The crystal waters of the Caribbean Sea sparkled below in the last rays of a dying blood red sun as the plane made its final descent into Panama City. For the man and woman in first class, row 2, seats A and B, what lay ahead was going to test their acting skills. The information in the file from Gunny revealed not only their flight information but also a little notation about them playing a married couple.

Harm studied Mac in the silence that stretched between them. She was staring out the window, which afforded him the opportunity. It was about all he had since she’d said less than a dozen words to him since beginning the eight-hour flight. Webb’s notes in the file Gunny gave them specifically stated they were to arrive looking like a madly in love couple on their second honeymoon. It was a stretch for two people who could barely bring themselves to look at one another.

As the plane landed and the door was opened, people began to rise and gather their belongings to leave. Harm stood and pulled both of their cases from the overhead bin then waited for Mac to proceed him out of the plane. As they stepped into the jet way, he budged her to the side and passed her bag to her. Leaning his head close to hers, he looked her straight in the eyes.

"We have to do this," he whispered. "Forget about before and focus on right now."

She stared at him earnestly. Then she gave a jerky nod. He looked at her for a moment longer and then she watched his face soften and his eyes lighten and then he smiled at her. Slowly. Tenderly. The smile that always knocked her for a loop. Appearing to have all the time in the world, Harm wrapped his free arm around her waist and drew her flush against his side, steering them back into the throng of people headed into the airport. Slipping her arm beneath his, Mac walked alongside, matching her strides to his. When they got into the brightly lit building and out of the way of traffic, she got her second surprise.

Urging her around to him, Harm brought his hand to her face and bent close, tenderly fitting his mouth to hers. Surprised, she didn’t respond at first as his lips moved lazily over hers. Then she was kissing him back and she felt some of the most ecstatic moments in her life. To the rest of the world, he was simply a man loving the woman he was with. But to Mac it felt like so much more. His hard mouth probed, teased, devoured – urged her lips apart until the tip of his tongue darted out to touch hers. Slowly, he pulled back enough to break the contact and smiled at her.

"Shall we go?" he asked.

"Yes," she answered simply, shivering all the way to her toes.

His actions shook Mac to the core and a part of her wondered just how much of his display was for the sake of the assignment. She knew they had a part to play and she would play hers to the best of her ability.

As they stepped out into the balmy night air, a limousine waited at the curb with one anxious looking Clayton Webb beside it.

"Harm, Sarah, so good to see you. How was your trip?" he greeted enthusiastically.

He stepped forward to hug Mac and kiss her cheek then shook Harm’s hand in a firm grip. His smile was bright and welcoming as were theirs to him.

"Clay, good to see you, too, my man," Harm responded.

"Clay," Mac murmured, kissing him back.

"Shall we go?" he asked, pointing toward the limo.

"Let's," Harm smiled.

The driver opened the back door and the three of them settled inside. Webb waited until they were moving before he spoke.

"Trip okay?" he asked conversationally.

"Fine, Clay," Harm murmured, his voice tinged with his ‘what in the world are you doing’ tone.

"I’ll talk fast because it isn’t far to the hotel. I found out a few days ago that Commander Péna was in the brig for the F-14 crash. When I talked to the Admiral he told me about your trip to the Enterprise and the information on London. I’ve been here for almost eight months working on a way to break a smuggling ring. It took me six months to begin to gain Escobédo’s trust. We’ve linked this end to a cartel run by Jose Escobédo. The drugs are being trafficked into the States through the Navy ships and in some cases transported from there by air, as in the case with Commander Péna. The F-14 was carrying a small load from the Enterprise inland. As far as I can tell, the pilots didn’t know they were carrying it and I would be interested in knowing how Péna caught on to the smuggling."

"He’s going to jail if we don’t do something, Clay. We can’t file formal charges against London without hard evidence," Harm pointed out.

"That’s why I wanted your help. I’ve set up this cover to get you in with Escobédo. I have another man on the inside – one of Escobédo’s muscle men – and he’s feeding me the leads. He won't be any help to you, though. I can't risk him blowing his cover – not even for me. Escobédo’s last buyer backed out of the deal and we found him dead last week. That’s where you two come in. I’ve been hired to do some ‘consulting' for him. I’ve dropped your name and explained it would be beneficial for him to meet with you. I know I don’t have to tell you how important this is. You have to completely convince him you’re exactly as I’ve stated. It wasn’t until recently that I learned the drugs were making it to the US through the ships. What I still don’t know is who’s involved on that end. This mess with Péna and London is the first concrete information we’ve gotten. Commander Michaels in on the Enterprise now and I hope he'll be able to get a good lead on London's operation. As a pilot, he might even be privy to one of the shipments. You know the only way we're going to get these men is to present hard evidence," Clay finished up, his facial expression grim.

"We read through the file," Harm began. "Our job is to make plans for a buy – a big one – so you can get a fix on the date and time it will ship?"

Webb nodded. "Right. We need to catch one of the shipments after it gets underway."

The limo came to a stop and they heard the engine go off.

"Places, everyone," Clay muttered.

The driver opened the door and they climbed out.

Several minutes later, after a very visible trip through the lobby playing their roles to the hilt, Webb let them into the Presidential suite of the Miramar Hotel. For a moment they stood and simply looked around as the bellman brought their two bags in. Webb slipped the young man a tip and then they were alone.

"This place is huge. Did you have to go through so much trouble?" Mac whispered.

"It’s clean. We already swept for bugs. It’s all a part of your cover, Mac. You two are extremely wealthy – you have to be to afford the kind of shipments these men deal in. I have to go but here is all the information we have on Escobédo, his people and his operation. There’s also a list of his haunts and the days and times he goes. Make yourself visible to him until you catch his eye then let him know your intent all along was to meet him," Webb stated. He took a step toward the door then turned back. "It’s of utmost importance that anyone who comes in contact with the two of you, believes you’re who I say you are. That includes what goes on in this room. Don’t talk about the case or anything else that might give you away. And you can’t sleep in separate rooms. We’re dealing with men who can and will find a way in here to investigate if they have doubts. You must make it look real."

Without waiting for an answer from either one of them, he placed the file on the hall table and left the suite. Idly, Mac started to walk around the room, taking in the expensive furnishings, the air of wealth and elegance. She heard Harm moving behind her, taking their bags into the rooms. She turned just as he was coming back and they locked eyes. Time ticked away a minute at a time, weaving its spell around them.

"I’d like to just go to bed," she finally murmured, breaking the silence. "Would you mind if I showered first?"

"Go ahead. I’ll come in when you’re done."

She disappeared into the master suite and he heard her moving around. A minute later the shower came on. Sighing deeply, Harm made his own inspection of the suite, checking for alternate exits, whatever was below the balcony, phone extensions and anything else that might be of use. He made his way into the room just as she was coming out, clad in old shorts and a Marine shirt. They moved around each other in total silence, the atmosphere pregnant with tension. He turned on the lamp on his side of the bed while she dropped her things into her suitcase. She was climbing into the big bed as he walked into the bathroom. It struck him that she didn’t say a word about sharing the bed, even for the sake of their cover. A few minutes later he was back in the room. He flipped off the lamp and settled under the covers. It was pitch black in the room, not a sliver of light allowed in by the heavy drapes. The king size bed afforded them a lot of room and it felt like she was a million miles away even though he could probably stretch his arm out and touch her. Harm sighed deeply, the sound echoing loudly in the room. He could tell by the way she was breathing that she wasn’t asleep.

Mac lay on her side of the bed, feeling like she was drowning in the quiet. It was reassuring to know he was so close. Nothing had been normal since they stepped off the plane. The rest of this trip was going to be impossible if they didn’t find a way to bridge the gap between them. Mac knew it was going to take some sort of tentative truce and one of them would have to be the first to step up if that was going to happen. It was simply no longer a matter of pride or hurt feelings. It encompassed so much more now and one slip could put them in danger. Her partner, at times, reminded her of the old expression, 'still waters run deep'. Or as Navy personnel referred to the subs – 'run silent, run deep'. He kept so much hidden but when he did reveal a feeling to her, it was usually at the most inconvenient time. Like the night on her roof after Darren left. What a time to say something about how he felt! It only led to a misunderstanding about Darren's role in her life.

Harm heard the rustle of the expensive cotton sheets as she moved and then she did something that caught him completely by surprise. Very slowly, he felt her shift and knew by the indention of the mattress that she was coming closer. Her smaller fingers slid down the warm skin of his arm to where his hand rested on his stomach and she covered it with her own. Harm was so surprised that he couldn’t respond at first. Very carefully, afraid he would frighten her into retreating if he moved too quickly, he moved his other hand and placed it over the top of hers. It was a start.

Her dream came again that night. She hadn’t had it in several days but it was back in force. The man was there like before only this time it was dark. He was coming toward her, almost in slow motion, his strides long. She could see that he was dressed in black and wearing an overcoat, a long one. It billowed behind him in a wind born of the crashing ocean behind him. He kept coming and with him came the icy fingers of fear. Even in the dream she could feel it closing in on her, surrounding her, going to the bone, making her…

Her screams woke Harm from a deep sleep. He came awake with a start and moved just in time to miss one of her flailing arms. Traces of sleep vanished instantly as he reached for her, catching her hands.

"Mac, it’s me, Harm. It’s only a dream," he called, his voice low and soothing.

She went still and the sound of her rapid breathing was loud in the stillness. Slowly, he released her wrists and he felt her hug herself. Without a word, he slipped his arm around her shoulders and lay back down, taking her with him.

"Want to talk about it?" he asked gently.

"No," she murmured. "It was just a dream."

But she stayed where she was, against his side and they went back to sleep.

The next morning a tall, handsome man with dark hair and a slender, lovely woman with dark hair and eyes strolled into the café arm in arm. The cloud of happiness and love around them reached out to the other patrons gathered having coffee and pastries. They found a small table in the window, framed in sunlight where he seated her first and then himself.

"Good morning, you would like coffee?"

Harm smiled warmly at the small, dark-haired man who came to the table, a heavy white apron tied around his waist and warm eyes over a black mustache.

"Yes, please," he answered, speaking for both of them.

A minute later the man came back with two small white cups and a white, ceramic coffee pitcher. He set them down with a flourish along with a small pitcher of cream.

"You are visiting our fine city?" he asked pleasantly.

"Yes, we arrived last night," Harm answered.

"Welcome, welcome and welcome to my restaurant. You are on vacation?"

"We’re on our second honeymoon," Mac smiled tenderly, her eyes darting to her ‘husband’.

"Aww, lovebirds our my favorite. It is good to see young love. My querida and I have been married fifty years. I bring you something special for breakfast, eh? Momento."

He hurried away before they could answer. They exchanged a quiet, tender look that wasn’t entirely part of the act. Idly, Harm reached over and ran his fingers over the back of her hand. Turning her palm up, Mac squeezed his fingers. Harm lifted her hand in turn and pressed a kiss to the soft skin of her palm.

"Here, you eat and enjoy." They looked up as the man returned. "My specialties, you enjoy, please. Banana cheese empanadas, egg and cheese quesedillas and honey sopapillas. I will come back and check on you," he promised and went back to his other customers.

As he left them the door to the café opened and four men walked in. The man in the center had a young, dark-haired woman on his arm. He seated her and himself at one table while the other three men took the next table. Harm and Mac knew instantly that this was Escobédo and some of his men. The three at the neighboring table were most likely his henchmen – at least they had the right look in dark suits and scowling faces.

The owner of the café tended to the couple immediately.

"Good morning, Sénor Escobédo. I will return with your breakfast."

"Thank you," Escobédo answered negligently.

Covertly, Harm studied the man, taking in the neatly trimmed mustache, dark-hair combed straight back from his face and cut short. His suit was black, complimented by a white shirt and crimson tie. A diamond ring winked on his left pinkie as did a heavy gold watch. On his right wrist was a chunky gold bracelet.

It was time to start making themselves known.

"Here, honey, try a bite of this. You’ll love it," Harm stated, making sure his voice carried.

He held up a piece of the empanada for Mac.

She touched her fingers to the side of his wrist as he guided the bite to her open mouth. His eyes narrowed slightly as her lips closed around the morsel, touching the skin of his fingers. A dusting of sugar rested on her bottom lip. Harm slowly drew the pad of his thumb over it before lifting it to his own mouth. Mesmerized, Mac watched him, forgetting all about the reason behind what they were doing. Lowering her eyes for just a moment, she picked up a piece of the quesadilla and lifted it to Harm. Cupping his hand around hers, she guided it forward and took the bite, catching the tip of her fingers with his tongue. He heard her quick intake of breath and saw the color blossom in her cheeks.

In some distant corner of his mind, Harm remembered that they were supposed to be capturing Escobédo’s attention but all he could think about was kissing her. Leaning forward, he tugged gently on her hand until she moved, too. Her lips were sweet under his as he kissed her gently, tenderly. He pulled back just enough to see her eyes and smiled.

"It’s good to see such love, isn’t it, querida?"

This came from Escobédo as Harm and Mac separated. Mac glanced at the older man from beneath his lashes and he lifted his coffee cup to her in a silent toast. The woman with him smiled and touched his arm.

"Yes," she agreed. "They look very much in love."

Thirty minutes later, breakfast was finished and Harm and Mac rose. Their gracious host came over to wish them on their way. As Harm paid him, he shook both of their hands warmly.

"You come tomorrow, eh?" he suggested. "I give you something new to try."

Mac nodded as she shook hands with him. "We will. Same time tomorrow,"

Wrapping his arm securely around her waist, Harm drew her close and they gave a parting wave, glancing just briefly at Escobédo as they left.

And so it went for the next three days. Harm and Mac appeared in as many of the places on Webb’s list as they could, becoming known to Escobédo. They flashed money everywhere and made no secret that they enjoyed a lavish lifestyle. In accordance to Webb’s instructions, they were careful to stay in their act even in the hotel room alone. The only moments they could steal were when the shower was running or while they were out on the streets of town.

And through it all, the bonds of playacting were falling away more each day as the forced closeness began to shape the real relationship between them. There was no talk about life back home. About Darren or the harsh words spoke at Mac’s or of their relationship. Instead they simply fed off their roles as Harm and Sarah.

Harm unlocked the door to their room and they went in, taking a quick sweep of the room under the glow of the foyer lamp housekeeping left burning. Everything looked the same as it had when they left for a night of dinner and dancing at one of Escobédo’s clubs.

"My feet are killing me," Mac sighed, walking with heavy steps into the bedroom and dropping down on the bed.

Coming in right behind her, Harm knelt without a word in front of her and pulled off the impossibly high heels she had on. He threw them over his shoulder into the closet and gently ran his hands up her bare calves.

"I’ll start a bath for you," he announced, loud enough for any potential listening devices to hear.

"With bubbles?" she teased.

"Lots of them, baby. I know how you like your baths," he answered.

"You know how ‘we’ like our baths," she amended suggestively.

"Together," he murmured, rising up suddenly to plant a swift kiss on her lips.

A minute later the water in the giant tub was going and he dumped in a large amount of the gardenia bubble bath she preferred. He stood for a minute watching the bubbles grow and wondered at how well he knew the things she liked. Years of being together had done that for them. He went back in the room where she was gathering her nightclothes. Without a word she went into the bathroom and closed the door.

Harm sat down on the edge of the bed and rubbed a hand over his neck, sighing deeply. The past few days had been hard. Not just the pace of keeping up with Escobédo’s busy life but also with keeping up their pretense. It wasn’t so hard to come up with ways to show he loved her but it was hard to pretend it was all an act. He wanted… Harm froze mid-stretch and mid-thought as he glanced up and saw a tiny red light blink. He immediately looked down, stretching his neck and then rolling his shoulders, pretending he hadn’t seen anything. He went to the bathroom door, took a deep breath and opened it.

"You don’t have to keep your eyes closed. I’m still dressed."

Slowly, he opened them and met her playful smile. "Just checking."

He came in the rest of the way and closed the door behind him. She eyed him questioningly as he walked closer to her.

"There’s a video camera in the bedroom," he whispered, his lips brushing against her ear.

She looked up at him. "Now what?" she asked.

"I guess this is our big test," he answered.

She looked at him and then at the tub.

"I’ll turn my back until you get in," he promised in a low voice.

"I’m not taking my bath with you in here," she retorted

Harm just looked at her. "Got any better ideas?"

Mac just looked back at him, frustration in every line of her body. "Fine," she snapped finally. "But one peek and you’re history, flyboy."

"Can’t blame a guy for trying," he shrugged.

A few minutes later the water was off, Mac was in the chin high water and Harm was sitting on the edge of the bathtub.

"I thought you were going to turn your back?" she asked, arching one brow at him.

"I did. Now I’m going to rub your feet," he returned blithely.

"Harm, you can’t… Harm!"

She grabbed the sides of the tub to keep from slipping down as Harm reached into the water and caught her feet. Holding them aloft, he grabbed the towel off the bar behind him and draped it over his knees before placing her feet there.

"I’m not going away so you might as well slide down and relax," he ordered almost conversationally. "We need to figure out what we’re going to do when we go back into the bedroom. Someone’s watching us to see if we’re really having that second honeymoon."

"I want to know how much longer this is going to take," she muttered crossly. "Either he’s interested in us or not."

Right then Harm knew without a doubt that all this so called playacting was getting under her skin, too. At least he wasn’t alone.

"Maybe this will be the deciding factor," he offered.

"It makes me nervous that someone was in here while we were gone. Thank God we don’t have anything here that tells who we really are. I don’t like this whole situation, Harm," she finally admitted.

"Hey," he called softly, tugging on her leg. "We’ll be fine. They don’t call us Batman and Robin for nothing," he teased.

She rewarded him with a small smile. "I do remember someone calling us that once upon a time," she teased back. "Harm, I’m ready to get out of here. It’s getting too hot."

"I know, I know – turn around and don’t peek," he sighed grievously.

He got a small giggle from her that time as he put her feet down and stood. He waited across the monstrous bathroom until she told him it was all right to look. When he did he got a surprise when he saw her clad in a towel. She shrugged and blushed becomingly.

"I forgot to bring my shirt in with me… don’t you don’t you dare laugh," she ordered when she saw the corners of his mouth turn up.

Harm schooled his featured into a severe frown. "I wouldn’t dream of it," he said, doing a fair imitation of Dracula’s voice.

Then she turned around and spoiled it by laughing. She brushed past him and sat down on the toilet, primly folding her hands over the bottom edge of the towel and turning until she faced the wall.

"I’ll just wait while you take your shower," she announced pertly.

"You just do that," he shot back.

Stripping quickly, he got in the shower, his mind awhirl with what still lay ahead. Through the steamy glass he studied the delicate line of her back. This… well, he didn’t know what to call what was happening between them. One minute things were tense as they struggled to remember they were only playing a role and the next they were teasing each other and it felt like old times between them. He felt like he was on a teeter-totter going up and down, up and down. It made him off balance and he didn’t like that feeling one bit. It was too much like losing control. Turning off the shower, he got out, dried off and wrapped the towel around his waist.

"Come, wife," he growled as he grabbed for her. "Let’s go to bed."

"Harm, what are you… Harm!" she burst into giggles and tried to keep her towel secured as he swung her up into his arms.

He turned out the bathroom light as he went and the bedroom was plunged into darkness.

"Do you think they can see anything on the camera?" she whispered in his ear.

Harm shivered involuntarily at the touch of her warm breath. "Someone in that position would have the best equipment," he answered. "We’ll just have to wing it."

She poked him in the ribs. "Just remember this is an act, flyboy," she hissed.

"You remember that and keep your basic Marine instincts in hand," he answered.

Then he dropped her on the bed, laughing when she bounced and fell sideways. He followed her down and covered her soft body with his before she could regain her balance.

"Ready or not, here I come," he growled.

And then he kissed her.

The minute Mac felt the hard press of his mouth, fantasy fled, taking all her reason with it. Wrapping her arms around his back, she kissed him back. In some corner of her mind she knew the camera was looking down on them, allowing their unwanted guest a few moments of voyeurism. But when Harm slid one heavily muscled thigh between hers, urging them apart, she forgot even the camera.

"You smell good," he told her softly, pressing small kisses to the slender column of her throat.

Mac tipped her head back, allowing his further access. He made his way down to the edge of her towel and a moment later she felt cool air on her heated skin.

"Sarah…"

Mac heard him say her name and something in his tone alerted her before she actually felt him start to draw away. She wrapped her arms around him and held tight.

"No, not yet. We have to convince them," she murmured, shamelessly grabbing any excuse at all to keep him close.

All thoughts of propriety and partnership and protocol fled as he kissed her again, caught in the same trap that had her.

Harm knew he was lost when he kissed her that second time. This wasn’t all about the acting. Mac wasn’t an exhibitionist and neither was he but somewhere along the way all thoughts of the camera disappeared and desire took over. All the hidden desires that lay dormant for so long now shot to the surface.

Tenderly, he pulled the soft bath towel away from her and tossed it to the floor. She was wearing the tiniest pair of black panties he’d ever seen. Reverently, he smoothed his hands down her sides to her hips and then back up. This was new territory – the first time he’d been allowed to touch what had always been off limits. The satiny feel of her skin was the strongest kind of drug to his senses. Lowering his head, Harm kissed her again, taking his time. If there was never another moment like this, he wanted to make sure he savored every second. He wanted to store it up in his memory so that it would always be there waiting for him.

Her lips parted beneath his like a flower opening and he felt the tentative touch of her tongue rising to meet his. Hesitantly, he lowered his weight, feeling the softer lines of her body give way to the harder angles of his. Cradled between her legs, he could feel the moist heat of her against him arousing him almost to insanity. Levering himself up slightly, he slowly, slowly, slid his hands up the smooth expanse of her belly until they covered her high, firm breasts.

Mac sighed and the sound flowed into the darkness of his mouth. The warm weight of his palms covered her completely and he seemed to be reveling in the feel of her because he didn’t move. But he kissed… Lord, did he kiss her. She moaned softly as he nipped tenderly at her bottom lip then ran his tongue over it. Playfully, she sucked on his tongue, drawing it into her mouth. She was rewarded with a sharp breath and the tightening of his hands on her. Gently arching herself into him, Mac slid her hands up and down the hard wall of his back, feelings the muscles ripple and shift beneath her fingers. Shifting slightly, she ran the tip of her tongue around the edge of his ear and felt a surge of feminine power when a shudder coursed through him.

It was then that the blinking red light on the camera captured her gaze. And for some reason it brought back memories to her of their stupid red light/green light game. And then reality really crashed down on her head and she realized with a start that what they were doing was suddenly all too real. Harm knew the minute she tensed that he was losing her. Slowly, the edges of his sanity came into focus and he realized how carried away they’d gotten. For a several seconds neither one moved.

"Oh, baby, you’d think after having you four times today I’d have enough," he sighed loudly. "Damned if I don’t want you all over again but the flesh is weak." He added just the right touch of over-indulgence to his voice.

"I knew I shouldn’t have let you have those last few drinks," she teased, taking his cue and silently thanking him for being so quick thinking. "But the flesh feels willing to me," she purred.

"Can’t, darlin’," he slurred. "I’ll make it up to you tomorrow," he promised.

Catching him by surprise, Mac rolled him over onto his back and leaned over to give him a hard kiss. "I’ll hold you to that, husband," she answered in a sexy tone that set him off all over again.

"Settle down here with me so you can get your beauty rest," he ordered, patting her silk-clad bottom. "Love you," he muttered.

"I love you, too, sugar," she answered.

A pounding on the door awakened them the next morning. Groggily, Harm lifted his head, looking at the clock on the bedside table. Beside him, Mac stirred, too.

"What time is it?" she muttered.

"Nine," Harm answered.

"Nine?!" Mac shot up in bed and then she heard the knocking on the door.

"Stay here," Harm told her.

Then it hit him that he didn’t have a stitch on! Next to the bed was his towel from last night’s shower and he snatched it up, getting it around his lean hips as he got out of the bed. He glanced back at Mac and saw the same look on her face as she looked around for her discarded towel.

"Coming!" he called as he made his way out to the door.

He looked out the peephole but didn’t see anyone in the hall. Frowning, he unlocked the door and opened it a few inches. A slender white envelope lay on the carpet. Opening the door the rest of the way, he picked it up and then locked the door. Taking the envelope back to the bedroom, he found Mac in shorts and waiting with an anxious look.

"Who’s it from?" she asked.

Harm tore open the flap and pulled out a single sheet of paper.

"Mr. Escobédo wants to meet you. Be at the Plaza del Toro at noon."

They looked at each other.

"Doesn’t give us much time," Mac said finally. "I guess I better get ready."

"Wait… before you go away. I have something for you."

She turned back toward him. "What is it?" she asked.

"Hang on."

He went to his bag and got something out then came back. "I got this for you to help cement this charade of ours. It wouldn’t make sense for you not to have one."

"What is it?" she asked again.

Instead of answering, Harm reached for her left hand. Mac gasped when she felt the cool glide of metal as he slipped a wedding set on her finger. As she stared at the beautiful setting and stones, she could barely draw a breath. Almost reverently she rubbed a gentle finger over the diamonds. There was an engagement ring in a wide platinum band bar set with one large oval in the center and two smaller ovals on each side. Getting cozy with it was the matching wedding band also in a bar set with six small ovals.

"I thought the platinum would look the best with your skin," he rushed on in the silence.

"It’s…" she shook her head. "Saying it’s beautiful doesn’t seem to be enough. Please tell me Webb provided this along with our cover." When he didn’t answer, she looked up and saw a dull red flush on his cheeks. "Harm!" she squeaked out. "This must have cost you a year’s pay!"

"It doesn’t matter. I got it for you, Mac. When we’re all finished here you can keep or we’ll take it back. It’s up to you," he stated firmly, seeming almost embarrassed. "Now go get ready so we aren’t late."

The small restaurant was located in the nicest part of Panama City. The parking lot was deserted since it was before the hours of operation but they found the doors unlocked and went in. And there sat Escobédo at a small table surrounded by four suited men.

"Mr. and Mrs. Roberts, how good of you to join us," he greeted as they approached. "José Escobédo. It’s my pleasure to meet you," he said, shaking Harm’s hand and brushing a kiss over Mac’s knuckles.

"Thank you for inviting us," Mac stated politely.

"Please, have a seat," the older man offered, waiting until Mac was seated before sitting himself. "I’ve seen quite a bit of you two in the past few days. Did someone point you in my direction?" he asked bluntly.

"In a way," Harm answered smoothly. "It was more of a suggestion."

"How can I be of service to you?" Escobédo asked.

"We’re looking for some souvenirs to ship home. Our contact told us you were the best in the export business."

Escobédo’s eyes flickered between them. His gaze fell briefly to the expensive wedding set on Mac’s fingers then back up to Harm. "You are on your second honeymoon?" he asked.

"Yes, and hopefully to conduct a little business," Harm returned.

"May I invite you to dinner this evening? We will talk – see what kind of souvenirs you’re interested in."

"Thank you. It’ll be our pleasure," Harm accepted.

"Good. I’ll look forward to it. Shall we say 8:00pm?"

"8:00pm it is," Harm confirmed.

"And we dress for dinner at our hacienda."

"I’m ready."

Harm turned from the foyer mirror where he was adjusting the tie of his tuxedo and his jaw all but dropped when he saw her. Her gown was simple but elegant; a shimmering white sheath with tiny rhinestone straps and a straight skirt with a slit all the way to her thigh. Strappy, white high heels finished it off.

"You look beautiful," he managed, his throat tight.

"Thank you," she murmured. "You look very handsome. I’ve never seen you in a tux," she added, her eyes roving over the lean lines of his tall form.

"Let’s get you decked out," he stated, a teasing glint in his eyes.

"’Decked out’?" she arched one brow.

"Webb got all this stuff to me and its on loan from somewhere so don’t lose it," he grinned, shaking a finger at her.

He picked up something from the table and came over to her. It was a large velvet jeweler’s box. He flipped it open for her to see and she gasped.

"Oh, my God," she whispered. "These must be worth a fortune."

Harm nodded in agreement. "That’s why we can’t lose them. Can you imagine how many jobs we’d have to get to pay for them?"

She laughed softly as he lifted out the bracelet. All the pieces were platinum – like her wedding set and here were enough diamonds to fund a small country. The heavy bracelet – a line of flawless round diamonds one after another - went on first, and then Mac fitted the matching diamond teardrops to her ears.

"Turn around," Harm instructed softly.

He drew the heavy necklace around the base of her throat to clasp it. The barely-there brush of his fingers sent a shiver racing down her spine. With a gentle turn, Mac found herself staring at their reflection in the small mirror. The couple looking back from the glass didn’t look like the Commander and the Colonel. They looked like a man and woman in love. Her hair, slightly longer now, was parted on the side where she clipped it with a tiny rhinestone barrette. Her eyes were shadowed and smoky, her lips full and tempting.

"You’ll be the belle of the ball tonight," he whispered, his warm breath shivering along the curve of her ear.

The ‘hacienda’ turned out to be a heavily guarded compound surrounded by a high stone wall. The limo was allowed to pass through the gates and deposited them at the front door. A maid escorted Harm and Mac to a billiard room where Escobédo, his girlfriend and four other men with equally beautiful women were talking. Escobédo smiled warmly when he saw them and came forward, hand outstretched.

"Welcome! I’m so glad you could join us. May I have Luis get you a drink?"

Harm risked a glance at Mac and saw her smile seductively at their host.

"Tonic water with a splash of lime," she answered, artfully tossing her head.

He felt the betraying tremor in the hand he was holding and gave her a reassuring squeeze.

"Scotch," Harm put in.

"You don't drink, Señora?" Escobédo cocked an eyebrow.

"My husband drinks enough for both of us, Señor Escobédo," she stated archly.

A moment later the drinks were in their hand and they were being introduced around the room. None of the names were familiar but they carried the same predatory look as Escobédo. Harm and Mac made themselves comfortable; Mac on a deep leather chair with Harm perched on the arm of it beside her.

"Tell me," Escobédo began. "What kind of souvenirs were you thinking of taking home?"

"What can you get?" Harm answered without batting an eye.

"Anything you want, my friend. My associates and I have unlimited access. However, I think you would be very interested in a special souvenir. My own people make it locally for export."

"Sounds exactly like what we're looking for," Harm confirmed, looking Escobédo directly in the eyes. "How soon can we take a tour and see for ourselves?"

"He's taking us to see the plant tomorrow afternoon."

"Good. After we get your information we'll be able to start planning a takedown," Webb stated, rubbing his hands together.

"Did you check our rooms over while we were gone?" Mac asked. "We don't want anymore surprises like last night."

"We swept the entire room. You're clean so go to bed and get some rest," he ordered.

"Aye, aye," Harm murmured dryly.

Webb smirked at him before going out the door.

"Come on, wife, let's go to bed," Harm grinned, slinging an arm around her shoulder.

"Señor, I am so glad you were able to join us."

"Couldn't miss out on a buyer this big, Escobédo," Captain Frank London stated dryly.

"Yes, I was sure you'd like to be a part of it," Escobédo answered. "Our new friends will be coming tomorrow to tour the plant. I am confident we will have our deal by the end of the day."

"I believe you have pictures of them to show me and the information you gathered on them?"

"Yes, right here."

Escobédo got out a file and handed it over. Slowly, London began sifting through the information compiled by Escobédo's contacts. At the bottom were the pictures taken just days before at the Plaza del Toro. For an instant London stared at them, his mouth slowly tightening.

"I'll be a son of a bitch--" he swore harshly.

"What is it?" Escobédo asked sharply.

"I know these two and they aren't who you think they are!"

"What?" Escobédo looked bewildered.

"They work for JAG in Washington – Navy lawyers," he clarified. "They're investigating the crash on my carrier. I can only imagine what the hell they're doing here! They couldn't have made the connection between you and I! Damn it!" he swore, throwing the file down.

One of Escobédo's men moved to pick up the papers as Escobédo himself followed London.

"We have to get them, José. Now, before they can get any further in this charade or get their information to someone else," London told him.

"Consider it done, old friend. I will make sure they are taken care of tonight."

Four black-clad figures moved stealthily across the suite toward the bedroom. The man and woman were in deep sleep, curled against each other in the middle of the large bed. It took a matter if seconds for them to be drugged and bound and the men were on their way back out, as quiet as when they'd come in.

Harm blinked slowly, trying to bring his surroundings into focus. His head was pounding ferociously and his mouth was bone dry. He moved slowly, wincing at the pain in his head. Gingerly, he rolled over on his side. About the same time it registered that they'd been kidnapped, he spotted his beloved partner across the room, sprawled on a bed.

"Mac!" he cried. "Mac!"

Struggling to his feet and fighting down the nausea that rose in his throat, he dropped down beside her, searching for the pulse at her neck. She moaned just then and he pushed her hair back with a trembling hand. Slowly, she turned her head to look at him.

"Harm?" she whispered, her brow knitted in confusion.

"Are you okay?" he asked. "Can you sit up?"

"I think so," she murmured.

He helped her into an upright position and she sat for a moment, rubbing her forehead.

"Where are we?" she asked.

"I don't know," he answered. "I just woke up myself. They must have drugged us with something. I don't want to stick around and find out what else they have in mind. Do you think you can move?" he asked worriedly.

"Yeah," she nodded. "How do you suppose we get out of here?"

"Let's see what we've got to work with," he muttered, rising to his feet.

A quick check around the room revealed bars on the only window and a locked door, which he expected. He turned back to Mac, hands on his hips and a frown pulling down the corners of his mouth.

"I think a diversion will do just nicely," she stated.

"A diversion?" he raised one brow.

"Get over here," she ordered.

He came over to the bed and she yanked him down next to her.

"Mac, what are you…" he began.

"Just follow my lead," she said and then she let out an ear-splitting scream. "Help me! Get off me, you son of a bitch! Help! Help, he's trying to rape me!"

Harm realized what she was doing and grabbed both her arms, pinning her to the mattress as he moved his heavier weight over her. Mac struggled wildly beneath him, trying to dislodge his hold while she kept yelling for help. Without warning, the door flew open and heavy footsteps crossed the room. A brawny arm went around Harm's neck and he felt himself being dragged backward, off of Mac. He let himself go limp for a split second and then he bent and rammed his elbow into the guard. The man grunted and Harm bent over further, flinging the man over his head to the floor. It only took one hard jerk to break the guard's neck and then it was silent.

For an instant they looked at each other.

Then the tableau was broken as Mac slid off the bed as Harm searched the man's body for weapons. Then he stripped the guard and gave the man's pants to Mac, who was still clad in the nightshirt she slept in. She cinched them tight with the belt and then took the ugly knife he found on the guard and stuck it in her waistband. She also donned his boots and stuffed the heels with a strip of bedding to take up the extra space.

"Let's go," he murmured, going to the door. He looked carefully out in the darkened hallway and found it empty. Then he turned back to her. "Whatever happens, we'll get through this together, got it?"

Her eyes searched his. "Got it."

They didn't need any more words between them. It was going to be a fight to the death – theirs or the men holding them.

Quietly, they left the room, staying close against the wall as they made their way to the stairs. It was very late and the house seemed to be settled for the night. There was no one moving about as they made their way through the large house. Near the back was a study and through it, doors leading to what looked like a patio. Harm swung left and right at the patio door, searching for more guards but it was quiet and still.

Luckily for them, the night was clear and the moon overhead shone brightly on the ground, illuminating their way. Another building loomed a short distance away but there would be no cover for them between it and their current position. They looked at each other, communicating without words. Mac nodded once at him and then Harm turned back toward the other building. He cocked the gun in his hand, took a deep breath and lit out at a dead run, keeping his tall frame bent nearly double to avoid detection. He flattened himself against the side of the building and stopped cold when he heard the crunch of footsteps. Tucking the gun into his waistband, he waited as the steps came closer. A second later another guard rounded the corner and with one deft move, he was dead on the ground.

Harm turned back to the direction where Mac was waiting and nodded once. Seconds later she was beside him. Hefting the dead man over his shoulder, they went inside the building. It turned out to be a stable and the sides were lined with stalls. Harm dumped the guard in one of the empty ones and looked at his partner.

"Can you ride?" he asked.

"Can you?" she countered.

The corner of his mouth twitched. "Saddle up."

Harm took the pants, shirt and boots from the guard as well as the gun and knife he carried and his extra ammunition. While Mac readied their horses, he made a quick search of the stable for anything they could use for supplies. Gathering what little he found, he stocked the saddlebags. In minutes they were leading the two horses to the door at the far end of the stable, the one farthest away from the house. Opening the door a crack, Harm held his gun up and slowly peered out into the darkness. He didn't see any sign of activity so he opened the door farther. He waited a second while Mac climbed on her horse before mounting himself then they nudged the two geldings into the open.

Cautiously they rode around the barn, guns up and ready. Floodlights provided a circle of light directly around the house they just left but the rest of the property was clothed in darkness. Mac followed Harm as they stayed close to the tree line on the far edge of the property. There was a gate several yards ahead they were aiming for. They caught sight of two men walking around the front porch but kept going, hoping they were quiet enough not to draw attention. They were almost there when a shout rang out. Without even looking back, Harm urged his horse ahead. He heard Mac behind him as they both fired, letting the horses have their heads. The high gate loomed ahead and Harm raced ahead to it while Mac fired at the guards. One bullet separated the lock keeping it shut and he kicked it open so they could get through. They heard an engine start up and shouts from Escobédo's guards.

"Hurry!" Harm called to her.

There was only a dirt road leading out from the gate but they veered off of it and into the trees. The moonlight couldn't get through the trees and it seemed to grow darker but the horses found a path and they raced on through the jungle. The sounds of motorcycles filled the night air and the ground beneath them pounded with hoof beats and engines. Branches and vines slapped Harm in the face as he bent over the horse's neck, praying they wouldn't run into anything. Bullets flew past him, striking the trees. Birds and other nocturnal creatures squawked in the night air at the disturbance until all around them was cacophony of sound.

It sounded like the motorcycles were gaining on them as they pushed forward. Mac kept her eyes on Harm's back and behind her she heard the men coming closer. She and Harm were the interlopers – they didn't know the lay of this land but the men following them did. She felt the quiver in the muscles of the powerful animal beneath her and hoped the horses knew where they were going and wouldn't inadvertently lead them right back to the house. The men were close enough to fire and every now and then the beams from the headlights would catch her and Harm. Suddenly her horse stumbled and pitched forward. The animal struggled for its footing as Mac fought to stay in the saddle.

"Harm!" she cried.

Harm turned to see what was wrong and a bullet slammed into him, nearly catapulting him from the horse. For an instant stars swam before his eyes. Instinctively, he pulled back on the reins to slow the beast. Mac regained control of her mount and brought him to a stop.

"Get down – hurry!" he urged.

She did, not even questioning what he was doing. Harm took the reins from her and released both horses, slapping them hard on the rumps to get them moving again. Then he pushed her to the right, off the path and into the thick vegetation.

"Run," he whispered.

The motorcycles were coming close as the two pushed their way into the trees and vines. Leaves slapped at them and thorns caught at their skin and clothing but they kept going. Harm stopped suddenly at the base of a huge tree and grabbed her hand, pulling her back to him.

"Get up there – in the tree," he ordered.

Mac grabbed a vine and yanked hard to see if it was sturdy then scrambled up the trunk, using her feet to spur her upward. Harm's cupped her bottom to give her a starting boost. When she was far enough up, he started after her. Heaven only knew what might be up in the tree but it was going to have to make room for them. They got high up in the branches, shielded by the thick leaves. Finally, they stopped, gasping for breath from exertion and the thick, oppressive night air.

Far below, the motorcycles came frighteningly close then faded as they followed after the horses they thought still carried Harm and Mac. After several minutes, the sounds were far in the distance and it was almost still up in their tree. As his breathing slowed, Harm reached for Mac, unable to see her clearly in the darkness.

"Are you okay?" he asked. "Did they hit you?"

"No, they hit my horse. Do you think they'll come back this way?" she asked.

"I don't know. It's too dark for much of a search. They may wait for morning," he answered heavily.

"You sound funny – what is it?" she questioned.

"I'm hit," he answered reluctantly.

"Where?" she demanded, reaching for him.

Harm felt her hands tracing over his chest and shoulders and neck, searching for the wound. He caught them in a gentle grasp and moved them away,

"In the side. I don't think it's too bad," he told her.

"We need to see to it," she insisted.

"How?" he asked reasonably. "You can't see anything now."

"Shut up, Commander," she snapped.

"Yes, ma'am," he answered, fighting down a grin despite the severity of their situation.

Mac pulled her nightshirt free from the waistband of her pants and ripped it off from the waist down. Tearing it into strips, she moved forward until she could comfortably reach him.

"You'll have to help me, Sailor. Take your shirt off and rip the sleeves off," she ordered.

He did as she said and between the two of them, they managed to get a makeshift bandage in place. He put his shirt back on and they sat in silence for a minute.

"What do we do now?" she asked.

He sighed heavily. "I think we better stay here for now. What time is it?" he asked, having learned long ago to trust her internal clock.

"0230," came the answer.

"Why don't you try and sleep for a little bit? As soon as the sun starts to come out, we'll get moving."

"Harm, we don't even know where we are," she murmured, feelings the first strong feelings of fear now that her adrenaline was settling.

"Then it's a good thing we've had so much training in reading our environment because we're going to need it to get the hell out of here," he stated.

"It's Michaels. We've got a problem, Webb."

Clay sat up in bed, running a hand over his face. "What's wrong?" he asked sharply, knowing the young Commander would only call on this number in an emergency.

"London seems to have jumped ship."

That brought Clay to full attention. "What?" he yelled. "When?"

"No one really realized he was gone until a little while ago. He retired to his quarters yesterday complaining of being sick. When his Ensign went to check on him, he was gone. They've searched the entire carrier and he's nowhere to be found. Commander Briggs has reported it because they have no other explanation except that he went AWOL. You better watch your back, Webb," Shane advised.

"I have to warn Rabb and MacKenzie. Stay there until you here from me."

Webb clicked off the cell phone and jumped out of bed, grabbing for his clothes. In minutes he was on his way to the Miramar. When he reached the Presidential Suite, he knocked on the door several times but there was no answer. Going back down the long hall to where the junior suites were located, he searched for a housekeeper. Minutes later they were back and he bluffed her into letting him in. Standing in the darkness of the foyer, Webb pulled his gun out and cautiously started to search the suite, careful to remain quiet. When he reached the master bedroom, he eased the door open, prepared for something unpleasant.

He didn't find anything surprising but what he did find was an empty, ransacked room.

"Son of a bitch," he swore softly. Webb jerked out his cell phone and punched the memory number that would get him to Admiral Chegwidden's home.

"Chegwidden," the older man growled.

"It's Webb. Rabb and MacKenzie have disappeared."

"What?" A.J. exclaimed. "What do you mean 'disappeared'?" he demanded

"I got a call a little while ago from Commander Michaels. Captain London has gone AWOL. I don't know for sure that he's here but I came to warn Harm and Mac and they're gone. The room has been ransacked, Admiral. I can only assume Escobédo somehow found out who they were."

"Do you think it was London?" A.J. asked.

"It's possible. They met with Escobédo last night and were supposed to have a tour of his plant today to see the goods. If London did come here, he can ID them."

"I'm coming down there on the next hop I can get," A.J. stated furiously. "We're going to find them and you better pray they're all right," he threatened.

Webb knew there wasn't much he could say to that. "I'm going to have Michaels fly down here, too. We may have to go forward in busting the plant. I'll notify my people of what's happening."

"You do that, Webb. I'll call and let you know when I'm coming in."

"It's almost dawn."

Mac's low comment barely broke the silence. Harm stirred, turning his head toward her. Neither of them had gotten any sleep. They were too keyed up wondering if Escobédo's men would come back looking for them and about what might be up in the tree keeping them company.

"We'll find our way out of this, Mac. I promise and you know I'll never break a promise to you," he murmured.

"Yes, I know," she answered, trying to smile.

"What direction do you think we should go?" he asked.

"We'll have to see where the sun comes up," she answered. "If we're north of San Miguelito, then we’ll want to go southwest toward Panama City. We should be able t tell b y the surrounding landmarks once the sun comes up," she returned

"Let's get the hell out of this tree," Harm muttered.

He went down first, wincing as it pulled at his side. Mac followed and the stood side by side for a moment. Dim light was beginning to filter in through the trees. Slowly, they started to push their way back to the miniscule path the horses had been on. The trees were a little thinner and they looked up at the sky. As the sun began to spread its light, it was to the east of them.

Mac took a good look around, surveying the territory. "See those mountains over there?"

Harm squinted in the direction she pointed. "Yeah, isn’t that the range that backdrops Tocumen?" he asked, referring to Panama’s big airport.

She nodded. "We’re northeast of Panama city so I guess we head south," Mac stated quietly.

"I guess we do," Harm agreed.

"You okay?" she asked gently.

His eyes met hers. "I'm fine. You?"

"I'm a Marine," she answered, trying to manage a sliver of humor.

Harm cocked an eyebrow. "Jarhead."

"Squid."

With the barest hint of a smile, he held out his hand to her, palm up. Slowly, Mac slid her palm across his and he clasped her fingers.

"Let's do it," he stated.

The End… onto part 5!