Well that's not allowed to happen since you and I have some very unfinished business. So what's going to happen instead is we're going to get you into the bed and I'll call and see if she can give you something." "It's probably food poisoning" he moaned. "What did you eat this morning?" "Just some cereal and yogurt." "Was it cold enough?" she frowned. "I didn't check. But obviously I should have gone with the lumberjack special like you did since you're not sick." "I'm going to call Angela" Mac said as she helped to his feet and to the bed. "And see if anyone else is sick." She got her answer a short time later as the frantic doctor knocked on their cabin door. "Well at least you're not sick" Angela sighed when she saw Mac. "You're one of the few." "Don't tell me it's another one of those cruise ship outbreaks" Mac groaned. "Oh yes" she sighed. "I've got more sick people than I know what to do with. This has suddenly become the cruise from hell. But you don't need to hear my complaining. I'm sure you've heard enough already. And unfortunately there's not a lot I can do. It's a virus that has to run its course." "For how long?" Harm moaned from the bed. "Twenty-four to forty-eight hours" Angela answered. "I'll be dead by then" he complained. "Not likely. But we do have to make sure you don't get dehydrated. How long as he been like this?" "It just started" Mac sighed. "Which means we've got a long two days to go." "Depends on the person. Some people just get it for a day, others for two or three." "You're not cheering me up," Mac said with a small smile. "Sorry. But just keep an eye on him and try and get some fluids in him. And make sure his fever doesn't get any worse. If it does, call me." "Thanks for coming. I know you're swamped." "Understatement of the year" she sighed before heading out. "I will not live forty-eight hours like this" Harm moaned as Mac sat down beside him. "Just shoot me now." "Harm it's not that bad" she sighed as she stroked his forehead. "Easy for you to say. You're not the one puking your guts out." The words were barely out when his hand flew to his mouth and he jumped from the bed and hurried to the bathroom. His attempt fell short and Mac let out a long sigh just as the phone in their cabin rang. "I'll get that since you're busy" she groaned. "Mac it's Margo. Are you two okay? I've got a cabin full of sick people so I thought I'd check on you." "I'm fine. One very whiny and sick sailor on my hands though. But you've got all of them sick?" "All of them" Margo sighed. "And quite frankly I'm not sure who's worse. The kids or William." "Is there anything I can do to help?" Mac asked. "I feel bad knowing you've got four sick and I've only got one." "I'll manage" Margo laughed. "This isn't the first time something like this has happened. Last year April brought some bug home and it ran through everyone. Course I was the last to get it after two days of taking care of all of them." "Sounds horrible" Mac groaned. "How do you manage?" "Barely." "Mac" Harm wailed from the bathroom. "I need to go. My patient is yelling for me. Call me if there's anything I can do to help." "I think you have your hands full" Margo laughed. "And I'd better go too. I see William sprinting for the bathroom." "I'm thinking of sedating Harm until he gets over this, for my own sanity," Mac smiled. "You call me if you need anything now. I'm serious." "Thanks but you've got your hands full. Especially if this is your first experience with whiny sick males. Eventually you do get a thicker skin." "Thanks. I hope so." With that she hung up the phone and turned her attention to Harm, now sprawled almost on all fours with his forehead resting against the cool porcelain. "Get me back to bed and I'll help you with my obituary," he murmured. "You won't get the spellings right otherwise." "Oh brother," she groaned. "Harm no one who is otherwise healthy ever died of this. Come on, let me get you." It was with a gasp of pain that she helped him to his feet and he at once attempted to pull away from her. "Hey I'm sorry. God I hurt you. I should have known. I'm so sorry." "Stop. I just moved too quick with your weight. It's a bad bruise and I'm going to be suffering from it for a week or so. I know. I've had plenty of them from the Confidence Course if nothing else. Now back to bed with you and so we don't play this scene over and over, I'm getting the seasick bags from the cubby. Should have thought of that three barfs ago." "You know I'm infecting you," he groused. "Most likely you did that already," she assured him. "This is a virus that's most contagious before the first barfer even knows he's got it. Hopefully you'll be all better before I get it, and then you can pay me back." "Of course I'll take care of you," he sighed, making no objection to her leading him back to bed and tucking a light sheet over him. His fever making him drowsy, he closed his eyes and was half out of it almost at once, enjoying her cool hand stroking his forehead. "Note to self," he whispered, "the honeymoon will not be a cruise thing." And with that he was beyond coherent thought. Mac was not however, having heard every word. Honeymoon? "Never mind Mackenzie. The man has a fever and nothing he says can be held against him." Twelve hours and several bags later, Harm had seemingly fallen into an even deeper sleep as his body demanded rest to recover. Mac had been up and down with him for that entire time, catching at most an hour of sleep before he would wake her again. With him now sleeping his most sound, she curled up to his back, resting her head on his pillow and prayed for two hours. Not to be, for barely an hour later deep in sleep she dimly realized she was cold. Cold and wet. Cold and wet and holding on to something that was making her that way. Her partner. "Harm wake up. Now," she commanded, giving him a firm shake and as soon as he did so, he began to shiver. "I'm drenched. What happened?" he gasped, trying to pull the sodden undershirt away from where it was plastered to his chest. "This had better be just sweat," she muttered, reaching for his forehead, and found it to be cold and damp. "OK mister out of there. Your fever broke that's all. Warm shower, dry things. Now. Before you get even sicker." "I'm never going to do a cruise again long as I live," he vowed, letting her help him up. "At least unless it's on a Navy ship where they sterilize everything." "Right. We established that last night. No more cruising." "We did? Funny I don't remember talking about that," he mumbled. "Of course you don't" she sighed as they made their way to the bathroom. "Why would you remember talking about our honeymoon." "Honeymoon." The word got his attention and he stopped. "We were talking about our honeymoon?" "You were. I was just listening. But don't worry, I won't hold anything you said in a fevered state against you." "You can. Because one day we will be planning a honeymoon. And I can assure you it will not be on one these boats." "I know. Now move that six into the shower mister. I'll get the bed stripped and find you some dry clothes while you do that." "Thank you for taking care of me" he sighed. "I'm sorry if I've been a pain." "Nothing I'm not used to" she teased as they reached the bathroom. "I assume you can take it from here?" "Unless you'd like to join me," he said with a small smile that told her he was feeling better. "Let's save that for another time shall we. When both of us are up to it." "Good point" he sighed. "The idea is very appealing but I'm not sure my body could take that yet." "It's can't" she smiled. "No go shower before you get sicker standing here in those wet clothes." She gave him a gentle shove inside and once the water was running set to work stripping the bed. By the time she'd finished the water had been turned off and she reached for Harm's bag to give to him. "I think I need some clothes" he said as he opened the door, the towel wrapped around his waist. "I kind of like you better without them" she giggled and handed him the bag. "But you probably should get dressed." "I can't wait until both of us are feeling better" he smiled before vanishing back into the bathroom. "Neither can I" she murmured. **************** "I am so glad to get out of that cabin" Margo smiled as she met Mac on deck several hours later. "How's Harm?" "Better. He finally got some sleep which meant I finally got some sleep and I think the worst is past. How's your crew?" "They'll live. William said he'd watch them while I escaped. I think he knew I was getting to the end of my rope." "I know the feeling" Mac laughed. "And it feels so good to be out here and get some fresh air." "Yes it does" Margo nodded. "I wanted to say thank you again for everything you did. You and Harm stuck up for William and I really do appreciate that." "Well we're going to need his help on nailing Lindsey, but I think the worst is over. At least for you and the kids. You won't need to be involved in the rest. If I can help it especially." "I just want it all to be over once and for all. And I know William does too. I knew something was wrong but I had no clue it was anything like this." "I'm sure you didn't. And he did the right thing by telling us what was going on. All we have to do is get the real ringleader." "Do you know this Commander Lindsey?" Margo asked. "Unfortunately yes" Mac sighed. "Our paths have crossed more than once in the past and never in a good way. I'm not at all surprised that he's behind this. He's very upset with the fact that he's never made Captain and that he's not at JAG anymore. I guess he figured he was owed something more from his service in the Navy and he was going to get it one way or another." "But why William? Why did he chose him?" "New guy. Found out he was in debt and knew he could use it against him. I'm sure he'd considered others before he found William." "I hope you do get him." "We will" Mac promised. "Commander Lindsey will not get away with this." "Again thank you. For everything." "Just doing our jobs" Mac smiled. "And it hasn't been bad being here either." "You and Harm have obviously gotten closer" Margo smiled. "So tell me more about you two. How long have you known each other?" "Seven years. And the moment we met, well there was something there. We've just been dancing around it for a while now." "A while" Margo laughed. "How on earth did you keep yourself away from him for that long?" "Well I had the help of an Australian Naval Officer for a year or so," she sighed. "Of course Harm was equally occupied. She just wasn't Australian. The year before that he was on carrier duty and we went six months and saw each other once in that time, only for a week, and that wasn't a happy reunion. Before that there was a woman named Jordan, and his desire for that carrier duty, and well ever since day one it's seemed like a comedy of conspiracy to keep us apart. And in fact I have to tell you that before we were sent on this job, we were at odds back in DC totally. I think our CO decided he needed to give us the assignment just for the peace of mind us being gone would bring." "You think you're going to keep this up when you get back OK then?" "Well we had a really fun talk about a honeymoon last night," Mac giggled. "But Harm was having a high fever so I can't really hold him to that. It's going to be fun to tease him with though." "He doesn't strike me the kind of man to say something he doesn't really mean," Margo smiled. "Just remember to invite us OK." "Of course. And the kids. In fact you know what happened last night when he mentioned honeymoon, I got a fast forward flash to the wedding and pictured your three as flower girls and ring bearers." "Flower throwers and ring losers maybe," Margo groaned with a long laugh. "I wouldn't." "Well you let us be the judge of that," Mac smiled. "You need to meet Bud and Harriet from JAG too. You guys are around the same age and they have a four year old. Our godson in fact." "You and Harm share a godson and weren't even together?" "Yeah well that was just before he left. And from my point of view, I was more than ready for the commitment. But it wasn't the right time. He had to fly; or spend the rest of his life bemoaning that he'd passed on his last chance. And enough of all that. Unpleasant memories. You and William have a lot to look forward to when you get back." "I wish you could promise me this was all going to go away." "Hey of course it is. You know what, even if William was guilty, likely we would have worked immunity for him for his testimony. He would have simply been discharged." "Well that would have killed him too," Margo sighed. "He's doing just what he wants, even if we are in debt to our eyeballs and stuck in a small apartment in a run down section of Arlington." "It won't always be that way," Mac assured her, yawning and stretching out fully on the lounge chair. "Sorry. The lack of sleep is catching up to me." "I was just thinking a nap would be good, and then maybe a trip to the ice cream stand." "For some reason right now food is not near as appealing as sleep," Mac murmured. "Are you guys getting off for the Honduras port call?" "No way am I chasing three kids around a marketplace that has everything they would love and nothing we can afford," she sighed. "How about you? Or are you more up for the banana plantation trip?" "There's that food thing," Mac groaned. "You're getting sick Mac," Margo sighed. "I refuse." "Refuse all you want but you're getting sick, and I'm afraid I am too." "Do you think they'll take as good of care of us as we did them?" Mac said with a small smile. "Highly unlikely" Margo giggled. "They'll be running out of the cabin. Whenever the kids get sick, I always have to take care of it because William can't handle the smell of it." "I don't know about Harm." "In your case, Harm will probably be fretting all over you. The other day when you got hurt he was about to have a stroke." "He does worry" she smiled. "That's because he loves you" Margo laughed. "Obviously very much from what I've seen. And I don't think for a minute that you guys were acting very much." "No we weren't. It wasn't that hard to imagine being his wife. Specially when it's something I've sort of dreamed about over the years." "Well at least something good came of all this." "Yeah it did" Mac sighed. They spent a few hours in the sun before Mac could not longer deny that she wasn't feeling good. "I don't think I'll be seeing you later" Mac groaned as she headed down to the cabin, her stomach already churning. "That's okay. I don't think I will be either. I'm hoping they're all still asleep so I can crash for a bit." "If you need anything holler" Mac said with a weak smile. "I'll send Harm over to help." "Thanks" Margo laughed. "I'll talk to you later." Harm was still sleeping when Mac made her way inside, running to the bathroom a moment later as her stomach finally revolted. "Mac" Harm murmured as he pushed himself awake. "Mac you okay?' The sounds from the bathroom made him get up and a moment later he pressed a cold wash cloth to her face as she leaned back against the wall. "You too?" he sighed. "Me too" she moaned. "I think I'll be perched here for the rest of the day. Hopefully I won't have it as bad as you. You feeling any better yet?" "I haven't been sick over the toilet for a while so I guess I'm better. I still feel like I got ran over by a truck." "Go back to bed then. I'll join you as soon as my stomach calms." That would not happen for several more hours and Harm hovered over her, wet cloth in hand, the entire time. "Come on Marine" he said finally as he led her to the bed. "I think it's time for you to crash." "I think I liked the first part of our trip better" she moaned as she climbed into bed. "Me too" he sighed. "With any amount of luck we'll wake up in the morning and we'll both be feeling better. You don't seem to have it as bad as I did." "Thankfully" she sighed. "What a way to end a vacation. I'm glad we weren't paying for this." "No cruise on the honeymoon" he said as he gathered her against him. "There has to be a wedding before there can be a honeymoon" Mac murmured tiredly. "Trust me there will be" he whispered as he kissed her forehead. "Get some rest Marine. I love you." "Love you too" she mumbled before exhaustion over took her. For a long while he watched her sleep, his fingertip idly stroking her forehead until his own tiredness made his eyes heavy. "There will be a wedding, and a honeymoon and that's a promise," he whispered into her ear as his head sank onto the pillow. ===================== HARM's APARTMENT 1 Week Later "Whoa does something smell good or what," Mac gasped when he opened the door. "Sailor this is supposed to be a working dinner." "I know but we got to eat," he grinned, taking a moment to look her up and down. The brightly patterned blouse she wore atop a floor length black skirt made him take a second look. "Wow." "Thank you sir." "And thank you for complimenting my salmon. Any sign of William and Margo? Or John and Jenna?" "I talked to Margo just as I was going out of the door. She and Harriet had a fun afternoon with the kids and Bud just walked in so they were going to grill some hot dogs for the kids. Sounded like a party. And Margo and William were about to leave for here." Harm nodded. "Yeah I feel bad Harriet and Bud got stuck with sitter duty and couldn't join us but I know they understood it was for the mission. That it was important we have some time to talk. We'll make it up to them." "Easily. You gave John directions?" "Oh yeah. They'll be here shortly. I think we're in good shape. Now I just feel like one of the co-conspirators that got Caesar." "This is going to work. But the secret has been hard to keep." In the week that had passed since the end of the cruise, in what was now a combined NCIS/JAG operation, Harm and Mac with NCIS's John Dilanski and his partner Jenna Martin, were going to bring down Lindsey. Their initial suspicion had been correct. It had been about money. A few too many trips to the Black Jack tables in Atlantic City coupled with a penchant for pretty women and late-night clubs, and Lindsey was on the verge of losing it all. Overdrawn at the bank, maxed out on credit cards and turned down for loans, his Commander's pay was not beginning to cover his outgo. NCIS had put out the word that William Fields had been caught and relieved of duty, and that the buyers had been apprehended with no mention of Lindsey. The investigation had revealed that it went higher than Lindsey, who had used previous contacts to set it up and take bids for what he had to offer. So far that Lindsey was involved was a closely guarded secret. "John give it a rest. Now." Jenna Martin's voice reached them easily through the door a couple of seconds ahead of her knock. "You can be so infuriating," her partner got out before Harm had the door open. "Hi. Is this a private argument or would you like to bring it inside," Harm offered. "May I come in and leave him out here," she groaned, nevertheless giving John a push through the door. "We're not arguing," John muttered. "I mean if she wants to spend the weekend with that jerk who am I to object." "You are no one to object. Not after last week and Valerie thank you very little." "Do we need to be here for this," Harm laughed, holding up his hand. "Truce please. Neutral corners. John come in to the kitchen and have a beer and cool off. Mac why don't you and Jenna go do what you women do best, go find a quiet corner and complain about us men." "Thank you. A man who understands," Jenna sighed, giving John a long look before meekly following Mac. Harm gave the swinging kitchen door a shove closed and handed John a beer. "Are you two going to be able to work together OK on this?" "Yeah we're just having a rough spot right now," he growled. "She's got this jerk who works in personnel hitting on her hard and she's agreed to a weekend away with him at his folks' place in the Catskills. I'm sure I can't compete with that." "Is he five-three with glasses even?" Harm grinned. "Not hardly. His name is Nick and he's. . .he could model men's swim wear. Anyway he latched onto Jenna and is pressing her hard. "Does she mind?" "Hell no," John yelped. "Part of the problem right there. She's flattered by his attention and she knows it makes me crazy. Crazy enough to spend last weekend with Valerie. Nice enough girl. We had a good time but she's not. . . ." His voice trailed off and he looked at Harm. "Not Jenna," Harm smiled. "I have so been there. Drink your beer. You need it." ================== "Men," Mac laughed and urged Jenna to sit down. "Yeah. Men partners especially," she muttered. "This is the day I kill him. He has no problem giving me a hard time about Nick. A totally nice guy who at least is not shy about going after what he wants. It's a nice change." "Been there, done it" Mac nodded. "Fortunately Harm was worth waiting for." "You are pretty lucky" Jenna smiled. "He's pretty easy on the eyes and it's obvious he adores you." "Yeah I am. Course I could say the same about John." "We've had our moments" Jenna sighed. "But at the same time I feel like we're getting nowhere. And I'm not getting any younger and if he doesn't decide what he wants, well there's someone else who's interested." "Do you really like this Nick?" Mac asked. "I'll plead the fifth on that one if I could." "Take it from me, if you don't like Nick, don't get involved. You're only going to cause more trouble in the long run. John may not be moving fast but if he's the one you want." "I don't know what I want," Jenna admitted. "And I'm sure you don't want to hear about our issues. We have something much more pressing like nailing Lindsey." "William and Margo are on their way" Mac nodded. "They've left the kids with some friends of ours so we'll be able to work on our plan without worrying about them." "Good. So far I think everything has gone real well. Lindsey doesn't have a clue what's about to hit him. And as long as William can pull this off, we'll be fine." "I think he can. He and Margo both want this to be over for good. And the only way to do that is to put Lindsey in Leavenworth where he belongs." "Is it safe for us to come out?" Harm asked as he and John walked out from the kitchen. "I think so" Mac smiled. "You two can play nicely right?" "Of course" John nodded. "Where's the man of the hour who's going to pull this thing off." "On his way with Margo." A moment later the doorbell rang and Harm ushered William and Margo in. "How you holding up Lieutenant?" Harm asked William. "I know this part hasn't been easy but it's worked like a charm." "I'll just be happy when it's over" William sighed. "And I'm glad we're meeting tonight because I got a call from Lindsey while we were driving over here." "What did he want?" Jenna asked. "Honestly I think he wants me to do another job for him. He wouldn't give me any details over the phone but hinted that if I didn't show up to meet him, there would be consequences." "All right" John said quietly. "Looks like it's time to make this happen. We'll use this as our chance to grab Lindsey. William you willing to meet with him wearing a mike and a camera?" "Of course. Whatever it takes to put an end to all of this." "When does he want to meet you?" Harm asked. "Tomorrow night at ten. He gave me an address where I'm supposed to meet him. Margo has it." Margo opened her purse and pulled out the slip of paper on which she'd written the address. "Nice area of town" Jenna frowned as she snatched the paper before John could. "Obviously he doesn't want anyone he knows to see him talking to you. The only people down there are the drug dealers and homeless." "Maybe Harm and I should handle this" John said as he grabbed the paper back from her. "There's no reason you and Mac need to be involved on this one." "No reason except we're a part of this investigation" Jenna retorted. "And we will be involved. Who knows what Lindsey has up his sleeve." "You don't think he would try to hurt William do you?" Margo asked anxiously. "It's possible" John nodded soberly. "He may have arranged the meeting with the intent to get rid of the one person who knows he's the one behind this." "Honey I have to do this" William sighed as he looked at Margo. "If I don't this nightmare will never be over. We can't let him get away with this." "I know but I don't want anything to happen to you" Margo whispered. "I need you. The kids need you." "Margo we won't let anything happen to him" Harm said quietly. "We got you through the last time and we'll get you through this time." "And this is going to be it," Mac offered. "As far as you go anyway. We're going to see who Lindsey is selling this stuff to, but that's not your concern." "And I wish it wasn't yours," Harm growled, holding up his hand in surrender at her warning glare. "You're worried aren't you," Margo fretted. "Harm please," William begged before he could answer. "Margo, understand I've got to see this through. You know why--for my career to get back right, and because. . .well because to let him get away with this would be wrong." "I don't like it." "None of us do," John moaned, giving Jenna a long look. "But we're going to see it through to the end." "I want to be with him," Margo announced with sudden forcefulness. "No way in hell," William almost screamed. "This time he neglected to make you part of the deal and I thank god for that." "Harm?" Margo turned anxious eyes to him. "Sorry. I agree totally with William. You and Jenna and Mac can wait. . . owww." Mac had taken hold of the skin on the back of his hand, pinching and twisting. "I'll be lucky if I can write tomorrow," he screeched. "You make another half assed comment like that you'll be lucky if you can walk tomorrow," she warned. "Nice try Harm," John sighed, ignoring Jenna's glare. "You and I are not through talking about this," Harm growled. "Yeah we are. Serve the salmon Flyboy." By the end of the evening it was arranged. John and Jenna would be with Mac and Harm to witness the event. Lindsey was apparently unconcerned that to the world William had been relieved of duty. He still made a good errand boy. John would have a team in the next block, but hanging back just in case. William and Margo left first, wanting to relieve Bud and Harriet of the three wild ones and Harm got John another beer as they settled in front of the basketball game. "You know we could be married to them to be ignored like this," Mac laughed as she carried a few glasses to the sink. "Oh yeah. That's going to happen. When Hell freezes over," Jenna whispered and Mac gave her a quizzical look. "Because you don't see him asking, or because he's not what you want?" "I've worked with him for five years," she whispered, not that it was necessary given the noise of the TV the men were in front of. "And we've had our chances--our moments like I said. I'm ready, he's not. He's ready, I'm involved elsewhere." "Nick again." "Yeah but this time it might be serious," she sighed. "There are worst things in the world than to be loved by a wonderful man. Even if you don't quite love him back." "It's called settling," Mac said softly. "And I was just hours away from it once. From saying 'I do' with a man I didn't love, because the one I did I was too stupid to open my heart to." "Not real encouraging for my situation," Jenna moaned. ======================= "Ten bucks says the Mavericks don't beat the spread," Harm said to John as the buzzer for the first half end sounded. "Huh?" "The game," Harm pointed. "Ten bucks on spread? You good for it?" "Sorry, I guess I wasn't watching close enough," he admitted. "Something you want to talk about? Something named Jenna maybe?" "It's a pointless subject" John sighed. "You see how stubborn she is. Well she's that way about everything." "If you're worried about tomorrow night, well I can't tell you not to. Trust me I'm just as concerned about Mac but obviously she wasn't backing down." "Yeah I noticed. Her and Jenna are quite a pair." "So what else is troubling you?" Harm asked. "This other guy?" "He's not even her type. For the life of me I can't figure out what she sees in this guy." "Maybe the fact that he's paying attention to her." "Don't start. That's all I've heard from her. We work together. How much more attention does she expect me to pay her?" "Have you tried a date?" Harm smiled. "Something you two do together without it involving work." "I don't know. What if it doesn't work out? Then we'll be all awkward at work." "I doubt that would be the case. And you'll never know until you try. But I think if you want the ladies attention, you're going to have to work for it." "A date huh?" John sighed. "I guess I could do that." "Do it. Before this jerk makes a move." "I will. Once this Lindsey mess is over with. I really don't like this Harm. I wanted us to set up the next meeting. I feel like we're walking into some kind of trap here." "I know" Harm sighed. "I had the same thought. Which is why I would be happier if Mac and Jenna weren't involved. But the truth is we need them." "I could get some other guys instead of them" John offered. "It's tempting but Mac would never forgive me. And I'm sure Jenna wouldn't appreciate you pulling her off the case either." "No you're probably right. I just hope this works like the last one did. Smooth and without any surprises." "We can hope." ****************** Next Evening "I tried" William sighed. "But she insisted." "I am not going to sit at home while William does this" Margo retorted. "I promise to stay out of the way but I just couldn't sit at home. And Harriet was gracious enough to watch the kids again so I took her up on her offer." "Margo you really shouldn't be here" Mac sighed. "But since you are you're going to have to promise us you're going to stay back. No matter what happens. And I mean that." "Just don't let anything happen to him" Margo begged. "Please." "We won't" Harm promised her. "But Mac is right. No matter what happens, you need to stay back." Margo nodded and once John had finished setting up the wire and camera on William, she went to his arms. "It's going to be okay honey," he said softly. "These guys know what they're doing. And after tonight, we won't have to worry about this again." "Please let that be the case" she whispered. "Okay William it's show time" Jenna said as she checked her watch. "You ready?" "Ready as I'll ever be" he sighed. "We're going to be right behind you" Harm told the young officer. "So don't worry. You're not alone." William nodded and gave his wife one last final hug and kiss before climbing out of the van and making his way into the warehouse where Lindsey would be waiting. "You ready?" Harm asked Mac. "Ready. Jenna, you and John are going around back right?" "Yes ma'am. We'll be in radio contact so if anything goes sour before we get there, let us know." "Let's move it sailor," Mac said to Harm. "We don't want to leave him in there alone for long." With a deep breath and a silent prayer that the whole thing wasn't a set up, Harm nodded and together he and Mac silently crept towards the building. "If we're afraid of set up, Lindsey may feel the same way," Mac hissed when they were halfway inside. "Maybe, or maybe if William played his part good enough, Lindsey will think he's too scared to try to cross him." Harm reached for her hand as the darkness in the building closed around them. "But you know this doesn't stop at Lindsey." "Of course not. But you know he'll roll over on whoever he's selling the stuff to, and clear William in the process. OK there's light up ahead so that would be the meet." He tightened his hold of her hand, wishing for all the world she was safe at home. In another part of the warehouse, John Dilanski was having much the same thought. He had allowed Jenna to lead, wanting to have her in sight. Now as he saw light and heard noise up ahead he grabbed her by the elbow. "I'll give you five thousand dollars to wait outside," he whispered. "This from the man who borrowed five dollars yesterday for lunch," she whispered back. "John it's fine. I'm not going to say I don't like that you care, but you can't protect me. Who put who on the mat the other day when we had self defense certification." "And you notice I'm still limping," he yelped as quietly as he could. "But that's not the point." "You actually have one? I'm impressed." "Shut up. You know what I'm talking about. I don't want you hurt." "And I don't want you hurt and that's why I'm here. To prevent that if I can." "OK this is getting us nowhere. Just be careful please. And don't you dare, don't you ever dare, prevent me getting hurt by putting yourself at risk." "Right. Could we get on with this," she growled, giving her red hair a quick toss as she pushed forward. She led him to a catwalk where they could overlook Lindsey and William, and movement on the other side told them Harm and Mac were moving in as well. Lindsey's words to William drifted up to them easily. "OK Lieutenant, and I use the term temporarily, you may be about to be disgraced but you can still act as a courier. Not to mention, there's ten big ones in it for you. Money that will be handy when the Navy no longer has use for you. And you have the added benefit of knowing your family is safe." "Yes sir. Could we get on with it?" "Of course." He pulled a thin brown envelope from beneath his jacket. "It's all in here. All you have to do is get these documents to Miami. There's an E-ticket in there, and instructions on where to meet your contact. A five year old could do it. Unfortunately I don't have one. I have you." "I'll do what you want sir," William said softly. "Yes you will, and after you leave the Navy I have large plans for you," Lindsey told him. "Assuming your lawyer keeps you from confinement." "Right yes sir," William mumbled. "So what am I carrying here?" "Just a few codes so that the mainframe can be accessed without alarms going off right and left." "I understand. You think next time we might meet somewhere not quite so out of the way and dismal. I mean come on. An old warehouse?" "Yeah well I'm afraid I'm being watched," Lindsey sighed. "By whom? NCIS or what?" "Oh good god no. The people I'm dealing with are making noises like they don't trust me after the Belize fiasco. NCIS has no clue about me unless you. . . .but Billy you wouldn't. I know you wouldn't. Your family is too important to you. And when the people I work for find out who rolled on us in Belize, well lets say it would suck to be them." "Yes sir. Are we finished?" "For now. I'll contact you after Miami. Be cool down there Lieutenant. Don't call attention to yourself." "Yes sir. I know what I'm doing." He tucked the envelope under his coat and turned to go, which was the signal for the two JAG officers and two NCIS agents to start their approach. At the same time John flipped his mike switch and his voice echoed through the empty space. "Move in people. Commander Lindsey freeze. Federal Agents. You're under arrest for passing intelligence." Lindsey paled visibly and turned to run, moving just out of William's attempted grasp. A second later another voice mingled with the footsteps of the four observers. Harm and Mac on their side, and Jenna and John on theirs, had spread apart, intending on blocking any direction Lindsey might run. "Goddammit Lindsey you could screw up a wet dream." This was a new voice, cold and menacing. Before it could die off came the sound of gunfire, the muzzle flashes coming from the darkness, and the sickening impact of rounds hitting all around them. "Get back" Harm screamed as he grabbed Mac's arm to pull her back behind him. Across the floor John attempted to do the same before realizing that William was caught in the middle of the crossfire. A bullet hit Lindsey and he stumbled towards William as he clutched his chest. "Lindsey you were such a fool" William shouted. "You had it all and you threw it away for what?" He watched Lindsey fall to the floor before hurrying towards John and Jenna. "William over here" John called as he moved out long enough to grab his arm while Jenna fired shots at the other men. The team waiting outside finally stormed the building and a moment later the threat from Lindsey's buyers had been neutralized. "It's over," John said with a long sigh as the four of them gathered around the now shaking Navy Lieutenant. "Nice job William. You handled yourself pretty well." "He was a fool" William sighed. "A total fool." He turned to look back at the man and let out a gasp as he saw Lindsey raise a gun towards Mac. He got off one quick shot and took deadly aim a half second later as Mac turned around. "Mac" William screamed as he dove at her, pushing her out of the way of the incoming bullet. Immediately John and Jenna fired again and this time there was no doubt that Commander Teddy Lindsey was dead. "Mac" Harm screamed as he dove for where she lay beneath William. All he could see was blood and for a moment he couldn't tell who'd been hit. "Mac answer me." "Get the medics in here" John ordered. "Now." "Harm it's William" Mac managed from below the young man. "He's hit." "Oh God no" Jenna gasped and at once Harm knelt down and gently rolled William off of Mac. She scrambled up, gasping at the sight of the young man covered in blood. "We need paramedic's now," John shouted as he joined Harm and Mac beside William. "William hang on buddy" Harm said as he quickly started to apply pressure to the wound. "We're going to get you to the hospital and you're going to be fine." "Mac's okay?" he gasped. "I'm fine" Mac whispered as the tears welled up. "But you shouldn't have done that." "He would have killed you. Couldn't let that happen. Not after all you and Harm did." "Okay don't talk" Harm ordered. "We'll discuss how much I owe you later. Right now you just need to hang tight." "Billy" Margo screamed as she ran into the warehouse. With all the other agents busy she'd managed to sneak from the van and make her way inside. She let out a strangled cry when she saw her husband on the floor, looking back and forth at John and Harm. "You said he would be okay" she wailed. "You promised me he would be okay." "It's my fault" Mac whispered. "He did it to save me. Lindsey still had a gun and none of us saw it until it was too late. It's my fault." "Honey it's okay" William managed. "You are far from okay," Margo cried as she dropped down beside him, Mac scooting out of the way. "You've been shot." "Where are those medics" John muttered. "Dammit people I want someone in here now." As he spoke the wail of sirens could be heard and a moment later the medics were on the scene. Mac stood mutely to the side as they attended to William, wasting no time in loading him in the ambulance. Margo followed them, climbing into the ambulance with her husband. "Mac you okay?" Jenna asked. "This shouldn't have happened" she whispered. "He has a wife and kids. He can't die." "He's not going to die" John said firmly. "He's going to pull through." "What if he doesn't? It's my fault. He did it to save my life." "Stop honey" Harm ordered as he pulled her into his arms as the sobs began. "It's not your fault. We all should have been paying more attention." "We promised her he would be okay" Mac wailed. "She needs him. The kids need him." "Let's all take a breath here," the medic shouted. "We're going to take real good care of him. Maybe there will even be some good news by the time you get to the hospital." "I hope so," Mac whispered, not lifting her head from Harm right then. "Harm, Mac, I'm going to stay and mop up, but I'd like it if you'd take Jenna with you," John spoke up. "No. No way," Jenna declared. "We're partners and I'm staying with you thank you very little." "Stubborn as all get out," he groaned. "OK we'll see you there." Harm led Mac away and John turned to Jenna, shaking his head. "You didn't need to stick around for this. You should have gone with them and gotten some coffee and relaxed." "I can't relax when you're not with me," she said with a quick shrug. "Later maybe you'd like to take me home and baby me a little." A slow smile spread across his face and he wrapped an arm around his shoulders. "I'd like that a lot. In fact maybe we could baby each other. It's been one helluva evening." =============== GW UNIV HOSP TRAUMA CTR 20 Mins. Later By the time Harm and Mac arrived, Margo was weeping softly in a chair outside a trauma room. Mac went to her at once, putting gentle arms around her, mindful that her clothes were covered with William's blood. "What did they tell you?" "Not much. Mac I'm more scared than I've ever been in my life. What if he's not OK. Me and the kids. . .we don't have family, neither him nor me, who could help." Harm overheard what she was saying and squatted beside her, raising her chin to look him in the eye. "After what William did tonight. . .well I don't want to think about it, but if the worst does happen, you and kids will be looked after. By me." His soft words made her sob anew and Mac held her further. Another ten minutes and a nurse approached them. "Mrs. Fields?" "That's me," Margo nodded, getting slowly to her feet. "Good. OK, he's hanging on. We need to get in there and look around to see what damage the bullet might have done that we can't see right on the surface, and he lost a lot of blood, but he's stable for the moment and conscious and asking for you. Now you can go in, but I need for you to be calm for him. He's not in pain, and they're going to do the surgery real soon. Can you handle it?" Margo took a deep breath and nodded, accepting help from Harm and Mac to rise and walk into the trauma room. "Harm I've got to get out of these clothes," Mac said softly, lifting her arms where the sleeves of her sweatshirt jacket were stained as well as all down her front. "I itch and reek and every time I take a breath I'm reminded of what happened. I was sure he was dead Harm." "And I was terrified you were," he said softly. "You want me to take you home?" "Hmm. . .I don't want to leave Margo. Can you see if they have something I can put on, that won't let my bare six be hanging out the back." "Well OK, but could I get one of those bare six numbers for us for later when we're alone?" "Maybe," she smiled and laid her head on his shoulder briefly. Margo returned about the same time Harm did and he handed Mac a small package of hospital sweats. "We'll probably get a bill for these." She was about to reply when Margo came from the room, dry eyed now and calmer. "He's OK. We got to talk and I told him to never forget how much me and the kids love him. I have his wedding ring." She held up her hand to show it in place on her first finger. "Come on Mac, I'll help you clean up and we'll find some coffee for the three of us. Harm could you go up to the surgery wait area. I'll be along but if I'm up their for the duration I'm going to lose it big time This way at least I'm doing something for part of the time." "No problem." He leaned down and kissed her cheek, then a longer one on Mac's lips. "See you guys soon." ==================== It was in fact not that quick. He was dozing in a chair in the OR area when he felt a light hand to his shoulder and heard his name, the aroma of hot coffee reaching him. He opened his eyes slowly, blinking in the light and took the cup from her. "Hey thanks. Nothing at all from behind those stone walls. Hey where's Mac?" "She's OK." There was something in her tone that at once sent a chill down his spine. "Why do I need to have you tell me she's OK?" "Because when we were showering. . .well there was so much blood and she would wash it off but it kept coming back." "Because?" he croaked, his belly feeling paralyzed by sudden fear. "Because she was hit in the arm right about here," Margo choked out, touching a spot on the inside of her wrist. "They said it went numb and that's why she didn't know it, but she's been losing blood soaking into her sleeve this whole time. So they cleaned it up and gave her a few stitches and a shot for the pain but she's OK. She made me promise to keep emphasizing that. She's OK. Anyway, she's getting a pint of blood dripped into her before she can get up because she was a little wobbly by then." "Yeah well I'm way more than a little wobbly right now hearing this," he screeched. "She's back down in the ER?" Margo nodded miserably. "It just keeps getting worse." "There hasn't been any word on William yet" Harm sighed. "And I don't want to leave you alone up here. But I need to see Mac." "Go" Margo said softly. "I'll be fine. I know you need to see Mac." Harm didn't move, torn between needing to see Mac and leaving the distraught woman alone. He knew he should stay with Margo in case the word on William wasn't good. "Harm go on. I'll be okay." "Hey there you guys are" John called as he and Jenna made their way down the hall from the elevator. "They said downstairs to check up here. Any word on William yet?" "Nothing" Harm sighed. "And now Mac is down in the ER?" "Why" Jenna frowned. "Apparently she was hit and didn't know it. She just thought the blood was William's." "Is she okay?" John asked. "Margo said she was but I haven't been down to see her myself. I didn't want to leave Margo alone up here since there still isn't any word on William." "Well we're here now," Jenna said quietly. "You go on and check on Mac and we'll stay up here with Margo. Just let us know how Mac is please." "I will" Harm promised. "I just wish we had some news on William. I know Mac is going to ask." "Mrs. Fields" a nurse called and Margo raced to her side. "My husband. How is he?" "Resting comfortably in recovery. Doctor Bloom was able to remove the bullet and fortunately it didn't cause too much damage. But your husband is a very lucky man from what I understand." "I don't want to know" Margo whispered. "Just tell me he's going to be okay." "Doctor Bloom is confident he'll make a full recovery. I'm betting you'd like to see him." "Please." "Be glad to" the nurse smiled. Margo turned back to the others and gave Harm a small smile. "You can tell Mac he's going to be okay." "I will" Harm said softly. "We'll see you later." He watched her walk with the nurse before turning to Jenna and John. "I take it you guys got everything wrapped up?" "Harm get downstairs" Jenna ordered. "We'll talk case once you know Mac is okay. Right now I'm pretty sure that's the last thing on your mind." "Thank you" Harm sighed. "I'll be in ER if you need me." It didn't take him long to locate Mac and he hurried into the small room where she was being treated. "Marine you sure know how to scare me to death" he whispered as he sat down beside her and took her hand in his. "Hi" she murmured as she forced her eyes open. "Please tell me you weren't having a stroke when Margo told you what happened." "When it comes to you being hurt, you know I freak." "It's nothing," she said as she raised her bandaged arm. "Compared to William it isn't. And please tell me there's good news there." "There is. He just got out of surgery and the doctor says he should be fine. Margo is with him now." "Thank God. He saved my life Harm." "I know. And I'll be thanking him and God every day for the rest of my life for that. Course I should never have let you come in the first place tonight." "Like I was going to sit home knowing what was going on. Try again Flyboy." "Well I'm just glad you're going to be okay" he sighed. "Have you seen Jenna and John?" "They just got back from mopping everything up. I'm sure they'll fill us in on it later. But that wasn't really my main concern right now. Making sure you were OK was." "They're going to let me go soon as I have the transfusion," she said softly, her eyes closing again. "I'm sorry about this. I didn't know. I honestly didn't feel it. I was so upset by William that I. . ." Her stream of words was silenced by his gentle kiss. "Only thing should be on your mind right now is being OK," he scolded. "William is fine, and Jenna and John will help finalize the case. The nightmare will be over soon." "I guess it's sounding silly to get so involved with William and Margo. We're not supposed to when we have a case," Mac sighed. "But they really did touch a chord with me. And a little envy I guess." "Excuse me?" he frowned and then reality dawned. "Because they're a family right?" "Yeah," she admitted shyly. "I know it's a struggle for them, but they're so in love and they have the three beautiful kids and it's surely worth. . ." Her voice lessened and her eyes closed as the drug took back its hold of her. Harm watched her for several minutes as she settled further into sleep and he cupped her cheek as he leaned over her, his lips brushing against her ear. "I'm going to give all of that to you," he whispered. "The wedding you deserve and three babies. One at a time. I love you Sarah Mackenzie." ************* Epilogue 1 Year Later – Sec Nav's Office "I see we have a party here" the SecNav said with a small smile as he looked at the group that had gathered in the area outside his office. "Sorry sir" William blushed as he looked around at his friends and family. "No need to be sorry" the SecNav smiled. "It's not everyday you get a promotion. And you've definitely earned this one." "Yes sir" he smiled and Margo gripped her husband's hand tighter. No one was more proud of him than she was. "And I do believe congratulations are in order for the Rabbs as well" the SecNav continued. "Thank you sir" Harm said proudly as he looked over at Mac, cradling their newborn son in her arms. Matthew Rabb had made his entrance into the world almost nine months to the day his parents had gotten married. "And I don't believe I know you two" the SecNav said to John and Jenna. "Mr. & Mrs. Dilanski" John said as he squeezed Jenna's hand. "NCIS sir. Pleased to meet you." THE END