Honor & Betrayal.........part 37
*********
INT
HARRIET'S
APT
1843 HOURS
Placing little AJ down in his crib, Harriet hears a knock come upon
her front door. Smiling affectionately, she hands
"AJ" his bottle, and then hurries out of the nursery
to the front door. Opening it, she observes Mac standing outside in the
hallway, a look of disconcertment filling her expression.
HARRIET
Colonel Mackenzie!
MAC
Hey....hi!.......Is Bud home with you?
HARRIET
No!.....He's still at the office. Why?
MAC
Oh, nothing! I was just wondering if maybe you wanted some
company is all.
HARRIET
(as she opens the door completely inviting Mac
inside)
Sure, come on in! ...... Do you want a cup
of coffee or something?
MAC
(as she enters)
I'd love some! Thanks!
HARRIET
(closing the door behind Mac)
With both you and the Commander being on .........well, ....leave
of sorts, the Admiral needed Bud to go over a couple of the cases. (she
pauses noting distraught expression on Mac's face) Is something wrong,
Ma'am?
MAC
Hmmm?......No!......Why?
HARRIET
Oh.....nothing!......You just seem like something's bothering
you!
MAC
(slightly agitated)
Well, other than Harm being in the brig, and Peterson's courts
martial reconvening the day after tomorrow, what could be wrong,
Harriet!......But you know, I'm really not here to discuss any of
that!....It's little AJ I'd like to see. Is he still
up?
HARRIET
I just put him in his crib a couple of minutes ago!.........He's
probably still awake if you want to go ahead and say hello! ... I'll just go and
get the coffee started.
With those words, Mac walks off toward the
nursery.......Harriet's expression reflecting concern as she gazes after
her.
Once inside AJ's nursery, Mac affectionately observes the tiny
sleeping face of little "AJ".
MAC
(stroking his cheek as she smiles at
him)
I guess you were a lot more tired than your mom thought you were!
(Mac kisses the tips of her fingers, and places them gently onto little
AJ's cheek) Well, sleep tight little guy!
As she turns around, she finds Harriet standing at the nursery
door.
HARRIET
(whispering as she enters)
He's already asleep?
MAC
(looking back down to AJ)
Yep!.......He sure is!
Harriet walks over to the crib, smiles at the sight of AJ's little
face and gently removes the unconsumed bottle of juice that laid beside him on
the mattress. In unison, the two turn from his crib and quietly walk out
of the nursery.
HARRIET
I'm sorry, Colonel, I guess he was just plum tuckered out
from the afternoon's outing.
MAC
Where did you take him?
HARRIET
To the mall! There's a Little Tykes infant/toddler
center there and little AJ seems to really love it.
MAC
He's only nine months old, Harriet! Is he into playing with
all that stuff already?
HARRIET
Well......other than liking to put everything in
his mouth, .....not really!.......But the socializing with the other little ones
is good for him. And now that he's crawling, he's able to amuse himself a
lot more.
MAC
I think it's probably more that his mom
likes the socializing with the other moms!
HARRIET
(smiling)
Well........that, too! ....This apartment
gets real small after awhile!
MAC
Speaking of apartments, Harriet, I was thinking
about going out and looking at a few new ones tomorrow! Think you'd want
to tag along with me.......sort of afford me your opinion of the ones I'm
considering?
HARRIET
Well, sure! I'd love to
ma'am.......
MAC
It's Mac,.... Harriet!.......We're not in the
office!
HARRIET
I'm sorry, Ma'am..........Mac! A force of habit! (she
pauses as she curiously observe Mac for a
moment) I'm just surprised you're looking
for an apartment! I mean the one you have is so perfect!
MAC
(coldly)
Used to be, Harriet!
HARRIET
(apologetically)
Oh my gosh!.....I'm sorry, ma'am!......I didn't
mean.....
MAC
(reassuringly)
Harriet!.......It's okay! You said
nothing wrong and you certainly didn't offend me! Now relax.
HARRIET
Umm, ....(pointing over her shoulder toward the kitchen)
Look, ....let me get you that cup of coffee you wanted, ok!
Harriet quickly walks into the kitchen with Mac following close
behind her. Standing in the doorway of the kitchen, Mac observes Harriet
nervously pouring a cup of coffee.
MAC
Is it just as hard for everyone else to talk about
as it is for me, Harriet?
The coffee pot nearly slips out of Harriet's hand as she places it
down onto the counter's surface.
HARRIET
(her eyes widening with worry as she gazes to
Mac)
What do you mean, ma'am?
MAC
Do I really need to explain it,
Harriet? I mean I'm not only having to deal with
my own emotions on a daily basis, but I have to deal with everyone else's
that I come in contact with as well. Like there are those who act as
though their walking on egg shells whenever they're around me..... Like you're
doing right now, Harriet! .....And then there's the ones that say it with
the look in their eye or a gesture and still others that simply
avoid me altogether!
HARRIET
(mortified)
It's really all that obvious to you, ma'am?
MAC
Yes, Harriet, and then some!.....I mean on
occasion, I've had people turn around and walk the other way when they've seen
me coming down the hallway.........But you know what surprised
me the most?
HARRIET
No, ......what?
MAC
That Carolyn Imes was the very first person that I know that
actually brought up the subject of my rape without fear that I'd break in some
way or that I'd go off half cocked with emotion! It's not fair,
Harriet!
HARRIET
(tears beginning to well up in her eyes)
No it's not, and I'm so sorry!.....I just didn't want to remind you
of it in any way.
MAC
But Harriet, no one needs to remind me of it. I have to
live with the memories each moment of everyday. But it doesn't
change the fact that I'm still Sarah Mackenzie and that I need my friends to
treat me like the person I use to be before I was raped. I need my
real friends back, Harriet!
HARRIET
(tears filling her eyes)
I know that!......... It's just
that.......well.........it's hard for anyone to imagine what it must be like to
go through something like that and......well.......we...I....can see your
pain just by looking in your eyes!
Harriet's tears stirring Mac's emotions, tears begin to well up in
her eyes as well. The two women move toward one another
wrapping their arms around each other in a comforting embrace. For a long
moment, they allow their tears flow freely .........Harriet's compassion pouring
out to Mac as she comes to a fuller understanding of the depth of Mac's
pain.
MAC
(reassuring Harriet and herself)
I'm not gonna break, Harriet!......So please don't
avoid me or be afraid to talk to me!....I really need all of my friends right
now!
They release one another wiping their tears away quickly and then
laughing sheepishly at the awkwardness of the moment.
MAC
(humorously...trying to lighten things up)
Well,...... now that we got all that
out!!!
HARRIET
(sniffling as she reaches for the box of
tissues)
Let's have that cup of coffee!
Harriet pulls a tissue from the box, offers one to to Mac who
in turn pulls out a tissue. Harriet then reaches for the cup of coffee and
hands it to Mac.
MAC
(quickly wiping her moist cheeks and nose as
accepts the cup of coffee)
Thanks, Harriet!
HARRIET
Your welcome! (indicating the kitchen table) Want to
sit down?
Mac immediately takes a seat at the table with Harriet joining her
in the chair directly opposite Mac.
MAC
I've already lined up a couple of apartments for
tomorrow morning. The one over in Falls Church is like 5 minutes from JAG
Ops. It'll save me a lot of commuting time and it sounds
wonderful!
HARRIET
(observing Mac closely)
Is location the only reason why you're considering
moving?
Mac is silent for a long moment as she considers her the motivation
behind her decision.
MAC
No, not entirely!
HARRIET
You said you didn't want people to act as though
they were treading on egg shells around you, Mac, so I'm going to be blunt
with you and just come out and ask this......By getting another apartment, are
you trying to run away from your fears? Because it's not something that
usually works.......running from your fears I mean.
Mac is again drawn into silence as she observes the concerned look
in the expression of her friend.
MAC
(at length)
My apartment was the one place that I
thought I was safe, Harriet, even if it was only an
illusion. Peterson took all of that away from me the
night he raped me!
HARRIET
Then you are running!
MAC
Maybe .....a little! But at least I won't have to be
constantly reminded of what happened to me every time I walk through the door of
my apartment.
HARRIET
Just as long as you understand that, then, I think you're
right!....A fresh start would be a good thing!
********************
INT
BRIG
1811 HOURS
Malory is seated at one of the lengthy mess hall tables half way
through his dinner when another tray of food is suddenly dropped unto the
surface of the table directly across from him. Malory gazes up to see
Peterson staring intimidatingly down upon him.
PETERSON
(noting the fear in Malory's eyes)
Well, this looks like as good of a spot as any!
Malory squirms uncomfortably in his seat as Peterson sits on the
bench across the table from him.
MALORY
Well, I guess I'm finished anyway, Sir!
Malory throws the remainder of his hamburger onto his plate and
then stands as he grabs hold of his tray.
PETERSON
Not just yet, Lieutenant! Keep your
seat!
Malory reluctantly sits back down, the expression on Peterson's
face further unnerving him.
PETERSON
Word has it that you were talking with Rabb in the gymnasium this
morning!
MALORY
So what!
PETERSON
Now why would you be talking to the man who's prosecuting you for
murder?
MALORY
Why wouldn't I be!.....Hell, you sure seem thrive
off of intimidating people! ......Why shouldn't I give it a
try!
PETERSON
(laughing)
YOU .....were trying to intimidate
Rabb?.......You!?
MALORY
Yah!.....Seems to work for you!
PETERSON
What, Malory? Do you really think I'm all
that stupid? ......(He pauses for a long moment studying Marlory's evasive eyes
carefully)......You know what I think, Lieutenant? I think your
entertaining the thought of betraying me and saving your own skin by
appealing to Rabb for some sort of plea bargain.
MALORY
Well, you're wrong!
PETERSON
Well, I certainly hope so, Lieutenant! Because if I find out
you've sold me out to Rabb or anyone else for that matter,
well......they'll be hell to pay for everyone involved! ........Count on
it!
MALORY
You know, you've threatened and manipulated people into doing what
you want for so long, you can't even recognize the fact that you're the one on
the losing end this time.
PETERSON
Maybe so, Malory, but there's no way that I'm
going to allow the likes of you going and giving them anymore ammunition than
they've already got!........So take heed to my warning, Malory! Because at
this point, I've got nothing to lose and I'm probably capable of doing just
about anything!
MALORY
(agitated)
Excuse me, Sir!
With those words, Malory stands picks up his tray and walks away
from the table. After dumping his tray, he heads toward the entrance of
the mess hall. About to exit the mess hall, he comes face to face with
Rabb and Corporal Tate.
MALORY
(indicating Peterson with the tilt of his head in the the direction
where Peterson is seated)
He knows about everything we talked about this
morning, Commander!.....Care to explain that?
Rabb searches the mess hall, his eyes finally falling
upon Peterson. Peterson so notes the presence of Rabb as Malory
slips out the door out of Peterson's line of sight.
RABB
(standing just inside the mess hall
entrance)
Well, Lieutenant, I certainly didn't share
that information with him if that's what you're inferring! But
then, our conversation wasn't exactly carried on in
private.
MALORY
(extremely agitated)
Look, if you want anything out of me, you'd better
do something to keep Peterson off my back! I don't think I can make
it any clearer then that!
With those words, Malory hastily walks off down the hallway.
Rabb gazes after him, his concern obvious in his
expression.
RABB
(addressing Tate)
Maybe you should be escorting that man around the brig,
Corporal! I think he needs you a hell of a lot more than I
do!
TATE
My orders are to escort you, Sir!
Rabb observes Malory until he turns the corner at the far end of
the hallway. He then walks toward the chow line as Peterson approaches
him.
PETERSON
Commander Rabb!
TATE
Sir! We should move on here!
RABB
(as Peterson draws nearer)
Take is easy, Corporal! There's no harm in
talking to the man!
TATE
Commander.........I
RABB
(interrupting Tate as he acknowledges
Peterson)
Captain!.......Enjoy your meal?
PETERSON
Not really! Damn hamburgers tasted more like
cardboard! (noting Tate standing nearby) What's this, your own
personal escort?
RABB
(ignoring Peterson's inquisition regarding Tate)
Well, I wouldn't know a good hamburger from a bad one,
Sir!.........I'm pretty much a vegetarian.
PETERSON
Really!.........Well, you're out of luck tonight
then, Rabb!.......Burgers and fries are the main course with
chocolate pudding for dessert! Not a vegetarians choice I take it!
RABB
Well, I wouldn't be too concerned, Captain, because one things for
sure, my days of having to eat from this brig's menu are very
limited. You on the other hand have the rest of your life to look forward
to it! I mean a guilty verdict on the rape charges alone will get
you life without parole. Attempted murder......well,
......what's another twenty years or so when you're already serving a life
sentence.
Peterson moves in closer to Rabb, their eyes meeting in an intense
gaze.
PETERSON
(in a low tone so Rabb is only able to hear
him)
I would have been up on murder charges if my SUV hadn't hit that
damn pot hole in the road that night!
He eyes remain steadfast on Rabb's as he anticipates some sort of
reaction from him.
RABB
(showing little emotion to Peterson's
confession)
Well that certainly would explain why a Navy Seal with
your sharp shooting skills messed up then! ....But you know what's really been
nagging at me is the most?
PETERSON
Enlighten me, RAbb!
HARM
Why you felt the need to take me out in the first
place!
PETERSON
Motive and opportunity.
RABB
Oh, the opportunity sure as hell was evident given there were
three other weapons being discharged at the same time. But what was
your motive? That maybe you thought Malory had already opened up to
me and sold you out?.. Which he hadn't, by the way!.....Or
that you thought Colonel Mackenzie had already confided in me and named you as
her rapist?
Peterson only answers with a penetrating glare in his eyes,
then pushes his way past Rabb and walks toward the door.
He pauses for a moment, turns and walks back to Rabb.
PETERSON
Oh, just one more thing!....I'd really be in your best
interest to stay the hell away from Malory. I mean, accidents tend to
happen a lot in places like this.
RABB
Well, thanks for the warning, Captain! And know that if any
harm comes to the Lieutenant, I'll be the first one in your face.
Grinding his teeth together through a tight grin, Peterson
observes the determination in Rabb's expression. He then turns
away and walks off down the hallway.
*************************
INT
RABB'S CELL
2032 HOURS
Laying on his rack reading a novel, Harm is disturbed by footsteps
coming down the hallway. Gazing over to top edge of the novel, Rabb
observes Tate standing at the door of his cell.
TATE
(unlocking the cell door)
Sorry to disturb you, Sir, but
......
RABB
(sitting up)
It's time for my shower, right?
TATE
No Sir!.....Your attorney's here to see you!
RABB
(perplexed)
My attorney?
TATE
Yes Sir!.....She's waiting for you
downstairs.
Harm smiles intently as he tosses the book unto the
bed.
RABB
(as he stands and walks to the door of his
cell)
Lead the way, Corporal!
TATE
You first, Commander!
Rabb walks out of the cell and starts down the
hallway.
RABB
(gazing to his watch)
So, it's 2030! When can I expect to be able to take
that shower, Corporal?
TATE
Just as soon as I can manage some spare time, Sir!
Master Sergeant Durant handed me a full slate of duties that he wanted completed
by the end of my shift.
*************
INT
INTERVIEW ROOM
2041
Harm enters the interview room to find Mac gazing out the barred
window. She turns from the window and smiles intently at Harm.....Harm
returning her smile.
TATE
(addressing Mac)
If you need me, ma'am, I'll be right outside.
MAC
Thank you Corporal!
Tate slips out of the room, closing the door behind
him.
RABB
(mockingly as he smiles)
My attorney?
MAC
(as she approaches him)
Well, I knew visiting hours were over, so what better way to get in
here to see you!
Harm laughs gently at her remark and notes the mischief in
her dark, smiling eyes.
MAC
(reaching him and observing him closely)
Well, you're not looking too bad after some
twenty-seven hours of incarceration!
RABB
(teasing back)
What, Mac?!...... You mean you don't have an accurate
account of the exact time I've actually had to spend in this God forsaken
place?
MAC
Well, give me a little break here, Harm!....I don't know the exact
time that they processed you in.
RABB
Neither do I! All I know is that it took forever and they
sure as hell weren't very nice about it.
MAC
(smiling slightly)
What'd you expect, Harm, the red carpet treatment!
HARM
(smiling back)
No, not exactly!
MAC
(her smile withdraws, as her concern becomes more
evident)
Seriously, Harm, are you ok?
RABB
Yah, Mac!...I'm fine!
MAC
Even after learning about Peterson being your assailant?
RABB
I'd been aware of the possibility of it all, Mac, but
the certainty of it was a bit overwhelming at first.
But I'm coping with it! (observing the concern in her
eyes) Who told you, anyway?
MAC
Bud did........this morning. (she pauses for a long moment
observing Harm closely) Are you being treated ok?
RABB
I have no complaints, Mac!
MAC
You wouldn't tell me even if you weren't , would you?
RABB
Of course I would, Mac!....You know me better than that!
Besides I've only been in here a day or so!
MAC
Do you feel safe with him in here?
RABB
(trying to dispel Mac's anxiety)
Mac, this is a U S Naval brig for God's sake, not some
federal pen! I'm sure I'm safe enough! Besides, the Admiral's
already appealed to the brig's XO and now I'm lucky if I can so much as take a
leak on my own.
MAC
(defensively)
The Admiral has reason to be concerned, Harm!....He knows more than
anyone how dangerous Peterson can be.
RABB
(desperately trying to reassure
her)
Well, I strongly believe it's a bit of an overkill, Mac!
MAC
I wouldn't be so certain, Harm! I mean look what the man's
done to the both of us?
RABB
Look, Mac, Admiral Morris is willing to let me out of here if
I can ........
MAC
(interrupting)
Pass a psychological evaluation.....yah, I
heard.
RABB
You did?
MAC
The Admiral told me.
RABB
Well, what's your concern then, Mac? You know I'm going to
ace the thing and that means I'll probably be out be out of here by close
of business on Friday.
MAC
(teasingly)
You, ....ace a psyche eval?!
RABB
(acting insulted)
Yah, Mac! You don't think I
can?
MAC
They're more than likely to lock you up and throw away the key,
Harm!
RABB
Well, thanks for you vote of confidence, Mac!
The two of them laugh together at their playful teasing then gaze
into one another's eyes for a long, silent moment.
RABB
(recognizing the pain behind the facade of her
dark smiling eyes)
What about you, Mac? Are you ok?
A distant looking appearing in Mac's eyes, she responds
by gazing silently back at Harm for a long moment.
MAC
(at length)
Yah!......(she lied trying to be
strong).........No!.......(her heart ached through the tears that begin to
well up in her eyes)
HARM
(gently, as he notices her
tears)
Hey, come on! ....Talk to me, Mac?
MAC
I don't know, Harm! I just don't know when I'll ever
feel ok again!
Harm gently places his hand against her left cheek and strokes it
gently. She turns her face into his cradling hand as her first tears slip
down her cheeks.
RABB
(gently)
You're not giving up on me now, are you Mac?
MAC
I'm just so tired of trying to be strong, Harm! ......Inside,
I feel broken and empty ......like everything I used to be is gone, .....
I'm just so scared that I'm not going to make it through this
one!
HARM
It only seems that way to you now, Sarah! With time, things
will get better, you'll see! Besides, you've got more courage
than anyone I've ever known!.. You'll get yourself through this, Mac, I
promise!
MAC
(gazing up from his cupped hand that is still caressing her
cheek)
All I really feel right now is a desperate need for you to
hold me in your arms! ...... Could you.....just hold me for a moment or
two?
RABB
(his hand sliding gently down her
cheek)
Sure!......Come here!
Without hesitation, Harm opens his arms to her and draws her into
his warm and gentle embrace Mac's hands slip around his torso as she returns his
embrace. All of Mac's anxiety's easing, she tucks her
face deeply into Harm's chest and weeps silently. Feeling her
shivering, Harm places his cheek gently against the top of her head
and presses her body more closely to his.
MAC
I just want this nightmare to be over for both of us, Harm! I
want my life back and I want the same for you!
RABB
So do I, Sarah, ....So do I!
She remains quietly in his arms for a long moment basking in the
warmth of Harm's embrace.
MAC
Harm?
RABB
Yah?
MAC
Have you ever doubted my word in all of this?
RABB
(his brow narrowing in confusing)
What do you mean?
Mac lifts her head from his chest and gazes up to meet his
gaze.
MAC
Did you ever doubt that Peterson raped me?
RABB
( a slight feeling outrage toward Mac's
inquiry)
No!........Of course not!
MAC
Even without any substantial evidence to corroborate my
testimony.
RABB
Mac, on a personal level, I've never doubted the integrity of your
word,...No!
MAC
(gently pushing herself away from him as she wipes away her
tears)
Ok.......on a professional level, then! Did you
ever doubt the veracity of my testimony.
RABB
It's not the same thing, Mac! Why are you putting me on the
spot like this?
MAC
Because I need to know if you feel that I have any chance of
winning this thing at all, Harm!
RABB
(perplexed)
MAC,..... I.....
MAC
Please, Harm! And I want you to be honest with
me!
HARM
(frustrated with her insistence)
Ok!.......But just so we're clear,..... this is purely from a
defense counselor's perspective!
He pauses for a long moment wishing with all his heart that Mac
hadn't asked him such a question.
HARM
(hesitantly as he finally musters up enough courage to answer
her)
.......In all honesty, Mac,....... I don't believe that
your testimony will be sufficient in itself to support a
conviction.
The look of discouragement that Harm observes in Mac's
expression crushes his very being.
MAC
So you don't believe me?
RABB
It's not a matter of believing you, Mac! There's just isn't
anything to corroborate your testimony. But you know that I
believe beyond a shadow of a doubt that Peterson's guilty.
MAC
What if I told you that there may be some corroborating evidence
after all?
RABB
What?....You found something?
MAC
No,.... Jingo did!.....Last night!.....He found a coffee
stain on the living room carpet by the foot of the
sofa.
RABB
(his eyes widening with anticipation)
After all this time?
MAC
(nodding affirmatively)
Forensics should have the results before court reconvenes on
Thursday.
RABB
That's great, Mac!......
MAC
But will it be enough?
RABB
If lab tests confirm traces of drugs in the carpet samples,
Mac, then I'd say yes. The only problem I see is that Brumby may argue the
veracity of the evidence given the fact that you're the one that discovered it
and the length of time that's transpired since the alleged
rape.
MAC
Well, I'm afraid that's not the only problem!
RABB
What do you mean?
MAC
Peterson's retained new legal council. A Roberta
Ryerson. She's from one of the largest and most respected criminal
law firms in Northern Virginia area.
RABB
Ryerson, Davis and Kelmar. I've heard of them. What I
want to know is how the hell can Peterson afford someone like
that?
MAC
He doesn't have to!......She's doing it pro bono.
RABB
Has Admiral Morris approved this?
MAC
(despairingly)
MMM hmm!
RABB
Well, given the media attention this case is getting, I'm guessing
that Ms Ryerson sees the potential for some free publicity for her law
firm.
MAC
After the way the media handled your assault on Peterson, I can see
why!
RABB
What do you mean?
MAC
You haven't seen today's newspaper?
Harm shakes his head negatively in answer to Mac's
question.
MAC
They made you out to be the monster and Peterson the victim.....
which from their perspective, is quite understandable.
Rabb's first reaction to Mac's words is surprise, then
understanding as he considers his actions in the court room and how the world
may have perceived it.
RABB
Point well taken, Mac! (he observes
Mac for a long moment as she turns away from him and walks to the nearby
window) Well, hang in there, Mac!.....There may be a few bumps in the road
ahead, yet, but I believe I'm the one holding the smoking gun here in
spite of how it all may seem at the moment.
Mac gazes back at Harm with a look of perplexity.
MAC
(walking back towards him)
What are you talking about, Harm?
RABB
I really can't say right now, Mac.....not until I know for certain
just exactly what I'm dealing with!....But trust me, I think it'll be enough to
hang Peterson for sure!
MAC
I hope you're right, Harm!......But if he does
manage to get off on the rape charges, he'll certainly be
convicted on the attempted murder charge.
RABB
Well, that's one consolation, Mac!......But
it won't ever make up for what he did to you!
MAC
No punitive measures could ever do that, Harm!
HARM
No, I guess you're right, Mac!....Nothing could!
****************** TO BE CONTINUED
*************