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Part 30

Naval Regional Medical Center Camp Lejeune, NC 0820 Local

Harm nearly jumped out of his skin when Mac suddenly rocketed upright in her bed. He'd been sprawled in a chair near her bedside, half drowsing. Lurching up, he half-staggered, half-fell into the handrail around the hospital bed and put a hand out to keep her from getting any further. Jesus H. Christ, he was getting too old to pull these 24-hour days without feeling the effects. "Mac, take it easy. You're okay."

She gave him a wild-eyed stare, her breaths coming in great gasps as if she just finished the 100 yard dash. Alarmed, Harm stretched out and snagged the call button by the head of the bed. Pressing it several times, he dropped it so he could encircle her in his arms. She'd latched onto his front arm with a surprising amount of strength. He drew her against his chest, rubbing soothing circles on her back, "Easy does it, Marine. Slow and easy."

Mac pushed off of him although her right hand wrapped itself firmly in his shirtfront. She stared up at him, her shoulders still heaving with the effort of breathing and then spoke in a gasping whisper, "Kate... sharks... "

"It's okay, Mac, you're both in the hospital. No sharks." He reached up and brushed the hair away before cupping the side of her face. Harm scowled slightly, she felt hot to the touch. Hearing the door open, he glanced over his shoulder as a doctor walked in followed by one of the floor nurses.

The doctor took one look at Mac and then glanced back at the nurse, "Hyperventilating. Raise the bed, would you?" He moved to the nightstand and pulled a small paper bag out of the drawer. He looked over at Harm, "Lean her back and let's get this over her face."

A few minutes later, her breathing had returned to near normal. Harm was also slightly disappointed to see her eyes closed again. He looked over at the medical officer and signaled with a nod that he wanted to talk away from the bed. Dismissing the nurse, the doctor followed him over to the far side of the room. Before Harm could speak, the young man introduced himself, "I'm Captain Hampton. I'll be the Colonel's physician while she's here. You're Commander Rabb?"

"Yes," Harm looked a little surprised and Hampton smiled, "Dr. Mallard gave me a rundown on who's who." He stuck his hands in his lab coat pockets, "I assume you'd like an assessment of the Colonel's condition?"

"She felt hot," he tried to keep the anxious note out of his voice.

The Captain nodded, "We expected that. People aren't meant to spend that long floating around in the ocean - not without a life raft anyway. Her defenses are low from the exhaustion but we've got her on broad spectrum antibiotics. That ought to keep everything under control. We'll keep a close eye to make sure she's responding. The lacerations on her wrists should heal without any problems and despite that knot on the back of her head, she didn't have a concussion." He glanced back at his patient and then smiled reassuringly, "Mostly, she needs to rest. We'll keep her here for two or three days to rule out complications and then she'll be on medical leave for another week. After that she can go back to limited duty. You're from D.C., correct? We'll send her records up to Bethesda when you leave and the doctors up there can determine when to lift the restrictions."

"Thank you." Harm looked relieved. Her delirium when she'd first been brought aboard the copter had scared him badly. Mac tended to keep tight rein on herself. Seeing her so out of control had to mean something horrific was wrong, that he'd arrived too late. Even Ducky's reassurances after he'd sedated her hadn't been enough to quiet the nasty little voice that was gleefully telling him that he was about to lose someone else that he loved. This latest episode had done nothing to quiet his fears. His gaze traveled back to Mac, "You're sure she's going to be okay? The fever's nothing to worry about?"

"Nothing's 100 in medicine, Commander," Hampton stifled a small grin. Dr. Mallard had pegged the JAG officer neatly - forget the regs and treat him like an anxious spouse and life would be much simpler for the hospital staff. He held up a hand at the worry that suddenly clouded Rabb's features, "However, barring a truck barreling through the room, she'll be fine. Sleep's the best thing right now, something you should consider," he added pointedly.

"I'm fine. I need to be here. I don't want her waking up alone." Harm scrubbed at his jaw, "What about Kate? Caitlin Todd? Is she going to be alright?" He tensed at the suddenly closed look on the doctor's face, "She isn't... she didn't...?"

Hampton shook his head, "No, but she's in the ICU. You should really talk to her doctor, she's not my patient." He started to move towards the door, "Speaking of which, if you'll excuse me, I have rounds to make."

Harm put out a hand, "Would you do me a favor, Doctor?" He glanced back at Mac again, "If you see Dr. Mallard, would you ask him to stop by when he has time?" It would be pointless to ask for Gibbs. He knew without asking that the NCIS agent wouldn't be far from Kate - assuming he wasn't in his own hospital bed.

"I'll pass the message along," Hampton said and then exited the room.

Wearily, Harm went back to the chair and settled down again. Leaning back, he draped a hand over the railing and closed his eyes. The hell with the investigation. He only felt slightly guilty about it. Technically this wasn't his case at all, it was Gibbs' responsibility now. He knew they'd confront Elbert soon enough. At least with her police 'protection', her chances of bolting weren't too good. He allowed himself a grim smile at the thought of her reaction to seeing Mac alive and well. Almost immediately, that faded as he thought of Kate. It didn't sound like she was out of the woods yet. If she died, he didn't think Gibbs would rest until Elbert was dead, too.

Harm pried open an eye and checked his watch for a moment. He'd call Chegwidden again after Mac woke up. At least his pre-dawn call had been better received than the first one he'd made when he'd had to inform the Admiral that his Chief of Staff was missing - again. For a moment, he'd thought his cell phone was going to melt. In a perverse way, it was reassuring listening to AJ rant. It was a damn sight better than the way Chegwidden had acted during that Paraguay disaster. Taking one last look at Mac, he closed his eyes again.

--------

Gibbs sat and watched Kate's motionless form. The steady beep of the various monitors were both reassuring and appalling. There was a battle being waged that he could do nothing about and it galled him. Ducky had gently explained that the gunshot wound wasn't serious in itself but the blood loss and infection were. She had a raging fever. They were fighting back with cooling blankets, antibiotics and fluids. It was a good sign that Kate had made it this far, the doctor had pointed out. She could have easily succumbed to shock early on...

Gibbs veered away from that train of thought. He didn't want to hear how 'fortunate' she was to still be breathing. There was nothing fortunate in being abducted, shot and dumped in the ocean to drown or be torn apart by sharks. None of this should have happened. The facts had been in front of him all along. He should have seen it. He'd been an NCIS agent a helluva lot longer than Kate. What still shocked her, barely made a dent for him. He didn't fault her for it although he knew, at times, it seemed that way. Inexperience wasn't a permanent condition and Kate was a fast learner. The fault was his. He should have seen this coming.

Elbert was a lethal combination of cautious brilliance and audacious cunning. She was a political creature in the worst sense, completely amoral. It was the speed with which she had struck that had caught him flat-footed. It wasn't like they'd had a tremendous amount of evidence with which to make their case. In hindsight, it did make sense for her to have moved when she did. Get rid of the people who had finally learned what questions to ask and she could turn the whole investigation on its ear. Dammit, he should have known!

Stifling a groan, Gibbs shifted around in the chair, trying to find a more comfortable position. He had to be careful. Ducky was on the brink of pulling rank and throwing him into a hospital bed, complete with restraints. He didn't have time for that. He had to be here for Kate. Intellectually, he knew it was irrational to feel that it was his presence that was keeping death at bay but there it was. He would stay until she was safe and then he could rest.

After that, well, the details didn't really matter all that much. He was focused on the salient points. Elbert had done this to Kate and she would pay for it dearly.

Naval Regional Medical Center Camp Lejeune, NC 1150 Local

Harm awoke slowly to the sound of soft conversation. Scrubbing his face, he winced slightly as he tried to straighten up. Sleeping in a chair hadn't been the best move in the world considering his back. He finally got himself situated enough to look over at the bed and found both Mac and Gunny Walters watching him. That got him moving a little faster although he had to clench his jaw to keep from groaning out loud. As he leaned over the railing, Walters cleared his throat and announced that he was going for coffee, would the Commander like a cup? Harm nodded wordlessly, not paying much attention as the Gunny left the room. He was focused on Mac, feeling slightly puzzled to see her regarding him with worry. They spoke at almost the same time, "Are you all right?" Her voice was still a whisper.

They wound up grinning at each other and then Harm lowered the railing so he could sit on the side of the bed. Mac obligingly scooted over so he would have enough room. As soon as he was settled, he silently opened his arms inviting her in. With the slightest hitch in her breathing, she buried herself in his chest, holding on to him fiercely. For his part, Harm rested his cheek on top of her head and tried not to think of what it would have been like to never do this again. He drew his own shuddering breath. How long they stayed that way, Harm had no idea. It was a curious juxtaposition of mere moments and all eternity. Finally, he felt her draw back a little. Taking a breath, he prepared himself for the question he knew was coming.

Mac shifted around in his arms until she could see his face. God knew she never wanted to leave his embrace. It was one of the few places where she felt completely safe. It hadn't always been that way but they had both worked and endured to make it so. Swallowing painfully, she gave voice to the question she hadn't been able to ask Dubby, "Kate?"

"Still in the ICU. She's pretty sick. I passed the word for Dr. Mallard to stop by when he had the time. He can give us a better idea of what's going on." At the distressed look on her face, he gently rubbed her shoulder, "I'm sorry, Mac. I wish I had better news."

She shook her head, "Knew it'd be bad."

"She's a tough lady, she'll make it," Harm tried to sound as reassuring as possible. He didn't want her to feel guilty about Kate's condition. "You kept her alive out there, that's the important thing." When she didn't answer right away, he decided to switch topics, "What were you and Dubby talking about?"

Mac shrugged uncomfortably, "Sorry for letting me down. Wasn't his fault. Doesn't agree." She swallowed painfully again. Inadvertently gargling sea water for over seven hours had left her throat raw. She made a face, talking wasn't getting any easier, "Hard to argue. Would you?"

Harm pulled her close again, kissing her temple, "Sure. I'm used to pounding sense into hard-headed Marines." He grinned when she thumped his chest. They lapsed into a comfortable silence, soaking up each other's presence. Harm knew at some point Mac would ask about Elbert but right now, if she wanted to avoid the topic, he wasn't going to argue. Reality would intrude soon enough for all of them. A few minutes later, there was a soft knock on the door and Harm bit back a sigh. Speak of the Devil... He loosened his hold on Mac but kept an arm draped casually about her shoulders. He needed the contact as much as he suspected she did. The hell with what anyone might think - it wasn't like either one of them was in uniform. "Come in," he called.

Ducky put his head in and then smiled to see them both awake. He walked up to the foot of the bed, "I looked in earlier but you were both still asleep. I didn't want to disturb your rest." He smiled warmly at Mac, "You're looking much better, Sarah. How do you feel?"

Harm spoke up, "She's having trouble talking and she's running a fever." He grunted softly when Mac's elbow connected with his ribs.

"Is she?" The Doctor raised an eyebrow and pulled her chart off the foot of the bed, pursing his lips as he read. He looked back up at the both of them, "The antibiotics should help with both." He moved around to the side, putting a hand on Mac's forehead. Making a slight umphing sound, he fished a small flashlight out of his pocket, "Open up." Mac obediently opened her mouth, rolling her eyes at Harm. He had no problem reading her expression, friend or not, she did not like being poked and prodded.

Ducky peered intently for a few seconds and then clicked off the flashlight, "Well, my dear, your throat is definitely irritated but there doesn't appear to be any ulcers forming." He glanced over at Harm, "That usually takes several days." Ducky looked back at Mac, "Believe or not, gargling with a mild saline solution will help."

Harm snorted incredulously, "You're kidding. Salt water's what did this."

Ducky raised an eyebrow, "There's a world of difference between the ocean and saline solution." He looked at Mac and tilted his head towards Harm, "Are you sure this is a good idea, Sarah? He's frightfully tall."

Mac grinned and nodded, giving Harm a mischievous look. "Handy," she whispered.

Mallard eyed the Commander who eyed him right back and then shrugged his shoulders, "Well, I suppose if one doesn't have a ladder." He heaved a dramatic sigh and smiled at Mac again, "However, if you should happen to get tired of the crick in your neck... "

Mac smiled back, "You next."

Harm affected a hurt expression, "Hey... " After a few moments, he chuckled, shaking his head, "Is this what you two have been doing to DiNozzo?"

Mac nodded with a grin, leaning comfortably into his side again. Mallard gave him a mildly defensive look, "Everyone needs a hobby." Abruptly, his shoulders sagged and Harm was struck by how tired the older man suddenly looked, "Now about Kate... "

They were interrupted when Walters strode back into the room, barely pausing after knocking on the door. Harm glanced over at Mac who was looking mystified. He returned his gaze to the Gunny, "What's wrong?" The big man didn't look upset, he looked angry.

"You're not going to believe this, sirs, ma'am," Walters grabbed the remote for the TV off the nightstand and turned on the set.

Harm's eyes widened as the face of Michelle Elbert filled the screen. He felt Mac tense beside him, "What the hell... ?" He heard Mallard's 'Bloody hell..?' following on the heels of his own exclamation.

Elbert's picture was replaced by a dutifully serious anchorwoman, "Coming up next, our own Jamie Stillman's exclusive interview with Congresswoman Elbert about her harrowing ordeal. Was she the target of terrorism or the near victim of a deranged killer?"

"What?!?" Harm exploded.

Mac's hand on his arm quieted him down as another woman appeared on the screen, "Thank you, Jill." She half-turned and gestured to a brick and glass building behind her, "I'm outside the Carteret County General Hospital in Morehead CIty where I just had an amazing interview with U.S. Congresswoman Michelle Elbert. She was taken here last night after being injured when her boat exploded near the Beaufort Inlet. What was first thought to be an accident involving a fire onboard has taken on more sinister overtones. The Congresswoman's room is currently being guarded by the police. Was this an attempt by Al-Qaeda to strike at our government or was the crime a little closer to home?"

The screen switched back to the anchorwoman, "We'll have that interview in it's entirety following this commercial message. Stay tuned."

As an impossibly cheerful woman sang about the joy of scrubbing kitchen floors, Harm shifted around so he could look at Mac. She was white-faced and wide-eyed and he knew without touching her how rigidly she was holding herself. Mallard looked at them both and then perched himself on the edge of the bed so that she was bracketed by the two men. Having learned more than he cared to about the Congresswoman, he suspected the upcoming interview would be difficult for the Colonel.

"Mac?" Harm put his arm around her again, feeling the tenseness in her shoulders.

She turned to stare at him, one hand raised to her throat as if that might somehow make it easier to speak, "She'll blame us. Me or Kate."

"Sarah, whatever fantasy the woman puts out won't hold up under the light of evidence," Ducky said gently.

Mac turned to look at him and shook her head, "Media won't care. Good story."

"And we'll blow it right out of the water," Harm stated forcefully, "We'll make sure our side is heard."

"It's back on." Walters' voice warned them all.

Michelle Elbert was sitting up in a hospital bed, a bandage visible on her head. Sitting next to her was the reporter, Jamie Stillman. She leaned towards the Congresswoman, her posture fairly radiating concern, "I know this is difficult, Ms. Elbert, but could you tell us what happened last night?"

Elbert offered a tremulous smile, her hand waving vaguely towards her head, "I'm afraid I'm not that clear on all of it."

Stillman refolded her hands, "Well, tell us what you remember. According to our sources, you were assisting in a murder investigation?"

"Yes, that's true," Elbert nodded and then closed her eyes briefly as if that had been too much effort. Harm snorted softly in annoyance. The woman should have been in Hollywood.

"Take your time, Congresswoman." The reporter oozed sympathy. "You were aboard your boat with two other women... "

"Not just two other women!" Elbert said forcefully, causing Stillman to sit up in surprise. "Naval Criminal Investigative Services Special Agent Caitlin Todd and JAG attorney Lt. Col. Sarah MacKenzie. They were women I had come to respect and admire. Women I considered my friends." She brought a hand up to her mouth, looking like she was fighting tears. "I just can't believe... "

"What happened?" Stillman was like a hound straining at the leash.

Elbert took a deep breath, "I owe Caitlin Todd my life. She saved me at the expense of her own." The Congresswoman picked at her bedcovers, "It was Mac... Col. MacKenzie. I... she... this is so hard... we'd worked together in Washington on a Congressional investigation. She was assigned to my office. We became friends, or at least I thought we were. She and Agent Todd came to see me about a series of murders they were looking into. The trail had led them down here."

The reporter looked puzzled, "But why did they need to talk to you about a murder investigation?"

"Because Agent Todd had found a connection to my Congressional investigation. That's when I realized what must have happened - what Mac had done." Elbert paused and raised her eyes to the ceiling. "What happened next was my fault. I should have left it to Kate but instead I confronted Mac with what I knew. She pulled a gun on us and forced me to take us out to sea. I guess she was going to kill us and then make a run for it - I don't know. Kate jumped her and they fought. I tried to help and wound up with this." She gestured towards her head and sighed, "I was barely conscious but I remember shots being fired and then the two of them went over the side. I guess I passed out after that. When I came to, the Gerrymander was on fire. I had no idea where I was, the autopilot had been on. I grabbed a lifejacket and threw myself overboard. Everything is pretty hazy after that until I woke up here."

The screen faded and then the anchorwoman was back looking properly respectful, "That was an incredible story of courage and sacrifice. We'll be following this story as it develops. And now, here's Randy with our 5 day forecast... "