Part 10

April 30, 2004

San Diego

2014 local

Harm and Francesca were going out that evening with Tom and Janet Johnson, Mattie's parents. Mattie would watch both her sister and Riley while they were gone. The four adults went to a well-recommended restaurant that had a view of the ocean from nearly every table. It was an enjoyable evening until Harm's cell buzzed; he noted the number and knew he had to take it. He quickly excused himself to talk in a private setting.

"I need to go to the base; with my C.O. out of town I have to take care of something that popped up and it can't wait til morning."

"I can drive Francesca home, and then we'll take our kids home," Tom offered.

"I appreciate that Tom. Fran I'll call you when I know just how long it will take." Captain Adam Walton had taken a few days emergency leave; his sister had drowned while on vacation, he was due back on Monday.

San Diego Naval Air Station

2153 local

The phone in Harm's office rang, and he answered it "Commander Rabb" as it was an outside line. It was a good thing he was sitting down, as the phone call brought grim news.

After Harm left, the three remaining finished their meal, Harm had asked Francesca to get his to go, he'd eat it later. They then headed towards the Rabb house, taking the same exact route Harm would have if he'd driven. They were only four blocks away from the restaurant when a car came tearing through the intersection at a high rate of speed and collided with their vehicle. The impact of the collision sent it into another vehicle.

Tom and Janet were in the front seat; Francesca was sitting right behind Tom. The damage to the Johnson car was severe. Within minutes, the police and paramedics were there on the scene where they pronounced two dead at the scene upon their arrival. Only Janet, having been on the other side lived through the accident, but she died while they were trying to remove her from the wreckage.

Janet was able to let them know, in a voice no louder than a whisper, where Harm was and how to get hold of him before she succumbed to her injuries.

Officer Munoz relayed the information, and where his wife's body had been taken. The one bit of good news, they had the mutt who did this in custody. He'd been looked at by paramedics, and would survive with nary a scratch on him. "While I have you on the line commander, I need the number for JAG, as the suspect is a member of the military." Harm gave it to him, by rote, and prayed the man was from one of the other services and not Navy. "We need you to come in and identify your wife."

"The Johnson's have two children, the oldest is at our house, babysitting. I'll let her know. Where are you taking the Johnson's, she may want to see them." He was told they were also headed to the morgue, and officially needed to be identified. Harm told Munoz the Johnson's did not have any family other than their children, and he would spare Mattie the ordeal and do it himself.

The next call he made was to Admiral Chegwidden's home, due to the hour he knew where AJ would be. AJ was shattered at the news and said he'd be in San Diego as soon as he could. Marcella needed to be told and Harm took his cell phone out for that. This was a personal call. Finding her out, as it was now after ten in the morning in Italy he relayed that he needed to be called the moment she got in, it was extremely vital she be tracked down and call him back, no matter what the hour in California.

Harm called the officer of the watch to inform him he would be available by cell phone, but only if absolutely necessary as a family emergency of his own had arisen in the past few minutes. He then headed back to his house to break the devastating news to the teen. Fortunately, if that could be the right word, the two little girls had no idea what had occurred.

Before he left, he called Frank and informed him of what had happened, to tell Trish. Someone would need to stay with the children while he went to identify Francesca and the Johnson couple. Frank was horrified to hear the news and told Frank they'd be over as soon as they could. Frank then relayed the news to his wife who was heartbroken at the news. They would need to be strong for their son and granddaughter in the coming days.

Mattie was beginning to wonder where the Rabb's were as they said they'd likely be back by 10:30. She wasn't worried though, as there had been talk about going for a drive after dinner. She heard the corvette but not her parent's car. Turning the TV off, she put her schoolwork into her backpack so she'd be ready to go. Both of the babies were asleep they'd been very cooperative for her. It had made the evening much easier.

Harm parked the corvette in the garage and then steeled himself to prepare the bad news. He'd had to do this as a member of the military, but this was different, he didn't have the uniform to hide behind, and this was personal, he'd lost someone dear to him as well. Going into the house, he dropped the car keys off in the kitchen and went to see where Mattie was.

She came into the kitchen from the living room and she knew something was wrong just from the look on Harm's face. "Mattie, we need to talk, but I don't want to do it here in the kitchen. Let's go out to the patio. "I got called into work tonight, just after the food came. Your mom, dad, and Francesca were headed back here, to pick both you and Shaylee up. Apparently, a car ran a red light at a high rate of speed. It hit the car your parents were in. Honey, I'm sorry to tell you, they didn't make it. Nobody in the car made it" Harm said barely getting the words out.

Mattie just went numb, even though she knew the news was bad, she hadn't expected this. "No!" she wailed and Harm just comforted her; his arm around her. He heard Frank's car pull up and called.

"Frank, I'm out back." Frank and Trish came in the through the side gate, and it was obvious to Mattie that Trish had been crying. Trish came over to the teen and they just hugged each other. Frank meanwhile enveloped his stepson in a bear hug, letting him release his emotions.

After awhile Harm stepped back, he'd always be grateful to Frank for his strength tonight. "I need to go and identify everyone. Can you stay here with the girls?"

"I'm going with you Harm" Frank insisted.

"I want to go" Mattie said.

"Honey, I think it best you wait, you don't want the last memories of them to be like this. We'll take you tomorrow to the funeral home," Trish said.

"I didn't think of that," Mattie said as she sat there comprehending she was now an orphan. "What's going to happen with me and Shaylee?"

"For tonight, you'll stay here, with us. We'll figure it out in the morning."

"Okay" Mattie acquiesced.

Harm and Frank then left to go identify the remains of the three accident victims. Frank wanted to find the scum that had snuffed out three lives in a matter of a few moments. He knew Harm did as well, and seeing the look on Harm's face did not bode well for the surviving driver. When Harm arrived, he told the person at the front desk why he was there, and was soon ushered into a room and shown Tom and Janet Johnson first, then Francesca. After he'd signed the all the forms as needed Frank noted Harm was really starting to comprehend what had just occurred, that because of circumstances he'd been spared. Frank knew Harm would blame himself and vowed he'd keep an eye on him.

On the way back to Harm's they stopped by the precinct; Harm wanted to find out more about the person who'd done this. He knew already that the individual was active duty military but that was it. The sergeant at the front desk was busy with it a Friday night and the end of the month. After about ten minutes, they were guided to a room where Sergeant Munoz, whom Harm had spoken with on the phone talked with them privately.

"The San Diego JAG office for the Navy will take over, someone will be here shortly, to get take him to the brig, he's been arrested on drunk driving and three counts of vehicular homicide." When Harm heard San Diego JAG, he knew the culprit was in the Navy. He dearly wanted to be the prosecution for this case but knew that wasn't possible. as he was the spouse of one of the deceased, no judge would allow it.

"Sergeant Munoz, a Lt. Krasnowsky from JAG is here. Where do you want me to send him?" One of the patrol officers asked a minute later.

"In room 3" Munoz replied.

"Sergeant, I'm, I was JAG before my transfer, I need to talk with the lieutenant, and there are a few things I need to say."

"As long as you do it here, I don't mind." Harm agreed.

A moment later, Lt. Karen Krasnowsky, a petite redhead came in the room. She'd been in her peanut butters and hadn't bothered to change before going to the precinct. "Commander, I didn't expect to see you here," she said as she came in. "Sergeant, I understand you are holding a Navy Lieutenant on several charges."

"Yes, he's being held on one count of driving under the influence, his blood alcohol level was .13, which is considered intoxicated, he's also being charged with three counts of vehicular homicide as everyone in the other car died."

Frank and Harm were sitting there watching the proceedings. It was strange for Harm to be involved, yet not involved in this type of case. "Lieutenant Krasnowsky, I think you need to be made aware that one of the victims was my wife, Francesca Peretti. Her father, Admiral AJ Chegwidden has been notified and is on his way here from Virginia."

Karen turned one shade whiter and gulped when she heard that, it would make the case all that more intense, and she was thanking her Lord she was not going to have to defend him.

Munoz saw the reaction when Chegwidden's name was mentioned. As he was not military, he didn't recognize the name.

"Sergeant, Chegwidden is the Judge Advocate General.

"Oh" was his replied when he was thinking on the inside 'when that drunk sobers up he's going to wish he hadn't'.

"Commander, Mr. Burnett, I believe we're done here, I will let you know if we find anything else, or the Lt. will."

Harm knew it was their clue to leave and Harm asked the lieutenant to call him when she got back to the base, he'd be up most of the night anyway. Then they returned home.

Karen Krasnowsky filled the papers needed to transfer Lt. Greg Vukovich to Naval custody. She had the distinct pleasure to inform him of the charges being brought against him and noted the distinct lack of pallor in his face when told that one of the dead was his boss's daughter.

Trish had persuaded Mattie to go to sleep in Francesca's studio, where there was a place to lay down. She'd keep an eye on the little ones if they woke. The phone rang just as Harm and Frank returned, it was Marcella, wondering why the urgent phone call knowing what the hour was on the west coast. Harm was as gentle as he could be over the phone. Marcella asked that whatever services wait until she could get there. Harm promised her he would. A few minutes later the phone rang, AJ had arranged for an early morning flight to LAX, and would then drive down; it was the earliest flight he could find at such short notice. Harm went to bed, his parents in the guest room, to help with the young girls.

Saturday morning Harm's alarm didn't need to go off, he was awake as soon as he heard Riley stirring. He got to the nursery about the same time Trish did, and she let him take over, knowing he needed to do normal activities. Trish went into the kitchen instead, and got the coffee started. It appeared no one over the age of three slept well that night.

When it was a decent hour, Harm called Jameson Meacham, Tom Johnson's attorney to inform him of the accident. Jameson was already aware, he'd seen the news report the night before and the paper had the names this morning. He told Harm the Johnson's had requested he and Francesca have guardianship of the children should anything happen to them. "I'll bring you a copy of their will, you need to see it, and you will need to make several decisions in the next few days."

The Johnson's wanted to keep the aviation company in the family if possible, with Shaylee's birth they'd nearly lost the business. Harm knew Sergei could help and called him to let him know, not only of the tragic news, but also the fact he was needed here, to run the company. Talking it over with Mattie Harm told him there would be a place for he and Galina to live as well, if they were interested.

Saturday Harm spent on the phone arranging for the funeral services, it was decided to hold them back-to-back, to allow the friends of the Johnson's a chance to grieve. Francesca's would take place after. He and Frank made as many of the arrangement that they could with it being a weekend.

When he got to the airport AJ found that his flight would be slightly delayed and he took the time to call his chief of staff, Capt. Krennick, to inform her why he'd be out, she'd be in charge until he returned. Chegwidden was planning to retire at the end of June. He'd considered moving out to California to be closer to his daughter and grandchild, but was glad he had not made those final yet.

JAG Headquarters

May 3, 2004

0800 local

Mac was in a great mood considering it was Monday morning, she'd been on leave for the past two weeks, out of touch with the world, the hotel she'd stayed at would only take calls from Chegwidden, or Leavenworth. She'd got in very late last night, and hadn't taken the time to check her messages, deciding she'd wait until after work Monday to deal with them.

She went into the break room to get a cup of coffee, and noted that both Sturgis and Bud seemed not very cheerful this morning; she attributed it to Monday morning blues. She was just headed back to her office when Coates announced there'd be a meeting in the bullpen in five minutes. As she didn't have enough time to get anything accomplished before the meeting she booted up her computer.

"Gather around people, I don't want to have to repeat myself." Krennick said. Mac was curious why Krennick was giving this meeting, she knew Chegwidden was in the process of retiring, the dining out ceremony to take place next month, maybe this was something in regards to that. She'd noted the admiral's vehicle was not in its usual parking spot. Krennick waited until everyone was gathered and told the assembly. She'd already talked with the judges this morning explaining why the admiral would be out of the office.

"As you may have noticed the Admiral isn't here today, there's a reason. Late Friday night California time, the admiral's daughter along with two civilians was killed by a drunk driver." There were a few gasps at this news, it was obvious Bud and Sturgis knew about this already. "If that weren't bad enough, that's not all, the person behind the wheel of the car that hit them is stationed at our JAG office in San Diego." It was a good thing there were a few thousand miles separating the two coasts; as it was a personal affront to everyone. One of their own that had done this. "Because of the familial connection, it has been decided the accused, a Lt. Greg Vukovich will be given Army representation and an Air Force Judge. Commander Rabb has asked in lieu of flowers you donate to SADD. That is all." (Authors Note: Students against Drunk Drivers). The daughter of the other victims of the accident asked that be where any donations go.

Mac's good mood evaporated when she heard the news, Harm had to be devastated, as must be the admiral. Mac knew the best thing to do at this time was just be there for her friend; she could do if from a few thousand miles away. Going into her office, she did a quick email to his home computer.

Signing onto her personal email account she a quick note.

From: Ninjawoman at military dot .net

To:Harmfulrabbit at military dot .net

Subject: Just heard

Harm, I just heard, I've been on leave. I truly am sorry for your loss, what else can I say. Just remember I'm your friend. Give Riley a hug from Auntie Mac. Call if you need anything, even if it's a virtual shoulder to cry on.

Sarah

Harm read the note from Mac, along with many others when Mattie suggested he set up a webpage for Francesca's European friends. As Harm wasn't the most computer savvy she helped him with it.

Harm took the next two weeks off, one unpaid, as he dealt with the myriad of things needing done. Fortunately, Frank, Trish and Sarah were very helpful, doing what they could for him, especially with watching Riley. Named as executor for the Johnson estate compounded the things he needed to be squared away. Figuring out what do with the aviation business was one of the larger headaches he had to deal with. AJ helped here, having another attorney to talk to helped, but AJ was busy running interference with Marcella, who was trying to take over the funeral preparations and her son-in-law's household. Trish and AJ got the point across to her to back off. This did not warm the cool relationship between Harm and Marcella.

Mattie focused on her schoolwork, putting her energy into that, keeping herself busy. She'd been close to completing the requirements for the year in any case, and by concentrating on her work, she would be done by the middle of May.

Harm talked with Mattie, having Trish, Sara, Frank, AJ and Marcella back him up they persuaded her to return to school in the fall. Mattie countered that she was needed at home with the little ones. Harm reminded her, and the other adults backed him up on this; if she were strongly considering the Naval Academy she needed to be back in a regular school setting.

Whatever rift that might had been between AJ and Harm was sealed that week as they mourned the death of someone they both loved.

Captain Walton agreed to the second week on one condition; his daughter was graduating from high school, the same day as the Surface Warfare Ball, in DC. Walton had orders to go to that this year. Harm could go in his place. Harm reluctantly agreed, there would be people attending that would be too consoling. On the other hand, he could personally thank everyone who'd not been able to come to the service, which was nearly everyone from JAG.

When Captain Walton left, Harm went to the nursery where Shaylee was knocking her blocks off the pyramid her sister was trying to set up. "Mattie, would you like to go with me at the 22nd to DC?" She looked up at him, wondering why the invitation, other than knowing Francesca's father lived in the DC area and was due to retire.

"I've been ordered to go, by my C.O. to the Surface Warfare Ball. It means I'm in a dress uniform." He'd explained the differences to her in the past. "You should wear the dress Francesca made for you. We were going to renew our vows on our anniversary." His voice was filled with emotion. Then he smiled. "We can go up to Annapolis, and take a look at the school."

"I'd be honored" was all Mattie could get out. She'd never gone to a dance like this. She knew how to dance of course, but the traditional stuff was foreign territory.

Frank heard Harm ask Mattie, and sensed his 'granddaughter' was elated and apprehensive. Waiting a few minutes he then entered the room quietly, Shaylee was nearly asleep in her sister's arms. "Poppa", Frank had worked out that compromise with her; she called him Poppa, "I don't know how to waltz, and some of the other old dances.

"I'll teach you, if you want." She agreed. Over the next few weeks, she found out from Trisha what dances she needed to learn so she'd feel comfortable when they went to the ball. Trish took her to get shoes and a shawl for the outfit as well as some other new clothes for their trip.