People no matter how well trained or disciplined they are to one degree or another are creators of habit. Clayton was no different.
Since childhood, he had kept a journal as a way to cope first with the frequent absences his father's job often required of him and then his death. The journal became his refuge when his mother's insistence on stoicism and conforming to the norms his status demanded of him became too much. This was young clays place to vent over his father's un- timely death, are complaining about the latest function his mother insisted he attend. This was the place where he documented the events of life, planned his future, and planted seeds for his own fall.
After the initial shock of being charged wore off, another vestige of his pampered life would return, hubris. The misguided notion that his wealth or his position would place him above the rules and laws that govern the rest of us. "I will have your badge for this Gibbs, my mother's lawyers will have me out before dinner." "I don't think so mama's boy," said agent Dinozzo standing to the right of Gibbs on his left, agent Todd simply rolled her eyes. Before Webb could ask why the agent was so confident Gibbs would lay two clear plastic pieces of evidence on the table in front of them. One held tapes and documents that neither Webb nor his suddenly mute boss recognized. The other held the black leather-bound book that held the secrets of Clayton Webb and turned his once arrogant face ghostly white.
While the agents debated the evidence, the Marine at the center of this drama is engaged in her own internal struggle. Sarah Mackenzie wants to indulge in the habits of her seventeen-year-old and run. Run from the anger that allowed the Admiral to abandon the duty to leave no one behind for the safe haven of rules and regulations. She wants to run from the fear, mistrust, and anger that leads them to hear. Most of all, she wants to run from the sight of the most important person in her life lying helpless in a hospital and the guilt she felt for her part in the events that brought them here. She had after all dated the man who created the plot. It was her and Harm's foolish pride that had opened the door for him. The woman who loves him wants to apologize a million times for the pain that loving her has caused him. However, she is no longer a scared girl seeking escape from her drunken father. She is a Marine duty-bound to honor promises made to and from her fallen partner. She would do for Mattie what Harm couldn't, perhaps do for Mattie what her uncle did for her.
'Excuse me gentlemen ", Mac asked in tone firm enough to end the debate over the merits of the arrest and threats of legal and career jeopardy. ''Agent Gibbs". "Yes Colonel. ''Are you sure about this". "Yes Colonel." Clay was pleased with her concern. He hoped she had finally seen the reason for his actions. The C.I.A men with Harm's skills in the war on terror and he needed to make him pay for the damage done to his career over the Angel Shark and that he could give her love and lifestyle Harm never would. The others in the room were perplexed by the sudden change in demeanor. "Thank you for your concern, Sarah but the lawyers will clear me" The sweetness and the confidence indeed the thanks were unwarranted and unwelcomed as her next words would make clear. "Arrest the sons of bitches.
Ignoring the protest of her former boyfriend and his soon-to-be former boss, the Marine squared her shoulders and headed for the door. Before leaving Mac would make two requests." Sir I" - "Say no more Colonel, take whatever time you need and take care of your family". The Admiral had seen her with Harm's young friend and knew Mac had stepped in and he would help them where ever he could, he owed them at least that. "Thank you, sir. The two Marines in the room locked their eyes. "Don't screw this one up Gibbs". Both knew she was referring to his handling of Singer's murder and Harm's arrest. " You have my word as Marine Colonel."
The weeks to come would reveal the depths of Webb's betrayal. The sins committed against her could be forgiven in time, no one likes being cheated, but the affair with Catherine Gayle and Webb's reaction to impending fatherhood would lead Catherine to reveal the existence of the diaries and tapes in which a drunken Webb would lay out his grievances and plots. Catherine would have revenge and repay Harm for playing along to help her sick mother. Yes, her relationship with Webb was always tenuous at best. However, the plot against Harm would not be forgotten or forgiven.
The need for money and revenge now outweighed the former corpsmen's need to play the hero. Hodge would use his medical training to tamper with Harm's IV. Justice would come to Webb and his co-conspirators; no amount of mothers' money or power would save them from life in prison. If Mac had her way it would be a dark cell with Clark Palmer.
Yes, justice had been served but, would Harm and the JAG family survive the aftershocks.
A/N Sorry for the long delay.