A/N: A short chapter. Both Harm reflects on the past. Mac contemplates the future.
Innocence
August 7, 2010
He stepped from the podium to the sounds of "Anchors Aweigh" and made his way toward Admiral Chegwidden and Lt. Roberts. The newly awarded Distinguish Flying Cross adorned the jacket of his Navy Blues.
The admiral seemed impatient, and although the conversation was a bit relaxed, Harm sensed something was up.
"You're not staying for the reception, sir?"
"No. Neither are you."
"Afternoon, Admiral."
"Afternoon. Lieutenant Commander Harmon Rabb. Major Sarah MacKenzie."
"Mac."
"Harm."
They were in the mountains. What had started as a fun day of flying turned into a nightmare of being tracked by deranged poachers. Mac had been angry with him about not wanting to leave the plane. But even so, they both confided things to one another.
"Restoring her became everything. It was like Dad was with me again."
"With the way that clearing appeared out of nowhere, I think he still is."
"I don't remember the accident. Just the cool passenger window against my face. And then we were on the pavement. There was blood everywhere."
They were in Russia waiting for the train that would take them to Beloyka. Harm's never-ending quest to find his father had been a driving force for most of his life. He was so close to learning the truth, and he wasn't going to give up.
"You're being driven by emotions and those emotions are going to get us killed."
"You can quit. I can't. My father is out there somewhere and I'm going to find him."
"Or die trying."
"Or die trying. But you shouldn't. You've come with me farther than anyone I know. I'll never forget that, Mac."
Morning sunlight streamed through the open window, and a gentle breeze blew the sheer curtains. Harm blinked his eyes as he tried to focus on his surroundings. Where was he?
The Bahamas.
Not in the White House Rose Garden.
Not in the mountains of Virginia.
Not in Russia.
And Mac wasn't here.
Harm slipped out of bed and padded to the window. He'd forgotten how beautiful this area was—the pristine white beaches, the turquoise water. The general laid-back feeling of life in the island.
He should probably get dressed and go for a run, but he couldn't bring himself to do so. He'd been in a bad mood since leaving London. Not that he missed that place, nor did he have regrets about resigning from the Navy. His regrets went back longer than that. Five years to be exact. And, if he really thought about it—even longer.
The dreams had haunted him for the past few weeks. It was if he was replaying a part of his life with Mac. They were always about the early days of their friendship. Even though the two of them went through some harrowing experiences, those times seemed almost.. innocent.
He screwed up everything when he went back to flying. That's when their relationship began to deteriorate. Things weren't the same when he returned to JAG. Mac took up with Brumby, he got involved with Rene. After those two left the scene, Harm thought he and Mac had started to get back on track. Then came his obsession with proving his brother was the father of Singer's baby. Keeping it from Mac. Paraguay was the beginning of the end. He drove the final nail in the coffin the day before they left Washington for good.
Harm pulled on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt, then went into the kitchen to brew a cup of coffee. Taking it outside onto the patio, he sat in a lounge chair. No one was out and about. The beach was public, but they didn't get many tourists on this side of the island. The few vacationers sometimes leased a house for the entire summer. Everyone was friendly, but they respected one another's privacy. Harm liked it that way. He wasn't in the mood to be around anyone.
She'd been here two weeks. It was supposed to be a vacation paradise—all the comforts of home, a somewhat secluded beach, no crowds. Any other time, Mac would have enjoyed a place like this. She was at a crossroads in life. The Marine Corps was behind her, and she didn't know what was ahead.
Mac had given herself three months to decide what to do with the rest of her life. Should she go into civilian law practice? A couple of firms had already approached her, but she wasn't keen on the idea. Her one stint with Dalton's firm didn't hold good memories. While he hadn't "allowed" her to be in the courtroom, the thought of having to defend a client she knew was guilty sent shivers down her spine. Especially a murderer or someone who abused women and children.
She pushed aside her thoughts. Today wouldn't be the day to make any decisions. Wouldn't even happen on this trip. It was supposed to be a time of relaxation, and Mac was determined to make the most of it. She'd already wasted two weeks. An early morning walk would clear her head. She slipped into a pair of cut-off denim shorts and a red t-shirt, then hurried outside.
Today wasn't the first time she'd walked along the beach. She'd been reluctant at first, not wishing to engage in small talk with anyone. But her landlord assured her the people on this part of the island valued their privacy. They were friendly, but not intrusive. A few people took early morning or late evening walks. She'd even seen a few swimmers. But for the most part, things were quiet and peaceful.
The closest house set about a hundred feet from the beach, a modest structure with a covered deck and lots of windows. She'd yet to see anyone there, and she guessed it belonged to a rich family, probably from the states, who only used it on occasion.
As she drew closer, she was surprised to see a man sitting on the covered porch. Even from this distance, she could tell he was tall. He reminded her of… Harm. No, it couldn't be. Fate wouldn't be that cruel to her. If she ever did see him again, she fully intended to give him a piece of her mind.
Harm sipped his coffee as he looked toward the beach. No one was around except for one woman who walked near the water's edge. Her dark hair was shoulder-length, and he took note of her long, shapely legs. She reminded him of… Mac. No, it couldn't be. Fate hadn't smiled on him in a long time, and it wasn't likely to now. But if he ever saw her again, he fully intended to apologize and beg her forgiveness.