THE INVESTIGATION BEGINS

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ZOYA'S COMPARTMENT

Zoya's first reaction was to raise her foot and hurt whoever had possession of her arm.  Before she could react, a hand was placed over her mouth.

"Hello Countess, don't yell." Webb said, releasing his hold.

"Webb?" Zoya said, turning around and slugging him.

"That's a nice hello," Webb said rubbing his jaw. "What was that for?"

"For hiding in my compartment," Zoya snapped. "Never sneak up on an agent."

"A hand shake would have worked," Webb replied.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Zoya asked. "Where's the light?"

"Someone apparently told Wellington they needed me on their team." Webb stated and turned on the light.

"I mean what are you doing on the train?" Zoya asked.

"Wellington said you were going away. He also said he didn't think you were taking the threats seriously enough." Webb stated.

"So why are you here?" Zoya asked.

"To watch your back," Webb replied. "I can always get off at the next stop."

"The next stop is Washington, you'll have to stay." Zoya stated.

"Good decision, Countess." Webb teased.

"No one's called me Countess, in a long time." Zoya laughed.

"Well, no one else can." Webb stated. "How've you been?"

"I'm good, I'm sorry I wasn't here when everything happened." Zoya said.

"Why? What would you have done?" Webb asked.

"Beat up that witch for one thing," Zoya said.

"Then we would both have been in trouble." Webb said. "Besides it wasn't her fault."

"It's always her fault." Zoya said.

"What do you have against her anyway?" Webb asked.

"She's a jerk," Zoya said. "So, are you going to be able to work for me?"

"I will work with you." Webb smiled. "What exactly did you say to Wellington?"

"He said to tell him what I needed. I told him I needed you." Zoya said. "But he said it was out of the question."

"Obviously, he changed his mind." Webb smiled. "Why did you need me anyway?"

"I know your record. You're the second best field agent for the Mid East." Zoya stated.

"The second best. Who's the best?" Webb asked.

"I am," Zoya smiled.

MAC'S COMPARTMENT

"Harm, why didn't you get a key?" Mac asked.

"I couldn't find anyone," Harm replied innocently.

"So, you're sleeping here," Mac stated.

"Sure, we know the top bunk can open." Harm replied as he banged it like Zoya had.

"That worked well." Mac laughed. "Let me try."

Neither could get the bunk down, so they once again squished into the bottom bunk.

"Mac, can you move over just a little?" Harm asked.

"Where would you like me to move?" Mac snapped. "I am already pressed up against the wall."

"Hold on… let me just… ok, that should," Harm began.

"Ouch," Mac said. "Don't you ever cut your toenails?"

"Just let me get my arm out from under…" Harm said.

With that he twisted and some how Mac ending up on top of him.

"Well, this is comfortable," Mac stated.

"Ok," Harm sighed. "If we just turn a bit, we can do this."

Harm then shifted and in the process he ended up tossing Mac onto the floor.

"Mac, I'm really sorry." Harm said trying not to laugh and reached to give her a hand.

"Don't bother," Mac said and stood up. "Ok, move over and turn on your side."

Harm did as instructed and laid with his back to the wall.  Mac got into the bunk and turned to her side and faced outward. They were lying very close, because of necessity, not by choice.

"Harm that better be your knee," Mac warned.

"Huh, what?" Harm replied. "Red light Colonel."

"Why is this so difficult?" Mac wondered aloud.

"We are two adults and best friends, we can do this." Harm said. "Now let's just go to sleep."

Mac settled in and started to doze off.

"Good night," Mac said.

"Mac, are you sure you're not wearing any perfume?" Harm asked.

"Positive," Mac replied. "Go to sleep, we have a long day of detective work ahead of us."

"God, you smell good," Harm mumbled.

"What did you say?" Mac asked.

"Nothing, good night," Harm replied.

Harm had never been so uncomfortable in his life.  It wasn't the position he was in, it was the situation.  Suddenly, he realized how much he enjoyed the closeness.  Casually he reached and put his arm around her pulling her closer.  In her sleep, Mac spooned up against Harm and sighed softly.

Does this woman have any idea what she's doing to me? Harm wondered. Does she have any idea how good she smells?

Harm's eyes were wide open. He couldn't sleep and felt as though some one had injected him with enough caffeine to jolt an elephant. This is going to be a long night.

BUD AND HARRIET'S COMPARTMENT

"Bud, do you have any idea who the murderer is?" Harriet asked.

"I'm not sure.  The wife is too obvious and I am wondering why the secretary is even on the trip." Bud replied.

"What about that Miss Torres, the secretary?" Harriet asked.

"She's a mystery," Bud said. "I'm not sure what she has to do with anything."

"I'm going to get some sleep," Harriet said. "Maybe something will come to me in a dream."

"At this point, that's the best course of action we have," Bud said giving her a kiss and turning out the light.

GUNNY AND TINER'S COMPARTMENT

"Man, the blonde is something else," Tiner remarked.

"I could definitely see myself taking her out to dinner," Gunny replied.

"I can't," Tiner smirked.

"Why?" Gunny asked.

"Because she is going to be out with me," Tiner said triumphantly.

"We'll just see about that," Gunny stated and turned out the light.

AJ and MEREDITH'S COMPARTMENT

"AJ, it's a shame Zoya doesn't have anyone in her life," Meredith stated.

"She was dating some guy a while back," AJ said. "She said and I quote, he's a weenie."

"You know, there is a new professor at the university, maybe I should arrange a meeting." Meredith offered.

"I don't think that would be wise," AJ smiled.

"It's just a thought," Meredith replied.

COATES'S COMPARTMENT

Coates sat at the little table in her compartment reviewing the notes she had taken earlier.  She had specific ideas about how to attack the mystery.  She just hoped Sturgis would listen to her.  She carefully recopied her notes and went to sleep.

STURGIS'S COMPARTMENT

What in the hell is going on in there? Sturgis wondered when he heard a thud, which happened to be Mac hitting the floor.  Their compartments were next to each other.  He couldn't begin to imagine what was going on.  It never occurred to him that Harm hadn't gotten back into his own compartment and was bunking with Mac.  He folded his clothes neatly and went to sleep.

THE NEXT MORNING- The Dining Car

Like a zombie, Harm went and found a porter who let him back into his compartment.  He got ready and went to get Mac.  This time he made a concerted effort to take the key with him, although, the idea of sleeping next to Mac again was very appealing.

They went to the dining car where they found Sturgis and Coates already at work.  Taking a seat at another table they ordered.  While waiting for their breakfast, they began to discuss the prior night's events.

Soon after the rest of the group walked in, all sitting at separate tables.

"There's Miss Moore," Tiner said to Gunny. "I'll be right back."

"Get real Tiner, she doesn't even know you're alive," Gunny laughed.

"That's because she hasn't met me yet," Tiner smiled and got up to go introduce himself.

"Hey Tiner," Gunny called after him.

"What?" Tiner said.

"Never mind," Gunny smiled.  He should have been a friend and told Tiner he still had his napkin tucked in his belt.

Five minutes later, Tiner returned.

"So did you talk to her?" Gunny asked.

"Nope, she was still in character." Tiner replied. "Although, I did find out that she was having an affair with the victim."

"Really, that's interesting." Gunny replied. "I wonder if his wife knew about it."

"Commander, has everyone been accounted for?" Coates asked.

"That's a very good question, Jen.  Maybe we can find that out." Sturgis replied.

"AJ, I think we should talk to the doctor," Meredith suggested.

"Ok, he's as good a place to start as any." AJ replied.

"Good morning, Mac." Harriet said.

"Morning," Mac smiled. "Are you guys ready?"

"Yes, we have some definite ideas." Bud smiled.

"Well, so do we," Harm said with confidence.

"What ideas do we have?" Mac whispered.

"Can't let them think they are ahead of us." Harm smiled.

"Has anyone seen Zoya this morning?" AJ asked.

"Not yet, maybe she isn't up." Harriet stated.

"She's usually up by 5," AJ replied.

"I'm sure she'll be a long soon enough," Meredith said.

"Well, maybe she's working on her suspect list." Harm suggested.

"Could be," Mac replied. "Now if you will excuse us, we have some suspects to question."

"Ladies and Gentlemen, good morning, we hope you slept well." Kevin announced. "We are approaching Gastonia, North Carolina.  We will be stopping for supplies. Thank you." 

The group spent the rest of the morning questioning the 'cast'.  The other passengers felt as thought they were at a disadvantage when listening to the JAG team ask questions.

"Ms. Moore," Harm began. "How long have you known the victim?"

"About 2 years," Ms. Moore replied.

"And what was your relationship?" Mac asked.

"We were very close." Ms. Moore replied quietly.

"Mr. Mathers, what is your relationship to the victim?" Sturgis asked.

"Actually, I am friends with his wife." Mr. Mathers replied.

"Did Mr. Weaver know of your friendship?" Bud asked.

"Well, not exactly." Mr. Mathers replied.

"Why, exactly did you feel the need to keep this friendship a secret?" Coates asked.

"I don't know." Mr. Mathers replied.

"Excuse me, Mrs. Weaver how long have you been married?" Gunny asked.

"Ten years," Mrs. Weaver replied.

"And what did you do before you got married?" Tiner asked.

"I was an airline attendant." Mrs. Weaver stated.

"How did you and your husband meet?" AJ asked.

"He was on one of my flights," Mrs. Weaver said.

"Ms. Moore, how did you and Mr. Weaver meet?" Meredith asked.

"I was hired as an attendant on his private plane." Ms. Moore stated.

"Oh really?" Mrs. Weaver said.

"Dr. Cronson, why are you on the train?" Another person asked.

"I am going to visit my grandchildren." Dr. Cronson stated.

"I have a question," Webb said from the back of the car, "Has anyone found the murder weapon?"

"I know that voice," Harm said turning around.

"Webb, when the hell did you get back?" AJ laughed.

"I couldn't let you guys have all the fun without me." Webb smiled.

"Did you know about this?" Mac asked Zoya.

"Not at all," Zoya smiled. 

Webb's arrival brought the Q/A session to an end for now.  They had been going at it for several hours and decided that it was time for lunch.

"Zoya you missed the round of questions," Harriet advised.

"I was busy," Zoya said.

"Doing what?" AJ asked.

"Going over files," Zoya said.

"So, what are you doing here?" Harm asked.

"Reassigned," Webb shrugged.

"Permanently?" Tiner asked.

"If my new boss doesn't toss me back out," Webb stated and looked at Zoya.

"You're going to be working for Zoya?" Mac laughed.

"I just remembered what that character's name from the book was," Harriet said.

"What was his name?" Meredith asked.

"Clayton," Harriet smiled. "Zoya fell in love with a man named Clayton."

"Over my dead body," AJ said.

"I need some coffee," Zoya said to Webb rolling her eyes. "Do you want some coffee? Let's get some coffee."

The rest of the group dispersed after a quick lunch and went back to their investigating.