Title: Divorce Trouble Blues
Author: FitzG
Rating: T (just in case)
Summary: Mac's husband shows up causing problems with her divorce. The second story in my series that began with "Trouble in Paradise"
Spoilers: I borrowed some background from the fourth season episodes "Mr. Rabb Goes to Washington" and "People v. Mac"
Disclaimer: JAG characters are the property of Bellisarius Productions.
A/N: This story starts 5 weeks after my story "Trouble in Paradise" and before the events of "Ghost Ship" I suggest you read "Trouble in Paradise" before reading this story.
Thanks to everyone who reviewed my last chapter. Also thanks to everyone who read and reviewed my one-shot story Christmas for Two. Sorry for the delay on this chapter. Real life and the holidays got in the way. Please keep reading and reviewing.
FitzG
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Chapter 6: Negotiations
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TUESDAY 1600 LOCAL TIME
LAW OFFICES OF COLEMAN & RODGERS
ARLINGTON, VA
Harm and Mac were waiting in the conference room at her divorce attorney's office. Mac scheduled an appointment with him on Monday. She planned to present Harm's additions to the divorce agreement. She wanted his opinion of Harm's additions before revising divorce papers. Mac asked Harm to accompany her in case her attorney had any questions. Fortunately their current workload was light enough that the admiral was willing to allow them cleared to secure early.
Ten minutes after they arrived the door to the conference room opened and Mac's attorney entered. He was a tall sandy-haired man of about 5' 10''. Harm and Mac got up from their seats to greet him.
"Major MacKenzie, it's good to see you. I'm surprised to see you. I've been waiting to hear from you husband about your divorce settlement. Has he been in touch with you?"
"Yes he has. Unfortunately it didn't go well. I'll explain what happened but first I want to introduce you to my friend and partner at JAG. Ron, this is Lt. Commander Harmon Rabb Jr. Harm, this is Ron Coleman my divorce attorney."
"It's good to meet you Ron. Mac tells me you're a former army JAG officer" Harm said as he reached out to shake Coleman's hand.
"Yes I am, but don't hold that against me. I handle clients from all branches of the military, navy and marines included. My partner Tom Rodgers is also a former army JAG. Lynn, our receptionist and paralegal was a navy legal-man on the Abraham Lincoln. We only handle military clients."
"That must limit the number of clients you have and put some limits on your billing fees."
"It does but we prefer a smaller client base. Also since we're all ex-military we understand what military paychecks are like. We're more interested in giving our clients the best representation they can get rather than billing fees."
"I'm glad Mac has found such a concerned attorney. I'm sure you'll be able to help her."
"I hope so. Frankly I was surprised she came to us. As a lawyer at JAG HQ she could have avoided paying our fees by having a navy or marine JAG handle her case. Once she explained her reasons I was more than happy to take her case. Well why don't we all take a seat and Mac can explain what happened."
"Thanks Ron." Mac said as they all took a seat at the conference table. "Chris showed up at my apartment last Tuesday. I told him to leave but he forced his way in. I pinned him to the floor and only let him up after he agreed not to touch me. He tried to convince me to take him back. I refused. I told him it was over and explained why I waited so long to file for divorce. Then he tried to blackmail me. He threatened to reveal something he knows about me to my superiors, something that could hurt my career."
"I see. How did you respond."
"I stalled him. I told him I'd resign my commission if necessary. Then he asked me for money instead. It seems he owes a loan shark about $15,000. He told me he'd agree to the divorce if I paid him off. Obviously I don't have that kind of money but I told him I'd see what I could come up with. I also told him I'd get in touch with him through you."
"I understand. I won't ask you what information he's blackmailing you with. I don't need to know that. I'm guessing Commander Rabb already knows about this or he wouldn't be here."
"Yes. I told all this to Harm last week. In addition to being my partner he's my best friend. I trust him completely."
"Good. I'm glad you have someone else to turn to. So many of our clients don't have anyone else to go to. It's good to know you have the support of a friend, especially another lawyer. Unfortunately this kind of thing is not uncommon in divorce cases involving military personnel. Quite often spouses know things that could hurt the career of a military officer. But I thought you and your husband hadn't had contact for nearly ten years. Didn't he spend some time in prison?"
"Yes he did. However when he got out he was able to track me down in Okinawa. He followed me there and observed me without alerting me of his presence. He saw me in a compromising position with another officer. He chose not to contact me or confront me about what he saw until now. Apparently he came here a short while ago to try and convince me to take him back. That's when he took money from the loan shark. He thought if he had enough money to offer me as a nest egg that I'd take him back."
"Well this complicates things some. Obviously the standard no-fault divorce agreement I've drawn up will need some changes but I believe I have an idea that will help."
"Actually that's part of the reason I asked Harm to come with me today. He's written some additional clauses I'd like to add to the divorce agreement" Mac said as she opened her briefcase and handed the paperwork to Coleman.
Ron Coleman took the offered legal papers and perused them for approximately ten minutes. "This is very good legal work Commander Rabb. In fact the non-disclosure clause is actually a strategy I've used in other military divorces. I'm guessing you've found precedents for this clause perhaps even from a case or two I handled."
"I guess so. I didn't know they were your cases until Mac told me the name of the firm representing her. Even then I wasn't sure. So I guess I don't need to explain the precedents to you."
"No but I can see you've definitely done your research. I also like the fact that you've included a payment clause and as the clause preventing future contact between Mr. Ragle and Major MacKenzie. If you ever decide to leave the navy we could use you here. Tom and I have been looking for another attorney. Someone with your skills could be a successful divorce attorney and a asset to this firm."
"Thank you Ron. Mac said something similar when she read my additions. However I think I'd rather stay in the navy for now. I don't think I'm cut out for the private sector just yet. I like the people I work with too much to leave" Harm said as he took Mac's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "But if I do decide to leave the navy I'll consider your offer. I like what you and your partner are doing here. "
"I understand. I look forward to hearing from you. In the mean time I think we can easily incorporate your additions into the divorce agreement we already have written. The only thing left to decide on is an amount that Mac is willing pay and that Mr. Ragle will agree to. As a former military officer myself I have some idea what she can afford to pay. I'm also concerned about this loan shark that Mr. Ragle owes money to. I usually counsel my clients to avoid a monetary settlement when their spouses attempt to blackmail them. However since there is a loan shark involved you could be in danger Mac. The loan shark could threaten to hurt you. Your own safety is far more important than your career. If you make some form of monetary settlement he could pay back part of what he owes to this loan shark. If he does you would be in less danger and less likely to be threatened by this loan shark. I'm sure $15,000 is far beyond what you can afford to pay. Also Mr. Ragle brought no assets to a marriage which has really been over for some time. Mac, I suggest that you agree to pay no more than $7,500, half of what he owes the loan shark."
"I think you're right Ron. I really hadn't thought that I could be in any danger from this loan shark. I can see now that it is possible that I might be in danger. I'd prefer that I didn't pay Chris anything as part of the divorce settlement. He doesn't deserve any money from me and the fact that he is blackmailing me only makes him less deserving. But I see how my safety could be threatened. After Chris came to see me I determined I could only give him approximately $3,000. Harm has since offered me a loan. With what he has given me I should be able to pay Chris the up to the amount you suggested."
"Then we're agreed that $7,500 is the upper limit. I think you can settle for $5,000. In fact that is the number I will push for when we meet with him. Is this acceptable to you?"
"Yes it is."
"Okay then. I'll see to it that the additional clauses are added to the divorce agreement and contact you to schedule a time to meet with you and Mr. Ragle. I'll leave the amount of the monetary settlement blank until we've come to an amount agreed to by both parties. Hopefully we can clear everything up soon and you can put this behind you."
"I appreciate all your help and advice. Please call me as soon as possible to schedule a final meeting with Chris. I'd like to clear this up quickly."
"No problem. You'll hear from us before the end of the week."
"Thanks Ron. I'm grateful for all the help you've provided" Mac said as she rose from her chair and shook Ron Coleman's hand.
"You're welcome Mac" he replied returning her gesture. "Commander, it was a pleasure to meet you. I'm sure Mac can count on your continued support. I'm sure you plan to be present when we meet with Mr. Ragle."
"I do. I promised Mac I'd get her through this and as Mac will tell you I never make a promise I can't keep."
"I believe it" Ron said shaking Harm's hand. "Mac, I'll have Lynn schedule an meeting for later in the week. I'll see you both then" He said as he guided them out of the conference room and returned to his office.
Harm and Mac then left the law offices and headed to their vehicles.
"Thanks for coming with me today Harm. I'm glad you could make it."
"It's no problem Mac. I told you I'd be with you every step of the way through this. I won't let you go through this alone. Would you like to get something for dinner? I could pick up Chinese from Ho's Noodle house and bring it over to your place."
"That sounds great, but how about I pick up the food and we eat at your place. I'd like to get out of my apartment for a while. Sharing Chinese at your place would be just the thing."
"Okay how does 1830 sound?"
"That's perfect. I'll see you then" Mac replied standing on her toes and giving Harm a gentle kiss on his cheek. She then got in her Jeep Cherokee and started her engine.
Harm got into his corvette and followed her out of the office building parking lot. They then each drove to their respective apartments. Harm had a smile on his face the whole way home."
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1830 HOUS LOCAL TIME
HARM'S APARMENT, NORTH OF UNION STATION
WASHINGTON, DC
Mac arrived just as Harm was setting the dinner table. He had set out two plates, napkins and glasses when he heard her knock on the door. He made his way to the door and opened it to let her into the apartment.
"Chinese take-out delivery for Harmon Rabb" Mac joked as he opened the door.
"Are you sure you have the correct address? I don't think anyone ordered Chinese take-out here" Harm teased back.
"I'm sure. I was told the delivery was to for a Harmon Rabb at this address. Is there another Harmon Rabb I don't know about?"
"I don't think so. Since there doesn't seem to be any other Harmon Rabb around I guess I'll have to accept the delivery. What do I owe you?"
"Oh not much, just a few kisses."
"Well then come on in and I'll see what I can do about that."
Harm led Mac to the dining room taking the take-out bag from her and placing it on the table. Then he took her in his arms, bent his head down to hers and gave her a long gentle, but passionate kiss. Breaking off the kiss when they both needed air Harm stood up straight and continued to hold Mac close.
"Does that cover the cost of my order?" Harm asked teasing Mac.
"I believe that more than covers your order."
"You look great Mac" Harm said as he stepped back to take in the site of his beautiful marine partner. Mac was wearing a pale rose colored blouse that brought out her olive colored skin and faded hip-hugger jeans along with a pair of short high-heeled boots.
"Thanks you look pretty good yourself sailor." Mac said as she took in the cotton turquoise colored long sleeved collar shirt he was wearing. The shirt fit well across his shoulders and showed off his well defined muscles. "You look almost good enough to eat flyboy" Mac said as she pulled Harm's head back down and gave him another passionate kiss. This time however they broke apart laughing when Mac's stomach let out a grumble of hunger.
"You may be hungry for my lips jarhead but your stomach has other ideas."
"I guess so. Come on let's eat flyboy. I've picked up plenty of our favorites."
"Okay Mac. Have a seat and I'll get the drinks. Is ice water okay?"
"It's fine. Thanks."
Harm went to the kitchen and retrieved a pitcher of ice water from the refrigerator. He then came back to the table and poured a full glass for each of them. Setting the pitcher down in the center of the table he sat down opposite her and began eating.
While they ate Harm and Mac discussed their current cases and shared the latest office scuttlebutt. "I can't believe Bud took Harriet to a Star Trek convention" Harm said. "How did he con her into that?"
"He told her they were going to a film festival."
"A film festival?"
"Yea, actually he wasn't completely lying. They spent most of their time in the video room. Harriet wasn't very happy with him. She left after sitting through three hours of videos. Bud decided he'd better drive her home or he'd be in even bigger trouble with her."
"I guess he won't try that one again."
"No he won't. Harriet told me she made him promise to tell her everything about all their future dates beforehand. If he forgets she won't speak to him or see him outside of work for a month."
"Ouch. I guess I'd better not try the same thing on you marine. I don't want to go that long without seeing you outside of work."
"You better believe it flyboy. I don't mind if you plan a few surprises now and then, but nothing you know I won't like."
"Not a problem. If I plan something you don't want to do all you have to do is say the word and we'll do something else instead. It looks like you've had enough to eat. I'll clean up and then we can sit and talk. Why don't you put on some music and I'll join you on the couch shortly."
"Sounds good" Mac said as she got up from the table. She turned on the stereo and browsed Harm's CD collection. She picked soft jazz CD and pressed play on the stereo remote. Then she sat down on the couch. Harm joined her a few minutes later after cleaning up the dishes and putting the leftovers in the refrigerator.
"Thanks for coming with me today Harm. I really wanted you there when I showed Ron the additions you wrote up for the divorce agreement."
"I'm glad I could be there, but it seems that he didn't need my expertise about the additions. I'm glad he has experience with the non-disclosure and non-contact clauses. That should make things go smoother when he files the divorce papers with a judge."
"Yes it should. However I'm concerned about something else he said."
"I know. I'm guessing it's what he said about you possibly being in danger from the loan shark."
"Yes it is. Do you think I could be in danger? Would this Benny Turpin try to hurt me to force Chris to pay him back?"
"He could but I don't think so. Remember I told you I had some friends in the DC police department. I had one of them get me all the information they had on Turpin. He's managed to avoid jail time, mostly because no one will testify against him. He's not one of the larger loan sharks in DC and he specifically avoids dealing with members of the military. He doesn't want to run the risk of going to prison for assaulting military personnel."
"Smart man. He could face several years in prison if convicted for assaulting a military officer."
"Yes he could. In any case my friend was also able to tell me how you could contact him. Seems he works out of a public library in Georgetown."
"That's an unusual place to run his business. Harm why would I want to contact him?"
"I thought that if Ragle signs the divorce papers and then comes back you could let Turpin know one of his clients has recently come into some money."
"Harm I'm not sure I'd want to do that. I may want Chris out of my life and my career protected but I'd rather not see him hurt."
"I understand. You don't like to see anyone hurt. I thought you could use this as leverage with Ragle. Mention you know how to contact Turpin and he might think twice before comes back or threatens you again. Not to mention you can probably get him to agree to a lower financial settlement. I should also let you know I had my friend check out Ragle. He couldn't find anything to hold him on. Seems he's done some gambling in the DC area but not much else. He did however find out that Ragle is staying at the Normandy Hotel in room 412. You could also mention that you might let Turpin know where he can find him."
"That's brilliant. How come you're the only one of us thinking like a lawyer in this case? I haven't been using my skills as a lawyer at all."
"You're running on your emotions, which is how I usually work. You're not thinking clearly because this affects you personally. It's okay Mac. Just let me and Ron Coleman help you with the legal strategies. He's a good attorney and he's definitely in your corner on this one."
"So are you."
"There's no where else I'd rather be."
"Thanks Harm" Mac said as she moved closer to him. Harm took her gently into his arms and gave her a brief kiss on her forehead.
Harm held Mac in his arms until the CD ended. Then he escorted her to her car.
"Call me when you get home. I want to be sure you're safe."
"I will" she replied through the open window of her Jeep Cherokee. "I love you" she said as she tilted her head up giving Harm a brief kiss.
"I love you too" Harm said standing up straight following their kiss. He watched her tail lights as she pulled out of the parking area. He waited until her car was out of sight before returning to his apartment.
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FRIDAY 1730 LOCAL TIME
LAW OFFICES OF COLEMAN & RODGERS
ARLINGTON, VA
Mac paced nervously as she and Harm waited in the conference room. They arrived at the law offices fifteen minutes before in Mac's Jeep Cherokee. Harm had convinced Mac they should take her car. They left work early so Mac could follow him to to his apartment to drop off his corvette. Then they took her jeep to the law offices.
"Mac why don't you sit down. You're only working yourself up more by pacing. You can get through this. Where's that tough marine who pulled me onboard a helicopter a thousand feet up the day we met? Where is the kick-ass jarhead who stood off three crazy poachers in the mountains while suffering from an infected gun shot wound? You're strong Mac. Use all your marine training and everything you're Uncle Matt taught you. I know you can do this."
"You're right Harm. I'm just anxious to get this over with so I can get on with my life, so we can get on with our lives. I want to put this behind me so we can begin our future together."
"It's okay. I'm a little anxious to start our future too but right now we have to concentrate on finalizing your divorce. Think of this like a plea bargain. You know the outcome you want to achieve. You know what you're willing to settle for. Think only of your goals and put all other thoughts aside. Your the toughest negotiator I've ever faced. Use all those skills and you'll get through this."
"You're right. Thanks I needed to hear that" Mac said as she turned back to the conference table to take a seat next to Harm. She was just about to sit down when the door opened and in walked Chris Ragle followed by Ron Coleman.
"Sarah, you look beautiful as always. Are you sure you want to do this? We had some good times together. We could have more good times if you'd change you mind and take me back."
"Don't try to charm me Chris. That won't work. And yes I want to do this. Our marriage is over. It has been for a long time. This is just paperwork. I think it's time you accept that."
"Who's this guy you're with Sarah? Is he the reason you're divorcing me? I'm not good enough so you found yourself another marine to sleep with. Does he know about the one you slept with in Okinawa?"
"Actually I'm navy" Harm said getting up from the table. I'm Lt. Commander Harmon Rabb. I'm Mac's friend and partner at JAG HQ. I'm here as her friend and personal attorney."
"Mac, is that what they call you now? Did you stop being a woman since you joined the marines? Cause I'm sure you were definitely still a woman in Okinawa."
"I prefer Mac when I'm working Chris. My friends and co-workers call me Mac out of respect for my rank and abilities as a marine and an officer. They don't judge me by my gender and they don't under estimate me either."
"Well, I'm sorry if I haven't shown you the proper respect. I'll try to be more respectful in the future" Ragle said sarcastically.
"Mr. Ragle why don't you have a seat and we can get started" Ron said indicating one side of the conference table.
Ragle sat down on side of the table while Harm, Mac, and Ron took seats on the opposite side. Ron then placed two manila folders on the table placing one in front of Ragle. He placed the second folder in front of himself. Opening the folder he removed a copy of the divorce agreement.
"Are you sure you don't want a lawyer of your own present Mr. Ragle? You might prefer to have someone else represent your interest in this matter."
"I can represent myself fine, thank you. Let's just get this over with."
"All right. If you'll open the folder you'll find your copy of the divorce agreement. It's a fairly simple no-fault agreement. Both parties agree to end the marriage without laying any blame. Since neither one of you brought anything of real value to the marriage there will be no splitting of assets. However since the Major has made a successful career as a marine office she is willing to offer you a financial settlement. In return you will not disclose any personal information about her that could damage her career. Any personal information you have about the Major or her past is to be kept private. If you break this agreement Major MacKenzie can sue you for personal damages including loss of pay and benefits if she is forced to resign her commission or forcibly discharged from the marines. In addition you are to have no further contact with Major MacKenzie. You will not see her in person. You will not contact her in any way including phone calls, email or any form of written correspondence. This part of the agreement has the same force as a personal restraining order. If you violate this part of the agreement you could be jailed. Do you have any questions?"
"Just one Sarah. How much are you willing to pay for my silence? What's it worth to you that I stay out of your life?"
"That's what we're here to decide Chris" Mac replied. "But don't make the mistake of threatening me again. I'm not the weak, drunk, teenage girl you once knew. I'm a marine and an officer. I can take care of myself and I can fight my own battles."
"I guess you can. But it's going to cost you $15,000 to win this battle."
"The Major can't afford that kind of settlement on her military income. She's willing to offer you $2,000."
"That won't be enough. I'll take $12,500"
"$2,500"
"10,000 and I'll forget I ever married her."
"$3,000"
"You can't be serious. $8,000"
"$5,000 Chris" Mac suddenly said. "Or I'll let Benny Turpin know you recently came into a some money. I believe you owe him a great deal of money."
"You wouldn't. You don't even know how to find Turpin."
"Try me. I know that Turpin works out of a public library in Georgetown. I know what he looks like and what hours he's at the library. Maybe I should tell him he can find you at the Normandy Hotel. Room 412 I believe."
"Sarah you can't. You know what he'll do to me if I don't pay him."
"Yes I do, and I can't say you don't deserve it."
"Sarah $5,000 isn't enough. It's not near enough what I owe him."
"It's better than nothing. At least if you offer him the $5,000 you may buy yourself some time to get the rest. Take it Chris. It's the best offer I can make. Otherwise we have nothing else to talk about."
"All right you win, this time."
"There won't be a next time Chris."
"Don't be too sure about that" Chris replied with a dangerous look in his eyes.
"If both parties are agreed then the only thing left to do is sign the documents." Ron said taking charge of the negotiations once again. "Mr. Ragle if you would sign both copies on the bottom of the last page. Major MacKenzie will do likewise and I will sign as witness. Then I'll have my paralegal notarize them both and file them with the court for a judge's signature."
Ragle signed both copies as did Mac. Then Ron Coleman signed as a witness. He then left the conference room taking the copies with him.
"Goodbye Chris" Mac said as she got up from her chair.
"This isn't goodbye Sarah. I'll be seeing you again sometime."
"No you won't, unless you enjoy getting your legs broken by loan sharks."
"Whatever you say Sarah" Ragle said as he turned and walked out of the conference room.
Mac pushed her chair back from the table and stood up. Letting out a breath she didn't realize she was holding she took a minute to compose herself. "That went better than I thought. I didn't think he'd give in so easy."
"Mac you had nothing to worry about. I told you you're a tough negotiator. You jumped in at just the right moment. You said the right things to get him to agree to your terms, just like we practiced it. I'm proud of you ninja-girl."
"Thanks Harm. I couldn't have done it without both you and Ron."
"No problem. Are you okay? Would you like to go now."
"I'm fine. I just want to stop and thank Ron then visit the ladies room."
"Okay marine. I need to visit the men's room. I'll wait for you and then we can go out to celebrate. Where would you like to go?"
"Could we just grab a pizza and head back to your place. I just want to spend the night lying in your arms. I've got my sea bag in my car with those comfy sweats you gave me."
"You're on jarhead. I'll see you in a few."
Harm followed Mac out of the conference room and proceeded to the men's room while Mac stopped to speak with Ron Coleman. Entering the men's room he found Chris Ragle washing his hands in the sink. Ragle looked up at Harm in the mirror with a sly grin on his face. Harm stepped around Ragle and stood in front of the urinal.
"Commander Rabb, give my regards to Sarah. Oh I'm sorry I forgot. She prefers Mac. I'm sure I'll see you again sometime Commander."
"I don't think so Ragle. Mac has no further business with you and neither do I."
"I wouldn't be so sure about that if I were you." Ragle chuckled as he turned and left the men's room.
Harm filed away everything Ragle said in his mind. He knew Ragle couldn't be trusted to leave Mac alone. At least the divorce agreement was final. Once a judge signed the agreement Mac would be legally free from Ragle.
Harm met Mac in the lobby as she was returning from the ladies room.
"Ready to go flyboy?"
"Whenever you are ninja-girl" Harm said taking her hand in his. They took Mac's jeep back to Harm's apartment stopping to place an order for pizza on the way. Following dinner Mac took a quick shower and joined Harm in his bed. Just as she mentioned she was wearing the US NAVY sweats he gave her. Harm took her in his arms as she snuggled in bed beside him. He kissed the top of her head and they said their good nights.
"Goodnight Harm. I love you."
"Goodnight Mac. I love you too."
Mac relaxed in his arms and quickly went to sleep. However Harm didn't fall asleep quite so quickly. He couldn't forget the things Ragle said after he signed the divorce papers. Nor could he forget what Ragle said in the men's room or the look he had on his face both times. Harm had an uncomfortable feeling that they hadn't seen the last of Chris Ragle.
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There's more coming folks. To my loyal readers, I want to apologize in advance. The next few chapters will take a little longer to post. There will probably be two or three more chapters left in the story and I want to post them all together. So it might be a little longer before the next post.
Please review
FitzG