Story: JAG Fanfic
Title: Endgame
Authors Note: During the current season nine, I felt the need to take a
spin at where I would go with some of the story lines they have decided to
introduce into the world of JAG. This is not a stab at any
writers/producers as I still very much enjoy the new characters and
developments, just some plane old fun at what I would do if I were in there
shoes.
Disclaimer: JAG, its characters and all proprieties belong to Paramount TV,
CBS and Bellasarious productions. No monetary gain is had from the writing
of this Fanfic.
Spoilers: Anything and everything up through "Take it Like a Man".
We will also assume that the friendship of Harm and Mac has taken steps to
rebuild, but is still very strained due to her relationship with Webb.
PART I March 13, 2004 LA JOLLA CA Home of Trish and Frank Burnette
Storms were not common in California, especially in the beach community of La Jolla. As the wind beat the panels of glass surrounding the Burnette home, a dark figure scaled their back wall coming from the ocean below. Dressed in a black wetsuit, outfitted with night vision goggles and armed with a silenced automatic gun, his unaware targets never stood a chance. As the figure crept into the home after picking the lock the alarm suddenly sounded. Frank Burnette dressed in his robe walked downstairs to check things out. As he looked around and saw nothing out of the ordinary he turned off the alarm panel. As he turned around he saw his last sight. The barrel of a gun leveled at his head. Frank knowing he didn't have a chance, prayed that Trish would hear a struggle and run like hell; made his final move. Frank lunged at the man in sacrifice and as the dark man pulled the trigger Franks final thoughts were of his innocent wife upstairs in bed, and his stepson, the Naval Commander whom he knew would bring the justice to be found in his death.
The dark figure left the fallen body of Frank Burnette in a heap by the door and crept up the stairs into the master bedroom. He saw his next target, Trish Burnette. Awake Trish shook with fear as the man who's face was covered stared at her holding her at bay with the sight of his gun.
"Frank!" (She screamed, but no one heard her plea.) "Where is Frank? Who are you? What do you want money? Take what you want just leave us alone! Where is Frank?"! (Trish screamed and demanded)
"Dead" (Said the dark figure, as he took off his mask and revealed his face to Trish)
"Dead?" (The concept could not register within Trish) "Why would you want to hurt Frank! Who are you?"
(A smile crept over the face of the dark man as he spoke once again) "A friend of your son's"
"Oh god, Harm..." (And as her last thoughts of love and protection for her son and soft words of plea echoed throughout the large beachfront home, the trigger was pulled back and Trish Burnette left this world to join her two fallen husbands in the next.)
(The dark figure put his mask back on and left the house. No cleanup was needed as he wanted the executions to be found as they were; for his message to be sent. Death lay present in the Burnette home and the dark figure smiled to himself. His first step completed, the dark figure descended the back wall and into the ocean from which he had risen. Onto the next part of his game, and what a fun game this will be to play...)
March 14th 2004 Harm's Apartment (Harm and Mattie are having a discussion over a dinner of chicken)
"Now Mattie you must realize that red meat is just not healthy for anyone"
"Are you telling me you've never had a Beltway burger?"
"Exactly"
"Harm, let up and live a little. I'm fifteen years old, burgers are a part of life".
"Not a healthy one. I think you've been hanging around Mac too long."
"Harm grow up. She's good for me...and you I would think..."
"Don't start Mattie. Mac and I are just friends, if that"
"Trouble in paradise?"
"New subject please." (Throwing a piece of lettuce at her head)
(Two DC police officers arrived at Harm's doorstep and knock on the door.)
"Who could it be at this hour" (said Harm as he got up from the table to answer the door.Harm opens the door to find the two officers present with their badges in plain view)
"Commander Harmon Rabb?"
"Yes"
"We're sorry to bother you this evening. I'm Detective Sean Novack and this is Luitenant Harrold Isa."
"What can I do for you gentlemen?"
"Commander are your parents Trish and Frank Burnette?"
(Instantly Harm knew something had happened) "My mother is Trish and Frank is my stepfather. But yes. Why?"
"Commander perhaps you better sit down."
"Just tell me what happened god damnit!" (Harm yelled louder than he intended.)
"Commander I'm sorry to be the one to tell you, but your parents were found dead in their home early this morning."
"Oh God..."
Same time Mac's Apartment
"Look Clay I appreciate the gesture of you popping bye to see me, but I already told you that this is never going to work if you just want relationship when you are in town."
"Sarah, can't you understand that my job requires me to be gone unaccounted for, for long periods of time?"
"Yes, but common courtesy in a relationship is that you at the very least make plans with me before dropping bye. I have my own life you know and what if I was working?"
"On a Sunday night? Besides, I thought it was the romantic gesture" (winking at her suggestively).
"It's just frustrating. I mean how can we build something solid if your not here to build with."
"I'm hear now" (Clay leans in and kisses Mac).
"That's all well and good until tomorrow when you are called away again." (Moving away)
"Sarah what is this really about?"
"Honestly?"
"Of course"
"I'm just not sure this is going to work out between us."
"What?"
"Clay listen there is so much I owe you. You saved me from torture in Paraguay and have been there for me especially after I killed Sadik, pushing me into counseling when I didn't think I needed it and supporting my needs..."
"But..."
"I'm just starting to feel that close friends is all we're meant to be"
"Sarah..."
"No hear me out first. Fact of the matter is that we can do all the things people in love do when you're around and pretend that we live a normal life, but we don't. We can heat up the bedroom and make plans for a future, but what future is it going to be raising kids with an absent father?"
"Then maybe I should re-think my career choice. You know money is not an issue. If you want a future with me, it doesn't have to be dictated by my job."
"Clay, the CIA is who you are...it's what you do and until you're physically unable to do your work nothing will make you feel complete without it."
"This isn't just about my job is it?"
"After the fallout I had from killing Sadik, I realized that I never dealt with anything after leaving Paraguay. I made life altering choices in the heat of the moment with you amongst others and didn't really envision the comedown once reality set in."
"Are you saying that we're just a fabrication of the moment because I thought we had something pretty special going on here Sarah!"
"We do...we did. But look deep inside Clay and tell me if you see us working out as a happy couple a year or two from now. Tell me how happy you would be to leave the wife at home to raise the babies while you go off on a mission that you might not ever return from. Do you want your children to grow up like you did?"
"No"
"And do you want to leave your job on the chance that we may or may not work out?"
"I'm not sure. I guess I would need something more..."
"Than I can give you right now...possibly ever. Clay, you're quite a catch and there's a part of me that will always love you, but who we are and what we want are different than what needs to be to work."
"Then let me change Sarah..."
"No! I tried that once with Mic and it tore us apart and I lost some of myself in it. I refuse to do that again. I already have pieces of me to pick up from last year and I will not destroy what we have left trying to make you into something you are not."
"Then at least let me help you."
"Clay, you already have. And for that I will always be grateful. We are not going to stop being friends, but the physical aspect and the fooling ourselves into a future that isn't going to work just needs to end. For both our sakes."
"I've got to ask...does this have anything to do with Harm?"
"To be honest you, no. And you know what, I'm glad. Harm did the best thing he could have done after I told him never. He backed off and let me figure things out on my own with no pressure and wedging between us."
"Uh huh" (Clay says a little suspicious knowing that she is telling him the truth as she believes it, but is she correct. It didn't matter. They were over romantically and they would continue on as friends. He hated loosing the passion that they shared, but knew inside that it was for the best for her to heal as a person and for them both to be happy in the end. He had no intention of leaving the CIA unless forced to and was not ready for the home life that she obviously was wanting.)
"Clay there is nothing between me and Harm. Truthfully we're barely on speaking terms after the lashing I gave him."
"I think he's smart enough to know that you didn't mean everything you said."
"That's just it Clay. I did mean it; for the most part. I just chose the wrong venue and a very hateful way of letting him know it."
"And he struck back"
"Yes and part of that was retaliation and there was a part of it that held some truth."
"Trust me Sarah, Harm's a big boy and he knows some of what you're going through."
"Well we'll see. So are we ok?"
"As ok as we're going to be." (He smiled and pulled her into a hug Just then the phone rings)
"Damn it! I've got 20 bucks saying its' Rabb..." (He says smiling)
"Don't even start Clay!" (As Mac lets go of him to answer the phone.)
"Don't worry my last names not Brumby." (He says with a smile as Mack grabs a pillow and throws it at him.)
"Hello"
"Mack its Mattie"
"Hi Mattie" (Hearing the distress in her voice Mack knew something wasn't right. 'Oh God Harm she thought') "Mattie what's wrong?"
"Mack its Harm"
"What happened?"
"Mack I don't know all the details, but I know he needs you."
(Snapping into command mode Mack pressed for more information as she grabbed her keys intending to go to Harm no matter what the answer was.) "Mattie is Harm ok?"
"I don't know...he... just got some terrible news. I'm not sure what it was about, but we were having dinner and two police officers knocked on the door. I heard them mention his mom and stepfathers names..."
"Oh Jesus..." Mack knew it was bad
"He stepped outside for a moment and I couldn't hear them. Then he came back inside white as a sheep. He asked me to leave; said he needed to be alone. I was about to press him and ask why, but I saw the look in his eyes and I knew it wasn't the time."
(Stopping herself Mack tried to be the voice of reason, but knew she needed to be there for him no matter the distance and problems they had been having recently.)
"Mattie maybe he's right, I mean I don't have the right to intrude on his privacy."
"Mack, you know him better than anyone. If it's as bad as I think it is then the last thing he needs is to be alone."
"You're right. I'm on my way. Stay put ok."
"Thank you."
"Bye."
(Mack hangs up the phone and turns to Clay. Clay seeing the determination in her eyes knows it's pointless to argue about Harm being a big boy. Instead, out of character he takes the selfless route.)
"Clay, I'm sorry, but I've got to go."
"I know"
"Look something is wrong and I..."
"Sarah I know. You don't owe me an explanation. Go to him. Call me if you need anything"
"Thank you" (With that Clay kisses her on the cheek lightly and walks out. The gesture not really registering, Mack grabs her coat and heads out the door to her car. Not adhering to the speed limit her Corvette raced through the streets to Harm's apartment. Arriving at Harm's apartment Mack noticed the lights were completely turned off.)
"God I hope I'm not making a mistake coming here"
(With that thought she ascended the staircase and knocked on Harm's door. No answer came and she pulled out a spare key that she had not used in almost a year. Unlocking the door Mack found the sight before her contributed to the fear and uneasiness she had after Mattie's initial call. Their dinner had not been cleaned up. The food still on the table half eaten. The apartment was dark. Mack put her coat on the rack and her purse on the counter. Not finding him anywhere in sight she made her way to Harm's room and slowly opened the door. The sight she saw before her was like no other she had ever seen. There was Harm sitting on his bed, his back to her, head in his hands and what she assumed to be tears coming out of his eyes. The pain was obvious and Mack's heart broke at the sight of seeing him. He was hurting badly and she knew it. Slowly she proceeded to walk towards him. Gently laying her hand on his shoulder she spoke softly as to console him.)
"Harm"
(Harm turned around abruptly to face her. Surprised at her presence he attempted to hide his tears, but his voice failed him.)
"M..Mack...?"
"Shush, I'm hear Harm."
"What? How?"
(Harm did not have the energy for more words and he let his defenses down. Slowly she engulfed him into her arms and he fell in willingly.)
"Just relax Harm". (She kissed the top of his head as he lay back in her arms) "We'll talk when you're ready" (Not having to strength or desire to speak, Harm stayed in her arms letting his tears come back into plane view. Mack stayed holding him even tighter knowing she was doing the right thing. No matter the confusion and distance between them at present, she knew that the place in her heart that he held would never be vacant).
"Stay...please" (He pleaded for her with the only words he could muster)
"I'm not going anywhere" (She vowed and held on to him as he let out the river of tears and pain he been holding in. As time slowly ticked away, Harm fell into a deep slumber and soon Mack with him still holding on tight as the lifeline that they were to each other.)
(About 6 hours later Harm awoke to find himself in her arms lying together in his bed. Slowly he remembered her coming to him and the few words she had spoken to him. His heart was suddenly a bit warmer than he remembered it being in almost a year. Then it struck him. The reason she was hear. He felt nauseous. Harm shot out of bed and ran into the bathroom Awaking Mack in the process Harm made it to the toilet before his insides let out their contents. Mack abruptly followed him to make sure he was ok.)
"Harm. Are you ok?" (Obviously not she thought mentally kicking herself)
"N..no. I'm not" (He stated. He wiped his face down with a wet cloth and turned to face her.)
"How did you know?" (He asked questioningly)
"Mattie called me. Don't be angry with her. She was scared...and so was I. I didn't know what was wrong and I didn't want to intrude, but I just felt you might need a friend."
"Thank you" (Plainly stated yet powerful, the admission solidified her reason for being there)
"I've never seen you like this Harm. Please tell me what happened."
"It's my parents..."
(Damn it she thought. Mattie wasn't wrong as she had hoped.) "What happened Harm? Where they in an accident?" (Hoping that it was simple)
"No..." (He paused and slowly took in a large breath) "...they were murdered"
PART I March 13, 2004 LA JOLLA CA Home of Trish and Frank Burnette
Storms were not common in California, especially in the beach community of La Jolla. As the wind beat the panels of glass surrounding the Burnette home, a dark figure scaled their back wall coming from the ocean below. Dressed in a black wetsuit, outfitted with night vision goggles and armed with a silenced automatic gun, his unaware targets never stood a chance. As the figure crept into the home after picking the lock the alarm suddenly sounded. Frank Burnette dressed in his robe walked downstairs to check things out. As he looked around and saw nothing out of the ordinary he turned off the alarm panel. As he turned around he saw his last sight. The barrel of a gun leveled at his head. Frank knowing he didn't have a chance, prayed that Trish would hear a struggle and run like hell; made his final move. Frank lunged at the man in sacrifice and as the dark man pulled the trigger Franks final thoughts were of his innocent wife upstairs in bed, and his stepson, the Naval Commander whom he knew would bring the justice to be found in his death.
The dark figure left the fallen body of Frank Burnette in a heap by the door and crept up the stairs into the master bedroom. He saw his next target, Trish Burnette. Awake Trish shook with fear as the man who's face was covered stared at her holding her at bay with the sight of his gun.
"Frank!" (She screamed, but no one heard her plea.) "Where is Frank? Who are you? What do you want money? Take what you want just leave us alone! Where is Frank?"! (Trish screamed and demanded)
"Dead" (Said the dark figure, as he took off his mask and revealed his face to Trish)
"Dead?" (The concept could not register within Trish) "Why would you want to hurt Frank! Who are you?"
(A smile crept over the face of the dark man as he spoke once again) "A friend of your son's"
"Oh god, Harm..." (And as her last thoughts of love and protection for her son and soft words of plea echoed throughout the large beachfront home, the trigger was pulled back and Trish Burnette left this world to join her two fallen husbands in the next.)
(The dark figure put his mask back on and left the house. No cleanup was needed as he wanted the executions to be found as they were; for his message to be sent. Death lay present in the Burnette home and the dark figure smiled to himself. His first step completed, the dark figure descended the back wall and into the ocean from which he had risen. Onto the next part of his game, and what a fun game this will be to play...)
March 14th 2004 Harm's Apartment (Harm and Mattie are having a discussion over a dinner of chicken)
"Now Mattie you must realize that red meat is just not healthy for anyone"
"Are you telling me you've never had a Beltway burger?"
"Exactly"
"Harm, let up and live a little. I'm fifteen years old, burgers are a part of life".
"Not a healthy one. I think you've been hanging around Mac too long."
"Harm grow up. She's good for me...and you I would think..."
"Don't start Mattie. Mac and I are just friends, if that"
"Trouble in paradise?"
"New subject please." (Throwing a piece of lettuce at her head)
(Two DC police officers arrived at Harm's doorstep and knock on the door.)
"Who could it be at this hour" (said Harm as he got up from the table to answer the door.Harm opens the door to find the two officers present with their badges in plain view)
"Commander Harmon Rabb?"
"Yes"
"We're sorry to bother you this evening. I'm Detective Sean Novack and this is Luitenant Harrold Isa."
"What can I do for you gentlemen?"
"Commander are your parents Trish and Frank Burnette?"
(Instantly Harm knew something had happened) "My mother is Trish and Frank is my stepfather. But yes. Why?"
"Commander perhaps you better sit down."
"Just tell me what happened god damnit!" (Harm yelled louder than he intended.)
"Commander I'm sorry to be the one to tell you, but your parents were found dead in their home early this morning."
"Oh God..."
Same time Mac's Apartment
"Look Clay I appreciate the gesture of you popping bye to see me, but I already told you that this is never going to work if you just want relationship when you are in town."
"Sarah, can't you understand that my job requires me to be gone unaccounted for, for long periods of time?"
"Yes, but common courtesy in a relationship is that you at the very least make plans with me before dropping bye. I have my own life you know and what if I was working?"
"On a Sunday night? Besides, I thought it was the romantic gesture" (winking at her suggestively).
"It's just frustrating. I mean how can we build something solid if your not here to build with."
"I'm hear now" (Clay leans in and kisses Mac).
"That's all well and good until tomorrow when you are called away again." (Moving away)
"Sarah what is this really about?"
"Honestly?"
"Of course"
"I'm just not sure this is going to work out between us."
"What?"
"Clay listen there is so much I owe you. You saved me from torture in Paraguay and have been there for me especially after I killed Sadik, pushing me into counseling when I didn't think I needed it and supporting my needs..."
"But..."
"I'm just starting to feel that close friends is all we're meant to be"
"Sarah..."
"No hear me out first. Fact of the matter is that we can do all the things people in love do when you're around and pretend that we live a normal life, but we don't. We can heat up the bedroom and make plans for a future, but what future is it going to be raising kids with an absent father?"
"Then maybe I should re-think my career choice. You know money is not an issue. If you want a future with me, it doesn't have to be dictated by my job."
"Clay, the CIA is who you are...it's what you do and until you're physically unable to do your work nothing will make you feel complete without it."
"This isn't just about my job is it?"
"After the fallout I had from killing Sadik, I realized that I never dealt with anything after leaving Paraguay. I made life altering choices in the heat of the moment with you amongst others and didn't really envision the comedown once reality set in."
"Are you saying that we're just a fabrication of the moment because I thought we had something pretty special going on here Sarah!"
"We do...we did. But look deep inside Clay and tell me if you see us working out as a happy couple a year or two from now. Tell me how happy you would be to leave the wife at home to raise the babies while you go off on a mission that you might not ever return from. Do you want your children to grow up like you did?"
"No"
"And do you want to leave your job on the chance that we may or may not work out?"
"I'm not sure. I guess I would need something more..."
"Than I can give you right now...possibly ever. Clay, you're quite a catch and there's a part of me that will always love you, but who we are and what we want are different than what needs to be to work."
"Then let me change Sarah..."
"No! I tried that once with Mic and it tore us apart and I lost some of myself in it. I refuse to do that again. I already have pieces of me to pick up from last year and I will not destroy what we have left trying to make you into something you are not."
"Then at least let me help you."
"Clay, you already have. And for that I will always be grateful. We are not going to stop being friends, but the physical aspect and the fooling ourselves into a future that isn't going to work just needs to end. For both our sakes."
"I've got to ask...does this have anything to do with Harm?"
"To be honest you, no. And you know what, I'm glad. Harm did the best thing he could have done after I told him never. He backed off and let me figure things out on my own with no pressure and wedging between us."
"Uh huh" (Clay says a little suspicious knowing that she is telling him the truth as she believes it, but is she correct. It didn't matter. They were over romantically and they would continue on as friends. He hated loosing the passion that they shared, but knew inside that it was for the best for her to heal as a person and for them both to be happy in the end. He had no intention of leaving the CIA unless forced to and was not ready for the home life that she obviously was wanting.)
"Clay there is nothing between me and Harm. Truthfully we're barely on speaking terms after the lashing I gave him."
"I think he's smart enough to know that you didn't mean everything you said."
"That's just it Clay. I did mean it; for the most part. I just chose the wrong venue and a very hateful way of letting him know it."
"And he struck back"
"Yes and part of that was retaliation and there was a part of it that held some truth."
"Trust me Sarah, Harm's a big boy and he knows some of what you're going through."
"Well we'll see. So are we ok?"
"As ok as we're going to be." (He smiled and pulled her into a hug Just then the phone rings)
"Damn it! I've got 20 bucks saying its' Rabb..." (He says smiling)
"Don't even start Clay!" (As Mac lets go of him to answer the phone.)
"Don't worry my last names not Brumby." (He says with a smile as Mack grabs a pillow and throws it at him.)
"Hello"
"Mack its Mattie"
"Hi Mattie" (Hearing the distress in her voice Mack knew something wasn't right. 'Oh God Harm she thought') "Mattie what's wrong?"
"Mack its Harm"
"What happened?"
"Mack I don't know all the details, but I know he needs you."
(Snapping into command mode Mack pressed for more information as she grabbed her keys intending to go to Harm no matter what the answer was.) "Mattie is Harm ok?"
"I don't know...he... just got some terrible news. I'm not sure what it was about, but we were having dinner and two police officers knocked on the door. I heard them mention his mom and stepfathers names..."
"Oh Jesus..." Mack knew it was bad
"He stepped outside for a moment and I couldn't hear them. Then he came back inside white as a sheep. He asked me to leave; said he needed to be alone. I was about to press him and ask why, but I saw the look in his eyes and I knew it wasn't the time."
(Stopping herself Mack tried to be the voice of reason, but knew she needed to be there for him no matter the distance and problems they had been having recently.)
"Mattie maybe he's right, I mean I don't have the right to intrude on his privacy."
"Mack, you know him better than anyone. If it's as bad as I think it is then the last thing he needs is to be alone."
"You're right. I'm on my way. Stay put ok."
"Thank you."
"Bye."
(Mack hangs up the phone and turns to Clay. Clay seeing the determination in her eyes knows it's pointless to argue about Harm being a big boy. Instead, out of character he takes the selfless route.)
"Clay, I'm sorry, but I've got to go."
"I know"
"Look something is wrong and I..."
"Sarah I know. You don't owe me an explanation. Go to him. Call me if you need anything"
"Thank you" (With that Clay kisses her on the cheek lightly and walks out. The gesture not really registering, Mack grabs her coat and heads out the door to her car. Not adhering to the speed limit her Corvette raced through the streets to Harm's apartment. Arriving at Harm's apartment Mack noticed the lights were completely turned off.)
"God I hope I'm not making a mistake coming here"
(With that thought she ascended the staircase and knocked on Harm's door. No answer came and she pulled out a spare key that she had not used in almost a year. Unlocking the door Mack found the sight before her contributed to the fear and uneasiness she had after Mattie's initial call. Their dinner had not been cleaned up. The food still on the table half eaten. The apartment was dark. Mack put her coat on the rack and her purse on the counter. Not finding him anywhere in sight she made her way to Harm's room and slowly opened the door. The sight she saw before her was like no other she had ever seen. There was Harm sitting on his bed, his back to her, head in his hands and what she assumed to be tears coming out of his eyes. The pain was obvious and Mack's heart broke at the sight of seeing him. He was hurting badly and she knew it. Slowly she proceeded to walk towards him. Gently laying her hand on his shoulder she spoke softly as to console him.)
"Harm"
(Harm turned around abruptly to face her. Surprised at her presence he attempted to hide his tears, but his voice failed him.)
"M..Mack...?"
"Shush, I'm hear Harm."
"What? How?"
(Harm did not have the energy for more words and he let his defenses down. Slowly she engulfed him into her arms and he fell in willingly.)
"Just relax Harm". (She kissed the top of his head as he lay back in her arms) "We'll talk when you're ready" (Not having to strength or desire to speak, Harm stayed in her arms letting his tears come back into plane view. Mack stayed holding him even tighter knowing she was doing the right thing. No matter the confusion and distance between them at present, she knew that the place in her heart that he held would never be vacant).
"Stay...please" (He pleaded for her with the only words he could muster)
"I'm not going anywhere" (She vowed and held on to him as he let out the river of tears and pain he been holding in. As time slowly ticked away, Harm fell into a deep slumber and soon Mack with him still holding on tight as the lifeline that they were to each other.)
(About 6 hours later Harm awoke to find himself in her arms lying together in his bed. Slowly he remembered her coming to him and the few words she had spoken to him. His heart was suddenly a bit warmer than he remembered it being in almost a year. Then it struck him. The reason she was hear. He felt nauseous. Harm shot out of bed and ran into the bathroom Awaking Mack in the process Harm made it to the toilet before his insides let out their contents. Mack abruptly followed him to make sure he was ok.)
"Harm. Are you ok?" (Obviously not she thought mentally kicking herself)
"N..no. I'm not" (He stated. He wiped his face down with a wet cloth and turned to face her.)
"How did you know?" (He asked questioningly)
"Mattie called me. Don't be angry with her. She was scared...and so was I. I didn't know what was wrong and I didn't want to intrude, but I just felt you might need a friend."
"Thank you" (Plainly stated yet powerful, the admission solidified her reason for being there)
"I've never seen you like this Harm. Please tell me what happened."
"It's my parents..."
(Damn it she thought. Mattie wasn't wrong as she had hoped.) "What happened Harm? Where they in an accident?" (Hoping that it was simple)
"No..." (He paused and slowly took in a large breath) "...they were murdered"