A/N: "text" is dialogue 'text' are character thoughts.
Chapter 15
Tuesday June 15
Morning staff meeting
JAG HQ
Three weeks after Mac's surgery
Everybody in the room rose as Admiral Williams entered.
"As you were folks," she said. Everybody say down.
"We have plenty of cases so let's get straight down to business," Williams said, "Manetti, dereliction of duty for a corporal Jennings at Quantico. Seems he was reading a book when he should have been keeping an eye on the perimeter thus allowing some vandals to sneak onto base."
Manetti nodded, "aye ma'am," and took the folder.
"Roberts, Austin, you're going out to the Seahawk, they seem to have a problem keeping their computers functioning and suspect sabotage."
"Aye ma'am," the pair said in unison.
"Turner, Rabb," Williams nodded to each of them, "normally I wouldn't put the two of you on the same case but this is high profile and I need my best on it. A Captain Allison Krennick, the naval and international law advisor for the Whitehouse, has been accused of sexually harassing an enlisted man. You'll both investigate; I'll need a recommendation of charges ASAP."
Only Meg noticed Harm's face blanch at the mention of the officer's name.
"Ma'am," Harm address the JAG, "I'd like to request that I be removed from this investigation."
"On what grounds Commander?" Williams asked.
"Capt. Krennick and I have a past," Harm said, "let's just say that enlisted man isn't the first man in her chain of command she's harassed."
"I see Commander," Williams said, "Very well, Manetti, you take the Krennick case. Rabb you deal with the dereliction of duty case at Quantico."
"Aye ma'am," both officers responded.
After the rest of the cases were handed out Williams dismissed the staff.
Harm stopped Sturgis and Manetti before they got to the door, "Which ever one of you ends up prosecuting I want to be called as a witness."
"Are you sure Harm," Sturgis asked, "this could dredge up some pretty unpleasant stuff."
"I'm sure," Harm said, "she's been playing this game for a long time and somebody finally had the guts to stand up to her. I have a feeling if I come out as a victim it will cause other guys who've served under her to come out of the woodwork. Now I have to review this file before heading down to Quantico."
Harm had hardly sat down in his chair when Meg Austin appeared in his doorway.
"You ok Harm?" she asked.
"Ya," Harm said, "glad somebody finally had the guts to stand up to her. God knows that my pride didn't let me. I'm not too proud to be a witness though. I'm going to help nail her ass to the wall."
"Now that's the right attitude," Meg said with a smile. "Is Mac going to be ok with you gone?"
"It should only be a few days and Jen and Mattie should be able to handle it," Harm said, "tomorrow is her last day of chemo for a while. They give her some time to recuperate every once in a while. Speaking of which I better call Jen and make sure she can pick Mac up today."
"I'll leave you to it then," Meg said, "I'm just on my way home to pack. I'll see you in a few days."
"See you Meg," Harm said.
Harm picked up the phone and dialed Jen's extension,
"Petty Officer Coates," Jen's voice came over the line.
"Jen, it's commander Rabb,"
"Hello sir," the petty officer responded.
"I need to go out the Quantico for a few days," Harm told her, "do you mind picking Mac up from chemo today and tomorrow. If not I'm sure she can get a taxi."
"No I should be able to do that sir," Jen said, "and I'll make sure Mattie keeps studying for her exams."
"Thank you Jennifer," Harm said, "what would I do without you?"
"I don't know sir." Jen said, "I'll let Mattie know you'll be gone. When do you expect to be back sir?"
"It's a simple dereliction of duty," Harm said, "should only be a few days. I'll be back for the weekend, unless something unusual pops up."
"Yes sir," Jen said, "I'll see you in a few days. You should call Colonel MacKenzie."
"I plan to," Harm said, "thanks again Jen."
"No problem sir," Jen replied as she hung up the phone.
Harm returned the handset of his phone to its cradle briefly before picking it up again and dialing home.
"Hello," came the tired voice of Sarah MacKenzie.
"I'm sorry Mac, did I wake you up?" Harm asked.
"No I was up," Mac said, "actually I'm glad you called. I've been wandering around the online real estate listings and there's one I think would be perfect for us. Do you want me to call the real-estate agent and make an appointment to see the house?"
"Actually I have to go down to Quantico for a few days on a dereliction of duty case," Harm said, "would it be possible to see the house when I get back?"
"I'll see what I can do. They gave you a DoD case?" Mac asked, "There must really be a shortage of cases up there."
"Actually I was supposed to be investigation a sexual harassment case with Sturgis but I had myself removed from the case." Harm explained.
"Why?" Mac asked.
"The accused was Capt. Allison Krennick," Harm said.
"Oh," was all Mac could get out.
"Ya oh," Harm said. "I actually think I might ask to be a witness for the prosecution if it goes to trial."
"Harm are you sure?" Mac asked.
"Sturgis asked me the same thing," Harm said, "yes I'm sure; this kid was brave enough to do what I couldn't, what my pride wouldn't let me do. The way I see it is if I take the stand other men she's harassed might come forward. The petty officer and I can't be the only ones."
"Ok Harm if you're sure," Mac said.
"I am," he replied, "I'll be home in a little while to pack. I'll see you then."
"Bye Harm," Mac said.
"Bye Mac," Harm replied.
Harm returned from Quantico Friday night. He walked in the door around 2230 to find all three of his girls, four if you included Dammit, asleep on the couch in front of the TV; well Dammit was on the floor. He just watched them sleep for a few minutes before waking Jen and picking up Mattie. Mattie was already in her PJs so he just laid her in her bed and kissed her forehead.
"Night Harm," she mumbled half asleep, "love you."
"I love you too kiddo," Harm said as he left the room and closed the door.
When he returned to the living room both Jen and the dog had already left and gone to her room. For some reason the dog loved sleeping at the end of her bed. Harm gently picked up Mac and carried her to their room. He laid her in the bed before stripping down to his boxers and joining her. He knew they were breaking regulations and longed for the day that they could openly have a relationship. Who knew when that opportunity would come up? Little did he know how close it actually was.
The next day all four of them went to see the house Mac had found on the internet. It was in a suburb not that far from the Roberts' place. It was a little further out in the country and had a big yard. They pulled up behind the realtor's car and got out.
"Mr. Rabb?" the woman asked, extending her hand.
"Yes," Harm said taking the hand and shaking it.
"I'm Ms Hamptons, Let me show you around," the woman said.
She led them into the house. It had a spacious living room with lots of natural light. There was a formal dining room as well as a breakfast nook off the kitchen. The kitchen was fabulous, a chef's dream. There was a family room as well with room for a TV and stereo system as well as a computer desk.
"Let me show you the basement," Ms Hamptons said. "Now the previous owners were renting out the basement as an apartment, it has its own door but it also has stairs and a door that come up into the kitchen. The door can be locked from both sides. So it's up to you whether you'd like this to be part of the house or if you want to rent it out. It is a full apartment, 2 bedrooms, a kitchen, bathroom and living room."
The realtor showed them around.
"This is part of the reason I thought I'd be perfect," Mac said quietly to Harm, "Jen could still be near us but pay her own way."
Harm nodded his agreement, "I think you're right about this part but I still want to see the rest of the house."
Next Ms Hamptons took then to the second level; there were a total of 4 bedrooms, a main bath and an ensuite off the master bedroom. One of the other three bedrooms had been the couple's son's room, another a guestroom and the third had been made into a study. The ensuite bathroom off the master bedroom had a huge whirlpool bathtub, perfect for taking long baths. There was also a full attic.
"The previous owners started to renovate the attic into a bedroom but it was never completed," Ms Hamptons said, "I don't know if you're a handyman Mr. Rabb but with a little work this could be a nice spacious bedroom. They even installed plumbing so it would have its own bathroom."
"I so want this room," Mattie said, "Harm we have to get this house."
"I'll make you a deal Matilda," Harm said, "if we end up getting this house you can have this room. Only if you help renovate it. I'm not doing all the work. Deal?"
"Deal," Mattie said with a nod.
"Let me show you the back yard," the realtor said. They followed the woman down the stairs. Harm was already fairly certain he'd make an offer on the house, he just wasn't sure if he could afford it.
The back yard was huge; it had an in ground pool and still plenty of open space.
"Ooo a tire swing," Mattie said. Pointing to where I tire hung from a large oak tree on the property.
"And it's fenced in," Mac said, "so we could get a dog."
Dog sitting for Dammit had reminded Mac of how much she missed Jingo.
"Ya Harm, can we get a dog?" Mattie said.
"Now see what you've done," Harm said to Mac with a smile, "We'll see about the dog Mattie."
"Well what do you think, Harm?" Mac asked.
"What's the asking price?" Harm asked the realtor. Ms Hamptons quoted a figure.
"We're definitely interested," Harm said, "Just give me a minute to make a phone call."
Harm ducked into the house for some privacy on his call.
"The Commander can't afford that can he?" asked Jen, "Even with the money from selling the apartments he'd have a mortgage forever."
"If I'm right, he's doing something his pride hasn't let him do for a long time," Mac said.
"What's that ma'am?" Jen asked.
"I think he's asking his stepfather for money," Mac said, "Frank always offers but Harm's too proud to accept."
Harm was talking to Frank,
"Frank I promise you I'll pay back every penny," Harm said.
"There's no need Harm," Frank said.
"I don't feel right taking your money," Harm said.
"Listen," Frank said, "you told the girl you love her, right?"
"Yeah," Harm answered.
"And you told her that eventually you plan on asking her to marry you, right?"
"Yeah."
"And she's made it pretty clear that she'll say yes?"
"Yeah," Harm didn't really see where this line of questioning was going.
"So consider the money an early wedding present from your mother and me," the older man concluded.
"I think I can do that," Harm said, he had to swallow his pride a little but it was worth it for his girls.
"I'll have the money wired first thing on Monday." Frank said.
"Thanks Frank," Harm said, "give my love to mom."
"I will," Frank replied, "bye Harm."
"Good bye Frank," Harm said and hung up the phone.
He found Ms Hamptons and the girls standing on the front lawn.
"We'll take it," Harm said.
"Great!" said Ms Hamptons, "I'll have the paperwork drawn up and you can come by the office on Monday to seal the deal."
"We'll be there," Harm said, shaking the woman's hand.
All the way home the girls couldn't stop talking about how they were going to decorate the place and what to do with the gardens and this and that about the house.
The rest of the weekend was mostly spent talking about the new house and how Mattie planned to finish her room. On Monday the reality of Krennick's trial literally came crashing back to reality for Harm.
Monday June 21
1013 ROMEO
JAG HQ
Falls Church VA
Harm was rounding the corner into the bullpen, his arms full of files, when he collided with somebody.
"Sorry Ma'am," Harm said, all he could see was her back and her captain's shoulder boards.
"Watch where you're going Commander," said a voice which was way to familiar for Harm's liking.
"Captain Krennick," Harm said civilly before attempting to pass her to get to Mac's office, temporarily his office. Captain Krennick turned around and sidestepped to block his path.
"I understand you were originally assigned to this investigation Commander," Krennick said her voice dangerously low.
"That's right," Harm said again trying to pass her, again being blocked.
"Why did you remove yourself from trial counsel Commander?" Krennick persisted.
"Because I'm being called as a witness for the prosecution," Harm said, "now if you'll excuse me I have court in an hour."
Krennick was so stunned that Harm would have the guts to take the stand that he easily pushed by her.
When she recovered from the shock Captain Allison Krennick decided to do everything in her power to ruin the reputation of one Commander Harmon Rabb Junior. She vowed to herself to keep her eyes and ears open for anything she could use against him.
The opportunity arose four days later, on Friday, while she was eating lunch in the JAG cafeteria. By this time the Navy Times had gotten wind of the case and had already published an article about it. The article included an interview was Commander Rabb stating that he was going to testify. She knew this would prompt more of her former subordinates to come forward. Now more than ever she wanted to ruin Rabb. She was sitting by herself at one of the table eating her salad when the conversation at the table behind her took an interesting turn. She shifted her chair slightly so she could listen more easily. She recognized one of the voices as belonging to Meg Austin and a quick glace over her shoulder identified the other one as belonging to the Admiral's yeoman.
"How's Mac doing?" Austin asked, "She's done chemo for a while now right?"
"She's getting stronger," Coates replied, "She found this great house...for the Commander and Mattie...on the 'net last week. We all went to look at it on Saturday after the Commander got home from his case."
'Commander Rabb living with an enlisted woman? I didn't think he had it in him. And who exactly is Mattie?' Krennick thought to herself.
Jen continued, "It's perfect. It's got a basement apartment with a separate entrance so I can have my own life and pay my own way but still be close by"
'Hmm, ok so maybe he isn't involved with her after all, sounds like a roommate maybe. But still even the appearance of impropriety.'
It has an attic bedroom which Mattie immediately claimed," Coates went on, "Speaking of Mattie I should remind the Commander to call her to see how her history exam went."
'Who is this Mattie?!'
"Where was I?" Jen asked, "Right, the house. It's got a huge backyard with a pool. It's wonderful. The Commander decided to get it even though it was out of his price range. I guess his stepfather's pretty loaded and lent him the money."
"He actually asked Frank for the money?" Meg asked, "He must really have wanted that house to swallow his pride that much."
'Ok nothing really interesting there. Just a minute why did Mac go too? Doesn't she work here too? Hmm maybe I can get him on fraternization after all.'
"So when are you moving in and out of Chegwidden's house?" Meg asked.
'Chegwidden? interesting'
"We can get into the house in four weeks but the Commander wants to do some stuff before we move in so probably not for 6 weeks." Jen said, "I guess we'll have to bring Dammit with us since the Admiral won't be back yet. Or maybe I'll stay at the Admiral's until he and Francesca get back. I mean it's kind of hard to house sit when you live almost an hour away."
'Ok not so interesting.'
"Are you guys doing something with Mattie to celebrate the start of summer vacation?" Meg asked, "I mean for a teenager it's a big deal, two whole months of freedom."
'teenager?'
"We're all going up to the Commander's grandmother's place," Jen said, "the Colonel likes the fresh air and Mattie adores being out in the country. Plus I think the Commander wants to spend as much time as he can up there. And of course Grams loves to fuss over all of us."
"I thought Harm might be taking Mattie up for a flying lesson." Meg said.
"He is," Jen replied, "he and Mattie are flying and the Colonel and I are driving. The Commander mowed a grass runway into his grandmother's field last time we were up there."
"Has Mac agreed to fly with him yet?" Meg asked with a giggle.
"No but do you blame her?" Jen answered.
Krennick decided that she had gotten all she was going to get out of this conversation. Now she had to decide what to do with the information. She could go to the new admiral but with how freely Austin and Coates were talking about it she had a feeling the admiral already knew. She'd go directly to the SECNAV, maybe she could discredit Rabb before he even took the stand. She had a meeting with Manetti but afterward she would go tell the SECNAV what she had discovered. There was no way she would let Commander Harmon Rabb Jr ruin her career.
TBC