Timing Is Everything
Chapter 25
Sunday, May 2, 1998
0630 Local Time
John & Sarah's House
Florida Avenue, N.W.
The ringing of the phone woke John. He had to move his arm from under Sarah before he could reach for it.
"Hullo."
"John wake up!"
"Mom what's up? Is Ann Marie alright?" He thought immediately that his sister was not doing well. He was waiting for her to call to let him know if she had the baby.
"Don't worry she's fine. In fact she lost a lot of weight."
He was still half asleep. "Lost a lot of weight? So the toxemia isn't a problem anymore?"
"Wake up John," his mother shouted into the phone.
This time even Sarah woke up. She just turned her head on her pillow. "John, what did Ann Marie have?"
John's mother heard Sarah's question. "She had a boy. He was delivered after 25 hours of labor."
John was fully awake now. "How big and when?"
"He's a big one. 8 pounds 10 ounces 21 inches. At 2:30 this morning. He's got all his toes and fingers. They're naming him Andrew Charles. Ann Marie is doing fine."
"Mom, you should have said that in the first place. You didn't have play the word games. You knew how worried I was," said John exasperated and now fully awake.
"Well, you know me. Ann Marie also said that she wants Sarah to be godmother. She'll call you later. Bye son," said his mother sweetly.
John relayed the birth particulars and Ann Marie's request to Sarah. "That makes three. I'm glad she's all right. Now I have a nephew and new godson to spoil," said Sarah happily. She was so honored.
"A little testosterone in the family is a good thing. We'll tell Harm & Diane later. We'll also call Carolyn. She's been asking after her and I know Bud & Harriet and AJ & Sydney were concerned to. We'll let the rest of the offices know Monday. If I know the President, he'll probably announce it from the Press Room anyway," John said.
Then he asked, "Now that we're up, what was that line last night about never hurting or leaving me? You've never said that before." Then it dawned on him. "Ann Marie told you about Annie, didn't she? He said it with a smile to let Sarah know that he wasn't angry.
"Yeah she did. It was at that point that I realized why you never called your sister Annie, you always said Ann Marie. I felt so bad that she did that to you. I know from being with you that you didn't deserve that. Ann Marie told me that all you ever wanted is to be loved by someone who shared your values. And I'm so glad that I am that someone. Before you, I have never felt that I could give myself so completely to a man. Every other man I knew abused, dominated or tried to possess me. As I told you before, you were the first man that ever loved me just for me. You took me as I am, accepted me with all my faults and insecurities and turned them into pillars that support the person that I became. I am so grateful for that."
John told her, "You know when you told me all about yourself when we unpacked your boxes, I also felt no one deserved to be treated the way you were treated. I made a vow then that I would never do that to you either. We're so lucky that lost souls such as us found each other. It almost seems that it was meant to be."
Sarah embraced him as they lay back down. "Now that we got that out of the way, let's make a promise that we never speak of the past again. I only want to experience nothing but good things from now on. Do we have deal?"
"It's a deal." John said. "In the meantime as we're already up, how about some exercise?"
"What do you have in mi…?" Sarah asked but she stopped as John leaned over and started kissing her breasts. "OOH that," Sarah breathed as she lay back and submitted to John's ministrations.
They had their way with each other then they cuddled and settled in for a leisurely nap. At 1000 they got up, showered together, changed the bed and called all their friends to let them now of Ann Marie's good news.
Monday, May 18, 1998
JAG Headquarters,
Washington Navy Yard, DC
To
Saturday, May 23, 1998
Trinity United Methodist Church
Army Navy Club
Alexandria, VA
Bud and Harriet's wedding week came upon them very quickly. Ann Marie was thrilled to be asked to be a bridesmaid. She worked hard at getting back as much as her pre-baby figure as she could so she could fit in a gown comfortably. She was happy that she breastfed Andy. It helped in shedding her pounds.
John's parents were also invited to the wedding and they helped Ann Marie care for Andy as she and the other girls got ready. John's mother Maureen flew down to DC to be with Ann Marie on Monday and stayed at John's House. John's father James and Ann Marie's husband Peter would fly down on Thursday in time for the bachelor party.
John was tied up in a case at NCIS and Sarah was tied up in her own case. Ann Marie was at the White House with Maureen introducing her and Andy around, especially to President & Mrs. Bartlett. So AJ graciously volunteered to pick up James and Peter at National Airport. They three hit it off very well at Thanksgiving.
Harriet's father Roland was a total gentleman, but Harriet's mother Lydia turned out to be a total bitch showing that she was the epitome of southern prejudice. She had nothing but criticisms about Bud, his family, friends and the Navy in general.
It came to a head on the Tuesday before the wedding. Sarah Cate & Andy were both in an oversize carriage that Harm's mother bought when Sarah Cate was born. It was big enough to accommodate the two sleeping babies. While they were all in the dress shop, the babies started crying while Harriet, Sarah, Diane and Ann Marie were getting fitted for their gowns. Lydia let go with a "someone shut those stupid brats up." The comment about her grandson got Maureen's Irish up and she had a murderous look in her eye as she confronted Lydia.
"If you weren't so busy flapping your gums complaining all the time you would know that the babies' diapers need to changed. So get your head out from up your ass and give me a hand."
Maureen then grabbed Lydia by the arm and had her wheel the carriage into the ladies' room.
It was fifteen tense minutes before the two came out. Both babies were quiet. Baby Sarah was holding her own bottle as she lay in the carriage and Lydia was cradling Andy as she held a bottle to him.
Harriet was astounded and looked at Ann Marie and Diane. They heard the babies crying but had not moved from their fitting stands. They both knew that John's mother could handle the situation. She did raise 4 children of her own, all born within 5 years of each other and her other sons gave her 6 more grandchildren that she loved to spoil.
The only glitch came when Harm was called into AJ's office on Tuesday. He pointed out that a male stripper was doing his act with a set of Navy Dress Whites. Harm didn't see the relevance until AJ pointed out the JAG insignia on the shoulder boards. Harm went immediately to the dry cleaners with Brumby. They were on their way to an interview a witness to a case. He left his set of whites there the previous Thursday in anticipation of wearing them for the wedding. There he had to haggle with the proprietor who would not give him any information on his uniform because Harm left his claim ticket at home. It was only the promise of setting up the proprietor's pretty daughter with Mic, who readily agreed to have her accompany him to the wedding, that Harm was able to get the name of the male stripper.
When he went to the club to get his uniform, the stripper was in the middle of his act, dancing to "In the Navy" by the Village People. When he looked out from backstage he was astounded to see Diane, Sarah, Ann Marie, Harriet, Lydia and Maureen enjoying the show. Harm was able to catch the top and pants as the stripper threw them off stage.
Another dancer tried to stop him from 'stealing' the clothing. "You can't take that, I'll call the police."
Harm countered, "I'm a lawyer, I'll sue you." That made the dancer back down. Harm was further astounded when the dancer asked him help him with a sexual harassment suit. Harm just shook his head and walked out. He took the whites to another dry cleaners that specialized in military uniforms and rush jobs.
Everything was fine until Bud's father showed at JAG Headquarters. He was a former Chief Petty Officer and he turned out to be as obnoxious as Lydia. He kept pushing Bud's brother Mike around and making insulting comments about officers and such.
Sarah and Harm just tried to ignore him as much as possible for Bud's sake. It finally stopped when Bud confronted his father in the elevator lobby of headquarters and told him to stop. Bud's father backed down and mumbled an apology as he walked out.
Everybody thought that was the end of it. It was until the bachelor party the Thursday before the wedding. Harm & John planned to take Bud to a local go-go bar for his last night of freedom.
Harm, Bud, John, Peter, Roland, AJ & James arrived at the bachelor party together. Big Bud and Mike were there. Big Bud was already three sheets to the wind acting very belligerent. He started picking on Mike again. When Harm asked him to settle down he took a swing at him. Harm ducked and Big Bud hit another patron, not involved in the bachelor party. That started a brawl. The club manager called the police.
John's father James was a former Army Sergeant. So he knew, as well as AJ how to fight. He and AJ stood back to back defending themselves against the other drunken combatants. John, Harm and Bud were also holding their own just trying not to cause anymore damage, but the other brawlers were not so accommodating as John and Harm threw a couple of brawlers over the bar.. When the police came all of the Roberts were herded into the police van, that is except for Big Bud. After starting the brawl Big Bud, being the bully and coward that he was, beat a hasty retreat, pulling Mike along with him.
Now, before the festivities started, Bud noticed that one dancer on a break was a law student in one of his classes. They were talking comparing class stories. Just before the brawl started, she excused herself and went to the ladies room. As Bud was being led out by the police she came up to him and held up a Pregnancy Test stick and said, "Buddy I'm pregnant." Harriet came with Sarah looking for Bud and she arrived just in time to see the exchange and was furious. She stormed out crying. Sarah ran after her.
After dealing with Harriet, Sarah got hold of her troops to bail the men out.
2130 Local Time
4th Precinct DC Metro Police
The Roberts party was sharing the same cell away from the other combatants. John knew the precinct's commander of detectives. He assisted John and Gibbs in an investigation. John was successful in using his influence to get him and his friends in the separate cell. He agreed that separating the Navy prisoners from the other bar patrons was a wise idea because that would prevent further hostilities. Unfortunately he couldn't speed up the process of sorting out the mess of charges and counter charges. So John and the others had to wait in the cell until everything was expedited.
John asked Harm, "So which Mackenzie sister will be more angry, yours or mine?"
Harm had to chuckle as he answered, "It's one thing I know about is a Mackenzie sister's temper. When Diane was pregnant I walked on eggshells. Even if I was kidding around, she let me have it. And living in the apartment, I had nowhere to go and I had to sit there and take it. You're lucky."
"How so?" John asked.
"I have to deal with the both of them when they get angry. I get it when Sarah gets mad at me at work, then I have to go home and deal with Diane, hoping I don't do something stupid to get her angry. Also since you left JAG, I have to deal with Sarah alone. At least with you there, her attention was more on you. I had some leeway in my legal maneuvering." Harm corrected himself as he saw AJ shoot him a look. "That is the right maneuvering.
Damn right!" AJ said. He turned his head and smiled at James' own smile.
Harm continued, "She never lets me get away with anything. She knows the law so much better than anyone we know and sometimes I hate her for it."
John smiled at that.
James asked AJ, "So what was it like having both John and Harm under your command AJ?"
AJ snorted a laugh as he said, "It was to say the least interesting. I had both alpha males in the same cage. Sometime I would just sit in the court room on those cases when they opposed each other. It was a sight to see. When they were on the same side, lord help the other side."
"Who won the most cases between them?" James asked.
Before AJ could answer both Harm and John answered together, "I did!"
That brought laughter from all the others in the cell.
Just then the jail guard came down and said to them, "You guys have some visitors."
He moved aside as first Sarah came down the stairs. She was followed by Harriet, Diane, Ann Marie, Lydia and Maureen. They all came from the Rabbs' home where they were having their own bachelorette party. The only reason Sydney wasn't there was because she was on call at George Washington Hospital.
The men all got up in anticipation of getting released. What happened next brought bouts of laughter from the guard and the other prisoners. Each wife/fiancé lined up in front of her spouse/fiancé and started to simultaneously wail on them.
Maureen – "Jim, how could you let this happen? Sometimes I think you just love to get in a fight. You got arrested at Matt's bachelor party too. You'd think that would have taught you."
Sarah –"John, you're a law enforcement official. You should have known better. Admiral Magnum will roast you alive. Forget about what the SECNAV will have to say about this."
Lydia –Roland I have never been so embarrassed in my life. The idea of my husband arrested in a barroom brawl."
Diane –"Harm, I had to leave our daughter and Ann Marie's son with the neighbor next door to come here to bail you out. I was too embarrassed to tell her that we had to do that because you and Pete were in jail.
Ann Marie – "Peter, the President found out about this because when your name came up on the computer, the Secret Service was notified."
Ann Marie then turned to AJ saying, "And you admiral, the President also heard that you were there. I had to hear it from the President and I don't like to hear it from the President when someone else screws up. Do you have any idea the questions I will have to answer when the Press Corps hears about this? As the highest legal authority there, you of all people should have known better. I swear you and my father are cut from the same cloth. The two of you just love getting into a good fight."
Harm, Bud, Harriet and Sarah turned to look at the sight of their commanding officer being dressed down by a wound up Ann Marie. She was sight to behold, standing with her feet apart at hip width, bending toward AJ with one hand on her hip and the other shaking a finger at him.
All AJ could do was stand there and take it. After all Ann Marie was not in his chain of command and she was also speaking on behalf of the President.
The spectacle caused the JAG officers to turn their faces so that their CO could not see the grins plastered on their faces. It took a great deal of control on their part to not burst out laughing. Even John and the other women had trouble controlling themselves as they practically sputtered.
After it finally got quiet Harriet began to speak to Bud, "Bud why were you speaking to that stripper and why was she so excited about telling you she was pregnant?"
"Well she was in some of my law school classes and we were comparing stories about some of the instructors. That's all Harriet. Other than that, I've never been near her, I swear."
Harriet looked at him skeptically.
John came to Bud's rescue saying, "He's right Harriet. I was standing next to them when they were talking. It was all about law school."
The other men nodded in unison at this, confirming Bud's story.
Harriet finally relented, saying, "Ooh Bud."
At that the duty sergeant came down. Addressing Bud and his friends and the other patrons in the other cell he said, "The owner is upstairs and he agreed that if everyone agrees to pay for the damages, he will not press charges. The bill for damages is $1500.00. That's going to come out to." He paused as he counted twenty prisoners, including the Roberts party, "$75.00 bucks a piece. He is accepting checks and credit card payments. Also if none of you agree to press charges, we can dispense with the booking process and you can all go home."
That brought a cheer from the other cell and words of agreement from the Navy personnel. The guard opened the cell and they all went upstairs. Roland was gracious enough to pay for the whole of the Roberts party's part of the tab. Then they all left the precinct and agreed to continue the bachelor party at Florida Avenue.
So Harriet, Sarah, Ann Marie, Lydia and Maureen went back to the Rabbs' house to continue their own party secure in the knowledge that the men would not get into any more trouble in John's man-cave.
At the end of their evening Ann Marie and Andy stayed at the Rabbs' to sleep over while Sarah and Maureen took Harriet home and Lydia to her hotel before they went back to Florida Avenue to sleep themselves. Ann Marie rightly figured that it was more prudent to keep Andy far from Florida Avenue to let the boys enjoy themselves the rest of the evening without worrying about disturbing the baby.
The men sat up drinking, playing pool or watching the basketball playoffs and SportsCenter for a long way into the night. At about 0200 Roland, AJ & James beat an early exit. On his way home AJ drove Roland to his hotel and James went upstairs to the guest room to sleep.
After the older men left, Bud John and Harm sat down to talk. Harm asked Bud, "Why is your father like that with Mike?"
"He always had a heavy hand with both of us. He calls it tough love," Bud answered in a bitter tone.
You mean he was abusive?" John asked incredulously.
"Well he said he knocked us around to make us tougher," Bud said before he took another swig of his beer.
They three talked well into the night and eventually fell asleep on the couches. That's where Sarah found them the next morning.
On Friday AJ was at his desk when SECNAV Nelson called him. Nelson told him that he and the President had a good laugh speaking about the incident and Ann Marie's dressing down of AJ. Both the President and the SECNAV agreed that the incident was better left forgotten as long as the damages were paid for. AJ was happy for that.
John, Bud and Harm had Friday off and they went to find Big Bud. They were dismayed to find that Mike had a shiner courtesy of his father's 'heavy hand'. John and Harm ripped him a new one for that as well as starting the fight and running away to let his son and his friends face the consequences. Bud finished with the admonishment to his father to keep his mouth shut and his hands to himself for the rest of the weekend, or not bother coming to the wedding. Big Bud showed up at the rehearsal and the dinner somewhat subdued. John, Harm and AJ watched him carefully to keep him on his best behavior.
On Saturday the wedding ceremony went well. Bud & Harriet came out from the church to go through the gauntlet of raised swords. Harm, as Best Man led the call, "For the first time in public, presenting Lieutenant and Mrs. Bud J. Roberts."
Everyone laughed heartily as Harm whacked Harriet's six with his sword saying, "Go Navy."
Lt. Commander Carolyn Imes surprised everyone on the receiving line as she came up to the wedding couple saying, "Everyone gets to kiss the bride. Well here's one for the groom". She gave Bud a long and deep kiss.
"Red light Commander," said an incredulous but still sporting Harriet.
The reception at the Army Navy Club was another smooth affair as everyone had the best time. Even Mic enjoyed his date.
Toward the end of the reception John and Sarah found a quiet corner and sat enjoying cups of ginger ale. John never drank alcohol when he was out with Sarah. John also wore his dress whites resplendent in his new Captain's Bars. He was jumped up another pay grade right the previous week due to his position.
"Penny for your thoughts guv'nur" said Sarah in that 'cockney' accent.
John looked her sideways. "You know since ours will be an evening affair, I think I'll wear my mess dress uniform. What do you think Mac?"
Sarah let him call her Mac in private because she liked it. He sometimes slipped and called her that in the heat of passion and when she heard him say it now, it brought her right to that passionate place.
"I think that'd be great 'hot stuff'" she said saucily. They shared a kiss then got up to say goodnight to the bride and groom. They gathered his parents and Ann Marie & Pete and headed home.
Sunday & Monday
Memorial Day Weekend – 1998
John & Sarah's House
Florida Ave., NW
Rabb Residence
Fairfax, VA
The Memorial Day Weekend passed peaceably after Bud & Harriet's wedding. John's parents decided to stay the weekend into Tuesday. Ann Marie and Pete set up Andy's crib in their room so they could settle in DC. Peter's firm opened an office in DC and they were looking for a house of their own in the DC Area and they would be staying at John and Sarah's in the interim. John and Sarah were glad to have them. Sarah even suggested that they set up Ann Marie's room into a full time nursery and they move into the guest room. Setting up the room as a nursery would be nice for her and Pete, but also good for Andy. Sarah also thought that it would also be practical for her and John. Since Sarah was engaged, she privately confided in Ann Marie that she wanted a Honeymoon baby. Ann Marie agreed to keep her plan a secret.
Sunday was spent going to church and generally relaxing in the patio out back, watching baseball. Monday was spent at Harm & Diane's house as they had a barbecue. Despite Harm's penchant for vegetables, he was quite good at barbecuing steak. He just cooked his vegetarian shish kabob alongside as Diane checked the steak.
Diane loved how James Marshall played and cared for Sarah Cate and Andy without any help. He so loved being a grandfather. Maureen saw how close Harm and John became and they were each married or going to be married to one of the Mackenzie sisters. Since Diane's adopted parents were dead and her real parents estranged and unknown, Maureen asked if she and James could be surrogate grandparents. Diane loved it. So Maureen promised to include Harm, Diane & Sarah Cate in their lists for Christmas.
Tuesday, May 26, 1998
0900 - 1400 Local Time
NCIS Headquarters
JAG Headquarters
Washington Navy Yard, DC
Since James & Maureen were going back to New York on Tuesday afternoon after John gave them a tour of the unclassified part of NCIS. John introduced his parents to Abby, Carolyn & Admiral Magnum. Admiral Magnum treated them and Diane to lunch with his wife Maggie before John brought them to the airport.
At JAG Sarah had just settled into her office after lunch when Harm came rushing in. As she and Harm came through the bullpen after lunch a young Ensign named Loren Singer, who was on duty filling in for Harriet, handed him a special delivery envelope that arrived while he was out. It had no return address. When he opened it he rushed right into Sarah's office.
The envelope contained a photo with a note saying, 'This is real'. The photo was labeled on the back as taken in 1980. It showed a group of seven men. Five men were in uniform, obviously Russian. The other two were in civilian dress in overcoats, hats and such. One civilian was on the extreme left of the group photo. He had a mustache and wore a Fedora hat and a shabby overcoat. His face bore the signs of hardship and deprivation.
Sarah took the photo and examined it. She went back to Harm's office and pulled down the photo of Harm Sr. showing a 5 year old Harm Jr. his Phantom Jet cockpit. The father/son photo showed Harm Sr. in profile, but when placed side by side with the other, one could be certain that the two men were one and the same.
"We gotta call John. I think this is Parlovsky's proof." He pointed to the civilian with the mustache. "The photo quality isn't so good, but that's my father. There's no mistaking him."
Without checking her watch Sarah said, "John's parents are at NCIS before they go home. John called me to tell me Admiral Magnum is treating them and Diane to lunch with Maggie. Let's bring this to our admiral and call Webb in the meantime.
Harm agreed with her. Sarah called Webb and asked him to meet her and Harm at JAG. Then they marched across the bullpen to AJ's office. They brought the other photo with them.
"It certainly looks like him," said AJ as he perused the both photos side by side. Webb arrived shortly after. He took one look and said, "The other civilian is Victor Lushov, a KGB Interrogator."
"Is he alive? Where is he? Can we talk to him?" asked Harm in quick succession.
"Sure you can talk to him. He lives under the alias of Sam Louis. He works as an engineer consultant for Consolidated Aircraft in San Diego," said Webb.
Harm just stared incredulously.
"Well major, you'd better get to your fiancé. It looks like you all better plan on going to Russia very soon." said AJ
Tuesday, May 26, 1998
1430 Local Time
NCIS Headquarters
Navy Yard, Washington, DC
Just as Admiral Magnum paid the check, John's cell phone rang. The lunch party only heard his side:
"Harm & Webb are certain of the two men in the photo?
"Ok, Diane and I will meet you at my office after I drop Mom and Dad at National."
"I love you to."
When John ended the call he looked at Magnum & Diane, "our friend Misha sent his proof," was all he said.
"Uh huh" was all they said. Magnum said, "Come back to the office after you drop your Mom and Dad off. Maureen & James, it was a pleasure to meet you. We're very proud of John and the work he's doing. He is a credit to both of you."
James said, "Thank you admiral. I could hear from John's tone that he has to attend to urgent business. We'll catch a cab from here to the airport. We only have one bag each and they're both on wheels."
Before anyone could say anything else Maggie spoke up, "I can drop you off at the airport. I came in my own car"
John looked to his parents and asked Maggie, "Are you sure you don't mind?"
"Nonsense, I have nothing urgent to take care of this afternoon," replied Maggie.
"Okay thank you Mrs. Magnum."
"John, if you call me Mrs. Magnum again I'm going to slug you. You only work for my husband not for me, please call me Maggie," she insisted.
John acquiesced to her order, saying, "Never argue with the boss' wife. Thank you Maggie."
Maureen & James accepted the hospitality. The admiral kissed his wife goodbye and he got his car and drove back to NCIS. John and Diane said goodbye to them as they waited for the valet to bring Maggie's car around. When they left, they got into John's car and drove back to NCIS.
Diane and John went directly to his office. Sarah, Webb & Harm were waiting for him in the conference room with Carolyn, Gibbs, Kate and Tony. They had all seen the photo.
After John saw the photo he sent it to Abby to verify its authenticity. Then they discussed their next plans.
Harm call your mom. We promised her we'd keep her up to date if we had anything concrete. Tell her you and I will be out for a visit within the week. If you want to keep your flying qualifications up, I'll sit RIO. I've been working with Diane's old Supervisor Captain Tarkington on that. His wife Rita has taken me up a few times. Then while we're out there, we'll go find 'Mr. Louis' at Consolidated Aircraft. Webb start the ball rolling on our travel plans. We'll decide when we're going to Russia as soon as Harm and I come back from California."
Wednesday, May 28, 1998
1400 Local Time
Burnet Residence,
La Jolla, CA
As Harm and John went through the house and out to the patio in the back, Harm called out, "What does a son have to do to get a drink around here? The sun's already over the yardarm."
Trish Burnett turned at the sound of his voice. "Harm darling and John. We weren't expecting you for another hour." She gave each man a tight squeeze and kisses on their cheeks.
"You're getting younger and younger every time I see you. We caught a tailwind," said Harm.
"Tailwind my butt, you had it redlined all the way from Colorado," said John.
"Boys will be boys," laughed Frank from behind them. He shook both their hands. "Good to see you both."
"How are you doing Frank?" Harm asked him.
"I'm just trying to keep up with your mother," Frank said.
He had brought out drinks for all. He offered a quick toast "to good friends" as they all clinked their glasses.
"How's the gallery going mom?" asked Harm.
"Fabulous, it seems that I'm supporting every starving artist from here to Ventura." Trish said in semi exasperation.
She changed her tone as she said, "John I'm so glad to hear Ann Marie had the baby. I bought a gift for Andy. Please don't let me forget to give to you before you leave," Trish offered.
"Thanks Trish," John replied.
"Harm, you said on the phone that you had some news. Is it related to the POW Book?" asked Trish.
John motioned Harm to continue, "Mom John is the head of a Presidential Commission investigating the information in that book. It's not public knowledge that there is a list or a commission. If we told more people than we have there would be too much publicity and we would never know the truth. We have spread the names around only to officials in Russia and our government only by doing that we knew it would not get lost.
We caught on ex KGB colonel trying to retrieve documents that stated when and where prisoners were placed in Russia. The documents did not name names though. The man we took them from said they were fake. We sent him back to Russia to get us real proof. Two days ago I received this photo."
Harm pulled the picture of his father in Siberia from his leather jacket pocket and gave it to Trish.
"It's him mom. The back is dated 1980. In a place called Vorkuta in Siberia," said Harm.
Trish started trembling and then she turned and went into the house without saying a word. John sat back in his chair as Harm told his narrative. He assumed his listening position of slouching in the chair. He got up to go to Harm & Frank.
Frank said, "Harm no matter how close Trish and I have become, the ghost of your father has always been between us. She needs closure you need closure. What are you two planning to do?"
John spoke up. "As soon as we can arrange it we are going to Russia. We haven't determined when just yet."
"Well when you do I would like to help. When you get to Russia, get a hold of Hugh Blackadder. I going to have him make available to you any funds you'll need."
"Frank you don't have to do that," Harm said.
"Your right, but I want to. I know you never thought of me as a substitute for your father, but you have been like a son to me. I need to do this. Let me help."
"Harm take it." John said simply. Harm nodded and shook Frank's hand.
Trish came back out to the patio. "Harm you haven't heard this tape. It was among your father's personal effects that were returned to me after he was shot down. Basically it told me to go on with my life, saying that you needed a father. Please, Harm listen to this. Then go to Russia and end it." She hugged him very tightly. She then turned to John and whispered in his ear, "Please keep him safe" then she hugged him just a tightly.
Thursday, May 29, 1998
1730 Local Time
Consolidated Aircraft Parking Lot
San Diego, CA
John stayed in the car, but he had convinced Harm to have a tape recorder going in his coat.
Harm walked up to an elderly man who sported a beard cut in the Russian style. "Major Victor Lushov."
The man turned and he was totally shocked by what he saw. "Harmon?"
"No I'm his son."
They nervously shook hands then went to sit on a bench.
"What can you tell me about my father?"
"I interviewed Harmon for the first time in spring 1970 in Hanoi. He was flying what you call 'iron hand'. He was very effective. We had to know. He told me that he had shot down three missiles. Then one exploded near him and shrapnel damaged his plane and he crashed."
"The 'golden beebe," said Harm.
"Yes that is what he said. In fact he told me everything."
"No I won't believe it!" Harm exclaimed.
"It's true!" exclaimed Lushov in return. "But what he told me was false or disinformation. When the KGB determined that he was of no use, they wanted to dispose of him. Despite that we became friends we talked about flying, our families and so on. He always wanted me to get information out to you and Trish."
"Why didn't you?" cried Harm.
"I wanted to live. I convinced them to transfer him to a gulag near Vorkuta in Siberia in the summer of 1972. In 1980 he was badly injured in a mining accident, we treated his injuries we became friends. I saved his life. The KGB thought he was of no more use to us but I convinced them that he could be of use to us in the future. So they transferred to a gulag near Berloyka also in Siberia. That was in 1980. That photo was taken just before he was put on the train to Berloyka. I did not hear about him anymore after that."
Harm was feeling a mixture of grief and doubt. "How can I believe anything you're telling me?"
Lushov took out a pen and pad and wrote a number. "Here use this number this will tell you anything you need to know." He gave Harm the slip.
"S394652, what is it?" asked Harm.
"His KGB Prisoner File number" answered Lushov.
Harm was speechless. Before Lushov got up he thanked Harm. "Why?" asked Harm.
"You have relieved the guilt I have held all these years of not telling you and your mother sooner." Lushov said before he walked away.
Harm waited some time before he got up and joined John in the car.
Saturday, May 30 1998
1730 - 1945 Local Time
National Airport
Washington, DC
Florida Ave, NW
Harm and John walked out of the jet way and saw double. Sarah and Diane were waiting for their men. Diane was wearing her Navy uniform & Sarah her Marine uniform. Each woman rushed into her man's arms and gave them each deep affectionate kisses.
John cupped Sarah's face in his hands. "Hey 'Mac', miss me?" he said with love.
"Yes I did 'hot stuff'. I find that I can't sleep without you," said Sarah back also with love.
"Where's Sarah?" Harm asked Diane.
"She's with Ann Marie and Andy at Sarah & John's" replied Diane.
"Ann Marie's got the mothering stuff down pretty well, huh," said John.
"Yeah she does. She's peppering me with questions." Diane said with a smile.
They all went to the baggage claim to retrieve John and Harm's luggage and they went out and piled into the Rabbs' minivan and drove to Florida Avenue. When they arrived there John gave Ann Marie Trish's gift.
Ann Marie opened that bag and saw the big panda bear. When she opened the envelope, her jaw hit the ground. "Harm this check is for $1,000.00. Your mom is very generous, but this is too much."
Harm replied, "Mom said that she thought you'd say that. She said she only wants to hear thank you when you call her. She would like to think that you're part of the family, since we'll be related when John and Sarah get married. She wants more grandchildren to spoil when she visits DC."
Ann Marie went to kiss his cheek, "Well then that's for her when you see her again."
At that John asked, "So listen does anyone have an idea for dinner?"
"Well Harm and I are going home to get some rest." Diane said as she and Harm walked out with Sarah Cate.
"And Pete and I are gonna stay home tonight, so you and Sarah are on your own. I mean you can stay home with us and relax." Ann Marie offered.
"Well I'm still wired from the flight and I'm in the mood for a good steak dinner. Would my fiancé be amiable for a trip to Bobby Vans?" John asked.
"Yes she would. You take a shower and change. I'll be ready when you finish." Sarah said giving him a brief kiss.
"Have a good time you two." Ann Marie said as Sarah and John went upstairs.
After John took his shower he changed into tan slacks, a light green three button polo shirt and his favorite white suit jacket. He clipped his weapon to his belt at his right hip and put his shield/identification case in the left inside jacket pocket .
Sarah was waiting for him downstairs. She was wearing a cream white skirt, a pink tee shirt and her own light tan jacket and 4 inch stiletto pumps. Her tee shirt was clinging to her slim form accentuating all her curvy attributes. John also liked how the pumps accentuated her calves.
As John came down stairs and entered the living room, she was waiting for him. He took her by her hips and pulled her to him. As he laid a good kiss on her she felt his arousal against her belly. She smiled into his kiss and said, "I like that I can do that to you every time."
John held her away from him and took a deep breath to calm himself. He whispered into her ear, "You do that to me whenever I think of you."
She laughed and walked away from him completely satisfied with herself. They went out to his car.
He was driving his Camaro. His position called for him to have a 'company car' and they provided him with a Crown Victoria, but he decided to leave it home. His Caprice was totaled out from the accident on New Year's Eve and he took his payment from the insurance company.
When they pulled up to Bobby Vans the doorman opened Sarah's door and politely assisted her out. She went to wait for John by the restaurant entrance. John left the car keys with the valet parker and walked around to the sidewalk buttoning his coat. As he stepped onto the curb he noticed a man approaching him from his right. He was about 30 feet away from John as he reached both hands behind his back. It was the movement of the hands that alerted John.
John turned toward him and went for his weapon. He managed to clear it from his holster, but he was a shade too slow. The man brought a gun up in front of him and holding it in the combat stance, fired three times. One slug hit John in his left shoulder, while another hit the left side of John's chest. This spun him against his car as his gun slid toward Sarah. As John fell the third slug hit him in his lower back near his spine.
As John fell to the sidewalk he heard two more shots, but they were from a different gun. As he lay on the cement, his head was turned so that he could see under his car. He saw a car skid to a stop on the other side and two feet stagger and get into the car. Then everything turned black.