Impropriety3



	Chapters 1-8 Chapters 9-16 Chapters 17-22 Chapters 23-26 Title: Impropriety Chapter 17 JAG Headquarters One week later 0955 hours Bud’s office Waiting patiently at his desk, Bud tried to make small talk with his two guests. “I appreciate your coming down here and doing this. I’m sure they’ll be here any minute. The Colonel is never late for anything and I told her 1000,” Bud smiled No sooner had the words come out of Bud’s mouth than, as if on cue, Mac appeared in his doorway. “Commander Rabb will be here any minute, Lt. Sims needed him a moment to sign some reports.” Mac turned to extend her hand to the woman seated by the desk, and then the man standing beside her. “Please, sit down,” Mac directed. “This is Retired Colonel Thomas Jefferson Edelhaus and his wife Elizabeth,” Bud nodded. “It’s a pleasure,” Mac said, at the same time the two people offered similar salutations. “Sorry, I’m late,” Harm announced, walking into the office and closing the door behind him. Once introductions were made again, Bud began. “Colonel, why don’t you tell Colonel MacKenzie and the Commander exactly what you explained to me.” “Well,” he paused for a deep breath, his wife reaching over and taking hold of his hand. “Deploying this last time was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. Leaving your family behind is always tough, but Liz had made it clear if I didn’t resign my commission, she wouldn’t be home waiting for me. I love her with everything I am, but I couldn’t just abandon my country either.” He looked up at Harm and Mac, searching for some understanding. “War is never pretty, I know that. This time was different. I saw too many good young men going down to ambushes. Ambushes I had no power to foresee or prevent. Schools with children and hospitals filled with the ill and dying were used as bunkers. Children were used everywhere as human shields. This is nothing like the war ten years ago.” His wife squeezed his hand encouraging him to continue. “No matter how much of a soldier you are, these things have to do something to a man inside, especially a good man,” Liz Edelhaus interjected, looking supportively up at her husband. “We all come back changed,” Mac agreed. “This time was different. Their disdain for the American government was like rubbing salt in an open wound. We’ve all given up a lot to be over there, to try and do good. The enemy and culture slowly merged into one. You try to help a young woman struggling with an infant only to have her turn on you and shoot down half of your men in cold blood. It turns out a farmer with a broken down truck doesn’t really need three of you to help him out of the mud, the truck is booby trapped with dynamite to blow up everyone around it. I found myself slowly learning to hate these people.” “Go on,” Bud encouraged when the Colonel seemed to pause too long. “Just before my six months were I up, we took some heavy fire in the outskirts of Tikrit. By the time I was patched up, they decided it was best to just rotate me home. I couldn’t stand watching the news. I had never noticed how many middle eastern people there are in my neighborhood. It made me sick thinking of how they could walk the streets freely here and our boys are being butchered over there.” He paused again to read his audience. If they were revolted, they didn’t show it. If they understood, he couldn’t tell. “One day I got an email from America’s New Horizon. I don’t usually pay attention to my spam mail, but the pro American marketing caught my eye. This wasn’t your typical militia website. Whoever put it together knows how to manipulate the constitution and the human mind. Before I knew it I was sucked in and actually attended a few meetings.” “I feel this is all my fault. If I hadn’t made him choose between me and his country he would never have even noticed those emails,” his wife defended. “You can’t take the blame for this, Liz. I walked in with my eyes wide open.” He squeezed her hand more tightly. “A few more meetings, a few nights chatting over beers, and the next thing I know, I’m driving out to some camp watching these country yahoos marching around, explaining to Paul where he’s made all his training mistakes.” The Colonel shook his head, obviously upset with his own actions. “I was sick with myself. I couldn’t sleep for days. I was torn between the love for my country and my growing hatred of anyone foreign on our soil. I know that’s ridiculous and against everything our country stands for but I just couldn’t help it.” Harm and Mac looked at each other. This man was obviously dealing alone with at least some degree of post traumatic stress. “I offered some advice once in a while, but then one day he brought me out there again and showed me all around the entire facility. He kept going on and on about what a great country we had, and how our founding fathers had fought valiantly to make it so, and how each and every American needed to fight to keep it as our fore fathers intended. He went on about how our current government and military were undermining that intention. Then it came, the bombshell. He wanted me to take charge of the entire operation. Something inside me snapped. That was too much, too far. I couldn’t do it. I told him I’d think about it, and never called back. He called me a couple of times and I made some excuse. Eventually, I thought he got the message because he stopped calling.” “When did the blackmailing start?” Bud asked, already knowing the answer. “About a month or so after I didn’t respond to Paul’s request. It started with a single envelope under my door. The note simply said: Article 92 of the UCMJ, with a single photograph of Paul Healy and me standing over his troops.” The hair on the back of Harm and Mac’s necks bristled high. Paul Healy. America’s New Horizon and New Horizons were one and the same. This man was obviously funding his militia group with extortion money. “I didn’t hear from them for a while so I thought maybe the whole thing would blow over now that I wasn’t associating with them anymore. Then it came, an email quoting article 92 about not participating in organizations that support supremacist causes. I’m sure I don’t need to quote it in its entirety to you, although I could. It has been running constantly in my nightmares for months.” Taking another deep breath, “that, and a request for ten thousand dollars.” “TOM! You didn’t tell me that part.” Liz looked truly shocked. “Where’d you get the money?” “I borrowed it from mom and dad. I didn’t want you any more upset than you are. I’m sorry.” His eyes pleaded with his wife to understand his not telling her this one last thing before he turned back to face the officers patiently waiting. “The next time the request came they wanted another ten thousand. When I told them I didn’t have any more money, they gave me the option of resigning. My career would have been over anyway if anyone found out, so, I resigned my commission and went to ground with my tail between my legs. It was after Lt. Roberts spoke to my wife that she came looking for me. I told her the whole story, well, most of it, and here we are.” Bud wasn’t exactly smiling, but he had a definite air of satisfaction. He knew Harm and Mac would start to put things together. Maybe now they could finally get somewhere. Chapter 18 Buds office 1150 hours Closing the door behind Colonel Edelhaus and his wife, Harm turned to Bud and Mac. “Okay, lets lay out what we’ve got here,” Harm started. “I think it’s pretty obvious that New Horizons and America’s New Horizon are probably one and the same. The reason it was so hard to find out what New Horizons was doing is because it’s funding a national militia. I need to change my search criteria,” Bud supplied. “We need to connect Paul Healy and the two organizations.” “Let’s say this Paul Healy is our blackmailer. Why extortion? He’s on the who’s who list of dot com money makers,” Mac proposed. “Maybe there’s not as much money there as we think. Maybe he’s funding the operation with dirty money. Bud, see what you can find out about Healy’s financial status. We’ll have to check with Novak and see what the FBI has on his little group. We might as well check with Homeland Security as well.” Harm’s mind was working a mile a minute putting all the pieces together. He still had a nagging feeling there was more to this. How did forcing early retirement fit into this blasted puzzle? “Even if he is using the blackmail money to front the operation, why would he let them have an out by offering to let them resign. What’s he going to gain from that?” Mac asked, her palms turned up, reinforcing the question and Harm’s doubts. “Ma’am this may just be a coincidence, but both our victims were on the list for Military Liaison for Homeland Security,” Bud volunteered. Harm’s eyes flew wide. “That’s it. Be right back.” Harm was out the door in a flash. Within minutes he’d returned holding the file Webb had given him. “I knew something was right in front of my face and I was missing it.” Harm handed Mac a piece of paper from the file. After looking at it a moment, she looked up at Harm while handing the paper to Bud. “It was rumored that Kensington had the appointment for Military Liaison sewed up. How much do you want to bet they were eliminating the rest of the list in an attempt to get the one man they knew they had in their pocket for that position.” Harm didn’t really expect an answer. “I’ll go over the list of recent retirees again, see who was on that list, or even rumored to be on that list.” Bud reached for a file that was buried on his desk, his eyes showing the thrill of the hunt. “Do you suppose Kensington killed himself rather than be under these people’s thumb?” Mac suggested. “I wouldn’t be surprised. When push came to shove, Edelhaus wanted no part of the group. I don’t know what they had on Kensington, but it had to go against every honorable bone in his body to be in cahoots with a lot like that.” Harm was overcome by a wave of sympathy. “Let’s say I buy this thing about eliminating the others on the list. Why come after us? We’re no one important. Neither one of us is up for any major posting. Why blackmail us?” Mac was frowning, trying to pull the loose ends together. “I don’t know yet, but at least we know where to start looking.” Harm shook his head. Turning to Bud, “has Hatcher left his apartment at all since Novak’s had him tailed?” “Only to go to the grocery store. He hasn’t followed you or the Colonel anywhere,” Bud replied. “If Healy really is behind this. He must have people all over the place. This could be a lot more far reaching than we had thought,” Mac sighed. “At least everything points to the only thing they’re after is money. We haven’t come across anything to indicate the selling of secrets.” Harm flipped open Kensington’s file again. “I don’t know about you two, but I have a headache the size of New England. I’m taking some aspirin and going to go lose myself in something more lighthearted, like the Miller court martial.” Mac rubbed the back of her neck and turned to leave. She only managed to make it about two feet before Harm stood up next to her and dropped his hands on her shoulders. “Why don’t you take two aspirins and then we’ll go somewhere relaxing for lunch?” Harm suggested, his hands lightly massaging her tired shoulders. It wasn’t really appropriate in uniform, but with the door and blinds still closed, no one would see. “If you promise to keep that up, I’ll follow you anywhere, sailor.” She had forgotten Bud was still in the room with them. The blush quickly rose to the tip of Bud’s ears. Clearing his throat quietly as a subtle reminder of his presence, he pretended to be studiously engrossed in his list of retirees. Smiling to themselves, Harm and Mac separated. “Then we’re on for lunch?” Harm repeated. “Yeah, meet you in your office in 20,” Mac smiled, making her way out the door. Enchilada’s Restaurant Falls Church Virginia Harm and Mac had been chatting amicably over lunch waiting for the restaurant to empty out a bit. Having opted to sit in the last booth in the corner, once the booth in front of them was empty they began going over the new information they had. “What we have is a lot of conjecture and hearsay, we can’t even put together a decent circumstantial case,” Mac sighed before taking another bite of her fajitas. “If we want a judge to issue warrants, we’re going to have to get something more solid connecting Healy and /or his militia to this blackmailing ring,” Harm agreed, contemplating the best way to tell Mac what he was thinking. “Bud said he thought this guy liked toying with his victims. We’re going to have to draw him out, give him something to make him anxious to contact us again. We need to catch someone red handed to get physical evidence.” Harm hoped Mac understood what he was implying without getting too technical. “So, what you’re saying is we need to turn up the heat in this scam?” Mac looked over at Harm, her fork dangling in mid air. “Pretty much, yeah.” The mind picture of turning up the heat between them scared the hell out of Harm. “So far none of the photos have come from anything going on at ops, only the parking lot and we can’t do anything in uniform,” Mac offered. “One of us is obviously being followed because they got that picture of us at the hospital,” Harm added. “Well, it’s not likely it’s you or they would have known you were going to walk in on them at your apartment. Since the majority of the photos seem to have come from in, or near my apartment, my vote goes for they’re watching me,” Mac sighed. “You’re probably right,” Harm nodded. “Your apartment then?” “Yeah, you got any plans for tonight?” “I was thinking about unwinding with DeVinci, but I could probably put that off to make love to a beautiful marine.” Harm froze when he saw Mac’s eyes fly open. He hadn’t really meant to say all that out loud. “Pretend to make love, pretend,” Harm quickly clarified. Somehow, that didn’t make Mac feel any easier. They were going to have to put on a show for this creep. They hadn’t gotten much past a few hot kisses in a stolen corner and now they would have to perform for a photo bug. Chapter 19 Mac’s apartment 1810 Harm pulled up to Mac’s apartment a few seconds after she did. Following her upstairs, they paused momentarily outside her apartment door. “Are you going to be okay?” Harm asked. Mac looked as nervous as a cat, and to be honest, he was a little disconcerted himself. “Yeah. It’s just knowing I’m going in there to an audience that just has my stomach revolting.” “Well, take a deep breath and we’ll just follow the plan. We’ve worked it out, it will be okay,” Harm smiled, raising his hand to gently caress Mac’s cheek. “You can do it, marine.” Now the question was, could he? Nodding her head. “On with the show.” Mac turned away to unlock her door. Stepping inside, Mac proceeded immediately to the window and closed the living room curtains, as had been her routine every day since the first photos appeared on her desk. Once the curtains were drawn, the two officers took off their jackets and headed for the kitchen. Coming up behind Mac and putting his arms around her waist, Harm whispered in her ear. “Let’s try to enjoy dinner and forget this guy is out there.” It wasn’t long before dinner was finished, the dishes were cleared and Harm and Mac were sitting comfortably on the sofa listening to music. “This has to be more awkward than a first date,” Mac sighed. Although they’d indulged in playful necking more often over the last week, they had been very careful not to go too far too soon. They still needed time for this relationship to unfold naturally without the constraints of this blasted case. “I wonder if this is what actors go through having to do love scenes in front of a camera?” Harm grinned. “Wouldn’t surprise me,” Mac smiled back. “Well, we might as well get this over with,” Harm announced. “Oh, gee, thanks. That really makes me feel better, Harm.” Mac rolled her eyes. “Maaac. Come on, you know what I meant.” Grinning widely to assure him he was off the hook, “ I know, chalk it up to nervous energy.” “Maybe this will help.” Carefully, Harm pulled Mac closer to him and sweetly placed a gentle kiss on her lips. Within moments Harm felt Mac relax in his arms. “That was just because I wanted to,” he smiled before gently pushing her back to lie against the sofa and kissing her again. Knowing due to the closed curtains the voyeur was most likely watching them with special equipment, Harm and Mac followed a carefully orchestrated plan. After a short few moments of kissing, his fingers began undoing the buttons on her shirt. “I’m sorry, Mac,” Harm whispered to her. He felt like he was violating a sacred trust, forcing himself on her, even if this was part of the plan. Reaching up to undo the buttons on his shirt and the buckle on his belt, “ I know, me too.” Mac blinked back the moisture building in her eyes. This wasn’t exactly the way she had pictured the first time she and Harm would undress for each other. They truly did feel like actors on a movie set. Every move choreographed to give the illusion of a couple undressing in the throes of passion before making their way to the bedroom and carelessly leaving the curtains open just enough to allow for a blackmailers folly. Separated only by their undergarments, Harm was relieved to find the tension of the circumstances was greatly aiding in controlling his physical responses to being pressed up against Mac. Despite the awkwardness of the intimate situation, if Harm wanted to maintain his control he needed to move the plan along and get it over with. Unlike an actor, he was in love with his leading lady and wasn’t sure how long he could hold back. “Let’s assume this guy doesn’t believe in foreplay,” Harm mumbled, “and move this show to the other room.” Getting up from the sofa, Harm held his hand out to Mac. Taking hold of her hand, he couldn’t help but hesitate at how beautiful she looked. He’d always known under that uniform was a gorgeous woman, but it was still a shock to his system to see her that way in the flesh, so to speak. Standing to follow Harm, Mac’s breath caught at the sight of his bare chest. She hadn’t forgotten how he looked that night so long ago when they had thought Webb had died. The years had been good to him, he looked more handsome than ever. “Here goes, marine. You with me?” Harm asked pulling her into his arms. “I’m all yours.” They may have been going through the motions for the assignment, but she meant what she said, and Harm knew it. Leaning down to capture her lips in what was to appear as a more passionate embrace, Harm began backing into Mac’s bedroom with Mac still strongly entrenched in his arms. Together they made their way to the window, never breaking the hold or the kiss. Harm reached out to pull on the drapery drawstring. Pulling very slowly on the string, he watched from the corner of his eye until the curtains were mostly closed, only remaining open about a foot and a half before he dropped the cord and wrapped the arm that had been pulling the cord tightly around Mac. Scooping her up, he carried her the short distance to the bed, and set her down beside it. Their lips were still sealed in the same kiss that had been growing in intensity, pulling them further and further into the charade. Unsure of just how clearly the bed could be seen from the window, they were fairly sure the photographer had already had plenty of time to take compromising photos of them in a half naked clench by the window before they had finished adjusting the curtains. Needing to follow through with the scene, Mac pulled away long enough to catch her breath and pull back the bed covers. Slowly crawling in, Harm followed, thankful for the chance to cool off. Up on his knees, straddling Mac, Harm made sure there was some space between them and that they were completely covered by the sheet so the photographer could only ‘guess’ what they were doing underneath. Mac stretched out her left arm, tightly grabbing a large chunk of the corner of the sheet. It was her assignment to ensure the sheet never moved. Taking another deep breath, Harm bit his lower lip and leaned down to kiss Mac’s neck. This whole thing was already getting to be too much for him, and if the quiet wince that escaped Mac’s throat was any sign, she was having a hard time of it too. “Mac, I don’t think I can do this. Maybe we can assume from where he is, he can’t tell if we’re moving under here.” The thought of grinding up against Mac with only a few sheer layers of fabric between them was more than he could take without becoming very embarrassed, and he knew it. Already breathing more heavily than she wanted to be, Mac took a deep breath in an attempt to calm her breathing and her body. “We’ve made it this far. We can do this really fast.” Mac hoped she knew what she was talking about because right now, she wasn’t very sure about very much, including if she’d be able to stop herself from stripping what few barriers were still between them and taking on Harmon Rabb, whoever was watching be damned. Feeling Mac’s legs swing up around his back and pull him down against her, Harm couldn’t stop himself from releasing a low groan. The feel of so much of her soft skin against his bare body was definitely more than he could take. He could feel his body betraying him. Harm immediately scooted down on the bed so his hips were resting firmly on the mattress just barely below Mac. With a few short thrusting motions and a little squirming added for good measure. Harm collapsed truly exhausted on Mac. The mental pressure of this entire little episode was probably more exhausting than any real sexual encounter he’d ever had. Now all he needed was a very cold shower. Sliding out from under him, Mac shifted to one side, patting gently at the bed next to her. “You’re getting heavy squid.” Mac tried to lighten up the tension in the room. “I resemble that remark.” Harm smiled into the mattress not sure he wanted to move. Scooting up even with Mac, he remained on his stomach hiding any signs of the affect this entire ordeal still had on him, and casually laid an arm across her. “Harm,” “Mnn.” “Do you think this will make a difference?” “I certainly hope so. The next time I have you in my arms half naked I want it to be for the right reasons and it’s going to take a lot longer than fifteen minutes.” “Twelve minutes and thirty seconds,” Mac smiled. Chapter 20 Mac’s apartment Next morning, Saturday 0815 Having slept more peacefully than he expected after the previous evening’s events. Harm woke up to the smell of fresh coffee saturating the air. “Morning sleepy head,” Mac grinned from her seat at the table. “Did you sleep well, DEAR?” Harm asked, pouring himself a cup of coffee. “Yeah, I slept really well.” A broad smile spread across Mac’s face. “Are you up to plan B?” “Oh, yeah. Compared to last night, this will be a piece of cake.” Mac took a sip of her coffee. “What do you say to stopping at IHOP for breakfast? I feel like blueberry pancakes this morning.” “Cravings?” Harm raised an eyebrow at her. “Just hungry,” Mac blushed. “I’ll hop in the shower, while you read the paper and finish your coffee.” “Sounds like a plan, I’ll join you when I’m done.” Harm tried really hard to keep a straight face. “In your dreams, Flyboy,” Mac shot back, delighted the stress from the previous day didn’t appear to have left any negative affect on their budding relationship. Georgetown Park Mall 1045 hours “Blueberry pancakes with a side of cole slaw.” Harm shook his head. “Are you sure you’re not hiding something from us?” he teased. Mac had always had a healthy appetite but never so weird. “They say mind over matter. Just be thankful I’m not sending you out for sushi at three o’clock in the morning.” Even she had to admit that was the strangest food combination she had ever ordered. They’d wandered in and out of a few stores. Harm perused Sharper Image while Mac made her way through Victoria’s Secret, purchasing a few appealing items. From there, they made their way over to Talbot’s where Mac bought a couple more things before she and Harm casually slipped into Talbot’s Kids and purchased a few infant items. “Have you noticed anything?” Mac asked. “No, how about you.” “Nothing,” she sighed. “If anyone IS tailing us, they’re damn good at what they do. I’ve already spotted Novak’s man twice.” “It doesn’t hurt that you know what he looks like. I’ve noticed that lady with the floral stroller a few times but somehow I doubt seriously that Healy’s hiring stay at home moms to photograph extortion victims,” Mac sneered. “At least we’re finding some nice things for Harriet and the new baby,” Harm smiled, then pointed towards Benetton Kids. “This should cinch it if they are watching.” Oohing and Aahing their way through the store, Harm and Mac gleefully spent the Sec Nav’s money on Harriet’s new baby. By two o’clock, Mac’s stomach was beginning to growl. “Where do you want to eat, Georgetown Deli or Fresh Choice?” Harm asked. “I think Fresh Choice sounds good. You deserve a reward for being such a good sport about all this shopping.” Mac grabbed his hand and pulled him close for a quick kiss. Sitting side by side at a table near the back corner of the restaurant, something they’d become accustomed to doing over the last couple of months, they were almost finished eating when Harm shifted his chair slightly and stretched his left hand across to rest on Mac’s stomach. Looking down at his large hand on her tummy, Mac turned her head in Harm’s direction. “What are you doing?” “I was just thinking. More like wondering, what it would be like if you were really pregnant.” Harm’s smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. A touch of sadness was hiding there. He didn’t tell Mac he was wondering if they would get the chance to fulfill their deal, or worried if she even wanted to. Placing her hand on his, holding it firmly against her. “Me too.” Unable to find the right words, Harm met Mac half way, their lips pressed delicately together as if silently sealing a deal that had been made so long ago. Short while later At the spur of the moment Harm took an unexpected turn instead of heading straight for his place. Mac couldn’t help but chuckle when he pulled into the Babies ‘R Us parking lot. “Don’t you think this might be considered over kill?” Mac shook her head in amusement. “If you were expecting my child I would have probably bought out half of DC by now.” Harm’s face grew suddenly serious. Noticing Mac’s loss for words, “Come on. Let’s have some fun with this.” Giving her a quick peck on the cheek, Harm hopped out of the car and made his way around to Mac’s door. “Ready, mom?” he grinned again playfully. “Ready, pop.” Taking Harm’s proffered arm, she smiled broadly at Harm’s pained grimace at her use of the name Pop. They laughed and teased their way all around the store and all the way home. By the time they made it up to Harm’s apartment their sides were literally sore from so much laughing. They had already decided after last night that Mac would spend the night at Harm’s. Since none of the photographs had ever been taken at Harm’s, they felt it offered them a temporary haven. Mac’s not going home would still add to the pretense. Compared to the previous night, the evening had been very uneventful, but pleasantly relaxing. The fun day and quiet evening was exactly the break they needed. Waking up the next morning snuggled near each other, they decided to delay breakfast and opted for an early morning run, something they hadn’t done together in a very long time. “You’re sure it would be okay to go running if you were pregnant?” Harm asked for the umpteenth time as they walked back into his building. “As long as I already had a regular exercise routine that included running, a short, slow run like we did this morning would have been perfectly okay.” Mac insisted almost falling over Harm when he stopped short in the open doorway. “What?” she questioned. Mac watched intently as Harm went over to his closet and pulled on a pair of lightweight driving gloves. Making his way back to Mac, he leaned down and carefully picked up the plain manila envelope. “Peeping Paul strikes again,” Mac sighed, closing the front door. Securing the latch, she turned and followed Harm to the island counter. Her eyes carefully following Harm’s every move as he reached for a kitchen knife and slit the envelope open with almost surgical precision. Spilling the contents onto the countertop as he had done with the previous envelope in his office, Harm carefully spread the photos out for viewing before glancing up to catch Mac’s reaction. Noticing all the color drain from her face, Harm sprang up pulling her shaking body into a tight embrace. “It’s okay, babe. It’s okay. This is what we wanted.” Taking a few deep breaths before pulling away from the security of his arms, Mac straightened her shoulders and stepped back. “I know, I just hadn’t realized how much more violated I would feel seeing the photos than I did knowing they were being taken.” One photo in particular had caught Mac’s eye. It had obviously been taken in the last stages of their performance when Harm and Mac were in bed. It was a close up of Mac’s face with the back of Harm’s head apparently nibbling on her neck, the pleasure of the moment clearly evident despite her efforts of restraint at the time. Looking up at Harm. “I want to see that sick SOB hanging from the nearest tree,” she said through gritted teeth. Pulling her back into his arms. “So do I, so do I.” Chapter 21 Harm immediately informed Bud and the Admiral of the package delivery, then placed a call to Novak. The people Novak had watching Harm’s apartment recorded a messenger entering his building at 8:35. When Novak’s people on Mac and Hatcher’s building reported having seen the same messenger service entering the building at 8:00am, everyone knew they’d finally caught their first real break. It hadn’t taken Bud or the Admiral long to get to Harm’s. “Sorry to take you away from your family so early on a Sunday morning.” Harm patted Bud on the back and watched him walk over to the kitchen. “No problem. I was going to wait until work tomorrow, but since I’m here.” Bud set his briefcase down on the dining table and pulled out a file. “What have you got there?” AJ asked, coming through the still open front door. “Good morning, sir. Sorry I didn’t see you.” Harm glanced down his hallway, then closed the door behind his CO. “This is the list of all military officers retiring over the last six months.” He handed AJ the folder. “I didn’t think we could afford to lose so many officers in the current political climate.” AJ continued flipping through the papers. “No, sir,” Bud agreed. “Of all the names on that list, twenty six fit the criteria for unexpected. Of the twenty six, ten were on, or rumored to be on the list for Military Liaison appointees. That doesn’t include Admiral Kensington.” “Well, that could still work with our theory. It might explain why Mac and I are targets if we fall into the same category, or reason, the other sixteen fall into. Assuming they’re all being blackmailed.” Harm accepted the file from AJ. “I’m searching for any correlation between the sixteen, plus you and the Colonel, sir.” Bud took the folder back from Harm and returned it to its place in his briefcase. “Let us know as soon as you come across anything,” AJ nodded before turning to face Harm. “All right, what have you got this morning?” AJ followed Harm’s finger pointing to several photographs scattered across the kitchen counter. The photos had pretty much covered the gamut of the previous two days, as well as the day on the ferris wheel. There were two photos of Harm and Mac in what appeared to be a very passionate, and private embrace, one just inside a doorway and one directly in front of the large window. There was the photo of Mac that had left her so upset earlier as well as a photo of Harm hovering over Mac in bed. AJ paused momentarily to glance at the pained expressions on his senior attorney’s faces. It was obvious by their pallor this morning that it was no picnic in the park having performed for those photos. Their CO hoped it wasn’t going to have any adverse affects on their already tenuous relationship. The day before had yielded more lighthearted photos. There was the one of Harm and Mac smiling and holding hands coming out of Benetton for Kids, by the looks on their faces when the Admiral glanced up again, it was obvious they hadn’t realized at the time they’d been holding hands. There was a great photo of Harm laughing over a baby stroller with Mac’s armed draped over him, kissing his cheek. The most endearing though had to be the photo of Harm and Mac holding her stomach. Anyone who could look at that photo and not see two people in love would have to be as blind as a bat. Removing the two photos of Harm and Mac actually in bed from the batch, Admiral Chegwidden checked in with Novak and the DC police. AJ was quickly informed, when faced with the FBI and DC police, it hadn’t taken the owners of the messenger service long to turn over the name and address of the man ordering the delivery. Within two hours of AJ’s call, the DA and DC police had picked up the photos, obtained copies of the paperwork from the messenger service, and convinced a judge to issue a search warrant for Hatcher’s apartment. It was just a waiting game now to see what they turned up. At 1435 the phone finally rang. “Rabb….right…. mmn… Thank you. They got it. They found the camera focused on Mac’s apartment, a dark room with all the negatives, and plenty more pictures, and some… videos.” Hoping no one noticed the catch in his breath, “They’re bringing him in for questioning.” Within minutes, everyone was out the door and on their way to police headquarters. Harm and Mac drove together silently in the Lexus. Bud hitched a ride with the Admiral. When they arrived, Novak was pacing the front entrance waiting for them. “The judge has already okayed another warrant to pull Hatcher’s bank statements etc.” Novak explained, leading the officers to a small dark room with one large window overlooking the interrogation room. Lined up in front of the large glass, as though preparing for inspection, the group listened intently to the happenings on the other side of the glass. “Let’s go over this again,” Detective Moliterno, a tall heavyset man with salt and pepper hair, growled. Obviously it would be his role to play bad cop. “We’ve got you on invasion of privacy and blackmail. You know blackmail is a felony that carries a five year prison sentence?” Moliterno paused hoping he would see some reaction. When Hatcher remained stone faced, he continued. “Then there’s unlawful entry and aggravated assault, that carries another ten years,” Moliterno pressed. “You’re lucky that Commander Rabb didn’t have any serious injuries or you could be up on two felony murder charges.” Detective Angela Russell volunteered as sympathetically as possible for a police interrogator. A sense of impending satisfaction swelled in Moliterno’s chest when he caught the momentary look of sheer panic in Hatcher’s eyes. “You can’t pin all that on me. All I did was take a few pictures. I didn’t break into Rabb’s place or hit him over the head with that lamp.” Hatcher was trying to remain calm. Moliterno leaned forward placing his hands flat on the table in front of Hatcher. “Then how did you know about the lamp?” They were going to get this weasel, he could feel it in his bones. “Don’t think that game is going to work on me. I’m not a stupid street thug. There’s no way you can prove I did something I didn’t do,” Hatcher sneered, feeling full of himself. “Well,” Russell stepped in, “we don’t have to prove you did it. The law says if a criminal offense has been committed, and you knew that the offense had been committed, which you must since you know he was hit with a lamp, and you did nothing to stop it or help with his arrest, trial or imprisonment, then you’re an accessory after the fact,” she smiled sweetly. “And THAT, will get you another five years not to mention a possible fine for five grand.” Moliterno was loving the way Hatcher’s cheeks were fading to pale green. “It’s not THAT easy,” Bud said still staring at the glass. “The defendant has to help the person who committed the assault with the specific intent to hinder or prevent that person’s arrest, trial, or punishment.” Still looking through the glass, Bud was completely unaware of the incredulous gaze his three superior officers shot in his direction. Suddenly feeling ill at ease, Bud turned to notice the piercing glares coming form everyone in the room. “Oh, right,” he nodded then quickly returned his focus to the interview. “So, you see,” Russell continued, “you’re looking at ten years in jail for blackmail and assault plus life for felony murder. Are you sure you don’t want to change your story?” “You’re not going to get me to slip about any murders so you can pin an accessory to that on me too,” Hatcher replied with a smirky grin. “Well, Mr. Hatcher. Felony murder is different.” Angela leaned closer to him, placing one hand on the back of his chair so he could get a good look at her eyes, and her cleavage. Nothing like a little peek of flesh to make a guilty man squirm. “Since blackmail is a felony, and the person who committed the murder did so when collecting payment for the same felony blackmail, both the person who committed the killing and the person who aided in the felony are guilty of felony murder.” She stepped back giving that a few minutes to sink in. “I’m not saying another word until my lawyer gets here.” Hatcher spat through clenched teeth. Chapter 22 Mac was staring intently at the man still sitting in the wooden chair on the other side of the wall when she felt Harm’s hand gently squeeze her arm. “I’m sorry,” Mac quickly apologized, now aware that the two detectives had joined them. “Don’t let these creeps get under your skin. I’m Angela Russell, this is my partner Jim Moliterno.” Angela extended her hand to Mac. “What happens now?” Bud asked. “Well, I’d say we got the sucker,” Jim smiled. “He’s obviously not just a shutter bug. He has to be in the loop to not only know the Commander was assaulted but that he was taken down with a lamp.” “I agree. He knows names and he’s scared. I’ve seen that look before. Once his lawyer explains that accessory to felony murder carries a minimum thirty year sentence with no release or probation, whatever is keeping him quiet won’t scare him near as much as the thought of 40 years in jail.” Noticing the glazed over look in Mac’s eyes as she tried to process what the detectives were telling her, all Harm wanted to do was get her out of there and take her home to the safety of his apartment and his arms. He had been dying to reach out and put his arm around Mac since they first saw Hatcher sitting in the other room but he didn’t dare with the Admiral there. “Is there anything we can do to help?” Harm asked, knowing there wasn’t at this point. “No.” Novak spoke up for the first time. “It could be a while before we have anything else. Let me know where you’re going to be and I’ll fill you in as soon as we know something.” Mac turned to Detective Russell. “He’s right. The DA will be here when his lawyer gets here. She’ll probably offer him 5 years for blackmail and let him slide on all the other charges if he turns over names. I’d be willing to bet a months salary, he’s going to do just that. As soon as he does, we’ll call you,” Angela nodded, reassuring Mac. “Call my cell,” Harm said, not knowing if they would be at his place or Mac’s. “Very well people, let’s get out of here and let these fine detectives do their jobs,” AJ practically ordered, leading the way out the door. Harm and Mac were just getting into the car when Bud hurried over to them. “Sir, ma’am, I was thinking, it’s been a long day, why don’t you join Harriet and me for dinner at the house?” “Thanks for the offer Bud but I think Mac’s about ready to collapse,” Harm started. Mac was thankful that Harm could read her so well, in that split moment she glanced over at Bud and saw the disappointment in his eyes. “You know, what I probably need is to be with friends. Dinner sounds nice Bud, are you sure it’s okay with Harriet?” “Yes, ma’am. I called ahead. The Admiral won’t be able to join us. His daughter is supposed to phone him after some big show in Milan and he doesn’t want to miss the call,” Bud explained, nodding his head good bye and rushing off to the Admiral’s car. Once they were in the car. “Are you sure you’re up to this?” Harm questioned. “Did you see the look on his face? He’s right. It’ll be better to be distracted with friends than pacing the floor at home waiting for someone to call.” Mac leaned her head back against the seat and closed her eyes. Taking a deep breath and releasing a heavy sigh, she stretched her hand out and waited for Harm to take hold of it. As long as he was with her she’d be fine anywhere. Roberts’ home 1910 hours “That was a wonderful treat Harriet. I hadn’t realized how busy this case has kept us. I can’t believe how much the kids change in such a short amount of time.” Mac watched AJ through the window playing kickball in the back yard with some friends from the neighborhood. “They do have a way of growing up fast. Especially Jimmy, with every week there’s something new and different, but sometimes I blink and wonder when did AJ grow that extra inch.” Harriet shook her head. “Why don’t you and the Commander have a seat on the porch while Bud puts Jimmy to bed and I make us some coffee.” Harriet waved her arm at the chairs on the back porch. “Let me help,” Mac offered. “Nah, how many people do you need to scoop coffee and stare at the pot?” Harriet smiled. “Whistle if you need us?” Harm smiled, placing his hand on Mac’s back to nudge her out the door. Stopping to watch the herd of boys chasing the single ball around the yard, Mac was suddenly struck by the realization that little AJ would be turning five before the end of the month. Walking down two steps, she sat on the porch. “Penny for your thoughts.” Harm sat down next to her. “AJ is turning five this month,” Mac said, her eyes still frozen on the blond haired boy across the yard. “Harriet was right. They do grow up quickly.” Harm knew what this meant but was having a hard time talking over the lump in his throat. “Do you think you’re ready for this?” Mac hadn’t made any effort to look at Harm. Looking around, Harm wasn’t sure which this she was referring to. “I’m sorry Mac, are you asking if I’m ready to make good on our deal?” “Partly, are you ready for this?” She waved from them to the little boy chasing the ball. “To be sitting on the sidelines watching our deal chase a small ball across a field with a herd of other small people.” Her eyes continued to follow AJ’s every movement. Harm studied her for just a second. “Are you?” “I asked first, counselor.” Mac finally turned her gaze to Harm. “Are you?” Harm thought for a minute, staring out at little AJ. Did he want to say something safe or be honest? They had in a subtle way practically admitted they both wanted this that day at the mall. All playing it safe ever did for him all these years, was leave him with his foot in his mouth, or with a pissed off marine. “Yes.” He turned back towards Mac. “I’m ready for all of it, with you.” A small smile tugged at the corners of Mac’s lips. “I hoped you would say that.” Mac broke out in a beaming grin. Reaching over and taking her hand in his. “When all this mess with Healy and Hatcher is over, maybe we can continue this conversation in more detail?” Standing patiently by the backdoor holding a tray with a coffee pot and mugs, Harriet was waiting for what looked like a more opportune time to interupt. Just as she saw Mac nodding her head yes and reach over to kiss Harm, Bud tapped her on the shoulder. “Why are you just standing there?” “Look, Bud.” She pointed her nose towards their friends. “It’s taken them so long to get to this point, I didn’t have the heart to intrude,” Harriet practically swooned. “Well, we don’t have any choice. Novak just called my cell. Harm’s battery must be dead. Detective Russell has been trying to reach him for twenty minutes.” BACK NEXT HOME