Warning: This story will deal on an in-depth level with child abuse. Please delete now if unable to tolerate this subject matter!

0810 Zulu (0310 EST)
Harm's Apartment
North of Union Station

The ringing of the phones echoed off of the walls in the open concept of the apartment. Harm rolled over until his hand landed on the handset.

"Rabb," he answered. Silence. He waited.

"Rabb," he repeated, sounding annoyed. This time, he heard a sniffle and then there was a quiet murmur, "Mr. Harm..."

"Dar'Lin?"

"Yeah."

"Where are you?"

"I runned away, Mr. Harm. He was touching her."

"Dar'Lin, slow down, honey. Tell me where you are," he said already rising from the bed and pulling jeans from the closet and a shirt off the shelf.

"I took a bus to the place where all the buses are."

"The bus depot?"

"Don't know, but lotsa different buses. Bigger ones than I was on since I went away with Auntie Marjorie."

"Dar'Lin?"

"Yeah?"

"Look around you and tell me what you see."

"Lotsa people, and a restaurant, and a paperman, and a..."

"Okay, Dar'Lin listen to me," Harm interrupted her panicked chatter with a soothing tone. "I am coming to get you, but I need you to stay put until I get there."

"I will Mr. Harm. Why did he touch her?"

"We'll talk about that when I get there okay, honey." He tried to sound reassuring despite the chill that ran through him.

"Okay...Mr. Harm...?

"Yes?"

"I'm scared. I don't want him to find me like Charlie did Annie."

Harm's blood ran cold. What the hell had gone wrong in the foster home where Dar'Lin was supposed to be? "Sit tight, honey, I'm coming." He hung up and tossed on his shoes. Grabbing his jacket and keys, he checked for his cellphone and left. As he climbed into his car, he pulled out his phone and dialed Mac's number.

"Colonel Mackenzie," she answered in a sleep husky voice.

"Mac, it's me."

"Harm? What's wrong?"

"Dar'Lin just called me. She's at the bus depot. I'm on my way to get her."

"What is she doing there at this hour? In fact, what is she doing there at all?"

"I don't know the whole story yet. She kept saying that, he was touching her."

"Someone was touching her? Who?" Even through the phone, he could hear the outraged edge to her voice.

"I don't think that it was her. I think she saw a man touching someone else."

"Dear God, Harm, she's already been through so much."

"I know. Listen, I..."

"No," Mac said cutting off his statement. "You listen to me. Find her and then you both come over here."

"Great minds think alike. We'll be there soon. I can see the depot up ahead." Harm shut the phone off and pulled the SUV to the curb. He was across the street in four strides and already scanning the time thinned crowd for her slight frame. Within seconds he saw her pressed against a bank of phones, looking like she was trying to disappear into the wall that they hung on. He came up in front of her and dropped down to be closer to her level.

She launched herself into his embrace and buried her face in his shoulder. Her whole body was shaking. He was instantly transported back to the afternoon he and Cmdr Coulter had found her in her grandmother's abandoned house. A muffled question came from her, drawing him back to the present, "Please tell me, Mr. Harm why he was touching her?"

"Dar'Lin, tell me what happened?"

"Mr. Colesman was touching Erica. I saw him do it before, but tonight she was crying and saying to stop and when he saw me he gots angry and yells at me to go to my room. Why was he doing it, Mr. Harm? Erica is nice."

Harm felt sick, but he had to be sure that the touching she was implying was what he thought. "Honey, can you show me where he was touching Erica?" Dar'Lin raised her head from Harm's shoulder and using one hand to balance herself against him, she pointed down at her private area. She looked down and then back at him and whispered, "Her undies were around her shoes too."

It took everything in him not to take Dar'Lin to Mac's and then continue on to take care of Colesman personally. He cradled her still shaking form and headed out of the depot for the car. He said a silent prayer of thanks that he had followed his protective instinct and given Dar'Lin his phone number and pocket change the last time he had seen her.

"Can we go for Erica, Mr. Harm?"

"Not yet, honey, but we're going to see my friend Mac, okay?"

"Okay."

0935 Zulu (0435 EST)
Mac's Apartment
Georgetown

Mac was waiting by her building's front door with a blanket as Harm walked up with Dar'Lin in his arms. She wrapped her up and transferred her into her arms. She instinctively snuggled in and began to drift off to sleep by the time they were at her apartment door.

"What exactly happened?" she questioned Harm.

"Let's get her settled first and then I'll explain what she told me."

"Sure. I'm just going to put her in my bed."

"Leave the door open." Mac nodded in reply and moved off. When she returned to the living room it was empty, but she could see light coming from the kitchen. Harm was leaning against the counter watching the coffee he had put on perk. He didn't even seem to be breathing. "Harm."

No response.

"Harmon." A heaving rise to his chest, but still no answer. She placed a hand on his shoulder. "Talk to me, sailor. What did Dar'Lin tell you?"

He shifted and placed his hand over hers, squeezing it gently. "According to what she said, Mr. Colesman her foster father is sexually abusing the other little girl who lives there."

"She saw this or..." she broke off the rest of her statement not wanting to even consider the possibility.

"She saw everything, including Erica's underwear around her ankles, heard her crying and asking him to stop and he knows that she saw what he was doing."

"Good, then he won't deny it when the police arrest him in the morning."

"Don't be naïve, Mac. You and I both know that it will still be their word against his. Plus with Dar'Lin's past they may even accuse her of making it up."

"Is that what you believe?"

"Not a chance in hell. You didn't hear her trying to explain what she witnessed. She's not making this up, Mac, but that bastard may still get away with it."

"So what do you plan to do?"

"First thing this morning, I'll take her to the station to file a report then I'm going to speak to her social worker about awarding me temporary custody."

"What?" Mac exclaimed looking at him in amazement regarding the last part of his plans.

"I should have done this the first time, but there was no way with me changing my designator. Now, I'm home and she needs someone that she loves and trusts and can give her those things back."

"But you're single and I really don't see Renee mothering a terrified six year old either."

"I'm aware of my current status and Renee has nothing to do with this. I can do this," Harm stated giving Mac a look that dared her to argue.

"They won't approve it."

"They have to," he said, his tone now pleading.

"Harm."

"Yes."

"Don't let your emotions get the best of you."

He looked at her in surprise. "My love for that little girl in there is what kept me from taking care of Colesman myself tonight. This feels right. I may not be perfect and I'm not able to provide her with a mother right now, but one loving parent is better than nothing."

"You're sounding very long term."

"I want forever. I would love nothing more than to have Dar'Lin as my daughter, but you're right, they won't give her to me permanently, so I'll start small and get what I can. At least until Colesman is permanently behind bars."

"Obviously your mind is made up," she said giving him a knowing glance.

"Both of you will require a lawyer's presence, so I'm going as well. Right now I need to get some more sleep. The couch is all yours. You know where the extra blankets and pillows are."

"Mac, are you sure that you want to get embroiled in this? What about Mic?"

"What does he have to do with this? My best friend needs a lawyer and I plan to be there for him. As for getting involved, that happened the minute you called tonight, so stop trying to protect me and concentrate on Dar'Lin."

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Harm!"

"Sorry. Night, Mac."

"Night."

She turned away and headed for her bedroom once more. Stopping abruptly she looked back at him. "I'm proud of you."

"For what?"

"For loving someone else enough to give a piece of yourself so completely."

"Oh..." Before he could say anymore she disappeared into the room closing the door behind her. He stood for sometime staring out the window and considering her last words.

1320 Zulu (0820 EST)
Office of Social Services
North Mountain, Maryland

Over breakfast at a small diner down the street from Harm's they worked out the best way to go about the tasks of the day. A call was put in to JAG headquarters to inform Admiral Chegwidden of what was occurring. He too warned Harm of the unlikelihood of him being given any type of custody of Dar'Lin, but understood his drive and determination. He was impressed with his officer's determination and dedication to the girl and told him so. With the Admiral's blessing and the day to sort as much out as possible they had gone to Harm's for him to shower and change into uniform and then headed here.

Mrs. Rawlings had been surprised to say the least at seeing the two officers with the child and then appalled to learn that she had been with them since the night before and she had not been informed. By the time that Dar'Lin had told her what she had witnessed and how she had gotten to Washington to be with Harm, the seasoned social worker actually needed a moment to compose herself before speaking.

"Mr. Colesman and his wife are one of our longest standing foster parents. We have never had a complaint and the children always seem so happy. There has been nothing to indicate this type of behaviour. I don't know what to say," she finished.

"There is nothing to say, Mrs. Rawlings, however, I am not allowing Dar'Lin to return there."

"I wouldn't think of it, but I really don't want her to start bouncing through the system either."

"Somehow I thought that might be an issue," Harm admitted. "So, I want you to award me her temporary guardianship at least until more permanent arrangements can be made."

"Are you kidding me?" she demanded, gazing up at Harm.

"No, Ma'am. I have never been more serious."

"But, you...I mean, you're a single man. How in the world...They'll never approve it, but...How can I make this work?" Mrs. Rawlings finally acquiesced, watching how comfortable and loved Dar'Lin appeared on the Commander's lap.

"Excuse, Mrs. Rawlings. Did we hear you correctly?" Mac inquired.

"Yes, yes, you did. I am going to do everything in my power to get Commander Rabb appointed Dar'Lin's guardian for now. It is going to take me an hour or so to get the papers drawn up and I will need to call an emergency session to get you in to see the judge, but I think that I can do this."

"We still need to go to the station and file formal charges against Mr. Colesman. Do you want us to wait for you or go ahead?" Mac asked.

"No, don't wait. I will have my assistant go over and remove Erica and Dar'Lin's things from the home and meet Erica after school at noon. You go ahead and see the police while I do this and I will call with what time I need you all in court."

"Very well then, Mrs. Rawlings. Here is my card and Commander Rabb's. We can be reached at either cellphone number."

"Good," she commented and then locked gazes with Dar'Lin. "We're going to keep you safe, Dar'Lin. I promise."

"Will you let Mr. Harm keep Mr. Colesman away like he did Charlie?"

"I'll do my best, sweetheart, I'll do my best."

1950 Zulu (1450 EST)
Judge's Chambers
Maryland District Courthouse

Judge Sherman Ahers watched with open curiousity as the navy commander and marine colonel, both lawyers entered with the obviously anxious little girl. She clung to the hand of the man like a lifeline. He had granted Mrs. Rawlings' request reluctantly only because he vaguely remembered the case of this child's twin just over eighteen months ago. Anita Rawlings had been hoping for a more sympathetic judge for this hearing, truthfully she had been hoping for judge Juanita Morrin who would do anything for a child.

She watched Judge Ahers closely as she presented him with the petition for emergency custodial guardianship for one Dar'Lin Lewis aged six years by one Commander Harmon Rabb Jr.

"So, who is she then? No wife?"

"I am Lieutenant Colonel Sarah Mackenzie, counsel for the Commander."

"I see and why exactly would you be needing a lawyer, Commander Rabb?"

"Honestly, sir, I hoped not to require one, but since this case and this young lady are both of utmost importance to me, I didn't want to risk it."

"Why is she so important to you? What makes you better qualified to care for her than those that have her now." Whether it was his tone or the implied threat of being returned to the Colesman's, Dar'Lin reacted almost violently. She hid herself as best she could behind Harm and began to shake and mumble to herself. The level of her voice didn't change, but she was quickly becoming more agitated. Harm bent down to cradle her to him and attempt to soothe her fears.

"Listen to me, honey, you aren't going back there. If you can't go home with me then we will find somewhere else for you and Erica to go. I promised to keep you safe and I will."

"Is it wise, Commander, to make promises that you are not sure you can keep?"

"Judge Ahers," Anita spoke up. "We at Social Services feel that it would be in Dar'Lin's best interest to be in the Commander's custody for the interim. The foster family whose custody she has been in has recently been deemed unfit and there are some concerns about the safety of the child."

"And a single naval commander is a better idea?"

"Well, sir, he is more than that. Dar'Lin has a special bond with this man. Commander Rabb was the person who found Dar'Lin and her sister Annie's killer. He regularly visits her and he is the one that she turned to when she sensed that she was in danger last night."

"I see."

"Sir, if I might ad..."

"No need. I've heard more than enough," the judge interjected. "Come here, little one," he said motioning to Dar'Lin. She peeked out from behind Harm and then looked up to him for reassurance that it was okay.

"Go ahead, honey. I'm right here." Dar'Lin moved toward Judge Ahers, looking back at Harm every few steps. When she was right in front of him she gradually raised her eyes to stare at him, tears brimming in her eyes, but she held his gaze none the less. "Young lady, do you want to live with this man?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Cause Mr. Harm loves me and I loves him too."

"I see."

"Can he be my new daddy please? I want him to be cause he keeps the bad men away."

"The bad men?"

"Charlie and Mr. Colesman."

"Mrs. Rawlings."

"Yes, Judge Ahers?"

"How long a period do you want for the temporary order?"

"Sir?" Anita replied stunned.

"I asked you how do you want the petition to be effective for?"

"Six weeks, please, sir."

"Done. Commander Rabb."

"Yes, sir?"

"Don't make me regret this, son. This little lady is really special."

"I know, sir, I know and I won't." Unexpectedly to all present, Dar'Lin closed the space between herself and the judge and kissed his doughy cheek. She stepped back just as suddenly and gauged his reaction. Once she saw moisture to mirror her own cloud his eyes she whispered, "Thank you" and scooted back to Harm's side. Quietly they all left the judge to his private thoughts.

2112 Zulu (1612 EST)
En Route to Washington
On I-95

They had only been on the road for a few moments. The silence within the confines of the vehicle was a combination of disbelief and relief. Dar'Lin sat in the front between Harm and Mac with a peaceful smile on her still innocent face. Mac looked over at Harm as he drove and noted the relaxed expression that graced his countenance also. Oddly she felt comforted as well, knowing that at least for the next six weeks this little ray of constant survival instinct would have a stable loving existence. The quiet was shattered by the ringing of a cellphone. Harm frowned and reached for his only to realise that it was not the culprit. Mac dug into her purse to rescue her own, answering with a bit of annoyance in her tone, "Colonel Mackenzie."

"Sarah, love. Where are you?"

"Mic. I've been with Harm helping him with a personal matter."

"You've been with Rabb all day? Did I not deserve the courtesy of a call to at least let me know that you wouldn't be at work and that you would be missing our lunch?"

"Lunch? Oh, Mic, I am so sorry. Harm came to me for help last night and we have been so tied up with everything since that I forgot to call."

"Last night? Sarah, what does this say for our commitment if you forget to call me the minute that *Rabb* comes calling!"

"Mic, don't! You don't understand and you are reading far too much into this." Dar'Lin, who had been pressed to Mac's side leaned forward and watched Mac's expression intently. Mac shifted the phone to her other ear and took one of her hands in hers and gave it a gentle squeeze. Dar'Lin returned the pressure and then gestured for the phone. Mac shook her head no, but Dar'Lin insisted. During all of this Harm stole glances at the exchange and a look of curiousity now masked his face. Reluctantly Mac gave her the phone after saying, "One minute, Mic, someone wishes to speak to you."

"Mr. Mic?" Dar'Lin questioned timidly.

"Yes? Who's this?" Mic queried back not hiding the anger still in his tone.

"Dar'Lin, Dar'Lin Lewis."

Silence.

"Mr. Mic?"

"Yes, Darling?" he answered sounding truly penitent for his earlier attitude.

"Don't be mad at Miss Mac, please. She was making Mr. Harm my new daddy."

No response.

"Mr. Mic?" Still silence.

Dar'Lin handed the phone back to Mac and curled into her side mumbling,

"He's still mad, Miss Mac. I's sorry I made Mr. Mic mad at you."

Mac closed the phone as she bent over the child. "Hush now, Dar'Lin, Mic will get over it. It wasn't your fault."

"I know, Miss Mac, but I's don't want him to be mad at you."

"Thank you, sweety. Don't worry about it, okay? Promise me."

"I promise," she claimed in a whisper. Harm who had remained remarkably silent throughout the exchange sent Mac a sympathetic look. "We'll drop you off first and then head back to my place."

"I wanted to help get her settled," Mac countered back.

"No, we've taken up enough of your time for the day. Thank you or the offer though."

"Harm, please don't."

"I'm not really, Mac. I just think that for all involved this would be the best way to handle things right now." Harm replied, glancing at the ring still on her right hand.

Mac twirled it and the gleam of the sun off it sent sparkles cascading around her lap. "Fine, but I will come by later."

"And we'll be waiting, won't we, honey?"

"Yup, we will, Mr. H...uhm...Daddy," Dar'Lin said with pride and truly smiled for the first time since her arrival.

2258 Zulu (1758 EST)
Harm's Apartment
North of Union Station

"Dar'Lin, what do you want for dinner?"

“Can we have KD please."

"We sure can. Want to help me make it?"

"You would let me help, Daddy? What if I breaks something, then..." she trailed off, uncertainty evident in her words and demeanor.

"If something breaks, honey and you didn't do it on purpose then don't worry. Come on over here and let's make dinner."

"Okay."

Harm let Dar'Lin get the pasta from the pantry cupboard and measure out the amount they would need then he sent her into the fridge in search of the cheese she wanted to use. She returned to the island with Mozzarella and Cheddar and an adorable pleading look in her eyes. Without comment he took both kinds, cut off a wedge of both and handed them back to her to place back in the fridge. The look on her face was all the thanks he required.

Just as they were preparing to sit at the counter to eat the doorbell rang. Dar'Lin expecting Mac ran for the door and swung it open with all the exuberance of a six year old and froze. She swiftly retreated from the door and was back at Harm's side in an instant. He watched the whole occurrence with open curiosity and was a bit unsettled by the results. Renee remained in the doorway staring in shock and what looked like disgust at the sight of Dar'Lin. She watched with even less understanding as Harm reached down and lifted her into his arms and then began to move toward her. Once he was at the door he extended his free arm to pull Renee in and close the door.

"Hello Renee. I forgot that you were coming by this evening," he said, as he leaned forward and brushed a kiss to her lips. "I'd like you to meet Dar'Lin," he continued, deliberately ignoring the trepidation marring her features.

Dar'Lin looked up from where she had her face buried in his shoulder and held her hand out to Renee. A full minute passed before she seemed to notice it. She stared at it for another thirty seconds before finally taking the tiny appendage within her own and shaking it weakly. Dropping the hand from her grasp she still seemed to be digesting the whole scene then she spoke, "And who's little girl might you be?"

"Mr. Harm is my new Daddy," Came the reply and everything seemed to freeze within the space of the glare that shot out from Renee's eyes.

"I beg your pardon. Harmon Rabb, you had better start explaining how you have a child that age and I am only learning of this *now*!"

"Renee, calm down. You don't understand."

"What's not to understand?! First, you forget that I was coming over to have a romantic dinner with you and the next thing I know, I am being introduced to your..." She stops to give Dar'Lin a good once over then continues, "...daughter, who must be at least five."

"She's six almost seven, actually, but..."

"But, what?" By now Renee is seething and turning back toward the door that she was pulled through only moments before. Simultaneously there is a knock at the door and the phone rings. Since her hand is already on the knob Renee yanks it open only to be faced by Mac while Harm grabs the phone from the coffee table.

"Hello." Pause. "Yes, speaking." Pause again.

"*What*? What do you mean that he was gone?" Another pause and he turns to look through Renee to Mac standing just to her left still outside the apartment. "I thought that someone was going right over there this morning while we were at the police station." Pause. "I see. Why didn't you know about this?" Yet another pause during which Mac walks in past Renee and moves over to where Harm is standing taking Dar'Lin from him. He instantly moves away and toward the fire escape door. "Yes, I know about the cutbacks and the shortages of workers who are qualified to handle such things." He shifts with barely suppressed agitation and listens. "No, no I don't believe he knows my address and yes, she is with me." Pause. "Thank you. Please do keep me posted and I will do the same. Goodbye."

In unison, Mac and Renee question him, "What happened?" from Mac and "Who was that?" from Renee.

"In answer to both of your questions that was Gerry Hegbrik of the Maryland Social Services Department. It seems that Mr. Colesman was gone by the time that they got to his house an hour ago to arrest him. His wife says that he was out looking for Dar'Lin and Erica even though she was at the house this morning when Mrs. Rawlings' assistant went by to pick up their things and tell her that the children were being removed from their care."

"Why wasn't Mr. Colesman picked up this morning or afternoon from work?" Mac queried.

"Who the hell is Mr. Colesman, Erica, and why are the Maryland Social Services involved with your daughter, Harm?" Renee countered.

"Again to try and answer you both at once, Mr. Colesman was Dar'Lin and another little girl's foster father until last night and a situation that we will discuss later. They couldn't pick him up at work because when they arrived there they were informed that he was fired for harassment of a fellow female employee a month ago."

"Dear, God. At least it is no longer Dar'Lin's word against his."

"So, she's not really your daughter then?"

"Yes, I am," Dar'Lin said boldly from Mac's arms.

"Did they give you temporary custody of her or something? But why you?"

"Yes, I am her guardian for the next six weeks, but..."

"*Six* weeks! Harm, you can't be serious? Why can't Mac take her or why can't Social Services place her with some other family? Who is she to you really?"

"Renee, I am very serious and in answer to your last question, if I am really lucky, Dar'Lin is my future. The rest of it I really don't want to talk about right now. It's getting late and I haven't given my daughter her dinner yet," Harm replied and gave Dar'Lin a wink. "You are welcome to join us if you want or we can talk later."

"What are you having?"

"We makes our own KD," Dar'Lin informed her and then wiggled back out of Mac's hold. "Do you wants to stay too, Miss Mac? We made lots, didn't we, Daddy?"

"That we did, honey," he remarked looking from one to the other face of the three females facing him.

"Well, I've had enough excitement for one evening. I'm going home. Harm, call me later," Renee requested as she gave him a hug and lingering kiss like she was marking her territory. Turning to Mac she questioned, "Major, oh sorry Colonel, are you coming?"

"No, I'm staying to see Dar'Lin tucked in. Have a nice night, Renee." With that Mac took Dar'Lin's hand and proceeded to move into the kitchen area and serve the child some dinner that had stayed warming on the stove.

0123 Zulu (2023 EST)
Same Location

Mac came down the stairs from the bathroom/bedroom area accompanied by Dar'Lin. She was all scrubbed and ready for bed. Harm watched as she climbed into the bed that his couch converted too and snuggled down under the blankets. He leaned down and placed a kiss on her forehead and she then glanced over expectantly at Mac who happily obliged her silent wish. Once they were sure that she was comfortable and drifting off they went into his room to talk.

"Are you still sure that you know what you're doing?"

"I can't believe that you need to even ask me that, Mac. I love that little girl and only want what's best for her."

"And you are still certain that you are it?"

"No, but I am a far sight better than anything or anyone that the system has provided and I can't let her fall through the cracks again, not if I can prevent it. You're not backing out as our legal counsel, are you?"

"I wouldn't and couldn't do that to you or her, flyboy. I signed on to see this through and that's what I plan to do."

"Thanks, Marine."

"You're welcome. Now I need to get home. What are you going to do with Dar'Lin tomorrow by the way?"

"After we dropped you off I spoke to Harriet and she is more than willing to watch her in the afternoons after school for me once she isn't at JAG. She told me her schedule and so far I only have five days in the next six weeks to worry about."

"Wow, squid, I'll say it again I am impressed with how well you are taking to the role of parent, but please don't build up her hopes or your own that this is going to be permanent. I really don't know how wise it is either that she is calling you Daddy."

Harm locked gazes with Mac and they just sat in silence. The situation was charged, not with sexual tension for once, but with mutual understanding and longing. Mac could too easily comprehend why Harm wanted Dar'Lin to be his daughter and he could understand her own desire to have a child to call her own as well. At the very least she will try to make his dream come true if humanly possible. The minutes passed and neither spoke until the silence was broken by the ringing of the phone. Harm moved quickly to answer before Dar'Lin was awakened.

"Rabb."

"Give me back my child!"

"How the hell did you get this number?"

"You're listed, jacka..."

Harm cut the connection and his glance met Mac's once more. The nightmare wasn't over yet.

"Was that..."

"Yeah. I knew that I never should have changed my number from being unlisted."

"What are you going to do?"

"Call Hegbrik like I promised and pray that Mr. Colesman has more sense than to come here."

"Do you want me to stay?"

"You would too, wouldn't you." They stared at each other and then Mac broke the connection and looked away.

"I'll always be there to watch your six, Harm, no matter what. Please don't ever doubt that."

"I know, but I think it's for the best that you go home. The last thing I need right now is Bug...Mic complaining that I am monopolizing all your time. Go ahead, we'll be fine."

"You know Mic doesn't run my life."

"I know, Mac, I know. We'll see you in the morning at JAG. I need to come in and speak to the Admiral before I take Dar'Lin to the school Mrs. Rawlings arranged."

"If you're sure."

"Very. Good night, Mac."

"Good night, Harm." By the time she had reached the door she could already hear him on the phone relaying the brief phone conversation to whom she presumed was Hegbrik. Taking one last look at Dar'Lin peacefully sleeping curled around the small stuffed parrot Harm had given her so many months ago, she closed the door quietly and left.

1516 Zulu (1016 EST)
Jag Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

Giving his desk a disdainful glare Harm sat down behind the small mountain that had accumulated since Wednesday morning and sighed. He had found it harder than Dar'Lin to leave her at her new school only a few miles away in Arlington. The principal had been expecting them and assured Harm that no one else would be permitted to pick up the child other than himself, Harriet, Mrs. Rawlings, or of course Mac. Satisfied that Dar'Lin was secure he had returned here and now faced the other result of his absence, however brief.

After spending nearly twenty minutes going through his voice and e-mail he was borderline annoyed then he heard it.

"You, &@$%. Give me back Dar'Lin. She is just confused about what she saw. I'm her father now and I will make her understand. Oh, Mister big Commander, think you can walk into my home and take my daughters and I will let you. I will find them you son of a *bitch*!"

That was the end of the message. The time indicator had stamped it as 2357 hours. Harm dug through his drawers until he found his mini recorder. He copied and saved the message then headed to Mac's office. Wasting no time to knock, he went right in and nearly ran right into Mic's back.

"What's your hurry, mate? You don't knock anymore?" Ignoring him completely Harm moved around him and placed the already playing recorder on her desk. They all listened to Mr. Colesman belligerent rambling and to the surprise of both Harm and Mac, Mic was the first to comment.

"Bloody hell. The little Love don't need this!"

"For once, Mic, I completely agree. I need to call Hegbrik again and see what if anything can be done."

"While you do that, Harm, I'll get in touch with Mrs. Rawlings and let her know as well," Mac stated.

"Can I do anything? I mean...I'd like to help. She seems to mean a great deal to Sarah and...well, can I do anything, mate?"

"Mic, thank you, but right now I think Harm and I have it covered," Mac said touching his arm gently.

Not knowing what else to say, Harm murmured, "Thank you." As he headed back to his office. The phone was ringing when he got there and he answered expecting another tirade on the other end of the line.

"Rabb."

"Commander, it's Gerry Hegbrik from Social Services."

"Yes, I was just about to call you."

"Oh really what about?"

"I had a message waiting for me from Mr. Colesman when I arrived this morning."

"Really? He is far more resourceful than I gave him credit for, but not enough."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, that the DC police picked him up about two hours ago speeding along Pennsylvania Avenue trying to avoid White House security. Apparently, he thought that if he could complain to the President he could get him to convince you to return Dar'Lin and find out where Erica is."

"Not very smart. So you have him?"

"Yes, he's in custody and by the list of charges I don't see him making bail anytime soon."

"Thank God and thank you Mr. Hegbrik." With that Harm hung up and breathed a sigh of relief before dialing Mac's extension and bringing her up to date as well.

2231 Zulu (1731 EST)
Same Location

Alan Mattoni approached Harm's office and watched the man who had in his possession the possible answer to his and Cynthia's prayers. He saw that he was gathering his files together and preparing to leave so he forced down the feeling of uncertainty and knocked on the closed door.

Harm looked up and seeing Alan waved him in. "Mattoni, what can I do for you?"

"Well Rabb, it may be more what I can for you."

"I'm sorry, I don't follow."

He swallowed and braced himself for what he wasn't sure, "I'm referring to Dar'Lin."

"Oh. What about her?"

Figuring that he had gone this far so he might as well continue, Alan launched right in, "Cynthia and I have been trying to have a child for five years now with no success. I know that Dar'Lin is in your temporary custody until they either find her new foster parents or a couple to adopt her."

"And, you and Cynthia want to be that couple?"

"Yes. I spoke with her this morning and she is really interested. What we need to know is what if anything are your intentions toward her?"

"Truthfully, Alan, I am hoping to find a way to adopt Dar'Lin myself, but Mac tells me the chances are slim to none of that actually happening."

"How do you feel about that?"

"I don't like it, but I want what's best for her."

"So what are you going to do about it?"

"Nothing. There is no way that I can change my circumstances in time to make a difference to the courts."

"You want her that badly?"

"Yes, but like I said, I want what's best for her more," Harm repeated, then stood observing the other man with careful scrutiny. After a moment he continued, "Why don't you and Cynthia come over tomorrow evening and meet Dar'Lin?"

"I'll speak to Cynthia and get back to you, but that sounds like a wonderful idea," Mattoni said as he turned to go. He looked back at

Harm and extended his hand to him. They shook hands and he departed leaving Harm with his thoughts.

He had always liked Alan and Cynthia was a lovely bright individual, together they would likely be able to provide Dar'Lin with a stable, happy, permanent environment where she could thrive. More than anything he wanted to be sure that if she didn't end up with him as her dad that she was comfortable and could grow to love the individuals. He wondered if Social Services would let him hand pick the next couple if it wasn't the Mattonis. He made a mental note to himself to discuss the possibility with Mrs. Rawlings on Monday.

Dar'Lin had come to him seeking shelter, but God willing she would end up with a home. Taking up his cover and briefcase he headed out of his office. It was time to go and spend some time with his daughter for however, long she was his.

Finis.