Title: Coming Together IV: At Home
Author: DayDreamer
E-mail: elizden@knology.net
Rating: PG
Classification: Story
Category: S, R [Webb/Other, AJ/Other, Sturgis/Other]
Spoilers: none
Added: 10-02-02
AN: Oops. I said that the last story, Relationships Built, Part 3 was the last in the series but I have one more. This takes place Wed – Sat, following Clay's birthday dinner. Refer to the other stories in the Coming Together series for character info.
Summary: Elizabeth has surprise visitors from Jordan and she and Clay secretly marry. Harm takes steps to insure that Elizabeth wants to stay and pulls Mac and the others into his plan. AJ loves Mia, but doubts they should be together; Mia is way ahead of him, though. Meanwhile, Sturgis meets Jordan for the first time.
1100 hours
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
"Commander, what are you doing for lunch?" asked Elizabeth of Sturgis. They were working on a case together.
"Just grabbing a sandwich from the cafeteria. Why? You want to go over the case at lunch?"
"Yes, if that's okay."
"Elizabeth, I never discuss work over a meal. It's not good for digestion."
"Ok, we won't discuss the case, but I'm picking up research that you'll find interesting. Will you ride with me? I'll even pay for your sandwich and you can eat on the way?" Elizabeth said, cajoling him into agreeing.
"Alright, but remember you're buying," Sturgis conceded.
"Ok, I'll meet you in five minutes."
When she went to her office, Elizabeth called Jordan to let her know that she was on her way to pick up the material, but Jordan said that she was leaving for lunch in 15 minutes and asked her friend to join her. Elizabeth agreed and told Jordan that she was bringing someone with her.
1145 hours
The Italian
Washington, D.C.
Elizabeth and Sturgis arrived at the restaurant and the waiter escorted them to Jordan Wells' table. Elizabeth and Jordan hugged and Elizabeth introduced Sturgis.
"Jordan, this is Cmdr. Sturgis Turner. We're working on this case together. Sturgis, Jordan Wells. Jordan is a librarian…" Elizabeth stopped talking when she realized that neither of them was paying attention to her. They were only looking at each other.
Sturgis spoke first, after several seconds, "Hello, I'm Sturgis."
"Hello, Sturgis, I'm Jordan," Jordan replied.
"Here, let me get your chair." Sturgis seated Jordan and then took a seat himself.
Elizabeth smiled and said in a stage whisper, "That's okay, I can get my own seat."
Sturgis immediately jumped up and said, "I'm sorry, Elizabeth, I thought you were already seated."
"Oh, that's okay, Sturgis," she smiled while taking a seat. "So, Jordan, have you been waiting long?"
"All my life," said Jordan, then looked at Elizabeth wide-eyed as if she hadn't meant to say that aloud. "I mean, I arrived only moments before you. Why don't we order," she said grabbing a menu.
"Let me see, what should I have," Elizabeth said, looking sideways at Sturgis. "Sturgis, are you very hungry?"
"Yes," was all Sturgis said, looking at Jordan. Jordan looked up at that moment and saw him watching her.
"Does cardboard sound good?" Sturgis turned and gave her a blank look.
"You know, since I'm buying," said Elizabeth, teasing him for his lack of attention to her.
"Oh," he said, covering himself, "in that case, I'm starving and I'll have the lobster."
"The lobsters here are pretty big. Unless you're really hungry, you may want to order that at a dinner meal," Jordan told them.
Sturgis turned to Jordan and said, "I sort of have my palate set for lobster. But I confess, I'm not that hungry. Maybe I should eat a light lunch and have lobster for dinner. Will you join me?"
Elizabeth quickly looked up at Sturgis and smiled, surprised by his question. Sturgis was always the calm, rational lawyer that went by the books. She didn't expect spontaneity from him. She looked at Jordan and waited expectantly.
"I'd love to," Jordan replied without hesitation.
Elizabeth was ignored for pretty much the rest of the meal. She ate quietly, smiling the entire time as she watched them become acquainted. 'They're perfect for each other', she thought.
Near the end of their meal, Senator Bobbi Latham walked in with another lady friend. She saw Elizabeth and Sturgis and walked over to say hello.
Sturgis and Jordan were deep in conversation when Sturgis looked up and saw Bobbi approaching.
Surprised and looking a bit guilty, he stood and said, "Bobbi, hi."
"Hi, I didn't know you would be in the city or I would have met you for lunch."
"I accompanied Elizabeth to pick up material for a case we're working together. You remember Elizabeth?" Sturgis said.
"Yes, hello," Bobbi said to Elizabeth.
"Hello, Bobbi."
"And this is Jordan Wells. She's a librarian at the Library of Congress who specializes in legal research. She did research for the case Elizabeth and I are working on. Jordan, this is Senator Bobbi Latham."
"Hello, Senator Latham."
Bobbi said hello and introduced her fellow congresswoman, Congresswoman Evans. "Well, we would join you, but I can see that you're almost done. Sturgis, I'll talk to you later. Elizabeth, Jordan, it was good seeing you."
After exchanging good-byes, Bobbi Latham and her friend proceeded to their table. Elizabeth tried to think of something to say to get past the awkwardness, but Jordan took the lead and turned to Sturgis.
"Should we discuss how long you and the Senator have been dating over that lobster dinner?" She asked very politely, while looking Sturgis directly in the eyes.
Sturgis was caught off guard, but he recovered quickly enough and replied, "How about tonight?"
Jordan didn't expect that, but she agreed to go out with Sturgis that night. Afterwards, driving back to JAG, Elizabeth began talking to Sturgis.
"Jordan and I met long before I returned to the States. When I was in law school in Jordan, 10 years ago, she was my main contact at the Library whenever I needed research material. I eventually accumulated an extensive law library, but early on, the Library of Congress was a great resource. Jordan always sent the material I requested in a timely fashion and we communicated by email several times a month. We eventually became friends, though we had never met. She was my only American contact while I lived in Jordan, and one of the first people I looked up when I came back. How serious are you and Bobbi Latham, Sturgis?
Sturgis looked at Elizabeth and said, "Are you warning me off your friend, Elizabeth?"
They were at a stoplight near JAG and Elizabeth turned to look at him. "I value my friends, Sturgis. I'm asking you how serious are you and Bobbi Latham."
Sturgis looked back at her without replying for several seconds. Then he said, "Bobbi and I haven't discussed the seriousness of our relationship, so I don't think it's fair of me to discuss it with you now. I will say this, if I felt that it was serious enough that I shouldn't ask another woman out, I would not have asked Jordan to dinner. You don't have to be concerned for Jordan."
"I don't know Bobbi, but that doesn't mean I'm not concerned for her as well. Are you lonely, Sturgis?"
"Where did that come from?"
When she didn't answer, he said, "No, Elizabeth, I'm not lonely. Why do you ask."
Arriving at JAG and walking into the building, Elizabeth replied, "Because it's been my observation that when people are lonely they'll continue in a relationship, holding on to something that should have ended until someone else becomes a 'maybe'. They don't want to be alone."
They rode up in an empty elevator. Sturgis looked at Elizabeth and said, "That's not me."
"Then why did you ask another woman out when you're still in a relationship with Bobbi? You could have asked me for Jordan's number when you were no longer seeing Bobbi. You two aren't just casually dating; you've been seeing each other for months, or so I'm told."
"Elizabeth, do I have to tell you to mind your own business?"
"Yes, you do," Elizabeth immediately replied, not backing down.
"And Jordan is your business, right?"
"You are correct."
She had not been facing him, but she turned then and said, "Jordan won't ask me about you before tonight; she'll give you the benefit of the doubt. But she and I are alike in some ways, one of them being that neither of us likes to play the usual male/female games. And I don't just say that, Sturgis, this is no Sista mumbo-jumbo. You need to have a better response to the question I just asked you, because Jordan won't be shy about asking the same. And she doesn't deserve to get mixed up with a man who pretends he doesn't know what he's doing."
They had arrived at the bullpen, and passing Harm, Elizabeth said hi.
"Hey. Sturgis, how's the case?"
"The case is fine," said Sturgis abruptly. Without stopping, he followed Elizabeth into her office and closed the door. Harm looked after them, wondering why Sturgis was upset with Elizabeth.
"You said I needed to tell you to mind your own business, well I'm telling you. You don't know me that well so don't you presume to judge me. Whatever my relationship becomes with Jordan or Bobbi is none of your business. If Jordan wants to know about Bobbi she can ask me; I have nothing to hide. And hear this, because it's no Brotha mumbo-jumbo; I don't play games. If Jordan asks, she'll get the only explanation I have to give – the truth."
With that, Sturgis turned and walked out, leaving the door ajar. He hadn't raised his voice, but everyone could tell that the two of them had been arguing, including the Admiral who watched Sturgis angrily go into his office and close the door. He had never seen Sturgis that mad.
Elizabeth sat down and contemplated what he had said. She admitted that she had been out of line. She was protective of people she cared about, but she had been wrong to jump to conclusions about Sturgis. She went to his office to apologize.
"Come in," Sturgis said at the knock on his door. Upon seeing Elizabeth, he said, "Elizabeth, drop it, because I'm not in the mood."
She closed the door and told him, "You're right. I don't know you that well. I apologize. In my defense, let me say that I never thought of you as the kind of man who played games. Seeing Bobbi walk up after you had asked Jordan out threw me. Jordan can take care of herself, though."
She turned to go, but he stopped her.
"Wait." Sturgis let out a long sigh and sat down. Elizabeth waited, letting him gather his thoughts.
Sturgis waved to a chair, indicating she should sit. Sitting in one of the chairs facing his desk, Elizabeth looked at him and said, "You're in transition, aren't you?"
"What do you mean?"
"You don't know if you and Bobbi should continue seeing each other. And it has nothing to do with asking Jordan out."
"Or maybe asking Jordan out has everything to do with whether or not I should continue seeing Bobbi." Looking at her, he said, "You were right. I shouldn't have asked her out. I've been thinking about ending things with Bobbi, but it's been more a case of seeing less of each other, than a breakup. I guess your 'observation' hit a little too close to home."
"You met Jordan before you made a final decision."
"Exactly."
"What are you going to do?"
"First thing I'm going to do is ask you for Jordan's number. I'm going to cancel dinner tonight. And I'm going to call Bobbi and make plans for us to talk."
"Here's Jordan's number," Elizabeth said, writing it down for him. She gave him her work and home number.
"She'll know it's because you're involved with Bobbi Latham. What will you tell her? Better yet, what do you want me to tell her when she calls me?"
"I'll let you use your own judgement. I plan to tell her about Bobbi and that we're ending things."
"Ok." Elizabeth stood to go, opening the door.
"Elizabeth? Thanks." Elizabeth smiled at him and went back to her office.
Back in her office, she couldn't keep from smiling. She was happy and she wanted all of her friends to be happy. She and Clay were getting married Friday in a private ceremony at his mother's home. The two of them talked into the early morning hours last night when they had their first date. He told her about his life, being in the CIA, his mother and father. Elizabeth told him about herself. Clay had told her that he didn't want to announce their marriage for a while. He didn't think that it was a wise move, given his work. Being in his line of work, it was inevitable that he had enemies, enemies who would readily use Elizabeth against him. He didn't' want her to become another target because of him. Elizabeth had understood and assured him that she could handle it. They would live at Elizabeth's place, it was bigger and nicer, but Clay would continue to maintain his apartment, too.
Remembering the evening, she didn't know that her love for him showed on her face. The Admiral walked up to her door and was about to knock to get her attention when he noticed her expression. He smiled, then walked in without knocking, catching her off guard.
"Now I wonder what, or should I say who, put that look in your eyes?" he said, smiling at her.
"You know, I've noticed a different look in your eyes since yesterday, too, Admiral," she teased.
AJ sat down and tried to keep from smiling, but couldn't. It was obvious he was happy.
They sat smiling at each other, then Elizabeth said, "Admiral, can we take a walk?"
"I need to stick close to the phone; let's go into my office. But this is about you, not me."
"I'm not going to argue. I want to talk to you about something." Elizabeth wanted to tell him about her and Clay's plan to marry Friday because she wanted him there.
When they stepped out of Elizabeth's office, they were speaking quietly so Elizabeth didn't notice the hush that had fallen in the bullpen. Looking up, the Admiral saw what had caused the quietness. Harm, Mac, and Sturgis came over to them and AJ touched Elizabeth on the arm to get her attention. Seeing the soft smile on his face, Elizabeth looked around questioningly. Then she saw them. She caught her breath and stopped, tears immediately forming in her eyes.
Walking toward them was Clay, accompanied by King Amman Hussain of Jordan, Prince Raje Hussain, and Secretary of State Ramir Amani.
Elizabeth couldn't speak. She stepped forward and hugged the King, crying and smiling at the same time. "Elizabeth," the King said, clearly moved to see her again. "King … ," was all Elizabeth said, unable to say anything more. He hugged her back a long time, then kissed her on each cheek in a customary greeting.
She turned to Prince Raje and gave him a long hug. He smiled, not wanting to release her. "Raje, I've missed you."
"I've missed you as well," he said, kissing her cheeks.
When she tried to turn to Ramir, Prince Raje held on to her. Ramir stepped forward and pulled Elizabeth from his arms. "Let go of her, you young upstart," he said, joking with Raje.
Secretary Ramir bent and gave Elizabeth a long hug. Holding her to his side when they broke the embrace, he said "You have been greatly missed, Elizabeth."
"I've missed you very much," Elizabeth said, wiping tears from her cheeks. She had one arm around Ramir and Prince Raje objected.
"Oh, you take her from me so that she can stand next to you. Father, say something to him!" Raje said, pulling Elizabeth away from Ramir. Elizabeth laughed at them both, still unable to stop crying.
The King held out his hand, and Elizabeth smiled and stood beside him again. "My dear, you know how jealous those two get. You must stand with me or I'll have to send them both away."
"Oh, who are you kidding, Amman. You just want her next to you," said Ramir. Prince Raje followed with, "Yes, you are just taking advantage, Father."
"Such disrespect. Elizabeth, they have gotten much worse since your departure," said King Hussain, smiling down at her, but keeping her at his side.
They were very distinguished looking men, all tall and dark, very handsome. Ramir at 6'4'' was taller than the King and Prince by a couple of inches. There was a ten year age difference between the King (who was 55) and Sec. Ramir, as well as a ten year difference between Ramir and Prince Raje. Being so close in age, the three behaved as brothers, though there was never any disrespect on anyone's part. They were very good friends, and in private or when among friends, they ignored class structure.
Elizabeth looked at Clay and mouthed 'Thank you' while smiling through her tears. She loved him for surprising her.
Clay smiled back at her, happy because she was happy.
"Now, Elizabeth, introduce us to your friends," said the King.
Elizabeth turned to her friends, smiling and said, everyone I would like for you to meet Secretary of State Ramir Amani, Prince Raje Hussain, and King Amman Hussain of Jordan. Sir, this is Col. Sarah Mackenzie, Cmdr. Sturgis Turner, Cmdr. Harmon Rabb, and Adm. AJ Chegwidden.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, King Hussain, Prince, Mr. Secretary," said Adm. Chegwidden.
"It is also a pleasure to meet you Admiral. I have heard a great deal about you from our mutual friend, Mr. Webb," said King Hussain, shaking the Admiral's hand. He turned to the others and greeted them as well.
"Admiral," said Raje, then turning to the others, shook hands with them also. Ramir likewise greeted everyone.
"Sir, please, come into my office," AJ said, leading the way to his office. Everyone accompanied the Admiral to his office and the King sat, waving Elizabeth into the seat next to him.
"I'm afraid we can not stay, Admiral. We are due at your White House in an hour. We are here to visit Elizabeth," the King continued, smiling at Elizabeth, "but we must obey protocol. Politics, you understand."
"Indeed I do, sir," the Admiral said, giving the King a wry smile.
"But first, we wanted to see how Elizabeth has been," he said turning to her. "And how have you been?" queried the King, looking closely at her. Raje and Ramir were also watching her closely.
Elizabeth looked at them, and said, "I've been well, just missing all of you so much."
Speaking Arabic, the King said, "But it has not always been well, has it?"
Also speaking Arabic, Elizabeth looked down before replying; but meeting his gaze, she said, "No, not always. But I am doing much better. I like my job and I'm finally beginning to make a home for myself. I've made some friends."
"What has been the trouble?" asked Ramir in their language.
Elizabeth knew that she could share her feelings with them and be honest, "I guess I didn't fit in here at first. I like my job, but not everyone welcomes having a civilian attorney in their JAG office. And it has been lonely at times. Things have changed, though. Having friends has made a difference." Smiling at them she said, "and I have wonderful news to share with you, but at another time."
"Ah, now I wonder what that news could be," asked Ramir, he and Raje smiling at her.
Elizabeth smiled at them, without looking at Clay, and said, "I promise to tell you later."
Harm looked at Mac and raised his eyebrows, asking her what they were saying. The others looked to her, also, but Mac shook her head that she didn't know.
"Forgive our rudeness," Raje said, noticing the questioning looks.
"Yes, please forgive us," said the King, turning to the rest of the room. Standing he said, "We really must be going Admiral, but I would like to invite you and the Commanders and Colonel to dinner at my hotel tonight. I know that it is short notice but is 6:30 acceptable?"
"I can't speak for the others, but I would be happy to attend, sir," AJ said. The others agreed that they would attend also.
"Very well, I look forward to visiting with you all. Mr. Webb, will you join us?"
"Yes, sir."
"Good, let us go now." Turning to Elizabeth, he kissed her on both cheeks and turned to leave. Prince Raje and Sec. Ramir each kissed her goodbye and left with Clay.
Turning back to the room, Harm said, "Dinner with the King. I didn't see that coming. Smiling at Elizabeth he said, "So you had no idea that they were here?"
"No, I didn't. Admiral, did you know?"
"Yes," he smiled. "I got a call from Clay this morning saying that they would be here this afternoon. I had no idea you and Sturgis were leaving the building for lunch, but you made it back."
"You were speaking Arabic, weren't you?" asked Mac.
"Yes, we always speak Arabic. But usually Farsi with others. When I began learning Farsi, they insisted I learn Arabic as well."
"Mac speaks Farsi, too," Harm said.
"You do?" Elizabeth asked, surprised.
"Yes, my grandmother taught me."
"Hmm, I think we can have fun with that," Elizabeth said, grinning at Mac. The two of them laughed.
"Well, I better get back to work. Sturgis, I can finish the case reviews if you want to leave early tonight."
"What about you? Won't you need to leave early?"
Elizabeth looked at them, and shook her heard, "No, I won't be attending the dinner."
"What? Why not?" asked Harm.
"I wasn't invited."
"Surely the King meant you as well," said Sturgis.
"No, King Hussain is always precise in his wording."
Mac asked, "Why didn't he invite you?"
"I suppose he wants to give you all a chance to speak freely without me."
"What does he want to know?" asked Harm.
AJ answered that one, looking at Elizabeth. "Probably why she hasn't been completely happy here, apart from missing them, that is."
Elizabeth looked at the Admiral and said, "They're just protective, Admiral. Mainly, they'll want to get to know all of you. No doubt they have asked Clay about each of you, and now they want to form their own opinion. I wouldn't worry, though; they trust Clay, and that means they trust him to tell them the truth.
"I will warn you. The King is a very astute man. They all are. They'll expect you to be yourselves and be honest."
At that moment PO Tiner rang the Admiral.
"Sir, King Hussain is on line one."
AJ answered the phone and listened to the King for a minute, then said, "I'll let her know, sir." He hung up and told Elizabeth, "The King called to request that you also be in attendance tonight."
"He thought better of wasting a day without seeing her, didn't he?" said Harm, giving Elizabeth a crooked smile.
"That's my guess," said the Admiral, also smiling at her. "Well, we'd all better get busy since we're leaving early."
"Aye, sir," Harm and Sturgis said in unison.
"Yes, sir," said Mac.
"Admiral may I speak with you a moment?" Elizabeth asked as the others left.
"Of course, have a seat."
Elizabeth went to close the door, earning her an odd look from Harm and Mac. Taking a seat across from the Admiral, she shyly began.
"Admiral, I wanted to talk to you about me…me and Clay."
"Ah. So I haven't been wrong," he said smiling. "When's the wedding?"
"Friday."
AJ looked at her with a surprised smile on his face, "Are you serious?"
"Yes, I am," said Elizabeth, laughing with him.
"Have you two been dating behind my back?"
"No, sir, we haven't. I should begin at the beginning. Do you have time."
"Please do, I have plenty of time."
Elizabeth told him about their first meeting, the trip home, and their parting when Clay brought her to JAG that first day, the four-month agreement that they had. She ended by telling him of their talk the night before.
"We fell in love on sight. I don't' know how, but we both knew it. The last four months I guess was just time to be sure. You knew, Admiral. How?"
"Oh, just something in Clay's voice whenever he 'casually' asked about you. I've talked to him a lot in the past four months, much more that I usually do. He generally inquired about your well being, but I could tell he had a personal interest. And you, you always avoided talking about Clay at all."
Elizabeth laughed, knowing the many times she forced herself not to think about Clay.
"But the dinner party cinched it. The way he looked at you when you first arrived. The way you looked the moment you noticed him for the first time that night. But tell me about the wedding."
"It's not really a wedding. We're going to be married at his mother's home. Just the minister, Porter and you. That's what I wanted to talk to you about. Will you come, Admiral?"
"Of course."
"We've decided not to announce that we're getting married, or seeing each other. Clay doesn't think it's a good idea, and the fewer people that know, the better."
"I hate to say it, but he's probably right. He's in the thick of things right now, and someone could try to get to you in order to get to him. Or vice versa."
"Yes, and I agree. I don't want him worrying about me. But also, working for the State Department, my instincts say we need to keep our relationship separate from our respective jobs. I don't think everyone at the Agency or at State would understand that, so I would rather they not know."
"Elizabeth, I guarantee you they won't understand. I think the two of you are making the right decision."
"Thanks, Admiral. So, 1:00, Friday?"
"I wouldn't miss it."
"Oh, by the way, since we're not making bible study tonight, next Wednesday?"
"Yes, we can go then," AJ said. He hadn't forgotten that he had agreed to go to bible study with her tonight, and church and Sunday School come Sunday.
1820 hours
Embassy Hotel
Washington, D.C.
King Hussain's suite
Everyone had arrived and they were all sitting down to a gourmet dinner. The King's suite was fit for royalty, no doubt, and the hotel staff catered to them. The suite was like a small home housed in a hotel. Four bedrooms, a kitchen, a formal dining room, large living room, a smaller den, two offices, and two bathrooms. The dinner was great and the King engaged them all in conversation. Prince Raje and Sec. Ramir also talked at length with each of them in turn. Elizabeth and Clay were the only ones not doing much talking. They spent the evening communicating in a different way. After the meal was over, everyone retired to the living room where they chatted. The three Jordanians wanted to know about their lives as well as about JAG. They were very familiar with American military law, thanks to Elizabeth, and the JAG group was very impressed with their knowledge. They talked freely with the men as if they had known them a long time.
During the evening, each man took time to speak with Elizabeth apart from the others. First, Raje and Elizabeth sat across the room from the others talking (in Arabic) and laughing together, catching up. Next followed Ramir, and lastly, the King. She had a unique relationship with each of them, as well as a collective friendship. It was getting late when the King and the Elizabeth rejoined the rest of the group.
"Elizabeth, tell us about your home," said Raje.
Elizabeth looked at him, trying to avoid an answer, but she knew that was useless. "It's nice, two bedrooms, two baths, large living area, kitchen, and a library."
"What?" said Harm. Mac and Sturgis looked at her open-mouthed as well. "Where on earth do you live?"
"You do not know where she lives?" asked Ramir. "Why don't you know this?"
Harm looked at Elizabeth, then turned to Ramir and said, "She's never invited me over, sir."
"Harm!" Elizabeth said, laughing at him.
"Why haven't you invited your friends to your home, Elizabeth?" asked the King.
"No special reason, I just haven't."
Standing the King said, "Come, we must see your home."
Elizabeth looked at him and said, "But..but..I haven't unpacked."
"What do you mean."
"I never got around to unpacking."
"Anything?" asked Raje.
She shook her head, no.
"Elizabeth, you don't mean to say you haven't unpacked any of your things that we shipped you, do you?"
She shook her head yes.
The three of them looked at each other and then the King said again, "Come, we're going to see this for ourselves."
"Now? But..but..there's nothing to see. My apartment isn't even furnished."
"No furniture! Elizabeth, take us to your apartment," King Hussain told her.
"King, you really … " she began, but Raje interrupted her.
"You do not wish to invite us to your home?"
"No! I mean, of course you can come to my home. I just thought I should warn you."
"We are warned. Come everyone, we are going to Elizabeth's home. Ramir, ring for the driver. We can all ride together," ordered the King.
"Sir, being that it's so late, perhaps we should drive our vehicles and leave from Elizabeth's going home," AJ told him.
Checking the wall clock, King Hussain said that he did not realize it was almost 11pm. But yes, it was a good idea for them to drive their own vehicles. So they left the hotel and drove to Elizabeth's place.
2330 hours
Watertown Apartments
Elizabeth's residence
Outside the door of her apartment, Elizabeth warned them again that she hadn't unpacked or bought furniture.
"Open the door, please, Elizabeth," Ramir said patiently.
They all filed into the apartment, and then stopped. AJ, Mac, Harm, and Sturgis looked on in disbelief, wondering why she hadn't unpacked anything.
"Were you not planning to stay?" asked Harm in a serious voice.
"I planned to stay. I just wasn't ready to unpack," Elizabeth said quietly. She couldn't explain, but the look he gave her said that he understood. He squeezed her shoulder instead, and then looked around with the others.
It was a nice apartment, and big. They knew that it must be costing her a lot to live there. Elizabeth enjoyed a very good salary, but she had money when she moved back to the States. The King had been very generous in paying her the eight and a half years she lived in Jordan working for him. She had practically no expenses, so she had very wisely invested most of her salary and had done extremely well. She was actually quite rich by most standards. She didn't flaunt her wealth, though. She lived comfortably, but not at all lavishly. She attributed her wealth to being a blessing from God.
Ramir came from her bedroom and said, "Elizabeth, you have not even unpacked your bedroom furnishings!"
"You packed my bedroom?"
"Of course," they said together.
They began opening boxes and pulling out different items. Elizabeth had so many beautiful things, all gifts from the three of them. They began placing some of the items around the room, in bookshelves, on the mantle.
"Elizabeth, you really must unpack," said the King. He, too, opened boxes and pulled out items. "Ah, here are your journals. We missed reading them."
"You read my journal?"
"Of course," they said in unison, as if it were natural for them to do so.
"Of course," Elizabeth said, shaking her head and smiling at them. They pulled out items, telling everyone the history behind the gifts, whether it was a birthday present, a reward, a special thank you.
Harm and the others looked into the boxes as well since the three of them were showing off her things. They looked at Elizabeth, never seeing her so happy before. Clay stood leaning against the back of the sofa next to AJ and watched her, a soft look on his face. He was glad he had kept the secret, although he almost told her last night when she had been so sad after her sofa was delivered. Watching her now, he knew it must have been really hard on her, leaving them. He had not seen them interact before. He had one more surprise for her; the King, Raje and Ramir would be there for their marriage.
At one point Ramir pulled out a large 4" gem the color of a ruby.
"Ramir, you packed this," Elizabeth exclaimed, accepting the stone from him. She held it up to the light, looking through it. "I used to hold this up to the sun at the window in my room and watch the play of the light, the reflections dancing about the walls," Elizabeth said with a broad smile.
"We know," said Prince Raje and King Hussain, dryly.
They gave Ramir a disgusted look and Raje said, "You spoil her."
Ramir merely smiled, pleased that she still enjoyed the stone.
"I am going to place it here in the crystal holder that you gave me," said Elizabeth, indicating a spot on the mantel. "At the right time of the day, the sun will hit it and bath the room in warm color. I'll have to find the right pedestal."
Raje pulled out a large portfolio holder and opened it to reveal an oblong, beautifully decorated map. The map had gilded edges as well as the lettering, and it was a pictorial history of Jordan. The country hadn't changed much in over two hundred years, so it was still quite accurate. Elizabeth smiled and quickly walked over to him. "Raje, you shipped this with the rest? My God, it is still beautiful. I traveled the country with a picture of this map in my mind. It's what made me want to explore every inch of Jordan." Raje smiled broadly, knowing how much she loved the map and traveling in their country.
Ramir stood beside King Hussain with his arms folded and said to Raje, "Now look who spoils her. You paid the artist very handsomely to paint that map." Raje ignored them and turned back to Elizabeth.
"Raje, I'm going to have this sealed in glass and mounted on its own stand. It will be the focal point of the room."
King Hussain turned and lifted a carefully wrapped box from one of the shipping boxes. Removing the wrapping, he revealed a delicate, but large jewelry box. The box was made of gold and artfully crafted by hand. Opening the box, it played soft music. Elizabeth spun around, open-mouthed when she heard the music. She went and hugged the King, listening to the music with her arm around him. The jewelry box was beautiful. The inside of the lid had a hand-carved picture of Elizabeth, the King, Prince Raje, and Sec. Ramir, carved with the greatest of detail. The original picture had been coated and sealed into the bottom of the box. Elizabeth silently cried, remembering the last time she had listened to the music.
"I fell asleep in the early morning hours to the music playing from my jewelry box my last night in Jordan," she told them.
"We know," they said together, smiling softly at her.
King Hussain gave her the box and Elizabeth held on to it. She didn't have to tell them were she would place it; she had kept it near her bed in Jordan, and they knew she would do the same here.
"It is a pity we can no longer give you gifts," said Ramir.
"She could always quit working for her State Department and return to Jordan," said Prince Raje.
The King said, "I do not think she is going to do that. Are you?"
Elizabeth smiled, knowing Clay must have told them about them. "No, I will stay here."
"That is good. You know that you may return, though, anytime you wish?"
"Thank you. I do know that," she said, hugging him.
"Does your visit mean that the threat has been dealt with?" asked Elizabeth.
"Yes, we have taken care of the guilty parties, with Mr. Webb's help."
"What threat," asked Mac and Harm at the same time.
"Is that why she had to leave Jordan? We thought it was a fallout from 9/11, though it was a year after the fact," said Sturgis. AJ remained silent, knowing the truth already.
"Elizabeth's life had been threatened by a group of people hoping to cause trouble between the U.S. and Jordan. It has taken us this long to identify all of those involved and to learn of their agendas. We needed to discover if the group was linked to the terrorist activities of 9/11, but so far it doesn't look like it," said Clay.
King Hussain looked at Clay and had even greater respect for him. He had answered their question without painting the Jordan government or the King's household in a bad light. The Prince and Ramir also thought highly of Clay. They were no longer concerned that he would love and protect Elizabeth. They supported the relationship completely.
"We had no idea," said Harm, looking at Elizabeth. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"I was out of danger. Clay had someone watching every step I took," Elizabeth said to Harm, appreciating his concern.
Ramir turned to Clay and said, "You were not to let her know that, Clay."
"That is correct. Why did you involve her?" asked Raje, both of them instantly upset with Clay.
"He didn't' tell me; I figured that out myself."
"If you detected your bodyguards then they must not have been professionals. Who did you have looking after her, Mr. Webb?" asked the King, giving Clay a hard look.
"I had the best. She is more observant than you realize," Clay replied, smiling at Elizabeth and not at all defensive.
"You didn't tell me, who do you think was watching you?" asked Clay.
"Let's see, there's my neighbor across the hall. He and I always seem to come and go at the same time. And if I forget something, he just happens to have to check under his hood or get something out of his trunk until after I pull away. The telephone repair man. He's up that pole every few days, sometimes he's just sitting in his van, writing. Other times he's in other maintenance vehicles or delivery trucks. When I work out, there's a woman that's only there the days that I go in. We have to sign in so one day I checked her signature. Looking at past days, I noticed that she only came in on days that I came in. When I jog, there are two men, one stays about 30 feet in front of me, the other about 30 feet behind me. The custodian at JAG, never really busy, just looks busy. The Marine sergeant, he has a job, but he's never far from me. And last," she said, turning to AJ, "is Gunnery Sergeant Hill. He never leaves the building before I do, pays particular attention to clients asking to see me, and verifies my schedule without me asking. He doesn't do that for everyone. I think I mentioned the delivery man."
Clay looked at her, again stunned that she knew so much.
"You knew about all of them? How?"
"Spatial relationships. I notice patterns, repetitive behavior."
"Yes, she does. We should have warned you, Clay," said Ramir, smiling proudly at her.
"I'm probably slightly obsessive/compulsive by nature," Elizabeth said apologetically. "Stick me in a room with a tiled floor and I have to avoid looking down, or keep my eyes closed," she joked. Clay just shook his head and smiled.
"It is not your fault she discovered your people. We were negligent in warning you," said King Hussain.
The group talked a while longer before preparing to leave. She was to spend the evening with the three of them tomorrow because they were leaving Friday evening. Elizabeth was happy they would be there to see her and Clay married.
1600 hours
JAG Headquarters
Friday afternoon
Clay and Elizabeth were married Friday afternoon at the Webb estate with the Admiral, Porter Webb, and the three dignitaries from Jordan in attendance. The King and his men had to leave immediately following the ceremony. The Admiral returned to work with a smile on his face, earning him questioning looks from many of his staff. Clay and Elizabeth spent the rest of the day at Elizabeth's place, their new home together.
"Sir, did you enjoy your lunch," Col. Mackenzie asked the Admiral when they were in the breakroom getting a cup of coffee.
AJ smiled at Mac and said, "Yes, Colonel, I did very much."
"How is Meredith these days, sir?"
"Excuse me?" asked the Admiral.
"Meredith. I was wondering how she was. Oh, you didn't have lunch together! I'm sorry, Admiral. You took a late lunch and I thought you were smiling because… Never mind, sir," Mac finished, embarrassed.
AJ watched her go. Meredith. He decided that he needed to clear things up with her. He knew that even if he and Mia didn't stay together, he couldn't continue his relationship with Meredith. He loved Mia. They had lunched together Tuesday and yesterday and had dinner at his place both evenings. He would have dined with her Wednesday but he wanted to stay near the office, waiting for Clay and the King of Jordan. AJ told Mia all about his life, his daughter, and even about Francesca's mother. Mia shared stories about growing up in New Mexico, her family, and her plans for the future. Everything between them was happening so fast. AJ wanted to slow it down, give Mia a chance to know for sure that he was whom she wanted. But Mia wasn't the least bit unsure; AJ harbored all the insecurities. Today was Friday and would have been her last night in Washington. AJ asked her if she had to return Saturday, so she decided to stay until Monday, catching an early flight back to New Mexico Monday morning. She checked out of the hotel today and would be staying in AJ's guestroom. AJ checked his watch. Her last meeting was over at 2:30, so she should be at his home by now. He went to his office to call her.
"Mia, its AJ. Are you there?"
Mia smiled and picked up the phone. "AJ, I'm here."
"Hi, what are you doing?"
"Oh, nothing. I've just been looking around. You know, you have a cozy home."
"Cozy, huh," he said smiling. "It's never been cozier than since you arrived."
"How can you say that; you're not here?" she smiled.
"I just know." AJ paused before continuing in a serious voice. "Mia, I have to do something tonight. I'm going to be later that I planned; I don't know how long it will take."
"Alright, AJ. You're going to see Ms. Cavanaugh, aren't you?"
"Yes. How did you know?"
"You asked me to stay the weekend. I know you're not the type of man to lead a woman on, so I knew you would talk to her this week."
"I love you, you know that?"
"I always like hearing it. Are you good at breaking up, AJ?"
"I don't know, I haven't had much practice."
"Take my advice. Don't pretend a regret you don't feel, she won't believe you; you are the one breaking up with her, after all. And don't let on you know it hurts her, even if you see her pain. She won't want you to know. Don't talk it out and don't linger. And AJ, if you don't know her well enough to know how she'll react, choose a public place."
"I'll keep what you've said in mind. Have you had a lot of experience breaking up?"
"No."
AJ smiled into the phone, saying "Bye, Mia."
"Bye, AJ. I love you."
AJ sat staring into space for a while. His thought about how his heart always skips a beat whenever he hears her voice. Leaning his head back, he gave a long sigh, wondering if he was doing the right thing. He loved Mia and he didn't want to let her go. But he had to ask himself if he was being selfish, if he was preparing to ruin her life. But he didn't have the strength to back off. He needed her and he never thought of himself as needing anyone. In just four days together he couldn't imagine his life going back to the way it was. He wanted Mia in it, and permanently. He was alive with her. And she loved him, he was sure of that. But maybe it wouldn't last. She could fall in love with someone else, someone more suitable. Face it man, he told himself, she should be with someone closer to her age. She was young, beautiful, building a career, ready to start a family. And he wanted to be with her through it all.
1610 hours
Adm. Chegwidden's residence
McLean, Virginia
Mia stood holding the phone for a moment before placing it back in its cradle. She had given AJ that advice because she knew he was having doubts about them. They were wonderful together, but he thought she should be with someone younger. She saw it in his eyes just as easily as she saw his love. Right now he was holding on, but when she returned to New Mexico he would try to let her go. She smiled to herself. Because she knew he loved her she wasn't going to let him go. She wasn't going to let his fears get out of hand, either, but bring them out in the open so they could address them together. She picked up the phone and called the airline. She made reservations to fly from New Mexico to Washington in four weeks. Her next call was to her mother. She had confided in her mother about her feelings for AJ last year. Mr. and Mrs. Galindez, as well as her uncle, all knew why she had come to Washington. It was time to give them an update.
Speaking Spanish into the phone, Mia said, "Hi, Mom."
"Mia! I've been waiting for your call. Honey, how did it go?" her mother asked, concern in her voice. She and her father thought that it must not have gone well since Mia did not call all week.
With a smile in her voice, Mia said, "He loves me, Mom. He's felt the same way I have for the last four years."
"Baby, I'm happy for you. Your father is coming in. Ben, its Mia. She says he loves her." Speaking into the phone again, "Here's your Dad."
"Dad, hi."
"Maria, your Mom tells me he loves you?"
"Yes, Poppy."
"Well, when are you bringing him home?"
Laughing softly at his fatherly demand she said, "We haven't talked about that yet." Then she said, "He's a little scared, Dad. I think he's going to try to pull away when I leave."
"What's wrong?"
"My age."
"From what you and Victor have told me about him, I'm not surprised he would be concerned about that. And frankly, if he wasn't, that would tell me right off that you shouldn't be with him. He doesn't think you're not mature enough, does he?"
"No, no, it's not that. I think he's just afraid I should be with someone younger. I'm not going to give up on him, Dad. I may need your help."
"Mia, if you're sure he's the man for you, I want to do what I can. But I have to tell you this. If I meet him and I don't think you should be with him, I won't stand in your way, but I won't be happy about the choice you're making. Don't ask me to do something I believe is wrong. But I trust you to know your own heart."
"Thanks, Poppy. I love you. Tell Mom I said bye."
"I love you, too, sweetheart. Bye."
1630 hours
JAG Headquarters
Harm had been thinking about Elizabeth most of the day. She had come in for a couple of hours that morning, taking the rest of the day off to visit with the King before they returned to Jordan. Harm kept thinking about her apartment, how she hadn't unpacked. He asked her when he saw her in the breakroom if she had done any unpacking yesterday and she had said no. It bothered him a lot knowing that she had been here four months in an empty apartment. He felt partially to blame for her not being happy enough to want to stay. Truth was, he was a little afraid that she would decide to return to Jordan. He didn't want that to happen, she had become important to him. He made a quick decision and went to search out Mac and Sturgis. Once he found them, they all headed to the Admiral's office.
"Enter." AJ said at Harm's knock, turning around to face them. He had been standing looking out the window.
"Admiral, sir, may I talk to you a moment?" asked Harm.
"Come on in, Commander. What's on your mind? Colonel? Commander?"
Mac and Sturgis shook their heads at his question. "I don't know, Admiral. Harm asked us to follow him into your office."
"Harm?" asked the Admiral.
"Admiral, I was thinking about Elizabeth. I spoke to her this morning and asked her if she had done any unpacking. She hasn't. Since the King and everyone left already, I was thinking she's probably feeling pretty bad right now. I thought maybe we could grab take-out and go over and help her unpack some things? That's if no one has plans."
AJ looked at him, trying desperately to hold back a grin. He could imagine the looks on Clay and Elizabeth's faces if they showed up unexpectedly.
"That sounds good to me, Harm, I don't have plans," said Mac.
Sturgis told him, "You can count me in, if I can bring someone along."
"You have a date?" asked Harm.
"Yes, but I know she won't mind joining in."
"Yes, bring Bobbi along, Sturgis. It will give her a chance to get to know Elizabeth," Mac said, smiling at him.
Sturgis looked a little embarrassed and looked down before answering with, "Actually, my date is with Jordan Wells."
"Jordan?!" said Mac and Harm, looking at Sturgis in surprise.
"Yes, Jordan."
"Does Bobbi know?" asked Mac.
"Bobbi and I aren't dating anymore."
Mac looked from Sturgis to Harm, who looked just as surprised as she did. Finally she said, "When did all this happen?"
"Don't look at me, Mac. He didn't tell me anything," said Harm at Mac's accusing look. Mac swung her eyes to AJ and he hunched his shoulders.
"No one tells me anything," Mac said. Harm and AJ grinned behind her back.
"How do you even know Jordan, Sturgis?" Mac wanted to know.
"Elizabeth introduced us at lunch Wednesday."
"Elizabeth introduced you? Didn't she know you were dating Bobbi?"
"Colonel, can we get back to the subject at hand," said Sturgis, giving her a 'patient' look.
AJ and Harm laughed at the look Mac gave Sturgis, then AJ said, "Harm, you have a good idea, but I think we should wait, maybe until tomorrow morning. Give her some time to herself tonight?"
"But, Admiral, she's probably sitting in that empty apartment all alone feeling like she doesn't have a friend in the world. I don't think she needs to be alone. I feel like we should have done more to welcome her when she first arrived. Maybe her apartment would be furnished by now."
AJ was fast trying to think of a way to talk Harm out of going over to Elizabeth's place tonight. "Maybe you're right. I had plans tonight, but I can cancel them. You know, Webb will probably want to help, too. Let me give him a call." AJ dialed Clay's cell phone, putting him on speaker.
"Webb."
"Hey, Clay. AJ here. I've got Harm, Mac, and Sturgis in my office. Harm has an idea."
"Hey, Clay. I was thinking that we could all grab take-out this evening and go over to Elizabeth's place and help her unpack. She's probably feeling pretty bad right now, since the King and everyone have left for Jordan. I don't think she should be alone. You want to join us?"
There was silence on the other end.
"Webb?"
"Uh, uh, I'm here. Sorry, I got distracted for a moment. Yes, that sounds like a good idea. Unfortunately, I can't go tonight. Uh, how about tomorrow morning? We could all show up there bright and early, surprise her."
AJ covered his mouth with his hand to hide a grin.
"Maybe you're right. The Admiral and Sturgis were going to have to change their plans tonight, anyway. I'll just give her a call and see how she's doing. So, are we okay with tomorrow morning?"
"Sure," they all agreed.
"Uh, what time tomorrow?" asked Clay.
"I know Elizabeth is an early riser, so how about 7:30? That okay with everyone?" asked Harm.
They all agreed to meet at Elizabeth's at 7:30 Saturday morning, planning to be there all morning. They knew the large crates contained her law library so it would take them a while just to get the library set up.
After they left his office, AJ called Clay back.
"Thanks, AJ," laughed Clay.
"You're welcome; I tried to talk him out of it but he had his mind set that Elizabeth shouldn't be alone this evening. You'd better warn her that he plans to call. He may even show up if he thinks she's depressed."
"I'll let her know."
"Are you going to tell her about us coming tomorrow morning?"
"No, I think I'll let that be a surprise. I'll conveniently leave early to run an errand or something and come back at 7:30."
They laughed together and then hung up.
AJ decided to take Mia with him to Elizabeth's in the morning if she wanted to go. But he wasn't going to tell the Colonel ahead of time. Especially since he was on his way to break things off with Meredith.
1650 hours
Watertown Apartments
Elizabeth and Clay's place
"Hi," said Elizabeth, kissing Clay. She had been in shower when the first call came, but had heard the last ring of his cell phone when AJ called back.
"Hi, yourself," he said, pulling her to him to deepen the kiss. Clay looked down at her, smiling as she smiled back at him. His wife. His heart did summersaults just thinking it. "AJ just called to tell me Harm is worried about you being alone and depressed over the King's leaving. He plans to give you a call."
Elizabeth smiled at that, "I should have known he would worry."
"The two of you have grown close, haven't you? He cares a lot about you."
"Yes, we had a rough start, but we've become good friends. You're not worried are you?"
"No."
"Thanks."
"For what?"
"For not being worried."
"Most women would want a man to be a little worried or jealous."
"I'm not most women. And jealousy is not of God. Why would I want to see it in my husband?" she asked, kissing him again.
"We're going to talk."
"About what?"
"Your faith. I want to know what you know?"
"Right now?"
"No, not right now," Clay said, picking her up and carrying her back to bed.
0725 hours
Watertown Apartments,
parking garage
Harm and Mac pulled into the garage at the same time that Sturgis and Jordan arrived. Harm had picked Mac up on the way. They all exchanged 'good mornings'.
"Hi, Jordan," said Mac and Harm, smiling at her.
"So, Jordan, when did you two start dating?" asked Mac, giving Sturgis a defiant look.
"Colonel, isn't it a bit early to start drilling Jordan?" interjected Sturgis.
"Jordan is a friend of mine, unlike some people."
Jordan laughed at them, but said, "Last night was our first date."
"Don't tell her anything else, Jordan, or you'll regret it."
Clay arrived and walked over to them, saving Jordan from replying.
"'Morning, everyone."
"Good morning, Clay," Sturgis said. "Do you know Jordan?"
"No, I don't believe we've met, but you look familiar."
"We've not formally met, but I do know who you are. I've done research for you at the Library," Jordan said.
With a look of recognition, Clay said, "That's right! You work at the Library of Congress. It's nice to meet you."
"She and Sturgis are dating," Mac said, smiling smugly at Sturgis.
"Oh, I didn't know that," Clay laughed, catching the trying look Sturgis gave Mac.
"Clay, just ignore Mac, I'm trying to. Jordan and Elizabeth are old friends," Sturgis told him.
"You are?"
"Yes, I did a lot of research for Elizabeth when she lived in Jordan. We became friends via email. I was so surprised when she walked into the Library four months ago. I had no idea she was returning to the States. Sturgis told me that she hadn't unpacked, and I felt so bad. We haven't gotten together much except over lunch and I just assumed she was all settled in."
"I think we all assumed that," Clay said.
"Hey, where's the Admiral," asked Mac.
"Oh, the Admiral called and said he would be a few minutes late and not to wait for him. So we can go on up," Harm told them.
They took the elevator to Elizabeth's floor. Clay knew that she was up already. He had woken first and just watched her sleeping in his arms. He loved her so much. He had woken her and made love to her again. They had talked quietly afterwards before Clay told her that he was going to run out and get a newspaper and coffee. Elizabeth didn't drink coffee so she had none in the house. While he showered, alone that time, she changed the linen and made the bed. She had been in the shower when he left 20 minutes ago.
Elizabeth heard the doorbell ring and smiled, thinking Clay must have forgotten his key. She opened the door and looked at everyone in wide-eyed surprise. She had been prepared to tease Clay. She saw him the next instant and stumbled over something to say.
"Hi," was all she managed, too surprised to think of anything else.
"Good morning, Elizabeth. We are your official unpacking crew. When we're done, no box will be left unopened, no picture left unhung, no knick-knack left unshelved. Step aside," Harm firmly told her.
Elizabeth laughed and let them in.
"What are you all doing? It's barely light outside."
"We wanted to get an early start," said Mac.
"I was drafted last night," said Jordan, giving her a hug. "I had no idea you hadn't unpacked. And girlfriend, when are you going to buy furniture?"
"I don't know," Elizabeth said smiling at them. "I've looked around, just couldn't ever bring myself to buy anything – except the sofa, last week."
"You're not going back, Elizabeth, I won't let you. So you might as well get busy furniture shopping," Harm told her, pulling her to him and giving her a hug.
She smiled up at him, saying, "I think I can do that now."
"Alright, tell us what's what," said Mac.
"Oh my gosh, were do I begin? Those three large crates are my library. I guess we could start with those. But, can I get you all something to drink? I only have orange juice and soy milk, but I can go get something."
"Why don't we all go out for breakfast in a couple of hours?" said Clay sharing a brief look with his wife.
"That sounds good," said Jordan.
"Yea, it does."
"By the way, the Admiral is on his way, too," Harm told her as he opened the latches on one of the crates.
"Guys, you didn't have to do this. Thanks."
"It was Harm's idea, but we wanted to help, too," said Sturgis.
At that moment the doorbell rang, and Clay said that he would get it. She smiled at her husband, knowing he had been in on the surprise. He opened the door to the Admiral and Mia Galindez.
"AJ, hi."
"Hey, Clay. We're not too late I hope."
"No, we all just arrived. Come on in."
'We?' mouthed Mac to Harm. She looked around Harms shoulder to see if the Admiral had brought Meredith with him. It wasn't Meredith.
AJ walked in with Mia. Everyone, except Elizabeth, stared at them in wide-eyed surprise.
"'Morning, Admiral," said Harm with a curious look.
"Morning, sir."
"Admiral."
"Good morning, everyone," said AJ, turning to introduce Mia. But Elizabeth greeted her first.
Smiling broadly at the Admiral, Elizabeth walked over to greet them. "Mia! Hi. They got you in on this, too?"
"Hi, Elizabeth. AJ told me the plans yesterday; I'm happy to help," Mia said, sharing a secret smile with Elizabeth. She knew Elizabeth wanted to know about the night she sent Mia to AJ's home because AJ had told her how Elizabeth had tried to get it out of him.
"Good morning, Admiral," Elizabeth said, smiling at him.
"Elizabeth," he said, trying not to smile. Turning to Mia, he introduced her to everyone.
"Mia, let me introduce you. Col. Sarah Mackenzie, Clayton Webb, Cmdr. Harmon Rabb, Cmdr. Sturgis Turner, and Jordan Wells. Everyone, this is Mia Galindez."
"It's Harm," Harm said, shaking her hand. "Galindez? Any relation to Gunny?"
"Mia is Gunny's sister. She was my fishing guide when I went to New Mexico a few years ago. She's been in town for the judges convention."
"Oh yea? How is Gunny?" Harm asked, still as curious as everyone else about Mia being with the Admiral.
"It's nice to meet you, Harm. Victor is as well as can be expected. He's still in Afghanistan," Mia replied.
"Hello, Mia, and it's Mac."
"Nice to meet you, Mac."
"Sturgis, Mia. It's nice to meet you. I don't know your brother but I've heard a lot about him."
"Hello, Sturgis."
Jordan and Clay said hello as well.
"How do you two know each other?" asked Harm, looking from Elizabeth to Mia.
"I met Elizabeth Monday night. I stopped by JAG to see AJ, but he had already left for the evening. I met Elizabeth at the security desk as she was leaving and she gave me directions to AJ's home."
"She did?" said Mac, giving Elizabeth a knowing look. Elizabeth innocently smiled back at Mac and turned to AJ. Mac immediately remembered that the Admiral had had a date with Meredith that night. And Elizabeth had sent Mia over there.
AJ said, "Yes, and I was very happy she did."
'Ooh', thought everyone. They were quickly putting two and two together and knew that Mia had been AJ's 'plans' yesterday evening. And the fact that she was here so early in the morning with him meant that it had been a date.
Mac, Harm, and Sturgis were also wondering 'what happened to Meredith?' Not that they were complaining. Mia was a obviously their age, very pretty with black, naturally curly hair; but she had intelligent eyes and just seemed right with the Admiral. And he did look happy.
They finally got down to work unpacking Elizabeth's things, beginning with the library. Elizabeth had an extensive law library, including volumes covering Jordan law. They also discovered that she had tons of language materials for learning Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, Korean, French, and Russian.
"Elizabeth, are you learning all of these languages?" asked Sturgis.
"No, just Japanese and French right now. But I should be fluent in about a year."
"Fluent? Are you learning them at the same time?" asked Harm.
"Yes. Although, I don't have anyone to talk to anymore. King Hussain and I usually practiced speaking with each other."
"Which language are you going to learn next," asked Clay.
"I don't think I'll take on learning any more for a while."
"But you have study books and tapes for all of these other languages already."
Elizabeth looked up at Clay, a little surprised. She slowly smiled at him.
The lightbulb went off for Clay and he shook his head, not believing what he was thinking.
"You're not telling me you speak Chinese, Russian, Spanish, and Korean are you?" he asked incredulously.
Elizabeth laughed at his amazement, shaking her head 'yes'.
"Fluently!?"
Again she shook her head yes. Everyone else was shocked, also.
"What's the matter, Clay. Didn't your intelligence report reveal that?" asked AJ, teasing him.
"AJ, you're not suggesting that I had Elizabeth checked out, are you?" asked Clay, in mock defensiveness. He turned back to Elizabeth giving her a warm smile. His wife was incredible.
"How did you learn so many languages? And are you fluent in all of them?" asked AJ. He knew that her personnel file only indicated she was fluent in Farsi and Arabic.
"King Hussain, Raje and Ramir were all fluent in four languages and when I began learning Farsi and Arabic, the King and I also studied Russian and Chinese at the same time. We taught Ramir and Raje as we learned. It became something that we just did together. Amman already knew Russian so he mainly learned Chinese. After I became fluent in those four, I tackled Spanish and Korean on my own."
"But how do you learn them all at the same time," asked Mac. "I speak Farsi and Russian, but I didn't learn them at the same time."
"Remember I said I notice patterns, relationships? I think that makes it easy for me to learn different languages. It simply becomes a challenge to discover the patterns."
"I am impressed," Clay said, smiling at her.
"So, just what did your intelligence report say, Clay?" Elizabeth asked him, not believing for a minute that he hadn't done a security check on her.
"Arabic and Farsi. How is it we didn't know about the other languages?"
"Well, I never really spoke the others in public. Just with King Hussain, Raje, and Ramir. After I learned Farsi and Arabic, we began alternating which language we would speak for the day, but only at home among ourselves."
"You'll have to teach me," said Clay before he could catch himself.
Elizabeth laughed at his slip, but covered for him saying, "Thinking it could come in handy in your line of work?"
"Absolutely."
"You know, Clay, I don't think it's a good idea for others to know that I speak the other languages."
"I agree."
"She agrees with him," said Harm to the others. "Elizabeth, are you sure you're not CIA?"
"Very funny."
They worked for the next hour and half, then went out to have breakfast. Everyone proceeded to quiz Mia about herself. She took it all in stride and AJ didn't come to her rescue. That spoke volumes. They realized then that the Admiral was serious about her, and he wanted them to get to know her. And Mia, by the calm and sure way she fielded their questions, revealed that she was equally serious about AJ. They liked her. And as surprised as they were by the turn of events, by the end of breakfast they were thinking of them as 'AJ and Mia', not the Admiral and Gunny's sister.
The End – Part VI. Next comes action and adventure with all of the characters portrayed in this Coming Together series.