Chapter 53

The next evening they all showed up at the Roberts' home and the twins were quickly unwrapped so Harriett could see them. They were oohed and aahed over as Shami ran off to play with Little AJ and James. They all sat around talking for a bit, passing the four babies back and forth before dinner. Harriett made it known that she had always thought that there was something special between Mac and Gunny and not just because they were both Marines.

There was a lot of laughter over dinner as the Roberts boys teased Shami about her accent and she gave back as good as she got by teasing them about how pale they were! A wonderful evening was had by all and Harriett told Mac as they were about to leave that she would be happy to baby-sit for all the children if she and Gunny needed some time to do things without the kids.

"I might take you up on that when we get back home Harriett. But for the next four weeks we're going to be in New Mexico visiting Victor's family."

Harriett wished them a great visit and told them that the offer still stood for when they got home. Mac thanked her and told her she would remember that.

The family of five took off on Thursday morning, having no idea of the drama that would be played out at JAG Headquarters the next morning. Clayton Webb had been working since his return home with his family lawyer to gain joint custody of his children. Friday morning he received a call from the man asking why, if they were Clay's children, they had the last name of Galindez?

Friday, February 25, 2005

1100 EST

JAG Headquarters

Falls Church, Virginia

In a fury, he stormed straight through the bullpen and right into Mac's office only to find it empty. Not thinking that she was on maternity leave, he headed for AJ's office to find out where she was. He swept past Coates before she could get up from her desk and get around it to stop him. Throwing open the office door, Clay hurried up to AJ's desk and slamming his hands down on it as AJ ended the call he was on, demanded, "Where is she Chegwidden? And don't try and tell me that you sent her TAD somewhere so soon!"

As Jen Coates tried to apologize for letting Clay get passed her, AJ told her he understood and shooed her out with a wave of his hand. When Jen had closed the door behind her, AJ said to Clay, "Why should I tell you anything Webb? If you can't keep track of the mother of your children how do you expect me to do it?" AJ grinned and leaned back in his chair with his arms folded across his chest as he took delight in the spy's frustration.

"Because she works for you, damn it!" Clay snarled.

"Yes she does, and you don't! Also I don't work for you, so don't answer to you! Now I do have work to do Webb, so are you going to leave of your own accord or shall I call a guard to show you out?"

"You haven't heard the last of this ADMIRAL!" the spy shouted as he once again threw the door open and stormed into the outer office. "I'll find out where she is and when I do…" he couldn't seem to find the words to finish the threat.

Bud was in the bullpen and heard this, however, and assuming that Mr. Webb was talking about Colonel Mack…Galindez, he offered, "I know where she is Mr. Webb."

"Where?" he growled at Bud.

"She and Gunny and the children all went to New Mexico to visit with Gunny's family. Gunny wanted to introduce his mother and sisters to his new family," Bud offered cheerfully, hoping that once Clay knew that Mac and the babies were all safe, he would be happy. But that was not to be the case, Webb was no happier with this news than he had been before. In fact he was even more upset if that were possible.

Through gritted teeth, he asked Bud if he knew when they would be back, his face turned an odd shade of purple when Bud admitted that they would be gone for a month. Clay stormed out of the bullpen without another word. He would do his fighting in court!

To Be Continued….