RockAByeBabies2



	Chapter 1-6 Chapter 7-12 Chapter 13-17 Title: Rock A Bye Babies Chapter 7 “He didn’t!” Mac’s eyes opened wide. “Ohhh, yeah,” Jen smiled. “Apparently he suggested they might accomplish more towards winning her case of they discussed strategy at his place.” Somehow Mac’s eyes grew wider. “When she explained she was married, Vic made it perfectly clear he didn’t care. Then when she called him on it and pulled rank on him, he called her Honey.” By now Jen was trying so hard not to laugh, she was almost spitting. “Not good,” Harm chimed in. “I think the last straw was a comment he made to Colonel Blake about Commander Haskell’s legs just before Colonel Blake decided to call her back to his office and introduced Vic to his wife. It was pretty amusing to see all the color drain from Vic’s face.” “Iceland, huh?” Mac grinned. “Yeah. He accepted the transfer rather than face an Article 32, but there is a permanent letter of reprimand in his file.” “At least his career is floating belly up. I still don’t understand how he made it this far in the Navy.” Mac was delighted to hear of Vukovic’s latest assignment. It was long overdue as far as she was concerned. “I know you’re probably pretty tired, but we have to go to a little Christmas thing at the office this afternoon. We’ll be on minimum staff starting tomorrow through the New Year. Do you think you’re up to joining us, or would you prefer to rest at the flat?” Mac asked. “If I rest I’ll wake up in time for everyone to go to bed,” Jen smiled. “I’d like to see the offices here.” “Very well. We might as well head straight over,” Harm directed to Corporal Freeman. There was something very odd about walking into a military office out of uniform. Jen followed Harm, Mac, and Mattie through the bullpen. Beth James snapped to attention as the crowd approached her desk. “I have several messages for you, sir.” She handed Harm a stack of notepapers. “Thanks Beth. You remember my daughter, Mattie.” Harm nodded in Mattie’s direction, quickly skimming through the phone messages. “Hi ,Mattie,” Beth smiled. She’d been so impressed when Gunny told her the story of how Captain Rabb had stepped in to take care of her when her father abandoned her after her mother’s death. Was there nothing this man wasn’t capable of? “This is our houseguest, Jennifer Coates.” Harm waved towards Jen. “Ma’am.” Beth nodded. “It’s just Jen. I work for a living.” Beth smiled broadly, “Nice to meet you, Jen.” It was an old joke, but Beth immediately understood it to mean Jen was enlisted also. She couldn’t help but wonder what would have made two officers and a noncom such good friends that she would be a houseguest. With their coats hung in Harm’s office, the Rabb clan joined the rest of the personnel in the bullpen for the beginning of the festivities. There was plenty of punch, pie, and holiday cookies to go around. Christmas carols played softly in the background on a portable CD player. “So you were working with Lt. Roberts on the Seahawk during the Afghanistan investigations?” Gunny took another sip of his drink. “Worked with him, then Lt. Singer, and briefly with the Colonel before transferring to JAG HQ.” Jen noticed an odd look on Gunny’s face. “You’re the one who saved his life.” “Excuse me?” “You saved Lt. Roberts life. The Colonel told me all about it. Excellent work, Petty Officer.” Mac had explained to him on one occasion in Paraguay how Jen’s quick thinking and dogged insistence had most likely saved Bud’s life. “You’re giving me too much credit. I did what any other person would have done.” Jen was becoming very uncomfortable with the direction this conversation was taking. “Did you work long at Ops?” “Almost three years,” Gunny answered, glancing quickly across the room. “I still can’t believe you were in a wheelchair when I first met you.” Beth shook her head, watching another couple across the room out of the corner of her eye. “Sometimes the whole thing just feels like a terrible nightmare, like it never really happened.” Mattie grabbed another cookie. “The Captain and Mrs. Rabb must be very proud of how hard you’ve worked. I can honestly tell you, I don’t think I would have been strong enough to overcome this the way you have.” Beth continued sneaking glances across the room, not sure why she was so focused on the beautiful brunette. “Do you know Jen well?” “Oh, yeah. She’s like a sister. We used to live together when Harm first became my guardian.” “She lived with the Captain?” Beth hadn’t meant to sound so shocked. “No, nothing like that. Harm’s place was more of a bachelor pad. I mean, he didn’t even have a bedroom door. In order for social services to allow him to be my guardian, I had to have a separate bedroom, and Harm needed a backup adult to stay with me in the event he was called out of town. Jen and I lived in the apartment next to his.” “Is she in the Navy or Marines?” Beth watched carefully as Jen and Gunny laughed merrily. “Jen? She’s a Petty Officer First Class like you.” Mattie turned to see what Beth kept looking at across the room. “Why Petty Officer Coates, what a pleasant surprise.” Tracy Manetti stepped up next to Jen and Gunny. “Nice to see you again, ma’am,” she replied politely. “Ma’am,” Gunny nodded. “Is this your first trip to London?” Tracy directed at Jen after nodding back at Gunny. “Yes, ma’am. It’s very exciting.” “Have Captain and Mrs. Rabb made plans to be your tour guides, or has Gunny here volunteered for the job?” Manetti smiled up at Gunny. Jen felt the color flush in her ears. She didn’t remember Commander Manetti being so bold back at Ops. “I think Mattie is probably going to be taking up most of my time, ma’am.” Gunny couldn’t help but think, ‘Good save.’ He also couldn’t help but wonder why he felt so uncomfortable. He was enjoying his conversation with Jen, yet his attention kept drifting across the room to Mattie and Beth. Maybe this would be a good time... “If you ladies will excuse me.” Nodding politely at each woman, Gunny turned on his heel towards the opposite side of the room. “Hello, Miss Grace.” Gunny clicked his heels. “Whatever it is, I didn’t do it,” Mattie laughed. “Didn’t mean to imply that you did,” Gunny smiled back. “Hmm, I bet. If you’re trying to decide what to eat, those butter cookies are to die for.” Mattie pointed at the green Christmas tree cookies across the table. Beth watched the two, growing increasingly uncomfortable. She was fairly sure Gunny had caught her watching him a few times, and she just wanted to escape into a hole somewhere. “If you’ll excuse me...” Beth started. “Actually, I wanted to talk to you,” Gunny interrupted. Mattie quickly took in the scenario and decided this was one of those moments that didn’t need to be witnessed by a teenager. “I think I’m going to go see if Jen wants some cookies.” Without waiting for a response, Mattie headed in Jen’s direction. “She’s right. The cookies are really good,” Gunny started. “Did you know Jen in Washington?” “No. I transferred out about a year before she arrived.” Beth nodded, really wanting to go home and crawl into bed for the next few days. “Listen, I was thinking of getting out of London for a couple of days. You know, like you suggested. With the offices being virtually shut down except for essential personnel, I thought it might be fun to take a train up to York,” Gunny ventured. Beth’s expression was blank. Gunny had no idea what she might be thinking. “I understand it’s a really interesting medieval town,” he pressed. “Don’t know much about it,” Beth offered quietly. “Then you’ve never been?” “No.” “Would you like to go? It’s more fun exploring new places if you have company.” Beth stared silently at Gunny. Exactly what was he suggesting? Suddenly she had no idea what to say. “I uh, I’m not sure I’m uh...” A light bulb of recognition went off in Gunny’s head. For a smart guy who had been around the block a time or two, he sure botched this assignment. No wonder she was hemming and hawing. “I’d be staying at a place called the Judges Lodging Hotel in the center of the old town. I know you’re on a budget, but it would be worth it to me to cover the cost of your room to have the company of a friend.” Gunny hoped he’d recovered from his blundered request. “Oh. I...” Why was he doing this? He shouldn’t be wasting his time on her. He should go after someone available like Jen. They seemed to be hitting it off anyhow. “Look at it this way, it may be your last chance to get away before you’re tied down with the baby. It’ll be good for you.” Gunny could sense her hesitation, but he hadn’t realized how badly he wanted her to join him until he heard himself asking. “Gunny, you should take someone you could really have fun with, like Jen.” Beth raised her head, pointing in Jen’s direction. “Why would I want to go with someone I don’t even know?” He couldn’t be that dense, could he? If he didn’t get it, she wasn’t about to explain it to him. He was right, she really could stand to get away, but it wasn’t fair to make him pick up the tab for her. “I’ve got a little money saved. I can spring for two nights. How does that sound?” Beth smiled. “Like I won’t have to eat my meals alone.” Gunny was grinning from ear to ear. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d looked forward to anything as much as he was now looking forward to seeing some ancient town in the middle of northern England. Chapter 8 Rabb Flat Next morning “You’re up awfully early considering your body clock thinks it’s two o’clock in the morning,” Mac smiled over a cup of coffee. “Would you like a cup?” “Yes, ma’am. I mean, Mac, but I can help myself.” Jen walked past Mac and over to the counter by the coffeepot. Mac smiled out of one side of her mouth. With any luck, Jen would be easier to train than Bud. “It’s incredibly nice of you and Harm to invite me for Christmas. I’ve really been looking forward to it. Christmas was so ‘odd’ the last two years without you and the Captain.” Mac let her mind wander back briefly to the last two holidays. Two years ago she’d spent Christmas Eve with Clayton Webb, though her heart was with Harm and his new ward. Last year was spent banged and bruised, but Harm’s hands holding hers made it the nicest Christmas she’d ever had. Her heart shuddered at how much longer they might have waited if the transfers hadn’t come in. They’d probably still be teetering that line of ‘just friends,’ with each silently wanting more. “I love the apartment. I think it’s great the way yours and Harm’s things mix so well together. I would have thought your traditional stuff with his modern stuff would have clashed, but it doesn’t. It’s just perfect. Like the two of you.” “Well, while I agree with you, this place is perfect for us. I don’t think anyone would consider Harm or me perfect,” Mac chuckled quietly. Lord did they ever have their flaws. “I meant perfect for each other. I mean, you know what this reminds me of?” Mac shook her head no. “When I first met you five years ago. The Commander looked so comfortable with you at the table. I thought the two of you had something special. Then you told me I wanted what everyone wanted, a good job, a good man, and a couple of kids. Well you’ve had the great career, you’ve got the great guy, and I bet it won’t be long before you’ve got a couple of kids running around here. Though, technically you’ve already got that if you count Mattie.” “Mm, Mattie.” Mac nodded, her expression suddenly sullen and empty. “Oh, I’m sorry, ma’am. I shouldn’t have brought up the career thing, but I mean, you’re still a lawyer. You can do that anywhere. Can’t you?” “What? Oh, yes. I just recently had to defend a seaman who was wrongly accused of stealing from a museum. It’s not that. You’re right. I’ve had a good career.” Mac put on a brave front, trying to reassure the young woman in front of her. Jen stared silently at Mac for just a moment longer than she should have. “Really, Jen. I’m okay with resigning my commission. There’s more to life than being a Marine.” Boy, Mac never thought she’d hear herself say those words and mean them. “Then is it the kids, Ma...ac? Is it Mattie?” Now how was Mac supposed to answer that? “It’s not Mattie. She’s great to have around. She’s the child Harm never had.” “Then it’s kids in general?” Jen couldn’t believe Mac or Harm didn’t want them. They were both too good with them. Mac had kept up with Chloe long after she didn’t need to anymore, and Harm was like a real father to Mattie. Something wasn’t... oh no. Now Jen wished she hadn’t said anything. It suddenly dawned on her, even though the Colonel looked great, she probably wasn’t that young any more. Brother, talk about open mouth and insert foot. “I’m sorry, Mac. I shouldn’t be prying. Forget I said anything.” Jen hoped she hadn’t done irreparable damage. “Morning, ladies.” Harm leaned over to kiss his wife. “You two look awfully serious. What are you talking about?” He turned towards the counter with the coffee. “Christmas,” Jen grinned at the same time Mac muttered, “Kids.” “Oh.” Harm’s expression fell just as Mac’s had not very long ago. It was obvious to Jen that something was up. “Well, Christmas is definitely a holiday for kids. I bet the Roberts have their hands full about now,” Jen tried to ease the tension in the room. “That I bet they do,” Mac chuckled. Her smile was more sincere, but her eyes still showed the pain she was hiding. “So,” Mac exclaimed enthusiastically. “What’s on the agenda for today? Harm has to work today and tomorrow so it’s just us girls, unless you and Mattie want to explore London on your own.” “I thought I’d let Mattie set the pace. I can’t get over how good she looks. If I hadn’t seen what she’d been through eight months ago, I wouldn’t believe it.” “Yeah, we’re pretty proud of how hard she fought. Though the good looking PT didn’t hurt any,” Mac laughed. “Never mind,” Harm added, sitting down by his wife, with his coffee and a muffin. “I detect a fun story here,” Jen grinned. “Nothing as interesting as that hunky pilot who gave you his number,” Mattie yawned sleepily from the doorway. “Don’t you people know vacations are meant for sleeping in?” “I’m not on vacation,” Harm offered, “and what hunky pilot?” Harm’s smile faded quickly. Surely Jen wasn’t thinking of getting involved with an officer. “Don’t tell me you missed that gorgeous hunk of six foot blond male that practically made her swoon when he said, ‘If you need a tour guide, call me’?” Mattie repeated with a melodramatic flair. “He wasn’t my type,” Harm teased his ward. “Considering the way you two carry on, I would think you wouldn’t object to some other people getting a little action,” Mattie grinned coyly. “MATTIE!” Jen was now officially mortified. “Oh come on, Jen. He looks hot, he sounds hot, he’s a pilot, so he must make big bucks. What more could you ask for on your Christmas list?” “Mattie,” Jen looked nervously at Harm and Mac who seemed unexpectedly amused by the conversation, or was it by her discomfort? “You don’t go calling every guy you meet on a plane. For all I know he could be married or an axe murderer. Besides, I’m here to visit with you guys. I’m not looking for any ‘action,’ as you put it.” Jen let out a heavy breath, and shook her head. How the hell did this whole conversation get out of control? “Does this mean I can go back to polishing my nine millimeter?” Harm whispered in Mac’s ear. Giggling, she whispered back, “No.” “Let me know if the girls leave you home alone and you want me to join you for lunch.” Harm kissed Mac goodbye. Her ovulation kit showed that now was the time to try, but they had decided with Jen visiting and all, they would just let this month go by without any extra efforts. “If you guys already had plans, I’m sure Mattie and I could find something we can do on our own.” “Nope, my calendar is open if you guys want to do something together.” Mac nodded, getting up for another cup of coffee. London Headquarters Harm’s office 0745 Harm was surprised to find Tracy waiting for him outside his office. “Sorry about this, sir. I just called your house and Mac said you were on your way over.” “No problem, come on in.” Harm opened the office door with one hand and nudged Tracy inside with the other. “I don’t know if this is of any significance or not, but I have a corporal in my office. He brought me these papers.” Tracy handed a few crumpled sheets of paper over to Harm. “He told me his girlfriend slipped them in his pocket. Apparently, she didn’t have enough time to explain what they say. Her brother came home unexpectedly and he had to climb out the window in a hurry before the brother realized the corporal has been keeping company with his sister.” Harm smiled softly at Tracy’s delicate Southern phrasing. The smile quickly disappeared when Harm realized the papers weren’t in English. “The only thing she managed to tell him as he was climbing out the window was, ‘Hurry, you have to stop him.’ He brought the papers straight here. According to the MPs, he’s been waiting for hours for an officer.” “Sir, I’ve been trying to get a hold of someone from crypto since I got that and there doesn’t appear to be a military soul left in London who can translate that for us. Should I turn it over to Scotland Yard?” “No, not yet. I have an idea.” Raising his finger at Tracy to wait, Harm stabbed at the buttons on his phone, waiting impatiently for an answer. “Mac, honey. Sorry to interrupt, but I need you here ASAP.” Chapter 9 “No problem, the girls are just finishing breakfast. Is it Beth?” Mac couldn’t imagine what Harm would need her for so urgently. “No. I have something I need you to look at. It’s not English. I’m guessing maybe Arabic.” “I’m on my way, but if you want me to help you’d better hope it’s in Farsi. I don’t read Arabic.” Mac hung up and turned to Jen and Mattie. “I’m needed at the office. If I’m not back by the time you’re ready to leave, just go without me.” Reaching into her purse, she pulled out forty pounds and laid it on the table. “That should be enough.” “Don’t worry, Mac. I’ve got my credit cards. Better exchange rate,” Jen smiled. “Thanks, just let me know if we wind up owing you anything. Hopefully I’ll be back in time to join you.” Shoving her wallet back in her bag, Mac rushed out the door and across the mews. Reason after reason of why Harm would need a translation at eight o’clock in the morning passed through her mind, but none made any sense. Riding on the elevator she eliminated possibility after possibility. By the time she arrived at Harm’s office, she still had absolutely no idea what could be going on. “He’s waiting for you, ma’am.” Beth waved Mac into the office. “Good, you’re here.” Mac knew this had him worried if he dispensed with any kind of a greeting. “This note was passed late last night to a corporal by his girlfriend. She implied it was of an urgent matter.” Harm handed Mac the papers and waved for her to take a seat. Tracy and Harm watched her carefully as she began reading the pages. When her eyes began to open wider and wider, they were sure she was able to read at least some of what was in front of her. Half way through the second page, Mac gasped unexpectedly. “Oh my God, Harm. This is today!” “What’s today?” Tracy and Harm echoed in chorus. “This is an outline for another attack on the subways. So far there are six stations listed: Victoria, Paddington, Picadilly, Liverpool Street, Kings Cross, and Bond Street. I haven’t gotten far enough to see if there are any more listed, but it’s planned for rush hour.” Harm looked at his watch and flipped on the TV. Changing from channel to channel, there was no news of any trouble. “Must not be the morning rush hour. Does it give times anywhere?” “Not yet.” Mac was still reading. “I’d better get Scotland Yard on the phone.” Punching the intercom, “Beth get me Sir Ian Blair.” Putting his hand over the mouthpiece, he turned to Tracy. “Bring me your corporal. We’re going to need names and addresses of whoever gave him this little firecracker.” “Aye, aye.” Without wasting any time, Tracy hurried back to her office. “Oh, God. They’re using female suicide bombers.” Mac continued reading the papers. Although she could speak Farsi, reading it was a challenge. “Yes, Sir Ian. This is Harmon Rabb. We appear to have a situation.” Harm explained quickly what little information he had while Mac began scribbling down tidbits of information from the rough outline. Tracy had returned to the office, the young corporal waiting for her outside the door. She listened as Harm explained what they’d been able to uncover. She hadn’t worked often with the Captain, but she could tell from his stance that the person on the other end of the line was doing nothing to assuage his concerns. “Get the corporal in here. Have him write down any information he has on ANY names. According to Scotland Yard, they’ve had some intel that something is in the wind for the Christmas season but they haven’t been able to pinpoint what or when. This could very well be it. They need the name of that girl’s brother.” Harm took a deep breath. “I’m faxing this myself.” “Here, fax this too. It’s my notes on the key things I’ve translated so far. If I had a dictionary I could do better.” Mac shoved a few more sheets at Harm. “Sir Ian is calling in his translators now.” Harm took the papers and opened the door letting Corporal Wooten in. “Sit down, Corporal. Have you got that list I asked for?” Tracy had left him in the hall with pad and pencil. “Yes, ma’am. BahAmin, she’s my girl.” Tracy scribbled the word ‘girlfriend’ next to the name. “Rahim, that’s her brother.” Tracy wrote out ‘suspect: girlfriend’s brother.’ He only had one more name on the list. “A few weeks ago, I overheard Rahim calling to one of his friends, just before BahAmin closed the window.” “I gather you used the window as your form of egress often?” “No, ma’am. I...I usually used the back door so no one would see me. BahAmin’s brother was strict Islamic and knowing his sister was seeing a Christian wouldn’t have been good.” “If you didn’t want to be seen by the neighbors, why didn’t you meet elsewhere?” “I share my place with three other Marines, ma’am.” “I see. Tell me Corporal, if they were such devout Muslims, why did the sister agree to see you at all?” Tracy wondered if there was any chance this entire thing could be a well-planned ruse. “Her family owns a Turkish coffee shop around the corner from my place. At first, she hardly ever said anything to me. After a while, I got her to tell me her name. Little by little she’d talk to me more and more. One day she agreed to take a walk with me. I suppose it was my fault for not telling her sooner I was a Marine, but she knew I was an American and didn’t seem to mind. We just seemed to connect.” Corporal Wooten took a deep breath. This entire situation had shaken him to the core. He knew that her brother was strict Islamic and would never approve of his sister dating a Christian, but it never once entered his mind that Rahim could be a member of a terrorist faction. “It wasn’t until she saw my tattoo that I told her I was a Marine.” “Tattoo?” Tracy repeated. Lifting his arm, he pointed to his side. “You know ma’am, my social security number.” Tracy had forgotten that was one way to identify a fallen soldier. Just then Harm came back into the room and gave Mac the original papers back. “What have we got?” he asked Tracy. “Only three names and an address.” She handed him the paper the Corporal had given her. Walking over to the phone, Harm dialed the direct number Sir Ian had given him. “Sir, I have some more information for you.” Harm slowly dictated the names and address he’d been given. On the other end of the line, Sir Ian frantically typed the names into his computer. “We’ve got a match. Looks like your man has stumbled onto the real thing. Can your wife give me any more information? I’ve got my people coming in but everyone was off on holiday and time is critical at the moment.” “Understood, sir.” Harm nodded even though the man couldn’t see. “We’ll continue to pass on any new information as soon as we come across it.” “Baby strollers!” Mac sprang up from her seat. “That’s the key. They’re using women pushing explosives in baby buggies. They know police and passengers are watching for abandoned packages, and that women are rarely suspected, so they’ve decided to insure their invisibility by using baby carriages to hide the explosives.” Her heart tightened in her chest. She couldn’t understand if the carriages were decoys, or if the women were actually going to sacrifice themselves and their babies. Mac was overwhelmed by the urge to throw up. Chapter 10 Mac couldn’t help it, no matter how hard she tried to hold back her emotions, she simply couldn’t stop the tears. “Excuse me,” she mumbled softly before making a beeline for the ladies room. Harm froze for a moment, startled by his wife’s sudden escape. “Sorry sir, yes. She seems to think they’re going to disguise the explosives in baby carriages.” Harm returned his focus to the conversation with Sir Ian. “Jolly good. If we can’t stop these people first, it certainly will not be hard to miss them at the station. How many women do you see pushing baby buggies around in the tube?” “Not many since that incident in Korea, sir.” Harm kept one eye on the door waiting for Mac to return. On the other side of the door, Gunny came up to Beth’s desk. “Was the Colonel crying?” “I didn’t think so. She did seem in a hurry, but so did Commander Manetti earlier. There’s something important going on in there. The Captain’s been talking with the head of Scotland Yard. Why? What did you see?” “I’m not sure. I was coming down the hall past the ladies room and she almost knocked me over. It’s not like the Colonel not to at least say excuse me. She was looking down, so I couldn’t quite see, but I’d have sworn I heard her sniffling.” “Maybe she’s catching a cold, or flu?” “Wasn’t that kind of sniffle.” Gunny’s mind wandered off, wondering if maybe he’d let his guard down too soon, and he was going to have to start watching the Colonel’s back after all. He certainly hoped he was wrong. That woman deserved good things in life. It would kill her if something went wrong with her and the Captain after all this time. “Gunny! You still with me?” Beth waved her hand in front of him. “Sorry, just thinking about all the work I have to do. I’d better get moving.” Without even looking at Beth, Gunny returned to his desk determined to keep a better eye out for the Colonel. Mac washed her face and looked into the mirror. This was getting ridiculous. She couldn’t very well start falling apart every time someone mentioned the word baby. People around her were bound to get pregnant, like Beth. Things happen to pregnant women, like the lady Gunny rescued at the subway station. She couldn’t help but feel life was playing a dirty trick on her. Even with Harriet’s prolific ability to procreate, she had never felt so bombarded by babies in her life. At least it isn’t often that terrorists use baby carriages to disguise an attack. “Bond Street!” Mac practically shouted at the mirror. Gathering her wits, she washed off her hands and hurried back to Harm’s office. “You okay?” he asked immediately, not caring who heard. “Yeah, but I’ve got to get a hold of Jen and Mattie. I don’t want them in the subway today.” Harm’s eyes opened wide at his wife’s words. “Piccadilly is near some of the tourist attractions, and they’d have to come home at Bond Street. Maybe they should just stay home today. I’m sure Jen wouldn’t mind a little time to adjust.” Harm didn’t want to appear overprotective, but he was honestly worried about having the girls anywhere in London at the moment. “Let me see.” Not wanting to tie up the office line, she pulled her cell phone out of her bag, and moved over to the corner of the room and dialed the house. “Rabb residence,” Jen answered. “Good. You’re still there.” “Oh yeah. You didn’t really think that Mattie, the walking personification of your typical teenager, was going to be out the door before noon did you?” Jen couldn’t help but laugh. “It looks like I’m going to be tied up longer than I thought. I can’t tell you why, but see if you can talk Mattie into staying home today, or maybe just walking around the neighborhood – but nowhere near the tube stations, and be home by four o’clock at the latest.” Mac knew she was giving out way too much information and doing a miserable job of hiding her concern. “No problem, ma’am. I could use a day to catch up on time zones anyhow.” Jen could tell from the tone of voice, this wasn’t just Mac the mom talking, this was Lt. Colonel MacKenzie on the line, and something was up. “Thanks, Jen. I appreciate it.” “Yes, ma’am.” Jen listened to the click as the call disconnected. Well, if nothing else, this vacation obviously wasn’t going to be boring. Flipping her phone shut, Mac looked around the room. Things had reached a sort of stand still. “Now what?” she asked, moving closer to Harm’s desk. “Now we wait. This is Scotland Yard’s case now. It’s no longer Navy business.” “Sir, what about BahAmin?” Corporal Wooten asked timidly. “What about her, Corporal?” Harm crossed his arms. “Well, if the police show up looking for her brother, he might realize she’s the one who betrayed him. I mean, I’ve heard some pretty awful things about how the women are treated.” “Have you seen any signs that she’s been abused?” Tracy asked. “No, ma’am, not exactly. Not physically anyhow, but he’s always yelling at her that she’s too free and needs to be taken back to Iran to learn a little respect. Don’t they still stone people there, sir?” “She’s not in Iran, Corporal,” Harm pointed out. “No, sir, but still. Can’t I go get her and bring her here before the police arrive, I mean, we could get married or something, than she’d be American and have to be protected. Right, sir?” “It’s not that easy, Corporal.” Harm looked at Mac. “There’s paperwork, and approvals from your CO. There’s also a waiting period.” “Sir, you’re a lawyer. Isn’t there anyway around it in a hurry?” “I could go,” Mac tossed out casually. “WHAT?” Harm snapped. “I can go over before the police get there. They won’t suspect a woman and I can blend in if I have to speak in Farsi. As a matter of fact, she probably would be more willing to talk if she felt safe somewhere else. I’m sure once she’s out of danger and her brother and his cohorts are under arrest we can figure out a way to get her and the Corporal together, if that’s what she wants.” “She does have a point, sir. If the brother is home, or if she’s afraid her brother will walk in on her with the police, she’s unlikely to say anything, and unless they arrest her, they won’t be able to protect her,” Tracy added. “Let me call Sir Ian.” Harm didn’t like this at all. There was no reason one of Scotland Yard’s women couldn’t go pick up BahAmin. Harm explained the Corporal’s concerns to Sir Ian and much to his chagrin, Sir Ian agreed that Mac was the best qualified. “Captain, the only female I have that speaks Farsi is on holiday in Barcelona. I’ve got a few men who could do it, but your officer is right, your wife won’t stand out. If she weren’t a retired marine I wouldn’t even consider it, but this is national security and we’re short on time.” “Agreed, but I’m going to be there too.” “Your call, Captain. I’m sure this won’t be the first stake out you’ve been a part of.” When Mac had told him this morning that she was ovulating again, Harm had pictured a totally different scenario for watching her six today, and stopping a mad bomber wasn’t anywhere in the plan. Chapter 11 In less than thirty minutes a small army of British police were scattered throughout the tiny immigrant neighborhood. “It doesn’t look like anyone else is home,” a tall officer reported. “Alright, you and Gunny go ahead and ring the bell. All the exits are covered, they’ve even got snipers on the rooftops.” Harm looked upward. “And remember...” “I know, don’t go in, just get her and get out,” Mac repeated for the umpteenth time. Not really caring if anyone was watching, Harm pulled Mac tightly into his arms, planted an exceedingly inappropriate kiss on her lips, considering the circumstances, and whispered in her ear. “Remember, we’ve got a date to make a baby tonight.” Pulling back he smiled to himself at all the faces casually staring up at the ceiling, pretending not to have noticed the rather private moment. Harm settled at a small table in the cafe across the way from the old brownstone building. Already having ordered a cup of coffee, he watched over the edge of his newspaper as Mac and Gunny walked up the front steps of the suspect’s home. He couldn’t believe it had been less than two hours since he’d walked into his office this morning expecting a boring pre-holiday workday. “Good morning,” Mac said in Farsi when the front door finally opened. As she had hoped, the young woman on the other side wasn’t at all apprehensive to see a woman at the door. “Good morning,” she answered back. “I’m a friend of Andrew Wooten,” Mac continued, noticing the suddenly panicked look in the young woman’s face. “Are you alone?” she asked softly. “Is there a problem?” A deep voice came from behind the frightened lady. The hair on the back of Harm’s neck stood on end. So much for Scotland Yard’s surveillance. Mac was all set to answer when Gunny, stepped in. “My name is Faylak, my sister Sarah has an appointment for an early luncheon with BahAmin, and she is not allowed to go unaccompanied. I have a real meeting at half twelve so if BahAmin is ready...” Gunny listened silently as Rahim interrogated his sister. “I... I forgot it was today. I am sorry. I wanted to tell you of our meeting yesterday when you hurried me to my room. She is new in London. She and her mother have been coming to the coffee shop. Her mother and brother want her to make the right friends. I... I offered to have lunch with her. I’m sorry.” Gunny and Mac held their breath. The woman had believed them, and obviously wanted to get away from her brother as much as the young corporal had thought she would. She’d done well picking up on Gunny’s lead. Mac had almost blown it. She’d forgotten not to speak when her ‘brother’ was with her. The brother continued barking at her unacceptable behavior. When he turned and told Gunny he wanted her home in an hour, Gunny looked almost as surprised as Mac. “Agreed,” Gunny replied. In only a few minutes, they were walking down the street to a borrowed car. As they pulled away from the street and made their way to headquarters, BahAmin finally found her voice. “Is Andrew okay?” “He’s fine. We have a lot of questions for you,” Mac explained. “Where are we going?” she asked, a little less tense. “We’re going to see Andrew.” Rabb Flat 1715 Jen sat back on the sofa fighting the urge to take a nap. She’d forgotten how hard the eastbound time change was for her. “Okay, what do you want to watch next?” Mattie asked enthusiastically, taking out the previously viewed movie, and temporarily switching the screen back to TV. “What else have you got?” Jen sat up to look at Mattie’s list of DVDs when something on the screen caught her eye. “Raise the volume a minute, please?” Mattie hit the button on the remote control, unmuting the TV, then turned to see what had Jen so interested. Scooting to the edge of the sofa, Jen watched as the cameras panned several tube station entrances clamoring with activity. “At precisely 1645 this afternoon at three different tube stations, Victoria, Piccadilly, and Bond Street, Scotland Yard successfully rounded up a group of suicide bombers. The apparent ring leader was captured in an early morning raid just outside his home in Wembley Park...” “Oh my God.” Jen’s jaw dropped as the news reporter continued to explain about the plot to blow up subways with female suicide bombers pushing... “Mattie, what’s a pram?” Jen asked. “It’s a stroller. Good God, were they really going to blow up babies?” Mattie had stopped looking for a DVD and was equally glued to the TV. “I don’t think so. Sounds like it was just a method for concealing the explosives.” “That’s right,” Harm called from the doorway, hanging up his and Mac’s coats. “You knew about this.” Jen looked Mac, then Harm in the eye. It wasn’t really a question. “We did. Thanks for staying home.” Mac sank into the nearest chair. “How’d you know?” Mattie asked. “The ringleader made the mistake of letting his sister fall in love with a Marine, and then wanted her to be one of the suicide bombers. He thought she’d be honored to die for Allah.” “He was wrong?” Mattie guessed. “Very,” Mac affirmed. “She gave us the name of three other women who were being forced into the plan by a relative, the other three were caught red-handed.” “What about the rest of the ring? The news is a little sketchy,” Jen interjected. “Yeah, well, I can see why they wouldn’t want to give away all their secrets. I suspect they’re still rounding people up. A few might get away, but as long as people like BahAmin speak up, we’ll stay one step ahead of them.” “Is that the sister in love with a Marine?” Jen asked. Mac nodded her head. “She turned over every one in the ring?” Mattie asked this time. “No. Her brother wouldn’t give her that type of information. The brother wouldn’t say a word when he was taken into custody, but his cell phone had all the information Scotland Yard needed.” “What happens to her now?” “Well, it looks like she and Corporal Wooten will be getting married,” Mac yawned. “Cool! Talk about romantic. When?” Mattie bounced in her seat. “As soon as his lawyer arranges for all the paperwork,” Harm walked into the kitchen, too tired to cook and too tired to go out. “Why’s he need a lawyer to get married?” “He doesn’t need a lawyer to get married. He needs a lawyer to push it through the system. Normally these things take time. Even in the States you’ve got a waiting period.” Harm stuck his head in the fridge. Maybe take out Chinese would be a good idea. “So who’s his lawyer?” Mattie continued. Leaning back against the chair with her eyes closed, Mac raised her hand and waved her fingers. She didn’t realize how draining the day had been on her until she sat down in the chair. She wasn’t sure she ever wanted to get up again. “You?” Mattie said with a little more surprise than she meant. Opening one eye, “Don’t sound so shocked.” Mac dropped her head back down. “How do you guys feel about take out Chinese tonight?” Harm came back from the kitchen and dropped in the chair next to Mac. “Can you two stay awake that long?” Mattie teased. “Apparently not.” Jen looked at Mattie. “Do they do this often?” “No. If anything they ‘turn in early’, but I’ve never seen them fall asleep in the chairs. It must have been one hell of a day for them.” Mattie turned to Jen. “They told you, didn’t they?” “Not exactly, but Mac did ask us to stay home today, or at least stay away from the subways.” Mattie looked at her two guardians. “What do you say we hit the Chinese restaurant around the corner. Let them sleep, and then we can bring them something back.” “Sounds like a plan.” Getting up to get her coat, Jen froze when she noticed that Harm and Mac had stretched their arms out after falling asleep and were actually holding hands. “Is that too cute or what?” she said to Mattie. “Heh, I want to see what you think after two weeks of that lovey dovey stuff,” Mattie chuckled knowingly, “Come on, I’m really getting hungry.” “Yeah. Right behind you.” Jen couldn’t help but think, no two people could ever have been more meant for each other. Chapter 12 December 24th Rabb Flat “I had no idea a few Yanks could mess up such an easy tradition.” Harm tried swallowing his laughter. Somehow, on one of the Royal Marine’s last days at ops, Harm got into a conversation with him over Christmas traditions. The friendly young man mentioned ‘crackers,’ beautifully wrapped log-shaped cardboard tubes filled with a party hat, jokes, and a trinket. With one person pulling at each end, in a matter of only a few minutes, the four of them had managed to create bedlam at the table. What should have been a small snapping noise resounded through the room like a sub machine gun spitting confetti all over everyone. By the time they’d managed to get all their little treasures out, the four were practically doubled over in laughter. “Oh, this is too funny.” Jen put the ‘cracker’ down on her plate, wiping the tears of laughter from her eyes. “I haven’t laughed that hard in a long time.” “Who told you about these?” Mac was still laughing so hard she could barely speak. “That Royal Marine.” Jen wiped at her tears again, “Who says you need children to make Christmas fun?” She didn’t realize the impact of what she had just said. In a matter of minutes, Mac’s tears of laughter had changed to sadness. Getting up quickly with the excuse of clearing the table, she feigned continued hilarity, unaware of Jen’s watchful eye. “Let me help.” Jen grabbed a couple of plates and followed Mac to the sink. “No,” Mac took a deep breath. She’d already had this conversation with herself. She was simply going to have to stop falling apart so easily at the mention of babies and children. “You’re the guest. You and Mattie go relax in the living room a minute. When I’m done here we can leave for the evening service.” “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth,” Mattie called, getting up from the table, still trying to control her laughter. Making herself comfortable on the oversized sofa, Jen turned seriously to Mattie. “Have Harm and Mac ever mentioned children to you?” “Not really. I mean I think Harm said something once about wanting to be a father, but I don’t remember them ever talking about it.” “Have they said something since they’ve been married about maybe next year, or some sort of timetable to indicate they’re thinking about having children?” “Not that I can think of. What are you getting at?” “Something’s not right. I’ve never known Mac to be emotionally sensitive about anything. I don’t even remember seeing her cry when Webb died, and yet this is the second time I’ve seen her get teary eyed over the mention of children. Have they said anything to indicate they’re trying for a baby?” “Jen, get real. Do you honestly think they’d discuss that with me?” “Point taken. You said they tend to go to bed early a lot?” “Yeah.” “Do you think they might be trying to have a baby now?” “I don’t know. I just chalked it up to being hormonal newlyweds. I mean, you saw them tonight. Those two are practically joined at the hip.” Mattie looked over towards the kitchen. She could see Harm and Mac working seamlessly together on cleaning up the mess from dinner. Even though she couldn’t hear the conversation, she could tell they were laughing quietly over something. “Wait a minute.” “What?” “I don’t know how I could have forgotten. Mac had outpatient surgery a couple of months ago. She never told me what it was for exactly. She just joked about cleaning out her plumbing. It was a laparoscopy. Do you think it has something to do with trying to have a baby?” “Yeah, I think I do.” Jen nodded her head slowly. “Okay, we’re done. You guys ready to go?” Harm asked as Mac walked up behind him. St. Christopher’s Church Christmas Eve Service “The only thing missing to make this evening perfect would be the Roberts clan and AJ.” Mac looked up at the large oak doors of the big church. It wasn’t quite the cozy chapel they were used to attending on Christmas Eve, but it gave her the same homey feeling. “If you closed your eyes, the Reverend even sounded like Chaplain Turner,” Jen added. Strolling back to the house, Mattie and Jen took the lead, walking several feet ahead of Harm and Mac. “Are you doing okay?” Mac hooked her arm more tightly through Harms. “Why wouldn’t I be?” “Well, I know how much it’s always meant to you to go to the Wall on Christmas Eve.” “I know, but I know Dad understands that it’s important for me to be with my ‘whole’ family now. I wouldn’t change where I am and who I’m with for anything in the world.” “Me neither.” Smiling as wide as a Cheshire cat, Mac leaned more heavily onto her husband. This was indeed the best Christmas of her life. December 25th York, England “I can’t believe we practically have the entire place to ourselves.” Beth took a deep breath as they stepped out onto the open courtyard in front of the hotel. “Christmas day isn’t really a high tourist day. People are mostly visiting family and friends. Besides, it’s not like this place is so huge. They only have 25 rooms,” Gunny smiled. “Yes, but that’s part of what makes it so perfect for Christmas. We’re in a hotel and yet it feels like home. Not that I’ve ever had a home like this,” she giggled. “I think it must have been every little girl’s dream to have a canopy bed. I finally get mine, even if it is only for two nights.” Turning the corner, Beth stopped to look up at the large stone edifice at the end of the road. “Impressive, isn’t it?” Gunny looked up to the York Minster Cathedral “Unbelievable.” “It’s one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe.” Gunny noticed the odd glance Beth shot in his direction. “I read about more than just military maneuvers, you know. Besides, it’s one of the reasons I picked York. There’s history at every corner.” Gunny and Beth sat in awe at the traditional Christmas service. The craftsmanship throughout the cathedral was breathtaking. The sound of the pipe organ filled the space with a reverent sense of peace. Taking a different route back to the hotel, Beth stopped every so often to look in the windows of the small shops. “This is a shopper’s paradise. The malls have nothing on this place. Look at all these great little stores.” She waved her arm up and down the street. “There’s street after street of these.” “Glad you like it.” Gunny grinned broadly, again. “Hey, look here. It’s a baby store.” Gunny’s eyes fell to the fine lace christening gown laid out in the window. “I’d bet a month’s salary that’s handmade and costs more than a month’s salary.” This time Gunny let out a low chuckle, not noticing Beth wasn’t really showing the same interest. “We should come back when they’re open tomorrow. I’m sure they’ll have something for Junior I can afford.” “We’ll see,” Beth replied coldly, walking alone down the narrow cobblestone street. Gunny’s heart sank to his shoes at the distant tone of her voice. Trotting a few paces to catch up to where she had stopped to look in another window. “You haven’t decided yet, have you?” Beth shook her head no. “And you’re leaning towards giving the baby away?” This time Beth nodded her head yes, her eyes watery with unshed tears. “I see.” For a reason Gunny couldn’t explain, he felt like Beth had just punched him in the stomach. Watching one tear escape past her valiant efforts to hold them back and trickle down her cheek, Gunny carefully put his arm around her shoulder. “It’s okay to be afraid. It will all work out.” He had no idea how, but he prayed he was right. And with that the waterfall began. Beth caught Gunny totally off guard when she turned into him and began sobbing on his chest. Slowly, the arm that had barely been resting on her shoulder wrapped itself more tightly around her. As she continued crying, he hesitantly brought his other arm around, pulling her closer to him, rubbing soothing circles on her back. “It’s okay, let it out,” he urged. Through the sobs and gulping attempts to slow the steady flow of tears, Gunny could make out Beth’s repeated plea, “What am I going to do?” “I don’t know.” He continued soothing, “ I don’t know.” BACK NEXT HOME