A/N: Ready for Hughes to get what's coming to him? I have no idea what hotels were in Norfolk in 2001, nor do I know the logistics of obtaining rooms at visiting officer quarters. Therefore, I'm using author's privilege. Any mistakes are my own.
Plotting
JAG Headquarters
June 18, 2001
1630 Local
"Tiner, get me in to see the admiral as soon as possible."
Jason stood at attention before picking up the phone to call Chegwidden. "Sir, Commander Hughes needs to see you right away… Not sure, Sir." He placed his hand over the mouthpiece before addressing Hughes. "He wants to know what this is in regards to."
Rick debated for a moment. He could say it was personal, but that wasn't likely to go over well. "Tell him it is of utmost importance and has a significant impact with day to day operations."
Tiner nodded, then spoke into the phone. "Yes, Sir. I'll tell him."
Turning back to Hughes, he said, "The admiral is on his way to a meeting with the SECNAV and can't see you until tomorrow morning. He said 0900."
"Not good enough. I need to see him now."
"Sorry, but he said whatever it is can wait."
"Tiner, I don't think you understand. I said NOW."
Admiral Chegwidden came out of his office. "Hughes, are you badgering the petty officer?"
"No, Sir!"
"Didn't sound that way to me. Now, unless it's a matter of national security, I'll see you at 0900 tomorrow.
"I'll be in court at that time, Sir."
"Fine. See me at 1500. Dismissed!"
"Yes, Sir."
Hughes left Tiner's office, then walked back to his own. By the time he got there, he couldn't contain his anger any longer, slamming the door behind him and drawing the attention of Bud Roberts.
Bud, ever trying to be helpful, knocked.
"What do you want, Lieutenant? Don't you know the meaning of a CLOSED door?"
"I wanted to know if you were okay, Sir. You seem upset."
"It's none of your business, Roberts. Now get out."
"Yes, sir. Just trying to be helpful. Sorry to bother you." Bud hurried back to his own office.
Across the bullpen, Hughes's actions caught the attention of one Gunnery Sgt. Galindez. It wasn't the first time he'd noticed something amiss about the officer's behavior. The first day he came to JAG, Gunny observed the way Hughes acted toward Col. Mackenzie. Not to mention his reaction when he learned Cdr. Rabb was returning.
The man had made a few snide comments when he and Tiner moved Cdr. Rabb's belongings back to his office. Hughes wasn't happy about having to move. Gunny wasn't one to judge, but Rick Hughes spelled trouble. Big time trouble.
Norfolk, Virginia
June 18, 2001
1830 Local
It had been a long day for Harm and Mac. After driving to Norfolk, they were able to meet with Lt. Evans, the officer who had brought charges of sexual harassment. They also interviewed several potential witnesses, none of whom could substantiate her complaint. They planned to meet with Captain Selman, along with a few others, the following morning.
"Why don't we call it quits for the day, Mac? I'll get us checked into the VOQ, then get a bite to eat. We can start fresh in the morning."
"Sounds good to me, Flyboy."
Upon arrival at the VOQ, they learned there were no rooms available. When they walked back to the car, Harm said, "Guess we'll have to drive into town and find a hotel."
"Okay by me. I just need a place where I can get a long, hot bath. Two rooms."
Harm quirked an eyebrow.
"For appearance's sake. Remember what we told the admiral."
"Oh, yeah," he grinned. "Wouldn't want to get off to a bad start."
But after checking numerous hotels, the situation wasn't looking good. Thinking they might have to travel as far as Richmond, they finally a room at the Marriott. Harm checked them in while Mac waited in the car. "We're all set. They had a suite."
"A suite? That was the only thing available? Are you sure?"
Harm put his hand over his heart. "Mac. You wound me. According to the desk clerk, we were lucky to get it. It does have two bedrooms."
"For appearance's sake only," Mac said with a sly grin.
Harm quirked an eyebrow. He knew he wouldn't be sleeping alone tonight.
McMurphy's Tavern
June 18, 2001
1900 Local
For the third time in less than a week, Rick Hughes found himself sitting in McMurphy's Tavern. He probably should have found another place. The last thing he wanted was to run into that whining Aussie again. He'd gotten the information he needed, so there was no further need to act sympathetic.
Nor did he want to get friendly with any JAG staff who might have come for an after-work drink. Not that it was likely on a Monday night.
Hughes was still furious over not being able to meet with the admiral this afternoon. Chegwidden had, in effect, said his concerns weren't important. The same man who had spent all night at the office with Col. Mackenzie and Lt. Roberts because of the Colonel's "intuition" about Rabb.
Yeah, he'd heard the talk going around JAG. How Sarah Mackenzie "spotted" Rabb's empty life raft the night of his accident, then later "found" him on the remote island. Maybe there was something to her abilities, but Hughes didn't buy all that psychic stuff. He figured finding the raft was a lucky guess. As far as the island, she probably had someone give her inside information.
Whatever the case, she was not away from court last week because of a family member. Lt. Roberts was merely covering for her. Hughes wondered what the judge would have to say when he learned the truth.
Chegwidden didn't have a problem with Rabb and Mackenzie's "relationship." The fact that Hughes had second-hand info about the two of them being involved. Anyone could say the information was false, obtained from a jilted ex-fiancé.
No, he needed something more. An idea came to mind, and he pulled his cell phone from his pocket. He had connections in Norfolk. Now was the time to use them.