"Hey sweetheart." Mac said as she plucked Abi out of her bouncy chair. "Daddy's home. Now we don't have to worry about him. We just have to get over the visit to the Paediatrician tomorrow and we can have a nice quiet weekend."

"Why does she need to go to the paediatrician?" Harm asked. "Is something wrong?"

"No. She just needs her shots. Tomorrow is the first time I had free in my schedule to take her."

"I could have taken a couple of hours off to take her."

"Harm, I don't want to point this out because it seems so obvious, but you've spent the last week on an aircraft carrier in the middle of the ocean. It's kind of hard to schedule doctor's appointments around that. I didn't remember until they called to remind me."

"I'm coming tomorrow though." He said rubbing the back of Abi's head.

"I didn't think you weren't. Take her and I'll go and get changed." She handed Abi over to Harm. "Where's Meg?"

"Taking a nap. You're right about her being scared."

"She'll be okay, she's tough. I'll be back soon." She kissed Abi then Harm.

~

As Mac exited her room she heard a gentle sob from Meg's room.

"Meg, are you okay?" She asked as she gently tapped on the door.

"I'm fine ma'am." Meg sat up and swiped her eyes.

"I thought we'd covered the ma'am issue. You only have to call me ma'am if you appear in front of me in court, in my office if it's related to a case or in from of the SecNav. As this isn't one of those times." Mac came into the room. "So what's wrong?"

"I don't know. I just started crying. It's stupid, I'm a Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy, I shouldn't be crying."

"As Harm keeps tell me, you're allowed to cry, you're human just because you're in the Navy doesn't mean you're not allowed to show emotion." Mac sat down on the edge of the bed. "Yes you're a Navy Lieutenant Commander but that is only part of who you are. So if you want to cry cry, if you want to yell yell, just try not to wake Abi." Meg managed a weak smile. "You look like you need a hug. Come here." Mac gave Meg a hug.

"Thanks Mac. I don't know what started it."

"You're freedom was encroached. Your life invaded and you feel like you have no control over what happens next. That you have to wait around for someone else to get them."

"Exactly." Meg said. "You sound like know what you're talking about."

"I was stalked by a crazy police officer who was so obsessed with me; he killed my ex-boyfriend and kidnapped me."

"And you got out of it okay?" Meg asked.

"I had my flyboy to rescue me." Mac smiled. "I guess he was almost always there when I need him."

"You're lucky." Meg said.

"I know. But you have to know both Harm and I are here for you, even after this is over. Hopefully Webb will have it dealt with by the end of the weekend. Then you can start to get some control back."

"Get back to my life, my job, finding a new apartment." Meg said making a list.

"You know there are some benefits to having to find a new apartment." Mac said.

"Like?" Meg asked.

"Well do you know any cute sailors who would be willing to keep up their macho image and help a lady with all the decorating and furniture moving?"

"Maybe one or two." Meg smiled.

"See something good could come out of this."

"Would you mind if I took a bath?" Meg asked.

"Go ahead. There is some bubble bath in cupboard behind Harm's toy boats."

"Harm has toy boats?" Meg questioned.

"I find it best not to ask. We'll save you some dinner."

"Thanks Mac."

"You're welcome."

TBC