Cigars, bones, babies and Jimmy Blackhorse

by fictionalmike

AU: Lt Cdr Teresa Coulter first met Lt Cdr Harmon Rabb during "The Return of Jimmy Blackhorse". After the case, she invites him out for dinner and they find they have more in common than simply a love of cigars! That night, their lives intersect forever and the adventures begin, exploiting both their skillsets. Terri proves that marriage and kids with Harm do not impede her career.

6. Somebody's child

Cigars, Bones, Babies and Jimmy Blackhorse. (Chapter/Phase 6 - parts 8 and 9)

A/N: AU: "they aren't mine, I'm just playing with them - apart from any fictional character created by myself". See Phase One of this story for the whole A/N.

TC&HR-TC&HR-TC&HR-TC&HR

Phase Six of "Cigars, Bones, Babies and Jimmy Blackhorse" - "Somebody's Child"

A/N 13-05-2018: Decisions: Harm and Terri, settling down after Ellen's birth, need to make decisions on where they will live in the longer term. Needless to say, Harm has problems making a decision, then a troubling case affects them both! In part, this is an AU re-imagining of S04EP17 "Nobody's Child", touching on S04EP18 "Shakedown" and re-imagining Terri's involvement, as Harm's wife, in S04EP24 "Goodbyes".

A/N: Set in my 1998-originating AU where Harm and Terri got together after S03Ep21 "The Return of Jimmy Blackhorse", have a small daughter Ellen ("Ellie") and are about to marry.

TC&HR-TC&HR-TC&HR-TC&HR

Part eight - "Nobody's Child".

Monday 4th January 1999 - 19:45hrs Local

Home of Teresa Coulter, 78xx Hickory Meadow Road

Millington, TN 38053.

"Harm, that was a lovely meal. I know we only have a week before your parents arrive, but this just feels nice".

Terri reached out a hand for him and they embraced, walking across the room and then snuggling down on the large sofa in her living room.

"I think..."

Whatever Terri thought was lost forever, drowned out by the hungry wail from the nursery (or 'Terri's second bedroom' as it had been known prior to baby Ellen's arrival).

"Hold on darling, I'll bring her to you - I can at least be the one to carry her, even if you're the only one equipped to feed her".

Harm brought baby Ellen down into the lounge, where Terri checked the baby's diaper, smiled and then began the routine unbuttoning of her blouse so that Ellen could latch on and feed once more.

"Harm, we are definitely weaning her before she grows any teeth (which is about six months), let me assure you of this" Terri informed him. "Now, once she has taken what she needs, I'll start to express so that you'll have enough milk to do the 2AM feed".

Harm watched in fascination as Ellen suckled, growled, grizzled, burped and eventually waved a hand at her mother's breast to signify that she was (for the time being) sated.

"Let me burp her, darling?" he offered, placing a towel over his shoulder.

Terri smiled at him and nodded, handed Ellen across then picked up the breast pump to start drawing the milk for the first night-time feed.

"Once she's dressed, if you put her down for a sleep I will leave her milk in the fridge for you. Then, my dear Tomcat, it's hot chocolate and bed for us".

The two new parents sank into Terri's bed, listening to the contented murmurings which were issuing from the baby monitor on Terri's bedside unit. They had arranged to alternate the nights with Ellen's crib alongside their bed (to facilitate Terri's feeding of Ellen) and nights with the crib in the next room. The jury was still out on the best arrangement. All too soon, the time of the next feed would draw round, disturbing their sleep pattern once more; this cycle was now part of their new sleep pattern - the sleep pattern of newly-qualified parents. With the joy of their new arrival still fresh in their minds, Harm and Terri were certain that they wouldn't have it any other way.

TC&HR-TC&HR-TC&HR-TC&HR

Tuesday 5th January 1999 - 06:38hrs Local

Home of Teresa Coulter, 78xx Hickory Meadow Road

Millington, TN 38053.

"Morning Harm, it's past half six - did you do the feed?"

"Yes, both of them, but she waited until 02:25hrs before she started to grizzle, then again at 04:35, so she has only had two feeds but stayed quiet for the rest of the night; I'm going to use the third bottle now, so you lie in and relax."

"Nice try Tomcat, but my boobs are telling me that I have 'a need to feed'; so leave the remaining expressed milk in the fridge and could you bring me Ellen please? She can have her breakfast freshly delivered". Terri smiled up at Harm and he skipped into Ellen's room to bring their new little miracle in to her mother for the breakfast feed.

Some time later, Harm brought in a breakfast tray with fruit juice, freshly-sliced fruit and two bowls of oatmeal. Terri tucked into her share and then announced that, to avoid crumbs in the bed, she would shower and get dressed, ready for the day, before she moved onto the toast and butter, down in the kitchen.

"OK Terri; let me know when you want the tea. I'm going to get the first load of laundry under way".

"Good idea Tomcat. Then, while we are both here at home, we'll start on a list for Frank, to keep him busy while he's over here with Trish".

"Terri, I've been thinking; I know we talked through possible nicknames for our daughter. As I fed her during the night, I came to the conclusion that 'Ellie' is just so right. But that is only my opinion - what do you think?"

"You know, Tomcat, I was thinking the same". Terri leaned across and tickled Ellie's tummy affectionately. "OK, Miss Ellie, we now have your family name".

Ellie, as was becoming her habit, merely smiled and gurgled.

TC&HR-TC&HR-TC&HR-TC&HR

Sunday 10th January 1999 - 16:10hrs Local

Home of Teresa Coulter, 78xx Hickory Meadow Road

Millington, TN 38053.

"Harm, they're here!"

Harm stepped out into the driveway to assist Frank with the suitcases. First out of the hired car, Trisha Burnett headed towards the house, ignoring her son in her enthusiasm to see her first grandchild. Harm had worried that she might be concerned about the absence of a wedding ring on Terri's finger - he needn't have worried. Trisha only had eyes for Ellie.

Harm helped Frank with collecting the suitcases from the trunk of the rented Chrysler while Terri, with Ellen in her arms, walked from the porch to greet Trisha. Harm was pleased that Terri and his mom had hit it off from the first moment, given the warmth with which they hugged. The two women formed an instant attraction, so Harm and Frank merely followed their respective women into Terri's house. Harm took Frank - with the suitcases - up to the guest room, pointed out the bathroom and then the two men re-grouped in the kitchen, where Harm made a pot of real coffee (which was Frank's guilty secret as Trisha tried to reduce his caffeine intake in deference to his heart) and prepared a pot of tea.

Harm had already announced that he would be pouring the coffee into mugs in the kitchen (with a sly wink at Frank) before he brought everything through to the lounge, to reduce Terri's pining for her forbidden coffee during the duration of her breast-feeding Ellen. "Oh stuff and nonsense" exclaimed Trisha on hearing that Terri was depriving herself of coffee; "I was drinking coffee all the way through the period when I was breastfeeding Harm, and he hasn't come to any sticky end has he?"

Once everyone else was settled in the lounge, Harm had brought the drinks into the lounge. Trisha was already bouncing Ellen on her knee, whilst Terri relaxed on the settee alongside her.

The first "meet the in-laws" session for Terri was pronounced a success; the two women quickly established a list of tasks which would keep Frank busy for a fortnight whilst Harm was back in DC, which Frank took in good humour as he got to know his new grand-daughter and his future daughter-in-law. That night, Harm slept peacefully and contentedly, with another hurdle overcome on the route to a happy family. Ellen helpfully slept quietly in her crib alongside Terri's side of the bed.

TC&HR-TC&HR-TC&HR-TC&HR

Monday 11th January 1999 - 02:34hrs Local

Home of Teresa Coulter, 78xx Hickory Meadow Road

Millington, TN 38053.

Little Ellen called for her food at 02:34hrs and Harm was slightly surprised to find Trisha in the kitchen when he went down to warm the bottle of expressed milk which Terri had produced earlier that evening.

"Well, my big happy son, I only have one question" announced Trisha as Harm tested the temperature of the warmed milk before preparing to take it to feed Ellen.

"And what's that, Mom?"

"Why didn't you meet Terri earlier? She is fabulous, a great mother, whip-smart intellectually (even now, just 11 or so days after giving birth and with obvious sleep-deprivation). This one is a keeper, son". She smiled and placed an affectionate hand on his arm.

Harm paused and looked at her. "Yeah Mom, I know and I am so happy; I hope that you noticed the engagement ring? Even though the conception was a little unusual, the idea of fatherhood with Terri has been such a strong attraction for me that I would never have considered saying *no*. Plus, she made a play for me at the end of our first ever case together, on the last night in Arizona after cracking the case. So she didn't hang around long before she had me!".

"So, how will you be deciding where to live?"

"Well Mom, so far Terri - who has no family ties apart from a father serving life in Leavenworth for killing her mother - is quite flexible on where to work. I think I need to allow her to make some plans, before we actually make the big decision. We have had an informal offer from the Memphis Commissioner of Police for me to come and work in Tennessee, plus I am investigating Federal agencies up in DC to potential roles for Her Ladyship. We need to sort that out before we make decisions on which house will be our family home. I've purchased a family home ready in DC and will move there, from the apartment, during this month. This leaves us with good options in either district - but it's Terri's decision at the end of the day. She has already given me the greatest gift - fatherhood at a time when I was beginning to think that I would never have a child of my own".

"Well, my son, one thing that you will not need to worry about is money". Frank had joined them in the spacious kitchen. "Harm, what we have never told you is that we built and maintained a college fund for you, which (and I say so myself with considerable pride!) has been carefully and skilfully managed to reach a total of some three million dollars. Your mom and I were unsuccessful in creating children, so you are our sole beneficiary - although we shall add specific bequests for Terri and your children once you are married. So please do not worry about affordability when house-hunting - wherever that may be".

"Wow, I can kill off the mortgage. As the money is condition-free, I could make Terri's life easier *if* she wants to extend her maternity leave beyond the state maximum - which might make her life a bit easier whilst she is nursing Ellie. She plans to wean Ellie at six months. It looks like babies tend to wean (and grow their first teeth) from six months onwards; I'd like her to have no money worries until the seven months are up, say the start of August. This also enables us to have a good extended debate about where to live and when to move".

"Hmm - be careful how you broach that subject son".

"What subject is that?" Terri emerged into the light of the kitchen, blinking like some bleary-eyed pink Gremlin as her eyes focussed. "Sorry Harm, the bed was getting cold". She pulled her dressing gown tightly around herself.

"I was bouncing some ideas for housing off my parents - and *not* hiding them from you - Mom and Frank just raised a useful asset for me to use - my unused college fund is a bit bigger than I could ever have expected".

Terri caressed his arm, then headed for the tea-bag holder. "I knew there was a good reason for me getting involved with you, Tomcat" she smiled, producing the baby monitor from her dressing gown pocket and placing it on the kitchen table.

The impromptu "middle of the night" conversation broke up about ten minutes later, with everyone tidying up their immediate area before heading back to their beds. Harm fed, winded and checked Ellen before returning to his side of the joint bed.

TC&HR-TC&HR-TC&HR-TC&HR

Monday 11th January 1999 - 14:10hrs Local

Home of Teresa Coulter, 78xx Hickory Meadow Road

Millington, TN 38053.

"Harm, safe flights". Terri, Ellen and his mother formed a circle around Harm to wish him good fortune. Frank stood by with the hire car to run him to the airport terminal.

"Thanks guys - Terri, I'll phone when I arrive back in DC". With a start, Harm realised that he was already not thinking of the loft in DC as his home.

TC&HR-TC&HR-TC&HR-TC&HR

Monday, 11th January 1999 - 15:37hrs EST

Passenger Terminal - Departures - Memphis International Airport (MEM)

2491 Winchester Rd # 113, Memphis, TN 38116

Harm picked up his bag from the trunk of Frank's rental and leaned into the car through the open passenger window to shake hands.

"Thanks for everything, Pop - including the last 25 years".

Frank smiled back. "You've made your mother very happy - and I endorse your choice for the mother of your child (even if it was she who actually chose you, you have done very well). We look forward to many more visits; safe flights".

Harm stepped back, handing his case and airline ticket to the kerbside check-in agent as he waved a last farewell to Frank's car as it merged into the never-ending flow of vehicles past the terminal. He expected to be home before midnight.

A thought occurred to him; what constitutes "home"? He pondered this as he purchased a pre-flight shot of bourbon at one of the terminal's variety of bars.

TC&HR-TC&HR-TC&HR-TC&HR

Monday, 11th January 1999 - 22:52hrs EST

Home of Harmon Rabb, North of Union Station

Washington DC.

Harm arrived home at the end of a long day; the flight had landed smoothly and his luggage had found him without delay. He was just glad to be back in a space that was his, ready to face a return to work at JAG after three weeks away during which time, he smiled to himself as he thought back, he had become a father. His mailbox was almost full, mainly junk mail and leaflets he noticed.

"Hi honey I'm home" Harm called out to an empty apartment. The small carrier bag of catering essentials, which he had purchased at the convenience store during his taxi-ride back from the airport, was distributed between the fridge and the pantry. The usual familiar faint musty smell of a closed-up apartment met his nose; at least in the winter, it wasn't as bad as the height of summer, he had to admit. The background heating setting was sufficient to avoid the risk of frozen pipes through the winter when he was away. Faced with the alternatives of opening the windows in the middle of winter or just living with the aroma, Harm chose warmth as he turned up the heating then warmed some milk and dialled Terri's landline. She answered on the second ring, informing him that she, Frank and Trisha were all settled on the sofa to watch the 10pm Memphis news now that Ellie was down and sleeping well.

Sleep claimed Harm relatively soon after his head hit the pillow. Sleep deprivation, hot chocolate, his own large-scale custom-built bed and the second shot of bourbon (consumed on the flight) all conspired to assist his relaxed descent into slumber.

The Tuesday morning return to work went smoothly, with a half-hour of congratulations followed by the thud as a pile of cases hit his desk.

Over the next five weeks, Harm's workload would permit him only one round trip, at the end of January, to Memphis. Frank and Trisha stayed on with Terri and Ellen until the end of January before returning to California. Terri was very grateful for their help, but as Ellie's intervals between feeding began to stretch, she had found herself wondering if the exclusivity of having the house to herself for an undisturbed night's sleep might outweigh the benefits of having two experienced babysitters on hand.

Then, in late February, a case landed in Harm's lap which was to stretch his sanity, as a new father, to its breaking point.

TC&HR-TC&HR-TC&HR-TC&HR

Wednesday, 24th February 1999 - 08:59hrs EST

Conference Room, JAG HQ, Falls Church. VA.

"Admiral on deck".

"As you were, thank you people. OK, Commander Rabb, as a new father could you comfortably handle a case involving a dead five-year-old child on the old Potomac Naval annexe?"

"Err, yes Admiral, I believe that I can". The file sailed across the long conference table to land in front of Harm. Across the table, Mac smiled sympathetically at him as he picked up the folder and skip-read the slim (two-page) opening file.

"Folks, has anyone worked with NCIS Agent Holland?"

Silence and regretful expressions around the table told their own story. The morning Staff Call continued to its conclusion. Back in his office, as Harm picked up the phone to arrange a pool car, Mac stuck her head round the doorframe of his office. "Need a hand with this dead child case, Harm?"

"Actually Mac, yes please - I'd welcome your intuition on this; however it is just possible that I am wasting your time."

"No worries - it will give me a chance to catch up with you on the gossip and how you are adapting to parenthood". She smiled: despite Harm obviously choosing Teresa Coulter as the mother of his child and his wife-to-be, Mac still enjoyed the companionship of her "Flyboy" and also valued his counsel and judgment during cases. From his rapid acceptance of her offer of assistance, Mac was comforted that Harm still felt the same way.

Heading out towards the motor pool, the legal duo continued chatting nonchalantly as they walked.

TC&HR-TC&HR-TC&HR-TC&HR

Wednesday, 24th February 1999 - 10:14hrs EST

Military Aviation Museum complex, Potomac Naval Annex

Washington DC

**DC Police and NCIS joint attendance at death site

"So what's the deal on this site, Mac?"

"The Navy's donating the site for a civilian authority to run a museum, but clearing down any loose military hardware before they hand over to the City sometime in the coming month".

Harm sighed: "OK, so it's under our purview for another few weeks. Great, no way of dodging this one. Aha, I reckon that's NCIS over there".

A frozen-looking African-American woman spotted their uniforms and waved them across. After introducing themselves to Agent Holland, the NCIS agent led them into a storage block and through to the bathroom at the rear of the block, where a coat covered the still, lifeless, crumpled body of a child who looked to be aged between three and four, judging from her size.

Mac watched Harm's face intently as he took in the bruising and damage to the body. As he stood up, he looked angry.

"Cause of death?"

"Undetermined at present; our NCIS ME is backed up, so it might take a while as the DC Police ME is slated to run the autopsy". Agent Holland looked apologetic, but she was also - like any human - torn between the need to continue investigating and the need to get out of the bitter wind which was whipping around their ankles. Mac was beginning to feel similarly exposed, having eschewed trousers for her customary skirt that morning.

She conferred with Detective Warden as she handed over a small evidence bag: "We found this USN Master Chief insignia with the body". The two JAG investigators and the NCIS agent looked closely at the bloodied insignia. "Well, that gives me a Navy flavour to this case" observed Agent Holland. Mac and Harm nodded their agreement.

Detective Warden came to a decision: "The base transfer doesn't take place until the 17th of next month. Happy to leave NCIS with this one". He backed away, rounding up his "troops" to remove the DC Police presence on the site.

Harm turned to Mac: "Mac, I'm going to stay on; I'll get Agent Holland to run me back". He looked across to Agent Holland, who was within ear-shot.

Agent Holland saw no problem and so she promised to stick around to check the site further. After an exchange of business cards, Mac headed back, thereby leaving Harm to make one last sweep of the area with Agent Holland before they stood down to await the arrival of the DC ME, after which time she would drive him back to the Navy Yard. Harm looked back at the building which housed the child's corpse; Agent Holland spotted his expression.

The experienced NCIS agent leaned in and gave Harm a piece of advice: "Don't get personal with this one, Commander - it will eat you alive".

"Sorry Agent Holland, but my new daughter is only seven weeks old; kindly allow me the motivation of caring like a new father, if you will?"

She nodded her understanding, but placed her gloved hand on his forearm: "Within limits, Commander - take care on this one".

TC&HR-TC&HR-TC&HR-TC&HR

Wednesday, 24th February 1999 - 1842ZULU (23:42hrs EST)

Office of the Medical Examiner

Washington DC

During the evening, Harm shadowed Dr Vaughn - DC Chief Medical Examiner - from 1842ZULU onwards. The ME's bored tone listed off the massive list of injuries and damage to the little child's body, which was also "under-developed, poorly-nourished, weighs 36lbs".

Harm informed Vaughn that he would wait through the night for the autopsy report.

Vaughn fixed his view on Harm, over the rims of his reading glasses.

"What does this kid mean to you, that you're willing to spend the night?"

"Someone has to, Doctor Vaughn". Harm settled into a chair for a potentially long night.

TC&HR-TC&HR-TC&HR-TC&HR

Wednesday, 24th February 1999 - 08:59hrs EST

Conference Room, JAG HQ, Falls Church. VA.

"*HOW* much sugar, Mac?!".

The next morning, Harm and Mac were catching up over the first coffee of the day when Harm paused and then smiled to himself as Mac loaded sugar into her cup.

Mac noticed Harm brighten - what she referred to as one of Harm's "lightbulb moments" - as he headed back to his office and picked up the phone on his desk. Mac leaned on the door frame, watching Harm in action on a case which evidently motivated him.

"Agent Holland, please have the DC Coroner release the body to you; I'm bringing somebody in; please check whether your ME would be offended if we TAD in an ME from USN Reserves to assist, just with this case - in the interests of speedy closure".

Mac looked at him, then the penny dropped. "Terri for the autopsy, then a weekend of house-hunting? Hey, good move Flyboy - *and* on the Navy's dollar!"

Harm smiled and picked up the phone again, dialling a number from memory.

The phone was answered promptly - Terri had not long finished breakfast, as a result of little Ellen requiring a feed at 05:00hrs that particular morning.

"Hey Tomcat, how ya doin?" her cheery mood changed as she heard the serious tone in his voice.

"Look darling, there is no easy way for me to say this, but I feel confident in asking for your assistance to run an second-opinion autopsy up here in DC". He paused.

Terri thought for a moment, then smiled. "So, a bit of work - which will pay me - then a weekend with you in the apartment, then a chance to meet up with your friends in Falls Church. Hell, yes please count me in. I presume that it is the DC ME who has produced a sub-optimal result, because you would never ever need me to second-guess Ducky Mallard at NCIS".

"Well done - got it in one, Terri. Yeah it was Doctor 'couldn't give a rat's ass' Vaughn. However, there is one thing that you should know, going in; the victim is a malnourished child, around age four. We have a hearse on standby and we'll arrange a hop for you from NAS Millington tomorrow afternoon if you can work that schedule". Harm wanted Terri to have her eyes open going in.

"No problem Tomcat; this time around, you and I will have each other for support; oh, please say hi to Mac when you see her".

"Will do; funnily enough, she is standing here in my doorway with a coffee. Safe trip; I'll pick you up at Andrews".

Hanging up, he looked at Mac and smiled: "My fiancée says hi".

She smiled, placed his coffee on his desk, popped a finger-tip salute in his direction, then headed back to her office.

Her unshed tears were not noticed by anyone. "He's gone, and that's an end to it" she thought to herself.

TC&HR-TC&HR-TC&HR-TC&HR

Thursday 25th February 1999 - 21:47hrs EST (02:27ZULU Friday )

Military Aviation Terminal; Andrews Air Force Base, Washington DC

The following evening, Terri (with Ellen in her porta-crib and a large rolling suitcase of baby essentials as well as her personal luggage), stepped from the C-130 at 21:47hrs at Andrews AFB. The Loadmaster handed the large cases to Harm and nodded. Constrained as they both were by their uniforms, a gentle hand-wave had to suffice as a greeting between Harm and Terri.

She looked him square in the eyes: "This dead child case that you've brought me in for. We'll do it my way - understood? You and I had some success last time, but you know I have my own way of doing things".

"Terri, this is a messy case".

"That is part of my job description as an ME in MPD and the USN reserves, Tomcat, despite being on mat leave. I may be upset by what I see, but I shall be professional throughout - which is what you need, Harm".

"I do, Commander - that's why I need you on this case - wherever it leads us".

"OK Harm. Let's roll. But first, bed. Ellie needs to feed and sleep, I need to detach this C-130 from my butt and then start tomorrow with a good night of sleep behind me. This dead girl can wait in the mortuary, so I can do her justice with a fresh mind in the morning".

Nothing in Terri's logic caused Harm a problem. Terri's few possessions, along with Ellen's essentials, were quickly stowed neatly inside Harm's apartment. Terri and Harm surveyed the apartment, then Terri turned to Harm.

"Tell me again, Tomcat; when are we finishing our house-hunting?"

TC&HR-TC&HR-TC&HR-TC&HR

Friday 26th February 1999 - 01:34ZULU Saturday (20:24hrs local Friday)

Military Naval Hospital Bethesda MD.

Terri concluded the autopsy and continued dictating her notes; Harm stepped out briefly and returned with two cups of coffee. Terri smiled gratefully and sipped hers, then handed him her cup. "Hold that for me, I need to express. Would you like the main points first, because I am so angry I need to calm down before I feed Ellie?"

"Yes, of course Terri; whatever works for you".

Terri embarked on her summary, finishing with the three main points for the prosecution case (which Harm would be writing up, in partnership with Agent Holland of NCIS).

1."Her ribs were broken, she couldn't run away".

2."Her strength would have been sapped; instead of crying out, she could probably do no more than... bleat".

3."You want to know why that child died alone - or, more accurately, was found alone - don't you?"

Harm nodded; Terri headed off to the medics' lounge to express some milk for Ellie's later feed then returned, put the milk into the (staff, not mortuary, she reminded herself!) fridge as Harm re-heated her coffee in the microwave, signed off the paperwork for this second autopsy after what she politely (and professionally) described as "a bare-minimum, half-assed, eyes-closed, piss-poor bit of butchery" for the original autopsy carried out by Dr Vaughn.

She would continue later the next day, analysing stomach contents and the like, along with checking for drugs, with Dr Bruce Gadsden on the Saturday.

"Harm, for now, take me home and hold me. Oh, you'll obviously have Ellie along as well".

The next day, Terri would see something under her microscope which would push the case in a different direction.

TC&HR-TC&HR-TC&HR-TC&HR

Wednesday, 3rd March 1999 - 08:59hrs EST

Conference Room, JAG HQ, Falls Church. VA.

"Admiral on deck".

"OK Commander Rabb: where are we on the dead child case?"

Harm provided an update, summarising both the initial and then Terri's subsequent autopsy findings.

Agent Holland was carrying out thrice-daily checks with the Centre for Missing and Exploited Children. Nothing had popped up on her searches.

As she arrived with Harm at the department of Social Services, Terri sensed a strong female majority in the room and decided to join in; she whispered "follow my lead and stay subservient" to Harm as she stepped in front of him to enter the room first. Turning her engagement ring round (thus displaying a simple gold band on her finger), she placed her open hand flat on Harm's arm and stepped deliberately ahead of him to engage with the supervisor. Harm held back - happy to trust his fiancée to get the best result out of "the Sisterhood". Shortly afterwards and having gained the trust of the female team members, Terri saw the supervisor leave the Lewis family file on the edge of the desk, with a meaningful look at Terri as she went "for a coffee".

Subsequently, Harm's investigations would reveal, via Social Services, the existence of a twin sister and that Annie and her sister had "fallen through a crack" in the child-care system. Terri's anger at the system was tempered by the immense workload face by the Social Services team, but she was determined to save the other child. Now they had names for the girls - Annie (deceased) and Dar-Lin Lewis (missing).

Harm and Bud went on the prowl to chase up witnesses; their hunt hit pay-dirt, in the shape of William Randall Hawkins.

During the interrogation of William Randall Hawkins, Terri conferred with Mac and Harm in the viewing gallery. She was perplexed: "There was something in my analysis of the digestive system which I didn't understand until now. I found about 10ccs of paper pulp in the child's stomach and intestines. That didn't make sense to me. Unless she was locked away somewhere and that's how she kept herself alive - eating cardboard". She looked through the viewing window at Hawkins, then shook her head: "The man in there doesn't have that kind of hatred in his soul".

Harm looked back into the room, where Hawkins was sitting. "Yeah Terri, that's as may be, but I need to find out what he knows".

Mac volunteered: "Want me in there with you?"

Harm replied: "Why, are you afraid of what I might do?"

Mac snorted derisively: "No, I'm afraid of what *I* might do". Terri placed a restraining hand on each shoulder, holding the "Dynamic Duo" back. Harm and Mac nodded to Terri, signifying that her message was received.

The Harm/Mac double act was truly a sight to behold, Terri had to acknowledge. Eventually Hawkins gave up the Tubman Projects as the site where he had seen a little girl who matched Harm's line drawing of the corpse.

End of Part eight "Nobody's Child".

TC&HR-TC&HR-TC&HR-TC&HR

Part nine - "Somebody's Child".

Wednesday, 3rd March 1999 - 21:32 Zulu (16:32hrs EST)

Tubman Projects housing area.

Harm went door-to-door, eventually striking gold. The woman admitted knowing the children. Harm's heart leapt at the mention of "children", because it was possible that Annie's sister was still alive!

Harm and Terri worked well together, eventually tracing the grandmother's house and recovering Dar-Lin. On the road up, Harm had opened up about his former relationship with Jordi Parker, the Navy psychiatrist whom he had defended (and saved) one Christmas. As they stopped for coffee on the road, Terri realised what Harm was trying to tell her. "Annie Lewis - she speaks to you?"

"Yes, but not in words".

When they reached the house and Harm shouldered his way in, they rapidly found the room where Annie had been held. Terri spotted evidence on the wall and brought out her small forensic kit from her Navy raincoat. The atmosphere in the house was giving her the creeps. As a new mother, Terri kept thinking of her own baby, safely accommodated back at Harm's apartment with a fully-vetted short-term baby-sitter in attendance.

"Looks like there's some hair fibres mixed in with the dried blood; also some skin; I'll take samples".

Then almost miraculously, they found Dar-Lin and the two adults in uniform gained her trust. It was heartbreaking when Dar-Lin realised that Annie was dead; but the eventually revealed the threats which Charlie Lynch had levelled at them. "He told us, unless we was good, he was gonna stomp us, right on our head".

Safely back at JAG HQ, Harm and Terri wrote up their reports and combined them for the eventual prosecution of Charlie Lynch, once NCIS had tracked him down. Over the following weekend, Harm and Terri made good progress in looking for a larger home where they could base their family life in the DC area. The original house was to be placed out for rental (in part, to provide an asset base for Ellie's inheritance).

Terri could feel herself inexorably relaxing into a decision to transfer to DC; it fitted with her desire for a new phase in her career. The MPD teams were all very well trained and she was proud of them; it was time to open up their paths to further promotion - and for that, she needed to leave Tennessee and get out of their path. Washington career paths, motherhood and marriage to her Tomcat all made sense; it was time to leave Tennessee.

Over the next week and under the care of Jordi Parker, Dar-Lin began to heal and to emerge from her shell. Proper nutrition also helped, rapidly transforming the emaciated young girl into a healthy child approaching average weight as the months passed.

A week after rescuing Dar-Lin and being able to inscribe the correct name, birth and death details on Annie Lewis' tombstone, Terri flew home via the NAS at Millington. She phoned Harm as she arrived home into Millington.

"Promise me something Harm - that surviving child can make it; she's got strength. We don't want to waste her life: find a way to make it OK. Listen, call me some time when you don't need something".

Harm understood her message.

TC&HR-TC&HR-TC&HR-TC&HR

Sunday 21st March 1999 - 21:47ZULU

Military Aviation Terminal; Andrews Air Force Base

Washington DC

Harm telephoned Terri before he embarked upon the flights out to the USS Coral Sea to investigate injuries relating to a steam pipe burst.

Terri was pleased to hear his voice and reminded him of her love: "I've got the right man; call me when you don't need something".

Harm's experiences on the Coral Sea finally led to the successful disruption of the planned robbery, although Mac's fingers, damaged by the acid, would take a while to heal. He headed back stateside on the Friday, hoping for a quiet weekend with Terri, who had flown up to Washington for the week, using his apartment and "watering his plants" whilst he was afloat. She also followed up on a number of employment openings and continued to check out the real estate agencies.

The real estate search would bear fruit in mid-April, when a lovely family home was identified in Forest Hills. Frank transferred the money across to Harm's bank account and Harm fitted in a weekend trip to Memphis, carrying the documents for Terri's signature. The purchase of the Coulter-Rabb family home was approaching completion, as Ellie completed her third month of growth.

TC&HR-TC&HR-TC&HR-TC&HR

Saturday, 27th March 1999 - 19:52hrs EST

Home of Harmon Rabb, North of Union Station

Washington DC.

Terri had just fed and changed Ellie and laid the baby in her crib. Pulling her long blonde hair back into a pony-tail, she walked through into the living area and took a sip of Harm's beer before settling on the sofa alongside him. He took her hand and squeezed affectionately; she leaned in and kissed his cheek.

"Harm, I'm coming to a decision and I want to run it by you".

"OK darling, lead on". He looked deep into her eyes as she started to unburden, then he asked her one question.

"Is it this Annie Lewis case?"

"No, although the experience of being in Washington for the autopsy is part of this; all the autopsy reports are reviewed and closed. No I want to talk about us, homes, babies plural and - in total - our future".

She looked down at the engagement ring on her finger, and said slowly "plus I want another piece of gold here and I know from talking with Mac that you are kinda slow when it comes to making a commitment".

Harm nodded and smiled ruefully. "Guilty as charged, doc. When did you talk with Mac?"

"Oh, a while back, just after we got engaged. She called me in MPD to congratulate me, expressed her regret that she hadn't been able to get you to commit, but wished me well and gave me some pointers on how to get the best out of you. Harm, she was actually *very* complimentary about you and she described you as "her best missed opportunity so far in life" which I reckon is high praise for you. Now, don't get big-headed, Tomcat!" She smiled and leaned in as Harm formulated his reply to the compliment from Mac.

Harm sighed. "So how can you help me overcome my commitment problem, Terri?"

Terri leaned in and stroked his thigh. "Well, Tomcat, I have a number of techniques at my disposal, both medical and non-medical, but let me take you through my thoughts for now".

"OK, I'm listening; a bit distracted, but I an definitely listening" Harm shifted slightly on the couch - Terri's touch was having a definite physiological effect on his anatomy!

"Well, I am now a mother and I hated what that sick bastard did to that poor defenceless girl. I am also pretty pissed off by the woeful quality of the autopsy work that Vaughn did first time round. I know that I have trained my department at MPD well - Jessie-Mae can take over from me and step up with barely a ripple; the good citizens of Memphis will barely notice I am gone".

Harm's expression brightened. "So, what would you do for work?"

My friend the Commissioner of Police (you met him and Darlene in the hospital when I was giving birth, remember?) got wind that the FBI are setting up a permanent Federal task force, here in DC, looking at serial killers and child abduction". Terri preened herself. "Apparently I am very highly thought-of and, although he would miss me, he is happy for the great state of Tennessee - and the great city of Memphis - to promote their best ME onto the FBI payroll; I did a hostage-rescue course with them last year as they looked to beef up skills in local police forces. Plus it would be a promotion for me and I am happy to stay in the Navy Reserves for now, so a job in DC would make my USN Reserves work so much easier".

Harm took her hands in his and kissed them, then leaned across and kissed her. "You *are* good, Terri - anyone would be proud to have you on their payroll, super-doc!". He smiled and continued; "Darling, that is marvellous news; I am proud of you".

"Yes it is, Tomcat, plus you wouldn't have to change your base locations - which, frankly, would have been a bone of contention between us, I am sure. So I reckon that, once I say yes, things will move quickly. Now, I am still on mat leave so I'm agnostic about where I stay for the next few months; however I reckon you would declare an interest?" She smiled as she posed the last question.

Harm got down on one knee and said, simply: "Marry me soonest?"

She leaned down, kissed him and simply said "Yes, Tomcat".

"OK, next question - when to marry and when to move".

"I'd like this all settled by the end of May - say Memorial Day for the home moves to be completed; I may pick the same timeline for the wedding, because I don't reckon we could hit the anniversary of Ellie's conception at the end of April, or could we?"

"What, you are ruling out getting married one month from now at the end of April? Why not try for that?" He thought for a moment then smiled triumphantly. "Yes I reckon we could, Terri; I'll ask the Admiral for a week or two weeks around that time and I'll also check the chapel availability at Annapolis for dates around then".

He looked quickly at the calendar on his wall. "The 28th of next month would be a Wednesday. I can see another advantage, as a husband, in that I'd remember my wedding anniversary and my first daughter's conception day more easily if they fall on the same day". He flashed his goofy aviator smile and Terri smacked him playfully on his arm: "Idiot!"

Harm sighed. "Yeah, but I am your idiot, Teresa; all of me, 100% and for eternity".

"Eternity's a long time" replied Terri, quoting a half-remembered film.

She stretched and yawned. "OK, next stop bed; tomorrow is Sunday, so let's continue looking at houses and on Monday I need to get back to my Commissioner to start the wheels moving for the FBI job. It might make sense to set the FBI job up to start in early May, for a number of reasons".

Harm raised an enquiring eyebrow: "OK Terri, why?"

She rattled off the points, using her fingers to enumerate each argument.

"Another five weeks and I should be back to fitness post-partum; it will be month five of nursing Ellie and she'll be sleeping through the night (I hope). Anyway, I can express milk so that the FBI nursery/crèche can look after her during the day. It gives me two months to hand over to Jesse-Mae and answer any questions (a kind of slow-motion departure with a hint of consultancy). It gives the FBI time to set up the task force and I can supervise the new laboratories (maybe spending time and weekends here with you)".

She paused: "And there is the final, practical question of identity". She smiled at Harm.

Harm looked blank "Identity?"

"Yes, Tomcat; my identity; Dr Teresa Coulter will leave Memphis in April '99 to get married, and Dr Teresa Coulter-Rabb will join the FBI in May 1999 to continue an illustrious career. Any objections?"

"Hell no - no objections at all, my darling! I wondered if you would take my name, but the hyphenation makes brilliant sense. Thank you darling, but why put Rabb last?"

"Because, my dear Tomcat, it gives you the chance to become Lt Cdr Harmon David Coulter-Rabb if you wish, but people (like the Admiral) will probably still yell *RABB* whenever they need you".

She smiled and nibbled a piece of celery which she had stolen from the salad bowl, attempting to flutter her eyelashes innocently; it didn't quite work!

Harm hugged her. "How did I ever deserve such a wonderful woman as you?"

"Well, Tomcat, it's more the case that you didn't resist when a smart, intelligent, beautiful and determined woman set her sights on you last April. On which subject, three months on from the birth, I reckon it's time for us to share a bed properly again".

Harm realised that their discussions had taken up most of the evening. "Lead on Doc; lead on - but please be gentle with me, Terri!"

"Always, Tomcat!"

TC&HR-TC&HR-TC&HR-TC&HR

Monday 26th April 1999 - 16:52hrs EST

The new home of Lt Cdr Harmon Rabb and Dr Teresa Coulter-Rabb (to be),

33xx Nebraska Avenue NW, Forest Hills, Washington DC

The removals crew had moved the contents of Harm's apartment into the new family home a week before, enabling Harm and Terri to plan the relocation of her home contents from Millington to DC at the end of their honeymoon. Buying the new family home using Harm's college fund enabled Terri to keep her house in Millington, which she placed in the hands of a rental agent to be let out to tenants. Harm had kept ownership of the building in which his former apartment had been based, giving Ellie a good-sized property-based fund for her future financial security.

*WEDDING - Wednesday 28th April 1999, noon PT

St James by the Sea Episcopal Church, La Jolla, CA

St James by the Sea Episcopal Church, had been selected out of deference to Terri's Southern Baptist upbringing. The cool floor of the church enabled Terri to wear open sandals (as she put it, coming from alongside the "Great Muddy", she didn't want sand in her toes).

Alongside Trisha and Frank, the guest list included Jack Keeter, Elizabeth "Skates" Hawkes and Meg Austin. Mac had unexpectedly been sent TDY to Indonesia, to deal with a major local incident involving Marines - Chegwidden was apologetic about her urgent posting, but Mac had visited Terri and Harm for dinner before she shipped out, and the three friends had ensured that there was no ill-will. Terri made a point of reserving two slices of the wedding cake for Mac; whether or not the "hungry Marine" had a partner, she would definitely have her cake!

Frank had very kindly provided a private jet to bring Harm, Terri and Ellie across to California, then again to transport them to their honeymoon in Boston - a city which had no "history" of previous lovers for either of them and enabled them to settle into the start of married life.

TC&HR-TC&HR-TC&HR-TC&HR

Friday April 30th 1999 - 09:55hrs EST

Honeymoon suite, Boston Marriott Copley Place

110 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02116 USA

"OK, honeymoon lady; time for the city tour".

The week in Boston went quickly, enabling the newlyweds to return home to DC on the evening of Thursday 6th May. They enjoyed exploring the Independence Trail, Faneuil Hall and the countryside outside Boston during their leisurely stay in the city. All too soon, it was time to pack up and return to Washington, to commence their married life. With work looming on the following Monday, they had just three days to finish moving into their new home.

TC&HR-TC&HR-TC&HR-TC&HR

Friday 7th May 1999 - 09:33hrs EST

The new home of Lt Cdr Harmon Rabb and Dr Teresa Coulter-Rabb,

33xx Nebraska Avenue NW, Forest Hills, Washington DC

"Good morning Dr Coulter-Rabb".

"Good morning Commander Rabb; good morning little Ellen Coulter-Rabb, of the permanently-hungry variety".

Terri, fresh from her shower, picked up Ellie and headed into the sunlit study, where the morning sunshine created a warm nest which would keep Ellie contented as she fed, was changed and then put down for a late-morning rest. On Friday 7th May, they would complete the process of moving into the new home, with Terri's household contents due to be trucked in at 1200noon. Whilst Terri fed their daughter, Harm began work preparing "Post-It" labels on the doorframes of all the rooms, so that the removals firm, bringing boxes which were all marked for specific rooms, would be able to quickly offload into each room.

Terri's house in Millington had been professionally packed in a similar manner with each room named, so the removal trucks packed up the Millington home towards the end of their honeymoon and the honeymoon couple returned home to find that their new home was ready to be filled with the second batch of furniture on Friday 7th May.

Harm realised ruefully that the unpacking of the boxes would take a while longer, Still, the three-car garage now protected his 1960s Corvette and his Lexus, whilst Terri's Saab convertible nestled in the third bay, closest to the fire-door into the utility room of the house. Apart from tending to Ellie regularly, the weekend was spent unpacking and by Sunday lunchtime the house was in good shape - ready to become the Coulter-Rabb home (the name which was sign-written onto the mailbox at the kerb).

Terri reported for duty at the J Edgar Hoover building on Monday morning, May 10th to begin her new role in the task force: this was quite fortuitous, because two weeks later, Harm (and Terri) would be suddenly dragged back into the Annie Lewis case.

TC&HR-TC&HR-TC&HR-TC&HR

Monday, 24th May 1999 - 08:59hrs EST

Conference Room, JAG HQ, Falls Church. VA.

"Admiral on deck".

"Good morning people; as we start the week leading up to Memorial day, you may remember your Charlie Lynch from the Annie Lewis case; he has re-appeared and appears to be searching for the little girl Dar-Lin. Dr Parker here is going to review the file with Lt Cdr Rabb after this staff call".

Jordi sat in Harm's office and they looked back through Charlie's unsealed Juvenile record. It made depressing reading. The update briefing, with Jordi Parker present as well as the NCIS team and an FBI Agent in Charge, had run through Charlie Lynch's "back catalogue".

"Charlie Lynch; last served on the USS Seabridge after the Bunker Hill (currently in WESTPAC) and the Sterrat (decommissioned). On the Seabridge, an Aviation Logistics Support Boat". Agent Holland NCIS took up the litany with his naval history: "(1st) Gunners Mate on the Sterrat: (2nd) brawl in Bar - "Boomers" - busted down to PO3. Recently: killed Angela Delaval the hotel owner along with Marjorie Lewis (the girls' aunt). He is obviously looking for the girl".

Jordi Parker rounded off with the psych eval from his childhood juvenile record: "unwilling or unable to change his violent ways";

All of this had come together violently the next day, at 0207Z (0705hrs local) in the Transient Lodging facility in Washington DC on a beautiful late-May morning. Terri had been preparing to teach a course to US Navy personnel in the FBI HQ, so was in her uniform when the call came to "scramble" her to the Transient Lodging facility. Leaving Ellie safely in the FBI nursery and instructing her administrator to pass the word along, Terri ran out of her department towards the Motor Pool. The mixed-jurisdictional nature of the Charlie Lynch/Annie Lewis case made it a perfect early candidate for Terri to deploy her team. Sadly, the death of the marine guard outside and the young female agent inside the apartment where Dar-Lin Lewis had been accommodated merely emphasised the danger inherent in Charlie Lynch. He was obviously unravelling fast, with his mental state causing concern - and danger - for all involved.

TC&HR-TC&HR-TC&HR-TC&HR

Tuesday 25th May 1999 - 09:00hrs EST

Transient Lodging Facility, Washington DC

Terri stared down at the still form of the young female agent, who had obviously been drawing water from the faucet when she had been shot in the back of the head.

Odd items of information flooded Terri's mind as she walked around the corpse. The woman's high-heeled shoes were almost brand new, with the soles unmarked - but her ankle holster was empty. Her neat ginger hair was spread across the ground, matted by the congealed blood which had flooded from the catastrophic bullet wound in the back of her head where Charlie's second round had penetrated her skull. Her main sidearm remained undrawn in her holster under her arm.

Terri sighed; at least death had been instantaneous for this young woman - she literally hadn't seen death approaching from behind her. Sadly, Terri notice the shiny new wedding band on the woman's left hand - another married life unfulfilled, or a young child left motherless. Maybe it was her recently-married status, but Terri felt some form of sisterly connection with married women; this was a new sensation for her, not something that she had ever felt during her solo days as an ME with MPD.

Terri hoped that the authorities would track down Charlie Lynch and bring his reign of terror to an end. She picked up a knitted blue parrot - obviously Dar-Lin had dropped it at some point. She tucked the parrot inside her jacket as she sized up the distance to the next victim, the Marine lying dead on the pathway outside.

Agent Holland stood by the kitchen sink, surveying the carnage. Terri exchanged looks with her: "God, what a mess; my husband wouldn't like this - he prefers order".

Holland sighed; "Well, Doctor Coulter, I am glad that your husband isn't here; this would probably ruin his day".

Terri began to stand up from examining the corpse of the fallen Marine. As she did so, something solid smacked into the back of her head. Fortunately, having her hair gathered in a bun provided a measure of padding to the back of her neck, but even so she fell forward to the ground, bounced off the marine's corpse and landed in the flowerbed, dazed from the impact, with her cover rolling away into the corner. Terri struggled to clear her muzzy head as Charlie Lynch yanked her upright by her collar; the stars in her vision subsided as Charlie Lynch wrapped an arm around her neck, holding the 9mm pistol as he clung onto Dar-Lin's collar with his other hand.

Charlie had obviously been hiding in the building and the NCIS agents had not discovered his hiding place. He dragged Dar-Lin with him down the path, pushing Terri ahead of him as an impromptu human shield.

Still dazed. Terri stumbled towards the parking lot as Charlie urged her onwards, keeping his grip on Dar-Lin. Terri heard the sound of approaching female heels and, with a sense of dread, watched Charlie lift his pistol and line up on the corner of the building. A young woman in civilian clothing, in a light grey pant-suit and fumbling in her handbag (presumably for keys), walked into view around the corner.

Unhesitatingly, Charlie fired twice, the bullet impacts grouping as a pair of ugly dark red spots in the centre of the woman's neatly-buttoned light-grey suit jacket. Already dying, the woman fell backwards and sideways into the flower border as Charlie urged Terri forwards towards the parking lot, along the path past the dying woman. He hadn't hesitated, simply executing the brunette as she walked into view; she hadn't even seen the man who murdered her, simply falling sideways with her head down, hand still in her bag and with one elegant stiletto skittering across the path as her body landed bonelessly in the undergrowth and settled on her back, gazing skywards.

Terri was blazing angry at the shocking wasteful loss of another young life at the hand of this vicious nutter. Several months of disturbed sleep, the pressure of relocation, getting accustomed to marriage to Harm, sore nipples - everything conspired to shorten the usually-long fuse of the Tennessee Tigress. Charlie Lynch had seriously pissed off one Teresa Coulter-Rabb!

The sheer callous unthinking nature of this latest killing filled Terri with a fierce resolve that, before the end of today, Charlie would be safely in custody or dead. No other option was viable. Now, if only her head would stop throbbing!

Her medical training kicked in and she tore herself free from Charlie's grip, kneeling in the flowerbed to check the woman's carotid artery and left wrist for a pulse. There was, as she had expected, none. The woman's sightless eyes stared up at the sky, her lips frozen forever in an "O" of surprise. Taking the woman's left hand, Terri looked at the wedding band and noted that Charlie had just killed another married woman. Could he have seen the ring from that distance as the woman turned the corner? Unlikely, Terri reasoned, but she still tucked her left hand into her jacket pocket as Charlie bent over her, screaming abuse at her.

"You god-damned officers, always telling me what to do; well, no more!" he screamed.

Terri suddenly felt the muzzle of his pistol press against her temple.

Time seemed to stand still.

Terri placed the fingers of her right hand on her chest, where her crucifix nestled beneath her uniform shirt, uttered a quick prayer and closed her eyes.

All she could see, in her mind's eye, was Harm's loving face and little Ellie.

Standing over her, Charlie was still screaming abuse as he held the pistol against her head.

Then she heard the "click" as Charlie pulled the trigger...

.

... to be continued...

** END of "Cigars, Bones, Babies and Jimmy Blackhorse" phase six - "Somebody's child" **

TC&HR-TC&HR-TC&HR-TC&HR.