Part 2

JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, VA
0950 Local

Mac looked up to see Harm standing in her doorway, either unaware or unrepentant for startling her. She sighed quietly. Finding a way back to their relationship was like walking through a minefield. Since she had been the one who had ended it, it was obviously up to her to make the first move. The problem was that she had been trying for the last eight months or so. There were times when she thought they were making progress. At least they were on cordial speaking terms... most of the time, anyway. Then he would turn around and say something hurtful. It seemed like whenever Harm thought she was being intractable, overzealous or just plain bitchy about something, he'd throw her past in her face. Mac didn't think it was a coincidence that it seemed to be happening more often.

In her more charitable moments, she would allow that he probably didn't mean anything deeper than a comment on her behavior and that he wasn't deliberately hitting her where it would hurt the most. Before Paraguay though, he had kept the comments between the two of them. It had been bad enough when he alluded to her alcoholism during court but his sarcastic barb later in the bullpen about her quitting cold turkey - twice - had really stung. She wasn't proud of that particular moment in her life, that she'd been so weak. Apparently, Harm thought as little of her for her lapse as she did, despite how he'd acted at the time. That notion was reinforced when she had to practically drag a half-hearted apology out of him. ...Oh hell, sometimes she wondered why she was beating her head against the wall. She knew she was no prize.

" Mac?"

She blinked and felt herself blush, suddenly realizing that she'd been staring wordlessly at him for the last 22 seconds, "Ummm... what?"

Harm stared at her, his initial (and admittedly, irrational) irritation forgotten. She'd looked so lost there for a moment. With everything that had happened between them and despite his best efforts to banish Mac from his heart, he found that he still loved her. It was driving him crazy. He had every right to be mad as hell and he had found that it was rather easy to become annoyed with her. Reason seemed to have very little to do with it. Hell, it wasn't Mac's fault if NCIS came calling.

All of this because of Paraguay. Everything he'd done, all he'd given up and she'd dumped him - for Clayton Webb of all people! When Chegwidden had drop-kicked him out of the Navy, it had been easy to blame her for that too. Although, to be fair, if it hadn't been for that chain of events, he would never have met Mattie. And, despite their argument, it was Mac who had made it possible for he and Mattie to be together. He hadn't expected her to appear in court and, even now, he felt a little twinge of guilt for thinking that she'd shown up just to shoot down his chances. How had they gotten so far apart that he'd even suspect her of such a thing? If their positions were reversed, he would never torpedo Mac. Harm cleared his throat, realizing she was waiting for him to say something. In a milder tone he asked, "Why was NCIS here?"

Mac shrugged a little uncomfortably. "I'm not sure. A Marine sergeant was murdered and, for some reason, Agent Todd thought I might know him." Her voice trailed off, there was that niggling feeling of familiarity again. Somewhere, somehow, she must have crossed these people's path. It couldn't have been for any mentionable period of time. She seldom forgot someone once she encountered them - a trait that was both a curse and a blessing.

" Did you?"

Harm's voice intruded once again, forcing her back to the present. "I... umm... I don't know." This was going to bug the hell out of her until her subconscious coughed up the info. Mac sat back with a sigh and attempted a slight smile, "So, how's Mattie doing at the new school?"

" She's getting there - slowly," Harm smiled indulgently. "It's been an adjustment going from being her own boss to just being a teenager again."

" She's a bright kid, she'll be fine," Mac's smile grew a little more genuine. She liked the young woman and Mattie was a safe subject for the two of them.

" Yeah," Harm agreed. The silence that followed began to feel awkward as the two stared at each other. Finally, Harm began backing out of the door. He stopped halfway and took a deep breath, "Are you doing anything for dinner tonight?" His face fell at the look on Mac's face, "Never mind, maybe another time." He turned around to leave, not wanting to hear her say she had a date with Webb - again.

" Harm, wait," Mac stood up, trying to halt his retreat. He stopped and looked at her, she could almost see the shield of nonchalance drop into place. She spread her hands, "I'm sorry, I've already made plans for this evening. How about tomorrow?"

He gave a noncommittal shrug. Dammit, two could play this game, "I'll have to check my calendar. Let me get back to you."

With that, he strode back to his office. Mac sighed in frustration. Of all the times when she didn't have anything to do, he had to go and pick this night. It didn't take a rocket scientist to realize that he thought she was going out with Clay again. It wasn't that great a leap of logic. She had been meeting Clay for dinner about once every week or two, depending upon his schedule. She felt closer to Webb since Paraguay and it helped to talk to him when memories became overwhelming. Long explanations weren't necessary between them, for which she was eternally grateful. This had been one subject she couldn't talk to Harm about - even if he had returned any of her phone calls - and she had needed to talk to someone.

Unfortunately, it seemed like the few times Harm made an overture, he picked a night when she was getting together with Clay. That wasn't actually the case for this particular night but she wasn't about to go chasing after the man just to explain herself. It would only lead to a fight. He still believed she was romantically involved with Clay and she'd been unable to convince him otherwise. Mac sighed, maybe she just should have asked Harm earlier if he wanted to go with her. The invitation had said she could bring a guest. She shook her head, their relationship was so up and down right now, she hadn't been willing to chance it. Dropping back into her chair, Mac pulled out the ibuprofen. It was going to be another lovely day.

NCIS
Washington, D.C.
1410 Local

Gibbs stopped at Kate's desk, "Well?"

She looked up from her computer with a frustrated expression, "Nothing. Aside from the fact that it was a .38 slug and the shooter was no more than six feet away, there wasn't much evidence at the scene. No footprints, no shell casing, no witnesses - just one dead Staff Sergeant. Abby says that the double striations on the slug show that a silencer was used which explains why no one heard anything. Of course, in that part of town, people don't rush out to find who's shooting at who. According to Ducky, it happened around 2 a.m. - give or take - which means he was shot right after he left the bar. Still had his wallet and the car was there, so robbery wasn't a motive."

" Found anybody who'd want to kill him?" Gibbs folded his arms.

Kate grimaced, "His ex-wife. Judging from various reports, Sergeant Mallory liked to use her for a punching bag. She never pressed charges and the most he'd gotten was 'counseling'."

" Have you talked to her yet?"

" Haven't been able to find her," Kate leaned back with a scowl. "She filed the divorce papers and disappeared. I thought I had a line with a JAG lawyer but she clammed up. Said she didn't recognize Mallory or his wife from the pictures I showed her."

" Who was the JAG?"

" The HQ Chief of Staff, a Lt. Colonel MacKenzie."

Gibbs' eyebrows rose, "No kidding, Sarah MacKenzie?"

She looked at him in surprise, "You know her?"

He shrugged, "Met her once while we were investigating the murder of that JAG lieutenant last year."

Kate nodded to herself, Gibbs must have really outdone himself if the JAG lawyers were still pissed about seeing anyone from NCIS. "Was she a suspect?"

" No, not her. Her partner, Cdr. Harmon Rabb, JAG's Golden Boy. Got all the way to trial before we figured out that he'd been framed." Gibbs' face remained impassive but he wasn't particularly pleased with himself about that case. Rabb was an irritating, arrogant son of a bitch and had clearly been withholding information but NCIS... he... had nearly screwed the pooch on that one.

While no one had said anything, it was fairly obvious that MacKenzie and Rabb were involved. Gibbs had checked into MacKenzie's background and whereabouts, as well. This wouldn't be the first time a woman had helped in getting rid of the 'other woman'. Her service and personnel records were almost as outlandish as Rabb's. No wonder they were attracted to each other. He'd been surprised that the Marine Colonel was unaware that Rabb had been investigating the identity of unborn baby's father. From the brief flash of emotion before she regained her professional demeanor, he was willing to bet MacKenzie probably had a few unkind words to say when she next saw the Commander.

" I guess she made quite an impression?" Kate offered, gritting her teeth just a little. Why couldn't the Marine Colonel have been some dowdy, mouse-haired old frump?

Gibbs gave a lop-sided half-smile, "She's been pretty impressive; her and Rabb, both. The two of them seem to be the CIA's favorite secret weapon. Remember when Admiral Jacobs of NIS was discovered to have been running an illegal covert operation? He was killed when they closed in on him. MacKenzie was the one that brought the whole thing down."

Kate glanced over at her computer screen, "I guess that explains all the classified areas in her records." She looked back up at Gibbs, "Any idea why she'd stonewall me about Mallory?"

Gibbs shrugged again and turned away, "Nope, but I'm sure you'll figure out how to get her to talk. Soon."

Martinelli's
Washington, D.C.
1830 Local

Mac walked into the restaurant and stopped for a moment. A quiet word with the hostess pointed her in the right direction and she made her way to the banquet room in the back. She stood quietly in the doorway for a moment until one of the men at the main table noticed her. Smiling, he strode over and enveloped her in a hug, "Sarah! You came."

Mac grinned back at him, "You know I wouldn't miss this if I could help it." She glanced at the table, nodding a greeting to the rest of the people, "When's she getting here?"

" Any time now, Michael's bringing her." He turned back, leading her to the table, "You remember Angie, don't you?"

" Of course, how are you, Angie?"

" Getting bigger with every passing moment. This baby can't get here soon enough," Angie sighed dramatically and then directed a mock scowl at her husband. "James Fine! Where are your manners? Get the lady a seat."

" Yes'm." Mac let her face become impassive as the DC police lieutenant pulled out a chair, adjusted it carefully and then bowed deeply, "Would Her Colonelship care to rest her nether regions on this exquisite example of American craftsmanship?" After hearing about the Dzuricks, James had taken to teasing her about her short stint as royalty. Mac reciprocated by playing the insufferable aristocrat to the hilt. It wasn't often that she felt comfortable enough to act silly in front of others but James was hard to resist. The rules were simple enough - first one to smile, lost.

Putting on a suitably haughty look, Mac swept up to the proffered chair and rolled her eyes downward. Stretching out her arm and extending a trembling forefinger, she raised an eyebrow at the big man and did her best Nora Desmond voice, "There's a speck."

James clapped both hands to the sides of his face, looking properly horrified. He started to speak when Emma Fine's voice made them both jump, "Will you two stop?!"

The rest of the table began to laugh and James turned to them with a bow. In his rich baritone voice, he intoned solemnly, "Thank you. Our next performance will be at 9 pm so please reserve your tickets now. All proceeds will benefit the 'It's A Fine Thirst' Beer Fund."

" James!" Emma gave her unrepentant son one more glare as she hugged Mac. She leaned down and gave Angie a kiss before straightening up again. Hooking a hand through Mac's elbow, she turned the brunette towards a tall, slender young man. "Sarah, I'm so glad you came. I don't think you've met my youngest son, Michael. He's a Seaman on the Enterprise. Michael, this is Sarah MacKenzie. She's a Lt. Colonel with the Navy JAG."

Michael's eyes widened just a little before he popped to attention. Mac waved a hand at him, "Stand easy, we're not in uniform. May I call you Michael?"

" Ma'am, yes, ma'am." Michael relaxed only slightly. His mother had mentioned Sarah in a few of her letters. He knew she was a lawyer and had been doing some pro bono work for the shelter residents but the fact that she was a field-grade Marine officer apparently hadn't been important enough for Momma to note - until now.

James and Emma's middle son, Charles, walked up just then and stopped on either side of their mother. James gestured towards the tables, "C'mon Momma, it's time to get your birthday celebration underway." Mac found her seat with some of the members of the Orphan Brigade. She'd met a number of them during her association with Emma, as well as her work at the Baylor shelter. The other 'Orphans' often volunteered their time down there. Chantra and Ellie grinned at her as she sat down next to them. This pair had been two of Emma's more spectacular successes. Chantra Stivens now ran her own advertising specialty firm and Ellie Nichols was a high-powered real estate agent. Mac liked them both. Chantra was always willing to provide or hunt down some sort of employment for the shelter women and Ellie kept her eyes open for affordable housing. Mac, with the Admiral's blessing, provided pro bono legal work when time allowed.

" Sarah! How have you been? We haven't seen you in ages!" Chantra gave her arm a squeeze.

" Military stuff is keeping you hopping, isn't it?" Ellie chimed in, "How's your to-die-for Commander?" At Mac's suddenly closed look, Ellie and Chantra glanced at each other in surprise.

Chantra took the lead, "Oh honey, what's that man gone and done now?"

Mac sighed a little, the two women meant well. Perhaps she could keep this brief, the last thing she wanted was to bring up more memories of Paraguay. It weighed on her too much as it was. "This was my fault. I broke off our relationship."

Ellie and Chantra leaned back, folding their arms in identical poses. Ellie tilted her head, "Uh-huh... just out of the blue, you told Mr. Perfect to take a hike. Girl, your head ain't on that crooked."

When Mac didn't answer right away, Chantra narrowed her eyes, "Was it another man?"

Mac snorted, in spite of herself. She did not want to discuss this right now. Ellie glanced at Chantra and leaned in again, "There wasn't, was there?" She would never have pegged Sarah for the cheating type but then, she hadn't been right about that miserable bastard she'd married either.

" No." Mac grimaced, "He thought there was someone else. I got angry and screwed everything up. ... Look, can we drop this for now? I'd like to not think about it for one night."

" Sure, honey," Chantra gave Ellie a sideways look and patted Mac's hand. They would get together later to discuss this latest development. Speculating on the escapades of the beautiful Marine Colonel and her dashing Navy Commander was more fun than any soap opera. "So, have I told you that my daughter got accepted to MIT? After she graduates, she wants to work for NASA."

Mac smiled, grateful to no longer be the topic of conversation, "That's wonderful. You must be so proud of her."

The evening went along smoothly after that. Each of Emma's sons got up and talked a little about their mother. It was funny and endearing at the same time. After dinner, everyone began mingling and Mac finally relaxed. She found herself in a group with James, Michael, some of Emma's coworkers and several of the Orphans. They began comparing some of the more outrageous war stories of Emma and the unfortunate bureaucrats that she crossed swords with over the years. Mac couldn't remember the last time she had laughed so much.

" Sarah," Emma appeared and touched Mac on the elbow. She smiled at the others, "Would you excuse us a moment?" Leading Mac towards another, smaller group, Emma glanced over at the dark-haired Marine officer. Something was eating at the younger woman. Although she seemed to be enjoying herself tonight, in her unguarded moments she looked... unsettled. Emma filed a mental note to get together with Sarah for a quiet dinner. It had been months since they'd last met, for the most part due to Sarah's unrelenting schedule. She'd broach the subject later. Right now, however, they had reached their destination. Emma smiled, placing a hand on Mac's shoulder, "Congresswoman Elbert, I'd like you to meet Lt. Colonel Sarah MacKenzie. Sarah, this is Michelle Elbert, our newest champion in Congress. She's spearheading a campaign to help stop violence against women."

Michelle Elbert smiled as she shook Mac's hand, "Actually, I'm conducting an inquiry and trying to bring the issue more fully in front of the public eye. Emma said you were a JAG lawyer, I thought, perhaps, you could help with the military side. From what I understand, the services don't take spousal abuse as seriously as the civilian authorities do."

Mac started to reply and then stopped. That was it. That was where she'd seen the woman. Tia Mallory had fled to the Baylor shelter and Emma had contacted Mac when she learned that Tia's husband was a Marine. That had been about five months ago. Mrs. Mallory had refused to press any sort of charges or even cooperate if Mac decided to file. All she wanted was out. Out of the marriage and out of the state as quickly as possible. Fortunately, there were no children involved, so there were no custody issues. Without any way to bring Mallory up on charges, Mac had settled for filing the divorce papers for Tia. Now, Sergeant Mallory was dead and, apparently, NCIS was focusing their attention on the ex-wife.

" Colonel... ?"

" Sarah?" Both Emma and the Congresswoman spoke at nearly the same time.

Mac blinked and then gave a slightly chagrined smile, "Oh, I beg your pardon, Congresswoman. I've been making myself crazy trying to remember something all day and you just jogged my memory."

" Well, that's not exactly what I envisioned in my role as a public servant but, hey, glad to be of service." Michelle Elbert grinned, "So Colonel, think you can help me deal with the military on abuse?"

Mac tilted her head a little, "I suppose that depends, Congresswoman." Elbert raised a questioning eyebrow and Mac continued, "It would depend on my CO giving me time to look into this... " She held up a hand when the Congresswoman started to speak, "and it would also depend upon whether this will be even-handed in regard to the services and civilian policies. I will not participate in a game of Capitol Hill military-bashing just to advance your career."

She watched calmly as the Congresswoman indignantly drew herself up. Michelle Elbert glared at the woman in front of her for several long seconds before finally relaxing. She shook her head ruefully, "We are going to have an interesting relationship, Colonel." This time she held up a hand when Mac opened her mouth, "Providing, of course, your CO approves. Would you object to my asking the JAG for your help?"

" No," Mac shook her head, "It's an issue that does need to be addressed." She frowned slightly, "The problem will be time. With the current state of affairs with the military, our office has been inundated. Admiral Chegwidden might say no just because he can't spare an attorney."

" Understood, Colonel. I hope we will be able to work together. There are people out there who need help and I intend for them to be heard." Michelle grinned at Mac and then over at Emma, "Well, that takes care of the official stuff." She rubbed her hands together as her eyes took on a devilish gleam, "Now let me tell you about Emma and a certain city manager who tried to funnel money away from the shelters... "

The rest of the evening went quickly and all too soon, Mac was retrieving her coat and saying good night to everyone. It took another thirty minutes to make the rounds but at last, she was standing at the door with just Emma beside her. She gave the older woman a hug, "Happy birthday, Emma, and thanks for inviting me. I had a wonderful time."

Emma nodded, "I'm glad. We don't see each other hardly enough anymore. Would you mind getting together for lunch or dinner sometime in the next week? I've missed talking to you."

" I've missed you, too. Everything's been so hectic lately." Mac frowned slightly, "Let me know what your schedule is like. I wouldn't want to keep you up on a night that you're working."

" Sounds like a plan. You be careful going home now, hear?"

" Yes ma'am." Mac chuckled, "I'll talk to you soon." She turned and walked out.

Emma watched until she disappeared out the door and then jumped when her oldest son's voice sounded right behind her, "Did you find out what's bothering our favorite Marine?"

" James!" Emma whirled around, her hand on her chest, "I will not reach my next birthday if you keep sneaking up on me like that!"

" Sorry, Momma," James said contritely. He leaned over and gave her a peck on the cheek, "So, did you find out what's wrong with Mac?"

Emma shook her head, looking towards the door again, "No, but I intend to... and soon."