TITLE: "Love Moved the Earth" AUTHORS: Anne R. [amrsecret@hotmail.com] Pat Steiner [ssbpmn@aol.com] SUMMARY: A trip to San Diego. Intervention by Mother Nature. A Harm-Mac shipper story, rated PG for mild violence and language DISCLAIMER: JAG belongs to Paramount and CBS. No copyright infringement is intended with this work of entertainment only. FEEDBACK: If you're so inclined, a note of enjoyment would be cherished. If this work does not appeal to you, no comment needed. "Love Moved the Earth"--- 12:45 PM EST Monday, May 6th "Harm, why can't I go with you?" Renee pouted. "Because I'm not going to San Diego for a vacation, I'm going for a case" Harm sighed. He and Mac were leaving for San Diego in a couple hours and Renee hadn't stopped pestering him to come along since he'd told her about it the other day. A new recruit had died under mysterious circumstances during boot camp, and Harm and Mac were being sent to investigate and determine if there was any foul play involved in her death. "So you can't work all the time" Renee countered. "Yes, and during the time I'm not I'm going to go see mom" Harm replied. "I haven't seen her since she was in town before Christmas." "So, I could spend some time with your mom and then when you're not working, we can all hang out." "No" Harm said firmly. He wasn't taking Renee home to spend time with his mom. That was something you did with woman you were in a serious relationship with. And he didn't want Renee thinking this relationship was that serious. "Why won't you take me to San Diego to spend time with your family?" Renee demanded. "Harm, we've been seeing each other for over a year now." "And" "And so I think it would be nice if I got to know your family. If I hadn't happened to be at your apartment that day when your mom came in, I'm sure you wouldn't have taken the time to bring her over to meet me." "And that would have been so bad because" "Because I thought our relationship was more than that" Renee snapped. "Correct, you thought it was" Harm retorted. "Not me." "That's right, you're just in this for the sex right" Renee said irritably. "I'm just the blonde bimbo who keeps your bed warm at night while dream about Mac." "I'm not going to dignify that with an answer" "Wake up, Harm. Mac's getting married in 20 days. In less than 3 weeks, she'll be Mrs. Michael Brumby." "And your point is" "My point is you lost her," Renee said quietly. "It's over Harm. When are you going to let go of her and move on with your life?" That was a very good question and one Harm didn't have the answer to. He was still in major denial about Mac's impending wedding. Even though the date was set, he still couldn't believe it was actually going to happen. That Mac would marry Mic. "Renee, I am not holding out for Mac" Harm said irritably. "She has nothing to do with our relationship and where it's going." "Yeah right" Renee scoffed. "What would you do if Mac walked into JAG tomorrow and said she wasn't marrying Mic?" "Nothing" "I know what I'd do," Renee said quietly. "I'd pack my bags and move back to LA. Because as soon as she was free, you'd drop me like a hot potato. Because you have never stopped loving her. Even now that you know she's getting married, you still can't let go and have a serious relationship with me because deep down inside you're hoping she changes her mind and doesn't marry Mic." "You're wrong Renee" "No, I'm right on the money" Renee sighed. "But you know what. I made the worst mistake of all. I feel in love with you even though I knew you still had feelings for her." He felt a stab of guilt as he looked at Renee. He had no doubt that she loved him. But he didn't feel the same thing for her. Maybe he just wasn't capable of loving anyone. Maybe Harmon Rabb was destined to live his life alone. "Renee, I'm sorry" Harm said finally. "I'm not trying to hurt you. That's not my intention. I love being with you and spending time with you, but I'm not ready for the marriage commitment yet. I don't know if I ever will be." "You love being with me but you're not in love with me" Renee said sadly. "I understand Harm. And if I had any sense I'd tell you it was over." "Renee" Harm started. "But I don't give up that easily" Renee continued. "And the truth of the matter is I'll take whatever I can get from you right now. Because I do love you. And I hope that one day you'll be able to tell me the same thing. I won't push about going to San Diego with you. I understand that you're not ready to take me home to the folks just yet." "Maybe next time" Harm offered softly. "Sure" Renee said giving him a small smile. "In the meantime, let's enjoy the rest of lunch. And then I'll drop you at the airport." "Sorry, I'm picking Mac up later. Mic's out of town on a case and she didn't want to leave the vette at the airport. So you'll have to drop me at home" "No problem" Renee said quietly. "Guess we'll just say good bye after lunch." She dropped him off at his place following lunch, a sad look on her face. "Call me once in a while" she asked softly. "Of course" Harm said as he gave reached over and gave her a hug. "I'll see you in a few days." He watched her drive away, trying to ignore the familiar stab of guilt again. He quickly shook away the feeling as he headed up to his place to grab his stuff. He was supposed to pick Mac up in twenty minutes and he didn't want to be late. Twenty five minutes later he pulled up in front of Mac's apartment and hurried up to her place. "You're late sailor," Mac said as she opened the door, hearing his pounding footsteps coming up the stairs. "Sorry, lunch ran late" Harm sighed. "Renee, didn't want to let you go huh?" Mac teased. "Can we drop the sarcasm Colonel?" Harm said irritably. He wasn't in the mood to discuss Renee right now. Not after she'd pointed out some very big truths to him. Like the fact that he still had feeling for the woman standing in front of him. "Sorry" Mac said quietly. "Everything okay?" "Yeah, can we just go" Harm said quickly. "Of course" Mac said grabbing her bags. Something was up with her partner and she was going to find out what. Despite her impending marriage to Mic, she'd done her best to try and keep the line of communication between her and Harm open. It wasn't easy, given that it was no secret that Harm and Mic weren't each other's favorite people. But somehow she and Harm still managed to have some civilized conversations regarding their significant others and what was going on in their lives. It wasn't until they were almost at the airport that Harm finally turned to Mac. She'd given him the space he obviously needed, not saying anything during the drive. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have snapped at you like that earlier" Harm sighed. "You're forgiven, just don't let it happen again" Mac teased. She'd hoped for a small smile, but the frown remained on his face. "Hey, lighten up sailor. I'm not mad at you. Little concerned..." "Thanks, I've just got a lot on my mind" Harm sighed. "And before you ask, no I don't want to talk about it." "Well if you do, you know I'm here" "I always know where you are," he smiled, sending them both back to the day they returned from their adventure in the Barents Sea. "Seriously, thanks. I probably do need to talk. I'm not very good at sharing my feelings. As you well know." Another memory, this time of a ferry and a bridge called Eternity. "Besides, I could ask you the same thing. You're not exactly bubbling with wedding plans here. I mean I don't probably want to talk flower colors, but you could tell me where you're going on your honeymoon." A stab of pain went through him as he said the words, a sentiment so reflected on his face that she immediately took his arm. "Harm what's wrong? What's hurting you?" He gave her a puzzled frown until he realized she meant physically. "Nothing, sorry. I just had an unpleasant mental picture that's all." "Honeymoon maybe," she laughed, wrinkling her nose and at the same time realizing she was in total denial of Renee and Harm in bed. "Yeah," he admitted sheepishly. "Well don't start throwing the birdseed yet," she sighed. There was deafening silence in the car as he digested her words, and reached the parking lot at the same time. "Mac what's going on?" His tone was of gentle demand as he turned off the engine and turned to face her. "Oh look at this, he won't talk but expects me to," she scoffed. A glance at her hand confirmed the presence of the ring and he frowned further. "Are you having doubts or concerns? If you are, you're right to be hesitant." "He has enough for both of us," she said quietly. "He's not convinced I love him enough to marry him." "Doesn't sound that unreasonable to me," Harm sighed. "I mean I've had that thought for months, even though I've kept it to myself." "Excuse me? Since when are you an expert on my love life?" He flashed her one of his quick grins. "Let me ask you a question about me then. Do you think I'm going to marry Renee?" "No way in hell. You don't love her like that," she blurted out before she realized where he was going. "And you know that because?" he prompted. "Because I know you," she retorted. "I've been privy to the Rabb psyche for five long years now." "Bingo," he grinned. "The difference in you and me then is I'm willing to admit it." "I don't think I'd be so quick to admit that I keep a woman around solely to warm the other half of my bed," she retorted. "And that's not the position Mic fills in your life?" he asked, trying to keep his tone gentle but hoping to help her see the truth. "Red light commander," she growled. "I'm already hearing that from him. I don't need it from you. I know he gave up a lot--he gave up all that was important in his life practically- -to come here to be with me." "If 'marrying him is the least I can do' is going to be the next thing out of your mouth, I'm going to need an air sick bag," he declared sharply. "Mac for godsake don't let that man guilt you into marrying him. If you're in love him that's one thing, but to marry him because you owe him or because you're afraid of being alone or because you've set a date and don't want to look foolish--well talk about wrong reasons." "We have a plane to make," she said firmly, Harm's words hitting much too close to home. "This conversation is terminated." "You got it," he said softly, realizing he had pushed as much as he could for now. Few words were exchanged as they boarded and the plane took off, leaving the Nation's Capital behind them. By the time they leveled off she was yawning heavily and he took a close look at her, this time realizing how tired she looked, and how that had been true for the past several days. "You haven't been sleeping well." It was a statement, not a question. "Mic and I have been going round and round each night for a good two weeks," she sighed, her tiredness making her lose some of her normal reticence. "If you keep that up, you're going to have to be wheeled down the aisle," he teased. "Seriously, please be careful. Our work isn't easy, and it's sometimes...well we've had our share of tight spots. Being tired can..." "Hold the lecture," she begged, "and if you want to be helpful, be still and let me rest my head on your shoulder." "I think I can agree to that," he smiled, inwardly pleased that she would want to do that, and lifted his arm over her shoulders to allow her to make herself comfortable. Once she was asleep, with his free hand he opened the case file. Seaman Carmen Ruiz, not even a year out of high school, had been killed during her first training stint. And not just killed, but tortured. Her death had been a slow and painful ordeal according to the medical examiner, and she had been sexually assaulted as well--both before and after. The San Diego police blamed gang activity--being in the wrong place at the wrong time-- and added it to a long list of unsolved gang related crime. To Admiral Chegwidden, it smacked more of a hate crime. The base had sustained rumors of anti Black and anti Hispanic sentiment as there was talk of some old line Navy personnel not appreciating a new generation of sailors being of minority races--or female. He glanced at Mac to be sure she was sleeping, and around the cabin to be sure no one else could see, before he opened the file. The pictures were graphic and even though he had seen them before he drew his breath in sharply. Mac had been in court when they were given the case by the Admiral and he had simply told her they were investigating a possible hate crime murder. At some point he would have to share the grim details with her. And now as he looked at the file, and down at the woman sleeping against him, a new feeling came over him. Here was murder, of the most brutal kind, and he was taking her to it. Prickles of alarm went up and down his spine. Truth be told, he cared very much for her, more than he even wanted to admit to himself, and the thought of her being near such horrific violence was not sitting well with him. He closed the file again, having seen enough for the moment. One thing he would be sure of, he wasn't going to let Mac out of his sight while they were there. "Hey sleepyhead" Harm said softly when she raised her head from his shoulder a few hours later. "I was beginning to think you were just faking sleep to avoid talking to me" he teased. "No, I just do that to Mic" she said not entirely joking. He raised an eyebrow but said nothing, remembering the end of their earlier conversation. "Did you look over the file?" Mac asked as she stretched and got comfortable in her seat. "Yes, and it's not pretty" Harm sighed as he handed her the file. "If you're warning me, I know it's bad" Mac said quietly. Even with his warning she let out a gasp at the sight of the pictures in the file. "Oh god" Mac whispered. "How could someone do this?" "I don't know. But now you see why the Admiral wanted us to look into this." "Yes I do" Mac sighed. "Whoever did this needs to be punished. My god Harm, her death must have been horrible." "It was according to the medical examiner. Besides being tortured she was sexually assaulted as well." "I want to find the person responsible for this" Mac said with a quiet determination. "We can't let whoever did this get away with it." "Yes, but we're also going to be very careful. If this a hate crime, don't forget that besides being Hispanic she was a woman." "Harm, I can handle myself" Mac assured him. "I know you can. But that doesn't mean you need to invite trouble either. I don't want you taking any unnecessary risks." "Worried about me, Commander?" Mac teased. "Yes very much so Colonel. I happen to care about you a lot. And when I look at those pictures and see what someone did to a woman, I get very worried. And very scared." The look in his eyes told her he was very serious and for a moment she thought she saw more than just concern in his eyes. There was something else. She and Harm had always been close, always shared a sixth sense about each other. And despite the recent breakdown in their relationship, she could still feel that bond between them. "I promise I'll be careful" she said finally. "I won't go anywhere without big brother watching." "You know I've never thought of you as a sister" Harm whispered as he continued to stare into her brown eyes. "I never thought of you as a brother" Mac smiled softly. "And thanks for caring. I know the past few months haven't been the best in our relationship." "Doesn't mean I ever stopped caring." "Me neither" Mac admitted. They arrived in San Diego a short time later and headed straight to the BOQ at the base to drop their things. "Dinner first?" Harm suggested. "And then we'll go over the case file and see where we want to start tomorrow." They headed to the Officers Club, Harm keeping his eyes open for anything or anyone suspicious. "Relax sailor" Mac said finally, his tenseness not going unnoticed. "I'm with you. I don't think anything is going to happen to me while I'm having dinner with you in the O club." "Okay, maybe I'm a little edgy" Harm admitted. "I just wish you weren't..." "Don't even suggest I shouldn't be here" Mac said indignantly. "Because if you're basing that on the fact that I'm a woman..." "Easy Ninja girl" Harm said raising his hand. "I wasn't suggesting you shouldn't be here because you're a woman. " "What were you suggesting?" Mac demanded. "You wouldn't have said that if Bud were with you." "You got me" Harm said sheepishly. "I admit, I don't like you being here because you're a woman. But it's not because I doubt your ability to handle things." "Well at least you admitted that" Mac sighed. "Okay, sailor let's get this straight. I'm here and I'm staying here until you and I get this case wrapped up." "Understood. But in the meantime, I'll worry about you until we get this psycho off the streets." "Worrying is allowed" Mac smiled, comforted by the fact that he cared. "Just don't get all crazy on me." "Promise not to get crazy" Harm grinned. The rest of the evening passed with easy chatter and it was almost dark before they finally decided to head back to the BOQ. "My room or yours? Harm asked when they got back to the BOQ. "Mine, but can you give me a few minutes. I need to call Mic." "Yeah, sure" Harm said as he headed into his room. In the back of his mind he knew he should call Renee, but he really didn't want to. Instead he decided to call his mom and let her know he was in town. "Harm" Trish said happily. "Where are you now?" "Actually I'm in San Diego on a case. I thought I might stop by one night and have dinner with you and Frank." "Of course dear, we'd love to see you" Trish gushed. "Are you alone?" "No, Mac is here with me" Harm replied. "You're welcome to bring her along if you'd like." "I'll let you know on that mom. I'm not sure how long we'll be in town. We're handling the Ruiz murder." "Oh yes, I remember reading about that" Trish said quietly. "Awful what happened to that girl." "Yes, it was" Harm said picturing the photo's in his mind. "Well, please come over any time. And bring Mac along if you'd like." He hung up, promising he would be over as soon as he had a free night. He wanted to take Mac with him, but he wasn't sure how to ask her. He was still pondering that when Mac knocked on his door. "Hey, you coming over or what?" she asked. "Sorry, got sidetracked on a phone call." "Renee?" Mac questioned. "Mom" Harm grinned. "She wants me to stop over for dinner one night. Um, she said you're welcome to come as well." "I'll think about it" Mac said shyly. "You ready to go over the case?" "I want you to come," he said gently but firmly and then laughed lightly. "It's not the same as car shopping. Besides you've already got a..." His eyes fixed on her left hand and the ring that was not there. "Mac?" "No--as in no I don't want to talk about it," she said softly. "Wait, you were going to call Mic," he persisted. "Does this have something to do with that?" "Harm what part of I don't want to talk about it did you not comprehend," she answered, and to emphasize her point, repeated the phrase in Russian. "I hope you didn't just tell me where to go," he smiled, knowing when to back off. "But if you..." "I know where you are," she assured him. "Now who are these people we're hooking up with?" He studied her for a moment, sensing something was on her mind but let it go for now. "Lieutenant Commander Allison Rogers NCIS," he answered, fumbling with the papers until he came up with a three by five picture of her for ID purposes. "Very attractive Commander. I notice you found her first. Her partner?" she teased. "Oh just some guy," he grinned, picking up on her tone. "OK here he is. "Lieutenant Jeffrey Delorma." "Well this case may be interesting after all," Mac smiled, admiring the good looking officer. "Oh come off it Colonel the man is ten years younger than you," Harm scoffed, at the same time feeling just a pang of jealousy. Mac gave him a scathing look and located the personal information. "He's just six years younger thank you very much, and you can tell he works out." "I fly Tomcats," Harm grinned, his mind fixating on a long ago conversation concerning another man to whom she was attracted. "In another life maybe," she retorted and then was immediately contrite. "Harm I'm sorry, that wasn't called for. You had that life ripped away from you twice and I shouldn't be..." "Forget it," he told her firmly giving her hand a quick squeeze. "The first time yeah it was taken from me. The second...I could have stayed if I wanted, but I'd proved to myself what I went there for and coming back wasn't painful. Well not until I walked in anyway." "I'm not very proud of the homecoming I gave you," she said quietly, suddenly serious. "Don't," he shook his head firmly, his hand still on hers. "Don't go back over any of that. I was not in the best frame of mind myself and I don't want to relive that time. In fact often I think I hooked up with Renee only as a result of my mood and a physical need I should have learned about twenty years ago to control." "And I with Mic because I didn't think I could ever get back what I had before you..." She stopped herself before going further. "Hey too serious here. I'm taking this picture for my nightstand." She playfully clutched Jeffrey's picture to her chest. "I saw him first," Harm returned, making an attempt to grab it. She frowned, for a second not understanding his banter and then realized what he was playfully hinting at. "You're not his type. I can tell that by looking at him. This man has taste." She clutched the picture further to her and Harm reached around her, trying to take it, laughing all the way. She pulled away from him and made two steps before his arms were around her, enclosing her fully in a bear hug. "Uncle?" "Never," she gasped, laughing hard. "And if you don't let me go I'm going to show you a move they teach at Quantico that will make Renee a very sorry woman." "You wouldn't dare," he chortled, holding her even more tightly and then suddenly his grasp loosened. "What's the matter Rabb, scared?" she hooted. "Yeah I am," he said softly, letting her go entirely. "Scared of how good having you in my arms felt just then." She turned around and looked into his eyes, hearing something in his voice that had not been there before and startled by the intimate nature of his words. Before she could speak a new emotion washed over her and it took her a moment to realize what it was. Fear. The same fear he just expressed. "I'm scared too," she admitted, "scared of how good it felt just then to have you holding me." Now avoiding his eyes, she set the picture back in the file, suddenly feeling tired and in need of some alone time. "Can we pick this up again over breakfast--maybe we can fix it to meet Delorma and Rogers." Harm cupped her cheek gently. "You OK?" "Yeah I am," she nodded. "I just need some time to...well just think some things through. Mic's call before, what happened just now...just things." With a soft hand to her back Harm walked her to her door. "Lock up please. Good night." "Good night." She had the door nearly closed when he caught it. "Mac what I said before, about holding you....I meant it. It wasn't something I was saying to...well to.....to get you into bed." "I never thought it was," she smiled. "Because you're not that way with me." She pushed the door again and when it was closed all but a half inch called softly, "I meant what I said too." BOQ 6:00 AM PST She'd barely slept most of the night, and at 6:00 Mac finally gave up. She grabbed a pair of sweats and sweatshirt, deciding that maybe an early morning run would do some good. There were to many things on her mind...Harm, Mic, a woman who was brutally murdered. Running always seemed to clear her mind and she headed out the door a few minutes later. The sun was yet to rise, but she didn't think twice about being alone on base. Harm was up early, still on east coast time. Well at least that's what he was blaming. Truth be told the reason he was awake was because he spent most of the evening contemplating life. He knew he didn't love Renee....and if Mac wasn't going to marry Mic. "One step at a time Rabb" he told himself as he pushed himself out of bed. "Tell Renee its over and then maybe..." He showered and dressed, heading over to Mac's room a short time later. "Mac" he called as he knocked on the door. He waited, and when he didn't get any response, knocked again, louder. "Mac, you awake?" Again there was no response, and he tried the door, only to find it locked. He knew Mac wasn't a deep sleeper, and that his pounding would have woken her up. He headed back to his room, picking up his phone and dialing her room. He let it ring a least twenty times, realizing if she was in the shower it would take a few rings before she got there. He hung up and tried again, only getting the endless ringing. He replaced the phone, his worry growing. He went back to her room, once again knocking and calling for her. Still getting no answer, he used his skill to pick the lock to her room. "Mac" he called anxiously as he made his way into her room. Her bed was empty, and she wasn't in the shower. She was gone. His mind immediately went into overdrive, fearing that the killer had somehow found her and broken into her room last night and taken her away. "Calm Rabb, there's got to be a logical explanation" he said to himself. "Maybe she went somewhere." Course he'd told her not to go anywhere without him, in light of the crime they were investigating. But she had seemed a little upset last night, and he realized she might not have been thinking properly. He picked up the phone to call the NCIS office when Mac returned. "Harm, what are you doing in my room?" Mac demanded. "Mac, thank god" Harm said as he dropped the phone. "Where have you.." he started, then realized exactly where she'd been. "Are you crazy. Don't you realize that there's a murderer..." "Harm, calm down" Mac said giving him an exasperated look. "First of all, no I am not crazy. Second, we have not proven there is a murderer on base. And third, I can handle myself, big brother." "You promised you wouldn't do anything stupid" Harm retorted. "I consider going jogging alone at 6:00 AM stupid." "That's your opinion" Mac sighed. "Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to take my shower so we can get over to the NCIS office. Alone." "Mac, I was serious about you not being alone on base" Harm continued. "Now promise me you won't do anything like this again. You know I would have gone with you if you'd asked." "Yes, I know you would have. However, I wanted some time alone." "Mac, what's bothering you? Please tell me what happened with Mic?" "This is not the time nor the place to talk about this" Mac sighed. "Please Harm. When I'm ready to talk about it, I'll let you know. In the meantime, I'd like to take a shower and get dressed." "Okay, but we are going to continue this discussion later" Harm said as he started for the door. A half hour later she knocked on his door, dressed and ready to go. "I got in touch with Commander Rogers and Lt. Delorma" Harm said quietly. "They're going to meet us in fifteen minutes for breakfast. I assume that's okay." "That's fine. Harm, I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking this morning and I don't want us to argue." "I don't want to argue either" Harm sighed. "I just don't want anything to happen to you. I know we haven't proven that there's a murderer on base, but I'd rather not have it proved by you becoming his next victim." "I promise to be more careful" Mac said quietly. "Truce." "Truce" A few minutes later they were at the NCIS office. "Commander Rabb, Colonel Mackenzie, glad you're here," Allison Rogers greeted them. "This is my partner, Lt. Jeffrey Delorma." "Ma'am, sir" he nodded to Harm and Mac before turning to Allison. "I think it would be a good idea if we had breakfast first and then went over the case." "I agree" Harm spoke up. "We've seen the pictures and it's not something to discuss over breakfast." Mac shot Harm a long glare, and didn't notice the same look being sent by Allison to Jeffrey. "Let's go then" Allison replied. An hour later they returned to the NCIS office, taking one of the conference rooms to spread out with the files. "So what's your gut feeling on this Commander?" Harm asked Allison. "I don't want to believe that one of the men on this base did this, but I also think that the police took the easy way out by blaming it on gang violence" Allison sighed. "First of all, Seaman Ruiz had no reason to be in that area at night, and I'm not buying the she was in the wrong place at the wrong time garbage. She was taken off this base and dropped there to make it look like a gang slaying." "Have there been other incidents against women on base?" Mac asked. "Yes" Jeffrey spoke up. "A few months ago one of the new female recruits was attacked. She managed to escape her attacker but we never found the person responsible." "So there's someone on base who doesn't like the idea of woman in the military" Harm said quietly, his glance falling on Mac. "You're jumping to conclusions, counselor" Mac replied. "Just because another woman was attacked...." "There have been other reports of woman being followed" Jeffrey continued. "None of them were attacked, but they also all went to public areas as soon as they realized someone was following them." "And you went out jogging alone this morning" Harm exploded. His fear for Mac's safety was mounting with each passing second, the information he was receiving doing nothing to ease his fears. "Commander" Mac said shooting Harm a warning glare. "I don't think now is the time to discuss this." "I see someone else is a little overprotective of their partner" Allison smiled, to which she received a glare from Jeffrey. "I do believe the Commander's concern is warranted" Jeffrey countered. "Thank you Lt." Harm said giving Mac a glare back. "Maybe my partner won't think I'm so overprotective now." "Can we get back to the matter at hand please" Mac said irritably. "Namely do you have any idea who our killer might be?" "The attacks started two months ago" Allison replied. "I'm assuming that a man doesn't just wake up one day and decide to start attacking woman. I'm guessing that whoever is responsible transferred here shortly before the attacks started. We can start with the personnel logs." "I'd like to talk to the other woman that was attacked" Harm spoke up. "And the one's who thought they were being followed." "I'll get you the list of names" Jeffrey replied and headed out of the room. "If you'll excuse me, I'll be right back" Allison said a few seconds later. "Harm, that was uncalled for" Mac said quietly once they were alone. "You're treating me like some frail little woman. I am a marine. In the future, could you please remember that." "I know you're a marine" Harm sighed. "But Mac, isn't anything you're hearing here making you the least bit afraid." "Concerned yes, afraid no." "Well then I'll be afraid for you" Harm said quietly. "Because you obviously aren't concerned about yourself." "I'm concerned about the nervous breakdown I'm going to have with you hovering over me," she sighed, "or the stroke you're fretting yourself into. Harm I went out for a jog this morning. A dozen other people did too. In fact there was a guy pacing me the whole way on the trail and back." "Mac please," he begged. "Jeffrey agrees that...wait...someone was following you. Where--when--what did this guy look like--did he talk to you? "Harm I'm not on the stand here," she told him firmly. "I didn't take that much notice of him. He was behind me for a while, and he passed me and I...OK, about your height, dark hair, and...hell I don't know. Harm you're making me crazy. Excuse me." She rose and walked across the floor to stare out the window, needing a few minutes of breathing room. And she was upset with Harm for the pictures her mind was now painting. She had not thought about it at the time, but now she realized that the jogger she had spoken of had in fact made her uncomfortable. He had come up behind her, pulled around her and then ran crowdingly close to her for about a quarter mile before he stared at her and then pulled away. Harm remained at the table and Jeffrey returned. "You're a worrier too, sir," he said softly. "Oh yeah," Harm nodded slowly. "This one is too confident in her ability to protect herself for her own good. Yes she's a marine officer, and she could probably kill me with just one hand, but that doesn't make me not be concerned. Whoever's doing this to women is not just copping a feel here. Ruiz's death was brutality. It wasn't even in the heat of passion or manslaughter. It was a torture murder." 'Yeah that makes me feel a lot better about Allison being involved," Jeffrey groaned. Harm gave him a small smile. "How long have you and she been together?" "Sir we're not together," he protested quickly. Harm smiled again. "Son it's OK. I meant how long have you worked together. And I am the last person to be having anything to say about any kind of non-professional feelings between partners. My relationship with Mac is an area of total confusion. I've had periods where I thought we knew where we were going and then it all blows up." "You care a lot about her sir." "Yes I do, and Jeffrey please, while we're all working together, let's drop that sir and ma'am stuff. It's just going to get in the way. Harm and Mac please. Now what's with you and Allison? That she outranks you strikes me, if only because I've been there. Mac and I were both Lieutenant Commanders when I took a carrier assignment for six months, I came back to find her promoted, and an annoying Australian in my office--and in her life." Jeffrey laughed out loud at that. "Allison--I can call her that if we're not in front of superior officers--or like you've given me permission--anyway, we've been partners for a year now. I'm actually two years older, but she was an academy brat and I did the OCS route. And how I feel about her gets in the way once in a while." "Yeah." Harm looked over to where Allison had joined Mac and they were taking quietly. "You know they're talking about us," "Yes sir," Jeffrey grinned. "Most of the time I don't have a problem with it," Allison said softly, "and in fact I feel the same way about him; but right now this psycho, or group of psychos, is targeting women." "I know, which is what we're here to stop," Mac sighed. "And if it makes you feel any better, I worry about mine as well." "I'm sure," Allison smiled. "You two were making love while you were fighting." "At ease thank you," Mac said firmly. "Now let's join them and see what we can come up with to smoke these people." For the remainder of the day they poured over personnel records, stopping for lunch and dinner only, and that evening they were still together, this time at the O club for a late night drink. Harm leaned back in his chair, taking a long drink from his beer bottle. "Tomorrow we start running down people." "I've got a better idea," Mac said slowly. "And Harm promise me you won't freak." Harm dropped the chair flat to the floor, his eyes so narrowed they were almost crossed. "You get nothing from me. Now what's that Jarhead brain of yours ruminating?" "You know I jogged this morning and I honestly didn't think a whole lot about it at the time. I had a lot on my mind, and it wasn't until we had the over-protection discussion and before that the scolding of my being out." "You are going somewhere with this?" Harm asked, his eyes still half crossed. She glared. "Remember the guy I told you that paced me jogging this morning. Well he did a little more than that. He kind of crowded me on the trail. At first I thought he was challenging me and we paced for a while, but then he started to pull away from me and I let him go. Thing is he gave me this really strange stare." Harm's fist came down so hard on the table every nacho on the plate jumped. "And you wonder why I was upset?" he thundered. "I knew it. I knew you had a close call this morning." "Harm lower your voice please," she begged, though she wondered why with the music volume. "I did not have a close call, not how you meant. I think now this guy was checking me out." "Because you're newly aboard here," Jeffrey offered. "Or more likely he just liked my legs," Mac smiled, "but in case it's the other, I propose I repeat in the morning. Time and place." "You've got as much chance of me letting you do that as I have of getting a directed promotion to Captain," he yelped. "Harm shut up and listen," she scolded. "If Allison comes with me, she and I can run together, and you guys can follow, at a discreet distance of course. We might get something." "And what does a half dozen guys hitting on you because they like how you look in jogging pants prove?" "Oh give me some credit," she scoffed. "I think I can tell when someone is just lusting after my body and when they have criminal intent." "And that's supposed to make me feel better?" Harm demanded. "And you want Allison to come with you?" This from Jeffrey and his hand covered his partner's protectively as he and Harm exchanged looks of commiseration. "Don't you see, you and Harm will hang back and watch. Allison and I will do the attracting. Look, it's really more of a fishing expedition after what happened this morning I admit, but it is something. We've had stranger things solve cases before." "I think it's a great idea" Allison spoke up, ignoring Jeffrey's long glare. "For one second could you two just pretend we're just your partners. Think about it from an investigative point of view and not from the viewpoint of two overly protective men." "Harm, you know she's right" Mac added. "You're letting personal feelings get in the way of an investigation. This is probably the best way for us to get an idea who might be potential suspects." "Well the problem is I have no idea what those feelings are right now" Harm said irritably as he looked at Mac. "If you have some idea, please feel free to let me in on it. All I know is that someone I care about wants to put her life in danger to solve a case. And I'm not going to sit by idly and let that happen." He stood up abruptly and turned to Jeffrey. "If you could make sure Mac gets back to her room safely, I'd appreciate it. I think I need to get some air" Jeffrey nodded and Harm started to walk away. "Harm" Mac called but he kept walking. "Sorry, about that" Mac sighed. "Sometimes this partner thing isn't so easy." "You don't have to tell us that" Allison smiled. "Jeffrey, could you get us some refills here." She gave him a small nudge and he quickly realized that she wanted to talk to Mac alone. "Yeah, sure, I'll be right back" Jeffrey said as he stood up. "Do you and Jeffrey every fight like that?" Mac asked once he was gone. "No but we've only been together for a year" Allison smiled. "You and Harm seem to have a lot of history behind you." "Five years worth" Mac said quietly. "And at one time I was closer to him than I'd ever been to anyone else. We helped each other through some rough times and had what I thought was an unbreakable bond." "What happened?" Allison asked. "He returned to flying. And I hate him for it. He was gone for six months and when he came back nothing was the same. We've been working on getting that back but there's a few things still in the way." "And that would be?" Allison prodded. "An Australian and a tall blonde" Mac sighed. "When I landed here yesterday I was engaged to another man. And Harm has been seeing someone for about a year now." "If you don't want to tell me, I'll understand, but why were you engaged to another man?" "Because I'd convinced myself I was in love with him and not Harm" Mac admitted. "When Harm left, Mic was my partner. He'd been hounding me for months trying to get me to go out with him." "So when Harm left, you and Mic started going out?" Allison questioned. "Actually no" Mac said quietly. "Mic and I didn't really get together until after Harm was back. That shows you how bad things were between us when he came back. We'd be in the same room together and would be like two total strangers to each other." "That must have been hard" Allison sympathized. "Especially after you and Harm had been so close." "Yes it was" Mac sighed. "Allison, I need to go find Harm. I hate that he walked out of here like that. I know he's just as confused about this as I am." "He's confused because he loves you, Mac" Jeffrey said as he brought back the drinks. "Sorry, didn't mean to eavesdrop." "You really think he loves me?" Mac questioned. "Why do you think he's so upset about you being on this case?" Jeffrey asked. "It's not because he doubts your ability to handle it. It's because he's scared to death something will happen to you. And I know what's he going through cause I have the same fears." He looked at Allison and she gave him a small smile as she squeezed his hand. "I'd really like to go find Harm" Mac said as she stood up. "You two really don't have to come with me." "I told Harm I would make sure you got to your room safely and that's what I'm going to do" Jeffrey smiled as he and Allison stood up. "And I'm sure not going to let you go wandering around the base alone looking for him if he's not in his room." At that moment, Harm wasn't in his room, but instead walking along the jogging trail. He'd needed some time alone to think through everything that was going on in his head. Mac's lack of a ring, Renee's words that he loved Mac, and this growing fear of something happening to her while they were investigating the case. Didn't she realize the risk she was taking? Making herself a target to a psycho how'd tortured an innocent girl for no reason. He just didn't like it. Course he also had to admit that it probably was the best way to lure out the killer. Otherwise, they could spend days talking to everyone. As long as he and Jeffrey were close by, there shouldn't be a problem. "Evening sir" a young female ensign saluted as she walked past. Harm nodded as he walked past, paying her little attention. He continued walking, until a scream for help from the direction she'd gone shattered the late night silence. He turned and ran, remembering the young woman who had just walked past. He saw a large figure trying to grab her and drag her off the path. The man looked up as he heard Harm approaching, quickly tossing the young woman to the ground and taking off running. Harm stopped just long enough to make sure she was okay before taking off after the man. He quickly realized that he wasn't going to catch up with the man, and hurried back to the young woman, who was sitting on the ground crying. "You okay?" Harm asked gently as he helped her to her feet. "He didn't hurt you?" She shook her head as she attempted to pull herself back together. "No sir. Thank you sir. If you hadn't...she managed before she started to cry again. "It's okay" Harm said gently as he put his arm around her. "What's your name ensign?" "Lisa Mitchell, sir" "Where we're you heading?" "The BOQ sir" she replied. "That's where I'm heading" Harm said keeping his arm around her. "I'll walk you back." "Thank you sir" she said wiping her tears. He wanted to ask her about the man who had attacked her, but decided to give her a few minutes to collect herself before asking her anything. He'd never gotten a good look at the man and he hoped she might be able to tell him something about the man. "Mac, isn't that Harm?" Jeffrey asked as they neared the BOQ. Mac looked over and her eyes widened as she saw Harm with his arm around the young woman, walking toward the BOQ. For a moment, she felt a stab of jealousy, wondering what on earth he was doing with his arm around her. Harm heard his name and looked over and saw the three coming towards them. "Commander" Mac said tersely. She finally got a good look at the young ensigns' tearstained face and immediately realized something was wrong. "Harm, what happened?' "She was attacked on the jogging trail" Harm explained. "Ensign are you okay?" Allison asked. "I'm fine, ma'am" Lisa replied. "Thanks to the Commander." "Did you see the man who attacked you?" Mac asked immediately wondering if it was the same man who'd followed her earlier in the day. "I never got a look at him ma'am. It was too dark and he grabbed me from behind. " "You never got any sense of what he was like, height-weight-hair color?" "No ma'am. He did scare me though. I guess it was my turn for the guy, but he scared me and I couldn't let him. Not after what happened to the Ruiz girl." Lisa sniffled and shook her head. "What a minute, your turn? What the hell are you talking about?" Harm's eyes narrowed in puzzlement. "Sir, the guy that's been doing this. Some guy on the trails here sir. He just pulls women off into the brush and kisses and fondles them. Some of the women in the BOQs and the BEQs think it's kind of neat that they're singled out for the attention." "That's the sickest thing I've ever heard," Allison spoke up. "Why hasn't this been reported Ensign?" "Because before Ruiz, it seemed pretty harmless," Lisa sighed. "Like something that a frat would do to their sister house." "Oh for godsake," Harm groaned. "What was done to Ruiz was brutal murder." "Well maybe it's not the same person--or persons," Jeffrey put in. "Ensign why has this never been brought to the attention of NCIS or the SPs--any idea?" "Only that most people thought it was more of a joke," Lisa shrugged. "Besides, most people believe Ruiz was in the way of some kind of gang activity, or even mixed up in that. These Hispanics tend to run together." "OK I'm going to pretend you didn't just say that," Harm growled. "You need the Colonel and the Commander to walk you to your room?" "No sir, it's right up there. I'll be fine. Sir about the Hispanic thing, well it's true sir. And more and more of them are..." "Good night Ensign," Harm said coldly. "Well that was enlightening on all fronts," Mac sighed when the young woman was gone. "How can one that young be so prejudiced against a class of people." "The Navy is attracting a lot of Hispanic recruits, especially in Southern California," Allison reminded her. "They're young, eager, willing to learn, bright--just the kind of new blood the Navy needs. Unfortunately that's not the kind of people the old blood wants." "But Ensign Mitchell is hardly old blood," Mac pointed up. "No she's not," Harm said thoughtfully, "but perhaps she's close with someone who is. She got those ideas from someplace. And as far as this idiot who's taken women and fondling them or whatever--we've got to be talking about two different things here." "Unless he's no longer content with fondling," Jeffrey suggested. "Enough for tonight." Harm held up his hand. "If we're going to jog early, we're going to need to call it a night. We'll meet you two at the head of the five mile trail at 0600, right?" "Sounds like a plan," Allison nodded. "Good night." Harm and Mac watched them walk away, Jeffrey's hand resting lightly at the small of her back. "Who do they remind you of?" Mac asked softly. Harm gave her a blank look. "Us," Mac sighed. "Us maybe three years ago. So close, so far apart at the same time, and not a clue what to do about it. Look, about before.." Harm shook his head and put his hand against her back as Jeffrey had done to Allison. "Forget it. It's not your fault. It's me. This whole case doesn't feel right. And talking to Ensign Mitchell there didn't help any. Plus the air feels funny." "OK I was with you right up to that point," Mac laughed. "The air feels funny? Like funny ha ha or what?" "No funny like something's about to happen," he sighed. "Never mind--that's just my worrying again. Like I've been doing about you since we came here. As for before, I meant what I said. About you being someone I care for I mean." His hand ran up her spine from its resting place and he felt her shiver and she stopped walking. "I care for--and about--you too," she said softly, peering into his eyes with the aid of one of the gas lights along the walk. "And Mic decided he couldn't compete. That's what the phone call was, and the ring is...." She stopped and her eyes begged something from him, something he could not quite discern. "Is where?" he asked gently, that same hand now cupping the back of her neck. He did not want to pry, but also knew she seemed like she was ready to talk about it. "Is on its way back to DC so that its bestower can give it to a woman who deserves to be loved like he loves," she whispered, vowing not to cry but not quite succeeding as a long small tear tracked across her cheek. At once he pressed her forehead to his chest and his other hand went to the back of her head. "I see. I'm sorry." "Don't be." Her voice was muffled by his chest. "It's been coming on, all brought to a head with the wedding tension. We've been talking about nothing else for two weeks it seems like. He tells me what he gave up and how much he loves me. I try to convince him I'll be fine after the wedding, that I don't love you, that once we're married and you and Renee are too, it's all going to be fine." "You should hear yourself," he said gently. "You're not even convincing me. I know you didn't have a prayer with him." "Tell me about it," she sighed. "Anyway it's over and it feels good to tell you. Thanks for not dragging it out of me until I was ready. And for not saying I told you so." Her eyes searched his face. "You're not going to are you?" That drew a soft laugh from him. "Of course not. Mac all I've ever wanted is for you to be happy; and I'll admit that at one time I thought you might find that happiness with one hapless Australian." She gave one last sniffle and pulled away from him. "Not quite Squid. Hapless maybe, but he's an American born and bred." Harm sucked his breath in sharply at that. >Dear God don't let me turn into the Rabb that was a total idiot on the ferry<. "Raised in half a dozen Naval installations and in the hills of Pennsylvania," he said softly, "and very much ready to let go." "Did I hear right?" Mac whispered. "You did" Harm whispered as he lowered his lips to hers, placing a gentle kiss on her lips. "I want the chance to make this work" he said softly when they parted. "That's if you want it." "I'd like the chance to see what it can be" Mac said softly. She shivered in the night cold and he instantly wrapped his arms around her. "Let's get you inside" Harm said leading her to their rooms. "And since we've got a 6:00 AM running date with Jeffrey and Allison I guess is good night" he said once they were outside their rooms. "Goodnight sailor" "Night Marine." He started towards his door and stopped. "Mac" "Yes, Harm" She'd just stepped into her room and turned back around when he called her name. "You sure about doing this tomorrow" Harm asked as he walked over to her door. "I mean, you know we can go through the list of personnel and find this guy that way." "I'm sure" Mac smiled. "You worried big brother." "Yes I'm worried" Harm groaned. "Mac, I don't want anything to happen to you. After tonight, I'm not sure if we're dealing with some pervert or a serial killer. And maybe even both." "Well the only way we're going to find out is by baiting this guy. Harm, it's going to be fine. Allison will be with me and you and Jeffrey will be right behind us. Now get some rest sailor and stop worrying yourself into a stroke." "I worry because I care" Harm said softly as he gently stroked her cheek with his finger. "And I meant what I said a few minutes ago. I want a chance with you." "And you're going to get that chance" Mac whispered. "Get some sleep sailor. We've got to get up early." Jogging Trail 06:00 AM PST Jeffrey and Allison were waiting for them at the head of the trail, Jeffrey's arm draped casually over Allison's shoulders. "Promise you two aren't going to get to far ahead" Harm said seriously. "Yes big brother" Mac grinned. "Harm, if you're right behind us, no one is going to make a move on us. You have to stay far enough away that they don't see you." "Well then we can't see you" Jeffrey pointed out, not liking this whole idea anymore than Harm did. "There's two of us and one of him" Allison replied. "And if he makes a move, we'll be ready." "We think there's one of him" Harm pointed out. "This could easily be two guys working together on this. And if that's the case.." "We can handle it" Mac interrupted. "Harm, we're not frail little women, remember." "Thank you Mac" Allison smiled. "I spent most of the morning trying to convince the Lt. here of that." "Allison, I know you think you can handle everything" Jeffrey groaned. "But Harm is right. What if there are two guys in on this? I just don't want to see you get hurt." "Amen to that" Harm sighed. "Allison, let's go" Mac said shaking her head at the two. Harm and Jeffrey watched the two take off before slowly starting after them. "So does this ever get any easier?" Jeffrey asked as he and Harm jogged a safe distance behind Mac and Allison. "You mean worrying about your partner?" Harm asked and Jeffrey nodded. "Hell, no. If anything it gets worse. Especially once you figure out how much you care about her." "I figured you'd say that" Jeffrey sighed. "I take it you've figured out what it is you're feeling for Mac." "Yeah, and now I'm scared to death of something happening to her while we're out here" Harm said quietly. "I just want to find out who this psycho is before he hurts anyone else, including Miss Marine, I can take on the world up there." "Me too" Jeffrey sighed. "So did you and Harm come to an understanding last night?" Allison asked. "Yeah we did" Mac smiled, remembering the kiss. "Sounds like that Australian is out of luck" Allison grinned. "Yes he is. And maybe this time we'll get it right" They continued to chat as they jogged, neither one noticing the man who had appeared on the trail behind them. He'd been waiting in the bushes, suddenly stepping out as they had passed him. He continued behind, every so slowly inching closer to them. Mac finally felt a presence closing in on them and she did a quick glance behind her, her heart racing when she noticed the man from the prior day. "Allison, behind us" she hissed and Allison casually looked behind them. "The guy from yesterday." "Pick up the pace and see if he follows" Allison whispered and Mac nodded as she picked up her stride. The man behind them sped up at well, closing in on them. Meanwhile Harm and Jeffrey realized they'd suddenly lost sight of them. "I told them to stay in sight" Harm groaned as he and Jeffrey broke into a run. "I say we stop and confront him" Mac panted. "Let's see who this guy is once and for all." Allison nodded and waited for Mac's signal. "There they are" Harm gasped. "And there's someone right behind them." Fearing the man was about to make his move, he shouted Mac's name. Mac and Allison turned around at the precise time Harm yelled her name, and the man behind them suddenly realized he was trapped. He plowed into Mac, pushing her to the ground before taking off into the bushes. Her head hit the ground hard and for a moment the world went black. "Mac" she heard Allison call as she fought the darkness. "Mac" Harm screamed as he watched her hit the ground, sprinting the rest of the way to her side. "Mac" "I'm okay" she assured him as she tried to sit up, only to reach out for Harm as the world swam around her. "You are not okay" Harm cried as he gathered her in his arms. "We need to get you to the infirmary to be looked at." "Harm" she started but the look on his face told her there was no room for argument. "Harm, do you need any help?" Jeffrey asked and Harm shook his head as he helped Mac to her feet. She swayed dizzily and he quickly lifted her into his arms. "Harmon David Rabb put me down" Mac protested. "You are not carrying me all the way to the infirmary." "Yes I am" Harm said stubbornly. "And when the doctor tells me you're okay, then we're going to have a little talk about why you took off like that." "Harm I am a Marine Corps officer and you're carrying me like I'm some kind of weak woman who fainted. And I want you to stop it now and put me down." For emphasis she kicked her feet and he juggled her. "Knock it off before I end up dropping you," he ordered sternly. "You are not a weak woman, but you are my partner, my friend, and a woman I care very much about. You nearly passed out back there when I first picked you up off the pavement." "I was dizzy, so sue me," she moaned. "Harm I'm fine. I've just got a knot on my head is all. I hit the sidewalk. I wasn't shot." "My god don't even..." he gasped. "That's not even remotely cute." "I want you to let me down," she persisted. "I want you to let go of me." She shifted her weight and he juggled her as she did so. "Harm if you don't let me down right now I'm going to scream." "That's supposed to impress me? I've heard you scream before." Now it was contest of wills, and truth be told he was enjoying having her in his arms. Harm spotted the infirmary ahead and left the paved walkway to cut across the grass. She saw the building too and gave an especially violent jerk with in his grasp. "I'm going to walk in there under my own power," she said at the same time. Caught off balance by the uneven grass, he slightly loosened his grip of her and that was enough for it to happen. As if in slow motion she rolled out of his arms, falling the three feet or so to the grass, landing flat on her back. For a long second he stared down at her, his mind unable to comprehend what happened. She stared back with unseeing eyes, dazed from her head hitting again and from the breath being knocked from her. His mouth dropped open in shock and it was another few seconds before he could drop beside her. "Mac, oh god Mac I'm so sorry. Are you OK? Talk to me honey." He reached for her with shaking arms, afraid to move her lest she be really hurt, and then suddenly to his further shock, she burst into laughter. "You should see your face," she panted. "Are you laughing or crying," he demanded as Allison and Jeffrey reached them and he crouched low over her, still wanted to lift her and still afraid. "You dropped me," she gasped, "and I don't know if I'm laughing or crying. It hurts but it's still so funny--just the look on your face is priceless." "The look of a man having a heart attack?" he demanded. "Now just tell me if you're OK." "Well being dropped didn't exactly help me," she smiled, "but the look on your face is pretty good compensation." "Marine you are going to be the death of me yet," he declared, pulling her into his arms and then again struggling to his feet. "OK you win, you get to walk in." Nevertheless he kept his arm close around her as they walked inside. ================================= "Harm she's going to be OK," Allison said softly, watching him pace the waiting room. "You heard the doctor, just a precautionary Xray." "I know, I know," he moaned, "but still I should have been with her. I'm her partner, we back each other up. I watch her six and all that." "Then you could blame me as well," she said quietly and Jeffrey's comforting arm went around her shoulders. "I could but I wouldn't," Harm smiled. "No she's a bullheaded Jarhead and she was just doing something to further the investigation which I can't fault her for. Or you. It's me that's not handling this real well. This was not a good time for us to be sent here. Too much going on in our personal lives--and yes I know how that sounds, the Navy, the mission, all that--comes first; but at the same time the Navy is made up of human beings, human beings who have feelings for each other and lives to live." "Thank you," Allison smiled and reached up to pat Jeffrey's hand where it rested on her shoulder. With her other hand she reached out for Harm's arm. "She'll be fine. Now whether she'll forgive you for dropping her is another matter." At his stricken look both she and Jeffrey burst into laughter. "Kidding Harm, kidding," she giggled. Any retort Harm might have made was stopped by the doctor's appearance. "Colonel Mackenzie may have a mild concussion but xrays are negative. I want her to rest here just a little while--a desire that's meeting a lot of resistance from her I might add." "Yeah well I'll see to that," Harm told him firmly, letting out the breath he had been holding. "She's OK though right?" "I don't see anything to indicate there's going to be a problem. I want her to stay here a while like I said, and then I don't want her doing anything strenuous the rest of the day just in case. Not bedrest per se, but she's to be quiet." "I'll see to that," Harm repeated. "Can I sit with her while she's resting here?" "By all means, maybe you'll have better luck keeping her quiet." The doctor shook his head and left them. "Guys thanks," Harm smiled, feeling relief washing through him. "I think I'm going to take Mac to LaJolla for the rest of the day. My mom and stepdad's place. Make her relax on their deck and maybe a walk on the beach." "Sounds totally romantic," Allison smiled and looked pointedly at Jeffrey. "Hey I was going to ask you for a drink and a game of pool tonight," he objected. "Sorry, but my parents live in an apartment in Tucson." "I'll call you when we get back and we'll work out something for tomorrow," Harm laughed, listening to them banter. This was the sort of thing he and Mac used to do constantly; and the sort of thing he wanted back. The annoying Australian was out of the picture. And if he had anything to say about it the equally annoying....he stopped himself with that thought. That was not fair to Renee. He should have told her a long time before now that there was no chance for them; that a pretty Marine held the secret to his heart; and that if he ever said 'I Love You' in his life, it would be to her and her alone. "Harm? Harm I can hear Mac calling you." Allison gave his arm a firm punch that jolted him from his thoughts. "Sorry, I was just having a talk with myself," he grinned. "Later." "Mac I'm here," he called as he pushed through the doors. He found her sitting up in bed, an ice bag attached to the back of her head. "Good you're here, get me the hell out of here," she greeted him. "Since when do you give me orders? The doctor is the only person who can get you out of here and you're under observation for the next few hours," he told her sternly and then his expression softened as he cupped her cheek with his palm. "I'm sorry--sorry about all this. If I had my way, I'd have you on a plane for D.C. as soon as the doctor clears you." "So I could go back there and worry about you out here," she retorted. "Not while I'm conscious." Seeing his sudden facial expression, she added, "not a good choice of words." "No it wasn't," he glowered. "But on a more positive note, how'd you like to go eat some good food on a deck overlooking the ocean, and then take a walk on the beach later?" "OK, who are you and what have you done with the real Harmon Rabb?" she demanded. "I am the real Harmon Rabb" he grinned. "Remember last night? I told you I wanted a chance to make this work. I meant every word I said." "And I assume this deck overlooking the ocean is at your mom's house." "Of course. You need to take it easy the rest of the day and this is the perfect opportunity for that." "You really want to take me to meet your mom" Mac asked shyly. "Yes I do" Harm smiled. "Now, just let me handle everything while you lay there and take it easy. As soon as the doctor says your okay we'll head to LaJolla." "I think I can do that" Mac smiled, liking very much their new relationship. "I'm sorry I gave you such a hard time earlier." "I'm just glad you're okay" Harm said as he dropped a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Though if you ever take off like that again." "Harm, we almost had him" Mac protested. "If you hadn't yelled for me." "If I hadn't yelled for you he probably would have grabbed you and done god knows what with you" Harm exclaimed. "Mac, we're dealing with a guy who brutally murdered a young woman. In case you've forgotten I care about you, very much and I don't want to see the same thing happen to you." "Easy sailor" Mac said as she reached for his hand. "I'm fine. And I appreciate your concern. But Allison and I had it under control." "Mac, please promise me you won't do anything stupid like that again" Harm begged. "You and Allison both could have been hurt. And I know you think you're invincible, but this guy is dangerous." "I promise to be more careful," Mac said finally. "I know this guy is dangerous but that's why I want to get him off the streets." "We'll get him off the streets, together" Harm said as he gently stroked her cheek with his hand. "But we'll discuss this later. You're supposed to be resting." "You're going to stay right?" "Wild horses couldn't drag me away" he smiled. Several hours later they were on their way to LaJolla, Mac relaxing comfortably in the passenger side, Harm glancing over periodically to make sure she was okay. She raised her head and looked around with surprise when Harm pulled into the driveway of the beautiful home on the ocean. "This is your mom and stepdad's house?" she asked in amazement. "Wow." "Yeah, I guess it's pretty nice," Harm said as he helped her out and to the front door. The door opened before they got to it, Trish hurrying out to meet her son. "Harm it's so good to see you" Trish said wrapping her son in a warm hug. "It seems like ages since I've seen you." "Only 6 months mom" Harm replied, remembering that his last visit had been in December. He finally pulled out of her grasp and reached for Mac's hand. "Mom, this is my partner, Sarah Mackenzie." "It's so good to finally meet you Sarah" Trish smiled. "I've heard quite a bit about you the last five years." "Oh really" Mac said slowly. "Harm talks about you all the time" Trish said leading Mac inside. "I feel as though I know you already. But come on to the deck. When Harm called he said you'd been hurt this morning and you're supposed to be taking it easy." "He exaggerates a little" Mac assured Trish giving Harm a small smile. "I'm fine, really." "Well, in any case, the loungers on the deck are ready for you" "Sounds good mom" Harm said trailing behind the two women. They headed to the deck and Mac was even more amazed, the view of the ocean from the deck breathtaking. Trish headed inside to get some iced tea for them and Harm took advantage of the quiet moment. "You like" Harm whispered as he came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her. "This is heavenly" Mac sighed. "Very good idea sailor" "I aim to please" Harm said as he gently turned around so he was facing her. "Now I want you to lay down in one of the loungers and rest." "As long as I get that walk in the beach you promised later" Mac smiled. "You got it" Harm said placing a quick kiss on her lips just as Trish returned with a tray of glasses. Mac looked away with embarrassment but Trish just smiled. Harm stayed with Mac most of the afternoon, staying close by to make sure she was okay. Trish couldn't help but notice her son's hovering, and she wondered what had changed since the last time she and Harm had talked. Harm had told her that Mac had set a wedding date with her fiancee, but Trish had immediately noticed that Mac was no longer wearing a ring. "Harm, you don't have to stay at my side the whole day" Mac said finally. "There's a great big ocean out there that I know you're dying to jump into." "You don't mind if I take a quick swim?" Harm asked. "Of course not" Mac assured him. "Go." "Mom, you'll keep an eye on her" "Harm, I think she's okay" Trish laughed lightly. "Go take your swim." He headed down to the water a few minutes later and Mac sighed happily as she rested in the lounger. "Thank you for inviting me" Mac said to Trish. "You're welcome dear" Trish smiled. "I'm happy to meet you after all these years. Harm does talk about you all the time." "Then I suppose you know I was engaged to someone else" Mac said quietly. "And you're probably wondering why we were kissing earlier." "You don't have to explain anything to me" Trish said quickly. "I know, but I want to. I was engaged to Mic. But the night we arrived in San Diego, he decided that it wasn't going to work. And he was right." "Because you and Harm have feelings for each other?" Trish questioned. Even though she knew her son was seeing another woman, she knew that Renee Peterson would never have his heart like this woman obviously did. Mac nodded. "Mic has always felt that he was my second choice. That I was settling for him. He finally decided he didn't want to compete anymore." "How did you feel about that?" "Relieved, actually" Mac admitted. "I suppose I would have called off the wedding. But I'm glad Mic realized it before we both made a big mistake." "And now you and Harm?" Trish prodded with a smile. "We're trying really really hard," she sighed. "We both know we want to make something work between us, but sometimes it seems like...well like there's this five inch thick steel wall between us. And then other times, like when we kissed a little bit ago, I wonder what the problem is. Frankly ma'am...uh Trish...I've been in kind of a state of confusion since Harm left to fly. Nothing has seemed right since the night he told me he was going to try for it." "Harm called me the night he left," Trish said slowly, "to tell me he was out of JAG, leaving for Pensacola the next day, and that he had broken a woman's heart that afternoon--a fact that was breaking his own and he was ready to call the whole thing off." Mac choked hard on her ice tea. "You're not serious." "No I'm making this up as I go along," she smiled. "Of course I'm serious. And when he went back to JAG, I expected to hear that you and he...but instead I didn't hear much about you at all at first, and then when I did it was you and the irritating Australian, and that's about the nicest thing he said about the man." "They didn't like each other much," Mac giggled. "No things were horrible when he got back. We were at times horrible to each other and I had Mic pestering me for a relationship, and Harm had...well Renee of course. You met her at Christmas." "Yes I did," Trish nodded with a quick smile. "Pleasant, fun even, nice enough; but someone my son would chose to spend his future with, no way in hell. But of course he had to make that decision. I was just afraid he wouldn't." Mac gulped hard and looked away. "As far as I know, he still hasn't." "Oh he has. I know my son. The looks he's been giving you this afternoon, and his tenderness and concern. He's in love with you child. Just relax and let it happen. I suspect this time next year I'll be hearing about a grandchild." Mac blushed deep red at that. "I'd like to think so." "You keep on thinking," Trish told her. "And I'm going to take some fish from the freezer and call that workaholic I'm married to so that he gets his butt home for dinner. It's not often we have family. Normally our dinner guests consist of business contacts. Nice people but dull. Excuse me. And you rest now. Harm is pretty concerned about you." "I'm fine, thanks. Harm worries too much," she smiled and stretched luxuriously, closing her eyes for a short cat nap. When she awoke ten minutes later she rose and walked to the edge of the deck, surprised to see Harm standing in knee deep water, staring out over the ocean. When she had fallen asleep he had been swimming out beyond the breakers. Her shoes off, she walked silently down the wooden steps and approached him from behind, equally as silently, then boldly wrapped her arms around his waist in greeting. His reaction was nothing like what she expected, for caught completely off-guard, he grabbed hold of her and flipped her over his back, landing her in the shallow surf on her back. "No...No I didn't just do that please," he gasped, dropping beside her. "Mac I...I am so sorry...I am beyond sorry...I am mortified. Are you hurt honey? Please tell me you're not and then get up and pound me." "I'm OK really," she laughed, having taken a couple seconds to recover her initial surprise. "Note to self--do not grab partner, even if it's done in love." His mouth dropped open when she said the word and she looked just as shocked. "Harm I'm sorry," she whispered. "It just slipped out. I don't mean to rush this. I know we're just trying to...and it just slipped out." "You have nothing to be sorry for, not one thing in this world," he whispered, lifting her into his arms. "And I'm not afraid of that word, and I'm not afraid to...well to let go like we talked about yesterday." "We just have to take it slow, and to get it right this time," she whispered back, settling into his arms. "And there's nothing I want more," he breathed, no doubt in his mind at that moment. He lifted her to her feet, holding her tightly to him, making sure she was not dizzy. "So what's on your mind besides us," she prodded, sensing that was not the only subject on which he was stewing. "You'll laugh." "Probably, but when as that ever stopped you before," she teased and wrapped her arms around his waist. "Share please." "Remember yesterday when I said the air felt funny," he sighed and her mouth did immediately quirk. "Yes I know, it's ridiculous, but it still seems funny to me. Besides when I was swimming, there didn't seem to be many fish out there and look around..." He gestured upwards. "Normally the gulls and sea birds are thick out here." "Storm?," she frowned, now all seriousness. "Not according to the weather," he sighed. "Even a tsunami would be predicted. No it's just a feeling, a feeling that something is not right but I swear I can't say what it is. Maybe I need help." "You need a good dinner and then a walk on the beach in the moonlight," she smiled. "Yeah I do," he agreed, trying to shake off his thoughts. "And I need you--in my life." "I'm there Sailor," she smiled gently. "I have been all along...well maybe not this past year, but I was before, and I sure as hell am now." "Thank you," he breathed and wrapped his arms tightly around her once again. And up on the deck, the kiss that Trish observed left no doubt in her mind. Her son had found the woman with whom he would place his future. "Now lets get you inside and into some dry clothes," he urged when they broke apart. "I'm sure Mom has something you can put on." He helped her back across the sand and up the deck steps, alarmed at the fact that she was leaning on him more than she should be needing to. "Why is this woman all wet," Trish demanded when they got close to her. "Harm gave me a take down," Mac laughed and looked at him teasingly. "Which he still hasn't explained by the way. Just who did you think I was--Jaws?" "You just caught me by surprise," he sighed. "And the god's honest truth is at that moment I was thinking about the case and the guy and...instinct just took over." "Well you'd make a good Marine," she grinned. "Harm, Mac is this case dangerous?" Trish spoke up. "What aren't you telling me?" "We're working on the attacks at the base mom," he said slowly. "And we can't seem to get a handle on what's going on there." "Oh that poor Ruiz girl," Trish gasped, now understanding. "Mac you didn't just fall and hurt your head did you?" "No ma'am," she admitted. "We might have had the guy but..." "But over-protective partner who couldn't bear to see you in jeopardy stepped in," Harm admitted sheepishly. "Well then you dropped me," she teased, giving him a quick shove. "For the first time." "It hasn't been one of my finer days," he sighed. "Mom please, can we get some dry clothes for her." "Of course I'll fix her up. She'll want to shower off the sand too." "I'll change while you're doing that," Harm decided, following them up. They parted ways in the hallway so Harm could use the other bathroom. Just as he was closing the door he heard Trish's soft voice asking Mac if she needed anything. "Frankly I could use some Advil if you have it please." He was out the door and down the hall as if she had screamed. "Harmon David Rabb what are you doing?" Trish said looking at her son in amazement. "She just asked for some Advil. I don't think that constitutes needing a trip to the ER." "Harm, I just have a little headache" Mac tried to reassure him. "I'm not dizzy and no I do not need to go to the ER." "You're telling me the truth right?" Harm said seriously. "You're not just telling me you're okay when you're really not. I didn't hurt you when I threw you over my shoulder did I?" "Really, I'm okay" Mac assured him. "Please don't worry so much." "I can't help it" Harm sighed as he brought her into his arms, needing to hold her. "Harm, you're going to worry yourself into a heart attack" Mac fretted as she pulled away to look at him. "Now please, I'm fine. Go get changed and I'll meet you on the deck in a little bit." "Okay, I'm going" Harm smiled as he headed out of the bathroom. She was still getting ready when he headed into the kitchen where Trish was preparing dinner. "Don't say a word mom" Harm said as he noticed her grin. "I know I'm in overprotective mode but this case is getting to me." "That's because you're in love with her Harm" Trish smiled. "Yes I am" Harm admitted. "So much that it scares me." "There's nothing to be scared of Harm" Trish said gently. "That woman loves you just as much. I think now that you two have finally admitted how you feel, you can make this work." "I want it to work" Harm sighed. "I've never wanted anything more in my life." Dinner was a pleasant experience with Mac learning more about her partner that she'd ever dreamed from Trish and Frank. "A moonlight walk on the beach my lady?" Harm asked after dinner. "Been waiting all day for this part" Mac smiled as she reached for his hand. "So are you glad you came with me?" Harm asked as they walked hand in hand along the surf. "Very" Mac sighed happily. "I love it here. I can't believe you don't come here more often." "It's more fun when there's someone to share it with" Harm said softly. "Walking on the beach at moonlight isn't exactly romantic when you're alone." "You weren't alone" Mac pointed out. "Renee?" "I never wanted to bring Renee out here. I never wanted her to think I was that serious because I wasn't." "Does she know that?" "Yes. The day we left she and I had a very interesting chat at lunch. She pointed some stuff out to me that I'd been trying to deny." "You mean about us?" Mac asked with surprise. "She's known all along I wasn't in love with her" Harm said quietly. "She was just hoping that when you and Mic got married that it would make me stop loving you." At his words she stopped, not believing all that she had heard. "She thought you were in love with me all along?" Mac asked softly. "She was right" Harm smiled. "I wouldn't admit it to myself but it was the truth." He paused and he gently ran his hand through her hair. "I know we talked about taking this slow and getting it right but the truth is I'm still in love with you Sarah. And I will be until the day I die." "Do you know how long I've wanted to hear you say that" Mac whispered. "As long as I've wanted to say it" Harm whispered before his lips gently descended upon hers. The kiss that followed was long and passionate and when they finally parted, she looked up with him a huge smile. "The truth is I've been in love with you Harmon Rabb" Mac smiled. "Isn't it ironic that it took Mic and Renee to make us see that" "Well whatever it took, I'm glad it happened" Harm said as he wrapped his arm around her waist again. They headed back to the house, Frank and Trish waiting for them on the deck. "Harm, why don't you and Mac spend the night?" Trish suggested. "It's getting late and you can drive back to San Diego in the morning." A long yawn from Mac signaled that she was tired and Harm decided his mom was right. "Thanks mom. We'll stay but we'll need to be out of here early." "Mac, let's get you set up" Trish said as she led her into the house. "I'll get you something to sleep in." She led Mac to one of the guest bedrooms and provided her with a nightgown for her to sleep in. Harm arrived just as Mac was climbing under the covers. "Come to tuck me in" Mac smiled. "Just wanted to make sure you're okay" Harm said as he sat down on the side of the bed. "Just tired" Mac said as she fought another yawn. "Then I'll let you get some sleep" Harm said softly. "Goodnight Sarah" He dropped a small kiss on her forehead before rising. "I'll be right next door if you need anything." "I really enjoyed today" Mac said softly. "Thank you." "So did I" Harm smiled. "And if I could leave you here while I go back and figure out who killed Seaman Ruiz I would." "Partners remember" she said reaching for his hand. "We work together." "Goodnight partner" "Goodnight Harm" she sighed as she closed her eyes. Harm went into his room, leaving her door cracked a few inches, and for the next hour tried reading and then TV to get himself to sleep. When neither worked, he slipped back into the hall and to her doorway, seeing her soft features bathed in a shaft of moonlight coming in the window. That he loved her with all his heart he knew beyond question, and that he wanted her in his life for all his remaining days was a given. 0600. Mac's internal clock woke her as it always did and she pulled herself from the bed. The room was all but dark, clouds obscuring the sunrise and she pulled herself up, groaning at the stiffness in her muscles. Three assaults on her being had taken their toll, and right now she wanted a warm shower, tylenol and coffee, in that order. Not thinking anything odd about the door being open she started through, only to find herself tripping and falling over a large object in her path. And that object was.. "Harmon Rabb have you lost your mind," she yelped as she felt his hands grab hold of her, saving her from a more serious fall. "I...uh...I was just coming to wake you," he stammered, hoping that would buy him a few seconds to think of an explanation as to why he was sitting in her doorway...no why he had spent the night propped in her doorway and was sleeping fitfully until the attack of her feet. "Try again Sailor," she yelped. "You were sitting there keeping watch over me all night weren't you?" "And if I was?" He heard the challenge in her voice. "What if I was. Mac I'm not going to apologize for caring about you. But the actual truth is I couldn't sleep, I got up to check on you, I remember standing in your doorway for a few minutes, yes watching you sleep--watching the moonlight on your face if you must know the gory details--and then I must have, well the next thing I know you're landing on me like you're storming a beach." "I was going to the shower," she protested, now laughing. "Going to the shower. I didn't expect to have to run the obstacle course to get there." "Well now that you're in my arms, we could do something more productive with that than yell at each other," he chortled and brought his lips down on hers for a gentle kiss. "Harm your mother's going to see us," she objected, still laughing. "She's thoroughly enjoying the show," Trish smiled from her own doorway. "Hi mom" Harm grinned, having the good grace to look at least slightly sheepish. "Harm it's good to see you laugh," Trish approved. "You know the last few times we've been together there's been kind of a sadness about you. I didn't know exactly what it was, but I do now. There was something lost from you life. And that something is now in your arms." "For the rest of my life if I have my way," he said softly. "Don't you always get your way," Mac teased, rolling from him and running for the bathroom. "I love her Mom," Harm said simply, still on the floor. "Now tell me something I don't know," Trish laughed and shook her head. ===================================== "Trish this has been wonderful," Mac sighed, forking in yet another mouthful of egg. "And I wish we didn't have to go but we've got to get back. "I wish I could leave you here," Harm muttered. "There he goes again," she sighed. "Yesterday he was ready to pack me back to D.C." "Hey if I thought you'd go, or if putting someone in a shipping crate wasn't illegal, you'd be on your way." "Harm you're about two seconds from the I'm a Marine speech so tread lightly mister." "Oh please," he groaned. "Anything but that." "Knock it off," Trish ordered. "Now look you two, if you're still here on the weekend I want you to come back. We could drive into the city, do dinner theater maybe. Frank can get tickets to anything." "You got it," Harm said seriously. "And as soon as my partner finishes that egg, we're out of here. I swear where she puts it is beyond me." "Well not around her middle that's for sure and I hate her," Trish grinned. ========================================= "I'm driving," Mac informed him, holding her hand for the keys. "You can't have gotten decent sleep propped in my doorway and here's a chance for you to make up a little of that." She was slightly surprised when he did not resist and in fact slept the entire drive back to the Naval Station. "OK sleeping beauty we're back in the real world," she told him, giving his shoulder a quick shake when they parked. "Huh?" He opened his eyes slowly with a large groan, closing them again almost at once and his hand went to his forehead as if he was in pain. "Harm what's wrong?" Her alarm was deep and immediate. "Headache, I'll be fine in a few minutes," he gasped, pressing his fingers to his temples. "I think you're going to that place where you carried me to yesterday mister." She was out of her side and around to his a few seconds later. "Why don't we try a less drastic approach like I go upstairs and take something. We've got a case to worry about." "If laying down goes along with that," she bargained. "It's just that I can't remember seeing you with a headache that's all." "Oh just ask Renee," he bantered and she gave a small sigh of relief. If he could joke, he could not be too sick. "I get them when I'm short of sleep and have a lot on my mind. Which about sums up this entire trip." "Yeah I know," she said quietly. "All right Flyboy, up those steps." She wrapped her arm around his waist to help him and shortly had him lying down, two tylenol down and a wet cloth on his forehead. "Now who's in overprotective mode," he sighed and caught her hand. "Not that I'm complaining." "I learned from the best," she smiled and kissed his cheek. "Just give me thirty minutes and I'll be ready to work," he said firmly. "We'll see. In the meantime I'll look over what we've done so far and call Allison and Jeffrey." It took him no time at all to drop off, as witness his light snoring. She was just reaching for the paperwork on the case when her cell rang. "Allison, hi... I was just going to call you......We had a good time thanks and I'm feeling pretty good. At the moment Harm isn't though. He didn't sleep last night and has a killer headache so I put him to bed....Cute. Remember you're talking to a senior officer here....You know that's a great idea. I'll leave him a note. What about Jeffrey?....Three cavities--poor dear. Well he's going to whine for the rest of the day isn't he....Ten minutes works great. See you." >H, meeting Allison while Jeffrey is at the dentist. I have my cell. Call me when you get this--M.< She gave a small smile and then crossed out the M, changing it to Love--M. With a quick change of her clothes, and leaving the note on Harm's bed, she was off. Mac crossed the base to the NCIS offices and a few minutes later was in Allison's office. "Wow, you look like you had a good time" Allison said as soon as she saw the smile on Mac's face. "That moonlight walk must have been pretty good." "It was" Mac smiled dreamily, remembering the words they uttered to each other. The feel of his lips on hers, his arms around her... "Earth to Colonel Mackenzie" Allison joked and Mac finally pulled herself from her reverie. "Sorry, just spacing out" Mac grinned before looking at Allison seriously. "So how long do we have before Jeffrey gets back?" "Are you thinking the same thing I'm thinking" Allison said quietly. "Had it not been for my overzealous partner we would have had that guy yesterday" Mac nodded. "There's two of us and one of him" Allison agreed. "You ready to do a little jogging Colonel?" "You got it" Mac smiled. "Let's get this dirt bag off the streets once and for all." ************************************ Harm groaned as the pounding on his door pulled him from his sleep. The headache seemed to have lessened until he opened his eyes and looked at the bright sunlight coming through the room. "Mac, is that you" Harm called as he realized he was alone. "Harm, its Jeffrey" the voice called and Harm stumbled to the door. "What's going on?" Harm asked as he opened the door. "Have you seen Allison and Mac?" Jeffrey demanded. "They're not at the NCIS offices. I just got back from the dentist and the receptionist said they left together about a half hour ago." "And they better not have gone where I think they've gone" Harm groaned and Jeffrey gasped as he realized what Harm was saying. "You don't think" "Knowing a certain jarhead, yes I do" Harm sighed. "She's hell bent on getting this guy without worrying about getting hurt." "Well I'm sure Allison was just as gung-ho" Jeffrey said shaking his head. "I knew I shouldn't have left her alone." It was then that Harm saw Mac's note and quickly read it. "Well at least she had sense enough to take her cell phone with her" Harm muttered as he headed to the phone and dialed the familiar number. "Mackenzie" Mac said breathlessly. "What in the hell do you think you're doing" Harm exploded, ignoring the fact he was making his headache worse. "Are you crazy? Didn't the words I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you sink in last night?" "Are you done?" Mac asked as she and Allison slowed their pace to a brisk walk. "Yes" Harm shouted. "Now tell me where you are so I can get there before that psycho makes his move again." "By the way I love you too, Commander" Mac grinned. "And if you'd don't calm down over there you're going to have a stroke. Allison and I are fine. We haven't even seen any sign of him. You probably scared him so bad yesterday he left town." "This is not funny Marine" Harm groaned. "Now where are you two? Jeffrey and I are on our way." "The back half of the jogging trail" Mac replied. "Trust me, Harm, we're fine. How's your headache?" "Stay put" Harm ordered. "We'll be there in a little bit. And keep your eyes open. He's probably hiding in the bushes waiting to make his move." He hung before she could say anything else and Allison looked over with a smile. "I take it they didn't like our plan?" "No, it didn't go over real well" Mac sighed. "They're on their way. We've been ordered to stay put until they get here." "Was that an I love you I heard earlier?" Allison asked as they sat down in the grass beside the jogging trail. "Yes it was" Mac sighed. "And now my overprotective partner is now my overprotective mate as well. And I can tell he's going to have a hard time drawing the line between the two." "That's because he loves you so much" Allison smiled. "You should have seen him pacing yesterday while he waited for the doctor. He was about to go crazy worrying about you." "Well I know I'd feel the same way. If anything happened to him, I'd go crazy." "I wish I knew what Jeffrey felt" Allison sighed. "Trust me, I remember those days very vividly" Mac smiled. "The first few years Harm and I were together I never knew what I was feeling and didn't have a clue what he was feeling. I think we were both trying to deny what we were feeling." "Didn't work did it?" Allison grinned. "No, it's didn't. I get the feeling you and Jeffrey are doing the same thing." "I can't believe they were this crazy" Harm muttered as he and Jeffrey made their way down the jogging trail. "Did I catch you say something about I love you?" Jeffrey smiled. "Yes and I swear I'm going to have a heart attack worrying about her" Harm sighed. "But you told her how you feel?" Jeffrey prodded. "Yes. It only took me five years. Let me give you a piece of advice. If you love Allison, don't play these games like Mac and I did. Just tell her." "I want to" Jeffrey said quietly. "Then do it" Harm urged. "Don't waste your life. Mac and I could have been together for the past five years. Instead we spent five years denying what we felt, hurting lots of other people and our selves along the way." A noise in the bushes behind them caught Mac's attention and she grabbed Allison's arm's, motioning for her to be quiet. "Someone's watching us" Allison hissed. "Yes and we're going to get him this time" Mac said determinedly. "Mac, wait here comes Jeffrey and Harm" she said pointing to the two figures that just appeared around the bend. Suddenly the man jumped out from the bushes and took off running. "Come on" Mac said scrambling to her feet. "Let's get him." From the distance Harm and Jeffrey saw the two women take off. "Mac" Harm yelled as he and Jeffrey broke into a sprint, trying to catch up to the two. "Allison" Jeffrey yelled, but the two women continued to run, ignoring their yells. The man headed into one of the old warehouses at the back of the base and Mac and Allison hurried in after them. "Dammit, what are they doing?" Harm shouted as he watched them follow the man in. He and Jeffrey pushed themselves as much as they could, entering the dark building a few seconds later. "Go left," Mac motioned, wanting them to spread out, hoping that one of them would have a chance to bring the man down. "Give it up Mister, there's four of us and we're armed," she yelled, praying he would not recognize her threat for the bluff it was. Harm froze at the sound of her voice. "Mac where are you?" he hissed. Mac smiled to hear her partner, simultaneous with their quarry's shout of, "I'm armed too," followed immediately by the sound of a round being fired. "No please no," Jeffrey gasped, fearing the worst. Harm was too alarmed to do more than shudder as the echo died and to utter a quick prayer for Mac's safety. Another shot. "Harm," Jeffrey begged, clearly terrified. Harm swallowed hard and clapped his shoulder. "We'll find them. They're OK." "They have to be," he breathed. "I have to find her. I have to tell her..." His words choked and Harm again pressed his shoulder. "I know all about it. Just don't let the chance pass you by when you get the chance this time." "Mac you OK?" Allison called anxiously, realizing the second bullet had hit where she knew Mac was crouching. "Mac?" Her voice raised and drifted to Harm and Jeffrey. "That's Allison," Jeffrey gasped, looking to Harm who had likewise heard her calling to Mac. And Mac not responding. "Mac dammit answer her," he breathed and when she did not he begged her himself, "Mac for godsake where are you? Talk to me." "Harm I'm afraid Mac might have been hit." Allison's voice from somewhere ahead sent the cold of ice churning through Harm's belly. "Allison are you OK?" Jeffrey could restrain his anxiety no longer. 'Yeah but needing my partner right now." "I'm right here, you just keep still and keep down," Jeffrey begged and looked to Harm, momentarily muted by the horror he felt that the woman he loved could be injured. "Harm we'll find her. She's OK. We'll get to her and help her. We've still got this bastard to deal with too." "If he's hurt her he's a dead man," Harm said through gritted teeth. "I'll help you," Jeffrey promised, then shouted, "Allison I'm coming. Hang on." Leaving Harm, he pushed ahead toward the sound of her voice. "Sarah," Harm moaned, his anguish prompting him to use her given name, and then he headed in the same direction. It was then the first low rumble was heard and the crumbling floor of the old building vibrated under their feet. "Quake" Jeffrey managed to shout before all around them began to shake violently. From somewhere ahead Allison screamed her partner's name. That would be the last cogent sound before the noise increased to an ear piercing roar and a curtain of darkness descended over them all. The quake had taken all of twenty seconds to spend its fury. It was pain that brought him to consciousness. The headache with which he had arrived had increased tenfold. But the white hot pain behind his eyes was nothing compared to the pain in his heart at not knowing Mac's fate. "Allison?" Jeffrey's voice, quiet at first, with each repeat increasing in intensity and anguish. The last thing Harm wanted was to take charge. The only thing he wanted was to hold Mac in his arms and to know she was all right. Nevertheless he forced himself to find some semblance of his military bearing. "Jeffrey--Jeffrey stop. She can't hear you." "Harm I can't find her." His voice was now small and quiet. "We will. We'll find both of them. We have to. Tell me your condition Lieutenant." Harm used his title that time, reminding him of who he was, just as he was reminding himself. "Not hurt sir, just scratched," Jeffrey reported. "You?" Harm was at that moment taking stock. "I'm not hurt, except my head is pounding, but I....I'm not able to move either. There's too much stuff all over me. I need for you to move some of this crap off me and then we need to get some help here." "I hope there's help to send." "Mom." Jeffrey's words only increased his distress as he thought of his mother and Frank just a matter of miles away. "Yeah OK, first things first. Get over here and see if you can help get some of this crap off me." "Allison," Jeffrey murmured, Harm's instruction not registering. "Lieutenant," Harm ordered sharply. "You're not the only one suffering here for the woman he loves. Once I'm out of here we'll find them." And somewhere deep within the collapsed building, their quarry groaned and stirred. He was still alive, and he meant to see the people who were pursuing him did not live to bring him back. Jeffrey pulled the debris away from Harm as quickly as he could, finally reaching him a short time later. "All right let's get you out of there," Jeffrey said as he helped Harm to his feet. Harm swayed dizzily and Jeffrey held out an arm to steady him as he surveyed Harm. "Easy. You've got quite a lump on the back of your head. Might be a concussion." "I'll keep" Harm assured him. "Right now we need to find Mac and Allison. They can't be too far from us." "Allison" Jeffrey called. "Allison can you hear me?" They stood there for a moment, listening intently for a reply. Just as Jeffrey was about to open his mouth again, Harm stopped him. "Wait I think I heard something" he whispered as he listened. Sure enough it was a muffled groan coming from a few feet away. "Allison" Jeffrey called anxiously as he and Harm headed in the direction of the groan. "Allison, is that you?" "Harm" The voice was barely audible but Harm knew immediately that it was Mac's. "Mac" he cried as he hurried over, almost tripping over her before he realized she was buried under a pile of rubble. He quickly pulled the debris off of her, letting out a gasp when he felt something warm and sticky at her side. Blood. From a bullet wound. "Oh god, Mac" "I think I forgot to duck" she murmured weakly. "You're going to be okay," Harm said fiercely. "I'm going to get you out of here and you're going to be fine." "Harm, I need to find Allison" Jeffrey's pleading voice reminded Harm that they weren't alone, and that he needed to help the young Lt. But the woman he loved lay bleeding on the floor and the thought of leaving her side for even a second was incomprehensible. "Harm, help him" Mac said as she reached for his hand. He held her hand tightly in his as he fought a battle inside of him. "Mac, I need to get you out of here and to the hospital" Harm whispered. "Harm, I think I hear her," Jeffrey cried anxiously, having continued his search a few yards away. "Allison, its Jeffrey. Can you hear? Please say something." "Go" Mac ordered. "He might need help if she's trapped under something." For a moment he didn't move, the decision between his duty and the woman he loved too great. "I love you" he whispered. "I'll be right back and then we're going to get you out of here. You just hang on, you hear me." "I'll be fine" she tried to reassure him. "Allison" Jeffrey cried as he finally located her. He began to move the debris away and Harm gave Mac's hand one last squeeze before he stood up to go help Jeffrey. He was half between Mac and Jeffrey when the earth rumbled again, a powerful aftershock shaking the land again. "Mac" he screamed as he tried to make it back to her. He'd taken but a step when a piece of the ceiling came crashing down towards him. His attempt to get out of the way fell short and the last thing he remembered was screaming Mac's name as the world darkened around him. Jeffrey was the first to stir again, his first thought on the woman he had been making his way to. He frantically began to move the debris away, finally uncovering her. "Jeffrey" Allison moaned. "Shh, it's okay sweetheart" he soothed. "You're going to be okay." "Harm, Mac" she murmured. "Where are they?" Jeffrey looked over to where he'd last scene Harm, seeing nothing now except the large piece of the ceiling. "I don't know" Jeffrey said fighting a wave of panic that threatened to sweep over him. "Harm was right there." "Oh god, Jeffrey, you have to go find them" Allison cried. "Allison" he started. "That's an order, Lt." she said with as much authority as she could. "Now go." "Allison, I love you" he whispered as he leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. "And as soon as I find Harm and Mac I'm getting you out of here before another aftershock hits and brings this whole building down around us." "I love you too," she said softly. "Now go." He reluctantly left her side, carefully maneuvering his way through the rubble. He finally reached the area where he thought Harm had been, finally seeing him beneath a large piece of the beam that had held up the ceiling. "Harm" Jeffrey said anxiously as he knelt down next to him. There was blood coming from the side of Harm's head where it had impacted with the debris that had already been on the floor. He didn't see any other injuries, with the exception of the beam that lay over Harm's legs. He tried moving it with no success. It was more than he could handle on his own and he knew he was going to have to get help. "Harm" Mac's cry of Harm's name sent him scurrying over to where she was still laying, somehow managing to come away from the aftershock without being anymore injured. "Mac, it's Jeffrey" he said gently as he looked at the wound. "Where's Harm?" she moaned. "He's going to be fine, but I need to go get some help" Jeffrey informed her. "But first let me see what I can do about this wound." He ripped a part of his shirt, wrapping it around her to stop some of the flow of blood. "Jeffrey, where is he?" Mac demanded, grabbing his hand. "He's trapped under some debris," Jeffrey said quietly. "It's too heavy for me to move myself. I'm going to have to go get help." "Oh god" Mac wailed, forgetting her own pain for the moment. "How bad is he hurt?" "I don't know" Jeffrey admitted. "But I promise I'm going to get help and I'm going to get you all out of here." Mac nodded and closed her eyes, tears of pain and frustration sliding down her face. The loss of blood was weakening her and Jeffrey knew he needed to hurry if he was going to get them out alive. "Mac, I'll be back as soon as I can" Jeffrey promised. "Just try and relax. I promise help will be here soon." He hurried back to Allison, who was fighting to stay awake. "Hey, I'm back" he said softly. "You ready to get out of here." "Jeffrey get help without me," Allison said softly. "I'll just hold you up." "Allison I can't leave you" Jeffrey protested. "Don't make me do that." "You have to" Allison said quietly. "How bad are Harm and Mac hurt?" "It's not good. Mac's lost a lot of blood from the gunshot and Harm's pinned underneath a piece of the ceiling beam." "Then you know what you have to do Lt. I'll be here when you get back." He gently pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly for a few seconds. "I'll be back as soon as I can" he whispered when he finally released her. There was silence in the cavernous old building for the next several minutes until Mac forced herself awake. "Harm, can you hear me?" Again silence. "Harm...anyone....can anyone hear me?" For a long minute she held her breath, cold fear seeping through her. She could be the only one alive. The man she loved might be dead a few feet away. "Harm!" This time it was a high pitched scream and it brought him back to consciousness at once. "Mac yeah I'm here. I keep drifting in and out. I'm sorry. Sorry I can't help you. I love you Sarah." "Harm I love you," she replied. "You hang on now. We're going to get out of this. We didn't come three thousand miles to find out what we knew all along just to let it get away from us." "I know. I'm hanging on to that," he sighed. "God Sarah I'd give a lot more than I've got to hold you in my arms right now." "Me too," she smiled slightly. "And when you're next doing that, I'm never ever leaving." "Promise me that," he smiled as well and sobered at once. "Mac how are you? Are you still bleeding?" "I don't know," she sighed softly. "It's all cold and numb there, but at least it doesn't hurt so much." "You stay awake now Marine," he admonished her. "You stay awake and stay with me you hear. We're going to get out of this. We're going to get out of this and when we do I'm going to ask you to..." Silence. "Harm?" Mac forced herself upright, her hand going to her side as pain shot through her with the change of position. "Harm are you OK? Harm? Haaa---rrrmmmm." Allison heard her scream through the fog of her own pain, her chest on fire from being slammed against some debris in the last shock and her head pounding as well. "Mac easy," she called. "He's probably just passed out. He'll be OK. Jeffrey...Jeffrey see if you can get him..." It was then that she remembered Jeffrey had gone for help and a sob of anguish slipped from her. "Allison, ssshhh," Mac urged. "He went for help right?" "Yeah," she sobbed again. "Mac he told me he loved me." Mac smiled despite everything. "Like you didn't know that?" "I...I did but I didn't want to...I wanted him to but I didn't...I was afraid. And I'm not making any sense here." "You are to me," she sighed. "I've been there--five years worth. Did you say it back?" "Yes," she whispered, her voice growing weaker. "Then it will be fine," Mac assured her. "He'll be back with the cavalry and we'll get out of here." "I hope so," Allison whispered again and she was silent. Mac fell back on to the debris, the pain in her side minor compared to the longing to be with Harm. Finally she could stand it no longer and she pulled herself upright once again. Knowing better than to try to stand, she began to drag herself in the direction she had last heard his voice. A large beam blocked her path and she remembered dimly that Jeffrey had said he was trapped by one. "Harm?" She began to pull herself over it and her outstretched hands touched a face with which she was more familiar than her own. "Harm it's me. Harm?" She pulled herself closer, ignoring the pain that was once again shooting through her side and down her leg, until she was partially lying on his chest, her fingers stroking each side of his face. Heaven. He was in heaven his mind decided. He had died and was being welcomed into heaven by an angel. An angel who was softly calling his name in a tearful voice, begging him to open his eyes. When he did so, it was to meet hers, now dark with pain and misery. "Mac?" "None other sailor," she whispered, her voice shaking with relief that he could speak. "You hang in there you hear. You're going to be OK." "How did you...No Mac--you should be keeping still. You're moving is only going to make you bleed more." "I'm not going anywhere else," she sighed, slipping her arms beneath his chest as best she could and still keep most of her weight off him. "You wanted me in your arms. Now you've got me." "Oh yeah, oh yeah," he breathed, trying to embrace her as well. "If we don't...if we don't get out of here. Please know....know that I love you and that I have since...so far back I can't remember." "You had me from hello," Mac sighed, resting her head on his shoulder. "And earlier you were about to say you were going to ask me something when we get out of this. Why don't you go ahead and ask me now. I've got nothing but time." She nuzzled further into his shoulder, letting her lips lightly brush his neck and he smiled slightly. "OK. Marry me Sarah. I love you. Marry me. Marry me and lets have that baby we talked about." His eyes met hers in silent pleading. "Harmon Rabb are you proposing?" She laughed despite her pain, her fingertips lightly touching his lips. "Sounded like that to me," Allison called softly. "Harm you're dead meat. You've got an eye...er--ear...witness." "Thank you," Harm responded. "Because I don't want her denying it later." "She doesn't intend to," Mac whispered and placed a soft kiss on his lips. "She doesn't intend to. Of course I'll marry you Flyboy. Marry you and have our baby." "Well that was a touching scene." The voice came from above and Mac strained her eyes to see. Hanging over what was left of a third floor storage area was the man whom they had chased in there, his gun leveled at her back. Harm saw him too and with all his strength rolled Mac off him, trying to cover as much of her as he could. But she would have none of that, fighting her way back to where she was. "Touching just like I said," the fugitive roared. "Leave them alone," Allison shouted as loud as she could. "Leave them alone you bastard." "Big talk from someone not in shape to do much about it." He swung around in her direction, this time aiming down at her. "Anyone have a last prayer?" As if God in heaven was listening, the ground shook and rolled for the third time. A shot rang out and then there was a sharp scream of fear from the third level, and a second later Thomas Kincaid was dumped from his precarious perch. He fell thirty feet, dying instantly when a steel rod impaled his chest, piercing his aorta, his scream still on his lips. Mac and Harm held tightly to each other, riding out the aftershock, with Harm covering Mac's head with his hands, trying to protect her from what fell around them. "Mac you OK?" he demanded anxiously as soon as the roar stopped. "Talk to me Mac." "I'm OK," she whispered, her voice growing weaker. "I need to sleep." "No you don't Ninja girl, no you don't." Harm gave her a light shake, "you open those eyes now." "Trying," she whispered, and taking a closer look at him, added, "I could say the same for you. You look like you're going out on me." "I'm here," he sighed, making a huge effort to stay conscious. "Allison---Allison you're still with us right?" "Harm I think...I think I'm shot," she stammered in fright, bringing her hand up, a hand covered with blood. It was that news which greeted Jeffrey as he arrived with help. "Allison" Jeffrey screamed as he hurried to her side, several emergency personnel right behind him. "Where are you hit?" "My leg" she whispered. "Hang on" Jeffrey pleaded as he held her hand tightly. "Please hang on. We're going to get you out of here and you're going to be fine." "Mac, honey help is here" Harm whispered. There was no response and he gently shook her. "Mac" he cried. "Calm down sir" one of the medics said as he knelt down next to Mac. "We're going to take good care of her and get you out of there real quick. I'm Rick and that's my partner Jen." "Please take care of her first" Harm pleaded as he fought to stay conscious. "She's been shot." "Yeah I see" Jen replied grimly as she looked over Mac's wound. "Rick can you lift her out of there? We're not going to be able to get a stretcher any closer than the door and she needs to move now." Rick nodded and gently lifted Mac off of Harm, carefully carrying her out of the building to the stretcher waiting outside, Jen right behind him. Allison had just been brought out as well, Jeffrey's hand still wrapped tightly around hers as he followed beside her. "Harm" Mac moaned as she realized he was no longer beside her. "Harm." "He's going to be just fine" Jen said softly. "They'll have him out of there in a few minutes. But right now we need to get you to the hospital first. I promise we'll take good care of him. Now just relax and let us take care of everything." Mac nodded and closed her eyes again, letting the darkness swallow her again. She was loaded into the waiting ambulance and the medics turned to load Allison. "Jeffrey, did they get Harm out?" Allison whispered. "Not yet" Jeffrey replied. "They wanted to get you and Mac out first. " "Jeffrey, you need to stay with him" "Allison, I can't leave you" Jeffrey screeched. "Lt., that's an order" Allison replied. "I'm being taken care of and you need to make sure that Harm is okay." "Yes ma'am" Jeffrey said quietly. "I love you." "I love you too" she whispered. He nodded to the medics and they loaded her into the ambulance. He waited until the door closed before heading back inside where Rick and another medic were attempting to move the beam from Harm. "Lt., I think we're going to need some help," Rick said motioning for Jeffrey to come over. "He's unconscious and you're going to have to pull him out when we lift it off." Jeffrey nodded and positioned himself behind Harm. As soon as the other two men raised the beam, Jeffrey slid Harm out from under the beam. "Okay, let's get out of here" Rick ordered. "This place isn't going to hold if there's another aftershock." "Who's the other guy?" the other medic asked as he and Rick carried Harm out of the building. "That must be the stalker they were chasing" Jeffrey replied. "Is he dead?" "Very" Harm was quickly loaded into the second ambulance that had arrived and Jeffrey climbed in with him. It was a short ride to the base hospital, which fortunately had withstood the quake better than the old warehouse had. Once Harm was rushed off to one of the examination rooms, Jeffrey headed off to find word on Allison and Mac. "Both in surgery" he was told. He sank down in one of the chairs, ignoring the bustle around him as injured personnel from the base continued to be brought in. He couldn't lose Allison now that he'd told her how he felt. He wasn't sure how long he'd been sitting there when one of the nurses came up to him. "Lt., did you come in with Commander Rabb?" she asked. "Yes, is he okay?" Jeffrey demanded. "He's a little distraught right now" the nurse sighed. "Yelling for someone called Mac." "His partner Sarah Mackenzie" Jeffrey sighed. "Do you have any word on her yet?" "Still in surgery" the nurse replied. "Do you think you can try and calm him a little? He's got a serious concussion and he needs to relax." A few minutes later Jeffrey stepped into Harm's room. "Jeffrey, thank god" Harm cried as he tried to sit up. "They won't tell me anything about Mac. I need to know how she is." "Harm, easy" Jeffrey said as he pushed Harm back against the pillows. "She's still in surgery. As soon as I know more I promise I'll tell you. But in the meantime, you need to relax and take it easy." Harm leaned back and closed his eyes for all of two seconds before they flew open again and he nearly jumped off the gurney. "Mom" he cried. "Jeffrey, I have to make sure mom is okay. Where's a phone?" "Harm, you're in no condition to move anywhere," Jeffrey said forcing him back down again. "What's the number?" Jeffrey asked. "I'll see if I can find a phone to use." Harm gave him the number and Jeffery headed off to find a phone. He finally persuaded one of the nurses to let him use one and he dialed the number Harm had given him. He tried several times, letting it ring for several minutes each time. "Harm, I'm sorry, there was no answer" Jeffrey told him a few minutes later. "But that doesn't mean something happened to her." "I have to find her" Harm whispered, fearing the worst. "She could be lying somewhere hurt or worse." He closed his eyes to block back the tears that threatened and Jeffrey patted his hand gently. "I'll keep trying" Jeffrey said quietly. "And I'll see how Mac and Allison are doing" "Oh god, Jeffrey, I'm sorry" Harm cried, suddenly remembering that Allison had been shot. "I'm sitting here going on and I didn't even think about how you're feeling." "It's okay," Jeffrey said giving Harm a small smile. "Allison's going to be okay. She was shot in the leg. Not that I like that fact but it's better than what could have happened." "Did you ever get around to telling her how you feel?" "Yes" Jeffrey smiled. "And you know what.." "She feels the same way" Harm smiled. "Gee, like I'm real surprised. You two belong together you know." "That we do" Jeffrey grinned. "You rest and I'll go see if I can find your mom and then I'll check on Mac and Allison again." "Thanks, Jeffrey" Harm sighed as he closed his eyes, opening them a second later. "By the way, you handled yourself pretty well today, Lt. We all owe you for getting us out of there." "Thank you Commander" Jeffrey said quietly. "It wasn't easy to leave Allison. I don't know how I'm going to deal with my feeling for her when it comes to situations like that." "If it's any consolation, I don't know how I'm going to do it either" Harm smiled. "Get some rest" Jeffrey ordered. "I'll be back in a little bit." Jeffrey returned to the surgical wing, haunting the halls until nurse took pity on him. "OK, Lieutenant, if any one asks you how you got in, you don't know me and you never knew me, but your friend is awake and needs you." "Allison," he gasped, hurrying after the nurse. "Jeffrey?" Before he reached her bed he heard her calling his name and a second later he was at her side, holding her hand to his lips. He smiled and placed a small kiss in her palm. "I love you Allison Rogers. And I'm not going to stop saying that, not unless you tell me those feelings aren't wanted--or returned." "Don't hold your breath Lieutenant Delorma," she sighed, her voice barely audible. "I've been waiting a long year to hear those words, and to tell you that I feel the same." His sigh of relief was long and loud, and he released her hand long enough to lean down to hug her gently. "How are you, really? Pain?" "Not with what they're giving me," she smiled. "In fact I'm floating thank you." Her hand touched his face, bearing the scratches from their experience. "Are you OK?" "Just sore," he smiled. "Sore and scared at first. Now just sore and tired. I had to know you were OK. All I could think of was that it took us this long to be honest with each other, and now I might never get the chance to...and then I thought, well at least we'll die knowing the truth." "The truth is I love you," she smiled and closed her eyes, only to open them again almost at once. "Jeffrey, Harm and Mac?" "Harm has a bad concussion and they're trying to keep him calm but you know the only thing that's going to calm him is to have Mac in the next bed, her hand in his," Jeffrey sighed. "And she's in surgery and I can't find out any information. I was damn lucky they let me see you. I told Harm I'd be back to check on him, but I was hoping I'd be able to bring him some news about Mac." "Go on back with him. I'm fine," she whispered. "I just want to sleep." "No." He shook his head firmly. "I'm staying with you for a while. Harm's OK. He's being watched real closely because of his head." He reached up and stroked her forehead, his hand trailing back into her hair. "Sleep honey. I'm right here." ============================== "R-A-B-B," the older woman at the desk spelled for the third time. "Commander Harmon David Rabb." "Your his wife?" "Mother," Trish answered with exaggerated patience. "Mother, but thank you. I'd like to be shown to his room now." "Yes ma'am." The young ensign got immediately to his feet. "Follow me please." The sight that greeted her was not what she expected by any stretch of the imagination. She was prepared to see her son lying in bed, knew there would be IVs and monitors, and she was not disappointed. What she did not expect was to find him partly turned on his side, crying into his pillow. "Harm what could possibly be so bad?" Trish gasped, hurrying to him. "Mom...oh Mom," he yelped, trying to throw himself from the bed into her arms the second he saw her, lifting his arms to be held as he did when he was a small boy. "Sssh I've got you," Trish soothed, pressing her cheek to his and feeling the wetness of his tears. "I've got you. Now tell me why you're crying. Son I don't believe I've seen you cry since...." She paused and her hand flew to her mouth. "Oh my god, it's Mac? Son, she's not..?" "Mom I don't know," he gasped. "I can't find out anything but she's in surgery, and if that wasn't enough I was so scared for you. You and Frank though you're OK?" "We're fine. Frank called me from Escondido where he is today and he's OK. I was pretty scared but I'm fine. The house is still standing, and we'll get the broken dishes cleaned up eventually. But it's you I'm concerned about. And Mac. You have a concussion is what they told me on the phone after I threatened to call my congressman." "Yeah which is just a fancy word for giant headache," he sighed. "They want me to rest, like I could without knowing you were OK, and about Mac." "Yes Mac," she gasped. "She's in surgery? What happened to her? She was hurt that bad in the quake?" "No mom she was shot," he got out before a fresh batch of sobs choked off his words. "Oh God Harm I'm so sorry," Trish gasped in horror. "I had no idea that you two got into that sort of danger. Where was she hurt?" "Her side Mom. She lost a lot of blood. She was already hurt from the stuff that fell in on us. We were chasing this guy. He ran into an old rotted building they don't use any more and we were all inside. And he shot her Mom. It was awful. She needed me and I couldn't get to her." More tears. Trish gathered him into her arms like she did when he was little, stroking the back of his hair and murmuring it would be OK. This was not a naval officer, former aviator, in her arms but her son, and she was comforting him as she would a small child. "Harm I'm sure with your head injury you're supposed to be a lot more calm," she chided him gently. "I'm sure Mac is getting the best of care and that they'll tell you as soon as they know something." "Or maybe she's dead Mom. Maybe she's dead and they're notifying next of kin through channels and no one here knows I love her." Another sob wracked his body and his stomach began to heave as well. "Harmon you have got to stop this," Trish scolded, trying to hold him and the basin at the same time. "You know you're making yourself worse." "No I'm fine--at least I would be if I could see Mac," he gasped, the grimace across his face telling his mother he was anything but as pain roared through his head. "If you promise you'll calm down I promise I'll find out about her," Trish told him, placing him back on his pillow. "I'm going to also send the nurse in to give you something." "Mom please no, please. I don't want to sleep. I have to know how she is." His pleading eyes melted her heart and she smiled as if she was giving in to a request for ice cream. She kissed his forehead, pulling the covers up around him. "Still and quiet mister." With that admonishment, she strode briskly back to the desk and confronted the same young ensign. "Listen up. Somewhere in this hospital, probably in the surgical area, there is a Sarah Mackenzie. I want to know where she is, what her condition is, and when my son and I may expect to be able to see her. Questions?" "No ma'am," he stammered, already typing the name into his computer. "Ms. Mackenzie was just brought into recovery" the ensign replied. "Her condition is listed as stable." "And when can we see her?" Trish prodded. "Um, I'll have to find that out" the young man replied. "Please wait here." When the ensign returned, it was with the doctor in tow. "I'm Captain McMillan," he said to Trish. "You were waiting for word on Ms. Mackenzie." "Yes, I'm Trish Burnett. How is she?" Trish asked anxiously. "Well, she lost a lot of blood" Captain McMillan replied. "They got her here just in time." "Is she going to be okay?" She held her breath as she waited for his answer, praying she wasn't going to have to tell her son that she wasn't. "She's not going to be doing any marathons any time soon" Captain McMillan smiled. "But I'm cautiously optimistic that she'll be fine. We're going to keep a close eye on her and make sure there's no post op complications." "When can I take my son to see her?" Trish asked. "And who is your son?" "Commander Harmon Rabb" Trish replied. "Please, he needs to see her. They're partners and well, they're very close. He's just making himself sick worrying about her and that's not helping him any." "Oh yes, Commander Rabb, the one with the concussion" the doctor nodded. "He's supposed to be resting." "Captain McMillan, he's not going to rest until he sees her" Trish smiled. "If anything, he's just going to get more agitated that he can't see her. Which he doesn't need right now." "No, he doesn't" he agreed. "Fine, I'll arrange for him to be allowed to see her in the recovery room. But only for a little bit. That concussion is nothing to be taken lightly and he should be resting." "I'll make sure he does that after he sees her" Trish promised the doctor. "And if it's okay with you, I'd like to go with him to see Mac." "Of course. I'll have the ensign bring a wheelchair down to his room." "Mom" Harm asked anxiously when Trish returned to his room a few seconds later. "She's out of surgery and you're going to be able to see her in a few minutes" Trish said gently. "But after that you have to promise that you'll come back here and rest." "She's going to be okay?" Harm whispered. "The doctor thinks she'll be fine" Trish assured him. "Course she's looking at a bit of a recovery. But the important thing is she's out of surgery and expected to be fine." The ensign appeared with the wheelchair and Trish helped Harm from the bed and into it. A few minutes later Trish wheeled him into Mac's recovery room. He gasped at the sight of her so pale and still on the bed. "Mom, is she really going to be okay?" he whispered as he reached for Mac's hand, wrapping it between his. "Commander, she's done pretty well so far" Captain McMillan answered as he entered the room. "Considering how long it took to get her to the OR after the gunshot, she's done extremely well. If it had been any longer I'm not sure we'd be looking at the same prognosis." "I almost did lose her" Harm whispered and Trish put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Yes but you didn't" she said gently. "So don't even start thinking about what could have happened." He nodded and gently brought Mac's hand to his lips, kissing it softly. "I love you Sarah. You're going to be just fine." "Love you" was the mumbled reply from Mac as she slowly fought her way out of the fog of medication. It took a few seconds, but she finally managed to force her eyes open, looking around to see where she was. The last thing she'd remembered was hearing Harm to call her that help had arrived, but she'd been unable to answer him. "Hey sweetheart" he said softly as he leaned closer to her. "You're at the base hospital and you're going to be just fine." "Are you okay?" she whispered. "I'm fine," he said giving her his trademark smile. "It's you I'm concerned about right now. You almost didn't make it here in time." "Allison?" Harm looked back at Captain McMillan for help, having no idea what her condition was. "We removed the bullet from Commander Rogers leg and she's doing fine" Captain McMillan assured him. "She's being well taken care of by a certain Lt. right now. And now I'm going to make my rounds. Mrs. Burnett I'm trusting you to make sure that the Commander is returned to his room shortly." "Yes Captain" Trish assured him as he walked out. "You said you were okay" Mac frowned as she processed Captain McMillan's words. "Why does he want you back in your room." Seeing no reply coming from Harm, she looked to Trish for answers. "He's got a concussion" Trish replied. "The doctor just wants him to rest for a little bit to make sure there's no other problems." "I'm fine" Harm added. "I don't want you to worry about me. Right now the only thing you should are to be concerned with is getting better." "So you're not okay," Mac said anxiously. "Harm you should be resting." "Mac, I'm going to make sure he does what the doctor say" Trish reassured her. "Like Harm said, you just worry about taking care of yourself right now." "Thank you" Mac sighed as she fought to stay awake; her eyes drifting shut again. "You rest" Harm said softly. "I love you Sarah." He stayed at her side until she was asleep again. "Okay, time for you to go back to your room" Trish announced. He started to open his mouth to protest and she shot him a warning glare. "Harmon Rabb, you promised you would go back and rest after you saw Mac." "Mom, I don't want to leave her" Harm wailed. "Harmon" Trish said sternly. "You need to rest. Mac is going to sleep for the next few hours anyway. And you should do the same." "Yes ma'am" he said softly. "Harm, she's going to be okay," Trish said gently as she wheeled him out of the room. "And I think once she's released from the hospital you two should come and spend some time with me. Mac's going to need a couple of weeks to recoup and this is as good a place as any." "That would be good," Harm said thoughtfully. "I just want her to heal, and her and I to...well you know." "I know very well," Trish smiled. "Now into that bed mister. You've got healing of your own to do." He was just getting settled when Jeffrey appeared at the door. "Oh excuse me, Harm....uh Commander. I didn't know you had company. I'll come back." Trish turned and smiled at the young man. "Please come in. Harm is just resting. You can entertain him." She held out her hand and smiled again. "Trish Burnett, Harm's mom." "Ma'am" Jeffrey grinned. "Harm was concerned about you big time. I'm glad you're OK." "Mom this is Jeffrey Delorma. He and his partner were working on the case with us. She was hurt too, and we all probably if it ever gets sorted out, owe our lives to this man." "My pleasure," he grinned. "Harm how's Mac?" "She's OK, thank God. Not great, but OK. They said her blood loss was pretty bad, and that they're watching for complications. They let me in to see her, and I'm going back asap. Allison?" "Sleeping. Her leg isn't too bad, just some blood loss there too," Jeffrey sighed and Trish smiled. "Someone you care a lot about I can tell." "Yes ma'am," he admitted. "A whole helluva lo....excuse me ma'am." "Son I was married to a sailor, and my son is a sailor. I doubt very seriously there's anything you can say that I haven't heard---or would be shocked by. Now let me guess, you're in love with your partner. Funny, that doesn't sound odd to me at all." "Yes ma'am, for a long time--but it took all this happening to bring it out where we could confront it." "Tell me about it," Harm groaned. "So Jeffrey your partner is looking at some recovery time too?" Trish asked. "Yes ma'am. I'm not sure how that's going to work because she and I live in the BOQ and there's steps and long halls and nothing but walking like for food and..." "And so you and she will come stay with me and Harm and Mac," Trish said firmly. "Oh ma'am no. We couldn't do that to you," Jeffrey gasped. "Of course you could," she smiled. "I've got a big house with a bunch of empty rooms, and a staff that can help out. It's on the beach, and I'd love an excuse to close the gallery for a week and just stay home and enjoy people I like instead of people I have to be nice to." "Sounds settled to me," Harm murmured, closing his eyes as the medication brought with it the desire to sleep. "Jeffrey when she uses that tone, you're dead meat." Trish kissed his forehead and took Jeffrey's arm. "Come on son, you can buy me a cup of coffee and tell me about Allison." ============================================= The lights in the hospital corridors were dimmed for the night and it was quiet everywhere. Harm had been sleeping off and on. He vaguely remembered dinner with Jeffrey and his mom, and Trish telling him that she had checked on Mac who was still sleeping and doing well according to the doctor Trish had accosted. Trish had left to go back to LaJolla, and Jeffrey was in Allison's room. Now Harm was awakened from one of his cat naps with an overwhelming need to see Mac, to know she was all right, and to tell her he loved her. Moreover, some inner sense was telling him that she needed him. Having found her room number from Trish, he padded silently down the hall, his socked feet making no noise. As he opened her door, he knew at once his instinct had been right, for she was moaning softly and as soon as he was inside the room he could hear her crying quietly. "Sarah?" His heart wrenched sharply at her tears and he quickly was at her bedside. "Sarah I'm here, what's wrong. You need something?" "You," she sobbed softly. "You but they won't let me go to you." "Huh?" Swiftly he lifted her hand to his lips, kissing the palm. "Sarah I'm here. You don't have to go anywhere. I've come to you." Her breath sucked in sharply and with her arms opened wide she all but leaped toward him, forcing him to catch her and lower her gently back to her pillow. Even then she did not release him, holding him fast to her, bringing him down with her. "They wouldn't let me see you," she repeated. "And I started to get scared that something was wrong. I know you were hurt. Hurt worse that you'd let on. You shouldn't even be here now but I'm sure glad you are." "And not going anywhere. I am now officially UA from my bed," he smiled and his arms slipped beneath her, hugging her tightly first and then moving her over. "Harm what are you doing?" "This," he smiled and in the empty space he carefully lay down, helping her to turn onto her non injured side and press her back to his chest. "Now I think we can both sleep. I love you." "Love you," she whispered, feeling a huge sense of comfort come over her. "Love you." That same comfort overtook him, and very shortly they were both sleeping soundly. **************************************************** Two Days Later "Your release papers are on the way" Harm smiled as he breezed into Mac's room. She was already dressed and sitting in the chair, anxious to get out of the hospital. "And mom is out front with the car." "Thank you" she sighed. "What about Jeffrey and Allison?" "Jeffrey is helping Allison into the car as we speak" "It was real nice of your mom to invite all of us to stay" Mac smiled. "Well you need a some time off and as long as we're here, it just made sense" Harm replied. "And I think Jeffrey and Allison are looking forward to some connection time after what happened." "Okay, Colonel" the nurse said a few minutes later. "You're all set." "You heard the lady" Mac grinned as she stood up. "Take me home sailor." By the time they arrived in La Jolla, both Mac and Allison had fallen asleep. Trish directed Jeffrey to the guest room while Harm took Mac to his bedroom. She stirred when he gently placed her on the bed, opening her eyes briefly to look at him. "Sorry, didn't mean to fall asleep on you" Mac murmured. "You're still recovering remember" Harm said softly. "You just rest. I'll be back later." He placed a kiss on her forehead as her eyes closed once again. "I love you." They spent the next three days healing in the sun, both couples enjoying the chance to be together. The long days were spent with Mac and Allison relaxing on the deck while Harm and Jeffrey spent some time on the beach and in the water. On this particular afternoon, Harm and Jeffrey had just headed down to the beach again for a swim while Mac and Allison lounged on the deck, sipping lemonade with Trish. "Mrs. Burnett, there's a young lady here to see Mr. Rabb" one of the servants announced. "A Ms. Peterson." "Hello Mrs. Burnett" Renee said as she stepped out onto the deck. "Mac." "Renee" Mac said as she gingerly pulled herself out of the lounger. "Uh, Harm is down on the beach if you want to talk to him." "Thanks" Renee said quietly as she started towards the steps that lead to the beach. She stopped just before she reached the steps, turning around to face Mac again. "I hope you love Harm as much as he loves you." "I do" Mac said softly and Renee nodded before heading down to the beach. "Let me guess, Harm's ex-girlfriend" Allison asked. "Yes" Mac sighed, wondering why Renee had come out to see Harm. A wave of insecurity swept over her, wondering how Harm was going to react when he saw Renee. "Mac, he loves you" Trish said reading her mind. "Don't even think otherwise." Harm and Jeffrey were just making their way out of the water when Harm saw Renee coming towards them. "Someone you know?" Jeffrey asked and Harm nodded. "Hello Harm" Renee said quietly. "Renee" "Uh, I'm going to go check on Allison" Jeffrey said as he realized who this was. He gave Renee a brief nod before heading up to the deck. "I never heard from you" Renee said quietly. "I heard about the earthquake on the news and I never got one phone call to let me know you were okay." "Renee, I'm sorry. I didn't even think.." "I know. Your mind was occupied elsewhere. I called the Admiral. He told me about what had happened. How Mac had gotten shot and how you'd been trapped in the building. It's okay Harm. When you left on this investigation, I knew it was over. I guess you and Mac finally were able to tell each other how you really felt." "Yes we did. And I'm sorry. For a lot of things." "It's not all your fault" Renee sighed. "The writing was on the wall for a long time. I just didn't want to see it. I thought that I could make you love me. But your heart has always belonged to her. I've known that from the beginning and I tried to ignore it." "I should have been honest with you" Harm said quietly. "Harm, you couldn't even be honest with yourself" Renee smiled. "How could you be honest with me when you weren't being honest with yourself. I knew you loved her. That it was just a matter of time before you realized it. I'd hoped that Mac would be married by then and it would be too late. But I guess something happened to change that." "Mic called off the wedding" Harm replied. "Guess he realized it was a losing battle" Renee said softly. "Anyway, the reason I'm here is because I'm on my way to LA and I figured I'd stop by and say goodbye." "You're moving to LA?" "Yeah, DC has lost its appeal. And I was offered this great job that's too good to pass up." "Congratulations. I hope this works out for you." "Me too" Renee smiled. "And I hope you and Mac will be happy. All I ever wanted was for you to be happy. I was hoping I was the person who could do that.." "I never meant to hurt you" Harm said softly. "It's okay Harm. I'll get over it. Really. You're not the only sailor out there." She blinked back a few tears and Harm stepped forward and gave her a hug. "Goodbye Renee" "Goodbye Harm" Renee whispered before pulling out of his arms and walking away. He stood there at the edge of the water, watching her walk back up to the house. He felt a twinge of guilt as he watched her go, knowing he should never have let it go that far. With a sigh he sat down in the sand, looking out at the ocean. "You okay sailor?" The sound of Mac's voice a few minutes later startled him and he turned around, surprised to see her. She sat down in the sand next to him and he reached for her hand. "What are you doing down here?" "I thought you might want to talk. Renee looked pretty upset when she left." "Well the truth isn't always a pretty thing" Harm sighed. "Mac, I should have told her a long time ago how I really felt. I've been leading her on for the past year." "In your defense she allowed herself to be lead" Mac said quietly. "But yes, you could have been honest sooner. But considering I was engaged to a man I didn't love for six months, I really can't say much." "I know" Harm said quietly. "Are you upset it's over with her?" "NO" Harm shouted. "Mac, you are the only one I want to be with. I never loved Renee. You know that." "Just checking" Mac smiled as she leaned her head against his shoulder. "And I love you too. Very much." ============================================== That evening found them sitting in the den, enjoying a movie on the big screen TV. When it was over, Harm rose slowly, stretching the stiffness, and then leaned down to drop a light kiss on the top of Mac's head. "I'm going to take a ten minute run up the beach and back," he announced, patting his midriff. "Mom if we stay here much longer I'm going to be cashiered out as being obese." "Don't be long," Mac begged with a smile. "I'm pretty used to having you." "Just need some air," he smiled as well. "That was odd," Trish remarked when he was gone. "But then I guess I don't know him too well these days. Don't see enough of him." She looked at Mac intently. "I hope you'll make him come out here more often." "Harm is pretty impossible to make do anything," she smiled. "Right now though I suspect he does just need a little space. I'm not concerned." That non-concern lasted for the ten minutes, and began to increase when he still had not returned. After twenty, it was Trish who spotted him on the deck, leaning on the rail as he watched the ocean crash beyond. "And there would be your sailor Sarah," she smiled and Mac let out a sigh of relief. "You all keep your seats and start the next movie. I need a couple words with him." With a slight detour to her bedroom, she stepped out onto the deck, taking in a deep breath of sea air. "You appreciating our view," she called. "Oh yeah," he smiled. "Right now, everything I knew seems all so far away. DC seems like another lifetime. Anything that happened before I nearly lost her mom---anything before that seems another lifetime." "Well I could say something really lame here about rebirth," she smiled, "but I'll leave that to the greeting card writers. What I do want to do is tell you a story. There was once upon a time a handsome Naval Cadet named Harmon Rabb. And there was a girl named Patricia Marie whom he had known for a long time through high school. One day he went far away, to a place called Annapolis. During the time he was gone they wrote and called, but there were also other people in their lives. And then there was the summer of 1961 when he was home on leave. It was a magical summer, the last one before his senior year. What they found that summer would last them the years they were permitted to be together. And that Christmas, he put a ring on her finger and promised to make her his bride in June." She took Harm's hand and slipped a diamond engagement ring onto his pinkie. "Patricia wore that ring from that Christmas Eve until the day Mr. Frank Burnett promised she would no longer be lonely." She closed her son's hand around the ring before going on. "I think your father would like very much if you used it to show the same love he showed me. When you're ready of course. Sometimes we have to let go." Harm drew his breath in painfully at those words, his mind painting the picture of Eternity Bridge and how at that moment in time his life took another leap in a long downhill spiral. "Thanks Mom," he smiled and opened his hand to admire the ring, now sparkling in the moonlight. "You're very welcome," she smiled as well and kissed his cheek, turning to go inside. "Mom." His called stopped her with her hand on the doorknob. "Would you mind asking Sarah to come out here. I need to talk to her---about letting go." THE END