TITLE: "For Heaven is High and Earth is Deep" Chapter 3 AUTHORS: Anne R. and Pat Steiner SUMMARY: Picks up immediately at the conclusion of Merry Little Christmas. Mac, Mattie and Harm are still at the Wall as the story opens. CLASSIFICATION/RATING: J/S/R/A PG for language. SPOILERS: In any of our work, any JAG episode may be referred to. FEEDBACK: If you're so moved but never expected nor begged for. Addy is ssbpmn@aol.com. Please however, we request you respect the work, and the effort that goes into writing it. NOTE: All parts of this story and previous chapters, as well as much of our other works, are available at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AnniePatJAGstories The message archives are open to all registered Yahoo users-no subbing required. Please ignore any notice of adult content you may see-there is no R nor NC17 content there. Other archives containing our stories: http://thearchive.mine.nu:85/exlibris/ or http://www.netroenterprises.com/exlibrisjag or BTL- http://www.wtv-zone.com/trgarchive/btl/ http://destined.to/btlarchive - {BTL H/M Fanfiction archive.} WARNING: Character Death. Please note that we did not choose death for expediency in the matter of Mac and Harm. Any competent writer could have at any time resolved the matter of Mac and Clay without his death, and most certainly long before the events of "Take it Like a Man". As anyone who reads our work knows, we very much like Clay Webb. However the Clay Webb we write is the man of "Game of Go" and "Embassy". Not the stranger who has graced Mac's life since Paraguay. That Clay Webb we don't know--nor do we want to--and it is that Clay Webb who has met his fate in this story. PREVIOUSLY in Heaven: Mac left Mattie and Harm at the Wall to meet Clay for their 'date'. But this was no romantic Christmas Eve midnight supper. Clayton Webb died at the hands of Sadk Fahd, and for many hours Harm thought Mac had met the same fate. The connection between them born of faith-and love-took him to her, and he and Mattie got her to the hospital. In Ch. 2—at Mac's insistence, Harm helped her through Clay's funeral. An attack on them in DC sent them to the hills of Pennsylvania where Mac was injured by a wild dog. Desperate to obtain medical attention for her, Harm decides to get her to his grandmother's place.. ********************************* " For Heaven is High and Earth is Deep", Chapter 3 "You always deserve it. Now give me a few minutes to get the car loaded and then we're out of here." "Careful please" she whispered. He dropped a quick kiss on her forehead before grabbing a load of stuff and heading out to the car. Five minutes later he was finished and he returned for Mac. "Okay let's have you," he said softly as he lifted her into his arms. "How you feeling?" "Yucky" she admitted. "I know honey. That's why I'm getting you out of here." He installed her in the passenger seat and minute later they were on their way down the mountain, Harm taking it slow in case of animals. When they finally reached the road, he quickly sped up. She'd drifted off on him and with each passing moment he grew more worried. "Hang on Mac" he whispered as he looked over at her. "I'll get you help soon I promise." It was almost 2AM when he pulled up at the old farmhouse and Mac stirred slightly when the car came to a stop. "We're here honey" he said softly. "Let me wake Grams and then I'll get you inside." The house lights came on as he made his way up the porch steps and a moment later the door opened. "Harmon" Grams gasped. "My goodness what happened? It's not your mother?" "No Grams. She's fine. I need a huge favor from you. Mac and I are in a little bit of a bind and we need your help." "By all means, come in. Where is Mac?" "In the car. She's hurt Grams. That's why we need your help." Grams nodded while Harm ran back to the car to get Mac. He brought her inside and Grams motioned him to the living room. "Her leg" Grams gasped. "My goodness what happened to her?" "She got bit by a wild dog" Harm sighed. "You know she should be at a hospital. Why would you come here? Unless there's a reason you're not at one already." "Grams I'll explain I promise" he said softly. "Please can you help her?" "Let me see what I've got" she said a moment later. "I may need to call Doc Cummings though." "Please. Whatever you can do. And then I'll tell you everything." "Harm" Mac murmured as she forced her eyes open once again. The kind and gentle face of Sarah Rabb greeted her and she forced a smile. "Ma'am it's nice to meet you." "Grams please. And you did quite a number on yourself didn't you?" Mac nodded. "I shouldn't have been out at night." "We were up at the old cabin" Harm explained as he hovered over them. "And she ran into a wild dog." "I was so stupid," Mac murmured, wincing in pain while Grams maneuvered her lower leg. "Honey you couldn't have known," Harm told her, smiling slightly at the look Grams sent him hearing his word of endearment. "Grams?" "I can clean this up easily enough but that's not going to get the antibiotics into her that she needs. Then there's the matter of rabies." "I cut the dog's head off." "Oh ewww," Mac groaned. "I didn't need to know that." "Well we need to get it tested. Grams the thing is, which you may have guessed, no one can know we're here. I know Doc Cummings is your friend. Will he keep our secret?" "You two are in trouble aren't you?" Grams frowned. "Yes ma'am but it's not trouble with the law I promise you. There's someone looking for us." "It's my fault," Mac murmured. "Yes Grams it's all her fault and I hate her for it," Harm scoffed. "She got into a mess last spring and I followed her there. Now there's a man named Sadik who would like nothing better than to have our heads on platters." "You don't look like John the Baptist," Grams smiled. "First thing we're going to do is get this cleaned and bandaged before you lose any more blood and a hospital is no longer optional. Doc Cummings is a good man and I've known him forty years. If I ask him to say nothing, it's a done deal." "Oh thank God," Harm breathed, moving to sit where Mac's head was, wanting to make her comfortable while Grams worked. "Bet this hurts," she said softly. "Yeah but nothing I can't stand. I'm just scared and I hate feeling this way. I'm a United States Marine for crying out loud." "I don't care what you do for a living," Grams smiled. "This is still flesh that's been mangled and I know it hurts." She left them long enough to bring back a tattered leather bag, adding "and it's going to hurt a lot more when I pour this disinfectant over it." Mac's face told Harm his grandmother was right, but she managed to make only the smallest sound while the older woman did her work. "OK immediate danger passed. Harm take her into the guest room and make her comfortable and you can take. . .uh. . .it's a double bed in there so whatever." "I'm not letting her out of my sight. But for the record we're not. . ." "At this hour of the night do I care. Both of you go get some rest. I'll talk to Doc Cummings first thing." "Thanks Grams. I owe you big time for this." "Oh yes you do and there's plenty of things I need doing around here," she smiled and patted his cheek. "Sarah, nice to meet you. Wish it was different circumstance." "Yes ma'am me too." Harm swiftly lifted her into his arms and carried her to the spare room. "I love this place," she whispered. "Already I love it. Everything here is so old and cherished. I mean look at the quilt on this bed even." "This house was built a hundred-fifty years ago," Harm told her. "Of course with a lot of upkeep since then, including indoor plumbing." "It's going to be yours someday isn't it," she sighed, willingly letting him settle her into bed. "I guess. I don't think much about it. Are you OK? Can I get you anything?" "Only yourself." "You've got that Sarah. Always." He slid into bed with her and let out a long sigh of relief. "I'm glad you let me bring you here. I knew Grams would be able to take care of you." "She seems so nice" Mac murmured. "She is. And you'll get to know her better while we're up here." "Harm we can't stay forever. This all has to end one day. Mattie needs you." "Yeah well right now we're just taking this one day at a time," Harm said softly as he kissed her hair. "Get some rest honey. It's been a long night." It was way past morning when Harm finally woke, Mac's uneasiness pulling him from his sleep. "Hey you okay?" he frowned as he touched her forehead, alarmed to find her warm. "No you are not." "I'm okay" she murmured. "No you're not. I'm going to go get Grams. Hopefully Doc Cummings isn't busy." He left her and hurried downstairs, relieved to see an older gentleman in the kitchen with Grams. "Doc Cummings my grandson Harmon Rabb" Grams told him. "I'm glad you're here" Harm sighed. "I think she's running a fever." "She likely needs the antibiotics" Doc Cummings nodded. "Sarah here was telling me what happened to her. And I have some with me." "Thank goodness. Uh did Grams tell you that we'd like to keep this quiet." "No one knows I'm here. Sarah called me this morning at home and told me it was important that no one know you two are here. And you can trust me to keep quiet." "Thank you sir. I can't really explain why but.." "No problem son. I know you're in the military so I'm sure that has something to do with it." Harm nodded. "Thank you. She's upstairs." Harm led Doc upstairs to the bedroom and hovered over him while he attended to Mac's wounds. "Not much more I can do for the wound" he told Harm. "Sarah did a good job cleaning it up last night. What she does need is the antibiotics though. Infection's starting to set in and that's not good." "The antibiotics will help right?" Harm asked. "May take a few days before they kick in but I think she'll be fine. Of course there's the matter of rabies." "Yeah I know. I uh have a sample to be tested. Do you think you can manage that without telling anyone where it came from?" "I'll just tell them Sarah had to kill a wild dog out here and wants to make sure it wasn't rabid" he shrugged. "We get our own fair share of wild dogs up here too. And if it turns out it was rabid, well then I can get the necessary shots for her." "Thank you. I'll pay whatever it costs." "I'm not concerned about the money" Doc told him. "Making sure the young lady is okay is what matters." "I know. But I'll still pay you." "Fine. Now let's get one of these antibiotics into her before that fever really takes hold." The doctor withdrew a small vial and a syringe and Mac at once sank back against Harm. "Pills please." "No." "Oh come on doctor I know we're in the boonies but antibiotics do come in pill form," she gasped, eyeing the needle and making herself even smaller. "Yes they do and I will be leaving a sample with you plus a prescription for Grams to fill, but right now you need this in your bloodstream and this is the way to do it." "I don't like needles," she whispered. "Well never could have guessed that," Doc smiled. "Haven't you had to get shots for overseas service? How do you manage that?" "Under sedation," she groused. "Practically." "Come on. I'll be very gentle." "And then he'll give you a lollipop," Harm interjected, receiving the glare he expected for his contribution. "Look every second we wait, another bacterium is gaining a foothold." "Right. No more fooling around," Harm declared and lifted Mac more upright, helping her to extend her arm, with her squirming all the way. "Whoa hold up on that arm thing Harm," the doctor smiled. "It's a tushy shot." "Oh perfect. Of course it is," Mac moaned. "YES," Harm yelped with laughter. "Doc could I do it?" "Doc you let him anywhere near that needle and I'm going to use the Marine death grip on you." "Sarah just kind of roll to your side," Grams coached. "Harm hold her, and no peeking. Doc has been doing this forever. Given Harm his share too." "OK well that's my only consolation," Mac murmured, letting Harm gather her into a tight ball across his legs and Grams moved her sweatpants just enough. "I could draw a bullseye on there for you," Harm offered. "Rabb you are so going to pay for this when I get better." The needle went in smoothly and Mac let out the breath she was holding. "All done honey," Harm soothed as soon as he saw the doctor lift his arm "OK pills for pain, pills for infection," Doc Cummings went on, lifting two bottles from his bag. "Prescriptions for both, and I'll be by tomorrow to check on you. You rest and keep that leg elevated. No marathon running." "I feel too crappy to move anyway--sorry Grams," she sighed. "Right. Like I haven't heard such from Peter and two Harmons," Grams scoffed. "Thanks Mark. You're a good friend. And if anyone asks, you were giving me a check up or something." "Which it's about time for." "Don't press your luck. I'll walk you out." Mac and Harm were alone once more and Harm kissed her forehead. "You're going to be OK honey. Those stupid germs don't have a chance." "I'm sorry about all this" she sighed. "So sorry." "Shh" he soothed. "None of this is your fault. All you need to worry about is getting better. You rest. I'm going to go down and talk to Grams for a bit and explain what's going on so she doesn't think she's harboring fugitives here and then I'll be back to check on you." "Thank you. For everything." "You're welcome" he whispered as he kissed her cheek. "Rest honey." She leaned back on the bed and closed her eyes, sleep coming almost immediately. Assured she was for the moment okay Harm headed downstairs to talk to Grams. "How is she?" "Sleeping. And thank you. I had nowhere else to come but here." "You want to tell me what's going on?" she asked. "Only if I can get some breakfast first" he smiled. "Breakfast. More like lunch young man. But I'll fix you whatever you want." "Coffee. And then some of your eggs and toast." "Have a seat and I'll cook while you talk." "Well it actually goes back to last spring Grams" Harm sighed. "And when Mac went to help out a friend at the Agency." "Agency as in the CIA?" she frowned as she headed to the fridge. "Yes ma'am. I uh never told you but I was working there for a while last summer too." "Never mind. I don't want to know. Living up here I try and forget all the craziness out there in the world. And quite frankly I'm glad you didn't tell me." "It wasn't for long. But anyway Mac was working on an assignment for the Agency in Paraguay. They were trying to nab a terrorist." "Okay I'm going to refrain from commenting about why that nice young lady up there is involved in stuff like that" Grams muttered. "She was playing a friend's wife. It was supposed to be a fairly routine assignment. Of course nothing is routine. Anyway, the guy they were trying to nab got away. And he's been after Mac and Clay since. And he managed to find Clay. And he's dead." "There's a lot more you're not telling me isn't there?" "Grams the less you know the better. Trust me. Mac didn't want to come here for fear of putting you in jeopardy." "So this man is after Mac?" "Yes ma'am. The reason we're out of DC is because three days ago he made his first attempt with a car bomb." Grams eyes widened as she set the eggs and bread on the counter. "Your face" she gasped. "Is that from…" "Well I wasn't in Florida" he sighed. "Fortunately we were far enough away that none of us were hurt. But it was a warning." "You could have been killed." "Which is why Mac was hesitant to come here. She didn't want to put anyone else at risk." "No you did the right thing," she sighed. "No one will find you up here. But I'm guessing you're not planning on spending the rest of your life up here." "No we can't do that. At some point we'll have to face him." "And here I thought you were just a couple of dull stuffy lawyers." "We are Grams. But occasionally we get involved in stuff that we can't control. Like this. I'm sure if Mac had had any clue it would be like this, she would never have agreed to help Clay." "And Clay was killed you said?" "Yes ma'am. In fact I thought Mac was dead too. They found another body there and it was initially thought to be her. I about lost it." "My grandson is in love with her." Harm smiled slowly. "Oh yes ma'am. Very much." "And I'm guessing she feels the same way." "Well it would have to be a guess, because it's not something she and I can talk about." "Given what you've done for her, she has to understand the depths of your feelings doesn't she?" Grams frowned. "Grams it is unbelievably complicated," he moaned. "She was seeing Clay for the six months or so before he was killed. I haven't asked why. I want to think it was just because they were figuring this Sadik thing out but then I wasn't around part of that time, and when I got back I immersed myself in Mattie." "Whom I've yet to meet," Grams yelped. "Not to change the subject but when will I have the pleasure?" "Soon as this whole mess is over I promise. She's great Grams. A totally great kid. Who may be mine forever, or who may go home to her dad. The court isn't going to be real pleased that I've abandoned her either I'm afraid. Even though the people I left her with will take good care of her." "OK that issue is tabled," she laughed. "Now back to the matter of Sarah." "Far as I know right now she's mourning the death of the man she fell in love with," he shrugged. "Now you don't know any such thing do you really?" Grams chided him. "You know you could come right out and ask her." "I could but Grams, really, that's not how we do this dance." "Oh good lord I realize it was sixty years ago but when your grandfather and I fell in love, we told each other so and then we got married. Even though the world was about to go to war." "Yes ma'am. It does sound simple when you say it," he agreed. "Thanks for this. Uh. . .should Mac eat something?" "When she wakes up she can see what she feels like. I've got vegetable soup in the freezer that might taste good to her." "Grams you're the best. I want to be sure the doctor gets paid too." "Yeah Mark looked real worried," she smiled. "Believe it or not in this day and age, the man cares more that his patients are treated than if there's money coming in." "Whoa be careful Grams. My head could explode with that kind of concept. I should go check on her. I thought I'd fix up the sofa and bring her down here if that's OK?" "You spent many a sick day on that sofa, watching TV and being fed soup. Along with a lot of TLC." "Yes ma'am. Good times." "You need a hand?" "Of course not, and that brings up something else. Grams don't change your routine please on account of us. You know why--don't call attention to yourself or the house." "So I should go to my bible study this morning?" "Amen," he laughed. "We'll be fine." "Okay I'll get the soup out and then I'll be on my way." A half-hour later he'd set up the sofa and he gently crept upstairs to check on Mac. She stirred when he walked in, the old floor creaking under his weight. "Harm" she murmured. "Hi honey" he said softly as he sat down on the edge of the bed. "How you feeling?" As he spoke his hand went to her forehead and he was relieved to find it not any warmer than it had been earlier. "Sleepy." "I bet. You up for some food maybe? Grams left some soup." "Actually that sounds good" she sighed. "Where did Grams go?" "Her prayer group. I told her to keep her schedule as normal as possible so no one thinks anything is up." "Good thinking. And I can't possibly lay here all day." "Well how about we trade the bed for the sofa. I'll get you some soup and we can watch a little TV. Maybe not feel so cut off from the world." "Is that a good idea?" she asked. "Mac the closest neighbor is a few miles away" Harm smiled. "You didn't notice when we drove up because it was late and you were out of it. No one will notice us." "Okay then I am all for that" Mac said as she sat up. "But I might need some help." He easily lifted her into his arms and carried her downstairs to the sofa that he'd set up. "You sit tight and I'll get you that soup. TV remote is there of course so put on anything you want." "You're too good to me. And thank you. Did you at least tell Grams what was going on?" "I did. She knows and she's fine with us being here." "Are you okay with us being here?" she asked. "For now yes. You needed medical attention and this was our best option. And I think we're safe here." "I hope so." She was resting comfortably in Harm's arms when Grams returned from church two hours later. "Well I must say you two look cozy together" she smiled. "Sarah I hope Harm warmed up that soup for you." "He did ma'am and it was wonderful. Thank you. For everything." "You're welcome dear. Do you feel any better now?" "Yes. Well except for my six and I'm never going to live that moment down with Harm." "No you won't" he laughed. "And Grams if you wouldn't mind keeping her company I need to make some calls." "Catherine?" Mac asked as he stood up. "Yes and I want to check on Mattie and make sure she's okay." "Harm I'm fine and Grams has places to go and people to see," Mac laughed. "Oh right. Go Grams. We don't want anyone coming out here to see if you're OK. I just hope you're not going to have unannounced guests while we're here." "Oh sometimes someone stops by but not often. And when they do we mostly sit at the table so we're near the food. I'll be back early this afternoon. This is my Wednesday morning routine. Church group and lunch with the ladies." "Harm she's great. I love her," Mac sighed when they were alone. "You were lucky growing up with her." "Yeah I know. And she's still so young-like. When Dad went MIA, I really needed her. My Mom was dealing with her own grief and Grams was the one who was there for me every day while Mom got better." "So when Frank came along and you guys went to California?" "I went back and forth a lot then," he shrugged. "LaJolla was great. I learned to surf even. And of course Grams made a convenient alibi for when I ran away that summer." Mac simply shook her head. "I can't begin to imagine a sixteen year old boy in the back alleys of Saigon." "I could write a book. Seriously. Anyway, get some rest here. I won't be on the phone long." "Daytime TV is going to mummify my mind." His first call was to Harriet and he gave a half-sigh of relief at her cheerful voice. It was good to connect with home. "It's me." "Sir how are you? The Colonel? Where are you?" she gasped, having the presence of mind to check around her area for anyone who might overhear and to keep her voice down. "We're safe and of course I'm not going to tell you where," he said softly. "Mac had a close call and she's pretty sick but should be OK. At least I know how she is because she's with me. It's Mattie I have concerns about." "Oh sir we're enjoying her very much. She's a huge help and so good with both boys. We're dropping her at school and the Admiral has said one of us can pick her up as needed. She's missing your horribly though." "Oh I know. The timing could not be worse. I promised her she wouldn't be alone and look what I've done to her." "Well sir if it's any consolation, she does understand." "Thanks. That does help some. Is her arm OK?" "Oh yeah. Yes sir. She's saying it's hardly twinging. And sir she said if I did talk to you, I was to tell you she was fine and she knows why this has to be. I guess being so close to the explosion drove home the point." "I guess. Thanks." "Sir you said the Colonel was ill? Is she OK?" "Being treated and she should be OK," Harm replied, his mind giving him a disquieting nudge. There was still the matter of rabies in the wild dog. "OK. That's a relief. To you too I'm sure. Sir why didn't you call when Mattie was around if I may ask?" "I will next time. I just didn't think my conscience could stand to hear her voice. Tell Mattie I'll call her in a day or so OK? Meanwhile if there's an emergency you have my cell number." "Yes sir. Mattie will be glad to know you called." "Yeah you can tell her and Bud. No one else OK." "Yes sir of course. Talk to you soon. Be careful and tell the Colonel she's in my prayers." Harm hung up and a moment later called Catherine's number. "Harm" she gasped. "I'm so glad to hear from you. Are you and Mac okay?" "We're fine. Somewhere safe for the moment. What have you been able to find out?" "Honestly Harm not a lot. This one is being kept very tight for some reason. Nobody wants to talk about Sadik." "Why?" "Because I think there's a leak somewhere. And they're trying to find out who and why." "In the meantime we're sitting ducks" Harm sighed. "So have you talked to Kershwin about us yet?" "I was able to get a few minutes on his calendar this afternoon. He's really the only person I would trust Harm. Apparently from what little I could learn they really think someone sold out Clay." "And would sell out Mac if they knew where she was which thankfully no one does." "You're not going to tell me are you?" "No. If you talk to Kershwin, you tell him you have no idea where we are. If he wants us to call him, we can do that. But I won't be telling anyone where we are." "I don't blame you. And I promise to keep this under wraps Harm. I may have a vague lead on some other help but I'll keep that to myself for the moment. I just wish I could be more help than I have been so far." "That's okay. You're doing your best. I'll be in touch." He hung up once again and made his way back to Mac and joined her on the sofa. "Anything good?" she asked. "I talked to Harriet. Mattie's fine. Of course she's worried about us and misses us but she's fine. I told Harriet that next time I'd called I'd talk to her." "What about Catherine?" "Nothing so far. My suspicions were correct. They think there's a leak in the Agency. Someone who gave up Clay to Sadik." "How could someone do that" she whispered. "Some people will do anything for money" Harm sighed. "Obviously Sadik still has money coming in from somewhere. And with that money he can buy just about anyone he wants." "So we're in limbo." "For the moment yes. Catherine is being very careful which is fine. She's going to talk to Kershwin tomorrow." "You trust him?" Mac asked. "He's not my favorite person but I don't think he'd have Clay killed. And she doesn't know where we are so it's not like he's going to find out anything from her." Mac nodded. "You're right. I just can't believe someone sold Clay out." "And likely wouldn't hesitate to do the same with you if they knew were you were. Which is why we're going to be staying up here for a while." "I hate this" she sighed. "I hate putting you and Grams and everyone in this town at risk." "Mac he won't find us here. There's no way." "You think. He found Clay didn't he?" "Well he finds us, he still has to come through me" Harm said softly as he reached for her. "Maybe I should do that," she murmured, barely aloud, giving voice to her thoughts. "Excuse me?" "Well if I came out of hiding Sadik would come after me. One way or another, it would be over." "Whatever the hell the doctor prescribed for you it's killing off braincells," he muttered, giving her side a firm poke. She lifted her head off of his chest, her eyes troubled. "Harm we can't hide here forever. We'd both go loony." "There are other options." "Well by all means, regale me Flyboy." "Identity change for one thing. We wouldn't even have to leave the military maybe." Her face clouded and she fell back onto him. "Like life wasn't in enough turmoil." She turned and as she did so pain shot through her ankle, making her utter a soft cry of pain and frustration. "Anyway it doesn't matter. I've probably got rabies." He tilted her chin up so he could look into her eyes and pushed some hair back from her furrowed forehead. "And if the dog was rabid we'll handle that. As we will everything else." "Thank you. I'm sorry to be so whiney." "You're entitled. I know you must miss Clay a lot." "Yeah I do. You know I'd known him a long time--even longer than you; but never thought of him as anything more than a passing acquaintance and someone I was occasionally tasked to work with. Then we spent that time together and I found out he was a really neat guy. Sweet and funny. Very kind and considerate and loving." "I. . .I don't know what to say except I'm sorry," he sighed. "If I had it in my power to bring him back to you, you know I would." "I miss him," she nodded slowly, her arms snaking around Harm's middle and holding on even more tightly. "I miss him." Harm rubbed her back as he held her, realizing how much he actually meant what he had told her. That if he could give her back Clayton Webb he would do so. That he loved her that much to want her happiness. Grams returned forty minutes later and stopped at once to see her patient and her grandson, smiling when she saw them huddled together. "Harmon you take good care of her." "Yes he does, and I'll never repay him," Mac smiled before he could answer. "Well sit up both of you. I brought you some lunch leftovers and then Harm there's a few things I could stand having done around here if you don't mind. I'll sit with Sarah." "Sure Grams. Starting with that barn door that's about to lose its last hinge." "Yeah and the gutter above the back porch steps is loose. Here I'll make you a list." "Been a while since I did some real work with my shirt off," he grinned. "Oh don't forget to stop by in that case," Mac smiled. "Harmon it's forty-five degrees out there," Grams chided him. "Grams did you have to remind him" Mac teased, already feeling an instant liking to this woman she'd known but a matter of hours. "Sorry Sarah" she laughed. "But I don't need him catching cold. You have no idea how whiny these men can be when they're sick." Following lunch Harm disappeared outside and Grams sat down in the chair next to Mac. "Feeling any better?" she asked. "Much. Thank you. For everything. You're very kind to take us in like this, especially given the circumstances. I'm guessing Harm has at least told you a little bit." "He has" Grams nodded. "I'm sorry about your friend." "Clay was a good man. We went through some awful stuff together and became very close because of it. Now he's gone. It's just so unfair." "He meant a lot to you?" "Yes ma'am. But I wasn't in love with him. At least not in the way that Harm thinks." "But you haven't totally set the record straight with Harm yet have you?" Grams asked. "No ma'am. Because I'm not ready to deal with those feelings yet. The ones I have for Harm I mean." "You know how he feels about you don't you?" "I do" Mac sighed. "And the fact that he'd do anything for me scares me to death. He came after me and Clay in Paraguay and almost ended up getting killed when the plane crashed. "You know I always knew there was a reason I didn't ask Harm what he was really doing" Grams murmured. "And its because I never wanted to think about that kind of stuff." "Most of the time he's just a brilliant lawyer in the courtroom" Mac told her. "But unfortunately because of me he got dragged into the Sadik mess." "He mentioned you both had been working for the CIA." "That probably surprises you doesn't it. That's I'd do something like that." "In my day women were either nurses or in the steno pool if they were in the military" Grams sighed. "They weren't on the front lines of combat and they sure weren't working for the CIA." "No they weren't. And honestly if it weren't for Clay, I wouldn't have been there either. And once this whole mess is finally over, I don't ever plan on doing anything like that again." "Do you ever want to settle and have a family?" Grams asked. "One day" Mac said with a small smile. "I just haven't ever been lucky in love before." "Well I keep hoping one day Harm will get married so I can enjoy some great grandchildren" Grams smiled. "I know he wants that. And you should see him with Mattie. He's wonderful." "Tell me about this young lady. How did she stumble into Harm's life?" "His in-between the CIA and JAG job" Mac smiled. "She was apparently running a small aviation business on her own. She hired him as a crop duster for a few weeks and they just seemed to connect." "Where's her family?" "Her father killed her mother in a drunk driving accident," Mac said softly. "And then he took off. She was on her own for months. Finally Harm stepped up to the plate and petitioned for custody of her." "Poor child" Grams gasped. "On her own like that." "She's pretty resourceful actually. And now of course she was going to be with Harm when all this happened." "Someone is looking after her?" "Bud and Harriet. They have two children of their own." "And I'm sure she misses Harm. And you." "She's a good kid" Mac nodded. "I just didn't want her subjected to this. It was bad enough she was there when the car bomb went off." "I don't even want to think about that" Grams shuddered. "I'm just glad you're okay and I'm very glad Harm brought you here." "So am I. It's wonderful here. So peaceful and like the world couldn't intrude," she sighed. "But I won't stay if it looks like they know we're here. I won't bring you grief. I won't bring you my problems." "Well why don't you let me be the one to judge who stays and who goes," she smiled. "I'm not afraid, and I may be an old lady but living alone like this, and with military men in the house, I can handle a rifle." "I wish it was that simple. Sadik's style is to send a message. I mean it would be more like him to wait for us all to be at church and to set off some kind of explosion." "Sounds like a man the world needs to be rid of," Grams said firmly. "Oh yes ma'am. And I'm going to try to do my part to make sure of that." "Just don't get yourself killed in the process child. Harmon couldn't stand the grief." Mac bit her lip, silent for a moment. "I'm so scared Grams," she whispered. "And I'm a Marine and that's making it even worse." Grams reached for hand, surprised to find it ice cold and trembly. "Honey what's scaring you? This man?" "No not even so much him, but what he could cause. I mean I'm not afraid to face him. I'd stand him down in a heartbeat, but he's already killed someone I cared a lot about; and that Harm would probably let himself be hurt to protect me--that's truly frightening." "My grandson knows his mind--and his heart," she smiled softly. "You let him worry about what he knows is his duty--and his desire. And right now you're looking droopy. It's those pills I know." "Yes ma'am. But it's also how comfortable and quiet it is here that my eyes are just closing." "How is the foot?" "It's hurting but nothing unbearable thanks. I'm concerned about the rabies, but I understand they no longer do it in the belly. Which of course brings up a whole other matter--how grateful I am to the doctor. I'm racking up debts I'm not going to be able to pay I'm afraid. Though I hear the hammer so it sounds like Harm is trying on our behalf." "I'm going to go write down what that lunch you ate cost me and watch part of my soap opera tape while you rest," Grams smiled. "Sarah I'm just glad you're here. That that grandson of mine had the sense to bring you." "Yes ma'am thank you," Mac sighed, letting her head sink into the pillow and her eyes closed. =================== Two days passed in quiet comfort, Mac's foot mending while Harm tended to chores around the farm. It was on this particular afternoon while Grams watched her soap tape that Mac decided she needed some fresh air. Gingerly walking on her foot she made her way out to the back porch and took in a deep breath of mountain air. She could almost imagine what if would be like to live up there. Away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Just her and Harm and their children… "Hey what are you doing up?" The sound of Harm's voice pulled her from her reverie and she looked up to where he was walking towards her. "I needed some air. And I can walk if I take it easy." "Yeah well you should still be inside and off of that" he fretted as he guided her to the porch swing. "I'm fine. Grams is lost in her soap world and you're busy out here and I just felt the need to move." "I like you better inside where it's safe" Harm murmured. "Harm we can't stay hidden here forever" she reminded him softly. "At some point we have to go back to the real world. Though I do like it here." "I knew you would. It's peace and quiet." "I love it. If there wasn't JAG I could find myself a little place up and stay up here forever." "I know a nice big place that you're always welcome at" he said softly. "It's a wonderful old farm house that a nice guy is going to own one day and he'd love to settle down with a wife and kids in it." "Harm" she blushed. "Sorry. I know we're not ready for that. But being up here sure makes me think about what I want for the future." "Me too" she whispered. "Starting with this whole mess being over with." He sat down beside her and she let out a long sigh as she leaned her head against his shoulder. "It will be honey. Real soon." "Ah there you two are" Grams smiled a short time later as she joined them outside on the porch. "I was wondering where you went." "Just enjoying the peace and quiet," Mac said contentedly from her spot in Harm's arms. A second later that peace and quiet was shattered when the first gunshot ripped through the air, barely missing Harm and Mac before shattering the kitchen window behind them. "Down" Harm yelled as he pushed Mac to the ground and hurried towards Grams, wanting to block her from any further bullets before giving her a push back into the house and to the ground. He then started back to Mac, keeping low as he did so. Another bullet struck the glass part of the backdoor, showering him with glass. "Harm" Mac screamed as she moved towards him. "Stay down" he ordered. As quickly as it had started it stopped and for a moment no one moved. Mac was the first to move, scurrying over to Harm and gasping at the sight of blood. "It's okay" he assured her at once. "You bleeding is not okay" she wailed. "It's just a few cuts from the glass. That's all. Nothing life threatening. Grams are you okay?" "I'm fine" she assured them as she made her way to them. "Harmon you on the other hand are a mess." "I knew it was just a matter of time before they found us," Mac whispered, not attempting to hold back her tears. "SShh it's OK," Harm told her, lifting his arm to embrace her across her back as she hovered over him. "No. No it's not OK. It's most certainly not OK," she hissed. "And it never will be. Not until one of us--either me or this bastard--is dead. He's already killed Clay." "Both of you get inside," Grams ordered. "We'll be safer there anyway. "No one is going to come through either of the doors or windows once we've locked up. This place could be Ft. Knox." "Well that gets us through the rest of today and tonight at least," Harm nodded. "But I don't think he's planning anything else anyway. It was a warning. It's a war of nerves thing--he's letting us know he can come after us any time he wants." "I don't understand," Grams whispered, reaching up to open the door and trying to help Harm inside, Mac assisting as well. "He's just making us suffer a little before he finishes us off," Mac supplied. "Psychological warfare tactic. By the time the attacker is through toying with the victim, the poor guy is almost begging to be killed." "Well that's not going to work with us," Harm said firmly. "We're going to take him down. I'm not sure how just yet but we are." "Right now the only thing you're taking down is your pants," Grams told him. "You're covered in blood. I'm not sure you don't need the ER." "Grams don't exaggerate. I have Mac for that," he groaned. "I've got a couple of cuts on my back, this one on my arm and probably a few in my scalp. I'm sure your bandage job after I clean up will be just fine." "Grams you said there were weapons here?" Mac asked. "Just in case. Can you get them or do you need help?" "In the den in the gun cabinet. You want me to set them on the table here? Couple old handguns but there's two double-aught shotguns. That's stopping power isn't it." "All we'd need," she nodded, dealing with her distress by being Marine-like at that moment. "Well then you handle Harmon and I'll do that." "OK Flyboy lets get you upstairs. And by the way I reserve the right to agree with Grams about needing a hospital." "Mac your foot." "My foot is fine, and if you don't get moving it's going to be a permanent part of your anatomy." For all her bravado she nevertheless grimaced and bit her lip when she helped him off with his shirt and pants and saw the blood that was seemingly everywhere. "That has to hurt," she whispered. "Never said it didn't," he smiled. "You going to help me in the shower?" "Uh I think I'll leave that for you" she blushed. "But I'll be right outside if you need anything. " With that she hurried from the bathroom and Harm let out a long sigh as he stripped out of his boxers before stepping into the shower to wash always the blood and remnants of glass that remained. Five minutes later he put on a pair of sweats but remained shirtless as he opened the door, Mac standing in the hall waiting for him. "Those do not look pretty" she sighed. "None of them are deep. There's just a bunch of them. I think the one on my arm is the worst." Mac nodded as she looked at his arm, seeing the cloth red with blood despite the fact he'd just put it on. "That may need stitches." "If it does, we'll call Doc. Grams may even be able to stitch it up." "Well let's let her decide that. And I'm still holding out the right to take you to the ER." "No way" he shook his head. "You wouldn't let me take you and I'm not letting you take me. Not when he's out there and could be waiting on the roads for us. No way." "And I'm going to tell you the same thing you told me. I'm worried more about you dying than I am me." "Honey no one is dying" Harm said gently. "It's a cut. That may need stitches. But that is all. There is nothing life threatening here." "Nothing except a mad man taking pot shots at you and Grams" Mac snapped. "Mac it's okay. We can handle it. Now let's go down stairs and let Grams take care of this okay?" She nodded and took a deep breath for calm but it didn't help. She wasn't calm. And she couldn't be when she knew there was a man who wouldn't hesitate to kill them outside their doors. "Okay let me see what we've got," Grams said as she motioned Harm down in a chair of the kitchen away from the windows. "Lots of little cuts here that are going to hurt but nothing serious." "His arm Grams" Mac whispered. "It's still bleeding pretty bad." "Yes it is. Looks deep enough that we may need stitches." "Can you do that?" Harm asked. "Or do we need to call Doc." "I've done it before" Grams nodded. "You just want me to do it? I can clean it out real good and then stitch it up. And of course we've got plenty of the pills he left for Sarah if we're worried about infection." "Do it" Harm told her. "I don't want to risk bringing him out here if we don't have to. People might start getting suspicious." "Yeah they would. Okay give me a minute to get some stuff together then I'll be right back." Grams hurried off to the bathroom and Harm gave Mac a small smile. "Hey it's okay. I'm going to be fine." "I hate this. I hate this so much. I should never have let you come with me." "Mac don't. You know I wouldn't let you do this alone." "Yeah well you wouldn't have had a choice if I'd taken off when I had the chance" she whispered. "And I should have." "No you shouldn't have. You need me." "No. I'm only going to get you killed. And I don't want that. The best thing I can do is get out of here before something worse happens." Her words ended with a sob and she started to turn away only to have Harm grab her arm. "Promise me you won't do that" he whispered. "Mac I'm serious. I don't want you trying to handle this on your own." "You handling it with me is liable to get you killed. If that happens I'm going to just wish Sadik had finished me off," she sobbed softly. "This is so wrong. Everything about it. From the moment I listened to Clay in the Admiral's office. I should have told him he was a raving lunatic and walked out." "Probably," he agreed mildly, "but your Marine self wouldn't allow that. It was a mission and you accepted it and in fact while I thought it was lunacy as you say, I was pretty proud of you for going." "Thanks. Except that what it did was get Clay hurt terribly and then killed; and you could have died in the plane crash." "Don't lose sight of the good that came out of that--the missiles we destroyed," he offered. "OK yeah. But at what cost," she whispered. "You've all but abandoned your career." His hand tightened around her arm almost painfully. "I'm on a leave of absence as are you. And that's a minor concern compared to keeping you safe and getting through this mess." "I don't deserve you," she whispered again just as Grams returned. "Honey, you let him make that decision," the older woman said quietly as she laid out the items she would need. "And don't make the mistake of thinking he's doing this out of some misplaced sense of duty, loyalty or any of that crappola. That's part of it, but it's minuscule compared to the real reason. And if you don't know what that is, you're not as bright as I give you credit for. The bond that holds you two together has a real name--a real simple one." Her earnest remarks made Mac blush but she said nothing. She knew to what Grams was referring to. She knew exactly what it was that she felt for the man who was but a matter of inches from her. It was love. Pure and just as simple as Grams had said. "Sarah?" Harm gave her arm a more gentle squeeze. "Are we OK?" "Yes we are," she nodded with a last sniffle and he pulled her into a tight embrace, which she returned with equal fervor. "You want to leave while I do this?" Grams asked her. "Yes. No." She lifted her from the crook of his neck. "No. I'll stay. It's going to hurt isn't it?" "The ice and lidocaine will help. I don't think he's a yell-er though." The remainder of the day was quiet, and they remained locked inside the old farmhouse. Not until Mac and Harm were in bed that night did Harm voice his own concern. "Mac you know we can't stay here." "Thank you. I was afraid we were going to try. Harm I can't let anyone hurt her. She's already precious to me." "I know. So here's what's going to happen. I'm going to bundle her out of here to visit her sister in Oregon. Don't want them coming here demanding to know where we went." "Sounds good so far Sailor. You're on a roll." "Then we're taking off too unless Catherine has some good news for us. I would say LaJolla but my Mom doesn't need our mess. I'll call Catherine in the morning and see if she's got any hope this could be over." "Harm we can't run the rest of our lives. It's not living. Not the life we want." "Would that life have anything to do with living on this land and having a few Uber-Mackenzies running around?" he asked with a wry smile. "Yeah sort of," she stammered. "That's why I want us to get through this," he said softly, his mouth to her ear. "I want that too. Very much." "I'm just so scared something is going to happen to you. Today was way too close for comfort." "It was just a warning. A warning that we're going to listen to. Tomorrow I'll get Grams on a plane out of here and then we'll leave tomorrow night." "You sure she'll go?" "No" Harm said with a small smile. "She can be a bit stubborn sometimes. But if I get her on the plane she'll have no choice." "I just don't want her in trouble Harm. She's been so kind to us. She could have easily turned us away and she didn't. Despite the risk." "That's why we're getting her out of here. She can make up some story to the townspeople about her sister needing some care. And that's why she's leaving so suddenly. No one will suspect a thing." "And then we just drive?" "For now. Until I think of something else." "Like me putting myself out there so we can end this madness with Sadik" she whispered. "No way in hell" he gasped. "Mac are you out of your mind? There is no way you are going to do that. I won't let you." "Harm I hate this" she said tearfully. "Grams is at risk because of us. And of course you. I want it over." "It'll will be honey. But not by you getting yourself killed to make that happen. If we stick together, we can get through this. Trust me honey please." "I do trust you Harm. With my life. But that's what scares me so much. I know you'd put my life above yours." "Well that's what happens when you care about someone" Harm said softly. "You're willing to do anything for them." "Then you exactly how I feel" she sniffled. "Sarah it's going to be okay. Just try and get some sleep honey. Tomorrow we'll figure out what we're going to do." He pulled her close to him but Mac couldn't relax. She'd heard today's warning loud and clear. Those shots had been aimed at Harm and Grams. Sadik was warning her that he wouldn't hesitate to hurt those that she cared about to get to her. It was in the middle of the night that she finally made her decision. She would not stay. She would not risk Harm's life. Nor Grams. She would take care of this matter herself. She slipped from Harm's arms, not moving until he rolled over. She quietly grabbed her bag and a moment later headed downstairs. The old stairs creaked with each step and she prayed no one would hear. Once downstairs she found some paper and a pen and sat down at the table to write Harm a quick note. For a moment she didn't know what to say. In the end, she kept it simple. That done she quickly changed and a few minutes later she was on her way. Morning came and Harm awoke with a start, knowing at once something was wrong. Mac wasn't with him. He heard noise downstairs and for a moment he relaxed. She was likely downstairs with Grams getting breakfast. "Harmon you best get down here right away." Grams voice sent a chill down his spine and he sprang from the bed and quickly slid on a pair of sweats before hurrying downstairs. "Mac" he gasped. "Where is she?" Grams handed him the note and Harm sank down in a nearby chair to read. She had done the one thing he'd been most afraid of. She left to handle Sadik on her own. His hand shook as he held the note out to Grams. "Did you read this?" "Yes I did. Honey I don't know what to say." Harm stared at the words once more and they seemed to run together now. He blinked several times until he realized it was unshed tears causing the blur. A quick wipe and he reread, the words coming to him in Mac's soft sweet voice. "Harm, please understand I'm doing what my conscience dictates. I can't--I won't--stay around and watch you die because of me and my problem. This will end somehow and we'll see each other again. Meantime--know that I love you." And it was signed 'Your Sarah'. "Graa-aaams," he wailed softly. "She can't do this. She even said she loved me." "And you're surprised?" Grams shook her head. "Well no I guess. . .I mean I always knew that she and I. . ." he stammered, running his hand through his hair. "Grams call someone. Stop her somehow." "Harmon listen to yourself. She's got hours of headstart on us. Now calm down. I will call Patrick at the sheriff's office and get him to ask his people to keep an eye out. But you know what I think--that she walked down to the road and some kind soul stopped for her. We still do that sort of thing here." "Scary thought," he murmured. "Well whatever. Country people take care of each other." "I'm going to look for her. You'll make some calls?" "Of course I will. Harm I'm sorry. I knew she felt this way, but I figured you had talked her out of it." "Yeah so did I," he grumbled. "I underestimated that Marine determination." "Yeah well here's a little piece of advice. Don't underestimate her love for you. If you had any doubt, you're holding the proof in your hands." "That doesn't help me a whole helluva lot now does it?" he snapped and at once turned his head in shame. "Sorry." "You're entitled to be upset. By all means put your clothes on and go look for her." As he was dressing, he called Catherine and explained what happened. "Harm I'm so sorry. I know how important she was to you." "Is." "Excuse me?" "Is. Don't you dare use the past tense when you refer to her." "You're right and I'm sorry. I've got a contact at the FBI who will put out an alert to watch for her credit and ATM cards. Sometimes that can help." "OK thanks," he breathed, glad for any assistance. "So what's your plan Harm?" she asked gently. "I'm putting my pants on so I can go look for her," he snapped. "Right. Pants are good," she said softly. "Does she have cash with her?" "I'm sure she does. We both pulled cash so we wouldn't leave a tech trail. Now I'm hoping she will." "Yeah well Sadik may be hoping that too. Listen I've got a volunteer team from the anti terrorism task force that's going to help with this. In fact I was going to call you today." He swallowed hard again. "Catherine I owe you. Team as in how many?" "Just two I'm afraid. I pulled some strings and got them cut loose. When you come back I'll arrange for you to meet them. They're young but they're eager and bright." "Thanks Catherine." "Call me tonight and let me know if you find her." "Yes ma'am. Thank you. And Catherine, if you've got any sense you and that baby will get far away from DC. Far and fast. Away from this insanity." "Sounds like that's in your mind for you and Mac." "You damn right it is," he growled and slammed the phone. "Harm getting upset isn't going to help" Grams said gently as she came up behind him. "Dammit Grams she's out there alone. With some madman who wants her dead. Why did she do this?" "Because she loves you. And she'd rather find herself dead than see anything happen to you. And I know you feel the same." "Grams I'd given my life for hers in a second." "And that's what scared her. She couldn't stand the thought of that. And after last night, well she probably decided she had no choice." "I have to find her. She couldn't have gotten far." "Harm she has cash. All she needed was a ride to Altoona and she could have hopped a Greyhound and be anywhere by now." "I hate this. I feel so damn helpless." "I know and I wish there was something I could do. But honestly Harm I'm not sure what you can do. This was Sarah's choice." "I should have known she'd do this. I know Mac. She always has to handle everything herself." "Harm you need to relax. This will work itself out." "Grams he wants her dead. And she's going to put herself out there so it can happen. The only thing that's going to work itself out is her getting herself killed. And then my life might as well be over too because without her I have nothing." "Harm" Grams started. "Grams I know it because only a few weeks ago I thought she was dead. And my life was over." "What about that young lady you're taking care of? Are you just going to forget all about her." "Mattie deserves better than me anyway." "Will you stop and listen to yourself for a minute? You're thinking worst case here. Give your Marine some credit. She knows how to handle herself." "I want to believe that" he sighed. "But she's alone and God knows what she's thinking of doing." At that moment his Marine was already well out of the area, having hitched a ride to Altoona before hopping on a Greyhound. She'd chosen to go home to DC simply to lure Sadik back away from Grams and Harm. She knew he was watching. And she was hoping that his desire for revenge would make him follow. "Okay Sadik" she murmured as she stepped off the Greyhound and then took a cab to one of DC's not so nice areas. "Let's see how bad you want me." She walked down the street to a rundown hotel and using her cash got a room. Once inside she sank down on the bed, her foot and ankle still sore from the dog attack. But at least now she knew Harm and Grams would be safe. And she knew by now Harm had likely found her note. And she knew he was going to be upset. But she'd had no choice. "I'm sorry" she murmured to the empty room. She closed her eyes and laid her head down on the hard pillow. She would sleep now while it was safe. Tonight she would be awake and waiting. ======== Harm spent the rest of that day cruising the countryside around Belleville. Asking anyone he came across if they had seen her. Showing her picture. It was late that evening that he hit paydirt. Of sorts. He had just come back to the farmhouse, wanting to touch base with Grams. She had insisted he stop, have some coffee and gather his thoughts. Headlights swept the yard and he felt his heart leap. "Please let this be something." Grams came to look and opened the door. "It's Ted Hutchens. One of Patrick's people." "Hi Mrs. Rabb. Grams I mean. Mr. Rabb." Ted came through the door, and the somber expression he wore sent Harm's blood turning to ice. "I'm sorry. It's not good news." "She's not. . ." Harm gasped, immediately jumping to the worst possible conclusion. "Oh no. No sir. We just happened to luck into the person who gave her a ride to Altoona." "OK," he breathed. "And from there she would be. . ." "On a Greyhound to God knows where," Ted finished for him. "I mean busses leave out of there all day. She's got what, twelve hours head start on us. She's gone until she wants to be found as long as she's paying cash for everything." Harm's chin hit his chest in discouragement. "I don't believe this. I just don't believe it." "Son she's a Marine," Grams pointed out gently. "I'm sure if she doesn't want to be found she's not going to be. Am I right? Harmon?" He looked away uncomfortably. "Harmon I'm speaking to you. Do me the courtesy of a reply." "Yes ma'am. I'm sorry. Yes of course you're right," he sighed. "So this is what's going to happen. I'm taking you to Pittsburgh tomorrow so you can get your flight. I'm not leaving you here vulnerable to Sadik. Then I'm going. . ." It was there he stopped, realizing he had no real plan. "Harm?" "I guess I'm going back to DC," he sighed, his shoulders slumped in defeat. ================= He arrived back in the DC area late the following afternoon, making a stop at Bud and Harriet's to check on Mattie and being talked into staying for dinner there though he barely touched his food. By the time he arrived at his place, exhaustion clawed at every fiber of his being. His arm throbbed and he collapsed onto the bed, not even bothering to undress. A call to Mac's apartment and cell phone--for at least the twentieth time each--yielded nothing. Somewhere in the early hours of the morning he fell into a troubled sleep, forcing himself awake at 6AM. The images and dreams he was having were almost more disturbing than the reality. For the remainder of that day he paced the apartment, willing the phone to ring or the door buzzer to sound. Nothing from Mac. After another all but sleepless night, he showered and shaved and put on his uniform. Mac was gone. Though not forever. No way would he even begin to think he might never see her again. He made the drive out to JAG HQ and for the remainder of that day he immersed himself in work, making it clear to all concerned Sarah Mackenzie was not a topic for discussion. Almost at the end of the day, Coates came for him, three visitors trailing behind. For a brief second annoyance flashed across his face until he saw Catherine. "Thanks Jen," he said softly, motioning them inside and closing the door. "Catherine," he managed and she smiled at the obviously upset Naval Officer. "Commander Harmon Rabb, meet Nicholas Penn and Ericka Logan. They've been working on our little problem." "Commander," Nicholas held his hand out and Harm shook it firmly. "Sir. Pleased to meet you." "Nick please." "Ericka," the petite red head smiled, shaking hands in turn. "Harm then. You think you can help me find my friend and get this bastard?" "Yes sir." Nicholas gave him an easy grin and dropped into a chair. "With the help of someone on the inside who'd turn in his own mother let alone Sadik." "That's what I need. How soon can we make that happen?" "We're working on it. Of course it's not going to happen over night" Nick told him. "But we've got our man and as soon as we get something from him, you'll be the first to know." "In the meantime?" Harm asked. "I'm sorry Commander. So far Ms. Mackenzie hasn't used any credit cards so that we can track her." "She had plenty of cash" Harm sighed. "I knew she wouldn't. And she could have gone anywhere after she got to Altoona. She could be in California by now and I'd never know it." "Well if she wants Sadik, I doubt she's that far" Ericka offered. "She wanted him away so he wouldn't hurt anyone she cared about. She planned on dealing with him herself." "She has guts" Nick sighed. "Most people would have run the other way when it came to Sadik." "Well that's my Marine" Harm said softly. "Commander we'll find her before anything happens" Nick told him. "I promise you Sadik is not going to get to Col. Mackenzie." "Then how did he get to Clayton Webb?" It was Catherine who answered him. "Because someone at the Agency told Sadik where to find him." "That wouldn't be the same person you two are telling me can help you find Sadik is it?" Harm asked. "No" Catherine said at once. "Which is why these guys are here and not someone else from the Agency. I haven't told anyone about Mac. Except Nick and Ericka." "You're sure no one is on to what you're doing?" Harm asked. Catherine shook her head. "No. Mac is safe from whoever set up Clay. No one knows that's she's on the run right now." "Commander the best you can do is try and sit and play it cool. We'll have something soon and when we do we'll move in. Our goal is to bust Sadik and then your friend can come out of hiding." "I just hope that happens before she sets herself up" Harm sighed. Somewhat reassured that there might be light at the end of the tunnel now that he had help, Harm decided to spend a little time with Mattie. He felt he had neglected her enough and there was nothing he could do to find Mac on his own. "Hey what would you say if I said I was coming to take you out" he said when he called her at Bud and Harriet's. "You sure? I know you're worried about Mac." "I am but that doesn't mean I should ignore you. So what do you think?" "Well you know the answer to that" Mattie giggled. "Of course I want to go. Do you think we can uh maybe go to the mall too?" "Mall?" "Well you know a girl needs the right stuff for school." "Yeah sure. It'll take my mind off of everything." "Great. How soon can you be here?" "Soon as the traffic lets me" he smiled. "I'll see you soon honey." An hour later they took their trays to a table near the Chinese place at the food court that they'd finally settled on. "I feel like we should be eating better than food court food" he sighed. "But at least it's not the greasy burger place." "Harm this is fine" Mattie told him. "Now how are you? Is there any word on Mac yet?" Harm shook his head. "I have some help though. Someone who's going to get to Sadik before he gets to Mac hopefully." "I'm sorry. I know how much you love her." "Eat your food" he sighed. "Harm did you ever tell her that you loved her?" Mattie persisted. "You and her were together all that time and I'll bet you didn't tell her how you felt?" "She knows." "Harm that's not telling her." "Mattie it's different when you're an adult. You don't just go around saying I love you like you do when you're a kid." "Well of course you don't. But in this case you do love her. And you should have told her that." "Mattie some things don't have to be said," he sighed. Truth be told it had been something that was playing largely on his mind since he had last held Mac in his arms. That she was gone and she had never heard the words from him. And he had her written words to that effect in her good-bye note. She had deserved to hear the same from him. "You always think there will be plenty of time," she scolded. "I didn't know the last time I talked to my Mom it was going to be the last time." "Honey I know," he nodded. "Please give me a break. Mac has been all that's been on my mind. I need to give it a rest for even just a short time. I am going to find her. I am going to bring her back into my life. And into yours." "I really like her," she whispered and Harm patted her arm. "I know you do sweetie. And thank you for understanding that it's better for you to be with Harriet and Bud right now." "That's OK. I like them. The kids are pretty fun and Jen's been visiting some too. She's great. But she's not Mac, and I need you too." "Yeah I know. And I promise I'm going to make all this up to you," he nodded. "Soon as Mac is back, you and me and her--we'll go away someplace fun. Take a cruise or go to Mazatlan or something." "That would be great," Mattie smiled. "It could be like a honeymoon for you guys and you can pretend like I'm not there." "Whatever," he smiled. "Finish up. It's a school night." "Would it be OK if I went in to Abercrombie for a minute? I'm looking for a pink tank." "Long as it's OK if I wait outside," he sighed. "Where is it?" "Right straight down that corridor," she pointed. "I could go ahead and you could meet me." "All right. I'll be right behind you. Don't go anywhere else OK?" "No I won't." Harm watched her go, leaning back in his chair and pressing his fingers into the bridge of his nose. He was tired. Mentally and physically tired. Thankfully some semblance of numbness was setting in. For ten minutes he forced himself to think about a warm beach. A thousand miles from DC and millions from the terrorism that the like of Sadik and his kind would unleash. "OK Mattie, pink top or no, it's time to get started back," he muttered under his breath, starting to walk toward the corridor where she was pointing. Commotion up ahead of him got his attention. Mattie's voice calling his name. His name and Mac's. Mac's? What the hell was. . . "Harm it's Mac. She's here. I saw her." Mattie's shriek made the throng in the hallway part and a second later she flew in to Harm's arms. "Mac? You saw her? Where?" She pointed and Harm let go of Mattie and took off running in the direction she'd pointed. Minutes later he returned shaking his head. "If she was there, she's gone" he sighed. "You're sure it was her?" Mattie nodded. "Harm I know it was her. She pretended she didn't see me but I know she did. It was her Harm. She's here in DC." "You're totally sure?" Harm asked again. "Harm I know it was her. I'd swear on my life it was her." "She's here" he murmured. For some reason that gave him a small amount of comfort. She was in DC. Not hundreds of miles away. And she was still alive. If they could find Sadik before he found Mac… "Harm you okay?" Mattie asked. "You're spacing out on me." "Sorry. You ready to go?" Mattie nodded, the pink tank forgotten in all the excitement. Harm was silent as he drove her back to Bud and Harriet's and she knew he was lost in his thoughts of Mac. "Thanks for taking me out" she said when they reached the house. "I'm sorry I couldn't stop Mac." "That you saw her is all that matters. At least I know she's alive. And okay." "I'm sure she wants to come back to you. She just doesn't want anything to happen to you because of her." "I know. But she should have let me make that decision." "She loves you Harm" Mattie said softly. "That made it a real easy decision for her." "You know you are way too perceptive for your age" Harm sighed. "But thanks. Tonight helped. I just want this whole mess to be over once and for all so we can all be a family." "We?" Mattie said hopefully. "You, me and Mac. Provided Mac would want that. And of course you want me still. I know I haven't done the best job taking care of you." "You've had a good reason. And you're here now. That tells me something." "Thanks Mattie. For everything." Mattie reached over and gave Harm a long hug. "She's going to be okay. You just have to believe that." "I hope so" he sighed. "You're going to keep in touch right?" she asked when she finally let go of him. "You're not going to vanish on me are you?" "No way. I promise. But for now, I do need you to stay here." "I know. And I don't mind. I just want to make sure you're okay." He rested a light hand on the top of her head. "This is all going to come out OK. I promise. Somehow it is. I need for you to not mention to Bud and Harriet what happened though OK. About seeing Mac I mean. " "Yeah sure but why? They're concerned too." "I know they are. I'm not sure myself but my gut is saying it's not something we should let other people know about. It may all be part of the effort she's making to end it." "I understand," Mattie sighed. "Wow it's been an exciting evening hasn't it. What if you had walked me down there and seen her?" "I would have grabbed her, not let her go, she would have screamed and I would have been arrested," he grinned. "Let's get you inside. I know you have homework to do." Later that night lying in bed a small amount of peace came over him. Mac was alive, and in DC, and somehow they would get through this. And after that, nothing was going to stop them from being a family. Two long days crawled by. Mid-evening on the third night after Mattie's Mac sighting, he was returning to his apartment having had dinner at Bud and Harriet's with Mattie when a car pulled up behind him. "Catherine," he breathed and held his breath. His initial happiness at seeing her was tempered by the sudden realization that what news she was bringing could be less than happy. "Harm," she nodded. "You remember Nick and Ericka. Can we talk?" He hesitated, his mind refusing to let him answer as countless scenarios passed through. Catherine's hand on his arm brought him back to reality. "Harm it's nothing bad. It could be good in fact." "Oh yeah? In that case let's get upstairs." He ushered them inside his apartment. "Anyone need coffee? Long as you can talk while I make." "That would be great thanks," Catherine spoke up. "I was up part of the night with the baby and now I'm working on this." "There's actually not a lot to tell," Nick said quietly, and from his tone Harm knew he was not totally behind what was happening." "But Harm needs to hear it anyway," Ericka interjected. "First Mac is OK. We know that for sure. And we understand she almost had a close encounter with you the other night." "At the mall," he nodded. "Mattie saw her but she took off. I wish I had. We would not be having this conversation right now." "No it's a good thing you didn't try to intercept her," Catherine said firmly. "If you had forced her home, this all would have just come up again. Next time it might have been JAG headquarters or maybe the home where Mattie is staying." "I could protect her," he muttered stubbornly. "Harm pay attention," Catherine scolded. "Ericka go ahead." "Well first of all Nicky doesn't like this plan," she smiled at her partner. "Nicky hates it," he agreed readily. "Nicky thinks it's beyond asinine. Nicky thinks it's insanity on wheels." "Nicky needs to shut up. Ericka is fine with it," Ericka smiled and squeezed his hand. "Let me guess, this is something that's risky for Ericka," Harm offered, drawing a deep breath as he witnessed the by-play between them and his longing for Mac intensified. "Oh hell no not at all," Nick scoffed. "I mean she's only setting herself up to be taken out." "And you don't think Sarah Mackenzie is worth that?" Harm asked mildly. "Oh no sir it's not that at all," Nick stammered. "Honest it's not. And I know there's more at stake here than her anyway. It's just that. . ." His voice trailed off and Harm gave him a short smile. "Son relax. I understand. Completely." "I bet. Okay here's the insane plan. Ericka is going to be there for the arranged meeting Mac has with Sadik." "You can get in touch with Mac?" "Our man inside has. He's told her where he can meet Sadik. And she's taken the offer and knows that Ericka is going to be there as well." "Why her?" This from Harm and Nick shot him a look of gratitude while Ericka gave him a long look. "Because Sadik likes beautiful women. Not American men like you two" she retorted. "I'm meeting Mac ahead of time and then we're both going to see Sadik. He thinks we're there to join his side. At least that's what our insider had told him." "Do you see why I think this whole thing is crazy" Nick muttered. "I think we need another plan" Harm sighed. "This is too much risk for both of them. What if this inside guy is just setting them both up for the slaughter." "Bad choice of words Commander" Ericka frowned when she saw Nick's stricken look. "Well that's what this is." "Commander we trust this man. He has no reason to turn on us." "That's what you think. You can't trust anyone in this business." "Harm we have no choice here" Catherine interjected. "Honestly. The only way to end this is to set the meeting with Sadik." "I don't like it" Harm sighed. "That makes two of us" Nick muttered under his breath. "But Catherine is right. We have no choice. And I have stipulated that we'll be nearby the whole time. Ericka is going to be wired so at least we'll know what's going on." "And then this will be over." "With any luck yes" Catherine said softly. "We'll have Sadik and the nightmare will be over once and for all." Harm nodded, knowing there was nothing he wanted more than to have Mac back in his life safe and sound. "Can you get a message to her before this happens?" "I can try" Ericka told him. "It's real simple. Just tell her that no matter what happens, I love her." "I think she's already got that one loud and clear Commander" Nick said quietly. "But I'm sure Ericka will pass it on." Ericka smiled gently at the agitated Naval Officer. "Harm, you and she really do need to talk." "Now what does that mean?" he demanded. "Mac and I have spent some time together since she got back to DC," she replied. "We've talked about a lot of things, you amongst them. She told me about Mr. Webb and how he died, and how you tried to protect her." "And failed." "No. She told me how afraid she was of causing you to be hurt or worse. That it was hard enough to lose Clayton Webb. And that to lose you would have made her wish Sadik would take her as well." "I love her," he said simply. "Commander you have that all but tattooed to your forehead," Catherine smiled. "But I get the impression you doubt she feels the same way." "Well she did tell me in her goodbye but see we have a ghost between us," he murmured. "I don't follow. . .Clay? You think she's still in love with him? Mourning him as her dead lover?" "I don't. . . I hope not but I'm afraid deep inside she's. . ." he stammered in reply. "Have you ever thought of just telling her how you feel and letting her respond?" This from Ericka, who managed both a cold stare at Harm and a sidelong glance at Nick at the same time. "Congratulations Ericka, you've reduced him to speechless," Catherine giggled. "Let's get back to an area where I'm on firmer ground," he begged. "Is there a plan in place?" "Our man inside will be in touch. Shouldn't be but a couple of days." "Can I know who this guy is I'm trusting with her life?" "Well like your partner he's of middle eastern descent and he's managed to gain Sadik's trust. He uses his Iraqi name of Dhamer. Dhamer al Khari. He's a grad student at Georgetown, recruited by our people." "And totally one hundred percent trustworthy?" Harm demanded. "We think so," Catherine nodded. Nick raised his hand as if he was in school. "Dissenting vote here." "You just don't like him because he likes me," Ericka giggled laughed and poked her partner's arm. "He touches you." "And Mac?" Harm frowned. "He's a toucher, what can I say," she smiled. "Puts his hand on a woman's back or shoulder, face sometimes. Likes to hold doors and pull out chairs. He was raised in Europe he says. Anyway I like the man yes. More importantly I think he can be trusted." "All right let me get the children home so I can get back to my baby," Catherine smiled, standing up behind Harm and putting both hands on his slumped shoulders. "It's being handled Harm. Try to relax or you're going to need a month at the ranch." "Huh?" "It's a place in Arizona we send agents who need a break." "Long as Mac can go too," he murmured. "Thanks Catherine. Ericka, Nick--thanks. Ericka I know you're putting yourself at risk for Mac." "And we're all thrilled about it," Nick groaned, ushering her to the door. THE END Watch for Chapter 4, the conclusion. The Sadik threat is dealt with, and Mac and Harm determine once and for all what Fate has planned for them.