"Good morning, Colonel."

Mac looked up from the coffeepot and smiled as Harm joined her. "Good morning. Want a refill?" she asked, holding the pot out.

Harm lifted his cup and she filled it before returning the glass carafe to its stand.

"Are you ready for this morning?" he asked her quietly as they turned toward her office.

"As ready as I'll ever be. You?"

He flashed her that flyboy grin that always melted her knees. "Affirmative."

"And you're not nervous?" she teased. "This is one of the biggest cases we've ever tried."

"Nah, piece of cake," he grinned.

"Since you two are smiling I take it that means you're all set for court?"

They both turned as Admiral Chegwidden joined them.

"Good morning, sir," Harm greeted. "We were just discussing the trial, as a matter of fact. The Colonel is nervous," he teased.

Mac shot him a speaking glance then smiled at the Admiral. "I asked if he were nervous, sir, and good morning to you," she answered.

A.J. simply looked between them. "I have every faith in both of you. Lieutenant Duren will get what he deserves. It's been interesting to see how much old news the media has pulled up in light of this case. Pictures of the Branch Davidian compound and the incident at Ruby Ridge have flashed all over the TV this week," he stated.

"Doesn't seem to matter that they weren't even military issues," Mac remarked, taking a sip of her coffee.

"But they were radicals all the same just like Duren's militia group," Harm answered.

"Go at him with everything you've got," A.J. ordered quietly. "I don't want him getting away for any reason."

"Aye, sir," Harm nodded.

"Well, well, good to see you two looking so cheerful about this hearing."

Harm, Mac and the Admiral turned to see Clayton Webb crossing the bullpen.

"Morning, Webb," Mac greeted.

"Cheerful about putting away a spy who spearheaded his own militia to get back at the US? Whatever gave you the idea we'd be cheerful about that?"

Webb smirked. "Just a guess. You're practically frothing at the mouth."

"Funny, Webb," Harm answered. "Just as funny as the fact that you must be here to watch him get his dues."

"You got it, Commander. Colonel, how do you manage with this rapier wit of his?" Webb shot back.

Mac glanced at Harm. "I have my ways."

A.J. crossed his arms over his chest. "When the three of you are done practicing your comedy routine, I'll see you before you head for court."

The crowd gathered in the courthouse for the trial was already nearing its capacity by the time they arrived. Harm and Mac took their seats at the table. Webb got a phone call just as they were coming in but he promised he'd slip in as soon as he was done. Harm and Mac didn’t wait long before two MPs brought Lieutenant James Duren into the packed courtroom and put him at the defense table with his attorneys – two slick civilians he hoped would get him farther than military channels.

Captain George Forshay came in from his chambers and took his seat on the bench, his solemn gaze taking in the courtroom filled with witnesses, reporters, and the many others who’d been allowed in. The courtroom doors were locked against the crowd of people gathered beyond, but not of their voices, which could be heard by everyone inside.

"Commander Rabb, Colonel MacKenzie, are you ready to proceed?"

"Yes, sir," came the affirmative answer from Harm.

"Then let’s get this trial underway," Captain Forshay stated. "Commander Rabb, you have the floor."

"I’m sorry, Captain, but I’m afraid that won’t be necessary."

Harm and Mac swung in their seats at the sound of Duren's voice and found him and the two men who'd been seated behind him holding guns on the courtroom crowd. Pandemonium erupted instantly. People scattered, looking for cover from the sight of multiple weapons and generally making the whole room a confusing mess. Amid screams from several of the women present, guns became to appear in every direction. A spray of gunfire belched, etching a trail of holes in the walls and dropping the two MPs who escorted Duren in from the brig. Silence dropped immediately when the smell of death permeated everyone’s senses. It all happened so fast that everyone froze, afraid of what would happen next.

"What the hell is going on?" A.J. called to Tiner as he ran out of his office.

"I don't know, sir. Someone said there was gunfire in the courtroom," Tiner answered.

"Admiral, something has happened down in the courtroom. I think Duren's got them hostage."

"Webb, I thought you were in there with them?" A.J. asked.

"I had to take a phone call just before we went in. I was outside when the shooting started," Webb answered as they hurried to the stairs.

"That was the one and only warning you’re going to get, so I suggest you do exactly as we tell you," Duren stated in the quiet.

In a matter of moments they'd collected all the MP weapons and herded everyone to one side of the room.

"How touching that so many of you came to see me today," he sneered. "Sorry to disappoint you but there isn’t going to be a trial for me today. He strolled over to where Harm and Mac stood and reached out to touch her cheek. "I'm sorry I won't have the pleasure of watching you try the case."

Mac jerked away from his touch, knocking his hand away. Harm stepped forward and reached for the younger man's collar. In a flash, Duren’s men had Harm and a gun was shoved against the fleshy part of his cheek.

Duren laughed. "Nice to see you still have your hair-trigger reflexes, Commander. Careful it doesn't get you in trouble. You might end up getting yourself killed and I’m sure the Colonel wouldn't like that." He reached for Mac again, grabbing her arm in a punishing grip when she tried to sidestep him. Duren jerked her close and stared coldly at her. "Behave," he ordered. "You might be next."

They let Harm go and the three men walked across the room. Harm pressed a hand to her back on silent comfort.

"What do we do now?" she whispered.

"We can't do anything until we know what he has planned," Harm answered, his eyes on Duren.

The phone on the defense table rang and Duren picked it up. "Admiral Chegwidden, good to hear from you! I see you found out we decided not to have a trial here today. I'm having a good visit with Colonel MacKenzie and Commander Rabb right now."

"Give it up, Lieutenant. You know there's no way you'll get out of this building," A.J. stated flatly.

"Listen up, Admiral, if you don’t want anyone else in here to die. It is now nine-thirty. You have until five o’clock to get two helicopters here along with one million dollars in unmarked bills. Also, I want three men who were arrested on the conspiracy charges released and brought with the helicopters. You have until five, Admiral Chegwidden, or I begin killing one person every ten minutes until you meet my demands. And you know that I'll do it."

A chill washed over Mac at his calculating words. There were at least fifty people in the room.

"You can’t just take all of us prisoner like this and start killing!"

This new outburst came from a well-groomed man in a suit at the end of the huddled crowd. He was glaring murderously at Duren, his hands clutching a briefcase.

"Sir, I suggest you shut your mouth," Duren answered flatly.

"I will not! You’re a murdering bastard, Duren. You and those other men deserve everything you've got coming to you and more!

"Sir, please be quiet," Harm ordered gently, staring hard at the man.

"I won't! You can’t get away with this, Duren. There are at least--"

Before the man could get out another word, Duren leveled his gun on him and pulled the trigger. Several women screamed as the man crumpled to the floor, blood spreading across the front of his shirt. Mac heard Harm mutter a curse. Reacting on instinct, she ran over to the fallen man. She heard a louder curse from Harm as she dropped to her knees next to the wounded man.

"Mac!" Harm called angrily.

"Colonel, you have nerve, I'll give you that," Duren stated, walking toward Mac.

"Don’t touch her, Duren," Harm snarled.

"Commander," Duren sighed. "Why don't you just shut up because you're making me angry. You are in no position to be spouting orders."

Frantically, Mac tried to find a pulse that would let her know the man was still alive. Finding none, she ripped open his shirt. Mac pressed her ear to his chest and listened for a heartbeat or the rise of a breath. There was nothing. Tilting his head back, she pinched his nose and started blowing short breaths into his airway. Again she listened for a breath or a heartbeat. Her long ago CPR training flooded back in a rush as she began pressing rhythmically on his chest, willing his heart to start beating.

"Somebody help me!" she called, not caring who came as long it was another pair of hands. "Harm!" she yelled frantically.

"He is otherwise occupied, Colonel. Why are you wasting your time on that poor fool?" Duren asked contemptuously.

"He needs a doctor!" Mac cried, shooting Duren a glare.

"Too bad," Duren answered, shaking his dark head. "I did warn him."

"Warn him?" Mac asked in disbelief, turning to look at him. "You’re scaring the hell out of these people. He was reacting to this situation you’ve put us all in!" she shot back.

Swift strides brought Duren the remaining distance to her side. Grasping her arm, he jerked her to her feet. The cold barrel of his gun pressed into the soft curve of her cheek. A few feet away, Harm struggled to get free from the men holding him. "You are sorely trying my patience. Are you hoping to die today?" he asked softly, menacingly.

"I’m not hoping for anything except a bullet between your eyes," Mac bit out through clenched teeth. They were nose to nose now. "If you’re going to shoot me, go ahead," she taunted. "You won’t make me back down."

He laughed. "You have guts, I like that. Stupid guts, I might add, but guts nonetheless. No, I don’t think I’ll do anything to you just yet. You’re providing me with too much entertainment. Since you seem so concerned about the life of that jerk, I’ll let you get him out the door. If you take one step into the hall, I’ll shoot you where you stand. Understand?" he demanded coldly.

"I got it."

Duren released her and to make sure she knew how serious he was, his gun and those of his men were trained on her. Mac grasped the hands of the bleeding man and dragged him across the floor. Much larger and a dead weight at that, it was slow going and she was perspiring by the time she reached the locked double doors. She waited as one of Duren's men unlocked the padlocks they'd looped through the handles and moved back. She pushed the door open as far she could reach and stuck her foot against it. Grasping the man’s jacket, she struggled to get him far enough through the doorway for the MPs in the hall to get him. A.J. was there and he gave her a speaking glance. Mac only nodded, aware of the guns trained on her back. A.J. nodded in return and winked at her. With one last look at her superior, Mac stepped back in and closed the door, the click echoing in the courtroom. The doors were relocked and she was taken back to Duren's side.

"Well done. You follow instructions perfectly when you want to. I can’t wait to see what other surprises you have up your sleeve."

From across the room, Harm’s eyes met Mac’s. Silently, he reached out to her, the same way they’d always reached out to each other, bringing back a wealth of memories. They both knew there was a possibility they wouldn’t get out of the courtroom alive. That's when it hit Harm just how many things were still left to say.

One hour of silence ticked by without a word from anyone. When the phone at Duren's elbow rang, it made them all jump.

"Duren," he barked curtly.

He listened intently to whoever was on the other end for several minutes before slamming the phone down. Without a word, he rose to his feet, drawing the eyes of the crowd. Without warning, a string of vulgar curses erupted from his mouth and he shoved everything off the table in front of him. A chair was next. A swift kick from his foot sent it skittering across the tile floor. Several people jumped and one woman screamed. Duren stomped over to her and pointed his gun in her face.

"Shut up!" he roared viciously. "Shut up or I’ll shoot you right now!"

The frightened woman cowered away from Duren, trembling visibly beneath his glare.

"Lieutenant Duren, stop!" Mac yelled. "Can't you see how scared she is?" she demanded, stepping forward.

One of the men grabbed her from behind, preventing her from going any further. Duren spun and stomped over to her. His hand shot out and he grabbed her hair in his fist, jerking her against him, bending her over his arm with the pressure at her head. A resounding slap split her bottom lip and Mac would have fallen had he not been holding her.

A dull red haze settled in Harm’s eyes and he lunged forward with a furious snarl, heedless of his own safety. Someone clipped him against the back of the head with the barrel of a gun. His knees buckled, dropping him to the hard floor. Gritting his teeth against the fireworks exploding in his head, he bit back a curse and struggled to his feet. Across the room, Mac fought to get free. Duren shook her roughly, snapping her head back. Without missing a beat, Mac raised her hand and hit him as hard as she could. Harm started toward her again, only to be grabbed by both arms and held back.

A feral growl slipped from Duren's clenched teeth and he hit her again, releasing her this time so that she went sprawling on the floor. He extended his arm and cocked the hammer on his gun. Mac rolled onto her stomach and lifted herself slightly. Duren took a step toward her, his gun aimed directly at her head. Beyond the point of rational thinking and determined not to back down, Mac raised her aching head and met his furious gaze with one of her own.

"Go ahead," she ground out. "Go ahead and shoot me, Lieutenant. You'll never get away with it and you know it."

A second ticked by. Then another. The whole room went as still as death. Very slowly, Duren cocked the weapon. Harm saw his whole world flash before him when he heard the boom of gunfire and a long, terrified scream from one of the ladies in the crowd. For an instant, Harm couldn’t bring himself to open his eyes and look, afraid he would find her dead. Duren’s cold laugh brought Harm’s head up and he watched as the man stepped over to Mac and jerked her to her feet. A bullet was imbedded in the floor mere inches from where her head had been. Mac was trembling but she met his gaze head on.

"Did you think you could manipulate me so easily? You’re worth far more to me alive than dead."

"Then let everyone else go. If you’re right about me then you don’t need any of them," she stated.

"Damn it, Mac, shut up while you’re ahead," Harm muttered furiously.

"And what will that get me?" Duren asked Mac.

"You’re a smart man, Lieutenant. Any favorable moves on your side will make them feel more charitable toward you. If you kill us, not only will they not give you the money and release the other men, but you'll never get away from here alive. You're an officer, Lieutenant, you know we take care of our own," she reminded him in a steady voice.

"I’ll think about it."

He pushed her into a chair and spun on his heel, leaving her alone. Mac’s worried eyes met Harm’s furious ones. He was holding a handkerchief to the back of his head and she knew he was madder than hell at her. She tried to smile at him a little, to let him know she was all right. Gingerly, she touched her fingers to her bottom lip. There was only a little blood but it felt like twice its normal size and it was letting her know it with a dull throb.

"I’m extremely disappointed in the way things are going. I thought your lives would ensure speed from the negotiators. But then our government is known for sitting around talking things to death," he stated flatly. "They have to run it by a dozen committees before they resolve anything."

The people gathered eyed him balefully. Another hour slowly passed by, cutting into Duren’s deadline for the delivery of the ransom demands. The fear in the room was palpable.

"Why don’t you let them go?" Mac asked wearily.

Duren had her separated from the others, seated next to the prosecution table. Harm watched her closely, taking note of the strain etching lines around her eyes and mouth. He was damn proud of her but then she was a soldier like he was. She wouldn't give in to Duren.

Lieutenant Duren walked over and stopped in front of Mac. "I'll let half of them go. To make it even better, I'm going to make you pick out that half, Colonel. Who stays and who goes," he announced benevolently.

Bombarded with conflicting emotions, Mac closed her eyes and heaved a deep breath. She had wanted him to release everyone. Half was a start but to make her choose like that.... Dear Lord, how could she make that kind of decision? She opened her eyes and rose slowly to her feet. The choice of who left and who stayed--and possibly died, was not one she wanted the burden of. She sent up a silent prayer of forgiveness for what lie ahead.

"Thank you," she whispered stiffly, nodding at Duren.

"You're welcome."

Mac walked across the room, her steps laden with dread. Looking into the eyes of each and every person there, she prayed they would accept her decision. Starting at the end opposite of Harm, she began touching the hands of the people whose lives had just been entrusted to her judgment. One by one, each of the women and the senior citizens present filed to the door. Feeling the weight of so many stares, Mac prayed again for strength and turned to Harm. Staring at him for a moment, she knew the instant he realized what she was planning to do. He started toward her but one of the men blocked his way.

"Mac, you can’t let--"

Mac turned her back on him and looked at Duren. "I want him out of here," she stated flatly.

"My, my, Colonel, giving up your protector? You must value his life more than your own. As you wish. Commander Rabb, if you'll join the others at the door."

"Mac, no, don’t do this," Harm protested.

"I’m sorry, Harm--" she whispered. "I have to."

Harm struggled mightily against the hold of the two soldiers holding him. One shoved a gun against the back of his head and growled an order for him to stop. While the small crowd waited, Duren dialed out to Admiral Chegwidden.

"Admiral, I'm releasing half of the prisoners at the Colonel's request, including Commander Rabb. I suggest you get things moving on your end. You're running short on time. You can thank the little Colonel for the people on their way out. If you play your cards right, you may end up with the other half."

"We're working on your requests as fast as possible," A.J. answered calmly. "I don't have the authority to authorize a release for your men. We are trying to contact the appropriate channels," A.J. returned.

"Appropriate channels?" Duren scoffed. "Keep that up and you'll be out of time before you know it. With or without the approval of the 'appropriate channels', I expect to see my men and the helicopters. This is not a negotiable item."

"We're doing everything we can."

"See that you do. We are going to open the courtroom door and allow the people out single file. I will be holding onto Colonel MacKenzie as safekeeping that you don't try anything. As fascinating as I find her, I will kill her, Admiral, if there is one wrong move made."

"I understand."

"Good, I’m glad we agree on something."

Duren slammed the phone down and turned to the man at the door. He slid one arm around Mac’s throat and drew her against him, holding her tight enough for her to know he meant it. The barrel of the gun came to rest on her temple. The courtroom door opened and the people Mac wanted released filed out. Beyond the doors there wasn’t a peep of sound. Mac watched, her nails digging into the arm of the man holding her, her heart in her throat as she watched Duren's men force Harm to the doorway. Harm struggled for all he was worth, managing to turn and get one more look at Mac.

"Mac, please! Tell him you changed your mind! I don’t want to leave you alone! Damn it, Mac! Wait, you son of a bitch! At least let me--"

Mac heard Harm from the hallway as he continued to call her name. The guards forced the door closed, effectively closing Harm out and clicked the locks back in place. Mac bit down hard on her bottom lip and Duren looked down just in time to see a single tear slide from her lashes.

"Why, Colonel MacKenzie, I believe I understand your motivation now. You’re in love with Commander Rabb, aren’t you? My, my, how touching. No wonder you wanted him out of here. I wonder if he feels the same about you?"
Mac swallowed the lump in her throat, tightening her grip on his arm. "I don’t know what you're talking about," she answered stiffly.

"You don't lie worth a damn. You’re a very beautiful and intelligent woman. He’d be a fool to turn his back on you," Duren mused, his eyes watching her closely.

Mac couldn’t see his expression but she didn’t like the tone in his low voice. She tugged on his arm, trying to loosen the grip pressing on her windpipe.

After letting her struggle for a moment, Duren slowly released her. Mac stumbled away from him, rubbing her throat. He took a step toward her.

"What are you doing?" she demanded, moving further away.

He walked Mac into a corner, effectively trapping her until she had no place else to go and grasped both of her wrists. He jerked her against him, tightening his grip when she began to struggle until the delicate bones in her wrists threatened to break.

"Get your hands off of me, Lieutenant!" she ordered, trying to remain calm.

"I think it’s time that Rabb found out exactly what it’s like to lose something that’s been staring him in the face."

The coldness in his eyes went clear to Mac’s heart. There was something else in his gaze as he pulled her over to the tables. Another look went to the remaining prisoners, all men.

"You're just making things worse for yourself, can't you see that?" she demanded, still trying to get away from him.

In one move, Duren lifted her up on the table. Instantly, she tried to roll away from him. A blow caught her in the side of the head, momentarily stunning her. Like a caged animal, she began to fight, knowing with unwavering certainty that it might be for her life. With the darkness of a twisted mind and his own military training, he played with her, allowing her so much progress before showing her he was in control. Another blow bloodied her bottom lip again and set her ears to ringing. Across the room, the others watched, helpless to do anything for her. Mac got one foot free and her high heel connected with Duren’s stomach.

He grunted in pain and his grip loosened enough for her to break free. Mac rolled away from him, falling off the table to the floor below with a painful thump. She rose to her hands and knees and started to scramble away from him but a hand snared her ankle, jerking her back across the tile. A kick to her midsection sent her rolling. She looked up and saw Sergeant Lackey and another man, a Corporal Wesley, advancing on her. Behind them, Duren was laughing.

"You won't get away with this," she snarled

Mac lunged again, desperate to get away from them. Wesley lurched forward and caught her arm. Mac struggled with everything in her to get free. His hand dealt her a resounding blow and she felt blood spill down her chin. Mac screamed this time, struggling for consciousness as stars exploded behind her eyes. Her screams started coming, longer, harder, echoing her terror in the hearts of everyone present. She couldn’t get away from these men. Pain pounded at her like a sledgehammer. Desperately, Mac pushed it away, focusing on the faces leering down at her. Their jeering laughter taunted her. She screamed again, her hands flying, nails bared to inflict damage.

Harm reacted like a madman when he heard her screams. Breaking away from the Admiral's hold, he threw himself against the double doors, desperate to somehow get them open. He beat on the solid wood until his fists were numb, unable to close his ears to her sobs or her pleas to Duren.

"Mac! Mac, answer me!" He yelled, banging on the doors.

"Harm, you can’t get in through those doors. There’s nothing you can do for her!" Webb stepped forward, grabbing his arm.

"God damn it!" Harm roared. "They’re hurting her! Can’t you hear her screaming? We have to do something. Admiral, send the men in through the windows, anything! Do something to help her!"

"The other prisoners--" A.J. began.

"To hell with the others! Admiral, please! Call Duren on the phone. Tell him you’ve met his demands. Find some way to distract him, please! That's Mac in there he's hurting!" Harm ordered angrily, grabbing his superior’s arm.

Inside Duren advanced on Mac, who was held up by Lackey and Wesley, her struggled useless against their strength. Tears streamed down her pale, bloody face but still she continued to fight them.

"Lieutenant, please! You’re making things worse for yourself. You don’t have to do this!" Alex Joseph broke in, yelling to be heard over Mac’s screams.

"For God’s sake, man, she hasn’t done anything to deserve this!" This came from one of the jurors.

Harm heard her scream again, this one going on and on as though it would never stop. They heard the voices of the other hostages pleading with Duren to stop. Mac screamed again and this time she kept on. Harm felt her terror as plainly as if it were his own. The bitter taste of bile rose in his throat as he sagged against the door, feeling a rage the likes of which he’d never known course through him. He would kill Duren with his own bare hands for hurting her. He turned and shoved one of the MPs, grabbing the man's gun from its holster.

"Commander Rabb!" Admiral Chegwidden yelled, lunging for the younger man.

"I won’t let them hurt her anymore," Harm bit out. He raised the gun and pointed it at the handle on the door.

"Harm, stop! You’re going to get her killed!" Webb yelled, grabbing at Harm from behind.

"That’s what she’d want instead of what they’re going to do to her! Can't you see that?"

The phone on the defense table rang just as Duren ripped open the front of Mac’s blouse. The room became deathly still; only the sound of Mac’s sobs breaking the hush. Duren picked up the phone as it rang a second time.

"Yes?" he greeted harshly. "Well, Admiral Chegwidden, you have the worst timing."

"It's isn't Admiral Chegwidden, it's Commander Rabb. We need an extension on your deadline."

"No extensions," Duren growled. "I can see you're going to need more motivation than you've been getting." Duren laughed cruelly.

"If you’ve harmed one hair on Mac’s head, I’ll rip your heart out," Harm’s words stilled the movement of everyone around him. He ignored Admiral’s hard look.

"And how do you hope to manage that?" Duren taunted.

"Try me and you’ll find out. You leave her alone."

"Tell me, did you know that she’s in love with you?"

Duren’s words were the very last ones Harm ever expected to hear him say. "I don't know what you're talking about," Harm answered flatly.

"That's exactly what the Colonel said and you don't lie any better than she does. Jealousy is a terrible thing to control, isn’t it? Especially when you know someone else can and will appreciate what a gem she is."

"You are sick, Duren."

"That makes it easier to explain, doesn’t it? You still have time to get my men out of jail. I suggest you get busy."

A click on Duren’s end signaled the end of the conversation. Harm slammed the receiver down, his eyes locked unseeing on the wall in front of him. Webb touched his shoulder.

"What did he say about Mac?" he asked.

"Nothing that made sense. He asked if I knew she was in love with me. They were showing her how to make me sit up and take notice by making me jealous."

Webb gave him a hard look. "We'll get him, Rabb."

Harm looked up with bleak eyes. "Before he kills her?"

In the courtroom, Duren walked over to Mac. Drawing herself up straight and tall, she stared at him, bloodless fingers clutching the edges of her torn shirt together.

"I don’t think the Commander believed me. But that doesn’t matter now. As long as he meets my deadline."

"Let the rest of us go."

"Why would I want to do that, Colonel?"

"Maybe it will get them moving faster," she returned.

Mac looked at the other hostages, the men who couldn’t do anything to help her. She could try to help them, though. She looked back at Duren. "You’ll still have me even if you let them go. They aren’t of any use to you. You said so yourself," she stated, summoning up her best courtroom voice.

"True," Duren nodded. He stared at her thoughtfully for a moment. "All right. I’ll let them go because you asked me to."

"You’re letting them go too easily. You should keep them."

"I’m in charge of things, Sergeant, and as long as I’m in charge, you will not question my decisions. Is that understood?"

Sergeant Lackey nodded curtly.

Mac watched the interplay between them. Carefully, she inched her way to the edge of the table and slid to the floor. Pain vibrated through her body with each step but she forced herself to walk over to the other hostages, one step at a time, expecting to be seized from behind at any moment. She bit her bottom lip as she crossed the distance without mishap.

"We can’t just leave you here," one of the men whispered when she came close enough.

"You aren't in a position to give me orders," she pointed out, trying to make it sound like a joke. "Odds are that he’ll kill us all. If he kills me it is only one life, not twenty-five."

"Giving him the open chance to kill you is a poor option, Sarah." Alex Joseph pointed out.

"What other choice do you see us having?" Mac asked. "He’s your client, Counselor. Surely you’ve had time to figure out what he’s really like. For some reason, he’s targeted me but if he’s willing to let you go, then for God’s sake, go," she urged.

"Colonel MacKenzie, if you’ll step away from the men, please."

Mac closed her eyes for an instant and drew in a deep breath. Once the other men left the room she would be at Duren’s total mercy. She would have to face him absolutely alone and the prospect filled her with dread.

"Admiral Chegwidden, the rest of the hostages are coming out. If you try anything, we’ll kill them all," Duren ordered coldly.

Sergeant Lackey waited until the men had formed a single file line before unlatching the padlock and the chains. Guns trained on the door, Duren, and the others watched as they men pushed through the small opening in the door. When the last one was out, the chains were quickly replaced and locked. The sound of the lock was like a death toll to Mac, who was feeling more and more like she would never see Harm again.

"He’s letting the others out," A.J. stated as soon as he hung up the phone.

"All of them?" Harm asked, hope blooming in his chest.

"That’s what he said," the Admiral confirmed.

They heard the noise from the chains and the padlock and the attention of everyone gathered was drawn to the double doors. Guns were withdrawn and trained to avoid the possibility of an ambush. As the remaining hostages began filing out, the tension in the outer hallway was almost palpable. Harm waited, his breath short as he counted them one by one, hoping Mac would be the next one out the door. When the door closed behind the last one out, a knife-like pain plunged deep in his chest. Duren had kept Mac. Harm spun and grabbed the arm of Matthew Johnson, Duren’s other defense attorney.

"What did he do to Mac?" he demanded.

Matthew Johnson looked at his partner. Alex Joseph only shrugged and looked away. Harm lunged for the first man, grabbing the lapels of his suit jacket and shoving him against the wall.

"You tell me what they did to her!" he demanded furiously.

"Harm!" Admiral Chegwidden yelled, trying to drag Harm away from the other man.

Matthew Johnson moved away from the wall, straightening his coat. The young Commander was fairly shaking with anger, his eyes cold and hard as they stared into his own. He glanced over at his partner.

"You might as well tell him. Duren will be a dead man before this is all over," Alex sighed, shaking his dark head.

Matthew Johnson looked into Harm’s icy countenance. "I think they intended to rape her. Your phone call interrupted Duren."

Harm felt the earth tip when he heard Johnson’s words. "Give me your gun," his voice was cold, devoid of any emotion as he turned to look at Webb

"Commander Rabb, what are you doing?" A.J. asked suspiciously.

"I’ll kill her myself before I’ll let them rape her."

"Have you gone completely mad? You’re going to get yourself killed!" A.J. flared angrily. "Stand down, Commander!"

Harm rounded on his boss, coming nose to nose with him. "With all due respect, sir, I will not! You listen to me, Admiral. I will not let them rape her." He said each word slowly and precisely.

"Be reasonable. She wouldn’t want you to storm in there and get shot," A.J. tried another tact.

"Oh, yes she would. Even if it means getting myself killed in the process," Harm retorted flatly. "I will not let it happen! Do you understand me? I can’t let her go through that!" he yelled, his own pain radiating out in sharp waves. Before anyone could stop him, Harm lunged for Webb's weapon, pulling it from the holster. He turned and beat his fist on the doors. "I’m coming in, Duren! Do you hear me? I won’t let you hurt her anymore!" He fired once at the doors of the courtroom, aiming for the padlocks he knew were on the other side.

Mac heard the black fury in Harm’s voice and felt her blood turn cold. Ignoring Duren, she ran to the doors, hearing a movement behind her. Let them shoot her in the back. She was beyond caring.

"Harm! Stay out there! Don’t try to come in! He’ll kill you!" Mac fought the sobs clawing at her throat as she felt hands grabbing at her from behind, pulling her back.

"She’s right, Rabb! I’ll kill Colonel MacKenzie if you break through that door!" Duren called, raising his voice to be heard over the racket Harm was making.

"I don’t care, you son of a bitch! I won’t let you rape her, Duren! Do you hear me? You’ll have to kill us both!"

Mac heard the rage in Harm’s voice and knew he meant every word he said. She struggled against Lackey’s hold and turned wild eyes to Duren. "Do something!" she cried. "You can’t kill him in cold blood! Please!" she begged.

Duren stood for a moment studying her face. He was struck again by her beauty. He hated that he would have to kill her when this was all over. He nodded once to Lackey and she was released instantly. Mac wasted no time in racing to his side and grabbing his arm.

"Damn you, Duren! Stop this!"

Duren shook off her hold and went over to the door. "Colonel MacKenzie is safe for the time being, Commander. Get a hold of yourself!" he called through the wood.

"You let her go!" Harm yelled back.

"Sorry, no can do. She won’t come to any further harm as long as you do exactly what I tell you to. Now back off!"

Harm braced his aching arms against the door and dropped his head forward. "Don’t hurt her anymore." His voice was anguished. "Let me talk to her, please. Let her call on the phone."

Duren turned and looked at Mac. "Make it fast," he ordered coldly.

Mac clutched the phone with shaking hands and dialed the extension to the hall.

The phone rang behind Harm and he sprang on it. "Mac?"

"Oh, Harm--" She struggled to hold back tears. "Please, do what he says. I’ll be all right."

"I have to do something. I can't just stand here and wait. I just can’t," he whispered, helpless misery bubbling up inside of him.

"Harm, if he--" her voice cracked then dropped to a whisper. "Just wait and see-- if he breaks his word, don’t let this happen to me. Do whatever you have to but please don't let them rape me."

Harm heard the rising hysteria in her low voice and felt her terror clear through the phone lines and into his heart. He closed his eyes briefly, gripping the phone until his knuckles were white. He felt himself falling into blackness and sank to his knees next to the table, oblivious to everyone around him. "I won't let it happen, Sarah. I promise."

"Don't start breaking your promises to me now," she whispered.

Duren snatched the phone from Mac’s hand and slammed it down before she could say anymore, breaking her connection to Harm. He grabbed her arm and jerked her against him. "Sit down in that chair over there and keep your mouth shut, Colonel."

On trembling legs, Mac did as he said. There was no more she could do now.

The phone dangled uselessly from Harm’s hands. Without a word, he stumbled to his feet and dropped the bleating receiver back into its cradle.

"For some reason Duren seems to be listening to what she says. Maybe she can make further headway with him," Webb suggested.

Harm looked up at them and sighed, his eyes clouded. "I doubt it. I believe he means to kill her. I have to get her out of there," he stated heavily.

"There’s too much gun power in there to try anything. Duren would kill her before we could get to him," Webb pointed out again.

Harm looked at the Admiral. "We can't let them get away. Can an air squad bring them down once they leave here?" he asked.

"We're in civilian air space," A.J. began slowly.

"A Tomcat squadron can track them until they clear our air space and then shoot them down," Harm stated.

"Let me see what I can find out," A.J. promised and reached for the phone.

"Commander Rabb."

The Admiral’s voice cut into Harm’s wandering thoughts.

"Sir?" he called, turning to look at A.J.

"The helicopters and the six men Duren wants released will be here within two hours."

"I really wish you’d relax, Colonel. As long as we get out of here you’ll be just fine."

Mac eyed James Duren with all the loathing and hatred she could muster. "I’m glad you think this is such a walk in the park. I’m sorry if I can’t muster up my enthusiasm."

"You know, Colonel, you look really good with this rough and wild look. Has Commander Rabb ever seen you like this? I wish I could be here to see the look on his face."

Mac met his gaze with a hard stare and didn't respond.

"I don't want the Commander or anyone else out there getting any ideas about 'taking care' of us once we get out of here. In order to insure that, you're going to accompany us. Once we're safely out of the country, the location of your whereabouts will be relayed to Commander Rabb and he can come retrieve you."

"How can you guarantee him you won't kill me the first chance you get?" she demanded.

"He'll have to take my word for it just like you will," Duren answered.

"Duren, Rabb here."

"Commander Rabb, got a good answer for me?"

"They'll be here within the next two hours," Harm answered calmly.

"I knew you would figure out a way to make it work. Colonel MacKenzie is going to be escorting us once the helos arrive."

"What?" Harm exploded. "Why are you taking her?"

"Because, Commander Rabb, if I take her then you won't get any weird ideas about trying to stop us from getting away. I know you won't risk your precious partner."

"So help me, Duren…"

"Talk to you in two hours, Commander."

Harm heard the dial tone sound in his ear and slammed the phone down. "Damn it."

"What is it?" Admiral Chegwidden asked sharply.

"He's taking Mac with him. We can't let him get her out of US air space, Admiral. He could hide her in a thousand different places where I'll never be able to find her."

"I think I know why he’s spared Mac," Webb spoke up before A.J. could answer. Harm looked over at him. "I think he’s using Mac as a tool to get what he wants from Harm. It’s no secret that Mac and Harm are best friends so it wouldn’t have been hard for Duren to find that out. By holding Mac, he’s been able to bend Harm to his will," he explained matter-of-factly.

"That doesn't make any sense," Harm scoffed.

"Doesn't it?" Webb inquired, lifting one brow.

"Regardless of why he's doing it, I agree with the Commander that we can't let him take her out of US air space," Admiral Chegwidden spoke up.

"I want to go up with the squad," Harm stated.

"Commander Rabb," A.J. began, "I don't really think it's necessary for you to—"

"Admiral, please. I know you'd rather I didn't but I can't just stand around here and do nothing. This is Mac we're talking about. I don't trust Duren, no matter why any of us believe he's keeping her alive. I believe once he gets her away from here, he'll kill her. Especially if he's carrying any notions of revenge toward me," Harm reasoned.

"Have them patch you through to Captain Ingles. His squad is the closest. Discuss it with him and get a plan together. Then we'll talk about it," A.J. ordered.

"Aye, sir."

Mac jumped slightly when the phone rang, interrupting the stillness in the room. Her eyes swung to the clock on the wall. It was almost time.

"Duren here," he barked in greeting.

"ETA five minutes," Harm stated coldly.

"We will be out in ten and there better not be any sign of you or SRT."

"Let me talk to Colonel MacKenzie," Harm ordered.

Duren was silent for a long moment. "Fine," he consented. "Make it quick."

"Harm?"

"How are you feeling?"

"Okay."

"You wouldn’t tell me otherwise, would you?"

"No." If he could see the pain that tightened her mouth into a flat line, he would know the real truth. Tears threatened on her lashes but she resolutely pushed them away, knowing they would only make her feel worse.

Her candid answer brought a small chuckle from his lips. "We have a plan. I'm not going to let him get far with you, Mac."

"I want you to stay back, Harm. If I ever meant anything at all, you'll stay out of this."

"No way," he stated flatly. "There's no way I'm staying here."

"Harm?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you remember when your plane went down? The night of the rehearsal dinner?"

Harm closed his eyes against the memories. "I remember. Why?"

"I knew you weren't dead. I could feel it in my heart. If you had been, I would have known it."

Harm pressed his lips into a flat line and closed his eyes briefly. "We need to talk as soon as we get past this," he murmured.

"You've been saying that forever, sailor."

Harm almost smiled at her attempt at humor. "I mean it this time. No more waiting.

"Do you promise? Because if you do then I'll know you're serious this time."

"I promise, Sarah. I—"

"This is all very touching, Commander, but we have to go. It's been fun."

"Duren—" Harm began but the dial tone was already in his ear.

He threw the phone down and looked at A.J. and Webb.

"You make contact as soon as you can," Admiral Chegwidden ordered.

"Yes, sir."

"Good luck, sir."

"Thanks," Harm called over his shoulder to the pilot of the helo that picked him up at JAG. He ran across the tarmac to a waiting Tomcat and was immediately cleared for takeoff.

"Commander Rabb, we're a go for launch. They should be with you in two," Captain Ingles stated, his voice tinny over the radio.

"Aye, sir, and thank you for your assistance," Harm answered. "Flight 1, flight 1, do you have radar?"

"Redeye, this is Flight 1. That's a negative. Radar has not been established. They must be flying under.

"Damn," Harm muttered under his breath. "Keep watch, Flight 1."

"Yes, sir."

"Commander Rabb, I wish I could say this was a surprise but I figured you for something like this."

"Duren, I'm only here to make sure Colonel MacKenzie is released."

"Sure," Duren laughed mockingly. "In a Tomcat? That's the trouble with our military, Commander Rabb. Always underestimating the opponent. It's a wonder some other country hasn't taken us over already. Blind luck on our part, I guess. I distinctly remember telling you not to try anything once we left JAG, didn't I?"

Harm was frantically searching his radar screen for some sign of the helicopters but there was no sign of Duren and his men. "We're not trying anything," he tried. "Think of me more as your escort."

"You're only digging yourself in deeper so I suggest you shut up," Duren stated coldly. "No matter now anyway. I found that I was no longer in need of Colonel MacKenzie's services so we dropped her off."

"What? Where is she, Duren?!" Harm yelled into his mike.

"One clue to a customer, Commander. Get out your little Squid Scout manual and find the point one hundred miles due East as the crow flies."

Harm's fist tightened on the stick. "There's nothing East but the Atlantic, Duren."

"Well, well, well, so you are a smart man after all, Commander Rabb. I was beginning to wonder. With all due respect, sir, tell the Navy I said they could stick it up their ass."

"Duren!" Harm yelled. "Damn it, Duren, answer me! Flight 1, Flight 1, mayday, mayday, mayday, requesting immediate SAR to an Atlantic area due East of Falls Church, VA. Man overboard, man overboard. Repeat, mayday, mayday, mayday, requesting assistance to the Atlantic due East of Falls Church, VA immediately off the coast. Lt. Colonel Sarah MacKenzie is overboard."

"Rabb, it's Captain Ingles. We're about an hour from that point. I'll send a Seahawk out immediately to look for the Colonel."

Harm turned the Tomcat. "Captain, I want to be in on the search. I'm headed your way now, can someone take me out?"

"Affirmative. We'll be waiting for you."

The Seahawk was waiting as soon as Harm left the Tomcat. They were airborne in minutes, headed for the area of the Atlantic Duren claimed to have dumped Mac. Binoculars in hand, Harm and the young Lieutenant riding in the back with him began searching.

"Captain Ingles, this is Admiral Chegwidden, what the hell is going on out there?"

"Admiral, Commander Rabb just went up in a Seahawk. Apparently the man you're after dumped Colonel MacKenzie."

Webb sucked in a sharp breath and his eyes met A.J.'s. "Any sign of her yet?" he asked.

"They've just went up. My men are still after Duren. He'll have to come up in radar sooner or later," his voice was scratchy over the intercom.

"You'll notify me immediately when Colonel MacKenzie is found?" A.J. asked.

"Yes, sir."

"Red Eagle, Red Eagle, this is Flight 1, any sign of the Colonel yet? Over."

"Flight 1, we have not established a visual yet. Conducting a zigzag now."

Harm blinked furiously as sweat stung his eyes. He moved the binoculars slowly, his knuckles white on the grips.

"Sir, I think I found something!"

Harm turned to Lieutenant Sharp. "Where?"

"Look ten degrees to the left. You can barely see it but it looks like it could be a body."

Mac felt the current pulling her farther and farther out to sea and tried not to struggle against it. Duren hadn't even given her a life vest so she was floating precariously on the waves. The water was frigid and sapping what little strength she had left. Something brushed against her leg just then and she cried out. Then she went under, seawater filling her mouth and choking her. Arms flailing, she kicked herself free and gasped for air. For a moment, she struggled wildly before she managed to get herself calmed down enough to tread water. A noise caught her attention then and she strained to hear it again. It was a helicopter! Panicked, she searched the sky overhead, looking for the craft. What if Duren was coming back? Exhausted tears spilled over as she pushed her wet hair out of her face.

"What does it matter if it is him," she whispered. "If I'm in this water much longer I'll die anyway."

((BACK TO THE SEAHAWK))

Harm scanned the horizon where Lieutenant Sharp indicated. Back and forth he moved the binoculars, trying to see…

"There! I see it, too! Turn ten degrees right and slow down!" he called to the pilot.

"Roger that, Commander."

Harm moved to the edge of the open door and looked down at the water as the Seahawk turned and moved in that direction. His eyes picked up the slight movement of something dark. Snatching up the binoculars, he tried to get a closer look.

"It's Colonel MacKenzie!" he called, his relief evident.

"Flight 1, Flight 1, this is Red Eagle. We have found Colonel MacKenzie. I repeat, we have located the Colonel."

"Roger, Red Eagle. Do you have her onboard?"

"Negative. We'll radio when we do."

Mac couldn’t stop from crying when the Seahawk came into view. She saw two men hunched in the side opening and one of them waved his arm to her. As the helo drew overhead, the wind from the rotors buffeted her body, making her even colder. Teeth chattering, she watched as they began lowering a harness to her.

Harm watched as she struggled to get into the harness. He knew she had to be freezing as it was only Spring and the water would be frigid. She finally got it over her head and under her arms. She gave them a weak thumbs-up and Lieutenant Sharp flipped the switch to raise her to the helo. Ever so slowly, she came closer and closer. Seconds later Harm reached out and grasped her cold hands, pulling her in beside him. Without a word, Harm took the blanket that appeared from Lieutenant Sharp and wrapped it around Mac then pulled her against him, his big hands rubbing her back and arms.

"Get us back to the carrier now," he ordered sharply. "We'll be back to the ship soon, Mac. Hang on, Sarah, hang on," he whispered, his lips against her ear.

Mac's icy fingers clutched the front of his flight suit. "Thought you wouldn't… find me," she gasped, her body shaking violently from the cold.

Harm pressed her even closer. "I wouldn't have stopped until I did."

"Flight 1, Flight 1, this is Red Eagle. We have Colonel MacKenzie and we're coming home. Over."

"Affirmative, Red Eagle. We'll notify Admiral Chegwidden."

"Admiral? They found her."

A.J. closed his eyes for an instant when he heard Captain Ingles' voice. "Thank God," he murmured. "Are they onboard?" he asked.

"They're on the way now. I'll have Commander Rabb call you as soon as they have Colonel MacKenzie stabilized."

"Thank you," A.J. answered.

He and Webb exchanged a relieved look. "I better go tell the others they found her."

((BACK TO THE PATRICK HENRY))

The ride to the Henry was tense and as soon as they landed, Mac was put on a stretcher and whisked away. Harm followed behind, pulling off his flight gear as he went. Down in sick bay, he was forced to wait outside while the ship's doctor examined her.

"Commander?"

Harm's head snapped up and he pushed away from the wall where he was leaning. "How is she?"

"Thanks to your quick efforts, she'll be fine with some rest. Any longer in the water and she'd be dead. She had some Jellyfish stings you can be glad she wasn't allergic to and she's dehydrated. I'll let you go in and see her but don't tire her out. She needs to rest," Captain Court stated firmly.

"Aye, sir, and thank you," Harm murmured, already pushing the door open.

It was dark in the room except for one light over her bed. Harm moved slowly toward the bed, lowering himself into a nearby chair. Carefully, he slid his fingers under hers and lifted her hand, pressing it to his cheek. The way she looked drove home the seriousness of all that had happened since that morning. Two IVs dripped next to the bed and she'd been washed clean of the seawater and blood. One eye was black and swollen and her bottom lip was split from Duren's earlier blows.

"Mac?" he called softly.

It took a minute but very slowly, her lashed lifted and she looked at him. For several long seconds they just stared at each other.

"Hey, Sailor," she whispered.

"Hey, yourself," he answered.

"Did you catch Duren?" she asked, sounding breathless.

"Not yet, but we will. You don't worry about him right now, okay? You need to sleep. Tomorrow morning a transport will take us back to shore."

"I'm sorry," she murmured.

Harm lifted one brow in surprise. "For what?"

"For everything that happened."

He leaned very close to her, his warm breath fanning her face and touched a finger to her lips. "There's nothing for you to be sorry about. Duren is sick and if it hadn't been you, it would have been someone else. I'm just glad he had the foresight not to take you any farther or I might not have gotten to you in time," he stated softly.

Her eyes slowly roamed his tired features, taking in the new lines of strain and worry.

"I was more scared than I ever remember being," she whispered. "Would you… Harm, would you just hold me for a minute?" she asked, her voice raspy from all the water she swallowed.

Without a word, he moved to sit on the bed and gathered her into his arms, mindful of her battered body. Tenderly, he rocked her, splaying his hands across her back, relishing the feel of her slender form. His buried one hand in her hair, pressing her head to his chest.

"I would have kept looking for you," he murmured. "No matter what."

"You look lovely," he murmured as she came into the kitchen.

Looking at the beautifully set table, she said, "I feel like I should have dressed up."

"Not on my account," he winked as he looked over her flowing white sundress.

He pulled out her chair for her and waited until she was comfortable before moving away. Mac watched him move around the kitchen, bringing dishes to the table. Soft music played in the background; there was a bouquet of delicate blush roses from the garden, linen napkins and fine china gracing the table. Harm was dressed in a pair of soft, worn jeans and a white button down shirt.

"Are you hungry?" he questioned, breaking into her thoughts.

"Starving," Mac confessed, laughing warmly, the husky sound filling Harm. "Thank you, Harm."

"You’re welcome."

He finally joined her and they began to eat, not talking just content with each other's company.

"This feels different from the dates we've had," she admitted.

"Maybe because things are looking a lot different now," he answered.

She nodded slowly but didn't answer.

"Would you dance with me?" she asked a moment later, laying down her fork.

Something sparked in his eyes. "I would love to."

Standing, Harm tugged her from her chair and led her into the darkened living room where the stereo played. Mac’s slid one hand up his arm to his shoulder, moving closer even as he was drawing her in. Eyes locked, they began to move. He tucked the hand he was holding against his chest and drew her a little closer, their bodies brushing just enough to tantalize them both. Mac lowered her head and let her eyes drift shut. She felt Harm shift and then his cheek was resting against her temple. One big hand splayed across her bare back, his callused fingers just a little rough against her smooth, silky skin. Mac shivered slightly.

"Cold?" he murmured, his breath stirring her hair.

"No."

Mac lifted her head and met Harm’s eyes. He studied her intently, his gaze steady. "What’s happening to us, Mac?" he asked, his husky voice calling her nerves to attention.

"Something that started happening a long time ago," she admitted softly.

Instead of denying it, Harm smiled tenderly at her. "It has, hasn’t it?" he mused. "You've been hiding you're feelings from for a long time," he stated gently.

"I’ve tried to hide it from you," she said.

"Why?"

"Because you seemed so bent on us never being more than friends and partners. So I tried to follow your lead."

"I've wasted a lot of time and almost lost you to someone else in the process. To tell you the truth I was scared to death."

"Scared?" she moved back slightly in surprise. "Of what?"

"Of losing you. Of losing us. We've been so close for so long and as time went on, I was scared of losing that. Then we had such a hard time after I came back for flying and I knew that not only did I have to let go of that dream, but I'd pushed you away in the process of chasing it. Then Brumby was always there in the way and I couldn't find a way around him. When I left you hated to even be around him and then suddenly it was like he'd taken over my place in your life."

Mac stared at him incredulously. "Mic never took your place and he never took the time to build a friendship with me like you had. He was after me the minute you left and I think deep down I knew it was because you were gone. He felt he finally had a chance. Harm, even Mic knew how I felt for you. I believe he just thought he could overcome it in time," she explained, burying her face against his chest.

"I was confused then," he went on. "It seemed that every time we made a step forward, we took two more back. He was in my way and you seemed so happy that I didn't know what to do. I was torn between telling you that I wanted my chance and wanting you to be happy – which you seemed with Brumby. I spent so much time pushing you away and denying how I felt that I wasn't sure there was room in your life for me anymore. It wasn't until the night of your engagement party at JAG that I thought there might still be time. Do you remember the way you looked at me across the room?" he asked.

"I remember. I looked up and you were staring," she answered.

"I was jealous," he stated heavily. "More jealous than I can ever remember being in my life. I hated Brumby for having what I suddenly realized I wanted and I hated you for seeming so happy with him."

Mac sighed, her eyes troubled. "It was an act to convince everyone, including myself. I thought if I pretended hard enough, I would believe I really would be happy with Mic. I was determined to see it through, no matter what. And the closer the wedding came, the harder I had to try to keep up the act. I was so close. Once we were married, I'd be safe. Mic wanted to move back to Australia and that would firmly remove me from your path," she said. "And then your plane went down and the decision was out of my hands. I did us all an injustice by letting that farce of an engagement go on as long as it did. I hurt Mic terribly when it was the last thing I wanted to do but I hurt us more. I rubbed it in your face all those months because I was angry. I wanted to get you back for not wanting me enough to fight for me. And then for getting involved with Renee so quickly and staying with her when it was so obvious she wasn't your type."

Harm searched her face, taking in the flush high on her cheeks.

"I'm not proud of what I did, Harm. I was just as wrong as you for being so stubborn and spiteful," she whispered.

"I have something else for you."

She looked surprised that he changed the subject.

"Don't worry," he smiled. "We aren't done talking by a long shot. I was going to give this to you later but I think this is a good time. Come with me."

Taking her by the hand, Harm led her down the hall to his room. Perching herself on the edge of the bed, she watched as he withdrew a large, flat box from the closet. Sitting down beside her, he laid the package across her lap. Mac looked at him questioningly.

"Go ahead," he urged, nodding toward the box.

Mac pulled off the bright red ribbon binding and slowly lifted the lid. Folding back layers of tissue paper, she gasped when she saw what was inside. At a loss for words, she stared at the silver-framed eight by ten of her and Harm. Ham slipped one arm around her shoulders and tugged her against him.

The shot was a recent one of the two of them a charity ball. Clad in their best finery, they were dancing and the look on both of their faces stunned Mac. Gently, she traced the image with her fingers. The camera caught the feelings both of them had been desperately trying to hide for so long.

"Oh, my, God," she whispered, lifting her eyes to his.

"There isn't going to be anymore hiding," he told her. "Whatever you want to call it—fate, divine intervention or God, things have changed for us. The night my plane went down I was trying to get back because I was determined to stop the wedding. All I could think about was our talk on the Admiral's porch. That was the biggest change and there was no going back from there. Now this mess with Duren. I think you and I have run out of chances to figure it out. The next time something happens to one of us, it may be the last chance. Don’t you think we've waited long enough?"

She studied his face for a long moment. Then she curled her hand around the back of his neck and tugged his head down. Mac started slightly at the first tender touch of his mouth. As the pressure increased, warmth flooded her and she realized kissing Harm was everything she’d ever hoped it could be. Harm moved his hands up to the middle of her back and pressed her against him. She put the picture aside and moved her other hand to his jaw, holding him as if she were afraid he would move away. Angling his head a little more to the side, he deepened the kiss, touching his tongue to the seam of her lips. When his tongue slipped in to investigate the dark cavern of her mouth, a low moan slipped from her throat. Harm fed on the tiny sound and increased his pressure, drinking from her sweet mouth.

((PICTURE FLASHES OF OLD SCENES BETWEEN THEM – THE NIGHT HIS HARM'S APARTMENT FROM WEBB OF LIES, THE END SCENE FROM SILENT SERVICE, THE FLYING IN SARAH FROM FULL ENGAGEMENT, THE TWO OF THEM WALKING DOWN THE STAIRS AT THE END OF EMBASSY))

The years between them fell away. All the hiding, the pretense, fell away into nothing. All that remained now was the intense feelings they shared for each other. Harm shifted and delved his hands into Mac’s hair, turning her head as his mouth devoured hers. Time disappeared and Mac was only aware of the man holding her so tightly. Her best friend. Suddenly, Harm tore his mouth away and rested his forehead against hers, breathing heavily. Mac’s eyes were closed, her own breath coming in rapid spurts. Her hands curled around his forearms, holding onto him even though his fingers were still tangled in her hair.

"This could get out of hand very fast," he muttered gruffly.

"We’ve waited a long time," Mac agreed.

"Too long to rush it now." Harm lifted his head and pinned her with a hard look. "We have a lot to talk about, Mac. Let’s take this one day at a time."

Mac smiled lovingly at him. "I thought women were supposed to put the brakes on."

"We can’t hurry this up, Mac. I couldn’t take it if you changed your mind and decided you didn’t want this after all."

Mac nodded, agreeing with the wisdom of his words. "I understand what drove you for so long. It's terrifying to think of crossing a line we can never uncross. And we would lose everything if we tried."

"Then let’s make the next few weeks count, Sarah. Let’s make them really count and figure out what lies ahead of us."