Shenandoah Valley
Northern Virginia
1630 Local
Mac padded into the kitchen, scrubbing absently at her face. She'd been sent off to nap almost as soon as they arrived. The ride back to Avis' place had been more tiring than she would have imagined and she'd actually gone without protest. She was feeling a bit steadier on her feet but not quite ready to run any races. Avis was sitting at the kitchen table, shelling peas. She gave Mac a quiet smile as the brunette pulled up a chair and grabbed a handful of pea pods, "How are you feeling?"
Mac leaned her elbows on the table and grinned ruefully, "I think I'm getting tired of sleeping." The two women lapsed into a comfortable silence as they continued to shell the peas. Finally Mac glanced over at Avis, "Do you want to tell me what's bothering you?"
The younger woman sighed, keeping her eyes on the table, "Where do I start?"
Tilting her head to one side, Mac grinned, "How about starting in the middle and working your way out? Beginning at the beginning is boring."
Avis smiled in spite of herself, "I could start at the end, jump to the beginning and end in the middle."
Mac raised an eyebrow, "You could also skip every third word but then it might get confusing."
Chuckling, Avis shook her head, "I'm truly going to miss you, Sarah." At Mac's startled look, she nodded, "We're getting close to the right time. Two weeks from tomorrow." Avis smiled, "Close your mouth, you'll catch flies."
Shutting her mouth with a snap, Mac stared at Avis, the strength of conflicting emotions surprising her. Home. Harm. The thought of it filled her with exhilaration and trepidation. She'd been gone almost exactly 10 weeks. She ran a hand through her hair and stopped. It was almost two inches longer than when she'd gone missing. How was she going to explain where she'd been? Could she tell Harm? Would he believe her? Oh hell... when it came down to it, she'd have a hard time believing it herself. Mac took a deep breath, "Are you sure? You'll be able to get me home?"
Avis leaned forward, lightly resting her arms on the table, "As sure as I can be. I remember the stories my grandmother told me. Of course, at the time, I thought that's all they were - stories. It's going to be by guess and by gosh, but I'll do the best I can."
Mac dropped her gaze to the table before looking at Avis again. She felt a pang. She was going to miss this young woman terribly. It occurred to her that she'd never had close female friends. There was Harriet, of course. The young lieutenant was a curious mixture of kid sister and mother hen but it was tough to get away from the specter of rank. When all was said and done, Mac was Harriet's superior officer - a fact neither of them could truly forget. Avis was an equal, more importantly, she felt like family. Mac stared at the tabletop. The worst part of going back to her own century would be knowing that, by then, Avis was dead and gone to dust. And it wasn't just Avis; Josiah, too, would be dead. It hurt to think about it. All the people of this century who had touched her life: Avis, Josiah, Tommy, Billy, Deacon, Corinna, Avril, Matt ... reduced to dry dates in some government record.
"Sarah?"
Looking up from the pea pod she was mangling, Mac gave a half-smile, "I was just thinking how much I'm going to miss you and this place."
Avis smiled back, "It's not going to be easy for either of us. You've become like family."
Mac sighed, staring off at some far distant point and then shaking her head. "Avis, if it doesn't work... if I can't get back... well, I wouldn't want you to worry. I think I could be happy here."
They fell silent again, concentrating on the task at hand. After a few minutes, Mac cleared her throat, "So, are you going to tell me what's wrong?"
Avis paused, rubbing at her forehead before looking wryly at Mac, "You know, I'm not sure I'll miss this persistence." She pushed away from the table and stood up, beginning to pace, "It's Avril and Matt. Something terrible is going to happen." She gave an exasperated snort, turning back towards Mac, "How's that for a prediction? They're riding into a battle with a militia made up of old men and young boys, armed with shotguns and hunting rifles. Of course, something terrible is going to happen!" She leaned against the sink and buried her face in her hands, "I can't help feeling like I need to be there."
Quietly, Mac rose from the table and walked over to Avis, wrapping her in an embrace. She could feel the young woman's shoulders shaking. After a few minutes, Avis seemed to be getting herself under control again. Mac leaned back a little, "If we're going to get there before dark, we need to get a move on."
Avis' head came up in surprise, "What?"
Mac stepped back a little, folding her arms, "You heard me." She looked around the kitchen, "We'll need to take some supplies - no telling what we'll find. And whatever guns you have... I'm not going anywhere unarmed. I don't suppose you have a revolver tucked away somewhere? ... What?"
Avis continued to stare at her, "Sarah, have you lost your mind? You just got out of a sickbed! Do you want to wind up there again?"
"If you think I'll stay here and let you go off on your own, then I'm not the only crazy person in this kitchen," Mac retorted, raising an eyebrow. She waved a hand, "It's not like I plan to get there on my own two feet. That's what the horses are for." She made a shooing motion, "We're wasting time. We've got a lot to do before we can leave."
An hour later, they were on their way. Avis had her team hitched to a buckboard. It would be more practical than a buggy. They'd only been on the road a little ways when Avis turned down a long drive, "Deacon's place," she said, in answer to Mac's questioning look. A short time later, they pulled in front of a pretty little farmhouse. A short, rotund black woman came out on the porch, wiping her hands on her apron. Avis waved, "Hey, Miz Chandra."
The woman smiled, coming down the porch steps, "Miss Avis! How are you? Won't y'all come in and join us? I was just about to ring Deacon and the boys in, supper's almost ready." She gave Mac a curious look and a nod and then focused again on Avis.
Avis shook her head, "Thank you, no. We've got a ways to go this evening." She looked over at Mac, "Miz Chandra, this is Sarah MacKenzie. Sarah, this is Deacon's wife, Chandra Turner."
Mac smiled, "Pleased to meet you, ma'am. Deacon and Avis both speak highly of you."
Chandra fluttered a hand, looking pleased, "I've been hearing quite a lot about you, too, Miss Sarah. I'm mighty glad to finally meet you." She looked at Avis again, "Are you sure you won't come in? There's plenty."
"I wish we could but we're pressed for time. You know I don't pass up your cooking if I can help it. I stopped by to see if Enoch might take care of my stock in the morning. I'm not sure we'll get back in time."
Chandra folded her hands at her waist, "I don't see why not." She tilted her head and narrowed her eyes a bit, "Does this have anything to do with that Yankee cavalry?"
Avis ducked her head, "Yes'm. Avril's out there with the militia and I've got the worst feeling... "
Clucking her tongue, Chandra regarded the young woman with sympathy. She'd known Avis since she was a little bit of a girl in pigtails. Her grandparents had been fine folk. Neither she nor her grandmother, old Annabel Pike, had ever made a secret of their abilities. She might have lost Deacon years ago if Avis hadn't shown up on her doorstep, crying. He'd been digging a new well and the little girl had refused to calm down until he climbed out to comfort her. Not five minutes later, the walls of the well had collapsed. If Chandra hadn't believed in second sight before, that day convinced her.
Avis had been a blond whirlwind of activity growing up. After chores and schooling, she spent her time happily racing between the two farms. She'd come over to play with Chandra's babies or discuss the latest foal or calf with Deacon. Chandra, for her part, never let Avis leave without stuffing her apron pockets with fresh-baked cookies. She shook her head at the memories, "Well then, you'd best be going. Y'all be careful and don't worry about your place. Enoch will watch it."
"Thank you," Avis gave her a grateful smile and then clucking to her team, wheeled the buckboard around and headed back to the road.
Chandra watched them drive out of sight and then went back up onto the porch. Moving to the dinner triangle, she picked up the striker and began to ring her men in. She'd have to remember to include Avis in her prayers tonight.
JAG Headquarters Falls Church, Virginia 0905 Local
Harm walked briskly into Chegwidden's office and came to attention, "Commander Rabb, reporting as ordered, sir."
AJ looked up at his senior attorney, "Have a seat, Commander." He leaned back in his chair, making a steeple of his fingers while Rabb settled down in his usual chair. He looked tired. "How did your search go, Harm?"
If Rabb was surprised that AJ opened with that question, he didn't show it. He rubbed his jaw, looking somewhat lost himself, "No sign of her, sir. She's vanished." He gazed at AJ, "I don't suppose you've heard anything from Webb, have you, sir?"
Chegwidden shook his head, "Not yet. All I've been able to find out is that he's in South America. I suppose this means we can't blame Mac's disappearance on the CIA."
Harm scowled, "I wouldn't be too sure... sir."
AJ grunted, there was some truth in that. "Commander, do you know how I spent my weekend?"
Rabb shook his head slowly, unsure where the Admiral was heading.
"Meredith and I spent it driving around the Shenandoah Valley." He sighed, "We didn't find anything, either."
Harm shifted a little, "I... um... well, thank you, sir."
AJ stared at Harm, "My point is, Commander, that it's too big an area for one person to search effectively."
Rabb stiffened, "Sir... "
AJ held up a hand, "This office, however, is sinking under a backlog of cases. I need you where you'll do the most good, Commander, and that's right here. Commander Turner will assume the duties of Chief of Staff. As the senior attorney, I need you in court. I'm bringing in some junior officers on TDY from surrounding offices to take over the field investigations. As much as I would prefer to take a part in finding Mac, I cannot allow one person's disappearance to cause this office to become derelict in its duties."
Harm was looking more upset, "But sir... "
"We're not abandoning the search, Harm. Local law enforcement agencies will continue to look and keep us updated. This is not open for discussion."
"Admiral, what if I can come up with a lead? Something that narrows the search to a reasonable area?" Harm's knuckles were white where he gripped the armrests.
"Then we'll notify Search and Rescue. Commander, those local agencies are trained for this sort of thing and they're familiar with the area. Let them do their job. I've talked to the department heads out there, they know to contact us as soon as they find anything. We will find her." AJ stared at Harm, still seeing rebellion. He stood up and waited as Rabb climbed to his feet and came to attention. Leaning forward, Chegwidden rested his knuckles on his desk, "Do not cross me on this, Commander, or a certain Marine Lt. Colonel will also kick your ass when she gets back. Dismissed."
Harm stared hard at a point six inches above the Admiral's head, "Yes sir." Pivoting smartly, he marched out of Chegwidden's office. AJ sat down again, running his hand over his head. It was even money that Rabb would bolt at the first clue to Mac's whereabouts. He leaned back, thinking. When it came to the Colonel, Rabb was also capable of a reckless abandonment of common sense. It probably wouldn't hurt to make sure he had back-up. He picked up his phone and punched in a number, "Gunny Walters, please... "
Harm strode back to his office, ignoring the looks he was receiving from the bullpen. He pulled the door to as he went inside and dropped heavily into his chair. He was scowling at the stack of files on his desk when there was a light knock on his door. Sturgis put his head in, "Got a minute?"
Harm waved him in and waited while the Commander sat down, "What do you need, Sturgis?"
Sturgis raised both eyebrows, "Me? Nothing. I came to see how you were holding up."
"I'm just wonderful," Harm growled, "Mac's out there somewhere and the Admiral's made it perfectly clear that I'm to remain here."
Sturgis leaned back in his chair, "Well, what did you expect, Harm? He's got responsibilities and so do you. The caseload has been crazy. While you were running around with Admiral Boone, everyone here was pulling 12 hour days. Hell, I think some days, Mac was putting in 14 and 16 hours." He shook his head, "Unless you can do what Mac did and pinpoint a location, what are you going to do out there? Let the local cops do the legwork. The important thing is to find Mac, will it ultimately matter who spots her first?" The two men sat silently and then Sturgis rose to his feet, "If you need anything, just yell."
"Thanks," Harm tried not to sound too petulant as Sturgis left his office. He'd halfway expected something like this - he wasn't blind or stupid. It was just the actual collision with harsh reality that had him going. Somehow, though, he'd figure out a way to find her. Meanwhile... wearily, he reached for the first file in the stack.
Shenandoah Valley Northern Virginia 1750 Local
"Do you know where to look?" Mac asked, as Avis sent Jupiter and Jenna down the road at a businesslike trot.
Avis shook her head, "All I really know is that they're south of us. We'll head for Cross Keys and see what we can see. We should be there in less than an hour."
Mac looked up at the sky, "It'll be dusk by then, I hope we find them soon. I'd rather not try this in the dark." She settled back on the hard bench seat of the buckboard. It wasn't nearly as comfortable as the buggy, a fact that was probably going to tire her out faster. At least her arm was down to a minor ache. The loaded shotgun was propped up against the seat between Avis and herself. Mac wasn't taking any chances.
Forty-three minutes later, they came to a crossroads by a small church. There was an elderly gentleman in the cemetery. Avis pulled the horses over, "Excuse me, sir, we're looking for the militia. Have they been by this way?"
The old man grunted disdainfully, "Hard t' say. Might have, they scattered to the four winds when them Yankee boys came ridin' at 'em. Some mighta run this way."
The horses shifted restlessly as Avis' hands tightened on the reins. "Where did they meet up with the Yankees?"
He pointed down the road, "Go past Rodenheffer's place to the Dunkard Church. The Mill Creek schoolhouse ain't too far past. Somewhere near there is what I hear, those bluebellies were headed to Port Republic. Hope they stay that way - don't need 'em round here."
Avis got out a hurried 'thank you' as she sent the team charging down the road. Mac grabbed the metal armrest in one hand and the shotgun in the other. When they reached the Dunkard Church, Avis pulled the team down to a walk. Sporadic gunfire could be heard in the distance. With the echoes, it was hard to tell how far away it might be. A few minutes later, the body of a horse told them they had reached the scene of the conflict. Mac put her hand on Avis' arm and pointed towards a field to the right. In the dim light, figures with lanterns could be seen walking. Avis turned the horses off the road and headed for the field. All too soon, they began passing bodies. From the homespun clothes, it was apparent that quite a few of the casualties were militia. Occasionally, there was a blue uniform to be seen.
Pulling the horses to a stop, Avis looked over at Mac, "I'll have to go the rest of the way on foot. I don't want to run over anyone." She held up a hand when Mac began to protest, "Sarah, I need you to stay with the horses until I find Avril. We can't afford to have someone steal them." She climbed down and went to the back, pulling out two lanterns. Lighting them, she handed one to Mac, "I'll be back as soon as I find him." She moved away from the buckboard, stopped briefly and then walked resolutely off to her left.
Mac watched the lantern as it bobbed and weaved through the field. Now that she was still, she could hear a low pitched moaning that pervaded the field, mingled with the normal sounds of dusk. It made the hair on the back of her neck go up. This was one thing she couldn't seem to adjust to, despite the time spent with Josiah's command. The magnitude of the carnage when these two sides fought. This would be considered a minor skirmish by Civil War standards and a substantial firefight in her time. A firefight with an unacceptable level of casualties, someone would be cashiered for spending their men's lives so freely.
Keeping the shotgun cradled in her lap, Mac swore softly when she realized that she'd lost track of Avis' lantern. Jupiter shifted restlessly, stamping a foot and rattling his bit. The smell of blood and death made him nervous. Mac murmured soothingly to him, watching the numerous lanterns moving about the field. Townspeople doing what she and Avis were doing, searching for loved ones amid the dead and wounded.
Fourteen minutes later, Mac held her breath as a lantern came towards her. She said a small prayer of thanks as Avis came into view. Mac looked at her anxiously, "Did you... ?"
Avis nodded, "We need the wagon." Grabbing Jenna's bridle, she turned to start leading them back the way she'd been.
"Avis, wait," Mac called softly. When the young woman stopped to look back at her, Mac put the shotgun down and climbed out of the wagon.
"What are you doing?" Avis gave her a puzzled look, "You shouldn't be exerting yourself."
Mac shook her head and reached for the lantern, "I'm fine. You should be driving, you're better at it. I'll walk ahead and light the way, you can tell me when to go left or right. Go on, we're wasting time."
It was a slow process, picking their way across the field. Finally, Avis spoke in an anxious tone, "There. He's over there by that fence." They hurried the last few yards and then Mac saw him. He was stretched out on the ground, his uniform front a bloody mess. It was obvious that one of Avis' petticoats had been put to good use.
Avril opened his eyes as Mac knelt down next to him, "Hey, Miss Sarah." His voice was barely a whisper.
Mac smiled at him, "Hey yourself. Didn't anyone ever teach you to duck?"
He smiled back and smiled wider when Avis appeared next to him with a blanket. Mac touched his shoulder to get his attention, "We're going to use the blanket to move you. It's probably going to hurt."
It took a good ten minutes to wrestle Avril into the back of the buckboard. They did their best not to jostle him, while he tried not to groan too loudly. Mac leaned against the side of the wagon, she could feel herself shaking from the exertion. Avis climbed out and stood next to her. Quietly, she pointed off to the right, "Matt's up that way, Sarah. He's dead."
Mac stared at Avis, her expression stricken, "Oh God... "
Avis nodded, looking down at the ground for a moment, "I want to take him so we can send him to his family in Durham. It will be a comfort for them to have him home."
Numb, Mac reached for the lantern and started for the front of the wagon. Avis put a hand out but Mac shrugged her off. She kept her voice level with an effort, "Please, I think I need to walk." The strain she'd felt earlier had been swallowed by grief. Silently, Avis acquiesced, climbed onto the seat and took up the reins. They moved off slowly. The fighting had been fiercer this way and their path became more roundabout.
Mac was skirting around the body of yet another horse when she felt that same cold prickle at the back of her neck. Stopping, she slowly began turning in a circle. "Sarah? What is it?" Avis' hushed voice came from the wagon. In a kind of macabre deference to the dead, neither woman had spoken louder than a low undertone.
Shaking her head, Mac held the lantern higher. Just beyond the body of the first horse was a second, this one still had his rider. Reluctantly, Mac found herself walking towards the pair, her sense of foreboding growing with each step. Abruptly, she sank to her knees and with a strangled sob, reached out a hand, "Josiah!"
JAG Headquarters Falls Church, Virginia 1640 Local
Harriet saw the blinking light on her phone and picked up the handset, "JAG, Lt. Sims speaking."
There was a crackling of static and then the distant voice of a woman, "I can't hear anything, Anthony Wade. Are you sure this works?"
Harriet frowned slightly, "Hello? This is Lt. Sims." There was more static.
"Hello? Hello?" the voice was a bit louder, "Is this the... what was the name, Anthony Wade?... is this the Judge Advocate General's office? ... I didn't think they had generals in the Navy... what?... oh... well, it is confusing... Hello?" There was another crackle of static.
Harriet stared at the phone for a moment and sighed. She really wasn't in the mood for this. It had been a long day. "Yes, this is the Navy Judge Advocate General's office. May I help you?"
"I hope so, dear. May I speak to Lt. Col. Sarah MacKenzie please?" Static flared again on the line.
"I'm sorry, Col. MacKenzie isn't in right now," Harriet rubbed her forehead, "Would you like to speak to another officer?"
"Oh dear... Anthony Wade, she's not there... no, I don't know. Let me ask... Excuse me, do you mean she's not there at the moment or that she didn't get back there last Thursday night?"
Harriet straightened abruptly, her eyes widening, "Ma'am, did you see the Colonel Thursday night?" There was a burst of static. She gestured frantically at a petty officer to get Commander Rabb. He came out of his office and looked at her quizzically. She concentrated on the phone again, "Hello? Are you still there?"
"Hello? ... I can't believe you paid good money for this phone, it doesn't work very well... No, I'm not looking a gift horse in the mouth. I was just saying... Hello?"
"Ma'am? Can you hear me?" Harriet resisted the urge to scream, this was incredibly frustrating.
"Ahhh, there you are. Yes dear, what was your question?"
Harriet stared at Harm as she carefully repeated her question, "Ma'am, did you see Colonel MacKenzie Thursday night?" Harm straightened in shock and then moved swiftly beside her. Checking to see what line she was on, he raced back into his office.
"Yes I did. She had dinner with Anthony Wade and I. Are you saying she didn't arrive that night? She said something about preparing for a case, she was quite insistent upon leaving ... oh... afraid... might..." The call dissolved into static.
"Hello? Hello!?" Harriet stared at the handset and uttered a word that had a few heads turning in the bullpen. She looked up at Harm as he came out of his office again, "I'm so sorry, sir, I lost the connection."
"Not your fault, Harriet. I don't suppose there's any way to trace that call?" Harm's fists clenched as he resisted the urge to punch something. So goddamn close!
"No sir, it was a cell phone and not a very good connection," Harriet stared at her phone in frustration. "Maybe she'll call back."
Harm scrubbed a hand through his hair, "Maybe... Did she give you her name? Say where she was calling from?"
Harriet shook her head, "No sir. She sounded older and she kept talking to someone named Anthony Wade."
Damn! Harm blew out an aggravated breath and then raised his voice, "May I have everyone's attention?" The bullpen became quiet as everyone turned towards the tall Commander. "Lt. Sims just took a call from a woman who may have been the last one to see Colonel MacKenzie on Thursday night. She was on a cell phone and we lost the connection. If she calls back, please notify me immediately. Thank you." With that, Harm turned around and went back into his office, taking care not to slam his door. He sank down in his chair and stared moodily at the computer monitor. Let Harriet brief the Admiral on the phone call. It wasn't fair! So goddamn close!
Mac padded into the kitchen, scrubbing absently at her face. She'd been sent off to nap almost as soon as they arrived. The ride back to Avis' place had been more tiring than she would have imagined and she'd actually gone without protest. She was feeling a bit steadier on her feet but not quite ready to run any races. Avis was sitting at the kitchen table, shelling peas. She gave Mac a quiet smile as the brunette pulled up a chair and grabbed a handful of pea pods, "How are you feeling?"
Mac leaned her elbows on the table and grinned ruefully, "I think I'm getting tired of sleeping." The two women lapsed into a comfortable silence as they continued to shell the peas. Finally Mac glanced over at Avis, "Do you want to tell me what's bothering you?"
The younger woman sighed, keeping her eyes on the table, "Where do I start?"
Tilting her head to one side, Mac grinned, "How about starting in the middle and working your way out? Beginning at the beginning is boring."
Avis smiled in spite of herself, "I could start at the end, jump to the beginning and end in the middle."
Mac raised an eyebrow, "You could also skip every third word but then it might get confusing."
Chuckling, Avis shook her head, "I'm truly going to miss you, Sarah." At Mac's startled look, she nodded, "We're getting close to the right time. Two weeks from tomorrow." Avis smiled, "Close your mouth, you'll catch flies."
Shutting her mouth with a snap, Mac stared at Avis, the strength of conflicting emotions surprising her. Home. Harm. The thought of it filled her with exhilaration and trepidation. She'd been gone almost exactly 10 weeks. She ran a hand through her hair and stopped. It was almost two inches longer than when she'd gone missing. How was she going to explain where she'd been? Could she tell Harm? Would he believe her? Oh hell... when it came down to it, she'd have a hard time believing it herself. Mac took a deep breath, "Are you sure? You'll be able to get me home?"
Avis leaned forward, lightly resting her arms on the table, "As sure as I can be. I remember the stories my grandmother told me. Of course, at the time, I thought that's all they were - stories. It's going to be by guess and by gosh, but I'll do the best I can."
Mac dropped her gaze to the table before looking at Avis again. She felt a pang. She was going to miss this young woman terribly. It occurred to her that she'd never had close female friends. There was Harriet, of course. The young lieutenant was a curious mixture of kid sister and mother hen but it was tough to get away from the specter of rank. When all was said and done, Mac was Harriet's superior officer - a fact neither of them could truly forget. Avis was an equal, more importantly, she felt like family. Mac stared at the tabletop. The worst part of going back to her own century would be knowing that, by then, Avis was dead and gone to dust. And it wasn't just Avis; Josiah, too, would be dead. It hurt to think about it. All the people of this century who had touched her life: Avis, Josiah, Tommy, Billy, Deacon, Corinna, Avril, Matt ... reduced to dry dates in some government record.
"Sarah?"
Looking up from the pea pod she was mangling, Mac gave a half-smile, "I was just thinking how much I'm going to miss you and this place."
Avis smiled back, "It's not going to be easy for either of us. You've become like family."
Mac sighed, staring off at some far distant point and then shaking her head. "Avis, if it doesn't work... if I can't get back... well, I wouldn't want you to worry. I think I could be happy here."
They fell silent again, concentrating on the task at hand. After a few minutes, Mac cleared her throat, "So, are you going to tell me what's wrong?"
Avis paused, rubbing at her forehead before looking wryly at Mac, "You know, I'm not sure I'll miss this persistence." She pushed away from the table and stood up, beginning to pace, "It's Avril and Matt. Something terrible is going to happen." She gave an exasperated snort, turning back towards Mac, "How's that for a prediction? They're riding into a battle with a militia made up of old men and young boys, armed with shotguns and hunting rifles. Of course, something terrible is going to happen!" She leaned against the sink and buried her face in her hands, "I can't help feeling like I need to be there."
Quietly, Mac rose from the table and walked over to Avis, wrapping her in an embrace. She could feel the young woman's shoulders shaking. After a few minutes, Avis seemed to be getting herself under control again. Mac leaned back a little, "If we're going to get there before dark, we need to get a move on."
Avis' head came up in surprise, "What?"
Mac stepped back a little, folding her arms, "You heard me." She looked around the kitchen, "We'll need to take some supplies - no telling what we'll find. And whatever guns you have... I'm not going anywhere unarmed. I don't suppose you have a revolver tucked away somewhere? ... What?"
Avis continued to stare at her, "Sarah, have you lost your mind? You just got out of a sickbed! Do you want to wind up there again?"
"If you think I'll stay here and let you go off on your own, then I'm not the only crazy person in this kitchen," Mac retorted, raising an eyebrow. She waved a hand, "It's not like I plan to get there on my own two feet. That's what the horses are for." She made a shooing motion, "We're wasting time. We've got a lot to do before we can leave."
An hour later, they were on their way. Avis had her team hitched to a buckboard. It would be more practical than a buggy. They'd only been on the road a little ways when Avis turned down a long drive, "Deacon's place," she said, in answer to Mac's questioning look. A short time later, they pulled in front of a pretty little farmhouse. A short, rotund black woman came out on the porch, wiping her hands on her apron. Avis waved, "Hey, Miz Chandra."
The woman smiled, coming down the porch steps, "Miss Avis! How are you? Won't y'all come in and join us? I was just about to ring Deacon and the boys in, supper's almost ready." She gave Mac a curious look and a nod and then focused again on Avis.
Avis shook her head, "Thank you, no. We've got a ways to go this evening." She looked over at Mac, "Miz Chandra, this is Sarah MacKenzie. Sarah, this is Deacon's wife, Chandra Turner."
Mac smiled, "Pleased to meet you, ma'am. Deacon and Avis both speak highly of you."
Chandra fluttered a hand, looking pleased, "I've been hearing quite a lot about you, too, Miss Sarah. I'm mighty glad to finally meet you." She looked at Avis again, "Are you sure you won't come in? There's plenty."
"I wish we could but we're pressed for time. You know I don't pass up your cooking if I can help it. I stopped by to see if Enoch might take care of my stock in the morning. I'm not sure we'll get back in time."
Chandra folded her hands at her waist, "I don't see why not." She tilted her head and narrowed her eyes a bit, "Does this have anything to do with that Yankee cavalry?"
Avis ducked her head, "Yes'm. Avril's out there with the militia and I've got the worst feeling... "
Clucking her tongue, Chandra regarded the young woman with sympathy. She'd known Avis since she was a little bit of a girl in pigtails. Her grandparents had been fine folk. Neither she nor her grandmother, old Annabel Pike, had ever made a secret of their abilities. She might have lost Deacon years ago if Avis hadn't shown up on her doorstep, crying. He'd been digging a new well and the little girl had refused to calm down until he climbed out to comfort her. Not five minutes later, the walls of the well had collapsed. If Chandra hadn't believed in second sight before, that day convinced her.
Avis had been a blond whirlwind of activity growing up. After chores and schooling, she spent her time happily racing between the two farms. She'd come over to play with Chandra's babies or discuss the latest foal or calf with Deacon. Chandra, for her part, never let Avis leave without stuffing her apron pockets with fresh-baked cookies. She shook her head at the memories, "Well then, you'd best be going. Y'all be careful and don't worry about your place. Enoch will watch it."
"Thank you," Avis gave her a grateful smile and then clucking to her team, wheeled the buckboard around and headed back to the road.
Chandra watched them drive out of sight and then went back up onto the porch. Moving to the dinner triangle, she picked up the striker and began to ring her men in. She'd have to remember to include Avis in her prayers tonight.
JAG Headquarters Falls Church, Virginia 0905 Local
Harm walked briskly into Chegwidden's office and came to attention, "Commander Rabb, reporting as ordered, sir."
AJ looked up at his senior attorney, "Have a seat, Commander." He leaned back in his chair, making a steeple of his fingers while Rabb settled down in his usual chair. He looked tired. "How did your search go, Harm?"
If Rabb was surprised that AJ opened with that question, he didn't show it. He rubbed his jaw, looking somewhat lost himself, "No sign of her, sir. She's vanished." He gazed at AJ, "I don't suppose you've heard anything from Webb, have you, sir?"
Chegwidden shook his head, "Not yet. All I've been able to find out is that he's in South America. I suppose this means we can't blame Mac's disappearance on the CIA."
Harm scowled, "I wouldn't be too sure... sir."
AJ grunted, there was some truth in that. "Commander, do you know how I spent my weekend?"
Rabb shook his head slowly, unsure where the Admiral was heading.
"Meredith and I spent it driving around the Shenandoah Valley." He sighed, "We didn't find anything, either."
Harm shifted a little, "I... um... well, thank you, sir."
AJ stared at Harm, "My point is, Commander, that it's too big an area for one person to search effectively."
Rabb stiffened, "Sir... "
AJ held up a hand, "This office, however, is sinking under a backlog of cases. I need you where you'll do the most good, Commander, and that's right here. Commander Turner will assume the duties of Chief of Staff. As the senior attorney, I need you in court. I'm bringing in some junior officers on TDY from surrounding offices to take over the field investigations. As much as I would prefer to take a part in finding Mac, I cannot allow one person's disappearance to cause this office to become derelict in its duties."
Harm was looking more upset, "But sir... "
"We're not abandoning the search, Harm. Local law enforcement agencies will continue to look and keep us updated. This is not open for discussion."
"Admiral, what if I can come up with a lead? Something that narrows the search to a reasonable area?" Harm's knuckles were white where he gripped the armrests.
"Then we'll notify Search and Rescue. Commander, those local agencies are trained for this sort of thing and they're familiar with the area. Let them do their job. I've talked to the department heads out there, they know to contact us as soon as they find anything. We will find her." AJ stared at Harm, still seeing rebellion. He stood up and waited as Rabb climbed to his feet and came to attention. Leaning forward, Chegwidden rested his knuckles on his desk, "Do not cross me on this, Commander, or a certain Marine Lt. Colonel will also kick your ass when she gets back. Dismissed."
Harm stared hard at a point six inches above the Admiral's head, "Yes sir." Pivoting smartly, he marched out of Chegwidden's office. AJ sat down again, running his hand over his head. It was even money that Rabb would bolt at the first clue to Mac's whereabouts. He leaned back, thinking. When it came to the Colonel, Rabb was also capable of a reckless abandonment of common sense. It probably wouldn't hurt to make sure he had back-up. He picked up his phone and punched in a number, "Gunny Walters, please... "
Harm strode back to his office, ignoring the looks he was receiving from the bullpen. He pulled the door to as he went inside and dropped heavily into his chair. He was scowling at the stack of files on his desk when there was a light knock on his door. Sturgis put his head in, "Got a minute?"
Harm waved him in and waited while the Commander sat down, "What do you need, Sturgis?"
Sturgis raised both eyebrows, "Me? Nothing. I came to see how you were holding up."
"I'm just wonderful," Harm growled, "Mac's out there somewhere and the Admiral's made it perfectly clear that I'm to remain here."
Sturgis leaned back in his chair, "Well, what did you expect, Harm? He's got responsibilities and so do you. The caseload has been crazy. While you were running around with Admiral Boone, everyone here was pulling 12 hour days. Hell, I think some days, Mac was putting in 14 and 16 hours." He shook his head, "Unless you can do what Mac did and pinpoint a location, what are you going to do out there? Let the local cops do the legwork. The important thing is to find Mac, will it ultimately matter who spots her first?" The two men sat silently and then Sturgis rose to his feet, "If you need anything, just yell."
"Thanks," Harm tried not to sound too petulant as Sturgis left his office. He'd halfway expected something like this - he wasn't blind or stupid. It was just the actual collision with harsh reality that had him going. Somehow, though, he'd figure out a way to find her. Meanwhile... wearily, he reached for the first file in the stack.
Shenandoah Valley Northern Virginia 1750 Local
"Do you know where to look?" Mac asked, as Avis sent Jupiter and Jenna down the road at a businesslike trot.
Avis shook her head, "All I really know is that they're south of us. We'll head for Cross Keys and see what we can see. We should be there in less than an hour."
Mac looked up at the sky, "It'll be dusk by then, I hope we find them soon. I'd rather not try this in the dark." She settled back on the hard bench seat of the buckboard. It wasn't nearly as comfortable as the buggy, a fact that was probably going to tire her out faster. At least her arm was down to a minor ache. The loaded shotgun was propped up against the seat between Avis and herself. Mac wasn't taking any chances.
Forty-three minutes later, they came to a crossroads by a small church. There was an elderly gentleman in the cemetery. Avis pulled the horses over, "Excuse me, sir, we're looking for the militia. Have they been by this way?"
The old man grunted disdainfully, "Hard t' say. Might have, they scattered to the four winds when them Yankee boys came ridin' at 'em. Some mighta run this way."
The horses shifted restlessly as Avis' hands tightened on the reins. "Where did they meet up with the Yankees?"
He pointed down the road, "Go past Rodenheffer's place to the Dunkard Church. The Mill Creek schoolhouse ain't too far past. Somewhere near there is what I hear, those bluebellies were headed to Port Republic. Hope they stay that way - don't need 'em round here."
Avis got out a hurried 'thank you' as she sent the team charging down the road. Mac grabbed the metal armrest in one hand and the shotgun in the other. When they reached the Dunkard Church, Avis pulled the team down to a walk. Sporadic gunfire could be heard in the distance. With the echoes, it was hard to tell how far away it might be. A few minutes later, the body of a horse told them they had reached the scene of the conflict. Mac put her hand on Avis' arm and pointed towards a field to the right. In the dim light, figures with lanterns could be seen walking. Avis turned the horses off the road and headed for the field. All too soon, they began passing bodies. From the homespun clothes, it was apparent that quite a few of the casualties were militia. Occasionally, there was a blue uniform to be seen.
Pulling the horses to a stop, Avis looked over at Mac, "I'll have to go the rest of the way on foot. I don't want to run over anyone." She held up a hand when Mac began to protest, "Sarah, I need you to stay with the horses until I find Avril. We can't afford to have someone steal them." She climbed down and went to the back, pulling out two lanterns. Lighting them, she handed one to Mac, "I'll be back as soon as I find him." She moved away from the buckboard, stopped briefly and then walked resolutely off to her left.
Mac watched the lantern as it bobbed and weaved through the field. Now that she was still, she could hear a low pitched moaning that pervaded the field, mingled with the normal sounds of dusk. It made the hair on the back of her neck go up. This was one thing she couldn't seem to adjust to, despite the time spent with Josiah's command. The magnitude of the carnage when these two sides fought. This would be considered a minor skirmish by Civil War standards and a substantial firefight in her time. A firefight with an unacceptable level of casualties, someone would be cashiered for spending their men's lives so freely.
Keeping the shotgun cradled in her lap, Mac swore softly when she realized that she'd lost track of Avis' lantern. Jupiter shifted restlessly, stamping a foot and rattling his bit. The smell of blood and death made him nervous. Mac murmured soothingly to him, watching the numerous lanterns moving about the field. Townspeople doing what she and Avis were doing, searching for loved ones amid the dead and wounded.
Fourteen minutes later, Mac held her breath as a lantern came towards her. She said a small prayer of thanks as Avis came into view. Mac looked at her anxiously, "Did you... ?"
Avis nodded, "We need the wagon." Grabbing Jenna's bridle, she turned to start leading them back the way she'd been.
"Avis, wait," Mac called softly. When the young woman stopped to look back at her, Mac put the shotgun down and climbed out of the wagon.
"What are you doing?" Avis gave her a puzzled look, "You shouldn't be exerting yourself."
Mac shook her head and reached for the lantern, "I'm fine. You should be driving, you're better at it. I'll walk ahead and light the way, you can tell me when to go left or right. Go on, we're wasting time."
It was a slow process, picking their way across the field. Finally, Avis spoke in an anxious tone, "There. He's over there by that fence." They hurried the last few yards and then Mac saw him. He was stretched out on the ground, his uniform front a bloody mess. It was obvious that one of Avis' petticoats had been put to good use.
Avril opened his eyes as Mac knelt down next to him, "Hey, Miss Sarah." His voice was barely a whisper.
Mac smiled at him, "Hey yourself. Didn't anyone ever teach you to duck?"
He smiled back and smiled wider when Avis appeared next to him with a blanket. Mac touched his shoulder to get his attention, "We're going to use the blanket to move you. It's probably going to hurt."
It took a good ten minutes to wrestle Avril into the back of the buckboard. They did their best not to jostle him, while he tried not to groan too loudly. Mac leaned against the side of the wagon, she could feel herself shaking from the exertion. Avis climbed out and stood next to her. Quietly, she pointed off to the right, "Matt's up that way, Sarah. He's dead."
Mac stared at Avis, her expression stricken, "Oh God... "
Avis nodded, looking down at the ground for a moment, "I want to take him so we can send him to his family in Durham. It will be a comfort for them to have him home."
Numb, Mac reached for the lantern and started for the front of the wagon. Avis put a hand out but Mac shrugged her off. She kept her voice level with an effort, "Please, I think I need to walk." The strain she'd felt earlier had been swallowed by grief. Silently, Avis acquiesced, climbed onto the seat and took up the reins. They moved off slowly. The fighting had been fiercer this way and their path became more roundabout.
Mac was skirting around the body of yet another horse when she felt that same cold prickle at the back of her neck. Stopping, she slowly began turning in a circle. "Sarah? What is it?" Avis' hushed voice came from the wagon. In a kind of macabre deference to the dead, neither woman had spoken louder than a low undertone.
Shaking her head, Mac held the lantern higher. Just beyond the body of the first horse was a second, this one still had his rider. Reluctantly, Mac found herself walking towards the pair, her sense of foreboding growing with each step. Abruptly, she sank to her knees and with a strangled sob, reached out a hand, "Josiah!"
JAG Headquarters Falls Church, Virginia 1640 Local
Harriet saw the blinking light on her phone and picked up the handset, "JAG, Lt. Sims speaking."
There was a crackling of static and then the distant voice of a woman, "I can't hear anything, Anthony Wade. Are you sure this works?"
Harriet frowned slightly, "Hello? This is Lt. Sims." There was more static.
"Hello? Hello?" the voice was a bit louder, "Is this the... what was the name, Anthony Wade?... is this the Judge Advocate General's office? ... I didn't think they had generals in the Navy... what?... oh... well, it is confusing... Hello?" There was another crackle of static.
Harriet stared at the phone for a moment and sighed. She really wasn't in the mood for this. It had been a long day. "Yes, this is the Navy Judge Advocate General's office. May I help you?"
"I hope so, dear. May I speak to Lt. Col. Sarah MacKenzie please?" Static flared again on the line.
"I'm sorry, Col. MacKenzie isn't in right now," Harriet rubbed her forehead, "Would you like to speak to another officer?"
"Oh dear... Anthony Wade, she's not there... no, I don't know. Let me ask... Excuse me, do you mean she's not there at the moment or that she didn't get back there last Thursday night?"
Harriet straightened abruptly, her eyes widening, "Ma'am, did you see the Colonel Thursday night?" There was a burst of static. She gestured frantically at a petty officer to get Commander Rabb. He came out of his office and looked at her quizzically. She concentrated on the phone again, "Hello? Are you still there?"
"Hello? ... I can't believe you paid good money for this phone, it doesn't work very well... No, I'm not looking a gift horse in the mouth. I was just saying... Hello?"
"Ma'am? Can you hear me?" Harriet resisted the urge to scream, this was incredibly frustrating.
"Ahhh, there you are. Yes dear, what was your question?"
Harriet stared at Harm as she carefully repeated her question, "Ma'am, did you see Colonel MacKenzie Thursday night?" Harm straightened in shock and then moved swiftly beside her. Checking to see what line she was on, he raced back into his office.
"Yes I did. She had dinner with Anthony Wade and I. Are you saying she didn't arrive that night? She said something about preparing for a case, she was quite insistent upon leaving ... oh... afraid... might..." The call dissolved into static.
"Hello? Hello!?" Harriet stared at the handset and uttered a word that had a few heads turning in the bullpen. She looked up at Harm as he came out of his office again, "I'm so sorry, sir, I lost the connection."
"Not your fault, Harriet. I don't suppose there's any way to trace that call?" Harm's fists clenched as he resisted the urge to punch something. So goddamn close!
"No sir, it was a cell phone and not a very good connection," Harriet stared at her phone in frustration. "Maybe she'll call back."
Harm scrubbed a hand through his hair, "Maybe... Did she give you her name? Say where she was calling from?"
Harriet shook her head, "No sir. She sounded older and she kept talking to someone named Anthony Wade."
Damn! Harm blew out an aggravated breath and then raised his voice, "May I have everyone's attention?" The bullpen became quiet as everyone turned towards the tall Commander. "Lt. Sims just took a call from a woman who may have been the last one to see Colonel MacKenzie on Thursday night. She was on a cell phone and we lost the connection. If she calls back, please notify me immediately. Thank you." With that, Harm turned around and went back into his office, taking care not to slam his door. He sank down in his chair and stared moodily at the computer monitor. Let Harriet brief the Admiral on the phone call. It wasn't fair! So goddamn close!