Handling It Chapters 16-20

Chapter Sixteen

0900 EST

JAG Headquarters

Falls Church, VA

Mac was beginning to feel claustrophobic with everyone coming up to her and asking her about the experience. Harm, true to his form, had asked everyone in a very polite way to give her some space and had returned to his office when he heard his phone ringing. The weekend had gone great, they were able to pick out the nursery furniture and Mac and his mother had decided that they were going to do the wall decorations that would go with what Harm had picked out for the nursery.

The phone call was the daycare confirming that Mackenzie was enrolled. He had forgotten that since his parents were in town that they were going to take care of the girls until they went back to California, but informed the daycare that Mackenzie would be starting next week instead of this week. He then looked down at the file on his desk, the case Admiral Jonas wanted him and Mac to work on. He opened up the file folder and realized that this was going to be a rough case for Mac. He looked down at his watch and realized that he was going to be late for the staff meeting.

He went to the conference room and took his seat next to Mac. She gave him a smile. Mac handed out the newest cases and the admiral adjourned the meeting.

“Colonel Mackenzie and Commanders Rabb and Turner, I would like to see you three in my office now.”

They stood at attention in the admiral’s office. “At ease. Colonel, it is nice to see that you are almost back to 100%.”

“Thank you sir. I am glad to be back.”

“A case has been brought to my attention that is going to strike at the heart of this office. The terrorist uprising a week ago was helped by an American naval officer, a Lieutenant Ali Aslambad. He was a Muslim chaplain, and he was caught by a CIA agent last Thursday of giving information to the prisoners about the layout of the camp, and telling them our positions. He was not the only one involved, there were several more prisoners that we had detained that were UA military service members Corporal Regins, Corporal Jenkins, and Corporal. Mineras they will all be tried together. There are a total of four that will be prosecuted. Regins, Jenkins, and Mineras all attended the services of Aslambad. It is believed that after services, they cooked up plans to sell our troops positions to the enemy. I want Commander Rabb, you sit first chair, Commander Turner sit second for the prosecution,” the admiral started.

“Sir, I…” Colonel Mackenzie started off saying.

“Colonel, hear me out. You will be called as a witness considering you were at the camp. I understand you were suspicious of activities concerning the Lieutenant. You are a witness to the uprising. Do you remember the faces of the men who attacked you?”

“Yes sir.”

The admiral pulled out the pictures of the other men involved. Mac gasped when she saw the third picture, and felt the bile begin to arise in her throat. The truth would come out eventually. The man that attacked her and beat her was an American. “Permission to be dismissed.”

“Permission granted Colonel.” Mac saluted and left the room to collect her thoughts. Harm paled and clenched his fists.

“Commander Rabb, if you feel that you cannot keep your personal feelings out of this case, than I will reassign you.”

“Who is defending?”

“The SecNav has assigned two people from the Pacific office, a Captain Allison Krennick and her partner Commander Don Johnson. He wanted to assign different people to prosecute outside this office, however I drew the line at that. I have the best team of people here.”

“Thank you for the vote of confidence Admiral.” Commander Turner said, “Commander Rabb and I will bring down these traitors.”

The two commanders stood at attention and saluted when they heard the admiral say dismissed.

“Harm, you sit first chair on this one, but if there is any reason why,” Turner started on his friend.

“Sturgis, I think I can deal with this. I can especially handle Captain Krennick. I am going to bring those bastards down.”

“I am going to start with the legwork. Find some men who will testify to the identities of these men and what they were like, then I have court. I think you need to go talk to her.” Sturgis left Harm standing in the middle of the bullpen. Harm started to walk to Mac’s office. It was around lunchtime. It was time for her to eat.

Harm heard the unmistakable sound of her getting sick in her office. He waited a couple more minutes for her to get settled. He knocked on her door and waited.

“Enter.”

“Mac,” He walked through the door, he saw her slam a piece of paper down on the desk.

Chapter 17

“Power down Marine. I’m glad you have your old spunk back, but there is not need to be angry at a piece of paper.” He said trying to lighten the mood.

Mac looked at Harm. “I find out that men who are Americans beat me into unconsciousness, and now this.” She thrust a piece of paper at him. He read it, and some recognition spread across his features. “I was going through my mail, since I have been out of the office for nearly a month. I was trying to clear off my desk when I saw this letter.”

Harm read it aloud. “Miss Mackenzie: This will be in the news, and it will be better if you are braced. There have been several thefts of our client’s sperm/eggs. Our records have indicated that it has been your eggs have been stolen. We are very sorry about this. If you have any questions, please contact our office.” Harm seemed very puzzled by the idea of things. Why was she storing eggs? Why was she getting sick in her office?

“I’m sure you have questions Harm.”

“You will tell me when you want. Let’s go to lunch, we will talk about anything you want.”

Harm led her away from the office. He realized everything was falling on to Mac so quickly, and he wished that he could take away her pain. He got her take out from Fu’s House of Noodles and took her to a park.

“What do you need to talk about?”

“Harm, last year, when Clay recruited me to go to Paraguay, I went to the fertility clinic for options just in case I got injured. I decided then to store my eggs. I wanted to make sure that one day I could have a family. So that one day, we might make good on our five year deal.”

“Mac, you don’t have to explain to me.”

“I need to talk this out, having a family is important to me. After Paraguay, I went to the hospital for a routine physical, and I found out that I may have a condition that may leave me to never have children, PCOS,” she stated, “but it hasn’t gotten to that point yet. Clay never wanted a family, and that is something we fought about. I meant everything I said at your custody hearing about Mattie,” she said, and then needing a change in topic, “Where are you and Sturgis at with the case?”

“Mac,” Harm started to want to comfort her, but she stopped him. “Sturgis is doing the legwork. Once we know what we are looking at, I am going to question witnesses while my mom and Frank are in town, I am flying out to the carrier. If it is more than two days, Sturgis will come out. I want to be in town for Mackenzie’s doctor’s appointment. Since I just got her, I want to make sure that she is developing right, and is up to date on her shots.”

“I want to be part of the witness list. And before you try to protect me Harm, the jury of our peers needs to know what those people did to me. Harm, you need to know why I believe the prisoners started uprising. There was abuse happening in the camp between interrogator and prisoners. I saw the signs, and was planning on reporting it, but then all this happened. I wanted to tell Admiral Jonas but I …”

“Mac, I know, those men over there who did this to you don’t deserve to be treated any better, some do deserve torture. I will think about putting you on the witness list, and just for the record, abuse will be brought up in court because it was SOP for the CIA. I have to get going. Unfortunately, you know my questioning style, and I know Krennick’s. This is why I don’t want you on the witness list, but you will be on it per your wishes. She is going to be working on destroying your reputation.”

“Harm, I think I can handle a blast from the past. Just promise me you will be careful when you go out there.”

“I will be. If the abuse is worse, then I will report it.”

They strolled back into the office after lunch. Sturgis was waiting for him in the conference room, and Coates had his flight information. “Harm, here is a list of people who have known the defendants. It will only take two days tops. I will be down with the Murray court marshal with closing arguments tomorrow, so then my time can be spent entirely on this case.”

They worked until the end of the day. Harm had made plans to meet his parents at the house.

1395 Kalmia Drive

1745 EST

Harm was the first one at the house. The kitchen had been finished during the day. He marveled at how much work had been done. He ran his hands over the countertops, the kitchen had turned our marvelously.

“Dad.”

“In the kitchen Mattie.”

“Is Mac here?”

“No, she needed to be alone tonight. She said she needed time to think. It was a draining day. I told her where I would be though.”

“What’s going on Harm.” His mother asked.

He picked up Mackenzie who had been reaching for him. She snuggled into his chest, and held on to him for dear life. “Hey wiggle worm. I missed you too. I know you got used to having Daddy around, but Daddy has to leave for a two days.”

“Dad, No! We are supposed to move in this weekend. Nothing ever goes as planned, and something always happens.”

“Mattie, I promise I will be home by Friday. Your grandmother and grandfather are here to take care of you and Mackenzie. I am just going to pick up some witnesses for an upcoming trial.”

“Where are you going?” Mattie asked, almost timidly.

“To the Gulf, maybe a prison in Iraq to question some guards.”

Mattie ran out the backdoor and stood by the pool which was filling with water.

Harm handed Mackenzie to his mom. “I need to go talk with her. She has never freaked like this before.”

“Harm, before here was a real possibility that her and Tom would be reunited. Now, you are her father, and you have another daughter. Her life is perfect now,” Frank explained to him.

“Thanks for the insight Frank.”

Harm walked out to the pool. “Hey kiddo.”

“Daddy, Mac was hurt real bad over there. My friend’s brother died. Uncle Bud stepped on a landmine and lost his leg. What if you don’t come back?”

“Oh, baby. I am not going to lie. There are things that go on in this world that are bad. You know it, and I know it. Your mom getting taken away from you was really bad, and now you are afraid I am going to be taken from you.”

“Yeah.”

“I can’t promise I won’t be taken from you, but I promise I will try my hardest. I love you, Mattie. I love you guys so much that I know I don’t want to leave and miss out on any moment of your life. I want to be there for your first date with my gun out, I want to watch you graduate, and I will, but this is a part of military life. Honey it is only two days. We are lucky for that, it could have been longer. I leave tonight, and come back Friday morning. I will be here when we move on Saturday. Mattie, I want you to understand that even though we aren’t a conventional family, you have a family. Mac, me, Mackenzie, your grandparents, and the family at Jag will all be there for you. You will never be alone.”

“Mattie, your grandparents want to see you.” Mac said from behind him.

Mattie gave her dad a kiss and walked inside. “How long have you been standing there?”

“I heard it all. I didn’t mean to ease drop.”

“I’m glad you heard.”

“I would ask you not to go, but I know it’s your job. Harm, I know you have always seemed bulletproof, but what are these kids what am I going to do if something were to happen?”

He saw the longing in her eyes, and couldn’t figure out what to say. “Nothing is going to happen right now. I am going to nail these people though. As you said, it is my job. Mac, while I am gone, keep an eye on Mattie for me. I meant what I said about everyone being a family. You are as much as part of this family as I am.”

“Harm,” Mac started to say. He stopped her though.

“I need to go pack now. Have dinner with my parents, and give my baby a big kiss for me. In case anything does happen, I had my will revised a couple of months ago after I took custody of Mattie, now that includes Mackenzie. I want you to raise the kids, that is if you will.”

“I will.”

Harm walked inside and said his goodbyes. Mackenzie started crying immediately when she realized that her dad would once again be leaving without her. Everyone could see that this was the first time that Harm really didn’t want to leave to go overseas.

Chapter 18

1430 EST

Mac’s Apartment

Mac walked back into her apartment after only working a half day at Jag. The new admiral learned as quickly as Admiral Chegwidden that breaking up this team was probably a bad idea. Mac did her work, but he noticed that she barked at anyone who seemed to be in her way. There was more to this duo then friendship he sensed, and the Colonel’s bad mood had to gone from bad to worse when he told her she couldn’t help with the case against considering she was going to be a witness. He sent her home after lunch trying to save the rest of the crew from a Harm-less Colonel Mackenzie.

She sat down on her couch and tried to calm down after the day she had. She was going to meet Harm’s parents for dinner, but she was just having that bad of a day. Just as she settled in for a much needed nap, the phone started ringing. Hoping it was Harm she ran for the phone she had left in the kitchen.

“Hello?” Mac said into the receiver.

“May I speak to a Lieutenant Colonel Sarah Mackenzie?”

“Speaking.”

“Colonel Mackenzie, this is Lieutenant Blumenthal from Bethesda Medical Center. I believe you should take a seat.”

“Lieutenant, is there something wrong with my lab work ups?” She said feeling very apprehensive.

“Something along those lines. I have an interesting case on my hands. A year ago, your eggs were stolen from a clinic not far from here. I understand that the clinic sent out letters informing the victims of this crime. However, apparently, your eggs were not stolen by the same person.”

“Oh my God.” Mac said beginning to comprehend what was being told to her. When Mac had received the letter that her eggs had been stolen, she was upset, but at least she could think that her eggs weren’t being used. Now there was a real possibility that it was used.

“I saw you talking to Commander Rabb when you were here weeks ago, and I am fairly certain that you two know each other. There is no easy way of saying this, but there was a DNA match with your DNA to his daughter’s.”

Mac sank down from the couch and found herself on the floor. “Have you already informed the Commander of this?”

“Well, this is a very different type of case. I did not want to divulge this information without your consent considering the ramifications of what this means. If you give your consent, then I will call him immediately,” the Lieutenant stated.

“That will not be necessary. I will inform the Commander myself after this case is over.”

“You know best Colonel.”

Mac hung up the receiver to digest everything that was told to her. She looked at a picture that Mattie had given to her of Harm, Mattie, Mackenzie, and her all together in the park. There were so many things to figure out now. Harm hadn’t tried anything since their date, and she wasn’t sure if he wanted her anymore. Sure, they had spent time together, but no time alone, the kids were always around. She was also a little disappointed that there hadn’t been any more romantic overtures on his part for the last couple of weeks. Was he already done with her?

She turned on the TV to try to calm her thoughts. It had been flipped to ZNN. She saw an explosion happen in Iraq. She closed her eyes and began to do something she hadn’t done in a long time and prayed.

Chapter Nineteen

1730 Local Time

USS Georgetown

Arabian Sea

First Night on the USS Georgetown

Harm arrived on board and immediately went up to see the Captain. The bridge was relatively empty since it was dinner time, Stuart Dunston, the report was also on the bridge talking to the Captain. “Commander Rabb reporting as ordered sir.”

“At ease Commander. Welcome aboard the Georgetown. I wish it was underneath more pleasant of circumstances.”

“Me and you both Captain.”

“We have acquired the men you had asked for. They will be at your beck and call.”

Harm started to yawn the time difference was really bothering him, and right now it was time for Mackenzie to go to sleep. “Is the excitement of the ship to boring for you, or are we boring you that much Commander?”

“Sorry sir, tired from the travel.” Just then an ensign walked into the bridge.

“Captain, there is a shore-to-ship phone call for Commander Rabb. It’s the JAG.”

“You can take it up here Commander.”

He walked over to the phone, wondering what his CO needed he addressed him. “Admiral Jonas, sir?” He heard Mackenzie wailing in the background. “Is Mackenzie okay?”

“Apparently Rabb she really needs her father. I have her because I sent Colonel Mackenzie on assignment to Norfolk, and your step-father had an emergency with the NY branch of his company. I insisted I could watch Mackenzie until the Colonel got back, but she won’t calm down.”

“Put her on speaker phone, and I will sing to her real quick.” He heard the phone click over.

Daddy's little girl paints the world with her magic wand
Daddy's little child breathes new life to the morning time for me
Though we're apart, her thoughts follow me
When I come home, Mackenzie smiles with the dawn
Mackenzie smiles, and she radiates the glow around her halo
When she plays, Mackenzie smiles
On a summer day, Mackenzie smiles
A new day, Mackenzie smiles

Daddy's little girl ties a ribbon around my heart
Daddy's little child waves goodbye to the ocean tide that sweeps me
Though we're apart, she's a part of me

Mackenzie smiles with the dawn
Mackenzie smiles and she radiates the glow around her halo
When she plays, Mackenzie smiles
On a summer day, Mackenzie smiles
A new day, Mackenzie smiles

When I come home, Mackenzie smiles with the dawn
Mackenzie smiles and she radiates the glow around her halo
When she plays, Mackenzie smiles
On a summer day, Mackenzie smiles
A new day, Mackenzie smiles

When the days have gone grey,
Nothing's wrong when Mackenzie smiles

The Captain had a hard time stifling his laughter. The man who had ice water running through his veins, and who could play tag with a dirty nuke was singing on his bridge.

“Sorry about the inconvenience Admiral.”

“Well Rabb, you definitely have the touch when it comes to her. Make sure you get back here in one piece.” With that the Admiral hung up the phone.

The Captain walked up to Harm. “Well Commander, first time away?”

“Actually, my fifteen year old is used to it, my almost five month old I think is experiencing separation anxiety.”

“Why is she with the JAG?” Harm went into the long drawn out explanation of it.

Dunston sat back and listened quietly. “So Rabb, what you are telling me is that you are a victim of the thefts at that clinic.”

“Apparently so Dunston.”

“This would make a great story.”

“Don’t even try this time Dunston. I got fired last year from the CIA because of your little news story.”

“Well Rabb, it seemed to work out for the best this time around didn’t it.” Dunston fired back.

“You’re the man who landed the C-130 on the deck of the Pat? Now I know why you sounded so familiar to me.” The captain said with dawning occurring.

The XO turned to him, “Harm was a hard SOB while we were at the Academy together. I wouldn’t make fun of the man that has ice running through his veins even though he has a tender spot for his newly acquired 5 month old. That man played tag with a dirty nuke and saved my life, as well as everyone aboard the Seahawk for that one. First DFC for saving Admiral Boone, second DFC for pushing a disabled Tomcat out of hostile territory, and a third for playing tag with that dirty nuke, isn’t that right Harm.”

“Sure is Stemple,” Harm said looking at his old academy buddy. “If I may be excused now, I will go interview my witnesses.”

“Dismissed.” Harm saluted and left to grab dinner and to do his job.

“God, why is he not flying full time?” Dunston wondered aloud.

“Damn, we sure didn’t think when we let him go.” Stemple mused.

The investigation took two days, but the transport took a whole day with stops in Germany. But Harm was getting back to the States. He was excited to see his girls again. How he really did miss those smiles that would light up his entire world, because he knew he was their entire world.

The witnesses were prepped, and their stories corroborated the theory. Harm wanted to end this trial fast so Mac could get on with the rest of her life. He didn’t want her to have to relive any of the pain and torture that she had endured. He had seen her battered, bruised, and broken in body. Her spirit though was another matter. Since the day he saw her outside the lab in Bethesda he knew that the Marine in her would prevail. He was glad though that she finally realized that he wasn’t going anywhere soon. He wanted to make sure that Mac was herself again when he told her how he felt, how he wanted to date her properly, and how he wanted to do this relationship right.

He had called his mother to let him know he was on his way. His mother and Frank planned to stay until they were settled in their new home, and would make their way back to California. He was happy for all of their help, without them, he wouldn’t have been able to handle everything alone. As he made his way to the baggage claim he felt a huge thud as he was almost tackled to the ground.

“Dad! You made it home.” He saw his teenager propel herself at him.

“I promised didn’t I?”

“Yeah. But on the news there were more stories about bombings, and I didn’t hear from you. But Granddad said you were coming home, that you had enough sense not to wander around in a war zone.”

“Oh Mattie, I will always try to come home to you.”

When Mattie realized that Harm wasn’t going anywhere, she let him go, and began rambling about the new house. She told him that the furniture for her bedroom, the nursery, and the rest of the house was going to be delivered. She couldn’t wait to finally have everything she always wanted. Mattie had decided to surprise her dad by having the boxes labeled and ready to be packed so they could pack fairly quickly. All they had to do was to finish packing, and then they would be ready to move the next day. When they finally made it to the rest of the family, Mackenzie reached out for her daddy.

“DA!”

“Ah, you didn’t forget me did you baby?” He brushed his finger against her cheek. He turned to his mother and Frank. “Thanks for watching the kids for me. I really appreciate it.”

“Harm, we are their grandparents, we wouldn’t think of it otherwise.”

He was looking around for Mac, and realized that she was no where to be found. Frank saw him looking around, “Harm, she tried to get away from work today, but couldn’t. She said to tell you though she wanted you to see you when you get to work after Mackenzie’s appointment.”

“Thanks Frank.”

They dropped Mattie off at work so she could at least work most of the day at the camp, and then took Mackenzie to her check up. As they were leaving Bethesda, he saw Lieutenant Blumenthal. He stopped to address them.

“Lieutenant Blumenthal, let me introduce my parents, Trish and Frank Burnett.”

“Pleased to meet you. Commander, I just wanted to let you know that we have found Mackenzie’s biological mother. She said she would get in contact with you.”

Harm, who secretly wished that Mackenzie’s birth mother wouldn’t be found, was a little frightened at the thought that someone might try to take his angel away from him. He held the girl a little tighter. “Commander, I hope I didn’t bring you any unpleasant news.”

“Thank you for the update Lieutenant.” Harm left the lieutenant standing in the middle of the hallway. He strapped Mackenzie in her car seat and dropped his parents off. He said he needed to spend some quality time with his daughter.

1100 EST

JAG Headquarters

Falls Church, VA

Harm walked into the office with Mackenzie on his arm. She squealed with delight when she saw Admiral Jonas. Harm gave Mackenzie a half-hearted smile.

“Commander, a word with you in my office.”

“Aye, Aye.” Harm followed the admiral into his office. He handed Mackenzie over to Coates, “Coates.”

“No need to explain sir. Besides, what good is having a surrogate daughter if you can’t do stuff like this.”

He stood at attention in front of the admiral. “Sorry sir, I know I should have dropped Mackenzie off at the daycare.”

“Don’t worry yourself about that Rabb. At ease. Me and Mackenzie came to a little understanding when I was babysitting for Colonel Mackenzie while you were abroad,” He pulled out a little toy, “This keeps her really happy, I discovered. What did you find while questioning the troops?”

“There was scuttlebutt around the camps that these men were sympathizers. When I heard this, I immediately called Commander Turner to put a trace on any email or phone records that could tie these men to those claims.”

“How do you plan on proceeding?”

“I plan on charging them with articles 81, 84, 85, 87, 93, 132, and 133. We are ready to proceed as soon as possible.”

“I concur with you. Make the big ones stick. As I have said before, I know that I haven’t been here very long at all, but there is something bothering you.”

“It’s personal sir.”

“Concerning?”

“They have found Mackenzie’s biological mother, and whereas I can be really happy, I am worried that the woman may want custody of her. But my first, and foremost priority right now is this case.”

“The reassurance was definitely needed Commander. Spend time with your daughter, but try not to cause an uproar in the office. Dismissed Commander.”

Harm saluted and turned briskly on his heel, and went towards Mac’s office. He saw Mac with Mackenzie. He smiled, he wished that Mackenzie was really hers. He stood in the doorway and watched Mackenzie grab for the rattle. Mac sensing there was someone behind her turned around, “Hey there sailor. I was teaching Mackenzie to think like at marine.”

He clutched his hand over his heart, “My baby, a marine?? Never!”

“How was the trip Stickboy?”

“Well, it looks like I will be able nail these bastards.”

“Good.”

Mackenzie looked up at her father, and reached for him. “Hey baby. Are you ready for lunch?” She gurgled, and Mac’s stomach began to growl, “It sounds like the both of you are ready for lunch.”

“Well, you get to go change her, and I will make the bottle in the break room.” Mac told him.

“Why do I get to do the dirty work?”

“Because she wants you, she adores you, and loves you,” Mac answered back. Harm looked at her, and got this sad smile on his face.

“You know Mac, everything seems so perfect, and now, it might be all ripped away.”

“Harm, you can’t think like that. It doesn’t work to be pessimistic. Let’s go have a nice lunch with that adorable little girl of yours, and then lets get you packed after we get done with work.”

“Sounds like a plan Mac.” He gave Mac a hug. “I know I haven’t been around lately, and I might be giving you mixed signals, running hot and cold, but Mac, I wouldn’t be able to do things without you, and I wanted you to know that. I want to do this relationship right. I know that both of us have things we have to work through right now, so I have a suggestion. I told you I would go as slow as you needed, just let me know though if we are crawling.”

Mac just squeezed him some more. At least she knew where he was coming from, and at least now she knew he was feeling overwhelmed by everything. She knew she could help him by telling him that she was Mackenzie’s biological mother, but still felt like it was best if she waited until after the trial. She needed time to adjust. So much happened to her the past year, she knew it would only take a little for the bough to break. The last thing they needed was a mistrial to happen due to a slip up on their parts.

She watched him change Mackenzie on his desk. It was amazing how well they took to each other, it was like he had known about Mackenzie her entire life. She went to pick up Mackenzie as he grabbed her baby bag. To any normal person looking at them, the eye would have detected a perfectly happy family.

Chapter Twenty

0900 EST
1395 Kalmia Drive

King George, VA

It was finally moving day. It’s not like Mattie could have let Harm forget about it. She had woken him up at 0600 asking when it would be time to go. They had moved everything into the U-Haul the night before that they wouldn’t need in the morning so Jen could get started moving her stuff into the “bachalorette pad” as she like to call it. Jen would miss having Mattie as a roommate, but they knew there would be plenty of sleepovers, especially with a baby in the big house.

Harm had only asked Sturgis and Bud over to help with the move, but much to his surprise, AJ Chegwidden was there, along with Admiral Jonas, Mikey Roberts, Clayton Webb, and a few others from Jag.

Harm walked up to them and greeted each of them.

“Sirs, you didn’t have to come.” He said addressing both retired Admiral Chegwidden and Admiral Jonas.

“Of course I had to come Harm,” AJ said, “I needed to see the young woman who has finally gotten you to settle down. Besides, Mac called, and as her surrogate father, I wanted to make sure that no-one would be over working her.”

“Well, Mac should be coming anytime now with Mackenzie and Mattie. Her and my parents decided to bring everyone breakfast. I hope they had the right count.”

Admiral Jonas looked up, “Well I decided to come Rabb, because between you and me, I wanted to make sure that you got everything right. Besides, AJ and I wanted to swap stories of you.” AJ started to chuckle.

“So Harm, Jonas has told me that you were going to prosecute the people who held Mac captive.”

“Yes sir.”

“Drop the sir. I am no longer your CO, its just AJ.”

“Okay, si-AJ.”

Admiral Jonas stood there listening to the conversation, “Does Jonas know about the old demons that may come out Rabb?”

“What old demons?” Harm and Jonas said together.

“Rabb! You haven’t told him.”

“Sir, I can remain completely objective, and my past will only lead to better prosecution of these people.”

“Spill it Rabb.”

“Yes, sir Admiral Jonas.” He stood there ramrod straight. “Most of it is still classified, which is why it isn’t in my service record, but 9 years ago, the Chinese held me captive, for a couple of days, and tortured me to find out what our policies were on Hong Kong.”

“Harm, you can’t divulge anymore information and you know that.” Clayton Webb said has he walked up with a box in his hands.

“I know Clay. Trust me, I know, after working for the CIA, I know.”

“Rabb, you should have told me earlier. I would have reassigned you, you are already to close to this case with you and Mackenzie being close friends already.”

“Sir, I have told you, I can remain completely objective about this case, and my first hand knowledge on this will prove to be useful.” Harm took the box from Clay and took it upstairs to Mattie’s room. He looked around his older daughter’s room and sunk to his knees. There were some demons he wanted to keep buried. It wasn’t like he wanted to relieve all those haunting memories.

The three men stood there for a little looking at each other realizing the amount of things that Harm had to endure to get to where he was today. His life was finally coming to a comfortable place and was trying desperately to hold on to.

Harm got up and looked out the window and saw Mac pull up in his Lexus with his children. He bounded down the stairs to go meet them, right behind Mac his parents pulled up.

“Harm, are you already yelling at people, I pulled up and it seemed like you killed their dog.”

“No Mac,” he started.

“Sorry about the scowls Colonel, we were talking about some unpleasantries.” AJ told them.

“Don’t worry yourself AJ. Thank you for coming. Before Harm forgets his manners, this is Mackenzie Nicole Rabb. I think she finally calmed the beast in him.” She handed Mackenzie over to her former C.O. He seemed so comfortable with a baby in his arms.

“Did you know AJ, the other day in my office, Harm wished that his children were ugly and stupid, that way no guys would hit on them. Unfortunately, Rabb has his work cut out for him.”

“Hello there little miss. Well Rabb you are going to have your work cut out for you. Mattie here is blossoming into a fine young lady and Mackenzie will follow suit. You are going to be one those dads with a shut gun on the front porch when they go out on dates.”

“Uncle AJ! Don’t give him any ideas.” Mattie started to whine.

“Don’t worry Mattie, I don’t plan on getting a shot gun,” Harm smiled. He added a little wink, “I have my service weapon I plan on cleaning in front of your dates.”

“Dad!” Mattie started.

“Mathilda Grace, whining is so unbecoming, besides, I’m sure he is only teasing sweetie. Now go up stairs and straighten out your room.” Trish said putting on a smile.

“Yes Gram.”

“Mr. and Mrs. Burnett how nice it is to finally meet you.” AJ said greeting them.

“Admiral Chegwidden, it is a pleasure to finally meet the man that Harm has talked about over the years.”

“Mrs. Burnett, Mr. Burnett, its AJ.”

“Call us Frank and Trish,” Frank said while handing him a croissant.

Mackenzie just then let out a wail, reaching for her father. Harm reached for her. “What’s going on baby? Just need your daddy huh? Okay little sailor, lets go get you settled for a little bit.” She immediately snuggled up and put her head down on his shoulder. He brushed the dark curls that were forming in her hair. “Daddy is going to put you in the pack-n-play in the living room with your cousin Jimmy. AJ is in there watching cartoons,” he told her. Mac was standing there and handed him a freshly made croissant.

“Eat something before you pass out. You have been at this for hours.”

“Thanks Mac. You take it easy too. You haven’t been back all that long.”

Mac looked at AJ and Webb. “So what is it that you guys were talking about? He was fine this morning when I picked up the Lexus. He was happy about the move, and now he seems to be withdrawing.”

“As I said Mac, unpleasantries.”

“Why are you being so cryptic Webb?”

“China,” was all AJ Chegwidden had to say.

Mac put that in a little filing drawer she had in her brain. She would ask Harm about this in a while, when the timing was right.

1200 EST
Harm’s new place

King George, VA

They had most of the bigger stuff already moved in. All they had to do was unpack all the boxes now. Harm was in the kitchen and the two admirals had decided to do Harm’s office. They were getting a hoot out of each other swapping Harm stories and making sure his office was in order, that way at least his office would be in workable condition before the start of work on Monday.

Harm had gotten bored putting the stuff away in the kitchen, so he decided to let Harriet and Bud tackle that, and he moved up to his bedroom. Knowing that Mackenzie would be needing a nap soon, he went into the living room to claim her from her two older cousins. Mattie was in her room blasting the music getting everything arranged the way she wanted it.

He knocked her door that was already adorned with the “Keep Out” sign. He groaned, and Frank started laughing. “Mattie, turn it down, Mackenzie is getting ready for her nap.”

“Sorry Dad,” she yelled through the door.

“You did the same thing when you were her age when we got the new house in La Jolla. Remember that. You were so angry at me and your mother for moving you away from your old neighborhood.”

Harm nodded with a look of pain in his eyes. “I remember thinking to myself, if we moved away, and if Dad came back, he wouldn’t be able to find us.”

“I kinda figured that was the deal. Anyway, your mother wanted to storm into your room and tan you behind.” Frank chuckled at the thought of Trish getting violent.

“And you stopped me. Frank said if I were to storm in there and give you a piece of my mind that you would just rebel even more.” Trish said finishing her husband’s sentence.

“Now that Mattie has calmed down that so-called music, I am going to put Mackenzie down for a nap.”

“Well, before you do anything, I want you to come and see the nursery. Mac and I have it all set up and decorated. If you don’t like it, you can change it, just not until we leave.” His mother said. “Close your eyes.”

“Mom,” he started to protest, but when he saw how important it was to her that he was surprised. He held Mackenzie in one arm, and closed held his eyes shut with his hands. Mackenzie started giggling. Trish led him into the room.

“Are you ready to see what we have done.” Mac squealed. “Open your eyes sailor.”

Harm opened his eyes, on the empty wall, there were three different colors of light blues, yellows, and pinks color blocks, and each had a different word in it play, inspire, laugh, grow, learn, sing, and dance. The big bay window had the colors of the color blocks incorporated in the sheer curtains, on the ledge of the window were pictures of Mackenzie, Mattie, and Harm. There was the chair that Harm had picked out where he could read to her at night. The crib was a white painted wood on top of a rug that also had the colors in it. But what Harm loved the most was the book shelf that had several different story books on it, pictures of the family, and her stuffed toys. Above the changing table, Mackenzie’s name was spelled out wooden letters that were suspended by colorful ribbons.

He hugged his baby close. Her eyes danced around the room. “Well baby, it looks like Aunt Mac and Grams forgot a very important element: planes.”

“No we didn’t Harm. Look inside of her crib.” Mac said. He went over the crib and upon closer inspection, he found a stuffed F-14 sitting in the middle of it, also there was a mobile that they hadn’t put up yet that had the F-14’s as the center piece. Along the foot board panel, there was also a little mural of an F-14 flying off of an aircraft carrier. “If you look a little closer at that mural that me and your mother had done, ‘Hammer’ is written for the pilot name. That way it is like her grandfather is watching over her, and when you can’t be around, she has a reminder of what you are doing.”

“I can’t take credit for the mural inside the crib Harm, that was all Mac’s idea. She even found the stuffed plane. I wanted to keep it all pink, but she insisted on a little military tribute in here somewhere.” Trish grabbed Mackenzie from his arms. “Until the paint fumes leave though, my grandbaby will not sleep in here.” She left, leaving them alone in the nursery.

“Do you like it Flyboy?” Mac asked.

“Like it? No, actually, this is exactly what I would have done. I love it. You know me so well Mac.”

“Anything for Mackenzie.”

He looked at Mac and started laughing. “Hey Marine, you have paint on your nose.” He touched her nose ever so slightly, and both of them could feel the electric charge. They immediately broke contact. Just then Harm leaned down and kissed her.

“I know I said we were going to take it slow, and we will, I just don’t want to crawl.”

“Harm,” Mac started, “We have already known each other for eight years, I know not to push you, I think we have already done enough crawling.” She cupped his cheek, and kissed him back. “Maybe this isn’t the best of ideas with a retired admiral and our current CO downstairs.”

“Probably not.”

They released each other reluctantly. They would have to face everything soon enough. The rest of moving went on without incident.