“If all goes well, you’ll be out of here tomorrow.”

Péna sat back in the chair and rubbed the back of his neck. He closed his eyes for a moment then stuck his hand out to Harm. “Thank you so much, sir. You’ve done more than I ever expected to help me.”

“I would have done the same for anyone and don’t thank me quite yet. We still have to go to trial but I don’t think it’ll be a problem to convince the panel. We have a lot of damning evidence on the others. There’s a strong possibility you’ll be called to testify at a later date when we go to trial for the trafficking. Agent Webb was able to provide us with all the names of the men involved. I’ll need every eyewitness I can find.”

“You tell me when to be there and you got it, Commander. Anything to help.”

“Here are the warrants for the CAGs. I’ve already ordered teams to go pick up the COD pilots at their respective locations. There’s also a team waiting at Andrews to accompany you and separate transports to bring the men back from each ship.”

Harm stood before A.J.’s desk as the older man paced behind it. “I’ll get to Andrews ASAP, sir.”

A.J. stopped and propped his hands on his hips. He gave his junior officer a baleful look. “Mr. Secretary had quite a lot to say about this. He’s not at all happy to be under investigation by Webb.”

“I don’t imagine so, sir,” Harm commented. “He has nothing to worry about if he’s innocent.”

A telltale sparkle lit A.J.’s eyes despite his stern expression. “That remains to be seen. Before you leave for Andrews, make sure Colonel MacKenzie and Lieutenant Roberts know your plans so they can cover your cases and don’t kill yourself trying to do this all in one day. I called myself and spoke to each of the ship Commanders. They’re the only ones who know you’re coming to make the arrests and you’ll have their full cooperation.”

“Aye, sir.”

“Then get to it, Commander. Might as well get it over with.”

“Aye, sir.”

Harm went back to his office and sat down, staring for a moment at the blotter. He was due in court in an hour with Commander Péna but he needed to get to Andrews. If he could somehow talk Mac into taking over for him in court, that would get Péna taken care of and keep Mac from going with him to the carriers. Making a steeple of his hands, Harm rested his forehead against them. When she found out he went without her, she was going to go through the roof but it was a chance he had to take. He glanced at the picture of them on his desk corner. They looked so happy. A million miles away from all that had happened recently. There might still be a way for them to get back to that place but it wasn’t going to start with him letting her go after a bunch of drug runners.

*************

Harm knocked on Mac’s office door on his way back to his own office. Her face blossomed into a warm smiled when she saw him.

“Hey, sailor,” she greeted.

“Mac,” he nodded. “I need to ask a major favor,” he said, lowering his tall frame into a chair across from her.

“Sure,” she answered.

“I’m due in court in an hour with Commander Péna but I need to go back to the loft,” he murmured.

Her smile fell away. “What is it? Are you all right?” she asked, her concern evident.

He sighed heavily and rubbed the back of his neck, looking everywhere but at her. “I guess I’m not quite as steady as I thought. A few hours of sleep should take care of it,” he answered vaguely.

“Can I do anything for you?” she asked. “I knew you were pushing yourself too hard. Do you need me to drive you?”

“Nah, I’ll be okay. Will you take care of Péna?”

“You know I will. Want to fill me in on your position?”

“Just let me go get his file.”

**************

Once Mac was safely on her way to meet with Péna before the hearing, Harm made it to Andrews in record time, refusing to allow himself to think about lying to Mac. He refused to even allow himself to consider that he wouldn’t be able to explain away his actions. He’d put it right with her as soon as he got back. Now he had some criminals to round up and she was better off staying behind to go to court. She would be safe enough there and he wouldn’t have to worry about something happening to her while he was trying to do his job.

The COD landed on Connie’s deck and Harm climbed out, followed by four Navy SPs. Sensing something was afoot, men saluted and got out of the way. Harm was taken straight to see Admiral Haught, by the Ensign that greeted him on deck.

“Commander, good to have you onboard although I wish it were under much better circumstances.”

Harm eased his stance at the Admiral’s nod and nodded. “Yes, sir. I know this will mean a lot of changes for you and I appreciate your cooperation with us.”

“I’m sorry to see one more blow to the Navy. Drug running is bad business. If you want the truth, I feel like a foolish old man for not seeing any signs of it on my ship.”

“Don’t, sir. This organization was set up very carefully and a lot of people are unaware of it. In fact, it would have taken much longer to uncover if not for the accident on Big E.”

“Yes, well, it’s too late for any of us to turn back now. Let’s get this over with.”

The two men went to the bridge where Captain John Kelly was on duty. He turned at their intrusion.

“Admiral Haught, what’s going on?” he asked, eyeing Harm and the SPs standing with the Admiral.

Harm stepped forward at a look from the Admiral. “Captain John Kelly, you are under arrest for wrongful possession and distribution of controlled substances into the United States of America,” Harm announced. “You have to the right to remain silent and anything you say may be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to civilian counsel at no expense to the United States; and the right to request assignment of military counsel. Do you understand these rights as I’ve explained them?”

“What the hell do you think you’re doing? I’ll have you on charges for false arrest so fast your head will spin, Commander!” Kelly yelled, struggling as the SPs moved forward and cuffed him.

Harm leveled a glare at him. “I suggest you watch what you say, Captain, you’re in quite enough trouble as it is.”

The SPs took Captain Kelly out of the room, still yelling and struggling against their hold. Admiral Haught walked further into the room.

“As you were!” he called then he looked at Harm. “I don’t know what kind of mess this is going to land the Navy in, Commander Rabb, but I’d rather face that than have one of my men using this carrier for drugs.”

“We’re going to try and keep things as quiet as possible, Admiral Haught, but since it involves so many people I don’t know how successful we’ll be. I’ll see to it that you’re kept abreast of the situation as it evolves,” Harm answered.

“You do that, Commander.”

Mac walked slowly across the room before the eyes of the panel members and Judge Sebring. Then she turned and faced the panel.

“As you can see by the evidence we’ve placed before you today, it was not Commander Péna’s intent to harm the pilots of the Tomcat. He has admitted to making a bad error in judgment but under the circumstances, he should be excused for that since his Commanding Officer was a part of the smuggling and not someone he could talk to or confide his suspicions in. Commander Péna’s actions have been instrumental in opening this case up to the scrutiny of the Secretary of the Navy as well as the Judge Advocate General’s office. Furthermore, full punishment and a bad conduct discharge is not what this young man deserves. He has agreed to full cooperation in the upcoming trials for the other participants of the drug smuggling and his help will be invaluable to the prosecutors.” She paused and turned to glance at Péna then looked back to the panel.

“We ask that you suspend all punishment in lieu of the surrounding circumstances and look favorably on the Commander’s help in future cases. Defense rests.”

Mac returned to her seat next to Péna and cast him a reassuring look.

“Panel will recess for fifteen minutes.”

“Don’t be nervous,” Mac whispered when Péna clenched his hands into fists.

“Can’t help it, ma’am. One stupid decision could ruin my whole career. I don’t want to be kicked out of the Navy, ma’am.”

“Rest easy, Commander,” she smiled.

“Thank you for coming in Commander Rabb’s place. He speaks highly of you.”

Mac hid the surprise the words brought her. “He did a good job of laying out your case,” she said instead. “I have the easy part.”

Several minutes later the chamber doors opened and Judge Sebring and the panel members came back in.

“Have the members of the panel reached a decision?” Judge Sebring asked.

“We have, sir.”

“Please rise and present your findings.”

“On the following charges of dereliction of duty and failure to obey, we find the defendant not guilty. On the charge of willful destruction of military property, we find the defendant guilty.”

Judge Sebring nodded to the panel foreman and turned back to Mac and Commander Péna. “Commander, I would say you must have a guardian angel on your side. The charges against you are serious and under normal circumstances I would have no trouble sentencing you to full punishment. In light of the evidence the Colonel has presented, I hereby order you to 60 days forfeiture of pay and 30 days confinement to the Naval Yard in Washington, DC. However, in regard for time already spent in confinement, I would say you have cleared that term. Commander, you are free to go. You are to report back to your current duty station immediately. This court martial is adjourned.”

The bang of the Judge’s gavel released the breath Mac was holding and she turned a broad smile on Commander Péna.

“Congratulations, Commander,” she said, extending her hand to him.

He clasped her hand in both of his and squeezed it. “Thank you, ma’am. This went much better than I hoped and I’ll gladly give up my pay to stay in the Navy. Please tell Commander Rabb I hope he feels better soon.”

“I will,” she promised. “I understand Lieutenant Paxton has been handling things in your absence and they already have a new CAG in place – a Captain Winsor, so I suggest you catch the next transport out,” she grinned.

“Yes, ma’am! I’ll do that very thing.”

Mac was jubilant when she got back to JAG and went straight to the Admiral’s office to let him know the outcome. Tiner let her in without a wait.

“Well,” A.J. drawled as she seated herself before him. “Judging by your expression, I would say things turned out well?”

“Yes, sir,” she answered. Briefly she told him of the decisions and resulting punishment. “He’ll be on the next transport out to the carrier to resume his duties.”

“Well done, Colonel. I’m sure the Commander will be pleased as well.”

“I hope so. I was sorry he didn’t get to go to court with Péna himself. He worked so hard for this. With your permission, sir, may I take a long lunch to go check on him?”

A.J. arched a brow. “You’ll have a hard time checking on him in the North Atlantic.”

Mac just looked at her CO. “The North Atlantic, sir? I don’t understand. What does that have to do with Harm not feeling well?”

Now it was A.J.’s turn to look bemused. “This is the first I’ve heard of him not feeling well. He left for Andrews this morning after I gave him the arrest warrants. I just got a call that they arrested the CAG on Connie and were headed for Ike next since it’s the closest.”

Stunned, Mac could only stare at the older man as his words sank in. “He didn’t tell me,” she murmured, almost more to herself. “He said he wasn’t feeling well and was going home.”

Slowly, A.J. leaned forward and folded his hands on his desk. “Interesting situation we have here. He lied to you about where he was going. I can only assume it has something to do with what happened in Panama. No arguments this morning?”

Mac shook her head slowly. “No, Admiral, no arguments. He just came in and told me he wasn’t feeling well and asked if I would take care of Commander Péna. I believe I know why he didn’t tell me but that doesn’t make it any easier for me to accept it. May I be excused, sir? I have a lot of work still left for today,” she explained politely.

He looked at her for a long moment but must have decided against saying something because he simply nodded. “Get to it then,” he ordered gently.

“Aye, sir.”

Mac went back to her office and closed the door with a gentle click that echoed down inside of her. Moving automatically, she sat behind her desk and picked up her pen. For just an instant, she felt the sting of tears in her eyes. Resolutely, she pushed it away, a determined set to her mouth. It seemed there were still some issues at hand. But issues or not, it wouldn’t change the fact that he lied to her. She thought, after their weekend together, that things would be different between them. This was a setback she hadn’t counted on. Maybe it was a foretelling of things to come. That it would never be different between them.

Harm didn’t get back to the office until 1000 the next morning after making a stop at the Naval yard to check on the men taken into custody. It was late the day before by the time they had everyone rounded up so he’d gone straight home, exhausted from the flat out pace they’d set going carrier to carrier. He could see Mac in her office, head down and working but he veered to the side and went to the Admiral’s office instead.

A.J. barely spared Harm a glance when he came in. Harm remained at attention before the Admiral’s desk, waiting to be directed at ease. Several minutes passed but the Admiral still hadn’t acknowledged Harm’s presence. Harm felt a trickle of sweat run down his back. A prickle of unease told him something was wrong.

“Are all of your detainees accounted for, Commander?” A.J. asked quietly.

“Yes, sir.”

“Good, glad you got it all taken care of,” he muttered noncommittally.

The older man dropped his pen, removed his glasses and rose from his seat. Coming around the desk, he fixed Harm with a hard stare.

“Commander Rabb, was there any particular reason why you chose to lie to Colonel MacKenzie about your whereabouts yesterday?”

Harm felt a sinking feeling in his stomach. “How did you find out, sir?” he murmured.

“You should never keep your CO in the dark, Commander. She asked me for extra time to go see how you were feeling. Imagine my surprise to learn she believed you had gone home ill. And you pawned Commander Péna’s trial off on her.”

“It wasn’t like…”

“Then suppose you tell me what it was like?” A.J. interrupted, standing toe to toe with the younger man.

Harm stared straight ahead, barely meeting A.J.’s eyes as he looked for the right words. “I wasn’t sure of the situations we would be facing, sir,” he admitted.

“And I suppose you thought you were protecting her?” A.J. arched one brow.

“Yes, sir.”

A.J. stared at him thoughtfully for a long moment. “Commander, I suggest in the future you remember that the Colonel is a highly trained Marine and fully qualified for her duties. She does not need a self-appointed keeper to make sure she stays out of danger. I will decide if and when I feel she is not equipped to handle an assigned task. May I remind you, that you are currently in worse shape than she is? You should not have taken it upon yourself to visit all the carriers alone in one day. Furthermore, I specifically ordered you to let Lt. Roberts and Colonel MacKenzie know of your whereabouts so they could cover if need be. I did not tell you to hand off an important court date so you could rush out to play the hero. If it ever happens again you’ll have more to worry about than a simple explanation. Do I make myself clear, Commander?” A.J. demanded.

Harm swallowed hard. “Aye, sir.”

A.J. slowly moved away then turned to look back at Harm. “At ease. You better start thinking of what you’re going to tell your partner.”

Harm spent the majority of the day out of the office, returning at quitting time. Most of the staff had already left but he saw Mac in her office, still working. Dread built inside as he made his way to her door. He had avoided talking to her that morning with the Admiral’s dressing down still ringing in his ears but he couldn’t avoid her forever.

“Hey, Mac,” he called, rapping lightly on her door.

“Harm,” she answered, not looking up.

“Can we talk?” he asked.

The hand doing the writing paused in mid-stroke. “You think we have something to talk about?” she asked noncommittally.

Slowly, he walked further into her office. “Yes, I do. We have a lot to talk about and we can do it here or we can do it at home later. I don’t care either way.”

The way he referred to home so easily didn’t escape her. “I have to be in court first thing in the morning and I’m tired so the last thing I want to do is spend half the night talking.” She threw down her pen and rose to her feet, meeting his eyes for the first time. “Nor do I believe we have anything to talk about unless you’d like to tell me why you believed it necessary to lie to me yesterday.”

He met her gaze squarely. “I was trying to protect you,” he stated evenly.

One eyebrow shot up. “Protect me? From what? A carrier full of fellow squids?”

“Sarcasm doesn’t really become you,” he retorted. “We didn’t have any idea what we’d be facing with these men.”

“And that makes it okay?” She looked down at her desk for a moment then back at him, her eyes troubled. “You know how I feel about lying, Harm. That bothers me more than the fact that you went without me. I’m disappointed in you, Harm, and in the way you treat me. I thought we were finally making some headway - that we were overcoming some of the old barriers but I see now that we’re just back at square one.” She moved to the side of the desk, her expression resolute. “Let me spell this out for you once and for all. I know how to do my job and I would be the first to admit it if a situation got too big for me to handle. There is always a chance something might happen. Something could have happened to you yesterday on one of the carriers. You didn’t know what you were walking into anymore than you knew what I would be walking into. I know you want to protect me from getting hurt, but…” She let the rest of the sentence go then bent and retrieved her purse from a desk drawer. “Maybe you’re the one I need protection from.”

Then she walked past him and out of the office without a backward glance.

Her words caught him so off guard that all Harm could do was stand there for several long minutes. He rocked back on his heels as her ‘I’m disappointed in you’ went clear to his soul. Why did everything he tried to do for her backfire on him? Head low, he left her office. It seemed he had a lot to think about, starting with how to put things right between them.

“Commander?”

Harm glanced up at the low knock on his door and saw Darren James. “Darren! What are you doing here? And call me, Harm.”

Darren grinned and stepped into the office. “I came to see if Sarah wanted to go to lunch but she’s not in her office.”

“She’s tied up in court. No telling when she’ll get done.”

“Ahh, well that’s what I get for not calling,” he grinned, dropping into a chair across from Harm. He rested one ankle on the opposite knee. “You busy for lunch?”

Now that was a switch. A few weeks ago Harm wouldn’t have dreamed of having lunch with a man he saw as a rival for Mac’s attention. “Nope, no plans. There’s a great little deli a few blocks down the road and they have outdoor seating,” he suggested.

“Sold,” Darren grinned.

Several minutes later the two men were seated at a small round table with monstrous sandwiches. It was quiet for several minutes under the comforting shade of the surrounding trees as they ate.

“How are you feeling these days?” Darren asked quietly.

Harm met his eyes over the cup he was taking a sip from. Swallowing, he nodded and put the cup down. “I’m getting there. Not as fast as I’d like, but hey, it’s better than the alternative. I get tired easily,” he admitted.

“I’m sure you’ve heard all the fretting and fussing already over taking it easy so I’ll refrain from adding my two cents,” Darren responded evenly, a grin hinting at his mouth.

“Thanks,” Harm answered dryly.

“Aside from that, you look like you’re on another planet. Tough case?” the other man observed.

Harm slowly shook his head. “Tough Marine.”

Darren nodded slightly. “She didn’t look any better than you when I ran into her last night in the hall. I suppose I’m probably the last person in the world you’d want to talk to about your private relationship with her but I’m all ears if you need a neutral ear,” he offered.

That brought a slight grin to Harm’s face. “A neutral ear? You?” he laughed softly. “I bet you’re more involved in our lives than you’d like to be.”

Darren leaned forward slightly, his expression belying the tension in his tall frame. “When I moved here I closed myself off from anything that didn’t relate to work. Meeting Sarah made me realize just how closed off I was. I needed a friend in the worst way and I’m not at all sorry for whatever part of her life I get. I don’t know if you’ll ever look at me as a friend but the offer’s still open all the same. I think you know by now I’m not after her romantically. She already has eyes for my twin.” This last was delivered with a teasing glint in his eyes.

Harm stared at the other man for a long minute. “I’d like for us to be friends,” he returned slowly. “Maybe I’ve become too closed off from life outside of JAG. My world seems to revolve around this place. I hurt her yesterday, Darren, by lying to her. At the time I thought I was doing the right thing. I was trying to keep her safe. I had to go make the arrests on the carriers and I didn’t want her anywhere that she could be hurt.”

Darren was silent for a moment but when Harm didn’t say anything else, he spoke up. “Did Sarah tell you about my wife and child?”

“Just that you’d lost them. I said some terrible things to her right before we went to Panama because I was jealous. Last week she told me they died recently just so I would know you weren’t a threat to what she and I had. I can’t possibly imagine what that did to you but I know how close I came to losing her in Panama and what it did to me,” he admitted.

Darren stared at his folded hands. “I won’t go into the whole story but believe me, I do understand. I know that drives you to want to protect her. I also know you can’t wrap her in cotton batting for the rest of her life. She’s been a Marine as long as you’ve known her and you fell in love with her despite that,” he began, taking it for granted that Harm did love Mac. “Would you feel differently about her if she had another occupation? What if she were a housewife?”

Harm looked at the other man, trying to follow where his line of questioning was leading. “I’d love her no matter what she did. But you have to admit, if she weren’t a Marine, she wouldn’t be facing such dangerous conditions either.”

Darren smiled grimly. “And that’s where you’d be wrong, Commander. My wife, Annette, gave up her career when our son was born so she could stay home with him. She had nothing to do with my work and she had her hands full keeping up with her own day-to-day activities. Then the mobster thug I was building a case against ran her and Bobby off the road and killed them. So there goes your theory on taking her out of the path.”

Stunned, Harm was quiet while he digested all Darren said. “I’m so sorry,” he finally managed to get out. “It’s a testament to your will that you’re sitting here now.”

“It’s a testament to all the friends and family who kept up with me so I wouldn’t blow my head off,” Darren stated wryly. “Believe me, I wanted to. And I’m still in the zone where I don’t ever want to love someone like that again. Losing them just hurt too damn much.”

And there was the crux of Harm’s problem. Loving Mac so very much he was terrified of how he would ever go on if he lost her.

“I can’t give you a magic answer, Harm, no one can. If you’re afraid, get over it or you’ll never be any further along than you are now, and trust me, the fear won’t ever go away. But you can do it with her and enjoy whatever time you have or you can do it alone and lose her.”

“I may already have,” Harm sighed. “I would bet she still loves me but I don’t think she likes me too much right now.”

“That may be the case but the way she loves you won’t end overnight.”

”Hey, old man, your ugly puss looks a hell of a lot better than the last time I saw you.”

Harm threw down his pen. “I would know that irritating voice anywhere. I thought you were on the Big E?”

“No need since you’ve arrested everyone and their brother. Agent Webb thought so highly of my sense of duty that he gave me a week off for my help.”

Harm laughed as Shane came in and sat down in front of his desk. “Be careful of strings attached,” he joked.

“You’re just jealous ‘cause you have to do all the work now,” Shane retorted. “You always were jealous of me.”

“In a pig’s eye,” Harm sputtered and they both dissolved into laughter. “I needed that,” he sighed when he caught his breath. “I feel like I haven’t laughed in years.”

“Laughter’s good for the soul,” Shane mused. “How’re things here on the home front?”

Harm shot him a baleful look. “Waiting for our trial date and trying to catch up on the mound of files they had waiting for me.”

“How do you really feel?” Shane asked quietly.

“Worn out. I get tired easily.”

“It’ll pass. Nail these guys to the wall, Harm.”

“Oh, I intend to. Don’t you dare doubt that.”

“Front page of the Post, ‘Navy aircraft carriers succumb to the lure of the open sea drug trade.’ Front page of the Times, ‘Go Navy = Go druggie? Scandal rocks the boat.’”

A.J. threw both newspapers down on the conference table, his expression thunderous. “This is the very last thing I want to see continued in our media. PR is working to get media coverage restricted but we know well how that goes. Let’s move, people. Commander Rabb, you’re going to prosecute Captains Kelly, Diaz and Craft, the four CAGs. We already know Kelly is a loose cannon and the trials for these four will be especially important. They are the figureheads in trusted positions. You’ll need to go carefully on these. Colonel, you’ll take the four senior COD pilots, Lieutenant Commanders Malone, Miller, Everett and Hanlon. Lieutenant Roberts, you’ll be sitting first chair on the junior COD pilots, Lieutenants Tallant, Mahoney, Meier and McNally with the Commander and Colonel sitting second chair on two each. I don’t want to leave you hanging by yourself on these.”

“Thank you, sir,” Bud murmured.

“Let’s get these cases resolved as quickly and efficiently as possible. Commander, you’re up first with Captain Kelly at 1000 Monday morning. Seems he’s engaged civilian counsel in the form of Haught, Hamilton, Rhoades and Houston.”

Harm cocked his head slightly. “High-powered.”

A.J. met his junior officer’s pointed stare. “Exactly, Commander. I want Kelly dealt with. If he falls it could very well spill over to the others and their trials will be cut and dried. Got it? Go after him with everything you’ve got.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Dismissed.”

Harm stalled for a few minutes in the conference room, giving Mac time to get back to her office before he followed. She was searching through an open file drawer on her big cabinet when he tapped on the door.

“Got a minute?” he asked.

“Not really,” she answered, without looking at him. “What do you need?”

“A few minutes of your time to talk.”

“You’ll have to get in line. I’ve got a ton of things to do before we go to trial.”

Harm bit back his frustration. “You can’t ignore me forever and pretend nothing happened,” he tried, hoping he sounded somewhat reasonable.

She stopped what she was doing and stood for a minute then she resumed her search. “I’m sorry, I’m not sure what you’re referring to, Commander.” She slammed the file drawer shut and tossed a file on her desk. “How does it feel to have the shoe on the other foot? I’m sorry but I don’t have time to talk about anything that isn’t remotely related to the trafficking cases. If you want to discuss something that happened between you and I, it will have to wait. To coin a phrase, we’ll have that talk someday. It just isn’t going to be today,” she stated flatly, her voice cold and remote.

Harm forced himself to meet her eyes. “Then when? After the trials? Give me a date and time, let’s pin it down,” he persisted.

She let out a short laugh that didn’t sound the least bit humorous. “A date and time? This isn’t some meeting we’re scheduling. I don’t know when, Harm. Maybe next week or next month – maybe never,” she answered, knowing she scored a direct hit when she saw his jaw clench. “I’m not ready to let go yet,” she went on and Harm knew she wasn’t referring to engaging in a relationship with him. “You’ve gotten so used to playing the hero and being everyone’s fair-haired boy that maybe you’ve forgotten the world doesn’t revolve around you. I don’t think we have much to talk about. If you don’t know where I’m coming from by now then you never will because God knows I’ve said it enough times. You need to be concerned about yourself and where you’re headed, not with me. I’m not the one who lied to play the conquering hero.”

“But…”

“Spare me", she interrupted, holding up a hand. “I don’t want to hear another empty excuse. You may be brilliant in the courtroom but it’s the one on one where you need a little work. You’re not saying the right things, Harm, and until you figure out what the right words are, I don’t have anything else to say outside of what goes on in this office. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have work to do.”

She turned and sat down behind her desk; opening the file she’d retrieved from the cabinet. Harm was stunned. He opened his mouth to protest but found no words waiting. What could he say now? He took two steps back, almost tripping over his own feet before spinning around and hastily going to his own office. He dropped heavily into his desk chair and rubbed a hand over his face. Her words rocked him right to the bottom of his heart. She was so far off the mark about why he’d lied to her. It wasn’t to play the hero…how could he make her understand that he was protecting her? That he was terrified of losing her? She just didn’t get it and he didn’t know how else to explain it to her.

He went over her remark about coining his phrase. Long ago on the night of the ferry ride in Sydney, he’d told her he wasn’t ready to let go. But they had talked since then, many times. Granted, they were recent times but… his thoughts trailed off as his eyes fell to their picture again. Assorted memories started to roll in on him like a blanketing fog. They had almost the same conversation when they returned from Panama. She tried to talk to him twice and he gave her excuses both times. But that time she pushed until she had him against the wall and he couldn’t push back. It was the opening they needed to get the words going. It had been easy then. With anger and fear spilling out of him. But there had been tender words as well. Of love and forgiveness.

Harm shifted and reached over to get the picture. Gently, his fingers traced her image beneath the glass. All of the hours they spent in each other’s arms seemed like a world away now that they were back at work. She knew he was afraid of losing her but that didn’t stop her from being angry. If he were honest with himself, he would be equally angry in her shoes. The desire to want her safe was so strong it was choking him.

His own words came back to him. The bottom line had always been there in front of him but it was just now becoming clear to him. In all of his life, almost everything he’d ever loved had been taken away in some form or fashion, starting with his Dad. Now he was faced with losing his partner. What had the Admiral said? Life happens when you’re making plans.

Mac forced herself to take several slow breaths. The deposition pages she was looking at blurred until they faded into the background and all she could see was her partner’s face. He looked genuinely shocked by what she said to him. Could he truly not understand how she felt? She turned in her desk chair and looked out the window. The hours they spent together the previous weekend were a fairy tale that she carried in her heart. Maybe it would be the only taste of loving him she would ever have. She really and truly knew what kind of fear he felt but he was the only one who could find a way to get around it. She could help him with a lot of things but that wasn’t one of them. The very last thing she wanted to do was feel this distance between them, especially after recent events, but she wouldn’t let herself back down over what he did. If she gave in and excused his behavior, would that stop him from doing it again? Probably not. He would go to any length to protect her whenever he felt the need. So there was the stalemate. Leaning forward in her chair, Mac crossed her arms on the credenza and laid her chin on them, staring at the clear sky. For all her airs about being able to handle herself, there was one thing she had doubts about and that was being able to walk away from him. For just an instant tears clouded her vision. Blinking them away, she sat up straight, rubbing her arms against a sudden shiver. She was back to what ifs. If he couldn’t find the words, if they couldn’t find a way to work it out, if she had to give him up for good - if it came down to that, she would find the way. She couldn’t spend the next few years on the same road they’d already traveled. No matter that it would break her heart into so many pieces it would never be whole again.

Tiner was already gone for the day but the Admiral had his door open and Harm saw him working at his desk. He tapped gently on the door and the older man glanced up.

“Come in, Commander. Working late on a Friday?”

Harm stepped into the room and gently closed the door behind him. “Can I talk to you for a few minutes, sir?”

“Have a seat. Sounds serious,” A.J. observed.

“It is. I want to talk to you about the possibility of transferring out of JAG.”

For a minute A.J. didn’t answer. “Son, I don’t believe I heard you correctly.”

“You heard me just fine, Admiral,” Harm returned, suppressing the barest hint of a grin. “I find that I’ve backed myself into a corner I can’t get out of.”

“Why don’t you tell me about it?”

“I’m sure it’s more than you’ll want to hear and it’s not work related,” Harm stalled.

A.J. smiled dryly. “Do I look like I was born last night, Commander Rabb? I have the distinct feeling you’re talking about the undercurrents between you and the Colonel. It’s been particularly tense around here the past two days. Who else are you going to talk to? Lieutenant Roberts?” A.J. suggested.

“No, sir, I’d rather keep it quiet.”

“Then you might as well talk to me. I’ve seen you at your worst, Harm. I may not like what you have to say but I will listen and you know damn good and well it won’t leave this office. If you had the slightest idea you could come in and talk about a transfer without telling me why, then you took more blows to the head than I originally thought,” he stated gruffly.

This time Harm did chuckle. “I was hoping for that very thing. Here it is in a nutshell. I can’t get her to talk to me and after the tongue-lashing she gave me today, I’m finally beginning to understand what she’s been trying to tell me all along. The thing is, I don’t know what to say to prove to her how I feel. I can’t take back what I did and I can’t excuse it away. I did what I did to protect her. She thinks it was because I didn’t have enough faith in her to take her with me. I have to find someway to show her that I believe in her abilities and would never try to take her independence away from her. Somehow it always seems to come back to the job,” he sighed, thrusting a hand through his hair. “I see danger and a need to protect her. She sees it as me stifling her and doubting her abilities. I can’t make her understand that it isn’t her abilities I doubt. I just want to do everything in my power to keep her safe.”

A.J. studied Harm thoughtfully. “I don’t have any sage words of wisdom for you nor can I fully understand except to say that being a SEAL didn’t help my marriage. What I do know is what I told you before – life happens when you’re making plans. Do you remember when Laura was killed? Judge Delaney?” Harm nodded. “That was the last thing I ever expected to happen. It was an unforeseen twist that Osbourne probably hadn’t even counted on and it got to me like nothing else could have. For a long time I was convinced I had somehow failed her. I should have realized he would try anything he could to get to me, including hurting the people I was closest to.” He leaned back in his chair and folded his hands over his stomach. “Could I have done something differently? Maybe. I could have sent her away or forced her out of my life.”

“She was very strong-willed, Admiral,” Harm pointed out, starting to see where the Admiral was headed with this.

A.J. tipped his head slightly. “Yes, she was. She wouldn’t have done a damn thing I told her to do because she was sure I would be her safety net. And she always said loving me was the most important thing of all.” He leaned forward again. “You’re spending every second trying to keep her safe when the fact is, anything could happen to her or you, work or not. You can’t control nature, Harm, and when it’s time to go, it’s time to go. Nothing you say or do will ever change that. Transferring out isn’t the answer to your problem. The answer is whether or not you love her enough to let her be who she is. She’s had a short string of men in her life who wanted to crush her spirit into something they could manage. Maybe you should try letting her fly.”

Having thought of nothing else all evening, Harm finally decided that once and for all they had to settle what was between them, good or bad. So with a nervousness that was so unlike him, he knocked on her door and waited. It opened a few minutes later and the look on her face told him he was the last person she expected to see.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, not a trace of welcome present.

“I came to talk to you.”

“We’ve been through this already…”

Harm held up a hand to silence her. “Yes, I know, and I’m not going through it again nor do I want to put you through it again. I would like to come in and sit down with you and talk. Please, Mac. At least give me a chance to say what I came to say. Then if you still want me to go I will.”

She eyed him mutinously but finally decided in his favor because she stepped back and opened the door farther. Harm brushed past her, his body instantly alert to her presence. The subtle scent of perfume drifted to his nose as she went past him to sit down. Harm sat opposite of her, pulling the chair closer to the couch.

“I’ve been doing a lot of thinking. About what you said and all that’s happened in the past few weeks. I guess I was waiting for a lightning bolt to hit me where everything would become clear in a burst of light but I’m realizing that the answers have been right in front of me the whole time. There’s a lot I need to say to you so please, let me get it all out before you say anything.”

He paused and looked down at his hands, amazed anew at the little furls of sensation rolling through him from just being near her. All evening he’d wondered how to make her understand how he felt about her. How the curve of her mouth enticed him. How the smell of her perfume stayed with him for hours. How the feel of her satiny skin felt sliding under his hands. Every time he was near her, electricity hummed through the air, arcing between them. And that was only on the surface.

Clearing his throat, he looked up at her, her gaze unwavering on him. “I lied to you about where I was going and I’m sorry. I know there’s nothing I can say to take it back but at the time it seemed like the right thing to do. I love you.” He saw her eyes widen slightly at the simple admission. “More than you could possibly know. During the past few days, all I’ve been able to think about is what happened to you. Then I got some well-meaning advice that made me finally understand that I can only do so much to protect you before the rest is in God’s hands. It never even occurred to me to consider how it came across to you. Or how it affected you when I was hurt. I was only thinking of myself and how I felt. Keeping you out of the loop was never because I thought you couldn’t handle yourself. I know better than anyone just how well you can do your job. My sole purpose was to keep you safe but I’m realizing that the best way to do that is to give you the room you need to spread your wings.”

Very slowly, he slipped out of the chair to his knees in front of her and laid his hands over her smaller ones. "I've hurt you so many times – too many to ask for your forgiveness. But I'm praying that you love me enough to say yes just one more time. I know about your dreams, Mac. I know what makes you angry, what makes you cry, just where to touch you to hear you gasp my name. What I don't seem to know is the way to win back your heart. You told me to find the right words and I hope to God I have. Just know that I’ve never wanted to take away your independence or to belittle your abilities. You’re one of the finest lawyers I’ve ever encountered and a Marine our country can be proud of. I just hope you can somehow understand how terrified I’ve been of losing you. I’ve lost so many other things that I just don’t know what I would do if I had to add you to that list.” He looked down at their hands. “It’s been the driving force behind all of this. An irrational fear of losing you and believing if I could just hold part of myself back, I wouldn’t get in deep enough for it to kill me.”

He looked back up at her and smiled ruefully. “But it’s too late for that. You’re woven too tightly into the fabric of my life now for me to ever have things the way they used to be. And you know what? I don’t want to go back to the old way ever again. I just want to be with you and I’ll do that anyway I have to. If you need further proof, consider this. I went to the Admiral and asked about the possibility of a transfer out of JAG so work wouldn’t stand between us anymore.”

Those words triggered the first reaction he got from her as her mouth dropped open in a horrified gasp. Before she could say anything he went on.

“He wouldn’t even consider it. So I tried another tact and asked him to make you lead counsel on the four CAGs – beginning with Captain Kelly. I don’t want to be the fair-haired boy nor do I have any inclination to save the world. What I want is for you to know just how much I trust you and your abilities. I would put myself in your hands if my own freedom was on the line and I wouldn’t think twice about it. I believe in you that much. I know there have been times when you felt I had no faith in you but that has never been a question. Just one more misunderstanding in a long line of them where you and I are concerned.”

As Mac sat there listening to the rush of words spilling from him, she realized he’d just handed her the most precious gift he could have ever given her. She’d walked in his shadow for so long, never knowing the true cause and praying it wasn’t because he doubted her skills.

“You wanted to transfer out?” she asked hoarsely.

He grinned tenderly at her. “Out of all I just said, is that all you can come up with?” he teased gently.

“I’m stunned,” she responded honestly. “I didn’t know where to start first.”

“I was ready to transfer because I’m desperate to make this work and I’ll do anything to prove it to you. You’ve accused me of putting you off and not being ready. Let me tell you this: it’s never, never been because I wasn’t ready for you. Letting go to me meant giving up control of the situation and in a way it meant I didn’t trust what we have enough to believe in it,” he admitted unsteadily. “Mainly I was just being a coward. Jordan and Renee both accused me of not being able to commit and they were right about that, just not the reason behind it. I couldn’t commit to them because you already have the best of me.

Today is the first time I ever remember you telling me you were disappointed in me. It hit me hard and I don’t ever want to give you a reason to say it again. After you turned me away, I couldn’t think of anything else but what you said and after the Admiral added his comments, it seemed to fall into place. It’s just as simple as that. No dramatics or fan fair. I know I can’t lock you away in a gilded cage and I don’t even want to try. I just want you to give me a chance. Give me your hand and do this with me. I can’t promise that I’ll never hurt you but I can promise to do my damndest to be everything you need me to be. Please just let me try.”

Mac shook her head in wonder; sure she was hearing things. She studied their hands for a moment, her eyes shielded from him. “I was really angry at first because you lied to me… and disappointed. Logically, I did understand why you did it. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking since I got home and I realized some things. There have been many times when I’ve accused you or others in the office of not thinking I could handle my job or treating me different because I was a woman. I’ve carried that chip on my shoulder for so long that I didn’t notice it wasn’t even an issue anymore.” She raised her eyes to his then. “When we were in Panama, I was scared to death I was going to lose you. I’ve lost a lot of things in my life, too, but I kinda have a record going with you. You’ve stayed with me all these years even when I wasn’t very nice,” she admitted. “I told you last week that I am the one who can’t forgive and it’s the truth. I said some mean things today and I was out of line. I know you weren’t running off to play hero by leaving me behind. Given the circumstances, I might have done the same thing. In Panama, I would have paid Escobédo’s men to take me if it would have saved you even half the pain. And that’s what you were trying to do for me. I’m just afraid it’s always going to be like this. Every time there’s a danger, are we going to fight over who can do a better job?” she asked earnestly.

“No,” he shook his head firmly. “I may protest mightily but I won’t ever try to hold you back from doing what you’ve been trained to do and with any luck, there won’t be too many instances where we don’t go together.”

She knew from the expression in his eyes that he meant every word. “Fighting with you just takes too much out of me, Harm. I can’t keep doing it over and over. It seems for every step forward, we take a dozen backward. As much as you want to assure me my independence, I want to assure you yours. I don’t want you to give control to me. I want you to share your life with me and let me share mine with you. You don’t ever have to be afraid again. Only death is strong enough to take me away from you, Harm. Forget about being afraid and believe in that. I have no plans of leaving you for the next 50 years or so but no matter when the time comes, you’ll have the warmth of my love to the grave and beyond. It’s as simple as that. Give me your hand and do this with me,” she stated, echoing his earlier words.

The light in her dark eyes amazed Harm. “I told you once that you made complicated things too simple,” he murmured.

“And you make simple things too complicated,” she returned.

“Do you think we’re somewhere in the middle now?” he asked, his eyes bright.

“Feels like pretty even ground,” she returned, nodding.

“It’s not going to be easy,” he went on.

“When is it ever with you?” she answered, but her eyes were tender. “It doesn’t have to be easy or hard. It just has to be you and me,” she stated.

“This is the last chance to turn back,” he warned. “I don’t know what I would ever do without you, Sarah. Not after how far we’ve come.”

“You won’t ever be without me,” she countered. “And we haven’t come nearly far enough.”

“Commander Rabb? Admiral Chegwidden wants to see you and the Colonel ASAP.”

Harm closed the file cabinet drawer he was bent over and turned toward the phone. “I’ll get her and we’ll be right there.”

Within minutes they were seated in front of A.J.’s desk. And he didn’t look all too happy to see them.

“Is something wrong, sir?” Mac asked quietly.

“Depends on how you look at it, Colonel,” A.J. drawled slowly, walking around to stand between them and his desk. Propping himself against the front edge, he slowly crossed his arms over his chest, his expression thoughtful. “I spent the majority of my morning on the phone with the SECNAC. He has ordered me to remove you two from counsel on the trafficking cases.”

“What?” Harm exclaimed, half-rising from his chair. “Why?”

“He gave me several reasons – some of which I agree with. I don’t have to remind you that this is an extremely high profile case. The media is on it like a dog with a bone. In addition, SECNAV wants them all tried together instead of breaking it up all into single trials,” A.J. explained.

“But, sir, there are thirteen defendants,” Mac interjected.

“That’s right, which just adds to the burden of trial. Captain Kelly hired Haught, Hamilton, Rhoades and Houston and the firm has agreed to represent all of the men in a combined trial.”

“That’s interesting,” Harm drawled, leaning back and crossing one ankle over the opposite knee in seeming nonchalance. “How in the world would they be able to afford the fees of the best criminal defense firm in D.C.?”

“I wondered that myself,” A.J returned. “That brings me to a dilemma on our end but I believe I have a solution. Lieutenant Roberts does not have the experience to try a case of this magnitude. I believe the two of you could easily handle it but you are now relieved of that duty. I could attempt to argue the case myself but SECNAV is pushing for someone outside of this office. He feels that we are too closely involved to be objective toward the other parties involved based on London’s actions. Furthermore, he reminded me of leaving the office without proper supervision to go to Panama after you two.” A.J. shifted and leaned forward slightly like he was sharing a secret. “Frankly, Mr. Secretary can go to hell.”

Harm and Mac exchanged a look, both smart enough to keep from smiling.

“However, there is a new attorney now working for the US Attorney General and he’s one of the best attorneys in the country. What I’m going to say is a suggestion only but it’s one I want you to think strongly about. I want you two to have a say in the decision but our only other option is another lawyer somewhere in the JAG system.”

Harm and Mac looked at each other yet again then back to their CO, wondering exactly what he was about to suggest.

“Darren James has the knowledge and the experience to try this case and win. As much as I hate to relinquish our control as prosecutors to anyone else, I would trust him with this. I also know that he’ll work fully with us and not try to shut JAG out.”

“My Darren James?” Mac asked. “My neighbor?”

One corner of A.J.’s mouth quirked up. “That’s the one, Colonel. Apparently, he made the career switch right after you two first went to Panama. I received a call of inquiry about the job he did on the Gentry case in Twenty-nine Palms. I also talked to Mr. James this morning at length. He has an extensive background in law enforcement and an excellent track record as a prosecutor. His specialty has always been high-profile criminal cases.”

For a moment no one said anything. A.J. finally moved away from his desk to the other wing chair in his office, which he pulled over to theirs where he could sit with them.

“Admiral,” Harm began quietly. “Isn’t there any way to keep Mac and I on as the main prosecutors?”

“I really wish there was, Harm, but I have to agree with the SECNAV in this case. We have no room for error. There is a more than likely chance that Webb will be called to testify as should both of you. You can’t testify when you’re lead counsel. Additionally, the defense will bring in anyone and everyone involved, to sit on the stand – that includes Agent McGraw, Commander Michaels, Commander Péna and anyone else involved or with knowledge of the events. Despite our best intentions with the media, we’re looking at a celebrity circus.” He leaned forward in his chair and let his hands dangle between his knees.

Harm sighed and ran a hand over his hair. “What a mess,” he murmured.

A.J. nodded thoughtfully. “We’ll get through it just like we get through everything else. We don’t have a lot of time to get the ball rolling. Do you two need time to talk it over?”

Mac looked at Harm. “I don’t need any time,” she stated gently.

Harm met her gaze, trusting her decision. “Neither do I. As long as Mac and I are allowed to contribute then I’ll agree to Darren taking over. I do have one request.”

“And that is?” A.J. asked.

“That you assign Bud second chair to Darren because this is a valuable opportunity for him to learn.”

“Done,” A.J. nodded. “I’ll make the calls today.”

It was close to quitting time when Darren arrived to meet with them. Admiral Chegwidden asked Bud to join them in the conference room to make sure the younger man knew he was being given the second chair.

“I don’t want you to take this as slight in any way, Lieutenant,” A.J. stated.

Bud met his gaze. “No, sir. You’re right; I don’t have the kind of experience this case will take. I’ve never even handled a joint trial. I have a feeling this will be an eye-opener for me.”

“I’m glad you’re looking at it that way,” A.J. smiled. He turned to Darren. “Your turn.”

Darren opened the briefcase he brought with him and took out several packets. He gave one to each of them. “As soon as we notified Haught’s office that we were going to be lead counsel, they sent over the preliminary list of witnesses and supporting documentation. They intend to call both of you to the stand,” he said, looking at Harm and Mac.

“In what capacity?” Harm asked.

“Testimony relative to the case. We have to assume they're going for the throat. I know this firm, I’ve had dealings with them in the past and they play hardball. They’ll use anything they can to win this case. Having seen them in action, I have to assume they're going to want the details of your time in Panama.” He slowly slid his briefcase to the side and laced his fingers together. “You have to be prepared for that. While it may not seem relative to the charges against these men, it plays a pivotal role because it resulted in the death of Captain London and you were running from the man supplying the drugs to the ships.”

“What’s your plan for this trial?” Harm asked.

Darren gave them a slow smile and Mac was sure if he’d had a mustache, he would have been twirling it. “I’m glad you asked.”

There was one strong advantage they had over the defense attorneys – they got the trial to the courtroom much faster than they could have. They also arranged for a closed trial to keep out the media and anyone else who didn’t need to be in the room. The two head partners of the defense firm, Haught and Hamilton, were seated at the front table with the 13 men they were defending seated in two rows behind them.

Behind Darren and Bud, sat Harm, Mac and A.J., Webb and Dixie; dressed to kill in a fitted black coat dress that left a tremendous amount of leg exposed and mile-high black pumps. She had whispered to Mac on the way in that it was her “Don’t mess with me” look.

Since it was their first day, opening arguments would be presented first and the initial presentation of evidence. Darren was hoping to move the trial along at a fast clip but that would depend on how fast the defense called and questioned witnesses. And then, of course, there was always the unknown.

“Are you ready for this?”

Mac glanced down where Harm’s hand rested over hers and nodded slightly. “As ready as I’ll ever be,” she whispered.

Proceedings were about to start for the sixth day and the defense was ready to put Mac on the stand. Darren and the defense counsel had already questioned all of the minor witnesses, ranging from the actual COD pilots to the flight crews to the LSOs, the CAGs and so on. Now they were drawing down to the final players: Harm, Mac, Webb. A.J., Dixie and the others directly involved with getting Harm and Mac out of Panama.

“We could try for a continuance,” Harm murmured.

“No,” she answered, looking up at him. “I would rather get it over with. I’m tough – I’ll get through it,” she replied, striving for what she hoped was a teasing note. “Are you more worried about me getting through it or yourself?” she asked gently.

“Both. I don’t want to see you relive it again for an audience,” he grimaced. “And I don’t particularly care to go back there myself. It’s been several weeks and I’m just starting to make some progress with putting it all behind me.”

Casually, Mac turned her hand over beneath his and flattened their palms together, knowing no one else in the courtroom would see the tiny gesture. “We’ll make it,” she whispered. “No matter what.”

“I still don’t know why Darren didn’t call you before the defense,” he returned.

The corners of her lips turned up slightly. “Because, as you very well know, it’s better that he waits to see what they do with us.”

He sighed deeply and glanced sideways at her. “I’m being a pain in the ass, aren’t I?” he asked.

She gave the tiniest of winks. “Just a little,” she answered, then she leaned a little closer as he dipped his head. “But I still love you,” she whispered, the words just the barest hint of breath in his ear.

His only response was to slide his hand over hers as they broke contact.

A few minutes later they were called to order as Judge Sebring and the panel members came in and made themselves comfortable.

“Is the defense ready to begin?” Judge Sebring asked.

“We are, your Honor,” Jeff Haught responded as he rose from his chair. “Defense calls Lieutenant Colonel Sarah MacKenzie to the stand.”

Without a flicker of outward emotion, Mac rose and walked to the stand, her steps not too fast or too slow. She took her oath and settled back into the chair, appearing calm to the people gathered before her. Resolutely, she kept her eyes locked on Jeff Haught.

“How are you this morning, Colonel MacKenzie?” Jeff asked affably.

“I’m fine, sir, and yourself?” Mac returned, knowing the pleasantries were all a part of his game plan.

“Just fine, thank you. Would you please state your name, rank and station for the record, please?” he asked.

“Lieutenant Colonel Sarah MacKenzie, United States Marine Corp, stationed at JAG Headquarters,” she responded crisply.

“Thank you. You’ve been present throughout the proceedings and heard the testimonies of the accused, correct?”

“Yes, sir.”

“It is their general consensus that they were unaware the packages being transported contained illegal drugs. It is my understanding that you and your partner, Commander Harmon Rabb, were assigned to assist Special Agent Clayton Webb in an undercover operation to uncover the responsible party. Is that correct?”

“Yes, sir.”

He walked two steps then paused and looked at her again. “Colonel, would you please tell the court, what transpired during the time you were in Panama City?”

“All of it?” Mac asked.

“Yes, Colonel, all of it. From the time you and the Commander arrived until you were flown back to D.C.”

In a steady voice, Mac began her tale, starting with the call from Webb asking for their help. They matched their knowledge from Commander Péna’s case with Webb’s knowledge of the trafficking and knew they had a serious problem. No ground would be made without irrefutable proof so Webb asked them to assist him in his current operation – an undercover assignment to infiltrate José Escobédo’s inner circle. It was their job to make contact with Escobédo, gain his trust, get an inside look at his business, and then set him up so Webb could catch him in the act. She paused before the part of her story where Escobédo’s men took them from the hotel in the night.

“Did you or Commander Rabb question the validity of Agent Webb’s plan at anytime up to this point?” Jeff asked.

“No. Agent Webb had already established that there was a connection between José Escobédo and drug trafficking into the US by way of the carriers,” Mac returned.

“Which you might have never know about if Commander Péna hadn’t caused the F-14 crash on the USS Enterprise, right?”

“We would have found out eventually, Mr. Haught. Webb had already spent months building the case from the Panama angle and he had an operative working on the inside. It was just a stroke of timing that we had the break on our end,” she answered casually.

“Was your CO, Admiral Chegwidden, informed of the information you learned from Commander Péna?”

Mac gave the man a somewhat complacent smile. “The military operates slightly different from the outside workforce, Mr. Haught. We barely make a move at JAG that Admiral Chegwidden doesn’t know about. Information such as drug trafficking aboard a US carrier went directly to him and it was his call as to how we would proceed,” she explained.

From his seat behind Darren, Harm suppressed a grin. Haught reeked of old money and expensive breeding and probably had years of law school to back it up, but if he had any inclination to believe they were Cracker Jack box attorneys, Mac would set him straight.

“I see,” Haught answered slowly. “Why did he allow two JAG officers to assist on a covert assignment? Surely that falls outside the area of your expertise.”

Mac arched one delicate brow. “Surely it does not, Mr. Haught. We are military officers, first and foremost. Defending national security is the main objective of our jobs, whether it be in a courtroom or on a covert assignment. Commander Rabb and I, along with the rest of our staff have been trained for combat. Admiral Chegwidden,” she paused deliberately. “was a Navy SEAL.”

Her strong, clear words hit the mark and Jeff Haught held up both hands in a conciliatory manner. “I apologize, Colonel, I meant no offense toward your qualifications.”

Mac felt her hackles rising but she reminded herself to remain calm. There was still a lot to come. “None taken,” she assured him, smiling sweetly.

“Please, continue with your story. I believe after the night of the dinner at Mr. Escobédo’s establishment, you and Commander Rabb were forcibly removed from your hotel room. Is that correct? Answer the question and continue from there.”

“Yes, we were taken in the night from the hotel. We assumed we were drugged because neither of us was aware of what happened until we woke up in a locked room. It was a natural conclusion from there to believe Mr. Escobédo had us. Our only option was to try and escape, which we did. We almost didn’t make it away from the compound but we got away from his men in the jungle and hid ourselves in a tree. Commander Rabb was hit in the side during the chase by Escobédo’s men.”

“Hit?” Haught questioned.

“He was shot,” Mac clarified.

“Was it life-threatening?”

“No, but it was severe enough to warrant concern and we were in the jungle where infection can set in almost instantly.”

“Go on.”

Harm shifted in his seat, leaning forward as she began the part of her story that would cause the most reaction.

With a carefully schooled expression, Mac went on, slowly retelling of their trek through the jungle to the waterfall. The only thing that betrayed her exterior was the clenching of her hands when she reached the part where Escobédo’s men found them.

“Do you need a minute to collect yourself?” Haught asked when she faltered slightly.

“No, thank you. As I was saying, we stopped briefly at the water. I was ill and running a fever. Commander Rabb was worried about stopping but he did it because I asked him to. We took cover behind an outcropping of rocks when the shooting started but one of the men came around behind us. Escobédo’s men started viciously beating Commander Rabb. I tried to get away from them to help him but I could barely stand by myself,” she admitted softly.

Harm watched her closely as she spoke. It hurt him deeply to know she was relying on years of training from abuse and disappoint to keep herself in check now. She was speaking about the incident like a mere bystander instead of a participant. Only he knew how deeply it affected her.

“They shot him right there in front of me and left him to die,” she went on. “They took me to a town and left me in a whorehouse. I was barely aware of what was going on but I do remember the man holding me telling the woman in charge of the house to do what she wished with me. I believe the only thing that kept me safe beyond that was being sick. A young girl was left to care for me and to give me the daily doses of drugs Escobédo’s men left for me. For whatever reason, she took care of me and only gave me half of what they told her to. It was enough to keep me sedated but still somewhat aware. A few days later the man who brought me there, came back.”

Harm’s eyes narrowed when he saw her hands shaking. This was the first he heard of Escobédo’s man coming back to the whorehouse. His own hands were clenched so tight he half-expected to hear a bone snap.

“His intent was to rape me,” she went on tonelessly. “At first I wondered if I’d dreamed what happened because the details were fuzzy but as the drugs wore away from my system, I remembered it all. He was on top of me and I got a hold of a small knife the girl had left by the bed. I stabbed him somewhere in the back and he fell off the bed to the floor. That’s all I really remember. None of them came back after that. The next thing I knew, Commander Rabb and Admiral Chegwidden were there to get me….” Her voice trailed off. Then she lifted her head to pin Haught with a fiery gaze. “Is that what you wanted to hear, Counselor? All the gory details so you could have some kind of vicarious thrill?” she asked snidely.

“Colonel MacKenzie, I understand that this must be hard on you. However, I feel I must establish how this mission relates to the charges against the defendants.”

“Objection! Relation has already been established,” Darren called, his voice coldly formal.

“Sustained. Proceed, Mr. Haught,” Judge Sebring ordered.

“No further questions for Colonel MacKenzie. Your witness,” Haught motioned to Darren.

Darren stood and walked over to Mac. He smiled gently. “I know how difficult this whole situation was for you so I won’t ask you to repeat anymore of the details. Do you believe José Escobédo would stop at nothing to keep his business safe?”

“Yes, I do,” Mac answered, breathing slowly to calm herself. “There was always a risk that he would find out who we really were but we were hoping that would be after we caught him. We didn’t plan on Captain London going AWOL.”

“And you believe that’s how Escobédo found out who you really were?”

“We’re positive of it. Agent Webb’s operative was there when it happened. Commander Michaels also notified Agent Webb the moment he realized Captain London was no longer onboard the carrier. As I said before, it was simply a matter of timing that it worked the way it did. Agent Webb got the call too late to warn us.”

“Do you feel it could have been avoided?” Darren asked.

“Maybe, maybe not. There are a million risks involved in an undercover operation, Mr. James. It’s a part of our job and Agent Webb’s. If you’re asking if we blame him for being kidnapped, the answer is no. He did everything he could to protect our identities without compromising the assignment. That’s what a good agent does. While I fail to see how this directly relates to the men on trial, it does all filter down the line to them,” she finished.

“I see. Thank you, Colonel. No further questions, your Honor,” Darren stated.

Judge Sebring gave Mac a small smile. “You may step down, Colonel.”

Mac simply nodded in response and returned to her seat next to Harm. He couldn’t say anything since they were in front of so many others but he squeezed her cold hand. She squeezed back and he heard her sigh deeply.

“Defense, call your next witness,” Judge Sebring ordered.

“Defense calls Commander Harmon Rabb to the stand.”

Harm was sworn in as he took his seat and waited patiently.

“Commander Rabb, does your recollection of the events from your arrival in Panama to the separation of you and the Colonel at waterfall match Colonel MacKenzie’s?”

“Yes, sir,” Harm answered.

“Would you please tell the court what happened to you after you were shot and left behind?” Haught asked.

In a slow and steady voice, Harm began. He forced himself to call on years of patience from his flying days to show no emotion as he related being found by Diego, the trip back to the Embassy and barely recognizing the mess that remained of his own face. Then there was the Admiral and Webb coming to get him, calling in reinforcements and the ensuing race against time to find Mac before they were all killed.

“It was a week between the time you were shot and getting back to the US Embassy in Panama City?” Haught questioned.

“That’s right. I was unconscious most of that time.”

“And once you returned to the Embassy, wouldn’t it have seemed more prudent to return immediately to the US?” Haught continued.

“No, sir, it would not have. Our mission was not over. We still had to find the Colonel and retrieve Escobédo and Captain London.”

“Couldn’t Agent Webb and Admiral Chegwidden have taken care of that?” he persisted.

Harm felt his temper rising. “Not by themselves, no. There were too many bases to cover at once and I wouldn’t have gone anywhere without my partner.”

“I see,” he murmured. “And that was more important than your own life?”

“Definitely,” Harm stated flatly. “Colonel MacKenzie is not only my partner, but she’s also my best friend and a fellow soldier. We don’t leave each other behind in the field.”

Haught smiled condescendingly. “This isn’t a war with field conditions, Commander, and hardly fair to compare it to one. It seems to me you were more of a hindrance than a help to the others.”

“How could you possibly know?” Harm demanded. “You weren’t there.”

“No, but I am aware of what constitutes a war situation. This area would have been more suited to a Special Forces group and I hardly think your lawyer training was adequate for it,” he persisted.

“As the Colonel said earlier, you obviously have no idea what the inner workings of the military are like. We’re trained for a variety of occurrences, including the protection of national security. We couldn’t leave before the mission was resolved and Escobédo was apprehended,” Harm answered tightly, his voice barely controlled.

“But once your evidence was established, wouldn’t it have seemed more prudent for you to pursue the case here in D.C. instead of continuing in Panama? After all, you had responsibilities here such as Commander Péna, who you left to sit on his hands while you were off playing hero,” Haught continued snidely.

“Objection!” Darren called, jumping to his feet. “Counsel is badgering the witness. Your Honor, where could this possibly be headed? The details of the events in Panama have no direct bearing on why these men are on trial nor does the decision of whether or not to use a Special Forces team.”

“Sustained. Mr. Haught, I don’t know what kind of courtroom you’re used to but you will not use mine to turn this into a circus. I agree that forcing them to rehash what was obviously a horrific event has nothing to do with why we’re here. Now either you stick to the facts that do have some bearing with Commander Rabb or move ahead,” Judge Sebring ordered flatly.

Jeff Haught remained silent for a moment. “I apologize, Commander.”

Harm’s stare was glacial. “Let me set you straight on a few things, Mr. Haught. A SEAL team was sent in to retrieve Colonel MacKenzie and I after Agent Webb first notified Admiral Chegwidden. That team failed because someone inside our government leaked the information to Escobédo about the extraction. Admiral Chegwidden then joined Agent Webb in Panama to plan our rescue because there was no one else he could trust. Details beyond that are classified and have no bearing on this trial.

Furthermore, Commander Péna was a part of this investigation and we did not leave him to while away the days in jail. We needed the hard evidence to prove his story that drugs were being smuggled in,” he explained flatly.

“I see. And you never suspected that he might have crashed the F-14 simply to hide his own involvement?”

“It’s our job to suspect everything but we had the concrete proof we needed after being in Panama. Péna knew crashing the Tomcat was a bad judgment call but with his own CAG involved in the smuggling, he felt he had no other choice. He didn’t know who he could trust onboard the Enterprise. When Colonel MacKenzie and I conducted our initial investigations, Commander Péna’s own men verified his story,” Harm went on.

“Did anyone ever see actual proof that these unmarked packages did indeed contain Heroin?” Haught prompted.

“Agents Webb and McGraw had several of the shipments in question seized and searched. The drugs were coming in on every run, two kilos a package and ten packages. They varied the days they brought the shipments in and only with the designated COD pilots.”

“Aren’t drug seizures handled strictly by the Coast Guard on the open seas?” Haught asked.

“Normally, yes, but that task can fall to the Coast Guard or the DoD. DoD kept control of it this time because of the number of carriers and personnel involved. However, the Coast Guard and the Navy have recently been working together to increase the number of seizures made. The Coast Guard has attached small units to several of our carriers,” Harm explained.

Haught studied Harm for a moment. “That will be all, thank you, Commander Rabb. Your witness, Mr. James.”

Darren rose to his feet and walked over to Harm, his eyes warm. “Commander Rabb, did you have any reason to suspect Commander Péna might be involved in the smuggling?”

“When the case first crossed my desk, I had my suspicions but there were too many other factors that didn’t add up like his service record and the praise and recognition from past and present COs and peers.”

“And I believe he was found not guilty on the charges of dereliction of duty and failure to obey but guilty on the charge of willful destruction of military property.”

“Correct.”

“And he was given a fairly lenient sentence because of the circumstances. Isn’t it also true that had he not been put in the brig, it’s very likely Captain London would have had him killed because he knew about the smuggling?”

“Objection! Calls for speculation,” Haught interjected.

“Sustained,” Judge Sebring answered.

“I’ll redirect,” Darren responded. “Commander, do you think Commander Péna was in danger from Captain London because he knew about the smuggling?”

“That was a very real possibility. When Admiral Chegwidden, Gunnery Sergeant Galindez and I arrived back at the US Embassy with Colonel MacKenzie, Captain London and some of Escobédo's men ambushed us outside the gates. Captain London told me Commander Péna was lucky to be in jail or he would have killed him.”

“In earlier testimonies it was stated that Agent Webb took a team to José Escobédo’s compound for a kill or capture?” Darren asked. “How did London get to the Embassy?”

“They had no way of knowing that London was already en route to the Embassy after us,” Harm clarified. “From what were able to place on a timeline, London would have left the compound just minutes before they set the explosives.”

“I know this whole ordeal has been horrific for all of you involved, Commander, so I appreciate your cooperation in answering my questions. I don’t feel the need delve any deeper into the Panama events. No further questions, your Honor,” Darren stated pleasantly.

“You may step down, Commander Rabb,” Judge Sebring said.

Harm went back to his seat, fairly vibrating with anger when he lowered his tall frame to the bench next to Mac.

“Defense, you may call your next witness.”

“Defense calls Agent Dixie McGraw to the stand.”

Dixie rose from her place next to Webb and strolled to the witness stand like she had all the time in the world. She was dressed again in a black suit that provided the perfect foil for the honey-colored French braid down her back.

“Good afternoon, Agent McGraw,” Jeff smiled.

“Mr. Haught,” Dixie nodded slightly, not a sliver of warmth in her voice.

“How long have you been an agent with the CIA?”

“Eight years with the company, seven as a field operative.”

“How long have you worked with Agent Webb?”

“Six years.”

“Do you work with him on all of his cases?”

“No, sir, I work with him when I’m needed.”

“And in what capacity is that?”

“Generally I go inside undercover operations,” she answered.

“I would imagine a woman as beautiful as you, Agent McGraw, would be very useful in those situations,” Haught suggested.

“Objection!” Darren called. “Agent McGraw’s attributes are not an issue here.”

“Sustained. I’m warning you, Mr. Haught,” Judge Sebring stated flatly.

“Agent McGraw, what purpose do you generally serve on undercover operations?”

“Objection!” Darren interrupted again. “Agent McGraw was not undercover on this investigation.”

“Sustained.”

“Mr. Haught, while I sometimes find my ‘attributes’,” Dixie arched one delicate brow and the word came out sounding distasteful. “To be helpful, it doesn’t take away from the fact that I am very good at my job.”

Jeff Haught clamped his lips into a thin line, momentarily losing his composure. “Agent McGraw, what was your function on this particular investigation?”

“It was my job to put operatives on the carriers to gather information on the drug shipments. We had a long and varied history on José Escobédo so that posed a question as to how the smuggling could have continued for so long on the carriers without someone catching on.”

“And you determined what from that?” Haught asked.

“That someone high up had to be involved. As Colonel MacKenzie said earlier, it was a fortunate stroke of timing for us that Commander Péna was arrested, alerting Commander Rabb to this case. Agent Webb and I had already spent nine months working on José Escobédo. We knew he was sending his Heroin into the US through Navy ships but in the beginning we didn’t know which ones. Once we determined that, it was simply a matter of finding the men working with Escobédo.”

“’Simply a matter’?” Haught echoed. “You dismiss it so casually, Agent McGraw.”

“Mr. Haught, since I’m in front of a judge, I won’t tell you what I really think of your courtroom manner, but I will tell you this: I never take our work lightly. In fact, none of us do. I believe simply looking at Commander Rabb and Colonel MacKenzie would be proof of that. We do a lot of disgusting, immoral, dirty things that most of the American public either doesn’t care or doesn’t want to know about unless all hell breaks loose and they’re looking for someone to blame. So instead of trying to badger the rest of us to death over the details of why we did or did not do something, why don’t you ask me questions about the real matter at hand?” Ever the picture of southern grace, Dixie never even uncrossed her slender legs or raised her voice as she fired her shot but it made the desired impact all the same.

Jeff Haught had the good grace to flush slightly as his eyes slid away from hers. “The defense has no further questions, your Honor.”

“Mr. James?” Judge Sebring looked toward them.

Darren rose and walked over to Dixie. “Agent McGraw, why weren’t all the personnel put on the carriers CIA operatives?”

“We wanted Naval personnel so they would be familiar with their surroundings and also because they would have a reason to be there. Finding a place for an operative with no Navy background on a Navy carrier would have been awkward. Agent Paige Finley was a Navy SEAL before he joined the Agency. The others, Commander McKaye, Commander Michaels, Commander Keeter and Lieutenant Hawkes are all in Aviation and people Commander Rabb and Colonel MacKenzie trust completely. They were natural choices to put in place.”

“Thank you, Agent McGraw. I have nothing further, your Honor.”

“You may step down, Agent McGraw.”

Dixie walked back to her seat, winking at Harm and Mac as she slipped past them to sit down. Webb squeezed her hand as she took her seat.

“Defense, call your next witness,” Judge Sebring announced.

“We have no further witnesses, your honor.”

“Mr. James?”

“No, sir,” Darren returned.

“We’ll adjourn for today but we’ll reconvene tomorrow morning at 0800 sharp for closing arguments. Dismissed.”

The small group gathered at the prosecution table waited until the rest of the room cleared before they started out.

“Are you okay?” Darren asked Mac, gently touching her arm.

“I’ll be fine,” she smiled slightly.

“Everyone else? I’m sorry you had to go through that again,” he went on.

“We knew he’d bring it up,” Harm muttered. Then he held out his hand to Darren, surprising the other man. “You surprised me, D.J. You’ve done an outstanding job on this trial,” he stated evenly.

Clearly, the gesture surprised Darren as he returned Harm’s handshake. “It’s my job but you’re also my friends. I wanted a way to be of some help when you went to Panama and there was nothing I could do but stay here and wait. This was my chance,” he answered simply, his expression sincere.

Mac had been entirely too quiet on the way home. Harm took her with him to the loft so they could have dinner and unwind but she hadn’t said one word since leaving JAG. In fact, she didn’t even seem to hear him when he tried to talk to her.

He opened the door and let her go in ahead of him. Turning the deadbolt behind him, he dropped his cover on the coat rack and turned to her. Mac stood in the middle of his floor.

“May I use the shower?” she asked politely – way too polite under the circumstances.

“Of course,” he answered softly. “I’ll get out something for you to wear.”

She walked away without another word. He followed at a slower pace. The water came on a minute later as he fished a sweatshirt and matching sweats from a drawer. He took them to the bathroom and laid them on the edge of the sink. He could see enough of her silhouette to know she wasn’t moving, just standing under the water. A decision settled over him and he stepped back into the room. It took him just seconds to strip down and go back to the shower. She gave no indication that she heard him step into the small cubicle behind her but he could see her slender shoulders shaking.

Without a word, Harm wrapped his arms around her, drawing her back against him. Mac turned instead and flung her arms around his neck, holding on with a thread of desperation. Harm wrapped her up tight as she cried, intensely relieved she was showing some sign of emotion instead of keeping it locked away inside. His big hands smoothed over the wet skin of her back, bringing calm to her. Mac turned her face into the wet hollow of his throat, opening herself up to his strength. His lips feathered along her hairline, little touches that comforted and soothed. Her head moved back and the tip of his tongue feathered across her wet lashes, sipping away the tears.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you,” she said, her voice muffled against his throat.

“I love you,” he whispered in return and it was all he needed to say to let her know whatever else happened or whatever she didn’t say, he would love her just the same.

“Members of the panel, have you reached a verdict?” Judge Sebring asked, facing the panel the next morning.

“We have, your Honor.”

“Rise and present your findings.”

“We find the defendants, Captains Kelly, Diaz and Craft, Lieutenant Commanders Malone, Miller, Everett and Hanlon and Lieutenants Tallant, Mahoney, Meier and McNally, tried as joint defendants, guilty on all charges and specifications.”

“Thank you,” Judge Sebring nodded toward the panel. “You may be seated.” He turned his attention back to the defendants. “Gentlemen, I hereby remand you to Ft. Leavenworth where you will serve a maximum sentence of six years with full forfeiture of pay. This court martial is adjourned.”

“Sounds like there’s quite a party going on in there,” Harm stated.

Mac grinned at Harm as the elevator doors swished open. She, along with Harm and Darren had stayed behind to sign some papers while the others made their way back to the bullpen. The rest of the JAG staff had been waiting all morning for the outcome of the trial and it sounded like they were celebrating the victory.

“They have reason to. A lot of effort went into this case,” Darren remarked as he blocked the elevator door to let the other two go out. “I couldn’t…”

Whatever he was about to say was cut off by a scream. The three of them froze and a split second later the sound of gunfire echoed down the hall to them.

“Back in the elevator – go!” Harm urged, hitting the down button behind him.

The doors slid back open and they rushed in. Harm jabbed at the lobby button and the doors swished closed. They started to descend, passing three when the elevator came to a hard stop. The jolt threw them into each other and the lights flickered briefly. Harm planted one hand against the wall and grabbed Mac with the other, steadying her.

“You okay?” he asked, looking between her and Darren.

“Fine,” Darren puffed. “What the hell is going on?”

“Let me see if I can get someone on the cell phone,” Harm muttered, dropping to one knee and opening his briefcase

He punched in a number once he retrieved the phone and listened. They watched in silence as he tried two more times before throwing back in the case in disgust.

“No signal in here.”

“Harm, that was gunfire,” Mac murmured. “We have to find out what happened.”

Harm rose and glanced at the ceiling of the elevator car. “We’ll have to go up through the shaft. Darren, you up for a little adventure?”

Darren grinned. “Just call us the three Musketeers,” he stated.

Harm stripped off his cover, jacket and tie and put them down with his briefcase. He picked his cell phone back up and clipped it to his belt. Darren and Mac followed suit with their coats. Harm stood beneath the trap door, looking at the way it was designed then turned to Mac. “If I lift you up there, can you get it open?” he asked.

Wordlessly, she stepped over to him. Bending slightly, Harm wrapped both arms firmly around her hips and straightened, lifting her to the ceiling. Mac ran her fingers along the seams, looking to see if it was sealed shut. When she found nothing, she pushed gently and the square lifted. Mac pushed it in onto the roof of the car. “Got it!” she called.

Harm lowered her back down. “Let me go up first and I’ll pull you through,” he said.

“Don’t think I can go up by myself?” she teased.

Harm eyed her straight skirt. “You’re not exactly dressed for climbing.”

She laughed softly. “You can go first just this once,” she answered.

Darren watched the exchange between them and just shook his head. These two were made for each other.

Mac moved back to give Harm a little room and with a slight bend at the knees, he launched himself upward, grasping the edge of the opening. He was on the roof in seconds, looking back down at them. Bracing himself, he reached both hands down to her. With a little jump, Mac caught them and he slowly lifted her up, the muscles in his arms bunching as he took on her weight. Darren followed as soon as Harm had Mac clear and the three of them balanced preciously on top of the elevator.

“It never looks like this in the movies,” Harm muttered, peering into the utter darkness around them.

“Of course not,” Mac put in. “That would be too easy.”

“There’s a ladder,” Darren said. “It’s over here on my side. Do you have any idea where we’re going?” he asked, looked back at them.

“I’m not sure where it leads,” Harm admitted, “but it’s better than being stuck in an elevator like a sitting duck.”

“Got a point there,” Darren grinned. “Let’s go.”

Harm went up first with Mac behind him and then Darren. They passed the doors to the third floor and came to a small hatch. “Darren, you got a pocket knife?” he called.

“As a matter of fact I do.”

Darren passed the small item around Mac to Harm and Harm used the blade to twist the flat latches holding the hatch closed. Cautiously, he cracked it slightly and listened. There was no noise from beyond. Very carefully, Harm opened the hatch enough to stick his head through it.

“Where are we?” Mac asked.

“It looks like some kind of closet,” Harm answered.

He pushed the hatch open and carefully climbed into the dark room. He turned to give Mac a hand as she climbed out and then Darren emerged. The little area was not much bigger than a linen closet and there were several control panels on the wall opposite of them. Harm went over to inspect them.

“These aren’t the main power controls for the building, are they?” Darren asked.

“No. Those are on one in the Engineering office,” Harm told him. “These are for the individual areas of this floor.”

“Someone must be there if they turned off the elevators,” Darren mused. “They wouldn’t be able to shut the building down from a specific floor, would they?”

Harm shook his head. “Not if they all look like this one.”

“Try the phone again,” Mac urged.

Harm punched in the number to the guard station and it rang this time. He gave Mac and Darren a thumbs-up when someone answered.

“Corporal Braden? This is Commander Rabb.”

“Where are you, sir? We lost contact with…”

“Whoa, hold on, Corporal. What’s happening?”

“We have a hostage situation on four in the JAG offices,” came the response. “Where are you, sir?”

“We’re in the engineering closet on three, right at the elevator shaft. What’s the situation? Has an SRT been called in?”

“Yes, sir. They’re on the way. The building has been closed off and we don’t know the status of what’s happening inside or where the guns are. You better stay right where you are, sir,” Corporal Braden returned.

“Is anyone down?” Harm asked, dreading to hear the answer.

“Not that I know of, Commander, but we don’t know much. The men were signed in here with special passes from the SECNAV’s office to see Admiral Chegwidden. The next we know there’s gunfire everywhere and the building is closed off to the outside.”

“They were coming to see the Admiral?” Harm asked sharply. “Did you see the men?”

“I signed them in.”

“Described them to me,” Harm ordered.

“Foreign, Hispanic or Latin. The man who did all the talking was tall with short black hair and a black mustache. Very well dressed and soft-spoken.”

“Oh, no,” Harm groaned.

“What is it, Commander? Do you know him?” Braden questioned.

“It’s a long story but if it’s who I think it is we’re in big trouble. Take down my cell number,” Harm instructed and rattled it off. “The minute you get a fix on what’s going on, you call me back. We’re going to try and get up to four.”

“But, sir, you should really…”

“We’ll be fine, Corporal. Call me immediately when someone talks to these men.”

“Yes, sir.”

Harm hit the off button and looked at Mac and Darren. “It’s Escobédo.”

“What?” Mac gasped. “It can’t be!”

“They don’t know for sure but from the description Braden gave me, I’d swear to it. He signed in with passes from SECNAV to see the Admiral.” He related the rest of what Corporal Braden told him, planting his hands on his hips. “I want to try and get up there. At least see if everyone’s okay,” he went on.

“I’m not staying behind,” Darren stated, a grin belying the seriousness of the situation.

“You’re certainly not leaving me out,” Mac put in, patting Harm’s cheek.

His eyes twinkled slightly as he looked between them. “Did I say anything?”

Mac smiled. “Just catching you before you could say it.”

He just rolled his eyes. “Braden said they don’t know yet what the status is or where Escobédo’s men are. He did say the building is closed off. If we chance the stairwell, we’re likely to get caught,” he explained.

“You thinking about going through the ducts?” Darren suggested. “Or back into the elevator shaft?”

“I don’t know what the ductwork in here is like or if it will hold all three of us. We better stick to the elevator,” Harm returned.

“We thought you were dead.”

Escobédo laughed softly. “As you can see, Agent Webb, I am not. You’re men should have checked out their assignment better,” he sneered.

Webb didn’t respond to that comment.

“As it is, I have a score to settle with you and your ‘friends’,” Escobédo went on. “You have caused me a great deal of trouble, not to mention the loss of millions of dollars in business. Even I cannot overlook that sort of travesty,” he stated, shaking his head. “These people here – they are important to you?”

Webb flicked a cursory glance around the bullpen. ““Maybe you should have checked your information better. I’m only here because I had to testify in court.”

“And you expect me to believe that? Please, Agent Webb, don’t believe you can fool me so easily. I know all about your operation in Panama and the man you had working in my operation. Lucky for him he escaped before I got my hands on him,” Escobédo stated, a dull flush on his high cheekbones attesting to his emotional state.

“So what if I did,” Webb shrugged indifferently. “That *is* my job. But if you knew me at all, you’d know nothing gets in the way of my assignment – certainly not outsiders,” he sneered.

That seemed to get Escobédo’s attention and he wavered for an instant. “Makes no difference to me,” he answered. “You’ll learn that no one messes with José Escobédo!”

“You won’t get two steps in this building without an army at your back,” Webb scoffed. “What are you going to do with all of us? Kill everyone in here? What would that solve? Your gripe is with me, not all these people.”

From several feet away, A.J. watched the exchange. One of Escobédo’s men stood at his side with a machine gun leveled on him. A.J. knew Webb well enough to know he was trying to deter Escobédo before anyone got killed. Dixie was a few feet from Webb on the other side, also at gunpoint. Escobédo’s own gun was aimed at Webb.

“Ahh, so you do care about what happens to them,” Escobédo chuckled.

Webb shook his head and casually stuck his hands in his pockets. “Not really, I’m just thinking about all the paperwork I’ll have to do when you get done making such a big mess.”

A.J. ground his teeth together. Webb was either going to shake Escobédo enough so that they could make a move or make the older man mad enough to start shooting.

“Well, now,” Escobédo sighed. “We can’t have that. Just to show I sympathize with your predicament, I’ll release everyone in the building except the people in this room. Fair enough?” He cocked one dark brow, tilting his head slightly.

“Fair enough,” Webb nodded slowly, his lips pursed.

Escobédo took a radio out of his pocket and let loose a rapid spate of Spanish. From across the room, Shane listened to the older man’s instructions to release everyone from the other floors. They were to use the stairs only and the man at the front door would let them out only after everyone was in the lobby. Escobédo waited until the men he had on the other floors answered before he put the radio away.

“It is done,” he stated.

Webb glanced surreptitiously at Shane who gave one slow blink to assure Webb that Escobédo was telling the truth.

“Why don’t you let my people go? They aren’t involved in any of this,” A.J. called.

Escobédo turned to look at him. “Admiral Chegwidden, I presume? Your reputation precedes you.”

“I’m sure that’s not a compliment so I’ll refrain from saying thank you,” A.J. returned flatly. “You’ll have more bargaining power with me than with all of them.”

“Correct me if I’m wrong,” Escobédo started slowly. “But aren’t several lives worth more than one?”

“You won’t have just one.” The new voice was Dixie’s from across the room. A.J. sent her a sharp look to be quiet. “I was involved in this mission. You’ll have me to bargain with, too,” she told him.

“And, me,” Shane put in.

Escobédo looked between the new speakers then back to Webb. “You’re people are brave, Agent Webb. Foolish, but brave.”

“They were just pieces in the big puzzle,” Webb returned. “You don’t need anyone but me,” he ended.

“You may think so but I believe I will keep anyone in this room who worked on your mission. Everyone else may go.”

He turned to motion to one of his guards and Webb took the chance to glare at Dixie. She had the audacity to wink at him! Hidden in his pockets, Webb’s hands clenched into fists. Escobédo turned back and walked over to Dixie’s side. In the blink of an eye he had one arm around her throat and the barrel of his gun at her temple.

“Who else is involved?” he demanded, looking directly at Webb.

Before Webb could answer him, John took a step out forward, moving beside Shane. “I was,” he stated, his deep voice rising clearly.

Webb glared at John, torn between wanting all of them to stay quiet and the gun pointed at Dixie’s head. One by one, the men that helped in one way or another, on the carriers and in Panama, stepped forward. When it was all said and done, the only ones missing were Harm and Mac.

“Where are Commander Rabb and Colonel MacKenzie, Webb?” I know they were in court this morning with you and the others,” Escobédo questioned.

“They didn’t come back up with us. I don’t know where they are now,” Webb answered.

“You better not be lying to me!” Escobédo threatened, tightening his arm around Dixie’s throat.

“I don’t know!” Webb snapped angrily. “None of us do!”

Escobédo eyed him for a moment. Finally, he slowly released Dixie. “My men will take the rest of you to the front door. Those of you on the assignment will remain here.”

They went back through the small hatch into the dark shaft without another word. Harm led the way up through the cool blackness, the surrounding atmosphere broken only by the sounds of their breathing. They climbed steadily until they reached another hatch. Harm turned the screws and cracked the door just enough to see in with one eye. There was another engineering closet identical to the one they left. Cautiously, Harm opened the trap the rest of the way and slipped inside. Mac and Darren followed.

“Now what?” Mac whispered.

“Let’s see what we can see,” Harm murmured.

He put his ear to the door for a moment and listened. When he didn’t hear any noise, he turned the knob and cracked the door. The hall beyond was empty. Just then the phone clipped at his hip began to vibrate. He quickly closed the closet door and grabbed it.

“Rabb,” he whispered.

“It’s Corporal Braden, sir.”

“What’s going on?” Harm asked.

“I’ll be brief. The man’s name is José Escobédo and he's in the JAG bullpen. He released everyone in the building and the bullpen except for the people directly involved with Special Agent Webb’s assignment. Hang on, sir.”

Harm heard a slight noise like the phone being laid down. “Commander?”

“Bud!” Harm felt a surge of relief that the younger man was outside. “Is Harriet with you?”

“Yes, sir, and Tiner. Escobédo kept everyone who worked on the mission. The men Agent McGraw had on the carriers, the men in Panama with you and the Admiral and Agent Webb - everyone. He’s looking for you and the Colonel. Where are you?” Bud asked belatedly.

“Hiding out,” Harm returned. “Has the SRT arrived?”

“They got here a few minutes ago,” came the reply. “Do you want me to tell them anything?”

“Tell whoever’s in charge to play it cool and see if he can establish a conversation with Escobédo. Mac, Darren and I are going to try and get down to the others without Escobédo seeing us."

"Yes, sir."

Harm clicked off the phone and clipped it back on his belt before telling the others the news from outside.

"I have an idea," Mac spoke up.

Harm glanced down at her, one eyebrow raised questioningly.

"If I go through the ductwork, I can get over to the bullpen and see what's going on and where everyone is located. I weigh a lot less than either one of you and no one will see me up there," she said.

Harm's eyes narrowed and he looked like he was about to object but he hesitated, exhaling slowly. "That's a good idea, just be very careful and go slowly. I don't want you to fall through the ceiling," he murmured.

Mac smiled gently, feeling something shift inside of her that he didn't jump in and try to order her not to go. "I will be. Now both of you turn your backs," she ordered crisply.

"What for?" Darren asked.

"Because I'm not going to crawl around up there in panty hose and high heels."

Seconds later she was done and Harm gave her a leering look. She only laughed. They watched as she rummaged around on the shelves across from them and with a small whoop of triumph, she held up a small notepad.

"Got a pen?" She looked between the two of them. Darren had one in his shirt pocket he handed to her. "Thanks," she grinned.

"Let me lift you up to get the vent off," Harm offered.

He raised her just like he had in the elevator and she got the screen off of the vent. The vent plate was a little trickier and she looked down at Darren. "I need your pocketknife."

He unfolded the blade and handed it up to her. Mac stuck it in one of the seams and pushed hard until the plate popped inward. She handed the knife back down to Darren and Harm lowered her to the ground. Both men looked grim as she tucked the little notebook and pen in the back of her waistband under her shirt.

"I'll be fine – promise," she told them.

Harm again looked like he was going to object but just said, "Please be careful."

Mac flashed him a wide smile. "You bet, flyboy."

Mac carefully made her way deeper into the duct system, unsure of what she would find ahead. They didn't have time to try and get a hold of someone with a set of the building plans, although they should be on premises somewhere. Mentally, she tried to follow the hallway in her mind that led to the bullpen. The light in the duct was weak at best but as she rounded a corner, she saw a square of light ahead that signaled a vent. Moving very, very slowly, she got to the edge of the vent. Voices filtered up from below. Lowering her arms to bring her ear closer, she listened intently, trying to identify who was speaking. It was Webb!

Carefully, Mac stretched out full length on her belly and turned her head side to side at the vent, trying to identify which part of the bullpen she was over. She couldn't see very much through the slats of the vent but what she could make out appeared to be the edge of the door to the Admiral's office. Raising up, Mac got gently pried up the vent plate, careful not to make even a squeak. That left the mesh vent cover between her and the bullpen. It gave her a much better view; and directly below her stood Webb and the Admiral. Stretching back out, she cautiously eased closer and tried to see if Escobédo or any of his men were nearby. She could barely make out the edges of the others but there wasn't anyone right beside Webb and A.J. Coming back up to her knees, she got out the small notebook and pen and wrote on the first sheet. Tearing it off, she tucked the two items back in her skirt and tightly rolled the note into a slender tube. Taking a slow, deep breath, she looked once more to make sure the two men were still alone and then pushed the paper through the mesh.

His shoe was untied.

Webb almost chuckled to himself as he stared at his foot. What an inane thing to think about under their present conditions. Not that he had a whole lot of other things to do at that particular moment. Escobédo had pretty much ignored them after letting the others go. A negotiator from the SRT kept calling but Escobédo wouldn't talk to the man until he was ready to present his demands.

A little white tube of paper landed right next to his foot. For a moment Webb just stared at it, certain he was seeing things. He blinked once. No, there really was something by his foot. Casually, he rocked back on his heels and swung his head around, pretending to stretch his neck. He rolled his head back and glanced up and… his head immediately came down, his eyes on Escobédo.

"You aren't, perhaps thinking of trying to escape, are you, Agent Webb?" Escobédo asked, glancing up from the table where he was working.

Webb held his hands up disarmingly and shrugged at the same moment he took a step and put his foot down over the paper. "I wouldn't dream of it," he drawled to the Panamanian. "I was just noticing that my shoe was untied, that's all."

Escobédo raised one dark brow and glanced down at Webb's foot then back to his face. "Do not make any other move or I will shoot you where you stand," he threatened quietly.

Webb went down on one knee and made quick work of the shoelace. Then he rose back to his full height with the little piece of paper no one saw tucked in his hand.

Several feet above their heads, Mac watched with bated breath. She was lucky the paper landed so close to him.

Linking his hands behind his back, Webb rocked idly, pretending boredom. A.J. cocked a brow at him and Webb just shrugged. Behind his back, he was unrolling the small square of paper. Looking back at A.J., he used his eyes to let the older man know something was afoot. Picking up on the silent message, A.J. turned a half step so he was looking slightly behind Webb. Webb turned the square toward A.J. and waited. It only took a second for A.J. to see what Mac had written.

I can get guns. Can you take control?

A.J. shifted again, pretending boredom the same way Webb had. He met Webb's eyes and the Agent rolled his upward to signal Mac's position. Stretching the same way Webb had, A.J. spotted Mac and gave her one swift nod that was meant to resemble a stretch but he saw her thumbs-up letting him know she understood.

Mac carefully laid the vent cover in place without pushing it down and then eased herself around to make the return trip. By the time she got back to the engineering closer, her limbs were cramped and it felt like her knees were shredded by whatever she was crawling on. When she peered over the edge of the vent, Harm's face broke into a relieved smile and he lifted his hands up to her. Mac lowered herself out and let go, falling just for an instant before he took her weight. She stumbled slightly when her feet touched the ground and he wrapped a steadying arm around her waist.

"Look at your legs!" Darren exclaimed.

Mac glanced down and saw the little rivulets of blood running down her shins. "Oh, great," she muttered irritably. "I have to go back up there so I guess we better find something to cover that up," she stated.

"What do you mean you have to go back up there?" Harm demanded. "You can't keep crawling around up there. You'll just make it worse."

"Can't help it. I found Webb and the Admiral," she told them. "We need to find some way to get them some weapons. There are enough of them to take Escobédo's men."

"How are we going to get the guns to them?" Darren questioned. "Better yet, how are we going to get them up here?"

"Braden said Escobédo had men at the front doors, right?" Mac looked at Harm. When he nodded, she continued. "What about on the roof? Could some of the SRT men get into the elevator shaft from the room and come down to us?"

Harm nodded slowly. "It's worth a shot. Let's get a call out to them and see what the situation is outside." A minute later, Harm had Bud on the line.

"What's going on, sir? Are you all right?"

"We're fine. Bud, I need to talk to whoever's in charge of the SRT."

"Hold on."

A minute later a new voice came over the line. "Commander Rabb? Commander Carson. What's your situation up there?"

Harm quickly told the other man what they'd done so far and the current status of the bullpen.

"Do you think it's wise to go back up there, Commander? Why don't you let us try to deal with this Escobédo?" Carson asked.

"We know Escobédo – we spent weeks in Panama tracking him with Agent Webb and almost got killed in the process. Besides, they don't know we're here and we can keep it that way for now. Can you find a way to get the guns to us?"

"Give me five minutes," Carson returned.

"You got it."

The phone rang exactly five minutes later. "Okay, here's the deal," Carson began. "He has men on the roof so that won't work but we have something that will. We're going to smoke the lobby and distract them for a few minutes so one of my men can get in to the ground floor engineering closet. He'll meet you there on the 3^rd floor."

"We'll be waiting for him," Harm promised. He tucked the phone away and looked at Mac. "Let's get your legs cleaned up."

"How long are you going to keep this up?" Webb called.

Escobédo never looked up from his papers.

"Damn it, Escobédo, say something!"

Slowly, the other man lifted his head, his cold eyes meeting Webb's. "You do not need to know what I am doing, Agent Webb. All you need to do is remain quiet. Your men outside may think they are in the upper hand with issuing threats but I assure you they are not. I will decide what happens and when," he stated flatly. "Do you understand?"

Frustrated, Webb just stared at him. A.J. nudged him slightly and passed over a warning look. Webb forced a slow breath out and shoved his hands back in his pockets.

It took several minutes of searching but they finally found a small first aid kit. All three sat down on the floor to rest for a minute while Harm tended to Mac's legs.

"What did this to them?" he asked as he carefully cleaned them out with peroxide.

"I don't know," she answered. "It's too dark to see anything up there but whatever I was crawling on felt like broken glass."

Darren caught one of her hands and turned it palm up. There were minor scratches there as well. Without a word, he took some of the stuff from the kit and took care of her hands. Mac looked between the two dark heads and smiled softly.

"Gee, did I luck out or what?" she teased softly.

The two men looked at each other then at her grinning face and their position around her. They both chuckled.

"Did you ever think we'd end up like this one day?" Darren asked, looking between Harm and Mac.

Harm answered first. "I didn't like you the first day Mac told me she was meeting you for lunch," he admitted quietly. "I liked you less the more lunches and dinners you had."

Mac looked at him in surprise. "You were jealous way back then?"

Harm grinned sheepishly. "When have you ever known me not to be jealous where you're concerned?"

"Well…" she began. She closed her mouth when nothing else came out and shook her head. "You always find something wrong with any man I'm around. Mic, Chris, John…" her voice trailed off. "You never liked any of them for some reason or another."

Harm shrugged. "Exactly. I didn't think any of them were good enough for you. You never seemed to have the same problem with the women I dated."

"I wanted to scratch their eyes out," came the calm answer and it was Harm's turned to be surprised.

"I never knew that!" he exclaimed.

"I was good at hiding it. That's what women do, you know. I made the effort outwardly because you're my best friend," she stated.

At her side, Darren was grinning like a loon as he listened to the exchange between them. They both realized he hadn't said anything and turned to look at him. He just laughed. "I'm really glad y'all didn't let me come between you," he teased.

That made Harm and Mac laugh, too. The moment of levity was interrupted but the faint sounds of an explosion and the floor rocked the slightest bit beneath them. Harm and Darren finished up quickly with Mac and stashed the first aid kit away. Harm got up and went to the hatch into the elevator shaft. He stood peering into the darkness of the shaft for a few minutes but couldn't see or hear anything.

"Do you see him?" Mac asked from behind him.

"No," Harm answered.

Seconds later he noticed the red pinpoint of light on the front of his white shirt and remained very still.

"Identify yourself," came a sharp command from the dark.

"Commander Rabb, JAG."

The red light disappeared and a flashlight beam came in its place. "Good to see you, Commander."

The man behind the voice appeared in the hatch seconds later and Harm moved back to let him climb through.

"Captain Drew." He pulled his infrared goggles down around his neck and yanked a bag off his back. "Are you sure you want to take the risk of getting these weapons back to the bullpen?" he asked.

"It's better if I go," Mac put in. "There's not very much room up there. The question is whether or not I can get the guns down to them without Escobédo or his men catching on."

"Is there anything else I can do for you?" Drew asked.

Harm shook his head. "How are you going to get back outside?"

"You let me worry about that," Drew grinned, displaying an even grin. "If things get sideways in there, we're ready to move," he stated, serious now.

Then he was gone as fast as he came in. Harm knelt without a word and opened the bag. There were at least a dozen handguns with extra clips. He zipped the bag closed again and turned to Mac.

"Here, take this," he said, handing her the cell phone.

"Then you'll be out of touch with outside," she frowned.

"Darren and I can take care of ourselves for a few minutes. You'll be closer to the action and I want you to have a way to call outside if you need to."

"Okay," she nodded.

"Ready?" he asked.

She met his gaze steadily. "Ready."

From the corner of his eye, Harm saw Darren turn his head in the opposite direction. He caught Mac's arm and pulled her close as his head dipped. Harm kissed her hard, the brief press of his mouth molding to her softer ones. His eyes were blazing when he released her.

"Don't get dead," he muttered.

Her only response was a slow wink as he let her go completely.

In seconds, Mac was back in the duct and Harm handed the bag up to her. On her knees, she carefully swung the bag over her head and settled it on one shoulder so it hung down her back. Harm had fashioned kneepads out of a pair of work gloves they found and used the surgical tape to hold them in place. Carefully, she began to crawl forward, relieved that her legs felt a little better if not her hands. When she got back to the vent over Webb, she looked through the slats to see who was around. Like before, she didn't see anyone but Webb and the Admiral. Resting back on her heels for a moment, Mac tried to figure out the best way to get the guns down to them.

If they could find someway to distract Escobédo and his men, she could drop the bag down to them but the timing would have to be perfect. She had the advantage of being an unknown to the men below. If the men caused a diversion, Escobédo would expect a team to come right in on them but he wouldn't be looking for a drop from the ceiling.

Getting out her little notepad, she wrote a message for Webb and rolled it up tightly like she had before. She took the vent plate off and got down on her belly, looking through the mesh at Webb. Before she could even decide how to get their attention, A.J. rolled back in an honest stretch this time and saw her peering out. He straightened back to his full height and coughed, getting a glance from Webb. Covering his mouth with his hand, A.J. pointed one finger up along the side of his nose. Webb arched one brow in answer and looked away from the older man.

Another tube of paper hit the floor, between them this time. A.J. bent to touch his toes, bowing his back to ease the tension of standing for so long. When he came up, he had the paper in hand. This time he unrolled it for Webb to read.

Got guns. What next?

Webb stood for a moment, looking at A.J. Then he looked at the other men across the room. John, Shane, Keeter, Gunny and Skates were all together near the hallway to the elevators. Agent Finley and Dixie were over by Harriet's desk. Escobédo had two men with him at the table directly across from he and A.J. Harriet's desk was to their left and the other men were behind them. There were three other goons on the other side hallway entrance.

"A.J.," Webb hissed, barely making any sound at all.

A.J. arched a brow.

"She can just drop two right here. We can hold them off until the others grab a gun."

A.J. glanced around the room again. "Big risk if they see a gun drop."

Webb looked at Escobédo. The older man was studying what looked to be a map. "We need something to distract them. Maybe if they think men are coming up through the elevators."

"How do you tell Mac that?" A.J. muttered.

"Hey, José," Webb drawled insolently. "I need to use the john."

Escobédo didn't look up. "You are crude, Agent Webb."

"Just living down to your reputation of me," Webb answered.

Escobédo said something in Spanish to the man next to him and the goon went over to Webb. Pointing his gun toward the hall with a jerk, he motioned for Webb to start walking. The second Webb closed the bathroom door behind him he yanked out the slip of paper from Mac and a pen from his shirt pocket and scribbled out a note.

Up in the ductwork, Mac left the guns there at the bullpen spot and turned around, crawling as quickly but as carefully as she could toward the restrooms. The vent there was much smaller and a different kind. She couldn’t see Webb but she could hear someone moving around.

“Mac?”

“Clay?” she whispered.

“Damn it, I can’t get the note through here and he’s waiting outside for me. Go back to your other spot and wait. When I signal you, drop two guns down to A.J. and I and we’ll take it from there. Gotta go!”

“You be careful!” Mac ordered, hoping he heard her.

On his way back into the bullpen, Webb tripped and stumbled into Dixie. Catching her by surprise, she grabbed at his hands to keep him upright. She felt him press something into her palm as he righted himself. Escobédo just rolled his eyes as Webb walked back to stand by A.J. Once the Panamanian's attention was back on his work, Dixie got a quick glance at Webb's note and their plan of action.

"Ten minutes," Webb mumbled to A.J., barely moving his lips. "She'll drop two guns. The others take cover until we get control."

"Got it," A.J. muttered back.

"What the hell could be taking so long?" Harm growled.

Wisely, Darren kept his mouth closed. There wasn't anything he could say anyway. They were stuck with the hard part of waiting until something happened. They couldn't even call downstairs since he'd given Mac the phone.

"Let's give her a few more minutes," Darren suggested. "If there's no sign of her and no noise, maybe we can get down the hall and help."

Harm eyed the other man. "You got it."

Mac waited patiently above their heads, forcing her mind to forget about the discomfort of being cramped into the duct. Carefully, she had gotten the mesh covering loose, leaving it to barely sit in its cradle. The guns were in her hands.

The minutes ticked by. Webb watched Escobédo closely. Dixie made a trip to the ladies room and Webb knew by the time she came back in that the other men had gotten the message about the plan. Outwardly there was no flicker of emotion from him. Inside, Webb felt a fine thread of adrenaline surge into his nerves. This was the thrill of his job, the hunt and catch of the prey. Escobédo wouldn't be expecting them to try anything with so many lives at stake. That was a critical error on his part.

Five minutes… The silence in the room was deafening. There was no movement, just the occasional whisper of fabric signaling a shift in stance. Or a sigh to break the monotonous quiet. The others were ready for his signal. Beside him, A.J. waited, his tall, lean form relaxed in a nonchalant pose against the edge of a desk.

Four minutes… The men with Escobédo were now looking over his shoulder, studying something he was showing them. It looked like they were mapping out their future plans once they left JAG headquarters.

Three minutes… Very casually, Webb turned his head. The others appeared interested in themselves. Shane was staring into space. John studying a map on the wall. Dixie was fiddling with her fingernails. They were the very picture of disinterest and boredom. Hopefully, exactly the opposite of any way Escobédo had expected them to act as hostages.

Two minutes… Beads of sweat slithered down the side of Mac's face. Escobédo's men had shut down everything, including the air conditioning. Her fingers clenched around the barrels of the black guns, feeling the cold, smooth metal under her palms. Her back ached from being hunched over the vent but she waited patiently, watching Webb carefully.

One minute… Webb twisted slightly, shifting ever so slightly to the balls of his feet. Beside him, A.J. drew a little taller, casually pushing away from the desk. Webb sensed movement in the room. The faint stirring, a shift in position, waiting for the attack. They were watching him without noticing, taking their cues from his posture. He looked toward Escobédo again. The man's attention was still diverted. Another look went to the men in the hall entrance. The other men were looking out of the room. It was time.

Webb looked up at Mac and nodded. It took only a second for the mesh to move and two guns to drop. Escobédo's men caught the movement right as A.J. and Webb caught the .9mms. Behind them, John and Shane flipped up a desk and the small knot of Navy personnel dropped to the floor in one coordinated move. With a cry of rage, Escobédo fired at Webb. Webb and A.J. both fired back. The man to the left of Escobédo cried out in pain and tumbled backward, going right through the glass of Mac's office.

The men in the hall got off several shots and Webb and A.J. got down behind Harriet's desk. Webb looked up as A.J. fired off two more quick rounds and Mac dropped the whole bag through the vent hole. Bullets pinged into the desk. Webb handed a clip to A.J. then leaned around the edge of the desk.

"Dixie!"

He shoved the gun across the floor as hard as he could and it skittered across the slick tile to Dixie. She tossed it behind her to Paige, who rose up over her head and fired at the men in the hall. Two guns went to Shane and John. As soon as they had weapons in hand, it was done. Just as fast as it had started.

When Harm and Darren heard the first shots, a look flew between them. Harm went right to the door into the hall and cracked it open. He couldn't see anything but it sounded like a whole Fleet was firing in the bullpen. Without thinking he started to go out. Darren the back of his shirt and yanked him back inside.

"You can't do anything," he hissed furiously. "We have to wait."

"But…" Harm started.

Darren gave him a hard look. "You can't do anything right now," he interrupted. "Except get yourself killed."

As he said the last word silence descended in the bullpen. They looked at each other again, dreading spanning the small distance. Harm went back to the door and peeked out. There were two bodies in the hall outside the bullpen entrance. Escobédo's men from what he could see. No other noise reached them from the bullpen.

Escobédo stood alone, his gun poised for use as he stared into the faces of the men and women facing him.

"Give it up," Webb snarled.

Escobédo's eyes flickered at the others. "You think you are indestructible," he sneered. "You even needed help to best my men. Who do you have in hiding? Commander Rabb? Or maybe Colonel MacKenzie?"

"Shut up while you're ahead," Webb warned in a low voice.

Escobédo laughed cruelly. "Because you will do what? Shoot me? You should have made sure I was dead the first time, Agent Webb."

He raised his gun in a blink and fired into the ceiling. When the bullets hit, an involuntary cry escaped Mac as she flung herself backward, scrambling backward in the duct. Pieces of plaster splintered at her.

A bellow sounded in the room but if asked later, none of them would be able to say for sure who it came from. Several bullets slammed into Escobédo, freezing the surprised look on his face. The force knocked him backward, over the table his papers were spread upon, sending everything fluttering to the floor. Then it truly was quiet. Very slowly, Webb crossed the room on leaden feet. The sight of Escobédo's bullet-ridden body sickened him, even though he was not unaccustomed to death. A.J. appeared at his side, the older man's eyes barely skimming the body on the floor.

"Son of a bitch," Webb growled, spinning suddenly on his heel.

He ran back to the air duct and jerked up a chair he could stand on. "Mac!" he called, pushing his head and shoulders through the narrow square.

"Webb?" Gingerly, Mac shifted, testing her limbs carefully to see if she was hurt.

"Come out of there. I'll help you," he answered.

Slowly, she inched backward. She felt his hands slide up her legs, guiding her down until she eased out of the duct, Webb's hand catching her weight until she was standing on the chair next to him. A.J. was there to take her hand as she stepped down to the floor. Webb got down beside her and both men held an arm.

"Are you hit?" A.J. asked gently.

"No," Mac answered. "I was back a little bit when he started shooting. It just surprised me. I'm a little stiff from being up there so long," she grinned. "Harm and Darren are in the engineering closet at the end of the hall. One of you better get them. Harm is probably having apoplexy by now." Her expression shifted and grew serious. "Did you get Escobédo?"

"He's dead," Webb answered succinctly. "They all are."

"I'll get them," Shane volunteered from behind A.J.

Webb looked around as the others came forward. "Everyone okay?" he asked, his eyes meeting Dixie's.

She nodded and gave him a slow wink amid the answering chorus.

Releasing Mac, A.J. he picked up the phone nearest to him.

"This is Admiral Chegwidden. We're secure in the JAG offices," he barked.

"Admiral, this is Commander Carson of the SRT. There are men on the other floors and inside the front doors. Are there enough of you to hold your floor while we take care of them?"

"By now they must have heard the shooting," A.J. answered. "We can handle things up here," he returned.

"Then we'll see you in a few minutes, sir."

"Mac!"

Mac turned and Webb released her arm as Harm jogged into the room, Darren right behind him. She smiled and Harm yanked her against him, squeezing her tight.

"You okay?" he asked against her hair.

"Fine," she answered.

"How many guns are in the bag?" A.J. asked.

Harm reluctantly moved away from Mac and she reached for the bag that was near her feet. She took all the weapons out and A.J. started handing them around the group.

"We have to hold this floor until the SRT gets up here. They're going after the rest of Escobédo's men," he explained. "Find a position and get down."

It took only seconds for them to move desks across the entrance to the hall and gather along behind them. But it turned out to be a needless precaution. The SRT charged out of the stairwell less than ten minutes later, guns drawn.

"Admiral Chegwidden?" a voice called down the hall.

"Identify yourself!" A.J. called back.

"Commander Carson. The building's clear, sir. You can come out."

"I was starting to wonder if we would ever get through the case."

Hand in hand, Harm and Mac walked along with the flow of people, enjoying the hustle and bustle of the famed Riverwalk plaza.

Harm smiled into her upturned face. "I had my own doubts. This is probably the most needed vacation of my life," he added.

She grinned. "Mine, too.”

“Do you remember the nightmares you were having when we went to Panama?” he asked softly.

She nodded without saying anything.

“What were they about? It doesn’t seem like you’ve had one lately,” he commented.

“I was dreaming about a man coming toward me. We were on a beach and it was very dark – I couldn’t see his face, just that he was dressed all in black. I was afraid and it was overwhelming. Each time I have the dream, the fear was stronger. I think it was just a foretelling of all that were about to go through,” she explained quietly.

“No matter the reason, I’m glad they’ve passed,” he smiled tenderly.

“So am I,” she said, looking up at him as her face cleared.

“Desire is a powerful force,” Harm mused, looking at the water as they walked. “Everyone playing this game desired something – even us.”

“Hidden desires have been known to drive people to the brink of madness,” Mac answered. “It becomes and obsession, eating away at a person until they have to consume everything in their path. That’s how Escobédo and London were with the drugs and the other men to a lesser extent. The desire for wealth drove them to give up everything they were supposed to honor.”

“The only thing I desire right now is dinner with my lovely lady,” he teased.

“What are we doing tonight after dinner?"

"I have special plans. Meet me at the Arneson Theater at 1900."

"What are you planning?" she asked suspiciously.

He just grinned engagingly. "You'll have to wait and see. Wear your best," he answered mysteriously.

The Riverwalk was nearly deserted as it neared 1900. Mac made her way down the sidewalk, oblivious to the looks she was getting from the men who passed her. She saw the seating of the theater come into view and the bridge that crossed next to it to the other side where the stage awaited. She remembered the setting from the recent Sandra Bullock movie, 'Miss Congeniality'. The swimsuit competition had been held in the famed outdoor area.

Carefully, she picked her way through the natural stones seating circles and stopped near the bridge. Nervously, she smoothed her hands over her dress. It was new, bought specifically for this trip. Made of hunter green velvet, it caressed every curve and hollow of her slender form, stopping at her ankles to reveal her small feet encased in strappy green sandals. As she stood looking around and watching for Harm, music began to play in the theater area. Something slow and romantic with a lot of piano.

I remember that kiss in a cold world, oh girl
Sunlight fell from your lips, tenderly you shattered me
Somehow you touched me like no one else
Slipped into my soul like a prayer

And then she saw him – standing in the middle of the theater on the other side of the river. He was wearing his dress whites and looking more handsome and precious to her eyes than ever before. He smiled that smile, a little bit cocky and whole lot charming, and his eyes made a slow sweep from her head to her small toes. As the song continued, he held out a hand to her. Her eyes alight with an inner fire, Mac turned and started over the bridge.

Baby, with the sweetest kiss
You came along and stole my breath
Tore down my defenses with a whisper
Oh you showed me how love can be
You broke through to my heart
Softly, baby softly

You're like God in this world, fragile, beautiful

There's so much trust in your eyes,

They make me remember blue skies and sunshine

The music began to swell as she reached his side, sliding her fingers across his palm. With his eyes steady on hers and singing along with the music, he drew her close and began to guide them around the small clearing.

I wanna be what you see in me
I wanna love you the way you love me

Baby, with the sweetest kiss
You came along and stole my breath
Tear down my defenses with a whisper
Oh you show me how love can be
You break through to my heart
Softly…

I don't wanna be that strong if it means being alone
I wanna stay with you where I belong

A thread of desire arced between them, humming like an electric current. Harm's eyes darkened, the low melody of his voice wrapping around her senses, slipping into the recess of her heart.

And let you show me just how good love can be
You break through to my heart
Softly… baby softly
Softly… baby softly

As the music came to a close, they stopped moving and just looked at each other for several long minutes. The silence was deafening there under the glow of the light posts. Noise from down the Riverwalk filtered back to them but it didn't penetrate the silken web swirling around them. Harm smoothed her slender body against the hard length of his own with the hand at her back. He released her hand and brought his fingers to her face, drawing one finger down the smooth curve of her cheek.

Mac tilted her head back slightly. She pressed the hand he released to his chest, feeling the warm and strength of the muscle beneath the white jacket. Her eyes followed the line of the scar that curved around the corner of his eye. A reminder of all he had gone through. There was another, tiny scar at the corner of his mouth that her fingers lifted automatically to.

"I never realized before now just how much I love you." As he said the words, he bent his head and pressed his lips to her temple. "And those three words won't ever be stronger enough or big enough to tell you how far the roots run." His lips moved over her eyes as he spoke, closing them and brushing her silky lashes. "I want to be everything you see in me."

Mac's fingers curled against the front of his uniform when they slipped when he moved his head. Emotion clogged her throat even as her heart thundered away in her chest. "You are. I belong with you," she whispered thickly. "For the rest of my life and beyond."

He lifted his head enough to meet her eyes. An expression she'd never seen crossed his face and she realized his eyes were alight with a glimmer of moisture. He swallowed hard and the hand at her waist tightened until it was painful.

"For the rest of our lives, Sarah."

The End