Shenandoah Valley
Northern Virginia
1920 Local
Josiah was curled on his side, leaning forward close to his horse's neck. He was still in the saddle, one leg disappearing underneath his mount's body. The side of his face was covered in blood from a slash that started just above his eyebrow and traveled towards the back of his head. There was another blood-stained area at the top of his shoulder with a ragged hole in his uniform coat showing where the bullet had struck. Mac laid hold of his arm and started to pull him over on his back. She yanked her hand back like it was on fire when a groan answered her efforts.
Avis appeared next to her, staring at the Union soldier in front of her, "Sarah?"
"Avis, it's Josiah Rabb. He's still alive," Mac took a shuddering breath, unsure of how the young woman would feel about helping the enemy. Avis had been somewhat of a neutral party, although she held to the Southern viewpoint. She thought slavery was wrong and that it should be abolished but not by force. Avis also believed that every state had the right to secede if that was their people's desire. God knew that the New England states had made attempts before. The vituperative hypocrisy of both sides made her angry. Of course, all of this was before Union soldiers had killed and wounded Matt and Avril. "Please, we can't just leave him here."
"I thought he was the commanding officer of a brigade," Avis frowned. At the moment, she was having trouble feeling charitable to anyone in a blue uniform, even one that Sarah so obviously cared for.
"He is," Mac shook her head, "He must have found a way to join this column." Her voice grew softer as her feeling of guilt grew, "He was probably trying to find me." Unbidden came that hurtful statement that she'd overheard Harm tell Sturgis during that time their relationship was at its lowest ebb - how any man that was ever involved with her was dead or wished he was. Dammit, why was it that those types of comment never seemed to be forgotten? She sent a startled glance back as Avis silently turned and walked to wagon, "Avis?"
Avis looked at her quietly, "We'll need the team to get that horse off of him and I need to talk to Avril." She was gone for a few minutes and then came walking back. Gathering the reins, she reached behind each horse and unhooked the swingle trees. Looking over at Mac, she called, "Sarah, I'll need your help." Directing her to release the pole between the two horses, she then sent Mac to retrieve a length of chain from the toolbox on the side of the wagon. Avis had her fasten it to the trees and hold on to it to keep the traces from dragging on the ground. In short order, Avis had the team in position and the chain wrapped around the pommel of the saddle. Rigor mortis hadn't set in yet and she was hoping to roll the horse up on his belly. She motioned for Mac to take her place next to Josiah, "Sarah? You'll need to pull him out quickly. The chain might slip a bit once the horse is upright. Ready?"
Mac nodded, clenching her jaw as she set herself. Her heart was hammering in her chest, grief, anxiety and exertion all chipping away at her depleted reserves of strength. She had her hands under his arms, firmly wrapping her fingers in his uniform coat. There was some comfort in that she could feel him breathing. Mac tensed as she heard Avis cluck to the team and watched as the chain began to tighten. It surprised her, for a moment, at how easily the horse was moved and then she was scrambling backwards, hauling Josiah with her. He groaned again but she didn't have time to be gentle. Avis had been correct. Once the horse was up, the chain did slip. Mac barely had him clear before the body rolled back again. She wound up sitting on the ground with his head and shoulders in her lap. With a fair amount of trepidation, she checked his pulse and breathed a quiet sigh of relief. It was strong and steady.
"Sarah?" Mac looked up to where Avis was standing with the team. The blonde gestured her over while glancing around nervously, "I need your help. We have to get the horses hitched back to the buckboard. Then we need to get Matt and leave." Although the sporadic gunfire they'd been hearing had almost completely died out, Avis didn't want to be around if they came back this way.
Carefully, Mac extricated herself and then hurried over to help Avis. If the blonde was nervous, there could be more to it than being surrounded by the grisly aftermath of battle. Together, they got the team re-hitched fairly quickly. Mac had had a number of chances to practice in the last four weeks and she was a fast learner. At least she had learned the mechanics of harnessing, driving was a whole other matter. Avis had had her hold the bits in her hands and she'd been amazed that she could feel the slightest touch on the reins. No wonder horses didn't like heavy-handed people handling the lines. Avis had also given Mac a couple of driving lessons. It was enough to convince her that it would take a good long while to learn properly. She didn't know horses well enough to anticipate trouble or give them confidence when they got shaky.
Moving back to Josiah, Mac knelt down beside him, suppressing a groan. The day was catching up with her. She looked up as Avis knelt down on the other side, "Most of the bleeding has stopped." It was worrying her that he still hadn't regained consciousness.
Avis nodded and motioned towards the leg that had been trapped, "Looks like it's broken." She eyed him for a second and then sighed, giving Mac a dry look, "We need to get him in the wagon. Couldn't you have found a little, skinny man to fall in love with you?"
Mac gave a tired chuckle, "I'll be more choosy next time. It is possible to move the wagon closer so we won't have to go as far?"
Scanning the ground around them, Avis stood up, "I believe I can." She went back to the wagon and after several minutes of judicious maneuvering, brought the back of the buckboard close to where Josiah was lying. Even so, it was a struggle for the two women to get him onto the bed of the wagon. They stood panting for a moment, looking at the two men. Avril had opened his eyes briefly while they wrestled Josiah in, but now they were closed. He seemed to be holding his own.
Mac picked up the lantern and doggedly made her way to the front of the horses. Avis climbed up into the driver's seat, not bothering to argue with the mule-headed brunette. Sarah had made it quite plain that she didn't trust herself driving with the cargo they now had. Quietly, she directed Mac on the proper direction as they continued on their way to collect Matt. Uneasy, Avis kept half an eye on their surroundings. She couldn't put her finger on a direct threat but she was feeling an overwhelming need to get away quickly. She watched the other lights bobbing over the field. It wouldn't surprise her if some of the people out there were robbing the dead and wounded. Thinking about it, she reached over and slid the shotgun into her lap. It wouldn't hurt to have it handy.
It took another ten minutes to find a path to get the wagon through but finally, they reached Matt's body. Mac stood looking down at him, feeling the grief all over again. War was such a goddamn waste. Avis came up beside her, blankets in hand. She stared silently down at him for few long seconds and then knelt, spreading out a blanket beside the body. She looked up at Mac, "We need to hurry." Nodding wearily, Mac knelt down as well. Working as quickly as they could, they wrapped Matt's body in several blankets. He was the easiest to get into the wagon, being the lightest of the three men.
Avis looked over at Sarah as they leaned against the tailgate. Even in the light of the lantern she could see how pale the other woman was. She put a hand on Sarah's forearm, "You need to ride in the wagon and rest. This was too much, too soon."
Mac shook her head and then instantly regretted it. What she really felt like doing was throwing up. She'd pushed herself to the point where she felt nauseous. Closing her eyes briefly, she waited for her stomach to settle and then gave Avis a wan smile. "We'll get out of here that much faster if I'm in front with a lantern."
Avis pursed her lips in exasperation, "And it will be that much slower when you collapse. Get in the wagon, I can lead the horses as easily as driving them. You just sit up there and hang on to the reins in case we need to stop suddenly." She was pushing Mac towards the front of the buckboard as she spoke. "I'll feel safer once we're away from here. Then we can take the time to look after Avril and your Colonel." Avis finally got Mac onto the seat, pulled a leather lead out of the toolbox and retrieved the lantern from the back. Walking to the front again, she noticed that although Sarah was sitting hunched over, she had taken the time to put the shotgun in her lap.
Attaching the lead to Jupiter's bridle, Avis couldn't help feeling reassured. Sarah was an exceptional shot. The day after Deacon had come back from New Market, he'd returned to her farm with his two sons, various weapons and quite a bit of ammunition. Apparently, he and Sarah had put their heads together and decided it would do her a world of good to blow something inanimate to smithereens. It had, too; there was something primordial and satisfying in the absolute destruction of a piece of wood. It was like taking aim at all her demons. Sarah had been the surprise. Avis still smiled, recalling the expressions on the faces of Deacon's sons, Enoch and Erazmus. The two boys, fifteen and thirteen, had been as disdainful as only teenagers can be at the thought of women target-shooting. That disdain had changed to amazement when Sarah consistently out-shot them on every target they set up with every weapon they'd had her try. Avis knew herself to be a competent shot. Living out on a farm, it was somewhat of a requirement, but Sarah was levels above 'competent'.
Lifting up the lantern, Avis tugged on the lead and clucked to her team, they obediently started to follow. She swung to her right. Rather than try to retrace their route in, she would follow along the fence line. If she remembered correctly, it would take them out to where the road curved between the church and the Mill Creek schoolhouse. They'd be close to Mill Creek as well. That would give her a chance to water the horses before they turned towards home.
The question was whether or not to try getting back tonight. It would take a good two hours. The horses were tired and she couldn't go that fast with wounded men anyway. Should she try to find a place to spend the night? She hadn't said anything to Sarah but she doubted anyone would welcome them with a wounded Yankee officer in tow. More than likely, they'd wind up camping by the side of the road. Would it be better in the long run for Avril and the Colonel if she pressed for home now? There was also Sarah to consider. She was teetering on the edge of exhaustion - not a good thing for someone who had been bedridden for the better part of a week. Avis sighed. First, get away from this place of mayhem and death. It would help clear her mind. So much killing, so many souls - how could men do this to each other?
Mac sat on the seat, feeling a bit dazed. Bosnia was the last time she could remember being so wrung out and she'd been considerably younger then. She'd automatically grabbed the shotgun upon climbing into the wagon, sliding it onto her lap before leaning forward to rest her elbows on her knees. She was still somewhat nauseous. Hopefully, that feeling would dissipate as she recovered from her exertions. Mac found herself pondering Avis's words, 'your Colonel.' She was too tired to put up even a token protest at the assumption he was her anything. ... Dear God, she hoped both he and Avril would recover, but then what?
What the hell was she going to do now? Josiah was here. Mac ran a weary hand through her hair. His presence had forced her to realize that she'd been willing to take the coward's way out, letting fate decide. Go through with whatever Avis was planning and if it was successful, she'd be back with Harm. If it didn't, well, there was Josiah as the consolation prize. For the life of her, she couldn't decide if it was a win/win or lose/lose situation. Dammit, what kind of person was she? Mac closed her eyes briefly. She was the kind of person who was falling in love with another man. The problem was that it didn't make her love Harm any less. Damn these Rabb men. What the hell was she going to do? As sure as God made little green apples, Josiah had been looking for her to ask her to stay. No matter which way she chose, the one heart she could be sure of breaking was her own.
Slowly, she brought her attention back to the here and now, sweeping her gaze across the surrounding area. None of the other people with lights were anywhere near but that didn't mean someone couldn't be stalking them. The problem would be spotting them in the darkness. Well, when eyes failed, it was time to trust other senses. Mac turned her attention back to the horses, focusing on Jenna and Jupiter. They might have blinders on, but their ears were as sensitive as any antennae, swiveling constantly towards any new sound. If anyone was planning an ambush, hopefully she'd have enough warning to react in time.
Seventeen minutes later, Avis came walking back. Mac blinked at her a trifle owlishly, "What's wrong?"
Avis shook her head, "Nothing, we've reached the road. I'm going to take the horses to Mill Creek so they can drink. After that, we'll find a spot where we can pull over and do whatever else we can for Avril and Colonel Rabb." She looked Sarah over as she spoke, the stubborn woman had pushed herself too hard and now she was paying the price. Could she hold on long enough to get home? Avis climbed up and nudged Sarah over so she could sit, taking the reins at the same time. Clucking to the horses, she started them down the road.
Shenandoah Valley Northern Virginia 2310 Local
Avis pulled the horses to a stop in front of Deacon's house and glanced over at Sarah, "Just a little longer." Mac nodded numbly. Avis had helped her stay awake by plying her with questions about everything and anything. From the status of women in the twenty-first century to what life was like in the Marines to how she had first met Harm and their up and down relationship over the years. She'd talked herself hoarse but at least she was still upright. Now she watched as Avis climbed the steps and pounded on the Turners' door.
A few minutes later, Mac looked up at the sound of a window opening. Deacon's baritone came out of the dark, "Who's there? Speak up!"
Avis came off the steps and looked up, "Deacon? It's me, Avis. I'm sorry to wake you, but we need your help. We found them."
"You did?" They could hear the surprise in his voice. "Hold on, I'll be right down." A few minutes later, both he and Chandra appeared on the porch. She was in a robe, carrying an oil lamp, while he was still tucking in his shirt. Deacon looked at the wagon and then at Avis, "Are they... ?"
Avis couldn't quite help the catch in her voice, "Matt is. Avril is wounded but still alive. ... and we found Colonel Rabb there as well."
Deacon shot a quick glance at Mac and then looked back at Avis, his amazement evident, "Miss Sarah's Colonel Rabb? The Yankee? Well, I'll be..." He shook his head and then smiled at her, "I expect you need some help moving them into your house? That Colonel was a fair-sized man." His voice grew softer, "And I'm sorry to hear about Capt. Landers. I know he and Mr. Avril were close."
He turned as Chandra put a hand on his arm, "I'll get the boys up, looks like y'all will need all the help you can get." She smiled at Avis, "Can I get you anything, child? Would you and Miss Sarah like some coffee?"
"No, thank you, Miz Chandra," Avis looked back at the wagon, "I need to get Sarah into a bed, too. She's not well. I shouldn't have let her come with me."
Chandra patted her arm, "She's a grown woman. I imagine she didn't give you much choice in the matter. Let me get the boys." She turned and went back in the house.
Deacon headed for his barn, "I'll get the wagon hitched and then we can follow you over."
After they arrived at Avis' place, it took another hour to get everyone situated. Sarah was the first one they put to bed. She'd lost her balance getting out of the wagon and probably would have been hurt if Deacon hadn't been close enough to catch her. He'd carried her straight into the house and followed Avis right into an upstairs bedroom. After he went back downstairs, Sarah managed to stay coherent long enough to assist in getting herself undressed and then unceremoniously collapsed. Avis pulled a light cover over her and then hurried down the steps to prepare for the men. Avril went into Sarah's old room and Avis set up a bed in the parlor for Josiah. She'd figure out more permanent arrangements later.
Deacon and his sons had been a godsend. With them helping, she was able to get both men resting comfortably in a short time. She gave Deacon and each of his sons a hug before they left, disgusting Erazmus and embarrassing and delighting Enoch. Deacon had chuckled as he shepherded his sons out the door, promising to check back in the morning. Avis had made one last round of her charges before retiring to her own bed. Tomorrow was going to be a busy day.
JAG Headquarters Falls Church, Virginia 0840 Local
Harm stared blankly at the file in front of him. He'd arrived at the ungodly hour of 0700, determined to be on hand when the mystery woman called again. She was going to, he could feel it. Now, however, he was beginning to reconsider his enthusiasm. He hadn't slept that well - again - even though he'd tried to wear himself out going head to head with Sturgis on the basketball court. When he got home, he'd telephoned his parents to update them on the non-information concerning Mac's whereabouts. He didn't tell them about the call. At the moment, there wasn't much to tell and he didn't want to get their hopes up. By the time he'd finished rehashing everything with them, he'd worked himself back into that aggravating state of helplessness he hated so much. Sleep had been long in coming. Where was she?
Grimly, he re-focused on the file. What had he been thinking? Who, in their right mind, would call a government office before 0900? All he'd accomplished by coming in early was to garner a range of sympathetic and pitying looks from the staff. Sensing a presence, he looked up to see Harriet standing in his doorway with a cup of coffee.
She smiled when he looked up and lifted the mug, "I brought you some coffee, sir. I didn't think you'd feel like going to the break room just now." She seen both the looks and his studied indifference of them. He was probably feeling like a classroom science project the way everyone was watching.
Harm smiled at her and gestured to a chair, "Thanks, Harriet, have a seat." He reached out to accept the mug and waited while she settled herself. Leaning back, he sipped the coffee gratefully and grinned at her, "How's my godson?"
Harriet gave a small sigh that only mothers of four-year-olds could appreciate and smiled back, "He's quite the little bundle of energy. Thank goodness for pre-school." She hesitated for a few moments and then said, "That woman is going to call back, you know. We're going to find the Colonel." She spoke with a quiet conviction. Harm sighed, rubbing his eyes. Harriet was struck by how tired he looked, Mac's disappearance was taking its toll on him. What would he do if they didn't find her? Probably kill himself with worry alone, Harriet thought grimly. Please, God, have that woman call soon with a solid lead on the Colonel. Harriet climbed to her feet, "I should let you get back to work, sir. We'll let you know as soon as she calls."
"Thank you," Harm watched her walk back to her desk and sit down. Taking another sip of his coffee, he turned back to the file, resisting the urge to check his watch yet again. When would that woman call?
JAG Headquarters Falls Church, Virginia 1550 Local
Harm walked back to his office and dropped the file folder on his desk. He'd spent the last hour hammering out a plea-bargain with Sturgis. One more case off the docket. For a while, he'd been afraid Sturgis' client wouldn't realize that this was the best he was going to do and insist on a trial. Sitting down, he reached for the next case. One thing about getting in early, he was getting quite a bit accomplished. He'd just opened the file folder, when he glanced out into the bullpen and froze. Harriet was starting to reach for her phone. This was it, this had to be it. Holding his breath, he watched her answer, then suddenly straighten up and spin in his direction, her eyes wide.
Harm was out of his chair in an instant, hurrying over to stand beside the Lieutenant. Harriet glanced up at him as she spoke, "Yes ma'am, of course I remember you. Thank you so much for calling again... Ma'am? I have Commander Rabb right here and he's very anxious to talk to you about Colonel MacKenzie. ... yes ma'am, Commander Rabb ... here he is."
Harm all but snatched the phone out of her hand, "Hello? This is Commander Rabb."
"How do you do, Commander? This is Annabel Simpson. Are you a friend of Miss Sarah's?"
"Yes, ma'am. Do you know what happened? Where she might be?" He had a white-knuckled grip on the handset. All around him, the bullpen fell silent as the staff unabashedly listened.
"Oh dear, well... yes and no. I believe I know what happened and I think I know where she is - that's partly why it took me so long to call back. Well, that and waiting for them to finally fix our phone lines. I simply could not go through another session on Anthony Wade's cell phone. I suppose that makes me ungrateful. It was very nice of him to go through the effort of getting one just so we could call but, honestly, I think I did better as a child with two tin cans and a string... "
"Ma'am! Mrs. Simpson!" Harm broke in desperately, "About Mac, Colonel MacKenzie... ?" He rubbed his forehead, unconsciously mimicking Harriet yesterday.
"Mac? She's a strikingly beautiful woman, Commander, and you call her Mac? Are you very good friends?" Annabel's voice had a dubious tone.
"She prefers to be called Mac and yes, we're very close. You say you know where she is? Is she all right?" Harm's voice had an edge to it.
"No need to get testy, young man, I said I think I know. It's also important to know what your relationship is with Miss Sarah. Forgive my directness, but do you love her?"
Harm stared at the phone in disbelief, his temper beginning to rise, "What has that to do with anything? Either you know where she is or you don't. If this is some sort of game for you... "
Annabel cut him off, "This isn't working, Commander... "
Suddenly panicked, Harm held the phone tighter, "No! Wait!" His voice dropped lower, "Please, you don't understand. I have to find her. ... Mrs. Simpson?... Hello?... "
Annabel nodded to herself, she had her answer, "I think this would be easier if we could meet face to face. Some of this will be hard to explain unless you can see the proof. Can you come to the White Horse Grill just outside of Harrisonburg? Two days from now, around six p.m.?"
"Two days? Why not tonight? What aren't you telling me?" Harm rubbed the back of his neck, what the hell was going on?
"It can't be tonight because the timing would be wrong and for goodness' sake, Commander Rabb, I haven't actually told you anything. You must learn to curb your impatience. We don't have a large margin for error. We're on State Route 33 at Peales Crossroads. I'll see you at six." With that, she hung up.
Harm stared at the phone and then slowly hung up. Harriet looked up at him, "Sir? Does she know where the Colonel is?"
"She said yes and no." Harm turned away abruptly, "I need to talk to the Admiral." He strode off, leaving a perplexed Harriet staring after him.
Josiah was curled on his side, leaning forward close to his horse's neck. He was still in the saddle, one leg disappearing underneath his mount's body. The side of his face was covered in blood from a slash that started just above his eyebrow and traveled towards the back of his head. There was another blood-stained area at the top of his shoulder with a ragged hole in his uniform coat showing where the bullet had struck. Mac laid hold of his arm and started to pull him over on his back. She yanked her hand back like it was on fire when a groan answered her efforts.
Avis appeared next to her, staring at the Union soldier in front of her, "Sarah?"
"Avis, it's Josiah Rabb. He's still alive," Mac took a shuddering breath, unsure of how the young woman would feel about helping the enemy. Avis had been somewhat of a neutral party, although she held to the Southern viewpoint. She thought slavery was wrong and that it should be abolished but not by force. Avis also believed that every state had the right to secede if that was their people's desire. God knew that the New England states had made attempts before. The vituperative hypocrisy of both sides made her angry. Of course, all of this was before Union soldiers had killed and wounded Matt and Avril. "Please, we can't just leave him here."
"I thought he was the commanding officer of a brigade," Avis frowned. At the moment, she was having trouble feeling charitable to anyone in a blue uniform, even one that Sarah so obviously cared for.
"He is," Mac shook her head, "He must have found a way to join this column." Her voice grew softer as her feeling of guilt grew, "He was probably trying to find me." Unbidden came that hurtful statement that she'd overheard Harm tell Sturgis during that time their relationship was at its lowest ebb - how any man that was ever involved with her was dead or wished he was. Dammit, why was it that those types of comment never seemed to be forgotten? She sent a startled glance back as Avis silently turned and walked to wagon, "Avis?"
Avis looked at her quietly, "We'll need the team to get that horse off of him and I need to talk to Avril." She was gone for a few minutes and then came walking back. Gathering the reins, she reached behind each horse and unhooked the swingle trees. Looking over at Mac, she called, "Sarah, I'll need your help." Directing her to release the pole between the two horses, she then sent Mac to retrieve a length of chain from the toolbox on the side of the wagon. Avis had her fasten it to the trees and hold on to it to keep the traces from dragging on the ground. In short order, Avis had the team in position and the chain wrapped around the pommel of the saddle. Rigor mortis hadn't set in yet and she was hoping to roll the horse up on his belly. She motioned for Mac to take her place next to Josiah, "Sarah? You'll need to pull him out quickly. The chain might slip a bit once the horse is upright. Ready?"
Mac nodded, clenching her jaw as she set herself. Her heart was hammering in her chest, grief, anxiety and exertion all chipping away at her depleted reserves of strength. She had her hands under his arms, firmly wrapping her fingers in his uniform coat. There was some comfort in that she could feel him breathing. Mac tensed as she heard Avis cluck to the team and watched as the chain began to tighten. It surprised her, for a moment, at how easily the horse was moved and then she was scrambling backwards, hauling Josiah with her. He groaned again but she didn't have time to be gentle. Avis had been correct. Once the horse was up, the chain did slip. Mac barely had him clear before the body rolled back again. She wound up sitting on the ground with his head and shoulders in her lap. With a fair amount of trepidation, she checked his pulse and breathed a quiet sigh of relief. It was strong and steady.
"Sarah?" Mac looked up to where Avis was standing with the team. The blonde gestured her over while glancing around nervously, "I need your help. We have to get the horses hitched back to the buckboard. Then we need to get Matt and leave." Although the sporadic gunfire they'd been hearing had almost completely died out, Avis didn't want to be around if they came back this way.
Carefully, Mac extricated herself and then hurried over to help Avis. If the blonde was nervous, there could be more to it than being surrounded by the grisly aftermath of battle. Together, they got the team re-hitched fairly quickly. Mac had had a number of chances to practice in the last four weeks and she was a fast learner. At least she had learned the mechanics of harnessing, driving was a whole other matter. Avis had had her hold the bits in her hands and she'd been amazed that she could feel the slightest touch on the reins. No wonder horses didn't like heavy-handed people handling the lines. Avis had also given Mac a couple of driving lessons. It was enough to convince her that it would take a good long while to learn properly. She didn't know horses well enough to anticipate trouble or give them confidence when they got shaky.
Moving back to Josiah, Mac knelt down beside him, suppressing a groan. The day was catching up with her. She looked up as Avis knelt down on the other side, "Most of the bleeding has stopped." It was worrying her that he still hadn't regained consciousness.
Avis nodded and motioned towards the leg that had been trapped, "Looks like it's broken." She eyed him for a second and then sighed, giving Mac a dry look, "We need to get him in the wagon. Couldn't you have found a little, skinny man to fall in love with you?"
Mac gave a tired chuckle, "I'll be more choosy next time. It is possible to move the wagon closer so we won't have to go as far?"
Scanning the ground around them, Avis stood up, "I believe I can." She went back to the wagon and after several minutes of judicious maneuvering, brought the back of the buckboard close to where Josiah was lying. Even so, it was a struggle for the two women to get him onto the bed of the wagon. They stood panting for a moment, looking at the two men. Avril had opened his eyes briefly while they wrestled Josiah in, but now they were closed. He seemed to be holding his own.
Mac picked up the lantern and doggedly made her way to the front of the horses. Avis climbed up into the driver's seat, not bothering to argue with the mule-headed brunette. Sarah had made it quite plain that she didn't trust herself driving with the cargo they now had. Quietly, she directed Mac on the proper direction as they continued on their way to collect Matt. Uneasy, Avis kept half an eye on their surroundings. She couldn't put her finger on a direct threat but she was feeling an overwhelming need to get away quickly. She watched the other lights bobbing over the field. It wouldn't surprise her if some of the people out there were robbing the dead and wounded. Thinking about it, she reached over and slid the shotgun into her lap. It wouldn't hurt to have it handy.
It took another ten minutes to find a path to get the wagon through but finally, they reached Matt's body. Mac stood looking down at him, feeling the grief all over again. War was such a goddamn waste. Avis came up beside her, blankets in hand. She stared silently down at him for few long seconds and then knelt, spreading out a blanket beside the body. She looked up at Mac, "We need to hurry." Nodding wearily, Mac knelt down as well. Working as quickly as they could, they wrapped Matt's body in several blankets. He was the easiest to get into the wagon, being the lightest of the three men.
Avis looked over at Sarah as they leaned against the tailgate. Even in the light of the lantern she could see how pale the other woman was. She put a hand on Sarah's forearm, "You need to ride in the wagon and rest. This was too much, too soon."
Mac shook her head and then instantly regretted it. What she really felt like doing was throwing up. She'd pushed herself to the point where she felt nauseous. Closing her eyes briefly, she waited for her stomach to settle and then gave Avis a wan smile. "We'll get out of here that much faster if I'm in front with a lantern."
Avis pursed her lips in exasperation, "And it will be that much slower when you collapse. Get in the wagon, I can lead the horses as easily as driving them. You just sit up there and hang on to the reins in case we need to stop suddenly." She was pushing Mac towards the front of the buckboard as she spoke. "I'll feel safer once we're away from here. Then we can take the time to look after Avril and your Colonel." Avis finally got Mac onto the seat, pulled a leather lead out of the toolbox and retrieved the lantern from the back. Walking to the front again, she noticed that although Sarah was sitting hunched over, she had taken the time to put the shotgun in her lap.
Attaching the lead to Jupiter's bridle, Avis couldn't help feeling reassured. Sarah was an exceptional shot. The day after Deacon had come back from New Market, he'd returned to her farm with his two sons, various weapons and quite a bit of ammunition. Apparently, he and Sarah had put their heads together and decided it would do her a world of good to blow something inanimate to smithereens. It had, too; there was something primordial and satisfying in the absolute destruction of a piece of wood. It was like taking aim at all her demons. Sarah had been the surprise. Avis still smiled, recalling the expressions on the faces of Deacon's sons, Enoch and Erazmus. The two boys, fifteen and thirteen, had been as disdainful as only teenagers can be at the thought of women target-shooting. That disdain had changed to amazement when Sarah consistently out-shot them on every target they set up with every weapon they'd had her try. Avis knew herself to be a competent shot. Living out on a farm, it was somewhat of a requirement, but Sarah was levels above 'competent'.
Lifting up the lantern, Avis tugged on the lead and clucked to her team, they obediently started to follow. She swung to her right. Rather than try to retrace their route in, she would follow along the fence line. If she remembered correctly, it would take them out to where the road curved between the church and the Mill Creek schoolhouse. They'd be close to Mill Creek as well. That would give her a chance to water the horses before they turned towards home.
The question was whether or not to try getting back tonight. It would take a good two hours. The horses were tired and she couldn't go that fast with wounded men anyway. Should she try to find a place to spend the night? She hadn't said anything to Sarah but she doubted anyone would welcome them with a wounded Yankee officer in tow. More than likely, they'd wind up camping by the side of the road. Would it be better in the long run for Avril and the Colonel if she pressed for home now? There was also Sarah to consider. She was teetering on the edge of exhaustion - not a good thing for someone who had been bedridden for the better part of a week. Avis sighed. First, get away from this place of mayhem and death. It would help clear her mind. So much killing, so many souls - how could men do this to each other?
Mac sat on the seat, feeling a bit dazed. Bosnia was the last time she could remember being so wrung out and she'd been considerably younger then. She'd automatically grabbed the shotgun upon climbing into the wagon, sliding it onto her lap before leaning forward to rest her elbows on her knees. She was still somewhat nauseous. Hopefully, that feeling would dissipate as she recovered from her exertions. Mac found herself pondering Avis's words, 'your Colonel.' She was too tired to put up even a token protest at the assumption he was her anything. ... Dear God, she hoped both he and Avril would recover, but then what?
What the hell was she going to do now? Josiah was here. Mac ran a weary hand through her hair. His presence had forced her to realize that she'd been willing to take the coward's way out, letting fate decide. Go through with whatever Avis was planning and if it was successful, she'd be back with Harm. If it didn't, well, there was Josiah as the consolation prize. For the life of her, she couldn't decide if it was a win/win or lose/lose situation. Dammit, what kind of person was she? Mac closed her eyes briefly. She was the kind of person who was falling in love with another man. The problem was that it didn't make her love Harm any less. Damn these Rabb men. What the hell was she going to do? As sure as God made little green apples, Josiah had been looking for her to ask her to stay. No matter which way she chose, the one heart she could be sure of breaking was her own.
Slowly, she brought her attention back to the here and now, sweeping her gaze across the surrounding area. None of the other people with lights were anywhere near but that didn't mean someone couldn't be stalking them. The problem would be spotting them in the darkness. Well, when eyes failed, it was time to trust other senses. Mac turned her attention back to the horses, focusing on Jenna and Jupiter. They might have blinders on, but their ears were as sensitive as any antennae, swiveling constantly towards any new sound. If anyone was planning an ambush, hopefully she'd have enough warning to react in time.
Seventeen minutes later, Avis came walking back. Mac blinked at her a trifle owlishly, "What's wrong?"
Avis shook her head, "Nothing, we've reached the road. I'm going to take the horses to Mill Creek so they can drink. After that, we'll find a spot where we can pull over and do whatever else we can for Avril and Colonel Rabb." She looked Sarah over as she spoke, the stubborn woman had pushed herself too hard and now she was paying the price. Could she hold on long enough to get home? Avis climbed up and nudged Sarah over so she could sit, taking the reins at the same time. Clucking to the horses, she started them down the road.
Shenandoah Valley Northern Virginia 2310 Local
Avis pulled the horses to a stop in front of Deacon's house and glanced over at Sarah, "Just a little longer." Mac nodded numbly. Avis had helped her stay awake by plying her with questions about everything and anything. From the status of women in the twenty-first century to what life was like in the Marines to how she had first met Harm and their up and down relationship over the years. She'd talked herself hoarse but at least she was still upright. Now she watched as Avis climbed the steps and pounded on the Turners' door.
A few minutes later, Mac looked up at the sound of a window opening. Deacon's baritone came out of the dark, "Who's there? Speak up!"
Avis came off the steps and looked up, "Deacon? It's me, Avis. I'm sorry to wake you, but we need your help. We found them."
"You did?" They could hear the surprise in his voice. "Hold on, I'll be right down." A few minutes later, both he and Chandra appeared on the porch. She was in a robe, carrying an oil lamp, while he was still tucking in his shirt. Deacon looked at the wagon and then at Avis, "Are they... ?"
Avis couldn't quite help the catch in her voice, "Matt is. Avril is wounded but still alive. ... and we found Colonel Rabb there as well."
Deacon shot a quick glance at Mac and then looked back at Avis, his amazement evident, "Miss Sarah's Colonel Rabb? The Yankee? Well, I'll be..." He shook his head and then smiled at her, "I expect you need some help moving them into your house? That Colonel was a fair-sized man." His voice grew softer, "And I'm sorry to hear about Capt. Landers. I know he and Mr. Avril were close."
He turned as Chandra put a hand on his arm, "I'll get the boys up, looks like y'all will need all the help you can get." She smiled at Avis, "Can I get you anything, child? Would you and Miss Sarah like some coffee?"
"No, thank you, Miz Chandra," Avis looked back at the wagon, "I need to get Sarah into a bed, too. She's not well. I shouldn't have let her come with me."
Chandra patted her arm, "She's a grown woman. I imagine she didn't give you much choice in the matter. Let me get the boys." She turned and went back in the house.
Deacon headed for his barn, "I'll get the wagon hitched and then we can follow you over."
After they arrived at Avis' place, it took another hour to get everyone situated. Sarah was the first one they put to bed. She'd lost her balance getting out of the wagon and probably would have been hurt if Deacon hadn't been close enough to catch her. He'd carried her straight into the house and followed Avis right into an upstairs bedroom. After he went back downstairs, Sarah managed to stay coherent long enough to assist in getting herself undressed and then unceremoniously collapsed. Avis pulled a light cover over her and then hurried down the steps to prepare for the men. Avril went into Sarah's old room and Avis set up a bed in the parlor for Josiah. She'd figure out more permanent arrangements later.
Deacon and his sons had been a godsend. With them helping, she was able to get both men resting comfortably in a short time. She gave Deacon and each of his sons a hug before they left, disgusting Erazmus and embarrassing and delighting Enoch. Deacon had chuckled as he shepherded his sons out the door, promising to check back in the morning. Avis had made one last round of her charges before retiring to her own bed. Tomorrow was going to be a busy day.
JAG Headquarters Falls Church, Virginia 0840 Local
Harm stared blankly at the file in front of him. He'd arrived at the ungodly hour of 0700, determined to be on hand when the mystery woman called again. She was going to, he could feel it. Now, however, he was beginning to reconsider his enthusiasm. He hadn't slept that well - again - even though he'd tried to wear himself out going head to head with Sturgis on the basketball court. When he got home, he'd telephoned his parents to update them on the non-information concerning Mac's whereabouts. He didn't tell them about the call. At the moment, there wasn't much to tell and he didn't want to get their hopes up. By the time he'd finished rehashing everything with them, he'd worked himself back into that aggravating state of helplessness he hated so much. Sleep had been long in coming. Where was she?
Grimly, he re-focused on the file. What had he been thinking? Who, in their right mind, would call a government office before 0900? All he'd accomplished by coming in early was to garner a range of sympathetic and pitying looks from the staff. Sensing a presence, he looked up to see Harriet standing in his doorway with a cup of coffee.
She smiled when he looked up and lifted the mug, "I brought you some coffee, sir. I didn't think you'd feel like going to the break room just now." She seen both the looks and his studied indifference of them. He was probably feeling like a classroom science project the way everyone was watching.
Harm smiled at her and gestured to a chair, "Thanks, Harriet, have a seat." He reached out to accept the mug and waited while she settled herself. Leaning back, he sipped the coffee gratefully and grinned at her, "How's my godson?"
Harriet gave a small sigh that only mothers of four-year-olds could appreciate and smiled back, "He's quite the little bundle of energy. Thank goodness for pre-school." She hesitated for a few moments and then said, "That woman is going to call back, you know. We're going to find the Colonel." She spoke with a quiet conviction. Harm sighed, rubbing his eyes. Harriet was struck by how tired he looked, Mac's disappearance was taking its toll on him. What would he do if they didn't find her? Probably kill himself with worry alone, Harriet thought grimly. Please, God, have that woman call soon with a solid lead on the Colonel. Harriet climbed to her feet, "I should let you get back to work, sir. We'll let you know as soon as she calls."
"Thank you," Harm watched her walk back to her desk and sit down. Taking another sip of his coffee, he turned back to the file, resisting the urge to check his watch yet again. When would that woman call?
JAG Headquarters Falls Church, Virginia 1550 Local
Harm walked back to his office and dropped the file folder on his desk. He'd spent the last hour hammering out a plea-bargain with Sturgis. One more case off the docket. For a while, he'd been afraid Sturgis' client wouldn't realize that this was the best he was going to do and insist on a trial. Sitting down, he reached for the next case. One thing about getting in early, he was getting quite a bit accomplished. He'd just opened the file folder, when he glanced out into the bullpen and froze. Harriet was starting to reach for her phone. This was it, this had to be it. Holding his breath, he watched her answer, then suddenly straighten up and spin in his direction, her eyes wide.
Harm was out of his chair in an instant, hurrying over to stand beside the Lieutenant. Harriet glanced up at him as she spoke, "Yes ma'am, of course I remember you. Thank you so much for calling again... Ma'am? I have Commander Rabb right here and he's very anxious to talk to you about Colonel MacKenzie. ... yes ma'am, Commander Rabb ... here he is."
Harm all but snatched the phone out of her hand, "Hello? This is Commander Rabb."
"How do you do, Commander? This is Annabel Simpson. Are you a friend of Miss Sarah's?"
"Yes, ma'am. Do you know what happened? Where she might be?" He had a white-knuckled grip on the handset. All around him, the bullpen fell silent as the staff unabashedly listened.
"Oh dear, well... yes and no. I believe I know what happened and I think I know where she is - that's partly why it took me so long to call back. Well, that and waiting for them to finally fix our phone lines. I simply could not go through another session on Anthony Wade's cell phone. I suppose that makes me ungrateful. It was very nice of him to go through the effort of getting one just so we could call but, honestly, I think I did better as a child with two tin cans and a string... "
"Ma'am! Mrs. Simpson!" Harm broke in desperately, "About Mac, Colonel MacKenzie... ?" He rubbed his forehead, unconsciously mimicking Harriet yesterday.
"Mac? She's a strikingly beautiful woman, Commander, and you call her Mac? Are you very good friends?" Annabel's voice had a dubious tone.
"She prefers to be called Mac and yes, we're very close. You say you know where she is? Is she all right?" Harm's voice had an edge to it.
"No need to get testy, young man, I said I think I know. It's also important to know what your relationship is with Miss Sarah. Forgive my directness, but do you love her?"
Harm stared at the phone in disbelief, his temper beginning to rise, "What has that to do with anything? Either you know where she is or you don't. If this is some sort of game for you... "
Annabel cut him off, "This isn't working, Commander... "
Suddenly panicked, Harm held the phone tighter, "No! Wait!" His voice dropped lower, "Please, you don't understand. I have to find her. ... Mrs. Simpson?... Hello?... "
Annabel nodded to herself, she had her answer, "I think this would be easier if we could meet face to face. Some of this will be hard to explain unless you can see the proof. Can you come to the White Horse Grill just outside of Harrisonburg? Two days from now, around six p.m.?"
"Two days? Why not tonight? What aren't you telling me?" Harm rubbed the back of his neck, what the hell was going on?
"It can't be tonight because the timing would be wrong and for goodness' sake, Commander Rabb, I haven't actually told you anything. You must learn to curb your impatience. We don't have a large margin for error. We're on State Route 33 at Peales Crossroads. I'll see you at six." With that, she hung up.
Harm stared at the phone and then slowly hung up. Harriet looked up at him, "Sir? Does she know where the Colonel is?"
"She said yes and no." Harm turned away abruptly, "I need to talk to the Admiral." He strode off, leaving a perplexed Harriet staring after him.