WEBB'S DILEMMA

DISCLAIMERS: I don't own these characters I am not using them for personal gain, just personal amusement

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Being in the follies had done more than just raise money for Toys For Tots.  Clayton Webb was a new person.  In a matter of months, his life had changed.  Work wasn't the most important thing to him.  He was involved in a relationship and he was honest with her. Mac and Harm had shared with him where they were going to have the wedding ceremony. It made him realize they were his friends.  The follies also made him feel part of a family, something he hadn't felt in a long time.

WEBB'S OFFICE

"I don't want to do this." Webb told the Assistant Director

"It's not your decision to make." The Assistant Director responded. "After all we did give them extra time in Hawaii."

"But that was supposed to be as a thank you for handling the Arizona incident." Webb reminded him.

"Everything comes with a price Webb, there are no free lunches."  The Assistant Director said in a rather cold manner.

"Sir, it's just not right. They are planning a wedding." Webb stated.

"Yes and thanks to our help, they are having it where they want." The Assistant Director replied.

"There is nothing I can say to change your mind?" Webb asked.

"No, now shall I call Chegwidden or will you?" The Assistant Director asked.

"I'll go there and talk to him." Webb said knowing he was defeated.

ADMIRAL'S OFFICE

"He'll be with you in a moment Mr. Webb." Tiner said.

"Thanks Tiner. Are Harm and Mac around?" Webb asked.

"No Sir, they are in court.  Not due back until later." Tiner replied.

"Just as well." Webb said as he exhaled, he did not want to do this.

The office door opened and the Admiral looked at Webb. "What do you need Webb?"

"AJ, I need to talk to you." Webb said.

"I don't like the sound of that." The Admiral said.

"Then AJ you aren't going to like what I have to say." Webb replied.

"Come in." The Admiral sighed. "What's going on?"

"The Assistant Director wants to send Mac into an undercover operation in Zurich." Webb said.

"No, absolutely not." The Admiral said.

"AJ hear me out.  I don't want to involve her anymore than you do." Webb said in defense.

"Then why are you?" The Admiral asked.

"Because the Assistant Director told me I have no choice." Webb responded.

"Webb I know I am not going to like the next answer, what is it that you need her to do?" The Admiral asked.

"AJ there is indication that some money for the Al-Qaeda is being funneled through Deutsche Bank." Webb began.

"So call the Swiss or German authorities." AJ snapped.

"It's not that easy.  Don't you think I would? I don't want to involve her in this. They have been through enough." Webb stated.  "However, according to the information, the contact is a woman."

"What information?" The Admiral snapped.

"Our people on the inside have advised us that a woman is supposed to go to the Deutsche Bank in Zurich this Friday to withdraw the funds.  Once that is done, she is then to deliver the money to another person at the Kunsthaus (an art museum) in Zurich." Webb explained.

"Why do you need one of my people to do this?" The Admiral asked.

"We need someone who can speak to them who speaks the language naturally.  Mac is fluent AJ." Webb said.

AJ just looked at Webb.  His people, all his people, had done more than their share of work for the C.I.A.; this time he would be putting her in direct fire.  "Webb, I will leave it up to her." He picked up the phone, "Tiner as soon as Commander Rabb and Colonel MacKenzie return from court I want to see them in my office."

"AJ, I fought this time, I swear.  I don't want to put her in this situation." Webb stated as he walked to the door.

"Fight harder next time.  Where do you think you're going?" The Admiral boomed.

"I thought you would like to talk to her." Webb said.

"I don't think so.  If I talk to her I will tell them not to do this." AJ replied. "Have a seat Webb they should be back soon."

TWO HOURS LATER

Mac and Harm walked back into the bullpen laughing.  They had not been on the same side in court in sometime.  It was nice to work as a team again.  Tiner stopped them before they could get to their offices. "Ma'am Sir, the Admiral would like to see you right away.  Mr. Webb is with him. He's been here for more than two hours."  They exchanged worried glances Webb sitting with the Admiral for two hours? They were sure he wasn't there having tea.

"You wanted to see us Sir?" Harm asked.

"Yes, have a seat. Mr. Webb here has something to discuss with you." The Admiral said with a bit of sarcasm.

"What is it?" Harm said looking at Webb.

"We need a favor." Webb said.

"A favor?" Mac laughed. "Your favors usually involve trouble."

"Look this wasn't my idea." Webb started his defense.
"Webb, don't whine it's so un-CIA like." Harm said.

"Just hear me out."  Webb said and he relayed all the information he had given the Admiral to Mac and Harm.

"No way." Harm said.

"You aren't serious? What if the other woman shows up?" Mac asked.

"Already handled.  According to our guys she is supposed to meet on Friday.  We changed the meet to Wednesday." Webb said.

"You are talking about this Wednesday?" Harm said. "You want her to leave for Zurich within the next 24 hours.  Go to a bank withdraw money and hand it over to a member of Al-Qaeda.  Have you lost your mind?"

"You'll be watched the whole time, once they have the money our people will move in." Webb said. "You'll be back by Thursday. You'll be safe."

"Oh and where have I heard that one before?" Mac said.

"You don't have to do this." The Admiral interjected.

"Good, because she isn't." Harm said. "Excuse me Sir."

"Wait a second Harm. Webb why me?" Mac asked.

"You speak Arabic and Farsi Mac." Webb said.

 "Would you excuse us a moment?" Mac asked. "Sir permission to be dismissed?" The Admiral nodded and they left the office.

MAC'S OFFICE

"Harm, I think I should go." Mac said.

"Don't you mean we should go?" Harm asked.

"No, I mean I should go. You aren't needed. There is no reason for both of us to be in danger." Mac said.

"Mac I am not letting you walk into a meeting with terrorists alone." Harm said.

"Harm, I'm a marine don't forget that." Mac said.

"You are also my fiancé." Harm stated.

"Exactly why you shouldn't go.  Harm you're not thinking as an officer you thinking as my future husband.  Don't confuse the two." Mac said.

Harm knew Mac was right.  She was the one needed and he knew she was going to do this with or without his support. "Ok." He said softly.

ADMIRAL'S OFFICE

"Sir, I'm going to go." Mac said.

"Just you?" The Admiral asked.

"Yes, just me." Mac replied.

"Mac, I'll keep you safe. Harm I promise." Webb said.  Both Harm and the Admiral looked at him, Webb knew he had better keep his word.

"Mac you leave tomorrow." Webb handed her an envelope, which contained a ticket, itinerary and pictures of them men she was to meet.

"Pretty convenient that you had all this with you." Harm said.

"Harm, let's not go there." Webb replied shaking his head.  He was already feeling guilty.

MAC'S APARTMENT

Mac was busy packing as Harm fixed them something to eat.

"Mac, I really don't think you should do this." Harm began his protest again.

"Harm I am not going to have this conversation with you again." Mac firmly stated.

"Mac if anything happens to you…" Harm started

"You'll kill Webb and end up in jail." Mac said with a smile. "Let's eat and relax, I'm done packing."

"Harm there is one thing I have to do before I leave." She said with a sad look.

"What is it?" Harm asked with alarm.

"Harm, a Muslim woman dressed in a burqua would not be wearing this." Mac said as she held up her hand. "Hold it for me and give it back to me when I get back." She slipped her engagement ring off her finger and handed it to Harm.

"Don't worry about that.  You won't be off the plane for more than 10 seconds." Harm said trying to smile.

"Harm, I'm not very hungry." Mac said as she got up from the table and walked towards the bedroom. "Are you coming?"

Harm got up and followed her; the dishes could wait until tomorrow.