Chapters 1-5           Chapters 6-10             Chapters 11-15            Chapters 16-20            Chapters 21-25 Title: Keep One Eye on the Road Chapter 21 “Why do I feel like I just got caught with my hand in the cookie jar?” Beth sighed, shifting in her seat. “It’s a natural response when bumping into your superior officer outside of the work place.  I’m usually only comfortable around officers if I’m in BDUs with a rifle in my hand,” Gunny chuckled softly. “You don’t look it,” Beth replied seriously. “Captain Rabb and the Colonel are different. Things change when you’ve been under fire together.  You learn to trust each other. You discover what stuff people are really made of.” “I know the Captain was a fighter pilot and has a colorful history, but Mrs. Rabb is just a lawyer.  I mean, she has a great reputation and all, but still, she’s a lawyer. Unless someone tried to take over a courtroom, how could you be under fire with her?” Gunny couldn’t help the scoffing chuckle. “Just a lawyer? She was in charge of safely evacuating an entire US Consulate in Indonesia while under fire, under attack might be more accurate. We had to escape through an underground tunnel because the chopper couldn’t land on account of ground fire. We were still being shot at as she got all the Americans onto the chopper.” “How did she wind up ranking marine in a foreign country?” “Everyone else in charge was killed or injured.” “Oh,” was the only sound she could make. “One time, she was interrogating detainees in an Afghani prison, one of the prisoners got her in a strangle hold and threatened to slit her throat.” “She was in Afghanistan?” Beth couldn’t hide the surprise on her face. “The Colonel is not only an excellent lawyer, she’s a marine.  She’s also fluent in Farsi, and she’s nice enough not to make fun of mine.” “You speak Farsi?” “Enough. Anyhow, she waited till everyone laid their weapons down, and as soon as the guy loosened his grip, she overpowered him. Within minutes all the prisoners were back under control.” “She overpowered an armed Afghan rebel?” “You could too if your life depended on it,” Gunny smiled in an attempt to lighten the mood. “You don’t know me as well as you think you do. The only thing at risk of being overpowered by me is a stack of paperwork.” “I wouldn’t be too sure. Hey look! Corned beef and cabbage is on the menu.  I think I’ll have that tonight,” Gunny proclaimed rather enthusiastically until he saw the look on Beth’s face. “Is something wrong? You suddenly don’t look very good.” Gunny was out of his seat and at her side before she had a chance to open her mouth. “Is it the baby?” Beth was overcome by the near panic on his face. “I’m sorry, I’m fine. Please, sit down.” “You sure?” “Positive.” “Then what is it?” Closing her eyes, Beth took a deep breath and slowly let it out. “It’s corned beef.” “Corned beef?” Gunny didn’t get it. “Just the mention of the word makes me sick. I don’t think I could handle smelling the actual food.” Her eyes dropped down to the table in embarrassment. Gunny looked at her for a second before asking, “How do you feel about lamb shank?” “You’re something else,” she laughed. “I think it sounds delicious. I’ll have the same.” Gunny waved the busy waitress down and placed their orders, carefully watching Beth out of the corner of his eye.  They hadn’t discussed her pregnancy since the day she’d gone shopping with him, but he’d thought by now she would feel comfortable enough to mention something.  It had been three weeks since she got the news, and she still seemed so detached. An awkward silence settled over the table. “Are you worried about the Captain and his wife seeing us here?” Beth wouldn’t have thought so, but it was obvious something was bothering Gunny. He might have been sitting at the same table, but he was more like a million miles away. “There’s nothing about two fellow employees eating together worth giving a second thought,” Gunny shrugged off. “Then why so serious?” “Didn’t mean to be. Just thinking a minute, sorry.” Gunny tried to dissuade her growing concern with a quirky smile. “This must be where I’m supposed to say ‘penny for your thoughts’?” Hesitating a moment, Gunny blurted out, “Why don’t you ever talk about the baby?” Wrapping both hands around her diet soda, Beth stared into the glass for what Gunny thought was an eternity before she finally spoke. “I wasn’t sure there was going to be a baby.” She didn’t dare look up at him. “I see.” Gunny swallowed the lump that had suddenly settled in his throat. It shouldn’t matter to him, it wasn’t his child, but it did matter. “Are you sure now?” “I’m not sure if I’m doing the right thing, but yeah, I think there’s going to be a baby. I mean, I’m running out of time to change my mind anyhow.” She still couldn’t bring herself to look up at him. “Babies are always the right thing.” Gunny didn’t know how to get her to look up at him. “He shipped out two days after we returned from Bury St. Edmunds.  It was sort of a bon voyage weekend. I’ve had a...condition for years that I take birth control pills for. Who’d have thought I’d be the less than one percent to get pregnant on the pill? Even my doctor was taken by surprise. After the results came back from my second blood test that I was pregnant, he made me go back the following Monday to check my HCG levels.  He wanted confirmation before telling me, and even then it took almost two days before he was convinced there weren't any mistakes.” This time she ventured a glance in his direction, relieved not to see any judgement in his eyes. “Greg was only there 11 days when the bomb went off. One of his buddies from Pendleton had been there six months already. Greg told him if anything happened to him, to make sure I got this letter he wrote. You know, the one every loved one dreads receiving.” Gunny just nodded. “Well, Dave was scheduled to go home on leave four days after it happened. He thought Greg would prefer he hand deliver the letter. By the time he gave it to me, it...it was too late to go to the funeral.” Beth tried to bat back the tears that welled in her eyes. “Hey, it’s okay if you want to cry. My mother says it’s good for the soul.” Gunny ventured to gently rub her forearm, not wanting to overstep his bounds. “But it’s hell on my uniforms,” she tried to smile. “What do you think Greg would have wanted you to do?” “I think the idea of being a father would have scared the hell out of him, but the way he loved life, I think he’d have been doing somersaults across Iraq.” “Then why the doubts?” Beth looked up at him as though he’d just grown another foot taller. “You mean besides the obvious like: I’m on an E6 budget, get transferred around the world at the drop of a hat, and am an only child so the only support is my mother, who I love to death, but this isn’t her baby. Or the other stuff like, what are my superiors going to think, how will this affect my career, can I even have a career as a single mom of an infant, and how am I ever going to teach him or her what a great guy their dad was?” Beth rolled her eyes annoyed with herself for wanting to cry again. Damn hormones. “Those are all valid questions, but you wouldn’t be the first single parent in the Navy. It can be done. Don’t discount the value of friendships.” Gunny smiled at her again. “And if you’re worried about what Captain Rabb will think. I’m sure both he and the Colonel will be delighted for you. I wouldn’t expect anything less from them than their full support. Who knows, maybe their teenage ward could help baby-sit?” Gunny chuckled. “I’m sure that’ll go over really well.” Beth shook her head. “You haven’t told the Captain yet have you?” “No.” “What are you waiting for?” “I guess until I have a few more answers.  Although, if I wait too much longer, he’ll figure it out by himself. I already need a rubber band to close the button on my skirt.” Gunny snorted with amusement. “That must be the universal solution to first trimester expansion.” “It works,” she shrugged. “Which questions are you still concerned about?” “Just one really.  I’m not sure being raised by a single mom in the Navy is the best thing for this baby.” Beth took a long deep breath, she’d never said that out loud before. “What do you mean? I thought you said you’d made up your mind to have the baby?” “I have. I didn’t say that meant I was going to raise him.” Glad to see the waitress arrive with their food, Beth took advantage of the interruption to suggest, “Let’s just enjoy our dinner.” “Smells great.” Gunny found it hard to smile. He understood what she wasn’t saying. He had no right to push the conversation, but he was concerned about her. Thinking straight with hormones running amuck could be a challenge in and of itself, but making choices with raging hormones and struck with grief as well, that had to be hell on a person. Chapter 22 Rabb Residence Later that night “This is interesting.” Mac listened to the answering machine while Harm hung up their coats. “What is it?” He walked towards Mac in the kitchen setting Mattie’s dinner on the table. “Lady Sarah Brighton.  She needs to talk to me.” Her face contorted in complete curiosity, Mac picked up the phone and dialed the number left on the message. “Yes, Lady Brighton, please.... Yes, Sarah Rabb calling.”  While waiting, Mac stared at the answering machine as if it might give her some further insight into the unexpected phone call. “Sarah! So glad you got my message.  I’ve been trying to get a hold of my brother and he’s not answering his mobile.” “What can I do for you Lady Brighton?” “Oh, surely we’ve passed that point?” she laughed into the phone. “Call me Sadie, all my friends do.” “Sadie?” Mac had never heard that nickname for Sarah. “When I was a child I saw Barbra Streisand’s Funny Girl a few hundred times before I was ten.  My favorite song was Sadie, Sadie, Married Lady. So, I got the nickname Sadie, and it stuck.” Her laughter carried through the phone again. “How can I help you?” “The brothers rang earlier. They want to invite you and your ‘friend’ to a little impromptu soiree they’re throwing tomorrow night and wanted to know how to reach you.” “What did you tell them?” A twinge of concern skitted up Mac’s spine. “I said he couldn’t possibly expect me to know your phone number off the top of my head, but that I would work out where I scribbled down which hotel you were at and would have you give him a call if you and Victor were free.” “Good job, Sadie,” Mac sighed with relief. “I’ve learned a thing or two from Darrel through the years.” Sadie’s frequent laughter was almost contagious. Mac couldn’t help but wonder how such a fun loving person was related to someone as stiff as Inspector Darrel Baskin.  It just didn’t fit. “Let me talk this over with Harm and your brother, and I’ll get back with the Habershams. Where can I reach them?” Lady Brighton gave Mac the contact information on how to reach the brothers.  Mac quickly explained what the phone call was about to Harm, and then dialed Baskin’s number.  “Baskin, here.” “Oh, good. Have you heard from your sister yet?” “Just hung up with her. So you’ve been invited to a masquerade ball?” “Sadie didn’t mention THAT.” Mac’s eyes grew wide with surprise. “Well, I don’t know what’s up, but this could be a good time to pick up some additional information.  There’s a wonderful costumer not far from your husband’s office.” “I’ll take care of it in the morning.” “I have a few appointments first thing, but I can meet with you and the Gunny around 11am. We can go over any details then.” “Fine. I’ll be calling Albert back now. Let him know we’re coming.” “Jolly good. See you tomorrow.” Baskin hung up the phone. He wasn’t totally sure whether this was a good or bad thing.  Just in case, he’d better keep his fingers crossed.  Gunny and Mac were good. He knew that for sure, but he also knew if anything went wrong, an angry Captain Rabb was not something he wanted to see any time in his future. “You realize I’m not letting you two go alone this time?” Harm commented as soon as Mac hung up the phone. “Harm, Gunny and I know what we’re doing. It’s just a party.” Mac didn’t want to admit she’d feel better if Harm was there, but it was just too risky. “Mac, I can’t watch you this time through closed circuit cameras. No one can.  Marines always have back up.  I’m going.  Call Lady Brighton back and ask her the best way for me to tag along.”  Harm placed his finger on her mouth before she could speak. “Please.” Kissing the top of her head, he stepped back to let her make the call. By the end of the night Mac felt as though she’d just coordinated a major offensive.  She’d spoken with Lady Brighton who said she could arrange for the Captain to tag along as her guest without raising any suspicions. Sadie was known for picking up strays. After all, that’s why Gunny and Mac were so believable. Mac had also spoken with Gunny about the 1100 meeting, and needing to meet her at the costumers when they opened at 0900.  She filled him in on as many details as she had. Apparently the little soiree was indeed an official masquerade ball.  According to the brothers it was in honor of Gunny and Mac, or Victor and Sarah.  A belated celebration of Halloween. Not only did they need to choose an appropriate costume, they would need to go to a specialty shop for a mask.  For reasons Mac couldn’t understand, the mask was as important a part of the evening as the actual costume.  Awards would be given for each. The more elaborate, the better.  Hopefully they could fit it all in before 1100. London Headquarters Harm’s outer office 1115 Next morning Gunny and Mac came walking briskly up to Beth’s desk. Beth snapped to attention as Mac approached her. “They’re waiting for you ma’am, Gunny.” “Thanks Beth. Would you put these somewhere for us?”  Mac pointed to Gunny who handed Beth four rather large hatboxes.  At least Beth thought they were hatboxes. She and Gunny were just getting ready to leave the pub when he got the call from Mrs. Rabb last night. He hadn’t been free to give her any details, but he did mention needing to meet the Colonel, as he keeps calling her, first thing in the morning. He was at least able to tell her it was related to Seaman Moore’s case.  She had a feeling whatever was in these boxes was directly related to last night’s phone call.  Accepting the four boxes, she almost blushed when she spotted the short wink Gunny gave as he released the boxes and followed Mac into Harm’s office. Baskin stood to greet Mac and Gunny as they entered the room. “Nice to see you again, Mrs. Rabb, Gunny.  You two ready for the next show?” “As ready as we can be,” Mac smiled, greeting everyone before sitting down. “Sorry we’re late. It couldn’t be helped. The old shopkeeper was a charming fellow, but obviously has never had a schedule to follow in his life.” “Did you have better luck with the costumer?” Baskin inquired. “Yes, actually. The moment I opened my mouth, before I could get past ‘Good morning,’ he informed us he had the perfect costumes and took off into the back room. Twenty minutes later we were being fitted as Bonnie and Clyde.” “I agree,” Baskin chuckled.  “You would most likely make an excellent Bonnie and Clyde.” Mac looked at the good Inspector, debating exactly how to take the comment, settling on accepting it as a complement. “Your husband was just explaining to me that you’ve persuaded my sister to arrange for him to tag along this evening.” Baskin marveled at the Captain’s protectiveness for his wife.  He couldn’t help but wonder if this was something new that came with the wedding ring, or had they always been like this. “As long as he brings his wife, she didn’t think there would be any problem. Apparently she drags new couples out to parties often,” Mac shrugged. “His wife?” Baskin glanced from Harm back to Mac. “Won’t that pose a bit of a problem?” Everyone in the room made an obvious effort not to smile. “I don’t believe we’ve been properly introduced.” Meg scooted her chair and reached over extending her hand to the Inspector. “I’m Megan Rabb.” Chapter 23 “You are a friendly lot, aren’t you?” Baskin shook his head. “I suppose the more back up the better. This should be a friendly night of reconnaissance, but you never know what might happen.” Harm couldn’t believe he was actually agreeing with Baskin, but there was no way he was going to give the man the satisfaction of voicing it. “We’ll be attending as Vice-Admiral Nelson and his wife,” Harm explained. “ Did you have any trouble with our masks?” he asked his wife. His real wife. “That was part of the delay. As I mentioned, the old shopkeeper wasn’t happy about turning them over without a fitting first.” “You’re kidding?” Meg chuckled. “Masquerade Galas are huge events in England. The costumers take their jobs seriously,” Baskin contributed. “I know, but a fitting for a mask?” Meg frowned. Baskin merely shrugged. There was no way to explain centuries of social traditions to a people who couldn’t understand why the Queen still wore hats.  They probably didn’t even have milliners anymore in the Americas. Habersham Hall Outside London 1700 hours “This is some shack,” Gunny remarked quietly to Mac as they walked past the two gentleman checking names off a list. “Sadie tells me it’s their dad’s place, the family estate. The two brothers each have a nice flat in some posh neighborhood in London.” Mac leaned into Gunny so not to be overheard by others. “Any sign of our hosts?” Gunny scanned the room. “Who can tell with all these masks?” Mac looked around as well. “Sadie says she and her husband are here as Louis and Marie Antoinette.  Any sign of them?” “Unfortunately, I think so.” “Unfortunately?” Mac looked at him a little oddly. “Yes, ma...Sarah. If I’m not mistaken, that couple on the far right side of the room are Louis and Marie, and so is that couple just over to your left by the punch bowl, and there’s another couple back by the ice sculpture that might be...” Turning his head slightly, he reconsidered, “Actually...” Closing one eye. “Maybe that’s Henry the Eighth and a wife.” Mac laughed out loud. “I hate to break this to you, but the two kings don’t look anything alike.” “Maybe not in history, but in that costume, who knows?” Gunny was still staring at the overweight King Louis devouring whatever delicacy was under the impressive sculpture across the room. “Here comes Admiral Nelson accompanied by what I expect is the right King and Queen of France.” Mac nudged Gunny. “And they’re accompanied by two... are those mimes, ma’am?” “Looks like it.” “Sarah dear, how nice to see you again. Your costume is just stunning! You too, Victor, you do look dapper. The roaring twenties suit you. We simply must find some time for tea before you leave.” Sadie laid it on thick.  “May I present some of your countrymen, Captain Harmon Rabb and his wife Megan.” Gesturing back to Mac, “Victor Harmon and Sarah MacIntire.” Sadie watched the two couples make initial introductory small talk, wishing she could see the faces behind the masks. Then she shifted her gaze to watch their hosts taking in the entire scene. Nudging past Harm and Meg, and stepping in a little closer to Mac. “I’m afraid we’re allowed only one opportunity to speak this evening in order to thank each of our guests for coming. The remainder of the time will have to be spent in character,” one of the two brothers explained. “That will be a shame,” Mac volunteered. “I was looking forward to visiting again.” Without overdoing it, Mac made an effort to really put on the charm, and flaunt the dress, or what there was of it. “Not to worry. Another opportunity will present itself. I promise,” the other brother added. Mac regretted she had not yet learned to recognize each brother by his voice, but tonight it wouldn’t make much difference as the rest of the evening would be spent in silence.  At least for her prime suspects. Before Mac could respond, the same brother had gestured rather mechanically for a dance, which she eagerly accepted. It had been a long night.  Gunny and Mac spent a brief amount of time getting ‘acquainted’ with the Rabbs before working the crowd.  Communicating with the brothers was virtually impossible in light of their costumes.  Mac had tried dancing several times with each of them, but couldn’t get either of them to speak a word.  After being on her feet for almost three hours, she was delighted when Captain Rabb asked Gunny if he’d object to allowing him a dance with Miss MacIntire.  As Gunny and Meg moved along the floor, Mac took Harm’s arm and followed him, gladly slipping into his open arms, resisting the urge to lean into his shoulder. “You look tired?” Harm whispered. “How can you tell with this thing?” Mac tapped the ornate mask she’d been wearing, then casually draped her arm around his shoulder again. “Maac, I don’t need to see your face. I KNOW you.” Mac didn’t have to see his face either to know he’d just arched his eyebrow in that sexy little maneuver that so often melted her like butter in the summer sun. “Sorry. Yes. I’m tired. A little frustrated too.” “Now, I’m the one who’s sorry.” Harm had been resisting the temptation to pull her closer. He wanted desperately to kiss away her stress. “I wish I could put my finger on what’s bothering me.” Mac pressed her lips tightly, her mind trying desperately to grab hold of whatever was teasing her thoughts. “What do you mean?” Harm stiffened slightly. He could feel the tension in her body, her mind working, trying to make sense of something he knew nothing about. “It’s bad enough we can’t talk to Albert or Oliver, but ever since my last dance with Frick or Frack...” Harm stifled a short chuckle. “Well it’s true. I have no idea which brother is which, but that’s not the point. This last dance something wasn’t right. I had this nagging feeling and I couldn’t quite put my finger on it.” Harm caught a glimpse of one of the brothers across the room making his way out onto the Veranda.  Harm had been watching him so intently, he hadn’t heard all of what Mac said, and shifted slightly, almost stepping on her foot. “Sorry, dear. I mean Miss MacIntire.” Returning to the game of dancing with a stranger, “I’m usually a better dancer than that,” he grinned impishly at her. “So, I’ve heard,” Mac tried to control the grin that threatened to spread across her face when it suddenly hit her. “That’s it!” “What’s it?” Harm could see her mind working at the speed of light, finally putting the pieces together. The question now was, what pieces? “Where’s Gunny?” Grabbing Harm’s hand, she quickly headed off in Meg and Gunny’s direction. Almost startling Gunny with her sudden appearance, Mac possessively grabbed Gunny by the arm, “We have to talk, now.” She led him off the floor, Meg and Harm following closely behind to a somewhat private spot in the corner. “I think we’ve been had,” she said seriously “What are you talking about, marine?” Harm moved a little closer to his real wife. “I couldn’t figure out what was wrong.  Each time I danced with the brother with the green mask, we glided easily across the floor. This last time we danced, he didn’t move much. There was hesitation in his motion.” “What are you saying, ma’am?” Gunny shook his head, not quite following her. “I don’t think I was dancing with the same brother. I think he’s an imposter. A temporary fill-in.” “Mac, are you sure?” Meg interjected, an idea of where Mac might be going with this raising the hairs on the back of her neck. “Yeah, I think so.” Turning to Gunny. “Remember how you told the two brothers the days of David Niven and Cary Grant were gone?” “Yes.” “We need to call Baskin, now. I’ll bet my bottom dollar they’re hitting the Brighton place as we speak.” Chapter 24 “Slow down, Mac. I’m not following you.” Harm had no idea what she was trying to prove. “Gunny gave them the challenge. He told them the days of David Niven and Cary Grant are gone. You remember the Pink Panther?” “Yes, you’ve made me watch it often enough.” “The heist was pulled off during the masquerade party.” Meg filled in Mac’s next sentence. Her mouth left hanging open, hit with sudden understanding. “Exactly! Remember in To Catch a Thief, everyone thought Cary Grant was wandering silently around the guests when in fact...” “He was on the roof waiting to catch the real burglar,” Harm chimed in. “To show me how good they are, they not only took the challenge, they’re mimicking the movies I mentioned as well. The days of David Niven and Cary Grant aren’t gone.” Gunny pressed his lips tightly and straightened his shoulders. “I think we’d better find our brothers and make sure.” “No, you and Meg ask Sadie where the nearest phone is. Call Baskin, tell him what we suspect. Mac and I will go check out our so called mimes.” Harm silently cursed these absurd costumes. None of the four had anyplace to keep even identification, never mind a cell phone. “I saw the brother in red going out the door that way.” Harm tugged at Mac’s arm.  Pulling her into an acceptable hold, he briskly danced her across the floor and out the veranda door. Pleased to have spotted the two men together, leaning against the rail, Mac would have given anything for a listening device, or to be a fly at their side. “Let’s try not to make a scene. Just see if you can get one of their masks off.” Harm leaned into her quietly. “Oh sure, like stealing a man’s mask won’t make a scene.” Mac took a deep breath and walked closer to the supposed brothers. “You know, guys, I think it’s terribly unfair that I don’t know who I’m dancing with.” Mac sidled up next to the brother in green. Shifting slightly to her left, she tilted herself, dropping her left hand on his hip, leaning in giving the man a bird’s eye view of her now heaving cleavage. Shrugging casually, the two men appeared to be matched bookends. Harm moved between them, positioning himself to grab for the one while Mac made her move on the other.  The moment her guy’s eyes inevitably darted down to gawk at Mac’s ample assets, she reached up with her right arm and pulled the mask free. “That’s against the rules, Laidy,” a rather thick cockney accent let slip, grabbing the mask and quickly putting it back in its place. “You fool!” the other man shouted, lunging awkwardly at Harm. The first imposter grabbed Mac’s left arm away from his hip with his free arm and spun her around. “Now what do we do with ‘em?” Holding her arm pinned behind her back, he was stunned to see Harm and the other man in an all out tussle on the ground. Before he had time to take inventory of whose arms were whose, and who appeared to have the upper hand, he felt a painful weight come crashing down on his instep, just before he was flipped around and met with a sturdy right cross. “Never restrain a woman,” Mac sneered at the fallen man just as Harm flung his nemesis over the rail into a patch of thorny bushes. Shaking out the soreness in his right hand, “We better get a hold of Baskin, fast. It looks like you’re going to be right on this one.” “Already done, sir.” Gunny came rushing up to his side. “Inspector Baskin is on his way to his sister’s, and I’ve told the valet to pull the car up out front. The Lakelands is only about twenty minutes from here.” “What do you mean from here?” Harm was still shaking off the sting in his right hand as two of Baskin’s men who had been lurking in the background went scurrying past to restrain the imposters. “He called his men staking out the house. They’re not answering his radio call. They checked in fifteen minutes ago, and they’re not due to check in for another forty-five.” Gunny didn’t have to say anything else, Harm knew what that meant.  They were closer to Lakelands than Baskin and his men. Meg came running up, “Car’s ready.” Looking over as one of the police tried to revive the man Mac had apparently knocked out, she looked up at Harm and Mac as they hurried past her, “I always miss all the fun.” Country road Near The Lakelands “It’s just around the next bend,” Fred informed the passengers. “Better turn off the lights,” Harm instructed the driver. Lady Brighton had insisted they bring her driver or there was no way they’d get to her place in a hurry on unfamiliar roads in the middle of the night.  After only a few minutes, Harm realized she’d been right. “How many ways onto the estate are there?” Harm looked around at the dark countryside. Not a street lamp in sight.  Any burglars dream. “One main gate. There’s a servant’s portal twenty feet or so off to one side,” Fred explained. “Any way onto the property besides the main gate?” Gunny asked before Harm could. “I suppose if one were athletically inclined they could scale the wall at any point, but they wouldn’t get far.” “Why is that?” Mac inquired. “The alarm system has laser beams around the perimeter as well as cameras. Someone scaling the wall would break the beam and be spotted rather quickly.” A collective sigh could be heard.  It was unlikely Albert and Oliver would go in the front gate, and from the looks of it, this wall went around a long ways. Before any of them could come up with a plan for the next step, Fred slowed the vehicle. A flurry of activity and bright lights filled the road ahead. Spotting the flashing lights of police cars, Harm silently cursed their bad luck. What ever had gone down had undoubtedly scared off their prey.  Having gotten as close as possible, all four of them descended from the car, Harm leading the way towards the activity. “That will be far enough, sir?” the policeman quickly scanned the approaching crowd and their wardrobe. “I’ll have to ask you to please return to your car. We’ll be finished here shortly, and then you can carry on.” “We’re going to the Brighton Estate. Anyway you can let us by?” Surprised by the American accent. “Just what might you be wanting at the Lakelands?” the officer asked suspiciously. “We’re friends returning from a party. This is the Brighton’s regular driver.” Harm didn’t need this. He needed to get to the house. “Have you some identification?” “Not on these costumes,” Harm answered sincerely, his frustration showing. Another police car pulled up, “Just in time George. Watch these three, they may be part of it.” “Part of what?” Harm asked rather annoyed as the two new officers corralled Meg, Gunny and Mac. “You come with me.” Stepping behind Harm, he nudged him forwards.  “May have some more,” he called ahead to his partner. Looking up at the Vice-Admiral’s costume, the obviously senior officer blanched recognizing they were undoubtedly not part of the burglary ring. “My apologies, sir. This is the first burglary Lawrence here has ever stumbled on. He hasn’t learned yet that burglars tend to avoid drawing attention to themselves.” “Thank you. We’re in a hurry to get back to the Brighton place.” “You have business with the Brightons?” Before Harm could answer, he could hear Baskin's voice carrying on across the street. He’d let the two policemen who had been holding the others have it right between the eyes and then turned, briskly making his way in Harm’s direction. Waving his badge in the older officer’s face, not quite at Harm’s side yet. Baskin hollered, “What the bloody hell is going on here?” Chapter 25 “One of the neighbors around the bend went to the chemists for his wife earlier this evening and saw this car just sitting by the side of the road.” He tilted his head, nodding at the car a few feet behind him. “He had to fix a flat tire before returning and got concerned when he saw the car still sitting here. Normally these roads are dead quiet after dark.” Harm looked at Baskin, both were impatient for the man to get to the point. “The neighbor decided to call the police about the suspicious vehicle. Spotted those two walking away from the wall as we pulled up.  Looked to me like one of them tossed something into the backseat as we got closer.” This time when Baskin and Harm glanced at each other, their eyes were bright with hope. They couldn’t have been that lucky? “Turns out these two jokers came from The Lakelands, without permission, if you know what I mean.” “Got any proof?” Baskin asked anxiously. “Caught them red-handed. They tossed the bag of jewels in the back seat. Worth more money than I’ll ever see in my lifetime,” the older man shook his head. Gunny, Mac, Meg, and Lord and Lady Brighton walked up behind Harm. The Brightons had tried to wait behind for news, but curiosity had gotten the better of them. They had pulled up shortly after Inspector Baskin. “A party in my own front garden and I wasn’t invited,” Sadie teased. “Beg your pardon Lady Brighton, but we caught these two blokes trying to make off with your belongings,” the officer announced proudly. “Well done. I always knew we were safe in your hands.” Sadie winked knowingly at her brother, then turned to fully face him.  “I suggest you do what ever you have to do, we’ll move the rest of this little gathering inside.” It wasn’t long before Sadie had everyone settled with a drink in hand. “I’m sorry that took so long.” She handed the last drink to Gunny. “Obviously there’s no help at two o’clock in the morning,” she shrugged one shoulder. “You should have let us help,” Mac repeated. “Nonsense. I’m perfectly capable of making a few drinks.” Sadie took a seat by her husband. “The policeman mentioned they caught the boys with your jewels, but I thought Darrel had said you were putting them in the bank vault?” Harm directed at Sadie. “We did. What they snatched were copies. Good copies, but copies. I rarely leave England with the real things. Whenever we travel abroad, I bring the faux pieces.” “Sorry that took so long.” Darrel Baskin came rushing into the room. “How does it look?” Mac asked, setting her drink down. “We’ve got them. What is that expression...dead to rights?” “That’s the one,” Mac grinned from ear to ear. “You can expect paperwork at your office in the morning. All charges against Seaman Moore will be dropped expeditiously.  Here’s to finally nabbing Britain’s most elusive duo.” Baskin raised his glass. “Cheers,” the room chorused. London Headquarters Following wednesday Harm’s office “You have no idea how much I’m going to hate seeing you leave.” Harm leaned back in his chair. “It’s nice to know we still make a good team,” Meg smiled.  “Any word on replacements?” “I’m expecting a file this afternoon on who will be taking your place. Actually, who’s replacing Lt. Phillips.  I’m still waiting to hear on my other requests for personnel.” “Harm, things are really coming together since I’ve been here. Gunny has the office running like clockwork. Even Perkins is starting to catch on.” “I’ve got you to thank for that. I could talk to him till I’m blue in the face. Even though he seems to be gleaning a small amount of understanding from watching you, it’s not enough. I need a couple of good versatile attorneys. Ones that can lead an investigation when necessary. JAGman investigations are still something this office is required to do.” “Well, you know I love being closer to Tom I certainly wouldn’t object to coming back after Captain Harding returns from maternity leave.  I mean, you have to admit, things always seem to happen when you’re around,” Meg’s eyes twinkled brightly as she grinned at her old friend and colleague. “So, I’ve been told,” Harm chuckled back. “I’ve got a few more things to take care of before I secure for the day.  Everyone is briefed on the pending cases.  Just in case, I only gave Perkins prosecution cases.” Harm rolled his eyes, but said nothing. “My flight leaves at 1600, so...” Meg stood up to make her leave, when Harm came walking around the desk. “It’s been fun, take care, Meg.” Harm stepped up close to her. “You too, Harm. You too.” Ignoring protocol and falling back on a longtime friendship, Meg threw her arms around Harm for a goodbye hug. Pulling back, Meg started for the door when Beth buzzed him on the intercom, “Sir, Mrs. Rabb is here. She says it’s important.” “Send her right in,” Harm replied. Having already reached the door, Meg pulled it open before Mac had grabbed the doorknob. “Perfect timing,” Harm smiled at his wife. “Meg was just leaving.” “I’m glad I caught you. I know we did this last night, but.” Mac reached out and gave Meg a hug as well. “You take care of yourself, and next time you and ..... have some leave time, give us a call.” “Will do, Mac.” Nodding her head at her old friend and his wife, Meg made a hasty exit before she started to do something really stupid, like cry. “What’s up? Beth said it was important?” Harm moved closer to his wife. “Well, it’s not necessarily life or death important,” Mac smiled out of one corner of her mouth. Dropping her hands on Harm’s chest, she let her fingers slowly walk up to his shoulder boards. Snaking her arms around his neck, she pulled him down for a slow, sweet kiss. For just a moment, Harm forgot where they were.  Wrapping his arms tightly around her waist, he dragged her snuggly against him, willingly falling into the fire of her kiss.  He had to force himself to pull back slightly, and catch his breath. The things running through his mind at the moment were totally inappropriate for the CO’s office, and with a few more minutes of a kiss like that, he wouldn’t care. “You should know better than to greet me like that at work.  I’m going to have to carry my briefcase in front of me the rest of the day.”  Harm took a slow, deep breath.  Just looking at this woman could send him into orbit. A kiss like that would have him ready for action at the drop of a hat. “I was hoping I could convince you to come home for lunch.” Mac was smiling fully now, her arms still draped around Harm, resting on his hips. Harm looked at her curiously. This was the first time Mac had ever showed up at his office in an obviously romantic mood. Her fingers now doodling lazy circles across his six, her mouth placed a moist, noisy kiss on the v of his chest, before she let her tongue slip out and lick a slow trail along his collarbone. All the blood in his brain had rushed south. Whatever Harm had scheduled today for the Navy, suddenly had no importance of any kind.  The only thing he wanted at the moment was to take his wife someplace very private, and eating lunch had nothing to do with it. Taking another deep breath, Harm looked down at his wife. “What’s up?” rolling his eyes, “Besides me.” “It’s time.” Mac grinned with a bright twinkle in her eye. “Time?” “You know, to put all that practice to work.” Mac raised an eyebrow. All the blood in his body was still pooled in his groin. Harm couldn’t have come to a valid conclusion if his life depended on it. Staring at her blankly, he saw her chuckle and roll her eyes at him. “I took the little test. I’m ovulating,” Mac explained more clearly. Harm’s eyes opened wide in understanding. Pulling away from Mac, he walked around to his desk and looked down at his calendar. Nodding his head, he grabbed his cover and his wife’s hand. Kissing her quickly on the forehead, he led her out the door. He knew if he’d dared to kiss her on the mouth they’d have to inaugurate his desk. “James, cancel my appointments for the rest of the day.  Unless there’s an explosion at the White House, I don’t want to be disturbed.” Harm tried not to grin too broadly. As much as he loved making love to his wife, the thought of making a baby was sending a giddy thrill up his spine that overwhelmed him with an insane urge to skip out of his office. “Understood, sir.” Beth bit her lower lip. She wasn’t sure, but she had a feeling the only business on her bosses mind was monkey business. Slipping out the side door of the building towards their street, Harm took firm hold of Mac’s hand. “Ready to make a baby, Mrs. Rabb?” “Ready, Mr. Rabb.” The End, for now.                                                                                                                                                                      BACK                                                                   HOME