-- Honor & Betrayal PT 48/58
HONOR & BETRAYAL PT
48
Rating: PG13 to R (one
scene)
*****************
INT
BETHESDA NAVAL HOSPITAL
2002 HOURS (this scene continued from part
47)
At that moment, a movement out of the side of Harm's eye
draws his attention to the door of his room. Gazing up, he observes Master
Sergeant Durant standing just inside the door of the room.
Traumatized by the sudden onslaught of memories that Durant's presence
induces, Harm is momentarily unable to respond to the man's
presence. Mac immediately notices the shock in Harm's
expression, and gazes toward the door.
DURANT
Commander, ......Colonel. May I come
in?
As he begins to walk into the room, Mac steps forward and places
herself between Durant and Harm's bed effectively blocking the Master Sergeant's
path.
MAC
(her eyes sternly meeting the Master
Sergeant's)
I believe it would be in your best interest for you to turn
around and walk straight back out that door, Marine!
DURANT
(determined, yet calm, his eyes meeting
Mac's)
I can understand your hostility,
Colonel! I mean regrettably, the Commander's assault
occurred on my watch. That being the case, ma'am, I feel
compelled to extend my deepest apologies to him and of course offer my best
wishes for a speedy recovery. Now,.... surely you're not going to deny me
that privilege, are you ma'am?
MAC
(coldly)
Consider my last words to you an order, Master
Sergeant.
DURANT
(coldly glancing over Mac's shoulder and making
eye contact with Harm)
With respect, ma'am, but doesn't the Commander have a voice
in any of this?
HARM
(uneasily, his eyes maintaining contact with
Durant's)
Mac, .......it's ok!
In response to Harm's words, Mac momentarily glances over her
shoulder to Harm. Then, renewing eye contact with Durant, she
reluctantly steps aside and allows him to pass. Her eyes guardedly
following him, the Master Sergeant walks to the foot of Harm's bed.
DURANT
How are you doing, Sir?
RABB
Much better,..... now that I'm out of your brig.
DURANT
Yah, so I heard! Damn.......and
I was so looking forward to having you back, Sir! .........Well,...... I
mean, you know,.......to sorta make up for what happened last night.
RABB
Well, I'm sure you'll make it up to me somehow,
Master Sergeant!
DURANT
I'm sure I will, Sir,........ especially if you have anything to do
with it!
HARM
Look, why don't you just cut to the chase and tell me why
you're here, Durant!
DURANT
I wanted to confront the man who has been naming me as a
possible suspect in last night's assault. I don't believe that
there's any second guessing who that may be, now is there, ......Sir!
HARM
No, I guess there isn't.
Observing Harm's confidence, Durant grows more
agitated.
DURANT
Ok .........look,... Commander, I agree that I may have been
a little rough on you on the inside, Sir, but it's par for the
course! Holding it against me....well......
HARM
(slightly agitated by Durant's
insinuation)
I'm not! You were doing your job, Durant! I understand
that! But one has nothing to do with the other!
DURANT
(his voice raising slightly)
The hell it doesn't! .... (quickly toning down his voice and
adding)..... Sir!.......I mean I put you in an uncomfortable place,
....and guys like you, Sir, ......well, .... you just can't handle
that sort of thing.........especially coming from enlisted
personnel.
MAC
(with concern as she observes Durant's increasing
agitation)
Look, I think it's in everyone's best interest for you to
leave, Master Sergeant!
Harm's eyes remain locked on Durant's, the man's words
only serving to fuel his curiosity as to the very nature of the man
standing before him.
HARM
By "guys", I take you're meaning to be
... officers... in general.
DURANT
Yes Sir!
RABB
And the head games, Master Sergeant, you're of course
referring to your own personal methods of intimidation.........namely the
humiliation and degradation you seem so bent on imposing for no apparent
reason other than to exercise your power and authority over them.
(his brow narrowing) Am I understanding you correctly, Master
Sergeant?
DURANT
Yes Sir! ..... For the most part
anyway! Only it's not about power, it's about putting them in their proper
places. Most of them have attitudes, you know! Like you did,
Sir! And I'm fortunate enough to be in a position where my job
affords me the latitude I need to help them make some
adjustments.
MAC
Kind of like your personal version of a social
worker.......or maybe even a psychotherapist of sorts.
DURANT
Well ma'am, .......now that you mention it, Yah! ...... Something
like that!
MAC
Well, Master Sergeant, I believe that your credentials
as a security policeman hardly qualify you as any sort of mental health
expert.
DURANT
No, ma'am, you're right about that! But then I
was under the impression that we were speaking
metaphorically. (he pauses for a long moment
studying the expressions on both officers faces) Look, you're both
JAG's, so I'm sure you're aware of the responsibilities my job
carries. That said, I really don't feel the need to stand here
trying to justify the kinds of decisions I routinely have to make in the
performance of my duties. I'm given a certain amount
of flexibility to do what I have to do, when I have to do it
........especially when it comes to the task of keeping my inmates in check and
under
control.
HARM
Well, I doubt that flexibility was ever meant to include abuse,
Master Sergeant.
DURANT
Abuse Sir?......Not at all. I think that's a bit
of an overstatement, Sir! I mean I'd like to think of my methods as
more of a motivational tool rather than an abusive one.
HARM
Well, Master Sergeant, rest assured that your methods
are going to come under the scrutiny of a JAGman investigation.
DURANT
(his temper flaring)
With respect, Sir, but I've been at my job for
eight long years, so I sure as hel......(catching himself mid
sentence) ....... I don't need any lawyers breathing down my
neck dictating to me how I should discharge my duties! I
know what works best, Sir! And trust me,..... when
it comes to disciplining my inmates, I usually know where to draw the
line!
Durant's final words piercing through Harm's very
being, dark memories of that terrible night unwillfully begin
flooding back to his consciousness.
MAC
(dismayed by Durant's comment)
Usually, Master Sergeant?
DURANT
Yes, ma'am. And I might add that my
methods aren't that much different than the proven methods we use everyday in
the physical training of our recruits.
Harm's throat tightening, he swallows deeply as he
struggles to subdue the tormenting memories while attempting to gain
control of the anger churning deep within him.
Totally dismayed by the Master Sergeant's statement, Mac gazes to
Harm as she anticipates his reaction. Immediately noting the cold, and
distant glare reflecting from his eyes, she begins to realize the emotional
impact Durant's words have had on him.
MAC
(trying to gain Harm's attention)
Interesting concept, wouldn't you
agree, Commander?
Her voice draws him back only momentarily.......for the memory of
the sharp, cold switchblade being pressed against his chin is too
surreal. His eyes remaining cold and empty, Harm's mind struggles
between the reality of the present and drifting back into time to the
tormenting memories of his recent past.
*~*~*~*~*~*~ FLASHBACK ~*~*~*~*~
The cold switchblade pressed against his chin, Harm is forced to
stare up into the masked and disfigured face of the man standing over
him. As the second man stands behind Harm with the wire coat hanger
still clenched in his fist, he feverishly looms over his victim awaiting
his opportunity to strike. The third man stands apart from the others,
silently observing the events from a distance.
1ST MAN
(with malice in his tone of voice)
Hope you enjoyed you're little reprieve, Mister Rabb,
......cause, now it's your turn.
The man raises his hand and quickly delivers a sharp blow
across Harm's right cheek with the back of his hand. Barely
recovering, from the stinging blow, the second man grabs hold of Harm's
hair and yanks his head backward presenting his colleague with clearer access to
the victim's face.
1ST MAN
How tough are yah, Rabb?
He proceeds to deliver another blow, this time backhanding Harm
across the side of his right jaw sending waves of agony shooting through
his face.
1ST MAN
What?.......No smart ass answer from a smart ass lawyer?
........Nah, ......can't be! Come on, talk to me,
Rabb?
Blood seeping down from his split and swollen lip, Rabb answers
with silent arrogance, his eyes trained on the disfigured eyes staring
intimidatingly down at him from behind the dark
hosiery.
1ST MAN
You know what I think? I think you have a death wish,
Commander,......just like your pal over there.
His eyes shifting toward Malory, Harm takes in the image of
the Lieutenant's battered body lying only a few feet away. Distraught by
the image, his eyes shift back up to the man standing over him.
RABB
(arrogantly)
The only death wish I have is in seeing the three of you facing the
death penalty for the senselessly brutal murder of Lieutenant
Malory.
2ND MAN
(humorously)
OOOHH! Scary! And coming from someone all tied
up!
The two men laugh mockingly.
1ST MAN
And I just bet you'd want to be the guy to prosecute the hell
out of our sorry asses, too!
HARM
(arrogantly)
I'd be my privilege!
1ST MAN
Well, you've got some metal, Commander! I'll give you
that much. But just how much, is yet to be
determined.
They both laugh boisterously as each man flanks Harm to either
side. Then, repeatedly they begin alternately kicking him in
his torso, thighs and legs. Harm immediately doubles
over in agony unable to afford himself any protection from the onslaught of the
blows. Gasping for breath, the painful blows
force him to the floor resulting in a temporary reprieve as the two men back off
from their assault.
1ST MAN
(motioning to his colleague)
Get him up.
Responding immediately, the 2ND MAN grabs hold of Harm's forearm
and pulls him back up onto his knees.
3RD MAN
(his voice harsh and exaggerated as he walks
toward the three men)
I hate to break this up, guys, but I gotta draw the
line somewhere. One dead sailor on my hands is enough for one
night! Besides, I need this one alive and
well!
2ND MAN
(slapping his hand with the metal coat hanger that is still
clinched in the opposite hand)
Yah......right! ........just long enough for you to
make that phone call anyway!
Durant nods affirmatively, then pulls out his cellphone from his
pocket and begins to dial. While the SP is preoccupied, the second man
becomes unable to resist the temptation to strike out at Rabb.
Raising the coat hanger clenched within his hand, he strikes Harm
across his right shoulder.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~* END FLASHBACK ~*~*~*~*~*~*
A sudden surge of pain coming from the tender bruise on his right
shoulder, Harm is immediately drawn back to reality. Jerking
slightly away, Harm gazes sharply toward his shoulder to
witness Mac's hand quickly releasing her grip on it.
MAC
(startled)
What?......
HARM
(irritably, rubbing the soreness from his
shoulder)
Nothing!
DURANT
(inquisitively)
Battle wounds, Commander?
HARM
(sharply shooting Durant a cold, hard
glare)
You should know!
MAC
(alarmed by Harm's increasing anger)
Ah......look.......maybe we should continue this conversation at
another time, Harm.
HARM
(ignoring Mac's suggestion)
I see one major flaw with the Master Sergeant's
concept, Mac!
Mac's brow narrows with confusion.
DURANT
(curiously)
And what would that be, .......Sir?
HARM
Officers aren't recruits! And as such, they
command a certain degree of respect regardless of circumstances.
DURANT
I beg to disagree, Sir, and I refuse to treat anyone with kid
gloves just because of their rank. I mean these men aren't
serving brig time because of their outstanding service records, now are
they.
MAC
(annoyed)
It still doesn't give you the license to treat them inhumanely or
with anything less than the respect they deserve.
DURANT
Well, ma'am,.... that remains to be seen.
Harm takes a long moment to silently study the demeanor of
the man standing before him. Noting the hardness in the cold glare
of his dark eyes and the intense agitation he displays through the grinding
motion of his teeth, Harm recognizes the anger behind the
man's blatant display of arrogance and disrespect.
HARM
( addressing Mac, while deliberately maintaining
eye contact with Durant)
What I see here, Colonel, is an obviously
troubled man who's carrying around a real chip on his
shoulder.
MAC
(gazing to Durant)
I'm certainly inclined to agree with you there,
Commander!
DURANT
(immediately taking offense)
Don't go making this about me, Commander! This is
about you and why you're accusing me of something I didn't do. Why
are you doing that, Sir? I mean your kind of unfounded accusations
could ruin my career!
Harm only responds to Durant's inquiry with silence as he stares
coldly into the eyes of the man whom he believes to be responsible for the
assaults made on Lieutenant Malory and himself. Meanwhile,
Durant grows increasingly agitated with Harm's indifference.
DURANT
Look, I'm prepared to accept any disciplinary measures
imposed on me for the breech in security and the subsequent assaults on you and
Malory. I mean it happened on my watch! But, in no way
did I take part the actual assaults! You've got to believe
that!
Again Harm remains silent for a long moment, the anger
continuing to churn deep within
him.
HARM
(at length)
Better be careful, Durant! You're turning into the very
thing that you despise the most!
DURANT
(his brow narrowing in confusion)
And what would that be, Sir?
HARM
A whiner and a complainer!
DURANT
I can assure you Sir, that I am not whining or
complaining. Just stating the facts.
HARM
Sounds like whining to me, Durant.......and if memory serves
me correctly, you have a low tolerance for both. ........or so you
said, anyway.
DURANT
Yes Sir, I do, indeed! You're right about
that!
HARM
Well, I certainly know that first hand! I mean you made
that very clear just after Colonel Lehmann gave you full authority over my
personal safety. Your words really stuck with me, you
know! So much so that when one of the perpetrators made a similar
declaration over Lieutenant Malory after silencing his pleas for mercy with a
strip of duct tape,....... well ......let's just say that the man's
voice and diction were unmistakably yours, Master
Sergeant!
Durant's demeanor is shaken by Harm's blatant
accusation. His agitation flaring, Durant begins grinding
his teeth together once again. Mac's mouth drops
open is shock in response to Harm's last words. She gazes back and forth
between the two men, fearful of a more serious
confrontation.
DURANT
(at length and with a cold glare in his
eyes)
You're reaching, Commander!
HARM
Am I?
DURANT
(maintaining eye contact with Rabb)
Yah!......You've got nothing to substantiate your
claim. ......Nothing!
HARM
Well, you may be right on that count, Durant, but
there's always the possibility that Lieutenant Malory will come out of his
coma. If that becomes the case, well, let's just say
you'll be experiencing prison life from an entirely different
perspective then what you're accustom to right
now!
Durant is obviously rattled by Harm's words. As Durant
attempts to draw closer to Harm, Mac intervenes once again by
stepping forward and effectively blocking the man's
advance.
MAC
(her eyes cold and steadfast on
Durant)
This conversation is OVER, Master Sergeant. So do yourself a
favor and leave before I'm forced to bring DDO charges against
you.
Durant attempts to stare her down for a long moment, then shifting
his gaze toward Harm, he slowly backs away from the bed.
DURANT
Tell me Commander, do you always have a woman standing up for
you.......Sir?
HARM
(with a slight grin on his face)
Only if she's a Marine!
With a slight smile and a raised brow, Mac's eyes remain steadfast
on the Master Sergeant. At length, he reluctantly backs
away from the bed then turns and hastily walks out of the
room.
MAC
(gazing after him)
What a jerk! (gazing to
Harm) Are you ok?
HARM
Yah!.....Fine!
MAC
Are you sure?
HARM
(irritably)
I said I was fine!
MAC
Ok!.....Then what in the world possessed you into pushing Durant
over the edge like that? He's probably going to
flee!
HARM
(sharply)
Well, maybe that was my motive,
Mac!
MAC
What? Why?
HARM
Because if Malory doesn't come out of his coma, he won't be able to
ID Durant nevertheless corroborate my testimony. So basically, it'll
be my word against Durant's. I think we're both aware of where
that can lead, Mac.
MAC
(concluding)
So in fleeing, you think that his actions will scream guilty.
HARM
Don't you?
MAC
Well, it certainly will give your testimony more of an edge
alright, but they'll have to catch him first.
HARM
Well there's one consolation, Mac! At least the
man won't be exercising his kind of authority over anyone any
more.
***************
INT
BETHESDA NAVAL HOSPITAL
1316 HOURS (following day)
Dressed in a long sleeve jersey and jeans, Harm stands
solemnly outside Malory's ICU observing him through the large viewing
window. The bandage now removed, a stitched and rather lengthy
laceration is evident across his right temple and
forehead.
Lowering his head in empathy at the sight of the pale figure laying
on the bed, Harm slowly turns away from the window and begins to walk down
the hallway. Ahead of him, he observes Helen Malory walking toward
him. Having never met Malory's wife, Harm only acknowledges her with
a polite nod of his head and a smile as he passes her
by.
HELEN
(turning to him as he passes)
Commander Rabb....
Rabb immediately pauses in his footsteps and turns back to Helen
with a look of perplexity in his expression.
RABB
Ma'am.......
HELEN
Going home today, Commander?
RABB
Ahh......yes ma'am!...........(curiously)......I'm sorry.......do I
know you?
HELEN
We never met,... no! ......Well, at least
not while you were awake anyway. (extending her hand in
greeting) I'm Helen Malory........Lieutenant Malory's
wife.
A deep sense of regret filling Harm's expression, he accepts her
hand in greeting.
HARM
It's good to meet you, Mrs Malory!
HELEN
You too, Commander.......I just wish it were under
different circumstances!
HARM
I understand. (he pauses for a long moment trying to find
some comforting words) Mrs. Malory.....I.... don't know what to
say!.....I'm just so sorry about all this.
HELEN
(sincerely)
Yes, I'm sure you are!
HARM
(awkwardly, gazing toward the ICU)
How is he doing?
HELEN
(following Harm's gaze toward the
ICU)
Well, there's been no real changes in his condition over the last
twenty-four hours. I'd like to think that's a good thing, but
apparently his neurologist doesn't think so. He
even went so far as to suggest taking him off life
support........but, I'm not ready to let that happen. (her eyes meeting
Harm's) At least not yet, anyway.
HARM
Letting go can be a very hard thing,
ma'am.
HELEN
I've already let go, Commander! He's in God's hands
now! ( examining the bruises and cuts on Harm's
face) I'm just thankful that you managed to make it
through all this relatively unscathed.
HARM
(appreciatively)
Well thank you ma'am.... and believe me when I say that the men
responsible for this will be brought to justice. Of that
much I can promise you.
HELEN
Well, I know from personal experience that you're certainly
not the kind of man who easily shirks his duties,
Commander.
The seemingly condemning words visibly shaking Harm, he turns
away from her and gazes toward the ICU.
HARM
(regretfully)
Well, I guess you're right about that,
ma'am. I mean it was my lawyering skills that kept your
husband confined to the brig, now wasn't it.
HELEN
(apologetically, noting his regret)
I'm sorry, Commander, that's not at all what I was
inferring!
HARM
(gazing back to Helen)
Are you saying that the thought never occurred to you, ma'am?
HELEN
I'd be lying if I said it didn't, Commander! And for
awhile, it was that thought that kept me wondering if you weren't at least
partly to blame for all this.
HARM
So what changed your mind?
HELEN
Taking the time to put everything in it's proper perspective,
and realizing that you were as much of a victim in all this as my husband.
(she pauses for a long moment studying the anguish in Harm's
expression) I don't hold you responsible for what happened to my
husband, Commander, and neither should you.
Refusing to allow her words to diminish his feelings of
guilt, Harm's eyes shift away from Mrs Malory. Noting
his rejection, she draws closer to him.
HELEN
Guilt can be a very destructive force, Commander! And what it
leaves behind in it's wake isn't very pretty. Besides,
deep down I believe we both know who is responsible for all
this.
HARM
Captain Peterson.
HELEN
If I know the man at all, Commander, I know that he had
the power and the ability to get to my husband anywhere and at anytime.
He's just that kind of a man.
HARM
You sound as though you know him well!
HELEN
Hmmm, ..... know him? All too
well, I'm afraid! Jimmy came into my
husband's life three years ago. (turning and beginning to walk
toward her husband's room) Once he did, ...well,
things were never really the same between my husband and
I.
Harm follows Helen closely as they walk toward Marlory's ICU.
HELEN
You see, Captain Peterson not only became my husband's commanding
officer, but his mentor and friend as well. Jimmy had the sort
of charisma that allowed him to manipulate his way right into the center
of our lives. Once he was there, he easily took
control.
HARM
Mrs. Malory, what are you trying to say?
HELEN
(taking a deep breath as she pauses just outside
the door to Malory's ICU)
That I'm ready to see the man punished for everything he's
ever done to my husband......and my family.
She gazes to Harm for a long moment, then walks into Malory's
room. Harm follows her to Malory's bedside.
HELEN
(at length, as she observes the pale, still figure
lying under the bed cover)
I went to see Brian last Thursday afternoon at his
insistence. He said that he needed to talk ....that he wanted me to hear
the truth from him before he testified against Captain Peterson in open
court.
HARM
(with empathy)
That couldn't have been easy for you to hear!
HELEN
No....it wasn't, Commander! But I'm dealing with it a
little at a time, you know? (gazing up to
Harm) But there's something that he said he left out
when he gave his statement to you. I'm not sure why.
Fear,..... shame, ...... maybe guilt! ......I don't know.
But I think it may be significant not only in Captain
Peterson's court martial, but in Brian's as well if he should ever have to
face his own.
HARM
Are you saying that you're a potential witness in the prosecution
of this case?
HELEN
If you what I have to say is pertinent, then yes!
HARM
Then I'd recommend that we finish this conversation in the
presence of trial counsel.
Helen gazes up from her husband's face to meet Harm's widened
and attentive eyes.
HELEN
Alright!
The two of them leave Lieutenant Malory's bedside and walk out into
the hallway.
HARM
(with a seemingly renewed spirit)
Can you get a break from here this afternoon? I can set up a
meeting for later on if it's convenient for you.
HELEN
Whatever works for you, Commander.
Hearing the sound of footsteps approaching them, Harm turns
to see Mac walking hastily toward him with a rather frantic expression on
her face.
HARM
Hey....Mac, what's the hurry!
MAC
(still at some distance away)
Damn it Harm! I've been looking all over the hospital for
you!
Somewhat embarrassed by Mac's overreaction , Harm's eyes meet
Helen's smiling face.
HELEN
Ahh.....must be the woman in your
life!
Harm laughs nervously as Mac approaches them.
MAC
(agitated, giving Helen a sort of condemning gaze)
Doctor Levy's fit to be tied, Harm! He's been
waiting for you to show up for your final health consult for the last half
hour! Where have you been?
HARM
Right here!
MAC
Well, if you want to be released today, I'd be my recommendation
that you get yourself back up to your room......now..........that is
unless of course you're too busy down here fraternizing with any available
female willing to stoke your male ego!
HARM
(laughing nervously at Mac's remark)
Ha...ha!.... (gazing to Helen) This is Lieutenant
Colonel Sarah Mackenzie. .........Mac.......(indicating
Helen) I want you to meet Mrs Malory, ........Lieutenant
Malory's wife.
Her anger quickly shrinking into embarrassment, Mac's eyes meet
Helen's A slight smile of amusement still on her face,
Helen extends her hand to Mac.
HELEN
Nice to meet you, Colonel!
MAC
(accepting Helen's hand in
greeting)
You too!........And.......I'm really sorry for that remark. It was
really uncalled for!
HELEN
(Shaking her hand side to side with it's palm
facing Mac)
Oh....no, please, don't worry about
it!
A long awkward moment of silence passes between the three of them,
....Mac still embarrassed, a speechless Harm giving Mac an evil eye and
Helen feeling the tension between Harm and Mac.
HELEN
(at length, breaking the long silence)
Well, Commander, when you know the details, you know how to
reach me.
HARM
Yes, ma'am!
With that, Helen nods politely to each of them, then turns
and walks back into her husband's ICU.
HARM
(jokingly, as he gently takes Mac's arm and escorts her down
the hallway away from the ICU)
Well, did you enjoy the savoring taste of that proverbial foot in
your mouth, Mac?
MAC
(pulling her arm away from his)
No! But it's your fault
anyway! If you had been upstairs where you belonged, none of this would
have happened!
Approaching the elevator, Harm hits the "up" control and
gazes up at the floor indicator above the door.
HARM
Oh, so now I'm responsible for what comes out of your
mouth!
MAC
When it's provoked by something you did,
yah!
Raised brows, Harm shoots Mac an evil glare as the elevators slide
open. The two immediately step in and the doors close behind
them.
HARM
(as he selects the floor number)
You really believe that.
MAC
Don't you?
Harm shakes his head in disbelief as he studies the mischievous
look in her eyes.
HARM
Ok......maybe your right. I should have been upstairs in my
room waiting for the good doctor to show up! But after wasting the entire
morning waiting for him, I thought I'd take a FEW minutes to make a
quick visit to the ICU to check on Malory's condition.
MAC
A few minutes?!
HARM
Mac, I was only gone for maybe twenty
minutes if that!
MAC
Try thirty-one minutes and fifteen seconds!
HARM
How would you know? You weren't
there!
MAC
That's the time lapse between the time I arrived and found you
missing to when I found you downstairs in the ICU!
HARM
Oh!
The doors of the elevator open to meet the frustrated
expression on Doctor Levy's face as he stands in the hallway in front of the
elevator.
LEVY
(irritably, meeting Harm's gaze)
Well........well, if it isn't the return of the
prodigal patient!
Harm's lips part in a sheepish grin as he exits the elevator.
HARM
My apologies for........
LEVY
(interrupting)
I'll see you in your room in approximately three
minutes, Mister Rabb! And......don't be
late!
With that, Doctor Levy lumbers off down the
hallway.
As Harm and Mac pass by the nurses station, Ensign Tully catches
sight of the pair as they enter the room. Stethoscope wrapped around her
neck, she quickly grabs Harm's medical chart and hastily walks down the
hall to Harm's room.
Inside the room, Harm reaches for the phone and begins
dialing.
MAC
Harm, what are you doing?
HARM
Mac, you go!..... I'll meet you downstairs in the
lobby just as soon as I'm finished here.
Completing his dialing, he places the phone to his
ear.
MAC
You didn't answer my question!
TULLY
(as she enters the room)
Well, that's ok, ma'am! The man needs to hang it
up anyway because I've got to get his vitals signs before the already
irate Doctor Levy arrives. (turning to Harm) So, if you
don't mind, Sir, I'd like you to kindly remove that shirt that you're not
supposed to be wearing as yet and have a seat on the bed.
Still hearing the phone ringing on the opposite end, Harm
reluctantly hangs up the phone and complies with the nurse's wishes.
As he takes a seat on the side of the bed, Mac gazes on
obviously amused by the woman's success in getting Harm to easily comply with
her wishes.
HARM
(sarcastically, noting the amused look on
Mac's face)
Ahh.......a little privacy if you please?
MAC
(smartly)
OH!......sure!........Sorry! (teasing, as she begins
walking toward the door) Not that you've got anything I haven't seen
before!
Ms Tully laughs boisterously as she takes note of the
embarrassed look on Harm's face.
HARM
(meeting Mac's gaze as Mac smiles back at
him)
You wish!
TULLY
(still giggling as she stands over
Harm)
Oh......I'm gonna miss you, Commander! Now, ....Shirt
off if you please!
Assuring himself that Mac has left the room, he begins to slip off
his shirt.
Just outside the door, Mac abruptly turns around and
reenters the doorway to Harm's room.
MAC
Oh, Harm......I'm .........
Her eyes drifting down from the shirt Harm is pulling up over his
shoulders, Mac observes the multiple bruises on his body along with
the stitched knife wound stretching across his right torso.
Hearing her voice, Harm quickly pulls the shirt back down over his body and
turns to meet the shocked expression on Mac's face.
MAC
(awkwardly stumbling over her words as she points over her
shoulder)
....going to get the car, .....so,....... If it's ok with you, I'll
meet you downstairs in the lobby!
HARM
(somberly)
Well, sounds like a plan to me, Mac.
Forcing a smile, Mac hastily retreats from the
room.
*********************
INT
HARM'S APT
1632 HOURS
Walking through the door with Mac close behind, Harm
immediately takes an appreciative look around the apartment.
MAC
(noting his expression)
Good to be home?
HARM
(smiling back)
You know it!
MAC
I guess next to that prison cell of yours, this place must look
like a mansion.
HARM
(removing his jacket and placing it over the back
of a chair)
It is a mansion, Mac. Mine!
Mac laughs with amusement as Harm walks toward the
kitchen.
MAC
Nothing like a few days confinement to bring out
ones appreciation for the things they have.
HARM
(gazing back and smiling)
Hey, you want a cup of coffee before heading back out?
MAC
Yah, sure, I'd love one! Only it better be a quick judging from how
quickly those snow flakes are starting to fall out there.
HARM
(removing a can of coffee from an overhead
cabinet)
From all the weather reports I heard this morning, I'm afraid
we have a real northeaster on our hands.
Harm's overnight bad still in hand, Mac heads toward the
bedroom.
MAC
I'm putting your overnight bag in the bedroom, Harm! Is that
ok?
HARM
Yah, Mac!.........Thanks!
MAC
(as she reaches the bedroom)
So, what are they predicting?
HARM
Six to eight inches here in the District....a foot or more in the
northern and western suburbs.
MAC
(dropping his bag down at the foot of the bed)
I suppose it's going to turn to rain here, right?
HARM
Well, ....not exactly. More like sleet and freezing
rain!
MAC
(dreading the sound of that, she walks back toward
the kitchen)
Oh God, that's the worst!
HARM
(pouring the coffee grinds into the
filter)
Tell me about it!
MAC
Well, let's hope they're wrong!
Mac takes a seat at the counter and watches Harm pouring the
water into the percolator.
HARM
Hey, if you're worried about driving home in the
snow, why don't you take my
SUV? I can't drive for at
least a couple of days anyway.
MAC
Umm, .......that's definitely a temptation, Harm, but...I really
don't want the responsibility of driving someone else's car in this kind of
weather. But, thanks for offering, anyway!
HARM
Are you sure, Mac? I mean I know from experience how poorly a
sports car handles in the snow!
MAC
I'm positive! I mean we've only got a light dusting out there
so far.
HARM
(surrendering to her insistence)
Ok.
(removing a couple of mugs from the rack and setting them down
on the counter) Just a couple of minutes and I'll have that cup of
coffee for you.
MAC
(rubbing her hands together)
Great! Cause I'm freezing!
Their eyes drifting toward one another, Harm and Mac exchange a
long silent gaze as each attempts to decipher the look in the eyes of the
other. Awkwardly, Harm finally gazes away, the sound of the coffee
dripping into the glass coffee pot drawing his
attention.
HARM
(indicating the nearly full coffee
pot)
There now see.......what did I tell you.
Obviously irritated, Mac steps off her stool and walks across the
living room to the window. Gazing through the blinds, she looks down upon
the lightly dusted snow covered street below.
MAC
I don't know, Harm! I think I better pass on that cup of
coffee. It's beginning to snow pretty hard.
Harm's brow narrows in confusion. Choosing to ignore
her last words he pours out two cups of coffee and carries them out into the
living room.
HARM
(as he walks toward Mac)
Well, it's too late to cancel your order,
Marine! I have a freshly brewed cup all ready just the way you like
it.
Mac turns from the window with a slight grin on her
face as Harm offers her a mug of coffee.
MAC
(accepting the cup from Harm)
Thanks!
HARM
(smiling back)
You're welcome! (indicating the
sofa) Now, how about getting off your feet for a few?
MAC
Speaking of getting off ones feet, isn't that what
you're supposed to be doing?
HARM
I will. Just as soon as you do.
Mac stares at Harm for a long moment, then hurries down several
sips of coffee and hands the cup back to Harm.
MAC
I really do have to get going, Harm
HARM
Mac, want to tell me what's going on here?
MAC
(starting for the door)
Nothing, other than a snow storm brewing and
me keeping you up!
Harm follows close on her heels and stops her by gently taking hold
of her arm.
HARM
(forcing her to look at him)
Mac, come on here! This is me your talking
to.
MAC
(earnestly, making direct eye contact with
Harm)
What do you think is going on here,
Harm?
Placing the mugs down on a nearby end table, Harm turns back to
Mac.
HARM
(as he gently strokes Mac's cheek with his fingertips)
Look, Mac,........I know what you saw at the hospital
probably upset you....and I'm sorry,......
MAC
But you don't want to talk about any of it, do you, Harm!
HARM
I'm not comfortable with it, no!.......And I certainly don't want
to dwell on it. But it doesn't have anything to do with you.......it's
me......it's my way of dealing with it.
MAC
So you're just going to keep everything locked away deep
inside you!
HARM
Right where it belongs, Mac!......For now
anyway.
MAC
Is that how you would have wanted me to deal with my rape,
Harm? By locking it away?
HARM
No, of course not!
MAC
Then why is it different for you? Because you're a
man?
A knock comes upon Harm's front door interrupting their
conversation. Mac gazes questionably up at Harm who seems obviously
relieved by the interruption. He steps away from Mac and walks to
the door. Upon opening it, he observes Lieutenant
Roberts standing out in the hallway.
BUD
(noting Harm's attire)
You're not dressed Sir!
MAC
(her brow narrowing with confusion)
Not dressed? For what, Bud?
HARM
(quickly interjecting as he gazes sharply at
Bud)
Bed!.......
MAC
(suspiciously)
What?
BUD
(slowly catching on to the jest of the situation)
Ahh.....yah!.....Right!
HARM
Bud's been very adamant about my getting the rest I need.
Right, Bud!
BUD
(gazing strangely at Harm)
Yes Sir!
MAC
Yah........right!
With that, Mac walks out of the apartment leaving the two men
alone.
BUD
You didn't tell her?
HARM
Tell her what, Bud? I didn't have all the facts!
Did you get in touch with everyone?
BUD
Yes sir! They should all be arriving at JAG Ops within the
hour. But by the way it's coming down out there right
now, Sir........we may all end up spending the night.
HARM
Not if we take my SUV.
BUD
(noting the fatigue in Harm's
expression)
Are you sure you're up to this, Sir?
HARM
I need five minutes to change, Bud!
BUD
Yes Sir!
Harm immediately walks off toward the bedroom.
BUD
I can go down ahead of you and warm up your car,
Sir!
HARM
(reaching for his keys on the dresser and tossing
them to Bud)
Good idea, Bud. And brush off the snow while
your at it! You'll find it under the driver's seat.
BUD
(already regretting his offer)
Yes Sir!
******************
INT
JAG OPS CONFERENCE ROOM
1632 HOURS
Present in the conference room are Commander Rabb, Lieutenant
Commander Imes, Lieutenant Commander Mattoni, Colonel Becker, Lieutenant
Roberts and Mrs Helen Malory. As Helen completes her statement, a
obviously fatigued Rabb gazes on.
RABB
What was the name of your psychologist, Mrs. Malory?
HELEN
I believe you know her Commander! Lieutenant Commander Jordan
Parker.
All eyes quickly shoot over to Harm to find him staring at Mrs
Malory in bewilderment.
MATTONI
(smartly)
Small world, isn't it!
Harm shoots Mattoni a look of disapproval and then gazes back to
Helen.
HARM
Well, I think that about covers it, Mrs
Malory! Thank you for coming on such a short notice.
HELEN
When can I expect to be taking the stand?
IMES
Baring any unforeseen circumstances.......like a major
northeaster, probably on Monday
afternoon.
An array of laughter fills the room as everyone takes a quick
glance out the windows at the deepening snow.
IMES
We'll be presenting this to the defense first thing on
Monday.
MATTONI
With any luck, your statement will be enough to get Peterson to
change his plea to guilty.......if that becomes the case, you won't have to take
the witness stand.
HARM
Well, I wouldn't get your hopes up on that one,
Mattoni! I don't see Peterson abandoning his own
ship........even if it is sinking!
HELEN
(as she stands)
Well, one way or the other, I hope he'll be brought to
justice.
As all the officers stand, Harm walks around the
conference table toward Helen.
HELEN
(reaching into her purse)
Oh, I almost forgot!
She pulls out a large manila envelope with black print written
across the face.
HELEN
(handing the envelope to Harm)
My husband instructed me to give this to you. I
don't know what the contents are. He said you'd know what it was all about
and you'd know how to handle it.
Harm accepts the rather bulky envelope from Mrs. Malory and reads
the black print across the face of it.
HARM
(his brow narrowing with confusion)
Super Bowl ninety-seven?!
MATTONI
That was a great game!
BECKER
(noting the disturbed look on Harm's
face)
Does it have any significance to
you?
HARM
Yah, ....It does! ........(gazing to Helen) That night,
in the brig..........your husband kept repeating this to me over and over until
he lost consciousness. I thought he was hallucinating or
something. (pulling open the envelope, he reaches into it and pulls out a
video tape. Gazing up to Helen) You don't know what's on
here?
HELEN
No!......He only directed me to it. I didn't
want to know what was on it.
With that, Helen walks toward the conference room door with Harm
close on her heels as he slips the video back into the envelope.
HARM
(in a reassuring tone of voice)
We'll get him, Mrs. Malory.......Count on
it!
HELEN
(her lips parting in a slight
smile)
I'd have to say that Captain Peterson made a terrible mistake the
day he crossed swords with you, Commander!
A slight smile passing over Harm's face, as Helen observes him
carefully for a moment noting the fatigue look in his
expression.
HELEN
You look exhausted, Commander! I really think
it's in your best interest to forget about all this and go home and get some
rest. (she gazes over her shoulder to the officers standing in
the room) Please see to it that this man does just
that!
She again smiles at him, then brushes past him and out the
door.
ROBERTS
She's right, Sir! Let me take you home.
Harm gazes toward Roberts, his reluctance to just let go and turn
it over to the other attorneys obvious in his expression.
IMES
(approaching Harm)
We'll handle it from here, Harm! You go home and get some
rest before you find yourself back in the hospital!
MATTONI
She's right, Harm! You're not looking so good right
now!
HARM
(conceding)
Well, looks like I'm outnumbered.
With that, Bud escorts Harm out of the conference
room.
IMES
(turning to Mattoni)
I'm surprised he managed to sit through the entire
meeting.
MATTONI
Well, Carolyn, you know how hard headed the Commander can
be.
BECKER
Well, be thankful for that, Mattoni! I mean, I think
he's managed to help the two of you wrap up this case pretty
nicely.
IMES
Well, let's not go jumping the gun. Mrs. Malory's testimony
will have to hold up under cross examination.
MATTONI
I don't know, Carolyn! I'm banking on Peterson folding and
pleading guilty.
IMES
Not to rape..........aggravated assault, maybe.
BECKER
You're not going to plead down the charges, now are you! Harm
would be fit to be tied!
MATTONI
(annoyed)
It's not his case, now is it! Anyway, I'd be better than
taking a chance at the guy walking.
BECKER
Well, you two can stay here and duke this thing
out on your own. As for me, I'm heading home before full onslaught of this
snow storm sets in! Good afternoon people!
With that, Becker collects his briefcase and coat and walks out of
the conference room.
***************** TO BE CONTINUED
*************