Title: Chances Lost (Webb)

Author: Penne

E-mail: pennenew@aol.com

Rating: G, R

Classification: Mac/Webb?

Spoilers: Jagathon

Summary: Alternate outcomes to pre-Jagathon. Webb version.

Disclaimer: I don't claim to own these characters, please don't sue.

Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie woke early to a beautiful morning; it was crisp and clear and promised to be perfect weather for the Jagathon. Before contemplating breakfast she gathered together Jingo's lead and took him out for a run.

The exercise cleared her head, and allowed her to analyse the events of the previous day. She felt free for the first time in years - free to be herself and live her life according to her own agenda. Not her partner's. She smiled in memory of the person who had led her to this change of heart. Of all people she never would have thought Webb could have been such an integral part in liberating her happiness. Mac wondered if their relationship would be strained after last night. She sincerely hoped not, she owed him more than she knew how to repay.

Upon her return she noticed her car parked out the front of her apartment, she looked around mystified, it was still early and the street was uninhabited. In her state yesterday she had left her car at work - Webb had brought her home. 'Webb', at the thought her nerves jangled pleasantly, 'Mac - stop acting crazy'. He must have delivered it for her; she again scanned the street, hoping he may appear. A wave of disappointment washed over her when again the road was clear.

Just as she started towards the apartment, her eye caught sight of a note on her windscreen: she tore it open.

Sarah,

Good luck in the race today. Hope all that pizza doesn't slow you down.

Clay

PS. Thank you for a lovely night.

Folding the letter carefully and pocketing it she turned to Jingo. "You hungry Boy?" She laughed as he dragged her inside, barking happily.

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Lt. Harriet Sims looked around proudly at her handiwork. Everything was set perfectly for the Jagathon. Her smile faded as her eyes fell upon Lt. Singer, yet her gaze glinted with mischief.

"You are very early Lt. Singer. Considering you are starting with the men 3 minutes later, I would have thought you would want to conserve as much energy as possible." Her sweet smile belied her irritation.

Lauren Singer turned and appraised her work colleague. "I believe in being prepared, Lieutenant. I wouldn't waste your concern on me…." She smiled snidely and looked pointedly at Bud who was approaching. "I am sure there are others in more need of it." She rudely turned her back on Harriet.

"Lauren you should accept concern whenever it comes your way. I am sure it doesn't happen often." The words had tumbled out before Harriet could stop them; she reddened slightly and clamped her mouth shut, vaguely embarrassed by her outburst.

Lt. Singer turned and regarded her with her characteristic raised eyebrow. She looked poised to react to Harriet's comment, however her eye caught sight of something that seemed to take her attention. Her eyebrow quirked ever higher and a small smirk settled on her features. "Good Morning Mr. Webb."

Harriet's jaw dropped: Lt. Singer actually appeared to be simpering at the CIA agent. Webb, however (Harriet was extremely pleased to note) didn't seem impressed.

"Ah, Good Morning Lieutenant. Excuse me Lt. Sims, may I have a word?"

Harriet tipped her head enquiringly 'What could he want from me?' She was also aware of her husband looking none too pleased at the new arrival. She threw him a calming smile.

"Privately." Webb's face gave nothing away, the eyes that steadily held hers communicated nothing of what he may want. He stood confidently (albeit a little over dressed) with his hands on his hips. Harriet was intrigued, but didn't want Bud to be upset with her. However at the sight of Lt. Singer sidling up to Webb (who looked slightly disturbed) she made a snap decision.

"Certainly Mr. Webb. Why don't you join me while I do a final check on the course?"

Webb nodded. "Lets go." Harriet didn't miss his look of relief.

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Clay was irritated; he hated to be unsure of himself or the people around him. 'Why the hell was Singer looking at me like that? Do I have food between my teeth?' He shook his head and turned his thoughts to the matter at hand, to note that Harriet was paying as careful attention to him as possible whilst driving. He smiled. "You know Harriet you should consider joining the CIA. Everyone seems to take you into their confidence."

Harriet looked both proud and self-conscious. "Except Lauren Singer."

Webb chuckled, "Yes." Then he looked over his shoulder apprehensively. "She seems a little strange today."

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It was Harriet's turn to laugh. "I think you may have something to do with that." Webb snapped around to face Harriet with a startled look on his face. "I think power appeals to her."

"Power?"

She was quietly pleased to see he was a little ruffled. "Yes. And intrigue. I guess she believes you possess these qualities." 'Well he does.'

"Mmm. I take it you don't." He had recovered from his initial surprise.

She smiled non-commitally and shrugged. "Maybe a little." 'A LOT!' She was feeling more confident about playing Webb's games. Mind you she had the excuse of driving allowing her to avoid looking him in the eye.

Webb smiled his approval at Harriet's game. "You are getting better Lieutenant. Keep up the practice and come and see me for a job."

Harriet huffed at him in mock offense. "I am sure I don't know what you are talking about Mr. Webb." She stopped the buggy and turned to face him, her face now serious. "OK Mr. Webb, what do you want?"

Webb was all business. "About last night…"

"You and the Colonel."

"Yes……No. That's just it Harriet. I think there may have been a misinterpretation of what was actually going on and I felt I should set the record straight." His concerned gaze never left hers.

Harriet frowned a little 'Yeah right! I'm not blind! Something definitely was going on', she was careful with her words. "You mean you are ensuring the Colonels suffers no damage to her reputation?"

"Yes. The actual circumstances were very different to the outward appearances. I-I was just…"

"Looking after the Colonel."

"She was having a bad day and just needed someone to vent her frustrations to. I just happened to be in the right place at the wrong time." His eyes searched hers for acceptance.

Harriet smiled. "Maybe you were in the right place at the right time Mr. Webb." Her smile grew even wider when he broke eye contact and looked down at his hands. She tipped her head to one side and changed tack. "And you: Clayton Webb, the man who always has something on the go were happy to drop everything else at a moments notice just to be there for a casual acquaintance."

Clay's head shot up. "I would say that she is more than a casual acquaintance."

"I would say so." She let it hang in the air, she could wait.

"A friend in need etc. etc. Harriet. You understand?"

"Oh I understand completely Mr. Webb. You want me to pretend I didn't notice the way you looked at Colonel MacKenzie last night." She held up a hand to silence his denial. "AND the way she looked at you." She paused and smiled. "Fine. I would never say anything anyhow."

"And Bud?"

"I don't think Bud was convinced in the first place. I will tell him it was a misunderstanding…….But Clay?" Her voice was gentle.

His eyes conveyed surprise and then understanding at the use of his first name. "Yes?"

"Don't ask me to believe the lie. I know what I saw."

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