Chapter 25
Vicky decided that she'd better play it cool for a while. Even though there'd been no indication that anyone suspected foul play in Commander Rabb's death, that she could see, she didn't want to take any chances and arouse suspicions. That was how she'd decided to wait until Tuesday to try again. She had talked to AJ on Monday night and he told her that he and Colonel Mackenzie would be riding to the funeral together. Because of the limited space at the cemetery they always asked people to double up.
AJ had told her that the offices would be closed on Tuesday for the funeral and luncheon afterward. She had agreed to have dinner with him after that even though he wouldn't be able to keep the date. He would be dead. AJ Chegwidden would finally pay for what he'd done to her mother all those years ago!
Sturgis was bringing the Burnett's to the service. Bud and Harriett had planned to ride with the Admiral and Mac, but little AJ had insisted he wanted to say good-bye to Uncle Harm. Jimmy had heard that and demanded to go as well, so the Roberts' would be driving their own van and only the twins would be staying with a sitter. Since Harold had come to know and like Harm in their dealings with Mattie he was going to be bringing Mattie and Jennifer Coates.
That left Mac to ride with AJ, something she found she didn't want to do. Oh sure, she could have asked for the fourth seat in Sturgis' car, but that would have left AJ riding completely alone, and what reason could she have given? Certainly not the truth! That she was in love with him and it was difficult to be alone with him. So she was just going to have to endure it and pray she didn't do anything stupid to give herself away.
AJ was not looking forward to the funeral. Not that most people would, but on top of the loss of Harm, he was going to have to be alone with Mac. That was uncomfortable for him now that he'd offered her his friendship and had been turned down. Oh sure, she hadn't done it in words, but it was clear how she felt. If he'd had any doubts, his suspicions were confirmed when they found themselves alone in the break room yesterday. She'd made some lame excuse and had practically run from the room. He was surprised at how much it had hurt.
Tuesday, December 19, 2005
1000 EST
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington, Virginia
AJ had picked Mac up for the service, both were in their dress uniforms and each admired the other without saying so. The silence in the Escalade had been strained, but neither could think of a thing to say.
They arrived at the chapel to discover that Trish Burnett had had a couple of pretty bad days by the looks of her. It seemed she had been able to hold things together as arrangements had been made, but whether it was the fact that all there was left to do was to say a final good-bye or the discovery that the heart attack had most likely been murder, she was no longer able to hold herself together. Sitting in a pew in the front of the chapel near her son's flag covered coffin, she was weeping inconsolably. Frank sat next to her with his arm around her shoulders.
The service itself had been solemn and moving. AJ delivered a eulogy that cataloged Harm's accomplishments and included a few amusing anecdotes as well. He told how Harm had willingly taken on the responsibilities of parenthood and how Mattie Grace's addition to his life had enriched it greatly. He'd ended by mentioning Harm's father, saying that Harm had lived to honor his father's memory and had done an exemplary job of it.
Trish had actually gotten herself under control to listen to AJ, but she was so overcome by his touching words that she couldn't prevent silent tears from streaming down her cheeks. Several others got up to speak and share thoughts and memories. One of which was Lieutenant Commander Elizabeth "Skates" Hawkes-Jenkins, who was there with her new husband. She told how she'd enjoyed being 'Hammer's' Rio. Chaplain Turner closed the service and invited everyone to join them at the cemetery.
At the graveside, Chaplain Turner again said a few words and read a message from Commander Jack Keeter, Harm's Academy roommate. He would have been at the service, but he requested the honor of flying in the Missing Man formation that flew over the cemetery as the twenty-one-gun salute was given. The Honor Guard folded the flag and handed it off to Admiral Chegwidden who solemnly presented it to Trish, saying, "With the thanks of a grateful nation."
Everyone was so swept up in the emotions of the day that a small figure dressed in black near AJ's Escalade went unnoticed.
To be continued…..