Every one at JAG was a bundle of excitement, in some ways the Admiral was happy – everyone arrived to work early. However, weren't working they were standing waiting for Harm and Mac to arrive.
"What is this people? Is the President coming?" The Admiral asked. "Sir, you have to understand, this is just so exciting." Harriet said. The Admiral chuckled to himself as he walked back into his office, Hell I'm curious too.
The Parking Lot
Mac arrived at JAG, she pulled into a parking space and looked around for Harm's SUV. Late as usual, she thought. Just then Harm came pulling in, Mac got out of her car and walked over to his spot. "Morning sailor" she said with a huge smile. "Good Morning" and he leaned in for a kiss. Little did either know that there was an audience standing a few floors up looking out the windows.
Back in the office"Oh come on people, it just goes to show you that their careers mean nothing to them." It was the ever-cheerful Lt. Singer.
"Lt. Singer, are you going to shut up or do I need to shut your mouth for you again." A very irritated Harriet glared at her. Lt. Singer didn't say another word and just walked away.
Harm and Mac entered the bullpen. All eyes turned to them. Everyone was smiling. Harm put his arm around Mac and said, "For the record, Yes, Yes, Yes, None of your business and No." He and Mac each then went to their respective offices. Everyone just laughed a little and the workday started.
There was a knock on Mac's door. "Enter" it was Harriet. "Well, how did it go?" Harriet could barely contain herself. "Close the door Harriet. Now listen, I want to tell you everything. However, not here, I promise I will fill you in." Mac said. "It's just that it will be hard enough in this fishbowl for Harm and I. I want to keep work and our private lives separate."
Harriet looked a little disappointed. "Mac, you're right, but I am going to explode." Both women laughed and each returned to their duties.
The Admiral's OfficeAJ was on the phone. "Yes sir, I understand sir. No I don't believe it will be a problem. Thank you sir, good bye." As he hung up the phone, he thought, "Now how could he have possibly known?"
"Tiner, I would like to see Commanders Rabb and Tuner, Colonel MacKenzie, Lt. Roberts, Lt. Simms, you and gunny in my office at once." "Yes sir." Within minutes they had assembled into his office.
"At ease. Well people it has already been brought to the attention of the SecNav of the events that took place last night. I am not exactly sure how he was informed, but I have my ideas." He paused for a moment and then continued, "As for what happens outside this building leave it there. I have assured the SecNav that it will be business as usual and there are no needs for concern. I trust that there will be no quarrels or side taking at any time?" "Yes sir" they replied in unison, "Good, dismissed." "Colonel MacKenzie, please remain." "Aye sir."
Well the Admiral was about to break his own rule. "Mac, I wanted to tell you that you looked beautiful last night. I could not have been prouder had you been my own daughter." With a wink he dismissed her.
Five minutes later the Admiral told Tiner he wanted to see Commander Rabb. "Enter" "You wanted to see me sir?"
"Ah yes, Commander Rabb, at ease take a seat." For the second time in less than 10 minutes the Admiral was going to break his own rule. "Commander I am going to say this once. I am very happy for you both, it's high time you two got it together. But hear me and hear me good, if you hurt her, what I did to Webb's nose will be a picnic." Harm just looked at the Admiral. "Aye sir, that's not going to happen," "Then we understand each other?" asked the Admiral. "Yes sir we do," "Very well, dismissed."
Harm walked out of the office, he wasn't sure if he should be angry or happy. He decided on the latter. It made him feel good that Mac had people who cared for her, even if they would kill him.
Lunch Time"Hey marine, are you hungry?" Harm stuck his head in Mac's door. "You know it, but something quick." "No problem partner, what you up for?" Why Harm was asking this question was beyond him, he knew the answer. They left for a quick sandwich from the deli. While they were eating, Mac turned to Harm and said, "That Mrs. Paradon was so sweet last night. And what a touching story." Harm smiled, "She made me realize a lot of things Mac. In some ways it could have been a story about us." Mac just smiled and took another bite of her sandwich. "You know Harm, I don't know why, but I want to send her some flowers." Harm replied, "I think that's a great idea. When we get back I'll call the restaurant and see if they have some information on her." They finished their lunch and went back to the office.
JAG OfficesMac was in her office going over things with Gunny. Harm went back to his office to call the restaurant. "That's right Paradon, she said she and her late husband had been coming there for years. Yes, alone I believe. About 70? Well, what time will the PM Maitre d' be in? Ok thank you." Harm hung up the phone.
"Hey Mac, you aren't going to believe this," Harm said as he entered her office. "What's up?" "The restaurant had no reservation for Mrs. Paradon last night. The Maitre d' said it might have been called in after he left but as far as he could see the name was not in the book." "Hmmm, maybe she was a walk in guest." Mac speculated.
Harm walked back to his office shaking his head, something wasn't right. He wasn't sure what was bothering but he had a feeling. He grabbed the phone book off the shelf and looked up the name, nothing. He was just about to go back to Mac's office when she walked in. "Hey, why don't we call Arlington, there is a good chance that he had a military funeral."
"Better yet, let's go there." Harm replied.
They went to the Admiral's office and Tiner announced them. "Admiral, with your permission, we need to take a run over to Arlington?" "We commander?" said the Admiral "Looking to secure connecting plots already?" "No sir," Mac said, "Last night we met a woman who mentioned her husband was a Brigadier General, who passed away last year. I, well we wanted to send her flowers but can't seem to find her. We thought maybe there would be a record on file."
For the third time today, the Admiral was going to break his own rule again, "Go ahead, Commander, Colonel," "Yes sir," they replied. "I hope this is not going to become a common practice." "No sir" "Dismissed" the Admiral said shaking his head.
Arlington National Cemetery"How can I help you sir, ma'am?" the Lieutenant asked them. " Yes Lieutenant, we are looking for some information on a Brigadier General John Paradon." Mac stated. The Lieutenant went to his computer and typed some information. Printing. "Here you go ma'am. Brigadier General John Paradon, US Army Ret., born March 16, 1929, died November 26, 2000."
"Are you sure there isn't another one?" Harm asked. "No sir he's the only one. Lot 115, it's a double sir, his wife is buried there as well." "His wife?" Mac said. "Yes ma'am. Mrs. Ellen Paradon, born May 27, 1931, died August 13, 2001." Harm and Mac looked as though they had seen a ghost.