A/N – This story makes it to my personal favorites because of how much fun I had loosening Lee up for this ONI assignment. I wrote it for the Triple Crown picture challenge at Seaview Stories, and it's definitely worth a stroll over to the website to check out the three pics I incorporated into the tale, especially to get an appreciative view of the lilac shirt Lee wore in the story! And for those of you wondering, I'm ten chapters into the next adventure, so stay tuned for a new story soon. : )

A second season story...

Showdown in the High Sierras

by Lynn

"And here's your next stop," Homer Stewart said, pointing out the facility up ahead. It was easy to spot out in the desert, the only facility at the end of a very long road some ten miles off the highway. The facility was surrounded by a chain link fence complete with rolling barb wire on top. A single entrance/exit gate greeted them; he'd been briefed that it was the only way in or out of the facility.

"And I make this drive every day?" Lee Crane asked as he drove the delivery truck to the gate.

"Yeah. It's a drive but they're one of our most important customers," Homer replied with a slight southwestern accent.

Homer was a likeable guy, though a bit on the brass side. He wore the same gray coveralls as Lee with Farnsworth Fast Freight written on the back, but the ever present toothpick hanging out of his mouth, along with the butch haircut and his stout frame made for quite a contrast between the veteran truck driver and his new "Trainee".

Lee brought the truck to a stop as Homer jumped out and greeted the security guard.

"Hey Joe, got a new driver I'm training," he announced as Lee made his way around the front of the truck with his clipboard in hand.

"This here is Lee Carter," he introduced.

"Training? Where ya' going Homer?"

"Won a one month cruise to the Caribbean!" he beamed. "Don't even remember signing up for the contest!" he added proudly.

"What about Charlie? He usually fills in for you on vacations?" Joe asked curiously.

"Oh, he got called to the corporate office for some extended 'Safety Training'," he snorted as he laughed. "Can you believe it? He hasn't had an accident in five-whole-months, and some bright twenty-something year old decided Charlie should train brand new drivers! It's only temporary though, he'll be back in a couple of weeks... no one will be able to live down the attention he's getting," he added, rolling his eyes at the thought of Charlie bragging about his short term assignment. He was really going to be a pain to work with for a while, he thought absent-mindedly.

Joe laughed as well, seeing the obvious humor in the temporary assignment. "Okay," he said raising the security arm and waving them through the gate. "Nice to meet you Carter," he added as both Lee and Homer got back in the bobtail and proceeded to the warehouse.

Lee's latest assignment was a "walk in the park" he remembered telling his boss Admiral Harriman Nelson, as he played courier for an operative working within the electronics manufacturing plant nestled way out in the boonies of the High Sierra desert, with the nearest town of Bishop, California some fifteen miles away sporting a population of less than 10,000. The out-of-the-way location provided the secrecy the manufacturing plant required as it produced highly sensitive parts for the US military's latest weapons. The inside operative was investigating the recent leak of information regarding certain components and was currently acting as the Shipping/Receiving Clerk. He had successfully been inserted with the help of a key person in middle management who unfortunately, knew nothing about computers, a key part of the mission.

Lee was the Senior Operative on the Mission, his job was to secure any Intel the inside operative obtained as they communicated through messages in the outgoing packages, interpret the Intel and direct the mission's progress. He looked the part of a delivery driver having allowed his hair to grow out presenting a casual look with longer locks and sideburns, shedding his usually sharp officer appearance in preparation for his current ONI assignment.

"There's the receiving bay," Homer pointed out. "Just back it on in and ring the bell," he instructed as Lee handled the bobtail with ease into the receiving bay. He hopped out and looked over his manifest, checking on how many packages he would be delivering as Homer made the introductions.

"Hey Billy, this here is Lee Carter, he'll be looking after my route for a few weeks."

"Nice to meet you," young Billy Watkins offered politely as Lee raised his head and nodded nonchalantly.

"Billy," he returned in an even greeting as the operatives made their first contact. Billy was a young naval officer only 24 years old, but his facial features often caused others to gauge his age as a teenager. In fact, his hire folder listed his age as nineteen and was completely accepted as such. Everyone but Lee was unaware of the young operative's skills in self-defense as his small frame gave the impression he was somewhat frail. His skills on cracking computer codes and his young non-threatening demeanor created quite the cover and made him a natural for the inside job.

Lee moved to the back and rolled up the truck doors reaching for his delivery of five packages then received the out-going packages from Billy, adding them to his manifest. Homer stepped away to talk with a warehouse worker who had made his way over to greet him as the two discussed last week's Destruction Derby with animated reenactments in hand movements.

Lee lowered the rolling door and headed for the driver's side. Though he and Billy had been alone they had done little talking and only about their task at hand.

"Have a nice trip, Homer," Billy offered as the seasoned truck driver climbed in waving his good-byes on his well-established truck route.

"Okay Lee, that's it. Back to the docks, unload, a little bit of paperwork and we're done for the day," Homer offered cheerfully, ready to begin his vacation and anxious to see the Caribbean.

"Sounds good," Lee returned and stole a look in his side mirror as Billy adjusted the bill of his baseball cap in a prearranged signal that he had something for the operative. Their eyes met briefly and then each turned away. It would have to wait until Lee's pickup tomorrow when he was alone in the truck.

# # # # #

Lee Carter made his way to the lounge of the hotel he was staying in. He was new in town and it was important that he maintain his cover in all respects. He didn't have a place of his own yet, so the small bar with the television playing the new ESPN sports channel was the perfect place to establish his identity and hang out for a couple of hours before bed.

He sat at the bar watching the college basketball game with only slight interest, though he enjoyed playing One on One he was never into the team sport, preferring track and field instead. Still, it kept him busy and helped to maintain his cover. He was nursing a beer along when someone sidled up next to him on a bar stool.

"Aren't you the new driver from Farnsworth Fast Freight?" the decidedly female voice inquired as Lee turned to the pretty blond beside him. He amended his first assessment as he quickly decided "extraordinarily beautiful with a body to match" described her much better.

He smiled matching her carefree happy expression, laced with enough sultry intent to get any man's attention as she settled onto the bar stool getting comfortable.

"Yeah, just started today. I don't remember seeing you there," he said with a sly smile.

"I was in the Shipping Office, I saw you from the window," she said with a grin that amply suggested she wanted to get to know him better.

Lee reached a hand out, "My name is Lee Carter."

"Melanie. Melanie Ross," she stated with a soft handshake that invited extra caressing for anyone bold enough.

The bartender walked up as Lee offered to buy her drink. "Whatever the Lady wants," he said.

"Thanks. Just a wine-cooler," she replied.

"So, are you looking to set down roots here?" she asked as the bar-keep placed the drink in front of her.

"Just following the job market," he answered with a shrug.

"I don't blame you, not much going on around here," she agreed as Lee finished off his ale.

"Another one?" The bartender asked.

"No thanks, got to work tomorrow," Lee replied before turning his attention back to the knock-out blond. "So what do you do at the plant?"

"Data Entry, Cardex Inventory Control, and whatever else needs doing to prepare the packages for shipment," she replied taking a drink and checking her watch.

Lee noticed her gesture and figured she was waiting for someone so he took that as his cue to say goodnight.

"Well, I've got to hit the sack," he said extending a hand once again and shaking politely. "Nice to meet you, Melanie."

"You too, Lee. Maybe I'll see you at the plant."

Lee smiled leaving cash on the bar for her drink and headed out nearly bumping into a mass of muscles at the door.

"Excuse me," Lee said as the burly man barely gave way. Lee ignored him and headed to his room.

"Who was that?" Trevor Monroe, a well-muscled man who doubled as the town bully asked jealously as he approached Melanie.

"Just a delivery driver I met at work. I was just talking to him while I was waiting for you," she said taking another drink.

"Did he buy that for you?" he questioned possessively.

"Trevor, it's just a drink."

"Well, just don't you forget whose girl you are," he said darkly and grabbed her by the elbow and guiding her non-to-gently to a table. She shook off the rough handling as if it was all too commonplace and switched gears to cool her boyfriend off.

"Let's dance, Trevor," she said adding a little smile to match her sassy mood. Her distraction worked as he stood feeling very much in control and guided her to the dance floor and basked in the knowledge that he was the envy of every guy in the room as he danced with the hottest girl in town.

# # # # #

Lee completed his route with Hardy Maxwell Electronics as his last stop. He cleared the gate and backed into the receiving bay where Billy waited with his freight.

"Hey, Billy," Lee greeted and then spotted Melanie in the office window watching and biting her bottom lip seductively. She smiled when he saw her and waved as Lee flashed her a smile then opened the roll-up door and unloaded the packages on the dock.

"Great; and here's our freight out," Billy said, pointing to the boxes Lee would load. "There are eight boxes total," he said, slyly tapping the eighth box to bring it to Lee's attention.

"Got it," Lee replied, staying in cover and acknowledging Billy's message.

"See you tomorrow," Lee finished and headed out. He cleared the property and drove five miles, well away from the plant and pulled over to the side of the road. He reached for a special package stashed in the back and switched shipping labels with the box Billy pointed out; a dummy package that would be delivered to a secure location to ensure that the shipping records of the electronics plant matched the freight company's delivery records.

Lee opened the box and read the Intel:

"Person of Interest: Melanie Ross. Has opportunity, have observed inconsistencies.

Computer searches so far negative."

The rest of the package was filled with shipping peanuts and a canned soda to add weight. Lee stashed the note in the pocket of his coveralls. He reported back to the dock, unloaded and punched off the time clock.

"Good work Carter, I think you're going to work out just fine," his dispatcher commented to the new truck driver's smile.

"Thanks, see you tomorrow," he offered then hopped into his car and headed to his hotel on the edge of town. As he drove he couldn't help the half-smile that formed as he contemplated the new lead. His grin widened. It looked like he was going to get to know the beautiful Melanie Ross a little better.

# # # # #

Lee completed his route and headed for his last stop of the day, the electronics plant. He had visited the bar again the last two evenings but struck out as Melanie didn't show up, so he figured he'd have to make contact to let her know he was "interested".

Joe at the Security Gate waved him through as he smiled and offered his own friendly wave. He backed the bobtail in and hopped out taking a moment to check over his manifest and stole a glance into the Shipping Office window. Melanie was there again, her hot pink sweater was a size too small pulling across her chest with her low cut scoop neck line adding to its appeal. Lee offered a sly appreciating glance her way which she returned, smiling coyly even though Lee knew there wasn't a bashful or shy bone in her body and leaned back a bit on the bobtail, letting her know he noticed before getting to work.

He and Billy exchanged much the same low-keyed professional greetings they had used the last three days as they took care of business with Billy again noting he had Intel, to which Lee acknowledged.

"Mind if I grab a drink from your water cooler?" Lee asked.

"Help yourself," Billy returned as Lee headed to the cooler just outside the Shipping Office. He reached for the small paper cup and depressed the handle for cold water as Melanie stepped out.

"Hi Lee, nice to see you again."

"Hi Melanie, good to see you too," he said making sure she knew her hot outfit was appealing. "I was wondering if you were busy tonight?" he asked boldly.

"What do you have in mind?" Melanie replied playfully, even though she already knew she wanted a date.

"How about dinner?"

She bit her bottom lip in what was supposed to be a shy move but was much more provocative instead. "Okay, how about 8:00? I teach an aerobics class right after work so I'll need a little time."

"Eight it is. Do you want me to pick you up?"

"How about I meet you in the hotel lounge again?"

"Alright. I'll see you then," he said with a smile as he crumbled the paper cup and tossed it deftly in the waste basket.

"See ya'," she replied as Lee walked back to his truck.

# # # # #

Billy hadn't missed the exchange or the fact that they had apparently met before, so he wasn't surprised to see that the Commander had found a way to investigate Melanie Ross. He avoided the raised eyebrow and wished she had shown similar interest in him, but his young look took him out of the running even though she was closer to his age than the Commander's.

Smooth move, Crane, he thought to himself with an inward grin. He'd been inserted into his cover two weeks prior to Lee's arrival and had already determined that the pretty blond was the hottest gal in town.

Lt. Bill Watkins wasn't nearly as nerdy as he was able to present. He was small framed but fit and the dark thick plastic rimmed glasses effectively hid his deep blue eyes. His blonde hair was boring and combed straight down for his cover, but his normal hair style was feathered and matched the popular style of the day. He wore his cover with ease, but was actually quite handsome when he was let out of the stereotypes that allowed people to ignore him. ONI had picked up on his ability to transform so handily and his nerdy appearance made his fiddling with the computers appear so innocent. Consequently, he had been able to crack Melanie Ross's user name and pass code and was monitoring her activity on the computer. A very interesting trail had emerged so Crane's date tonight was indeed timely. Bill wished he and Lee could talk and compare notes, but in a town so small it might not be the best course of action; they'd just have to make do with the notes.

# # # # #

Melanie conducted her workout class with enthusiasm. Lee Carter's invitation for dinner had come at the perfect time. Tonight was Thursday, Trevor's regular poker night and as such they would be able to meet without an ensuing scene from her jealous boyfriend. He was possessive, but he was also the hunkiest guy in town. He played high school football and had maintained his physical regiment with weight lifting even years after the glory days of being the star linebacker had passed. She didn't mind hanging on his arm, but it didn't mean she didn't like to occasionally play in someone else's backyard... though it usually didn't work out too well for the other guy. Sooner or later, Trevor would hear of her extra fling and make sure the suitor was properly dissuaded from any further contact. Consequently, in a town of less than 10,000 people there weren't very many good looking guys left who wanted to chance a run-in with Trevor. She kind of felt bad once Trevor got a hold of them and had let off on her flirting, but Lee Carter was worth living dangerously for. He was tall, dark, and handsome like some Hollywood model on a GQ Magazine. Besides, Trevor was known to do a little straying himself, she thought in self-justification.

She drove up to the bar in her yellow Pinto hatchback and parked, shaping her hair and applying more lipstick. She chose one of her best outfits; one she knew turned the guys on. She was going all out for Lee Carter and she couldn't wait to see what he looked like without the gray coveralls. She wasn't disappointed as she spotted him at a table waiting for her. His jeans were nice and tight and the hunter green long sleeve shirt brought out the color of his eyes. His hair was styled to perfection and he even stood when she approached the table!

"Hi Melanie," he said pulling the chair for her and adjusting it in. "Wow, you look fantastic," he complimented.

"Thanks," she said with a sexy grin, enjoying being treated like a lady with his gentlemanly ways. "You clean up pretty nicely yourself," she returned as he sat with a smile that caused her to swallow hard. Wow, she thought silently, GQ should have them this good!

"Would you like something before we hit the restaurant?" he offered, his glass on the table already empty.

"No, I'm good. Where are going?" She asked nonchalantly. She needed to keep their date on the early side since Trevor was in the habit of stopping by her place for a little "action" after his night of cards.

"Best steak house in town, as a matter a fact the ONLY steak house in town," he quipped as she laughed.

"They left together with Melanie hanging on his arm and giggling all the way out the door with several of the locals noticing her latest distraction.

# # # # #

Dinner had been a get-to-know-you deal and Lee hadn't really expected to find out if she was stealing secret components on this one date. What he did hope to accomplish was her interest for further dates, and eventually an invite to her house where he could look for evidence. A quick call to the Aerobics House had determined that she instructed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays so those would probably be the best days for doing a little foraging.

He took her back to her car parked at the hotel lounge and though he sensed she was very interested she let him say goodnight there. She did give him the vibes that a goodnight kiss was in order, so he gave her one he hoped would increase her interest.

"Well, I had a great time. I'll see you tomorrow okay," she said a bit breathless and sorry she had to let him go when they were hitting it off so well, but she needed to be waiting for Trevor when he showed up half-drunk and ready for a roll in the hay.

Lee smiled. "Thanks for going with me. Hope we can do it again," he replied full of charm.

"I'd like that," she answered, inviting him to ask her again.

He opened the car door for her as she climbed in and closed it behind her.

"See you tomorrow," he added as she smiled and waved good-bye.

Lee headed to his room at the hotel, he thought things had progressed along well enough, though he was a little surprised that he hadn't gotten the invitation for a "night cap" at her place. She didn't seem like the type to worry about going too far on the first date. Still, all he needed was her address to do a little looking around while she worked-out and there were other ways to get that. Not tonight though, he needed to follow her when she wasn't expecting it, Perhaps after her Tuesday evening class, he decided and turned the key entering his room.

# # # # #

"Billy" Watkins sat at the computer in the Shipping Office; he only had a small window each day to take a look around in cyber world. It was Friday morning and he was following a lead he found yesterday. He was fairly sure that she was their culprit but didn't have the proof, only that someone operating under her user name was sure interested in the technical aspects of several components that had gone rogue recently. What he needed was proof that it was Melanie and not someone stealing her identity to cover their own tracks. The trail of her last computer usage ended on a component that was missing but as far as he knew, still unsold on the market so this is where he needed to concentrate. He wrote a note to Lee knowing that the Commander was investigating Melanie personally. Billy looked around, making sure he was still alone and then erased his "tracks," signing off the computer. He prepared a package containing his note and a Coca Cola for weight; he hoped Lee liked Cokes and wondered if he should have thrown in a 7-UP this time just for a change, as he sealed the box with a small grin.

# # # # #

Melanie Ross sat at her desk feeling pretty good about dating the new heart-throb in town. He was dreamy and she wanted to get to know him better; not that she wanted to give up Trevor. She and Trevor had been together since high school when she was the head cheerleader and he was the captain of the football team. They had plenty of fall-outs but they were more than just friends or lovers, they were business partners. Trevor had recently lost a lot of money in Vegas and subsequently owed a Shark big time. The Shark had given him a choice of a couple of broken limbs or talking his girlfriend into doing a job for him. It had turned out to be a lucrative deal, because once Trevor paid off his debt he was more than willing to continue to bargain. They had sold three components and gotten a hold of a blueprint for another component still in R&D. The Shark was happy as his connections had gotten stronger with the deals, and happening along on the shallow couple with no scruples had been a stroke of luck.

Melanie had recently intercepted a component part that was small enough to place in her oversized purse. She had cleverly sabotaged the package with a box cutter so that when it arrived at its destination with the component missing it would look as if it had been lost in transit. She was hiding the component at her place while Trevor negotiated a price and delivery. She wasn't sure how long the two of them could continue before being caught, but Trevor had assured her that he had an exit plan to leave the country with their growing cash reserves and retire on a tropical island out of US jurisdiction.

She liked living on the fast side, which is why she was flirting with danger... and Lee Carter. She wasn't going to get to see him this weekend since she and Trevor had standing dates on Friday and Saturday nights, but she planned on making sure he knew she was interested. So, she smiled brightly when the bobtail from Farnsworth Fast Freight backed into the receiving bay.

Time for a little chat at the water cooler, she thought with a blatantly saucy smile. She walked to the water cooler dispensing a cup of water and watched as Lee and Billy handled the freight. The tall, dark-headed hunk took a decidedly intentional glance at the water cooler, finished his business and walked toward her.

"Hi," he said with as much charm as could possibly be uttered in one word.

"Hi yourself," she returned.

"I really enjoyed myself last night," he continued. "I was wondering if you might want to go out again?"

"That sounds good, but I'm pretty busy this weekend. How about Monday night?" She offered knowing that as football season neared the play-offs, Trevor would be glued to the TV for Monday Night Football.

"Alright, Monday it is. Should I pick you up?"

"Sure," she answered handing him a piece of paper with her address already written for him. Lee smiled at her brazen confidence that he would approach her so soon.

"I'll see you then. How about 6:00?"

"Sounds good," she replied, knowing that Trevor would be glued to the pre-game show by then.

Lee took a swig of water for good measure and dropped his crumpled cup into the basket as she watched him walk away.

She sighed audibly at his departure, Even in his coveralls he was sexy.

# # # # #

Lee stopped and read his communication from Billy, popping open the Coke as he read:

M.R.'s user name has accessed design files on component recently lost in transit.

Computer trail is heating up, but need proof that she is culprit and not victim

of stolen identity.

Copy of design enclosed.

Lee raised an eyebrow and pulled back onto the highway sure that they were on the right track. There was something about Melanie that wasn't right, though he couldn't put his finger on it at this point. All he knew for sure was that he didn't trust her.

He needed evidence. The missing component would be nice, but any trail regarding the stolen parts would be just as good, and a Monday night date meant he could search her house on Tuesday when she went to aerobics class.

He finished off the Coke and drove back to the docks. It might be a pretty boring weekend alone in the small town, but it looked like things were ramping up and the mission was in full swing. But what he really needed was a solid clue where to look. He wouldn't have much time and there was no guarantee it was even at her place.

It was time to put the next phase of the mission into action, just in case he came up empty at Melanie's house. It was time to call in the Big Guns; someone so famous that his tour of the facility would be noticed. Someone whose new top secret blueprints he brought with him would be taken seriously. It was time to call in Harriman Nelson.

# # # # #

Admiral Harriman Nelson flew FS1 into Bishop Airport, a full service regional airport located only two miles from Bishop. The flying sub had brought in plenty of interest, which is exactly what they wanted as company big wigs waited excitedly to greet their honored guest.

Harry taxied the craft to a hangar he had arranged for his two day inspection tour and secured FS1. Warm handshakes were exchanged as Harry was received with all the pomp and circumstance of a foreign dignitary. He was sharp and official looking in his service blues complete with the service cap he wore smartly on his head.

"We're so pleased you could make it on such short notice, Admiral Nelson," Mr. Thompson, the President of the firm greeted.

"The blueprints I have are too important not to give your facility extra attention," Harry assured him. "I'm anxious to see your entire operation before officially awarding the contract," Harry finished as the president smiled and put his best salesman effort forward to win the lucrative deal.

"I'm sure you'll be pleased with our operation."

"Very well, Mr. Thompson. Let's get underway, shall we?" Harry directed carrying his briefcase and keeping it even when the driver offered to stow it for him, signaling the importance of its contents.

"Oh, we're not so terribly formal out here, Admiral Nelson. Jack is just fine," Thompson returned with a friendly smile; it was a great way to start out a Monday morning, courting a profitable deal and showing off his plant to the famous Admiral.

# # # # #

Lee backed into the receiving bay. It was swept clean with even the errant piece of paper chased to the dock by the wind picked up in preparation for the dignitary's visit. He held back his smile at how the normally neat warehouse shined up even more for their guest, Admiral Harriman Nelson.

Billy was all business as Lee spotted Harry walking through the warehouse receiving a tour of the facility.

"Have a nice night," Billy offered as Lee pulled down the cargo door.

"Plan to, got a hot date," Lee offered nonchalantly while simultaneously informing Billy of his further investigation of Melanie Ross.

Billy raised an eyebrow as Lee hopped in the cab, Melanie hadn't appeared at the water cooler and he figured she was doing her part to look busy in front of the president as he conducted his tour.

"And this is Melanie Ross, she's a valuable employee providing data entry for our Shipping/Receiving Department," Thompson said in introduction, building up his employees as well as showing off the beauty queen... Indeed it never hurt to point out all your 'assets', he thought silently, and a pretty face at the end of the day might just seal the deal.

"Miss Ross," Harry acknowledged politely as Melanie provided the appropriate smile laced with the tiniest amount of sex appeal.

"Nice to meet you, Admiral Nelson. I've heard so much about you," she responded excitedly.

"Well, don't believe everything you hear, Miss Ross," Harry replied with humility mixed with a bit of humor. Everyone laughed, making sure the honored guest's joke met with the appropriate amount of response as Harry walked to the dock and noted Lee pulling out of the bay. They had spotted each other earlier, but there was no nod, raise of the eyebrow or any other indication that they knew each other.

"Very nice, Jack," Harry complimented. "It's been a long day. Might I suggest we meet tomorrow for the formalities."

Thompson smiled easily, but inside he was salivating as the Admiral had practically awarded the contract to his firm.

"That'll be fine. Its 3:30 now, how about we get you back to your hotel and then take you to dinner around 5:30?" Thompson suggested, clarifying the details for the evening and hoping to start the early dinner with a few cocktails to lighten the mood and loosen everyone up.

"Very good," Harry replied, knowing full well that these visits always included being wined and dined with the company president and his VP's.

Thompson swept his hand forward inviting Harry to precede him back into the office portion of the plant with Harry nodding his approval of the facility as he moved along.

# # # # #

Melanie peeked through her window watching Lee Carter get out of his four-door sedan. Though the window panels were sheer she was perfectly hidden by the trees and bushes outside, as well as her bright-as-day floodlights on the porch. It wasn't the latest car model, or sportsy like Trevor's but she wouldn't be embarrassed in it, she reasoned. As he rounded the front of the car she quickly decided that it didn't matter what car he drove when the guy she dated looked like Lee Carter. His long sleeve shirt was left opened a few buttons down showing off a fit and inviting chest and his belted indigo blue jeans were fitted to perfection on his tall, but fit frame. His olive toned complexion was complimented against the lilac colored shirt that boldly brought out his incredible eyes. His hair was wavy and suave and she figured that tonight was going to be a very good night if she had anything to say about it. Especially if Trevor's team won and he did a little bit of extra celebrating, keeping him longer with his buddies.

# # # # #

Lee rang the doorbell. He wondered if the lilac shirt was a bit much, but the ONI outfitter, a matronly woman who was especially skilled in such matters, informed him that the shirt brought out his olive tone and the green his eyes and would be appealing to any woman with blood running through her veins. It was a bit embarrassing being told that by the 67 year old ONI veteran, but he took her advice in the spirit of professionalism and chose it for his date.

Melanie opened the door looking like a page out of Vogue Magazine wearing a tight fitting mini skirt and a matching jacket with puffy shoulder pads, worn without a blouse underneath. It was buttoned closed with just a hint of her black lace bra visible in the cleavage, producing the expected response which he shared with her openly.

"Wow," he said with a raised eyebrow and looked her over from head to toe. She was pleased with his assessment and linked her arm into his, hanging on him heavily and already sending him vibes that she intended to have a good time tonight.

"Where are you taking me?" she asked with a sultry smile.

"How about The Italy House?" He replied as her eyes lit up. It was the fanciest, most expensive restaurant in town, and Trevor hardly ever took her there.

"Great, sounds good," she responded excitedly as Lee opened the car door for her and she slid into the passenger seat, her mini skirt hiking up to show off her curvy trimmed legs in the process, a definite by-product of her work-outs.

Lee hopped in getting a good view and making sure to smile appreciatively at the pleasant sight as he put the car in gear and headed to the restaurant.

# # # # #

Harry's dinner was in full swing as he watched Lee enter with the tall blonde fitted on his arm. He avoided the raised eyebrow at the sight of his date and kept his face even, but inwardly he was grinning at the tough assignment Lee had drawn from ONI having to date Miss Melanie Ross.

Harry had changed from his uniform to a dark brown business suit and noted Lee's jeans. He knew Lee would never normally go to a fine restaurant in blue jeans, but the relaxed atmosphere of the small town and his cover dictated the more casual attire. He held back his smile at the thought of how dashing his young captain looked even in blue jeans. The lavender shirt seemed a bit bright for his personal taste but amended his thought at how perfectly natural it looked on Lee. The young lady however, seemed to appreciate it greatly, caressing his arm affectionately as they were escorted to their table. Harry sighed inwardly at the contrast between Lee's dinner partner and his; three men all wearing the same color and cut of a dark business suit. He shook off his momentary thoughts and pretended to enjoy the tiresome conversation that seemed to go hand in hand with such business dinners.

# # # # #

Dinner had progressed well and when Lee offered Melanie an after dinner drink she quickly suggested her place for a night cap. Lee smiled at the invitation and left the restaurant ignoring Harry on the way out, but walking with a definite "eat your heart out" expression on his face just for show.

The drive back to her house had left Lee with little doubt that she was quite willing to engage in a little "aerobic exercise" at her house, while he responded by offering enough vibes to ensure her that he was interested. He didn't like to engage in James Bond ethics where women were concerned on his ONI Missions, but occasionally his cover demanded such action. He sighed inwardly, Oh well, no one can say that I don't give my all for my country, he thought in humorous sarcasm.

She opened the door and entered as Lee followed behind but that was where the pleasant evening suddenly took a turn for the worse.

Immediately he was slammed up against the wall by a strong arm to his throat as two more guys held him tightly in place. The light flicked on as a tall, blond headed-body-building-Mr. Universe wannabe stood menacingly in front of him landing a blow into his gut and then throwing him across the room. Lee recovered rolling onto his knees and using a nearby table to steady himself as he took in the surprise attack.

"You think I didn't know about your little date, Baby?" Trevor yelled at Melanie. "I've got friends all over this town," he said taking her by the arm as Trevor's three friends closed in on him.

"Now get in there, I'll deal with you later," he promised darkly, nudging her toward the bedroom.

"Ah- Tre-vor," she wined, not at all worried about what Trevor meant by dealing with her later. He never hurt her, in fact after taking care of her suitors, his testosterone levels were always high resulting in some especially fun intense sex as she let him play out his Alpha Male tendencies, but she was disappointed that he had shown up before she got Lee in bed. Nevertheless, she "obeyed" his command and entered the bedroom with a slam of the door.

"Now, to deal with you; what makes you think you can come in here and take over my girlfriend?"

"Look, I didn't know she was attached," Lee said trying to talk his way out of the situation, but concerned for the brute's intentions toward Melanie. He couldn't just leave if Trevor was going to hurt Melanie, as unscrupulous as she was. "Why don't we both just cool down?" he offered but Trevor's friends made a grab for him.

This wasn't looking good, so Lee issued a few punches of his own, the final one squarely to Trevor's jaw before the third bad guy planted a whack on his head from a wooden bowl on the shelf behind him. Lee dropped to his knees, momentarily dazed as his arms were grabbed and he was rough handled to his feet again. Trevor closed in rubbing his jaw with red eyes, partly fueled by the beer he had consumed earlier and partly by the anger swelling up within him.

"Hold him tight," he demanded and started landing blows to Lee's midsection. His powerful punches backed by muscle packed arms were taking Lee's breath away as Trevor finally stepped back, slightly winded for the effort. He usually didn't work over the face too much, preferring to hide the bruises. So far, no one had dared to press charges against him and subsequently his bullying went pretty much unchallenged, but as he looked into the handsome features of Lee Carter he decided to take a bit of Melanie's temptation away. He landed enough blows to leave bruises and red scuffs that would surely ripen overnight and a final one to the jaw drawing blood down the corner of the pretty boy's mouth.

"Let's see how many girls you attract now," Trevor boasted as Lee was left mostly hanging between the brute's goons.

"Dump him," Trevor ordered as Lee heard the bedroom door open. His fears for Melanie were apparently unfounded when she appeared in the doorway wearing a skimpy pink teddy as Trevor headed her way. As the goons opened the front door he could hear her cooing, "Ooohhh, Trevor."

So much for a good time tonight, he thought dryly as they dragged him outside. He was thrown in the back of an open pick-up truck and heard his own car start up. They hadn't taken his keys so he presumed they must have hot-wired it. Lee lay in the back of the pick-up looking straight up at a heaven full of stars contemplating just how many ribs were cracked when the truck stopped suddenly. He didn't know what they had planned and was trying to recuperate his strength enough to fight back, but was happily content when they dumped him on the desert road, leaving behind both him and his car as they drove off in a squeal of tires burning rubber.

# # # # #

"Mr. Carter?"

Lee woke with a groan as an officer took a knee over him, the lights of his cruiser providing the illumination. He started to rise but the officer gently pushed him back down.

"I'm okay," Lee breathed out.

"Paramedics are on their way, why don't we let them check you out?" the officer suggested calmly.

Lee nodded, but had no intention of going to the hospital. He closed his eyes... and came to in the emergency room, unaware that he'd passed out again. He felt much better and already had his ribs taped and his face treated.

"Mr. Carter... I'm Sheriff Fisher. Can you tell me who did this to you?"

"Don't seem to remember," Lee said coldly as he rose to sit on the gurney, getting a helping hand up from Deputy Johnson, the officer who had found him in the desert.

"Don't remember? Or don't want to talk?"

Lee adjusted himself on the gurney holding his right hand against his side.

"Can you hand me my shirt?" he asked Johnson ignoring the Sheriff's question.

"Look Carter, you were seen with Melanie Ross. Now, it's no secret who her boyfriend is and frankly, this fits his M.O., but I can't put the guy away if no one will press charges against him," Fisher explained laying it on the line.

"I'll handle it myself," Lee answered taking the lilac shirt and shrugging it on his shoulders, it's once pristine condition now completely ruined by dried blood, dirt and scuff marks.

"I don't like the sound of that," Fisher countered with a scowl.

"Look, it was dark. I didn't see who jumped me," Lee returned, needing to keep Trevor out of jail for the mission's sake.

Fisher blew out a breath in forced acceptance. "All right, but just remember, I won't put up with your violence any more than his. You go vigilante and I'll throw the book at you," he warned in no uncertain terms.

"Can I go now?" Lee asked defiantly.

"By all means," Fisher answered. "Deputy Johnson will drive you to your hotel, your car is already there," he finished as Lee nodded, grateful for the small town that knew exactly where the newcomer was staying.

"Don't you want to talk to the doctor?" Johnson asked as the Sheriff took his leave.

"Nah. Two cracked ribs, no concussion," he finished.

"How'd you know?" Johnson asked, having already received the doctor's report.

"Just call it a gift," Lee deadpanned. "I've got to get to bed; I've got work tomorrow," Lee finished as he stood up on steady feet.

"Not much chance of that Carter, you're going to be pretty sore tomorrow. I'll give you a copy of the police report, you can give it to the freight company to explain your absence," he added kindly.

Lee chuckled at how the Deputy knew he was the new truck driver in town. "Not much gets by you guys does it?" he quipped tucking in his shirt and ready to sign out of ER.

"Only doing my job," Johnson finished, his demeanor and professionalism very much appreciated at this point, as Lee nodded and headed out the door the Deputy held opened for him.

# # # # #

The drive from the small medical center was fairly short as Johnson drove to Lee's hotel. Neither one talked much as Lee rested with his hand splayed protectively over his left side and his head tilted back against the headrest. Johnson drove up next to Lee's car, parked outside his hotel door and put the cruiser in park.

"You know, Carter, what the Sheriff said... we really would like to put a lid on Trevor Monroe, but we need someone with enough guts to testify. I don't think you're scared of him, and you seem like a nice guy. So, whatever it is you've got planned... forget it. Either testify or stay out of the way," he said giving Lee a bit of friendly advice.

"I'm pretty tired Deputy, can I go now?"

Johnson blew out a resigned breath, "Yeah, do you need help getting to the door?"

Lee shook his head in the negative and reached for the door handle. "Got a belly full of help already," he said disgustedly, referring to his current condition and closed the passenger door behind him.

He walked to his car, seemingly to check it out to make sure it was okay as Johnson pulled out and drove away. He wished he didn't have to be so short with the Deputy, he was nice guy and Lee liked him; but he didn't need the local police messing around in the Mission. Hopefully, he had lacked the helpfulness they would need to further the investigation and subsequently stay out of the way. When he was sure Johnson was gone he opened his door and turned on the light, not surprised at all to see two men waiting for him in his room.

# # # # #

"Lee!" Harry said in a subdued voice as he and Billy moved toward him concerned. The three men had been scheduled to meet earlier in a remote location, but when Lee didn't show up they knew something had gone wrong.

Lee's hand was still splayed against his left side as he lowered himself down into the easy chair in the corner.

"I think I got her boyfriend mad," he quipped.

"You think?" Harry repeated incredulously, noting the bruising on Lee's face and the side he was favoring.

"Actually didn't know she had a boyfriend," he clarified. "But I do have her address and I can check out her place tomorrow. I'll call in sick, by tomorrow everyone in town will know I had a run in with Trevor Monroe..."

"Her boyfriend?" Harry asked, clarifying who Trevor was.

"Yeah, big burly guy with bruised knuckles, doesn't know how to fight without three of his friends along," Lee replied a bit retrospectively as Harry shook his head pondering dark thoughts of his own for Trevor.

"How are you doing, Bill?" Lee asked, trying to bring the young lieutenant in on the conversation.

"Good. The computer trail leads to Melanie Ross, just no way to prove it without physical evidence," he said taking a seat on the bed.

"Well, I'll be leaving plenty of temptation behind for Miss Ross," Harry added. "If you come up empty on your search tomorrow, perhaps Bill can catch her red-handed," the admiral finished to Bill's acknowledging nod.

"I'm pretty sure she's working with an accomplice," Lee added, feeling pretty tired for the late evening and the beating to go with it.

"Monroe?" Harry confirmed.

"Yeah, they're a pair all right."

"Very well, I'll get a background check on him. We'll see if ONI can dig up anything interesting," Harry replied.

"Anything else, Lee?" Harry asked before getting ready to leave.

"Yeah, the local law enforcement has wanted to put this guy away for a long time. They might get a little nosy with me; they're hoping I'll press charges. We'll have to play it by ear, but we may need Washington to cool their heels if they start to interfere."

"Okay, your call, Lee. You give the word and I'll have the locals back off, we'll bring them in for the arrest and bookings," Harry promised knowing it was always good to involve the locals at some point.

"It's a small town; the less anyone knows about this the better. We'll just wait and see what happens," Lee advised as Harry stood and Bill followed suit, taking his cues from the Admiral.

"One more thing, Lee. What did the doctor say?" Harry asked matter of factly noticing the red ER bracelet still attached to Lee's wrist.

"A couple of cracked ribs; no concussion. Just a tired, sore body, Sir."

"That's not bad," Bill added in a sincere assessment as Lee nodded in agreement and Harry rolled his eyes at the two young operatives acting like getting beaten to a pulp was an everyday occurrence.

"Very well, you head out first, Bill; I'll wait five minutes and follow," Harry instructed.

"Aye Sir," Bill said checking behind the curtain first and then slinking out the door as Harry closed the door behind him and checked his watch.

"Are you up for this, Lee?" Harry asked frankly as the bruises high on Lee's left cheekbone along with the one on his right jaw were starting to turn an impressive purple color.

"I'm good, Sir. I'm just a little tired is all."

Harry nodded his acceptance and peeked through the drawn curtains and then reached for the doorknob.

"Get some rest, Lee," he admonished gently and left.

Lee got up and bolted the door then moved slowly to the bed. He didn't bother to change or shower as he stretched out and fell asleep.

# # # # #

Harry arrived back at the plant having been picked up by the company driver. He was greeted warmly by Jack Thompson in the reception area and escorted to the conference room. The large conference table was immaculately polished and each chair had an embossed company folder and pen sitting in front of it, along with the ever present water glasses. Harry sat his briefcase down at his place at the table and leaned forward folding his hands in front of him ready to address Thompson, the only other person in the room at the moment.

"Jack, before we get started I feel we need to address an area I'm concerned about," Harry started seriously.

"Of course, Admiral, anything. What can I help you with?"

"Your company recently lost a component in transit, it appears the packaging wasn't secure enough and consequently the component was lost. Now, it probably ended up smashed into a million pieces on the road somewhere, but what I'm concerned about is the measures you've taken to prevent this from happening in the future."

"I can assure you, Admiral, we have stepped up our training and resolve in the shipping department. I can show you our Quality Assurance Reports; we took the loss very seriously," Jack explained.

Harry pursed his bottom lip in thought before replying. "All right, but a surprise inspection in the shipping department might go a long way in dispelling my concern," Harry suggested as Jack responded, relieved he could do something to placate the Admiral.

"Absolutely. If you'll follow me."

# # # # #

Lee woke the next morning at 0900 without the alarm clock set. He had planned on being up and around earlier but Deputy Johnson was right, he was pretty sore. He rolled out of bed and sat for a moment then reached for the phone.

"This is Lee Carter, can I speak with Hutchins?" he asked, referring to his supervisor at the freight company.

"Yeah, this is Carter. I'm sorry sir, I had a little accident yesterday."

"Yeah, I heard about it," Hutchins replied as Lee rolled his eyes at the gossip machine, it was faster than the grapevine on Seaview.

"I'm pretty sore today, but I can make it tomorrow."

"Okay, Carter. Hope you feel better. I'll expect you tomorrow."

"Thanks," he said hanging up the phone and cradling his side as he stood.

He headed to the bathroom, stopping to assess his bruises in the vanity mirror.

"You're a mess, Crane," he conceded out loud, looking at bruises that were much darker than he had hoped. Between the purple bruises, red scuffs and swollen lip there was no doubt he'd been worked over. Doesn't make for a good cover, he grumbled silently as he pondered just how inconspicuous he could be looking like he and George Foreman just went ten rounds.

His lilac shirt, the Handler assured him it wasn't purple or lavender, was pretty much a total loss, he chuckled slightly until it hurt and reached for his ribs. He knew it was colorful, but he kind of liked the shirt, he reflected as he unbuttoned and shrugged out of it, tossing it into the corner and then stopped to stare at the stark white bandages covering his mid-section. He peeled off the tape and began unwrapping slowly, a painful process that took a few minutes to complete and headed for the shower.

A hot shower, an aspirin and he'd be good to go.

# # # # #

Harriman Nelson's surprise inspection caught the warehouse off guard, but not embarrassingly as the operation was ran quite efficiently. Harry maneuvered Jack to the shipping office where Melanie was doing her best to look busy at the cardex bin. Her presence was seemingly ignored as the admiral conducted a faux examination of the department's quality assurance records.

"Very well, Jack. I'd say you have this well covered. It's just that the J-411 plans are so important. This new component will revolutionize our Navy vessels, it will place a definite advantage over every other navy in the world," he explained vaguely but with enough importance to catch the listening ears of a certain employee.

"The component you will be manufacturing is the key to the project, that's why I'm leaving not only the design specs for the part but a blueprint of the entire project. I want your engineers to know exactly how this fits into the bigger picture," Harry stated, baiting Melanie along as the blueprints would be as lucrative on the black market as the main component piece.

"Then you're ready to award the contract?" Thompson inquired boldly.

"Yes, let's get back to the conference room and sign the deal," Harry suggested as Jack smiled broadly, opening the door for Harry to exit.

Melanie bit her bottom lip once again and allowed a sly smile to escape. It wasn't that she was a computer genius or anything but she had dated one of the information systems guys and he talked openly about his job trying to impress her. He was so nervous, especially when she kept his mind occupied on other things during their make-out session in the parked car; that he rattled off the main system pass code without even paying attention. She pursed her lips in satisfaction at her cleverness that had consequently gained her access to the top secret design files.

She couldn't wait to tell Trevor about this new development. It sounded like something they might be able to retire on if they found the right buyer. In all her scheming she hadn't thought once about Lee or his likely condition after his run-in with Trevor. He was old news, regrettable that she didn't get a chance to enjoy his company fully, but still old news.

# # # # #

Billy had traced the computer cyber trail to not only Melanie's user name but to the computer on the far side of the warehouse. The security system required a sign-on under individual user names with an added password into specific departments, a hidden trail also linked every computer each user name signed onto and logged it. It had taken him a while in his limited twenty minute snoop sessions to find the report but now that he had he could take the next step, installing surveillance equipment. Lee wouldn't be by today, so he'd install the small camera when everyone was at lunch and inform the Commander later.

# # # # #

Lee wore a pair of dark glasses to cover his bruises and drove up to Melanie's house. Her yellow Pinto was missing from the carport as he scanned his surroundings and headed to the back yard. He much preferred to do this type of slinking around at night, but he would have more time in the day with Melanie at work. He made quick work of her back door lock and entered the house cautiously, insuring the house was indeed empty.

He started his search in her bedroom, checking both the likely and unlikely places for a hiding spot. He worked carefully wearing gloves to keep from disturbing anything or give away the fact that someone had been in her house. Finding nothing but some pretty interesting negligees hanging in her closet, he headed to the spare room. He conducted a thorough search and ended back in the living room. He had studied the design Billy had obtained for him and knew the general size of the component but had thus far, come up empty. There was simply no indication that Melanie was dabbling in stolen top secret goods, but continued the search sure they were on the right track. He spotted a wooden bowl on a white table and almost rubbed the back of his head since he still had a nice bump to remember it by. It wasn't actually the bowl but the end table it sat on that got his attention. He slid the door over and checked the contents on the shelf inside. He was running out of places to look and spotted a matching table on the other side of the room. He slid its door open and looked inside, immediately recognizing the incongruousness: the shelf was too short and the back panel was too close, it simply wasn't deep enough. He smiled, realizing that the table had a false back, a secret compartment. Now all he had to do was find the way in. He fiddled for a bit and found the latch that opened the panel revealing a nice little compartment and reached in, pulling out the missing component with satisfaction. It was the evidence they needed, but there was no proof of Trevor's involvement, not unless they got lucky with a set of undisturbed fingerprints. Lee wasn't willing to chance that, he wanted Trevor to go down so he slipped the component back in and closed the secret compartment. He looked around making sure the room was exactly as he found it and left the way he came in a clean exit to head back to his hotel.

# # # # #

Lee got out of his car carrying a bag of fast food and spotted the cruiser sitting in the parking lot. Deputy Johnson got out to intercept him. Lee slipped the key into the door addressing Johnson as he approached.

"Something I can do for you, Deputy?" he asked carrying in his food. His lunch was his cover for being gone, and besides he was hungry.

"Looks like you're up and about."

"Yeah, got a little hungry," he said pulling off his sunglasses inside the room, his bruises broadcasting his rough evening the night before.

"You were gone an awfully long time."

"Stopped at K-Mart," he said pulling the hamburger out.

"Buy anything?"

"Nope."

"Listen, Carter. We really need you to finger this guy."

"I already told you, it was dark and I didn't see him."

"You had some bruises on your arms. How many guys jumped you?" Johnson asked trying to come at it from a different angle.

"Enough to get the job done," Lee stated leaning back.

"You're not going to finger him, are you?"

"Look Deputy, you're a nice guy, you really are. But all I want to do is go to work, collect a paycheck and get out of this lousy hotel. I don't need to complicate my life with a trial that will probably have the guy out in six months anyway."

"Now that's where you're wrong. We've been talking to the DA. There was no indication you were attacked where we found you, so that means they transported you there. That's kidnapping and it's a felony," Johnson said with a twinkle in his eyes, hoping Carter was ready to talk.

They stared at each other for a long moment before Lee sighed.

"I'll think about it, in the meantime I'd appreciate you leaving me alone. All right?" Lee offered, hoping the small concession would buy him the time he needed to nab Trevor for something bigger.

"All right, Carter. You promise to consider it and I'll stop showing up on your doorstep. If you do decide to put this guy away, you give me a call," he instructed handing Lee a business card with the department's phone number and his name written on the back; Deputy Jamal Johnson.

Lee nodded and took the card as Johnson left, satisfied with the results of his visit. Lee finished his lunch and lay down on the bed. He was tired and needed his strength back, besides he would be out late tonight to meet with the other operatives. Things were ramping up and they needed to move on their opportunities while they still had them.

# # # # #

Jack Thompson watched as the yellow flying sub took off in a fantastic show of the craft's engineering genius. The take-off had created quite a scene in fact, as everyone at the small airport vied for a chance to see the flying wonder in action. He waved goodbye with a satisfied smile; Thompson had just won a contract that would keep his company in the black for some time now. He hopped in his car and drove back to the electronics plant a very happy company president.

# # # # #

Harry watched as FS1 took-off and noted the sharp angle of attack on the ascent.

"Hmmm, a bit of show boat," he noted referring to young Stu Riley's piloting, but if anything, his show boating had effectively broadcasted Harriman Nelson's departure, the Rating's strawberry blond hair providing just enough illusion from the flight line to pull off the ruse.

Harry was currently wearing denim jeans with a red and blue flannel shirt and a baseball cap to hide his auburn locks. He slid into his rental car, a black Firebird Trans-Am and shook his head. He was really going to have to have a talk with the young rating about what "Inconspicuous" transportation looked like, he thought with a blow of the breath headed for the cabin Riley had secured for the mission.

# # # # #

Harry, Bill and Lee sat around the table in the small, but comfy rental cabin as each briefed the others on their progress.

"I found the stolen component in a hidden compartment of a cabinet," Lee reported.

"Anything else in the compartment?" Harry asked.

"No, and that's why I'm sure she's working with a partner. It's got to be Trevor Monroe," he concluded.

Harry nodded, trusting Lee's instinct.

"Well, Monroe has quite a history. He's a known bully with tendencies toward violence but somehow manages to stay out of jail. He also has a habit of gambling and tends to lose more than he wins," Harry finished, reporting what ONI had dug up.

Lee sat back, having finished his coffee. "What about your end, Bill?" Lee asked.

"I've tracked the computer that the thief uses to access the designs. It's in a far corner of the warehouse and provides enough privacy for the thief to get around. Melanie has full access to it. I took the liberty of installing a video bug. It's hidden pretty well and we should get a perfect view of everyone who accesses the computer."

"Good job, Bill," Lee added, the mission was officially his responsibility even though Harry was the senior ranking officer.

"What about your end, Admiral? Did they buy it?"

"Hook, line and sinker," Harry reported. "We baited them with not only the component designs but designs for the entire project. It should be more than enough to put them into action."

Lee sat forward, playing with his empty coffee mug as he thought through the situation. "They've been pretty patient, careful not to steal too much, too soon," he thought out loud. "What we need is motivation to force them to act."

"What do you have in mind, Lee?"

"How about a pending criminal investigation? Deputy Johnson tells me that the DA wants to slap him with kidnapping, add that to assault and battery and he's looking at some time."

"So he'll need all the cash he can get to run?" Harry stated more than asked.

"Yeah, we need the goods in Trevor Monroe's hands. Billy here can provide the evidence to put Melanie Ross away, but he'll leave her high and dry if she's caught without him," Lee predicted.

"That kind of puts you in the cross-hairs, doesn't it?" Bill chimed in. "I mean the people around here are afraid of him for a reason."

"Yeah, well when I'm not in the cross-hairs on an ONI mission I've got to ask myself what I'm doing wrong," Lee said with a grin which Bill returned with a chuckle. Harry responded with furled eyebrows and then relented with his own chuckle.

"Well, all right then," Harry stepped in, summing up the briefing. "Bill here takes the computer trail and video evidence, while the Commander starts the process to put the heat on Trevor Monroe."

"And one more thing," Lee added.

"I'll need a microdot transponder for the component, then if he decides to cut and run we can still catch him with the goods in his hands."

"I'll contact San Diego. I can have it for you before morning," Harry offered. "Leave your car door unlocked, you'll find it in your glove box."

"That's perfect. Tomorrow being Wednesday, I can plant the transponder when she's at her aerobics class and contact Deputy Johnson after that. By Thursday morning things should be heating up," Lee predicted as he stood up.

"Well, I've got to run. Got a truck route in the morning," he said with a grin ready to put the plan into action.

"Fine, Lee. You and Bill be careful out there."

"Aye Sir," they replied almost in unison and left with grins on their faces.

# # # # #

"How did you meet Melanie Ross?" Sheriff Fisher asked as Lee gave his statement at the Sheriff's office, having already successfully planted the transponder.

"The electronics plant is on my route. She recognized me in the hotel lounge and introduced herself."

"Hardy Maxwell Electronics?" the Sheriff clarified.

"Yeah."

"What about her boyfriend?"

"Look. She was interested... I asked her out. I didn't even know she had a boyfriend until he jumped me."

"No offense, Mr. Carter, but I'm just giving it to you the way a defense attorney might on the stand."

Lee sighed and nodded in resignation.

"How many times did you date her?"

"Two."

"And when did you meet Trevor?"

"He was waiting for us at her house when I took her home Monday night."

"You went in and you were planning to stay?"

Lee sighed audibly at the intrusive implication. "She invited me in and yeah I planned on staying awhile."

"Go on," Fisher probed.

"I was jumped by Trevor Monroe. He had three thugs with him and I couldn't get the upper hand. He worked me over while they held me."

"Right there in Melanie's house?"

"Yeah."

"Then what?"

"I was little dazed, but I heard Trevor tell them to dump me. The next thing I know I'm in the back of a pick-up truck heading north."

"How did you know it was north?"

"The stars were out," Lee answered matter of factly.

"So Trevor Monroe didn't actually drive you?"

"No, he and Melanie had some things they wanted to do," he answered tongue and cheek. "Does it matter?"

"No," Sheriff Fisher answered. "He ordered it and is still an accomplice. What else?"

"They dumped me on the ground and I woke up with Deputy Johnson over me."

"Your car was found with you."

"I guess they drove it, I didn't see," Lee replied his bruises only a few days old, fading but still impressive in size and color.

"Okay, Mr. Carter, read over the statement and sign it if you agree. Deputy Johnson will round up Trevor and his friends. We can only charge the ones you pick out of a line-up. Can you be here at 9:00 am?"

"I guess. I hope I don't lose my job over this."

"They'll be charged," Fisher continued ignoring Lee's last statement. "But my guess is Trevor will be out on bail by the end of the day. Do you wish police protection?"

"No. And I don't want a shadow either."

"Listen Carter, I'll be frank with you. Monroe might be a small town thug, but he's dangerous."

"Sheriff, I'm not doing this for me. I know how to defend myself when my hands aren't held behind my back. I'm doing this for all those other people he's hurt," Lee stated flatly.

Fisher nodded. "All right. But you call us if he shows up. Let us do our job so we can put him away."

Lee nodded in agreement. "Fine, I'll be here at 9:00," he finished and rose to leave.

"You're doing the right thing, Carter," Fisher said as Lee turned, acknowledged his words then left.

# # # # #

Lee had no trouble picking out Trevor and his three friends in the police line-up, his ONI training making him especially mindful of details. He left the secure room with the two-way mirror to the loud threats of Trevor Monroe promising to find Lee Carter, having already guessed who fingered him.

Lee ignored his ranting and held back the smile he had inside. The trap was set. If he hadn't missed his guess Melanie would be accessing the files by tomorrow. Even if Trevor cut loose and ran with the stolen component already in his possession, they'd catch him red-handed. Either way he was going down.

# # # # #

Lee woke to an orange glow outside his window and moved the curtain to see his car on fire. The sounds of a fire truck were heard in the distance as he changed into jeans and a t-shirt. It was 0300 and it looked like Trevor and his friends were sending him a little message.

Oh yeah. It's going to feel good to put this jerk away, he thought darkly.

He walked outside and stood apart from the other hotel guests who were watching the firemen put out the blaze, a dangerous fire with fuel in the gas tank. A cruiser pulled up as Deputy Johnson got out and headed for Lee.

"Are you all right?"

"Yeah fine," he answered disgustedly.

"Are you sure you don't want protection?"

"Yeah, I'm sure," Lee answered as they watched the flames die down.

"I could stake-out here," Johnson offered.

"You do and I'll withdraw my statement," Lee threatened and then sighed. "Look Deputy, no small town thug is going to send me hiding for cover. I managed to make it through 'Nam and I think I can handle this," he finished confidently.

"Okay. You know how to get a hold of me."

"Thanks Deputy," Lee answered sincerely then left the firemen tending the smoldering vehicle and entered his hotel room.

Across the street, Trevor watched from his parked car and smiled deviously. You're gonna pay Carter, he promised silently and drove off.

# # # # #

Melanie Ross peered around making sure no one was in the vicinity. She signed onto the computer at the far side of the warehouse with her username then accessed the main security file with another username and password. She scrolled through the designs and found the J-411, grateful that the designs had been added so quickly. She had bailed Trevor out of jail yesterday evening and they needed this one last sale to make good their getaway. These plans, along with the component they already had would leave them sitting pretty on a tropical island for the rest of their lives.

She scrutinized her surroundings once again and hit the "print" button to the sound of the low-pixel count dot matrix printer spitting out the designs. It wasn't as good as the blueprint copier upstairs, but it was good enough to steal and sell. She tore the finished product off the printer and folded it, sliding it inside her back pocket and smiled. Now all she and Trevor had to do was leave town and contact their buyer from a hide-out.

She walked back to her desk feeling secure and smiled for her cleverness just as she spotted the Farnsworth Fast Freight truck in the bay. Feeling a bit smug, she walked up to the bobtail just as Lee was pulling the cargo door down, which apparently wasn't an easy job with his cracked ribs.

"Heard you had an accident?" she gloated looking over Lee's bruised face.

"You should know," he replied dispassionately.

"I'm sure I don't know what you mean," she answered in feigned innocence, while tracing a bruise on Lee's cheek.

Lee shook off her blatant faux concern and stepped around her toward the driver's side of the cab, ignoring her smug smile and started up the bobtail, leaving her standing in the bay. She would have been peeved if not for the papers folded in her back pocket.

She smiled smugly and went back to the office, another hour and she'd blow this joint forever.

# # # # #

"What do you mean we're not leaving yet?" Melanie asked testily, her bags packed and sitting by the door.

"First of all, you don't load your car with suitcases in broad daylight," Trevor scolded her. "Second of all, I ain't leaving town till I settle a little score with Carter."

Melanie rolled her eyes. "Forget him Trevor, without you here there's no case. Let's get out of town while we have a chance," she begged, hanging on his arm and leaning in, using all her available assets to win her way.

"We will Baby, we will," he said pulling her into his arms. "Tonight, we'll leave tonight," he promised, lowering his mouth for a kiss before pulling her toward the bedroom.

# # # # #

Lee watched the portable tracking monitor at the table in his hotel room.

"The component is on the move," he announced out loud. "But still here in town," he continued, interpreting the otherwise ambiguous screen to a novice, looking much like the sonar screen on Seaview. The readings weren't precise enough to know exactly where in town, and the best course of action was to wait until the target hit the open highway to lower the risk of civilian collateral.

He raised the radio to his mouth, "All units prepare to mobilize; target is on the move. Repeat, target is on the move," before standing and resolutely adjusted his shoulder holster. It was time to catch some bad guys.

# # # # #

Trevor watched from the backseat of a car sitting across the street. He could see movement inside through the slit where the drapes pulled together as a shadow stood and moved into view. Smiling, he raised the high powered rifle into position. Veiled in the darkness of the night he found his target and squeezed the trigger.

The loud report would be enough to jolt the whole business district awake even in this late hour. So, he sped away, quite sure in his aim and with his revenge complete.

# # # # #

Lee was in the process of adjusting his holster, while the other two occupants of the room stood to check their weapons as well. Harry took a step forward just as the window shattered into a million pieces, splattering everything in its trajectory with its sharp edges.

The gunshot had sent all three men to the floor in an instant, its loud report still ringing in their ears as they covered their heads to protect against the flying glass. Just as quickly as they had been attacked the bush whack was over as squealing tires outside proclaimed the perpetrator's departure.

Lifting his head, Lee scrutinized the room then crawled to Bill, the closest operative.

"Bill?" he called, still dazed with several streaks of blood running down his face from the flying glass.

"I'm all right," Bill answered lifting his head, stunned and sporting the same streaks down his own face.

Lee acknowledged with a nod and then turned his attention to Harry.

"Admiral?" he called scooting along the glass littered floor. Only a moan followed, prompting him to hurry his approach and spotted the dark crimson stain high on Harry's back shoulder.

"Admiral!" his call suddenly turning insistent, gently turning Harry over to find the entrance wound as well.

"Get some towels!" he shouted to Bill.

"I'm okay Lee, just a shoulder wound," Harry managed to breathe out but Lee wasn't buying it.

"We've got to stop the bleeding," Lee said as Bill arrived with the towels.

"I'll call an ambulance," Bill offered as Harry blinked in pain, holding in his moans.

"Hold on, Admiral," Lee urged.

"Don't let him... get away... Lee," Harry admonished and then allowed the darkness to take him from the fiery pain.

Lee swallowed hard, his eyes darkening as he reached for the radio on the floor beside him.

"Send in the choppers. Track target but do not apprehend without my order," Lee ordered to the approaching sound of multiple sirens in the background.

Lee continued to apply pressure before rising to a stand and pulling off his holster.

"Better disarm, Bill," he said, neatly wrapping the shoulder harness around the sidearm and lying a long red envelope down on top of it, then dropped to his knee again over Harry.

"Hold on, Sir," Lee whispered just as the door was kicked in with Sheriff Fisher leading the way and Deputy Johnson following. Fisher sized up the situation quickly with all three Operatives wearing black and the side arms sitting on the bed. Bill was no longer in his "defenseless nerd" cover; his hair was now neatly styled and no longer sporting the thick black-rimmed glasses. His black commando attire revealed a fit body which had been effectively concealed under the oversized polyester shirts and pants he wore at the electronics plant.

"All right Carter, over there until I sort this out," Fisher ordered.

Lee nodded and complied with his hands raised in the air. "He needs pressure," Lee instructed obeying without emotion.

"Okay, you're not looking too much like a truck driver right now, so why don't you tell me what's going on," Fisher demanded just as the paramedics arrived on the scene.

"My name is Commander Lee Crane. That's Admiral Harriman Nelson," he said with his hands still raised in the air while nodding towards Harry, "and this is Lieutenant Bill Watkins. We're Operatives from the Office of Naval Intelligence; you'll find our credentials in the red envelope. In less than two minutes two attack helicopters will land in the street and Lt. Watkins and I will board it. We're in pursuit of two targets suspected of stealing and selling top secret US components from Hardy Maxwell Electronics."

Fisher moved toward the envelope and opened it cautiously while securing the side arms as well.

"Until the choppers shows up to validate your claim, you will remain with your hands in the air," the Sherriff instructed.

Lee nodded watched as the paramedics entered the hotel, stabilizing their patient before carefully moving Harry onto the gurney. In the meantime, the distinct sounds of chopper blades met their ears. Fisher looked outside getting his first glimpse of the US Marine helicopter and lowered his sidearm while Lee rushed to Harry's side.

"Hang in there, Admiral," Lee encouraged as Harry allowed a small smile to bleed through his pain in a half-state of wakefulness. That was all the sentiment he could afford right now and, reaching for the holster Bill was handing him. With all his focus back on the mission, he turned resolutely back toward Fisher. "Sheriff, once the chopper lands a Naval Officer will de-board to further explain the Operation. Would you care to send a liaison?" Lee asked slipping on his shoulder harness and checking his weapon for readiness.

"Go ahead, Johnson," Fisher assigned, needing to secure the scene and confer with the Naval Officer.

"Let's go," he ordered as the chopper landed. Lee headed out the door as the Naval Officer jumped out and a marine handed out flak jackets to both Lee and Bill, and then to Deputy Johnson when he realized he was coming aboard. They donned helmets before Bill led Johnson to a bench and Lee went forward to brief the pilots as the helicopter took off in pursuit of its target.

# # # # #

The night time pursuit would have been difficult had it not been aided by the transponder's signal. Lee directed the advance, grateful that there was little traffic on the highway at the late hour and knowing that now was the time to move in. Both choppers turned on their spot-lights, surrounding the car in a brilliance of light even as it picked up speed, exceeding 100 miles per hour.

"I've got two occupants in the front seat," the marine indicated looking through his infra-red scope, "and one lying on the floor-board in the back seat," Lee heard over on the helmet head phones.

"Roger," Lee responded, nodding for the co-pilot to make contact on the loud speaker.

"Occupants of the vehicle. Under the authority of the Office of Naval Intelligence you are hereby ordered to pull-over and surrender. Repeat. Under the authority of the Office of Naval Intelligence you are hereby ordered to pull-over and surrender."

The order was answered with immediate gun flashes out the side window of the back seat sending the helicopter into evasive maneuvers.

"Establish the road block and clear all traffic ahead," Lee ordered. "Back-off some, Captain," Lee advised the marine pilot as Deputy Johnson watched the operation, wondering just how he got a front row seat to this little drama. "Let's give them some room, we'll take them at the junction," Lee continued.

The pilot acknowledged and coordinated with the second helicopter. The road block up ahead was strategically placed to either force a surrender, or head the car into the direction they wanted it to go.

"He's approaching the junction, sir."

"Very well, move into position," Lee ordered as both helicopters proceeded to herd the car to the left; a little used road that would lower the risk of involving other traffic in the pursuit. Several miles ahead, tire spikes were put into place to blow out the tires.

# # # # #

"Stop, Trevor! Stop!" Melanie exclaimed frantically as Trevor Monroe fired on the helicopter.

"They're not taking me in, Baby," the burly brute yelled.

"It's not worth it, Trevor. They've got us," she cried from the front seat as one of Trevor's friends drove the car, the others having been left behind to find their own way out of the mess.

"She's right, Trevor," the driver called over his shoulder. "You can't fight fire power like that."

"Shut up Jake and drive. You're in this as deep as I am," Trevor yelled back, acknowledging Jake's stake in the mess since he had been the get-away driver at the shooting. It wasn't just the stuff they stole anymore, Trevor reasoned. Now it was murder, since he was sure he took Carter out with his high powered scoped rifle.

"Road block up ahead!" Jake yelled over his shoulder just as the helicopters moved in once again and Trevor raised the rifle, firing three successive shots.

"Left! Left!" Trevor directed reloading and looking for his targets once again.

"Trevor, I don't want to die!" Melanie continued between tears.

"Something up ahead!" Jake yelled just as the tire spikes came into view.

"Off the road, off the road!" Trevor bellowed, directing Jake to drive in the desert. Their speed slowed considerably, but not before their car hit a dune going airborne and landing in a thud before coming to a devastating sudden stop.

Jake tried to turn over the car but it refused, producing only a loud "click" instead. Trevor knew his options were limited and opened the back door in order to make a run for it with his rifle in hand.

"Don't leave me, Trevor!" Melanie yelled after her boyfriend as he ran into the darkness before self-preservation kicked in and she too, decided to run in another direction with Jake following suit, finding his own direction to run.

# # # # #

"Suspects are splitting up," Lee informed, pointing toward the ground for the pilot to land. Once on the ground, Bill led a detail of marines out in pursuit of Jake and Melanie.

"Take me back up. I'll take the third suspect," Lee ordered taking off his flak jacket and helmet. The second chopper kept its spotlight trained on the running suspect allowing them to quickly catch up with Trevor on foot. A perfectly round circle of light surrounded Trevor as he ran like a mad man in zig zagging movements, attempting frantically to somehow evade his pursuers.

"Target is still armed. Should I take him out, sir?" the sniper inquired.

Lee moved into position at the open side door. "Negative. Put her down, Captain," he ordered. The pilot hovered the helicopter five feet above the ground and Lee jumped, rolling with the inertia as he hit the ground. He came up running at full speed closing the distance on Trevor Monroe.

Trevor heard the foot falls behind him and turned around in time to be tackled with a flying leap as Lee batted the rifle away and they rolled end over end on the sandy desert floor. They separated, each standing and taking stock of the other while the helicopter provided luminescence in the otherwise pitch black desert.

"Carter!" Trevor yelled surprised, suddenly realizing who had tackled him.

"Surrender, Trevor. You've got no place to go," Lee warned, ignoring the fact that his bandage-wrapped ribs violently protested his current overuse of them.

They circled each other as if in an arena; like two gladiators ready to battle with the helicopter spot-light keeping them in the center.

"If I'm going down then you're coming with me, Carter!" he yelled and moved forward taking a swing.

Lee dodged the swing and caught Trevor in a body blow that sent him stumbling back.

"You're going to pay for that!" he threatened and closed in again, their combat mirroring a fist fight version of the OK Corral.

He threw another punch which Lee blocked, delivering his own follow-up blow to Trevor's jaw. Trevor moved in again, refusing to take defeat as Lee employed his training as a boxer, delivering a series of one-two punches sending Trevor stumbling backwards. Each blow Lee delivered with passion, not in retaliation for the beating he had sustained but for the Admiral, lying in the hospital suffering from a bullet meant for him. He continued to issue blows like a boxer caught in the ropes, but his opponent refused to go down. Trevor recovered and moved forward issuing three devastating blows, whipping Lee's head back and forth and taking a step backwards with each blow.

Lee was resilient and found his block, managing to evade the next swing with some fast foot work. He needed to keep the upper hand since Trevor outweighed him by over 60 pounds and every time his bulky opponent connected was a potential for disaster.

Trevor was surrounded by two helicopters containing a ten man marine Special Forces detail. The suspect wasn't going anywhere, but Lee wanted to take Trevor Monroe himself.

A blow caught Lee off guard and he faltered with a stumble when Trevor found his injured side, the subsequent grunt was a painful testament of the damage it did. Lee had to put him away now; there was no way he was going to leave the bully to the marines. The picture of Harry lying on the hotel floor with glass all around him and bleeding out of two holes fueled him on. He found his strength as the bully advanced and Trevor found himself repelled by a right and then a left. Lee hardened his resolve, delivering a blow for every man Trevor had humiliated and beaten; every man who had been held down by Trevor's cohorts and left feeling helpless to do anything about it as they were beaten into silence and submission. Again and again, he delivered devastating blows as Trevor moved backwards, never leaving the circle of light which had become the arena in the desert night. One more powerful blow sent Trevor sprawling to the desert floor with the occupants of the helicopter getting ring-side seats to the showdown.

Lee advanced but Trevor grabbed a handful of sand and threw it into his face, then lunged forward connecting a powerful blow to Lee's jaw in his temporary blindness.

# # # # #

"Should we send the men in?" The co-pilot asked watching Crane take a face full of sand followed by a face full of fist.

"Negative, if the Commander needs our help he'll ask for it," Captain Morris replied. "Just keep that spotlight on them and be ready to apprehend the suspect once Commander Crane brings him down," he ordered. The marines tightened their grip on their rifles and nodded their acknowledgment, waiting anxiously for their chance to do their job.

# # # # #

Lee's vision cleared just in time to see Trevor lunge for him and subsequently dove out of his way. He recovered, rolling to his feet again as a new stream of fresh blood ran down the side of his mouth. He made a quick assessment and knew that there was no way he could get into a wrestling match with the body builder; he would lose his advantage with Trevor's weight. He needed to keep Trevor fighting on his feet and so he employed a tactic that he knew would work.

"What's wrong Trevor? Can't beat up a guy when your friends aren't around?"

"I can take you any day of the week, Carter."

"You haven't yet," Lee taunted as they circled one another, using the time to catch their breaths.

"I'm going to tear you apart," Trevor threatened.

"You're a blowhard, Trevor. All talk with nothing to back it up, and you don't have your friends here to tip the scale," Lee yelled, laying it on thick in an attempt to goad his opponent into making a mistake. His ploy worked as Trevor raised his fists and moved forward in a blind rage, determined to take him out.

# # # # #

Their conversation had given Lee the rest he needed as easily dodged Trevor's wild swing; Lee's fast reflexes as much a part of his boxing skills as the powerful blows he landed. Trevor swung again, leaning all his weight into the swing as he dodged again, landing a double-fisted blow to Trevor's back. Maybe not legal in the ring but neither was the sand in the eyes, Lee thought distantly.

Trevor stumbled and swung again, every blow he swung and missed was taking its toll as the physical exertion of packing so much energy into each swing was making him swagger on his feet like a drunken man. Lee saw his opening and advanced with a quick right and a follow-up left. He repeated the move adding a blow to the gut that caused Trevor to bend over holding his mid-section as Lee reeled back and delivered a devastating blow to his jaw. Trevor fell back heavily, more than dazed and shaking his head to clear the fogginess, but Lee offered no clemency for his morally bankrupted opponent, descending and delivering one final uppercut. The blow connected hard causing Trevor's eyes to roll to the back of his head instantly and subsequently fell backwards heavily as a cloud of sand followed his thud. Taking no chances, Lee apprehended his suspect, turning him over and placing a knee in the brute's back and handily cuffing Trevor, somehow reining in the huge load of aggression required to take the man down.

He backed off wiping the blood from his mouth with the back of his hand while breathing hard and reaching for his side. The chopper landed with armed marines swarming the area to collect their man. He swayed slightly, holding his side and only now allowing the pain of his overused damaged ribs to slow him down.

"Commander?" Deputy Johnson asked concerned, sidling alongside the ONI operative.

"I'm okay, Johnson," he replied willing his adrenalin back into submission as they walked back to the helicopter with Johnson's hand on his elbow.

Lee took a much needed seat on the side board to recover and took an appraising look back at Trevor, who had come to and was currently tethered to a cargo ring in the helicopter; the thug finding himself surrounded by a group of dangerous looking marines and wisely deciding to behave himself.

"How about the other suspects?" he asked breathily as the marine medic handed him a bottle of water, which Lee took gratefully while waving off the medic's care.

"In custody, sir," the co-pilot reported.

"Very well; gentlemen he's all yours," Lee said turning the suspect over to the marines.

One of the commandos wearing black camo grease on his face cleared his throat and spoke up.

"Uh, begging the Commander's pardon, sir, but... just why did you bother to bring us along, Sir?"

The rest of the marines chuckled at the intended joke that was meant to compliment the Commander's considerable skills. Lee smiled his response, glad that the men hadn't interfered, and grateful that they somehow understood that the suspect was his alone to bring in.

The levity of the moment passed and Lee hauled himself into the chopper, returning to his place behind the pilots and issuing orders to transfer the other prisoners aboard. In short order, Melanie and Jake were ushered to the helicopter to join Trevor. Melanie caught sight of Lee Carter and glared daggers his way while the marines aided the handcuffed suspect inside, not an ounce of regret visible in her cold eyes. Lee ignored her, but couldn't help the sense of satisfaction he felt at seeing Melanie and Trevor brought to justice.

A team was left with the car to recover the stolen component and any other physical evidence they could find, including the name and phone number of their buyer, stashed in Melanie's purse. He officially turned his prisoners over to the marine detail as the first chopper prepared to take their prisoners to San Diego. Then he headed over to the second helicopter walking in between young Bill Watkins and Deputy Jamal Johnson. The trio walked forward in a silhouette as the bright light of the helicopter behind them bathed their backs and the wind gently blew their hair in the cool evening desert breeze.

Lee climbed in the second chopper, leaving the clean-up in the able hands of the Naval Investigative Services as the helicopter took-off leaving the high-desert showdown behind to disappear into the blowing sands of the dark Sierra desert.

# # # # #

Harry's eyes fluttered open and realized he was tethered to an IV with multiple monitors around him beeping peacefully in the background.

"Admiral?"

He turned in the direction of Lee Crane's voice.

"Did you get him?" Harry asked, his voice rough and dry.

Lee smiled. "Aye Sir. All the evidence we need as well, including the name of his buyer. Another team will reel him in."

The morning light was passing through the open windows as Lee's day old beard indicated he had stayed up all night, probably dealing with the aftermath of the mission; but more than likely sitting right where he was currently parked, beside his best friend.

"How about you, Lee? You look like something the cat dragged in," Harry said noting fresh bruises and scuff marks on his friend's face.

Lee chuckled, relieved at Harry's wit and enjoying his banter.

"Did the doctor take a look at you?" the Admiral asked directly.

"Just needed the ribs re-taped," he replied leaving out the part about one of the cracked ribs breaking fully.

"I have a feeling you've got a pretty interesting story to tell me."

"Oh, I don't know, Sir. We tracked them to the desert; forced them off the road; sat down the helicopters and chased them in three different directions; brought them in and turned them over to NIS."*

"Hmmm," Harry replied, somehow thinking there was more to the story than Lee just described. "Well, you look like you could use some rest," he noted, appreciating Lee's devotion but not especially needing a mother hen watching over him as he slept.

"I plan to get plenty of it, Sir. I'll head over to the cabin, I'm afraid my hotel room is a total loss," he said with a grin. "I'll be around here for the next week. I've got some loose ends to clean up, including reassuring Jack Thompson that his electronics firm really does have a contract from the Navy, just not the blueprints we provided," Lee said with a chuckle. He also wanted to see Bill off at the airport and he planned on visiting with Deputy Johnson as well. He liked the officer and wanted to thank him properly for his concern throughout his cover.

"What else is going to keep you around for the next week?" Harry asked tiredly, knowing that the cleanup couldn't possibly take a week.

"Oh, just visiting with a friend," he answered referring to the Admiral, of course.

Harry cleared his throat to hide the lump that had suddenly developed and then smiled at his next thought. "Well if you're going to do that, bring me my briefcase, will you?" he quipped to lighten the mood.

"Aye, Sir," Lee replied with a chuckle.

"Get some rest, Lee," Harry admonished gently.

"I will," he said standing to leave. "It was really good to see you awake, Sir."

Harry nodded as Lee left the hospital room content. He slid into the black Firebird Trans-Am and turned the key, glad that Riley had rented the sportsy car but wishing it was a convertible just now. He headed to the cabin with the satisfaction of taking on Trevor in a showdown, paling in comparison to the knowledge that Harriman Nelson was on the mend.

The End

A/N – It's no mistake, NIS was what NCIS was known as before having "Criminal" inserted into its name in 1992 to clarify its function. It's the little details that make this so much fun!

PS- The character of Bill Watkins makes another appearance in my story Bear Cage.

Copyright 2015, All Rights Reserved

Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea and her main characters belong to Irwin Allen