Title : Where The Sea Meets The Sky
Author : Jaggie 107
Disclaimer : JAG characters belong to DPB, CBS and Paramount. 'Sue Thomas, F.B.Eye' belongs to PAX TV - and I hope all parties will allow me to have fun for a little while, and replace them all when I'm done. Thank you. (Here's the disclaimer for NCIS, as above...I'll leave it in for the rest of the story; makes life easier when I need to 'borrow' Gibbs and his team!)
Rating : G to PG-13
Thanks go to cbw, jtbwriter, beegirl, katydid13, ninjaturtle, capriceann, starryeyes10, kirsten, soonerfan, another tracy, tomcat-all, lori4, carol, eliv.thade, alicia5, fragmentpieces, kesh, claysmvl, chicmns, skyefire, tammy-jet, abigaile, kjflygirl87, anna7, nikki, jbird7986, angelab, pineapplehead, rosa, manda, rinkrat, bard2003, laura carr, tj, sahc, kstorm, arian04, deb, lisa brown, smithknk, cmaf, cj, manda may, dd2, firedevil, youngest knight, soleil2, guitarvixen, anaika skywalker, soprano and winjan for their reviews. As before, any reviewers I miss between posts will be added to the list for the next chapter!
Replies to previous chapter reviews :
soprano Hello and welcome to the story! Thank you so much for your review. I've answered your STFBEye query via email, and will keep you posted on that. Thanks again, and please keep reading!
skyefire Apparently the Admiral lives in McLean Virginia, so now we both know! Thank you so much for your support, and please keep reading.
anaika skywalker Thanks for the heads up on the Admiral. Watch out for it in future stories/chapters! Glad the explanation on the 'wedding' works - it seemed a good idea at the time! Thanks so much for your support, and please keep reading!
jbird7986 Thanks so much for your support, and please keep reading!
winjan Hello and welcome to the story! Thank you so much for your review, and the heads up on the Admiral. Much appreciated! :o)
nikki Give me more! You and your fellow readers/reviewers are my inspiration! Thanks so much for your support, and please keep reading!
manda may Thanks for the heads up on the Admiral, much appreciated. Watch out for it in future stories/chapters. Glad to hear you're being 'extra' good - that gets you the next chapter! Thanks for your support, and please keep reading!
deb Hee, hee! I went back myself and read the chapters, and it does come together when you read it 'after the fact'! I was tickled pink to read that I'd fooled so many of you! Maybe there'd be a future in this writing business if I decided to give up the day job! Thanks so much for your support, and please keep reading!
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FAMILY COURT
WASHINGTON DC
ONE WEEK LATER
FRIDAY MORNING
"All rise." The clerk of court announced as the judge took her seat and banged the gavel on the desk.
"Please, be seated." As the judge raised her head to glance around the room she noted Harm's presence, and Tom Johnson's absence. Looking pointedly at the plaintiff's lawyer, she began to speak.
"Is your client likely to put in an appearance, counselor?"
"Yes, Your Honor. He...went to the men's room. He is here, Your Honor."
"Very we..." The judge was interrupted as the doors to the courtroom were pushed open, almost knocking the attending officer down as he was caught by surprise.
"Your Honor...please, I'm here...I..." Tom Johnson stumbled into the room, and although he was dressed suitably, his garments were dishevelled. "Your Honor, Mattie is mine. I should be the one she is living with..."
"Mr Johnson!" The judge stood up and leaned over her desk as Tom Johnson made his way towards his lawyer, talking as he went, and ignoring the judge as he did so.
"Did you tell her? Did you tell her that...that these two...were, are...living together?"
"Sit down!" The lawyer hissed, pushing Tom down into the chair beside him, and attempting to straighten the crooked tie. Tom pushed his hand away and got to his feet, turning to look at Mattie.
"Tell her, Mattie! Tell her you want to come home..."
Mattie looked terrified, and Harm reached for her hand, a gesture noted by the judge.
"Mr Johnson, if you don't sit down, I will have you removed from this court and you will face charges issued by me! Is that clear?"
"Your Honor, ma'am...this isn't fair...she, Mattie, she's mine!"
"Mr Johnson, I have some things to tell you this morning. Are you prepared to sit down and listen to what I have to say?"
"Yes, ma'am, Your Honor, ma'am..." Tom rambled, and Mattie leaned into Harm's shoulder, tears in her eyes.
"Sit down, Mr Johnson!"
Tom sat in the chair beside his lawyer, but his eyes were on Mattie.
The judge decided to address her comments to Mattie instead of her father. A fact that made Harm sit up straighter in his seat, Mattie's hand still in his.
"Miss Grace, your guardian, Captain Rabb, and his wife, the Colonel, came to see me yesterday. Pending my decision today, they gave me a number of papers to view, including your emancipation request, and your adoption papers to be finalized. They also told me of your decision to attend the Naval Academy. Is that still your intent? To join the Navy?"
"Yes, Your Honor." Mattie's voice came out clear, even though she still had tears in her eyes following her father's rantings.
"Very well. I have reviewed your progress over the last six months, and I'm very pleased with what I have read. You have been given the chance to be a teenager, and at the same time the Captain has given you an independence that speaks of his respect for you, and your previous circumstances. I take it you think that he has learned a lot too."
Mattie grinned. "Yes, Your Honor. It hasn't always been easy for either of us, but we're doing okay."
"Yes, you are."
"Your Honor?" Mattie was unsure as she spoke, and the judge smiled at her.
"It's okay, Mattie. I have the pleasure in granting Captain Rabb sole custody of you, in place of Thomas Johnson, and as your emancipation request has been granted also, you do not need Mr Johnson to give up his parental rights in order for your adoption to go through either. So, congratulations Miss Rabb, and I hope you and your new 'family' are happy. There will be no further court appearances necessary, at least not in my court." Mattie nodded and smiled. The judge spoke again. "This court is adjourned."
"Thank you!" Mattie threw her arms around Harm and hugged him tightly, a gesture which was returned. Both of them were crying, as were Mac and Harriet. Behind them there were a few more wet faces too.
The judge turned to the plaintiff's table to find the lawyer leaning across to his client.
"Is there a problem with Mr Johnson?" asked the judge. "Is he ill?"
"No, Your Honor. Mr Johnson has passed out. He's drunk."
At those words Mattie pulled back from Harm and looked over his shoulder. Harm got to his feet and Mattie rose with him. Mac came to stand beside them, and Mattie looked from them to her father and back again.
"What will happen now, Harm?"
"He'll be taken back to the rehab center to sober up, Mattie. If you want to see him after that, I'll take you."
Mattie nodded, and then hid her face in Harm's shoulder as her father was helped from the court. Once he had been taken outside, the small party of people in support of Harm and Mac came forward to offer their congratulations. Even Stuart Dunstan was there. Harm looked straight at him, and Dunstan shook his head - an unspoken assurance that he wouldn't embarrass Mattie by reporting anything about her father. In addition to Dunstan, there was another familiar face. Blaise Purcell had contacted Mac when Mattie had emailed him about the first court appearance being adjourned, and with Mac's - and subsequently Harm's - approval, he had surprised Mattie before they had entered the courtroom.
Now, as the judge got to her feet, Harm and Mac stood close to Mattie, each holding her hand. This did not go unnoticed by the judge, and she knew she had done the right thing in giving custody to the naval officer and his wife.
"Mattie, I hope you find some way to reach your father. It wasn't quite how I pictured this case ending, but I'm glad of the outcome. You have quite a family here, and one that many would envy. Let them help you sort things out, as Captain Rabb obviously has been able to do so far."
"Yes, Your Honor. Thank you."
"Thank 'you', Miss Rabb. It has been a pleasure."
Harm and Mac shook hands with the judge, as did Mattie, and then they left the courtroom as a happy group. The judge and her clerk of court smiled at each other - it was usual court etiquette for the judge to leave first, but on this occasion, it was overlooked.
"You know, cases like this are what make my job worthwhile," murmured the judge, still smiling.
"Yes, your Honor," returned the clerk, smiling too.
ROBERTS' RESIDENCE
ROSSLYN
VIRGINIA
FRIDAY EVENING
The barbecue was underway as Mac found Harriet talking to Sue on the back porch. The two younger women grinned at their friend, and spoke up together as Mac approached.
"Well, if it isn't Mrs Rabb," they chorused, and Mac laughed. "So, girlfriend, where's that hunky husband of yours?"
"Red light, Lieutenant," Mac waved a warning finger, but Harriet shook her head.
"Not here, Mac. My house, my party, my rules..."
"And the rules are?" Mac went along with Harriet, quite happy, and not in the least interested in being anything but the wife of said 'hunky husband', and mother-to-be of his children.
"I get to ask anything I like about any man I want," Harriet announced, and both Mac and Sue looked at each other, and then at Harriet, and then burst into laughter at her expression.
"Hey, I may be married, but I'm not dead! I have a healthy interest in the opposite sex, and I can look even if I don't touch!"
"That's true," Sue defended Harriet, and Mac nodded.
"Harm's with Mattie," Mac informed Harriet, and all three women looked over to where Harm sat on the grass, Mattie beside him with her head on his shoulder, his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close.
"Don't you just love the man?" Harriet mused, and Mac nodded, smiling. As Harriet realized just what she'd said, she laughed. "Oh, my, I'm sorry...I just can't help it! I guess I'm a little bit in love with your husband, Mac."
"That's okay, Harriet. I love yours, too!" Mac laughed at her friend's shocked expression, and then Harriet nodded in agreement, before turning to Sue.
"As for your fiancé, Sue..." Harriet's voice dropped to a husky purr, and while Sue couldn't hear the change in Harriet's voice, she could see it in her face and she smiled as she waited for Harriet's comment.
"He's got the most sinfully long, thick and dark eyelashes I've ever seen on a man!"
"I know," Sue replied, a smug look on her face, and both Harriet and Mac laughed this time. As Mac settled herself in a chair on the porch, Harriet asked another question.
"Mac, does Clayton Webb know you're pregnant?"
Mac turned a surprised look on Harriet as she spoke.
"Webb? Why would you ask about him?"
"I saw him in JAG Ops this week."
"He escorted Lieutenant Commander Glennan back from the Sea Hawk. As the man is Navy, he brought him to JAG so that we could transfer him to the brig."
"You're avoiding the question, Mac."
"Yes, he knows I'm pregnant," Mac answered, and then smiled as she remembered just how Webb had discovered her condition.
[Flashback ]
Harm stood in front of Mac, in her office, discussing Glennan's case. The Admiral had assigned Harm as prosecution, and Sturgis was defending. As Mac had spent some time with the man, travelling out to the carrier with him, Harm was getting her opinion on behavior.
"You have one problem, Harm. You can't charge him with murder. Technically Carson is dead, and by his own admission Glennan orchestrated it along with Carson's family in the Gulf, but ethically you can't send him to prison on a murder charge when the person concerned is still alive."
"Then we have to make our case on intent. It won't be as long a sentence, but he might buy a plea bargain from Sturgis in place of a murder charge."
"As long as he doesn't become suspicious that Carson may still be alive."
"Don't worry, I'll make sure he doesn't. Besides which, I don't think Glennan's mind is that devious. He allowed himself to be the fall guy for Carson's family, and they won't want to be tied to him now. There's no reason for them to contact him again, so he's on his own, and once that settles in, he'll be happy to take a lesser sentence."
"Maybe Sturgis could tell him he is facing murder charges, and then tell him that you're willing to deal a lesser charge if he gives up names of Carson's family?" Mac suggested, but Harm shook his head.
"If he decides to play martyr and refuse to give up names, we wouldn't be able to drop the charge without him being suspicious then."
"I guess not," Mac nodded in agreement, and then suddenly looked up in surprise as another voice came from behind Harm. Looking first at Harm and then behind him at Clayton Webb, she brought her gaze back to her husband, who winked at her and gave her a wide smile. Mac grinned in response, and nodded, knowing full well that once Harm moved out of the way, Webb wouldn't be able to see past the bulge of her stomach, and the rings on her left hand.
"Rabb, if you don't mind, I'd like to talk with Sarah, alone."
"Mac?" Harm queried, but his smile deflected his tone.
"It's all right, Harm. Go ask Sturgis about the deal, and let me know what Glennan says."
"Will do." Harm moved away from Mac, having dropped his hand down the front of her jacket. Mac bit her lip at the sensations the movement of his hand provoked in her, but Webb took it as a sign of anxiety, and he stepped forward as Harm walked out of the office and closed the door. Harm couldn't help the snort of laughter he emitted as he heard Webb's voice just before he closed the door.
"Jesus, Sarah! You're pregnant!"
"Hello to you, too, Clay." Mac's response was said on a laugh, and as Webb tried to draw his gaze from her stomach to her face, she waited, resting her hand on the bump in her uniform jacket.
"Rabb's?"
"Of course."
"Why?"
"Oh, for God's sake! Why did you come in here, Clay?"
"To ask you for another chance for us."
"You're joking, right?"
"No."
"Clay, I'm pregnant, with twins, and..."
"I'm sure Rabb would be happy to have custody..."
"I'm happily married." Mac finished her sentence. Webb paled visibly as she held up her left hand, showing the rings on her third finger.
"I...don't know what to say."
"Then I guess it's time for you to go, Clay."
"Why him?"
"Clay, don't do this," Mac implored.
"Can't you just tell me why?"
"No, because whatever I say, it will never be enough for you. I think it's time for you to leave. If you want to discuss anything other than Harm and I, I'll be happy to meet with you again, but I don't want to have another conversation like this."
"Which came first, the wedding or the kids?"
Mac's hand connected with Webb's face at the same time as Harm walked into her office. His face reflected his concern for her, moreso as Webb put out a hand to hold her arm.
"Let her go, Webb." It was said in a low tone, but it was all the more menacing as Harm didn't make a move to touch either Webb or Mac.
Mac looked from Webb to the hand holding her arm, which he released reluctantly, and then to her husband. When she looked back at Webb her expression was cold.
"I retract what I just said. If you have any other business with this office, I suggest you contact the Admiral directly. I will advise him of your behavior toward me, and if he sees fit to include me in any queries you have, I will ensure that I am not alone in your company at any time."
"That wouldn't be necessary, Sarah. I would never hurt you."
Mac smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. Harm waited for her rejoinder, knowing that she had something to add.
"I was thinking more of the fact that I might hurt you. Now, I want you to leave my office."
"Sarah..." Webb tried once more. Harm shut his eyes briefly, wondering why Webb just didn't know when to give in. When he opened them again, the door was closed, and he and Mac were alone.
"Permission to ask the Captain for a hug?" Mac asked, already reaching for Harm, and he obliged willingly, without uttering a word. As Webb walked away from Mac's office he looked back, and his last vision was of her in Harm's embrace.
[End Flashback]
"So, did he say anything?" Harriet persisted, and Mac shook her head.
"Are you ladies talking about us 'again'," Harm asked, as he, Bud and Jack walked up to the porch, looking at their respective partners.
"We plead the Fifth," stated Harriet, looking at Mac with a wink, and they both knew with tacit agreement that Webb was a closed chapter in Mac's life. As Sue shrugged her shoulders she smiled at Jack.
"I didn't hear a thing!" she said, and everyone laughed.
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To be continued
Author : Jaggie 107
Disclaimer : JAG characters belong to DPB, CBS and Paramount. 'Sue Thomas, F.B.Eye' belongs to PAX TV - and I hope all parties will allow me to have fun for a little while, and replace them all when I'm done. Thank you. (Here's the disclaimer for NCIS, as above...I'll leave it in for the rest of the story; makes life easier when I need to 'borrow' Gibbs and his team!)
Rating : G to PG-13
Thanks go to cbw, jtbwriter, beegirl, katydid13, ninjaturtle, capriceann, starryeyes10, kirsten, soonerfan, another tracy, tomcat-all, lori4, carol, eliv.thade, alicia5, fragmentpieces, kesh, claysmvl, chicmns, skyefire, tammy-jet, abigaile, kjflygirl87, anna7, nikki, jbird7986, angelab, pineapplehead, rosa, manda, rinkrat, bard2003, laura carr, tj, sahc, kstorm, arian04, deb, lisa brown, smithknk, cmaf, cj, manda may, dd2, firedevil, youngest knight, soleil2, guitarvixen, anaika skywalker, soprano and winjan for their reviews. As before, any reviewers I miss between posts will be added to the list for the next chapter!
Replies to previous chapter reviews :
soprano Hello and welcome to the story! Thank you so much for your review. I've answered your STFBEye query via email, and will keep you posted on that. Thanks again, and please keep reading!
skyefire Apparently the Admiral lives in McLean Virginia, so now we both know! Thank you so much for your support, and please keep reading.
anaika skywalker Thanks for the heads up on the Admiral. Watch out for it in future stories/chapters! Glad the explanation on the 'wedding' works - it seemed a good idea at the time! Thanks so much for your support, and please keep reading!
jbird7986 Thanks so much for your support, and please keep reading!
winjan Hello and welcome to the story! Thank you so much for your review, and the heads up on the Admiral. Much appreciated! :o)
nikki Give me more! You and your fellow readers/reviewers are my inspiration! Thanks so much for your support, and please keep reading!
manda may Thanks for the heads up on the Admiral, much appreciated. Watch out for it in future stories/chapters. Glad to hear you're being 'extra' good - that gets you the next chapter! Thanks for your support, and please keep reading!
deb Hee, hee! I went back myself and read the chapters, and it does come together when you read it 'after the fact'! I was tickled pink to read that I'd fooled so many of you! Maybe there'd be a future in this writing business if I decided to give up the day job! Thanks so much for your support, and please keep reading!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FAMILY COURT
WASHINGTON DC
ONE WEEK LATER
FRIDAY MORNING
"All rise." The clerk of court announced as the judge took her seat and banged the gavel on the desk.
"Please, be seated." As the judge raised her head to glance around the room she noted Harm's presence, and Tom Johnson's absence. Looking pointedly at the plaintiff's lawyer, she began to speak.
"Is your client likely to put in an appearance, counselor?"
"Yes, Your Honor. He...went to the men's room. He is here, Your Honor."
"Very we..." The judge was interrupted as the doors to the courtroom were pushed open, almost knocking the attending officer down as he was caught by surprise.
"Your Honor...please, I'm here...I..." Tom Johnson stumbled into the room, and although he was dressed suitably, his garments were dishevelled. "Your Honor, Mattie is mine. I should be the one she is living with..."
"Mr Johnson!" The judge stood up and leaned over her desk as Tom Johnson made his way towards his lawyer, talking as he went, and ignoring the judge as he did so.
"Did you tell her? Did you tell her that...that these two...were, are...living together?"
"Sit down!" The lawyer hissed, pushing Tom down into the chair beside him, and attempting to straighten the crooked tie. Tom pushed his hand away and got to his feet, turning to look at Mattie.
"Tell her, Mattie! Tell her you want to come home..."
Mattie looked terrified, and Harm reached for her hand, a gesture noted by the judge.
"Mr Johnson, if you don't sit down, I will have you removed from this court and you will face charges issued by me! Is that clear?"
"Your Honor, ma'am...this isn't fair...she, Mattie, she's mine!"
"Mr Johnson, I have some things to tell you this morning. Are you prepared to sit down and listen to what I have to say?"
"Yes, ma'am, Your Honor, ma'am..." Tom rambled, and Mattie leaned into Harm's shoulder, tears in her eyes.
"Sit down, Mr Johnson!"
Tom sat in the chair beside his lawyer, but his eyes were on Mattie.
The judge decided to address her comments to Mattie instead of her father. A fact that made Harm sit up straighter in his seat, Mattie's hand still in his.
"Miss Grace, your guardian, Captain Rabb, and his wife, the Colonel, came to see me yesterday. Pending my decision today, they gave me a number of papers to view, including your emancipation request, and your adoption papers to be finalized. They also told me of your decision to attend the Naval Academy. Is that still your intent? To join the Navy?"
"Yes, Your Honor." Mattie's voice came out clear, even though she still had tears in her eyes following her father's rantings.
"Very well. I have reviewed your progress over the last six months, and I'm very pleased with what I have read. You have been given the chance to be a teenager, and at the same time the Captain has given you an independence that speaks of his respect for you, and your previous circumstances. I take it you think that he has learned a lot too."
Mattie grinned. "Yes, Your Honor. It hasn't always been easy for either of us, but we're doing okay."
"Yes, you are."
"Your Honor?" Mattie was unsure as she spoke, and the judge smiled at her.
"It's okay, Mattie. I have the pleasure in granting Captain Rabb sole custody of you, in place of Thomas Johnson, and as your emancipation request has been granted also, you do not need Mr Johnson to give up his parental rights in order for your adoption to go through either. So, congratulations Miss Rabb, and I hope you and your new 'family' are happy. There will be no further court appearances necessary, at least not in my court." Mattie nodded and smiled. The judge spoke again. "This court is adjourned."
"Thank you!" Mattie threw her arms around Harm and hugged him tightly, a gesture which was returned. Both of them were crying, as were Mac and Harriet. Behind them there were a few more wet faces too.
The judge turned to the plaintiff's table to find the lawyer leaning across to his client.
"Is there a problem with Mr Johnson?" asked the judge. "Is he ill?"
"No, Your Honor. Mr Johnson has passed out. He's drunk."
At those words Mattie pulled back from Harm and looked over his shoulder. Harm got to his feet and Mattie rose with him. Mac came to stand beside them, and Mattie looked from them to her father and back again.
"What will happen now, Harm?"
"He'll be taken back to the rehab center to sober up, Mattie. If you want to see him after that, I'll take you."
Mattie nodded, and then hid her face in Harm's shoulder as her father was helped from the court. Once he had been taken outside, the small party of people in support of Harm and Mac came forward to offer their congratulations. Even Stuart Dunstan was there. Harm looked straight at him, and Dunstan shook his head - an unspoken assurance that he wouldn't embarrass Mattie by reporting anything about her father. In addition to Dunstan, there was another familiar face. Blaise Purcell had contacted Mac when Mattie had emailed him about the first court appearance being adjourned, and with Mac's - and subsequently Harm's - approval, he had surprised Mattie before they had entered the courtroom.
Now, as the judge got to her feet, Harm and Mac stood close to Mattie, each holding her hand. This did not go unnoticed by the judge, and she knew she had done the right thing in giving custody to the naval officer and his wife.
"Mattie, I hope you find some way to reach your father. It wasn't quite how I pictured this case ending, but I'm glad of the outcome. You have quite a family here, and one that many would envy. Let them help you sort things out, as Captain Rabb obviously has been able to do so far."
"Yes, Your Honor. Thank you."
"Thank 'you', Miss Rabb. It has been a pleasure."
Harm and Mac shook hands with the judge, as did Mattie, and then they left the courtroom as a happy group. The judge and her clerk of court smiled at each other - it was usual court etiquette for the judge to leave first, but on this occasion, it was overlooked.
"You know, cases like this are what make my job worthwhile," murmured the judge, still smiling.
"Yes, your Honor," returned the clerk, smiling too.
ROBERTS' RESIDENCE
ROSSLYN
VIRGINIA
FRIDAY EVENING
The barbecue was underway as Mac found Harriet talking to Sue on the back porch. The two younger women grinned at their friend, and spoke up together as Mac approached.
"Well, if it isn't Mrs Rabb," they chorused, and Mac laughed. "So, girlfriend, where's that hunky husband of yours?"
"Red light, Lieutenant," Mac waved a warning finger, but Harriet shook her head.
"Not here, Mac. My house, my party, my rules..."
"And the rules are?" Mac went along with Harriet, quite happy, and not in the least interested in being anything but the wife of said 'hunky husband', and mother-to-be of his children.
"I get to ask anything I like about any man I want," Harriet announced, and both Mac and Sue looked at each other, and then at Harriet, and then burst into laughter at her expression.
"Hey, I may be married, but I'm not dead! I have a healthy interest in the opposite sex, and I can look even if I don't touch!"
"That's true," Sue defended Harriet, and Mac nodded.
"Harm's with Mattie," Mac informed Harriet, and all three women looked over to where Harm sat on the grass, Mattie beside him with her head on his shoulder, his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close.
"Don't you just love the man?" Harriet mused, and Mac nodded, smiling. As Harriet realized just what she'd said, she laughed. "Oh, my, I'm sorry...I just can't help it! I guess I'm a little bit in love with your husband, Mac."
"That's okay, Harriet. I love yours, too!" Mac laughed at her friend's shocked expression, and then Harriet nodded in agreement, before turning to Sue.
"As for your fiancé, Sue..." Harriet's voice dropped to a husky purr, and while Sue couldn't hear the change in Harriet's voice, she could see it in her face and she smiled as she waited for Harriet's comment.
"He's got the most sinfully long, thick and dark eyelashes I've ever seen on a man!"
"I know," Sue replied, a smug look on her face, and both Harriet and Mac laughed this time. As Mac settled herself in a chair on the porch, Harriet asked another question.
"Mac, does Clayton Webb know you're pregnant?"
Mac turned a surprised look on Harriet as she spoke.
"Webb? Why would you ask about him?"
"I saw him in JAG Ops this week."
"He escorted Lieutenant Commander Glennan back from the Sea Hawk. As the man is Navy, he brought him to JAG so that we could transfer him to the brig."
"You're avoiding the question, Mac."
"Yes, he knows I'm pregnant," Mac answered, and then smiled as she remembered just how Webb had discovered her condition.
[Flashback ]
Harm stood in front of Mac, in her office, discussing Glennan's case. The Admiral had assigned Harm as prosecution, and Sturgis was defending. As Mac had spent some time with the man, travelling out to the carrier with him, Harm was getting her opinion on behavior.
"You have one problem, Harm. You can't charge him with murder. Technically Carson is dead, and by his own admission Glennan orchestrated it along with Carson's family in the Gulf, but ethically you can't send him to prison on a murder charge when the person concerned is still alive."
"Then we have to make our case on intent. It won't be as long a sentence, but he might buy a plea bargain from Sturgis in place of a murder charge."
"As long as he doesn't become suspicious that Carson may still be alive."
"Don't worry, I'll make sure he doesn't. Besides which, I don't think Glennan's mind is that devious. He allowed himself to be the fall guy for Carson's family, and they won't want to be tied to him now. There's no reason for them to contact him again, so he's on his own, and once that settles in, he'll be happy to take a lesser sentence."
"Maybe Sturgis could tell him he is facing murder charges, and then tell him that you're willing to deal a lesser charge if he gives up names of Carson's family?" Mac suggested, but Harm shook his head.
"If he decides to play martyr and refuse to give up names, we wouldn't be able to drop the charge without him being suspicious then."
"I guess not," Mac nodded in agreement, and then suddenly looked up in surprise as another voice came from behind Harm. Looking first at Harm and then behind him at Clayton Webb, she brought her gaze back to her husband, who winked at her and gave her a wide smile. Mac grinned in response, and nodded, knowing full well that once Harm moved out of the way, Webb wouldn't be able to see past the bulge of her stomach, and the rings on her left hand.
"Rabb, if you don't mind, I'd like to talk with Sarah, alone."
"Mac?" Harm queried, but his smile deflected his tone.
"It's all right, Harm. Go ask Sturgis about the deal, and let me know what Glennan says."
"Will do." Harm moved away from Mac, having dropped his hand down the front of her jacket. Mac bit her lip at the sensations the movement of his hand provoked in her, but Webb took it as a sign of anxiety, and he stepped forward as Harm walked out of the office and closed the door. Harm couldn't help the snort of laughter he emitted as he heard Webb's voice just before he closed the door.
"Jesus, Sarah! You're pregnant!"
"Hello to you, too, Clay." Mac's response was said on a laugh, and as Webb tried to draw his gaze from her stomach to her face, she waited, resting her hand on the bump in her uniform jacket.
"Rabb's?"
"Of course."
"Why?"
"Oh, for God's sake! Why did you come in here, Clay?"
"To ask you for another chance for us."
"You're joking, right?"
"No."
"Clay, I'm pregnant, with twins, and..."
"I'm sure Rabb would be happy to have custody..."
"I'm happily married." Mac finished her sentence. Webb paled visibly as she held up her left hand, showing the rings on her third finger.
"I...don't know what to say."
"Then I guess it's time for you to go, Clay."
"Why him?"
"Clay, don't do this," Mac implored.
"Can't you just tell me why?"
"No, because whatever I say, it will never be enough for you. I think it's time for you to leave. If you want to discuss anything other than Harm and I, I'll be happy to meet with you again, but I don't want to have another conversation like this."
"Which came first, the wedding or the kids?"
Mac's hand connected with Webb's face at the same time as Harm walked into her office. His face reflected his concern for her, moreso as Webb put out a hand to hold her arm.
"Let her go, Webb." It was said in a low tone, but it was all the more menacing as Harm didn't make a move to touch either Webb or Mac.
Mac looked from Webb to the hand holding her arm, which he released reluctantly, and then to her husband. When she looked back at Webb her expression was cold.
"I retract what I just said. If you have any other business with this office, I suggest you contact the Admiral directly. I will advise him of your behavior toward me, and if he sees fit to include me in any queries you have, I will ensure that I am not alone in your company at any time."
"That wouldn't be necessary, Sarah. I would never hurt you."
Mac smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. Harm waited for her rejoinder, knowing that she had something to add.
"I was thinking more of the fact that I might hurt you. Now, I want you to leave my office."
"Sarah..." Webb tried once more. Harm shut his eyes briefly, wondering why Webb just didn't know when to give in. When he opened them again, the door was closed, and he and Mac were alone.
"Permission to ask the Captain for a hug?" Mac asked, already reaching for Harm, and he obliged willingly, without uttering a word. As Webb walked away from Mac's office he looked back, and his last vision was of her in Harm's embrace.
[End Flashback]
"So, did he say anything?" Harriet persisted, and Mac shook her head.
"Are you ladies talking about us 'again'," Harm asked, as he, Bud and Jack walked up to the porch, looking at their respective partners.
"We plead the Fifth," stated Harriet, looking at Mac with a wink, and they both knew with tacit agreement that Webb was a closed chapter in Mac's life. As Sue shrugged her shoulders she smiled at Jack.
"I didn't hear a thing!" she said, and everyone laughed.
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To be continued