Chapter 2
1430 Zulu Brig
(Lieutenant Sheffield is escorted in to a meeting room where Commander Rabb is awaiting. He is well built at 5 10" with dark hair)
At ease Lieutenant. I'm Commander Rabb, and I will be your defense counsel for the court marshal you are about to face.
Commander you have to believe me, I was deeply in love with Lauren, and there is no way in hell sir that I would have ever killed her!
I'm going to be honest with you Lieutenant; there is an incredible amount of physical evidence liking you to her murder. Hell, you were found with her blood all over you and the murder weapon 2 feet away. How do you explain that?
Sir, I can't explain that. (Getting frustrated)
Well you had better try.
We had gotten home from dinner, and she was a bit tired. I had some files to review so I grabbed a beer and went into her spare office to work so I wouldn't disturb her.
Did you usually use her office?
When I stayed there. We usually stayed at each others' place each night. Things were going great. We were looking to move in together and maybe get married...I mean what damn reason would I have to kill her?! She meant the world to me!
Stand down sailor! That's an order!
I'm sorry sir, I just, can't get a grip. I mean to have the women you love kiss you goodnight and wind up killed, and then be accused of it? Do you know how that feels?
I have a vague idea (remembering being accused of Singers murder)
Do you have any enemies Lieutenant?
No sir, I have a close circle of friends and that's it. I really have been working my six off for the past couple of years. Lauren was the exception.
How did you meet?
I was attending a conference on new crypto software for our Destroyers out in California. Lauren worked for the design company and was there to do a presentation. When we adjourned, I walked up to ask her a question. I fell for her smile right there. After talking a little I asked her to dinner. It just so happened that she worked in DC so everything kind of fell into place. Help me Commander. My father says you're the best in the Navy. On my Honor as an Officer I did not do this.
(Sighing) I believe you James, but it's going to be hard to prove. I should let you know that the prosecution will probably offer a deal just to save time and media anguish.
No
You haven't even heard what it is.
All due respect sir, I wouldn't have my honor if I chickened out of a fight, even a tough one and took the easy way out.
(Harm sits amused at the Lieutenant's candor and drive. He seems relived at his insistence of innocence and somewhat even more determined now to find out the truth)
Sure you're not a Marine?
Excuse me sir.
Just kidding, it's just your attitude reminds me of a Marine I used to know.
A kick ass jarhead sir? (He tries to chuckle)
Like you wouldn't believe. (he says smiling) Ok, the prosecutor handling this case is merciless in the court room. I need you to think of any people who might want Lauren dead. To get you off, we need to find the real killer. I can put up a great show in the courtroom and discredit about 90% of what the government has against you, but it's that 10% and a kick ass jarhead prosecutor who will make a guilty verdict stick no matter the level of your professed innocence.
What can I do sir?
Think hard and think quickly of anything that could help, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Write it down and have it ready for me when I come back tomorrow. Get me Lauren's personal history. Including ex boyfriends, friends and acquaintances you knew or heard of.
Could it be as simple as an ex boyfriend sir?
I'm not ruling anything out at this point, but I have no proof of anything yet. Normally in defending a client I just have to create reasonable doubt in the mind of the jury.
What's different this time.
The defendant. In this particular case, we are going to be under a microscope and in any hope of vindicating you, we will need to find out what really happened.
As much as I don't like it...I understand sir.
I'll be back tomorrow when your toxicology screen and blood samples come back from Bethesda. If I can prove that you were drugged, it could go a long way to showing your incapacity to commit the murder.
Thank you sir in advance for everything.
Thank me when this is over Lieutenant. (With that said Harm gets up grabs his briefcase and cover and exits)
1630 Zulu Hams Office
Harm is reading the case file and evidence disclosures intently when he hears a knock on the door.
(Without looking at who it is he speaks) Enter
(Mac enters and stands by one of the seats facing Harm's desk)
(Harm still not looking up) Hey Mac
Hey to you...how did you know it was me without looking?
Well take your pick; either I can sense evil, I know what your perfume smells like, or I jus always know where you are (Harm looks up and gives her a bit of a smirk).
Oh (she thinks for a second)...well which one is it?
You pick.
(Mac smiles to herself not sure what to make from that exchange...instead of the witty comeback she gets back to business) Did you just get back from meeting with the Lieutenant?
Yep...his story is the same as what the Admiral told us and he's sticking to it...passionately I might add.
I have an offer for you that will save us the media frenzy and a lot of time.
Mac, I have just spoken with my client who is professing his innocence. I haven't even investigated the crime scene, evidence or potential witnesses and you wan me to deal?
(Mac gets a little cocky and smiles while she speaks of her offer) Pleads guilty, 25 years confinement of course dishonorable discharge and a lot of embracement for his father....
Mac, stop right there. I don't know why on earth you think for one moment that I would deal without knowing all the facts first. You heard the Admiral, he and the SecNav want every rock turned over.
Actually he said for you too...
I know what he said. What I don't know if you think I'm out of practice, you're scared, or if our exchange this morning is any indication, you just have no professional respect for me whatsoever. (Comes off a bit harsher than he had intended)
(Getting very defensive) Harm...I...well its just this would seem like a good offer to take to your client, with all the government has on him.
We haven't even seen the toxicology reports yet Mac! How do we even know he was physically able to commit the murder? Think about it, he was found unconscious near the body not awake. The police at the scene had to use smelling salts to jolt him awake. According to their report they thought he was as dead as the victim until they found a pulse on the body.
Well I hope that's not your only argument counselor, because I think a jury will find it rather weak. (Sarcastically)
Mac what the hell is wrong with you? I know you have a job to do, but even the Admiral said to keep an open mind to all the evidence as this just does not smell right. NCIS didn't do a full investigation before handing this over to JAG. They just bagged the evidence made an arrest and called it a day. We haven't even begun to touch on the victim's or accused backgrounds. There needs to be some more time invested.
Well you don't have much time as Admiral Morris sent this over an hour ago.
She hands a piece of paper to Harm.
What is this?
Orders for the convening of a General court Marshal against Lieutenant Sheffield next Monday.
(Throwing his hands in the air) Great, Admiral Morris hates me worse than his dentist.
Well shooting a gun off in the middle of courts will tend to sway one's kindness away from you.
Glad everyone still remembers that little demonstration (mutters)
Well anyway this gives you less than a week to put your defense together. Let's hope your new obsession doesn't leave you stuck chasing a wild goose!
New obsession...? You really are something else you know that Mac?
Excuse me?
I was right what I said before. You really don't respect me do you? You use every past mistake or poor call in judgment against me.
And you don't do the same when it comes to me?
I'm trying not to do anything at all. I meant what I said before about not jousting with you daily. I'm just here to do my job. Are you so intent on proving who the better gladiator is between us you're willing to overlook obvious case concerns to prove it?
Harm! Hold on a minute...
No, you want to shut down your openness to facts for now, that's fine. We'll see how well you listen when I'm putting them down in stone in court next week.
Damn it Harm, I'm just trying...
The only thing you're trying to do is provoke another fight between us. Only this time instead of it having just a sidewalk in Paraguay to vent your anger and frustration you've got a courtroom full of spectators to see JAG's Finest duke it out the only way we know how.
Harm hold on a second. Just where the hell to you get off accusing me of involving any of our personal issues in this case.
I think your little outburst in the Admirals office was enough evidence of that counselor. You want to go to war over this Mac, fine. I just don't have the patience for pleasantries with you anymore!
Fine Commander, so no deal then I take it?
Well since you threw down the gauntlet Colonel, let me tell you what I'm going to do for you; just to end this little child's exchange we have going on right here. I'll offer my client and offer your deal. I can already tell you he'll say no based on my earlier suggestion to him that the prosecution would more than likely want to save some time going that route. (Mac is aghast on Harm's outburst and maybe a little shocked on how well he knows how she works) Then after he laughs and says no one more time, I'm going to turn every pebble, rock, stone and boulder over to find out what the hell happened last night! I'm going to go through every individual in the Lieutenants life, the victim's life not to mention his fathers both personal and professional and I'm going to go to the mat for my client because that is what my job calls for. I don't give a damn about what you want think or feel towards my involvement! So if you want to throw down, then bring it to court counselor, I'll be waiting and I'll still be here when the dust clears! (With that Harm exits)
(Mac to herself) no steps forward and one hundred back ...a small tear escapes her left eye. She walks back to her office. Her cell phone rings. Colonel Mackenzie. (she chokes out)
Hey Sarah its Clay. Are you alright?
Hey you, yeah I'm fine (not wanting to insight further issues) I ah just was snacking and had something in my throat.
(Clay senses she is lying, but lets it rest) Bad time to call?
Bad day in general.
Let me take a wild guess; Rabb again?
Yeah...look I can't talk right now I...
...I know you're handling the prosecution of the Sheffield murder trial.
How did you...
It's my job dear.
Well then you know I'm going to be busy for the next couple of weeks. I probably won't be able to see you until this trial is over. Not that I think you're going to want to be around me with the mood I'm going to be in.
Now you know I'd be around you any chance I get, but it so happens that I will be out of town for a week or so anyway.
Where to.
Can't tell you...sorry.
I understand, the life of a spy.
I'll call you in a week or so when I get back.
Thanks Clay, be safe.
I'll try.
That's reassuring.
Good luck with the trial, hey and kick Rabb's ass for me will yah?
Thanks, but be nice, he saved yours remember...
I'm kidding and how could I forget, I still owe him and I doubt he'll ever let me live it down.
Bye Clay
Bye Sarah.
Mac smiles, to herself, but then considers Clay and what he had brought to her life thus far. She was still mad at Harm, but not sure if she's ready to completely move on. She'd been hurt too many times to count; some of them by Harm, but she gave it to him as good as she got it. Clay was a good man, he would do anything to make her happy, much like Brumby, but did she love him? It was too soon to tell that. She was sure of one thing, there was still something there with Harm. Some of it was tension, some was anger and some was care. The care wasn't showing that was for sure, but it was fueling a lot of emotions that kept them arguing at the very least. She wouldn't be able to talk to him about anything personal for the next couple of weeks until this trial was over. Maybe after it was over. Damn, was there ever going to be a right time? And where did he get off accusing her of not respecting him? Well I did challenge his competency and offer a deal without letting him investigate first. Am I being too presumptuous, or am I just doing my job? One thing is for sure she thought; there is no way I'm intimidated of Harmon Rabb Jr. in and out of the courtroom...am I?
TO BE CONTINUED...
1430 Zulu Brig
(Lieutenant Sheffield is escorted in to a meeting room where Commander Rabb is awaiting. He is well built at 5 10" with dark hair)
At ease Lieutenant. I'm Commander Rabb, and I will be your defense counsel for the court marshal you are about to face.
Commander you have to believe me, I was deeply in love with Lauren, and there is no way in hell sir that I would have ever killed her!
I'm going to be honest with you Lieutenant; there is an incredible amount of physical evidence liking you to her murder. Hell, you were found with her blood all over you and the murder weapon 2 feet away. How do you explain that?
Sir, I can't explain that. (Getting frustrated)
Well you had better try.
We had gotten home from dinner, and she was a bit tired. I had some files to review so I grabbed a beer and went into her spare office to work so I wouldn't disturb her.
Did you usually use her office?
When I stayed there. We usually stayed at each others' place each night. Things were going great. We were looking to move in together and maybe get married...I mean what damn reason would I have to kill her?! She meant the world to me!
Stand down sailor! That's an order!
I'm sorry sir, I just, can't get a grip. I mean to have the women you love kiss you goodnight and wind up killed, and then be accused of it? Do you know how that feels?
I have a vague idea (remembering being accused of Singers murder)
Do you have any enemies Lieutenant?
No sir, I have a close circle of friends and that's it. I really have been working my six off for the past couple of years. Lauren was the exception.
How did you meet?
I was attending a conference on new crypto software for our Destroyers out in California. Lauren worked for the design company and was there to do a presentation. When we adjourned, I walked up to ask her a question. I fell for her smile right there. After talking a little I asked her to dinner. It just so happened that she worked in DC so everything kind of fell into place. Help me Commander. My father says you're the best in the Navy. On my Honor as an Officer I did not do this.
(Sighing) I believe you James, but it's going to be hard to prove. I should let you know that the prosecution will probably offer a deal just to save time and media anguish.
No
You haven't even heard what it is.
All due respect sir, I wouldn't have my honor if I chickened out of a fight, even a tough one and took the easy way out.
(Harm sits amused at the Lieutenant's candor and drive. He seems relived at his insistence of innocence and somewhat even more determined now to find out the truth)
Sure you're not a Marine?
Excuse me sir.
Just kidding, it's just your attitude reminds me of a Marine I used to know.
A kick ass jarhead sir? (He tries to chuckle)
Like you wouldn't believe. (he says smiling) Ok, the prosecutor handling this case is merciless in the court room. I need you to think of any people who might want Lauren dead. To get you off, we need to find the real killer. I can put up a great show in the courtroom and discredit about 90% of what the government has against you, but it's that 10% and a kick ass jarhead prosecutor who will make a guilty verdict stick no matter the level of your professed innocence.
What can I do sir?
Think hard and think quickly of anything that could help, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Write it down and have it ready for me when I come back tomorrow. Get me Lauren's personal history. Including ex boyfriends, friends and acquaintances you knew or heard of.
Could it be as simple as an ex boyfriend sir?
I'm not ruling anything out at this point, but I have no proof of anything yet. Normally in defending a client I just have to create reasonable doubt in the mind of the jury.
What's different this time.
The defendant. In this particular case, we are going to be under a microscope and in any hope of vindicating you, we will need to find out what really happened.
As much as I don't like it...I understand sir.
I'll be back tomorrow when your toxicology screen and blood samples come back from Bethesda. If I can prove that you were drugged, it could go a long way to showing your incapacity to commit the murder.
Thank you sir in advance for everything.
Thank me when this is over Lieutenant. (With that said Harm gets up grabs his briefcase and cover and exits)
1630 Zulu Hams Office
Harm is reading the case file and evidence disclosures intently when he hears a knock on the door.
(Without looking at who it is he speaks) Enter
(Mac enters and stands by one of the seats facing Harm's desk)
(Harm still not looking up) Hey Mac
Hey to you...how did you know it was me without looking?
Well take your pick; either I can sense evil, I know what your perfume smells like, or I jus always know where you are (Harm looks up and gives her a bit of a smirk).
Oh (she thinks for a second)...well which one is it?
You pick.
(Mac smiles to herself not sure what to make from that exchange...instead of the witty comeback she gets back to business) Did you just get back from meeting with the Lieutenant?
Yep...his story is the same as what the Admiral told us and he's sticking to it...passionately I might add.
I have an offer for you that will save us the media frenzy and a lot of time.
Mac, I have just spoken with my client who is professing his innocence. I haven't even investigated the crime scene, evidence or potential witnesses and you wan me to deal?
(Mac gets a little cocky and smiles while she speaks of her offer) Pleads guilty, 25 years confinement of course dishonorable discharge and a lot of embracement for his father....
Mac, stop right there. I don't know why on earth you think for one moment that I would deal without knowing all the facts first. You heard the Admiral, he and the SecNav want every rock turned over.
Actually he said for you too...
I know what he said. What I don't know if you think I'm out of practice, you're scared, or if our exchange this morning is any indication, you just have no professional respect for me whatsoever. (Comes off a bit harsher than he had intended)
(Getting very defensive) Harm...I...well its just this would seem like a good offer to take to your client, with all the government has on him.
We haven't even seen the toxicology reports yet Mac! How do we even know he was physically able to commit the murder? Think about it, he was found unconscious near the body not awake. The police at the scene had to use smelling salts to jolt him awake. According to their report they thought he was as dead as the victim until they found a pulse on the body.
Well I hope that's not your only argument counselor, because I think a jury will find it rather weak. (Sarcastically)
Mac what the hell is wrong with you? I know you have a job to do, but even the Admiral said to keep an open mind to all the evidence as this just does not smell right. NCIS didn't do a full investigation before handing this over to JAG. They just bagged the evidence made an arrest and called it a day. We haven't even begun to touch on the victim's or accused backgrounds. There needs to be some more time invested.
Well you don't have much time as Admiral Morris sent this over an hour ago.
She hands a piece of paper to Harm.
What is this?
Orders for the convening of a General court Marshal against Lieutenant Sheffield next Monday.
(Throwing his hands in the air) Great, Admiral Morris hates me worse than his dentist.
Well shooting a gun off in the middle of courts will tend to sway one's kindness away from you.
Glad everyone still remembers that little demonstration (mutters)
Well anyway this gives you less than a week to put your defense together. Let's hope your new obsession doesn't leave you stuck chasing a wild goose!
New obsession...? You really are something else you know that Mac?
Excuse me?
I was right what I said before. You really don't respect me do you? You use every past mistake or poor call in judgment against me.
And you don't do the same when it comes to me?
I'm trying not to do anything at all. I meant what I said before about not jousting with you daily. I'm just here to do my job. Are you so intent on proving who the better gladiator is between us you're willing to overlook obvious case concerns to prove it?
Harm! Hold on a minute...
No, you want to shut down your openness to facts for now, that's fine. We'll see how well you listen when I'm putting them down in stone in court next week.
Damn it Harm, I'm just trying...
The only thing you're trying to do is provoke another fight between us. Only this time instead of it having just a sidewalk in Paraguay to vent your anger and frustration you've got a courtroom full of spectators to see JAG's Finest duke it out the only way we know how.
Harm hold on a second. Just where the hell to you get off accusing me of involving any of our personal issues in this case.
I think your little outburst in the Admirals office was enough evidence of that counselor. You want to go to war over this Mac, fine. I just don't have the patience for pleasantries with you anymore!
Fine Commander, so no deal then I take it?
Well since you threw down the gauntlet Colonel, let me tell you what I'm going to do for you; just to end this little child's exchange we have going on right here. I'll offer my client and offer your deal. I can already tell you he'll say no based on my earlier suggestion to him that the prosecution would more than likely want to save some time going that route. (Mac is aghast on Harm's outburst and maybe a little shocked on how well he knows how she works) Then after he laughs and says no one more time, I'm going to turn every pebble, rock, stone and boulder over to find out what the hell happened last night! I'm going to go through every individual in the Lieutenants life, the victim's life not to mention his fathers both personal and professional and I'm going to go to the mat for my client because that is what my job calls for. I don't give a damn about what you want think or feel towards my involvement! So if you want to throw down, then bring it to court counselor, I'll be waiting and I'll still be here when the dust clears! (With that Harm exits)
(Mac to herself) no steps forward and one hundred back ...a small tear escapes her left eye. She walks back to her office. Her cell phone rings. Colonel Mackenzie. (she chokes out)
Hey Sarah its Clay. Are you alright?
Hey you, yeah I'm fine (not wanting to insight further issues) I ah just was snacking and had something in my throat.
(Clay senses she is lying, but lets it rest) Bad time to call?
Bad day in general.
Let me take a wild guess; Rabb again?
Yeah...look I can't talk right now I...
...I know you're handling the prosecution of the Sheffield murder trial.
How did you...
It's my job dear.
Well then you know I'm going to be busy for the next couple of weeks. I probably won't be able to see you until this trial is over. Not that I think you're going to want to be around me with the mood I'm going to be in.
Now you know I'd be around you any chance I get, but it so happens that I will be out of town for a week or so anyway.
Where to.
Can't tell you...sorry.
I understand, the life of a spy.
I'll call you in a week or so when I get back.
Thanks Clay, be safe.
I'll try.
That's reassuring.
Good luck with the trial, hey and kick Rabb's ass for me will yah?
Thanks, but be nice, he saved yours remember...
I'm kidding and how could I forget, I still owe him and I doubt he'll ever let me live it down.
Bye Clay
Bye Sarah.
Mac smiles, to herself, but then considers Clay and what he had brought to her life thus far. She was still mad at Harm, but not sure if she's ready to completely move on. She'd been hurt too many times to count; some of them by Harm, but she gave it to him as good as she got it. Clay was a good man, he would do anything to make her happy, much like Brumby, but did she love him? It was too soon to tell that. She was sure of one thing, there was still something there with Harm. Some of it was tension, some was anger and some was care. The care wasn't showing that was for sure, but it was fueling a lot of emotions that kept them arguing at the very least. She wouldn't be able to talk to him about anything personal for the next couple of weeks until this trial was over. Maybe after it was over. Damn, was there ever going to be a right time? And where did he get off accusing her of not respecting him? Well I did challenge his competency and offer a deal without letting him investigate first. Am I being too presumptuous, or am I just doing my job? One thing is for sure she thought; there is no way I'm intimidated of Harmon Rabb Jr. in and out of the courtroom...am I?
TO BE CONTINUED...