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Part 7
Falls Church, VA
1610 LocalHarm stayed where he was for a brief moment before hurrying after Mac. The anger radiating off of her was palpable and it finally penetrated his own angry haze. He reached her office in time for a file folder to be smacked into his hands. "The Garcia memo, Commander. Now if you'll excuse me... " She was practically shoving him out the door.Setting his feet, Harm put his size advantage to good use, "Mac, wait... "Angry as she was, Mac still realized that there was no way to physically remove Harm from her office without actually hurting him. Although it was certainly tempting, JAG was not the place for that kind of scene. She folded her arms and glared at him, "I think you've said enough."Harm looked down at the floor, why the hell did he keep lashing out at her? "Mac, I'm sorry. I was surprised and angry and I took it out on you. I didn't mean anything by it."" I believe you did."His head snapped up at her rejoinder. "That's not true," he protested. How could she think that?" Then we disagree... again. Get out Harm, I don't want to talk to you right now."" What about later? Mac, we need to talk - I don't want to leave it like this." Dammit, he'd lost his temper - she should know better than to take him literally." Fine, whatever. Would you please get out of my office? This is not the place."" Tonight? You can still come over for dinner. We can talk afterwards." Harm persisted, suddenly aware that his plans for this evening were in jeopardy. Good grief, he WAS apologizing. Did she have to be so sensitive?Mac stared at him in amazement. He accused her of prostituting herself with the Agency (and the double meaning wasn't lost on her either) and now he thought they should keep their dinner date? "Forget dinner, Harm. If you want to talk, fine - find neutral ground and we'll get together, but not tonight." She didn't add that she didn't trust herself not to try and kill him if she didn't get enough time to cool off.Harm clamped his mouth shut. When Mac got like this it was damn near impossible to have a conversation with her. Turning around, he strode across the bullpen back towards his office. He was just sitting down when Sturgis appeared at his door, "Hey man, where's the fire? You blasted right by me in the corridor."" I did? I'm sorry Sturgis, I was preoccupied." Harm leaned back in his chair, a look of frustration on his face." 'Ticked off' would closer," Sturgis observed, walking in and settling down. "What happened with Mac this time?"Harm gave him a bland look, "What makes you think this has anything to do with Mac?"Sturgis' eyebrows rose as he smiled, "You're kidding me, right? Things have been running smoothly between you two for almost three weeks now - something had to give. So, what did you do?"" Why do you always assume it's me that's started the trouble? Mac's no saint." Harm stared at his friend in annoyance." I can smell the shoe leather on your breath," Sturgis remarked dryly. "What did you say this time?"Harm folded his arms across his chest, "Nothing... Did you know she's bending over backwards to help NCIS nail some poor bastard?"" You mean the poor bastard that's been blowing holes in unsuspecting Marine sergeants?" Sturgis gave Harm a mildly sarcastic look. "Yeah, she told me about it. What did you expect her to do? With NCIS, there's not a lot of choice about cooperating. Besides, the faster she helps, the faster they're out of here,." He crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow, "Tell me you didn't get after her about that."" I might have said something," Harm admitted uncomfortably. "Hell, Sturgis, I didn't even know NCIS was here. I was looking for Mac because I needed a memo and I find her and Harriet having a tea party with that woman agent. I was surprised and I'll admit I sort of lost my temper but I apologized right away." He ran a hand through his hair, "I can't believe Mac's being so sensitive. I mean, I DID say I was sorry. but she's all bent out of shape and now dinner's off. She said if I wanted to talk that we should meet on 'neutral ground', wherever the hell that is."" I imagine it's some public place where she won't give in to the desire to throttle you," Sturgis chuckled. "You have a talent for pushing all her buttons."" Well, it's not like I meant to," Harm grumbled. "The words just came out. After all these years she should know better than to take everything I say as gospel - especially when I'm angry."" You'd think," Sturgis stood up and headed for the door. He paused at the doorway and looked over his shoulder, "Don't forget that's a two-way street, Harm."Next Day
Congresswoman Elbert's office
Washington, D.C.
0855 LocalMac stood quietly while the secretary called Congresswoman Elbert and told her that Colonel MacKenzie had arrived. She hadn't had the best evening. Instead of a pleasant dinner with Harm, she'd ordered takeout and spent hours checking files for any more missed victims with Kate's case. Damn the man. His scornful, angry words had sent her back twenty-some odd years and suddenly she was hearing her father again. Ruthlessly quashing the disturbing feelings of deja vu, it had taken her several seconds to spit out her terse response and resume her walk to her office. Focusing on the staccato beat of her heels on the tile floor, she had struggled with her emotions, determined not to give him the satisfaction of seeing his verbal shots striking home.She supposed it was a sign of his own growth that he had recognized the need to apologize and had done so promptly but she'd been in no mood to accept it. Mac was beyond tired of his barbs at her supposed sexual proclivities. Dammit, in eight years she'd only seriously dated three men, one of whom was Harm. Why the hell had he fallen in love with her when she obviously fell far short of his standards? Why the hell did she still love him?In an effort to keep from dwelling on that quandary, she'd focused on another. The murders of the Marine non-coms. The time line bothered her. She wasn't an expert on serial killers but she had always thought that they tended to follow patterns of some sort. The first killing was in 2000, the next, 8 months later. Then there was a gap of a little over 2 years and now 6 months later, two killings only 2 weeks apart. What was motivating this nut, assuming this was the work of one person?Michelle Elbert came out of her office just then, interrupting her musing. The Congresswoman smiled, "Colonel, I'm so glad you could help with this investigation." She gestured towards her office, "Come in and meet my staffers. They'll be doing the legwork for us."Mac held up a hand, "Could we talk for just a moment before that, ma'am?"Elbert grinned and nodded, "Of course, Colonel, but only if you drop the 'ma'am'. My friends call me Mike."Mac couldn't help grinning back, Elbert's good humor was infectious, "If you insist... Mike. My friends call me Mac." Meeting her a second time, it was easy to see how the Congresswoman got elected. She had a charisma about her that drew people in. Mike wasn't a ravishing beauty - she had a strong jaw and a patrician nose but she was handsome. Tall but not gangly, her most striking feature was her well-coifed coppery-red hair. If Mac had to guess, she'd put the Congresswoman's age at only a few years older than herself." Mike and Mac. That's perfect. We sound like an old Hepburn and Tracey movie." Mike laughed. She led the two of them out into the hallway and then turned around, "What's on your mind?"" Ground rules," Mac smiled to soften her words. "You put me in a bit of box when you requested my assistance through the SecNav's office."" Did I?" Mike put on an innocent face and then gave up when Mac raised an eyebrow at her. "Okay, I did, but I'm not apologizing. It's frustratingly hard to get this issue taken seriously and it doesn't help that I'm already handicapped." At Mac's puzzled look, she laughed, "Oh come, don't tell me you haven't noticed my accent?"Mac nodded, somewhat confused. The Congresswoman's soft Southern accent reminded her of the long-dead Confederate officer, Matthew Landers. Thinking of young and dashing North Carolinian gave her a pang of regret. Mike was quick to notice, "Are you all right?"" I'm fine," Mac shifted uncomfortably. "I knew a young officer from Durham. He was killed during a skirmish last year. You two sound the same." She took a deep breath, "I'm afraid I still don't understand what you're talking about."Mike folded her arms, "Honey, Jeff Foxworthy was right. Folks in this city hear a Southern accent and immediately revise your IQ down a hundred points. Factor in that I'm a woman and in the words of Rodney Dangerfield, I don't get no respect. You, however, are a high ranking, no-nonsense Marine officer and a highly skilled lawyer. They will listen to what you have to say. That makes you a truly vital member of this team."Mac stared at Elbert for a good thirty seconds before the corners of her mouth started to twitch, "Congresswoman Elbert... How shall I put this? I believe you've taken a slight detour from the gospel truth."Mike opened her mouth and then closed it again, shaking her head. Finally she smiled, "Damn, girl, you know most people would have gone right for the honey." She tilted her head to the side, "All right, what about 'ground rules'?"JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, VA
1340 LocalMac hurried across the bullpen, intent on catching up on some of the files that seemed to multiply on her desk whenever she left them alone. Was it possible for file folders to give birth? Jen Coates swore up and down that she wasn't adding to the ever-growing stack. Entering her office, she dropped her briefcase and sat down with a sigh. Working with Mike was going to be an interesting experience. The woman was passionate about her cause and quite willing to do or say whatever it took to help achieve her goal. Manipulation was second nature for her and Mac had to admit, she was good. Hopefully, with this initial meeting over with, Mike would realize that it would be better to be direct with her. Reaching for a file, Mac shook her head. If she had to deal with being 'handled' by Elbert every time they met, the North Carolina Congressional district would need to find a new representative. She would cheerfully murder the old one.Murder. Thinking about it, she glanced over at her phone. Should she give Kate a call and find out how things were going? After a couple of seconds, she shook her head. No, Kate would no more appreciate someone peeking over her shoulder during an investigation than Mac would. Sighing again, she opened up the folder she had chosen and began to read. Two hours later, she was entering some notes when there was a knock on her door. Not bothering to look up, she called 'Enter' while she finished up her typing. A small vase of flowers appearing on her desk caught her peripheral vision and she stopped in surprise.Looking up, she saw Harm standing there with an expression of nervous contrition. She looked back down at the flowers. There was a cartoon picture of the donkey from 'Shrek' stuck amongst the blooms with the words, 'Sorry I'm such an ass.' scribbled across it. Mac couldn't help the grin as she gazed back up at Harm, "Apology accepted."Harm smiled in relief and inclined his head slightly towards a chair. Mac nodded at the silent request and he dropped gratefully down and leaned forward a little, "Mac, I really am sorry about going off like that. It was a stupid choice of words. Honestly, that's not how I think of you."She stared at him for a long moment, "I want to believe you, Harm."" It's the truth!" Harm interrupted." I'm sure it is," she agreed. She looked down at the flowers for a moment and then exhaled softly, rubbing her forehead, "but it's hard to remember that when you say the things you do."Harm looked down at his hands, "I know." He wasn't feeling particularly proud of himself. He knew that one of Mac's biggest vulnerabilities was her self-image. When he was angry, that was the target he zeroed in on. Harm wanted to say more but after nine years, he was finally realizing that he needed to quit while he was ahead. Mac had accepted his apology so they were back on speaking terms. It was time for a strategic retreat. He would continue to make amends a little bit at a time. Harm stood up, "Well, I'll let you get back to work."Stopping in the break room for a bottle of water, he ran into Sturgis as he headed back towards his office. The Commander was carrying his cover and briefcase. Harm grinned at him and glanced at his watch, "Skipping out early, Mr. Turner? Don't let the Admiral catch you."" The Admiral already knows, Mr. Rabb," Sturgis smiled back. "I have to go to Seattle tonight."Harm shook his head, "Better you than me. Last time I was up that way, I don't think I saw the sun once. Any idea how long you'll be gone?"" No," Sturgis grimaced, "I suppose it will depend on how fast I can get through this investigation. I'll be coordinating with the local JAG office." He eyed Harm and then glanced towards Mac's office, "You're pretty chipper. Mac let you off the hook?"" Almost," Harm rubbed the back of his neck, "At least she's talking to me again."" That's something," Sturgis looked at his watch, "Listen, buddy, I've got to get going. I'll catch up with you when I get back - maybe we can grab a beer."" Sounds like a plan," Harm agreed. "Safe trip, man." He watched as Sturgis strode out of the bullpen and then turned towards his office. Things were definitely looking up.4 Days Later
Mac's Apartment
Georgetown
1930 LocalMac entered her apartment, taking a moment to re-lock the front door before dropping her briefcase on her desk. What a day. Harm had been incredibly lucky that his injuries weren't any more serious. The doctors were fairly positive that he would regain his hearing. It was an odd accident. She'd always read the warnings on car batteries about explosions but never - until now, anyway - had she ever known of one that actually did explode. Mac dismissed the uneasy feeling she was having as worry over Harm. After all, it wasn't as if just anyone could waltz onto the JAG parking lot.Glancing over at her phone, she saw the message light blinking. Kicking off her shoes, she walked over and pushed 'Play'. The first two were sales calls, one extolling the advantages of satellite TV and the other offering incredible savings on travel packages to exciting destinations. Mac snorted, maybe she should call them back and suggest they enlist. Then they could travel to all kinds of exotic places, courtesy of Uncle Sam. The third call was from Emma asking if she was free for dinner any time next week. Mac made a mental note to check her calendar. The last call was from Kate Todd. She'd seen the incident report and noticed the location was JAG HQ. She was checking to see if Mac was okay. It was reassuring, in a way, to know that someone else shared her concerns about Sadik Fahd.She went into the kitchen and put water on for tea and then rummaged around in her refrigerator. Coming up with leftover Chinese, she pulled out a plate, dumped out the contents of the box and stuck it in the microwave. She'd heat it up once the water started to boil. Not exactly haute cuisine but edible, Mac didn't feel like cooking and she found herself strangely leery of doing anything that would bring a stranger to her door. It was silly but she decided to go ahead and indulge her paranoid side for one evening. Maybe it would get it out of her system and she'd be able to sleep tonight.Going back to the living room, she grabbed the phone and settled down on the couch. Kate had called 40 minutes ago and left her cell phone number. Punching in the numbers, Mac waited for the brunette to pick up." Hello?"" Kate, it's Mac. I just got home and heard your message."" Are you all right?"" Yeah, I'm fine. It was the battery in Harm... Commander Rabb's car. I wasn't anywhere near." Mac heard the tea kettle start to whistle. Getting up, she headed for the kitchen. "It was a helluva thing. I was almost to my car when I heard the boom." Turning the heat down under the kettle, she punched in the time on the microwave and hit 'start'." How badly was the Commander hurt?"" He's had a hearing loss but the doctors are pretty sure it's temporary. They're keeping him in the hospital overnight to be on the safe side."Kate chuckled, "Is he whining about it?"" Loudly," Mac replied dryly. "He can't hear himself so he's shouting at the rest of us. Other than that, he's fine. He was lucky."" Or not. You both drive red Corvettes, don't you?"" Ye-es," Mac drew the word out slowly. "What's going on Kate?"" I haven't heard anything official, but Mac... look, just watch your back."Mac froze in the act of reaching for a mug, "Why?"After a slight hesitation, Kate said, "I've been checking through the database. I can't get confirmation but I think Sadik is here in the US."Sinking into a chair, Mac gripped the phone a little harder, "But you're not sure."There was a frustrated sigh. "No."" Then I'll just have to be a little more careful." Mac took a deep breath, "There's not much more I can do. Listen Kate, thanks for calling. I appreciate the heads-up."" Don't mention it. I'll touch base with you tomorrow. Good night." Kate hung up.Mac stayed sitting for a little while longer, absently staring out into space. Finally, she shook her head. It was entirely possible that Kate was wrong and Sadik hadn't made it into the country. Even if he had, that didn't mean he would be able to find her. All he had was a first name. He didn't know she was in the military, didn't know she was with JAG, didn't even know what city she lived in. She was worrying herself over nothing.
