Title: Moving in Shadows
Author: TC Amlin
Disclaimers: same as always, I don't own them and if I did we would be a happier bunch of shippers. DB and CBS have all rights and get to aggravate us.
Spoilers: Up to FS, Touch and Go never happened
Summary: Harm is being stalked with deadly consequences.
With backseat beta reader Lisa
JAG HQ
0930 EST
January 8th 2001
Everyone was gathered around the conference table waiting on AJ to come and start the Monday staff meeting.
Mac stared for a moment at Bud's chair. On top of everything else the young couple had to deal with, Harriet's father had a heart attack. He was expected to make a full recovery, after triple by-pass surgery.
AJ stormed in and yelled, " As you were." Before Mac could even think of ordering them to attention.
" Colonel, where is Commander Rabb?"
" Uh, I don't know sir. I haven't heard from him today."
AJ was about to respond when his look around the table stopped briefly at Bud's seat and then went on as he took notice of his other lawyers. AJ stopped a second and then looked at his notes. He started in on the others present and asked for update on their current caseloads and how they were going. Mac was about to respond when Harm came in the door.
" Sorry, Sir."
AJ was about to chew him out when he took a good look at Harm and saw that his left arm was in a sling and that his left eye was nearly swollen shut.
" I was in a car accident this weekend." Harm answered AJ's question before he asked. " My SUV is a total loss."
"Are you okay Commander?"
"Just a concussion, broken wrist and bruised ribs. The doctor assures me that I will be as good as new in a few weeks."
Mac looked away when she saw that Harm caught her staring at him. He didn't even call me was all she could think as she listened to him tell AJ his injuries.
" Well people, unless there is anything else, I will have the Colonel hand out new cases later. That is all."
The rest of the staff got up and left, wishing Harm the best as they did.
"Alright Harm, why wasn't I called? As your CO I should have been notified."
"We were out of state and I didn't want anyone here to be bothered. Sorry sir but it was enough of an ordeal as it was."
Mac took in what he said and asked, "How is Renee?"
Harm lowered his head as he whispered, "She was killed in the accident. If it is okay sir, I need some leave so I can take her home to her family in Texas."
"Take two weeks, Harm. Mac and the rest of the staff will cover while you are gone. I'm sorry, son. I know you and Renee were close."
"Thanks, sir. I will start my leave as soon as I have the Colonel up to speed on my cases."
"If you need anything Harm, call." AJ said as he got up and patted Harm on the back.
"Why didn't you call me?" Mac said as she hurt for her friend and hurt inside herself because he didn't call her.
"I didn't think Mic would have approved me interrupting this past weekend Mac. Besides, I didn't want to be with anyone." Using his good arm Harm pulled out several files and handed them to Mac. " Since I have been doing that proposal study I haven't had too many big cases. Bud was up to speed the last I knew on a few of these. If there are any questions you can call me."
Harm got up and nearly fell. He waved off Mac as she jumped up and attempted to come around and help him.
"I am fine, Colonel. Is there anything else you need?"
Mac wanted to scream at him and tell him to drop the formal rank crap but she knew from experience he was trying to cope with what happened the typical Rabb way.
"That should be it Commander, make sure that Gunny knows where you can be reached."
Harm nodded and was nearly out the door, "And Harm, if you need anything, call me please. I will be there for you."
Harm only nodded again as he left.
Just north of Union Station
Harm's Apartment
1300 EST
Harm sat on the couch lost in thought. He caused the death of yet another person. Someone else he cared about was gone because they had gotten too close to him. He was silently thankful it wasn't Mac but knew Renee deserved so much more. He let himself get immersed in what had happened again, trying to figure out what he could have done differently when someone knocked on the door.
"I am glad I caught you at home. When are you heading to Texas?"
"In the morning, any news on Sergie?"
Clay shook his head no, "I'm sorry Harm, all I know is he is still a POW and he was added to the list of those the Russian Government is asking for in a trade of POWs." Taking off his coat and heading for the fridge. "I do have some news about your accident. There was no way you could have prevented it, Harm. The brake lines were tampered with along with the steering. Who ever has been after you since Thanksgiving is getting braver." Clay ended as he grabbed a bottle of water and then joined Harm on the couch.
"Well that eases my mind so much. I knew I should have broken up with Renee after the first attack but."
"But needed something to ease another set of pains?" Clay asked. Since Harm came to him about Tom Boone, they had become friends, closer friends. And then when the attacks started Harm called Clay for help in finding out who was after him. It took three weeks to assure him that it wasn't Palmer, but that left a wide open door to a whole list of candidates. Clay kept his promise to keep what was going on from the JAG staff, but this past weekend had gone from simple things to deadly. "Harm, there was nothing you could have done. Just remember that. Any new notes?"
"No, but I did get some flowers from someone. I saved the card but there was no other information left to trail."
"I think it is time you told AJ what's going on before something else happens."
"I want to leave them out of this Clay. I didn't think they would go after anyone else but me because of the notes. But Renee's death made me realize I can't make that mistake again."
"Harm, you were lucky in the past. You could hide the injuries with Renee's help but now the game has stepped up, you need someone to back you up." Clay said as he thought of Mac and what she had done in the past.
Harm knew what he was thinking, "No, she is happy and she stays out of this. I need you to promise me that Clay, keep her safe."
"Why didn't you tell her in Sydney?"
Harm walked over to the window and watched as the snow fell, "If I had told her Clay, it would be her that I am burying."
Clay stood pondering what Harm said, and knew that if indeed it had been Mac then the man in front of him wouldn't have been there right now. "Chicken or shrimp?"
"What?"
"Chicken or Shrimp fajitas from San Juan's?"
"I'm not hungry."
"Wrong answer, chicken or shrimp?"
Harm turned around and looked at his friend. He knew Clay was only trying to help but all he wanted was to be alone. Letting out a sigh, "Shrimp."
Harm caught Clay mumbling 'like I even needed to ask' as he headed off to find the phone, it was the first time in days that a smile came over Harm's face.
A month later
February 7th 2001
JAG HQ
1000 EST
For the umpteenth time Mac looked over to Harm's office and saw he had yet to come in. It didn't seem to faze anyone because Harm hadn't been in on time in months. She started to ponder over when exactly he really started coming in later than normal and having problems. It was back towards December, right after Thanksgiving she noted as she looked back over her logs.
What in the world was up with him anyway? They hadn't talked at all since the night she hunted him down at the Wall when Sergei was missing. Hell they really hadn't even spoken that night. Harm rebuffed her and had walked off as soon as she tried to reason with him. After that there was the ring sitting on her left hand. Harm smiled a forced smile that day and congratulated her but then he all but quit speaking to her unless it was work related 'Hell even then' she said quietly to herself, 'it was what one conversation in a month?'
The only other time that she could recall trying to talk with him off duty was when she stopped by a couple of weeks ago to drop off a file and found Clay helping him pack up Renee's things. She didn't know Renee had moved in with him the week before her death. Clay took the file and Harm just walked off.
Jan 22nd, 1945 EST
"Mac, what brings you by?"
Mac was surprised when she saw Clay open the door, "Hi Clay, Harm left this file in the conference room and I just decided to drop it by and see how he is doing?"
"Hey Clay who is it?"
Clay turned back into the apartment and yelled to Harm, "It's Mac, she's just dropping off a file you left at the office."
Mac waited for a thank you but soon realized she wasn't going to get one.
Clay turned his back towards the door and gave Mac a sorry look, "Thanks Mac, Harm is a little preoccupied. He is packing up Renee's things and it is taking a toll on him."
"Oh, I didn't know she had that much stuff here."
"She had just finished moving in a couple of days before she died, Mac."
Mac felt like she had been punched. There was a day long ago when she would have known most of what went on in Harm's world and standing there staring at Clay she realized how much she had lost with Harm. "Tell Harm to give me a call if he needs someone to talk to. My time is always open for him."
"I'll pass that on Mac. Drive carefully."
"Bye Clay."
Back to the present
Mac was brought out of her revere when she noticed Tiner standing in her doorway, "What can I do for you Tiner?"
"Ma'am, the Admiral needs to see you ASAP."
"I'll be right there."
Mac followed Tiner and she went into the Admiral's office, "Take a seat Colonel." AJ said coldly, " This is detective Martin with the DC police and detective Riggs from NCIS."
She nodded a hello to both and took a seat.
"Ma'am, do you recognize this man?" Riggs asked as he pulled one photo out of a folder.
She didn't have to answer as they saw that she did.
"How long have you known Commander Harmon Rabb?"
"Five years. Why? What has he gone and done now?" She asked as she looked to AJ who was wearing a shield of non-emotion.
AJ turned away as Martin cleared his throat to answer, "Ma'am Commander Rabb was found dead this morning in his car. He had been shot several times in the chest. It seems as if his stalker finally caught him alone and finished off the job he has been trying to do for months."
"Stalker, for months?"
"Yes, Mac, it seems as if Harm decided to keep us out of his life. There are several reports here made by him of attacks and threats."
"I'm sorry sir, but the Commander didn't know where they were coming from. He suspected everyone, including co-workers, so he asked us to keep the information from you. Whoever is doing this though is wanted now for two murders and arson." Martin said trying to ease the pain.
Mac looked over to Martin for further explanation.
Riggs answered, "They will be charged with the murders of Harmon Rabb Jr. and Renee Patterson, along with the torching this past weekend of Rabb's apartment."
AJ waited for the two men to leave before letting his emotions start to rise to the surface, he looked over to Mac and saw that she was still in shock. "What in the hell had gotten into the young mans mind by not telling us?"
"Have you called his mother yet?"
"She was called before me by NCIS. They want to keep things quiet for a few days so they can build their case."
"What case sir? They sound and act like they have no idea who has been setting him up." Mac went over in her mind the information the two detectives had gone over with them.
Harm had been jumped and beaten several times. The assailant left his face clear and beaten him in the ribs and stomach. The stalker tampered with his 'Sarah' causing Harm to crash the old bi-plane but he was lucky enough to walk away from it. Did Harm know the wreck that killed Renee wasn't his fault but caused by the breaks being cut? Of course he did, now looking back she could see his pattern of shutting off in a guilt retreat of his own making. Then the apartment fire, he had been burned some but passed it off as a grease fire and she just took his word for it and now here she sat with AJ going over what she could have done.
"I am going to call Pearl and see if they can send someone out to help with the investigation since the office here is to close to the case. However I do want you and Roberts going over what you can about those letters and who could have been sending them. You two know Harm better that anyone and maybe you can find something that the detectives are missing."
"Sir, have you heard from Clayton Webb?"
"No, but he is on my list."
"I'll call him, I know he and Harm have," She stopped for a minute, "had become close. Clay helped Harm pack up Renee's things."
AJ was shocked to hear that. He knew that Clay had been keeping Harm up to date on Sergie but hadn't known they had become friends. "Call him and tell him we want him here this afternoon."
"Yes Sir." Mac went to get up and was stopped by AJ.
"Mac, I know how you feel."
She looked over to him and for the first time realized she was crying. Wiping away the tears, "No sir, you don't. But thank you."
Mac stood up and walked out the door without asking or following protocol and headed to the retreat of her office. Closing the blinds and locking her door she let the news that Harm was gone take over.
Across town
Harm awoke feeling like he had been punched in the chest. Getting up slowly he headed for the kitchen.
"About time you woke up."
"Well between getting shot and that drug you gave me so they could take all of those crime scene photos and make them look real, I think I deserve some rest." Harm answered back tersely.
"Sorry Harm, I should tell you JAG has been notified and that Mac called awhile ago. It seems the admiral wants me to come by this afternoon, wants to see what I know."
"You know nothing, I don't want them involved. We finally have a lead and I don't want him getting away."
"I know Harm, I know. Anything you need till later?"
"How about some decent food in this place. If I am to hide out here till this is over."
"One I am not buying tofu, two you can eat what is in the refrigerator and lastly if I know you, you will take off and go on your own so please just make due with what I have."
"I told you I wouldn't and I gave my word, Clay."
Clay just looked back at Harm shook his head and walked out the door.
JAG
Later that afternoon
Mac secured herself in her office since she had found out about Harm. It was finally sinking in he was gone. The man she once wanted to spend forever with was gone. The thoughts of all that they had been through had been going through her mind as she came to grips with how far apart they gotten and now she would never be able to get that back.
"Mac."
She looked up to see Clay standing there. His usual poker face on, "What happened Clay?"
"I wish I knew. He never told me anything. He was just so intense on finding and getting Sergie out that I never saw the other things going on."
Mac looked up and Clay and gave him a ' ya right' look but went on, "Are you going to help in the investigation?"
"Sorry Mac, but I have my hands full with another case that I am on along with trying to get the younger Rabb out of a POW camp. We are hoping with Harm's death that we might get them to release him so he can be here for the funeral. I talked with Mrs. Burnett this afternoon and until she hears from state she is holding off on the funeral."
"And how long is that going to take?"
"I don't know but as soon as I do I will let you know." He ended as he rapped his knuckles along the desk. "I guess I need to get my meeting with AJ over with."
Mac tried to smile and say something but couldn't. Clay nodded and left her office. She knew he was hurting over Harm's death but there was something else going on and she knew that Clay would never tell her.
Three weeks later
Mac's Apartment
Mac closed the door behind her and threw her stuff on the couch. Everyday seemed longer than the rest as the staff got used to Harm being gone. The one thing she couldn't get over was the senselessness of it and how nothing and that there was no new news on who was behind it. She was also upset when she discovered that Harm had been buried in a private family only graveside service. AJ informed the staff at the morning meeting and let everyone know that donations in the Rabb name could be sent to the Wall Preservation group. Many faces bared the sadness and shock at the fact that Harm wasn't buried at Arlington, but since he was murdered and not killed in action, the cemetery had denied the family rights to bury him there.
"Hey luv, I thought I heard you come in."
Mac attempted her best smile at Mic, the last person she really wanted to see that night. "Mic, I thought you were going to be at a meeting till nine?"
"Got out early and decided that my lady needed some TLC." He said as he tried to snuggle up with her.
She stepped away from his advances and started taking off her coat. "You know how I hate surprises Mic, how many times do we have to go over this. Next time call and let me know."
Mic bristled, "I don't understand this Sarah. I thought we were past this stage, hopefully whenever you make up your mind on a date we are going to be married you realize that we will be living in the same home, sharing everything. Am I supposed to call you and see if I need to find another place to stay because you don't want to be surprised at finding me home? Will it be wrong to cook my wife dinner when she has had a hard day?"
Mac sat on the couch and leaned her head back and closed her eyes, is this was the last thing she really needed tonight. "I'm sorry Mic, but I found out that Harm was buried today and they didn't tell any of the JAG staff so we could attend. I was hoping for a chance to say goodbye."
"Sarah, I know he was a dear friend but he's gone. And it's been three weeks you need to start putting the past behind you and getting on with the future."
"You mean ours. Right Mic? Can I at least mourn my friend?"
"Damn it Sarah, I know that you and Rabb were close at one time but the man is gone and I was hoping that maybe we could start getting on with us."
"That's nice Mic, he was more than just a friend to me."
"Oh really? Then what was he? I need to know Sarah? Is he always going to be in between us?"
"What do you mean by that?"
"Oh come off it, you and Harm were more than friends and for the longest time you and he let me know that but you never acted on those feelings. When he left for the sea I knew I had a chance but Rabb was still there and he is still here right now. In between us, so I am asking, will he be in the middle forever?"
"God I can't believe you Mic, you know how much Harm and I cared for each other but it was you I said yes to and if you can't give me time to grieve then get out of here."
"I knew it. Do you love him Sarah and be honest. I deserve an answer?"
"Yes."
Mic's temper flared, "Fine then give me back my ring. I think it was time I went home for awhile." He said grabbing his stuff.
"Mic."
"I plan on being on a flight home by the end of the week, I am tired of looking for work here and I have been offered my commission back with a promotion to full commander. When you decide that it is me you want you know where you can find me." He stood there as he waited for her to say something, to stop him like the last time.
Slowly she took the ring off her finger and handed it to him. He glared at her and then stormed out of the apartment. She let loose the stream of tears that she held at bay since she found out about the funeral. But in what seemed like seconds of his slamming the door he was back knocking on it.
"Sarah, let me back in."
"I think you have said enough for tonight Mic."
"Open this door now and see what I found tacked to it."
She opened the door and saw the knife stuck in her door with the words, "YOU'RE NEXT"
Mac's bedroom
AJ found Mac sitting on her bed away from the police and others investigators that arrived after Mic called 911.
"Mac, are you alright?"
"I don't know if I will ever be alright again."
"Riggs seems to think that it could be related to the stalker that was after Commander Rabb. They will take the note to the lab to check it out ad see if it matches up."
"Maybe we should call Clay and see if he cant help any."
AJ looked away, "Webb was killed this morning when his car exploded at his house. It seems he was getting notes too. Since Harm died."
Mac choked back a sob as the news hit her.
"The police are looking for links between the lot of you as we speak."
Same time
Mac's Living room
"Mr. Brumby, I was wonder if you could go over what you and Mr. Webb discussed yesterday?"
"Excuse me, but what has Clayton Webb have to do with this note?"
"We are looking into connections between you, the Colonel, Commander Rabb and Secretary Webb. Why someone would be after anyone of you. The note said you're next, does it mean you or Colonel Mackenzie?"
"I wish I knew, it would make my life easier."
"Problems with your fiancée Mr. Brumby. The neighbors told us when we asked them a while ago that you two were fighting just minute before the note was found and that the note wasn't there when the Colonel and Mrs. Taylor came up the stairs. But it was there 10 minutes later and no one was seen entering or leaving the building."
"Are you suggesting that placed that note there?"
"Did you?"
"Nice try Detective but unless I am under arrest I am out of here." He turned to find Mac and AJ staring at him. "Sarah, I'll take with you later. Admiral."
"Oh Mr. Brumby, I understand that you are planning to return to Australia?"
"Yes I am."
"And you have dual citizenship?"
"Yes again Detective, what are you getting at?"
"Don't plan on going down under anytime soon. You are now a suspect in a triple murder case and as is such you will be staying in town till this is over.
Across the street
Harm listened to the conversation between those in Mac's apartment. "You and I know that Mic isn't behind all this." Harm said as he turned to face the person behind the wheel spoke.
"Yes you and I know but whoever is behind this doesn't know that the police are after Mic. And you and I have idea who this nut case is and who is the next target."
"I won't let anything happen to Mac Clay, I'll die for real before I'll let that happen."
"Well let's hope it doesn't come to that. Right now we are in the best place to protect her."
Harm looked across as they watched Mic storm out of the building and climb into his car. "I am glad that the police are following him so we can concentrate on Mac."
"I promise you Harm, that I will do everything to make sure Mac comes out of this okay and that you two get a chance to make things right.
JAG HQ
A week later
Things were everything but calm at work for Mac as she attempted to live her life like nothing was happening as everything came crashing down around her.
She attended Clay's funeral yesterday and for the first time met his mother. No messages from Abby Cowan this time she gathered by the look of remorse in the older woman's eyes.
Then there was Mic, since the note it was all she could do to keep some distance from him and, thanks to Sydney, she was hiding out at her place for the time being. She was about ready to go back home since no new notes or threats and the police had finally told Mic to lay off harassing her. He was irate that the police even considered him a suspect.
Police and NICS investigations dug into the past between all of them and the connections. It didn't help Mic's any when the fight down under came to light along with Clay and Mic having words while she was mourning Harm. Words that neither man would have spoken up about if Clay hadn't written them down in his log and then left it sitting out on his counter for the detectives to find.
Was Clay investigating what happened to Harm and not let anyone know? Was he on to Mic? She was beginning to take it that Mic wasn't the man she though he was. But, was he really that vengeful?
The beep from her computer let her know that she was receiving email, so she grabbed the mouse and clicked on the icon she had downloaded for her mail icon on her desktop, a stamp with a rose in it.
Her brow knit as she looked at the unfamiliar name, clicking it open she scrolled down to the main part of the message.
Times almost up
Beware of the shadows
Jumping from her seat, "Bud get in here now, Gunny call Riggs and Martin and let then know I got another message via email."
"Aye ma'am" came out as AJ came from his office when he heard Mac yell.
"Ma'am, what message?"
"What do you mean Bud?" Mac asked as she came around and saw that her screen was blank. "The email, where did it go?"
"What was the file name Ma'am?"
"Roses."
"Roses Bud, it had an address for a site and I thought that it might have been from Harm."
"Do you remember the site Colonel? It would help maybe find the site again." Gunny asked as he joined the group in her office.
"It just opened it and then it jumped to that message." Mac said as she started to get upset and doing everything not to show it.
"Lt., Gunny, why don't we give the colonel some room." The two men jumped to attention and left, "And Gunny let us know when the police get here."
"Aye sir."
AJ shut the door and came up behind Mac, who was now sitting staring at the blank screen, "I swear sir that there was a message, it said times almost up and beware of the shadows."
"I don't doubt you Mac but it isn't there now, but we will let the investigators have a look and see what did pop in and out of your computer. After you give your statement I want you to go home."
"Please sir, let me stay, there is nothing at home and I would just go crazy sitting alone."
AJ looked at her and just shock his head. He totally understood, if it hadn't been for Sydney he would have climbed the walls at his home too. Sighing and giving her a grim smile, "Fine then Colonel but you go no where without an escort is that understood?"
Realizing that she was out of options with him about staying, "Thank you AJ."
From the patio
He watched as she left the building and headed to her car. She was so pretty, just like he remembered from the first time he saw her. But she took his career from him along with his love and now she was going to pay. Just like Rabb, they owed him and he wanted revenge.
He knew that the police were looking into the message he sent her and that they were also stumped. They were making things easy for him by causing her to become over cautious. Time was on his side, just like with Harm. He was the cat playing with his prey, letting their fears grow while he sat by an enjoyed himself.
He chuckled; this was just too easy he thought as he drank the last of his coffee, unaware of the eyes that were watching him.
Across the way
Harm felt his heart constrict as he watched Mac break down in her car. He could count on one hand the number of times he'd seen her break down. It was killing him and Clay knew it.
"A couple of more days Harm and this will be over. We need to catch him in the act and unfortunately Mac is the bait."
"It sucks Clay, it just plain sucks and I want the privilege of beating the crap out of him when we catch him."
"He is all yours. I promise."
"I just can't believe that it is him."
"Well you caused him to crack, it was your testimony that caused him to lose career."
"He did it to himself and why he is going after us now I will never know."
"Revenge takes time to plan out and he has done his homework on all of you. I just got in the way is why he went after me."
"So what is next Clay?"
"You follow Mac and I follow him. Just watch out for her and just don't let her see you because if she can so can he. Right now she is a target but I would hate to think of what he would do if he knew you were still alive."
Harm mentally shuddered as he thought of the things that could happen to Mac, "I will be careful. Just finish getting the facts so we can stop all of this."
Before Clay could answer Harm was out of the car and climbing into the pickup he had bought to replace his SUV. Clay for his part only sat and watched his friend in pain until Harm drove away following Mac. He then turned his attention to the man causing that pain.
Midnight
Outside Mac's apartment
Harm pulled his coat tighter against him as he watched Mac though the window of her place. The day ended up an ordeal for him as he watched after Mac. He followed her home after she left JAG patiently waiting as she changed to go running. He was just luckily enough she was too upset to get any farther than the tables by the parking lot from of their favorite park for jogging. He hated every minute that he sat there watching her cry again and knowing she was out of reach in the open like she was if anything went down.
After an hour of sitting there he followed her to the last place he expected, the Wall. He watched her as she went right to his dads name and knelt before the black wall, touching his father's name. The easiness in which she found it told him she visited there often. How many times and for what purpose began to eat him up inside. She was the only person who had gone farther with him on that on obsession, besides Clay.
And that boggled him too. The lengths that Clay was going to on his behalf, the friendship that was growing into a stronger bond, like one of brothers. They both came from common backgrounds and both followed their father footsteps in careers. Ever since Boones Trial the trust between the two of them was as solid as his trust in the marine who lit a candle for the Rabb men.
Harm followed her around for six hours before she finally returned home, a place he knew from experience was the last place she really wanted to be and the fact that she was alone up there was killing him.
"Hey Harm?" came over a hand held radio in the glove compartment.
Harm grabbed it out, "Ya, what Clay?"
"I just got this through the line, Mac received another message and it seems that they are blaming it on Mic again. He was seen coming in and out of her building this morning."
"He drove by the park while she was there."
"I know that too, he was also in the store while she was shopping."
"I thought that was his car but I couldn't see the tags without getting out."
"The police tail reported you once, I see that you were wise enough to evade for a few minutes and catch back up with her."
"Thanks to the tracking device I planted on her car last night. Why hasn't he attacked her yet?"
"Remember he didn't believe in women in the military so by stalking her he is just playing on her fears, also we discovered that he found out about Coster."
"Great, I see his car down the street but I don't see the police car. Hold on a second," Harm started to get nervous as he watched the bastard cut Mac's tires. "Damn it he just slashed her tires, where are the police?"
"I don't know. They should be there."
"Wait I see their car, they are slumped over, send another unit over here now." Harm all but yelled over the hand held.
"I will, I will but Harm don't leave your truck, you here me?"
It was all that he could do to stay seated. "Yes, and yes."
15 minutes later
Mac was outside looking over her car as the detectives looked for prints before they let they the towing service they called replace her tires. She watched as the ambulance drove off with the two men who were supposed to be her protection.
"Ma'am, he didn't leave any prints, and we would like to take your car down to our motor pool and really go over it."
"I don't know, the neighbor who called this in just saw a man messing with the tires correct?"
"Yes, but we don't know what else he could have done."
Not really wanting to loose her car, a car she purchased because she like Harms so much. "No, I will wait. If you don't see any other tampering then we will just leave it alone for now."
"I don't think that it is a wise idea but it is your choice. I have added a few more cars to the detail of following you and a man on the roof."
"Please Detective, if we are ever going to catch him then you need to back off. I am the bait in all of this, I am a marine and I have some rights. I need my space and we all need to give the man some space to screw up so I can go on living my life."
"Fine, but I will add one car, so that next time we are caught unaware you have someone protecting you."
Mac looked away and scanned the street and then turned her head to the stars above, a feeling of peacefulness washed over her, it was like someone said you are being protected. After a second, she turned back to the young detective in front of her, "Fine."
Sunday evening
Mar 11th 2001
Mac's Apartment
Mac was going crazy as her unknown stalker held her hostage. The police were sure that it was Mic but she had her doubts as the clues began to fit to nicely together. Whoever was after her and was behind Harm's death had taken the time to research them. Now who was behind it and wanted to get even with the five of them was another question.
She went over the sad part that Renee being a victim of their past and the weight that Harm carried before his death must have been unbearable. She was also beginning to think that Clay was an unfortunate victim as well. Bud was doing research for her and trying to link the cases were Harm, Mic and herself were involved in. The number surprised her and now trying to figure out whom out of them was giving her a larger headache.
Bud was doing his best with his research along with the cases he was handling since Mac was not allowed out of DC and with Harm gone the was a large hole missing in the office.
With the words on her computer starting to run together she got up to get herself some coffee and a couple of cookies. She saw the want ads from the paper staring at her. It was like his death being told again when she read that morning of his apartment going up for rent again. It had taken the building supervisor weeks to clean up the fire damage and replace the flooring. She remembered with a chill the damage and how lucky Harm had been to escape the fire that he told AJ was a mire kitchen fire. The whole kitchen and living room was gutted and the smoke damage was extensive.
Might as well check it out she thought to herself, wanting to see his place one last time and also needing a break from the prison her apartment had become.
She rinsed out her cup, grabbed her coat and was out the door before she remembered to grab her service weapon.
Across the street
Harm was surprised when he saw Mac jump into her car and speed off down the street. It took him two minutes to catch up with her and another five before he knew where they were heading. He kept glancing back but never found her police tail as they sped towards Union Station. He tried Clay several time but never got a response and gave up shoving the hand held back into glove compartment.
Union Station
He sat waiting in the shadows; he knew that sooner or later she would come. He knew as soon as he saw the ad that he had placed in the morning paper that today would be the day. She was predictable, just like Harm was and now that was going to be her end.
His trap was unwinding itself like a spring ready to launch at its unsuspecting prey. Now all he had to do was set up the final scene, get the only member not there on his way and then he would have completion and the lawyers that ruined his life would be dead.
Picking up the phone, he dialed a number. After a few rings a voice with a severely drunken Australian accent answered, "What?"
"If you want the marine to live and yourself be vindicated, then find a way to Rabb's. Come alone."
"Who the bloody hell is this?"
"Come and find out or don't and read about it in the paper before you rot in jail."
Before Mic could ask any more questions the line went dead. He stared at the receiver and deciding that he better get a move on if he wanted to save Mac.
Mac walked into what was left of the burnt out shell of Harm's apartment. She sighed as she looked along the walls and remembered the shelves that used to house the pictures of their friendship. The ad had mentioned that the place was going to need a lot of work and it wasn't lying. As she surveyed the damage, she was amazed that Harm escaped at all from the fire. A kitchen fire was what he told AJ when he called in asking for the day off so that the insurance agent could come over. From the looks of things, Harm lost everything he treasured and the silence over that killed her. What happened to them and what was his reasoning for shutting her out at the end? She bent over and plucked a picture of them out of the ashes. It was a copy of little AJ’s christening. There should have been a similar copy of that picture in the years to come of them holding their infant son. The one he promised her in a little over three years. The first promise he never kept to her. She let the tears flow as she let the picture drop back to the floor.
Outside in the hallway
As she slowly moved from room to room she never felt the eyes watching her as she roamed lost in thought. A perfect target for a trained killer with his target in his sights, with the best part of it all being all of the players were about to arrive. He crept back down the stairs to wait for the other important person to show up.
The parking lot
Five minutes later Mic Brumby arrived and climbed out of his car. Taking a quick look around, he spotted Mac's corvette and fear flowed through him. Whoever was behind Rabb's death was after her and not him. Without thinking he ran into the building and was met by a blow to the back of the head, blacking out immediately.
The stalker laughed, too easy, they are all just too easy. My career ended because of these high and mighty lawyers but tonight I finally get my revenge. I just hope Rabb is up there enjoying the pain he caused all of them.
From the shadows
Rolling Mic over, he placed him on a dolly and rolled him into the elevator, just missing Harm taking the stairs two at a time. Harm crouched in the shadows at the top of the stairs just ahead of the elevator giving him no chance to warn Mac about anything. Wishing he had at least made contact with Clayton for backup left his mind as he tried to come up with a plan to save Mac and Mic before they were killed.
He watched, as Mic was dragged into his old apartment, quietly like a cat he followed, listening as the intruder into their lives made his grand entrance and let Mac know she was no longer alone.
"Hello Colonel Remember me?"
Mac spun around at the voice standing at the door way with Mic's limp body lying before him. She gasped when she saw the blood starting to pool from the back of Mic's head. "What did you do to him?"
"Does it matter? Soon you will be dead and he will too. Fitting that he would kill you in Rabb's old place. To die among the ruins of a man you cared for more than him, you see the police will just think that he couldn't take it anymore and followed you over here. Once he confronted you, he shot you, then reset the fire the way he did the first time and lays down beside you, taking his own life as the fire engulfs your body."
"Why are you doing all of this?"
"You started all of it with your investigation. It was you who caused the end of my career. I should have been free after the trial but no, you and Rabb had to make sure I paid for something when I won."
"You got off easy and you know it." Mac argued back with some spunk she hadn't shown in weeks. "Harm did you a favor and this is how you repay him? By killing him and the rest of us who were just doing our jobs."
"I was just doing my job too Colonel and look how I got repaid. I lost my commission along with being made to get out of the navy"
"You won't get away with this, I am being followed and so is Mic."
"Your tail lost you and so did his. I have some help in this; I paid good money to some others you and Harm have pissed off over the years. The cops will never know what happened to you until the fire is out so come over here Colonel."
"What are you going to do?" she asked as he waved the gun at her.
"Well I was going to shoot you but I have decided to let you die in pain. So sit down right there and turn around."
Mac complied since charging a loaded gun pointed at her would amount to nothing. As she sat down and placed her hands behind her back she only thought of Harm. She felt the ropes bite into her wrists as they were tightened and closed her eyes with the last thing she saw being the picture of her, Harm and baby AJ as a blindfold was placed across her face.
In the hallway
Harm was dying as he watched Mac struggle to maintain her pride as she faced death. He just needed an opening so he could strike from where he was hidden in the shadows. If Mic would just wake up or make a noise, anything to help me Dad Harm pleaded silently. And then it happened, Harm watched as his nemesis grabbed the gas can from beside Mac and headed into the kitchen where he started spreading the liquid from inside the can.
Creeping silently, Harm entered the darkened apartment, staying close to the walls, out of sight as the sun rays vanished from the room.
Mac sensed someone else in the room. She could hear the footsteps behind her. Was it a good guy or a bad guy? Yelling out was a two edged sword, help or hinder? She felt the person come near her and Mic, releasing Mic's bindings and then before her bindings could be freed, she felt a hand on her shoulder and at the same time felt a kiss upon the top of her head.
Then he was gone and next she heard a scuffle start. Along with a voice she thought she would never hear again.
Mac turned so she could listen as the two men fought.
"So you return from the dead Pappy."
"You can't let us old folks out of you sight, then of course looking closely at things was never your strong suit." Harm said as he fought to keep the knife that was pulled away from his throat.
"Ha, I was doing my job, right, that's what you told the court." He asked Harm as he shoved him across what was left of the kitchen counter.
Harm jumped out of the way as he rolled over and gathered himself as he watched the match fall to the floor. "Are you crazy?"
Mac just sat there stunned as she listened to the battle between the two men. Harm was alive, alive and well. Her mind was in overload as she tried to get free and help Harm out, it was then as Harm cried out that she smelled the smoke from the newly lit fire.
"I figure it is the only way for a pilot to go down, to go down in flames. What do you think?"
"You're nuts and I should have advised help along with the stripping of your flight status."
The two men circled each other, looking for the right moment to attack when the distraction Harm needed came. Clay shouted into the room that was quickly filling with smoke. Clay saw Mac and Mic together on the floor and a quick scan brought his eyes on the two combatants looking at him as Harm used the chance to fling himself forward. The momentum Harm got propelled both men through a band of flames and into the bedroom.
Clay lost them in the smoke and rushed over to free Mac, "Come on and let's get him out of here." He said pointing to Mic.
"What about Harm?"
"We'll come back but we need to get clear and I need you help dragging him."
Mac was caught in a moment of indecision but the heat from behind her and lack of breathable air made her choice. She grabbed one of Mic's arms and helped Clay drag him clear.
They met AJ and the fire department right outside Harm's apartment door. Together they lifted Mic over AJ’s shoulders, Mac was about to return to the apartment that was engulfed in flames when they all stopped as the sound of a gun going off.
"Harm?" Mac yelled as another round went off.
"No Mac don't, come on. The firemen will get him out." Clay yelled over the noise of flames.
Mac was about to fight him as he grabbed her arm. She turned on him and didn't see the right hook AJ placed on her. She went out like a light into Clay's arms.
Clay didn't need to see the look that older man was giving him as he shoulder the unconscious Marine and followed him down the stairs. He just felt for them as his thoughts too went back up the stairs.
Outside the burning building
Ten minutes later
Paramedics finished loading Mic up as another ambulance crew attended Mac. A quick pass of an ammonia cap and Mac was fully awake. "Harm." She croaked out, not realizing the affect or the amount of smoke she had breathed in.
"Easy Colonel. They are searching for him and Buxton right now."
She looked at he CO's face and read the pain he felt too at leaving a man behind. She then turned to the other man in the ambulance with them. "Clay? They said you were killed too? Just what has been going on?"
"The quick version is that I was helping Harm find the one responsible for stalking him. It just so happened that I pissed Buxton off along with the rest of you since I hung out with Harm so much the past few months. Harm came to me for help right after I got involved with the stuff with Sergei."
"SO you knew everything and lied to me?"
"We never thought he would go after anyone else after he 'killed' Harm until too late and then all we could do is play the game."
Mac glared at Clay as they heard a crash coming from the old warehouse as the upper floor gave way. It was all the paramedic and Clay could do to keep her still with the oxygen mask on.
"Colonel! Just stay put and I will see what is going on with the search. You will not do him or yourself any good if you don't get checked out."
A silent nod was all AJ got as he stepped out of the ambulance just as a group of firemen came out carrying a body. He looked back to see if Mac saw what was going on and was relieved to see her eyes closed.
"Clay, why don't I ride in with her and you stay here?"
"I want to stay."
"Ma'am, you have inhaled a lot of smoke and need to be checked out, one of your friends can ride up front, but we really need to get you to a hospital."
Mac nearly protested and stopped. "Fine but I don't want to see either of you until you can tell me about Harm."
Clay squeezed her hand and got out of the ambulance. He slammed the door and within seconds it was heading towards Bethesda.
"I wonder when she is going to get you back for slugging her?"
"The same time she kicks your six for keeping the truth from her."
Clay kept his comment to himself and lead the way to where the second body was set down.
Bethesda ER
Mac was about to go crazy waiting for information on Mic and Harm. It seems that the head wound Mic had received was worse than anyone thought it was and after being checked out in the ER was rushed to CT and then to surgery. The doctors could only tell her that he had a skull fracture and that the pressure inside of his head was a concern. Beyond that she was left in the dark.
Internally she also knew that she had been at the hospital for over an hour without any word on Harm or Buxton. She couldn't believe that it was Buxton behind all of the attacks and grief. Even if Harm was alive she knew that Harm would never let go of what happened because what his part in it, because of him his closest friends and love ones were hurt or killed, especially Renee.
AJ and Clay watched her from the doorway, neither wanted to face the marine with the news, unsure of her reaction. Clay knew better than AJ what it would be, he just hoped that Mac was well enough after her part in the ordeal.
"Mac?"
"Where is he? He's dead isn't he? He died saving me didn't he?"
"Mac, he was shot while trying to wrestle the gun away from Buxton," Clay started as he watched the tears come down Mac's face.
"And?"
"Beyond that we don't know what happened. He was brought in along with Buxton and we just heard that one of them would going to surgery soon. The other one was pronounced dead in the trauma room down the hall. He was burned pretty badly. Whoever it is they are lucky to be out of pain."
Mac closed her eyes, "Mic was rushed to surgery, what ever Buxton used to hit him cause some serious damage, they don't know how bad it will be till he wakes up."
AJ nodded as he drug a chair over near her bed. Clay left the room as was he undecided to what he should be doing or where he should go. He felt bad as he recalled Harm yelling for him over the radio and he couldn't respond back.
Clay headed towards the trauma room to get a look at who he prayed wasn't Harm.
Mac didn't notice Clay leaving and turned, "I guess I should thank you for knocking me out and saving my life."
"I wish there could have been another way and the guilt this old SEAL feels right now at leaving a man behind is a great as yours Marine."
"No matter what sir, you did the right thing, we all could have died if you had let me go back up there. At least this way, Mic has a chance and we all will , well most of us will be okay."
AJ listened to her words but heard the pain and accusation in them.
"But sir, be aware that the next time you try to hit me I will be ready and you will find yourself on the other end of my fist."
A nurse interrupted them, "Ma'am, you wanted to be updated on the Australian?"
"Yes."
"He is out of surgery, they say he should make a full recovery now that they have removed the clot and the pressure. As soon as you are able to an orderly will take you to his room in ICU."
"Thank you. Do you have the name of the other men that were brought in?"
"No, I'm sorry I don't. They are getting positive ID on them now." She finished and left.
"Sir why don't you see if they will let you in and see who didn't make it."
AJ was about to get up when Clay walked back in, "Sit down AJ, I just came from there. They wont let anyone in till NICS and the police get through. And besides, it isn't a pretty site."
Mac's room in the ER
"But I was lucky enough to see the other patient."
It was all AJ could do not to let his emotions show as Clay stepped back to wheel Harm in the room. He was covered in smoke, grim and blood, his arm was in a sling and there was IV in his good arm.
"Good to see you alive Commander. As soon as you are back on your feet you and I are going to have a long discussion on teamwork."
Harm didn't smile as he nodded his head, "Are you okay Mac?" he croaked out.
"Thanks to you I'll live. Are you okay?"
"Just a little patch up work and they say that I will be like new. I just wanted to let you know that I'll be okay before they take me to surgery to fix my shoulder." He said looking at Mac, turning to AJ, "Sir, I look forward to that talk. Okay Clay, take me back so I can get out of here."
"We'll be waiting Harm." Mac said to Harm as Clay pushed him out of the room. He didn't give any recognition to her words.
In the hallway
Harm hung his head down. He felt like a heel treating Mac that way but until he was well and so was Mic he didn't feel like dealing with all of the emotions that would come up. And his since of honor didn't condone the taking of another's when they were down and out.
"Are you going to be okay?"
"Someday Clay, someday. I just want to get well and start putting this whole thing behind me."
"Okay then pal, one thing at a time then."
Harm gave a halfhearted smile as a nurse came to take him away to surgery.
Mac's room
Mac leaned back as she pondered the past few weeks of her life and the changes that were going to come because of it. She wondered if she was going to be able to repair the damage between her and Harm and then between her and Mic. One thing she did know, that she and Mic were through. She now knew she loved him but it wasn't the marrying kind of love, it was a love one felt for a friend. The kind she felt towards the Admiral and Clay. But Harm's feelings were her next concern, how did he feel towards her? Was the past year enough to ruin any type of future they might have together, even as just friends.
AJ caught the emotions that flashed across the young woman's face. Emotions that were normally never seen, "Mac, give him time. You should know by now that he won't talk till he is ready too. And I intent to let him know that he has friends that he can talk to anytime and not just when he is ready."
"Sir, I hope you get that through his thick skull but I doubt that you will have anymore success than his mother. Harm told me in Russia that even she hadn't been able to penetrate his shields."
"I just wonder if anyone ever has."
"Just one person sir and she's dead." Mac said thinking of Diane as she suddenly realized what held Harm back from everyone. It was his fears of letting his emotions rule him. He was just afraid as she was at letting herself really loving someone without them getting hurt. Letting someone into his private world and caring enough to let them stay.
"You okay Mac?"
"Yes sir, I will be."
A nurse came in and rechecked Mac's vital signs and told her that as soon as her last set of labs came back clear that she would be allowed to leave.
AJ excused him self so he could make arrangements for Mac to take a few days of leave and then make an appointment with the sec nav about everything that had transpired.
The next morning
ICU waiting room
Mac sat dozing with Clay seated across from her. They were concerned for Harm after they being told there were some minor complications with his surgery and that he would be kept in the ICU till he came out anesthetic. Clay silently snickered as he thought of Harm and Mic sharing a room in the ICU.
Mic was listed in serious, downgraded from critical since his condition worsened over night much to the doctor's dismay. Mac was asked to sign paperwork in case his condition worsened anymore since she was listed as his next of kin. She had called his aunt in Phoenix and let her know what was going on and in turn taken phone calls from his brother and sister in Sydney. The discussion over what to do should Mic continue to worsen ended with Mac getting to make the final decision since none of his family knew of their break up.
Mac jumped awake when Bud and Harriet entered the room bringing her a change of clothes and some breakfast.
"How are they Ma'am?" Bud asked looking at Mac who was dressed in some hospital scrubs. The Admiral called them and asked them to pick her up a change since Mac wouldn't leave the hospital.
"Holding their own. Harm had some kind of complication during surgery that the doctors won't tell me about since I'm not family. Mic on the other hand had a small clot that the doctor's missed. It blocked off some small artery in his brain causing a stroke. They also explained something about the pressure inside his head going up because of the brain swelling from the injuries. So he is in a deep coma and they don't know any more than that."
Harriet stuck out her hand, "Come on Sarah, I am sure there is a place they will let you take a shower and clean up." Turning to her husband, "Bud, why don't you keep Mr. Webb here company and share the donuts we brought up with him."
Without waiting for an answer, she pulled Mac up out of her chair and to the desk outside of the waiting room. After a few questions there she lead Mac to a dressing room where she handed Mac an overnight bag. "Shower and then we can talk here away from the men."
"I'm okay, Harriet."
"No Sarah, you're not and as much you hate to admit it you need a friend right now, just like I needed one a few months ago. So go clean up."
Mac held back the tears and she stepped forward and hugged Harriet. "Thank you."
Harm's ICU room
Trish held her sons hand, praying for him to open his eyes and talk to her so she could tell him back how much she loved him. She also wanted to whack him up side the head for scaring her and letting her think that he was dead.
"Ma'am?"
"Yes?" Trish answered back to the nurse that entered the room.
"The doctor wanted to let you know that he should be coming around soon. His vital signs have stabilized and as soon as he is awake that we will be moving him to a private room on the step down ward."
"Thank you. Did the doctor ever say what happened to my son in surgery?"
"It seems that the bullet nicked one of his main arteries and it had clamped itself off, but when they opened him up on the table, the clot busted free so it opened up the hole so to speak. You son is very lucky; he should have bleed to death there on the scene when he was shot. He must have a guardian angel."
"He has a few guardian angles." Trish replied as she silently thanked God and her late husband for saving Harm. "Thanks again."
The nurse just nodded and left her alone.
It was another thirty minutes before Harm started to come to.
"It's okay Harmon, I'm right here."
Harm tried to shake the cobwebs from his mind as he started to focus on his mother. "Mom?" he finally croaked out. "Water."
Trish reached for the cup on the bedside table and put a straw in it. Harm took a few sips before he laid his head back down.
"Sorry."
"Yes you should be, but we will discuss that in a few days when you are home and I can give you hell properly. Until then we are just going to be happy that you are alive. Frank will be here later this afternoon with your grandmother."
Harm inwardly groaned knowing the hell he would get from her.
"Mac, the Admiral and Clay have been waiting for news off and on, I know that they are all out in the waiting room."
"How is Mic?"
"Not doing too well. He took a turn for the worse early this morning from what I have heard. Oh and Clay found out that your brother has been freed. Clay is trying to get paperwork done so he bring Sergei over here."
"Are you okay with that?"
"Yes I am, after nearly losing you and you nearly losing him, I think that a family get together is overdue." Trish said, as inside she wasn't quite so sure she wanted to meet the other woman's child. She decided to change the subject. " Do you want me to go and get Mac, I know she is worried about you?"
"No, I just want to rest." He said sleepily.
"Okay, then if you don't mind, I will at least give those waiting for word an update."
"That's fine."
Trish stayed a few more minutes as Harm drifted back to sleep. She brushed a lock of hair away from his face and leaned over and kissed his forehead.
The Changing room
Mac tossed the last of her stuff into the bag, opened the door from the bathroom finding Harriet thumbing through a magazine. "You look like you feel better."
"Yes, I do. Thank you so much Harriet. I don't know what I would do without you sometimes."
"Well, you and Harm have been there so many times for Bud and I, and I just wanted to return the favor. How are you holding up, and be truthful this time?"
Taking a deep breath, "I don't know how I feel. I know that everyone is curious about what is going on between Mic and I, and then there are the problems between Harm and me too. So which do you want to talk about first?"
"Let's start with Mic and then move onto Harm. I think the latter will be easier to fix."
"I don't know Harriet. Harm and I have drifted so far apart since he left to fly that I doubt that we will ever find our way back."
"You will, it will just take time, but only if you two take the time. So when did you break off the engagement with Mic?" Harriet asked trying to get to the first problem.
Seeing that she wasn't going to get out of hot seat, she started pacing, "The day the Admiral told us about Harm's funeral and none of us had been invited. It hit me so hard that even in death I was denied the right to say goodbye. But that is for later when we discuss Harm. The thing was I went home that afternoon and Mic started pushing me to let go of Harm and move on. He wanted me to set a date for our wedding then."
"But you weren't ready?"
"No. I still needed time to let go." She stopped; there it was again, those words that Harm said on the ferry, let go.
"I know how hard it is to let go, I still have times when I break down over baby Sarah. I think that it is the hardest part when dealing with a death of someone you love. I am sure that Harm knows that well between his father and his academy girlfriend. Mic just doesn't know it personally, so he doesn't understand."
Mac looked over to her friend, in one conversation the woman understood Harm and took his past into consideration better than she ever had when and especially when she let her wounded heart block out reason and understanding.
Seeing the tears start to fall down Mac's face, Harriet grabbed some tissues and handed them to her. "So Mic didn’t like it and you two got into an argument?"
"Yes and it turned nasty fast, he started making accusations about Harm and me misleading him and then he asked me what kind of relationship I really had with Harm. That was the final straw. Mic couldn’t handle the fact that I loved Harm, and the fact that I did, hit me like a brick when I confronted it there with Mic. I guess I do owe him some thanks for making me see what I was trying to hide."
"So what did Mic do then?"
"He demanded his ring back and was surprised when I handed it to him. By then he was really angry and I was numb. He then left but came right back with the note Buxton left on the door."
Harriet gave Mac a hug as Mac finally let the past few months go. After a few minutes Mac composed herself, "Thank you. I'm giving the Marines a bad name here." She said trying to wipe her face.
"Well for the past 20 minutes or so I only saw a woman torn apart, no marines or sailors."
Giving Harriet the first real smile she had given anyone in months, she hugged the younger woman again.
"I'll end this conversation for now, Mic and I didn’t speak to each other again after the police named him a suspect. He was too mad about the whole thing and I just wanted to retreat into myself. I'm glad I have a friend like you. Thank you Harriet."
"Well, you are the closest thing to a sister I will ever have Mac, and I care about you and Harm the same way. So let's go and feed you something and see how he and Mic are doing."
"Sounds like a plan to me."
A few minutes later they entered the ICU waiting room doors and saw Trish sitting there talking with Clay and Bud.
Trish looked up as they entered and saw Mac, she motioned for them to come and join them. "You must be Mac, Harm has told me a lot about you over the past few years."
"Yes Mrs. Burnett, I'm Sarah Mackenzie. I hope that Harm has said good things." She replied wondering just what did Harm say about her.
"Call me Trish dear and he only said good things about you. He calls you his best friend in the world even though you two have had some rough times here lately. But we can discuss that later, what I just got through telling Clay and Bud here is that Harm will be moved to a private room sometime later today and that with some rehab his arm and shoulder will be as good as new."
"What were the complications the doctors told us about?"
Trish took Mac's hand, "It seems that when he was shot the bullet nicked a major artery in his shoulder but clamped off till they opened him up and hit the clot. The doctor told me they nearly lost him there on the table and that someone must be watching over him for him to even make it to surgery. He should have died on scene."
"He has several guardian angles watching over him." AJ said as he let his presence be known.
The group laughed and relaxed as conversations started over what had been going on the past few months and how things might return to some normalcy now.
The next day
Harm sat up looking out the window of the hospital watching the rainfall hit the pane. Only his mother, Frank and Clay had come to see yesterday, or at least that is all he remembered coming by. He wondered where Mac was and whether or not she was with Mic. The only news he really remembered about Mic was that he seemed to finally be stabilizing. Now the rest was time, time to go on and see where the future was going to take them.
So caught up in his thoughts Harm didn’t see the person watching him from the doorway.
"You know big brother, if you wanted me to come and see you there are other ways…"
Harm sat stunned for a moment and then a smile broke across his face, "I didn’t think you would come over here any other way."
Sergei walked over and took his brother's out reached hand and shook it. "I see you didn’t come out of the camp unscathed?" Harm asked as he took notice of the cane and arm in a splint.
"Well let's just say that I would prefer to never visit there again anytime soon. Are you okay Harm? Your mother said something about rehab for your shoulder?"
"It seems that the bullet did more harm than the doctors thought. So it looks like I get the next several months off on medical leave till I can regain the use of my arm."
Sergei caught the look of regret that passed over Harm's face, "And then they will decided if you can fly again, no?"
"It may be the last of a long list of reasons to keep me out of the air."
"Well if it makes you feel any better brother, the Russian army has released me because of my injuries saying I can never pilot again. The Rabb brothers are now land lovers."
"Not this sailor."
They both sat silently for a few minutes until Sergei spoke up again, "I wonder if we could rehab together, see which Rabb son is able to get off ground first."
"I think that could be arranged."
Both turned to see Trish and Clay standing in the doorway.
"Mom, this is,"
"We met this morning at the airport, and you are right Harm, he has your fathers eyes and smile." Trish answered as she came and put a hand on Sergei's back.
"I did not know that you told your mother about me, it surprised me when she met my plane."
"I didn’t at first but then I decided she deserved to know and I told her everything. So you think that it can be arranged Mom?" Harm asked looking forward to a chance to get to know his brother.
"Well I have talked with the same rehab hospital you went to when you crashed several years ago, they have room for the two of you and Sarah would love to have the two of you up there. So I hope you don’t mind that I have done some inquires Harm? I just wanted to get the ball rolling for you."
Harm sat pondering his life since his crash and how that time helped regain control of his life once and maybe it would again. He knew that time away from DC would help him heal in more ways than one as he put his life back together. Finally, "On one condition."
"What?"
"My bi-plane gets towed back to the farm so I can show this chopper pilot what the rest of the family considers flying."
"I think that can be done. In fact, I will call Frank and have him get right on it so when you get out in a few days we can leave for Beallsville."
Harm grinned at his mother at the same time Sergei did. Clay hid his amusement as he turned to Trish, "Trish I really feel sorry for you now, two Rabb's to deal with."
"Clayton, no one feels sorry for me, they all feel sorry for you."
Clay tried to look horrified as everyone laughed but joined in as humor filled the room. He looked at Harm as Harm watched Sergei, it was good to see the spark of life living in his eyes again.
Same time ICU
Mic's room
Mac leaned against the wall watching the machines hooked up to Mic. Within normal limits was all she was told every time she asked about them. Well if they were within normal limits then why wasn’t he waking up?
She wanted to go and see Harm but something was holding her back, something was keeping her from facing the truths she failed to see last year. She had seen Clay in the hall this morning and gotten a quick update before Clay rushed out for an errand. Clay told her to go and visit him, talk with Harm and get some of their laundry out in the open but she chickened out. Mac was afraid of what answers she would get and right now she couldn’t deal with the ones that were against what she felt.
She then looked down to the man laying in a coma because of her. Yet another man she loved hurt because of her. No one knew yet how Mic ended up at Harm's old apartment and only guessed that Buxton called him, setting them all up for the final scenario that Harm halted with his last minute heroics.
She did know several things, some she worked out yesterday after talking with Harriet, she loved Harm, and nothing was ever going to change that. She decided if he wanted to have time to let go then she would let him have his time. She also wanted to repair their friendship to be what it was before he left to fly, if that was possible.
Then she also had to come to grips with her feelings for Mic. She knew she loved him and cared a great deal for him but her feelings for Harm would tear them apart. The past between the three of them would keep their lives in turmoil and that wasn’t fair to any of them.
She brushed a stray lock of hair from his face, "I am so sorry Mic for everything, I hope that one day you can forgive me for the pain I have caused you. I do promise that I will help you get out of here and get back on your feet. But after that sailor, you are on your own. I have my own life and dreams I want to pursue and you need to go and find your own life, too."
3 days later
05:15 EST
Harm's Hospital Room
Harm was frustrated. He wanted out of the hospital and he wanted out now. His mother and brother were due in a few hours to spring him and then after a short run by JAG HQ, he was off for the next 6 months on medical leave. He was not looking forward to therapy but he was looking forward to spending time with Sergei. He finally got up and stood next to the window, what would happen after he came back?
Mac stopped at his door and saw him get up, the conversation she had been putting off since before they were brought in was gnawing at her so she wandered the halls trying to find some answers and ended up here.
Where is the marine in me, why am I so scared? Hell you are afraid of having you heart ripped out again. Enough, "Morning sailor."
Harm didn’t turn, just watched her reflection in the window. "Morning Marine." Not wanted to ask why she was here so early.
Knowing what he was thinking, "I just came from checking on Mic. The doctors still don’t know how bad the damage is; they are optimistic for a full recovery though. It is just a matter of time. So how about you, what is the word?" Turn around damn it.
"I get out today and then start my medical leave. Seems X-man might win after all, they don’t know how much mobility I will get back. My tomcat days might just be over for good."
"I'm so sorry Harm. I know how much that means to you."
"I guess it really had to end for good one day, I just wanted it to be my choice. My choice." He ended in a whisper.
Mac came fully into the room and stood next to the bed across from him. "You still can fly though, right? I mean it won't keep you totally out of the air."
"They hope so, Sergei is going to the same rehab hospital as I am and we have decided to live with Grams till we are both well. My Sarah, what is left of her has been towed to the farm so we can fix her together."
Mac was taken aback, she hadn’t heard about him leaving DC. He was going away, "How long will you be gone?"
She wanted to know how long he would be gone; he finally turned towards her, seeing tears in her eyes. "Just six months Mac, they want to make sure everything is in working order and then I will be back to pick up the pieces of my life."
"So you plan on coming back?"
"As soon as I can get cleared for duty. Why you gonna miss me?"
"Yes I am. I missed you before and I will miss you again Harm. It isn’t the same around the office when you aren’t there." Looking down at the bed and deciding to go for broke, "My life is missing something when you aren’t in it."
Harm didn’t say anything for a minute or two, Mac thought that she was going to burst and went to leave. All of her questions answered with his silence. "Mine is empty without you too Mac, but I don’t think we are ready for this discussion. You need time and so do I, you need to make sure exactly how you feel about Mic before we even start seeing how to find our way back what we had a few years ago."
Mac stopped at the door but didn’t turn around, "And you need to decide if you can let go."
"A fine pair we make." He said to her back, wanting to say more, what she wanted to hear.
"Take care Harm. I'll see you when you get back."
"Mac, keep in touch. I'll have my laptop with me and," he was about to add more when she stopped him.
"I'll try Harm, but your leaving, excuse me, your death left me with an overload of cases. I am still snowed under and after this past week I don’t know when I'll see daylight." She didn’t hear him come up behind her.
"Permission to hug the Colonel?"
She turned around giving him her best attempt at a smile and the memories those few words had between them. "Sure Commander."
She reached out her arms to him, "Just be gentle marine." He said as he used his good arm to pull her close. "I promise Sarah, we'll talk."
"Don’t make promises you can't keep sailor." She said as she laid her head on his good side.
"I haven’t yet and I still plan on keeping the one I made a couple of years ago."
Feeling the need to get out of there before she totally lost it. "Take care Harm, call me if you need anything." Wiping her face, "I love you. Bye." With that she was out the door before he could react.
His heart was divided, part of him wanted to chase her down the hall and the other side was telling him to wait and let her deal with her life before he let himself go and find himself in a world of pain if she stayed with Mic.
To be continues in Coming out of Shadows
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