CHAPTER 3
Standard Disclaimers I don't own them except for Cole Romaine he is the creation of several people.
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MAC'S OFFICE
A few days had passed since Cole met the JAG crew. Mac felt it went just as she anticipated. She sat in her office reviewing her recent case. Harm was killing her in court. How was it possible that he was able to win on so many key points when the Petty Officer was so guilty? She thought about offering a plea but knew Harm would turn it down.
"Excuse me Ma'am." Tiner said standing at her door.
"Yes Tiner?" Mac replied.
"You have a delivery." Tiner said showing her the bouquet of roses.
"Thanks Tiner, you can put them there." Mac said pointing to the bookcase.
"Yes Ma'am." Tiner said he put the vase down and remained standing in Mac's office.
"Was there something else Tiner?" Mac asked.
"Oh no Ma'am." Tiner said turning red, "Just wondering who they are from."
"Dismissed Tiner." Mac said chuckling.
"Yes Ma'am." Tiner said and left her office.
Mac got up and took the card, she read the note and smiled. They were from Cole. Mac went back to her desk and banged her thigh into the corner of the desk. She lifted her skirt up just a tad to see a lovely run in her hose. Just then Harm walked in.
"Hey Mac…" Harm said. "Whoa nice stems."
"Huh?" Mac said.
"The roses." Harm said pointing to the vase.
"Thank you, they're from Cole. He has excellent taste." Mac said with smile.
"Well, didn't the florist actually pick out the flowers?" Harm shot back.
"At least he says what's on his mind." Mac said waving the card at Harm.
"Anyone can dictate a simple card." Harm said rolling his eyes.
"Did you need something?" Mac asked.
"Yeah thought maybe we could get together tonight and dispose of the PO Smyth issue." Harm said.
"Really?" Mac asked. "Cole's and I are going to dinner. Besides you're winning."
"Well, maybe tomorrow before court." Harm said slightly dejected. "Usually at this point you want to plea."
"Not this time. I still have a few tricks up my sleeve." Mac said trying to be convincing.
"Ok, we'll catch up another time then." Harm said.
"Harm I thought you wanted to get together to discuss a plea?" Mac questioned.
"Oh yeah, I did." Harm said walking away.
Mac sat at her desk, watching Harm walk away. Her mind drifted off, trying to figure out what was going on with Harm. He hadn't really spoken to her since she returned from vacation. When he did it, was to see if she wanted to get together. Mac shook her head and returned to her paperwork.
"Excuse me Mac?" Sturgis said walking into her office.
"Hi Sturgis what's up?" Mac asked.
"Would you and Cole like to have dinner with me and Bobbie?" Sturgis asked.
"Are you serious?" Mac asked.
"Sure, why not." Sturgis replied.
"When?" Mac asked.
"How about tonight?" Sturgis suggested.
"Sure we were going out anyway." Mac said.
"Good, you and Bobbie work out the details." Sturgis said and went back to his office.
STURGIS'S OFFICE
"Hi Bobbie, it's all set." Sturgis said.
"Ok, I'll call Mac." Bobbie replied.
MAC'S OFFICE
"Colonel MacKenzie speaking." Mac said.
"Mac. Hi it's Bobbie. I hear we are having dinner together tonight." Bobbie said.
"Yeah did you have any place special in mind?" Mac asked.
"I was thinking casual, maybe the Olive Garden on K Street?" Bobbie suggested.
"Sounds good." Mac replied.
"Ok, see you around 7, I can't wait to meet Cole." Bobbie said.
"Ok, bye." Mac said. She hung up the phone and shook her head. Since when do we socialize? She wondered. She picked up the phone and called Cole.
"Cole, it's Mac. Just wanted to let you know that we are meeting Sturgis and his girlfriend for dinner tonight. Hope all is well. Talk to you later." Mac said on his voice mail. Mac continued working, sometime in the afternoon Cole returned her call and the agreed to meet at the restaurant.
OLIVE GARDEN
Sturgis and Bobbie were already seated at the table when Mac arrived.
"Hi Mac, where's Cole?" Bobbie asked.
"On his way, he has this problem with being on time." Mac announced.
"Oh is he a pilot?" Bobbie asked with a tone of innocence.
"Yes, with American." Mac replied as she sat down.
"So tell me more about him." Bobbie said eagerly.
"Yes Mac, tell us more. I really didn't get to know him the other day when he was at the office." Sturgis said.
"We met in Bermuda, he lives in New Jersey but spends at least 3 days a week down here. He's a pilot. That's about it." Mac said.
"That's it?" Bobbie stated. "Could you sound just a little more enthusiastic Mac?" Just then Cole walked over to the table.
"Good evening. Mac you look wonderful. Sturgis it's nice to see you again." Cole said extending his hand.
"Cole, you made it." Mac teased.
"Cole good to see you too. This is Bobbie Latham." Sturgis said.
Bobbie just sat there staring at Cole, not saying a thing until Sturgis nudged her.
"Oh excuse me, nice to meet you." Bobbie said.
"Pleasure to meet you." Cole said sitting down.
Bobbie was still staring at Cole. "My god you're the image of… oww." Bobbie said reacting to the kick she got from Sturgis under the table.
"Are you ok?" Cole asked.
"Yes, leg cramp." Bobbie said.
"Could mean not enough potassium in your diet." Cole suggested.
"Probably just a temporary thing." Bobbie said glaring at Sturgis.
"How was your day?" Mac asked.
"Good thanks." Cole said.
"So Cole, Mac says you're a pilot. What made you decide that career path?" Bobbie asked.
"I guess it's in my blood. My father was a pilot." Cole replied.
"Really? Commercial airlines as well?" Sturgis asked.
"No, he was in the Navy." Cole said casually. This new piece of information caused Sturgis to choke on his drink.
"And you decided not to follow his footsteps?" Bobbie asked.
"Military life isn't for me." Cole said with a smile.
"Well are you in the wrong company." Bobbie laughed.
"Anyway…" Mac interrupted. "How about we order."
"Good idea." Sturgis said. "What are you having Bobbie?"
"I think I am going to have the Pasta Primavera." Bobbie replied.
"That sounds good, but the Lasagna sounds wonderful." Mac said.
"Mac, how can you eat that? It's so heavy; loaded down with meat." Cole said.
This time it was Bobbie's turn to choke, "You don't eat meat?"
"I prefer healthier selections. The broiled vegetables with whole wheat pasta is more my style." Cole said.
"You know I get can't get over how much like… oww." Bobbie said again shooting Sturgis a very dirty look.
"Cole, Bobbie is a congresswoman." Mac said changing the topic.
"Really, interesting. I was never much into politics." Cole said.
"Well, it's not for everyone." Bobbie said with a smile. There was a silence at the table until the server came over to take the order. They ate their meal and made small talk. When they were done, Bobbie and Sturgis left and Mac and Cole decided to have another cup of coffee.
"They seem nice." Cole remarked.
"They are. Although, this is the first time I have ever done a couple thing with them." Mac replied.
"Really? The way you and Bobbie were chatting, I would have assumed you were good friends." Cole said.
"Well, she has been involved in cases that Harm and I have handled." Mac said.
"Oh yeah, Rabb. How is he?" Cole asked.
"Fine, haven't seen him much except for court." Mac said.
"So what's your schedule like tomorrow? I'm off." Cole announced.
"I have court in the morning and just paper work in the afternoon." Mac replied.
"Will you get a break? We could meet for lunch." Cole said.
"That would be nice. Oh I almost forgot, thank you for the roses, nice." Mac said.
"You're welcome, I just wanted to emphasize a point." Cole said.
"See, that's how a man is supposed to act. Being able to express his feelings." Mac said.
"Ok, where are you parked? I'll walk you to your car." Cole
said getting up and assisting Mac with her chair. They walked to Mac's car "See you tomorrow."
"Sounds good. Good night Cole." Mac said as she got into her car. As she drove her cell phone rang.
"MacKenzie." Mac said.
"Mac, Hi it's Harm. Did I catch you at a bad time?" Harm asked.
"Hi Harm. No just driving home." Mac replied.
"Where were you tonight?" Harm asked.
"Cole and I had dinner with Bobbie and Sturgis." Mac answered.
"You did?" Harm said.
"Yes, so you're calling because?" Mac asked.
"Oh, nothing really. I plan on being in at 8 tomorrow." Harm said. Think Rabb why are you going in early.
"Thanks for telling me." Mac said confused.
"Well I thought you would like to know." Harm replied. Real smooth Rabb.
"Was there anything else?" Mac asked.
"No I guess I'll see you in the morning." Harm said.
"Ok, see you tomorrow." Mac said.
"Hey Mac, maybe we could have lunch?" Harm asked. You're calling her for lunch? Real smart.
"Cole's in town, we're having lunch." Mac said. "Maybe another day?"
"Yeah sounds good." Harm said. "Night Mac."
"Good night Harm." Mac replied.
Harm hung up the phone. He paced around his mind racing. What was Sturgis thinking? Having dinner with that health food eating, smug, I got my MBA at Brown bore? What does Mac even see in him anyway? The more he thought about it the more he worried that he was losing Mac; this was something he was not about to let happen. Mac was my best friend. No she is my best friend. Harm decided he had to do something.