Part 41
Sea Haven Pine Knoll Shores, NC 0940 Local
Mac knocked lightly on the door and then stuck her head in the room. She smiled when she saw Kate looking back at her. Stepping in, she held up two mugs, "I brought coffee, if you're interested."
"God, yes," Kate ran a hand through her hair and started to push herself upright. Mac covered the ground in a few strides, depositing the coffee on the nightstand and reaching over to help. Kate nodded her thanks as she leaned back against the rearranged pillows and then smiled gratefully when Mac handed her the mug. The JAG officer sat down on the side of the bed. "How are you feeling? That's Squid coffee, by the way. Harm made it," she added with a smile when she saw how cautiously Kate was starting to sip.
Kate breathed an exaggerated sigh of relief and took a larger mouthful of the brew, "Thanks, I don't know how you and Gibbs can drink that sludge. Is lack of taste buds some sort of requirement to join the Marine Corps?"
Mac shook a finger, "Don't go dissing the Corps. It's not our fault the rest of you have been brainwashed into liking wimpy, coffee-flavored water." She raised an eyebrow, "And you didn't answer my question, how are you feeling?"
"Pretty good." Kate saw the look she was getting. "I do," she insisted and then looked a little sheepish, "Right now, anyway, it's when I get out of bed that everything goes downhill. ... Don't tell Ducky, I'll be stuck here for a week."
"You promise to take a nap this afternoon - and that means coming back up here, not half-dozing in the middle of all the chaos - and you've got a deal," Mac held out a hand. She could appreciate Kate's frustration, she'd been there before.
"Deal," Kate shook hands with the Marine Colonel and then grinned, not letting go. "That's a beautiful ring. I understand congratulations are in order."
Mac blushed a little, spreading her fingers out so Kate could get a better view, "Thank you."
Kate leaned back in her pillows and grinned, "So? C'mon girl, dish."
Her blush deepening, Mac smiled, "You know, I've known that Squid for nine years and he still managed to surprise me." With that, she launched into a description of Harm's proposal. By the time she was done, they were both a little teary-eyed.
Kate wiped at her eyes, "Oh god, that was wonderful. Where is he? I wanna accept too."
Mac laughed, "Nothing doing, that man's all mine." She gave Kate a thoroughly wicked smile, "You'll just have to make do with certain ex-Marine Gunnery Sergeants."
"Mac! He's my boss!"
Kate's shocked rejoinder only made Mac smile wider. She waved a hand, "Whatever, but I've seen him watching you. You're not in the military. You wouldn't be breaking regs."
"Just his damn rules," Kate muttered, half to herself.
Mac's smile was sympathetic, "I know the feeling. Look, if it's meant to happen, it will." Her expression turned wry, "Just hope that it doesn't take him nine years to make a move."
Kate snorted, "I'd wait longer than that if I got a proposal like the one you got." Her eyes widened a little, "That is... I didn't mean... oh hell. Not a word to him, you hear"
"I promise." The two women fell silent for a few moments. Mac stared down at her hands and sighed.
"Set a date, yet?"
"No, but I was thinking about the fall. That would give some of our friends time to arrange leave... and give everyone time to get over the shock." She looked at Kate, "You'll come, won't you?"
"Wouldn't miss it." Kate smiled as she finished off her coffee. She shifted a little so she could put the mug on the nightstand only to have Mac intercept it and place it for her, "Thanks... No word on Elbert, I take it?"
"Nothing. She's vanished." Mac eyed the NCIS agent, "She's out there looking for us, though. I can feel it."
Kate poked at the covers, "Yeah, I know." She glanced out the window, "I almost wish she'd make her move and get it over with. I hate waiting like this."
Mac's expression turned grim, "Be careful what you wish for."
Food Lion Atlantic Beach, NC 1345 Local
Mike leaned back in the car seat and frowned. The morning hadn't been as productive as she would have liked. About the only bright note was that everyone she met seemed to buy her new identity. She'd called one of the bank branches and gotten her wire transfer of funds and then had arranged for a rental car. Everybody she talked to had been more than happy to assist after she'd explained her situation. They felt good about themselves after helping the 'poor Brit cancer patient' so far from home. It had been easy to casually pump them for information. Unfortunately, not one had known a damn thing. Everybodyl knew foreign royalty was in the area but no one knew off-hand where they might be staying.
Once she had transportation, she'd found an electronics store and bought herself a laptop. After she returned to the hotel, she'd had no trouble hacking into the rental agencies' records. It hadn't done much good. Mike couldn't find any place that had been rented in the last week or so under any of the names she knew. Of the places that had been rented recently, only two had had both sides taken by the same party. She'd cruised by both already and neither had the people she was looking for. That had to mean they were in a private residence and there was absolutely no way to find that kind of information in the timeframe she had.
When lunchtime rolled around, she went to one of the restaurants in Salter Path. She'd chatted up the waitress who then asked the inevitable question of where she was from. From there, it was a simple matter to direct the conversation towards other foreigners who visited the island but she'd come up empty again. She'd try a different restaurant tomorrow but it seemed obvious that MacKenzie's friends weren't taking any chances.
Frustrated, she'd been reduced to this: waiting in the parking lot of a food store for some sort of lead on her enemies. There had to be twenty or so people in their group and they weren't eating out, which meant someone had to go for supplies every other day or so. The only break she'd had, if you could call it that, was that there were only three grocery stores on the island. She'd stake out this one in Atlantic Beach today, tomorrow she'd go to the one in Emerald Isle. The third store was rather small without a lot of variety. Mike had decided to take a gamble and ignore that one. Hopefully, these people weren't bothering to drive all the way off the island for food.
Adjusting her sunglasses, Mike leaned back in the car seat and tried not to fall asleep. She was bored silly and even with all the windows down, she was sweating up a storm in the heat. She'd moved the car several times already, angling for any spot that offered a bit of shade without compromising her view. The back of the car was littered with empty water bottles.
Ninety minutes later, Mike was moving the car yet again when she saw them. Emma Fine, the Bacovian security man and another woman walking into the Food Lion. It was all she could do to keep moving at a sedate pace. Heart hammering, she found a parking spot that gave her a good view of the store and the lot. The next forty minutes seemed like an eternity and then she saw them again. Both women were pushing loaded shopping carts while the man walked slightly behind and to the side. Even with his sunglasses on, she could tell he was constantly scanning the area. Mike couldn't help tensing as his gaze swept past her car. The sun was behind her and so long as she didn't make any sudden moves, she didn't think she'd be that easy to see. She watched as they stopped at a large black Suburban and started loading their bags. Once they climbed in, she pulled out and began a slow circuit towards the exit. She needed to time this carefully so that they would reach the light just ahead of her. Fortunately, the island only had one main road so she could travel in the same direction without appearing that she was following.
Mike broke into a wide grin as she watched them slow down and pull into a driveway in Pine Knoll Shores. So that was where they were hiding. She continued driving by, never turning her head as she passed. They weren't too far from the Aquarium, so she pulled in there to consider her next move. They'd found a good location. Most of the residences in Pine Knoll Shores were privately owned. Very few were available to rent. That would make it difficult but not impossible to move inconspicuously. Mike tapped her chin, maybe she could find a house that was unoccupied.
Starting up the car again, she pulled out onto the highway and headed back towards the driveway. A private road came up on her right and she made a quick decision and turned into it. Fortunately, it wasn't gated and she cruised slowly down past the houses on either side of the street. Mike smiled to herself, if she could find a place, this would be perfect. The road was continuing in the direction of MacKenzie and Todd's hideout. It was possible she could be within walking distance. Coming to a cul-de-sac, she stopped the car and looked around, frowning slightly. No luck. All the houses were obviously occupied. One of them apparently had small children if the various scattered toys were any indication.
Sweeping her gaze around one more time, her attention was caught by an older man marching down his driveway. From his attitude, he was about to send her on her way. Mike's eyes narrowed, maybe things were going to work out after all. Grabbing a receipt from the pile of items on the front seat, she stepped out of the car and gave the man a hopeful smile, "Good afternoon, sir. Might you be able to help me? I believe I'm lost."
She hid a smirk as he stopped in surprise, his gaze drifting up towards her bandana before he yanked it back down to look at her face. "Maybe." She suspected his tone was a lot less gruff than he originally planned.
"Oh, thank you!" Mike allowed her smile to brighten and then made a show of studying the receipt in her hand, "I'm looking for the Hathaways, No. 2146?"
He scowled a little, "I'm sorry, Miss... ?"
Mike smiled brightly, "Porter, Marcia Porter. And you are... ?"
The man smiled in return, "Cyrus Davies, ma'am." He ran a hand through his thinning hair, "Look, Miss Porter, I'm afraid there aren't any Hathaways on this road. Are you sure you have the right address?"
"Oh dear..." Mike studied the receipt again, "I'm positive I wrote this down correctly: Jack and Lilith Hathaway, 2146 Briar Place, Pine Knoll Shores."
Cyrus' expression lightened, "Ahh, that explains it. This is Dogwood Circle." He pointed behind her, "Briar Place is on the other side of the highway."
"It is?" Mike turned to look and let herself falter a bit, stopping when she wound up leaning against the car.
"Are you all right?" Davies took a step towards her, his eyes widening in alarm.
Mike waved a hand in his general direction, keeping her head down and her eyes closed, "I'll be fine... in a moment. I'm afraid... I tire rather easily." She heard him take a step closer and opened her eyes slowly, giving him a brave, yet trembling, smile. "I've been driving around longer than was probably prudent."
She watched the indecision flit across his face and then his shoulders straightened. "Would you like to come up to the house and sit for a few minutes? I've got a fresh pitcher of iced tea."
Mike started to shake her head and then stopped, closing her eyes for a moment, "No, thank you ... You're quite kind but I wouldn't want to impose. I'm sure you have things you need to be doing."
"I'm retired. The only thing I need to do is read the afternoon paper." He took another step and extended his hand, "Please come up, Miss Porter. I insist."
Mike looked undecided, "Wouldn't your wife object to bringing strangers into the house? What if I was some sort of homicidal maniac?" She smiled at him.
His face sagged a little, "My wife passed two years ago." He hesitated briefly, his eyes going to her bandana again, "Ovarian cancer."
"Oh my, I'm so sorry," Mike let her hand creep up towards her head before putting it back down, "Breast cancer, but they think they've gotten it all." She straightened her shoulders, "I accept your invitation, Mr. Davies. I would be delighted to share a glass of tea with you."
Davies smiled and stepped alongside her, offering his arm, "Please call me Cyrus. If you'll allow me?"
Mike threaded her hand through his elbow, "Thank you."
They walked slowly up the driveway and then around the side of the house to the back patio. Seating her in a chair, Davies smiled at her, "I'll be right back with the tea."
Mike watched him leave and then stared out at the view. This was perfect. On the beach, but secluded. This could be her base of operations for the next few days. The only concern would be how nosy the neighbors were.
Cyrus reappeared with a tray carrying a pitcher of tea and two glasses. Mike smiled as he sat down, "This is just lovely. Have you lived here long?"
A shadow crossed his face again, "Only four years. Olivia loved the beach, so I bought this place. I wanted her to be happy at the end."
Mike reached over and touched his arm, giving him a sympathetic smile, "That was wonderfully thoughtful of you. It must have been so hard." She leaned back again, sipping her tea, "I imagine your family and friends helped."
Davies sighed, looking out at the ocean, "They did but I'm afraid I shut myself off after Livy died. I was so numb and I just couldn't bear the pity in their eyes." He looked over at her and smiled, "It's getting a little better now."
They fell silent for a few minutes and then Mike looked over at him, "Would you mind showing me the view? I love looking at the ocean."
He stood up and offered her a hand, "Certainly." He led her to the edge of the patio, skirting around the inground pool.
Mike looked down at it and then over at him, "I must admit, I'm a trifle surprised to see a pool in a home that sits on the beach."
Cyrus chuckled, "I know, but sometimes it's nice not to have to shake sand out of your swimsuit. It's heated, too, so I can swim in the winter."
"That makes sense," Mike agreed. They reached the back railing and she looked up and down the beach thoughtfully, taking care not to let her gaze dwell too long to the east. There was a group of people on the beach and in the water although they were too far away to identify. She stayed for a few more minutes and then looked regretfully at Davies, "Thank you so much for your hospitality but I really should get going. Jack and Lilith are probably beginning to worry."
"Of course," he took her arm again and started back.
Mike waited until they were alongside the pool before letting her sunglasses slip from her hand, "Oh dear, that was clumsy of me."
"I'll get them."
As Davies bent down, Mike put a foot on his back and shoved. With a startled exclamation, he sprawled forward on his hands and knees. She was on him in an instant, grabbing a fistful of hair and slamming his head into the tile edging around the pool. He slumped into unconsciousness and she rolled him into the pool. Retrieving the skimmer, she shoved his body down to the bottom and held it there. When the police discovered him, it would look like an accidental drowning. When she decided enough time had elapsed, she pulled the skimmer up and replaced it on the wall. Mike smiled down at the body, "You should have listened closer when I said I could be homicidal." Wiping her hands on her shirt, she picked up her sunglasses and strode purposefully to the front of the house. She had work to do.
Sea Haven Pine Knoll Shores, NC 1640 Local
Sensing the shadow falling across her, Mac opened her eyes and smiled, "Hey, how did the call to Mattie go?"
Harm settled himself on the edge of the lounge chair, "Fine, she was a little surprised at first and then she got excited about being part of the wedding. She wanted to know when we'll be back. How did your call to Chloe go?"
Mac put a finger in her ear and shook it, "I'm hoping to regain my hearing in time for my physical fitness quals."
Harm chuckled, "A little excited, was she?"
Mac grinned, "Just a little. She wants to talk to you next." She raised an eyebrow at him, "Shouldn't you and your cohorts be assembling in the kitchen soon? Dinner is at 1800."
"It's a little early yet," Harm countered, giving her a mock scowl. She was enjoying this way too much.
She raised an eyebrow, "I was allowing time for you guys to argue about the menu." Harm snorted and then a gust of wind had them both looking towards the ocean. "Looks like we're going to get some weather tonight," Mac observed, watching the growing thunderheads.
"It might stay out to sea,"
"It might not," Mac slid her hand into his and smiled, "Could be fun, snuggling on the couch under a blanket while there's thunder and lightning outside."
"Hmmm," Harm leaned in and kissed her, "You may have a point there." He kissed her one more time, "Has Mom cornered you yet?"
Mac pulled back a little, sobering, "Nooo, why? Is something wrong?" Every now and then she caught herself wondering when she was going to wake up and find this was all a dream.
Harm grinned reassuringly, reaching out to run his fingers through her hair, "Nothing's wrong, silly. I think this involves... " he lowered his voice after making sure the coast was clear, "... shopping."
Mac's eyes lit up as she smiled in relief, "Oooo, that sounds like fun. Maybe I should go find her." She sat up and gave him a little push, "You'd better get going yourself, Chef Rabb. You've only got 65 minutes to impress us with dinner."
"Okay, okay, I'm going," Harm stood up and then turned back, giving her a hand up. He used the opportunity to slide one more kiss in before disappearing into the house. Mac sighed happily and then glanced at the security agent Marius had assigned to her. Smiling at him, she switched to Russian, "Ready to go in, Vlad?"
The agent gave her a quick smile and a nod before returning his gaze to the surrounding area. Mac headed for the door, wondering a little at how normal it now seemed to followed everywhere by an armed guard. It was not something she had ever planned on getting used to.
Davies Residence Pine Knoll Shores 1950 Local
Mike glanced at the rapidly darkening sky and the ever more frequent flashes of lightning. The storm would be the perfect ally for her plan. It just needed to hold off a little longer so that she could finish her preparations. After moving her car into the garage, she'd taken a stroll on the beach and collected seashells. Coincidentally, it had allowed her to confirm the location of the house. Although she hadn't actually seen Mac or Todd, she'd recognized the Bacovian royal couple as they sat under a sun shelter watching a couple of young teenagers playing in the waves. She also noticed several grim-faced young men who were focused on the surrounding area - including herself. Grateful that it wasn't Rabb or Gibbs, she had turned around as casually as she could and wandered back the way she'd come.
As soon as it was dark enough, she would return and check out the house as closely as she could. If it was laid out in the same pattern as most of the beach houses down here, she would return later to carry out her plan. Originally, she was going to wait until the early hours of the morning when everyone was asleep and the guards would be having a harder time maintaining their vigilance. Now, however, she would time her attack to coincide with the height of the storm. Thunder would help conceal the sound of gunshots and the chaos she was planning on creating would hopefully prevent anyone from realizing exactly what was going on until it was too late.
