HONOR & BETRAYAL pt 41 /
58
Honor & Betrayal Part
41
Author: Gabrielle T. Stuart
*************
INT
BETHESDA NAVAL HOSPITAL
0415 HOURS
Sitting in a chair beside Harm's hospital bed, Mac sits
wearily observing Harm as he slowly begins to give up his struggle against
the sedative that the nurse had administered several minutes before.
HARM
(wearily, his eyes drifting slowly shut and then
reopening)
You should go,.....Mac. You have a big day
ahead of you in court today.
MAC
I'll go..... just as soon as I know that you're asleep.
So, why don't you stop fighting off the inevitable!
HARM
(almost at a whisper, his eyes
closing)
Sorry I can't be there for you.
MAC
Well, all things considered, it's probably better that you're
not.
HARM
Malory was supposed to testify today.
......now............God, Mac.......he could of ended all this!
MAC
(noting the tension in his
demeanor)
That's not for you to worry about right
now. So just try and relax and let the sedative
take its course.
HARM
(his brow narrowing with concern)
Did Brumby reserve the right to recall you to the witness
stand?
Evading the question, Mac only responds by casting her eyes away
from Harm's down to her nervously fidgeting hands lying on her
lap.
HARM
(noting her evasiveness)
He did, didn't he!
MAC
(somewhat agitated, as the stress of the long
night begins to manifest itself )
Fortunately for both of you, yes, he did!
If he hadn't of, a conviction in this case would have more than
likely been overturned on appeal due to an inadequate
defense.
HARM
Yah, I guess you're right, Mac,.....But I have no doubt
that you can handle Brumby!
MAC
It's not Brumby I'm worried about, Harm. Ms
Ryerson's will more than likely be the one who will be
doing the cross examination, not Mic. Besides, scuttlebutt has it
that Mic's about to be recalled to Australia.
HARM
(with a note of sarcasm, as he smiles wearily)
Well, tomorrow wouldn't be too soon!
Mac's eyes meet Harm's as a slight smile crosses her
lips.
HARM
(encouragingly adding, as he observes the
uneasiness in Mac's demeanor)
Mac, look, don't let that woman intimidate you, ok! I'm
sure you can handle anything's she's got and then some.
Hell, .....you sure gave me a run for the money when I had you on that stand.
MAC
(smiling)
I did, didn't I!
HARM
(his eye lids growing heavy) Yah......you did,
and then some! Besides that, Mac ......you're a
a....Ma....rine..........re.........
His final words barely audible, Harm's eye lids close wearily
as he surrenders to the effects of the sedatives.
MAC
(sighing deeply with relief, as she watches
him fall off into a deep sleep)
Well, thanks for you vote of confidence! (softly, under her
breath) Only this time I'm not so sure that line's going to cut it,
Harm.
The drug induced sleep relieving Harm of the memory of his ordeal,
his entire body finally relaxes from the tension that had been gripping
his body.
MAC
(standing, as she smiles gently)
Well, it only took fifteen minutes and twenty-one seconds for you
to finally give it up. (squeezing his hand within hers)
Now, while that hard head of yours heals up over the next day
or two, you'll probably be totally oblivious to anything that's
going on out here in the real world. I shouldn't be so
lucky! But hey, by the time you wake up the verdict may be
in and we'll all be able to breathe a little easier.
(smiling, trying to reassure herself) Always the optimist, now,
aren't I.
She leans over him and gently places a delicate kiss his
forehead.
MAC
Sleep well, sailor.
Slowly backing away from him, she studies his face for a long
moment noting his bandaged forehead and his badly bruised right eye.
Her deep concern finally getting the best of her, tears slowly welling up in her
eyes. As she cups her hand over her lips in an attempt to hold
back her deep sobs she reluctantly, turns away and hastily walks out of
the room.
*********
INT
ICU UNIT / BETHESDA NAVAL HOSPITAL
0509 HOURS
Through the windowed room wall of the ICU , Admiral Chegwidden
observes Lieutenant Malory as he lays unconscious on his bed, wires and tubes
intricately connecting him to the life supporting systems that continued to
sustain his life. Her head leaning against the Lieutenant's side, his wife
Helen earnestly stands vigil beside her husband's bed side. The tall, and
slenderly built, twenty-eight year old, holding onto her
husband's hand seemingly in prayer as she weeps silently.
A voice from behind him suddenly breaking his concentration,
AJ turns around to see a medium built, balding man dressed in a
white physician's coat standing behind him.
AJ
Excuse me?
DR/ CDR LEVY
Doctor Levy. ..... I'm Lieutenant Malory's
neurosurgeon.
AJ
Oh, yes!........Sorry!.......My mind was preoccupied I'm
afraid. Admiral Chegwidden.
LEVY
Yes, I know!.......Sorry to have kept you waiting, but things have
been pretty hectic around here tonight.
AJ
No problem! (turning toward the window and indicating
Malory) What's your prognosis on the Lieutenant.
LEVY
Well, do you want the watered down version, or do you want it blunt
and to the point?
AJ
The latter, ....p l e a s e!
LEVY
Ok!............. quite frankly, it's a miracle
that the man's still alive at all! He suffered a couple of serious blows
to the head which caused some swelling in his brain. ...... We managed to
relieve some of that swelling during surgery, but in spite of our efforts,
he unfortunately slipped into coma.
AJ
Any chance that he'll come out of it?
LEVY
There's been some serious neurological damage, Admiral, so I feel
that's it's highly unlikely. Besides, not only are we dealing
with head trauma in his case, but there's serious internal
injuries to his liver and kidneys as well. Judging by the
bruising and contusions to his stomach and lower back, I'd be my guess
that the injuries were the result of violent and repetitive
kicking.
AJ
(gazing to the Lieutenant)
Well, Doctor, fortunately there's someone who can tell us exactly
what happened to the Lieutenant.
LEVY
You have a witness, then!
AJ
Yah!.......He's downstairs being treated in the ER for a
concussion.
LEVY
I just came from treating and admitting a patient with
a concussion.......a Commander Harmon Rabb.
AJ
Then we're talking about the same man. How is he
doing?
LEVY
He'll be fine with a couple of days rest. He's been pretty
heavily sedated, so getting that rest certainly will be
assured. I spoke to Colonel Mackenzie in regards to his condition
about half an hour or so ago. (looking over the Admiral's
shoulder) In fact, here she comes now.
AJ turns in the direction in which Levy is indicating and observes
Mac walking toward him.
MAC
(as she approaches)
Well, I see the two of you have already met.
AJ
Yes, Colonel. And as it turns out, Doctor Levy is
treating Lieutenant Malory as well.
Mac gazes through the window and with deep empathy observes Malory
and his wife.
MAC
Harm kept asking me if I'd heard anything about the Lieutenant's
condition. (turning to Levy) I guess your prognosis
isn't very good, is it, Doctor.
LEVY
I'm afraid not, Colonel!
AJ
So, I take it that Harm's resting comfortably, then?
MAC
(turning to the Admiral)
Yes Sir. He was sleeping soundly when I left
him. (She pauses for a long moment as she
observes the Lieutenant's wife) How's the
Lieutenant's wife holding up through all of this?
LEVY
(glancing into the ICU and observing
Helen)
Pretty well considering the prognosis!
AJ
Do they have any children?
MAC
From what Harm told me, the Malory's have an infant
daughter.
AJ
(sighing deeply, he turns from the window)
Damn! Well, one thing I know for sure, whoever did this
will have hell to pay!
LEVY
(Noting the exhaustion in both the Admiral's and
Mac's expression.)
Look, you both look exhausted and you've certainly
done all you can here. May I suggest that you both go home and get some
rest? I'll keep you abreast of any changes in both the Lieutenant's and
the Commander's conditions.
AJ
I suppose you're right! Thank you doctor,
for everything . All we can ask is that you do the best you
can to see the Lieutenant through this.
LEVY
You're entirely welcome, Admiral. And rest assured that every
possible measure is being taken to insure the Lieutenant's recovery.
ADMIRAL
Then I certainly can't ask for anymore than that, now, can I,
Doctor!
With that, the Admiral glances one more time into Malory's room,
then turns and begins to walk off down the corridor.
Acknowledging the Doctor with a nod of her head, Mac immediately follows after
him and joins him at his side. As they walk in silence towards the
elevators, AJ reaches into his coat pocket and pulls out a set of
keys.
ADMIRAL
(handing Mac the set of keys)
Oh.....your car keys.
MAC
Why don't you keep them Sir!
ADMIRAL
(gazing to her in confusion)
Excuse me?
MAC
Well, Sir, I think I'm going to stay here for a while longer, so
why don't you take my car, go home and get some rest.
ADMIRAL
Mac, ......between recovering from a a concussion
and being pretty heavily sedated, Harm will more than likely be oblivious to
anything around him for at least the next twenty-four hours or so!.....He
doesn't need you here right now. You on the other hand need to get some
rest. You have a court appearance to make at 1000
hours.
MAC
Yes Sir. I realize that, but if I went home now, I doubt I'd
get any sleep at all.....so I'd much rather just stay here
instead.
ADMIRAL
And if I take your car, Colonel,.... how were you planning on
getting home yourself?
MAC
Well, Sir, I can take a cab to your place and pick up my car
there. It really wouldn't be any bother,
Sir!
ADMIRAL
(dismayed, he pauses before the
elevator, reaches for her hand, and places her car keys gently onto her
palm)
Fine! You do whatever you deem necessary,
Colonel. In the meantime, as much as I appreciate your offer for the use
of your car, you should keep it just in case you change your
mind. As for me, well, I'm going to take a cab.
With those words, the elevator door bell sounds off and the doors
open. Admiral Chedwiggen smiles gently then steps onto the
elevator.
MAC
Are you sure, Admiral?.......I mean I really.....
ADMIRAL
(as the elevator door's closing)
Very sure, Colonel!
With those words, the doors close completely leaving Mac standing
alone in the hallway.
**********
INT
BULLPEN/JAG OPS
0800 HOURS
Admiral Chegwidden enters the bullpen, exhaustion evident by
the deep rings around his slightly blood shot eyes.
GUNNY
(noting the Admiral's arrival)
Attention on deck!
All coming to immediately to attention, the Admiral continues his
rapid stride across the bullpen.
ADMIRAL
(irritably)
As you were! (passing Gunny)
Gunnery Sergeant, I want to see Commanders Imes and Mattoni in my office
ASAP........and make that definitely before the Peterson courts martial
resumes at 1000 hours!
GUNNY
(relaxing his posture as he takes note of the
exhaustion evident in the Admiral's face)
Yes Sir!
*********
INT
ADMIRAL'S OFFICE
0827 HOURS
Present and sitting in the leather chairs before the Admiral's desk
are Mattoni and Imes. Chegwidden is standing at the window behind his desk
staring out with an empty looks on his face.
ADMIRAL
Well, you'll have to proceed with this courts martial without
Lieutenant Malory's testimony, I'm afraid. It's unfortunate,
but the Lieutenant definitely isn't in any condition to testify on
the Colonel's behalf nor can he be expected to anytime in the near
future. (turning to the two officers as walks to his desk) I am
sorry!
IMES
Then Captain Peterson stands a very good chance of walking on this
one, Sir.
ADMIRAL
(as he takes his seat at his desk)
I was under the impression that you had Lieutenant
Malory's statement on tape along with a sworn affidavit of Peterson's
involvement in at least two other rapes.
MATTONI
We do, Sir, but sworn affidavit or not, the man's facing
murder charges of his own and only gave up the information as part of a
plea bargain. I imagine that the defense will have a field day
with it, Sir.
IMES
Then there's the little matter of one of the alleged victims that
Malory named being interned in a mental health facility in Norfolk and up to
this point, Sir, we haven't been able to contact the second
women.
ADMIRAL
(discouragingly taken a deep
breath)
Well.........be that as it may, you'll have to proceed with this
courts martial without the Lieutenant's testimony or get a continuance until
such time as you can produce this other witness. One thing's for certain,
if Peterson does walk on the rape charges, he'll
still be facing attempted murder charges. ......So, one way or
another, I'll have his ass hung out to dry! Of that much, I
can assure you!
IMES
(regretfully)
I doubt that Colonel Mackenzie will find any
closure in that, Sir!
ADMIRAL
Probably not, Commander, but neither would Peterson's
conviction give her closure if she wasn't emotionally ready to accept
it.
A silence passes between the three officers as Imes and
Mattoni consider the Admiral's words.
MATTONI
Admiral, what's Commander Rabb's condition,
Sir?
ADMIRAL
Well, ........by the looks of him, they roughed him up pretty
good. He was lucky enough to come out of it with just a few
bruised ribs and a concussion. He'll probably be
discharged from the hospital in a day or two.
IMES
Looks as though someone was watching over him, Sir.
ADMIRAL
Well, that remains to be seen, Commander.
IMES
Sir?
ADMIRAL
(resentfully, his tone of voice harsh and
angry)
Lieutenant Malory was damn near beaten to death last night
while Commander Rabb was forced
to ...........
Observing the distraught expressions on Imes and Mattoni's
faces, his words trail off into silence as he realizes that his own
personal emotions have gone array.
ADMIRAL
(regretfully, as his tone softens)
My apologies, for my short temper Commanders!....I guess it can
only be attributed to stress and sleep deprivation. But,
that's certainly no excuse for my outburst. (he pauses for a long
moment) As always, I will expect you to do the best job you
can in prosecuting this case. ........You're dismissed.
Imes and Mattoni immediately stand to attention in
unison.
IMES/MATTONI
Yes Sir!
MATTONI
Thank you Sir!
With that, they turn toward one another, their confused expressions
being exchanged as they walk out of the room.
ADMIRAL
(under his breath, as the two officers exit)
Give Malory back his life, then maybe I can begin to believe
that there's still such a thing as divine intervention.
*******
INT
MAC'S OFFICE
0833 HOURS
Looking exhausted from lack of sleep the night before, Mac sits at
her desk holding her hand to her forehead. Her eyes involuntarily
shutting, she attempts to relieve the pounding headache that's ripping
through her skull. Imes enters Mac's office immediately noticing her
demeanor.
IMES
(gently)
Hey......!
Mac gazes up, to observe Imes, her eyes squinting from the
pain.
MAC
(rubbing her forehead)
Carolyn.
IMES
Got a minute?
MAC
(groaning as she indicates a chair)
Yah.......sure, come on in and have a seat!
IMES
(as she enters and takes a seat in front of Mac's
desk)
Are you ok?
MAC
(sarcastically)
Truthfully, no, Caroline, I'm not! I'm exhausted
and I have a terrible migraine. But, .......other than that, I'm doing
fine!
IMES
The Admiral told Alan and I about what happened at the brig last
night. How's Harm doing?
MAC
Fine!.......He was sleeping soundly when I left
him.
IMES
That's certainly a relief to hear. .......Well,
as far as this court martial goes, Mac, I believe that we're finally
beginning to see some light at the end of the tunnel!......I just got a call
from forensics and the carpet samples were positive for both of the ingredients
found in GHB.
MAC
(a ray of hope appearing in her eyes only
momentarily and then just as quickly disappearing)
Well, that's just great, Carolyn, but ......I don't know,
........maybe it's time to just let the whole thing go!
IMES
(shocked )
What?!
MAC
The defense will more than likely create reasonable doubt in the
minds of the jury, Carolyn!....You know that! And while they're
destroying the veracity of said evidence they'll be doing likewise to what
little reputation I have left.
IMES
So you're giving up, then?
MAC
Surrendering to the inevitable is more like it! Besides,
enough people have been hurt because of all this.
IMES
I see!.......So when Harm wakes up, what do you think he's going to
say to you when he finds out what you've done.
MAC
Doesn't matter! It'll be done!
IMES
Ok, then take a moment to consider what quitting will do to
your career, then! You could be facing charges of your own for falsely
accusing another officer of a crime.
MAC
Then at least I'll be the only one getting hurt
here!
IMES
So, you want me to ask for a dismissal based on what?........Lack
of evidence?
MAC
Well, it's the truth, now, isn't it! Besides, I just
want it ended and I don't particularly care how.
IMES
I never took you for a quitter!
MAC
Well, neither did I!.
IMES
You know that Peterson was behind Harm's and Malory's assault last
night.....I mean Malory's life hangs in the balance over all
this. You're quitting like this is exactly what he
wants! Do you want Peterson to get away with the terrible travesties he's
committed? Is that really what you want, Mac?
Mac is silent for a long moment as she considers Carolyn's
words.
MAC
No! But I don't want anyone else getting hurt
either. Besides, you know we're losing this case......that's blatantly all
too obvious.
IMES
Then let's at least allow it to all play out, Mac! Give
me a chance to finish this. You'll have nothing to lose.
MAC
Fine!.......Whatever! I just want it over
with!
IMES
Good, then! But I'm going to ask for a continuance this
morning. Ms Ryerson's more than likely going to want to recall you to the
stand and I don't think you're in any condition to testify today.
MAC
I'd rather just go ahead and get it over with, Carolyn!
IMES
Ryerson's going to pull out all the stops when it comes to her
cross examination of you, Mac! You're not up to it. Not
today.
MAC
Let it happen, Carolyn, or we're back to just dismissing the case.
IMES
Sounds to me like your desire is to ambush this
entire case, Mac! Because, in your present state of mind, Ryerson's going
to tear your testimony to pieces.
MAC
My mind's made up, Carolyn! Do it my way or not at all!
It's your choice!
Frustrated and outraged, Imes takes note of the determined
expression on Mac's face. Realizing that her minds is made up, Carolyn
stands and hastily leaves the office.
****************** TO BE CONTINUED *********