Sirens were coming closer and the sound of voices was slowly penetrating the fog. Blinking several times to clear his vision, Harm carefully pushed himself into a sitting position, staring at the grass as he caught his breath. Mac! Wildly he turned, looking for her. She was sprawled on her back several feet away from him. Harm crawled over to her and touched her cheek. She groaned and her lashes fluttered.

Before he could say anything else, a truck with lights flashing and sirens blaring screeched to a halt at the curb and a man jumped out. Right behind him was a police car and a fire truck. The man from the truck came toward them at a run.

"Are you two all right? Let’s get away from here? Can you get up?" he fired the questions at them rapidly.

"Yeah," Harm answered. He stood and slipped his hand under Mac’s arms, bringing her up with him. "Come on," he murmured.

They went out to the street where bedlam reigned. A uniformed officer was directing moving the neighbors back across the street as firemen unfurled hoses and hooked up tanks to tackle the blazing house.

"There’s an ambulance on the way that can check you two out. Was anyone inside?" The man from the truck questioned.

Harm eyed the stranger. He was average height with beard and he was dressed like a cowboy from his boots to his hat. A circled star was pinned to the front of his shirt proclaiming that he was a Texas Ranger. Harm glanced around for a second and realized suddenly that John was nowhere to be found. He looked back at the Ranger.

"There was no one that we know of. We were here to see if the woman who owns the house was here. We’re investigating a case," Harm explained.

"Lt. Commander Harmon Rabb and this is my partner, Major Sarah MacKenzie," Harm told him.

"Ranger Cordell Walker. Glad you two are okay. You say you’re investigating a case?" he asked after he introduced himself and shook hands with them.

"On officer gone AWOL. The woman who lives here is a friend of his and we were hoping she might have heard from him, Ranger Walker," Harm explained, skirting around the more important facts.

"It’s just Walker. Are you staying somewhere we can contact you if we find anything?"

"I’ll be in touch with you," Walker promised and turned to attend to the scene before them.

Harm and Mac climbed into their car and headed back for the hotel. Mac studied her partner with worried eyes.

"He probably ran as soon as he heard sirens. I have to get him to go back," Harm sighed.

"Can’t be helped. He knew the risk when he went AWOL. He should have called me in the first place instead of trying to handle it this way," Harm ground out in frustration.

"Hotheaded? I am not hotheaded, Mac. I’m not the one who went AWOL," he retorted.

Harm came to a stop at a red light and turned to look at her, his face grim. "I would have turned the earth upside to find you, Sarah." It was one of the rare times he called her Sarah and a spark flared in her heart. "I was lucky that I had Webb and the Admiral but if I hadn’t I would have done whatever I had to and I wouldn’t have stopped until I had you back – no matter how long it took."

Mac reached across the wide seat and covered his hand with her own smaller one. Harm turned his over and closed his long fingers around hers. She smiled tenderly, her gaze openly emotional with feelings she no longer had to cover up.

"And I would have done the same for you. I never gave up hoping you would come. From the moment Prokov took me I knew you would find me someday," she stated softly, deeply.

Memories swirled in on both of them of that harrowing time months ago when Mac and Bud went to Russia on a trip of goodwill. It was the catalyst that brought the two partners together after three years of dodging their feelings for each other.

"Don’t think about it," Mac ordered, breaking up both of their thoughts. "It’s in the past and we’re together now. That’s all that matters."

He smiled. "You’re right. Now we have to help John and Britain put this in their past."

They got back to the hotel and went up to Harm’s room. Harm opened the door and let her in first and then came through behind her, shouldering the door farther open. It swung back and caught him across the shoulder blades.

"Ahhh, damn it," he swore roughly.

"What’s wrong?" Mac asked sharply, crossing back to his side.

"That hurt," he grunted, drawing a deep breath against the searing pain in his back.

"Come in the bathroom where the light’s good and let me see what you’ve done. Take off your jacket and shirt," she ordered.

Harm shrugged out of his leather jacket then started to lift his black T-shirt over his head. His sharply indrawn breath alerted Mac and she turned back to him. He had the shirt up around his neck and halfway up his arms and she saw his chest rising and falling with each rapid breath. Mac grasped the bunched up material and carefully guided it over his arms so he didn’t have to raise them any further and pulled it clear of his head.

"Face the wall, Harm," she directed.

He straddled the commode, bracing his hands on his knees. Mac gasped out loud when she saw the damage.

"Oh, my God! Harm, I should take you to the closest hospital!" she cried.

"It can’t be that bad," he muttered.

"Trust me, it’s bad," she retorted. "Let me see what I can do."

Biting her lip, Mac wet a washcloth and started to clean away the blood. The entire area surrounding his right shoulder blade and down under his arm to his rib cage was black and blue and rapidly swelling. A jagged cut ran the length of several inches right through the middle of it all.

"Something must have hit you in the blast," she murmured. "I’ll try not to hurt you more," she promised softly. Leaning forward, she gently probed the edges of the cut. "This really needs to have stitches, Harm. And it looks like there’s some debris in it."

"Guess we better go find a hospital, huh?" he sighed.

"Guess we better."

Carefully, Mac used two towels to cover the area, tearing one into strips to bind the other to his body. Then she helped him into another shirt that buttoned down the front, grabbed her purse and led him out the door.

Twenty minutes later they were back at the NAS and pulling up at the Emergency entrance. Mac showed their ID badges and took the paperwork the nurse handed her and went with Harm as they led him to a room. He sat patiently on the gurney as Mac filled out papers and the nurse removed his shirts and the towels.

"This looks bad, Commander Rabb," the nurse commented.

"It feels bad, Ensign Howard," Harm returned, reading her nametag. "But I have yet to see what ‘it’ looks like," he tried to joke.

"Don’t worry about it. I’m sure you don’t need to see what ‘it’ looks like," Ensign Howard smiled reassuringly.

"Commander Rabb, Major MacKenzie, what brings two JAG officers down to our neck of the woods?"

Mac and Harm looked up as a tall, silver-haired man came in. He smiled as Mac started to rise to attention and they both saluted.

"At ease. No need to go through all that nonsense. Captain Pierce. Good to meet both of you," he stated. "Now then, Commander, let’s take a look at your back."

Mac gave Ensign Howard the paperwork and went to stand next to Harm. Holding his hand, she looked on as Captain Pierce studied the wound. Ensign Howard came back and between the two, they cleaned out the cut and fished out several tiny pieces of metal.

"How were you injured, Commander?" he asked.

"We’re investigating a case and we went to the house of someone who might be involved. It exploded just as we were going up the walk," Harm explained, wincing when the older man hit a particularly sore spot.

"It looks to me like you may have been hit with a pipe or perhaps a metal frame piece. Ensign Howard is going to give you a local and I’ll stitch you up, son. Be back in a few minutes."

Mac smiled and passed her hand over his sweaty brow. Her eyes were sympathetic. "You holding up okay there, Commander?" she asked softly.

Harm just nodded, his eyes glazed. Ensign Howard administered a shot to deaden the area and then another for the pain. It began to take effect almost immediately, making the whole ordeal a little more bearable. Mac stood very close to the edge of the gurney and Harm leaned sideways against her, resting his weight against her. Mac steadied herself against him and bent her head slightly, looking down at their clasped hands. Harm’s temple rested against her forehead, his breath stirring her hair.

"All set?" Captain Pierce asked, coming back. His eyes darted over their closeness but he didn’t say anything. Instead he took the needle and thread from Ensign Howard and took his place behind Harm.

"Ready as I’ll ever be," Harm ground out.

It took only a matter of minutes but he was sweating profusely by the time Captain Pierce was done and had nearly crushed the feeling out of Mac’s hand. The pain was almost overwhelming and he couldn’t seem to get his breath. Concerned, Mac looked at Captain Pierce, who also appeared worried. He walked around in front of them and Mac stepped back a bit.

"It shouldn’t have been that bad, Commander. I’m going to send you down to x-ray and have them take a look at you. I think you may have cracked a rib," he stated.

Once Mac finally got Harm settled in bed in a spot that didn’t hurt him too bad he went to sleep under the weight of the pain and the pills Captain Pierce had given him. It turned out after the x-rays that he’d cracked two ribs so the doctor wrapped him up from armpit to waist, gave him the pills and sent him off in Mac’s care.

Sitting in a chair across the room to take a minute and catch her own breath, Mac studied Harm for several minutes. His face still held a pinched look around his eyes and mouth and his breathing was labored. Like a typical man he was trying to be strong and stoic but she knew he was in a tremendous amount of pain. Right now the investigation would have to wait. Captain Pierce said he would most likely sleep the rest of the day and night and then they could see how he felt the next morning.

A knock sounded on the door and Mac jumped up to answer the summons before it woke Harm. Opening the door cautiously, she was surprised to see Travis standing there with Cordell Walker.

"Mac, good to see you again," Travis smiled, touching the brim of his hat.

Mac motioned for them to be silent and pointed to the bed where Harm was sleeping. "Come with me," she whispered. She led them through the connecting door into her room and smiled. "He was injured in the explosion this morning," she explained. I had to take him to the Naval hospital. Cracked two ribs and got hit by something that ripped a hole across his shoulder blade. The pain pills the doctor gave him finally knocked him out."

"Glad to hear he’ll be all right," Travis sighed with relief. "Mac, this is Ranger Cordell Walker, the man I was telling you and Harm about before. The one I think can help us."

Walker smiled and held out a hand to Mac. "We’ve already met, Travis. I was on my way here this morning when that house blew up."

Mac shook his hand and smiled. "Good to see you again, Walker."

"Are you and Commander Rabb still receptive to my help?" he asked as the two men found seats and looked expectantly at Mac.

"More than ever. Did Travis tell you what’s happened?" Mac returned.

"The basics."

"John was with us this morning at the house. Harm thinks he ran off as soon as he heard the sirens to avoid being seen. We have to convince him to go back even though he’ll be arrested. It will be in his best interest but Harm and I have to find Britain. It’s especially important to Harm because he and John are friends," Mac told them.

"I’ll need to know as much as you can tell me and a picture of Britain, too. Travis explained your need for secrecy and I promise you I’ll keep it that way. I’m already here on another case so it won’t look suspicious for Travis and I to be around. How long is Commander Rabb going to be out of commission?" Walker asked.

"At least until tomorrow. I’ll get the information from you as soon as I can. We might have to wait until John contacts us again," she sighed.

"Well, let me or Travis know as soon as you find something," Walker stated, rising to his feet.

"We will," Mac promised.

"King told me to remind you not to forget about this weekend," Travis grinned. "You know he won’t let up until you and Harm come visit."

Mac laughed softly. "We will. Tell him I’ll call by Friday."

"Will do. See you later, darlin’," Travis smiled and winked and the two men were gone.

Mac went back to sit on the edge of the bed and picked up the phone. She dialed the number to JAG and waited.

"Major MacKenzie calling for Admiral Chegwidden, please. Thank you."

"Good morning, Major. It’s about you checked in."

Mac smiled as A.J.’s gruff voice floated over the line. "We’ve had an exciting two days, Admiral, but I can’t get into the details over the phone. I wanted to let you know that Harm was injured in an explosion this morning."

"What?" The Admiral’s voice exploded over the phone. "What kind of explosion? How bad was he hurt?" he demanded.

"He cracked two ribs and something tore up his shoulder pretty bad. He had to have thirty stitches along the side of his right shoulder blade. He’s sleeping now. He was in a lot of pain so the doctor here gave him some pills for the pain and ordered him to rest at least until morning. I’ll express a report to you tomorrow on our progress," she promised.

"Don’t trouble yourself. Just call in from time to time so I know you’re both still alive," A.J. commanded.

"Yes, sir," she answered, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. She realized he said something then. "I’m sorry, sir, could you repeat that last part?" she asked.

"I said, I don’t like it when you two are away from the damn office, Major! Now try to check in a little more often!" he thundered and hung up the phone her ear.

She stared at the receiver for a moment and then started giggling. The old softie was just a bunch of bluster most of the time. She dropped the phone back in its cradle and reached for the room service menu. Her stomach alerted her to the fact that she and Harm both missed lunch but she would have to feed him later when he woke up.

Hours later, Mac had eaten and showered and worked on the report for the case, flipped through the channels on the television and still Harm slept on. She checked on him periodically, wondering if she should wake him.

"No! No, crash wasn’t… fault. No, can’t… quit flying."

Mac was on her feet the second she heard him cry out. Racing into his room, she found him tossing and turning on the bed, the sheets twisted around his tall form. Pulling her nightgown up, Mac crawled up on the bed beside him. He was mumbling and she couldn’t make it all out but it sounded like he was dreaming about crashing the Tomcat years ago. She knew sometimes when he was under a lot of stress he still had the nightmares.

Tenderly, she slid partway down against the pillows and pulled him into her arms. He quieted the instant her arms closed around him. His own went around her hips, his damp head resting on the soft pillow of her breasts. Mac sifted her fingers through his spiky hair, smoothing away the remnants of the nightmares. The fingers of her other hand moved just slightly over the bandage on his back, pausing for a moment. Unbidden images flitted into her mind. A few more steps and she could have lost him altogether…

Resolutely, she pushed the thoughts away. Right now it was time to rest and she was right here with him where she wanted to be. He moaned slightly and Mac pressed her lips to his temple, holding them there for a moment before turning her cheek to his hair and closing her eyes.

A tall, uniformed officer passed his badge through the security terminal and entered the Special Warfare Testing and Development building. At this time of night there was no one around except for a guard at the front desk who looked up at him.

"Is the truck here?" the guard asked.

"At the dock. Is everything set?"

"Right on schedule," The guard replied.

The other man simply nodded and continued down the long hallway. When he reached the storage facility, he passed his badge through again and went in. The doors that opened to the loading dock where at the back of the room. He made his way to them and waited. Exactly 2 minutes later the power went out in the building. Pushing open the doors, he stepped back while two other men rushed in. Crates were hauled out and loaded into the back of am unmarked van. The power was out all over the property but they only had minutes before it would be restored. The man checked the illumination on his watch. So far so good. The last crate was loaded and the two men drove away. The officer closed the bay doors and the power came back on. Smiling to himself, he left the same way he’d come back in, passing his badge through to secure the doors. He just loved it when a good plan came together.

1130 ZULU

HARM’S HOTEL ROOM

KINGSVILLE, TEXAS

Mac was awakened by a harsh groan from Harm. She started to move and then realized she was pinned beneath his heavy weight.

"Harm?"

There was no answer from his prone form so she carefully rolled him over on his back. He was sweating profusely, his face pinched with pain. Getting up, Mac went to retrieve a fresh glass of water, a wet cloth and two of his pain pills. She sat back down next to him and drew the cloth over his face, neck and shoulders, cooling him slightly. Gradually, his eyes opened slightly and he peered up at her.

"Mac?" he whispered hoarsely.

"Shh, don’t talk. Take these," she murmured, lifting the pills to his mouth. He allowed her to slip them inside and then she held the glass for him, slipping her hand behind his head to support him while he drank. He emptied the entire glass before she put it back on the nightstand. She stroked her hand over his forehead and he closed his eyes again. "Go back to sleep. It’s early yet," she told him.

"We need to get going. Can’t waste time on this case, Mac," he protested weakly.

"You’re not going anywhere, Harm," she stated gently. "You’re running a fever and you need to rest today so you can get well."

"I rested yesterday and last night. We need to look for Britain and try to find John," he repeated. Harm rolled away from her to the other side of the bed and sat up, swinging his legs over the side. "Have you called the Admiral to check in yet? He must be…" Harm pushed himself up from the mattress and was immediately swamped by dizziness.

Mac jumped up and ran around the bed, jamming herself up under his arm just as he started to pitch forward. "Now will you listen?" she growled. "You’re in no shape to be up and moving around."

"You let me be the judge of that," Harm shot back. "I’ll be fine once I get my feet under me."

"Your ‘feet’ almost tossed you on your head, sailor! Damn, you’re stubborn," she retorted.

"Am not," he denied, pushing away from her. He swayed again for a moment before gathering himself upright. Mac started forward to help but he stopped her with an upraised hand. "I can do it," he insisted.

Mac stepped back, her pretty mouth flattened into a tight line. She retreated across the room, arms folded across her chest to wait. Harm staggered across the room like a drunk man and disappeared into the bathroom. He came back a few minutes later and gathered clean clothes to dress. Then he went back to the bathroom, closing the door behind him. Sighing, Mac sat down in the chair. She couldn’t leave until he was out of the shower at least. The stupid fool would probably fall and crack his head open next.

He took an inordinate amount of time and she figured it was because he couldn’t move all that well but he finally emerged dressed in his jeans and carrying his shirt. He slipped his good arm in the sleeve and tried to stick his other arm in but his ribs and the bandage on his back prevented him from it. He uttered a swear word and tried again, his hand fumbling for the opening of the sleeve. After a third failed attempt, he sat down heavily on the bed, sweating hard and cursing even harder. Without a word, Mac got up and went over to him. She wrapped her arms around him, bending slightly to rest her cheek on his wet head. He leaned into her, his head against the pillow of her breasts and she felt him heave a sigh.

"I hate this," he mumbled against her nightshirt.

"I know you do," she murmured, "but if you’ll just rest today you’ll probably feel much better tomorrow. You can’t expect to jump up and get going like nothing happened."

Before she could say anything else, the phone rang. Mac turned away from Harm and hurried to answer it.

"Good morning, Major."

"Admiral, good morning. How are you, sir?" she asked.

"Fine, Mac."

"It’s early, sir, is something wrong?" she asked.

"Did I wake you up?" Admiral Chegwidden inquired.

"No, I was just fighting with Harm about the wisdom of him moving around too much. He almost fell on his head," she grinned.

"Well, then you may want to sir down because I have some bad news," A.J. stated heavily.

"Oh, now what?" Mac groaned, flopping onto the mattress. She covered the mouthpiece and looked at Harm. "Bad news," she told him. Harm moved around to sit next to her and she tipped the phone receiver out to the side so he could hear the Admiral. "Go ahead, sir, we’re listening," she told him.

"I just got a call from SecNav. There was a break in there at the weapons center where Commander McShane works. A shipment was taken and from all appearances it looks like Commander McShane is the party behind it."

Harm and Mac looked at each other, wide-eyed. "That can’t be true!" Harm sputtered. "She wouldn’t do something like that!"

"How do you know, Rabb? Do you know her personally? And where is Commander McKaye? Have you managed to get a lead on him yet?"

"Admiral, do you think you could fly down here?" Mac asked instead.

"To Texas? Why? Can’t you tell me over the phone what you’ve found?"

"We’d rather not, Admiral. I can’t verify the safety of the line and I think you’ll probably want to hear this in person," she returned.

Admiral Chegwidden sighed. "I’ll make the arrangements immediately and call you back with a time."

"Yes, sir."

Mac put the phone down and glanced over at Harm. "Why don’t you go lay back down in my room so housekeeping can change the sheets in here?" she suggested quietly. "You must still be tired. You had a restless night."

"If you know that then you must be tired, too," he murmured.

She grinned. "Nah, Marines are tough, Harm. I can take it."

"I’ll make you a deal then. You go to take your shower and come back to bed with me for awhile and I’ll go willingly."

She shook her head slightly and sighed. "You drive a hard bargain, Commander. Can we add room service to the deal because I’m starving."

Harm laughed. "I’ll call while you’re in the shower."

Hours later after having slept the morning away, changed Harm’s dressing, re-wrapped his ribs and helped him dress, they arrived at the Naval station to pick up Admiral Chegwidden. From there they headed for Britain’s office where the break in had occurred.

"We’ll explain things to you in detail back at the hotel, Admiral, but these are the basics. Commander McShane’s CO, Admiral Cruise, believes her to be on leave for two weeks. In actually, she’s been kidnapped," Harm stated.

"What?" A.J. roared. "By who? And how do you know she was?"

"We’ve seen Commander McKaye and her parents who were contacted after Commander McShane was taken. And Commander McKaye saw the damage that was down to her home. That’s why we were there yesterday when it blew up - to look over the scene. Whoever orchestrated this theft – it wasn’t her," Harm continued. "But we haven’t told Admiral Cruise that she was kidnapped and we don’t want you to, either," he stated.

A.J. arched a brow. "Giving me orders, Commander?" A slight smile teased the edges of his mouth.

Harm missed the teasing glint. "Not at all, Admiral. There’s more to the story but the whole situation is very delicate and volatile and could easily get Britain McShane killed. We don’t even have a clue who were dealing with."

"Very well, Commander Rabb. I’ll go along with your secret for now but when we get back to the hotel I expect a full report with all the details."

"Aye, sir."

When they reached the research center, they were escorted directly into Admiral’s Cruise’s office. The older man stood and greeted them and Admiral Chegwidden.

"Damn shame about what happened last night," he shook his head.

"The theft, you mean?" Harm asked.

"Yes. I’ve worked with Britain a long time and I would never have thought she would do something like this," Admiral Cruise returned.

"How do you know she did, sir?" Mac questioned softly.

"The guard at the front desk identified her when she came in and her ID badge was used to gain entrance to the doors. We believe the theft occurred during a power outage on the base and in all probability, the blackout was a cover up," the Admiral continued. "There are only three people with access to the storage room. Myself, Britain and her XO, LT. JG Young."

"Have you spoken to Lt. Young?" Admiral Chegwidden put in.

"I spoke with him myself first thing this morning. He was thirty minutes outside of town on his way home from a training mission."

"And where were you, Admiral?" Harm thought he heard Mac gasp but he met Admiral Cruise’s gaze head on.

"I was home in bed, Commander Rabb," Admiral Cruise returned calmly. "You’re welcome to go over the scene for yourselves and check our records. Commander McShane’s car was admitted through the gate, the guard identified her and her badge was used for security clearance. Now unless someone else managed to get access to all those things, including her face, then I don’t see how it could not have been her."

"Could we see the facilities where she works?" Mac inquired.

"Certainly. I’ll take you there myself."

A few minutes later the small group walked into the research facility. The group of rooms comprised Britain’s office, the testing area, research and development and the storage room. Knowing his officers the way he did, Admiral Chegwidden knew they would want to look things over for themselves so he turned to Admiral Cruise.

"Admiral, may I see Commander McShane’s personnel records?"

"Certainly. I have them in my office. Commander Rabb, Major MacKenzie, will you be all right here?"

"Yes, sir. We’ll just take a look around," Harm answered. {Without you looking over our shoulders, he added to himself.}

"We’ll be back shortly," Admiral Chegwidden told them.

The two men left and Harm and Mac went to Britain’s office. She was very organized – almost to the point that the office looked sterile. There was only one personal touch in the whole room and it was in the form of two pictures on her desk. Mac walked over and picked up one of the frames. John’s stoic face stared back at her.

"She still loves him," she stated simply.

Harm came over and stood close behind her. "He loves her, too."

Mac glanced back at him. "Did he ever tell you why they aren’t together?" she asked curiously.

"Just that he thought he wasn’t good enough for her," Harm answered simply. "Come on, we better get done before the Admirals come back."

Harm and Mac exchanged glances as they went into Harm’s hotel room. The trio had returned to the hotel, checked the Admiral in and made a pass through the dining room for dinner before coming up to Harm’s room.

"Nothing, sir. To indicate Commander McShane was responsible or not. All of her records were in order, as were the records in the research area. The only thing missing are the weapons themselves," Harm told him.

"And what do we know about these weapons?" A.J. asked as he removed his cover and placed it on the coat rack.

"It’s a very sophisticated piece of weaponry that has never been put out for use. It’s still in the final testing stages – which Britain has been working on," Mac explained, sitting cross-legged on the floor, her back against the wall near the door.

"Start from the beginning and tell me about this apparent kidnapping and what you’ve found out with Commander McKaye," A.J. ordered.

"We don’t know a whole lot yet. Our first stop was with Admiral Cruise who told us Britain was one leave for two weeks. Then we went to see her parents and they acted extremely funny. They were nervous and on edge and had no idea where she was or where we might be ale to reach her. The next morning John – Commander McKaye – showed up here. He told us that she was kidnapped and he jumped ship to come after her when her parents sent him a telegram. They’ve received two calls from the kidnappers – one telling them they had Britain and the other telling them if they contact anyone she would be killed instantly. John was the only person they felt they could turn to," Harm expounded, leaning back against the headboard of the bed. His shoulder and his ribs were pounding away at him.

"I guess I don’t have to point out that he’s throwing away his life basically for going AWOL?" A.J. stated heavily.

"He knows that, sir. But he loves Commander McShane."

A.J.’s mouth tilted up slightly. "Reminds me of another couple I know."

Mac and Harm exchanged a tender look.

"Go on with your story, Commander."

"We didn’t get far. Webb showed up after we saw John and offered to see what he could do to help us find Britain. Then Travis came – one of King McKenzie’s brothers – to see if he could help. It seems Webb contacted Travis’s boss and Travis works with a Ranger Walker he believes will be able to help. All of these men are completely trustworthy and it’s imperative we keep this under wraps so we don’t get her killed," Harm continued.

"That’s why I couldn’t tell you anything on the phone," Mac told him.

"Anyway, John took us to Britain’s to show us the mess the kidnappers made of her home and it blew up right in front of us. He disappeared from the scene and surprisingly enough, Ranger Walker showed up at the scene. We don’t know who he was then but Mac met him yesterday after we got back here from the hospital."

"Travis brought him by to see us and he’s going to put his feelers out for leads on Britain. Travis says he’s the very best they’ve got and if anyone can find something out, it will be Walker," Mac put in.

"John feels this is an extreme situation otherwise he would never have jumped ship, Admiral. We have to find Britain and if this weapons theft is related to her being kidnapped – it makes the situation even more volatile. The weapons are highly sophisticated. They’re equipped with an x-ray of sorts that can track a moving target through almost anything. It’s the most advanced assault weapon ever, Admiral. It fires electromagnetic pulses. Aluminum rounds almost at the speed of light with no gunpowder and no modern bullets."

"Sounds like a rail gun from the battleships," A.J. commented.

"Something like it only a much scaled down version."

"This is sounding worse by the minute, Rabb. If those weapons fall into the wrong hands there could be serious ramifications."

"Yes, sir."

"I’m going to my room. It’s been a long day and I suggest you get back in bed, Commander. If you don’t get well you’re not going to be able to give this case you’re full attention. That’s an order," A.J. actually smile this time to soften the command as he rose to his feet. "I’ll meet you for breakfast at 0800 in the dining room and then you can take me back to the airport."

"Aye, aye, sir," Harm grinned.

The Admiral left then, closing the door behind him.

Mac rose from her spot on the floor and went over to the bed, stretching out next to Harm, resting her head on his chest. Harm wrapped his arms around her and pressed a kiss to her temple.

"He’s right, you know. You need to sleep. It’s the best medicine for you and you’re overdue on your meds," she murmured.

"Tell you what – go get your jammies on while I order something for us to munch on and find a movie on the tube and then we’ll rest, okay?"

"Deal. Be back in a few minutes."

It took her five to be exact and she was back on the bed with him, settling in to watch ‘Eraser’ with Ahh-nold on HBO. Room service brought them a platter of crackers and cheeses and apple slices. Halfway through the movie, Mac was pretty sure Harm was asleep. He was lying partly on top of her, his head resting almost on her stomach. Mac shifted slightly, turning more toward him. Harm sighed and tightened his hold on her hips.

"Am I too heavy for you?" he mumbled.

"No. I thought you were asleep?" she murmured.

"Not yet. Just enjoying the quiet with you," he answered.

Mac smiled to herself and reached out a hand to his hair. She sifted her fingers through the tiny spikes, kneading her fingers against his scalp.

"That will put me to sleep," he groaned.

She only smiled again. Harm turned his head toward her and smiled sleepily, the sexiness of it knocking her right in the heart. Carefully, he held her hips for balance and levered himself up over her, planting his fists on the pillow on either side of her head.

"Thank you," he murmured, staring into more than just her eyes.

"For what?"

"For taking care of me."

Mac smiled tenderly. "I would do it over and over." She slid her hands over his back, stopping just short of the bandage. "How do you feel?"

"Tired and weak," he admitted. "I don’t like feeling this way."

Her fingers smoothed over his skin. "I know you don’t and I know how hard it is for you to admit it. Rest now, Harm, you’ll feel better in the morning."

"Stay with me?" he murmured.

"Always."

He closed the remaining distance between them and covered her mouth with his own. She sighed softly into his mouth and he brought his hand to her cheek, touching his thumb to the corner of her lips as he kissed them. Sometimes the emotion she felt between them stunned her. Their lovemaking seemed to get better every time but there were other times, like this one, when it went beyond desire. She could feel him against her from head to toe and felt enveloped by him as his heavier weight pushed her into the mattress. But she didn’t mind. She never seemed to be able to get close enough to him. She wound her arms tighter around his neck as he rolled them onto their sides to ease the pressure in his ribcage.

He kissed her deeply, sliding his tongue into the dark recesses of her mouth. His callused fingers blazed a trail across her bare shoulders, sensitizing the soft skin he found there. Lowering his head, he pressed a string of moist kisses to the smooth column of her neck, touching his tongue to the wildly beating pulse he found there. Mac sighed, feeling his touch and wanting it to go on forever. No matter how much he touched her it never seemed to be enough. Harm broke the tender kiss and hugged her tight, feeling her snuggle close, her face against his throat.

"I love you," he whispered in the still room.

"I love you, too."

1500 ZULU – TWO DAYS LATER

HARM’S HOTEL ROOM

KINGSVILLE, TEXAS

The forced inactivity had practically driven them both crazy but Harm was finally feeling better and the pain in his ribs and shoulder was receding. A visit to Captain Pierce assured them the stitches could come out the following week and Harm could continue with their investigation as long as he didn’t push himself too hard. But it was Friday now and the pair had promised to call King McKenzie about coming for a visit.

"Hey, little girl! ‘Bout time. I was starting to think you forgot about us."

Mac smiled as the big man’s voice flowed over the line. "I had to get my partner well first," she answered.

"Travis told us what happened. We’re all glad he’s okay," King answered, his voice gaining seriousness.

"Are we still welcome for a visit this weekend?" Mac teased lightly.

"You better believe it. Why don’t you come out tonight and stay the weekend? This investigation isn’t going anywhere Mac and it sounds like both of you could use a couple of days to regroup," King returned.

"We agree and so does Admiral Chegwidden and Harm’s doctor," Mac laughed softly.

"Then we’ll see you around supper. Bring your appetites."

Mac hung up the phone a minute and turned to her partner. "We’re to be there at dinner with our appetites," she told him.

He flashed a smile at her. "Shouldn’t be too hard with you," he teased.

Mac snatched up a pillow and hit him with it.

Harm laughed. "Hey! I’m wounded here, Jarhead! You don’t me to have a relapse, do you?" he demanded.

Mac hit him again and he dodged the pillow. He caught her wrist and jerked her down on the bed, rolling her under him in one smooth movement. They both laughed and Harm brushed a strand of hair from her face. They sat up then and Mac tugged him off the bed.

"Come on, flyboy, let’s go get the Admiral to his plane and go see if we can find John."

Hours later they’d reached a dead end on finding the missing Commander. The McShanes hadn’t seen him and there was really no place else for them to look for him. They left the number to the ranch with the older couple in case they heard from John over the weekend.

"Damn, this is frustrating!" Harm stated as they came back to the hotel room empty-handed yet again.

"I know it is," Mac soothed. "But something will break, Harm."

"Why can’t I find him, Mac? Or her? If she gets killed I’ll never forgive myself. And whoever’s behind…" he ranted.

"Harm," she interrupted gently. "Let’s take the weekend off and go out to the ranch and regroup and start fresh on Monday. Everyone will be back to their offices and we can start looking for more leads," she suggested evenly. "And we’ll both feel better after a break with them," she pointed out.

Harm sighed and nodded. "You’re right and thank you for putting up with my sorry six this week."

She only smiled. "I know how to drop you on it of you get out of line."

"Let’s throw some things in a bag and get the heck out of here."

The ranch didn’t look one bit different from the last time either of them had visited. In fact, it looked frozen in time. Horses milled in the corral next to the massive barn, multiple trucks were parked everywhere and hands were there cleaning up for the evening. Harm parked next to King’s truck and he and Mac got out, stretching their legs after the long drive.

"’bout time you got here!"

They turned at the same time to see Storm and King come out of the house. She flew down the steps to the drive and threw her arms around Mac. The two women laughed exuberantly before pulling back to look at each other.

"I’m so glad you came out!" Storm exclaimed.

"Are you kidding?" Harm questioned. "I wouldn’t have missed it anyway but she would have made sure we were here whether I remembered or not!" he answered, jerking his head in Mac’s direction.

They all laughed and Harm’s clasped the hand King held out to him.

"We’re glad y’all are here no matter what," King put in, sweeping Mac up for a hug as Harm embraced Storm.

"If y’all are through with the pleasantries, I’d like to welcome our guests."

They turned as Ellie came out the front door and made her way down the stairs. Harm and Storm both hugged the slender woman and she grinned broadly at them.

"It’s good to be back here, Ellie. And we both need the break about now. Thank you for having us," Mac told her.

"Nonsense, honey. Y’all are welcome any time you want. Now let’s get inside so I can put dinner on the table!"

"This is the first time I’ve been out here and no one else has been around," Mac commented a few minutes later as the five of them sat down at the kitchen table.

"Yeah…." Ellie sighed. "Nice and quiet, isn’t it?"

"Ellison!" King glared at his mother in mock horror. "I thought you loved having all of us around?"

Ellie gave him a wide-eyed look. "Why, I do, son. But y’all are noisier now than you were when you were little!"

Laughter abounded again.

"Seriously, Steve, Jessie, Brett, Abby, Wade and Katie took all the kids to Disneyland. Ty and Christy are at the apartment in Houston and Nic is with Tucker on the circuit. Travis and Jenny should be here in the morning. He and Jenny are going to stay and help Walker with this case you’re working on," King answered.

Harm sighed. "You mean the case that isn’t working? We can use all the help we can get."

"That bad, huh?" Storm’s full lips tilted up at the corners.

"Worse. While I was taking care of Harm the night of the explosion, someone broke into the research center on the base and stole an entire shipment of weapons that aren’t even supposed to exist yet. If they get into the hands of our enemies we could have a major war on our hands," Mac explained. "And whoever engineered the theft made it look like Britain was behind the whole thing. And we all know that isn’t true because someone kidnapped her," Mac tacked on.

"Probably the same person who took the guns," King mused.

"Unless she was never kidnapped to begin with," Ellie suggested softly.

Harm glanced at Mac. "We thought of that possibility, too, except I know John pretty well and from all he’s told me she just doesn’t seem the type. Plus, her service record is filled with awards and citations and she’s at the top of her field. Frankly, she should be at a higher rank but the military can still be anal about that’s sometimes. Women don’t move up as fast as men unfortunately," he clarified.

"Why, Commander Rabb, that’s sounded decidedly unchauvanistic," Storm drawled teasingly.

"It’s the truth," Harm shrugged, his cheeks flushing a little. "At any rate," he continued. "Britain wouldn’t have staged her kidnapping. We know now that someone on the inside is involved. There’s no other way they could have made the theft of the weapons look like she was behind it."

"This place is great! I’ve never been to a country bar before."

King swung around to stare at Mac. "You’ve never been to a honky-tonk?" he asked.

Mac shook her head. "Never, but I love country music."

"Does that mean you’ve never learned the two-step?"

"I’m sorry," Mac answered apologetically. "I never had an occasion to."

"Commander?" King looked at Harm.

"It’s been a long time but yes, I can do it," Harm returned.

"Great. Then Storm can help you brush up and I’ll teach Miss Mac the steps," the older man grinned.

The found a table and turned the chairs in under it to reserve it then went to the dance floor. Shaped like a giant oval with a bar in the center, it resembled a racetrack. Mac stood for a moment looking around. There was a huge bar at the end farthest to their left, a smaller one of the far right and an old washtub full of ice and beer with a pretty waitress manning the cash register behind them. On the other side of the dance floor, there were more tables, dartboards and pool tables. It was early yet so there were maybe a dozen couples on the dance floor, leaving plenty of room for them.

"Come on, Commander Rabb, show me your stuff," Storm grinned, taking his hand.

They started out and King turned to Mac. He drew her to him, one hand at her waist, the other holding her hand aloft. He showed her the quick, simple steps then moved them out onto the dance floor.

"Remember, it’s back one step with your right foot and my left will come forward. Then bring that foot back together and then a quick two-step shuffle with your left. You always do the same steps no matter whether we’re turning or going forward or backward, okay? Watch my eyes and don’t look at your feet," he ordered gently.

"I’m going to step all over your boots," Mac moaned.

"They’re big enough," he grinned. "Can you waltz?"

She nodded.

"Then you won’t have any trouble with this. Just remember to slide your feet. It’s slick out here on these floors so just let me lead. That’s all you have to do," he promised.

The music changed as a new song started and he pushed her backward. The club was a favorite of King and Storm’s and it played only traditional country music from many days past. The particular sing starting was a favorite of Mac’s that her Uncle used to listen to.

"Country dancing usually is," he grinned. "I’ve always liked it because it’s a couples thing. I can always hold Storm close to me," he winked and Mac only laughed.

The next song began and he turned this time so he was going backward around the oval floor.

That song ended, too, and King threw in a little turn, bringing her shining face back around to him. Moving her to the side, they waited for just a second as Storm and Harm caught up.

"I think the Major is ready now," Commander," King teased them, passing Mac’s hand over to her partner.

"Shall we, Major?" Harm asked formally, brushing a tiny kiss over the back of her hand.

"Lead the way," Mac giggled.

Another song started up but this was a slower song, not the standard two-step. Harm pulled Mac very close to him, his hands splaying across her back. Mac sighed and snuggled close, one hand at the back of his neck and the other on his chest.

Well, here we are again tonight, alone just us two,

Where the lights are dim and true love is shining through,

When you look at me like you do right now I go to pieces,

Because I know what’s on your mind – it’s just me,

Loving you could never be better than it is right now.

The old country songs may have been hits long before Mac and Harm were ever born but they were hitting the feelings of both right on the mark. Mac lifted her head to meet his eyes as yet another slow one started. His gaze was strong, holding hers as they moved. The rest of the world faded away and his pulled her closer still, sliding one hand down to the small of her back, almost onto her hip.

When things get rough from day to day for a man,

And it’s a struggle just to see the long day through,

Knowing you will be waiting,

Keeps me going, anticipating,

The nights with you and the touch of your soft hand.

Because the best part of living is loving you,

It’s the driving force that keeps me strong in everything I do,

‘Cause the best part of living is loving you.

"I love you, Harm," Mac whispered softly, her lips brushing against his

ear as he hugged her to him, still moving to the tender music.

From across the dance floor, King and Storm moved with the slow music, wrapped up tight. Almost as tall as her husband, Storm turned her head so that her temple rested against King’s. Together they watched the other young couple dancing.

"So am I," King answered. "Face it, honey, you just want everyone as happy as we are," he teased, his deep voice but a rasp in her ear that made her shiver like it always did.

"And that’s a bad thing?" she asked, rubbing her fingers through his own bigger ones.

"Not at all," he drawled. "If I’d known through all the years before you that I could be this happy I would have laughed. Loving you has changed my mind."

After four years of marriage, he was still the man of few words he was when she met him but when he really talked, Storm knew to listen closely. But she also knew he said just as much when he was quiet.

"We had a long road just like they did," Storm mused. "I’m just eternally grateful we stuck through it."

"So am I, darlin’, so am I." He squeezed her gently and lifted his head a fraction to find her eyes. "There were times I wondered if we’d make it at all."

"My world begins and ends with you, King, and nothing will ever change that. Not another person, not money, not where we live – not even the fourteen years between us," she smiled slightly at the last, reminding him of his worries over their age gap. "You’re stuck with me forever," she whispered, running the tip of one finger across his bottom lip.

"Thank God," He muttered dryly and hugged her tight, smiling at her husky laugh.

"If everyone looked like that we’d never have any divorce in this country."

Harm’s eyes followed Mac’s to the striking couple several feet away from them and he smiled in agreement. "I wasn’t sure real love like that existed anymore," he murmured.

"After so many failed attempts you start to give up hope," Mac added softly. "I did. Until I met you." She lifted her head and met his gaze. "It took us a long time to recognize what was in front of us the whole time but I’m so very glad we did."

Harm smiled just a little at her, the gesture full of tenderness. "We had a lot of well intentioned help." His low voice smoothed over her nerves. "And a boss who looks the other way now so we can stay together," he grinned a little. "They had a hand in this, too," he added, nodding slightly in their direction. "It still amazes me how they came into our lives. He we are – two people who don’t make friends easily from a whole other world outside of Texas and there they are, born lovers with wide-open arms. I think being sent out to McKenzie Acres all those months ago was the best thing that could have happened to us," he stated quietly.

"I’ve never been exposed to love like that family shares but now I know it’s possible," Mac returned deeply.

"We know it is now. Everything I’ve ever gone through was just to get me to you, Mac. I believe that. Every wrong turn, every lost dream, every heartache. It was all a road leading me to you."

Her eyes shined at him and he thought for a moment she might cry but her gaze remained clear and strong. "And I you. I will never be without you again – no matter what we have to do."

The DJ continued to shift smoothly through songs, some two-step, some slow and the two couples kept dancing, losing the tension of the past week and feeling peace settle in. King and Storm came by and drew closer.

"How about a break after this next song?" King suggested.

"Sounds good," Harm returned.

Don't look so sad, I know it's over,

But life goes on and this whole world will keep on turning,

Let just be glad we had some time to spend together,

There's no need to watch the bridges that we're burning.

Lay your head upon my pillow,

Hold your warm and tender body close to mine,

Hear the whisper of the raindrops blowin’ soft against the window

And make believe you love me one more time,

For the good times.

"This is one of my favorite songs," Harm murmured in Mac’s ear.

"I didn’t even know you liked this kind of country music."

"I don’t listen to it routinely but Mom and Dad loved it. Mom played this song over and over when Dad first disappeared. I didn’t think I’d ever want to hear it again for years after that because it reminded me so much that he was gone. But then I heard it in passing one day on the radio and it brought back so many good memories with it. It’s really a beautiful song even though it’s heartbreaking," he explained lightly.

Mac didn’t answer that but instead tucked her face into the curve of his neck and held on. She knew the pain of his father’s disappearance and death would always be there, hidden in his heart but it was easing with time. Knowing of the man’s final days had helped a great deal toward easing the feelings of loss and abandonment. The same as being with her father on his final days had helped Mac release some of the hatred she’d carried for so long toward the man who’d abused her but ultimately did the best he knew to do for a young, rebellious girl.

I'll get along, you'll find another,

But I'll be here if you should find you ever need me,

Don't say a word about tomorrow or forever,

There will be time enough for sadness when you leave me.

Lay your head upon my pillow,

Hold your warm and tender body close to mine,

Hear the whisper of the raindrops blowin’ soft against the window

And make believe you love me one more time,

For the good times.

When the final strains of music faded away, the foursome headed off the floor to sit for a few minutes. It was getting crowded now and before long the place would be packed with club goers. They got back to their table just as two more familiar faces walked up.

"Mac! Harm! It’s so good to see you!" Jenny McKenzie rushed forward from Travis’s side and embraced first Harm then Mac. "Travis said you were down working on a case," she continued.

"We are but we were getting nowhere at the moment so we thought a break was in order," Mac answered.

"You having fun?" Travis drawled, leaning forward to kiss Mac’s cheek.

"Actually, I am. I’ve never been to a ‘honky-tonk’, as King called it, and he just taught me how to two-step," she returned brightly.

"If anyone can teach you he can," Travis nodded. "He taught Tyler, me and Tucker but he and the others learned from Dad before he passed away. Dad and Mom could sure tear up a dance floor," he younger man told them, smiling over the memory.

"Don’t let this one fool you – he still stumbles over his two left feet."

The new voice came from behind Travis and Jenny and everyone turned to look as Cordell Walker stepped toward their group, a very pretty blonde on his arm.

"Walker! We’re glad you could make it," Travis greeted, shaking the older man’s hand.

"We were glad to be asked along and I think we needed the break, too," he smiled back "King, Storm, Major MacKenzie, Commander Rabb."

"If you’re going to make us call you Walker then you have to call us Mac and Harm," Harm chided gently. "And who is this lovely lady?" he asked, nodding toward Walker’s companion.

"This is my fiancé, Alex Cahill," Walker introduced.

Alex smiled and held out her hand. "I’m very pleased to meet both of you. Walker has told me about you and Travis and Jenny speak very highly in your favor," she greeted.

"Alex is an assistant district attorney," Travis put in.

"And you’ve heard about us from them?" Harm asked Alex, arching one brow. "Don’t listen to anything he said," he told her gravely.

"Hey! I haven’t said anything bad!" Travis protested.

"Uh-huh," Harm nodded dryly.

Laughter rang out as the six of them gathered around their table, adding chairs to accommodate everyone.

"We’re both here to help with the investigation you’re working on," Walker opened, his expression turning serious.

"Jenny and Alex can help with a lot of legal matters like search warrants," Travis explained further.

"We need all the help we can get on this, I’m afraid," Harm sighed.

"Well, come tomorrow we’ll sit down and go over some of the details. Right now, I agree with King about putting it on the shelf for tonight and having a good time. You may be trying so hard you’re missing something right under your nose," Walker advised matter-of-factly.

"I agree," Mac stated. "And I’m ready to dance again. Commander?" she smiled prettily and held out her hand.

"I’d love to, Major," Harm grinned and led her toward the dance floor.

It was late but the time they finally got home to the ranch from the club. Lightning was flashing across the sky repeatedly and wind buffeted their vehicles. Mac and Harm were with Storm and King in his truck, followed closely by the others. Mac sat pressed again Harm’s side, her head on his shoulder as they listened to the rampage around them. In the front seat, Storm was very close to King, quiet, too, as King navigated the very dark road that would eventually get them to the house.

"This is a bad one," she murmured.

King nodded. "The should have things under control when we get home. I might have to go out with them," he answered.

"Out where?" Harm asked softly.

"To check the herds. We have to be careful in the storms. The lightning knocks trees down and fences down and if it’s already raining in the hills it could flood out the pastures. Remember what happened the last time you were here?" King remarked gently.

Harm smiled and met Mac’s eyes and she glanced up at him. "I remember. I have the scar to remind me if I ever forget," he muttered, touching his fingertip to the tiny bit of puckered flesh along his hairline.

His eyes darkened as he studied Mac. She knew he was remembering way else happened on that trip – the horrifying moment when she was shot and he didn’t know if she was going to live to make it to the hospital.

"Don’t think about it," she whispered, smoothing her fingers over his jaw.

He smiled tenderly at her and pressed a kiss to her forehead.

King smiled to himself as he witnessed the display in his rearview mirror and his hand tightened on his wife’s leg. "Went through a nightmare like that way back when," he murmured, looking into her bright green eyes.

"What happened?" Mac inquired.

"She took Blackjack out early one morning. Was gone hours before we worked ourselves into a tizzy wondering where on earth she could be," King began with a shrug that belied the tone of his voice.

"I got thrown because we ran into a pack of wild dogs. King trained Blackjack never to leave him so he stayed with me but I was hurt pretty bad and we found the carcasses of several dead cows. There were some others close by I was afraid would be killed, too," Storm continued the tale.

"We spent the rest of the day looking for her until dark forced us home. Later she came riding up, nearly passed out on Blackjack and leading the other cows. I was so proud of her I could’ve burst my buttons," King stated and they could hear the grin in his voice. "But those hours she was missing scared me out of years I can’t afford to lose," he finished.

Harm tightened his grip on Mac as he felt her fingers curl in his shirtfront. "At least she kept her head," he replied.

"She did that and got herself and the animals home in one piece. I told her I’d wring her lovely neck if she ever went out on one of the horses again without telling anyone."

That brought a round of chuckles from them all.

"The storm is getting worse. We’re almost to the house and then I have to see about my men and the animals," King continued. "I need – son of a bitch! Hold on!"

The truck spun crazily to one side and then came to a sliding halt on the pavement, laying rubber down as they rocked to a standstill. The headlights of the other two trucks cut through the cab as King was already opening his door to get out.

"What happened?" Mac questioned as Harm unsnapped his seatbelt.

"There’s a tree in the road," Storm told them, sliding along the seat in King's wake to get out of the truck.

They were all gathered a second later, studying the big cedar covering the road and the few inches left to spare between it and the bumper of King’s Chevy. The older man studied the tree for a moment and went to the toolbox in the back of the truck.

"Well, let’s get it cleared and get on home before the rain opens up on us," he declared like it was an everyday occurrence.

"How are you going to move it?" Mac questioned, eyeing the tree dubiously. "It’s huge."

"Have to be prepared for anything out here," King flashed her a reassuring smile. "Between the three trucks we can pull it out of the way and I’ll send some of the boys out tomorrow to cut it up for firewood."

Mac laughed. "I guess you are prepared."

"Why don’t you girls get back in the truck so you don’t get soaked if the rain starts?" Travis suggested. "We won’t be very long."

"If it’s all right I’d like to watch," Mac returned, looking between the men.

"Fine with us. Just stay back here by the truck," King ordered gently.

"How can I help?" Harm asked, stepping forward.

In minutes they had cords tied around the massive tree and everyone was getting back into the trucks. Moving slowly and at the same time, they towed the cedar away from the pavement and onto the shoulder of the road. Then they unhooked everything, packed it up and got back underway. Just then it started to rain in hard, slanting sheets. Silence filled the cab of the truck as they listened to the wind and thunder. Soon the house came into view and the men all pulled up close to the front door. It was a mad dash up onto the porch and then inside, wiping their feet and shaking off raindrops.

"I have to get back outside. Ladies, make yourselves comfortable," King told them as he dropped his dress Stetson on the hat rack.

"There y’all are! I was worried about you in this weather," Ellie greeted as she came bustling in from the kitchen. She looked flushed and harried.

"You all right, Mama?" Travis questioned.

"Fine, fine, son. Just trying to keep the coffee made and food out for the men. Weather’s been bad most of the night."

"You should have paged us," King put in.

"Jake said it wasn’t that bad. But it has worsened in the last hour. He thinks there could be snow in the high country," Ellie relayed, referring to their ranch foreman.

King sighed heavily. "Let me go get changed and I’ll get out there."

"I’m right behind you," Travis added.

So am I," Walker rejoined. "I have a ranch of my own."

"I’m not going to be the only one left out," Harm piped up. "There must be something I can do to help."

"We can use all the hands we can get," King reassured him. "Change your clothes and we’ll head out."

"Ellie, let us help you in the kitchen," Jenny stepped forward and touched the older woman’s arm.

"Bless you girls. These late nights get harder the older I get," she teased, tucking a strand of barely graying dark hair back into her topknot.

"That’ll be the day," Storm retorted dryly.

The storm was raging full force when the four men got back outside. In hats and slickers and gloves, they went out on horseback to see to the herds. Many of King’s men were already out checking flood areas and looking for fallen trees that might endanger the animals. The temperature had dropped sharply from the normal October weather and King suspected they might indeed have snow in the mountainous parts of the ranch.

With the women working in the kitchen, the men came in two at a time to exchange empty thermoses for full ones and to gulp down a sandwich or two before heading back out to face down Mother Nature. Mac found that her gaze kept drifting to the kitchen windows where beyond was the barely there glow of the barn floodlights. The wind howled, rattling the windows and shaking the old house. And just when Mac didn’t think it could get any worse the lights flickered and went out.

"Stay where you are, Mac." Came Storm’s soothing voice. "The generator will kick on in a minute."

Mac felt her tension ease just a bit as they held their ground in the pitch-black kitchen. A huge bellow of thunder shook the very ground beneath their feet and a sizzle like oil in a hot skillet invaded their senses. Ellie’s cry of alarm filled the air and then rain and wind were buffeting them. It took Mac just a second to assimilate what happened. One of the giant trees that provided shade for the big house was now lying through the middle of the kitchen.

"Oh my God!" Mac gasped. "Storm! Ellie! Where is everyone? Are you okay?" she called.

"Mac! We’re all over here. Are you hurt?" Storm cried back.

"No! Just a little shaken!" Mac responded.

"We need to cover the roof," Ellie called. "Can you get back to the front coat closet?" she asked Mac. "We have rain gear in there. Then you’ll have to go outside and come around to the back door."

"Got it! I’ll be right there!" Mac answered.

She edged her way around the tree branches through the narrow little side of the kitchen and squeezed into the hallway. She found enough dusters for them all then paused to yank one on, quickly snapping it up. In the pocket she found a pair of yellow gloves that were miles too big and put them on as well. Holding the other coats tight against her, she headed outside. Wind and rain hit her full in the face, staggering her beneath its force. Gritting her teeth and tucking her chin down, she ran down the porch steps and headed around the house. Staggering up the back steps, she banged on the door. Quickly the other women donned coats and gloves then Ellie looked at the four younger women.

"Let’s stay together and be alert. There are plastic rolls and hammers and nails in the shed next to the barn. That’s where we’re headed," she explained. "This is the first time anything’s happened since you girls have lived here but don’t worry ‘cause we’ll be fine," she smiled reassuringly. "We’re going to go up on the roof on each side of the hole with the plastic then nail it down. Got it?" she asked.

"Got it." They chorused.

Sticking close together in a huddle, the five women hurried through the pounding rain to the shed. There they set out to gather the plastic, two sturdy ladders and hammers and nails, which they stuffed in their pockets. A few minutes later they had the ladders up and we’re carefully making their way up on the roof, praying for the wind not to blow them over.

"Hurry now and be mindful that we have lightning all around," Ellie said.

Mac was with Alex and she watched carefully for the other woman’s instructions.

"I don’t know what I’m doing either!" Alex yelled, managing a small smile.

They looked across the wide roof to where Ellie, Jenny and Storm waited half-crouched and braced against the weather.

"Go back and forth over the hole and nail it down tight!" Ellie yelled.

Rolling out the end of the plastic, Mac and Alex each took a side and began pounding nails in.

"How do we get it across the middle?" Mac yelled to Ellie.

"We’ll have to throw the rolls across. Can you try and catch it?" Ellie called back.

"You get it across and we’ll find a way to get it!" Alex answered.

"Be careful!" Ellie warned sternly.

Minutes later the heavy roll of plastic flew across to them. Alex and Mac managed to break the momentum as it hit and kept it from rolling down the slope of the roof. They continued that process for several long minutes until they had the gaping hole almost covered. A tremendous gust of wind blew into them and a fork of lightning rent the night sky.

A scream erupted from Alex and Mac turned in time to see the heavy roll of plastic hit her in the legs, knocking her off her feet.

"Alex!" Mac cried, diving toward her.

The instant Alex’s bright blonde head disappeared over the edge, Mac caught her arm. The momentum forward was enough to keep their combined weight headed for the ground below. Mac dug in the toes of her boots but couldn’t find anyway to slow herself down. The whole tableau played out in just seconds. Mac felt herself slipping over the edge of the roof as she grappled desperately for a way to hold on for herself and Alex. She twisted as she went and somehow managed to get the heavy-duty gutter, which shuddered and groaned as it took the burden of their weight.

"What the hell…!"

"Mac!"

Mac heard the terrified lash of voices and almost let go of her precarious hold. King, Harm and the others barreled up to the house at full bore, barely bringing their winded mounts to a stop before they hit the ground running.

Mac’s arms shook painfully and she looked down at Alex. "Hold on!"

"I’m going to make you fall, too!" Alex answered.

Mac shook her head tightened her grip on the fair-haired woman. "You go, I go!" she yelled.

"Mac!" Harm called. "Hang on, Ninja-girl!"

"I can’t!" she cried. "Do something!"

Walker was directly beneath his fiancé now. It wasn’t really a long distance from her feet to the ground since Mac was holding her but it was still enough that both women could be seriously injured. Harm came up beside him. In another minute, Ellie, Jenny and Storm were on the ground and also gathered beneath the two women.

"Alex? Honey, let go!" Walker ordered.

"What?!" Alex cried. Terrified, she tried to look down at him but couldn’t manage at that angle. She swung for a moment from Mac’s hold and over their heads the gutter loosened from its moorings. Both women cried out at the sudden shifting of their tenuous perch.

"Damn it, Alex! Let go! I won’t let you fall!"

"I’m scared!" Alex wailed.

"I know, baby, but it’s not far and we’re all here. Let go - I’ll catch you."

Alex looked back up at Mac and saw the encouragement in her pale, strained features.

"I’ll catch you, baby. Come on now. Let go of Mac," he coaxed.

"Don’t you dare let me fall!" Alex told him, her voice shaky and thin.

"I won’t, honey, promise!"

"Okay, here goes!" she yelled back.

Taking a deep shuddering breath, Alex closed her eyes and let go of Mac’s hand. She screamed as she felt herself drop into nothingness then there was a hard jolt as she landed directly in Walker’s waiting arms. He stumbled backward just slightly bit the others were there to steady him. Alex clung to his neck for all she was worth, her heart pounding wildly against his. For just a second, Walker simply crushed her to him, his face buried in her wet hair. But there was no time for more as he set her on her feet at his side. They had to get Mac.

"Mac! Do what Alex just did!" Harm called up to her.

Mac was holding on with both hands now, unable to look down at him.

"Don’t you let me fall!" she warned.

"I won’t, Sarah. I’m right here below you!" he reassured her.

"Okay," Mac answered.

She dragged in a deep breath and let go of the gutter. The air rushed around her and her stomach shot clear to her toes and then she felt a bone-jarring thud as Harm plucked her out of the air. Mac wrapped her arms around his neck and held on tight, feeling the sickening rush of fear course through her.

"Oh, thank God!" Harm breathed against her ear.

Two feet away Walker jerked Alex to him then glared hard at her. "What in Sam hell were you doing?" he demanded.

"Don’t you know how dangerous that was?" King added, glaring hard at his mother.

"We were covering the roof, son, and don’t you go raising your voice to me, young man!" Ellie shot back. "We had no choice with all of you gone! It would have flooded the house!"

"Why don’t take this discussion inside before everyone freezes!" Travis interrupted. "You can duke it out in there!"

Inside the front door, King turned to the women. "All of you get changed and warmed up. We’ll go finish up the roof," he stated heavily. "I’m sorry I yelled at you, Mama, but next time let the damn house flood. You scared me out of years I can’t spare."

"Be careful," Storm ordered, kissing him gently.

"We will."

It was almost five in the morning before the five exhausted men dragged themselves inside and up to the shower. They were even too tired to stop and eat something. Having been up all night herself, Mac slipped into bed while Harm was showering and was almost asleep when he came in. He settled against the pillows and pulled her over to him, tangling their legs together. She winced when his hands brushed over her and he pulled back.

"What’s wrong?" he asked deeply, his concern evident.

"Just some assorted scrapes and bruises we picked up courtesy of the roof tiles," Mac grinned slightly to cover the pain she was feeling.

"Let me see," he ordered gently.

He sat up, lifting her upward, too. Gingerly, he gathered the hem of her silky nightgown in his big hands and lifted it. Long scratches abraded her clear skin from shoulder to waist. A particularly nasty one wound around her side, right around her rib cage. With the utmost care, Harm touched his fingers to it. Mac jerked from the sensation but not from pain.

"I think the gutter reached out and bit me right there," she teased, slightly breathless from his nearness.

"Are these the only places?" he murmured distractedly, his fingers moving lightly over her back.

Mac shook her head. "Down the front, too, from where I was trying to hang onto Alex," she admitted.

Grasping her shoulders, Harm turned her to face him, his expression darkening when he saw the rest of the damage. "Did you clean these up and put something on them?" he questioned.

"Yes, Commander," Mac teased. "Ellie gave me some stuff to smear all over after I took my shower. She fixed Alex all up, too."

Harm tugged her gown up a bit further, baring her breasts to him. Angry red scrapes crisscrossed her flat stomach and one of her breasts. A bruise the size of his fist was on her hip above the elastic of her panties.

"I’m sorry," he whispered.

Mac smiled tenderly and covered the hand he flattened out against her tummy. "Don’t be. I couldn’t let Alex fall. They’ll go away in a few days," she reassured him.

"I know but I hate to think of you hurt," he answered.

"Speaking of hurt, how’s your back holding up? I haven’t heard you mention it but all the activity from tonight has surely aggravated your ribs and the stitches," she surmised.

"Some. I’ve take some regular pills twice already since we got home and I took one of my pain pills before I got in the shower. I’ll be fine," he promised, tapping a finger on the end of her nose. He tugged her into his arms and slid his big hand over her soft hair. Then he kissed her tenderly.

"You should have went to sleep hours ago," he murmured.

"None of us wanted to go until you were all home," she whispered.

"I was scared to death when I saw you hanging from the gutter," he told her gravely.

"I was pretty scared, too. I tried to catch her before she went over but the force took us both. I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to hang on," she sighed. "I didn’t know what we were going to do."

Harm hugged her very tight, his heart pounding heavily against hers. "I’m just glad we got here when we did," he muttered.

Mac smiled and raised her face to his. "So am I."

The whole of them straggled into the kitchen one at a time later after they’d had some rest. Ellie, who had gone to bed before the others had been up for hours making sure the shift rotating ranch hands had fresh food and coffee as they worked to clean up the storm damage in the light of day.

"Sure smells good in here."

Ellie turned from the stove and smiled as Walker came shuffling in. King, Harm and Travis were already seated, leaving only the women missing.

"Mornin’," King greeted, his deep voice only a hoarse rasp.

"Mornin’," Walker responded, his voice nearly gone, too.

"We’re a sorry bunch this morning," Harm grumbled, staring into his coffee cup.

A minute later a box of cold medicine and a bottle of cough syrup appeared in the center of the table. King glanced up at Ellie and one corner of his mouth tilted up.

"Better nip it in the bud now," she advised and went right back to making breakfast for them.

King only smiled a little wider and shook his head.

Harm caught a slight movement near the door and lifted his head to meet Mac’s half-open gaze. "Hey, pretty girl," he murmured in greeting.

The other men greeted her as well and without even being quite aware yet, Mac shuffled over and sat down on Harm’s lap, curling up against him. Smiles were hidden discreetly behind hands and coffee cups. Harm only smiled and wrapped his arm around her, her slight weight not even an interruption to his hunched over position.

"My throat hurts," she muttered against his neck.

Ellie turned to the table then and planted her hands on her hips. "That’s it. All of you back to bed now. Go on," she ordered sternly.

"Mama…" Travis began.

"Don’t you ‘Mama’ me, young man. Get moving back upstairs. I don’t want the six of you down with the flu from being out in that nasty weather this morning. And take the cold medicine with you."

"Yes, ma’am," King muttered, scooping the items up from the table and knowing full well there would be no arguing with her.

Waiting until the other three men were ahead of him, Harm rose, cradling Mac in his arms and carried her back up to their room.

Much, much later, Harm was awakened by a knock on their bedroom door. He lifted his head and found the clock with blurry eyes, seeing that it was just past dinnertime.

"Harm?" Ellie stuck her head inside the door of the dark room.

"Ma’am?"

"You have a phone call, son. A William McShane?" she told him.

Harm was awake instantly. "I’ll be right there. Don’t let him hang up."

A second later, he pounded down the stairs, tugging a T-shirt over his head. Ellie pointed silently to the cordless phone on the table and he snatched it up.

"Mr. McShane?"

"Commander Rabb? Oh, thank God we found you!" The old man sounded terrified.

"What’s happened? Is it Britain?" Harm asked.

"No, no, we haven’t heard anything about our daughter. It’s John. He’s been shot!"

Harm felt the world tilt crazily for an instant and he braced one hand on the wall next to him. "Where is he?"

"Here at our home. He wouldn’t let us take him to the hospital but he’s hurt pretty badly, Commander. You have to do something. We don’t know what else to do!"

"For now I just want you to calm down, okay? I’ll be there as fast as I can but try to keep him covered and warm. Where was he shot?"

"In the stomach."

"Has the bleeding stopped?" Harm questioned.

"For now."

"Then you’re doing fine. Major MacKenzie and I are on our way. Don’t do anything else unless his condition worsens and then I want you to call an ambulance no matter what he says, okay?" Harm ordered.

"Yes, Commander."

Harm dropped punched the off button on the phone and wheeled around to head back upstairs. He turned back to Ellie almost as an afterthought. "Mac and I have to leave right now. Commander McKaye has been shot."

"Oh, no. Is he all right?" Ellie questioned, her hand at her mouth.

"For now but it sounds bad and he won’t let them take him to the hospital. I can’t let him die," Harm stated flatly.

He bounded up the stairs two at a time and into the room he shared with Mac. He went over to the bed and reached down to shake her gently. She blinked sleepily at him.

"What’s wrong?" she murmured huskily.

"William McShane just called. John’s been shot."

That brought her out of bed like a shot. "Just let me brush my teeth and we’re outta here," she stated in a flurry of motion as she began throwing their things into a bag.

A few minutes later they rushed back downstairs where Ellie stood with waiting with a paper bag and a thermos. "Take this with you," she ordered. "Neither of you had had anything to eat since last night and the coffee will wake you up."

"Thank you," Mac returned gratefully, taking the proffered items in one hand and hugging the older woman with the other.

Harm bent to kiss her cheek and smiled briefly, "Tell everyone we’ll call as soon as we figure out what’s going on."

"I will. Be careful now on the way back," Ellie called as they hurried out of the house.

Seconds later they were on their way.

AT THE MCSHANE HOME…

This was the closest he’d been to dying in a long time.

After years of staring death in the face and coming out the victor, he never once thought he would end up like this. Away from the woman he loved, away from everything he loved and had worked so hard for. To die…

"John!"

John turned pain-glazed eyes across the bedroom and saw Harm rushing toward him. Harm dropped onto the bed next to his friend and gingerly pulled back the blankets covering him. He bit his lip to hide the groan of distress that welled up in his throat.

"I don’t need you to say anything to know it’s bad. Ain’t the first time I’ve been shot," John muttered.

"And it probably won’t be the last," Harm shot back. "You’re going to the hospital, Commander."

"Like hell I am," John flared weakly.

"Like hell you are," Harm echoed.

"I can’t go, Harm. I have to find her."

"You don’t have any choice," Harm stated coldly, knowing the time had come when he’d have to stand his ground. "You’ll lay right here and bleed to death, John. Do you think that’s what she wants?" he demanded. "To know you died like this because of your own damn hard head? Damn it, John, you can’t save her like this!"

John squeezed his eyes shut tight against a wave of pain and remorse.

Harm reached out and clasped his shoulder. "We’ll find her, John. You have to trust us to do it. You know I’ll turn over every rock until I do. We won’t give up," Harm promised him in a low voice. "One way or another we’ll find Britain and bring her back to you."

John opened his eyes and locked on Harm’s gaze. "I’ve never trusted anyone," he whispered haltingly.

"I know. Don’t you think it’s time you started?"

The End