A/N: Sorry about the delay in posting. RL reared its ugly head and seriously cut into my writing time. On the other hand, this is it except for an epilogue.
Present Shenandoah Valley Northern Virginia 1830 Local
Gunny stared at Harm, "It's you, sir."
Harm shook his head, feeling somewhat stupefied, "It's my father." He looked up at Annabel, "What do we have to do?" This was, by far, the craziest thing he'd ever gotten involved in. How was he going to explain it to the Admiral?
Annabel checked her watch, "We need to leave in the next forty-five minutes." She tapped her fingers on the desk and then looked at the two men, "Did either of you bring a gun?"
Gunny nodded at the same time Harm said, "What? Why?"
She shook her head, "I don't know for sure, I find I feel less anxious when I think that you're both armed. There's no telling what will happen up there."
Harm stared at her, what could he say to reasoning like that? He found himself rubbing his forehead and abruptly dropped his hand. Taking a deep breath, he looked at Annabel, "May I see the journal?"
She nodded, handing it over to him, "That red bookmark is the first reference I found to Sarah, start there. I'm afraid it won't be easy to read."
Harm took the journal, opening it at the marked page and blinked, "Good grief." Gunny watched, fighting a grin, as the Commander turned the book this way and that. He looked over at Annabel, "Is this some kind of a joke?"
Walters stretched out a hand, "May I, sir?" Harm gave him the journal. Gunny opened it up and scanned through the pages. He looked over at Annabel, "This looks like some of the papers from my mother-in-law's family." He turned back to Harm to explain, "They were from the mountains up around Asheville. They were poor to begin with but after the war, it was even worse. Grandma Havers had to make everything last as long as possible. When she reached the end of her diary, she turned it upside down and started over, writing between the lines of what was already written. Then she started writing in the margins. I get a headache just looking at it, but my wife can follow it."
Annabel smiled at him, "I thought you were a Southerner, do you hail from North Carolina, too?"
"Yes'm, down Raleigh way," Gunny smiled back, "My friends call me Dubby." He offered the book to Harm.
"Is that what's going on here?" Harm took the journal back and stared at it intently, trying to decipher it. "This looks like another language."
Annabel smiled, "That's because people didn't print back then. If you're not used to reading cursive writing, I suppose it could look like a foreign language." She stood up and both men rose with her. She put her hand out for the journal, "I think we should get going. I've got an old International Scout that should get us up the mountain." Annabel turned around and lifted a keyring off a small hook on the wall and then moved to a filing cabinet in the corner. Pulling open the first drawer, she reached behind the files and pulled out an old Colt revolver. Placing it on top of the cabinet, she reached back in and pulled out a box of shells.
Harm eyed her in alarm while Gunny whistled in appreciation. He walked over and looked at the pistol, "That's a beauty, ma'am. Do you mind?"
Annabel waved a hand, "Please do. My grandfather brought it home from World War I. I like to keep it handy, my Daddy taught me to shoot with it." She caught the look on Harm's face and chuckled, "Come now, Commander, why do you think we Southerners are generally so polite? Most of us are armed." Closing the drawer, she motioned to the door, "Shall we go?"
Past Shenandoah Valley Northern Virginia 1430 Local
Mac shaded her eyes as she watched Avis and Avril make their way down the hill. It had been two weeks and both he and Josiah had done a remarkable job of healing. It made a certain kind of sense, only the most robust people would survive this era. She was currently ensconced in a porch rocker, in between chores. Tonight, she and Avis would drive up Massanutten Mountain and this would be over, one way or another. Mac was aware that Avis wasn't quite sure what was going to happen, only that it would be momentous. She shook her head, time travel certainly fell in that category.
She heard the door open and then the familiar thump/step that heralded Josiah Rabb's approach. Deacon had fastened a crosspiece on the end of a pair of splints and created a sort of walking cast for the Colonel. Every day, he got a little better at moving although he would never have the element of surprise while he was wearing it. Mac heard him come up behind her and reached up to pat the hand he dropped on her shoulder, "Hey."
"Afternoon," he dropped into the other rocker and gazed off in the direction she was looking. "I see our lovebirds have been out walking. Has he kissed her yet?"
"Josiah!" Mac pretended to be scandalized, "Major Simpson is a gentleman."
"And Miss Payne is a lady," Josiah agreed with a smile, "So did he?"
"Twice," Mac looked at him with a smug grin. Josiah had accepted her leaving with a good deal more graciousness than she would have expected. Things were now like they'd been between her and Harm for so many years, good friends with an unacknowledged undercurrent running between them. In some ways, that made it even harder to leave, knowing she would never see him again.
"About time," he replied laconically, stretching out his long legs and slouching down in the rocker.
"Oh stop," Mac nudged his leg with her foot.
"What?" Josiah raised an eyebrow, "When I was his age, I'd already gotten Cassie to the altar. You know, these Southerners can carry politeness too far."
"Caveman," Mac smiled fondly. Avril and Josiah were well on their way to being friends. They respected each other as officers and had progressed from there. Without the pressures of command, Mac had been seeing a whole other side of Josiah. He had a wonderfully dry sense of humor, a great deal of pride in his children and a surprisingly good singing voice. That was one thing Mac had noticed in this era, people sang freely whenever the spirit moved them. Avis always sang in the kitchen, she had a pleasant alto voice. She'd taught Mac several songs and reminded her of others that she had learned as a child. With the men here, their normal duets had become a quartet with Josiah's tenor and Avril's baritone harmonizing nicely together. At least one or two evenings a week were spent around the piano. Other nights were spent reading and around the chess board. Mac and Avril were locked in battle with Avis and Josiah kibitzing freely and often without regard for which side they were on at any given moment. Mac had also been surprised to discover that Avril was an artist and one evening was spent with all of them posing for sketches. This was the family life she had fantasized about as a little girl.
"Tonight's the night, isn't it?" Josiah kept his voice neutral.
Mac nodded, not knowing quite what to say at the moment. How was she going to get through goodbye?
"Avril and I would feel a lot better if you'd let us come along." They'd been over this before but he couldn't help trying again.
"Avis said no. I have to respect her decisions. You know she has her reasons," Mac eyed him anxiously, not wanting to fight on their last day. Now that he was no longer actively pursuing Mac, Avis had become more cordial to him, but she had been adamant about this. Neither Avril nor Josiah could accompany them.
Josiah grunted. He and Avril had talked it over and then gone to see Deacon Turner. He had agreed to lend them a wagon and team. If they couldn't go with the ladies, they could damn well follow.
Mac breathed a sigh of relief that he had decided not to argue and their conversation turned to more pleasant topics.
Present Shenandoah Valley Northern Virginia 2040 Local
Annabel came to a halt just before a curve and turned off the truck. Harm looked over at her, "Now what?"
"We wait," she opened the door and got out of the truck. Gunny and then Harm followed suit.
Harm looked up and down the road a little nervously, "Don't you think we should get out of the middle of road? Someone's going to come barreling around these curves and plow right into us."
"No one is going to come," Annabel sounded absolutely certain and it made the hair on the back of Harm's neck rise. Not for the last time, he wondered what the hell he was doing following this crazy old woman. If it hadn't been for that portrait of Mac... He shook his head and turned to Gunny Walters, accepting the sidearm and holster the man offered him. Walters had had a veritable arsenal in the trunk of the government sedan. The Gunny had gone with the Marine standard issue automatic rifle which he currently had slung around his neck.
"Expecting trouble, Gunny?" Harm asked dryly. He winced a little at the tone of voice he'd used. All of this was getting to him.
"Always, sir," Walters ignored the Commander's obvious nerves. He was more than a little worried about the Colonel and he merely liked her. He could only imagine how Rabb was feeling. If it had been his wife who was missing, he'd be quite willing to kill someone by now.
"Gentlemen." Both men whirled around at that one word and Annabel pointed up the road. A fog was beginning to rise from the ground.
"Sweet Jesus," Gunny breathed, his eyes wide. Up until this point, he hadn't really and truly believed. He followed Harm as the Commander moved up to stand next to Annabel.
"What do we do?" Harm kept his eyes on the fog. It was growing thicker but it wasn't spreading out.
Annabel looked up at him with sympathy in her eyes, "We wait. She has to come to us."
They stood and watched as it grew taller and more dense. Harm walked up to it and stared. The edge was sharply defined like it had been cut by a knife. He looked back at Annabel, "Mac drove into this?"
She nodded, "Yes, although with the mist and rain that night, she probably didn't realize it was there." Both men jumped as a woman's shriek suddenly pierced the night. As one, they started towards the fog. "Don't go in!" Annabel commanded as she marched up to them. They froze as the figure of a woman in a long dress appeared. Annabel moved in front of Harm and Gunny, her face hard, "Not tonight, Mary Patrick. Go back. You'll not kill anyone tonight."
Gunny and Harm stared at each other in amazement as the apparition faded from sight, still wailing. Harm squeezed his eyes shut and then opened them again. This could not be happening. Five minutes passed and then ten, Harm looked over at Annabel, "How long should this take?"
She shrugged her shoulders, "I don't know. No one's ever timed something like this. Why bother? Who would believe them?"
The minutes dragged on and Harm took to pacing in front of fog, staring anxiously in. The sound of a gunshot made all three jump and then Harm clearly heard a woman scream 'Sarah!' "Oh my god, Mac!" he turned and plunged into the fog without a second thought, Gunny only a step behind.
"No! Wait!" Annabel rushed forward and then stopped, watching helplessly as the two men disappeared.
Past Shenandoah Valley Northern Virginia 1910 Local
Mac and Avis stood together as Avril checked over the horses' harness once more. It was time to leave and Mac wasn't sure if she could find the strength to walk away from these people. Deacon Turner and his entire family had shown up about 20 minutes ago to say their goodbyes. Corinna had been by in the afternoon. As far as she knew, Mac was returning North. It had been a tearful farewell for both of them. Mac had grown fond of the feisty, opinionated older woman. Corinna had accepted Josiah's presence without a word. Avril had introduced him as a friend and fellow officer and left it at that.
"Avril, enough," Avis finally said. "We have to leave." She knew Sarah was finding it difficult to actually start this journey. It wasn't just that she'd become close to everyone here. Although she had never expressed any doubts about returning to her own time, from some of her questions, it was obvious that she was worried about the consequences of being gone for so long. Avis could sympathize, as an explanation, the truth would be unbelievable. However, staying wasn't an option - of that, Avis was certain. Sarah's fate did not lie in the past. As much as she would miss the brunette, as her friend, she would see to it that Sarah returned home.
There was a final round of hugs and then the two women climbed into the carriage. Waving one more time, they started on their way. Avril and Josiah watched them drive out of sight and then turned to Deacon. Turner gestured to his wagon, "Go on, you two keep those ladies safe until Miss Sarah's on her way. An' bring back my rig in one piece if you don't mind. Chandra and me'll stay here and keep an eye on Miss Avis' place."
********
Avis kept the horses at a brisk walk as they wound their way up Massanutten. Mac sat tensely beside her. Neither one felt much like talking. The sunset had been spectacular and dark had fallen quickly. Mac glanced over at Avis. In an hour or so, God willing, this episode would be over. She would be back in her own time and everyone she'd come to know in this era would be gone to dust. The sense of loss she was already feeling was profound. Would she be able to learn the fates of these people beyond their dates of birth and death? Would Harm know anything about Josiah Rabb? Surely Annabel Simpson would be able to tell her how Avis, Avril and Corinna survived the war and Reconstruction? Sturgis might be the easiest to get information out of, being the Civil War buff, probably all she would have to do would be to get him started.
Mac looked around as they made their way higher. Brilliant moonlight turned the road to silver and cast a white light on all it touched, making the darkness under the trees seem even blacker. It was like a monochromatic high noon. It had been years since she'd been any place so remote that there was no ambient lighting to spoil the view. She noted that the moon was full tonight. Something Annabel had said to her all those weeks ago suddenly came to mind and she turned back to Avis, "That's a blue moon, isn't it? That's what you've been waiting for?"
Avis raised an eyebrow, "Yes. Hopefully, the stories I've heard are true. Mind you, usually all they say is that people disappear - no one's ever figured out where they went." She smiled a little wistfully, "I suppose I won't know for sure where you'll go, either. I'm praying it's back where you belong."
"Amen to that," Mac grinned, "If I wind up in the Revolutionary War, the powers that be are going to get a severe talking to." She looked forward again, "There was a ground fog that night, will that happen again or are we looking for a door that says 'Time Travelers - Exit Only'?
Chuckling, Avis shook her head, "I'm not quite sure, I think I'll know it when I see it." They fell silent again, listening to the rhythm of horseshoes hitting the macadam surface. Suddenly, Avis shivered and sat up straighter, glancing around.
"What is it? Are we close?" Mac sat up straighter too, looking at Avis with a mixture of trepidation and excitement. Those feelings changed to alarm when Avis abruptly sent the horses into a gallop. Grabbing at the metal armrest, Mac tried to look in all directions at once. Her heart began hammering when she saw a group of horsemen coming up behind them. Goddammit! Who the hell were these guys? Then she was grabbing at the seatback as Avis hauled the team to a halt. Slewing around in her seat she saw two horsemen blocking the road ahead. She looked back at Avis, "Who are they?"
Avis looked grim, "The Milroys." There was no time for more conversation as the horsemen overtook them from behind. Rough hands yanked them both out of the carriage and then they were standing amidst a half dozen men. Avis shook off the hand holding her arm and glared at one of the men, "You're making a mistake, Jubal."
Jubal eyed her with a grin, "I'd say the shoe was on the other foot, Miss Avis. You oughta know better than to come up here by yourself. People disappear off this here mountain all the time."
"People die on this mountain, Jubal." Avis' voice took on an eerie calm as she looked around the group, "I give you fair warning. Continue down this path and this will be the last act you do on this earth." Standing slightly behind, Mac couldn't help the shiver that ran down her spine. When Avis slid into 'soothsayer' mode, she could be scary as hell. The men Mac had standing on either side of her apparently felt the same way. A sense of fear and uncertainty was beginning to radiate from both. She kept as still as possible, not wanting to distract from the emotional web Avis was weaving.
Jubal's grin faltered for a second and then he swaggered up to Avis, drawing out his revolver, "What are you going to do? Call lightning down on our heads? What if I just kill you right now?"
She stared at him, "You'll seal the fate of yourself and these men. It's not my doing, I merely foretell. None of you will leave this mountain alive."
"Jubal, " one of the men next to Mac spoke up, "It ain't worth it. I got family to think of." Some of the other men shifted uncomfortably in muttered agreement.
Jubal rounded on them, waving his arms, "What the hell's wrong with you? Can't you see she's just playin' us?"
A tall, thin man stepped up, "Damn, Jubal, you can't tell me she don't have the sight. What about Cyrus Plainfield? I was there at McNair's store when she told him not to go hunting up near Swift Run Gap. Old fool went anyway and damn near got killed by a bear." The man glanced at Avis and back at Jubal, "I don't know why I let you talk me into this. Cousin or no, I ain't dying just 'cause Hunter had no more sense than a block of wood. He shoulda knowed better." He turned around and marched back to his horse. Two other men looked nervously from Avis to Jubal and then followed the first man. Mac let out a quiet breath, the odds were beginning to look a little better. The two men that were still with Jubal didn't look all that happy about it. Jubal, on the other hand, was working himself into a rage.
Mac tensed as he swung back towards Avis, anger rolling off him in waves. When Jubal advanced on the young blonde and pulled back the hand holding the pistol, she moved. Picking up a foot, Mac drove a sidekick into the leg of the man standing next to her. Hitting him just below the knee, she was already lunging forward when he collapsed with a scream. Shoving Avis out of the way, she stepped into Jubal's swing. Catching his wrist with her left hand and a handful of coat with her right, she pivoted with him, using his momentum to spin him around and down. As he stumbled to his knees, Mac let go of his coat and grabbed the barrel of the pistol, yanking it backwards out of his hand and breaking his finger in the process. By the time the third man managed to take a step, Mac had the revolver trained on him. Jubal was curled on ground, cradling his hand against his chest.
She looked over at Avis who was just climbing to her feet; Mac's shove had sent her tumbling, "Are you all right?" Avis nodded and Mac tilted her head towards the carriage, "Get in and get ready to go." Looking back at the men, she gestured with the revolver, "Throw your weapons out - slowly - and back away."
"Sarah?"
Mac glanced back to see Avis standing and staring up the road, "What's wrong?"
Avis pointed and said in strained voice, "I don't think we need to go anywhere." ***** ****** Mac felt a chill at her words and backed up, still keeping her revolver trained on the three men. Looking to where Avis had pointed, she inhaled sharply. There was a fog rising out of the road at the curve that was growing thicker with every passing second.
"Avis... ," that was all she got out when there was the crack of a gunshot. Mac staggered and fell, it felt like someone had hit her leg with a bat. A few moments later, the pain struck and she choked back a groan. Goddammit, her leg felt like it was on fire. She forced her eyes open. Where was the pistol? She had to keep those men at bay. Where the hell had that shot come from?
"Sarah!!" Avis dropped down beside her, hands fluttering anxiously over the wound. Between the moonlight and Sarah's dark trousers, it was difficult to see how badly she was hit.
"Avis, the gun... need to find it... hurry," Mac pushed at the young woman as she struggled to sit up, gasping at the effort.
"I declare, woman, you got more lives than a cat."
Mac froze at the sound of that voice, the fear that washed through her on top of the pain made her feel faint. Ezra Caine.
Avis recoiled, buffeted by the emotional tumult that Sarah was experiencing and the essence of evil that emanated the man standing in front of them. She was no stranger to the evil acts that men did, Judson Peavey was a case in point, but this was the first time she'd met someone who fairly reeked of it. Small wonder that Sarah was feeling terrified.
Caine smiled down at the women and then gestured to the two men who were following him, "Hey Garrett, Hobson, c'mon an' say hey to Colonel Mac. Appears she din't die a'tall." Garrett sauntered over and gave Mac a leering smile. He had a carbine cradled in his arms. Hobson just stared at her, his expression making her shiver. Caine looked from them down to Mac, "Ain't it fortunate? Us meetin' up like this? When me 'n the boys heard ol' Judson got done in by a woman, we jist naturally got curious. Surprised the hell out of us when word got around that it warn't no foreigner but some Yankee woman named MacKenzie - well, we figgered we'd come take a look." He leaned down and winked at Mac, "You n' me still got us some unfinished business." Behind him, Avis could see Jubal and the Milroy Sarah had kicked, struggling to their feet. The three kept a sullen distance from Caine and his men. Ezra nudged at Mac with his toe, "Git up on your feet, Colonel Mac. Thar's no lollygagging in this here army." Garrett and Hobson chuckled appreciatively.
"What?" Avis, stared at him in disbelief, "She's been shot. She can't get up."
She barely suppressed a squeak of surprise when Caine reached over and yanked her upright, "This ain't none of yore business, Missy." He spun her over to Garrett and laughed, "Thar you go, Doan't say I never give you nuthin'."
"No!" Caine turned back to see Mac struggling to her feet. She finally made it, swaying dangerously on one leg, her face pale and sweaty. Glaring at Caine, she ground out, "Leave her alone."
The smile vanished off Caine's face as he took a menacing step towards her. Mac took a limping step backward. He followed after her, pulling out his revolver. Mac stopped and he put the barrel on her chest and shoved. She staggered, bringing her hands up on both sides of the gun. Before he quite realized what she was doing, Mac brought her hands together. One hit the gun barrel, forcing it to the right at the same time the other hit his wrist forcing it left. In the time it took Caine to inhale, Mac had the revolver out of his hand and aimed at his head, her thumb pulling the hammer back.
"Don't do it, Colonel Mac," Garrett's voice held a deadly menace.
Unwilling to take her eyes off of Caine for even a moment, Mac eased a limping step to the side so she could see both men. What she saw had her slumping in defeat. Garrett had a large knife pressed against Avis' throat. With infinite reluctance, Mac carefully released the hammer and lowered the pistol. Caine lunged forward, snatching the revolver out of her hands. With an oath, he backhanded her with the pistol, dropping her to the ground.
Gunfire suddenly erupted almost as soon as Mac hit the ground. Caine staggered, his hand going to his side, and one of the Milroys collapsed. Everywhere, men scattered and dove for cover, most scrambling to the downhill side of the road. Within moments, a firefight had broken out. Avis scrambled on her hands and knees over to where Mac lay, unmoving. It was awkward going in a dress and Avis found herself cursing her slow progress. Once she reached Sarah, she stretched out a hand and breathed a sigh of relief when she felt a pulse. Twisting around, she looked up the road to the curve. The fog now reached a good twelve feet and seemed impenetrable. Twenty-five yards away, it might as well have been a mile. The only way she would get Sarah to it would be to drag her there, something she wasn't sure she could accomplish without getting both of them killed.
The sound of gunfire rose and fell, some of the bullets whizzing overhead. Avis stayed prone, working her way around to Mac's injured leg. Reaching out, she grimaced, the pant leg was becoming soaked in blood. Pulling her dress out of the way, Avis tore up one of her petticoats, using it to staunch and bandage the wound. As she worked she talked quietly, "Sarah? Sarah, wake up. Can you hear me? Sarah?" After what seemed like an eternity, she was rewarded with a low moan, "Sarah? You need to wake up, we can't stay here." She held her breath as Sarah turned her head, disappointment flaring at the glazed look in Mac's eyes. Well, at least she had opened her eyes. Caine could have easily killed her, hitting her like that.
Avis couldn't suppress a little shriek when a man appeared next to them. Concentrating on Sarah, she hadn't seen him approach.
"Hush, Miss Payne."
Avis' eyes widened when she realized it was Josiah Rabb. She felt her heart lurch. If he was here then... "Avril! He's here, isn't he? Oh god... "
"Yes," Josiah's voice was tight as he took in Mac's condition. He looked over at Avis, "If you can take her one side, I'll take the other. We need to go now. I'm not going to be able to move very quickly with my leg and I don't know how long Avril can distract them. We didn't have that much ammunition. Try to keep low." Even as he spoke, the fire was slackening.
Avis nodded, taking one of Sarah's arms. She reached over and touched Josiah on the sleeve. "Colonel, we have to take her that way." She gestured towards the fog. Josiah looked over that way, his surprise giving way to sadness as he realized what she was saying. He nodded abruptly, "Let's go."
"I don't think so," Garrett and then Jubal rose up from the side of the road, guns aimed at Josiah and Avis. Garrett smiled as he got closer, "Well, Colonel Rabb, as I live and breathe. Mighta known you'd come lookin' for her." He gestured with the carbine, "Toss out any guns you got Colonel, darlin', an' stand up." Garrett's face grew harder, "Don't be thinkin' of anything heroic or I'll kill you right now an' then these two fine ladies will pay a higher price for your foolishness. I'm feelin' a bit peevish as it is."
Josiah stared at Garrett for a long moment, his expression one of hatred and resignation. Carefully, he lowered Mac to the ground and pushed himself upright. "You'll hang for this," he growled.
Garrett nodded, "That may be, but you three won't be around to see it." He turned slightly as Hobson came clambering down the slope from above the road, "Did you find the other one?" He grunted when the man shook his head, "Get the horses together then, we ain't staying." He looked back at Rabb and motioned towards Mac, "Get her up, Colonel. We're going for a little ride."
With a sinking heart, Avis had watched as Josiah lay Mac back down and struggle to his feet. She stayed next to Sarah, trying not to think of what was coming and what might have happened to Avril. She was the only one to notice the change of expression on Jubal's face as he stood slightly behind Garrett. His eyes were widening in surprise and fear, but he wasn't looking at them, he was looking past. Avis' own eyes widened for a moment when she realized where he was looking. Hadn't any of the men noticed the fog before this? Fear swept through her and she forgot about the fog when Garrett told the Colonel that he was taking them with him. Dying now might be better than what was surely coming. Josiah apparently felt the same way, he didn't budge when Garrett told him to get Sarah up. She nearly jumped out of her skin when a voice eerily reminiscent of Colonel Rabb, barked, "Don't move!"
After that, everything seemed to happen at once. Garrett spun in a crouch, throwing the carbine up to his shoulder and firing. Jubal had a revolver out and was awkwardly shooting with his left hand. Hobson and the remaining Milroy also dove for cover and opened fire. Josiah dropped to the ground, doing his best to shield both Mac and Avis with his body. The rate of return fire from whoever had challenged Garrett was astonishing. From what he could hear, a second gun had opened up soon after the first from a different angle. In less than a minute, the firing died away. Josiah raised his head cautiously and looked around. Garrett was on his back with a bullet hole in his forehead, eyes still open in surprise. Jubal was nearby, also clearly dead. He couldn't see anything of the remaining men. Awkwardly, he pushed himself off of the two women. "Are you all right?" he asked Avis as he anxiously checked Sarah. Her eyes were closed again but she was still breathing.
Avis nodded, moving up to the other side of Mac. "Sarah?" She rested a light hand on Mac's forehead, "Sarah? Wake up."
She shared a worried look with Josiah and then a smile of relief as Mac's eyes fluttered open. This time her gaze was clear although she looked confused to see Josiah bending over her. Suddenly, her eyes widened and she started to struggle upright. Both Avis and Josiah put a hand on her shoulders and forced her back down. She looked from one to the other, her expression slightly panicked, "Caine? Where is he? What happened?" She brought a hand up to the side of her head and grimaced.
Josiah shrugged, "I don't know. He was hit, I saw that." He froze when he saw Avis tense, her expression one of shock. Bracing himself, he turned as quickly as he could, cursing the broken leg. He got a shock of his own as he stared up at a younger version of himself. He was wearing a light brown uniform of sorts and carrying an odd but lethal looking pistol.
********
Harm bolted into the thick mist, drawing his pistol as he ran. He couldn't see more than a few feet in front but he didn't dare slow down. Mac was in trouble, that was all that mattered. He was abruptly yanked to a halt when a large hand fastened onto his arm. Spinning back, Harm found himself nose to nose with Gunny Walters. He tried to pull his arm free but the Gunny had an iron grip. "Let go of me, dammit!"
"No sir! Not 'til you start thinking again, begging your pardon, sir," Gunny glared at him. "I am not explaining to the Admiral or Colonel MacKenzie about how I let you run into an unknown situation and get your head blown off."
Harm fought down the irrational surge of anger. Walters was right. He'd reacted instinctively, something he knew he could always trust in the cockpit, but this was a different situation altogether. Taking a deep breath, he forced himself to relax, "You're right, Gunny, I apologize. Do you have a plan?"
Walters gave him a lop-sided grin, "'Don't get killed' comes to mind, sir. Just be careful when we reach whatever's on the other side of this. I don't want to get the Colonel killed either."
Harm nodded and the two men resumed their trek, moving at a jog trot. After a minute, Walters touched the Commander's arm and said in a soft voice, "Sir, the road's changed."
Harm glanced down and grunted an acknowledgment, the road was no longer asphalt. He squinted ahead, then missed a step and stumbled when a massive amount of gunfire erupted. Turning a startled look at the Gunny, he was hard-pressed not to go charging ahead. Mac was in the middle of that!
Putting a hand on Harm's forearm, Walters sank into a crouch and gestured that he would take the point. Harm nodded and they cautiously made their way towards the firing. It only lasted a few minutes, ending just as Harm and Walters emerged from the fog. The Gunny immediately moved off the road towards the uphill side, instinctively heading into the shadows. Harm followed, scanning the scene in front of him. It was surprisingly easy to see, the full moon casting a strong light. He stopped for a moment and blinked, a full moon? That had been over a week ago, the same night, in fact, that Mac had disappeared... He looked at the moon again as a shiver ran down his spine. This was unbelievable.
"Sir!" Gunny's hiss sounded from the shadows in front and above him and he hurried over, aware he'd been standing there like the rawest recruit. Crouching next to Walters, he looked down at the road. There were five people on the road, the two facing his way looked like they were holding guns on the other three. At least one of the three was a woman in a long dress. Harm saw with disappointment that she was a blonde. She was kneeling next to someone lying prone on the ground. The third was a man who appeared to have been wounded in the leg. He was listing slightly to the side, trying to keep the weight off. Where was Mac?
Feeling a touch on his arm, he looked at Gunny and then followed to where Walters was pointing. Another man had risen up from the downhill side of the road, holding his rifle at the ready. A few moments later, a man appeared from above the road, alternately sliding and running down the steep slope. He, too, was carrying a rifle.
Gunny tapped Harm's arm again and said in a low voice, "I don't see the Colonel, sir. What do you want to do? We don't know who're the bad guys."
Harm gave him a half-smile, "So we surround 'em and take the whole bunch. We can sort it out later. Maybe one of them knows where she is."
Walters grinned, "Yes sir. Give me thirty seconds to move to a new position and then make your move."
Harm watched him move off, counting slowly and then cautiously made his way down to the road. Taking his position, he held his pistol in a two-handed grip and barked, "Don't Move!" Two of the men immediately spun towards him and started shooting. Harm crouched and returned fire, hitting one man in the head. The other two men with rifles opened fire and then Harm heard Gunny begin shooting. In a matter of moments, it was over. No one on the road was still standing.
Carefully, Harm moved towards the trio that had the woman. He could only hope that they hadn't gotten caught in the cross-fire. He breathed a sigh of relief when the man pushed himself upright. Apparently, he'd shielded the woman and whoever was on the ground with his body. Harm walked forward slowly, scanning the area for any more threats. He didn't want to assume anything. He was fairly close before the blonde woman spotted him. She froze, staring at him with wide eyes. Harm couldn't help staring back, this was Annabel's ancestor, Avis Payne. The man turned then, awkwardly, and Harm realized that he had splint on one leg. He dragged his gaze up to the man's face and felt a jolt. It was his father.
Harm forced himself to breathe again. No, not his father - Josiah Rabb, his father's great-great grandfather. This was bizarre. Josiah Rabb was obviously feeling the same way, he was staring at Harm in open-mouthed surprise. He shifted a little and Harm finally got a look at the person on the ground. His heart gave a lurch when he realized who it was, "Mac!"
Oh God, she had been hurt. He took in the dark stain on the makeshift bandage around her leg as he brushed past Josiah. Meeting his ancestor didn't seem nearly as important as reaching Mac. He dropped to his knees beside her, thankful that her eyes were open. He reached over and brushed her hair lightly off her forehead before drawing his fingers down the side of her face. Harm smiled softly, "Helluva way to get lost, Marine."
Mac blinked and stared, unsure of what she was seeing. Harm? Her vision was blurry around the edges, only the center seemed clear. She slowly reached out a hand and touched his face. He caught it with his own and turned his head to place a kiss in the palm. Mac's eyes filled with tears, "Oh dear god, Harm!"
Harm leaned over and carefully gathered her in his arms, the tightness in his chest finally easing. He'd been so frightened that he'd never see her again. He closed his eyes and sighed as he felt Mac burrow into his chest, thank God he'd found her.
A light touch on his arm caught his attention and he looked over at the young blonde woman. Avril Simpson's portrait didn't do her justice. Avis Payne was a beautiful woman, even with her hair and clothes in disarray. She gave him a tentative smile, "I'm sorry to interrupt, Mr. Rabb, but time is becoming critical."
He nodded and gently lowered Mac back down, keeping hold of a hand. He felt an overpowering need to keep in physical contact with her. Harm saw Avis stiffen and then heard a throat clearing behind him. Looking over his shoulder, he saw Gunny Walters standing there with his rifle in his hands. The Gunny looked apologetic, "The immediate area's secure, Commander but I don't know if it's safe. Can't see a thing in the trees. How's the Colonel, sir?" He glanced at Josiah when he saw the man start and then did a double-take. Actually seeing Commander Rabb's ancestor in the flesh was still mind-boggling.
Josiah slowly climbed to his feet, swaying a little as he regained his balance. He looked from Harm to the Gunnery Sergeant, undoubtedly one of the biggest men he'd ever seen, "I'm afraid, with all the commotion, none of us have been properly introduced." He gestured to Avis, "Allow me to present Miss Avis Payne." He looked at Harm, quirked an eyebrow and offered his hand, "And I believe, sir, that I'm your several-times-great grandfather, Josiah Tyler Rabb, currently a Lt. Colonel serving under General Sheridan."
Harm clasped hands with him, feeling a sense of wonder. "Commander Harmon Rabb, Jr., U.S. Navy serving with the Judge Advocate General." He nodded towards Walters, "And that's Gunnery Sergeant Rudy Walters, Marine Corps. He's beginning to make a career out of rescuing Colonel MacKenzie."
"Now, sir..." Gunny protested at the same time Mac poked at Harm's leg, "That one's going to cost you, Commander." She was feeling positively giddy. Harm was here. Everything was going to be fine, he would keep her safe. She blinked once or twice, suddenly feeling overwhelmed with weariness. Even the throbbing in her leg was beginning to recede into the distance. She would just close her eyes and rest for a bit. God knew she could use it, considering what she'd been through in the last forty-seven minutes. A quick little nap and then she'd be good to go.
Harm didn't notice her grip slackening. He was distracted by a rustling in the bushes that had him drawing his pistol again. Everyone tensed, and Gunny moved swiftly to one side. Then a man's voice called 'Don't shoot.' and Josiah straightened up, ordering, "Hold your fire." Avril walked out onto the road with his hands held up, just in case. He lowered them quickly when Avis flung herself into his embrace. Josiah turned back to Harm and Gunny with a smile, "And that, gentlemen, is the illustrious Major Avril Simpson, a most fortunate man."
Avis allowed herself a few more seconds in Avril's arms before pushing away. Although she didn't have Sarah's time sense, the feeling that they were running out of time was growing increasingly stronger. She glanced up the road and saw with horror that the fog seemed to be retreating. Avis spun back towards Harm, "You have to go! Now! The window is closing!"
Harm stared at her in shock for just a moment and then turned to Mac, finally noticing that her eyes were closed. He gave her shoulder a gentle shake, his worry increasing when she didn't respond. Oh hell, she'd been awake just a minute ago. Looking over his shoulder, he snapped, "Gunny! I need help, she's unconscious."
Slinging his rifle to his back, Walters hurried over. Carefully, the two men lifted Mac up. Gunny looked at Harm, "How do you want to do this, sir?"
"We'll take turns. I want one of us free to defend if necessary." He gathered Mac into his arms, frowning in alarm at how wet her pant leg had become. Goddammit, she was still bleeding. He started up the road, Gunny taking up the point while the rest of the group stayed with Harm.
In a few moments, they had reached the edge of the fog. Harm stopped and looked at Avis, Avril and Josiah, "Thank you for all you've done for Sarah. I don't know how I can ever repay you."
Avis stepped forward and kissed Mac's forehead, "Take care of her, Mr. Rabb. She's been like a sister to me." She went back to Avril who wrapped his arms around her.
Josiah limped up and kissed Mac as well before glaring fiercely at Harm, "Marry her, Harmon Rabb. She deserves to be happy and time is too precious to waste." He broke into a wry grin, "If you don't, I'll come haunt you. You have my word." He backed away to stand next to Avis and Avril. Avis reached over and put a hand on his arm.
She looked at Harm and Gunny, "Go and Godspeed." The two men standing with her echoed her words. Harm looked at them silently for one more moment and then moved into the fog, Gunny Walters beside him.
From the shadows, Ezra Caine watched the men disappear into the fog. Colonel Rabb and the man and woman with him, stood for a few minutes gazing after them and then slowly made their way back down the road. Caine fingered his revolver, his other hand clamped to his side. This wound was going to kill him but he still had some time left. He looked at the receding figure of the Colonel and then looked back at the fog. Which one? He thought it over for a few more moments and then plunged into the fog. Twice he had failed to kill that bitch, hopefully, the third time would be the charm. With a little luck, he'd have enough time to get word to Colonel Rabb. He could go to his grave with the satisfaction of knowing that news of Sarah MacKenzie's death would kill the Colonel one slow day at a time.
Mac bit back a groan and slowly forced her eyes open. Who the hell was shaking her? Every jolt made the pain in her leg radiate throughout her body. Groggy, she looked out at a thick white mist. Where was she? Slowly, she turned her head. It hurt like hell, too. Mac forced her eyes upward and then blinked, Gunny Walters? Why was he carrying her? She felt the first vestiges of alarm, where was Harm? She'd seen him, she was sure of it.
Gunny felt her shift and glanced down, feeling relief when he saw her eyes open. She was looking at him in confusion and Walters gave her a reassuring smile. He looked up and called softly, "Commander Rabb! The Colonel's awake."
Harm appeared by his side, he'd been ranging around the Gunny as they made their way through the fog. They had to be coming out of it soon, it seemed like they'd been walking forever. He smiled at Mac, putting a hand on her uninjured leg, "Welcome back."
Mac relaxed a little at the sight of him and then looked around in confusion. She was having a hard time articulating words at the moment. Harm gave her leg a pat, "We're on our way home. It shouldn't be too much longer and then we'll get you to a hospital. Just hang on."
It was only a few minutes later when Harm realized that the road was asphalt once again and then they were out of the fog. Harm turned towards Gunny and Mac with a laugh, they'd made it! His smile died when Gunny came to an abrupt halt, staring forward. Harm whirled around to see Annabel standing there with her revolver pointed towards them. Putting out a hand, he tried a placating tone, "Mrs. Simpson... "
Exasperated, Annabel barked, "Move!" gesturing to the side with her gun. Harm and Gunny obeyed with alacrity and then jumped when she fired off two shots. They both turned in time to see the body of a wiry, little man fall forward out of the fog, a revolver dropping from his lifeless fingers and skittering across the pavement. Annabel turned to Harm, "Now it's over."
Present Shenandoah Valley Northern Virginia 1830 Local
Gunny stared at Harm, "It's you, sir."
Harm shook his head, feeling somewhat stupefied, "It's my father." He looked up at Annabel, "What do we have to do?" This was, by far, the craziest thing he'd ever gotten involved in. How was he going to explain it to the Admiral?
Annabel checked her watch, "We need to leave in the next forty-five minutes." She tapped her fingers on the desk and then looked at the two men, "Did either of you bring a gun?"
Gunny nodded at the same time Harm said, "What? Why?"
She shook her head, "I don't know for sure, I find I feel less anxious when I think that you're both armed. There's no telling what will happen up there."
Harm stared at her, what could he say to reasoning like that? He found himself rubbing his forehead and abruptly dropped his hand. Taking a deep breath, he looked at Annabel, "May I see the journal?"
She nodded, handing it over to him, "That red bookmark is the first reference I found to Sarah, start there. I'm afraid it won't be easy to read."
Harm took the journal, opening it at the marked page and blinked, "Good grief." Gunny watched, fighting a grin, as the Commander turned the book this way and that. He looked over at Annabel, "Is this some kind of a joke?"
Walters stretched out a hand, "May I, sir?" Harm gave him the journal. Gunny opened it up and scanned through the pages. He looked over at Annabel, "This looks like some of the papers from my mother-in-law's family." He turned back to Harm to explain, "They were from the mountains up around Asheville. They were poor to begin with but after the war, it was even worse. Grandma Havers had to make everything last as long as possible. When she reached the end of her diary, she turned it upside down and started over, writing between the lines of what was already written. Then she started writing in the margins. I get a headache just looking at it, but my wife can follow it."
Annabel smiled at him, "I thought you were a Southerner, do you hail from North Carolina, too?"
"Yes'm, down Raleigh way," Gunny smiled back, "My friends call me Dubby." He offered the book to Harm.
"Is that what's going on here?" Harm took the journal back and stared at it intently, trying to decipher it. "This looks like another language."
Annabel smiled, "That's because people didn't print back then. If you're not used to reading cursive writing, I suppose it could look like a foreign language." She stood up and both men rose with her. She put her hand out for the journal, "I think we should get going. I've got an old International Scout that should get us up the mountain." Annabel turned around and lifted a keyring off a small hook on the wall and then moved to a filing cabinet in the corner. Pulling open the first drawer, she reached behind the files and pulled out an old Colt revolver. Placing it on top of the cabinet, she reached back in and pulled out a box of shells.
Harm eyed her in alarm while Gunny whistled in appreciation. He walked over and looked at the pistol, "That's a beauty, ma'am. Do you mind?"
Annabel waved a hand, "Please do. My grandfather brought it home from World War I. I like to keep it handy, my Daddy taught me to shoot with it." She caught the look on Harm's face and chuckled, "Come now, Commander, why do you think we Southerners are generally so polite? Most of us are armed." Closing the drawer, she motioned to the door, "Shall we go?"
Past Shenandoah Valley Northern Virginia 1430 Local
Mac shaded her eyes as she watched Avis and Avril make their way down the hill. It had been two weeks and both he and Josiah had done a remarkable job of healing. It made a certain kind of sense, only the most robust people would survive this era. She was currently ensconced in a porch rocker, in between chores. Tonight, she and Avis would drive up Massanutten Mountain and this would be over, one way or another. Mac was aware that Avis wasn't quite sure what was going to happen, only that it would be momentous. She shook her head, time travel certainly fell in that category.
She heard the door open and then the familiar thump/step that heralded Josiah Rabb's approach. Deacon had fastened a crosspiece on the end of a pair of splints and created a sort of walking cast for the Colonel. Every day, he got a little better at moving although he would never have the element of surprise while he was wearing it. Mac heard him come up behind her and reached up to pat the hand he dropped on her shoulder, "Hey."
"Afternoon," he dropped into the other rocker and gazed off in the direction she was looking. "I see our lovebirds have been out walking. Has he kissed her yet?"
"Josiah!" Mac pretended to be scandalized, "Major Simpson is a gentleman."
"And Miss Payne is a lady," Josiah agreed with a smile, "So did he?"
"Twice," Mac looked at him with a smug grin. Josiah had accepted her leaving with a good deal more graciousness than she would have expected. Things were now like they'd been between her and Harm for so many years, good friends with an unacknowledged undercurrent running between them. In some ways, that made it even harder to leave, knowing she would never see him again.
"About time," he replied laconically, stretching out his long legs and slouching down in the rocker.
"Oh stop," Mac nudged his leg with her foot.
"What?" Josiah raised an eyebrow, "When I was his age, I'd already gotten Cassie to the altar. You know, these Southerners can carry politeness too far."
"Caveman," Mac smiled fondly. Avril and Josiah were well on their way to being friends. They respected each other as officers and had progressed from there. Without the pressures of command, Mac had been seeing a whole other side of Josiah. He had a wonderfully dry sense of humor, a great deal of pride in his children and a surprisingly good singing voice. That was one thing Mac had noticed in this era, people sang freely whenever the spirit moved them. Avis always sang in the kitchen, she had a pleasant alto voice. She'd taught Mac several songs and reminded her of others that she had learned as a child. With the men here, their normal duets had become a quartet with Josiah's tenor and Avril's baritone harmonizing nicely together. At least one or two evenings a week were spent around the piano. Other nights were spent reading and around the chess board. Mac and Avril were locked in battle with Avis and Josiah kibitzing freely and often without regard for which side they were on at any given moment. Mac had also been surprised to discover that Avril was an artist and one evening was spent with all of them posing for sketches. This was the family life she had fantasized about as a little girl.
"Tonight's the night, isn't it?" Josiah kept his voice neutral.
Mac nodded, not knowing quite what to say at the moment. How was she going to get through goodbye?
"Avril and I would feel a lot better if you'd let us come along." They'd been over this before but he couldn't help trying again.
"Avis said no. I have to respect her decisions. You know she has her reasons," Mac eyed him anxiously, not wanting to fight on their last day. Now that he was no longer actively pursuing Mac, Avis had become more cordial to him, but she had been adamant about this. Neither Avril nor Josiah could accompany them.
Josiah grunted. He and Avril had talked it over and then gone to see Deacon Turner. He had agreed to lend them a wagon and team. If they couldn't go with the ladies, they could damn well follow.
Mac breathed a sigh of relief that he had decided not to argue and their conversation turned to more pleasant topics.
Present Shenandoah Valley Northern Virginia 2040 Local
Annabel came to a halt just before a curve and turned off the truck. Harm looked over at her, "Now what?"
"We wait," she opened the door and got out of the truck. Gunny and then Harm followed suit.
Harm looked up and down the road a little nervously, "Don't you think we should get out of the middle of road? Someone's going to come barreling around these curves and plow right into us."
"No one is going to come," Annabel sounded absolutely certain and it made the hair on the back of Harm's neck rise. Not for the last time, he wondered what the hell he was doing following this crazy old woman. If it hadn't been for that portrait of Mac... He shook his head and turned to Gunny Walters, accepting the sidearm and holster the man offered him. Walters had had a veritable arsenal in the trunk of the government sedan. The Gunny had gone with the Marine standard issue automatic rifle which he currently had slung around his neck.
"Expecting trouble, Gunny?" Harm asked dryly. He winced a little at the tone of voice he'd used. All of this was getting to him.
"Always, sir," Walters ignored the Commander's obvious nerves. He was more than a little worried about the Colonel and he merely liked her. He could only imagine how Rabb was feeling. If it had been his wife who was missing, he'd be quite willing to kill someone by now.
"Gentlemen." Both men whirled around at that one word and Annabel pointed up the road. A fog was beginning to rise from the ground.
"Sweet Jesus," Gunny breathed, his eyes wide. Up until this point, he hadn't really and truly believed. He followed Harm as the Commander moved up to stand next to Annabel.
"What do we do?" Harm kept his eyes on the fog. It was growing thicker but it wasn't spreading out.
Annabel looked up at him with sympathy in her eyes, "We wait. She has to come to us."
They stood and watched as it grew taller and more dense. Harm walked up to it and stared. The edge was sharply defined like it had been cut by a knife. He looked back at Annabel, "Mac drove into this?"
She nodded, "Yes, although with the mist and rain that night, she probably didn't realize it was there." Both men jumped as a woman's shriek suddenly pierced the night. As one, they started towards the fog. "Don't go in!" Annabel commanded as she marched up to them. They froze as the figure of a woman in a long dress appeared. Annabel moved in front of Harm and Gunny, her face hard, "Not tonight, Mary Patrick. Go back. You'll not kill anyone tonight."
Gunny and Harm stared at each other in amazement as the apparition faded from sight, still wailing. Harm squeezed his eyes shut and then opened them again. This could not be happening. Five minutes passed and then ten, Harm looked over at Annabel, "How long should this take?"
She shrugged her shoulders, "I don't know. No one's ever timed something like this. Why bother? Who would believe them?"
The minutes dragged on and Harm took to pacing in front of fog, staring anxiously in. The sound of a gunshot made all three jump and then Harm clearly heard a woman scream 'Sarah!' "Oh my god, Mac!" he turned and plunged into the fog without a second thought, Gunny only a step behind.
"No! Wait!" Annabel rushed forward and then stopped, watching helplessly as the two men disappeared.
Past Shenandoah Valley Northern Virginia 1910 Local
Mac and Avis stood together as Avril checked over the horses' harness once more. It was time to leave and Mac wasn't sure if she could find the strength to walk away from these people. Deacon Turner and his entire family had shown up about 20 minutes ago to say their goodbyes. Corinna had been by in the afternoon. As far as she knew, Mac was returning North. It had been a tearful farewell for both of them. Mac had grown fond of the feisty, opinionated older woman. Corinna had accepted Josiah's presence without a word. Avril had introduced him as a friend and fellow officer and left it at that.
"Avril, enough," Avis finally said. "We have to leave." She knew Sarah was finding it difficult to actually start this journey. It wasn't just that she'd become close to everyone here. Although she had never expressed any doubts about returning to her own time, from some of her questions, it was obvious that she was worried about the consequences of being gone for so long. Avis could sympathize, as an explanation, the truth would be unbelievable. However, staying wasn't an option - of that, Avis was certain. Sarah's fate did not lie in the past. As much as she would miss the brunette, as her friend, she would see to it that Sarah returned home.
There was a final round of hugs and then the two women climbed into the carriage. Waving one more time, they started on their way. Avril and Josiah watched them drive out of sight and then turned to Deacon. Turner gestured to his wagon, "Go on, you two keep those ladies safe until Miss Sarah's on her way. An' bring back my rig in one piece if you don't mind. Chandra and me'll stay here and keep an eye on Miss Avis' place."
********
Avis kept the horses at a brisk walk as they wound their way up Massanutten. Mac sat tensely beside her. Neither one felt much like talking. The sunset had been spectacular and dark had fallen quickly. Mac glanced over at Avis. In an hour or so, God willing, this episode would be over. She would be back in her own time and everyone she'd come to know in this era would be gone to dust. The sense of loss she was already feeling was profound. Would she be able to learn the fates of these people beyond their dates of birth and death? Would Harm know anything about Josiah Rabb? Surely Annabel Simpson would be able to tell her how Avis, Avril and Corinna survived the war and Reconstruction? Sturgis might be the easiest to get information out of, being the Civil War buff, probably all she would have to do would be to get him started.
Mac looked around as they made their way higher. Brilliant moonlight turned the road to silver and cast a white light on all it touched, making the darkness under the trees seem even blacker. It was like a monochromatic high noon. It had been years since she'd been any place so remote that there was no ambient lighting to spoil the view. She noted that the moon was full tonight. Something Annabel had said to her all those weeks ago suddenly came to mind and she turned back to Avis, "That's a blue moon, isn't it? That's what you've been waiting for?"
Avis raised an eyebrow, "Yes. Hopefully, the stories I've heard are true. Mind you, usually all they say is that people disappear - no one's ever figured out where they went." She smiled a little wistfully, "I suppose I won't know for sure where you'll go, either. I'm praying it's back where you belong."
"Amen to that," Mac grinned, "If I wind up in the Revolutionary War, the powers that be are going to get a severe talking to." She looked forward again, "There was a ground fog that night, will that happen again or are we looking for a door that says 'Time Travelers - Exit Only'?
Chuckling, Avis shook her head, "I'm not quite sure, I think I'll know it when I see it." They fell silent again, listening to the rhythm of horseshoes hitting the macadam surface. Suddenly, Avis shivered and sat up straighter, glancing around.
"What is it? Are we close?" Mac sat up straighter too, looking at Avis with a mixture of trepidation and excitement. Those feelings changed to alarm when Avis abruptly sent the horses into a gallop. Grabbing at the metal armrest, Mac tried to look in all directions at once. Her heart began hammering when she saw a group of horsemen coming up behind them. Goddammit! Who the hell were these guys? Then she was grabbing at the seatback as Avis hauled the team to a halt. Slewing around in her seat she saw two horsemen blocking the road ahead. She looked back at Avis, "Who are they?"
Avis looked grim, "The Milroys." There was no time for more conversation as the horsemen overtook them from behind. Rough hands yanked them both out of the carriage and then they were standing amidst a half dozen men. Avis shook off the hand holding her arm and glared at one of the men, "You're making a mistake, Jubal."
Jubal eyed her with a grin, "I'd say the shoe was on the other foot, Miss Avis. You oughta know better than to come up here by yourself. People disappear off this here mountain all the time."
"People die on this mountain, Jubal." Avis' voice took on an eerie calm as she looked around the group, "I give you fair warning. Continue down this path and this will be the last act you do on this earth." Standing slightly behind, Mac couldn't help the shiver that ran down her spine. When Avis slid into 'soothsayer' mode, she could be scary as hell. The men Mac had standing on either side of her apparently felt the same way. A sense of fear and uncertainty was beginning to radiate from both. She kept as still as possible, not wanting to distract from the emotional web Avis was weaving.
Jubal's grin faltered for a second and then he swaggered up to Avis, drawing out his revolver, "What are you going to do? Call lightning down on our heads? What if I just kill you right now?"
She stared at him, "You'll seal the fate of yourself and these men. It's not my doing, I merely foretell. None of you will leave this mountain alive."
"Jubal, " one of the men next to Mac spoke up, "It ain't worth it. I got family to think of." Some of the other men shifted uncomfortably in muttered agreement.
Jubal rounded on them, waving his arms, "What the hell's wrong with you? Can't you see she's just playin' us?"
A tall, thin man stepped up, "Damn, Jubal, you can't tell me she don't have the sight. What about Cyrus Plainfield? I was there at McNair's store when she told him not to go hunting up near Swift Run Gap. Old fool went anyway and damn near got killed by a bear." The man glanced at Avis and back at Jubal, "I don't know why I let you talk me into this. Cousin or no, I ain't dying just 'cause Hunter had no more sense than a block of wood. He shoulda knowed better." He turned around and marched back to his horse. Two other men looked nervously from Avis to Jubal and then followed the first man. Mac let out a quiet breath, the odds were beginning to look a little better. The two men that were still with Jubal didn't look all that happy about it. Jubal, on the other hand, was working himself into a rage.
Mac tensed as he swung back towards Avis, anger rolling off him in waves. When Jubal advanced on the young blonde and pulled back the hand holding the pistol, she moved. Picking up a foot, Mac drove a sidekick into the leg of the man standing next to her. Hitting him just below the knee, she was already lunging forward when he collapsed with a scream. Shoving Avis out of the way, she stepped into Jubal's swing. Catching his wrist with her left hand and a handful of coat with her right, she pivoted with him, using his momentum to spin him around and down. As he stumbled to his knees, Mac let go of his coat and grabbed the barrel of the pistol, yanking it backwards out of his hand and breaking his finger in the process. By the time the third man managed to take a step, Mac had the revolver trained on him. Jubal was curled on ground, cradling his hand against his chest.
She looked over at Avis who was just climbing to her feet; Mac's shove had sent her tumbling, "Are you all right?" Avis nodded and Mac tilted her head towards the carriage, "Get in and get ready to go." Looking back at the men, she gestured with the revolver, "Throw your weapons out - slowly - and back away."
"Sarah?"
Mac glanced back to see Avis standing and staring up the road, "What's wrong?"
Avis pointed and said in strained voice, "I don't think we need to go anywhere." ***** ****** Mac felt a chill at her words and backed up, still keeping her revolver trained on the three men. Looking to where Avis had pointed, she inhaled sharply. There was a fog rising out of the road at the curve that was growing thicker with every passing second.
"Avis... ," that was all she got out when there was the crack of a gunshot. Mac staggered and fell, it felt like someone had hit her leg with a bat. A few moments later, the pain struck and she choked back a groan. Goddammit, her leg felt like it was on fire. She forced her eyes open. Where was the pistol? She had to keep those men at bay. Where the hell had that shot come from?
"Sarah!!" Avis dropped down beside her, hands fluttering anxiously over the wound. Between the moonlight and Sarah's dark trousers, it was difficult to see how badly she was hit.
"Avis, the gun... need to find it... hurry," Mac pushed at the young woman as she struggled to sit up, gasping at the effort.
"I declare, woman, you got more lives than a cat."
Mac froze at the sound of that voice, the fear that washed through her on top of the pain made her feel faint. Ezra Caine.
Avis recoiled, buffeted by the emotional tumult that Sarah was experiencing and the essence of evil that emanated the man standing in front of them. She was no stranger to the evil acts that men did, Judson Peavey was a case in point, but this was the first time she'd met someone who fairly reeked of it. Small wonder that Sarah was feeling terrified.
Caine smiled down at the women and then gestured to the two men who were following him, "Hey Garrett, Hobson, c'mon an' say hey to Colonel Mac. Appears she din't die a'tall." Garrett sauntered over and gave Mac a leering smile. He had a carbine cradled in his arms. Hobson just stared at her, his expression making her shiver. Caine looked from them down to Mac, "Ain't it fortunate? Us meetin' up like this? When me 'n the boys heard ol' Judson got done in by a woman, we jist naturally got curious. Surprised the hell out of us when word got around that it warn't no foreigner but some Yankee woman named MacKenzie - well, we figgered we'd come take a look." He leaned down and winked at Mac, "You n' me still got us some unfinished business." Behind him, Avis could see Jubal and the Milroy Sarah had kicked, struggling to their feet. The three kept a sullen distance from Caine and his men. Ezra nudged at Mac with his toe, "Git up on your feet, Colonel Mac. Thar's no lollygagging in this here army." Garrett and Hobson chuckled appreciatively.
"What?" Avis, stared at him in disbelief, "She's been shot. She can't get up."
She barely suppressed a squeak of surprise when Caine reached over and yanked her upright, "This ain't none of yore business, Missy." He spun her over to Garrett and laughed, "Thar you go, Doan't say I never give you nuthin'."
"No!" Caine turned back to see Mac struggling to her feet. She finally made it, swaying dangerously on one leg, her face pale and sweaty. Glaring at Caine, she ground out, "Leave her alone."
The smile vanished off Caine's face as he took a menacing step towards her. Mac took a limping step backward. He followed after her, pulling out his revolver. Mac stopped and he put the barrel on her chest and shoved. She staggered, bringing her hands up on both sides of the gun. Before he quite realized what she was doing, Mac brought her hands together. One hit the gun barrel, forcing it to the right at the same time the other hit his wrist forcing it left. In the time it took Caine to inhale, Mac had the revolver out of his hand and aimed at his head, her thumb pulling the hammer back.
"Don't do it, Colonel Mac," Garrett's voice held a deadly menace.
Unwilling to take her eyes off of Caine for even a moment, Mac eased a limping step to the side so she could see both men. What she saw had her slumping in defeat. Garrett had a large knife pressed against Avis' throat. With infinite reluctance, Mac carefully released the hammer and lowered the pistol. Caine lunged forward, snatching the revolver out of her hands. With an oath, he backhanded her with the pistol, dropping her to the ground.
Gunfire suddenly erupted almost as soon as Mac hit the ground. Caine staggered, his hand going to his side, and one of the Milroys collapsed. Everywhere, men scattered and dove for cover, most scrambling to the downhill side of the road. Within moments, a firefight had broken out. Avis scrambled on her hands and knees over to where Mac lay, unmoving. It was awkward going in a dress and Avis found herself cursing her slow progress. Once she reached Sarah, she stretched out a hand and breathed a sigh of relief when she felt a pulse. Twisting around, she looked up the road to the curve. The fog now reached a good twelve feet and seemed impenetrable. Twenty-five yards away, it might as well have been a mile. The only way she would get Sarah to it would be to drag her there, something she wasn't sure she could accomplish without getting both of them killed.
The sound of gunfire rose and fell, some of the bullets whizzing overhead. Avis stayed prone, working her way around to Mac's injured leg. Reaching out, she grimaced, the pant leg was becoming soaked in blood. Pulling her dress out of the way, Avis tore up one of her petticoats, using it to staunch and bandage the wound. As she worked she talked quietly, "Sarah? Sarah, wake up. Can you hear me? Sarah?" After what seemed like an eternity, she was rewarded with a low moan, "Sarah? You need to wake up, we can't stay here." She held her breath as Sarah turned her head, disappointment flaring at the glazed look in Mac's eyes. Well, at least she had opened her eyes. Caine could have easily killed her, hitting her like that.
Avis couldn't suppress a little shriek when a man appeared next to them. Concentrating on Sarah, she hadn't seen him approach.
"Hush, Miss Payne."
Avis' eyes widened when she realized it was Josiah Rabb. She felt her heart lurch. If he was here then... "Avril! He's here, isn't he? Oh god... "
"Yes," Josiah's voice was tight as he took in Mac's condition. He looked over at Avis, "If you can take her one side, I'll take the other. We need to go now. I'm not going to be able to move very quickly with my leg and I don't know how long Avril can distract them. We didn't have that much ammunition. Try to keep low." Even as he spoke, the fire was slackening.
Avis nodded, taking one of Sarah's arms. She reached over and touched Josiah on the sleeve. "Colonel, we have to take her that way." She gestured towards the fog. Josiah looked over that way, his surprise giving way to sadness as he realized what she was saying. He nodded abruptly, "Let's go."
"I don't think so," Garrett and then Jubal rose up from the side of the road, guns aimed at Josiah and Avis. Garrett smiled as he got closer, "Well, Colonel Rabb, as I live and breathe. Mighta known you'd come lookin' for her." He gestured with the carbine, "Toss out any guns you got Colonel, darlin', an' stand up." Garrett's face grew harder, "Don't be thinkin' of anything heroic or I'll kill you right now an' then these two fine ladies will pay a higher price for your foolishness. I'm feelin' a bit peevish as it is."
Josiah stared at Garrett for a long moment, his expression one of hatred and resignation. Carefully, he lowered Mac to the ground and pushed himself upright. "You'll hang for this," he growled.
Garrett nodded, "That may be, but you three won't be around to see it." He turned slightly as Hobson came clambering down the slope from above the road, "Did you find the other one?" He grunted when the man shook his head, "Get the horses together then, we ain't staying." He looked back at Rabb and motioned towards Mac, "Get her up, Colonel. We're going for a little ride."
With a sinking heart, Avis had watched as Josiah lay Mac back down and struggle to his feet. She stayed next to Sarah, trying not to think of what was coming and what might have happened to Avril. She was the only one to notice the change of expression on Jubal's face as he stood slightly behind Garrett. His eyes were widening in surprise and fear, but he wasn't looking at them, he was looking past. Avis' own eyes widened for a moment when she realized where he was looking. Hadn't any of the men noticed the fog before this? Fear swept through her and she forgot about the fog when Garrett told the Colonel that he was taking them with him. Dying now might be better than what was surely coming. Josiah apparently felt the same way, he didn't budge when Garrett told him to get Sarah up. She nearly jumped out of her skin when a voice eerily reminiscent of Colonel Rabb, barked, "Don't move!"
After that, everything seemed to happen at once. Garrett spun in a crouch, throwing the carbine up to his shoulder and firing. Jubal had a revolver out and was awkwardly shooting with his left hand. Hobson and the remaining Milroy also dove for cover and opened fire. Josiah dropped to the ground, doing his best to shield both Mac and Avis with his body. The rate of return fire from whoever had challenged Garrett was astonishing. From what he could hear, a second gun had opened up soon after the first from a different angle. In less than a minute, the firing died away. Josiah raised his head cautiously and looked around. Garrett was on his back with a bullet hole in his forehead, eyes still open in surprise. Jubal was nearby, also clearly dead. He couldn't see anything of the remaining men. Awkwardly, he pushed himself off of the two women. "Are you all right?" he asked Avis as he anxiously checked Sarah. Her eyes were closed again but she was still breathing.
Avis nodded, moving up to the other side of Mac. "Sarah?" She rested a light hand on Mac's forehead, "Sarah? Wake up."
She shared a worried look with Josiah and then a smile of relief as Mac's eyes fluttered open. This time her gaze was clear although she looked confused to see Josiah bending over her. Suddenly, her eyes widened and she started to struggle upright. Both Avis and Josiah put a hand on her shoulders and forced her back down. She looked from one to the other, her expression slightly panicked, "Caine? Where is he? What happened?" She brought a hand up to the side of her head and grimaced.
Josiah shrugged, "I don't know. He was hit, I saw that." He froze when he saw Avis tense, her expression one of shock. Bracing himself, he turned as quickly as he could, cursing the broken leg. He got a shock of his own as he stared up at a younger version of himself. He was wearing a light brown uniform of sorts and carrying an odd but lethal looking pistol.
********
Harm bolted into the thick mist, drawing his pistol as he ran. He couldn't see more than a few feet in front but he didn't dare slow down. Mac was in trouble, that was all that mattered. He was abruptly yanked to a halt when a large hand fastened onto his arm. Spinning back, Harm found himself nose to nose with Gunny Walters. He tried to pull his arm free but the Gunny had an iron grip. "Let go of me, dammit!"
"No sir! Not 'til you start thinking again, begging your pardon, sir," Gunny glared at him. "I am not explaining to the Admiral or Colonel MacKenzie about how I let you run into an unknown situation and get your head blown off."
Harm fought down the irrational surge of anger. Walters was right. He'd reacted instinctively, something he knew he could always trust in the cockpit, but this was a different situation altogether. Taking a deep breath, he forced himself to relax, "You're right, Gunny, I apologize. Do you have a plan?"
Walters gave him a lop-sided grin, "'Don't get killed' comes to mind, sir. Just be careful when we reach whatever's on the other side of this. I don't want to get the Colonel killed either."
Harm nodded and the two men resumed their trek, moving at a jog trot. After a minute, Walters touched the Commander's arm and said in a soft voice, "Sir, the road's changed."
Harm glanced down and grunted an acknowledgment, the road was no longer asphalt. He squinted ahead, then missed a step and stumbled when a massive amount of gunfire erupted. Turning a startled look at the Gunny, he was hard-pressed not to go charging ahead. Mac was in the middle of that!
Putting a hand on Harm's forearm, Walters sank into a crouch and gestured that he would take the point. Harm nodded and they cautiously made their way towards the firing. It only lasted a few minutes, ending just as Harm and Walters emerged from the fog. The Gunny immediately moved off the road towards the uphill side, instinctively heading into the shadows. Harm followed, scanning the scene in front of him. It was surprisingly easy to see, the full moon casting a strong light. He stopped for a moment and blinked, a full moon? That had been over a week ago, the same night, in fact, that Mac had disappeared... He looked at the moon again as a shiver ran down his spine. This was unbelievable.
"Sir!" Gunny's hiss sounded from the shadows in front and above him and he hurried over, aware he'd been standing there like the rawest recruit. Crouching next to Walters, he looked down at the road. There were five people on the road, the two facing his way looked like they were holding guns on the other three. At least one of the three was a woman in a long dress. Harm saw with disappointment that she was a blonde. She was kneeling next to someone lying prone on the ground. The third was a man who appeared to have been wounded in the leg. He was listing slightly to the side, trying to keep the weight off. Where was Mac?
Feeling a touch on his arm, he looked at Gunny and then followed to where Walters was pointing. Another man had risen up from the downhill side of the road, holding his rifle at the ready. A few moments later, a man appeared from above the road, alternately sliding and running down the steep slope. He, too, was carrying a rifle.
Gunny tapped Harm's arm again and said in a low voice, "I don't see the Colonel, sir. What do you want to do? We don't know who're the bad guys."
Harm gave him a half-smile, "So we surround 'em and take the whole bunch. We can sort it out later. Maybe one of them knows where she is."
Walters grinned, "Yes sir. Give me thirty seconds to move to a new position and then make your move."
Harm watched him move off, counting slowly and then cautiously made his way down to the road. Taking his position, he held his pistol in a two-handed grip and barked, "Don't Move!" Two of the men immediately spun towards him and started shooting. Harm crouched and returned fire, hitting one man in the head. The other two men with rifles opened fire and then Harm heard Gunny begin shooting. In a matter of moments, it was over. No one on the road was still standing.
Carefully, Harm moved towards the trio that had the woman. He could only hope that they hadn't gotten caught in the cross-fire. He breathed a sigh of relief when the man pushed himself upright. Apparently, he'd shielded the woman and whoever was on the ground with his body. Harm walked forward slowly, scanning the area for any more threats. He didn't want to assume anything. He was fairly close before the blonde woman spotted him. She froze, staring at him with wide eyes. Harm couldn't help staring back, this was Annabel's ancestor, Avis Payne. The man turned then, awkwardly, and Harm realized that he had splint on one leg. He dragged his gaze up to the man's face and felt a jolt. It was his father.
Harm forced himself to breathe again. No, not his father - Josiah Rabb, his father's great-great grandfather. This was bizarre. Josiah Rabb was obviously feeling the same way, he was staring at Harm in open-mouthed surprise. He shifted a little and Harm finally got a look at the person on the ground. His heart gave a lurch when he realized who it was, "Mac!"
Oh God, she had been hurt. He took in the dark stain on the makeshift bandage around her leg as he brushed past Josiah. Meeting his ancestor didn't seem nearly as important as reaching Mac. He dropped to his knees beside her, thankful that her eyes were open. He reached over and brushed her hair lightly off her forehead before drawing his fingers down the side of her face. Harm smiled softly, "Helluva way to get lost, Marine."
Mac blinked and stared, unsure of what she was seeing. Harm? Her vision was blurry around the edges, only the center seemed clear. She slowly reached out a hand and touched his face. He caught it with his own and turned his head to place a kiss in the palm. Mac's eyes filled with tears, "Oh dear god, Harm!"
Harm leaned over and carefully gathered her in his arms, the tightness in his chest finally easing. He'd been so frightened that he'd never see her again. He closed his eyes and sighed as he felt Mac burrow into his chest, thank God he'd found her.
A light touch on his arm caught his attention and he looked over at the young blonde woman. Avril Simpson's portrait didn't do her justice. Avis Payne was a beautiful woman, even with her hair and clothes in disarray. She gave him a tentative smile, "I'm sorry to interrupt, Mr. Rabb, but time is becoming critical."
He nodded and gently lowered Mac back down, keeping hold of a hand. He felt an overpowering need to keep in physical contact with her. Harm saw Avis stiffen and then heard a throat clearing behind him. Looking over his shoulder, he saw Gunny Walters standing there with his rifle in his hands. The Gunny looked apologetic, "The immediate area's secure, Commander but I don't know if it's safe. Can't see a thing in the trees. How's the Colonel, sir?" He glanced at Josiah when he saw the man start and then did a double-take. Actually seeing Commander Rabb's ancestor in the flesh was still mind-boggling.
Josiah slowly climbed to his feet, swaying a little as he regained his balance. He looked from Harm to the Gunnery Sergeant, undoubtedly one of the biggest men he'd ever seen, "I'm afraid, with all the commotion, none of us have been properly introduced." He gestured to Avis, "Allow me to present Miss Avis Payne." He looked at Harm, quirked an eyebrow and offered his hand, "And I believe, sir, that I'm your several-times-great grandfather, Josiah Tyler Rabb, currently a Lt. Colonel serving under General Sheridan."
Harm clasped hands with him, feeling a sense of wonder. "Commander Harmon Rabb, Jr., U.S. Navy serving with the Judge Advocate General." He nodded towards Walters, "And that's Gunnery Sergeant Rudy Walters, Marine Corps. He's beginning to make a career out of rescuing Colonel MacKenzie."
"Now, sir..." Gunny protested at the same time Mac poked at Harm's leg, "That one's going to cost you, Commander." She was feeling positively giddy. Harm was here. Everything was going to be fine, he would keep her safe. She blinked once or twice, suddenly feeling overwhelmed with weariness. Even the throbbing in her leg was beginning to recede into the distance. She would just close her eyes and rest for a bit. God knew she could use it, considering what she'd been through in the last forty-seven minutes. A quick little nap and then she'd be good to go.
Harm didn't notice her grip slackening. He was distracted by a rustling in the bushes that had him drawing his pistol again. Everyone tensed, and Gunny moved swiftly to one side. Then a man's voice called 'Don't shoot.' and Josiah straightened up, ordering, "Hold your fire." Avril walked out onto the road with his hands held up, just in case. He lowered them quickly when Avis flung herself into his embrace. Josiah turned back to Harm and Gunny with a smile, "And that, gentlemen, is the illustrious Major Avril Simpson, a most fortunate man."
Avis allowed herself a few more seconds in Avril's arms before pushing away. Although she didn't have Sarah's time sense, the feeling that they were running out of time was growing increasingly stronger. She glanced up the road and saw with horror that the fog seemed to be retreating. Avis spun back towards Harm, "You have to go! Now! The window is closing!"
Harm stared at her in shock for just a moment and then turned to Mac, finally noticing that her eyes were closed. He gave her shoulder a gentle shake, his worry increasing when she didn't respond. Oh hell, she'd been awake just a minute ago. Looking over his shoulder, he snapped, "Gunny! I need help, she's unconscious."
Slinging his rifle to his back, Walters hurried over. Carefully, the two men lifted Mac up. Gunny looked at Harm, "How do you want to do this, sir?"
"We'll take turns. I want one of us free to defend if necessary." He gathered Mac into his arms, frowning in alarm at how wet her pant leg had become. Goddammit, she was still bleeding. He started up the road, Gunny taking up the point while the rest of the group stayed with Harm.
In a few moments, they had reached the edge of the fog. Harm stopped and looked at Avis, Avril and Josiah, "Thank you for all you've done for Sarah. I don't know how I can ever repay you."
Avis stepped forward and kissed Mac's forehead, "Take care of her, Mr. Rabb. She's been like a sister to me." She went back to Avril who wrapped his arms around her.
Josiah limped up and kissed Mac as well before glaring fiercely at Harm, "Marry her, Harmon Rabb. She deserves to be happy and time is too precious to waste." He broke into a wry grin, "If you don't, I'll come haunt you. You have my word." He backed away to stand next to Avis and Avril. Avis reached over and put a hand on his arm.
She looked at Harm and Gunny, "Go and Godspeed." The two men standing with her echoed her words. Harm looked at them silently for one more moment and then moved into the fog, Gunny Walters beside him.
From the shadows, Ezra Caine watched the men disappear into the fog. Colonel Rabb and the man and woman with him, stood for a few minutes gazing after them and then slowly made their way back down the road. Caine fingered his revolver, his other hand clamped to his side. This wound was going to kill him but he still had some time left. He looked at the receding figure of the Colonel and then looked back at the fog. Which one? He thought it over for a few more moments and then plunged into the fog. Twice he had failed to kill that bitch, hopefully, the third time would be the charm. With a little luck, he'd have enough time to get word to Colonel Rabb. He could go to his grave with the satisfaction of knowing that news of Sarah MacKenzie's death would kill the Colonel one slow day at a time.
Mac bit back a groan and slowly forced her eyes open. Who the hell was shaking her? Every jolt made the pain in her leg radiate throughout her body. Groggy, she looked out at a thick white mist. Where was she? Slowly, she turned her head. It hurt like hell, too. Mac forced her eyes upward and then blinked, Gunny Walters? Why was he carrying her? She felt the first vestiges of alarm, where was Harm? She'd seen him, she was sure of it.
Gunny felt her shift and glanced down, feeling relief when he saw her eyes open. She was looking at him in confusion and Walters gave her a reassuring smile. He looked up and called softly, "Commander Rabb! The Colonel's awake."
Harm appeared by his side, he'd been ranging around the Gunny as they made their way through the fog. They had to be coming out of it soon, it seemed like they'd been walking forever. He smiled at Mac, putting a hand on her uninjured leg, "Welcome back."
Mac relaxed a little at the sight of him and then looked around in confusion. She was having a hard time articulating words at the moment. Harm gave her leg a pat, "We're on our way home. It shouldn't be too much longer and then we'll get you to a hospital. Just hang on."
It was only a few minutes later when Harm realized that the road was asphalt once again and then they were out of the fog. Harm turned towards Gunny and Mac with a laugh, they'd made it! His smile died when Gunny came to an abrupt halt, staring forward. Harm whirled around to see Annabel standing there with her revolver pointed towards them. Putting out a hand, he tried a placating tone, "Mrs. Simpson... "
Exasperated, Annabel barked, "Move!" gesturing to the side with her gun. Harm and Gunny obeyed with alacrity and then jumped when she fired off two shots. They both turned in time to see the body of a wiry, little man fall forward out of the fog, a revolver dropping from his lifeless fingers and skittering across the pavement. Annabel turned to Harm, "Now it's over."