AN: Just for the record, I don't hate Sturgis. Not at all. I just wondered what would happen if Mac's confession to him would accidentally come out. The tension between Sturgis and Harm in the episode "Bridging the Gulf" set off this story in my head.
Spoilers: Happens right after "Bridging the Gulf"
Disclaimer: Let's see…nope…not in my pocket, not in my desk drawers, not in my bedroom (too bad)…so I guess they're not mine.
Friday. ZULU 16.00 JAG Headquarters
The quarrel that had started out five minutes before was now starting to become a full blown fight. The door to the conference room was closed and nobody dared to even approach it. Though that wasn't necessary as every word could be heard from the other side of the bullpen. Everybody had long since stopped acting like they were busy as not to miss any of the action. Any minute now the blood could be flowing from underneath the door.
"You would simply leave him there. You were ready and willing to hang him out to dry!" The female voice shrieked.
"That's not true and you know it. I was investigating and I made my recommendation based upon those findings. That's what I was assigned to do, so that's what I did." The male voice stated, strained, but much more calm than the female one.
"Sure you did. Always the correct officer. Never letting his emotions take control over his job. Except when it comes to him."
Lieutenant Colonel Sarah MacKenzie knew very well that the trembling of her voice indicated more emotion than she planned on showing, but she couldn't help herself. This time, in her opinion, he had gone too far. And she would make him see her point even if it meant risking a reprimand from their superior officer. At the rate she was going, she would give the general a piece of her mind too, conduct unbecoming an officer be damned.
"That has absolutely nothing to do with it. I would have come to the exact same conclusions no matter who it was. It was the case I was investigating, not the man."
Sturgis Turner shot back, believing firmly in his statement as well is in his objectivity. Yes, there was a lot of unresolved tension between himself and the Commander, but he was certain it had nothing to do with his investigation, nor the outcome. And besides: the man came off shot-free, was cleared of all charges and would be back any time now. So what was Mac's worry here?
She shot him a look of utter disdain. "That's bullshit Sturgis and you know it. You went for his jugular the moment you had the opportunity."
Then, an evil grin splayed across her normally pretty face, she continued: "Is it because you're jealous of him? Because deep down you know he's a better man than you? A better man and a better officer, not to mention a better lawyer? That people take an immediate liking to him? That he has everything you don't? Is that why you are so blind when it comes to Harm?"
"Blind? You're accusing me of being blind? Mac, when it comes down to being blind considering Harm, than you are. He can do no wrong in your book. He's your hero, your knight in shining armor. You are so desperately in love with him you can't see past the pedestal you put up for him!"
The silence that fell after those words could slice the thick air that hung around the office. Only then did the JAG team gathered outside notice the presence of Commander Harmon Rabb Jr. His pale, stricken complexion showing them he had heard enough.
Inside the conference room, Mac felt suddenly deflated. Having the confession she had once made to him in confidence thrown back into her face left her feeling sick. All color drained from her face as she tried in vain to keep the tears from flowing.
Sturgis immediately regretted opening his mouth at the sight of her distraught features. He knew he had hit her at her weak spot and hated himself for taking the obvious and easy way to get to her. So much for objectivity, she was right; when worst came to worst, he went for the kill, picking out his opponent's weakness with finesse. He took one cautious step toward her, only to be shot back by the look in her eyes, a mix of pain and hatred she didn't even try to hide.
"I'm sorry, Mac…I shouldn't…"
"Save it! I don't wanna hear it. Just…don't ever talk to me again."
She ran out the door, not caring one bit as to who saw her crying. They had obviously heard it all and the embarrassment would have to be dealt with later. Much later. Or not. On her way to the sanctity of her own office, she bumped into the only person she had wished not to encounter just yet. Quickly she brushed past him, unable to even glance at him, knowing she would see only pity in his eyes.
The one thing she didn't want to have from him.
She felt his hand gently grabbing her wrist and his pleading voice "Sarah…" but the wound that Sturgis's words had inflicted was too raw for him to rub salt in it already. Not now, Harm, she pleaded silently, making sure she didn't make eye-contact with him. Please let me get away from here with whatever dignity I still have. His grip on her arm was loosening as she hurried to her tiny cubicle, closing the door behind her with a vengeance. Only then did she allow herself to collapse in her chair, sobs wrecking her body.
So...waddaya think? Good enough to continue?