TITLE: Revealing Souls
RATING: PG-13
PAIRING: Harm/Mac
DISCLAIMER: I do not own any parts of JAG, and I am not making any money off of this.
Author's Note: First chapter, many more to come. Again, no mention will be made of Mac's health problems, because it's just all yuck trying to make an accurate prediction right now. So not an issue. Hope you enjoy! Reviews Welcome!!!!
Chapter 1: Secrets of Change
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, VA
1000 EST
The conference room was quiet as Commander Harmon Rabb, Lieutenant Colonel Sarah Mackenzie, Commander Sturgis Turner, and Lieutenant Commander Bud Roberts waited patiently for the Admiral to arrive. Harm and Mac were sitting at one side while Bud and Sturgis sat on the other side of the table. Harm looked across the table at Bud, who was sitting very quietly. Bud rarely was quiet, especially lately. He always had stories to tell of his family, and he didn't hesitate to give updates on Harriet and her health with the pregnancy. All the JAG staff had wanted to hear it, of course, mainly to ensure that their friends were doing well. However, it also made Bud feel better, which was also important.
"What did you do last night, Bud?" Harm asked, trying to make conversation.
Bud looked over to the Commander. "Not much, sir. It was actually the first night this whole week I was home in time for dinner."
Mac smiled. "That's nice, Bud. There were never any 'dinner times' in my family." At this statement, Mac smiled a bit, sensing that time would soon come for her. It was the only thought, a thought of family, that made silent shivers go up her spine.
"I wish I could be there more often, though," Bud commented.
Harm nodded his agreement. "I know." He knew, certainly. Bud's pride in his family was amazing and admirable. It was something to be proud of, and Bud's inability to be there for his children and wife when he wanted to be had been difficult. It was difficult for anyone in the military.
Suddenly the door opening interrupted the conversation, and Admiral Krennick walked in. "Good morning, people."
"Morning, ma'am," Sturgis responded for all of them. Krennick. It wouldn't be difficult for Harm, Mac, Bud, or Sturgis to admit that they missed Chegwidden. They missed him quite a lot, and each day they had to deal with Krennick became another reminder as to the quality that Chegwidden brought to the position of JAG. No one could believe that Krennick was given the position, especially Harm. He remembered Krennick quite well, and remembered even more the discomfort that she would often give him. However, Harm had to be perfectly honest, ever since Krennick had become the new JAG, none of that had become an issue. In fact, it was a thing of the past.
Krennick quickly sat at the head of the table, setting the files down, and crossing her legs. Harm, Mac, Sturgis, and Bud just waited intently. "I have cases for a few of you. Commander Rabb, Colonel." Krennick gave them each a file, and they readily took it. "Last night, a Lance Corporal Sarah Knight was found dead at the United States Naval Base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba."
"Any suspects, ma'am?" Harm asked quickly.
Krennick shook her head. "No. I'm putting you two as investigators. What is of most interest is that a second Marine, Elizabeth Miller, was also found dead on the same base a week ago. However, no evidence suggested murder."
Mac's confusion was evident. "Did JAG officers investigate that murder, ma'am?" To not hear news of this was also strange to her. Mac usually heard many stories of her fellow Marines, mainly from JAG business, but also from fellow Marine friends. These stories she had not been informed of yet, and that a JAG officer probably investigated and nothing more was said instantly indicated cover-up.
Krennick nodded. "Just the one who was at the base at the time. His report suggested no foul play, rather suicide. This new case has arisen some attention. I've been asked to send my best, because this case has taken top priority."
"What are we to do with the cases we have now, ma'am?" Harm asked.
Krennick smiled. "That's where Commander Turner and Lieutenant Commander Roberts come in."
Bud nodded. "Yes, ma'am." Bud could only cringe, knowing this meant more time away from his family. Certainly he wouldn't back away from official JAG orders, but he had just gotten his desk and day in order to be home in time for dinner that night.
"Roberts, Turner, you two can go." They nodded, stood up quickly, and left. Krennick then glanced casually over at Harm and Mac. There was an air of seriousness about her that gave Mac the distinct impression that there was much more to this case than she was letting on. "This case came from the top. Congresswoman Bobbi Latham has made quite an issue of this and the suicide case. She intends to prove that the Navy and the Marines do not care what happens to their female sailors and soldiers. They told me to send my best. Don't disappoint me."
Harm and Mac stood up at attention. "Aye, aye, ma'am."
Krennick stood up, crossing her arms in front of her. "You leave for Cuba in two hours."
.....
Harm and Mac quickly left the conference room. "Well, we have 1 hour and 56 minutes to give our cases over to Bud and Sturgis, then go home and pack," Mac observed as they walked hurriedly towards the bullpen. Mac smiled, never failing to show her abilities as a Marine. She knew her unfailing sense of time impressed Harm, and awed him all at the same.
Harm smiled. "And I thought we were hurried."
As they entered the bullpen, Mac quickly glanced to Harm. "Break room, 5 minutes." She left his side quickly, and entered her office.
Harm watched her intently, but an insistent Bud broke his thoughts. "Sir, do you have any cases for me?"
Sighing, Harm nodded. "Yeah, actually. Follow me." They walked quickly over to Harm's office and entered because the door was already open. Harm went behind his desk searching quickly through his files. Luckily, at the moment he was only handling a few cases. He took the four cases he had and handed them to Bud. "There's only one in there that might go to trial. The others will probably be settled in some fashion, or won't need attention until I get back."
Bud smiled. "I'll put them in with mine, sir."
Harm returned the smile. "Thanks, Bud."
"Do you think you'll see Castro again?" Bud asked.
Harm laughed. "Hey, you never know." He then suddenly caught Mac walking towards the break room. "Well, I guess that's all you need." Harm tried to hide his eagerness as best as he could, unsure if he was doing a good job or if Bud even noticed.
Bud nodded, and began to leave. "Do you need me to get you anything, sir?"
Harm shook his head. "No, that's ok. I'm just going to get myself some coffee, look over some files before I leave."
"I'll get the coffee for you, sir!" Bud replied.
Harm kept walking him towards the door and out into the bullpen. "No, I'll get it. Thank you anyway." Sighing, Harm realized that was definitely a close call. He walked through the bullpen, not wanting to draw attention to his destination.
Stepping into the break room, he saw Mac standing at one of the counters, taking a drink of her juice and reading a file at the same time. Another officer was also getting himself a snack, and Harm walked over to the refrigerator, which was perpendicular to the counter, and opened its door to look inside. The officer wasn't paying much attention as he took his drink finally and left. Harm then leaned over and wrapped his arms around Mac from behind. Mac smiled. "Didn't take you long."
Harm wrapped his arms around her a little tighter. "I'm taking advantage of every opportunity." In fact, the month that they had been together had been the most opportunistic time of his life. Everything felt like it had fallen into place. Now being in the relationship that he had waited his whole life for, it seemed like his life was where it should be for the first time in years. Mac covered his arms with her own and leaned into him. "You don't suppose we could find some free time in Cuba, do you?" Harm asked mischievously.
Harm could feel Mac laugh lightly. "Maybe, if you're good." The interesting aspect of their relationship had been the initial nervousness they had when around each other for the first few weeks. As the weeks went by, however, it gradually became much easier. It had taken them a couple of months to get to this point after Mac lost Webb and Harm had lost Mattie, and those months were needed. Now they were finally at the same place, and they were at that place together. "What if I'm not good?" Harm asked, a hint of daring in his eye.
Mac turned around in his arms and wrapped her arms around his neck. Harm found himself constantly staring at her, wondering if she was the same Mac that had saved his six a dozen times. With her hair now long, despite being up during JAG hours, he found himself unable to keep his eyes off of her. She wasn't exactly different, but she wasn't the same, either. The transformation astounded him. "I'll have to do something about it. Lay down the law."
Harm smiled very widely as Mac bent forward to kiss him. He responded to her, deepening the kiss a bit. Having a Marine as a girlfriend had many positives. One of the most important was their ability to sense many different things happening around them. Without Mac feeling that 'sense', Harm and Mac would've been caught in this very compromising position. As luck had it, Mac heard those noises, and they swiftly released each other as Bud and Coates walked in.
"I told you, I'm sure everything is fine. I think Harriet is used to you working late," Coates said as she walked to the coffee. Harm was standing rather rigid next to the refrigerator in the tight space, while Mac stood next to him, turned toward the counter, trying very hard to create the image of concentration on the file before her rather than the man next to her.
Bud hardly noticed any of this tension. "I hope she does. I feel so horrible not being there."
Coates nodded as she filled her mug. "I'm sure she realizes that, Bud. Seriously, you just have to do the best you can, and remember that Harriet knows how much time this job takes." She suddenly looked to Harm and Mac, both whom seemed strange. Harm had been watching them, but his obvious discomfort was apparent. Mac pretended like she wasn't listening to anything, but there was an aura of nervousness.
Bud ruined Coates' concentration. "I'll make sure I get home early tonight."
Coates barely listened to him as she observed the two other officers. "Did we interrupt something?" Coates asked innocently.
Harm smirked. "No, no, of course not. We were just talking about ... Fidel Castro." His breathing was a little rigid and uneven, and he could see the small smile that crept across Mac's lips as she listened to his excuse. The warmth in the room turned his face red, yet Mac knew the redness was from more than just heat.
Bud smiled widely. "I'm telling you, sir, I'll bet you see him again." Harm could only thank God for Bud's inability to sense the awkwardness of situations like this.
Coates looked to Mac who finally turned around to look at all of them, already feeling the need to play along with Harm and Mac's attempt at hiding. I'm going to be harder to convince, Coates thought. "I love your hair, ma'am. I think it looks wonderful having it a bit longer." Mac nodded, smiling as she instinctively touched her hair, which was up. Even though she had been wearing it longer now, still few people noticed the change.
"Thank you, Jennifer," Mac replied, chancing a quick glance to Harm, whose eyes had suddenly drifted. "I have to get going ... get Sturgis my files, and pack." Mac smiled back at them, moved through the small space, purposefully brushing herself up against Harm as she walked by him, and was finally gone. Coates looked over to Harm, who was still standing there, his eyes glazed over as he watched the Colonel leave.
"We didn't mean to interrupt," Coates said again.
Harm shrugged. "You didn't." And then he left. Coates smiled, taking another sip of her coffee. Bud had been watching the whole episode in front of him, having no idea of what was happening.
Bud pursed his lips. "What was that all about?"
Coates shook her head. "Blind to love, Lieutenant?"
International Airlines
Washington to Havana, Cuba
1300 EST
Harm and Mac finally found their seats after having to wait an hour with delays. A rainstorm was invading the island of Cuba at the moment, making it difficult for any planes to leave or land. Mac took the window seat while Harm took the middle, and another woman took the seat next to Harm. The woman next to Harm looked to him, seeing a very handsome Navy officer, and smiled warmly. He just returned it, and then noticeably grabbed Mac's hand with his. The woman then turned away disappointed. Harm smirked and began to chuckle.
Mac felt Harm take her hand suddenly, and she looked to him. "What's wrong?"
Harm turned to her. "Nothing," he said, bringing his face to hers, "I just like to be able to hold my girlfriend's hand." Mac gripped his hand a little tighter, and gave him a quick kiss. She then leaned back into her seat, keeping their hands entwined together. They were not at JAG, they were not among the Washington public, and they didn't have to worry about getting caught. All Mac wanted to do was enjoy this moment of freedom, and she did so by holding onto his hand possessively. Once they landed they had to keep their feelings at bay, but right now she intended on showing affection.
Harm didn't argue as leaned back in his seat and was quickly asleep. Mac found herself looking through the case files, unable to really get a good nap in. She didn't mind airplanes, but she found it difficult to fall asleep on one unless she absolutely needed to. Often reading was the best way to survive a plane ride for her. Looking curiously over at Harm, she saw a calm in his sleeping face, which had now drifted more towards her side. Mac felt her hand in his, felt how perfect a fit it really was. Many of their friends at JAG had commented to both of them as to how content they seemed. The relationship was indeed a perfect match.
It was this thought that allowed her to close her eyes and to find herself laying her head gently against Harm's shoulder. Mac felt his head snuggle a bit against hers now, and sleep came quickly.
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
United States Naval Base
1800 EST
Sitting outside in the hot sun, Colonel Madison looked at the two JAG officers across the dinner table. The officers, Commander Harmon Rabb and Lieutenant Colonel Sarah Mackenzie, arrived an hour before, and now were enjoying dinner with him as they talked about the case. Madison had heard of the new JAG, Admiral Krennick, and also was aware that the two officers across from him were her two best. In fact, they were popular throughout the Navy and Marine world. Rabb was unpredictable; while Mackenzie was by the book, shoot from the hip type of lawyer. These two opposite traits were lethal in one lawyer let alone two. It was a perfect match.
This reputation only made him shift in his seat a bit, but nothing else. It would take much to scare him off. Two JAG lawyers who lived in the safety of Washington, D.C., ultimately under the protection of his Marines, were not welcome for too long. "I don't think this case will take you two too long. You should be back in Washington, save from the enemy, in no time," Madison replied, smiling a bit.
Harm took a drink of his water, and then looked up to the Colonel. "You should know, Colonel, that JAG has reopened the Private First Class Elizabeth Miller case. We intend on going through with a thorough investigation." Harm only hoped his statement might trigger a reaction, something to build on. There was reason to believe cover-up was looming around these two cases, and usually they started at the top.
The Colonel just huffed. "I don't know what you expect to find down here. Both were suicides. Now, it's not my problem when female soldiers can't take ... 'the heat' down here. Some women are just not meant to be Marine officers." The Colonel took a satisfying bite of his meat, giving them a stone look. Perhaps unbreakable, Harm reasoned.
Mac replied irritably, "Neither are men, sir, but I don't see any of them dead." Harm found it difficult to keep a straight face, knowing that Mac always found a way to get to officers if needed, especially if they were Marine officers.
Just as Harm began to see a few other reasons why he loved Mac so much, his thoughts were interrupted abruptly. "I couldn't agree more, Colonel Mackenzie." All three looked to see Congresswoman Bobbi Latham walking proudly towards their dinner table. "I hope I didn't miss much," she replied, looking to Harm and Mac with a smile. She had been very pleased to hear that both Rabb and Mackenzie were going to be investigating, edging her to come down to Cuba to be apart of the investigation herself.
Harm smiled at her quickly and looked away. Latham's presence could both help and hinder the investigation, and Harm knew it would most likely be the latter. In fact, not only would her presence affect their investigation, but it also had the potential to be troublesome concerning his relationship with Mac. For some reason, his current relationships and his past relationships always seemed to merge at the wrong time. As he mused about this, he glanced to Mac, seeing her trying to hide her contempt.
To Be Continued ...
Reviews Welcome!!!!
RATING: PG-13
PAIRING: Harm/Mac
DISCLAIMER: I do not own any parts of JAG, and I am not making any money off of this.
Author's Note: First chapter, many more to come. Again, no mention will be made of Mac's health problems, because it's just all yuck trying to make an accurate prediction right now. So not an issue. Hope you enjoy! Reviews Welcome!!!!
Chapter 1: Secrets of Change
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, VA
1000 EST
The conference room was quiet as Commander Harmon Rabb, Lieutenant Colonel Sarah Mackenzie, Commander Sturgis Turner, and Lieutenant Commander Bud Roberts waited patiently for the Admiral to arrive. Harm and Mac were sitting at one side while Bud and Sturgis sat on the other side of the table. Harm looked across the table at Bud, who was sitting very quietly. Bud rarely was quiet, especially lately. He always had stories to tell of his family, and he didn't hesitate to give updates on Harriet and her health with the pregnancy. All the JAG staff had wanted to hear it, of course, mainly to ensure that their friends were doing well. However, it also made Bud feel better, which was also important.
"What did you do last night, Bud?" Harm asked, trying to make conversation.
Bud looked over to the Commander. "Not much, sir. It was actually the first night this whole week I was home in time for dinner."
Mac smiled. "That's nice, Bud. There were never any 'dinner times' in my family." At this statement, Mac smiled a bit, sensing that time would soon come for her. It was the only thought, a thought of family, that made silent shivers go up her spine.
"I wish I could be there more often, though," Bud commented.
Harm nodded his agreement. "I know." He knew, certainly. Bud's pride in his family was amazing and admirable. It was something to be proud of, and Bud's inability to be there for his children and wife when he wanted to be had been difficult. It was difficult for anyone in the military.
Suddenly the door opening interrupted the conversation, and Admiral Krennick walked in. "Good morning, people."
"Morning, ma'am," Sturgis responded for all of them. Krennick. It wouldn't be difficult for Harm, Mac, Bud, or Sturgis to admit that they missed Chegwidden. They missed him quite a lot, and each day they had to deal with Krennick became another reminder as to the quality that Chegwidden brought to the position of JAG. No one could believe that Krennick was given the position, especially Harm. He remembered Krennick quite well, and remembered even more the discomfort that she would often give him. However, Harm had to be perfectly honest, ever since Krennick had become the new JAG, none of that had become an issue. In fact, it was a thing of the past.
Krennick quickly sat at the head of the table, setting the files down, and crossing her legs. Harm, Mac, Sturgis, and Bud just waited intently. "I have cases for a few of you. Commander Rabb, Colonel." Krennick gave them each a file, and they readily took it. "Last night, a Lance Corporal Sarah Knight was found dead at the United States Naval Base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba."
"Any suspects, ma'am?" Harm asked quickly.
Krennick shook her head. "No. I'm putting you two as investigators. What is of most interest is that a second Marine, Elizabeth Miller, was also found dead on the same base a week ago. However, no evidence suggested murder."
Mac's confusion was evident. "Did JAG officers investigate that murder, ma'am?" To not hear news of this was also strange to her. Mac usually heard many stories of her fellow Marines, mainly from JAG business, but also from fellow Marine friends. These stories she had not been informed of yet, and that a JAG officer probably investigated and nothing more was said instantly indicated cover-up.
Krennick nodded. "Just the one who was at the base at the time. His report suggested no foul play, rather suicide. This new case has arisen some attention. I've been asked to send my best, because this case has taken top priority."
"What are we to do with the cases we have now, ma'am?" Harm asked.
Krennick smiled. "That's where Commander Turner and Lieutenant Commander Roberts come in."
Bud nodded. "Yes, ma'am." Bud could only cringe, knowing this meant more time away from his family. Certainly he wouldn't back away from official JAG orders, but he had just gotten his desk and day in order to be home in time for dinner that night.
"Roberts, Turner, you two can go." They nodded, stood up quickly, and left. Krennick then glanced casually over at Harm and Mac. There was an air of seriousness about her that gave Mac the distinct impression that there was much more to this case than she was letting on. "This case came from the top. Congresswoman Bobbi Latham has made quite an issue of this and the suicide case. She intends to prove that the Navy and the Marines do not care what happens to their female sailors and soldiers. They told me to send my best. Don't disappoint me."
Harm and Mac stood up at attention. "Aye, aye, ma'am."
Krennick stood up, crossing her arms in front of her. "You leave for Cuba in two hours."
.....
Harm and Mac quickly left the conference room. "Well, we have 1 hour and 56 minutes to give our cases over to Bud and Sturgis, then go home and pack," Mac observed as they walked hurriedly towards the bullpen. Mac smiled, never failing to show her abilities as a Marine. She knew her unfailing sense of time impressed Harm, and awed him all at the same.
Harm smiled. "And I thought we were hurried."
As they entered the bullpen, Mac quickly glanced to Harm. "Break room, 5 minutes." She left his side quickly, and entered her office.
Harm watched her intently, but an insistent Bud broke his thoughts. "Sir, do you have any cases for me?"
Sighing, Harm nodded. "Yeah, actually. Follow me." They walked quickly over to Harm's office and entered because the door was already open. Harm went behind his desk searching quickly through his files. Luckily, at the moment he was only handling a few cases. He took the four cases he had and handed them to Bud. "There's only one in there that might go to trial. The others will probably be settled in some fashion, or won't need attention until I get back."
Bud smiled. "I'll put them in with mine, sir."
Harm returned the smile. "Thanks, Bud."
"Do you think you'll see Castro again?" Bud asked.
Harm laughed. "Hey, you never know." He then suddenly caught Mac walking towards the break room. "Well, I guess that's all you need." Harm tried to hide his eagerness as best as he could, unsure if he was doing a good job or if Bud even noticed.
Bud nodded, and began to leave. "Do you need me to get you anything, sir?"
Harm shook his head. "No, that's ok. I'm just going to get myself some coffee, look over some files before I leave."
"I'll get the coffee for you, sir!" Bud replied.
Harm kept walking him towards the door and out into the bullpen. "No, I'll get it. Thank you anyway." Sighing, Harm realized that was definitely a close call. He walked through the bullpen, not wanting to draw attention to his destination.
Stepping into the break room, he saw Mac standing at one of the counters, taking a drink of her juice and reading a file at the same time. Another officer was also getting himself a snack, and Harm walked over to the refrigerator, which was perpendicular to the counter, and opened its door to look inside. The officer wasn't paying much attention as he took his drink finally and left. Harm then leaned over and wrapped his arms around Mac from behind. Mac smiled. "Didn't take you long."
Harm wrapped his arms around her a little tighter. "I'm taking advantage of every opportunity." In fact, the month that they had been together had been the most opportunistic time of his life. Everything felt like it had fallen into place. Now being in the relationship that he had waited his whole life for, it seemed like his life was where it should be for the first time in years. Mac covered his arms with her own and leaned into him. "You don't suppose we could find some free time in Cuba, do you?" Harm asked mischievously.
Harm could feel Mac laugh lightly. "Maybe, if you're good." The interesting aspect of their relationship had been the initial nervousness they had when around each other for the first few weeks. As the weeks went by, however, it gradually became much easier. It had taken them a couple of months to get to this point after Mac lost Webb and Harm had lost Mattie, and those months were needed. Now they were finally at the same place, and they were at that place together. "What if I'm not good?" Harm asked, a hint of daring in his eye.
Mac turned around in his arms and wrapped her arms around his neck. Harm found himself constantly staring at her, wondering if she was the same Mac that had saved his six a dozen times. With her hair now long, despite being up during JAG hours, he found himself unable to keep his eyes off of her. She wasn't exactly different, but she wasn't the same, either. The transformation astounded him. "I'll have to do something about it. Lay down the law."
Harm smiled very widely as Mac bent forward to kiss him. He responded to her, deepening the kiss a bit. Having a Marine as a girlfriend had many positives. One of the most important was their ability to sense many different things happening around them. Without Mac feeling that 'sense', Harm and Mac would've been caught in this very compromising position. As luck had it, Mac heard those noises, and they swiftly released each other as Bud and Coates walked in.
"I told you, I'm sure everything is fine. I think Harriet is used to you working late," Coates said as she walked to the coffee. Harm was standing rather rigid next to the refrigerator in the tight space, while Mac stood next to him, turned toward the counter, trying very hard to create the image of concentration on the file before her rather than the man next to her.
Bud hardly noticed any of this tension. "I hope she does. I feel so horrible not being there."
Coates nodded as she filled her mug. "I'm sure she realizes that, Bud. Seriously, you just have to do the best you can, and remember that Harriet knows how much time this job takes." She suddenly looked to Harm and Mac, both whom seemed strange. Harm had been watching them, but his obvious discomfort was apparent. Mac pretended like she wasn't listening to anything, but there was an aura of nervousness.
Bud ruined Coates' concentration. "I'll make sure I get home early tonight."
Coates barely listened to him as she observed the two other officers. "Did we interrupt something?" Coates asked innocently.
Harm smirked. "No, no, of course not. We were just talking about ... Fidel Castro." His breathing was a little rigid and uneven, and he could see the small smile that crept across Mac's lips as she listened to his excuse. The warmth in the room turned his face red, yet Mac knew the redness was from more than just heat.
Bud smiled widely. "I'm telling you, sir, I'll bet you see him again." Harm could only thank God for Bud's inability to sense the awkwardness of situations like this.
Coates looked to Mac who finally turned around to look at all of them, already feeling the need to play along with Harm and Mac's attempt at hiding. I'm going to be harder to convince, Coates thought. "I love your hair, ma'am. I think it looks wonderful having it a bit longer." Mac nodded, smiling as she instinctively touched her hair, which was up. Even though she had been wearing it longer now, still few people noticed the change.
"Thank you, Jennifer," Mac replied, chancing a quick glance to Harm, whose eyes had suddenly drifted. "I have to get going ... get Sturgis my files, and pack." Mac smiled back at them, moved through the small space, purposefully brushing herself up against Harm as she walked by him, and was finally gone. Coates looked over to Harm, who was still standing there, his eyes glazed over as he watched the Colonel leave.
"We didn't mean to interrupt," Coates said again.
Harm shrugged. "You didn't." And then he left. Coates smiled, taking another sip of her coffee. Bud had been watching the whole episode in front of him, having no idea of what was happening.
Bud pursed his lips. "What was that all about?"
Coates shook her head. "Blind to love, Lieutenant?"
International Airlines
Washington to Havana, Cuba
1300 EST
Harm and Mac finally found their seats after having to wait an hour with delays. A rainstorm was invading the island of Cuba at the moment, making it difficult for any planes to leave or land. Mac took the window seat while Harm took the middle, and another woman took the seat next to Harm. The woman next to Harm looked to him, seeing a very handsome Navy officer, and smiled warmly. He just returned it, and then noticeably grabbed Mac's hand with his. The woman then turned away disappointed. Harm smirked and began to chuckle.
Mac felt Harm take her hand suddenly, and she looked to him. "What's wrong?"
Harm turned to her. "Nothing," he said, bringing his face to hers, "I just like to be able to hold my girlfriend's hand." Mac gripped his hand a little tighter, and gave him a quick kiss. She then leaned back into her seat, keeping their hands entwined together. They were not at JAG, they were not among the Washington public, and they didn't have to worry about getting caught. All Mac wanted to do was enjoy this moment of freedom, and she did so by holding onto his hand possessively. Once they landed they had to keep their feelings at bay, but right now she intended on showing affection.
Harm didn't argue as leaned back in his seat and was quickly asleep. Mac found herself looking through the case files, unable to really get a good nap in. She didn't mind airplanes, but she found it difficult to fall asleep on one unless she absolutely needed to. Often reading was the best way to survive a plane ride for her. Looking curiously over at Harm, she saw a calm in his sleeping face, which had now drifted more towards her side. Mac felt her hand in his, felt how perfect a fit it really was. Many of their friends at JAG had commented to both of them as to how content they seemed. The relationship was indeed a perfect match.
It was this thought that allowed her to close her eyes and to find herself laying her head gently against Harm's shoulder. Mac felt his head snuggle a bit against hers now, and sleep came quickly.
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
United States Naval Base
1800 EST
Sitting outside in the hot sun, Colonel Madison looked at the two JAG officers across the dinner table. The officers, Commander Harmon Rabb and Lieutenant Colonel Sarah Mackenzie, arrived an hour before, and now were enjoying dinner with him as they talked about the case. Madison had heard of the new JAG, Admiral Krennick, and also was aware that the two officers across from him were her two best. In fact, they were popular throughout the Navy and Marine world. Rabb was unpredictable; while Mackenzie was by the book, shoot from the hip type of lawyer. These two opposite traits were lethal in one lawyer let alone two. It was a perfect match.
This reputation only made him shift in his seat a bit, but nothing else. It would take much to scare him off. Two JAG lawyers who lived in the safety of Washington, D.C., ultimately under the protection of his Marines, were not welcome for too long. "I don't think this case will take you two too long. You should be back in Washington, save from the enemy, in no time," Madison replied, smiling a bit.
Harm took a drink of his water, and then looked up to the Colonel. "You should know, Colonel, that JAG has reopened the Private First Class Elizabeth Miller case. We intend on going through with a thorough investigation." Harm only hoped his statement might trigger a reaction, something to build on. There was reason to believe cover-up was looming around these two cases, and usually they started at the top.
The Colonel just huffed. "I don't know what you expect to find down here. Both were suicides. Now, it's not my problem when female soldiers can't take ... 'the heat' down here. Some women are just not meant to be Marine officers." The Colonel took a satisfying bite of his meat, giving them a stone look. Perhaps unbreakable, Harm reasoned.
Mac replied irritably, "Neither are men, sir, but I don't see any of them dead." Harm found it difficult to keep a straight face, knowing that Mac always found a way to get to officers if needed, especially if they were Marine officers.
Just as Harm began to see a few other reasons why he loved Mac so much, his thoughts were interrupted abruptly. "I couldn't agree more, Colonel Mackenzie." All three looked to see Congresswoman Bobbi Latham walking proudly towards their dinner table. "I hope I didn't miss much," she replied, looking to Harm and Mac with a smile. She had been very pleased to hear that both Rabb and Mackenzie were going to be investigating, edging her to come down to Cuba to be apart of the investigation herself.
Harm smiled at her quickly and looked away. Latham's presence could both help and hinder the investigation, and Harm knew it would most likely be the latter. In fact, not only would her presence affect their investigation, but it also had the potential to be troublesome concerning his relationship with Mac. For some reason, his current relationships and his past relationships always seemed to merge at the wrong time. As he mused about this, he glanced to Mac, seeing her trying to hide her contempt.
To Be Continued ...
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