Massaging her temples, Mac paced the Admiral's office waiting for the phone call that would announce the search had resumed for the Commander.
Harriet handed her a cup of coffee. "Thought you could use a fresh cup of coffee about now."
"Thanks Harriet." Taking the extended cup, Mac slowly took a sip. Placing the cup on the desk, she continued to pace. "This is a nightmare. I wish someone would give me a shake and tell me it has all been a bad dream."
"You know the Commander, he always makes it through, no matter what the odds."
"True, but even a cat only has nine lives. I'm so scarce that this time it will be too much for him. I think of the wind, waves and water, knocking him about and it takes my breath away. I feel like I'm drowning with him. Am I making any sense here?"
"Sounds to me like maybe you are wearing the wrong man's ring."
"I don't want to go there right now." Mac pleaded.
Turning toward the window, Mac gazed out the window, watching the rain pound against the glass, knowing Harm was taking the full blast of the storm.
The sound of the Admiral entering the office drew the two women's attention to the expression on his face. "I'm sorry, there is no change. They still can't put the rescue team back in the air. The captain has assured me he will do so just the second that he can."
Noticing the look of panic on Mac's face, AJ continued, "Mac, they are doing everything that they can."
"I know," Mac conceded, "It's just so hard to just wait."
"Where did Mic go. I thought he would be here with you?"
"He was, but since we're not sure what we are going to do in the morning, he thought he should notify the minister and the caterer that there is a possible delay."
"Then you have to decided to postpone the wedding?"
"I can't go ahead with the plans until I know that Harm is all right."
Putting his hand on her shoulder, AJ said softly, "I understand but will Mic?"
Harriet and AJ both hear the whispered answered, "He has too."
Tiner opened the door, "Mac you have a visitor."
Turning, Sarah's eyes gazed into the eyes of Lt. Commander Teresa Coulter.
"I hope you don't mind the intrusion but when I heard about Harm's plane going down, I knew I had to come."
"I'm glad you did." Mac replied as she took her hands.
We'll leave you two alone." The Admiral announced as he allowed Harriet to exit the room ahead of him.
"Admiral, that's really not necessary." Teresa stated.
"If I receive any news I'll let you know."
"So, how are you holding up?" Teresa queried.
"I'm afraid not as good as the marine in me should be."
"We're also human, Mac. Don't forget that."
"I know and that's why his plane went down."
Teresa gave her a confused look. "How can you blame yourself? It was a combination of Mother Nature and a plane with mechanical failure.
"He told me before he left that he wasn't going to make the rehearsal party because he had to flight qualify. When I thought he wouldn't make the wedding I was very upset. I needed him there. I was being selfish and now Harm has paid the price."
"Colonel," Teresa began her sentence.
"No, please, call me Mac."
"You know Harm and I have worked together on several cases. Cases that could be considered abnormal."
"Yes, you were able to go beyond the facts as we know them and transcend unto a different level. First the Indian and then the little girl."
"Harm and I both believed that there were other forces at work in those instances."
"I know."
"Then you have to believe me when I tell you I know that Harm is going to be found alive."
Mac's eyes sought out the clarity in Teresa's eyes. "You really believe that?"
"I'm positive. I know there isn't any scientific facts to back what I'm saying and many say I'm totally off my rocker, but ever since I heard his plane went down I've had the peaceful feeling that every thing was going to be just fine."
Taking Teresa's hand, Mac commented hopefully, " I pray your right."
The sound of the door opening interrupted their conversation.
"I just received word from the captain that the storm has begun to clear. They are going to resume their search immediately.
The two women hugged at the news. "Thank you for coming, for the first time in hours I can feel the peace that you were talking about. Please stay here until they find him."
"I wouldn't dream of leaving."
Fini