TITLE: "Time Gives and Time Takes Away" Ch.1
AUTHORS: Anne R. and Pat Steiner
SUMMARY: The first chapter of what will be an ongoing
series. Introducing a new character with whom Mac shares an initial
attraction. In this chapter, Harm keenly feels the affects of looking toward
turning 40, while Mac and a handsome fighter pilot deal with their attraction
to each other as all three investigate a series of mishaps at Patuxent River
NAS.
Story begins in the summer of 2002, without Sergei, Singer, and
the events of Enemy Below not a factor.
CLASSIFICATION/RATING: J/S/R/A PG for language and mild
violence.
SPOILERS: In any of our work, any JAG episode may be
referred to.
FEEDBACK: If you're so moved but never expected nor begged
for. Addy is ssbpmn@a... Please however, we request you respect the
work, and the effort that goes into writing it.
NOTE: All parts of this story and previous chapters, as well
as much of our other works, are available at


http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AnniePatJAGstories

The message archives are open to all
registered Yahoo users-no subbing required. Please ignore any notice of
adult content you may see-there is no R nor NC17 content there.

Other archives containing our stories:

http://thearchive.mine.nu:85/exlibris/ or
http://www.netroenterprises.com/exlibrisjag

or the Harm-Mac shipper archive
at http://hmarchive.topcities.com/index2.html [sadly, not always up and
running]

or BTL-

http://www.wtv-zone.com/trgarchive/btl/
http://destined.to/btlarchive - {BTL
H/M Fanfiction archive.}
===============================
"Time Gives and Time Takes Away" Ch 1, Part 1a----

JAG HQ
AUGUST 2002

"Morning ma'am," Harriet called as she came into the kitchen.

"Harriet," Mac replied. "How are you?"

"Sleepy. Bud stayed up and watched Sleepy Hollow and then had bad dreams
all night. I'm going to kill him."

"Please do. I have to oppose him this morning and just between you and me,
I haven't got a case."

Harriet laughed and lowered her voice conspiratorially. "Ma'am have you
given any thought to the Commander's birthday? I mean I'd really like to
have that surprise party for him if you think we could pull it off."

Mac gave her a pained expression. "Harriet I honestly don't know. He
doesn't seem to be the surprise party type. I mean I can't imagine him being
thrilled at all of us jumping out of the closet and yelling surprise at him.
Probably give the poor guy a stroke. Plus of course he's still gone and it's
just four days off."

"When does he come back from Oceanside ma'am?"

"I talked to him day before yesterday and he growled when I asked. The case
is not going well I gathered."

"Lose the party idea ma'am?"

"I think so Lieutenant. Sorry to disappoint Bud."

"Yes ma'am but he'll bear up."

The matter of a certain Commander's birthday did not come up again until
forty-eight hours later when Harm called her for some assistance on the case.

"Harm yeah I'm getting it, but you're talking faster than I can write," she
grumbled. "Got it, yes. Lance Corporal Thomas Vincent Castor. Writing
here. And Donovan Wayne Dorchester. I'll take care of it. Now how are you
doing? You sound tired."

"I'm just ready to come home," he sighed. "I've got a pain in my shoulder
that won't give up, and my back is objecting to something. Not sure if it's
the sitting or the standing, plus I'm having a real hard time reading these.
. ."

"Harm?"

At the other end of the connection he had paused, looking down at the
printouts on the desk in his temporary office. He decided not to mention
that he was having to hold them at arm's length and that his arms seemed to
be getting shorter. "Nothing. It's not important."

"OK. Hey someone's got a birthday coming up in two days. You think you'll
be back?"

"Oh please yes I hope so," he groaned sarcastically, "so I can have a cake
that looks like a forest fire and please don't forget to rent a pony and
let's have a lot of balloons and jokes about getting old on funny cards."

Whatever reaction she was expecting, that was not it. "Actually Flyboy I
was thinking more like I'd take you to dinner at Garibaldi's, that new
Italian place," she finally said softly, confused by his response. "And you
may have a rain-check until you get back."

"Or we could forget it," he snapped.

"Or we could forget it," she replied, unable to keep the hurt from her
voice, which he heard at once.

"Mac I'm sorry. That was uncalled for. I'm just stressed to the max with
this case. I really needed you on it and you had the Harrelson thing going.
And I didn't even ask you how that was. I'm sorry."

"I think Bud is going for the kill this afternoon and it will all be over
thank god," she answered. Call me tonight will you."

"Yeah, and Mac I'm. . ."

"Forget it Flyboy. It's on your tab."
===============
JAG HQ's
Next Morning

"Colonel" AJ smiled as Mac walked into the break room. "Just the person I
was looking for this morning."

"Why do I get the feeling that's not a good thing" Mac groaned as she
reached for a coffee cup.

"You wrapped up Harrelson yesterday correct?" AJ continued.

"Yes sir. My case load is very light at the moment but I'm guessing it's
not
going to stay that way is it?"

"Well it would if your partner would wrap things up in Oceanside. Any word
from him?"

"None I can repeat" Mac smiled.

"That good huh. Well then I guess you'll have to start this investigation
and he can join you when he gets back. Why don't you follow me to my
office?"

"Yes sir" Mac replied as she poured her coffee.

"There was an incident at Pax River last night" AJ said a few minutes
later.
"A Tomcat went down. The pilot and RIO managed to eject and they're going
to be fine."

"Reason for the crash sir?"

"Pilot claims it was sabotage" AJ sighed.

"Sabotage? As in someone wanted him dead?"

"That's what you're going to find out" AJ smiled. "I figure you can get
started on finding out what's happening out there and then when Mr. Rabb
returns he can join you."

She returned to her office and at once called Harm's cell phone number. As
she suspected she got his voice mail and she waited for the beep.

"Hi it's me. I'm heading to Pax River for an investigation. It sure would
be nice to have you around for this one. Give me a call and let me know
when you think you'll be back."

**********
Two hours later she made her way to the Tomcat hangar at Pax River. She'd
turned her head to watch at the sound of one of them taking off behind her
and seconds later found herself colliding with something. More specifically
someone.

"I'm sorry" Mac started as she looked back to find herself staring into the
most beautiful baby blue eyes she'd ever seen. Blue eyes, dark hair and
just
a bit shy of Harm's height, it was almost like meeting Harm for the first
time nearly seven years ago.

"It's okay ma'am" he smiled. "Can I help you?"

"I'm Colonel Mackenzie from JAG" she managed finally, still unable to take
her eyes from him. It was like being transported back in time. And in an
instant she realized how much she and Harm had changed in seven years.

"You must be handling the crash investigation."

"You weren't the pilot were you?" Mac asked.

"No ma'am. That was Grady. "

"And you would be?" she prodded.

"Lt. Cdr. Hunter Reed at your service" he smiled. "I'm sure I'm on your
list somewhere to talk to."

"And why would that be?"

"Because how else would I get to take a pretty Marine like you to dinner?"
he smiled. It was that Flyboy grin. The one that always melted her heart.
Only normally that only worked if it was being worn by Harm.

Commander Reed," she smiled as well, hoping he was not hearing her heart
pound. "You are on the suggested interview list and also I was told you
would be showing me around."

"Yes ma'am. Captain Jacoby assigned me this morning to escort you. And I
don't mind admitting I was thinking, oh goodie--I don't have better things to
do than show a stiff lady lawyer around this place, a thought for which I do
apologize."

"Be at ease Commander," she smiled. "I'm just here to find out what's going
on, and as I told the Captain earlier, I do appreciate the escort. So you
fly these Tomcats do you?"

"Yes ma'am, but I'm scheduled to be retrained on the F-18A Hornet. You know
Tomcats are being obsolesced."

She nodded and looked around the large hangar area. "OK I'll want the five
cent tour, but first, it was a long ride out here and I'm so ready for coffee
and we could talk. Work for you?"

"Yes ma'am. I have my vehicle outside."

"How long have you been at Pax?" Mac asked as he started them off away from
the hangar.

"Almost three years now ma'am. I volunteered for Hornet training and I
should be getting my orders any time. I'm ready for sea duty again in fact.
Most of us Tomcat wranglers are being given the opportunity to be retrained.
Except the older crowd that's being put out to pasture of course."

"Right," she nodded, thinking of Harm at that remark. "Hey when my partner
joins us, better not mention that."

"Ma'am?"

She gave him a sheepish grin. "Commander Harmon Rabb. He's a Tomcat
jockey, but I doubt he's being offered retraining. At least I would hope
not."

"Ma'am why if I can ask?"

"For one thing he had a major mishap a year ago and I really don't want him
going back up," she smiled. "Though I can live with him doing quals.
Re-training implies a lot of flight time, and he's a JAG now anyway, not a
full time pilot."

"Well my understanding is that only those of us under 35 are being
considered anyway," he grinned, "and I've got around two years on the cut-off
age. Your partner?"

"Let's just say he won't see 35 again and leave it at that," she sighed,
remembering Harm's birthday explosion.

"I see" Hunter nodded. "One of the old guys."

"Again, I wouldn't say that around him" Mac smiled.

"Of course not ma'am. We'll just keep that our little secret." He flashed
her a smile again and she could just feel herself melting under his charm.

They reached a small diner near the air station and a few minutes later she
took a long sip of coffee.

"So what can you tell about last nights incident?" Mac asked as she opened
her case and pulled out a legal pad.

"Standard night ops. Nothing out of the ordinary until Grady radioed that
something was wrong. Few seconds later he's punching out and that was it."

"How long have you known Lt. Grady?" Mac asked.

"He's been at Pax for about six months now" Hunter replied.

"And what's your assessment of him as a pilot?"

"Between you and me?" he asked as he leaned forward.

"Anything you tell me is on the record Commander. This is an official JAG
investigation."

"Then on the record, he's a fine pilot" Hunter smiled.

She gave him a long look, knowing he had been about to say a lot more than
just that. "Commander is there something else you want to tell me about Lt.
Grady?"

"How about over that dinner I'm going to take you to tomorrow night?" he
grinned. "When we're not talking officially."

"Who said I was free for dinner tomorrow night?" Mac countered with just a
hint of smile.

"Are you?"

"Maybe"

"Then I know a great steak place that you'd love" he smiled. "Unless of
course you're one of those seafood lovers. But you don't strike me as that
type."

"And what type do I strike you as Commander?" she asked.

"I'll tell you tomorrow night over dinner."

"You're pretty sure I'm going to be joining you for dinner" Mac smiled.

"Of course you will" Hunter grinned.

As she stared at the confident, if not cocky young man in front of her, she
couldn't help but think back to the first case she and Harm had worked on
together. And how he'd been so much like Hunter. And how he was so
different now. How time had changed him.

"Ma'am did I lose you?" Hunter asked, finally pulling her from her reverie.

"Sorry just thinking of something else."

"Someone else?" Hunter prodded. "You had a dreamy look on your face. Is
there someone I should know about in Colonel Sarah Mackenzie's life?"

"No" she said honestly. And there wasn't. She and Harm had made no
commitments to each other. There had never been any real discussion between
them regarding their relationship.

"So there's no one else?"

"No there's not. And we need to get back to official business here
Commander."

"Of course ma'am" he nodded. "Sorry. We can talk more about that at dinner
tomorrow."
"Did you see the incident?"

"Yes ma'am. I was flying with Lt. Grady last night."

"Are you aware that Lt. Grady is claiming his plane was sabotaged?" Mac
asked.

"Sabotaged?" Hunter laughed. "Oh come on. He can come up with a better
excuse than that can't he?"

"You don't agree?"

"Ma'am, I will tell you this. Lt. Grady has never fit in here at Pax. But
no
one here would do anything that would risk anyone's life."

"Are you sure of that? Because he seems pretty sure that this will happen
again?"

"To him?" Hunter asked.

"To anyone flying a Tomcat" Mac replied. "He thinks someone wants the
Tomcats out of commission for good."

"Someone with a grudge maybe," Mac mused. "Or someone who's got reason to
promote Hornets over Tomcats."

Hunter shrugged and shook his head at the same time. "I don't know.
Tomcats were great in their day but there's advantages to the Hornets too.
But more it's a matter of it being more economical to go with a new line than
to try to keep fixing aging aircraft. Same thing with pilots--better to
train from fresh meat than to retread, but some of us were lucky enough to be
selected." He gave her a short laugh and went on, "it's a young man's game.
I'm just thirty-three and already I can see the hill. Your partner on the
other hand must really feel it, going down the back side to forty right?"

"Something like that," she smiled. "But the man has a flight career to be
proud of, and then when that was taken away, he turned into a brilliant JAG
lawyer, went back to flying for a time, and when that didn't work out, came
back to JAG and picked up right where he left off."

"Sounds like you're pretty proud of him ma'am."

That gave her pause and her smile broadened. "Yeah I am. He's good people."

Hunter smiled as well and downed the last of his coffee. "Ma'am my
non-flight time has been given over to you, so tell me what you want to see."

Mac regarded the younger man and shook her head. All Naval Aviators had to
be cut from the same mold. Bright and cocky and eager to please, as long as
it suited them. And as he looked intently at the man, her instinct told her
he had more to share. She would explore that later when she felt comfortable
being off the record with him. In the meantime a little less formality would
not hurt. "Commander when it's just you and me, why don't you call me Mac
and lose the ma'am please. And I'll call you Hunter. Rank and protocol can
get in the way at times."

"Yes Ma. . .I mean Mac," he grinned. "Thank you. Would you like to start
with the hangar and the flight line?"

"Please."
===========
"And this would be Master Chief Jonathan Kidwell." Hunter led her up to the
man who could have been her father. "Master Chief has been our NCOIC of this
shop forever, and without him, these birds wouldn't stay long in the air.
Master Chief, Lieutenant Colonel Sarah Mackenzie, JAG HQ."

"Master Chief," Mac nodded, returning his salute. "You guys lost one last
night."

"Yes ma'am. Big time. It hurts when that happens, but I've seen it before.
They're like cars ma'am--when you see one on the side of the road you think
OK, they'll take care of that, but when something goes wrong with one of
these, it's not like you can pull over and pop the hood."

"Thank you Chief," Mac smiled. "I assume you'll be helping with the uh. .
.autopsy. . .of Grady's bird."

"Yes ma'am I sure will. The salvage boys are out this morning but the water
doesn't give it up easily. She broke up pretty bad."

"OK," Mac nodded and looked to her notes, writing quickly. "You've been
doing this a long time Chief?"

"Yes ma'am, and I don't mind telling you it's not for us old guys any more.
Well physically that is. The knees and back don't take kindly to climbing up
and down, wiggling into the tight spaces to fix engines and so forth."

"And you must be nearing thirty and your retirement?"

"Yes right now, right this minute, I should be in Ocean City, joining my
brother in his deep sea fishing operation. Taking tourists out at $100 a pop
for a morning doing something I love. Instead I'm here holding these babies
together with bailing wire."

"Master Chief's retirement application got denied for the good of the
service," Hunter explained. "And I'm not going to say I'm sorry."

"Easy for you to say," he growled. "Plans I'd had in place for two years
went into the toilet."

"I see" Mac said slowly, mentally adding Master Chief Kidwell to her list
of
suspects.

"Don't pay no attention to Master Chief" Hunter smiled. "He loves being
here
don't you Chief?"

"I can deal with you Reed. It's those sissies like Grady I can't stand."

"You don't like Lt. Grady?" Mac asked.

"Look ma'am. I'm not out to say anything bad about anyone. But there's some
that just got and some that don't. God knows how they get through flight
school but I guess even those at the bottom of the class get to fly. Now
guys like Hunter here are a natural when it comes to handling these babies."

"So you think the accident was Grady's fault?" Mac frowned.

"I didn't say that ma'am," Chief Kidwell said quickly. "I just said some
know how to handle them better than others. I always knew I'd have work to
do after Grady flew."

"So I guess you're not the only one who doesn't think highly of Lt. Grady"
Mac murmured as she and Hunter made their way through the hangar.

"Did I say that?" Hunter smiled innocently. "If my recollection is correct,
I told you Grady was a fine pilot."

"And you were lying out your six" she countered.

"I told you I'd tell you off the record over dinner."

"Will you tell me anything about Master Chief Kidwell?" she prodded. "Or is
that going to require another dinner?"

"Maybe" he grinned. "But since I like you I think I can work it all into
the
first one. Our second dinner can be for getting to know each other better."

"And you think I want to get to know Hunter Reed better?" Mac laughed, at
the same time hoping he couldn't hear her pounding heart. There was
something about Hunter Reed that was creating a stir in her like few men
had ever been able to do. Maybe it was those disarming blue eyes. Or the
Flyboy smile. Or the confidence he had about himself. Or maybe. . . her mind
stopped as she realized that all those qualities were exactly what had
attracted her to Harm initially.

"Of course you do" Hunter said softly as he stopped walking and looked at
her. "I know I want to get to know Colonel Sarah Mackenzie better. A lot
better."

She was saved from replying but the appearance of two pilots and for the
next two hours spoke to the other men who'd been flying with Grady that
night. None would come out and say it straight but Mac knew that they held
the same opinion of Grady that Hunter did. That his skills weren't that of
the others and that the accident could have been avoided.

"So tell me Hunter, do you think the incident could have been avoided last
night?" she asked.

"Mac there's no reason Grady couldn't get back and land that bird" Hunter
said slowly. "Maybe that's just pilot bravado talking but none of us would
have punched out and let her go like that without trying harder. He wimped
out."

"But he's alive isn't he?" Mac countered.

"I guess" Hunter shrugged. "But I know I would have fought her the whole
way and got her down before I bailed like he did. He wasn't that far out. He
could have made it back."

"Then you might be dead if that was you flying that plane last night?"

"Yes ma'am but at least I'd gone down fighting" he smiled. "Course I'd be
sorry that I missed meeting you."

"Well that makes two of us," she smiled. "This is turning out to be a
pleasant assignment so far. You'd be amazed at the number of places I've
been where people weren't so welcoming. As far as punching out, well you
know there's the school of thought as to how much the Navy has invested in
the man."

Hunter shrugged again. "Yes OK. Do you do this to your partner?"

"What?"

"Point and counter-point?"

"Oh you bet we do," she grinned. "Only we don't always act real friendly
while we do it."

"And how about you and him personally? He's happily married. . .I hope."

"Oh wait until you meet him," she chortled loudly. "Happily married?
Someone's going to have to get him pregnant first."

"Well then he won't mind you and me. . .uh enjoying each other's company?"

"OK there's another matter," she sighed, thinking of Brumby, Lowne, Farrow,
even Mario the cop.

"So where does that leave us?" he scowled.

"In the first place there is no 'us'," she said firmly. "There's me who is
in charge of an investigation, in which by the way you are considered a
suspect since I haven't ruled out any possibility, even the most extreme."

He flashed her his grin and shook his head. A grin that was every bit as
'Flyboy' as Harm's and then some. "Colonel you know that I. . ." He stopped
and touched her arm. "Your next interview."

Mac looked up to find a young woman in a flight suit approaching. "And this
would be?"

"Lieutenant Evelyn White," he whispered.

"Ah, Grady's RIO," Mac nodded, looking again at her notes. "Babydoll?
You're kidding."
"I don't name 'em Ma'am," Hunter smiled, but this time the smile did not
reach past his mouth.

"Lieutenant," Mac nodded to the new arrival.

"Ma'am, Commander," Evelyn acknowledged them. "Lieutenant Evelyn White
reporting as ordered." She paused a beat and looked to Hunter. "Aaww cute.
You've made a new friend."

Mac sent the Lieutenant a sharp glare at her insubordination and raised an
eyebrow at Hunter, awaiting and expecting his reaction.

He replied with a sheepish smile. "Colonel you should probably know that
the lieutenant and I were involved at one time."

"No kidding," she responded dryly. "But thank you for admitting that. I
like to know where we stand. Lieutenant join us please. You were cleared by
the doctors?"

"Yes ma'am. Suffered no ill effects from the punchout. Now what can I do
for you?"

"Take it from the top please," she requested, pulling out her legal pad once
more. It took the better part of an hour for Mac to be satisfied with the
information, pulling the story from her with pointed questions which received
rambling answers. Finally Mac simply closed the binder. "OK Lieutenant I
don't feel we accomplished a whole lot but it was a start. You will make
yourself available to me again please."

"Yes ma'am. Maybe next time we can speak alone," she sighed as she got to
her feet and executed her dismissal.

"That was awkward, and I apologize for not preparing you," Hunter sighed
before Mac could speak.

"She was your RIO once?"

"Yeah and we were. . ."

"Involved," Mac supplied.

"Yes ma'am. And we were found out, given a letter of reprimand and she was
reassigned to Grady and I got Channing. Ricky Channing I hasten to add. And
I can assure you he and I are not involved."

"Thank god for that because that's a whole other can of worms that I don't
wish on myself," she smiled.

"Yes ma'am" he laughed. "And I do apologize for not telling you about my uh
relationship with Lt. White."

"I guess you didn't part under the best of circumstances" Mac commented.

"Long story. But it wasn't my fault."

"It never is" Mac laughed. "Well Lieutenent it's been a long day and if you
could
point me in the direction of the BOQ I'd be very appreciative."

"Glad to" he smiled. "And don't forget about our dinner tomorrow night."

"I never said yes."

"You never said no either" Hunter grinned. "So I took that to mean yes."

"You would" she smiled. "All right. Dinner it is then. But I better get
answers to my questions."

"You will" he promised.

Hours later she was nearly asleep on her bed when her cell phone rang,
instantly waking her.

"Colonel Mackenzie" she said sleepily.

"I woke you didn't I?" Harm sighed. "Sorry. I should have just waited until
morning."

"About time you called me back," she said as she sat up. "You're not still
at Oceanside are you?"

"Don't ask. You don't want to know. How's Pax?"

"The usual. Cocky Flyboys who think they know everything but don't want to
tell anything."

"So you need me to help get answers?"

"I'm doing just fine on my own Commander" she laughed. "I swear they make
you all from the same mold."

"So have you come up with anything?"

"Got a master chief who thinks the pilot shouldn't have gotten out of
flight
school. A RIO who wouldn't give me any answers. And a bunch of other guys
who think Lt. Grady wimped out and bailed before he should have. And yes I
could probably use your help getting through the macho pilot bravado to see
what's really going on."

"Well one day I'll get out of here" he sighed. "Maybe tomorrow if there's a
god. But I'm not counting on it."

"Guess we're going to have to make that a belated birthday dinner then" Mac
said softly.

"Belated till next year would work fine" he groaned. "Course next year is
even worse so forget I even mentioned it. Trust me I can do without
celebrating the fact I'm another year older."

"Does that bother you?" she asked.

"Of course it does" he snapped. "They don't let guys fly forever you know.
And every year just gets me a little closer to them making me give up my
wings for good."

"Sorry. I didn't know that turning another year older meant that much to
you."

"Look I'm sorry" he sighed. "I'm just sick of this case and of being here
and of a lot of things right now."

"Anything you want to share? You know I'm a good listener."

"I know. But you don't need to listen to me whine and complain about
getting old. So I'll spare you that. And I'm sorry."

"It's okay. Just promise me if you want to talk you'll call me."

"Thanks. You're a saint for putting up with me you know that."

"That's what I've been telling people for years" she teased. "But no one
seems to believe me."

"I'm serious Mac. You are. And I promise to lose the attitude by the time I
get up there."

"Good. And I'm still taking you to dinner. We just won't call it your
birthday dinner."

"Thanks Mac" he said with a small smile. "You always know how to make me
feel better. I'll see you as soon as I get this mess wrapped up here."

With that he was gone and with a sigh she dropped the phone. For a moment
the image of Hunter Reed flashed through her mind and she quickly shook it
away. He was younger than she herself. And even more cocky than Harm.

"Not quite" Mac smiled to herself as her mind drifted back to when she and
Harm had first met. He'd thought so highly of himself back then. And as
much
as she'd wanted to hate him, she'd found herself drawn to him more and
more. He'd opened doors no one else had before and she'd let him into her
life.
Unlike anyone she ever had before or likely ever would.

**********************
"Morning Mac" Hunter greeted Mac with a wide smile the next morning. "I
hope you slept well."

"Fine thank you" she smiled as well.

"So where to today?" he asked.

"Lt. Grady" Mac replied. "I've heard all guys' sides of the story. I want
to
see what he has to say."

"Yes ma'am, but before we do that, put my mind at ease and assure me we're on
for dinner."

"You are nothing if not persistent Mr. Reed," she smiled. "I would love to
have dinner with you. But know that I'm considering it to be a working
dinner."

"Fifty-fifty," he bargained and she groaned.

"Ma'am you should know that Grady is not going to be in a good mood since
he's on stand down while the investigation is on-going. No pilot likes to be
removed from the cockpit, but this guy is going to be really bad about it."

"I've dealt with stubborn egotistical pilots before," she smiled. "I'm
partnered with one remember."

They found Lt. Brian Grady at the squadron headquarters, sitting behind a
desk staring at a computer screen. He barely looked up when they approached
until Hunter bellowed, "attention on deck mister."

"Sorry I didn't see you ma'am," he mumbled, scrambling to his feet.

"Right. My name is Mackenzie and I'm investigating your mishap Lieutenant.
Where can we go to talk?"

"Alone just you and me?" Grady glared at Hunter, who glared right back.

"Commander Reed is assisting me at the request of your C.O.," she replied,
keeping her voice calm and level. "I'm relying on his expertise to tell me
when someone is trying to BS me Lieutenant if you get my drift. Now we can
talk here, but I'm sure you'd prefer someplace more private."

"I'd prefer not to be doing this at all," he growled. "I belong in the air.
My squadron is going out for dawn traps in the morning and I'm not going to
be joining them. It sucks ma'am. Excuse me but it does."

"Grady, let's you and me and the Colonel go into the conference room, have
some coffee and talk about what happened," Hunter told him. "Candor will
help you. Whining will not."

"You wouldn't be saying that stuff so easily if it were you," Grady
retorted, nevertheless getting to his feet and leading the way.

Once they were settled at the long conference table, Hunter looked from
Grady to Mac. "Ma'am you should know that there's no love lost between us."

"Hey deaf, dumb and blind I'm not," she replied. "And does this have
anything to do with Lieutenant White?"

"Only everything," Grady muttered. "Plus a certain Lieutenant with less
time in grade than me who made Lieutenant Commander."

"He means me ma'am," Hunter smiled sheepishly. "And he's right. I did beat
out a couple of the guys and get the slot. But time in isn't everything.
Efficiency reports and. . .well you know exactly what goes into a promotion."

Mac nodded as she was making her notes. "OK Lieutenant, from the top, talk
slow, don't leave anything out and watch your insubordination tendency. It
doesn't look good in my report."

It took the better part of two hours, but Mac finally got what she
considered to be a credible overview of the incident. She would want to
discuss it further with Hunter--whom instinct told her she could trust, and
even more so with Harm.

More interviewing, a quick lunch with Hunter, and she was on her own for the
afternoon while he attended his own duties. At 4PM her cell phone rang with
his reminder of dinner.

"If I wasn't counting on getting some information I don't have and have a
hunch I'm going to need, I'd be in front of the TV in my room with my feet
up," she laughed. "Give me till 1530 to recover from the walking I've done
today can you?"
==========
Once back at her quarters, Mac attempted a call to Harm, getting his voice
mail only. "Hi Flyboy. Just wanted to touch base with you and whine about
how much I need my partner here," she sighed. "I'm going to dinner but I
won't be late. Call me if you can. Prepare to hear whining."

Just about the time a nap seemed like a viable alternative to dinner, Hunter
arrived and she decided she was in fact hungry.

"I'm actually on call tonight," he sighed as he took her arm and admired her
soft blue dress at the same time. But I told the CAG I had a dinner date
with a beautiful woman and that he could give me a break. With any luck we
can at least get through dessert. Sex may have to wait."

"It wasn't on the agenda anyway," she giggled and gave him a push. "I swear
you guys. . .well it has to be genetic." As she took his arm to walk to his
car, she could not help a long sigh. She and Harm did not joke like that.

"Well there's always tomorrow night" he grinned.

"Like you're going to get tomorrow night too" she scoffed teasingly.

"Of course I am. You like me Sarah Mackenzie. Despite yourself telling you
that you shouldn't you do."

"Pretty sure of yourself aren't you?"

"Just call it the way I see it" he smiled as he helped her into the car.

The steak place he'd mentioned was just outside the base and a short time
later they were seated at a quiet corner table, side by side.

"So tell me about Hunter Reed" Mac said once the waitress had taken their
order.

"Not much to tell. Grew up in Virginia in a Navy family. My Dad's a retired
SEAL and my sister is a Lieutenant aboard the USS Constellation."

"How come you didn't become a SEAL?" she asked.

"Wanted to fly" Hunter grinned. "I was five when Dad took me to my first
airshow. I knew then what I wanted to do. And I made it happen. My turn now.
Tell me about Sarah Mackenzie."

"Not much to tell. My uncle was a Marine and when my life got a little
messed up he pointed in me in the right direction. Became a Marine and
haven't looked back since. Now tell me why is there no Mrs. Reed."

"Haven't met Mrs. Right" he smiled. "Not for lack of trying of course."

"Of course" she smiled. "I guess those gold wings get you what you want
every time."

"We'll find out later" he grinned. "What about you? Why is a smart and
beautiful woman like you still single?"

"Haven't met Mr. Right," she said softly. "I'd almost convinced myself I
had a year ago. Got all the way to the night before wedding."

"What stopped you?" Hunter asked.

"Harm crashing" she admitted. "I couldn't go on without knowing what
happened to him."

"But that must have only taken a few hours for him to be rescued. You could
have still had the wedding."

"Yeah I could have" she nodded. "But in the end I kept postponing and
finally Mic got the idea and he went back to Australia."

"Idea about what?" Hunter prodded. "Or can I guess that it was because of
how you felt about Harm?"
At that moment, Harm himself was making his way to the hangar at Pax, in
search of
Mac. He'd finally wrapped up at Oceanside and had hopped the first plane to
Pax. He'd stopped at the BOQ first and found her room empty. Thinking she
might have worked late, he'd gone back there to see if anyone had seen her.

"With Lt. Commander Reed" the CAG informed him. "They were having dinner at
The Steakhouse."

Figuring they were simply having a working dinner Harm headed to the
Steakhouse.
There were still a few hours left of his birthday and being with Mac might
make an otherwise forgettable day better.

*******************
"I don't know" Mac said slowly. "I just know that I couldn't go through with
it."

"Well whatever the reason, I'm glad you didn't" Hunter smiled. "Because now
I get a chance with you."

"You think you have a chance?" Mac laughed.

"Tell me you don't like being with me" Hunter said softly as he reached for
her hand.

"I can't" Mac said softly. "Because you are quite a piece of work Hunter
Reed. There's something about you."

"Something you like?"

"Yes" she admitted. "Very much."

"Please don't kill me for this" he whispered as turned to her, his lips
finding hers in a gentle kiss. Her shock quickly faded and she found herself
getting lost in the kiss. Gentle hands reached around her, pulling her
closer to him.

"Evening Colonel. I see you're hard at work on the case."

At the sound of Harm's voice they both froze and Mac pulled herself from
Hunter.

"Harm" she managed finally her heart pounding with surprise at seeing him.
"What are you doing here?"

"I came to help with the investigation," he said quietly. "But from the
looks of it you've got it covered. I'll leave you and Mr. Reed alone."

"Harm wait" she said as she quickly stood up. "Please don't go."

"Look I came over here only because I assumed this was only a working
dinner," he replied. "Which I can see it's not and I'm exhausted and not
feeling that great so by all means, carry on and Mac I'll talk to you later
about the case or in the morning. Good night." With that he turned on his
heel and strode out.

For a long minute Mac stared after him, consternation on her face.

"Mac I'm sorry," Hunter whispered. "Really I am. That was awkward for you
and out of line for me. You probably should go after him."

"No I should not," she replied. "He's pouting, and I'll fix it right with
him later. But for now you and I are going to enjoy our dinner, and each
other's company."

"You're sure? You know I saw his face. He was upset at us. . .well at me. .
.kissing you."

"And I'm sorry for that. Hunter I don't really want to go into a lot of
detail with Harm and me, but we've had a lot of chances in the past and none
of them have materialized. We're best friends, now and probably always will
be; but anything else---well I wouldn't make book on it. A lot of the time
it just doesn't seem like it's going to come to pass."

"And do you want it to?"

"I'm going to take the fifth there," she smiled and blushed. "Obviously I
find you incredibly charming and attractive, so that alone would tell you
that I'm at this point at least halfway open to other possibilities."

Hunter gave a long sigh of relief. "That's good to know. Can I ask you
something?"

"If I can not answer if I so choose."

"Always." Hunter gave her an intense look before going on. "You're not
setting me up just to get his attention are you?

"No." Her answer came back firm and strong in denial. "I don't play games
like that. Not with emotions."

"Fair enough," he nodded. "And I can simply sit back and enjoy our company
and let what happens happen."

"Then Mr. Hunter I think we understand each other. Now who do I have to kill
to get a steak put in front of me."
==============
Two hours later after dinner and then a visit to the lounge where they talked
more, Hunter returned Mac to the BOQ. They had had an interesting
conversation at some point concerning Grady. A drink and the fact that they
were off-site had made Hunter a little more forthcoming and Mac was able to
get a truer picture of the pilot who had lost his ride.

"This is good night," Hunter smiled. "I won't see you tomorrow right off
now. I'm going to get some sleep and then we have exercises, but I'll find
you noon time or so for lunch maybe."

"Yeah that sounds workable," she sighed, looking up at the building, her mind
wondering which window was Harm's. Something Hunter read right away. "He's
there somewhere. You're going to stop at his room?"

"Yeah I'll check with him," she smiled and put a hand on Hunter's arm. "Best
if you. . .well stay away from that area of my life."

"I understand Sarah," he smiled as well walked around to open her door. When
she alighted from the car, he placed a gentle kiss on her lips. "Tomorrow."

"You got it." She turned to go and then turned back. "Be safe in the air
Commander."

"Careful is my middle name."
===========
The duty desk provided Harm's room number, just a few doors down from hers,
and with a long breath for courage she tapped at the door. No response.
Another attempt with the same result. 'I'm not feeling that great'. He words
of earlier came to her in a rush. "Harm?" She knocked more loudly and
called his name once more. "Harm open up."

It was several seconds before the door finally opened to reveal a
disheveled
Harmon Rabb.

"You okay?" she asked.

"I was before someone woke me up" he retorted.

"I'm sorry. I just wanted to make sure you were okay. You said earlier you
weren't feeling well."

"Not feeling well as in I'm tired, cranky and seeing my partner attached at
the lips to some Flyboy is the last thing I needed. And now can I please go
back to sleep?"

"Harm I want to talk" she said quietly. "I'm sure you didn't eat and maybe
we could go to the diner that's just off base and at least get some coffee
and talk."

"Mac" he groaned.

"By the way Happy Birthday" she said with a small smile. "I guess this
hasn't been one of your better ones. Getting stuck on a case and then
having
to come here."

"No it hasn't. And for that reason it's best if you just go back to your
room."

"What are you going to do?"

"I don't know" he sighed. "Now that I'm awake I'll probably go find
something to eat."

"Then let me come with you" she urged. "That way you won't be alone."

"Where'd your boyfriend go?" he asked.

"He's not my boyfriend thank you."

"You look rather chummy tonight. And I'm impressed. I didn't think the
average Flyboys
were your type."

"They're usually not" she retorted. "Because sometimes they can be the most
annoying men on earth. Like right now."

"Look I'm tired and this is really not a good idea" he sighed. "I don't
want
to argue with you Mac. And that's all we're going to do if we continue
this."

"We don't have to argue" she said quietly. "I just want to go with you
while
you grab dinner. We don't have to talk about anything except the case if
you
don't want to. But I want to go with you."

"Why?"

"Harm it's your birthday. Yes I still owe you that real dinner but I want
to
spend a little time with you. I do care you know."

"Fine" he said finally. "Give me a few minutes to look presentable. Which
room is yours?"

"Three doors to the left. I'll be waiting."

It was a half hour before he finally knocked on her door, freshly showered
and more awake than he had been before.

"I guess things didn't go well in Oceanside?" she asked as they drove to
the
diner.

"No. Not one of my better moments" he sighed. "And I'll leave it at that."

"Sorry. Well I'm glad you're here to help with this."

"You looked like you had it under control" he retorted before instantly
regretting his words. "Sorry. I told you this wasn't a good idea."

"I can deal with it" she assured him.

"So who is he?" Harm asked suddenly. "And what's so special that you're
practically making out with him after you just met him."

"His name is Hunter Reed. And I don't think there's anything all that
special. We
just seemed to hit it off really well."

"So I guessed" he said quietly.

"Harm I'm not dating the guy for goodness sake. We just had dinner. And
part
of the reason we went out was so he could tell me more about what was going
on here."

"I see. And what did he tell you?"

"Nothing good" she sighed. "Seems that besides being a poor pilot, Lt.
Grady
is the least liked person on this base. He's had run ins with everybody on
the squadron and in the hangar."

"You think his accident wasn't any accident?" Harm asked.

"I don't know. Hunter swears that nobody would do anything like that. But
at
the same time, I can't find one person who's sorry about what happened to
Lt. Grady."

"Is Mr. Reed on your list of suspects?"

"Everyone is on my list of suspects" she retorted. "But I can tell you from
the amount of time I've spend with him, he's not involved in this."

"Of course not" Harm scoffed.

She gave him an exasperated look. "Harm have some faith in my instinct and
judgment will you? I don't believe he's involved, and I'm not especially
looking to him as a suspect."

He sent her a sidelong glare and they did not speak again until they were at
the table in the diner and he was glancing through the notes she had set
before him. "Why did you let him kiss you?"

"That's really bothering you isn't it?"

"Don't answer my question with a question," he snapped, rubbing his temples
as he spoke, adding quickly in a more mollified tone. "Please. . .and sorry."

"Harm it just happened OK," she replied, giving him a helpless shrug. "Come
on now, I know you've kissed a woman before for no reason, or simply because
you were having a good time or you found her attractive. The Colonel's wife
in Panama for example, or Lt. Schipperelli. Which leads me to point out
that it's possible--farfetched but possible--that this man could be attracted
to me."

"OK I can't argue that," he sighed. "And I can see that he might find you
attractive even. But you still let him. And yes, I'll answer you--it did
bother me. And it bothered me even more because you weren't doing it for my
benefit."

"Yeah well in this life, not everything is about you," she smiled sweetly.
"You want to tell me what went so awful in Oceanside? How did you get done
so quick when it was so balled up? You talk your client the schmuck into
pleading guilty or what?"

"My client hung himself in his cell."
"Harm it just happened OK," she replied, giving him a helpless shrug. "Come
on now, I know you've kissed a woman before for no reason, or simply because
you were having a good time or you found her attractive. The Colonel's wife
in Panama for example, or Lt. Schipperelli. Which leads me to point out
that it's possible--farfetched but possible--that this man could be attracted
to me."

"OK I can't argue that," he sighed. "And I can see that he might find you
attractive even. But you still let him. And yes, I'll answer you--it did
bother me. And it bothered me even more because you weren't doing it for my
benefit."

"Yeah well in this life, not everything is about you," she smiled sweetly.
"You want to tell me what went so awful in Oceanside? How did you get done
so quick when it was so balled up? You talk your client the schmuck into
pleading guilty or what?"

"My client hung himself in his cell."
==================
"Time Gives and Time Takes Away" Ch 1, Part 3a----

Her mouth fell open and for a second she felt like she had been punched in
the stomach. "Harm I'm sorry. I had no idea. I'm so wrapped in this case
and. . ." She put a quick hand on his arm. "I'm sorry."

"Well it gets better, long as I'm talking about it," he sighed. "Carrera
left a note. Said he felt like he wasn't getting good representation and
that he wasn't spending the next twenty years in prison."

"Harm I. . .I don't know what to say," she gasped, feeling tears not for the
victim but for her best friend. "Was he guilty?"

"Yeah he was, otherwise I might have thought about joining him."

Her gasp was long and loud, combined with a short sob as she took him one
hundred percent seriously for a few seconds.

"Hey no. Sorry. That was uncalled for. I said it to shock you and because
I'm feeling sorry for myself. I wouldn't. I'm a lot of things, but suicidal
is not one of them."

"I've never thought you were but this talk about hanging and then your
comment hit me," she sniffled and swallowed hard. "Thanks for telling me.
No wonder you're not your usual perky self. And you've got a headache
besides huh?"

"Since the moment I found him."

"You. . .oh Harm." Her hand squeezed his arm tightly and he covered it with
his.

"Hey it's OK. I wasn't even going to tell you, but then I guessed you
deserved to know what's wrong with me. At least partly."

"You may as well spill the rest Flyboy."

"No. That's the main thing and I'll handle it." He was not about to pour
out the rest of his soul about his birthday and its attendant feelings of
aging and inadequacy. He took a long drink of his coffee and a small bite of
his tuna sandwich, trying to smile. "Anyway, I'm glad I'm here, and thanks
for listening. I probably just gave you nightmares."

"No I'll be fine. It's you I'm worried about."

"Hey don't worry about me. I'll manage. And I do appreciate you listening
to
me."

"I still owe you that birthday dinner," she said softly. "And once we're
home I'd like to take you somewhere special."

"Mac it's no biggie" he sighed. "It's just another day. One I'd like to
forget about anyway. Save it for next year when you can all throw me the
he's over the hill party."

"Harm you're not over the hill."

"Mac I'm 39 and look at my life" he sighed. "And before we have that
discussion lets not. I'm not sure I can handle that tonight."

"All right but just for the record I don't think you're over the hill. Yeah
neither of us is getting any younger but that's what happens."

"Thanks" he said as he dropped the tuna sandwich back on the plate. "And
honestly I'm not hungry but I am exhausted so if you don't mind I'd like to
go back to the room and try and get some sleep."

"Harm you barely touched that sandwich" she frowned. "You sure you're okay?"

"Yeah just tired and cranky and desperately in need of some sleep.
Hopefully
life will look better tomorrow."

"I'm sorry," she said automatically. "But it's not your fault. You were
doing the best you could for your client."

"He didn't see it that way," Harm said as he stood up and threw down some
money on the table to cover the bill. "And frankly I'm not sure he wasn't
right."

"Okay no more of this" she chided him as they walked to the car. "Harm I
know you. You've always defended everyone to the best of your ability no
matter what you thought of their guilt or innocence."

"Maybe I didn't this time" he sighed. "I don't know."

"No you don't know because you're tired and worn out and you need some rest
and in the morning you'll realize that you weren't the reason your client
took his life."

"Yeah maybe you're right."

"Of course I am" she smiled softly. "In the morning this will all be
better."

"Yeah maybe you kissing Hunter will have all been part of this awful
nightmare" he groaned as he closed his eyes and leaned back in the seat.

"That really bothers you doesn't it?" she prodded.

"Yes and I'm leaving it at that."

She smiled slightly at the thought of that and turned the car in the
direction of the base. A few minutes later she followed him to his room at
the BOQ and he gave her a weak smile.

"Night Mac. I'll see you in the morning."

"You going to be okay?" she asked softly, her hand gently touching his arm.
"You seem really out of sorts sailor."

"Yeah I'll be fine. Thanks for caring."

"Thanks for caring?" she frowned. "Harm you know I care about you. You're
very important to me."

He opened his mouth to say something and promptly closed it. "We'll have
that discussion another time. Right now I just need to sleep."

"Yes you do. And yes we will have that discussion. Sleep sailor. I'll see
you in the morning."

*******************
"So where's your boyfriend?" Harm asked the next morning as he and Mac
headed to the hangar. I figured he'd be around to take you to breakfast."

"He said he'd catch us for lunch. He had training exercises this morning."

"So what does Lt. Cdr. Reed fly?" Harm asked.

"At the moment Tomcats" Mac said slowly. "But he's going to be retrained on
the Hornets."

"So he's even younger than you" Harm mused. "Cause last I heard only the
young
guys were getting retrained."

"Yes he's younger. Is that a problem Commander?"

"It's your life" he countered. "Why should I care if you start dating
younger men?"

"Harm I'm not dating him" she sighed. "We had dinner. That was all."

"So the kiss meant nothing?" Harm prodded.

Before she could answer the sound of sirens cut through the air and they
peered out of the hangar to see the emergency crews making their way out to
the runway.

"Someone must have a problem" Harm frowned as he looked up into the sky.

Mac followed his gaze skyward and she unconsciously grabbed onto his arm at
the same time, as if she need to assure herself he was right here beside her
and not in the air like he was that terrible night. . . or another time
several months later, more recent and almost as frightening. That time she
could hear his voice--'sustained battle damage. . .'."
"Mac? Mac let go. . ."

It was from a great distance that she heard him, and it was not until he
tugged his arm that she loosened her grip.

"You were digging your nails into me," he yelped. "What do you do, file
those things to a point?"

"Harm I'm sorry," she gasped. "I know you're used to this, but I'm not."
Her arm swept a wide arc as the emergency equipment made for the runway.
"Why doesn't he punch?" she gasped.

"Because that's the total last resort," he reminded her quietly. "He must
feel he can bring it in."

She nodded and fell silent, listening for the drone of Tomcat engines. It
came a few seconds later as the first of the squadron streaked across the
field, leading the way.

"Here comes the cripple now," Harm told her. Smoke trailed from one engine
of the F-14 and it wobbled badly as it tried to line up with the strip.
"Hold her easy Pilot," he breathed. "Throttle back. You can do it. Let the
plane do the work. You're just there to guide it in. She'll land herself if
you let her."

Mac listened to him in amazement, unable to take her eyes from the plane
though she knew she might be about to witness two people die a flaming death
fifty yards away.

Harm had that exact thought as the fighter dipped low into view and he
reached for her, instinctively wanting to protect her.

"Hunter."

One word from her but the tone said it all. Until she could see the plane
clearly, she had not allowed herself to even imagine it might be him. Now it
consumed her thoughts, and she could see his face, superimposed over flames.
He was calling to her.

To Harm's undying amazement she jerked away from him and began to run toward
the landing area, kicking off her heels in her first two strides and her
pants-clad legs ate up the ground. So startled was he that she was a good
ten yards ahead of her before he could start after her. His mind at once
painted a gruesome picture of her reaching the runway just as the jet did.
It would burst into flames, enveloping her in the ensuing fireball. It was
at that point he screamed her name and executed a full flying tackle,
bringing her to the grassy surface only a few yards from the runway.

"Keep still," he hissed, feeling the heat from the damaged plane as it
touched down in front of them and he tucked himself over her as fully as he
could, steeling himself for the explosion he feared and wanting to protect
her. The explosion that never came as the fighter barreled past them. He
dared to look up a few second later, seeing it come to a safe halt,
accompanied by the scream of sirens as the emergency vehicles surrounded it.

"Mac it's OK. Whoever it is, he landed safe," he whispered, his mouth to
her ear. "Are you OK? I didn't hurt you landing on you did I?"

"Hunter" she whispered. "Oh god, what if it was him?"

"Mac whoever it was they're okay" he said quietly as he moved away from
her.
She started to get up, wanting to go towards the plane and at once he
grabbed her arm.

"What are you doing?" she demanded as she tried to yank free of his grasp.

"Mac you can't go out there" he hissed. "They've got enough to worry about
without you getting in their way."

"I need to see if it's Hunter" she wailed and at once he let go of her.

She taken but a few steps towards the damaged plane when a voice called out
to her, an arm wrapping around from behind her.

"Mac where you going?"

She whirled around at the sound of Hunter's voice and moments later was in
his arms, holding onto him for dear life.

"Thank god" she whispered as she held onto him. "I thought for a minute it
was you. I was so scared."

"You were worried about me?" he smiled as he let go of her.

"Of course I was. You said you were flying and I just thought the worst."

"Not me this time. That was Bell. Fortunately he's one of the best. If that
was Grady he would never have landed."

"I'm just so glad it wasn't you" she whispered.

"Beginning to like me?" he grinned.

"Of course I am" she said softly.

"Well I guess this answers Mac's question about whether the unfortunate
pilot was you or not"Harm said as he walked over to the pair.

"Commander how are you?" Hunter smiled.

"Fine. Mac whenever you want to get to work on things, I'll be at the
hangar." With that Harm walked away and for a moment Hunter stood there
quietly.

"He doesn't like me does he?" he said finally.

"No it's not that. He's just a little jetlagged and tired" Mac sighed.
"I'm sure once he gets to know you he'll be fine."

"Yeah sure" Hunter nodded. "But I'm sure it has something to do with the
kiss
last night."

"Whatever his problem is it's not you. At least not totally. Trust me."

"If you say so. Shall we catch up to him though? I thought you two were
supposed to be working together on this."

"Yeah we should" she nodded. "But right now can I just get another hug. I
was imagining the worst things."

"Come on Colonel" Hunter smiled as he hugged her. "You know me better than
that."

"I know you told me you'd go down in blaze of flames before punching out
like Grady did" she whispered. "And I was so sure that was what was going
to
happen."

"Yeah well it wasn't me this time."

"This time?" she frowned as she let go him. "You think this has something
to
do with Grady's accident?"

"Mac you really don't think Grady's accident was an accident do you?"

"I don't know. I just assumed it was. You believe his theory of sabotage?"

"Second problem in less than a week?" he asked. "What do you think?"

"I'd say run of bad luck" Mac replied. "But you wouldn't agree with that
would you?"

"You're the investigator ma'am" he smiled. "I'm just the guy assigned to
show you around."

"You know more than you're telling me" she said as she looked carefully
him.
"I guess I'm going to have to have dinner with you again."

"I don't think that's going to go over very well with your partner" Hunter
smiled.

"He'll live with it. But honestly Hunter, if you know something, you need
to
let me know."

"Yes ma'am I will. Right now it's just gut instinct."

"I'll take that. You know these guys better we do. If there's something
going on besides accidents, I want to know about it."

"Like I said it's just gut right now" he nodded.

"Yeah we'll I'd trust the gut instinct of a fighter pilot any day" she said
quietly.

"And with your life?" He asked gently, gesturing to her partner several
feet ahead and walking fast.

"Been there, and in a heartbeat," she admitted.

"I'm glad," Hunter said sincerely. "I hope he lets me get to know him. I
know from the way you talk about him he has to be a good guy. Not to mention
if you think highly of him, that's good enough for me."

"He's one of the finest men I've ever met," she said softly, at the same
time marveling that it was so easy for her to voice that emotion with a
comparative stranger.

"Then I'd really like to get to know him," Hunter said sincerely, taking her
arm and quickening his pace.

"Commander Rabb," he called when they were closer.

Harm turned around expectantly and Hunter paused mid step. "Sir I have
orders to escort the Colonel and now that you're here I'm assuming that
applies to you as well. And I'd hate that we got off on the wrong foot. And
we do have something in common after all. Well actually more than one thing."

"OK I'll bite Mr. Reed. You're on a roll, go with it."

"Well aside from our gold wings which we know we both worked our sixes off
to earn, we both think pretty highly of the Colonel here. Am I right? Sir."

"Yeah OK fair enough on both counts," he sighed, disarmed slightly by
Hunter's forthright style. "And Commander, you're going to have to kind of
put up with me I'm afraid. My head's in kind of a strange place right now
and what happened to me at Oceanside didn't help much."

Mac wrapped her hands around his arm at that point, reminding him that she
was still there for him and Harm gave her a small smile, then gestured to the
commotion still happening on the field behind them. "We need to get in line
to talk to that pilot."

"I'll fix it," Hunter promised. "We should be able to see him at the
infirmary later."
OK meanwhile may I meet some of the people you two have talked to? I feel
like I'm playing catch-up here."

"Right this way Commander," Hunter motioned. "We'll start with Master Chief
Kidwell."

"Well I'm glad you two have recovered from the excitement so quickly," Mac
snapped suddenly after they had walked but a few feet. "I guess that's the
make up of a pilot? To see near-death in front of you and then go on."

"Actually something like that," Hunter smiled and Harm nodded. "Obviously
what happened is just hitting you. Would you like to sit for a minute
Colonel?"

"No I'm fine," she replied crossly, all the more irritated that she was
feeling that way in the first place, and truth be told, still not over the
fact that it could have just as easily been Hunter's plane if there was in
fact sabotage happening.

For the remainder of the day, Mac was quite content to let Hunter show Harm
around, and to talk to some of the same people they had already spoken to.
The near miss had affected her more than she wanted to admit and she was glad
to let Harm take over some of the lead.

Finally at the end of the afternoon Hunter caught Mac's arm with an amused
smile. "You know he's going to need to meet Evie. And of course Lt. Grady
we still need to locate."

"Babydoll."

"Excuse me," Harm yelped. "Lt. Grady's call sign is Babydoll?"

"No Fool, his RIO, Lt. Evelyn White," Mac laughed and looked to Hunter.
"She's off duty and has an apartment in Lexington Park, shall we drop by?"

"Let's take a ride."

Forty five minutes later the three Naval officers were knocking at the door
of apartment 4G in the Turtle Lake complex.

The response from inside was anything but what they expected. "Ev, get the
door-- pizza's here and it's about damn time. Better not be cold either."

The door was opened a moment later. Lt. Evelyn White in short tight denim
shorts and a white halter top that barely covered her more than ample
essentials stood before them, her mouth open.

Harm's mouth dropped open as well, taking in an eyeful of the shapely
Lieutenant. "Commander Rabb, you need a tissue?" Mac's question broke into
his observation.

"Huh?"

She gave him a firm nudge. "For your drool problem."

"Colonel, Hunter and someone I don't know," Evelyn gasped.

"Commander Rabb Lieutenant," he smiled. "May we come in?"

"Evie for godsake stop flashing the pizza guy and get it in here." Again
Grady's voice, and a few seconds later Grady himself, clad in boxers and a
tight tank top.

"Whoa excuse me," he had the good grace to gasp.

"Now who's drooling," Harm hissed, returning Mac's nudge.

"Well well Evie" Hunter smiled. "I see it didn't take you long to get
hooked
up again now did it?"

"Hunter don't start," she said as she shot him a long look.

"Grady?" Hunter continued. "I was sure you would do better than that after
me."

"Reed you are so full of yourself" Grady retorted. "You think you're God's
gift to the world. But you ain't nothing."

"Okay time out" Harm sighed. "Whatever little lovers triangle we have here
let's just take a break from shall we? I'm a little more interested in
talking to you Lieutenant about what happened the other night."

"Fine I'll talk" Grady replied. "To you alone. I've done enough talking in
front of Mr. Reed."

"Mac why don't you and Hunter take a walk" Harm sighed. "I'll chat with the
two Lieutenants here."

She nodded and she and Hunter stepped outside.

"I can't believe she's with that loser" Hunter commented once they were
alone.

"What do you have against Lt. Grady?" she asked.

"Nothing. It's just a feeling. I don't like the guy. I couldn't explain it
if I had to but I just know I don't like him."

"Well that doesn't help me much" Mac sighed.

"Sorry. I'd love to give you something concrete. But it's just that gut
instinct."

"Well we'll see what Harm's gut instinct says. And then we'll go back and
talk to Bell and the Chief again."

It was another hour before Harm emerged from the apartment.

"So what do you think?" Mac asked as they climbed into the car.

"About Grady?" Harm frowned. "Nothing. Why? You think he's behind this?"

She said nothing and Harm turned around to look at Hunter. "Let me guess.
You think he's behind it."

"With all due respect Harm, I've flown with the guy. He's not a good pilot
and everyone knows it. He doesn't get along with the other guys and he's
never attempted to fit in."

"So why would he sabotage his own plane?" Harm asked. "And nearly get
himself killed in the process."

"If I had those answers sir I'd be sitting in your seat" Hunter grinned.
"I'm just the guy who's supposed to show you around and tell you what I
know. And that's what I'm doing."

"Harm why don't we go back and talk to Lt. Bell" Mac suggested. "And then
you can talk to the Chief again. Maybe he's had a chance to find out what
happened."

"Yeah sure" Harm sighed. "Sounds great."

They headed back to the base and Hunter directed them to the infirmary and
moments later they located Lt. Bell, who was about to be released.

"Nice flying Lieutenant" Harm commented.

"Thank you sir. I was determined to get her down on the ground in one
piece."

"Yeah well that was pretty impressive. What happened up there?"

"Same thing that happened to Grady. Maybe someone should talk to Chief
Kidwell and see what's going on around here."

"We'll do that" Harm nodded.

***********
"So what do we know about Kidwell?" Harm asked once they'd finished
interviewing Bell.

"Good record. Excellent Master Chief."

"Anything else?" Harm asked. "Any reason to sabotage planes?"

"Well there is the little issue of his retirement being denied" Mac said
slowly. "He wasn't happy about that."

"Harm Master Chief Kidwell is the best there is" Hunter spoke up. "And he
may not like Grady but there's no way he would have sabotaged a plane Lt.
Bell was in."

"Well I'd like to talk to Master Chief again" Harm countered. "Let's go
back
to the hangar."
=================
"Ma'am, sirs," The young ensign on duty stammered. "I'm sorry. Master
Chief wasn't feeling well--stomach virus--and left a while back. Something I
could help you with?"

"Did he go home Ensign?" Mac asked.

"Yes ma'am. I had one of the enlisted drive him. He doesn't live nearby
though, not like the rest of us. Has a place down on the Point."

"Point?" Harm frowned.

"Yes sir, Point Lookout. Sometimes he has cookouts down there. Great
place, but not a fun drive. Has to be thirty miles and the roads aren't
great."

"But it's not a bad drive either," Hunter spoke up. "And I know a place we
can get a catfish dinner."

"You know where it is then?" Harm asked him.

"Yes sir I've been down there a couple times."

"Let's do it."
=============
"Take the shotgun," Harm offered, opening the front door of the government
sedan for Mac.

Hunter, already behind the wheel, laughed at his choice of words. "Come on
Colonel. It's only fitting as senior officer."

Mac shrugged and started to get in only to have Harm's hand clamp to her
shoulder. "Everything OK? You're pretty quiet."

She looked up at him, trying to read in his face the reason for his question
and when she could not, simply shrugged off his hand. "Yeah just tired I
guess. Case and other things on my mind too." What she did not tell him was
the fact that she was concerned about him as well, especially after his
experience at Oceanside.

He gave her a quick smile and squeezed her shoulder.

"Just sit back and enjoy the ride, it's a pretty one," Hunter smiled. "I
think we'll take the scenic route out by the water and then cut back."

"Whatever," Harm sighed.

Hunter turned the radio to an oldies station and after a few minutes looked
back over his shoulder. "Commander your fruit salad says you've been around.
Care to share?"

"Harm has two DFC's," Mac spoke up to Harm's surprise, pride in her voice.

"Yes he does," Hunter laughed, "and some other good stuff. Desert storm?"

"Yeah, and Libya. Sent a message to Khaddafi. And then in 99, Kosovo."

"On the Henry right?"

"For six months." He gave a snorting noise and added, "my attempt to return
to what I was born to do."

"Didn't work out?"

Mac held her breath awaiting his reply. The months starting from the time
he left to the time of his crash were not the stuff of which memory book
entries were drawn up.

"No. An aviator who's been away for as long as I was just isn't able to
pick it right back up. And obviously my aviator days are numbered anyway
with the demise of Tomcats. I'll have to stick to flying Sarah. My old
plane I mean."
"Well I won't say I'm sorry." The words were out of Mac's mouth before she
could stop them and Hunter immediately sent her a long look.

"You don't want a partner who flies?"

She responded with a sheepish laugh. "I don't want a partner who ejects in
a storm over a freezing ocean and scares me to death."

"And he did this?"

Hunter looked from Mac to Harm and back.

"Year ago May, coming from doing quals on the Henry," Harm nodded. "Mac
tends to make it sound worse than it was."

"Nearly dying is pretty bad," she objected, shuddering hard at the memory.

Hunter at once snapped his fingers. "And that's where I've heard your name.
I've been racking my brain since. You were the pilot they pulled out after
they just happened to search that quad."

"Well it didn't just happen," Harm smiled. "Mac told them where I was. She
saved my life."

"And you knew, how?" Hunter scowled.

"I don't know," she shrugged helplessly. "I just could. . .I honestly don't
know except that we've been friends for a long time and. . .I don't know how
to explain it, and I don't even really like to think about that whole time.
Not just his mishap, but a lot of other stuff that was happening then.
There's a two year period in my life I'd sooner didn't happen thank you."

"Amen," Harm added and from his tone Hunter knew the conversation was
closed, saying only "Speaking of storms, I'd say we're going to get one."

"Great" Harm frowned. "Where does heck is this place anyway?"

"I told you it was out there" Hunter laughed. "Master Chief likes his
privacy."

"I guess so" Harm sighed. "And from the likes of those clouds we're in for
a doozy of a storm."

"Hopefully we'll get to the Master Chief's before then" Mac spoke up from
the back-seat.

"Going to try ma'am" Hunter replied with a long yawn. "Sorry. Up this
morning at the crack of dawn."

"You should have said something" Harm said as he looked over at the younger
man. "I would have been happy to drive."

"Yeah well it's a little confusing getting to the Master Chief's" Hunter
replied. "One wrong turn and you're lost. I figured it would just be better
if I drove."

"Mr. Reed I can follow directions if you point me the right way" Harm
scoffed. "Pull over at the next place and we'll trade spots."

"Can't stand being a passenger can you?" Hunter said with a smile. "Neither
can I. That's why I offered to drive."

"What is it with you guys?" Mac asked. "Is it so important to be in
control?"

"Yes" came the reply from both of them at the same time.

She shook her head and Harm motioned to Hunter. "Pull off at the little
store there. I'll drive."

For a moment Hunter opened his mouth to protest but caught a glance of
Mac's face in the back-seat and promptly shut it. "Whatever you say sir"
Hunter
said as he pulled in.

Moments later they'd changed spots and Harm pulled back out onto the road.

"Much better" he murmured.

As he spoke the clouds that had threatened finally let loose, the rain
coming down in sheets around them.

"You're going to be turning onto another road here shortly " Hunter said as
he strained to see through the torrent of rain. "That's the road that takes
us to the Master Chief's road."

"Just let me know where to turn" Harm frowned as he peered through the
windshield, trying to see the road in front of him. The rain continued to
pour down around them as they drove and Harm kept the car at a controllable
speed.

"Coming up on your left" Hunter said a few minutes later.

"This dirt road?" Harm asked. "You're kidding right."

"No this is the way. If you take it easy you'll be fine."

"I know how to drive" Harm retorted. "I just want to know why on god's
creation anyone would want to live this far out."

"Like I said he likes his privacy" Hunter replied. "And I'd be happy to
take
over again if you can't handle this."

Harm gave him a long glare and Mac sighed again from the back seat. "Harm
maybe it would be a good idea to let him drive since he knows where he's
going" she said quietly.

"Mac I can handle this" Harm retorted.

"Okay. Forgive me for interrupting. I'll just sit back here and be quiet."

The car slowly made its way down the now mud road, Harm keeping an eye in
front of him.

"There's a turn off coming up on your left" Hunter announced. "That's where
you'll turn."

"Where?" Harm scoffed as he squinted to see through the driving rain. "I
don't see it."

"On your left" Hunter repeated. "It's just a small opening between the
trees. You might want to start slowing down."

It wasn't until they were right on top of the road that Harm finally saw
it.
He hit the brakes without thinking and at once the car slid on the mud
covered road. He yanked the wheel in an attempt to keep it from sliding off
the road, but failed as the car headed towards the large ditch.

The passenger side tires hit sodden earth and the back end of the car did a
giant fish-tail. It was over in less than five seconds time, the rear wheels
hopelessly entrapped by the roadside culvert.

For a long minute Harm could only grip the wheel, his eyes closed and the
adrenaline in his veins leaving him slightly shaky.

"Mac you OK? Mac?" He could hear Hunter's voice and expected it to be
followed by Mac's assurance that she was fine. An assurance than did not
come. There was only silence from that corner of the back seat.

"Mac talk to me," Hunter demanded as Harm tore his seatbelt away from
himself and attempted to turn around given the confined space behind the
wheel. At the same time Hunter had released his own belt and with his
leaner build had managed to fling himself over the front seat to awkwardly
crouch near her.

"Is she OK?" Harm gasped, making a noise of frustration as the steering
wheel kept him from getting himself to her.

"She's breathing. I think she may have hit her head or maybe the seatbelt
made her lose her breath," he replied, smiling slightly at the concern in
Harm's face.

"Breathing is good, being awake and conscious and talking would be better,"
Harm exploded with impatience before jerking his door open and running around
the car to her side, ignoring the fact that he was soaked in five seconds and
the mud was ankle deep, making him stumble and falter.

Meanwhile Mac opened her eyes and murmured softly, finding Hunter holding
her head between his palms. "Don't worry I'm OK," she said. "Hunter, you?"

"Just shook up," he grinned. "But we weren't getting an answer from you for
a minute there."

"We? Harm?" Her eyes opened wide, trying to focus on the driver's seat.
"Oh God. Harm? Where is he?" she shrieked.

"Hey relax be still he's OK," Hunter soothed. "He got out of the car to
come around to you is all. We were both worried about you."

She pulled away from Hunter and opened her door, in time to see Harm pulling
himself up from where he had fallen.

"Harm you OK?" she demanded at once, attempting to get out despite Hunter's
restraining hands.

"Hey no stay," he yelled. "I'm fine." He reached her door and peered in at
her, giving a long sigh of relief. "Well you look better than you did a
minute ago. You scared me. Uh. . .us."

"I banged my head I guess," she admitted, "and for a minute I couldn't seem
to move or speak. I'm OK now." Unconsciously her fingers touched the side
of her head where she had impacted the window and at once Harm's fingers
joined hers.

"Whoa you may be OK but that's a lump and a half," he declared, looking over
her head to Hunter, conveying that he was worried about her and that they
needed to get moving. "I want you to lie back and take it easy while Hunter
and I get this crate out of here."

"How bad is it?" Hunter asked at once.

"Not good," Harm sighed, his eyes never leaving Mac's face, still concerned
about her. "The back wheels, which I noticed as I was falling by the way,
are in mud to the hubcaps. But this is four wheel drive. I think we can
coax it out."

"Then let's do it. Mac you're sure you're OK?" Hunter's gaze joined Harm's
in studying her.

"Yeah there's just three of you guys now."

"Maaa--aac," Harm wailed at once.

"Kidding. It's just a headache. I'll live, and I don't want to stay here
any longer that's for sure." Before Hunter could stop her she had slipped
from her seatbelt and was half out the door. Unprepared for the tilt of the
car she slid forward, landing in Harm's arms and them both falling into the
mud.

"If the two of you could see yourselves," Hunter hooted.

Harm gave him a long glare as he helped Mac up. "Okay Reed let's see about
getting this thing out of here."

"You want me to push while you steer?" Hunter asked.

"Harm no" Mac protested. She'd managed a look and knew there was no way
just one of them was going to push the car out. "I'll sit in the drivers seat
and
steer and hit the gas."

"She's right Harm" Hunter nodded. "It'll probably take both of us to get
this thing out."

"All right but strap yourself in" Harm ordered as he led her to the
driver's
seat. "In case we push too hard and this thing takes off on you."

"I'll be fine. You two are the one's who are standing out here in the rain
getting more soaked" she sighed. "Just tell me when to hit the gas."

Ten minutes later the car hadn't budged, hopelessly stuck in the mud
despite both
Harm and Hunter pushing.

"Harm you better take a break there buddy" Hunter panted. "You're looking a
little winded there."

"I'm fine" Harm gasped. "Just keep pushing."

It was Hunter who finally declared they were killing themselves trying to
free the car and called an end to the pushing. Both he and Harm leaned
tiredly against the car and Mac climbed out of the driver's seat and made
her way back to them.

"Harm are you okay?" she demanded as she reached him. His face was red and
she could hear his heavy breathing.

"I told him to take a break and let me do the pushing" Hunter sighed. He
wasn't nearly as winded as Harm and Mac reached at once for Harm's hand and
led him to the car, gently pushing him down in the driver's seat.

"Mac I'm fine" he managed finally.

"Yeah that's why you look like you're about to have a heart attack" she
retorted. "Just take it easy for a few minutes so we don't have to call
911."

"We couldn't even if we wanted to" Hunter said as stood behind them. "It's
next to impossible to get a signal on the cell phones out here."

"So we're stuck out here" Mac groaned when she realized what he was saying.

"Not quite. There's a few scattered houses."

"How far away is the Master Chief's?" Harm panted.

"Another ten miles at least" Hunter replied. "I'm pretty sure there's
another house before his though. We could get there and call for help."

"Mac isn't in any condition to hike several miles in this" Harm countered.
"And I'm not leaving her alone out here."

"I'll go alone" Hunter offered.

"Hunter no" Mac spoke up. "Harm we can't let him go by himself."

"Mac I can handle it" Hunter smiled, touched by her concern. "I agree with
Harm that you're not up to a long walk. You and Harm can stay here and I'll
get help."

"No that's not right. We should all go together. What if something happened
to you?"

"Mac you need to take it easy" Harm sighed. "In case you forgot you have a
lump on your head that needs medical attention."

"Mac he's right."

"Yeah well I out rank both of you" Mac reminded them. "And as the senior
officer of this group, I say we all go together."

"Is she always this stubborn?" Hunter sighed as he looked over at Harm.

"Always" Harm growled.

"I learned from the best" she countered. "Come on guys. We're wasting
daylight here."

"At least let me hold your hand so you don't fall in this slop" Harm said
as
they started down the road. She sighed but allowed him to take her hand.
And with Hunter in the lead they walked in the pouring rain down the muddy
road.

"Harm I need to stop" Mac murmured after they'd walked for an hour.

"Mac what's wrong?" he demanded at once as he stopped to look at her,
noticing at once how pale she suddenly was.

"Head hurts" she sighed. "I just need to rest."

"Hunter wait up" Harm called. Hunter turned around, frowning as he saw Mac.

"She should have stayed in the car" Hunter sighed. "I could have handled
this on my own."

"I tried to get her to do that remember but she wouldn't listen" Harm
countered.

"Hey I'm still alive here" Mac murmured.

"Barely" Hunter said before suddenly reaching for her and lifting her into
his arms effortlessly.

"If she needs to be carried, I should be the one carrying her" Harm growled.

"Harm with all due respect, you're good to just get yourself there" Hunter
replied.

"Harm he's right," she fretted. "I can hear you wheezing. Exertion coupled
with breathing in this cold wet air is not good for your lungs."

"Yeah well then how come he's hardly broken a sweat," Harm demanded,
gesturing to Hunter, "and the first one of you guys who mentions the six year
age difference in us is off my Christmas card list. End of discussion of my
lungs thank you."

"Well as long as we're giving orders here, Hunter put me down."

"No ma'am."

"Excuse me? You said no to a superior officer?"

"I certainly did," he said firmly. "You need a break. I can do a mile like
this easily and then we should be almost there."

"Harm make him put me down," she yelped.

"No. Sorry." With that he took several steps ahead of them, glad that she
was being looked after and hating that he was not the one doing it.

"I hate this," she yelled ahead to him.

"I'm not loving it," he retorted.

They covered another mile until Hunter called a halt. "Sorry, I need a
break myself at this point."

Mac had closed her eyes, her head resting on his shoulder and when he
stopped she lifted her head and looked around. "I was hoping we were there."

"No but I remember that creek up ahead there and once we get across the
bridge I know there's a couple of houses. I was just getting afraid I was
going to drop you."

Quickly Harm reached for her, helping her from Hunter's hold, transferring
her to his arms for a second before easing her to her feet. Once she was
down he bent down to look intently into her face. "Are you OK? Truth now
Colonel."

"Just a headache honest." She took a step forward and that action at once
made a liar out of her as she stumbled from the wave of dizziness that
overcame her as soon as she moved.

"Mac?" Hunter started for her at once, only to back off at Harm's sudden
scowl.

"I've got her Mr. Reed thank you," he told him sharply, sweeping his arm
around her. "You are such a liar Colonel," he whispered, pressing her to his
side.

"I'll be fine as soon as I can get warm and something for this headache."
Nevertheless she leaned against him, knowing her own legs were not working
that well.

"OK Commander, take the point," Harm ordered. "Find us a house we can ask
for help."

They started off once more and Harm kept his long arm around her tightly,
matching his pace to hers.

"There I was right," Hunter screeched after they had crossed the bridge and
walked another half mile. "I knew I remembered that blue house with all the
stuff in the yard. See Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and the plastic
flamingos."

"Please let there be someone home," Harm breathed, giving his arm a hitch.
"Mac you're still with me right?"

"Barely" she managed. "Just tell me we don't have to walk any further."

"Just up the driveway and if there's a god someone is home" he sighed.

Hunter ran on ahead and Harm let out a long sigh of relief when he saw the
door to the home open.

"Thank god" he murmured. "Come on honey, just a little further."

They stumbled to the door of the home, arriving just as Hunter turned back
to them.

"They want us to go through the garage" Hunter directed. "Seeing as how
we're all covered in mud."

"We can do that" Harm nodded as he directed Mac towards the garage door,
which was now opening.

"Goodness what happened to her" an elderly lady exclaimed as she met them
in the garage.

"She hit her head when we slid off the road" Hunter answered. "We'd really
like to just use your phone and call for help."

"Well yes of course" she replied. "By the way I'm Bea and that's my sister
Claire who's peering out from the door there. Claire dear it's okay.
They're
military folk. And the young lady is hurt."

At those words Claire stepped out into the garage, looking carefully at the
trio.

"Bea I bet she could fit into some of my old things" Claire announced.
"That way she can get out of those wet clothes."

"If you could that we'd be most appreciative" Harm spoke up. "Is there a
phone we can use so we can call for someone to pick us up?"

"In the house" Bea replied. "But you'll need to get out of those wet and
muddy clothes first. I can't have you going through the living room like
this."

"This I want to see" Mac murmured.

"Me too honey" Bea smiled as she looked at Harm and Hunter. "Claire why
don't you take the young lady inside to use the shower there off the mud
room."

"What's your name dear?" Claire asked as she helped Mac inside.

"Sarah. And thank you for this."

"No problem dear" Claire said as they stopped at the mud room. "You can
strip down here and the shower's right inside there. I'll be back with
something for you to wear. Will you be okay in the shower? You're not too
dizzy are you?"

"I think I can manage" Mac said with a weak smile.

"Okay I'll be right back. Just yell if you need anything."

Mac had finished her shower by the time Claire returned with the clothes
and
a few minutes later was on the sofa wrapped in an afghan.

"I'll get you the phone so you can call since Bea won't let the boys in
until they get cleaned up" Claire informed her.

"Do you have something for them to wear as well?" Mac asked.

"Goodness no" Claire laughed. "Bea and I have lived here alone the past ten
years. Our husbands both passed away the same year. We gave all their stuff
away along time ago. But we can at least dry up their uniforms so they're
not sitting around soaking wet."

"Harm why don't you go on ahead" Hunter sighed when Bea informed them the
shower was now available.

"No you go ahead. I'll keep."

"Mac probably wants to see you first" Hunter countered.

"Would one of you just get moving," Bea said with a long look. "You're both
standing out here freezing for no good reason."

"Hunter go" Harm ordered.

"Yes sir" he said before following Bea inside.

"Is Mac okay?" Harm asked when Bea returned to the garage.

"Sarah you mean" Bea smiled. "Claire took good care of her. She's wrapped
up
nice and warm with a cup of tea."

"Thank you" Harm sighed. "We do appreciate it."

"You really do look like a freezing drowned rat there," Bea laughed.
"Sorry, but we so seldom get visitors out here I'm enjoying you."

"I'm just glad you were here for us and I thank you especially for looking
after Mac."

"That's no name for a girl you know," Bea laughed.

"Her choosing. Sarah of course is her real name, but she prefers Mac. Says
it helps to level the field with her and the men she works with."

Bea smiled and shrugged. "I guess I'm too old to understand that sort of
thing. Do you call her Sarah some?"

Harm actually blushed at that. "A couple times. When I do it. . .well it
should mean something. Something I'm trying to convey," he stammered and
gave a hard cough, wrapping his arms more tightly around himself.

"You hold that thought for a time when you're warmer," she told him, noting
he was shivering violently. "In fact let's have you go ahead and strip."

"Ma'am I can wait," he protested.

"Nonsense. Out of those clothes now. And let me have them. And no guff
either mister. I was married to the most cussed stubborn man on the face of
the planet and raised three of his boys with the same temperament. Couldn't
none of them face off with me and I'm not going to let you. Not to mention
you ain't got nothin' under those wet clothes I haven't seen a thousand times
and been unimpressed each time."

Her arms went out expectantly and Harm sheepishly began to undress, starting
with the buttons of his shirt. "You should meet my grandmother. You two
have a lot in common."

"I'd love to," she smiled, all the while holding her hands out for his
clothes. "OK now let's go check on the status of that shower and hope your
friend didn't use all the hot water."

"I'll kill him," he muttered, meekly following her, thankful his boxers were
only damp else she would have demanded them also.
================
Hunter emerged from the bathroom, having re-donned his own just slightly
damp boxers.

"Hunter there you are," Claire smiled. "Hang on a second and let me get you
a blanket not that the view is that bad."

Mac's head turned at her comment and she could not help a quick look herself.

"You see something you like Colonel?" he teased.

She blushed brightly, caught looking, and before she could answer, the door
to the mud room opened and Harm strode through, being urged along by a
determined Bea.

"I would have insisted we join you earlier if I had known there was going to
be a floor show," Bea laughed. "If I put on some music would you guys dance
and show it off?"

"Beatrice," Claire gasped.

"I managed a semester of my college doing that," Hunter admitted with a wry
laugh.

"Why am I not surprised," Harm murmured and Mac's eyes went to him. "Mac
you don't have to look. You've seen it before."

That drew the surprised gasp from Hunter he was expecting and Bea pushed him
toward the bathroom.

"Mac I thought you and he. . ." Hunter stammered and at Mac's raised eyebrow
clamped his hand to his mouth. "Ma'am I'm sorry. None of my business and
very out of line."

"At ease Commander. It's OK," she smiled, blushing even further as she
focused on his well-muscled chest. "But yes, my personal affairs. . .uh
business. . .is just that--personal."

Claire pressed a blanket around his shoulders, leaving a folded one next to
Mac. "For the other Adonis," she explained.

"Gladly changing the subject, how are you feeling?" he asked gratefully
wrapping in the blanket and dropping into a chair next to hers.

"The tea and the pill are helping a lot," she smiled. "Bless Claire for
having broken her ankle last winter and still having some pain medication
left."

"Harm was pretty upset over the whole thing," Hunter mused after a few
minutes. "I'm not sure I understand how he missed the turn off. Even in the
rain it was pretty easy to see."

"So I missed it. I'm sorry," Harm snapped from the doorway. "I didn't see
it OK. Now you know. My eyes just couldn't pick it out."

"Sir I'm sorry," Hunter gasped, embarrassed yet again. "I meant no
disrespect."

"Then you maybe should try to remember your place," he retorted.

"Harm that's really uncalled for," Mac said gently but firmly. "Power down
will you. Marine with a headache here, but more importantly, we're a team
working together here. I don't blame you for the accident. It was raining
and foggy and. . ."

"And I don't need you making excuses for me," he snapped again. "I didn't
see the road until it was too late and then I misjudged the turn and didn't
slow down. I screwed up OK. I screwed up and I'll face the consequences. I
already have to live with that you were hurt. Almost punishment enough."

Hunter started to speak and she silenced him with a wave of her hand,
holding that same hand out to Harm. "Stop ranting Commander and come sit
down. Please. It could have been a lot worse and you're looking like an
idiot in front of these nice ladies."

He said nothing as he made his way over to her, gratefully accepting the
blanket.

"Did anyone call to see when someone can come and get us?" Hunter asked.

"I talked to Captain Jacoby and he'll have someone out to get us shortly"
Mac informed him. "Hopefully by then your uniforms will have dried a bit."

"Drying as we speak" Bea told her. "Harm can I get you something? Some tea
maybe?"

"Thank you" he said quietly. "And I apologize for my earlier outburst."

"Quite all right" Bea smiled. "You've had a frustrating day. Just relax and
I'll be back with some tea for you."

She scurried off with Claire following and with a long sigh Harm leaned
back
against the sofa cushions and closed his eyes.

"You okay?" Mac asked softly, her hand gently touching his arm.

"Yeah peachy" he growled. "Totally F-ing peachy."

"Harm we're all all right so I wish you'd chill" Mac sighed. "It could have
been a lot worse and it wasn't."

"She's right Harm. Anyone not familiar with the area could have done the
same thing" Hunter spoke up.

Harm opened his mouth to speak and Mac promptly clamped a hand over it.

"Harm drop it. It's over and done with. Just let it go."

"Fine" he grumbled when she finally removed her hand.

"Here's some tea Harm" Bea said a minute later as she handed him the
steaming cup of liquid. "Drink up. You got pretty chilled out there."

"I'm fine" he sighed at Mac's questioning look. "You're the one who needs
to see the doctor when we get back to the base."

"Harm I don't need a doctor. I'm already starting to feel better now that
I'm warm and rested."

"You're still getting checked by the doctor when we get back."

"It probably wouldn't hurt" Hunter nodded. "Just to make sure you're really
okay."

"All right fine" Mac sighed. "I'll go. Just so I don't have to listen to
both of you."

"Glad you see it our way" Harm said with a small smile of satisfaction.

Bea had just returned with Harm and Hunter's uniforms when the jeep from
the base pulled up in the driveway.

"You two go get dressed" Mac smiled. "I'll let them know you'll be out in a
minute."

She couldn't help but watch as the two men quickly exited the living room
for the bedrooms, her gaze following both of them.

"You're a lucky lady Sarah" Claire smiled as she walked up behind her.
"Those two young men both like you."

Mac blushed as she hurried to the door to meet the Lieutenant who'd been
sent over from the base to pick them up.

"You okay ma'am?" he asked at once.

"I'm fine Lieutenant. My partners in crime will be out in just a minute.
Thank you for coming to get us."

"No problem. Was that your vehicle in the mud a ways back there?'

"Yes it was. Do you think you might be able to get it out?"

"We can try ma'am" the Lieutenant nodded.

"No we won't" Harm said as he walked out. "You're going back to the base
and
getting checked over by the doctor remember. We'll worry about getting out
here later for it."

"Harm we're this close to seeing Master Chief" she sighed. "It doesn't make
sense to go all the way back just to turn around and come back out here
after the doctor tells me I'm fine."

"Well we should let the doctor decide that" Hunter added as he joined the
group in the foyer. "Hey Riley. How you doing?"

"Not bad. Were you the one who lost the truck in the ditch?"

"No that was my smooth move" Harm sighed.

"Sorry sir" Riley said at once. "No disrespect meant there sir."

"At ease Lieutenant. If we're all ready, I'd like to get out of here before
we
cause these nice ladies anymore trouble."

"Oh no you've made it quite an enjoyable afternoon" Bea smiled. "We were
glad to help."

"Sarah you take good care of these men," Claire giggled and Bea poked her.

"Count on it," Mac grinned and playfully looped her arm in Harm's.

Riley looked around once they were all outside. "OK what's the plan sir,
ma'am?"

"She's going to get some medical attention," Harm spoke up. "Seeing the
Master Chief can wait."

"Harm. . ." She took a long look into his face, seeing the stubborn set of
his jawline. "OK I'm caving," she sighed. "Only because I'm tired and don't
feel like I'll give it my best shot."

"I have to agree with Harm anyway," Hunter nodded. "So we need to see about
getting the vehicle out of the ditch and get the Colonel back to the base."

"OK listen up," Harm spoke up firmly when Mac did not. "Lieutenant Riley,
please ensure that Colonel Mackenzie and Commander Reed are taken back to
Pax. Hunter make sure she gets a check up."
"No wait what are you going to do," Mac objected.

"I'm going to take a couple of these guys and get the SUV out of the mud,
since it's totally my fault it's there in the first place."

Again the firm set to his jaw made her sigh and shake her head. "Look let's
just get going. Harm I'll see you back at quarters then?"

"Yes, soon. Mr. Reed I'm making you responsible for getting her looked at."


"Yes sir," Hunter nodded, reaching his arm out for Mac, all too eagerly for
Harm's taste.

"I wish you were coming back with us," she said softly, her eyes on Harm.

"I feel like I need to do this," he told her. "We can have a late dinner
and talk."

"I'd like that," she smiled.

"Me too," Hunter grinned teasingly and Harm groaned.
==================
GUEST QUARTERS
Mac's Room
5 Hours Later

With the doctor's assurance that she was OK, and his instruction to simply
take it easy for the rest of the day, Mac had returned to her quarters and
enjoyed a nap, expecting Harm would be along shortly after she awoke. Now
with darkness outside there had been no word from him. Calls to his cell
went unanswered and he was not in his room, and she was growing alarmed.

She was about to call the Pax operator and attempt to locate Lt. Riley or
his unit to see if he had reported in when there was a light tapping at her
door.

"Harm thank god," she yelped as she flung it open.

"No sorry, only me," Hunter smiled. "I didn't hear from you guys and came
to see if you wanted to grab a pizza or something."

"I haven't heard from him," she replied, trying to keep her voice calm.

"And you're scared," Hunter smiled, sobering quickly when he realized
exactly how scared she was.

"I'm trying not to be," she sighed. "I'm sure he's OK, but still. . ."

"Well if you were that sure you wouldn't be so agitated here," Hunter chided
her gently, reaching for the phone. "Let me see what I can find out.
Riley's CO should know where he is or if he's reported in. You sit down.
The doctor did tell you to take it easy the rest of the day."

"Hunter I can't take it easy when Harm is in the woods or god knows where,"
she screeched. "What if they were trying to get that stupid vehicle out and
there was some kind of accident? Damn him for feeling like he had to do it
himself."

Hunter set the phone down and took firm hold of her arms, guiding her to a
chair. "Sit Colonel. If Harm comes back and finds you're not well it's
going to be my butt in the sling."

"I don't care about me" she moaned. "I want to know that Harm is okay."

"Mac I'll see what I can find out. But you need to chill now. And I know
you
outrank me but that's an order."

She nodded quietly and he started back to the phone. He'd dialed just a few
numbers when there was a knock at Mac's door. At once she leapt from the
chair to the door, flinging it open.

"Harm" she gasped when she saw him. He was once again covered in mud from
the waist down but it wasn't the mud that concerned her the most. It was the
look on his face that told her at once that something was wrong. "Harm what
it is? What happened?"

"Master Chief Kidwell is dead," he said soberly and both Mac and Hunter
gasped at his words.

"Dead?" Hunter repeated.

"I'm sorry" Harm continued as he leaned tiredly against the door jam.
"After
we got the truck out I decided to go see the Master Chief." He paused for a
moment and Mac gently reached a hand to his arm.

"Harm what happened to him?" she said quietly.

"It appears he committed suicide" Harm sighed. "Single gunshot to the head."

"NO" Hunter shouted. "There's no way Master Chief would do that."

"I'm sorry. Of course until the medical examiner still has to do the
autopsy. But from what I saw there wasn't much question as to what
happened."

"I still don't believe it" Hunter shook his head. "He wouldn't have done
something like that."

"Unless he did it because he knew he was guilty of causing those crashes"
Harm countered.

"You may believe that Commander but no way in hell do I" Hunter snapped. "I
knew the Master Chief. He was not responsible for what happened."

"Okay time out both of you" Mac interrupted.

"Look I'm sorry he's dead" Harm continued. "But the fact that he took his
own life should tell you something."

"I do not believe he took his own life" Hunter said quietly. "The man I
knew
would never do that."

"Well the medical examiner will let us know if they find anything
inconsistent with a suicide. Until then, I'm going to go with what I saw."
He let out a long sigh before looking over at Mac. "I hope you weren't
waiting for me for dinner."

"Of course I was," she said quietly. "I was worried about you. Why didn't
you call? I would have come out there with you."

"I know. And that's exactly why I didn't. You didn't need to see that."

"Neither did you. Not after what just happened."

"Yeah well I guess I'm just bad luck these days" Harm sighed. "Look I'm
sorry you waited for me for dinner. But to be honest right now I'm in no
mood to eat and I think I'm just going to crash after I get cleaned up."

"Harm you need to eat" she countered. "We'll wait while you take a shower."

"I'm not sure that's a good idea," Harm said as he looked over at Hunter.

"Look Commander, how would you react if someone told you someone you've
known for three years had suddenly committed suicide?"

"Probably like you have" Harm sighed. "But I'm just telling you what the
facts are."

"When you get all the facts from the medical examiner then I'll believe it"
Hunter said quietly. "But in the meantime, I'm entitled to my own opinion
just as you are."

"I can live with that" Harm nodded.

"Harm go get showered and changed and then we'll all go grab a pizza" Mac
said softly.

"Mac honestly I'm not in the mood to hang out right now" Harm sighed.

"I know and that's why I'm not leaving you alone. That's the last thing you
need to be right now. Now go get showered."

"Mac" he groaned as he pushed himself away from the door.

"Harm you're coming. Now move it sailor."

She reached up to his shoulder to give him a gentle turn towards his
quarters. At once he let out a loud gasp of pain and Mac instantly removed
her hands.

"Harm what is it?" she demanded. "What's wrong?"

"Oh just another part of what's been a real gem of a day," he muttered. "I
wrenched or bruised or something in my shoulder pushing the SUV out of the
ditch."

"And what have you done about it, oh person who insisted my head get
attention?"

"Oh god yeah what happened with that? Are you OK?" His own pain was
forgotten in his renewed concern for her.

"Just a bump, nothing to be concerned about," she told him, at the same time
trying to pull his jacket from him.

"Mac if we're going to do this, we should get rid of the child first," he
sighed, gesturing to Hunter.

"You don't do cute well Commander," she scolded. "Let me see. And I say
again did you get this looked at?"

"Pass on the showing it off thank you, also on the doctor. It's nothing
that won't heal itself. Now I'm going to that shower, and then we'll discuss
pizza. I really think you two should just go though. I'm going to be rotten
company."

"Harm. . .I'm not going without you. I don't think you should be by
yourself right now."

"OK let me just get cleaned up and maybe I'll be more of a mood. But right
now, well after my client and now Kidwell. . ." His expression took on a
haunted look and she stepped forward, carefully wrapping his arms around his
middle.

"You're not alone here Harm."

"Thanks," he sighed, giving her an extended hard hug in return. "I'll come
back soon as I can get these layers of mud off me."

Mac took hold of his good arm to walk him to his door, Hunter watching from
the doorway to her room.

"You care so much about him," Hunter told her softly when she returned. "I
just hope he appreciates what he has in you."

"He's had me for a very long time," she replied. "But I'm not sure it's
ever going to come about."

"Because?"

She shrugged helplessly. "You know if I knew the answer to that I'd know
better how to resolve it."

Hunter put his arm around her shoulders and led her back into her room. "If
it's right it will work out you know."

"And if it doesn't will you be standing in the wings?" she teased.

"I could be--if you'd want," he replied solemnly.

She shook her head, leaning lightly into his shoulder. "I probably could
want, but right now everything is pretty complicated."

"I knew that word would come up," he grinned.

"Why doesn't a hot Flyboy like yourself have someone already?" she
challenged. "Or do you just go from one to the other anyway? Lt. White for
example."

"That was a mistake and a bad one," he admitted as they sat down. "She
actually scares me. Both personally and professionally."

"Are you questioning her skills as a RIO?"

"I'm saying she's not someone I ever intend to entrust with my life again,"
he scowled.

"OK there's probably a story there but we can table that. How about other
times in your life?"

"Once. Her name was Katie."

"And?" Mac prompted.

"And I don't talk about her," he said, his tone indicating he would not be
swayed.

"Okay we won't. Sorry for asking."

"Look Katie is a part of my past I'd rather forget ever happened. Let's just
leave it at that. And I'm just tired and hungry and a bit cranky and I'm
sorry if I'm a bit snappy."

"It's okay. I shouldn't be prying."

"No you're not prying you're just asking questions. And I'm just over
sensitive when it comes to Katie."

"I can relate. I have a few Katie's in my past."

"You do?" he laughed. "I wish you'd told me that sooner Colonel."

"You know what I mean" Mac laughed as well. "You know you're really a piece
of work Mr. Hunter."

"I aim to please" he smiled. "Now if you partner would get his six in gear
we could eat sometime tonight."

"Cut him a little slack would you?" Mac said quietly. "His client on the
case before this committed suicide. He's had a rough week on top of turning
thirty nine."

"I am. But there's no way that the Master Chief committed suicide. And I'll
prove it myself if I have to."

"Harm's just going with what he saw. If that wasn't the case, the coroner
will tell us and we'll start looking at new suspects. Though honestly I
don't know where we'll begin."

"You had the Chief on your list of suspects?" Hunter asked.

"At the top to be honest" Mac admitted. "He had motive and opportunity when
it came to Grady. Bell was a bit more of a stretch."

"He wasn't the one behind this" Hunter said seriously. "I'd stake my life on
it."

"Well I'd rather you didn't. Hopefully Harm and I will figure out who's
behind this before anything else happens."

"You worried about me?" he smiled.

"I'd rather not see anything happen to you" Mac said softly. "I told you I'm
getting used to you Mr. Hunter."

"Yeah and if Mr. Rabb wasn't your partner I might stand a better chance
huh?"

"Mr. Rabb is my partner and a very good friend but that is all at the
moment" Mac reminded him. "We have no commitments."

"That's what you say" Hunter smiled. "I think the Commander has a little
different thought on that."

Before she could reply there was a knock at her door and moments later she
let Harm in.

"How's the shoulder?" she asked.

"Hurts like hell but I'll live" he sighed. "Honestly all I want to do is
grab some food and then fall into bed."

"Harm you really should have that looked at" she fretted. "What if you've
sprained something?"

"Mac it'll be fine in the morning. And I'm sure Hunter would rather grab
dinner than sit at the infirmary for a few hours."

"Whatever the lady wants to do" Hunter replied. "But she's right. You should
have that looked at just in case."

"Dinner and then we'll see how it's doing" Harm countered.

"I can see what you two have in common" Hunter sighed. "You're both stubborn
as hell."

"That's one thing" Mac smiled. "And on that note, I think we should go find
dinner. Pizza okay with everyone?"

"Fine with me" Harm nodded.

"I know a great little Italian place that serves a pretty good pizza,"
Hunter added. "They have other stuff if you're not in the mood for pizza."

A half-hour later the hostess of the restaurant led them to a booth in the
back. For a second Hunter and Harm both stood back as Mac slid in first,
neither wanting to make the first move to sit next to her.

"Are you two just going to stand there?" she laughed.

"Uh go ahead Hunter" Harm said awkwardly. "You can sit next to Mac. I'll sit
on the other side."

"Sure whatever you say," Hunter said as he sat down next to Mac. "I have no
problem sitting next to this beautiful woman."

"Of course not" Harm murmured inaudibly while he studied the menu.

"Harm I want to know what the coroner finds out about the Master Chief"
Hunter spoke up. "Because the more I think about it, there's no way the man
committed suicide."

"And why is that?" Harm sighed as he looked up at Hunter.

"Because he wouldn't do that. He had a lot of plans ahead of him. The
business he was going to open when he retired. There's just no way he killed
himself."

"Reed can we drop this for tonight" Harm sighed as he absently rubbed his
aching shoulder. "It's been a helluva few days."

"Sure of course," Hunter agreed readily. "But he didn't. . .OK shutting up
now."

"Thank you," Harm sighed, wincing as he lifted a piece of pizza from the pan
and tried to cajole it with the other hand onto his plate. Mac saw his
distress and rescued the piece at once before it could hit his lap. "Thanks.
So Hunter you're pending retraining and reassignment?"

"Yes sir. I'm hoping for a carrier, no surprise there."

"None," Harm nodded, careful to keep any gloating out of his voice. This man
would soon be gone out of his life---and Mac's.

"In fact I'm more than a little surprised and relieved," he sighed. "See I
have a sub specialty in public affairs and I was afraid they were going to
have me doing press releases for the base softball team someplace."

"They wouldn't dare," Mac grinned. "Once a Flyboy. . ."

"Not so," Harm sighed, remembering his own experience on the Henry, something
which she picked up on at once and hastily covered his hand with hers.
"Unless they're going through the window God opened once He closed a door."
=================
320AM
BOQ Guest Quarters

"Mac?" The word plus a corresponding knock on her door drove deeply into her
sleep fogged mind. She knew as soon as she became semi-conscious it was not
time to get up. Even without her internal clock, the dark room told her that.

"Mac it's Harm. I'm sorry. But I need help."

Those words brought her mind to full alertness even if her body was hesitant
to follow, making her stumble across the floor, half tangled in bed covers.
"Harm what's wrong," she demanded as she opened the door, getting her answer
as soon as she turned on the light and saw his pain filled face and the way
he gripped his shoulder with his good arm.

"OK Sailor looks like you're ready for the ER," she gasped. "Get in here
while I get dressed. And I am going to say I told you so but I'll hold it
for when you're better able to take it. Hurts doesn't it?"

"Oh yeah. This has to be more than a bruise." He leaned back against the
wall, declining a chair for being too hard to get up once he was down.
=======================
PAX RIVER NAS Infirmary
1 Hr Later

"More than a bruise is absolutely right Commander," the doctor on duty said
quietly, looking up at his Xray.

"Well I thank you for making it stop hurting whatever it is," Harm sighed,
referring to the IV dripping into his hand, a hand that Mac was holding as
she stood beside his gurney.

"You sure you weren't playing football and got tackled? This is a classic
shoulder separation, like if 300 pounds of defensive lineman plowed into you."

"Actually it was several hundred pounds or so of steel--an SUV stuck in the
mud. I pushed it, and it rolled back and clipped me," Harm admitted, feeling
Mac's hand tighten.

"I should not have let you go out there," she whispered.

"It was my fault, and my job to make right," he hissed back.

"Well whatever," Dr. Kennedy sighed. "But for the next little while you
won't be using it. You write with this arm?"

Harm shook his head, already scowling at the prognosis.

"Good thing. Just don't be planning anything that needs two hands for the
next few weeks. One of my associates will be along to be sure you're
comfortable for the procedure."

"Excuse me? Just what are you doing to me, which by the way I'm pretty
attached to this arm."

"I'm sure, and that's why you'll be good as new as soon as all that heals."

As soon as they were alone, Harm turned to Mac, a baleful expression on his
face. "Would shooting me be totally out of the question?"

"Hell no. If I had my weapon I'd use it now in retaliation for you not
getting this tended to hours ago. Of course then I'd use it on myself for
letting you get away with not."

"I'm sorry," he whispered, in such a little boy tone she could not help but
feel a wave of sympathy and she kissed his forehead.

"It really has been a rotten few days for you hasn't it."

"Well I've had worse I guess but this stretch has to number in the top five."


Their conversation was cut short as the nurse came in and added a drug to his
IV line, which about the time the door closed, he was feeling the effects.
"Try to relax Sailor. You're not alone in this--or any other problem," she
reminded him.

"Thank you for that," he sighed, his eyes closing.

TO BE CONTINUED...