Chapters 1-8 Chapters 9-16 Chapters 17-22 Chapters 23-26
Title: Impropriety
Background: Originally Posted Fall 2004. Set sometime in season nine. There was no stint in the CIA, Harm came back to JAG; there’s no Mattie, and Webb didn’t get anywhere with Mac after Paraguay. Anything else that doesn’t line up with season nine happenings, or seems absurd, please ignore.
Rating: R
Summary: Harm and Mac work a case to catch a blackmailer.
Special thanks to RJ. Without his constant support, advice, suggestions and occasional scripting this story would never have been.
Chapter 1
Snapping the latch shut on his briefcase, Harmon Rabb Jr. turned to his opposing counsel.
“I’m still willing to talk deal.” Harm had delivered another exemplary oration in his closing arguments, but wasn’t really confident that he’d succeeded in convincing the jury.
“Not this time. My client is innocent and we’re going to wait for the verdict.” Colonel Sarah MacKenzie shook her head as she followed Harm out of the courtroom.
“You have a flimsy case, built strictly on circumstantial evidence and you know it,” Mac began as she and Harm walked through the bullpen.
“Colonel, Commander,” Petty Officer Jennifer Coates interrupted at first sight of her superior officers.
“The Admiral wants to see you in his office.” Extending her hands, “Let me take those for you sir, ma’am, I believe he’s in a hurry.”
Recognizing that look of ‘don’t mess with the Admiral today’, Harm and Mac handed Jennifer their briefcases and headed directly to the Admiral’s office.
Finding the door wide open, Harm knocked lightly on the frame. Admiral Chegwidden had been standing by the window when he heard the knock.
“Enter.”
“You wanted to see us, sir.” Harm and Mac stood at attention.
“Be seated.” The admiral sat down as well.
“People, a situation has been brought to my attention. It appears one of the Sec Nav’s friends has recently taken early retirement. This officer still had a bright future ahead of him.”
Harm and Mac sat patiently waiting for the balance of information.
“Apparently, this officer has confided in the Sec Nav as a friend that he is being blackmailed. There are some suggestions of impropriety that would have devastating affects on his marriage as well as his career. He has implied there are other officers who are facing similar situations, some choosing to pay, others choosing to retire as he has. None, however, are willing to come forward officially to stop the blackmailer.”
The Admiral paused to consider his officers and what he had to say next. “I’m sure you’re aware that scuttlebutt has a way of making rounds in Washington regardless of whether or not there’s any factual basis.”
“Yes, sir,” the two chorused.
The Admiral nodded his head. “Good, then what I have to say will not come as a total surprise to you.”
Harm and Mac glanced at each other sideways in silent communication. This wasn’t sounding good.
“The Sec Nav seems to think the two of you are the best ones to handle this case, he insists on it. His idea is to set a trap for the blackmailer or blackmailers. Due to the long standing working relationship you have, and the many years of scuttlebutt that have come from a misunderstanding of that relationship, he feels the two of you could easily become the next target.”
“Sir?” Harm asked.
The Admiral walked around to the front of the two officers, and leaned back against his desk.
“He wants you to give the impression of impropriety,” sighing heavily, “fraternization in particular.”
“Excuse me, sir. I think I’m missing something here,” Mac spoke, concern evident in her voice. Posing as Webb’s pregnant wife was one thing, but cozying up to Harm was definitely playing with fire.
“Colonel, surely you must be aware that half of Washington has suspected something inappropriate between you and the Commander for years. Lindsey’s report to the Sec Nav last year practically came right out and accused you of it.”
Mac’s mind flashed instantly to the night in McMurphy’s many moons ago when Carolyn Imes had refused to believe that she and Harm had never, well never.
“Obviously, because of your ranks you can not be charged with fraternization, but none the less, two officers having an illicit affair under the same command can be considered detrimental to good order and discipline and is most definitely frowned upon.” The Admiral took a deep breath.
“Since we have no leads as to who the source of this problem might be, it could take an enormous amount of time before questionable conduct among any other officers would reach the attention of our alleged blackmailer. With the help of some minor changes in behavior and a few ‘slips’ from well placed friends, confirmation of your relationship would be scuttlebutt all over Washington within hours.”
“You’re thinking my history with the article 32 and the admiral's mast will make me an excellent target. Both for believability, as well as another mark on my record could scuttle my career.” Mac was beginning to agree the Sec Nav might be right. It wouldn't be a stretch for someone to think if she'd had an affair with an officer before, why not again.
The Admiral nodded his head.
“Sir, exactly who would these well placed friends be?” Harm asked, not completely convinced this was such a good idea. He also knew playing house with Mac could prove to be more than he could handle.
“Mostly your closest friends. Lt. Roberts and Sims, Commander Turner, Senator Latham, and Petty Officer Coates.”
“Harriet would definitely be good for this type of operation, sir.” This was the first thing Harm had found amusing since he and Mac came into the office.
“Lt. Roberts will quietly dig around the Sec Nav’s friend, Captain DeNicholo. Hopefully he will come up with something more substantial for us. In the meantime, I want to make something clear. I’m not asking for blatant conduct unbecoming. This needs to appear as though your relationship has not changed. Any behavior has to appear as accidental confirmation of long time suspicions.”
“Sir, is all this really necessary?” Mac asked.
“Colonel, we simply do not know how far reaching this situation is. With only hearsay from one source, we have no way of knowing how high ranking the other victims are, or more important still, if money isn’t the only thing these people are interested in. I realize this is asking a great deal of you and the Commander, for personal, as well as professional reasons. I can’t promise you there won’t be long term effects on the rumor mill. I can, however, guarantee you this will not in anyway affect your official records.”
“Yes, sir. Understood,” Mac relented. The admiral was right, as long as there was even the slightest of chances that high ranking officers could be trading top secret information to hide past or present indiscretions, it was her duty to do what ever she could to stop it.
“I will leave it up to you to decide how to proceed with this assignment. Dismissed.”
“Aye, aye.” Harm and Mac turned on their heels to leave. Both flabbergasted beyond words, wondering how they were going to handle what they’d just gotten themselves into.
The absurdity of this entire situation was beginning to give AJ a major headache. He knew how these two felt about each other and wasn’t sure if this was exactly the kick in the pants they needed to finally come to their senses, or if it would be the straw that broke the camel’s back and would end the relationship once and for all.
Chapter 2
Following Mac into her office and closing the door behind them, Harm took a seat in front of Mac’s desk.
“Any ideas how we’re going to go about this?” Mac asked, leaning back against her chair.
Rubbing his hands through his hair quickly. “No, how about you?” Harm leaned forward.
“Well the Admiral doesn’t want this to appear obvious, so at least that eliminates checking into a sleazy motel.” Mac almost cracked a smile.
Harm looked up, a sliver of an idea forming.
Mac noticed the odd gleam in his eye. “What are you thinking?”
“The Admiral said we couldn’t outright change our behavior because it needed to appear that this is something that has been going on all along. It’s critical our behavior appear to be a casual slip. Right?”
Mac nodded her head waiting for him to go on.
“If we were to start spending the night at each other’s apartment, or kissing publicly in some out of the way restaurants, or occasionally hold hands discreetly someplace in uniform, all of those things would be out of character for the way we’ve behaved over the last eight years.”
“I would think that’s pretty obvious, we haven’t been having an affair all these years.” Mac couldn’t see where Harm was going with this.
“Exactly, anything we try under normal circumstances would look suspicious to an intelligent person and it’s best not to underestimate this blackmailer from the start. Now, don’t say no until you hear me out.” Harm waited for Mac to agree before continuing.
“What if we pretend you’ve gotten pregnant? Intelligent, mature, educated people get pregnant accidentally all the time. No birth control is guaranteed to work 100% of the time. It would force us to behave differently and certainly would provide new ammunition for the rumor mill.”
Mac sat there, her eyebrows touching the ceiling, her jaw kissing the floor. The man had lost his mind.
Harm could tell this wasn’t going over well, but at least she wasn’t screaming no.
“Think about it Mac, an unplanned pregnancy among two officers having an affair definitely constitutes a slip up.”
Mac had to admit this most certainly would count as a slip up. To be more precise, the mother of all slip ups.
“Lets, for just a minute, say I agree with you. Exactly what do you have in mind?” Mac’s mind flashed to those horrible weeks in Paraguay wearing that horrendously uncomfortable and heavy maternity suit.
“Well, we’d probably have to talk to Harriet, but you could fake some of the symptoms. Pretend you’re ill and go to the ladies room. People are always quick to assume the worst.”
A small grin began to grow out of the corner of her mouth. “I suppose your going with me to the gynecologist would raise a few eyebrows.” The grin was now full blown.
Harm had to pick his jaw up off the floor. Payback was payback. “Could be,” he grinned.
“Is it a plan then?” Harm asked timidly.
“How about this, let’s invite Bud and Harriet over to my place tonight and we can discuss it with them. If Harriet can come up with some good ideas, and I don’t have to wear another suit, yeah, maybe this idea could work.”
Mac’s apartment
Georgetown
Later that evening
“Wow, how long has this been going on?” Harriet asked astonished.
“That’s part of the problem. No one knows. We’re all going into this rather blindly,” Harm answered.
“I even called Clay to see if the company had any info that might help us out. No wind of any blackmailing rings involving officers is blowing at Langley.” Mac added.
“You called Webb?” Harm questioned, rather sternly.
“You’re just upset you didn’t think of it first.”
“No, but at least we know everyone at Langley is on the same page,” Harm smiled innocently at Mac.
“Catherine?”
“Catherine,” he nodded.
Bud and Harriet looked at each other confused as to what their superiors found so amusing.
“It looks like it’s up to you Bud, we’ll need you to keep us posted on any new info you’re able to get from Captain DeNicholo,” Harm informed Bud, his lips pressed tightly at the seriousness of the situation.
“That could be a while. I made some preliminary phone calls as soon as the Admiral gave me the assignment. DeNicholo was definitely on the right track career wise. Rumor has it he was on the short list for Military Liaison to Homeland Security. There also seems to be some scuttlebutt before he retired regarding himself and a female other than his wife. Unfortunately, the good Captain and his family are on a cruise. I won’t be able to talk to him and confirm anything for at least another week,” Bud sighed, silently requesting his friend’s understanding.
“In that case, let’s get down to business,” Harriet began. “There are a couple of things you could do right away that will eventually create suspicion. Firstly, you need to start using the ladies room more often. By the time any woman is nine months pregnant, she is intimately familiar with every restroom in a 500 mile radius.”
Mac looked at Harriet curiously. “I never noticed you using the restroom that often.”
“You’re not a busy body. Besides, don’t you remember that Saturday we went antiqueing outside of town when I was pregnant with AJ and you found it amusing that the first thing I did at every location was ask where the bathroom was just in case?”
“I’d forgotten about that,” Mac smiled, wondering if this might just work.
“If you change some eating habit, that would help. Stop eating burgers and start eating salads, or maybe stop drinking coffee and drink tea. There are two sides to the eating change. One is pregnant women try to avoid certain things, like caffeine. The other is, pregnancy often turns you off of an old favorite food or onto another. I crave mint sauce when I’m pregnant,” Harriet shrugged.
“If you walk into the break room and someone is heating up something smelly, put your hand on your stomach and act nauseous excusing yourself from the room. That will send rumors flying so fast, you’ll find yourself home nursing triplets before you know it.” Harriet paused scanning her memory banks for more symptoms.
“You can help too, sir,” Bud interjected. “Start doing more for the Colonel.” Noting Harm’s confused expression Bud went into more detail.
“Don’t let her carry anything heavy. Even something light like her briefcase. Offer to get her food all the time. Bring her tea or juice without her asking. Offer her a chair, or suggest shouldn’t she be resting when you see her standing.” Bud paused to think of more possibilities.
“You’re trying to get me killed aren’t you?” Harm teased. Mac would never stand for him hovering that way under normal circumstances. He wasn’t so sure she would put up with it now.
“No, sir,” Bud chuckled, understanding full well that as a marine, Mac didn’t take well to being coddled.
“Sir, it shouldn’t be that hard for you. Try to convince yourself that the Colonel really is pregnant. Then just do what comes naturally, the same way you did things for me,” Harriet pointed out. “Remember, every time you saw me carrying a stack of files, you’d pull them away from me and ask, “should you be carrying those?” Harriet smiled at the recollection.
The rest of the evening was spent mapping out the details of the change in Mac and Harm’s behavior as well as opportunities for the insiders to encourage the rumors. Quietly Harm and Mac wondered to themselves, what had they gotten into?
Chapter 3
JAG headquarters
The following week
Mac had been the first to start her assignment. She was sneaking at least 64 ounces of water in an 8 hour time period to ensure frequently needing to use the ladies room. Mac had also made it a point to be in the break room often during lunch, turning her nose up at the smell of food whenever possible. After only one week the rumor mill had begun buzzing.
Taking advantage of the unusually warm spring day, Mac and Harriet sat at an isolated table out on the patio enjoying lunch together for the first time since the plan had been put into operation.
“I haven’t heard anyone suggest anything specific yet, but when I was in the ladies room yesterday, I overheard Petty Officers Jennings and Maroney chatting about how odd your behavior has been and wondering what could be causing it.” Satisfied with her report, Harriet leaned back in the chair.
“I thought I’d noticed a few people stop talking as I get closer,” Mac commented. “I wasn’t sure if maybe I was being paranoid. I guess not.”
“It’s probably time to move on to the food changes, and soon have Harm start doting.” Harriet picked up her sandwich to take a bite.
“I hope this doesn’t take too long.” Mac took a sip of her drink, her frustration showing already.
“Look on the bright side, if this were real, you’d have at least eight more months ahead of you,” Harriet giggled merrily.
“Gee, thanks,” Mac snorted. Deep down she couldn’t help being reminded about their deal. As much as she complained, she’d like nothing more than to be expecting a baby with Harm. Absentmindedly, her hand dropped to her stomach. Both she and Harriet were unaware of the prying eyes not far away.
“Have you and the Commander come up with any other ideas to help this along?” Harriet took a bite of her lunch.
“Not really, Harm and I have had dinner together every night except Tuesday at either his place or mine.” Mac paused to roll her eyes. “God, that sounds like such a tired cliché.” She and Harriet giggled quietly.
“We’ve made it a point to leave really late, but who knows if it’ll make any difference yet. We’re pretty much just playing it by ear, depending on how the rumor mill works out. I think your visit with Bobbi will be the next catalyst,” Mac shrugged.
The two women finished their lunch while Harriet entertained Mac with more maternity stories to hopefully help Mac ‘feel’ the part.
Senator Latham’s office
Washington DC
Next day
“Marge, have I gotten that background info yet on the next USO tour?” Bobbi Latham carefully inquired through the intercom.
“Yes, ma’am. A Lt. Harriet Sims is waiting for you now,” Marge replied. She’d wondered for several days how her boss got roped into doing PR for the USO. Whatever the reason, there was bound to be a crusade to be won somewhere.
“Great, send her in.” Bobbi stood at her desk as Harriet closed the door behind her and made herself comfortable in one of the large chairs.
“Do you really think this will work, ma’am?” Harriet shifted in her seat.
“Trust me, Harriet. Marge is the biggest blabbermouth on the hill. If we want scuttlebutt to start churning from both ends of the city, Marge is the one to start it.”
“If you say so.” Harriet wasn’t convinced, but she was willing to try.
“I think five more minutes and we should be ready to start. You know what to do right?” Bobbi kept her eyes on her wristwatch.
“Ready when you are.”
Waiting the suggested five minutes, Bobbi hit the key on her intercom. “Marge, come in here, please.”
Paying careful attention to the office door, Harriet waited until the precise moment she saw the doorknob begin to turn.
“They’ve been so careful all these years. I can’t imagine what this will do to their careers if it’s true.” Harriet tried to look serious.
As Marge made her way to the desk, Bobbie held up her hand to Harriet feigning the need for privacy.
“Marge, I need you to get me everything you can on Commander Harmon Rabb Jr. and Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie. Both official and off the record, and keep this on the QT.” Bobbi knew full well, that last request alone would spark Marge’s curiosity if nothing else had.
“Right away, Senator.” Marge turned quickly, wondering if the scuttlebutt for all these years had finally come to a head.
Once the door was closed. “I think we got her. I’d recognize that stalking cat look from a mile away. She’ll find out what you’re talking about and all of Washington will know within the week,” Bobbi smiled, satisfied with their plan.
“I certainly hope so. The Colonel is already tired of playing pregnant. If she has to wear another one of those suits, none of us may survive this,” Harriet chuckled, only partly teasing.
“YOU hope this is over soon? Not that I don’t want to help, but I have too much on my plate already. If this whole thing isn’t settled quickly, you’re looking at the new Congressional Liaison for the USO,” Bobbi laughed, shaking her head.
Few days later
JAG OPs
Harm was coming out of Mac’s office. He had been looking for her for over 15 minutes when a panicked Petty Officer O’Reilly practically knocked him over rushing to her office.
“Whoa, slow down Petty Officer,” Harm admonished, momentarily forgetting about his search for Mac.
“Sorry, sir. It’s just that Colonel MacKenzie is 10 minutes late for court and Admiral Morris is about to eat everyone alive if we don’t find her, sir.” Standing at attention, the Petty Officer’s eyes darted towards Mac’s office.
“Carry on, Petty Officer,” Harm nodded, fear instantly erupting. Glancing around the bullpen, Harm turned towards the Admiral’s office just as Coates came around the corner.
“Sir, do you know where the Colonel may have gone?” Jen asked, barely slowing down.
“I was just coming to ask you the same thing.” This wasn’t like Mac. She was never late for court, unless…
“Jennifer you check the cafeteria, I’ll check the law library.” Looking over, Harm called across the bullpen to Harriet. “Lt. Sims.”
Harriet recognized the look in Harm’s eyes. Something was wrong. Hurrying to his side, “Yes, sir?”
“Check and see if Mac is in the ladies room. She’s late for court.” Harm didn’t need to say anything else. Harriet knew as well as anyone, Mac was never late for court.
Harriet raced to the ladies room. A wave of dread had spread across the bullpen in minutes. Personnel were scattering around the building checking all the likely, and unlikely, places the Colonel might be.
Shoving the heavy door open, Harriet came to an abrupt stop at the sight before her. ‘Oh, this is too good to be true,’ she thought.
Popping her head out the door, she called down the hall. “I found her, someone get Commander Rabb.”
Normally Harriet would never have sent for Harm just yet but she couldn’t let the opportunity slip by. Turning to her friend, draped across the floor, wearily embracing the commode, Harriet grabbed some paper towels and ran them under the cold water.
Stepping up to the stall Mac was in, “What’s this?”
Before Mac could answer, another bout of nausea struck and she lost what little else was left in her stomach.
Ensign Smith entered the ladies room to tell Harriet that Harm was on his way from the law library just in time to hear the wretched sounds coming from Mac’s stall. Cringing slightly at the sound, “The Commander will be here momentarily, ma’am.”
“Thank you Ensign. Better have someone tell Admiral Morris the Colonel will not be able to make it today,” Harriet ordered, delighted to have a witness to Mac’s miserable condition.
“I know marines are supposed to be gung ho, ma’am. But don’t you think this is carrying an assignment a bit too far?” Harriet grinned.
Chapter 4
“I know marines are supposed to be gung ho, ma’am. But don’t you think this is carrying an assignment a bit too far?” Harriet grinned.
“Harriet, if I didn’t love you so much, I’d deck you for that comment.” Mac let out a deep sigh.
“What’s wrong, Mac?”
“I must have the flu. I was a little tired this morning and didn’t feel like breakfast. I barely made it into the ladies room once my stomach started doing summersaults. Every time I think I can get up and leave, everything comes up again.” Mac had been vomiting off and on for almost an hour, her stomach ached and she was exhausted.
Harm tapped lightly on the door before peering in. “Is the coast clear?”
“Yes, sir. Come on in,” Harriet called. “You’re partner here has impeccable timing. It seems she’s chosen now to catch only the second stomach flu she’s had in nine years at JAG.” Harriet couldn’t resist smiling at how opportune this flu was.
“You look terrible, marine.” Harm couldn’t remember ever seeing Mac such a nice shade of green.
“Sweet talk will get you nowhere.” At least Mac hadn’t totally lost her sense of humor.
“If you can help the Colonel up, I’ll go get a trash can so you can take her home.” Harriet stood up to leave, pausing near the doorway. “This is just too good to be true!” She announced enthusiastically before continuing out the door.
“Does she always have to be so cheerful?” Mac asked, trying to straighten up a little.
Grinning broadly, “Well, that’s our Harriet. Part of being an over achiever. Are you up to the ride home?”
“Probably not, but if I have to develop a relationship with a toilet, I’d rather it were mine,” Mac smiled roughly.
“Understood,” Harm nodded.
Once Harriet had returned with the trashcan, Harm helped Mac off the floor. Carefully wrapping his arm around her waist, Mac leaned against him, hugging the waste can tightly against her.
Coates met them outside the ladies room door. “I have your covers, should I get your briefcases too?”
“Thank you, yes, Jen. I’ll take the covers, you go get the briefcases. I’ll meet you at the car.” Harm reached out with his spare hand to receive the two covers.
Harm and Mac had barely made it down the hall when the bullpen began buzzing. Harriet and Jen winked at each other. They couldn’t have asked for more. Since her visit to Bobbi Latham’s office, the scuttlebutt had already begun to use the ‘P’ word. She was sure after today, their job was done. Now all they needed was for it to get back to the blackmailer.
JAG Parking Lot
Same time.
Patiently he stood on the sidewalk, blending in with the military scenery. His eyes were carefully aware of every movement around him. He’d been through more than a pack of cigarettes waiting for the first sighting of his targets. These military types were such fools. Not a single person had taken notice of his hovering. As long as you look the part, no one gives you a second glance.
Harm never released his hold of Mac as they exited the building. They couldn’t have drawn a larger audience to their departure if they’d published an invitation in the Navy Times. Eyes followed them from doorways, windows, and around corners. Shortening his stride, Harm breathed a sigh of relief when they finally reached his car.
“If you’re not feeling better tomorrow, I’ll arrange for someone to bring your car home.” Slowly, Mac eased into the front seat of his car. Without giving any thought to being in uniform or on military property, Harm leaned over and gently kissed Mac on the forehead. “I’m sorry you feel so awful,” he smiled.
Stepping around to the driver’s side of the vehicle, Harm never noticed the telephoto lens protruding through the shrubs, nor the scrawny little man in fatigues operating it.
Mac’s apartment
Short time later
Harm had led Mac immediately to her bedroom. They had only needed to stop once on the way home from work and Harm was thankful when they finally made it to her room.
“Do you need some help getting out of that uniform or can you handle it on your own?” Harm asked sincerely.
“I’m nauseous Harm, not crippled.” Mac rolled her eyes. “But, you can get me my pajamas from the back of the bathroom door.” She began undoing the buttons on her uniform blouse, she felt too miserable to worry about a sense of modesty.
Harm paused slightly at the sight of Mac’s blouse half unbuttoned when he returned to her bedside. “Here you go. Anything else?” He hoped she said no, he didn’t really want to still be there when the blouse came off. Well, he did but that was better left to another time.
“No thanks,” Mac smiled weakly, watching Harm leave the room. She could have sworn he was almost blushing.
Mac fell asleep almost immediately after crawling into bed. Deciding now was as good a time as any to finally read that book everyone was talking about. Harm picked up Mac’s copy of the DeVinci Code and made himself comfortable on the sofa.
Almost an hour had passed when Harm heard Mac heaving. Having long ago taken off his jacket, he rolled up his sleeves and quickly headed for Mac’s room. Unable to do much else other than watch, Harm stepped into the bathroom in search of a washcloth. When he returned to Mac’s bedside with the moist cloth, Mac had already curled up on her side, her eyelids heavy with sleep.
Gently he caressed her face with the small damp towel, wiping away the sweat and exhaustion until she was sound asleep.
A few hours later Harm heard Mac calling his name. Carrying a tray of toast and ginger ale, he smiled at his marine. Even sick she was still beautiful.
“Whatya got there?” She was still a little groggy.
“My mom says once you haven’t thrown up for at least two hours I can start feeding you dry toast and ginger ale.” He set the tray on the nightstand before sitting next to her.
“You’re mother taught you that?” She was startled at his nursing skills.
“Not really, I called her and asked her what to do.” Harm flashed her a broad smile.
Mac simply rolled her eyes. It was bad enough she felt so awful, she wasn’t thrilled about having it broadcast from coast to coast.
“You’re actually looking much better.” Harm put his hand on her forehead.
“I feel much better.” She was more surprised than Harm at how much better she was after a little sleep. “Maybe this is just one of those twenty four hour bugs.”
“I certainly hope so. It’s no fun watching you be sick.” Harm shook his head slightly.
“It’s no picnic for me either, Flyboy.” Mac couldn’t get angry with him, he’d been so good to her already.
“I don’t like seeing you in discomfort, Mac.” Harm held out a piece of toast. “Mom says you have to eat something. Oh, and that reminds me, Harriet is sending Bud over with some homemade chicken soup.”
Mac let out small chuckle. “The American cure all.”
Chapter 5
Mac’s apartment
Later that evening
Harm was once again comfortably enjoying Mac’s book when Bud arrived with Harriet’s soup.
“How’s she doing, sir?” Bud handed Harm the large Tupperware tub of homemade soup.
“A lot better thanks. She had some toast and ginger ale about three hours ago and it stayed down. She’s been sleeping ever since. We’re thinking it’s just a twenty four hour bug.” Harm signaled for Bud to follow him into the kitchen.
“That’s good. Harriet and I can’t get over the Colonel’s good luck to get sick just when she could use it for an assignment,” Bud grinned happily.
“Don’t say THAT to her.” Harm shook his head, smiling broadly. “I doubt she considers herself lucky.”
“Well, no, sir. What I mean is, if she has to get sick at least there’s some benefit to getting sick NOW,” Bud said in a rush.
“Yeah, still, better not say anything about it to her,” Harm warned, pouring the soup into a pot on the stove.
“I was able to speak with Captain DeNicholo this afternoon.” Bud stepped closer to Harm so he wouldn’t risk waking Mac up.
“It took some doing, but I finally got him to tell me the whole story. At least, I think it’s the whole story. It seems the Captain has been married for about 10 years now. His wife just had their second child last year. Apparently, he was feeling a bit left out of everything and found himself getting closer to his administrative assistant, Petty Officer Margaret Hurley.”
Harm turned from his pot to raise one eyebrow at Bud. “Petty Officer?” Harm sighed.
“Yes, sir. The Captain turned 43 this year, that didn’t help matters.”
“What about the Petty Officer?”
“Twenty-seven years old, she just came out of a very messy divorce.” Bud flipped the page of his pocket notebook. “By the time the two of them came to their senses about what they were risking, the blackmail had already started.”
“How long ago was that?” Harm asked lowering the flame on the soup and waving Bud into the living room.
“About six months ago. It started with them receiving some rather…, intimate photos. I believe the blackmailer enjoys toying with his victims.”
“Why’s that?” Harm had taken a seat in the chair across from Bud.
“Well, sir, after the initial photos, intimidating phone calls started with no request for payment. It’s like he wanted to watch them sweat it out, or squirm if you will, sir.”
Harm nodded his head listening carefully.
“Eventually, a request for $10,000 dollars came with a second batch of photos. He paid that hoping to salvage his marriage and his career. The Petty Officer requested a transfer and they all thought it was behind them, until a new batch of photos appeared again last month. The fee had gone up to $20,000, only this time he was given the option of paying up or resigning. He didn’t have that kind of money, and he didn’t want his wife to find out, so he resigned his commission.”
“The blackmailer gave him the out of resigning his commission?” Harm sat back, the wheels turning in his head.
“Yes, sir. It’s a shame too. Until the incident with the Petty Officer, his record was spotless.”
“It fits the MO we were given, bright and promising careers. Did he save the envelopes, is there anything we can try for a finger print match from? A postal mark? Something?”
“No, sir. He burned all of it as soon as it was received. He considered trying to trace the calls the blackmailer made to the Petty Officer but he never stayed on the line more than 30 seconds.”
“Any luck finding out who some of the other victims are?” Harm had leaned forward again.
“No, sir. He refused to mention anyone by name, but he insisted that national security was not being compromised.”
“As far as he knows. Why would someone want DeNicholo out of the service? What possible benefit could there be?” Harm asked aloud, not really expecting an answer.
“Care to clue me in?” A soft voice carried over from Mac’s doorway.
“MAC, you shouldn’t be out of bed.” Harm jumped up at the sound of her voice.
“I’m much better.” She made her way over to the empty chair. “Give me the abridged version.”
Harm sat back processing what little information Bud had brought, while Mac listened intently to the retelling of events.
“Not much to go on.” Mac glanced at Harm, “but, at least we know what to expect next.”
Harm just looked at her, his brow wrinkled in confusion.
“P-h-o-t-o-g-r-a-p-h-s,” Mac carefully enunciated for Harm.
“Right. Except... where is he going to get ‘intimate’ photos of us?” Harm retorted back.
“Good point.” Mac pressed her lips, twisting her mouth slightly while she thought. “You got any plans tonight, sailor?” smiling at Harm, she winked to Bud who was now turning beet red.
Shifting to look at Bud, “How intimate were the photos?” Harm asked pointedly.
“He didn’t specify, sir.”
“Find out. I want to know if we’re dealing with a Peeping Tom or if we’re talking public indiscretion. Until we find out we’ll have to do what we can to fill both criteria.” Without realizing it, Harm and Mac simultaneously let out a quiet sigh. This is the part they had both silently been afraid of – filling the ‘criteria’.
“Yes, sir.” Looking down at his watch. “I’d better be going. I don’t think Harriet expected me to stay this long as it is,” Bud nodded to his two superior officers before making his way to the door.
“Thanks, Bud. Keep us apprised of anything new.” Harm waited for Bud to make his way down the hall before closing the door.
“What are you thinking?” Mac tilted her head as though it would make reading his mind easier.
“That you should be in bed.” Harm pointed to Mac’s room.
“Seriously, Harm. Got any ideas?” Mac leaned back in the chair.
In three short strides, Harm was at Mac’s side.
“I seriously think you should be in bed, but, there’s something not right here and I can’t quite place my finger on it. Depending on what Bud finds out about the blackmail photos, we might have to rethink our plan of no public displays of affection.”
“And if the photos are more personal than that?” Mac raised an eyebrow.
“Then you’d better start looking for hidden cameras.” Reaching for Mac’s hand. “Come on marine, let’s get you back to bed.”
“You sure know how to sweet talk a girl,” Mac teased in a southern drawl.
Harm tucked Mac into bed, nice and snug before stepping around to the other side of the bed and stripping out of his uniform.
“You’re staying?” Mac tried to stop the corners of her mouth from smiling.
“Well, we might as well do this right. Good night, DEAR.” He leaned across the bed and kissed her gently on the forehead. After all, spending the night would certainly add to the impression of intimacy. Not to mention, he just plain wanted to be with her.
Chuckling to herself, Mac sunk further down under the covers. “Night HONEY.”
Chapter 6
Rock Creek Park
Two days later
“It looks like there isn’t a soul in the building who doesn’t believe we’re pregnant. No matter how many times Harriet and Coates explained it was a twenty four hour flu, no one could be convinced otherwise,” Harm chuckled.
“So Harriet tells me.” Mac didn’t find the situation all that amusing. “You realize when all this is over it’s going to be hell trying to set things right again.”
Mac had indeed begun to feel better by the following day. Since it was Friday, the Admiral suggested she stay home just to make sure she didn’t further contaminate any of the staff. As a reward for the continued progress scuttlebutt was making, Harm and Mac had decided to treat themselves to a Saturday lunch in the park.
“Let’s just take this thing one day a time.” Deep down, this did seem right to him. He knew they were just playing, but the thought of Mac pregnant with his child sent an indescribable thrill up his spine. The thought of actually getting Mac pregnant with his child sent an indescribable thrill a lot of other places too.
“Come here.” Harm tugged at Mac’s hand till she lost her balance. Shifting his position slightly, he encouraged Mac to lay her head in his lap.
“We might as well make this look good in case anyone is watching.” Gently stroking her hair, the initial tenseness at the close encounter gradually fell away until Mac was willingly enjoying his delicate touch.
“This is just what I needed, thank you,” Mac smiled, her eyes closed. “At least now I know why you dragged me to the most secluded corner of this blasted park.” The corners of Mac’s mouth curled up a little further.
“I resent that, I did not drag you,” Harm huffed. “I merely chose an optimal location to enjoy the afternoon and possibly further our case at the same time.”
“I sure wish this thing would hurry up and be over with. If I have to go much longer without coffee at work in the morning I may never recover.” Mac still had her eyes closed.
“Well, maybe we can hurry this guy along.” Almost in slow motion, Harm slid his arm under Mac’s neck and raised her high enough to meet his eager lips.
Delicately savoring her soft lips against his, Harm tried to remind himself, this is just for show don’t get too involved. He might as well have told himself the moon is made of cheese. Her lips were so soft and tender, caressing his with a gentle, teasing pressure, he was instantly lost to the blazing sensations.
Before he knew it, her arms were wrapped around his neck and he had laid her down on the blanket, their lips still locked with magnetic force. Unable to resist the pull any longer, his tongue slid out of it’s cavernous home to graze softly across the seam of her lips, the taste sweeter than honey. He was almost startled when Mac’s lips parted slightly allowing him the exploration he so desperately craved.
This is just an act. You have to maintain some control. Sarah MacKenzie reminded herself. Oh God, this isn’t fair. His tongue sweeping across her lips was too much. She wanted to taste him, all of him. Her tongue darted past his lips, deepening the kiss, magnifying the tingling sensations already flowing through her veins.
Public, you’re in public, Harm reminded himself. His hands desperately wanted to travel along her soft skin, to caress her sensuous curves, to bring her all the pleasure he’d ever dreamed of, but he couldn’t. This isn’t real. When he made love to Sarah MacKenzie she would know it wasn’t an act, wasn't because of an assignment.
Grudgingly, he forced himself to pull back. Placing a gentle, more chaste, kiss on her inviting lips, Harm took a deep breath. “I, uh..”
“I know,” Mac sighed, kissing him sweetly on the cheek. “We’d better get going. I think we made our point.”
Bethesda Naval Hospital
Later that week
0945
“This was an excellent idea Harriet. You’re sure you didn’t do this on purpose?” Mac teased as the two ladies exited the large building.
“Honest Injun, ma’am. This is totally coincidental, and quite frankly, a bit of a surprise for me too.” Harriet rolled her eyes grinning.
“Well, it’s now official I guess. According to Bethesda, I’m pregnant.” Mac shook her head.
“I can’t get over how easy that was. Sending me into the ladies room first to leave a sample with your name on it was brilliant, ma’am.”
“I wouldn’t exactly call that complex military strategy, Harriet.”
“Do you think it will make a difference? I mean...” Harriet looked around to make sure no one was within earshot. “Do you think the blackmailer has enough connections to get a hold of your medical records?”
“Who knows. I don’t think any of us would have gone through the trouble of falsifying records to bolster our position, but as long as you really are pregnant, and this little switch was so easy, it was worth taking advantage of.” Mac clicked her keys, unlocking the car doors.
“It’s been almost three weeks ma’am. If the blackmailer is going to make you and the Commander a target, how much longer do you think it will be before we hear something?” Harriet buckled her seatbelt as Mac pulled out of the parking space.
“Harriet, there’s always a chance the blackmailer will never pick us as a target,” Mac sighed.
“Hmm, I suppose so,” Harriet agreed. If this didn’t help catch the blackmailer, it sure would be an awful lot of trouble, and smearing of their reputations, for naught.
Harm’s office
JAG headquarters
1610
Lost in thought over the quagmire of information on the screen before him, Harm hadn’t heard Bud knock at the door.
“Excuse me, sir,” Bud called, tapping a second time on the doorframe.
“Sorry, Bud. Come on in.” Harm gestured for Bud to take a seat. “Have you got anything new for us?”
“I’m still working on that list of recently retired high ranking officers. I think I may have come across something, but I’d like to check it out some more first.”
“I appreciate your taking the time to help with this. I know your case load is as full as Mac’s and mine.” Harm pushed his seat slightly away from his desk, rubbing his hand across his right temple.
“Is everything alright, sir?” Bud was concerned this case was more stressful for the Commander and Colonel than they were letting on.
Before Harm could respond, Jen was at the door with a large manila envelope in hand.
“Excuse me, sir,” she knocked. “This was left for you at the guard house.”
Stepping into his office, she reached forward and handed the envelope to Harm.
“Thanks, Jen.” He waited a few moments for Jen to leave. Noticing no return address, only his name, he pulled out a handkerchief to carefully hold the envelope in place. Using a letter opener to rip the flap open, Harm scattered the contents on the desk.
Spreading several photos across his desk with the eraser of a pencil, Harm took a deep breath. There was a photo of him and Mac leaving headquarters arm in arm, obviously the day she got ill. Another photo of Harm leaving Mac’s building around sunrise in a somewhat crumpled uniform, also most likely taken the morning after her flu attack. Harm hadn’t brought a sea bag with him so he needed to leave early enough be able to go home and change and still report for duty on time. Most startling though, was a copy of Mac’s positive pregnancy test. How in heaven’s name did they get a hold of that information so quickly?
“Looks like you’ve got someone’s attention, sir,” Bud said, now standing beside Harm, his eyes wide at the photo of Harm and Mac necking in the park.
“Same MO too. No request for pay off.” Ignoring Bud’s dumbfounded expression Harm carefully placed all the items back into the envelope and handed it off to Bud with the handkerchief.
“Have these analyzed for finger prints. Maybe we’ll catch a break and he, or she, will have made a mistake. I’ll let you know which guard accepted the delivery so we can inform the lab to expect to find his fingerprints as well as Jen’s and mine. I’m going to head over to the guard house now and see if he has a description of the person or vehicle that dropped this off while his memory is still fresh.”
Refocused with their individual assignments, the two officers left Harm's office. The games had begun.
Chapter 7
“Alright, agreed. Administrative discharge, loss of pay and no brig time.” Mac walked into her office with Sturgis on her heel.
“Even though my client wanted to stay in, I’m sure he can be convinced it’s the wiser man who accepts no brig time and lives to…” Sturgis stopped mid sentence when he noticed Mac frozen, staring into her desk chair.
“Is something wrong, Mac?” Sturgis inched his way slowly, closer to the desk in an attempt to see over to the chair. For only a moment he wondered if Bud had taken custody of another snake. “What is it?”
“Oh, sorry, Sturgis. I think this is what we’ve been waiting for. Could you get Harm and Bud for me?” Mac’s limbs seemed to weigh a thousand pounds. Forcing herself to squat down, she examined the envelope as carefully as possible without touching it.
“I see you got one too,” Bud sighed from the doorway, Harm stepping around him.
“You got one too?” Mac backed away allowing Harm better access to her chair and its contents.
“Yeah a couple of hours ago. How long have you been in court?”
“One hour and forty seven minutes. Give or take a few seconds,” she smiled up at Sturgis who was shaking his head.
Carefully lifting the envelope with a pair of first aid tweezers, Harm leaned over and slit the envelope open, much as he had his own earlier that afternoon. Spilling the contents onto Mac’s desk, everyone’s eyes grew round as saucers at the sight of the first photo on the stack: Harm standing slightly to one side as Mac sat on her bed undoing the buttons to her uniform blouse.
Mac’s hand slowly found its way to Harm’s shoulder where she proceeded to squeeze it tightly. Visions of another time, ‘even God forgives,’ flashing through her mind like a neon sign.
Instantly Harm knew what Mac must have been thinking. Once again her privacy had been invaded as Coster had done so many years ago.
“You okay?” Harm reached around placing a hand on the small of her back.
“Yeah, just let me sit down a minute,” Mac responded, dropping heavily in the chair.
“I’ll arrange to have the Colonel’s apartment scanned for all surveillance equipment, sir,” Bud volunteered immediately. Neither him nor Sturgis dared ask the circumstance of the photo.
“This could have been taken from somewhere outside Mac’s apartment as well. See if you can narrow down an angle of vision and check out whoever or whatever is renting the spaces from where these photos could have been taken.” Harm stared at the stack of photos. Except for the one of Mac undressing the night she took ill, the rest of the contents were the same as Harm had received.
Mac had been staring vacantly at the men in the room as they discussed how to proceed. Catching sight of the flashing email icon out of the corner of her eye, without thinking Mac turned to access her computer and email.
A few minutes later Harm, Sturgis and Bud turned to Mac in silence at her loud gasp.
“What now?” Harm asked softly.
“You guys better take a look at this,” Mac sighed, the numbness beginning to take a back seat to her marine fury.
‘My Dear Friends,
I do so hope you've enjoyed these souvenirs of your tender times together.
Do be a little more careful in public. You never know who might be watching.
We wouldn’t want the Admiral to find out, would we? No telling what would happen then.
We'll be in touch again later.
PS. Perhaps I can be the first to offer my congratulations on the bastard Rabb child.’
“Does the Admiral know about any of this?” Sturgis asked, a little overwhelmed by the quick turn of events.
“Not yet, but I think under the circumstances, sooner might be better than later.” Hitting print, Harm watched the printer spit out the foul communication.
“Well, I think it’s obvious you three don’t need a cheering section. Let me know if you need me to do anything,” Sturgis offered, retreating quietly to his own office.
Within minutes, the three officers were standing at attention in front of Admiral Chegwidden’s desk.
“At ease. What have you people got for me?” Chegwidden barked, barely looking up at them. He’d been swamped all day with some inane report the Sec Nav insisted he wanted on his desk by tomorrow morning.
“We’ve been contacted, sir,” Mac spoke up.
Raising his head, his eyebrows stretching to the ceiling, “When?” AJ’s voice came out more softly.
“I received an envelope several hours ago, then the Colonel received a similar envelope shortly after mine. Just now when we were inspecting the contents of her package, this email arrived.” Harm pointed his nose at the paper Mac was waving in front of the Admiral.
Reading it over, “Let’s trace this and see where it leads us. I don’t suppose it would be asking too much for it to be from the same email address as the notes to Captain DeNicholo?” AJ looked directly at Bud.
“No, sir. It isn’t. I didn’t really think it would be. This was sent from a web based free internet provider out of Germany.”
Three heads turned simultaneously to gawk at Bud in surprise.
Understanding the root of their confusion. “The email address is yourfriend@freenet.de, the de domain name stands for Deutchland, German for Germany. It doesn’t take a computer geek to know freenet probably means just that, free internet,” Bud shrugged one shoulder at his fellow officers.
“You might remember from the fiasco a few years ago over Commander Rabb, and a certain letter to the editor, that any good hacker can easily manipulate the system. We’d probably just be chasing our tails trying to follow the email trail.” Age had mellowed the once eager young Lieutenant.
“Do we have anything on the envelopes?” AJ directed his question to Rabb.
“Mine has already been sent to the lab for analysis. I spoke with the guard on duty who received it. He said a young boy walked up and handed it to him and then just disappeared. We haven’t had time yet to determine how the Colonel’s envelope made it to her office.
“What about DeNicholo and the other victims? Any progress on that front?” AJ sat back in his chair. This whole thing made the hairs on the back of his neck bristle. He didn’t like his people involved in this sort of thing, and yet, he knew they were the best people for it.
“Nothing else from DeNicholo, sir, but I have been cross checking the list of recent retirees for any connection and eliminating the officers with legitimate cause.
“Very well, Lt,” AJ sighed again. “Keep me posted on anything, dismissed.”
When he was once again in an empty office, AJ ran his fingers across his scalp. He wished he could shake the feeling that something about this whole mess just didn’t feel right. His instincts were hardly ever wrong, he prayed this would be one time they were.
Chapter 8
Harm followed Mac back to her office.
“Are you going to be all right?” Harm crossed his arms and leaned against the doorframe.
“Harm, I’m a marine. Of course I’m going to be all right,” she huffed.
“Well, all the same, what do you say to going out tonight and doing something fun?” Harm wasn’t convinced she was okay.
“It’s a school night, dear.” Mac shot him a sarcastic glare.
“I know, but we deserve it. Nothing too fancy.”
“I’d really rather just stay in and unwind. How about a rain check and we can unwind on Saturday. It’s been a long time since I’ve taken out my bicycle, we could spend the day on the trails that start at Rock Creek.” The tension in Mac’s shoulders was slowly fading.
“I don’t think that would be considered appropriate behavior for someone in your condition,” Harm suggested very carefully.
“Ugggh, all right.” Mac rolled her eyes, raising her hand to rub away the frustration.
“Dinner at my place tonight and we’ll work on plans for Saturday,” Harm smiled brightly, gave Mac a reassuring nod, and backed out of her office before she could refuse.
Mac forced a smile for Harm’s sake. When he was out of sight, she looked over at her computer screen. What had they gotten themselves into?
Saturday afternoon
George Washington’s house
Mount Vernon, VA.
“This was most definitely a unique idea,” Mac smiled, following Harm up to the main gate ticket window at the edge of the large parking lot.
“Most people never find time to do the tourist things in their home town. I’ve always meant to come here but never have made the time for it.” Placing his wallet in his pocket, “Come on, it’s a bit of a hike to the house.” Harm flashed Mac an honest grin and stretched his hand out beside him for her to take hold of.
Warmed from head to toe by the simple gesture, Mac eagerly accepted the proffered hand and began their stroll up the hill to the main house. The only saving grace to this ludicrous scheme of theirs was the amount of time they were spending together off duty. The rhythm of old had returned. They were once again functioning like a fine tuned musical instrument, even finishing, or starting, depending on how you looked at it, each other’s sentences.
Other than the short make out session in the park, this was the first overt gesture of closeness in public they’d shared. Each of them felt the pressure of the assignment fade away as they drew on the strength the other’s hand offered. There was no pretense in the closeness displayed. The best friends were back in full force, maybe stronger. Mac enjoyed the moment for all it was worth.
“Maybe, you should rest a minute,” Harm suggested, exiting the large white house, they stood on the back porch looking out over the Potomac.
“Harm, we’re not at work, you don’t have to pretend now,” Mac almost whined.
“I know, I’d like to think no one’s watching us, but none the less, it wouldn’t hurt to rest here a minute and just admire the view.” Harm hoped he hadn’t ruined the day by bringing up the idea of being watched.
“It is breathtaking isn’t it,” Mac sighed, ignoring the thought of someone watching them, she stared out where Harm was focused.
“It certainly makes you understand why this was George’s favorite place on earth.”
“Everything else seems so far away, so unimportant from here, doesn’t it?” Mac was still staring at the flowing river across from them. “It’s nice that they don’t allow development on the other side of the shore. It wouldn’t be the same to look out and be staring at a condominium complex or shopping mall.”
Harm let out a short chuckle. “No, that would definitely change the impact.”
A few minutes later, he turned to Mac. “Are you ready to head down to the cemetery?”
“Sounds, good. I’ve had enough resting.” Mac shook her head and reached for Harm’s hand. She didn’t notice the small smile that tugged at the edges of his mouth. He had hoped she didn’t mind his holding her hand earlier, now, he felt a thrill rush from his belly when she extended her hand to him. It amazed him how many women he’d known through the years, some more than others, and yet all Mac had to do to start butterflies swooping in his stomach was offer to hold his hand.
After spending a few hours wandering around the expansive grounds and taking in all the different relics of the nation’s history, Mac happily collapsed in the front seat of the SUV.
“I’m sure glad Bud and Harriet invited us over for a barbecue, I don’t think I could find the energy to cook tonight,” Mac smirked.
“What, as if you ever cook,” Harm laughed.
“Watch it, sailor. I still pack a mean left hook.” Mac tried to look seriously offended, truth was she rarely cooked and if the Roberts hadn’t invited them they’d most likely be doing take out.
Roberts Residence
1545 hours
“Mom, mom! They’re here!” AJ hollered through the house. He’d been anxiously waiting for Uncle Harm and Aunt Mac by the living room window off and on for the better part of the afternoon. Finding his mom in the kitchen, he grabbed her by the hand and dragged her to the front door.
Laughing to herself at her son’s enthusiasm, Harriet stood at the front door waiting for her friends to make their way up the front path. As they reached the front steps, Harriet noticed Harm’s hand had snaked its way from the small of Mac’s back to around her waist.
“Glad you guys made it,” Harriet smiled, stepping aside so AJ could give them a proper welcome. Harm didn’t move his hand until Mac bent over to hug AJ. Tilting her head slightly in thought, Harriet only wasted a minute contemplating the scene before her, something told her this wasn’t acting. Hearing the calls of a fussy toddler, Harriet forced her curiosity to the back of her mind somewhere, hoping what ever was going on, it was something good.
Not too much later, Harm found himself alone outside with Bud.
“I’ve been wanting to ask you, have you gotten any word on the photos?”
Looking around to make sure the women were still busy elsewhere, Bud proceeded to update his friend.
“Not much. As you suspected, there were no fingerprints of any kind on the envelopes or photos, other than those of us at JAG. The scan of the Colonel’s apartment showed no signs of any surveillance equipment either. I was able to get a hold of the building owner across the street late Friday afternoon. There’s only one building who’s positioning fits the line of sight for the photos. They had to have been taken from either the second or third floor.”
“Could he help us?” Harm asked, keeping his eye on the backdoor in case Harriet or Mac came out.
“Well, they’ve gotten three new tenants in the last year, but only one rented an apartment that could have taken those photos. His name is Robert Hatcher. He appears to be an ordinary 32 year old, white male with no criminal record, not even parking tickets.” Flipping the burgers, bud paused to put cheese on the them. “Want some cheese on your veggie burger, sir?”
“Yeah, thanks,” Harm nodded.
“I’ve gone ahead and sent his name through NCIS to see if they have anything. If you think it’s warranted, I could run this past Agent Novak.” Bud raised a doubtful eyebrow, he knew Harm only turned to the FBI as a last resort.
“No, let’s wait and see what else turns up on this guy first,” Harm sighed, as much as he was enjoying the opportunity to be close to Mac again, something about all this just wasn’t sitting right. Staring blankly at the back door Harm was brought back to the present by the sound of Bud’s voice.
“Foods up! Come and get it!”
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