"Gunny, are you sure this is the right place?" Webb snapped.
"This is where he told me to wait." Gunny replied patiently.
"He will be here Webb. I doubted him at first but he came back for us. He knows that he needs keep a low profile. It must not be safe for him to get here yet." Harm replied, trying to convince himself as much as Webb.
"Or he can't get here." Gunny said then regretted he had.
"He'll be here." Harm replied firmly.
"He had better and Sarah had better be alright because if not, I'll kill you Rabb."
"Interesting that you should say that Webb, because I was just thinking that very thing about you."
This was why Gunny had regretted his previous comment. He knew what could happen if he got between two men in love with the Colonel. All he had to do was remember what had happened to Lt. Roberts. It was time to get the situation under control.
"Look. I tried to stay out of this and even be polite. But now I am just going to say it straight out. Neither of you is going to kill the other. We have a big enough fight on our hands without you two going at one another. I am willing to lay down my life to save the Colonel. But I am sure as hell not going to die because of your jealousy! Got it!"
Harm and Webb both were embarrassed by their actions. They knew Gunny was right. Fighting with one another was not going to get Mac back or them home for that matter. Like it or not, they had to deal with the fact they were both in love with her. They had to find a way to work together to get back home.
"Well for whatever reason, our contact didn't come. We we will just have to come again tomorrow." Gunny said getting back to the task at hand.
"I still have a connection or two around here. We should be able to find a place to lie low." Webb stated coolly.
Harm was on pins and needles. That haunting feeling he had in the States, that told him something wasn't right, was back and getting stronger. Fight, Mac, fight he kept saying to himself, as if he could will her to be alright.
**************************************************************************** ***
"It's been over 24 hours since you started the antibiotics and there are no signs of her responding. Isn't there anything else that you can do for her doctor?" This genuinely concerned older man asked.
"Like I have told you before, we have limited resources here. This is just a mission clinic. Yes, we have generous donors who help keep us up to date as much as possible, but she needs to get to a better facility. You need to make arrangements for that now or she isn't going to live."
"I had been waiting for her "family" to arrive. They must be having transportation problems." He said he had postponed making contact with them until he knew it was safe.
"Then this Harm she keeps calling for must be her husband?"
The man just nodded.
"Well he better get here fast. If not, you had better get her to where she needs to go. Or he won't have a wife."
Mac was lying there in a heat delirious sleep, tossing and moaning.
"Harm.."
"I 'm here," Harm takes her hand.
"Where is our baby? Is she ok?"
"She is just fine." He soothes.
"Why isn't she here? I want to see her."
"You will. But you have to get better."
"I need to hold her."
"Then fight this thing. She needs you.I need you. I love you Sarah."
Watching her fighting for her life, this old farmer finally decided he could wait no longer. I know it is very dangerous, but I have no choice. I will take her to the government hospital. Please God, let me get her there safely, let her live and see her home again.
**************************************************************************** *****
As she waits in the Deputy Director Kershaw's outer office, Catherine Gale reflects on her last conversation with Admiral Chegwidden. She knows, officially, she had to try and dissuade him from going to Paraguay. But once she had learned that he had gone, she was glad. Harm had gone above and beyond even what a good friend would do to help her with her mother. She saw in his eyes every time he spoke about Mac how worried he was about her. He tried to camouflage it by acting like he was just concerned for a good friend and colleague. But that last night at the hospital, as they talked about Mac's current assignment, he let the mask fall for a few moments. "It's just something about this one. I don't know," Harm had said. Looking off into the distance, his eyes betrayed what he really felt - his feelings for Colonel MacKenzie are more than friendship and comradery. This was very personal for him. They just could not be left down there to fend for themselves, she owes Harm that much.
"He will see you now, Ms. Gale," the secretary says, bringing her back from her thoughts.
"Thank you for seeing me on such short notice."
He motions for her to have a seat.
"Catherine, you're calling in a lot of favors on this one," Kershaw says.
"Yes, sir, I am. I know that I don't ordinarily get this involved with things but this time."
"This time you have a personal involvement. From what I hear, you and the Commander were married," he replies humorously, trying to put her at ease.
Catherine's cheeks flush crimson as she looks away. Even though she had already explained what happened, she is still embarrassed.
"Sorry, Catherine, I didn't mean to make you blush. Rabb was a good sport to go to those lengths to help you."
"Yes, sir, he was. And I feel I should repay that kindness somehow."
"Consider it done. Admiral Chegwidden will have the help he needs, and we will get them home," he says, with a reassuring smile.
"Thank you, sir."
***************************************************************************
AJ is walking out from the airport when a cabby approached him. "Bueno, Senor. Where could I take you this morning?"
AJ thinks it odd being approached by a cabby like this; there are fewer cabbies than people who needed them, so he did not have to hustle any business. But AJ decides to play along. "Yes, you could take me to my hotel."
"Very good this way please." The cabby loads the small bag in the trunk then, upon getting the hotel information, they are off.
The silence breaks when the cabby addresses him,"Admiral Chegwidden?"
"Who wants to know?" The admiral growls.
"Special Agent Mitch Stewart, the deputy director got word to me that you were coming."
"He did, did he? What else did he have to say?" AJ asks, very skeptical of this man.
"That you owe Catherine Gale a huge favor."
The tension eases from his shoulders. He knows this guy is on the level. But how much help he can expect is yet to be determined. "How the hell did you manage to get here before I did?"
"When the Colonel and Webb were reported missing, I was dispatched here to clean up, so to speak."
"Damn it, man! You have been here long enough to try and help them," AJ snaps.
"I was told that Webb was on his own and I didn't have permission to.."
"To do anything but cover up," AJ finishes.
"Well now let's just say that my assignment has been changed."
AJ just sits there for a few moments sizing up this man while stewing a little about how cavalier these agent types are with people's lives. From what AJ could see, he is of Hispanic decent, about 40ish, around 6ft tall and maneuvers these streets like he has lived here all his life. Even though they had not said much, Stewart did not come off cocky, the way Webb did the first time AJ had met him. He knows Stewart was only following orders and he should not take his anger out on him. And he is not about to look a gift horse in the mouth.
They pull up to where AJ is staying.
"I put what I know and further instructions in your bag. We'll meet again soon."
They get out of the car and go around to the trunk. AJ gets his bag, pays the "cabby" and goes inside.
The hotel is nice enough, somewhere between a five star and a whole in the wall, a pleasant place for tourists to stay and that is what AJ was, a "tourist".
While he is checking in, he makes mental notes of his surroundings - where the elevators, stairs and exit doors are, and later he will investigate the roof. He wants to know all these things in case of the need for a quick get away.
He proceeds to his room cautiously, again making note of his environment, but this time he is making note of people. He does not readily notice anything of concern so he enters the room, looking around, and when he was satisfied he has not been followed and the room does not have any unexpected occupants, he closes and locks the door.
He sits down on the bed and opened his bag. Inside is an envelope and next to it a 9mm and a couple extra clips. AJ inspects the much-appreciated weapon and holsters it in the waste band of his jeans. He opens the envelope and begins to read.
Colonel MacKenzie was brought in to the government hospital here this morning. She was brought in by a Mennonite missionary. No sign of Webb or Rabb. Her condition is critical. Meet me at the designated spot on the enclosed map at 1700. MS
AJ arrives a few minutes early for his next meeting with Stewart. The open air café is an inviting place. The cool breeze feels soothing on his warm body, and the aroma of food floating on the air reminds him that it has been over eight hours since he had last eaten. With tourists and locals alike seated around him, he does not have any trouble in ordering his meal.
He is sipping on his drink when he sees a man approaching. It takes AJ a couple looks to be sure, be it is indeed Stewart. He has changed his clothing from lower working class to a more business like attire, yet very much in keeping with local custom. AJ gets a better look at Stewart as he approaches. The agent is a bit shorter than AJ first thought, around 5'10" or so. That is more in keeping with his apparent heritage. His chiseled facial features are somewhat hidden underneath a neatly kept beard. He walks confidently yet keenly aware of his surroundings.
AJ stamds and greets him, shaking hands for appearances sake.
"Have you been here long?" Stewart asks.
"Just long enough to remember that I haven't eaten in some time and place an order."
The server comes and takes Agent Stewart's order and when his drink is brought to the table, the men begin to get acquainted.
"Is Stewart you real name?"
"Yes, sir. My mother was widowed when I was just a baby. She met and married my father, Peter Stewart. He adopted me. Mitch, short for Mitchell, is after my birth father's best friend. They served in Korea together."
"How did your father die?"
"In a car accident. It was hard for my mother, he had survived fighting the Korean War to be killed by a careless driver."
"I am sorry to hear that. "
"Both my parents made sure I grew up knowing who my birth father was and I did keep in touch with my extended family."
Again, AJ takes notice of his lack of cocky attitude. It sounds like Mitch Stewart had a good family life and was taught to be well mannered, which seems to be holding in spite of his chosen career. AJ had grown accustomed to putting all spooks in the same know-it-all mold. "I don't mean to interrogate you, it's just that I like to size up a person before I put my life in his hands."
"That is quite understandable, sir."
"As for biting your head off earlier, I was just surprised by your presence. No one wanted to lift a finger before I left, and I am not about to leave my people down here to die."
"The deputy director told me you felt that way."
"What else did he tell you about me?"
"Oh the usual - your service record, being a former SEAL, and that you are fiercely loyal and protective of those in your command."
"Damn straight!" Although AJ feels his "people" at JAG are more than his subordinates, they are his family. "So tell me how you came to find the Colonel's whereabouts?"
"Our embassy got a call from the government hospital here in Cicudad del Este. Apparently, a Mennonite missionary brought in an American woman and she was in bad shape."
"What did this man say exactly?"
"He said that two Americans came to him asking to use his plane. The woman spoke German as well as English. The man with her said he needed to get his pregnant wife to the hospital. In order to secure use of the plane, the man left his passport as collateral."
"Harmon Rabb?"
"Yes sir."
Mitch finishes retelling the rest of the story of which AJ is vaguely aware.
"Now that we are both up to speed, let's get to work." AJ says determinedly.
*************************************************************
A petite older woman comes walking up the street across from where the three of them are sitting and makes direct eye contact.
"Hey, Gunny, is that our contact over there?" Harm asks.
"It could be. He didn't say who was coming to meet us. She looks like she could be the old man's wife."
She turns and walks down the alleyway, purposefully dropping her bag. When she bends down to pick it up, she places a piece of paper under a loose brick in a doorway. They wait until she has gone through the other side. Then Gunny goes to retrieve the message. He takes his time getting back across the street. He browses through some of the vendors merchandise and then carefully opens the paper and reads what was inside.
"Her condition became worse. Had no choice but to take her to the government hospital. We are safe so far. You must come quickly.
Gunny goes back and sits down. Webb snatches the paper from Gunny and his face says it all. He is ashen and motionless.
Harm did not have to read the note. He already knows something is very wrong this just confirms his feeling.
"Just tell me she isn't dead," Harm says pleadingly.
"Not yet," Webb replies.
*************************************************************************
It is after 2200 when Webb, Harm and Gunny get to the hospital. The urgent need to get to Mac is driving Harm and Webb to the edges of insanity. Yet as each battle their own demons, they know that they have to be very careful. As far as they know, they had not been followed, but there are probably people here willing to give them up.
Gunny inquires about Mac while Harm and Webb wait in the lobby area. There are families all around sitting and waiting for news of their loved ones. Any one of them however, could be a plant for Sadik staking out the place.
Harm's feeling of intense dread remains. He had come to save her life not to get her killed. The memory of her burning with fever and looking fragile made the anger boil inside of him. 'If she dies not knowing.ever hearing me tell her how I feel I..' his racing thoughts interrupted.
"Settle down, Rabb. Your pacing like a caged animal won't help. It just draws attention to us," Webb snips. He, too, is feeling very anxious and blaming himself for Mac being in this situation. Sure he is mad as hell at Rabb for crashing that plane. But she would not have been in that plane in the first place if he had not pulled her in on this assignment. If he really wanted to, he could have found someone else to go with him to Paraguay. But he wanted the chance to be alone with Sarah, a chance to explore his developing feelings for her. Yeah there is something between she and Rabb but she is still a free woman and he wanted the opportunity to make his case. 'If my selfishness gets her killed I won't be able to live with myself.'
Gunny returns with news of Mac.
"Where is she?" Harm demands.
"She is on the third floor with the man that brought her in and her father," Gunny says suspiciously.
The three of them wonder who this "father" could be. If it were one of Sadik's men, they could be walking into a trap. There is only one way to find out, go to the third floor.
On the ride up in the elevator, each man inspects the weapon they had hidden beneath their clothing. In the event of an ambush, whoever is able to get Mac and get out of there is to head straight for the Embassy. No looking back. They all agreed getting Mac to safety is the first priority.
The bell dings and the doors open. Harm and Webb brace themselves as they step cautiously out of the elevator. They make eye contact with Gunny as he appears from the stair well. At first glance, nothing seems out of the ordinary. They continue to the nurses' station to inquire where Mac's room is. As Gunny is about to speak, they are greeted by a voice from behind them.
"Are you the family looking for a young American woman?" The man asks.
"Yes," they say in unison, very aware that the answer could cost them their lives.
"I am Dr. Martinez. I treated her while she was here."
"Excuse me," Harm interrupts, "did you say while she was here?"
"Yes. She came in with an older gentleman. She was in very bad shape when he brought her in. She was in septic shock. She had a dangerously high fever and it took us several hours just to get it down. We started immediately to pump her full of antibiotics and she showed some small signs of improving. I didn't think she should be moved but when her father arrived, he was adamant about getting her to your Embassy for emergency passage back to America."
"How long ago did she leave?" Gunny asks.
"I would say maybe an hour ago. He left a note. Which of you is her husband?" The doctor replies.
"I am!" Webb says quickly.
"Well then this is for you."
When the doctor turns and walks away, Harm grabbs the paper from Webb before he has a chance to read it. A small sense of relief comes over him as he recognizes the admiral's handwriting.
We need to get her home asap. Meet me no later than 1am
at my hotel.[
Harm's face reflects his sense of relief, prompting Gunny to ask, "What is it, sir?"
"It's from the admiral. He has Mac and sounds like a way home," he answers in a hushed tone with a slight smile.
"How is that old sea dog pulling this off?" Webb wonders aloud.
"We have an address and instructions to meet him no later that 0100."
On their way to the elevator, Webb notices a middle-aged Arab man out of the corner of his eye. He thinks he recognizes him from the compound where he and Mac had been held.
Harm senses Webb tense up. "Webb, talk to me," he says firmly.
"Don't look," Webb tells them. "I think we may have company."
As the elevator doors close, Webb asks Gunny, "When we get to the lobby, tell me if you recognize a man that, if I am right, will be coming out of the stairwell."
As the elevator doors open, Gunny glances over and sees a man walking away from the stairwell toward the front entrance. Gunny gives Webb a nod, affirming that he too recognizes this man.
They leave the hospital and continue toward their vehicle, only to find that all four tires have been slashed.
"This can't be good," Harm says.
"Neither can this," Gunny replies as he brings their attention to a group of men coming their way.
Just as they start to run, a cab pulls up and cuts them off. "Get in!" A voice shouts.
With pursers on one hand and a possible reprieve on the other, the three men are caught in an evident hesitation. Breaking the stalemate, Webb shoves Harm and Gunny toward the cab, positive that he recognizes the voice behind the reprieve. "Get in! Get in!" He yells.
They jump in and the car is moving before the doors are closed. A hail of gunfire ensues, shattering the windows and grazing Harm in the shoulder.
Through the shattered back window, they spot a SUV closing in.
The cab driver keeps them moving back and forth to avert the array of bullets. He lays on the horn and makes a quick turn down an alley, narrowly missing an elderly man, that just seconds before stepped inside a doorway. The SUV, being too big to follow, races to make the next corner.
The little car, being pushed for all it has, flies through the next alley, then spills onto the street having its side mirror ripped off. Then the cabby takes a swift left down another side alley and comes to a screeching halt. Slightly dazed, Harm pulls his head from where the window had been, gets out and scans for Gunny and Webb.
He immediately hears the cabby yell, "Follow me!"
"Go! Go!" Webb directs them hurriedly.
They come to the corner and the driver motions for them to slow down. Making a right turn, he leads them to a vegetable truck; moving ahead
to let down the tail gate, he gets into the cab.
Harm, Webb and Gunny get in and hide among the boxes under a tarp.
The engine starts and they slowly pull into traffic only to stop suddenly.
The three men hold their collective breath as the cab door opens and boxes begin to move. The tarp rises up and a hand reaches in.
As Gunny poises to strike, Webb grabs his arm to stop him, recognizing the man reaching in for vegetables as Mitch Stewart. Webb gives Harm and Gunny a reassuring nod and they seem to relax a bit. Mitch lays the tarp down and they hear him make a sale to a passerby.
********************************************************************
The drive to the hotel was not very long but AJ knew it had already worn Mac out. He opens the door and watches her military training and sheer will take over as she walks through the lobby by her own power. She fights to remain standing while they wait for the elevator, yet mind over body has its limits. Her body begins to sway and she collapses in AJ's arms.
AJ carries her down the hall to his room. Stewart had come up the stairs and is already waiting for them at the door. He secures the room and turns down the bed. AJ gently lays Mac down; she moans slightly, the cool sheets a welcome relief against her still smoldering skin.
"I am going back to the hospital to wait for Webb and the others," Stewart says, heading for the door. "With or without them, I will be here in time to take you to the chopper." The door closes and AJ is left alone with Mac, who has fallen asleep. While watching her sleep, he recalled how he had felt when he first walked in her room.
When he had entered Mac's room, he had become keenly aware that none of his military training or life's experiences had prepared him to handle the disturbing sight of Mac lying in that bed. He had seen men killed right before his eyes; even taken lives in defense of his country. Yet seeing Mac in this condition left him without a frame of reference.
There were so many monitors; she looked like a Christmas tree. Yet there wasn't anything festive about her being flat on her back in that dimly lit room with the buzz and glow of the equipment.
The image proved more unsettling than he had anticipated. In many ways, much harder than shooting the enemy or seeing a fellow solider give his life in defense of his country ever had been. Although those heroic acts where indeed emotional, he was able to remain somewhat detached, serving the greater good and all. AJ had been taken aback by the sight of Mac's blanched appearance and her Marine strength veiled in fragility. He realized, this had become personal in a way that was unfamiliar to him. He had not been married for many years, and never did get to raise his daughter. AJ had walled himself up pretty well until these last few years at JAG.
Mac slept and her guardian, the Mennonite Farmer that Stewart briefed him about, nodded as well. AJ moved over to the man and tapped him on the shoulder. He jerked awake, somewhat startled by AJ's presence. AJ had motioned for the man to follow him outside.
"I began to wonder when someone was going to show up," the farmer stated in obvious relief.
Before AJ could respond, a doctor had walked up to them, "Oh good. I am Dr. Martinez. Are you family of this young woman?"
"Yes, sir, I am AJ Chedwiggen, her father," he had said, shaking hands with the doctor. "What is her condition?"
"Well, Mr. Chedwiggen, excuse me, what is your daughter's name?"
"Sarah."
"Sarah came very close to dying and she isn't out of the woods yet. She was brought in very early this morning with a broken ankle and a dangerously high fever due to septic shock." The doctor's voice had been compassionate in spite of his direct, even blunt assessment of her condition.
"What is that exactly?"
"It is an infection that gets into the blood system, causing lack of oxygen in the blood resulting in low blood pressure. We had to give her two blood transfusions."
He grimaced at the mention of the blood transfusion, concerned about the safety of the blood supply.
"Our screening process is exceptional; don't worry." Being in Paraguay, the doctor wasn't unfamiliar with people's skepticism about the safety of the blood supply.
"That's good to hear," AJ said, relieved. "What are all these monitors that are hooked up to her?"
"We placed a central line in through her main artery in her neck, into her heart. She has heart, oxygen and blood monitoring equipment, along with an IV. We are continuing to treat her aggressively with antibiotics. It took us several hours, but we were able to get her fever out of the danger zone early this afternoon. She is lucky not to have any brain injury from the high fever or organ damage from lack of oxygen in her blood. She is still in serious condition but she is stable."
"Is she stable enough for me to get her to the Embassy for emergency medical transport home?"
"I strongly advise against it for at least three to four days."
"I really want to get her home," he had stated adamantly.
"She is definitely not up to the drive to Asuncion. Maybe you should discuss this with Harm."
AJ was somewhat surprised by the mention of Rabb's name. "Excuse me?"
"Sarah's husband? She has been calling for him. Is he with you?" The doctor said, trying to delay this action.
"No. He should be en route and here soon," AJ replied, hoping that his words would have become a reality.
"Please wait for him. Although I can't prevent you from taking her, I stress again, how important it is that you wait to move her."
"Thank you, doctor, I will take that under advisement," AJ said in his usual dismissive tone.
"Well then if you will excuse me, I have other patients to see." The doctor turned and walked away.
"She is quite a fighter," the farmer had said, resuming their conversation as they returned to Mac's room.
AJ turned at the sound of his voice. "Thank you for staying with her," he replied seriously.
"I sent word to her 'husband' and his friends of where we are and the need for them to get here quickly." The old man enunciated "husband," showing that he knew this whole thing was a farce.
"How long ago was that?"
"They should be getting the message as we speak."
AJ looked at his watch, was 19:30. "How reliable is the person delivering the message?"
"She hasn't let me down in over fifty years." The man said with much love and pride.
Mac began to stir at the sound of their voices. Her eyes flickered and she started to speak, "Ad.."
Before she finished, the old man interrupted. "Yes, my dear, your father is here," enunciating "father" for both of their benefits.
"My what.." Mac said, somewhat alarmed, not fully understanding what was happening.
AJ walked over to her and took her hand. "I am here, Sarah," he made sure to use her given name. "I arrived not long ago. I am going to take you home very soon."
Mac looked up at AJ, things started to become clear. "Where are Harm and the others?" She asked with worry in a weakened voice.
"We have contacted them they should be en route as we speak."
"Then Harm found Clay?" She asked imploringly.
"Yes he did," AJ had answered, having assumed facts that were not in evidence.
"Just rest for now, we have a long trip ahead of us."
AJ felt Mac relax, as she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep. Whether or not Webb is with Harm was irrelevant; he had no intention of leaving anyone behind. AJ just did not want to get the Marine in her all riled up.
'It will take some time to get her ready to leave.' he thought, 'If by the time she is ready to go, the others aren't here, we will leave.'
AJ had paid the hospital bill with the money Stewart had given him. There had been enough to pay the bill and to reimburse the Mennonite Farmer for the plane he had lost.
"Thank you Mr. Chedwiggen," the farmer said. "I will pray that you and the others make it home safely."
"All that you and your wife have done in caring for my people is greatly appreciated," AJ replied.
The farmer left as the doctor entered the room. "I am giving her another dose of antibiotic. And sending with you medicine for her fever; as well as oral antibiotics for her to take, until she can be started on an IV again. You do understand that..."
"I understand doctor," AJ had interrupted solemnly.
"Harm!" Mac screams as she sits straight up in the bed, jolting AJ back to the present.
"We have to help him!" Mac demands as she attempts to stand, only to fall on the floor.
AJ reaches down and helps her back into bed. "Take it easy, Mac," He says trying to calm her, "and tell me about it." He hopes she was only dreaming, yet something in the urgency of her voice makes that unlikely.
"Harm is in pain and they are being chased!" She pronounces frantically.
Just as AJ feared, she is having one of her visions. Although they make him uncomfortable, her undefined ability has an incredible accuracy.
"Mac-" AJ begins
"No! Admiral we have to-"
"Colonel!" His authoritative voice cuts through her frenzy of emotion, and reaches the marine inside.
"Sir!" Mac responds with still a note of urgency, yet her emotions under control.
"They agency sent another agent, Mitch Stewart, for additional backup. He has gone after them. I have every confidence he will do what ever necessary to help them. In the meantime, you are in no condition to go off half cocked. We will wait it out," He sighs deeply," just as we have done before."
"Aye, aye sir."
***********************************************************************
The truck stops and Harm checks his watch; it is 23:45. He is disturbed about the time. The admiral's note stated no later than 1a.m. and he is not sure where they are or who they are with. The sound of the tail gate opening gets his attention. He sees the tarp being pulled back and a man standing there motioning them to quietly get out of the truck.
Webb is the first one out. He is very pleased to see Agent Mitch Stewart and anxious to hear how in the world he had gotten involved. Harm and Gunny pile out and they all follow their benefactor into a small house.
Mitch locks the door and draws the shades. Making his rounds, through each window he surveys the area for suspicious activity. Being certain that there is not anyone lurking about, he takes them into another room. He pulls back a table and rug, revealing a trap door and leads them down to a humbly yet adequately furnished room.
Mitch lights an oil lamp and turns to greet Webb, "Clay, good to see you're still in one piece."
"It's good to see you too, Mitch," Webb answers, shaking his hand. "How in the hell did you know where to find us? And more importantly, who gave you permission?"
"Well you have the Commander's wife, Catherine Gale, to thank for all of this." Mitch said with a smile, fully aware of the story.
"Wife?" Webb and Gunny said in unison.
"Long story," Harm sheepishly replied.
"She personally lobbied the Deputy Director to do whatever he could to get you all home. He contacted me and told me to help Admiral Chegwidden and that I would have whatever I needed at my disposal."
"That must have been some honeymoon," Webb said, sarcastically.
"Where are the Admiral and Colonel Mackenzie?" Harm asked, impatiently.
"And you're Commander Rabb. I am special agent Mitch Stewart," he said, reaching behind Webb to shake Harm's hand.
"Commander you've been hit!"
"It's nothing. I was just grazed by a bullet back there," Harm replied, shrugging it off. "Where are they, Agent Stewart?" Harm asked, demandingly this time.
"I will fill you in when I get back. I have to park the truck in the barn. Help yourselves to the food and water in the cupboard over there, and to the bandages in the drawer over here," he said, pointing to a small end table next to a twin bed. With that, Mitch went up the steps and closed the door above.
"How long have you known Agent Stewart, Mr. Webb?" Gunny inquired as he moved to the end table to retrieve the bandages.
"Don't worry, he's not like Hardy, we can trust him." Webb said matter of factly.
Gunny walks over to Harm with bandages in tow. "Let me take a look at that, sir."
"Thanks. And call me Harm; I'm not an officer anymore remember."
"Yes, sir-I mean Harm. That's going to take some getting used to."
At the mention of his civilian status, Webb could not help but think how it could change things between Rabb and Sarah. They had been doing their little dance for so long; Webb was getting pretty confident that Rabb was not going to step up to the plate and make a real move. So much so that he allowed himself to begin to think of Sarah as a woman and not a colleague, a woman for whom he had developed strong feelings, and would give his life to protect. And that is something he hasn't felt in a long time.
'I need you Sarah.' Remembering his words and her kiss, as his finger lightly brushed his bottom lip. 'I will fight for you. Fight to get you home and fight to win your heart.' The sound of Gunny drawing his weapon jarred Webb back into reality.
"Whoa! I am one of the good guys, remember?" Mitch said as he entered the room through a door hidden by a tapestry on the wall.
"Oh well that's convenient." Harm replied, somewhat stunned.
Gunny holsters his weapon and says emphatically, "Good way to get yourself killed, Stewart."
Mitch goes to the cupboard pulling out a duffel bag and filling it with some supplies, food, water and weapons. "Through the door there is a tunnel that leads to the barn. Commander, you and Clay will go out this way to a waiting car," he says, handing Harm the bag. "Gunny, I want you to stay with me. We will follow at a distance as cover, waiting for them to come out of the hotel with the others and then proceed to the rendezvous point."
"Gunny, thanks for covering our six, but take care of yourself, too." Harm said with a pat on his back.
"Don't worry, Rabb, he's good hands." Webb replies. "Let's get going."
Harm and Webb walk crouchingly through the tunnel. They go through another miniature room and walk up a few steps to a door over head and enter the barn. Webb opens the barn door while Harm gets in the drivers seat of the awaiting car. Webb then sits down next to Harm and pulls the map out of the bag.
"I know Gunny is in good hands, but am I?" Webb asks.
"I am not a spook, Webb, at least not yet. I've got your six." Harm replies judiciously as he starts the engine.
"This is where he told me to wait." Gunny replied patiently.
"He will be here Webb. I doubted him at first but he came back for us. He knows that he needs keep a low profile. It must not be safe for him to get here yet." Harm replied, trying to convince himself as much as Webb.
"Or he can't get here." Gunny said then regretted he had.
"He'll be here." Harm replied firmly.
"He had better and Sarah had better be alright because if not, I'll kill you Rabb."
"Interesting that you should say that Webb, because I was just thinking that very thing about you."
This was why Gunny had regretted his previous comment. He knew what could happen if he got between two men in love with the Colonel. All he had to do was remember what had happened to Lt. Roberts. It was time to get the situation under control.
"Look. I tried to stay out of this and even be polite. But now I am just going to say it straight out. Neither of you is going to kill the other. We have a big enough fight on our hands without you two going at one another. I am willing to lay down my life to save the Colonel. But I am sure as hell not going to die because of your jealousy! Got it!"
Harm and Webb both were embarrassed by their actions. They knew Gunny was right. Fighting with one another was not going to get Mac back or them home for that matter. Like it or not, they had to deal with the fact they were both in love with her. They had to find a way to work together to get back home.
"Well for whatever reason, our contact didn't come. We we will just have to come again tomorrow." Gunny said getting back to the task at hand.
"I still have a connection or two around here. We should be able to find a place to lie low." Webb stated coolly.
Harm was on pins and needles. That haunting feeling he had in the States, that told him something wasn't right, was back and getting stronger. Fight, Mac, fight he kept saying to himself, as if he could will her to be alright.
**************************************************************************** ***
"It's been over 24 hours since you started the antibiotics and there are no signs of her responding. Isn't there anything else that you can do for her doctor?" This genuinely concerned older man asked.
"Like I have told you before, we have limited resources here. This is just a mission clinic. Yes, we have generous donors who help keep us up to date as much as possible, but she needs to get to a better facility. You need to make arrangements for that now or she isn't going to live."
"I had been waiting for her "family" to arrive. They must be having transportation problems." He said he had postponed making contact with them until he knew it was safe.
"Then this Harm she keeps calling for must be her husband?"
The man just nodded.
"Well he better get here fast. If not, you had better get her to where she needs to go. Or he won't have a wife."
Mac was lying there in a heat delirious sleep, tossing and moaning.
"Harm.."
"I 'm here," Harm takes her hand.
"Where is our baby? Is she ok?"
"She is just fine." He soothes.
"Why isn't she here? I want to see her."
"You will. But you have to get better."
"I need to hold her."
"Then fight this thing. She needs you.I need you. I love you Sarah."
Watching her fighting for her life, this old farmer finally decided he could wait no longer. I know it is very dangerous, but I have no choice. I will take her to the government hospital. Please God, let me get her there safely, let her live and see her home again.
**************************************************************************** *****
As she waits in the Deputy Director Kershaw's outer office, Catherine Gale reflects on her last conversation with Admiral Chegwidden. She knows, officially, she had to try and dissuade him from going to Paraguay. But once she had learned that he had gone, she was glad. Harm had gone above and beyond even what a good friend would do to help her with her mother. She saw in his eyes every time he spoke about Mac how worried he was about her. He tried to camouflage it by acting like he was just concerned for a good friend and colleague. But that last night at the hospital, as they talked about Mac's current assignment, he let the mask fall for a few moments. "It's just something about this one. I don't know," Harm had said. Looking off into the distance, his eyes betrayed what he really felt - his feelings for Colonel MacKenzie are more than friendship and comradery. This was very personal for him. They just could not be left down there to fend for themselves, she owes Harm that much.
"He will see you now, Ms. Gale," the secretary says, bringing her back from her thoughts.
"Thank you for seeing me on such short notice."
He motions for her to have a seat.
"Catherine, you're calling in a lot of favors on this one," Kershaw says.
"Yes, sir, I am. I know that I don't ordinarily get this involved with things but this time."
"This time you have a personal involvement. From what I hear, you and the Commander were married," he replies humorously, trying to put her at ease.
Catherine's cheeks flush crimson as she looks away. Even though she had already explained what happened, she is still embarrassed.
"Sorry, Catherine, I didn't mean to make you blush. Rabb was a good sport to go to those lengths to help you."
"Yes, sir, he was. And I feel I should repay that kindness somehow."
"Consider it done. Admiral Chegwidden will have the help he needs, and we will get them home," he says, with a reassuring smile.
"Thank you, sir."
***************************************************************************
AJ is walking out from the airport when a cabby approached him. "Bueno, Senor. Where could I take you this morning?"
AJ thinks it odd being approached by a cabby like this; there are fewer cabbies than people who needed them, so he did not have to hustle any business. But AJ decides to play along. "Yes, you could take me to my hotel."
"Very good this way please." The cabby loads the small bag in the trunk then, upon getting the hotel information, they are off.
The silence breaks when the cabby addresses him,"Admiral Chegwidden?"
"Who wants to know?" The admiral growls.
"Special Agent Mitch Stewart, the deputy director got word to me that you were coming."
"He did, did he? What else did he have to say?" AJ asks, very skeptical of this man.
"That you owe Catherine Gale a huge favor."
The tension eases from his shoulders. He knows this guy is on the level. But how much help he can expect is yet to be determined. "How the hell did you manage to get here before I did?"
"When the Colonel and Webb were reported missing, I was dispatched here to clean up, so to speak."
"Damn it, man! You have been here long enough to try and help them," AJ snaps.
"I was told that Webb was on his own and I didn't have permission to.."
"To do anything but cover up," AJ finishes.
"Well now let's just say that my assignment has been changed."
AJ just sits there for a few moments sizing up this man while stewing a little about how cavalier these agent types are with people's lives. From what AJ could see, he is of Hispanic decent, about 40ish, around 6ft tall and maneuvers these streets like he has lived here all his life. Even though they had not said much, Stewart did not come off cocky, the way Webb did the first time AJ had met him. He knows Stewart was only following orders and he should not take his anger out on him. And he is not about to look a gift horse in the mouth.
They pull up to where AJ is staying.
"I put what I know and further instructions in your bag. We'll meet again soon."
They get out of the car and go around to the trunk. AJ gets his bag, pays the "cabby" and goes inside.
The hotel is nice enough, somewhere between a five star and a whole in the wall, a pleasant place for tourists to stay and that is what AJ was, a "tourist".
While he is checking in, he makes mental notes of his surroundings - where the elevators, stairs and exit doors are, and later he will investigate the roof. He wants to know all these things in case of the need for a quick get away.
He proceeds to his room cautiously, again making note of his environment, but this time he is making note of people. He does not readily notice anything of concern so he enters the room, looking around, and when he was satisfied he has not been followed and the room does not have any unexpected occupants, he closes and locks the door.
He sits down on the bed and opened his bag. Inside is an envelope and next to it a 9mm and a couple extra clips. AJ inspects the much-appreciated weapon and holsters it in the waste band of his jeans. He opens the envelope and begins to read.
Colonel MacKenzie was brought in to the government hospital here this morning. She was brought in by a Mennonite missionary. No sign of Webb or Rabb. Her condition is critical. Meet me at the designated spot on the enclosed map at 1700. MS
AJ arrives a few minutes early for his next meeting with Stewart. The open air café is an inviting place. The cool breeze feels soothing on his warm body, and the aroma of food floating on the air reminds him that it has been over eight hours since he had last eaten. With tourists and locals alike seated around him, he does not have any trouble in ordering his meal.
He is sipping on his drink when he sees a man approaching. It takes AJ a couple looks to be sure, be it is indeed Stewart. He has changed his clothing from lower working class to a more business like attire, yet very much in keeping with local custom. AJ gets a better look at Stewart as he approaches. The agent is a bit shorter than AJ first thought, around 5'10" or so. That is more in keeping with his apparent heritage. His chiseled facial features are somewhat hidden underneath a neatly kept beard. He walks confidently yet keenly aware of his surroundings.
AJ stamds and greets him, shaking hands for appearances sake.
"Have you been here long?" Stewart asks.
"Just long enough to remember that I haven't eaten in some time and place an order."
The server comes and takes Agent Stewart's order and when his drink is brought to the table, the men begin to get acquainted.
"Is Stewart you real name?"
"Yes, sir. My mother was widowed when I was just a baby. She met and married my father, Peter Stewart. He adopted me. Mitch, short for Mitchell, is after my birth father's best friend. They served in Korea together."
"How did your father die?"
"In a car accident. It was hard for my mother, he had survived fighting the Korean War to be killed by a careless driver."
"I am sorry to hear that. "
"Both my parents made sure I grew up knowing who my birth father was and I did keep in touch with my extended family."
Again, AJ takes notice of his lack of cocky attitude. It sounds like Mitch Stewart had a good family life and was taught to be well mannered, which seems to be holding in spite of his chosen career. AJ had grown accustomed to putting all spooks in the same know-it-all mold. "I don't mean to interrogate you, it's just that I like to size up a person before I put my life in his hands."
"That is quite understandable, sir."
"As for biting your head off earlier, I was just surprised by your presence. No one wanted to lift a finger before I left, and I am not about to leave my people down here to die."
"The deputy director told me you felt that way."
"What else did he tell you about me?"
"Oh the usual - your service record, being a former SEAL, and that you are fiercely loyal and protective of those in your command."
"Damn straight!" Although AJ feels his "people" at JAG are more than his subordinates, they are his family. "So tell me how you came to find the Colonel's whereabouts?"
"Our embassy got a call from the government hospital here in Cicudad del Este. Apparently, a Mennonite missionary brought in an American woman and she was in bad shape."
"What did this man say exactly?"
"He said that two Americans came to him asking to use his plane. The woman spoke German as well as English. The man with her said he needed to get his pregnant wife to the hospital. In order to secure use of the plane, the man left his passport as collateral."
"Harmon Rabb?"
"Yes sir."
Mitch finishes retelling the rest of the story of which AJ is vaguely aware.
"Now that we are both up to speed, let's get to work." AJ says determinedly.
*************************************************************
A petite older woman comes walking up the street across from where the three of them are sitting and makes direct eye contact.
"Hey, Gunny, is that our contact over there?" Harm asks.
"It could be. He didn't say who was coming to meet us. She looks like she could be the old man's wife."
She turns and walks down the alleyway, purposefully dropping her bag. When she bends down to pick it up, she places a piece of paper under a loose brick in a doorway. They wait until she has gone through the other side. Then Gunny goes to retrieve the message. He takes his time getting back across the street. He browses through some of the vendors merchandise and then carefully opens the paper and reads what was inside.
"Her condition became worse. Had no choice but to take her to the government hospital. We are safe so far. You must come quickly.
Gunny goes back and sits down. Webb snatches the paper from Gunny and his face says it all. He is ashen and motionless.
Harm did not have to read the note. He already knows something is very wrong this just confirms his feeling.
"Just tell me she isn't dead," Harm says pleadingly.
"Not yet," Webb replies.
*************************************************************************
It is after 2200 when Webb, Harm and Gunny get to the hospital. The urgent need to get to Mac is driving Harm and Webb to the edges of insanity. Yet as each battle their own demons, they know that they have to be very careful. As far as they know, they had not been followed, but there are probably people here willing to give them up.
Gunny inquires about Mac while Harm and Webb wait in the lobby area. There are families all around sitting and waiting for news of their loved ones. Any one of them however, could be a plant for Sadik staking out the place.
Harm's feeling of intense dread remains. He had come to save her life not to get her killed. The memory of her burning with fever and looking fragile made the anger boil inside of him. 'If she dies not knowing.ever hearing me tell her how I feel I..' his racing thoughts interrupted.
"Settle down, Rabb. Your pacing like a caged animal won't help. It just draws attention to us," Webb snips. He, too, is feeling very anxious and blaming himself for Mac being in this situation. Sure he is mad as hell at Rabb for crashing that plane. But she would not have been in that plane in the first place if he had not pulled her in on this assignment. If he really wanted to, he could have found someone else to go with him to Paraguay. But he wanted the chance to be alone with Sarah, a chance to explore his developing feelings for her. Yeah there is something between she and Rabb but she is still a free woman and he wanted the opportunity to make his case. 'If my selfishness gets her killed I won't be able to live with myself.'
Gunny returns with news of Mac.
"Where is she?" Harm demands.
"She is on the third floor with the man that brought her in and her father," Gunny says suspiciously.
The three of them wonder who this "father" could be. If it were one of Sadik's men, they could be walking into a trap. There is only one way to find out, go to the third floor.
On the ride up in the elevator, each man inspects the weapon they had hidden beneath their clothing. In the event of an ambush, whoever is able to get Mac and get out of there is to head straight for the Embassy. No looking back. They all agreed getting Mac to safety is the first priority.
The bell dings and the doors open. Harm and Webb brace themselves as they step cautiously out of the elevator. They make eye contact with Gunny as he appears from the stair well. At first glance, nothing seems out of the ordinary. They continue to the nurses' station to inquire where Mac's room is. As Gunny is about to speak, they are greeted by a voice from behind them.
"Are you the family looking for a young American woman?" The man asks.
"Yes," they say in unison, very aware that the answer could cost them their lives.
"I am Dr. Martinez. I treated her while she was here."
"Excuse me," Harm interrupts, "did you say while she was here?"
"Yes. She came in with an older gentleman. She was in very bad shape when he brought her in. She was in septic shock. She had a dangerously high fever and it took us several hours just to get it down. We started immediately to pump her full of antibiotics and she showed some small signs of improving. I didn't think she should be moved but when her father arrived, he was adamant about getting her to your Embassy for emergency passage back to America."
"How long ago did she leave?" Gunny asks.
"I would say maybe an hour ago. He left a note. Which of you is her husband?" The doctor replies.
"I am!" Webb says quickly.
"Well then this is for you."
When the doctor turns and walks away, Harm grabbs the paper from Webb before he has a chance to read it. A small sense of relief comes over him as he recognizes the admiral's handwriting.
We need to get her home asap. Meet me no later than 1am
at my hotel.[
Harm's face reflects his sense of relief, prompting Gunny to ask, "What is it, sir?"
"It's from the admiral. He has Mac and sounds like a way home," he answers in a hushed tone with a slight smile.
"How is that old sea dog pulling this off?" Webb wonders aloud.
"We have an address and instructions to meet him no later that 0100."
On their way to the elevator, Webb notices a middle-aged Arab man out of the corner of his eye. He thinks he recognizes him from the compound where he and Mac had been held.
Harm senses Webb tense up. "Webb, talk to me," he says firmly.
"Don't look," Webb tells them. "I think we may have company."
As the elevator doors close, Webb asks Gunny, "When we get to the lobby, tell me if you recognize a man that, if I am right, will be coming out of the stairwell."
As the elevator doors open, Gunny glances over and sees a man walking away from the stairwell toward the front entrance. Gunny gives Webb a nod, affirming that he too recognizes this man.
They leave the hospital and continue toward their vehicle, only to find that all four tires have been slashed.
"This can't be good," Harm says.
"Neither can this," Gunny replies as he brings their attention to a group of men coming their way.
Just as they start to run, a cab pulls up and cuts them off. "Get in!" A voice shouts.
With pursers on one hand and a possible reprieve on the other, the three men are caught in an evident hesitation. Breaking the stalemate, Webb shoves Harm and Gunny toward the cab, positive that he recognizes the voice behind the reprieve. "Get in! Get in!" He yells.
They jump in and the car is moving before the doors are closed. A hail of gunfire ensues, shattering the windows and grazing Harm in the shoulder.
Through the shattered back window, they spot a SUV closing in.
The cab driver keeps them moving back and forth to avert the array of bullets. He lays on the horn and makes a quick turn down an alley, narrowly missing an elderly man, that just seconds before stepped inside a doorway. The SUV, being too big to follow, races to make the next corner.
The little car, being pushed for all it has, flies through the next alley, then spills onto the street having its side mirror ripped off. Then the cabby takes a swift left down another side alley and comes to a screeching halt. Slightly dazed, Harm pulls his head from where the window had been, gets out and scans for Gunny and Webb.
He immediately hears the cabby yell, "Follow me!"
"Go! Go!" Webb directs them hurriedly.
They come to the corner and the driver motions for them to slow down. Making a right turn, he leads them to a vegetable truck; moving ahead
to let down the tail gate, he gets into the cab.
Harm, Webb and Gunny get in and hide among the boxes under a tarp.
The engine starts and they slowly pull into traffic only to stop suddenly.
The three men hold their collective breath as the cab door opens and boxes begin to move. The tarp rises up and a hand reaches in.
As Gunny poises to strike, Webb grabs his arm to stop him, recognizing the man reaching in for vegetables as Mitch Stewart. Webb gives Harm and Gunny a reassuring nod and they seem to relax a bit. Mitch lays the tarp down and they hear him make a sale to a passerby.
********************************************************************
The drive to the hotel was not very long but AJ knew it had already worn Mac out. He opens the door and watches her military training and sheer will take over as she walks through the lobby by her own power. She fights to remain standing while they wait for the elevator, yet mind over body has its limits. Her body begins to sway and she collapses in AJ's arms.
AJ carries her down the hall to his room. Stewart had come up the stairs and is already waiting for them at the door. He secures the room and turns down the bed. AJ gently lays Mac down; she moans slightly, the cool sheets a welcome relief against her still smoldering skin.
"I am going back to the hospital to wait for Webb and the others," Stewart says, heading for the door. "With or without them, I will be here in time to take you to the chopper." The door closes and AJ is left alone with Mac, who has fallen asleep. While watching her sleep, he recalled how he had felt when he first walked in her room.
When he had entered Mac's room, he had become keenly aware that none of his military training or life's experiences had prepared him to handle the disturbing sight of Mac lying in that bed. He had seen men killed right before his eyes; even taken lives in defense of his country. Yet seeing Mac in this condition left him without a frame of reference.
There were so many monitors; she looked like a Christmas tree. Yet there wasn't anything festive about her being flat on her back in that dimly lit room with the buzz and glow of the equipment.
The image proved more unsettling than he had anticipated. In many ways, much harder than shooting the enemy or seeing a fellow solider give his life in defense of his country ever had been. Although those heroic acts where indeed emotional, he was able to remain somewhat detached, serving the greater good and all. AJ had been taken aback by the sight of Mac's blanched appearance and her Marine strength veiled in fragility. He realized, this had become personal in a way that was unfamiliar to him. He had not been married for many years, and never did get to raise his daughter. AJ had walled himself up pretty well until these last few years at JAG.
Mac slept and her guardian, the Mennonite Farmer that Stewart briefed him about, nodded as well. AJ moved over to the man and tapped him on the shoulder. He jerked awake, somewhat startled by AJ's presence. AJ had motioned for the man to follow him outside.
"I began to wonder when someone was going to show up," the farmer stated in obvious relief.
Before AJ could respond, a doctor had walked up to them, "Oh good. I am Dr. Martinez. Are you family of this young woman?"
"Yes, sir, I am AJ Chedwiggen, her father," he had said, shaking hands with the doctor. "What is her condition?"
"Well, Mr. Chedwiggen, excuse me, what is your daughter's name?"
"Sarah."
"Sarah came very close to dying and she isn't out of the woods yet. She was brought in very early this morning with a broken ankle and a dangerously high fever due to septic shock." The doctor's voice had been compassionate in spite of his direct, even blunt assessment of her condition.
"What is that exactly?"
"It is an infection that gets into the blood system, causing lack of oxygen in the blood resulting in low blood pressure. We had to give her two blood transfusions."
He grimaced at the mention of the blood transfusion, concerned about the safety of the blood supply.
"Our screening process is exceptional; don't worry." Being in Paraguay, the doctor wasn't unfamiliar with people's skepticism about the safety of the blood supply.
"That's good to hear," AJ said, relieved. "What are all these monitors that are hooked up to her?"
"We placed a central line in through her main artery in her neck, into her heart. She has heart, oxygen and blood monitoring equipment, along with an IV. We are continuing to treat her aggressively with antibiotics. It took us several hours, but we were able to get her fever out of the danger zone early this afternoon. She is lucky not to have any brain injury from the high fever or organ damage from lack of oxygen in her blood. She is still in serious condition but she is stable."
"Is she stable enough for me to get her to the Embassy for emergency medical transport home?"
"I strongly advise against it for at least three to four days."
"I really want to get her home," he had stated adamantly.
"She is definitely not up to the drive to Asuncion. Maybe you should discuss this with Harm."
AJ was somewhat surprised by the mention of Rabb's name. "Excuse me?"
"Sarah's husband? She has been calling for him. Is he with you?" The doctor said, trying to delay this action.
"No. He should be en route and here soon," AJ replied, hoping that his words would have become a reality.
"Please wait for him. Although I can't prevent you from taking her, I stress again, how important it is that you wait to move her."
"Thank you, doctor, I will take that under advisement," AJ said in his usual dismissive tone.
"Well then if you will excuse me, I have other patients to see." The doctor turned and walked away.
"She is quite a fighter," the farmer had said, resuming their conversation as they returned to Mac's room.
AJ turned at the sound of his voice. "Thank you for staying with her," he replied seriously.
"I sent word to her 'husband' and his friends of where we are and the need for them to get here quickly." The old man enunciated "husband," showing that he knew this whole thing was a farce.
"How long ago was that?"
"They should be getting the message as we speak."
AJ looked at his watch, was 19:30. "How reliable is the person delivering the message?"
"She hasn't let me down in over fifty years." The man said with much love and pride.
Mac began to stir at the sound of their voices. Her eyes flickered and she started to speak, "Ad.."
Before she finished, the old man interrupted. "Yes, my dear, your father is here," enunciating "father" for both of their benefits.
"My what.." Mac said, somewhat alarmed, not fully understanding what was happening.
AJ walked over to her and took her hand. "I am here, Sarah," he made sure to use her given name. "I arrived not long ago. I am going to take you home very soon."
Mac looked up at AJ, things started to become clear. "Where are Harm and the others?" She asked with worry in a weakened voice.
"We have contacted them they should be en route as we speak."
"Then Harm found Clay?" She asked imploringly.
"Yes he did," AJ had answered, having assumed facts that were not in evidence.
"Just rest for now, we have a long trip ahead of us."
AJ felt Mac relax, as she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep. Whether or not Webb is with Harm was irrelevant; he had no intention of leaving anyone behind. AJ just did not want to get the Marine in her all riled up.
'It will take some time to get her ready to leave.' he thought, 'If by the time she is ready to go, the others aren't here, we will leave.'
AJ had paid the hospital bill with the money Stewart had given him. There had been enough to pay the bill and to reimburse the Mennonite Farmer for the plane he had lost.
"Thank you Mr. Chedwiggen," the farmer said. "I will pray that you and the others make it home safely."
"All that you and your wife have done in caring for my people is greatly appreciated," AJ replied.
The farmer left as the doctor entered the room. "I am giving her another dose of antibiotic. And sending with you medicine for her fever; as well as oral antibiotics for her to take, until she can be started on an IV again. You do understand that..."
"I understand doctor," AJ had interrupted solemnly.
"Harm!" Mac screams as she sits straight up in the bed, jolting AJ back to the present.
"We have to help him!" Mac demands as she attempts to stand, only to fall on the floor.
AJ reaches down and helps her back into bed. "Take it easy, Mac," He says trying to calm her, "and tell me about it." He hopes she was only dreaming, yet something in the urgency of her voice makes that unlikely.
"Harm is in pain and they are being chased!" She pronounces frantically.
Just as AJ feared, she is having one of her visions. Although they make him uncomfortable, her undefined ability has an incredible accuracy.
"Mac-" AJ begins
"No! Admiral we have to-"
"Colonel!" His authoritative voice cuts through her frenzy of emotion, and reaches the marine inside.
"Sir!" Mac responds with still a note of urgency, yet her emotions under control.
"They agency sent another agent, Mitch Stewart, for additional backup. He has gone after them. I have every confidence he will do what ever necessary to help them. In the meantime, you are in no condition to go off half cocked. We will wait it out," He sighs deeply," just as we have done before."
"Aye, aye sir."
***********************************************************************
The truck stops and Harm checks his watch; it is 23:45. He is disturbed about the time. The admiral's note stated no later than 1a.m. and he is not sure where they are or who they are with. The sound of the tail gate opening gets his attention. He sees the tarp being pulled back and a man standing there motioning them to quietly get out of the truck.
Webb is the first one out. He is very pleased to see Agent Mitch Stewart and anxious to hear how in the world he had gotten involved. Harm and Gunny pile out and they all follow their benefactor into a small house.
Mitch locks the door and draws the shades. Making his rounds, through each window he surveys the area for suspicious activity. Being certain that there is not anyone lurking about, he takes them into another room. He pulls back a table and rug, revealing a trap door and leads them down to a humbly yet adequately furnished room.
Mitch lights an oil lamp and turns to greet Webb, "Clay, good to see you're still in one piece."
"It's good to see you too, Mitch," Webb answers, shaking his hand. "How in the hell did you know where to find us? And more importantly, who gave you permission?"
"Well you have the Commander's wife, Catherine Gale, to thank for all of this." Mitch said with a smile, fully aware of the story.
"Wife?" Webb and Gunny said in unison.
"Long story," Harm sheepishly replied.
"She personally lobbied the Deputy Director to do whatever he could to get you all home. He contacted me and told me to help Admiral Chegwidden and that I would have whatever I needed at my disposal."
"That must have been some honeymoon," Webb said, sarcastically.
"Where are the Admiral and Colonel Mackenzie?" Harm asked, impatiently.
"And you're Commander Rabb. I am special agent Mitch Stewart," he said, reaching behind Webb to shake Harm's hand.
"Commander you've been hit!"
"It's nothing. I was just grazed by a bullet back there," Harm replied, shrugging it off. "Where are they, Agent Stewart?" Harm asked, demandingly this time.
"I will fill you in when I get back. I have to park the truck in the barn. Help yourselves to the food and water in the cupboard over there, and to the bandages in the drawer over here," he said, pointing to a small end table next to a twin bed. With that, Mitch went up the steps and closed the door above.
"How long have you known Agent Stewart, Mr. Webb?" Gunny inquired as he moved to the end table to retrieve the bandages.
"Don't worry, he's not like Hardy, we can trust him." Webb said matter of factly.
Gunny walks over to Harm with bandages in tow. "Let me take a look at that, sir."
"Thanks. And call me Harm; I'm not an officer anymore remember."
"Yes, sir-I mean Harm. That's going to take some getting used to."
At the mention of his civilian status, Webb could not help but think how it could change things between Rabb and Sarah. They had been doing their little dance for so long; Webb was getting pretty confident that Rabb was not going to step up to the plate and make a real move. So much so that he allowed himself to begin to think of Sarah as a woman and not a colleague, a woman for whom he had developed strong feelings, and would give his life to protect. And that is something he hasn't felt in a long time.
'I need you Sarah.' Remembering his words and her kiss, as his finger lightly brushed his bottom lip. 'I will fight for you. Fight to get you home and fight to win your heart.' The sound of Gunny drawing his weapon jarred Webb back into reality.
"Whoa! I am one of the good guys, remember?" Mitch said as he entered the room through a door hidden by a tapestry on the wall.
"Oh well that's convenient." Harm replied, somewhat stunned.
Gunny holsters his weapon and says emphatically, "Good way to get yourself killed, Stewart."
Mitch goes to the cupboard pulling out a duffel bag and filling it with some supplies, food, water and weapons. "Through the door there is a tunnel that leads to the barn. Commander, you and Clay will go out this way to a waiting car," he says, handing Harm the bag. "Gunny, I want you to stay with me. We will follow at a distance as cover, waiting for them to come out of the hotel with the others and then proceed to the rendezvous point."
"Gunny, thanks for covering our six, but take care of yourself, too." Harm said with a pat on his back.
"Don't worry, Rabb, he's good hands." Webb replies. "Let's get going."
Harm and Webb walk crouchingly through the tunnel. They go through another miniature room and walk up a few steps to a door over head and enter the barn. Webb opens the barn door while Harm gets in the drivers seat of the awaiting car. Webb then sits down next to Harm and pulls the map out of the bag.
"I know Gunny is in good hands, but am I?" Webb asks.
"I am not a spook, Webb, at least not yet. I've got your six." Harm replies judiciously as he starts the engine.