Disclaimers: See Ch. 1
Author: J Bear
A/N: Sorry about that, I had an overload of Chem homework. Don't you hate it when teachers dump everything to you at the last minute before midterms? Well ANYHOO, thanks for the response, I'll be continuing this story… starting with this chapter. :)
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"Uh… Harm…" Mac said flustered and looked around her, embarrassed. "What are you doing here?"
"Uh… Mac… The MacLaren case file remember?" He knocked on her head, "Did you hit your head or something? I called and you told me to come by after my dinner with Sturgis."
"Right, right… How'd you get in?"
"I knocked, you didn't answer, I saw your light on so I used the key you gave me … 3 years ago." He held up the set of keys and jiggled it around.
"Right." She just kept staring at Harm, wondering if he read anything on the screen.
"Mac! The file."
"Oh right." She quickly went to her briefcase and pulled out a folder and a few notes. Harm was to take over her case regarding Petty Officer Marion MacLaren because she was to be flown to USS Patrick Henry for a new case she is being assigned to.
Giving her the famous flyboy grin, he thanked Mac and went out the door.
Mac gave a sigh of relief and stood silently, her back to the door, then went back to her computer and turned it on.
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The two weeks were over and the lovers parted, believing it was best to stay out of each other's way. They both had different jobs to do, his weighed a lot more on his shoulders than hers. But they kept in touch by occasional emails and rare phone calls, neither of them acting upon their feelings and kept being 'just friends'.
Mac took a deep breath and strolled through the doors of the bullpen. At her arrival, all activity stopped. There was no sound, no rustling of papers, no clicking of mice and keyboards, no conversations, there was nothing, and all eyes were on her. She found it odd so she kept an eye on the staff and placed her things into the office. When she came out, it was still the same, each and everyone of them with their eye on her. Then she heard:
"Mackenzie. Office. Now!" The admiral bellowed
She quickened her pace and stepped into the admiral's office. She saw not only the admiral but the SECNAV as well. Finding it odd, she stood at attention and waited for further instructions.
"What the hell is the meaning of this?" He whispered dangerously
"I don't know what you mean sir." She replied, uncertain of what was going on.
"This Mackenzie. This." He shoved the newspaper that was sitting on his desk into her face. "What the hell is the meaning of this?"
On a closer look, the Colonel saw herself and a man in the photo in a tight embrace. Harm.
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Harm rode in on his white stallion and placed him into his stall. He then took off his helmet and rubbed the top of his head, at times glancing into the riding helmet itself.
"Maxwell Harmon David Rabb Jr. You come in here this instant." His father hollered. Hesitant of what was going to happen, he quickened his pace and went into the living room, his boots, face, pants and shirt still dirtied with mud. "You asked for me father?"
"Yes I did. Please enlighten me by explaining this." His father was angry. His ears were turning redder and redder by the minute, there was rage in his usually calm father. The prince examined the paper his father gave him and his pulse quickened. Uh-oh.
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"We are live at Raincastle, Lorthien where Prince Maxwell will be making his brief public statement about the affair he was having with US Marine Lieutenant Colonel Sarah Mackenzie. It seems Prince Maxwell was already betrothed to another woman, Lady Renee Peterson, also of royal blood. The parliament is in session to discuss the prince's future and the fate of his relationship with both women and the country. Oh and here comes the prince now." The reporter quickly signalled the camera man to focus on the podium where Harm was stationing himself.
Taking a deep breath, he looked through the statement before him and decided he didn't need anyone dictating this part of his life, and began the statement he prepared.
"Yesterday, photographer Michael Brumby, of the Australian Associated Press, released a photograph to the public. I will confirm that that photograph was indeed of US Marine Lieutenant Colonel Mackenzie and myself. And before any questions about this arise, Lady Peterson is still, to my knowledge, my fiancée. I will take your questions now." He nodded to the reporter in the front.
"Rick Mayland, Associated Press. What is going to happen to your engagement to Lady Peterson?"
"My engagement is currently on hold. It is an arranged engagement so I have no idea what her lady's family is going to do nor my family just yet."
"Candace Simpson, Raincastle Tribune. Is there dispute over if you're still going to run the country after your father's retirement or death?"
"Parliament is currently deciding what to advise my father to do about my relationship with both women and if I should or should not be taken off as heir to the throne."
"Andy Lockwood, Washington Post. And what about your relationship with Colonel Mackenzie?"
"We have a close friendship."
"Mason Carter, Lorthien Star. Are you in love with Colonel Mackenzie?"
All became quiet as they waited for the answer. Harm stood silent in thought. And at JAG, Colonel Mackenzie's eyes were glued to the television screen.
Swallowing the lump in his throat, he looked to his advisors who were giving him the signal not to answer. But he also knew that not answering would bring an even larger dent between him and Mac.
"Yes. Ms. Carter. I am in love with Colonel Mackenzie. That'll be all." He then retreated back through the door he came through.
Then all hell broke loose in the press room.
At JAG, Colonel Mackenzie gave a small smile and turned around, only to find half of the staff glancing at her again. "Okay, show's over, back to work." She barked then went back to her office.
Their fate is now resting on the Lorthien government's decision. All they could do now, is wait.
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A/N: Whaddaya think? As usual, reviews pls. Thanks.
