Chapter 21

"Sorry about that, Mr. Castillo, I just received very bad news; you've known Darren for many years." Harm steeled himself to say the next words. "He died this morning. He and his son were going camping his weekend, apparently a semi truck apparently lost control, and they were in the path of the truck and were both killed instantly. The media hasn't yet twigged to it yet; and his daughters need to be told first"

Mr. Castillo told Harm to take all the time he needed to, he would work in his office until Harm could get back to him. It would be several hours before they could continue their meeting. Castillo had not told anyone about the news until the announcement later that day. Harm had admired the man before that day, and had a deeper appreciation for the man who had started at MacLaren just about the same time as Darren.

Harm told his assistant David Danko to get the VP of media affairs in his office ASAP. He then called Bridget Martinez, Darren's housekeeper who was understandably upset at the news, Harm then said "unplug the phones, and just in case, could you make sure the kids aren't listening to anything that will break the news before I can get there. Amber was spending the day with Mattie so that was his next call. "I need for you two to go over to Amber's, its important."

By this time his VP of media affairs was at his desk. He gave the officer the tragic news. "We need to get a press release, I need to let the kids know, then I'll be back here, then you can release the news. I'll call you if that changes."

Darren had informed his senior staff after his brother's death that if something happened to him, Harm would be in charge. What they didn't know, what Harm didn't know Darren had it set out in the will for Harm to become Chief Executive Officer, as well as President.

Harm headed to the MacLaren house, calling Mac on his cell phone. Using the hands free headset he told Mac as quickly wove his way there. "Mac, I need you to come home, actually to Darren's. There's no easy way to tell you this. He and Mark were killed instantly this morning; it was a bad traffic accident. The girls need to be told. Get everybody over there as soon as they can."

Mac sat there in shock. She'd talked with Darren just that morning as they dropped Amber off on their way to the lake. She realized, with that Darren's death she and Harm had shouldered the responsibility raising of three more children. In just over one year she'd gone from single woman to the mother or guardian of seven children; an infant, seven year olds and three teen-aged girls. Calling Jennifer Coates into her office she informed the petty officer that she needed to leave immediately on a personal emergency, but would be available on her cell. It might be a little unorthodox, leaving just like that, this was an unusual situation and there had to be some perks to being a commanding officer.

Knowing that Brigadier General Russo had to be informed of the reason for her sudden departure from the office she called him with the news, then she left the base with his blessing. When he heard the reason he said "as long as you stay available, you are needed elsewhere right now."

The teens had no idea what was going on, but Mattie had heard the tone of voice Harm used meant business, she sensed something was up and they'd only played CD's on the short drive over to the house. They arrived about the same time as Harm, he ushered them into the house. After gathering the girls into the living room he broke the bad news. Mattie and Lilyana had both quickly considered Darren to be an uncle so they were heartbroken; understandably the remaining members of the MacLaren family were shattered.

"Did Daddy and Mark feel anything?" Clae Rose sobbed, barely getting the words out as she had launched herself at Harm. He gathered her in his arms, and then reached for Brynn as well. Mac was holding Amber who was sobbing. Mattie saw Grandma Sarah and Uncle Matt drive up and went to the door to get them. "No darling, they didn't feel anything." Harm told the children.

Mattie knew the older two had been told by the look on their faces. "Nana, Uncle Matt, I'm glad you're here. Dad's going to need your help with the kids." Soon Mac and the Burnett's arrived. Frank took over answering the door when the news broke. Mac did likewise for any phone calls.

Darren's personal attorney, Seymour Himmelfarb came to the house as soon as he heard. Other than a representative from MacLaren department of public affairs he was the only one they let in the house. While Trish spent time with the girls, Harm and Mac went into Darren's study with Seymour. He told them the basics of what Darren's last will and testament contained. Darren had requested the custody of the minor children went to Harm and Sarah. They had been told by Darren that if something happened to him he wanted them to raise his children, this was not a surprise. "Because MacLaren Enterprises is a publicly-traded company Darren knew he needed to have someone step into his shoes as chief executive officer, and president of the company. He named you, Harm" the older man said simply.

Harm, just for a moment, had a deer in the headlights look. He'd just been handed a great responsibility and would do his best to honor the memory of his friend, and other member's of the MacLaren family he'd known over his lifetime.

"The actual reading of the will, will take place on Monday, but certain items needed to be discussed today. Besides, there are several people who are in the will and will be notified today. I believe it would be prudent for you to stay here with the girls this weekend. I'll leave you my card, it has all my numbers. I'll keep in touch. You'd better get back to the girls, I'll see myself out." Matt offered to go to their house to get what was needed. If nothing else they needed to get more diapers for Joey. Trish had not refilled the diaper bag before the phone call and he'd need one soon in any case. Mattie and Lilyana went with him after getting a list from Harm and Mac. When the patrol car arrived moments later Harm gave a list of those people who were allowed in the driveway. The media had already descended on the neighborhood.

Darren had planned a private service, with a more public memorial later. Of course he'd planned for this to occur several decades later. The senior management of MacLaren Enterprises arranged the public memorial. Harm, after listening to Mattie and Lilyana's suggestion, they decided on two memorial services. One would be for Mark, which would be for his friends and classmates and take place at the MacLaren house in a week or so. It would be an informal gathering, a celebration of life. Darren's was to be more traditional. Darren had requested in his will exactly where it would take place, but because of prior commitments the place was not available until Saturday the twenty ninth.

At the official reading of the will Bridget, Darren's housekeeper was given a sizable stipend for her time of service. Since his wife's death she'd mothered the children. There were several small bequests to various people and charities. Each of the surviving children was given equal shares of the company with Harm and Mac as trustees until they graduated from college. There were other things that Clae Rose and BJ as she'd lately called herself, received in the will that were put in safe deposits until the time they were able to handle them.

Amber was going to be a senior in high school and was given items from both parents at that time. Mattie and Lilyana were both surprised to find out that they'd been remembered in the will, they hadn't known Darren for long. All Darren asked of the two teens was that they treat his children as their own siblings, to both girls amazement each were given cash, the amount larger than either girl had ever seen. Mattie intuitively knew that the money she received was going towards college or university tuition as did Lilyana.

Chapter 22

The MacLaren house was situated on several acres, like many houses in the area. With the main house there were two other small residences on the property. Bridget Martinez lived in one, she had for decades. The other, the one Darren's own in-law's had lived in prior to their death, was larger, and had been used as his wife Monique's art studio for years. The entire property was to go to Harm and Mac. They were flabbergasted and now in a dilemma. Should they move in to the MacLaren house? Should they stay at their house and move the three girls in? What about Grandma Sarah?

Amber gave them food for thought in their decision. "If you move here, there's room for everyone. Grandma Sarah can be at mom's old studio. It's big enough that there's room for Mattie to live there when she starts college. Or she can stay at the main house. We could bunk together for one year, until I leave for West Point. Who knows maybe by then Mats will get back into Annapolis."

"When Uncle Sergei gets here he and Auntie Galina could live in your house" BJ offered. Even though she'd never met him, after seeing a picture of him and finding out whom he was, she'd called him Uncle Sergei. That was something that Harm hadn't even considered since the news of the inheritance.

"We'll think about it" was all Harm said which they did for weeks. His transition to CEO was smooth because Darren had clearly stated to the senior management before his death what he wanted if something happened to him.. Of course the stock took a hit, but within weeks it was back to where it had been in July. Harm's hours were long as his duties expanded.

Bridget was asked to stay on as housekeeper, she readily agreed as she loved the MacLaren girls and enjoyed Mattie and Lilyana. It was finally decided that they would move to the MacLaren house. Mattie and Sarah would stay at the Rabb house until the house on the MacLaren land was renovated. Then the Rabb house would be sold.

Mac took up the slack in parenting because of Harm's schedule, trying her best to get home on time. The only fly in the ointment she could see in the next several weeks was the conference in DC where she was required to attend. All the girls would be back in school with the exception of Mattie who would start college the last week of September. Mac would take Joey with her. Harriet could watch him during the conference hours.

Mac called Harm at work to let him know, to put it on his schedule. When she got home that night she was surprised to see Harm home. He'd have dinner with the family and work from home that night. "I need to go to the East Coast anyway this fall. I'll time it for the same time as the conference. We should take the girls, at least this trip; so they can see where we used to live, where we used to work." They would fly on the company plane. Mac had quickly informed Creswell how she was coming. They then made plans over the next several days as to where they would stay and what everyone would do while Mac and Harm were busy with business.

Mattie found out about the JAG conference and asked to go along. She wanted to see her father, Tom. Darren's death had made her realize that she needed to keep the avenues of communication open with her father, despite his problems.

As expected Harriet gladly watched all the kids. Mattie went on to Blacksburg to visit her father and her former classmates. She wanted to talk to Tom, this time as an adult.

Amber was planning to tour West Point sometime during the school year, so she and Harm continued on to New York City. The rest of the family stayed at a hotel, spending most of the days at the Roberts house.

Harriet had been surprised to hear that the entire family was coming, then scattering in several different directions when they got to DC. She told Mac she'd keep an eye on Lilyana, Clae Rose and BJ. What was four more to watch after when she had four of her own? Lilyana had decided she'd help keep things down to a dull roar, doing her homework when most were down for a nap. Her teachers had acquiesced to her being gone, having her email her completed assignments. BJ and Clae Rose also had schoolwork they were to do during the time that Roberts twins and Jimmy was all down for a nap.

JAG Headquarters

Sept 18 2006

Mac felt that no time at all had passed since she'd last entered this building, but at the same time it felt a lifetime ago. Harriet was watching Joey and the girls, so she'd driven in with Bud; therefore she was prepared when she saw the Australian contingent. She'd been told it would be a multi-national conference; she'd also likely use her language skills sometime during the week. Somehow she managed to keep away from Mic Brumby the entire first day. No such luck on Tuesday.

Mic made sure he got there early; he waited to talk with Mac. He'd noticed the ring on her finger, heard she was married to some bloke who ran some big company on the west coast. He'd overheard Captain Mattoni ask if Mac liked being the wife of a CEO, she arrived just as the meeting started so he had to wait until a break to actually talk. Bud and Mattoni had intentionally made it impossible for him to sit close to her.

Mic made a bee-line towards Mac and Sturgis, who'd sat together. "Sarah it's been a long time. Congratulations on your wedding." Mic was oozing sincerity.

"Thank you Mic" she was about to say something else when...

"Colonel, you have a couple of visitors downstairs; your daughter and your husband." A young seaman came in the room to give the message to Mac, and deliver a couple of other messages.

"Sturgis, Mic, if you'll excuse me." Sturgis halted Mic's movements to follow her.

"I believe her husband was in New York, some business deal he's brokering. Mac said he took one of the older girls to go see the school she'll attend next fall." Sturgis said taking a sip of coffee. Mic was relieved; he knew she didn't have children old enough for college. The geezer she married must have teens. Mac was back momentarily, and she wasn't alone. Mic and Sturgis were then joined by Meg, Bud, and Allison Krennick all attendees of the conference.