Part II
Chapter 9
Mission: Regroup
Disclaimer: JAG and its characters are the property of Bellisarius Productions, CBS, and Paramount.
A few readers have requested that I consider not writing in play format so much. I'll see how it goes. :).
29 March 2003 1500 ZULU
Special Agent Clayton Webb punches the off button of his cell phone as Rear Admiral AJ Chegwidden blusters his way through the myriad FBI, ATF, and CIA agents surrounding Webb. "What happened here, Webb?" Chegwidden commands. The fact that Webb was not in the Admiral's chain of command mattered little to either of them; the depth of their professional relationship demanded an honesty that neither had the authority to demand otherwise.
Webb raises his eyes to meet the hawkish eyes of the Admiral and answers, "Walk with me." The two men walk away from the command center in the hotel lobby toward a hall leading to private banquet rooms. Webb speaks softly, "The bed in Rabb's hotel room was booby-trapped with a trigger switch. As a fail-safe, another timed switch was also attached. It went off at midnight. The concussion of the explosion caused the floor trusses underneath to collapse, killing the people in the two rooms directly below the penthouse. One was occupied by a Chinese businessman from Hong Kong. The other was a couple from Nebraska celebrating their thirtieth wedding anniversary. We've got their bodies, relatively intact."
Chegwidden exhales, "And Harm and Mac?"
"No large pieces. Between you and me, they weren't there."
"What? Where were they?"
"AJ, Harm called me. They are at the farm. Last night, someone sent a fruit basket to their room, and Harm found a bug. He thought I did it, so he took Mac and left. It was just a coincidence that they left. He didn't know anything."
"Did you plant the bug?"
"No, but I can't promise that someone in the company didn't."
"Don't you people have any sense of decency? It was their wedding night!"
"For what was supposed to be a staged marriage, AJ. How could I have known that Rabb would suddenly get religion and stop dancing around the issue? They've only been shadow boxing for seven years. I assumed that after Mac and Mic broke up then Harm and Renee broke up, if they really liked each other, there was no reason to be apart. What did they do for almost two years? Not a thing."
"Webb, what are you going to do with them now?"
"I'm sending them to Scotland for a week. I'll keep a lid on things here and see if I can find the leak here and plug it. You will be the only other person who knows that they are alive. Our forensics people are going to start to suspect it when they can't find any parts, but I'm just trying to buy time. I know that it stinks, but Rabb's mother can't know. She needs to play the part of the grieving mother."
"That's not too kind to a woman who has given plenty for her country."
"We could leak a story that we're wondering if they've been kidnapped."
"That seems preferable to the first scenario."
"I'll have our press people leak that in a day or two. You can tell Mrs. Rabb today or tonight. Ask her to stay away from the press and not to talk to anyone. No family friends, etc. I don't know who's behind this, and I need time. You can announce the hostage theory to the JAG's with security clearance tomorrow. Here comes Chaplain Sturgis. Let's keep a lid on this, AJ."
AJ turns and greets his old friend. "Padre, do you have any words of wisdom for us?"
Chaplain Turner holds up an envelope and speaks, "The front desk had this for me when I was checking out. I thought it might be important. It seems I'm holding some of Commander Rabb's last words."
Webb, grabbing the envelope, questions, "What? What is this and what does it mean 'Thanks for the suggestion. What a gift!' Is this code? What's with the ribbon?"
Turner smiles as he retrieves the piece of ribbon, "I suggested that Harm and Mac slow down on their physical relationship until they were married. I believe they took my advice to save it as a wedding gift. I just hope that means they died happy."
Webb responds, "You know what they say about dying with a smile on your face. Oh, sorry, maybe they don't say that in your circles."
The Admiral interrupts, "Webb, I don't really think now is the time for humor. If you don't mind, Padre, I'm going to keep this as possible evidence. Have you shown this or mentioned this message to anyone?"
Turner replies, "The desk clerk saw me open it but didn't get a look at the message. I saw you over here and thought you might want to see it. Do you want me to keep this quiet?"
Admiral Chegwidden stares at the ribbon and answers him, "This may be evidence in a criminal case. Let's turn it over to the investigating authorities and keep our mouths closed. I'm thinking that Trish Burnett could use your counsel about now. Why don't you and I find her and see how we can help her? Webb, you can take care of the evidence for me, right?"
Webb sigh, "I'll handle the evidence and the rest of what we've talked about. Pencil in some time for me in the morning, Admiral. I'll need to brief you."
Admiral Chegwidden tosses his answer over his shoulder as he walks away with Chaplain Turner, "Will do."
Senator's Hotel Suite of Trish and Frank Burnett
Trish sits staring at a fire in a gas fireplace. Frank sits on the arm of her chintz wing chair with one hand resting on her shoulder. Sarah Rabb sits on the couch with Sergei and Galena flanking her. No one speaks to pierce the silence resulting from the shock of the last ten hours.
The reverie is shattered by a knock on the door. Sergei untangles himself from his grandmother and yanks the door open to find Admiral Chegwidden and Chaplain Turner. With a nod of his head, Sergei motions for the men to enter. The Chaplain immediately goes to Trish and kneels at her feet. Sarah Rabb stoically stands before the Admiral as Sergei returns to the couch and to Galena's embrace.
Mrs. Rabb raises her eyes to meet those of the Admiral and softly questions him, "What do you know, Admiral?"
Chegwidden attempts to avoid her penetrating gaze and answers, "Well, Mrs. Rabb, we are still in the questioning stage. We're just trying to absorb all the facts before forming any hypotheses."
Sarah smirks, "Admiral, you've either found their bodies or you haven't. They are either still in the wreckage or they are not. That's what I want to know. I don't want to grieve if there's no need to grieve. I'm an old woman. I think I'm a fair judge of character. I'm not going to upset Trish with my theories, but I do not see the need to grieve yet. I especially don't see it when I look into your eyes."
Chegwidden keeps his head bowed and his voice to a whisper but raises his eyes to meet hers, "Ma'am, we haven't yet found their bodies. I will tell you when we do."
Sarah Rabb flashes a quick smile at him, "That's all I wanted to know."
Sergei walks over to the Admiral and Sarah. "Grandmother, Galena is scheduled for a flight to Germany. We're not sure what she should do, but I'm going to have to take her to the airport to meet with her supervisor."
Sarah Rabb answers Sergei gently, "You need to go, but I want you to wait for me. I'll go with you. I can't bear sitting here waiting for bad news. I'll need to tell Trish."
Sarah walks over to Trish and places her hand on Trish's arm. "Trish, Sergei needs to take Galena to the airport. I'm going to ride along with them so that Sergei isn't alone if Galena has to work her flight. I'm going to have him take me out to the farm. I'd like to remember some happier moments right now."
Trish speaks tearfully, "But don't you think you should stay with us, in case - "
Sarah smiles patronizingly at her daughter-in-law, "Honey, what will be, will be. The Admiral just told me that they haven't found anything yet. Maybe they escaped somehow. I don't want to give you false hope, honey, but we each must face this in our own way. Mine is to smell the dirt and hay and remember Harm when he was happy and when he was, you know, alive."
At the word alive, Trish let the sobs rise to the surface. Frank sinks to his knees and envelops his wife in his arms. He looks over his shoulder toward Sarah and nods, implying that he understands her need to leave.
Sergei meets Sarah at the door and opens it for her. Sarah looks back at the Admiral with a knowing look, meets his gaze, and winks.
1500 ZULU Rabb Farm Loudin County, Virginia
Hayloft of the Barn
Mac Rabb leans back against her husband's chest as he straddles her between his long legs. She sighs with contentment. Harm buries his face in her hair and breathes in the scent of her and asks, "Are you happy?"
Mac smiles as she answers, "I feel so complete. I'm not sure when I've ever felt so completely satisfied." Harm reaches for her left hand with his left hand and rotates the wedding band. "Did you read the inscription?"
Mac spins around to look at him and replies, "I didn't know you put an inscription." She pulls the ring off and holds it up to the light that streams in through the barn window. "Song of Solomon 5:16. Harm, I don't have a clue as to what that means."
Harm takes the ring and places it back on Mac's finger and kisses her gently, "That verse says, "This is my beloved, and this is my friend."
Mac smiles incredulously, "How did you find that verse?"
Harm grins, "I was a good Sunday School boy."
Mac giggles and asks, "Then what happened?"
Harm looks up at the barn rafters and says, "Well, life happened, and I began to question everything that I had always believed. Grandma never questioned, and I guess I see her as having more guts and more answers than the rest of us. I'm just starting to see that there really is a God, and He's never really let go of me. That's why I keep living when I should be dead!"
Mac softly asks, "We really are friends, aren't we?"
Harm gathers her into his arms, "Well, there are twenty-three other hours in the day, or in our case, somewhat less than that. Somebody had better like somebody else. Yes, you are my beloved, the one woman I adore, and you are also my friend, my soul mate, my confidante, my everything."
Mac nuzzles his neck and purrs, "The Marines pride themselves on being the complete package."
Harm quips back, "Oh, and have you found the Navy lacking?"
Mac smiles, "Well, they may lack in certain areas, but those aviators certainly defy the limits of physical science."
Harm tosses her against a hay bale and questions, "In what areas do we lack, exactly, Colonel?"
Mac laughs, "Well, the Navy tends to be indecisive and late and its communications need to be brought into the twenty-first century, but their fire-power and technical expertise is -"
Harm pins her to the ground and queries, "Is what?"
Mac smiles and fires back, "Unparalleled."
Harm gathers her back into his arms and whispers, "Maybe it's because we love it so much."
Mac closes her eyes and smiles, "Like I said, the Marines are going to work on the communications systems, but I think this is going to be a successful mission."
Harm says, "Oh you do? (pauses) Did you hear something?"
Mac answers, "Maybe it's Webb with our breakfast. I'm getting hungry."
Harm unwraps his arms and legs from around Mac and stands to look out the window. He lowers his shoulders as he reports, "It's not Webb with breakfast. It's Sergei and Grandma. They are going into the house. Oh, poor Grandma. She must think we're dead and be so upset. Webb said to stay hidden. I can't watch this. She's suffering."
Mac stands to join him at the window. "Go sit. I'll watch until they leave. It'll be okay. I'm sure we'll be able to tell them soon. I'll ask Webb when he gets here."
Mac stands watching out the window as Harm sits with his arms on his knees and his head bowed. Suddenly, Mac holds her finger to her lips and dashes behind a stack of hay bales. She mouths, "She's coming here" as she points to the ground. Harm covers himself with hay and lies perfectly still.
From below, the sound of the barn door creaks opens. Sarah Rabb walks into the barn and over to Ninja's stall and speaks to the horse, "Hey girl. Let me find you some oats. Would you like that?" She fills the oat bucket and pats the horse's neck as she begins munching. "You know, we've had an interesting day or so. We had a beautiful wedding and a nice reception. We danced and laughed. We toasted this happy couple only to have them disappear. There are all kinds of people who are telling us that the bride and groom are dead, but you and I know better, don't we, girl? You see, I was just in the house and I know when a bed has been slept in. I KNOW when a note I left is gone. I can feel damp towels. I may be old, but that DOESN'T MAKE ME STUPID!" The horse startled when Sarah raised her voice but she continued on, "I ALSO KNOW THAT SOMETIMES PEOPLE CAN'T TELL YOU THE TRUTH, BUT THAT DOESN'T CHANGE THINGS. I KNOW ALL ABOUT HIDING IN HAY MOWS TOO. I AM A FARM GIRL, AFTERALL. SO, LET'S JUST BE CLEAR ABOUT WHAT'S GOING ON. NOTHING MORE NEEDS TO BE SAID." With that, she pats the horse on the neck and scratches her behind the ears.
In the hay mow, Harm listens to his grandmother's comforting words, uncovers himself and stands. He looks down at his grandmother as she looks up. Their eyes meet and Sarah Rabb smiles at her grandson. Harm blows her a kiss and smiles. Grandma Rabb raises her eyebrows. Harm responds by reaching for something with his right hand and pulls Mac to him. The couple stands silently as they exchange final looks with the old lady. Sarah smiles and turns back to the horse and chuckles, "Like I said, Ninja, no words need to be spoken. Except these, most people who are missing do a better job of HIDING THEIR CARS!"
Harm and Mac look at each other in realization that anyone looking for them could easily find Harm's SUV in the barn.
Sarah leaves the barn and walks over to the car where Sergei awaits her. He opens his arms and embraces her. She reaches up and pats his cheek, reassuring him. They turn and look as another vehicles pulls into the farm lane.
Sarah confronts a flustered Clayton Webb as he steps out of his car. "If you're looking for Harm, he's not here."
Webb regains his composure and answers her, "Why would I look for him here? I'm here to look for other clues as to who was after him. If they booby trapped his hotel room, they may have been here too."
Sarah ignores Webb, turns to Sergei, and suggests, "Sergei, Trish probably needs us. Let's let this federal employee waste the taxpayer's money."
Sergei helps his grandmother into the passenger side of the car and walks around to the driver's side. Over the roof of the car he calls to Webb, "Please, try to find out who did this."
Webb nods, "I'll do my best." He watches Sergei start the car and begin to pull away. He notices that Sarah Rabb is staring at him and he looks at her but must stifle the smile he feels forming when, at the last minute, she winks at him and smiles.
The car drives down the lane and turns on to the county highway. Webb pauses and looks around, almost sniffing the air to see what things his sixth sense tells him about who might be watching. He walks into the barn as Harm and Mac descend the ladder.
Harm barks, "We need to get rid of my truck."
Mac smiles shyly at Webb as Webb stares curiously at her.
Webb looks at Harm and says, "Sleep okay?"
Harm smiles and good-naturedly retorts, "None of your business. Did you bring any food? I've got a hungry Marine on my hands."
Webb realizes that he's looking at a newly cemented couple and suddenly feels self-conscious, as if he's intruding on an intimate moment. "Harm, you and Mac take my car. There are bagels and coffee in the front seat. I'll drive your car to the Wal-Mart in Bethesda. We'll leave it there. Pick me up and then we'll head to the airport. I know we have some of your luggage. Do you have your stuff from last night?"
Harm answers, "Up in the loft. I'll get it." He charges up the ladder as Mac and Webb exit the barn.
Mac pauses to pat her horse, "Bye, baby. I'll see you as soon as I can. Farmer Thompson will feed you and let you out to run. Hold off on foaling till I get back. I don't want to miss it."
She instinctively kisses her horse on the neck and walks away. Harm pats the horse on his way by the stall and follows Mac through the barn door and out into the yard. They jump into Webb's car and follow him out the lane and toward the Maryland border.
Mac rips the bag open and pulls out a sunflower bagel smothered in cream cheese. She reaches back into the bag and pulls out a garlic bagel with a trace of cream cheese. She frowns at it, and then asks, "Which one do you want?"
Harm grins and replies, "The one that won't clog my arteries."
Mac giggles, "Oh, I was hoping you'd take that one. I'll unwrap it for you. Can you drive and eat?"
Harm eyes her and suggests, "You could feed me."
Mac, her mouth filled with her bagel, mumbles, "Oh, yeah, I guess I could."
Harm reaches over and takes the bagel from Mac's lap and resigns, "Never mind. I wouldn't think of coming between you and your consumption of food- and women say that men can't do more than one thing at a time."
Mac swallows and replies, "Harm, I need to eat to keep up my strength, so that I can keep up with you, you know."
"Good recovery, Marine. I know just where I rate with you. Somewhere below food. Where's my coffee?"
"Black or sweetened with sugar?"
"Black."
"Oh good! I could use the sugar."
"Now I know why you have to run fifteen miles instead of ten."
"Are you complaining?"
"Not in the least. You continue to amaze me, Sarah."
1800 ZULU Fairfax County Airport Fairfax, Virginia
Webb exits his car and speaks to a pilot as he inspects a small jet. Webb motions to the car and Harm and Mac exit, carrying luggage. They hurriedly climb the several steps into the plane and disappear. Webb follows them. The pilot continues his pre-flight inspection.
Webb clears his throat as he approaches the embracing couple. Harm steps back from Mac and speaks over his shoulder to Webb.
"I know you're here. What?"
"This pilot will fly you to Teaneck. From there, you'll get on another flight to Edinburgh. Jim Scopes will pick you up and drive you to the castle. They should have supplies laid in for you. I don't want you leaving the castle grounds to go into town. Someone could spot you and blow the cover. I'll be there on Saturday to pick you up and then we'll fly to Baghdad together. I'm hoping that I can plug the hole that led to last night's mishap."
Harm tersely replies, "Who knows we're alive?"
"The Admiral and a couple of agents."
"And my grandmother."
"What?"
"She came into the barn before you got there."
"And you talked to her? I told you-"
"No, I didn't say a word. She did all the talking, to the horse! She made it clear that she knew I wasn't dead. She went into the house and felt the towels. Maybe you should use grandmothers as agents, Webb. She's more intuitive than most."
"We're leaking the story that you're hostages. The Admiral thinks that'll be easier on your mother."
"Tell the Admiral thank you. Any more directives for us on the next week?"
"You won't like it."
Mac perks up and says, "What won't we like?"
Webb smiles at her and looks away, "Don't get pregnant."
Mac looks incredulously at Webb and says, "Excuse me?"
Webb looks imploringly at Harm and states, "You didn't tell her, did you?
"Tell me what?"
Harm speaks softly, "It really wasn't foremost on my mind, Clayton."
"Tell me what?"
Webb shrugs his shoulders and extends his hands. "Look, Mac, I don't care what you two do or don't do after this mission is over, but I really don't want you in potentially dangerous situations and, well, distracted because you're in the family way."
Mac swaggers up to Webb and barks, "Look, it's none of your business what I, I mean we, choose to do or not do."
Harm tries to pacify the situation, "Mac, Webb talked to me about it before the wedding. I should have said something to you last night, but I, well you know, that wasn't exactly fitting with the mood, and I sort of - "
Webb interrupts, "Look, this is more than I want to know. Let's just say, if it happens, or has already happened, we'll deal with it. I would just like you to postpone whatever personal plans you may have for, say six months. Enough said?"
Mac smiles, "Well, chances are"
"I don't want to know about the odds! You're making me sorry I ever brought it up. I'm still trying to get used to this curve ball you threw me."
Harm interrupts him, "Curve ball?"
"I chose you two because for seven years, you've worked together like gears in a clock. You never got together, so I figured you never would. Then, Rabb, you decide to fall in love or whatever you've done and now I have to worry about, about consequences of being something other than actors."
Mac quips, "Well, Webb, that's just too bad. We'll be happy to go back to JAG and you can find another couple of suckers.
"I considered that a week ago. I almost carried through on it too, but then Harm got kidnapped last Thursday and it was an obvious swing at me. I have a problem that I think is from within the company."
"Within? You have Syrian terrorists operating from within?" Harm queries.
"C'mon, Harm. You know the business well enough to know that you never use your own people to do that which you can use someone else to do for you. We're not getting the usual junk from the two guys we took into custody. They are just lackeys for someone else. I'm just perplexed about who that is."
"Could be any one of a thousand enemies you have, Webb," Mac joked.
"The Admiral told me once that you were two of the only friends I had."
"He was right. We do enjoy this love/hate relationship we have going. Any last instructions, Dad?" Harm asks.
"No, I'll be in touch. You have my number. Have Mac call and say that she's Sandy Turner."
"Sandy Turner, who's that?"
"My junior high girl friend," laughed Webb.
Harm walks Webb to the doorway. "Give me a bug detector," Harm demands.
"Why? Our people will have gone over the castle."
"Your people went over the penthouse suite too."
"You're paranoid, Rabb."
"No, I'm private, Webb, especially with Mac. Nobody needs to hear our pillow talk."
"I can't think of anyone who wants to, Harm."
"Give me the tool.please."
"I have one in the trunk of the car. I'll toss it to you. Call me when you're settled in."
Webb descends the stairs, opens the trunk, pulls out a package and tosses it to Harm. Harm raises his hand in a mock salute as the pilot folds up the stairs.
2400 ZULU
20,000 FT ABOVE THE ATLANTIC OCEAN
Harm looks over at his dozing wife and considers his fortune. On the positive side, he married the woman he loves, he has a successful career, and he's on his way to Scotland for a week of honeymooning. On the negative side, someone is trying to kill him. He breathes a prayer for safety, "Oh, please, God. I'm not ready to die yet. I have Mac now and I want to live. I want to have children and be the father that was taken from me. Could you give us that?"
Mac sits up suddenly and looks around. "Hey, baby, are you okay?" she asks as she looks at the haunted look in Harm's eyes.
Harm smiles and says, "I'm just counting my blessings."
"Am I in there anywhere?"
"You fill out the top ten."
"You're a smooth operator, Rabb."
"Mac?"
"Yes?"
"I've been thinking about what Webb said about, you know, having a baby. Well, I've been replaying the conversation in my mind and your response."
"Harm, communicate, don't dance around the subject."
"Well, how long would it be before we know?"
"Two weeks."
"Really? So that means that you're - "
"Right in the middle of the fertile zone."
Harm smiles.
"What?"
"Well, I just kind of like the idea of knowing what kind of stud I am."
"Harm! You make it sound like I'm a brood mare that you just serviced."
"Mac, there's something kind of novel about exploring my virility."
"You are almost forty years old. Stop acting like a teen-ager."
"Mac, this is a new paradigm. Men spend their lives trying to, well, you know"
"Trying to sample the goods without buying the package?"
"Kind of. Only I bought this time. Now, I'm trying to see what kind of new packages I can create!"
"I see. I think it would serve you right if we had only daughters. Then you'd get a new perspective on all those potential samplers running around."
"I think I would invest in some serious hunting rifles that needed to be cleaned every time a young man came calling."
"Nah, your Marine wife will train her girls just how to handle handsome playboys like their father."
"Playboys? Me? Never. I have always been a gentleman. Well, at least with anyone I've dated since I met you. For the most part, anyway. Oh man!"
"You notice which woman got bought before she got sampled?"
"The one I should have married in Russia the first time?"
"You never told me that!"
"Do you have any idea how many times I've replayed that hotel scene in my head?"
"Really? Do tell, Commander."
"Aw Mac, I got weak-kneed every time I thought of you. I knew I couldn't control you or manipulate you. You weren't my equal; you exceeded me. You scared me."
"When did that change?"
"Honestly?"
"I don't want it any other way."
"At your engagement party. When I kissed you, I felt like Dorothy in the "Wizard of Oz". I kept thinking 'There's no place like home.' When you told me that we were getting too good at saying good-bye, I felt slapped. The walls went right back up."
"How do you think I felt? All I could think of was that I was going to ruin everything for everyone if I did what I wanted to do and run to you. I kept thinking that all the plans had been made and how could I face the Admiral and Harriet."
"What about Brumby? Didn't you think of him?"
"I was grateful to him. He was so committed to me."
"Grateful? You were going to marry someone because you were grateful? Whatever happened to a simple thank you?" Harm quipped.
"And your relationship with Renee? Do you really want to go there?"
"I'd rather not. She really tried. I guess I see your point about gratitude. I'm thankful that fate or whatever intervened, although why I had to practically freeze to death in the Atlantic is beyond me."
"It took ice water to get your attention. I hope we're never this stubborn and thick-headed again." Mac leans over to Harm and kisses him gently.
"How much longer until we're on the ground? I've had enough of these start/stop deals for one day."
"We've got another three hours until we land. Then we go through Customs and we have a couple of hour drive. That puts us into tomorrow."
"How private do you think this compartment is?"
"Harm!"
Monday, 30 March 2003
Russian Embassy Embassy Row Washington, DC
Alex Volkanov exits the elevator and walks to the reception desk. As the receptionist approaches him, he smiles.
"Captain Volkanov to see General Federov. I have an appointment."
"He's expecting you."
Alex follows the receptionist down the hall into a spacious corner office. Alex salutes his superior and stands at attention until the receptionist leaves. As the door closes the two men embrace each other.
"Uncle Yuri."
"Alexi, what can I do for you?"
"I want an assignment here."
"Why?"
"I want to be in the States. Either in Washington or in New York."
"As I asked before, 'Why?'"
"I feel that I can serve Mother Russia here?"
"Third time, 'Why?'"
"I met a girl."
"An American?"
"Sort of. She's got dual citizenship, American and Italian. Her father is the U.S. Navy JAG."
"Her mother?"
"I don't really know. She's Italian, remarried to an Italian. Francesca was raised in Naples. Her parents divorced when she was very young, before school age."
"Are you serious with this girl?"
"I don't know. I need time to see her and date her so that I can know."
"Does she live in New York?"
"She's a fashion journalist. She's based out of New York but she covers Milan and Paris too. She travels most of the time."
"Would New York be preferable to Washington?"
"Yes, but Washington offers more flexibility."
"Can you bring her to dinner?"
"When?"
"Tonight. We have an embassy dinner for the French ambassador. We have extra room. None of the Americans want to come, for obvious reasons."
"I can try. I'll need to track her down and beg."
"I'd like to meet her. Then I'll see what I can arrange."
"You are too good to me, Uncle."
"You have always been my favorite, Alex. You could melt the heart of a true Communist."
"Not some of them, Uncle."
"I have an appointment waiting. Call me by noon with an answer about tonight."
"Uncle? One more favor?"
"What?"
"My friend and his bride were killed Saturday night in the explosion at the Senator's Hotel. Can you do some checking? I'd like to know who was behind it."
"You were friends with people from Nebraska?"
"No, Commander Rabb and Colonel MacKenzie."
"They aren't dead."
"What? Where are they?"
"We're checking on that. The CIA has informed a few people with security clearance that the Rabbs have been kidnapped."
"How do you know?"
"We spy on each other."
"Were we behind the explosion?"
"No. We're as interested as they are in who was though."
"I normally wouldn't ask, but if you find out anything, could you keep me informed? Rabb is a good man, and a good friend."
"If we were after him, I could not tell you. Since we are not, I will keep you informed. Call me later, Alex."
Alex kisses both of his uncle's cheeks and left.
He steels himself to keep from whistling as he walks down the hall, enters the elevator, and presses the button for the lobby. He exits the elevator, strides across the marble floor of the lobby, and pushes open the door to the outside. As he breathes in the cherry-blossom aroma, he begins to whistle.
1500 ZULU JAG HEADQUARTERS FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA
Bud and Sturgis sit in the leather wing chairs in Admiral Chegwidden's office. The Admiral sits at his desk as Webb paces around the room behind him.
"You can't tell Harriet, Bud." Webb explains.
"Sir, Harriet won't tell a soul. What's wrong with her knowing that the Rabbs have been kidnapped?"
Admiral Chegwidden clears his throat. "Webb, I trust Harriet implicitly. Rabb's mother knows. Why can't we just think of Harriet as Mac's sister or something?"
Webb sighs. "Okay. Bud, you can tell Harriet. That's it."
Admiral Chegwidden smiles and speaks, "If you two have no further questions, you are dismissed."
Sturgis and Bud leave together and close the door. Webb looks at the Admiral and shakes his head.
"Have they called you Webb?"
"Yes, they called last night from Scotland. Rabb had to gloat that he found a bug that our people didn't. He's absolutely paranoid."
"He wants some privacy, Webb. You would too in his situation, if you ever find yourself in his situation."
"Well, the marriage bug that has bit the two of you can just leave me alone for awhile."
"You did catch the garter."
"I did no such thing. It landed on me."
"That's even worse, Webb. Makes it sound as if you have no control."
"AJ, someone's messing with me from within the company, I'm convinced of it. I can't let anyone get close to me or I'll risk getting her killed."
"Interesting choice of words. You're risking two of my senior officers."
"They'll be okay. They are serving their country, not loving me." "Does someone love you, Clayton? Besides your mother?"
Webb looks up at the Admiral allowing his tortured soul to be exposed through his eyes. The Admiral nods his head and says nothing more.
The buzzer on the Admiral's desk sounds and Tiner speaks, "Admiral, Capt Volkonov is here and wants to see you."
Webb smiles at the Admiral. "Father of the bride moment?"
"Better not be. Tiner, send him in."
Alex enters the office and stands at attention before the Admiral.
"Alex, you haven't transferred into my command without my consent, have you?"
"No, sir. I just am unsure of how to approach you with what I need to know."
"Spit it out."
"I need to speak to Francesca. Do you know where she is?"
"She'll be here in a short time. We're having lunch before she flies back to New York. Why?"
"I want to ask her to dinner at my embassy tonight. I, uh, need a date."
"Washington is full of women, Alex."
"I only have eyes for one, sir."
Webb sits down in a chair, clearly enjoying this exchange.
"May I ask, Captain, just what are your intentions toward my daughter?"
"Sir, I have only honorable intentions. I am trying to be assigned to the States so that I can spend time with Francesca and see what may develop between us."
"I see. At what point do you plan to meet her mother?"
"As soon as Francesca suggests it. Should I meet her sooner, sir?"
"No. She's going to hate you."
"But I am an honorable man!"
"You are also a military officer. I paved the way for you. Marcella is going to despise you because you will remind her of me. Therefore, because you are going to have your hands more than full with an Italian mama with a temper, I will not stand in the way of your pursuit of my daughter, unless or until you hurt her. Then you will deal with a papa` with a temper. Are we clear, Captain?"
"Does that mean I can join you for lunch?"
"Are you buying?"
"I would be honored to buy, sir."
"There's something likable about you, Alex."
"Sir and Clayton, you cannot ask me how I know what I am about to tell you, but Harm is not dead."
Webb speaks with interest, "Really? Where is he then?"
"He has been kidnapped, Mr. Webb. I made inquiries of people I.trust."
"Thank you for your concern, Alex. You can wait outside with Lt. Roberts while Webb and I finish our business. When Francesca gets here, I'll let you buy me lunch while I leer at you."
"Leer at me? I thought you liked me."
"I can't let her see that. She'll dump you if she thinks I'm pushing this. Now, you need to leave."
Admiral Chegwidden smiles as he leaves the room.
"Webb, what do you think?"
"I think if he ever wants to come over, I'd like to have him. I also think he's smitten with your daughter. I'm wondering who his contact is in Russian Intel community. Finally, I'm wondering who within our Intel community leaked it to the Russians."
Chegwidden shivers.
"What?" Webb asks.
"I just had the thought of Russian grandchildren!"
Alex leaves the Admiral's office and heads for Bud's office as the elevator opens and Francesca Perretti exits. Alex ignores Bud's door and walks straight toward the elevator.
"Hello, pretty lady."
"Alex! What are you doing here?"
"I'm having lunch with you and your father."
"How did you manage that?"
"I said I'd buy."
Francesca laughs.
"I need to ask you for a huge favor."
"What?"
"Can you be my date for a formal dinner at my embassy tonight?"
"Alex, I can't. My flight leaves at 5:00."
"Change it to tomorrow, please."
"I have meetings at 9:00 tomorrow."
"Cancel the flight and I'll drive you tonight. We can be on the road by 2300 at the latest. You can sleep on the way to your apartment."
"When will you sleep?"
"Tomorrow, when my day is dark."
"Is that a Russian expression?"
"No, you are the only light that I need. When you are gone, my world is dark. Then I can sleep."
"You are a charmer, Alex."
Alex pulls her into an empty conference room and closes the door.
"Alex, what are we doing?"
"Just this." Alex takes Francesca into his arms and kisses her, tentatively at first, then with more passion.
Alex steps back as Francesca keep leaning in. He catches her as she stumbles. "Francesca, we do have a lunch date, a well-chaperoned lunch date. I think we should save the heavy breathing for later, don't you?'
"Italians are passionate, Alex."
"So I'm learning."
"One more?"
"Russians aim to please."
Alex takes her hands into his and intertwines his fingers with hers. He pulls her to him and gently kisses her as the door to the conference room opens.
"Oh, I'm sorry; I didn't realize this room was occupied." Harriet embarrassedly says.
"Who's in here?" Bud asks. "Oh, sorry! We just wanted a place to talk."
"Uh, we did too." Alex answered quickly. "We're having lunch with the Admiral and we needed to talk."
"Alex, you are Russian, right?"
Alex nods.
"And Francesca is Italian?"
Alex and Francesca both nod.
"So why were you speaking French?" Bud laughs as Alex and Francesca hurry out of the room.
Harriet backhands Bud's arm. Bud responds by pushing the door closed and gently pushing his pretty blond wife against it. He responds by doing a little United Nations negotiating of his own.
Harriet gasps, "Bud, at the office?"
"Something weird is in the air, Harriet. First Harm and Mac, then the Admiral and Meredith, now Alex and Francesca."
"In the spring, a man's thoughts turn to love. Don't mention Harm and Mac though, I still can't believe it."
"That's why I pulled you in here. They aren't dead. At least not yet."
"Not yet, Bud? Not yet? What do you mean?"
"They've been kidnapped. Webb and the Admiral said I could tell you, but you can't tell anyone."
"Oh, honey, that means they still have a chance. Who's going after them? Webb?"
"I wasn't cleared for that part. I just wanted you to stop grieving."
"You are a considerate, wonderful man, Bud Roberts."
This time it was Harriet backing Bud up against the door.
Chapter 9
Mission: Regroup
Disclaimer: JAG and its characters are the property of Bellisarius Productions, CBS, and Paramount.
A few readers have requested that I consider not writing in play format so much. I'll see how it goes. :).
29 March 2003 1500 ZULU
Special Agent Clayton Webb punches the off button of his cell phone as Rear Admiral AJ Chegwidden blusters his way through the myriad FBI, ATF, and CIA agents surrounding Webb. "What happened here, Webb?" Chegwidden commands. The fact that Webb was not in the Admiral's chain of command mattered little to either of them; the depth of their professional relationship demanded an honesty that neither had the authority to demand otherwise.
Webb raises his eyes to meet the hawkish eyes of the Admiral and answers, "Walk with me." The two men walk away from the command center in the hotel lobby toward a hall leading to private banquet rooms. Webb speaks softly, "The bed in Rabb's hotel room was booby-trapped with a trigger switch. As a fail-safe, another timed switch was also attached. It went off at midnight. The concussion of the explosion caused the floor trusses underneath to collapse, killing the people in the two rooms directly below the penthouse. One was occupied by a Chinese businessman from Hong Kong. The other was a couple from Nebraska celebrating their thirtieth wedding anniversary. We've got their bodies, relatively intact."
Chegwidden exhales, "And Harm and Mac?"
"No large pieces. Between you and me, they weren't there."
"What? Where were they?"
"AJ, Harm called me. They are at the farm. Last night, someone sent a fruit basket to their room, and Harm found a bug. He thought I did it, so he took Mac and left. It was just a coincidence that they left. He didn't know anything."
"Did you plant the bug?"
"No, but I can't promise that someone in the company didn't."
"Don't you people have any sense of decency? It was their wedding night!"
"For what was supposed to be a staged marriage, AJ. How could I have known that Rabb would suddenly get religion and stop dancing around the issue? They've only been shadow boxing for seven years. I assumed that after Mac and Mic broke up then Harm and Renee broke up, if they really liked each other, there was no reason to be apart. What did they do for almost two years? Not a thing."
"Webb, what are you going to do with them now?"
"I'm sending them to Scotland for a week. I'll keep a lid on things here and see if I can find the leak here and plug it. You will be the only other person who knows that they are alive. Our forensics people are going to start to suspect it when they can't find any parts, but I'm just trying to buy time. I know that it stinks, but Rabb's mother can't know. She needs to play the part of the grieving mother."
"That's not too kind to a woman who has given plenty for her country."
"We could leak a story that we're wondering if they've been kidnapped."
"That seems preferable to the first scenario."
"I'll have our press people leak that in a day or two. You can tell Mrs. Rabb today or tonight. Ask her to stay away from the press and not to talk to anyone. No family friends, etc. I don't know who's behind this, and I need time. You can announce the hostage theory to the JAG's with security clearance tomorrow. Here comes Chaplain Sturgis. Let's keep a lid on this, AJ."
AJ turns and greets his old friend. "Padre, do you have any words of wisdom for us?"
Chaplain Turner holds up an envelope and speaks, "The front desk had this for me when I was checking out. I thought it might be important. It seems I'm holding some of Commander Rabb's last words."
Webb, grabbing the envelope, questions, "What? What is this and what does it mean 'Thanks for the suggestion. What a gift!' Is this code? What's with the ribbon?"
Turner smiles as he retrieves the piece of ribbon, "I suggested that Harm and Mac slow down on their physical relationship until they were married. I believe they took my advice to save it as a wedding gift. I just hope that means they died happy."
Webb responds, "You know what they say about dying with a smile on your face. Oh, sorry, maybe they don't say that in your circles."
The Admiral interrupts, "Webb, I don't really think now is the time for humor. If you don't mind, Padre, I'm going to keep this as possible evidence. Have you shown this or mentioned this message to anyone?"
Turner replies, "The desk clerk saw me open it but didn't get a look at the message. I saw you over here and thought you might want to see it. Do you want me to keep this quiet?"
Admiral Chegwidden stares at the ribbon and answers him, "This may be evidence in a criminal case. Let's turn it over to the investigating authorities and keep our mouths closed. I'm thinking that Trish Burnett could use your counsel about now. Why don't you and I find her and see how we can help her? Webb, you can take care of the evidence for me, right?"
Webb sigh, "I'll handle the evidence and the rest of what we've talked about. Pencil in some time for me in the morning, Admiral. I'll need to brief you."
Admiral Chegwidden tosses his answer over his shoulder as he walks away with Chaplain Turner, "Will do."
Senator's Hotel Suite of Trish and Frank Burnett
Trish sits staring at a fire in a gas fireplace. Frank sits on the arm of her chintz wing chair with one hand resting on her shoulder. Sarah Rabb sits on the couch with Sergei and Galena flanking her. No one speaks to pierce the silence resulting from the shock of the last ten hours.
The reverie is shattered by a knock on the door. Sergei untangles himself from his grandmother and yanks the door open to find Admiral Chegwidden and Chaplain Turner. With a nod of his head, Sergei motions for the men to enter. The Chaplain immediately goes to Trish and kneels at her feet. Sarah Rabb stoically stands before the Admiral as Sergei returns to the couch and to Galena's embrace.
Mrs. Rabb raises her eyes to meet those of the Admiral and softly questions him, "What do you know, Admiral?"
Chegwidden attempts to avoid her penetrating gaze and answers, "Well, Mrs. Rabb, we are still in the questioning stage. We're just trying to absorb all the facts before forming any hypotheses."
Sarah smirks, "Admiral, you've either found their bodies or you haven't. They are either still in the wreckage or they are not. That's what I want to know. I don't want to grieve if there's no need to grieve. I'm an old woman. I think I'm a fair judge of character. I'm not going to upset Trish with my theories, but I do not see the need to grieve yet. I especially don't see it when I look into your eyes."
Chegwidden keeps his head bowed and his voice to a whisper but raises his eyes to meet hers, "Ma'am, we haven't yet found their bodies. I will tell you when we do."
Sarah Rabb flashes a quick smile at him, "That's all I wanted to know."
Sergei walks over to the Admiral and Sarah. "Grandmother, Galena is scheduled for a flight to Germany. We're not sure what she should do, but I'm going to have to take her to the airport to meet with her supervisor."
Sarah Rabb answers Sergei gently, "You need to go, but I want you to wait for me. I'll go with you. I can't bear sitting here waiting for bad news. I'll need to tell Trish."
Sarah walks over to Trish and places her hand on Trish's arm. "Trish, Sergei needs to take Galena to the airport. I'm going to ride along with them so that Sergei isn't alone if Galena has to work her flight. I'm going to have him take me out to the farm. I'd like to remember some happier moments right now."
Trish speaks tearfully, "But don't you think you should stay with us, in case - "
Sarah smiles patronizingly at her daughter-in-law, "Honey, what will be, will be. The Admiral just told me that they haven't found anything yet. Maybe they escaped somehow. I don't want to give you false hope, honey, but we each must face this in our own way. Mine is to smell the dirt and hay and remember Harm when he was happy and when he was, you know, alive."
At the word alive, Trish let the sobs rise to the surface. Frank sinks to his knees and envelops his wife in his arms. He looks over his shoulder toward Sarah and nods, implying that he understands her need to leave.
Sergei meets Sarah at the door and opens it for her. Sarah looks back at the Admiral with a knowing look, meets his gaze, and winks.
1500 ZULU Rabb Farm Loudin County, Virginia
Hayloft of the Barn
Mac Rabb leans back against her husband's chest as he straddles her between his long legs. She sighs with contentment. Harm buries his face in her hair and breathes in the scent of her and asks, "Are you happy?"
Mac smiles as she answers, "I feel so complete. I'm not sure when I've ever felt so completely satisfied." Harm reaches for her left hand with his left hand and rotates the wedding band. "Did you read the inscription?"
Mac spins around to look at him and replies, "I didn't know you put an inscription." She pulls the ring off and holds it up to the light that streams in through the barn window. "Song of Solomon 5:16. Harm, I don't have a clue as to what that means."
Harm takes the ring and places it back on Mac's finger and kisses her gently, "That verse says, "This is my beloved, and this is my friend."
Mac smiles incredulously, "How did you find that verse?"
Harm grins, "I was a good Sunday School boy."
Mac giggles and asks, "Then what happened?"
Harm looks up at the barn rafters and says, "Well, life happened, and I began to question everything that I had always believed. Grandma never questioned, and I guess I see her as having more guts and more answers than the rest of us. I'm just starting to see that there really is a God, and He's never really let go of me. That's why I keep living when I should be dead!"
Mac softly asks, "We really are friends, aren't we?"
Harm gathers her into his arms, "Well, there are twenty-three other hours in the day, or in our case, somewhat less than that. Somebody had better like somebody else. Yes, you are my beloved, the one woman I adore, and you are also my friend, my soul mate, my confidante, my everything."
Mac nuzzles his neck and purrs, "The Marines pride themselves on being the complete package."
Harm quips back, "Oh, and have you found the Navy lacking?"
Mac smiles, "Well, they may lack in certain areas, but those aviators certainly defy the limits of physical science."
Harm tosses her against a hay bale and questions, "In what areas do we lack, exactly, Colonel?"
Mac laughs, "Well, the Navy tends to be indecisive and late and its communications need to be brought into the twenty-first century, but their fire-power and technical expertise is -"
Harm pins her to the ground and queries, "Is what?"
Mac smiles and fires back, "Unparalleled."
Harm gathers her back into his arms and whispers, "Maybe it's because we love it so much."
Mac closes her eyes and smiles, "Like I said, the Marines are going to work on the communications systems, but I think this is going to be a successful mission."
Harm says, "Oh you do? (pauses) Did you hear something?"
Mac answers, "Maybe it's Webb with our breakfast. I'm getting hungry."
Harm unwraps his arms and legs from around Mac and stands to look out the window. He lowers his shoulders as he reports, "It's not Webb with breakfast. It's Sergei and Grandma. They are going into the house. Oh, poor Grandma. She must think we're dead and be so upset. Webb said to stay hidden. I can't watch this. She's suffering."
Mac stands to join him at the window. "Go sit. I'll watch until they leave. It'll be okay. I'm sure we'll be able to tell them soon. I'll ask Webb when he gets here."
Mac stands watching out the window as Harm sits with his arms on his knees and his head bowed. Suddenly, Mac holds her finger to her lips and dashes behind a stack of hay bales. She mouths, "She's coming here" as she points to the ground. Harm covers himself with hay and lies perfectly still.
From below, the sound of the barn door creaks opens. Sarah Rabb walks into the barn and over to Ninja's stall and speaks to the horse, "Hey girl. Let me find you some oats. Would you like that?" She fills the oat bucket and pats the horse's neck as she begins munching. "You know, we've had an interesting day or so. We had a beautiful wedding and a nice reception. We danced and laughed. We toasted this happy couple only to have them disappear. There are all kinds of people who are telling us that the bride and groom are dead, but you and I know better, don't we, girl? You see, I was just in the house and I know when a bed has been slept in. I KNOW when a note I left is gone. I can feel damp towels. I may be old, but that DOESN'T MAKE ME STUPID!" The horse startled when Sarah raised her voice but she continued on, "I ALSO KNOW THAT SOMETIMES PEOPLE CAN'T TELL YOU THE TRUTH, BUT THAT DOESN'T CHANGE THINGS. I KNOW ALL ABOUT HIDING IN HAY MOWS TOO. I AM A FARM GIRL, AFTERALL. SO, LET'S JUST BE CLEAR ABOUT WHAT'S GOING ON. NOTHING MORE NEEDS TO BE SAID." With that, she pats the horse on the neck and scratches her behind the ears.
In the hay mow, Harm listens to his grandmother's comforting words, uncovers himself and stands. He looks down at his grandmother as she looks up. Their eyes meet and Sarah Rabb smiles at her grandson. Harm blows her a kiss and smiles. Grandma Rabb raises her eyebrows. Harm responds by reaching for something with his right hand and pulls Mac to him. The couple stands silently as they exchange final looks with the old lady. Sarah smiles and turns back to the horse and chuckles, "Like I said, Ninja, no words need to be spoken. Except these, most people who are missing do a better job of HIDING THEIR CARS!"
Harm and Mac look at each other in realization that anyone looking for them could easily find Harm's SUV in the barn.
Sarah leaves the barn and walks over to the car where Sergei awaits her. He opens his arms and embraces her. She reaches up and pats his cheek, reassuring him. They turn and look as another vehicles pulls into the farm lane.
Sarah confronts a flustered Clayton Webb as he steps out of his car. "If you're looking for Harm, he's not here."
Webb regains his composure and answers her, "Why would I look for him here? I'm here to look for other clues as to who was after him. If they booby trapped his hotel room, they may have been here too."
Sarah ignores Webb, turns to Sergei, and suggests, "Sergei, Trish probably needs us. Let's let this federal employee waste the taxpayer's money."
Sergei helps his grandmother into the passenger side of the car and walks around to the driver's side. Over the roof of the car he calls to Webb, "Please, try to find out who did this."
Webb nods, "I'll do my best." He watches Sergei start the car and begin to pull away. He notices that Sarah Rabb is staring at him and he looks at her but must stifle the smile he feels forming when, at the last minute, she winks at him and smiles.
The car drives down the lane and turns on to the county highway. Webb pauses and looks around, almost sniffing the air to see what things his sixth sense tells him about who might be watching. He walks into the barn as Harm and Mac descend the ladder.
Harm barks, "We need to get rid of my truck."
Mac smiles shyly at Webb as Webb stares curiously at her.
Webb looks at Harm and says, "Sleep okay?"
Harm smiles and good-naturedly retorts, "None of your business. Did you bring any food? I've got a hungry Marine on my hands."
Webb realizes that he's looking at a newly cemented couple and suddenly feels self-conscious, as if he's intruding on an intimate moment. "Harm, you and Mac take my car. There are bagels and coffee in the front seat. I'll drive your car to the Wal-Mart in Bethesda. We'll leave it there. Pick me up and then we'll head to the airport. I know we have some of your luggage. Do you have your stuff from last night?"
Harm answers, "Up in the loft. I'll get it." He charges up the ladder as Mac and Webb exit the barn.
Mac pauses to pat her horse, "Bye, baby. I'll see you as soon as I can. Farmer Thompson will feed you and let you out to run. Hold off on foaling till I get back. I don't want to miss it."
She instinctively kisses her horse on the neck and walks away. Harm pats the horse on his way by the stall and follows Mac through the barn door and out into the yard. They jump into Webb's car and follow him out the lane and toward the Maryland border.
Mac rips the bag open and pulls out a sunflower bagel smothered in cream cheese. She reaches back into the bag and pulls out a garlic bagel with a trace of cream cheese. She frowns at it, and then asks, "Which one do you want?"
Harm grins and replies, "The one that won't clog my arteries."
Mac giggles, "Oh, I was hoping you'd take that one. I'll unwrap it for you. Can you drive and eat?"
Harm eyes her and suggests, "You could feed me."
Mac, her mouth filled with her bagel, mumbles, "Oh, yeah, I guess I could."
Harm reaches over and takes the bagel from Mac's lap and resigns, "Never mind. I wouldn't think of coming between you and your consumption of food- and women say that men can't do more than one thing at a time."
Mac swallows and replies, "Harm, I need to eat to keep up my strength, so that I can keep up with you, you know."
"Good recovery, Marine. I know just where I rate with you. Somewhere below food. Where's my coffee?"
"Black or sweetened with sugar?"
"Black."
"Oh good! I could use the sugar."
"Now I know why you have to run fifteen miles instead of ten."
"Are you complaining?"
"Not in the least. You continue to amaze me, Sarah."
1800 ZULU Fairfax County Airport Fairfax, Virginia
Webb exits his car and speaks to a pilot as he inspects a small jet. Webb motions to the car and Harm and Mac exit, carrying luggage. They hurriedly climb the several steps into the plane and disappear. Webb follows them. The pilot continues his pre-flight inspection.
Webb clears his throat as he approaches the embracing couple. Harm steps back from Mac and speaks over his shoulder to Webb.
"I know you're here. What?"
"This pilot will fly you to Teaneck. From there, you'll get on another flight to Edinburgh. Jim Scopes will pick you up and drive you to the castle. They should have supplies laid in for you. I don't want you leaving the castle grounds to go into town. Someone could spot you and blow the cover. I'll be there on Saturday to pick you up and then we'll fly to Baghdad together. I'm hoping that I can plug the hole that led to last night's mishap."
Harm tersely replies, "Who knows we're alive?"
"The Admiral and a couple of agents."
"And my grandmother."
"What?"
"She came into the barn before you got there."
"And you talked to her? I told you-"
"No, I didn't say a word. She did all the talking, to the horse! She made it clear that she knew I wasn't dead. She went into the house and felt the towels. Maybe you should use grandmothers as agents, Webb. She's more intuitive than most."
"We're leaking the story that you're hostages. The Admiral thinks that'll be easier on your mother."
"Tell the Admiral thank you. Any more directives for us on the next week?"
"You won't like it."
Mac perks up and says, "What won't we like?"
Webb smiles at her and looks away, "Don't get pregnant."
Mac looks incredulously at Webb and says, "Excuse me?"
Webb looks imploringly at Harm and states, "You didn't tell her, did you?
"Tell me what?"
Harm speaks softly, "It really wasn't foremost on my mind, Clayton."
"Tell me what?"
Webb shrugs his shoulders and extends his hands. "Look, Mac, I don't care what you two do or don't do after this mission is over, but I really don't want you in potentially dangerous situations and, well, distracted because you're in the family way."
Mac swaggers up to Webb and barks, "Look, it's none of your business what I, I mean we, choose to do or not do."
Harm tries to pacify the situation, "Mac, Webb talked to me about it before the wedding. I should have said something to you last night, but I, well you know, that wasn't exactly fitting with the mood, and I sort of - "
Webb interrupts, "Look, this is more than I want to know. Let's just say, if it happens, or has already happened, we'll deal with it. I would just like you to postpone whatever personal plans you may have for, say six months. Enough said?"
Mac smiles, "Well, chances are"
"I don't want to know about the odds! You're making me sorry I ever brought it up. I'm still trying to get used to this curve ball you threw me."
Harm interrupts him, "Curve ball?"
"I chose you two because for seven years, you've worked together like gears in a clock. You never got together, so I figured you never would. Then, Rabb, you decide to fall in love or whatever you've done and now I have to worry about, about consequences of being something other than actors."
Mac quips, "Well, Webb, that's just too bad. We'll be happy to go back to JAG and you can find another couple of suckers.
"I considered that a week ago. I almost carried through on it too, but then Harm got kidnapped last Thursday and it was an obvious swing at me. I have a problem that I think is from within the company."
"Within? You have Syrian terrorists operating from within?" Harm queries.
"C'mon, Harm. You know the business well enough to know that you never use your own people to do that which you can use someone else to do for you. We're not getting the usual junk from the two guys we took into custody. They are just lackeys for someone else. I'm just perplexed about who that is."
"Could be any one of a thousand enemies you have, Webb," Mac joked.
"The Admiral told me once that you were two of the only friends I had."
"He was right. We do enjoy this love/hate relationship we have going. Any last instructions, Dad?" Harm asks.
"No, I'll be in touch. You have my number. Have Mac call and say that she's Sandy Turner."
"Sandy Turner, who's that?"
"My junior high girl friend," laughed Webb.
Harm walks Webb to the doorway. "Give me a bug detector," Harm demands.
"Why? Our people will have gone over the castle."
"Your people went over the penthouse suite too."
"You're paranoid, Rabb."
"No, I'm private, Webb, especially with Mac. Nobody needs to hear our pillow talk."
"I can't think of anyone who wants to, Harm."
"Give me the tool.please."
"I have one in the trunk of the car. I'll toss it to you. Call me when you're settled in."
Webb descends the stairs, opens the trunk, pulls out a package and tosses it to Harm. Harm raises his hand in a mock salute as the pilot folds up the stairs.
2400 ZULU
20,000 FT ABOVE THE ATLANTIC OCEAN
Harm looks over at his dozing wife and considers his fortune. On the positive side, he married the woman he loves, he has a successful career, and he's on his way to Scotland for a week of honeymooning. On the negative side, someone is trying to kill him. He breathes a prayer for safety, "Oh, please, God. I'm not ready to die yet. I have Mac now and I want to live. I want to have children and be the father that was taken from me. Could you give us that?"
Mac sits up suddenly and looks around. "Hey, baby, are you okay?" she asks as she looks at the haunted look in Harm's eyes.
Harm smiles and says, "I'm just counting my blessings."
"Am I in there anywhere?"
"You fill out the top ten."
"You're a smooth operator, Rabb."
"Mac?"
"Yes?"
"I've been thinking about what Webb said about, you know, having a baby. Well, I've been replaying the conversation in my mind and your response."
"Harm, communicate, don't dance around the subject."
"Well, how long would it be before we know?"
"Two weeks."
"Really? So that means that you're - "
"Right in the middle of the fertile zone."
Harm smiles.
"What?"
"Well, I just kind of like the idea of knowing what kind of stud I am."
"Harm! You make it sound like I'm a brood mare that you just serviced."
"Mac, there's something kind of novel about exploring my virility."
"You are almost forty years old. Stop acting like a teen-ager."
"Mac, this is a new paradigm. Men spend their lives trying to, well, you know"
"Trying to sample the goods without buying the package?"
"Kind of. Only I bought this time. Now, I'm trying to see what kind of new packages I can create!"
"I see. I think it would serve you right if we had only daughters. Then you'd get a new perspective on all those potential samplers running around."
"I think I would invest in some serious hunting rifles that needed to be cleaned every time a young man came calling."
"Nah, your Marine wife will train her girls just how to handle handsome playboys like their father."
"Playboys? Me? Never. I have always been a gentleman. Well, at least with anyone I've dated since I met you. For the most part, anyway. Oh man!"
"You notice which woman got bought before she got sampled?"
"The one I should have married in Russia the first time?"
"You never told me that!"
"Do you have any idea how many times I've replayed that hotel scene in my head?"
"Really? Do tell, Commander."
"Aw Mac, I got weak-kneed every time I thought of you. I knew I couldn't control you or manipulate you. You weren't my equal; you exceeded me. You scared me."
"When did that change?"
"Honestly?"
"I don't want it any other way."
"At your engagement party. When I kissed you, I felt like Dorothy in the "Wizard of Oz". I kept thinking 'There's no place like home.' When you told me that we were getting too good at saying good-bye, I felt slapped. The walls went right back up."
"How do you think I felt? All I could think of was that I was going to ruin everything for everyone if I did what I wanted to do and run to you. I kept thinking that all the plans had been made and how could I face the Admiral and Harriet."
"What about Brumby? Didn't you think of him?"
"I was grateful to him. He was so committed to me."
"Grateful? You were going to marry someone because you were grateful? Whatever happened to a simple thank you?" Harm quipped.
"And your relationship with Renee? Do you really want to go there?"
"I'd rather not. She really tried. I guess I see your point about gratitude. I'm thankful that fate or whatever intervened, although why I had to practically freeze to death in the Atlantic is beyond me."
"It took ice water to get your attention. I hope we're never this stubborn and thick-headed again." Mac leans over to Harm and kisses him gently.
"How much longer until we're on the ground? I've had enough of these start/stop deals for one day."
"We've got another three hours until we land. Then we go through Customs and we have a couple of hour drive. That puts us into tomorrow."
"How private do you think this compartment is?"
"Harm!"
Monday, 30 March 2003
Russian Embassy Embassy Row Washington, DC
Alex Volkanov exits the elevator and walks to the reception desk. As the receptionist approaches him, he smiles.
"Captain Volkanov to see General Federov. I have an appointment."
"He's expecting you."
Alex follows the receptionist down the hall into a spacious corner office. Alex salutes his superior and stands at attention until the receptionist leaves. As the door closes the two men embrace each other.
"Uncle Yuri."
"Alexi, what can I do for you?"
"I want an assignment here."
"Why?"
"I want to be in the States. Either in Washington or in New York."
"As I asked before, 'Why?'"
"I feel that I can serve Mother Russia here?"
"Third time, 'Why?'"
"I met a girl."
"An American?"
"Sort of. She's got dual citizenship, American and Italian. Her father is the U.S. Navy JAG."
"Her mother?"
"I don't really know. She's Italian, remarried to an Italian. Francesca was raised in Naples. Her parents divorced when she was very young, before school age."
"Are you serious with this girl?"
"I don't know. I need time to see her and date her so that I can know."
"Does she live in New York?"
"She's a fashion journalist. She's based out of New York but she covers Milan and Paris too. She travels most of the time."
"Would New York be preferable to Washington?"
"Yes, but Washington offers more flexibility."
"Can you bring her to dinner?"
"When?"
"Tonight. We have an embassy dinner for the French ambassador. We have extra room. None of the Americans want to come, for obvious reasons."
"I can try. I'll need to track her down and beg."
"I'd like to meet her. Then I'll see what I can arrange."
"You are too good to me, Uncle."
"You have always been my favorite, Alex. You could melt the heart of a true Communist."
"Not some of them, Uncle."
"I have an appointment waiting. Call me by noon with an answer about tonight."
"Uncle? One more favor?"
"What?"
"My friend and his bride were killed Saturday night in the explosion at the Senator's Hotel. Can you do some checking? I'd like to know who was behind it."
"You were friends with people from Nebraska?"
"No, Commander Rabb and Colonel MacKenzie."
"They aren't dead."
"What? Where are they?"
"We're checking on that. The CIA has informed a few people with security clearance that the Rabbs have been kidnapped."
"How do you know?"
"We spy on each other."
"Were we behind the explosion?"
"No. We're as interested as they are in who was though."
"I normally wouldn't ask, but if you find out anything, could you keep me informed? Rabb is a good man, and a good friend."
"If we were after him, I could not tell you. Since we are not, I will keep you informed. Call me later, Alex."
Alex kisses both of his uncle's cheeks and left.
He steels himself to keep from whistling as he walks down the hall, enters the elevator, and presses the button for the lobby. He exits the elevator, strides across the marble floor of the lobby, and pushes open the door to the outside. As he breathes in the cherry-blossom aroma, he begins to whistle.
1500 ZULU JAG HEADQUARTERS FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA
Bud and Sturgis sit in the leather wing chairs in Admiral Chegwidden's office. The Admiral sits at his desk as Webb paces around the room behind him.
"You can't tell Harriet, Bud." Webb explains.
"Sir, Harriet won't tell a soul. What's wrong with her knowing that the Rabbs have been kidnapped?"
Admiral Chegwidden clears his throat. "Webb, I trust Harriet implicitly. Rabb's mother knows. Why can't we just think of Harriet as Mac's sister or something?"
Webb sighs. "Okay. Bud, you can tell Harriet. That's it."
Admiral Chegwidden smiles and speaks, "If you two have no further questions, you are dismissed."
Sturgis and Bud leave together and close the door. Webb looks at the Admiral and shakes his head.
"Have they called you Webb?"
"Yes, they called last night from Scotland. Rabb had to gloat that he found a bug that our people didn't. He's absolutely paranoid."
"He wants some privacy, Webb. You would too in his situation, if you ever find yourself in his situation."
"Well, the marriage bug that has bit the two of you can just leave me alone for awhile."
"You did catch the garter."
"I did no such thing. It landed on me."
"That's even worse, Webb. Makes it sound as if you have no control."
"AJ, someone's messing with me from within the company, I'm convinced of it. I can't let anyone get close to me or I'll risk getting her killed."
"Interesting choice of words. You're risking two of my senior officers."
"They'll be okay. They are serving their country, not loving me." "Does someone love you, Clayton? Besides your mother?"
Webb looks up at the Admiral allowing his tortured soul to be exposed through his eyes. The Admiral nods his head and says nothing more.
The buzzer on the Admiral's desk sounds and Tiner speaks, "Admiral, Capt Volkonov is here and wants to see you."
Webb smiles at the Admiral. "Father of the bride moment?"
"Better not be. Tiner, send him in."
Alex enters the office and stands at attention before the Admiral.
"Alex, you haven't transferred into my command without my consent, have you?"
"No, sir. I just am unsure of how to approach you with what I need to know."
"Spit it out."
"I need to speak to Francesca. Do you know where she is?"
"She'll be here in a short time. We're having lunch before she flies back to New York. Why?"
"I want to ask her to dinner at my embassy tonight. I, uh, need a date."
"Washington is full of women, Alex."
"I only have eyes for one, sir."
Webb sits down in a chair, clearly enjoying this exchange.
"May I ask, Captain, just what are your intentions toward my daughter?"
"Sir, I have only honorable intentions. I am trying to be assigned to the States so that I can spend time with Francesca and see what may develop between us."
"I see. At what point do you plan to meet her mother?"
"As soon as Francesca suggests it. Should I meet her sooner, sir?"
"No. She's going to hate you."
"But I am an honorable man!"
"You are also a military officer. I paved the way for you. Marcella is going to despise you because you will remind her of me. Therefore, because you are going to have your hands more than full with an Italian mama with a temper, I will not stand in the way of your pursuit of my daughter, unless or until you hurt her. Then you will deal with a papa` with a temper. Are we clear, Captain?"
"Does that mean I can join you for lunch?"
"Are you buying?"
"I would be honored to buy, sir."
"There's something likable about you, Alex."
"Sir and Clayton, you cannot ask me how I know what I am about to tell you, but Harm is not dead."
Webb speaks with interest, "Really? Where is he then?"
"He has been kidnapped, Mr. Webb. I made inquiries of people I.trust."
"Thank you for your concern, Alex. You can wait outside with Lt. Roberts while Webb and I finish our business. When Francesca gets here, I'll let you buy me lunch while I leer at you."
"Leer at me? I thought you liked me."
"I can't let her see that. She'll dump you if she thinks I'm pushing this. Now, you need to leave."
Admiral Chegwidden smiles as he leaves the room.
"Webb, what do you think?"
"I think if he ever wants to come over, I'd like to have him. I also think he's smitten with your daughter. I'm wondering who his contact is in Russian Intel community. Finally, I'm wondering who within our Intel community leaked it to the Russians."
Chegwidden shivers.
"What?" Webb asks.
"I just had the thought of Russian grandchildren!"
Alex leaves the Admiral's office and heads for Bud's office as the elevator opens and Francesca Perretti exits. Alex ignores Bud's door and walks straight toward the elevator.
"Hello, pretty lady."
"Alex! What are you doing here?"
"I'm having lunch with you and your father."
"How did you manage that?"
"I said I'd buy."
Francesca laughs.
"I need to ask you for a huge favor."
"What?"
"Can you be my date for a formal dinner at my embassy tonight?"
"Alex, I can't. My flight leaves at 5:00."
"Change it to tomorrow, please."
"I have meetings at 9:00 tomorrow."
"Cancel the flight and I'll drive you tonight. We can be on the road by 2300 at the latest. You can sleep on the way to your apartment."
"When will you sleep?"
"Tomorrow, when my day is dark."
"Is that a Russian expression?"
"No, you are the only light that I need. When you are gone, my world is dark. Then I can sleep."
"You are a charmer, Alex."
Alex pulls her into an empty conference room and closes the door.
"Alex, what are we doing?"
"Just this." Alex takes Francesca into his arms and kisses her, tentatively at first, then with more passion.
Alex steps back as Francesca keep leaning in. He catches her as she stumbles. "Francesca, we do have a lunch date, a well-chaperoned lunch date. I think we should save the heavy breathing for later, don't you?'
"Italians are passionate, Alex."
"So I'm learning."
"One more?"
"Russians aim to please."
Alex takes her hands into his and intertwines his fingers with hers. He pulls her to him and gently kisses her as the door to the conference room opens.
"Oh, I'm sorry; I didn't realize this room was occupied." Harriet embarrassedly says.
"Who's in here?" Bud asks. "Oh, sorry! We just wanted a place to talk."
"Uh, we did too." Alex answered quickly. "We're having lunch with the Admiral and we needed to talk."
"Alex, you are Russian, right?"
Alex nods.
"And Francesca is Italian?"
Alex and Francesca both nod.
"So why were you speaking French?" Bud laughs as Alex and Francesca hurry out of the room.
Harriet backhands Bud's arm. Bud responds by pushing the door closed and gently pushing his pretty blond wife against it. He responds by doing a little United Nations negotiating of his own.
Harriet gasps, "Bud, at the office?"
"Something weird is in the air, Harriet. First Harm and Mac, then the Admiral and Meredith, now Alex and Francesca."
"In the spring, a man's thoughts turn to love. Don't mention Harm and Mac though, I still can't believe it."
"That's why I pulled you in here. They aren't dead. At least not yet."
"Not yet, Bud? Not yet? What do you mean?"
"They've been kidnapped. Webb and the Admiral said I could tell you, but you can't tell anyone."
"Oh, honey, that means they still have a chance. Who's going after them? Webb?"
"I wasn't cleared for that part. I just wanted you to stop grieving."
"You are a considerate, wonderful man, Bud Roberts."
This time it was Harriet backing Bud up against the door.
