Chapter 8
Monday 1615 Zulu
CIA Headquarters Langley Virginia
(During the drive to Langley Harm told Mac of the recent information that he had uncovered about Lauren Stratus. During his research into Stratus' background, Harm had discovered that the software company she worked for was a sub company of Ziotech industries run by none other than Joseph Morlely. Thus the connection between Stratus and the SecNav was born. He had also interviewed neighbors of Stratus and found that they saw a dark Sedan there into the early morning the night of the murder as well as prior nights tracing back at least two weeks. Putting two and two together, Harm and Mac had reaffirmed their belief that a third party was involved be it the CIA or some other organization. Harm had intended on using this information during his defense strategy, but in light of his recent discovery he knew he needed Mac's help. He needed to trust her and he sure needed his partner back. Harm and Mac walked into Langley with a rather brisk pace. After being screened through security they head to Agent Clayton Webb's office. They approach Webb's secretary and Harm speaks)
"Excuse me Ms. Thompson. We need to see Agent Webb ASAP." (Said Harm in a semi commanding tone"
"I'm sorry (glances at his name tag) Commander Rabb, but he is in deposed for the remainder of the day."
(Mac glances at Harm and makes an attempt, trying to keep the peace that is about to blow up) "Ms. Thompson I know he's in there. I already spoke with him this morning and he told me he'd be in the office all day. Would you kindly page him and tell him Sarah Mackenzie is waiting for him, I think he'll see me."
(Looking somewhat defeated after hearing her name) "Off course Ma'am. "
(As Ms. Thompson picked up the phone to call Webb, Harm looked at Mac directly in the eye as if to say "Let's play ball")
(She nods in acknowledgement and begins to speak in a louder tone) "Harm now we can't be sure that he is involved let alone he is covering anything up."
"Mac it's a gut feeling. This has Webb written all over it and you know it."
"Ok yeah, I'll give you that, but I can't believe he'd do this."
"With his history Mac, how can you be so sure of that?"
"Because I'm involved and he swore he'd never compromise me again after Paraguay. Just give him a chance to explain."
"Fine, but I'm not holding my breath."
(Behind the doorway Clayton Webb stares at his computer monitor which is giving him video and audio feed of the conversation outside between Harm and Mac. While still in conversation Miss. Thompson walks out and faces them)
"Sir, ma'am, Agent Webb will see you know." (Harm and Mac walk into Webb's office and find him sitting behind his Mahogany desk comfortably in a chair)
"Sarah, great to see you. Rabb, god help us your still around (with a smirk)."
"Hi Clay (slightly amused). Listen sorry to bother you but..."
(Harm interjects cutting Mac off...) "Listen Webb I'll cut through the bullshit and get straight to the point. I know you had agents staking out Lauren Stratus' residents the night she was killed and at least two weeks prior. I know that she worked for a Ziotech industries sub company and she has a direct connection with someone who has ill will toward Secretary Sheffield and motive for wanting him publicly ruined. I know that James Sheffield was drugged on the night in question with enough Triodine to render him unconscious for the better part of a full day. We both know where that drug is found and manufactured and we both know the CIA is famous for its domestic importing and use."
(Webb begins to speak) "Well..."
"I'm not done Webb (continuing his bluff with what he believes but cannot prove) I know that you are heading up whatever operation that this surveillance is related to and know what happened that night. Now an innocent man is on trial for his life and his father stands to be publicly ruined if the truth does not come out. I want to know what the hell happened that night because my client sure as hell did not commit murder."
"Rabb, you know the game we play. I can't tell you and even if I could what makes you think I want to help you?"
"Aside from the fact that I pulled your half dead ass out of Paraguay to bug me another day, how about the pursuit of justice?"
"What makes you think I'm not pursuing justice Rabb? There is a greater good to be served here and I cannot and will not risk ruining anything just to help you win a court case."
(Turning to Mac) "Thought you'd say something like that. Got it Mac?"
(She pulls a mini recorder from her pocket and holds it up looking very disappointed at the revelation Webb made) "Yeah got it."
(Shocked, yet calmly) "Shit. Well I guess the dynamic duo is back. That's quite a con game you two can play."
(Harm loosing his cool) "You son of a bitch Webb! You played Mac and you played me to put on a show for the media, it would divert attention from the real people you're trying to get."
(Turning to Mac ignoring Harm's comments) "Sarah you know what my job entails. We can't always do things the way in which you and captain goody good would consider the right way."
"You compromised me form the beginning. You lied to me." (She stated matter of factly)
"Sarah I didn't lie, but there were greater issues to consider that I couldn't let you in on."
"So Lieutenant Sheffield is innocent?" (Pauses for a moment...) "Answer me god damn it!"
"Yes."
"And you would have let him go to jail for something he didn't do? Wait I know the answer to that. Just for the greater good right?"
"Sarah we've been through this, there are parts of my job that I can't tell you about and parts of it you probably wouldn't want to know about if I could share."
"But you think it's ok to sacrifice an innocent man and his family just because you've got a bust to make?!"
"Sarah..."
"Stop with the Sarah crap. This is business. What happened on the night in question?"
"I can't tell you." (Webb states)
"Can't or won't?" (Says Harm)
"I can't tell you because this is still an on going operation."
"There is way too much riding on its success to let you and Sarah go screwing it up."
(Harm turns to Mac) "I have $100 bucks saying we have to bail his ass out of this one too. Webb the only one who has ever screwed up your operations is yourself. We're usually the ones to bail your sorry ass out of a jam, not get you in it."
"Like when?"
"The Sundance Embassy, Columbia, Afghanistan. Paraguay bring back any fond memories?"
"You went down there for Mac not for the operation and certainly not for me."
"Half true. I wouldn't have gone down there if she wasn't in jeopardy, a position you put her in mind you...but we did neutralize the threat so don't bullshit me about screwing up your operations. We saved your op, and from the looks of it your job..."
"...and you got fired right Rabb? That is what this is really about. You save the day and had to eat it for pissing off the Admiral while I get the job and the girl. What's the matter? Sacrifice not worth the reward?"
(Mac glares at Webb with a bitter scowl)
"I'd do what I did again in a heart beat even knowing the consequences. This isn't about me and it isn't about you. There is an innocent man fighting for his life and his family is bearing the brunt of what I perceive as another Webb screw up. Tell me what the hell happened that night or I swear to god I will break every bone in your body starting with your writing arm."
(Harm takes a step closer to Webb in an attempt to intimidate him. Mac steps in between them)
"Harm wait outside."
"No I'm staying here until I get my answers."
"Wait outside damn it! Just give me a minute. Go cool off!"
(Harm reluctantly turns on his heal and steps outside slamming the door on his way out.)
"Sarah thanks for the relief... "
(In an instant, Mac spins around and with a strong right cross connects with Webb's nose)
"Owe, shit!" (Webb holds his nose cupping the blood pouring out)
"Guess this means dinner's out of the question. What is if with JAG officers and my nose? Thought you would be the one to help me out considering..."
"I wouldn't help you ever again if the security of this nation depended on it"(she knew that wasn't true but the statement made it's made its point)
"You're lucky that I don't have you arrested and court marshaled!"
"Oh yeah, that will look great, a women you were; and I emphasize the were part; sleeping with, being accused of assaulting you. Love to see the press all over that one. No you won't press charges."
(Clay looks at her in the eye knowing that his deception led to this and that it is over between them) "You're right I won't, but I'm still not sharing with you or Rabb so get the hell out of my office!"
"Clay, listen and listen closely, I'm going to give you 10 seconds to get your head out of your ass and play ball. If you don't tell Harm and me everything and I mean everything there is to know then I will call a press conference and tell them all about how the deputy director of intelligence managed to screw up a major bust in South America and get two Marine's with him injured and almost killed and loose sight of 100 Stinger missiles only to be baled out by a Naval Commander. I will give details, names, dates locations, you name it. By the time I'm done the Agency won't even have you scrubbing their toilets."
"It's all classified, you can't tell anyone anything!"
"Watch me care!"
"You do that and your career is gone, hell you'll probably wind up in jail!"
"I know a good lawyer" (smiles, looks outside and motions for Harm to rejoin them).
"You would really do that for him?"
"This has nothing to do with Harm. I'm doing it because it's the right thing to do! But yeah, if it came down to it, I would." (Clay nod's accordingly accepting what he has always known to be true in her heart. Putting his game face back on Clayton Webb snaps back to business mode as Harm re-enters to office. Re-entering the office and looks directly at Webb. Having not heard everything due to the closed doors he is ready to go on the attack)
"So Webb...are you...Jesus what happened to your nose" (laughs).
"Oh, clumsy Clay ran into a door" (Mac quickly answers)
"Hoo-Rah (Harm says quietly) So are you going to play ball Webb, or should I wait outside for a few more minutes."
"Alright you two, I'll tell you what you want, but it is off the record, understand? And the tape stays with me before you leave my office; deal?"
"Deal start talking...." (Said Harm)
"Ok, first yes, Sheffield didn't kill Stratus, in fact he would be the one to have been killed if it wasn't for us."
Harm throws him the mini tape from the recorder. Webb catches it. "Keep talking Webb."
"Your right Rabb, Lauren Stratus worked for a sub company of Ziotech industries. Except she wasn't selling crypto software like James Sheffield was led to believe. She was a plant. Their meeting was a complete set up from the get go. She was supposed to collect sensitive data from Sheffield which became easy after they moved in together."
"To what point? What was she looking for?"
"Something anything to either put Ziotech in a better negotiating position with the Secnav or discredits the Secnav publicly so that his replacement might be easier for Ziotech to deal with. The Secnav in a very public way has discredited Ziotech and its products for some time now, so this is business and personal to them."
"Or..." (Questioned Harm)
"Or they could just want the data to sell to the highest terrorist bidder..."
"Go on Webb." (Stated Mac with a sick feeling in her stomach)
"Anyway the files the James Sheffield had with him that night were classified and contained enough data on Military Positioning in Iraq and information that Naval Intel had on suspected Al Queda cells and suspects that if made public would have cost Navy Intelligence millions of hours and dollars not too mention alerting the suspects and giving away key positions. Sheffield dealt with this kind of data often, and while no evidence suggests he willingly shared, surveillance has shown Stratus to regularly steal this data from him and report it to her superiors."
"So why not bust her and Ziotech's head and take the company down? Why the charade?"
"Simple. There is not enough hard evidence to warrant an arrest on the people running the company. The drops Stratus was making were to low level individuals who no doubt passed the information up the pipeline, but nothing yet can prove that. Furthermore, we need to keep them under surveillance to get the terrorist cells that they are dealing with."
"So what happened on the night in question?"
"We did."
"She was under surveillance and we knew the files that Sheffield had taken home with them. She drugged his drink with enough Triodine to make him dead to the world." (That was a surprise to Harm as he had suspected the CIA were the ones using the Triodine. Webb continued) "While he was out cold she was in the process of copying the files and planning on leaving and making a regular drop. We interceded."
"You killed her?"
"Not me personally, but one of our agents did."
"Why?"
"He made a rookie mistake. He got caught."
"When she was leaving she noticed the surveillance personnel outside the house and went to run. Our man had no choice but to force her back in the house and detain her until the rest of the operational team arrived to interrogate her. She struggled with him and knocked him down as he was trying to subdue her. He got up and looked around for her. The next thing he saw was Stratus going for a knife. In the heat of the moment our man fights with her and during the struggle she takes the knife to the chest and dies."
"So why the major mess?" (Asked Mac)
"To make it look like a murder. We knew Ziotech would be suspicious if they found Stratus dead without someone to blame. Setting up Sheffield was the easiest way to keep Ziotech open and feeling like they had gotten away without anyone knowing of there plans. Our man set up the bodies to be found as they were. Sheffield was injected with a specialty drug concoction that we usually use to cover traces of suppressant drugs such as Triodine when we use them"
"Which explains the hallucinogens. You made that call didn't you Webb?"
"Well..."
"It was your operation!" (It was a statement not a question) "You made the decision!"
"And for good reason Rabb. We couldn't and still can't jeopardize this operation. With her dead we had no testimony and little to no evidence. The operation had to continue! I'm no lawyer, but with the shaky evidence and situation around us, I figured you would get him off."
"And what of the Secnav?" (Asked Mac)
"God no. He has no idea of this, but his superiors do."
"Who?"
"Not any names you want me to mention Rabb! Remember the Secnav may be a powerful man, but he doesn't run the CIA."
"You have to disclose this Webb."
"No, we are too close to nailing Ziotech and the possible Al Queda links they have. This is about National Security. Do I have to spell it out for you? I know you have this honor thing about getting the truth out no matter the consequence Rabb, but you have a duty first to your country." (Harm stares at Clay questioningly knowing that he is right about his duty to country). "Look Rabb, I'm sorry for the charade, but I think when you look at the big picture you'll agree that a lot more lives are at stake than just your clients. Hell a major part of the success on this countries war on terror is residing on the discretion of this operation."
"Yeah I know all about the clandestine crap and greater good Webb!" (Grinding his teeth)
"I need you both to forget about what you learned. Go about your trial and let me round up the rest of the bunch."
"Well Clay, since you're so smart how do we go about making sure Sheffield isn't found guilty of murder?"
"Rabb's got a good defense and you can ease up on the prosecution of him. Should make for an easy one to win."
"Wrong brainiac! Mac can't ease up because of the media circus surrounding us. Thanks to this monster you created she has to come swinging with a sledgehammer 24/7 or the media will scream cover-up!"
"Well I guess in hindsight it may have not been the best plan but..."
"No butts Clay you screwed up ok!?" (Yelled Mac still shocked at the extent he would go to and who he would compromise to get the job done)
"Yeah ok."
"Alright Webb, this is how it's going to work. We'll let the trial continue while you take care of business on your end. As soon as your done I expect you to find a way to get Sheffield completely vindicated, because quite frankly until the a killer is found, no one is going to stop screaming cover up."
"I'll do my best you know that."
(Harm steps a bit closer to Webb and stares him directly in the eyes) "Just know this Webb. This is your Operation fine, I an accept that. Greater good to be served, I can deal with that for now. If you leave our man to the wolves or are hold out on us again, duty to country be damned, I'll come back and hang you myself. Clear?"
(Gulps knowing Harm isn't bluffing anymore) "Crystal."
(Harm and Mac turn to leave Clay's office.) "We'll be in touch Webb."
(They walk out. Once in Harm's SUV they look toward each other.) "You ok Mac?"
"Yeah, just chalk this one up on the Mackenzie screw-up list."
"Prosecuting this case is your job; don't beat yourself up over it."
"I'm not talking about the case."
"Webb?"
"Yeah. I guess I knew what I was getting into with him. It was never going to be forever and I knew that. I think I just keep getting involved with people who deep down inside I know it will never go the distance with."
"You almost went the distance with Mic."
"Yeah, but would it have lasted?"
"You tell me."
"No. And I'm ashamed to admit I knew it then, but was so caught up in the festivities, and the possibility of being happy that I let it get the better of me. I guess with Clay I found someone who was obviously willing to protect me and declare his intentions. But I knew the life he leads."
"Do you blame him for doing his job?"
"No, but for compromising me, yes I do."
"Mac if it's any consolation I'm sorry how things turned out with you and Clay."
"Are you really?"
"No (he smiled), but I'm sorry you got hurt. That is the last thing I ever wanted to happen to you. I guess as much as I hated you being with him, part of me was hoping he would give you what I know you have been longing for so long."
"Good guy, but the wrong man for me."
"Great women, excellent right cross" (he smiles at her)
"You saw that?"
"Yep and damn I'm glad it wasn't me on the receiving end."
(Harm pulls her to him and holds her tight.) "You know you're going to be ok."
"How about us? Are we going to be ok?"
"I think we already are. We took some big steps to re-build the other night. We'll get it right."
"You know you're a good man Harmon Rabb. Don't ever think otherwise, even when I tell you" (laughs)
"I never believed you" (laughs)
"You know Harm, these last few days have probably been the deepest conversations we've ever had." (Looking straight into her eyes as he reluctantly lets her go)
"Yeah...I kind of like it like that" (gives her the patented flyboy grin)
"Me too" (gives him an honest smile that melts his heart)
"OK?"
"Yeah, OK." (With a silent understanding they know what has to happen now. There deeper talks would have to go on the backburner for now. They both new the truth now and that complicated matters even more than before. They couldn't let an innocent man go to jail, but in good conscience they couldn't leave a knowable threat to the United States stay alive any longer than absolutely necessary. That was their oath they swore almost twenty years ago. To god and country. Another look toward each other and they knew. To hell and back.)
(During the drive to Langley Harm told Mac of the recent information that he had uncovered about Lauren Stratus. During his research into Stratus' background, Harm had discovered that the software company she worked for was a sub company of Ziotech industries run by none other than Joseph Morlely. Thus the connection between Stratus and the SecNav was born. He had also interviewed neighbors of Stratus and found that they saw a dark Sedan there into the early morning the night of the murder as well as prior nights tracing back at least two weeks. Putting two and two together, Harm and Mac had reaffirmed their belief that a third party was involved be it the CIA or some other organization. Harm had intended on using this information during his defense strategy, but in light of his recent discovery he knew he needed Mac's help. He needed to trust her and he sure needed his partner back. Harm and Mac walked into Langley with a rather brisk pace. After being screened through security they head to Agent Clayton Webb's office. They approach Webb's secretary and Harm speaks)
"Excuse me Ms. Thompson. We need to see Agent Webb ASAP." (Said Harm in a semi commanding tone"
"I'm sorry (glances at his name tag) Commander Rabb, but he is in deposed for the remainder of the day."
(Mac glances at Harm and makes an attempt, trying to keep the peace that is about to blow up) "Ms. Thompson I know he's in there. I already spoke with him this morning and he told me he'd be in the office all day. Would you kindly page him and tell him Sarah Mackenzie is waiting for him, I think he'll see me."
(Looking somewhat defeated after hearing her name) "Off course Ma'am. "
(As Ms. Thompson picked up the phone to call Webb, Harm looked at Mac directly in the eye as if to say "Let's play ball")
(She nods in acknowledgement and begins to speak in a louder tone) "Harm now we can't be sure that he is involved let alone he is covering anything up."
"Mac it's a gut feeling. This has Webb written all over it and you know it."
"Ok yeah, I'll give you that, but I can't believe he'd do this."
"With his history Mac, how can you be so sure of that?"
"Because I'm involved and he swore he'd never compromise me again after Paraguay. Just give him a chance to explain."
"Fine, but I'm not holding my breath."
(Behind the doorway Clayton Webb stares at his computer monitor which is giving him video and audio feed of the conversation outside between Harm and Mac. While still in conversation Miss. Thompson walks out and faces them)
"Sir, ma'am, Agent Webb will see you know." (Harm and Mac walk into Webb's office and find him sitting behind his Mahogany desk comfortably in a chair)
"Sarah, great to see you. Rabb, god help us your still around (with a smirk)."
"Hi Clay (slightly amused). Listen sorry to bother you but..."
(Harm interjects cutting Mac off...) "Listen Webb I'll cut through the bullshit and get straight to the point. I know you had agents staking out Lauren Stratus' residents the night she was killed and at least two weeks prior. I know that she worked for a Ziotech industries sub company and she has a direct connection with someone who has ill will toward Secretary Sheffield and motive for wanting him publicly ruined. I know that James Sheffield was drugged on the night in question with enough Triodine to render him unconscious for the better part of a full day. We both know where that drug is found and manufactured and we both know the CIA is famous for its domestic importing and use."
(Webb begins to speak) "Well..."
"I'm not done Webb (continuing his bluff with what he believes but cannot prove) I know that you are heading up whatever operation that this surveillance is related to and know what happened that night. Now an innocent man is on trial for his life and his father stands to be publicly ruined if the truth does not come out. I want to know what the hell happened that night because my client sure as hell did not commit murder."
"Rabb, you know the game we play. I can't tell you and even if I could what makes you think I want to help you?"
"Aside from the fact that I pulled your half dead ass out of Paraguay to bug me another day, how about the pursuit of justice?"
"What makes you think I'm not pursuing justice Rabb? There is a greater good to be served here and I cannot and will not risk ruining anything just to help you win a court case."
(Turning to Mac) "Thought you'd say something like that. Got it Mac?"
(She pulls a mini recorder from her pocket and holds it up looking very disappointed at the revelation Webb made) "Yeah got it."
(Shocked, yet calmly) "Shit. Well I guess the dynamic duo is back. That's quite a con game you two can play."
(Harm loosing his cool) "You son of a bitch Webb! You played Mac and you played me to put on a show for the media, it would divert attention from the real people you're trying to get."
(Turning to Mac ignoring Harm's comments) "Sarah you know what my job entails. We can't always do things the way in which you and captain goody good would consider the right way."
"You compromised me form the beginning. You lied to me." (She stated matter of factly)
"Sarah I didn't lie, but there were greater issues to consider that I couldn't let you in on."
"So Lieutenant Sheffield is innocent?" (Pauses for a moment...) "Answer me god damn it!"
"Yes."
"And you would have let him go to jail for something he didn't do? Wait I know the answer to that. Just for the greater good right?"
"Sarah we've been through this, there are parts of my job that I can't tell you about and parts of it you probably wouldn't want to know about if I could share."
"But you think it's ok to sacrifice an innocent man and his family just because you've got a bust to make?!"
"Sarah..."
"Stop with the Sarah crap. This is business. What happened on the night in question?"
"I can't tell you." (Webb states)
"Can't or won't?" (Says Harm)
"I can't tell you because this is still an on going operation."
"There is way too much riding on its success to let you and Sarah go screwing it up."
(Harm turns to Mac) "I have $100 bucks saying we have to bail his ass out of this one too. Webb the only one who has ever screwed up your operations is yourself. We're usually the ones to bail your sorry ass out of a jam, not get you in it."
"Like when?"
"The Sundance Embassy, Columbia, Afghanistan. Paraguay bring back any fond memories?"
"You went down there for Mac not for the operation and certainly not for me."
"Half true. I wouldn't have gone down there if she wasn't in jeopardy, a position you put her in mind you...but we did neutralize the threat so don't bullshit me about screwing up your operations. We saved your op, and from the looks of it your job..."
"...and you got fired right Rabb? That is what this is really about. You save the day and had to eat it for pissing off the Admiral while I get the job and the girl. What's the matter? Sacrifice not worth the reward?"
(Mac glares at Webb with a bitter scowl)
"I'd do what I did again in a heart beat even knowing the consequences. This isn't about me and it isn't about you. There is an innocent man fighting for his life and his family is bearing the brunt of what I perceive as another Webb screw up. Tell me what the hell happened that night or I swear to god I will break every bone in your body starting with your writing arm."
(Harm takes a step closer to Webb in an attempt to intimidate him. Mac steps in between them)
"Harm wait outside."
"No I'm staying here until I get my answers."
"Wait outside damn it! Just give me a minute. Go cool off!"
(Harm reluctantly turns on his heal and steps outside slamming the door on his way out.)
"Sarah thanks for the relief... "
(In an instant, Mac spins around and with a strong right cross connects with Webb's nose)
"Owe, shit!" (Webb holds his nose cupping the blood pouring out)
"Guess this means dinner's out of the question. What is if with JAG officers and my nose? Thought you would be the one to help me out considering..."
"I wouldn't help you ever again if the security of this nation depended on it"(she knew that wasn't true but the statement made it's made its point)
"You're lucky that I don't have you arrested and court marshaled!"
"Oh yeah, that will look great, a women you were; and I emphasize the were part; sleeping with, being accused of assaulting you. Love to see the press all over that one. No you won't press charges."
(Clay looks at her in the eye knowing that his deception led to this and that it is over between them) "You're right I won't, but I'm still not sharing with you or Rabb so get the hell out of my office!"
"Clay, listen and listen closely, I'm going to give you 10 seconds to get your head out of your ass and play ball. If you don't tell Harm and me everything and I mean everything there is to know then I will call a press conference and tell them all about how the deputy director of intelligence managed to screw up a major bust in South America and get two Marine's with him injured and almost killed and loose sight of 100 Stinger missiles only to be baled out by a Naval Commander. I will give details, names, dates locations, you name it. By the time I'm done the Agency won't even have you scrubbing their toilets."
"It's all classified, you can't tell anyone anything!"
"Watch me care!"
"You do that and your career is gone, hell you'll probably wind up in jail!"
"I know a good lawyer" (smiles, looks outside and motions for Harm to rejoin them).
"You would really do that for him?"
"This has nothing to do with Harm. I'm doing it because it's the right thing to do! But yeah, if it came down to it, I would." (Clay nod's accordingly accepting what he has always known to be true in her heart. Putting his game face back on Clayton Webb snaps back to business mode as Harm re-enters to office. Re-entering the office and looks directly at Webb. Having not heard everything due to the closed doors he is ready to go on the attack)
"So Webb...are you...Jesus what happened to your nose" (laughs).
"Oh, clumsy Clay ran into a door" (Mac quickly answers)
"Hoo-Rah (Harm says quietly) So are you going to play ball Webb, or should I wait outside for a few more minutes."
"Alright you two, I'll tell you what you want, but it is off the record, understand? And the tape stays with me before you leave my office; deal?"
"Deal start talking...." (Said Harm)
"Ok, first yes, Sheffield didn't kill Stratus, in fact he would be the one to have been killed if it wasn't for us."
Harm throws him the mini tape from the recorder. Webb catches it. "Keep talking Webb."
"Your right Rabb, Lauren Stratus worked for a sub company of Ziotech industries. Except she wasn't selling crypto software like James Sheffield was led to believe. She was a plant. Their meeting was a complete set up from the get go. She was supposed to collect sensitive data from Sheffield which became easy after they moved in together."
"To what point? What was she looking for?"
"Something anything to either put Ziotech in a better negotiating position with the Secnav or discredits the Secnav publicly so that his replacement might be easier for Ziotech to deal with. The Secnav in a very public way has discredited Ziotech and its products for some time now, so this is business and personal to them."
"Or..." (Questioned Harm)
"Or they could just want the data to sell to the highest terrorist bidder..."
"Go on Webb." (Stated Mac with a sick feeling in her stomach)
"Anyway the files the James Sheffield had with him that night were classified and contained enough data on Military Positioning in Iraq and information that Naval Intel had on suspected Al Queda cells and suspects that if made public would have cost Navy Intelligence millions of hours and dollars not too mention alerting the suspects and giving away key positions. Sheffield dealt with this kind of data often, and while no evidence suggests he willingly shared, surveillance has shown Stratus to regularly steal this data from him and report it to her superiors."
"So why not bust her and Ziotech's head and take the company down? Why the charade?"
"Simple. There is not enough hard evidence to warrant an arrest on the people running the company. The drops Stratus was making were to low level individuals who no doubt passed the information up the pipeline, but nothing yet can prove that. Furthermore, we need to keep them under surveillance to get the terrorist cells that they are dealing with."
"So what happened on the night in question?"
"We did."
"She was under surveillance and we knew the files that Sheffield had taken home with them. She drugged his drink with enough Triodine to make him dead to the world." (That was a surprise to Harm as he had suspected the CIA were the ones using the Triodine. Webb continued) "While he was out cold she was in the process of copying the files and planning on leaving and making a regular drop. We interceded."
"You killed her?"
"Not me personally, but one of our agents did."
"Why?"
"He made a rookie mistake. He got caught."
"When she was leaving she noticed the surveillance personnel outside the house and went to run. Our man had no choice but to force her back in the house and detain her until the rest of the operational team arrived to interrogate her. She struggled with him and knocked him down as he was trying to subdue her. He got up and looked around for her. The next thing he saw was Stratus going for a knife. In the heat of the moment our man fights with her and during the struggle she takes the knife to the chest and dies."
"So why the major mess?" (Asked Mac)
"To make it look like a murder. We knew Ziotech would be suspicious if they found Stratus dead without someone to blame. Setting up Sheffield was the easiest way to keep Ziotech open and feeling like they had gotten away without anyone knowing of there plans. Our man set up the bodies to be found as they were. Sheffield was injected with a specialty drug concoction that we usually use to cover traces of suppressant drugs such as Triodine when we use them"
"Which explains the hallucinogens. You made that call didn't you Webb?"
"Well..."
"It was your operation!" (It was a statement not a question) "You made the decision!"
"And for good reason Rabb. We couldn't and still can't jeopardize this operation. With her dead we had no testimony and little to no evidence. The operation had to continue! I'm no lawyer, but with the shaky evidence and situation around us, I figured you would get him off."
"And what of the Secnav?" (Asked Mac)
"God no. He has no idea of this, but his superiors do."
"Who?"
"Not any names you want me to mention Rabb! Remember the Secnav may be a powerful man, but he doesn't run the CIA."
"You have to disclose this Webb."
"No, we are too close to nailing Ziotech and the possible Al Queda links they have. This is about National Security. Do I have to spell it out for you? I know you have this honor thing about getting the truth out no matter the consequence Rabb, but you have a duty first to your country." (Harm stares at Clay questioningly knowing that he is right about his duty to country). "Look Rabb, I'm sorry for the charade, but I think when you look at the big picture you'll agree that a lot more lives are at stake than just your clients. Hell a major part of the success on this countries war on terror is residing on the discretion of this operation."
"Yeah I know all about the clandestine crap and greater good Webb!" (Grinding his teeth)
"I need you both to forget about what you learned. Go about your trial and let me round up the rest of the bunch."
"Well Clay, since you're so smart how do we go about making sure Sheffield isn't found guilty of murder?"
"Rabb's got a good defense and you can ease up on the prosecution of him. Should make for an easy one to win."
"Wrong brainiac! Mac can't ease up because of the media circus surrounding us. Thanks to this monster you created she has to come swinging with a sledgehammer 24/7 or the media will scream cover-up!"
"Well I guess in hindsight it may have not been the best plan but..."
"No butts Clay you screwed up ok!?" (Yelled Mac still shocked at the extent he would go to and who he would compromise to get the job done)
"Yeah ok."
"Alright Webb, this is how it's going to work. We'll let the trial continue while you take care of business on your end. As soon as your done I expect you to find a way to get Sheffield completely vindicated, because quite frankly until the a killer is found, no one is going to stop screaming cover up."
"I'll do my best you know that."
(Harm steps a bit closer to Webb and stares him directly in the eyes) "Just know this Webb. This is your Operation fine, I an accept that. Greater good to be served, I can deal with that for now. If you leave our man to the wolves or are hold out on us again, duty to country be damned, I'll come back and hang you myself. Clear?"
(Gulps knowing Harm isn't bluffing anymore) "Crystal."
(Harm and Mac turn to leave Clay's office.) "We'll be in touch Webb."
(They walk out. Once in Harm's SUV they look toward each other.) "You ok Mac?"
"Yeah, just chalk this one up on the Mackenzie screw-up list."
"Prosecuting this case is your job; don't beat yourself up over it."
"I'm not talking about the case."
"Webb?"
"Yeah. I guess I knew what I was getting into with him. It was never going to be forever and I knew that. I think I just keep getting involved with people who deep down inside I know it will never go the distance with."
"You almost went the distance with Mic."
"Yeah, but would it have lasted?"
"You tell me."
"No. And I'm ashamed to admit I knew it then, but was so caught up in the festivities, and the possibility of being happy that I let it get the better of me. I guess with Clay I found someone who was obviously willing to protect me and declare his intentions. But I knew the life he leads."
"Do you blame him for doing his job?"
"No, but for compromising me, yes I do."
"Mac if it's any consolation I'm sorry how things turned out with you and Clay."
"Are you really?"
"No (he smiled), but I'm sorry you got hurt. That is the last thing I ever wanted to happen to you. I guess as much as I hated you being with him, part of me was hoping he would give you what I know you have been longing for so long."
"Good guy, but the wrong man for me."
"Great women, excellent right cross" (he smiles at her)
"You saw that?"
"Yep and damn I'm glad it wasn't me on the receiving end."
(Harm pulls her to him and holds her tight.) "You know you're going to be ok."
"How about us? Are we going to be ok?"
"I think we already are. We took some big steps to re-build the other night. We'll get it right."
"You know you're a good man Harmon Rabb. Don't ever think otherwise, even when I tell you" (laughs)
"I never believed you" (laughs)
"You know Harm, these last few days have probably been the deepest conversations we've ever had." (Looking straight into her eyes as he reluctantly lets her go)
"Yeah...I kind of like it like that" (gives her the patented flyboy grin)
"Me too" (gives him an honest smile that melts his heart)
"OK?"
"Yeah, OK." (With a silent understanding they know what has to happen now. There deeper talks would have to go on the backburner for now. They both new the truth now and that complicated matters even more than before. They couldn't let an innocent man go to jail, but in good conscience they couldn't leave a knowable threat to the United States stay alive any longer than absolutely necessary. That was their oath they swore almost twenty years ago. To god and country. Another look toward each other and they knew. To hell and back.)