Title: Old Friends
Chapter Ten
By: LizD
Written: June/July 2004
Disclaimers: No disrespect to JAG's cast, crew or creators. With love and thanks.
Old Friends - Chapter Ten
Make New Friends, But Keep The Old One Is Silver, And The Other GoldPart 2
1818 EST – Wednesday, July 7th
Rabb Residence
North of Union Station
Harm was still on the phone ordering pizza when Mattie let herself in.
"Don't forget the anchovies." She said over her shoulder as she made her way to the fridge to grab a soda.
Harm shook his head as she popped open the can. She had been drinking entirely too much soda. "Water?" He suggested.
She shrugged and took a long drink from the can.
He hung up. "Should be here in 45 minutes … where's Coates?" He asked.
"She is bagging on scrabble tonight." She said. "Something about a date with some guy she met camping."
Harm was pleased about that – all except the DATE part. What kind of influence would she have on Mattie now?
"So, Mac was pretty pissed off at you." Mattie flopped down on the couch.
"She told you that?" Harm was surprised that Mac would have said anything about their discussion at all.
"Didn't have to."
"Female intuition … or does your gender have a secret code." He pulled two bottles of water out of the refrigerator.
Mattie picked up Harm's latest copy of some airplane or pilot magazine. "I could tell you, but then I would have to kill you." She said without looking up.
"Ha." He was only slightly amused. "I am glad it is just the two of us tonight." He said replacing her soda with bottled water.
"Harm!" She protested.
"Drink."
"Well at least it isn't milk."
"You should drink more of that too." He scolded.
"How did you get to be Mr. Nutrition?"
"Years of eating and drinking like you and paying for it."
She drank some of the water and made a face. "Boring."
There was a little silence as Mattie flipped through a magazine.
"Mattie … can we finish talking about what is going to happen on Friday?"
She knew it was coming and had hoped that she could keep it light.
"I guess." She quickly snapped out. "Should I go with my bags packed?"
"No, honey." He was taken aback by the sneer in her voice. "It won't be like that."
"Am I going to have to talk to the judge?"
"Yes, you are." He said gently. "I am assuming she will have questions for all of us."
"Is it the same one?" Mattie clearly had a lot of concerns that she had been hiding for a while now.
"I don't know. I don't remember the name of the last judge." He walked over and pulled out the subpoena. "It says here 'Judge Lane Marston' … it could be the same judge or not. I don't know."
"Do I have to wear a dress this time?"
"You should be dressed well enough to show respect to the judge and the court."
"Fine."
"And you should act the same way." He warned.
"I know … I got that the last time."
Harm waited to see if she had more questions. When it appeared that she was done for the moment, he started with his agenda. "Mattie tell me what you want."
"I want the pizza to get her faster." She deflected.
"Mattie."
"OK, Ok … I suppose I should get the hell out of your life and go live with my dad."
"Wait … wait just a second." He sat down across from her.
"Harm it's true. You need your life back." She tossed the magazine down. "You and Mac --."
"Stop." He put his hand up to silence her. "Mac loves you … nearly as much as I do. More than that, she likes you."
"I like her."
"This is not about me or my relationship with Mac." He stated. "This is about you. What do you want?"
"I want this to be easier … kids shouldn't have to choose between parents or guardians."
"I know." He nodded. "It is really unfair to you."
"Gates told me I was lucky." She nervously played with the cap on the water bottle. "I don't feel very lucky."
"Gates? When did you talk to her?"
"At the picnic. I like her, she is honest."
Harm shook his head. He could only imagine what Gates had said to her. "Lucky, huh?"
"Yeah, she said that I should be happy that I had two men fighting over me." Mattie tried to smile but it didn't really work.
Harm was not impressed. "What else did HONEST GATES tell you?"
"She said that when I talk to the judge – to tell her what I want - I should be totally selfish and to hell with what either you or my dad want."
Harm nodded. There was a little bit of logic to that. "What are you thinking Mattie?"
"I don't know …I am torn. I like living here. I like living with Jen and having you just down the hall. I like the school here and I have made some good friends."
"I am still trying to find us a house, Mattie." He reminded her. "Would you still want to stay with me if it was just the two of us in a house and you didn't have your own apartment?"
Mattie paused for a moment. She really liked the independence and security she had. It was almost like it was when she was taking care of herself after her dad had taken off, but better. Now she had a 'sister' and Harm was close but not too close. "Yeah … I guess."
"You guess?"
"Yeah … it would be different, but it would be alright." She looked up at him. "I don't want to go back to Blacksburg."
"Your dad has a job here, doesn't he?" Harm asked. "Why would you move back?"
"His job is not that good and his apartment is really small, he was thinking that we should live in my house cause it would be cheaper and he would try to get his old job back."
"I see." He was a little hurt that they had talked to the point of making plans like that. "So you two have discussed this."
"Not really … more comments thrown out." She defended. "I like how it is now. I see him on the weekends, and we talk. Really talk, like we never did before. I am getting to know him better." She looked up at him. "Trust him."
"Trust him?"
Mattie shrugged. "I trust you."
Harm's heart melted. "How's he doing with his AA?"
"One day at a time." Mattie mocked the AA credo.
"That is sound advice." Harm nodded. "For more than just AA."
"Harm, I don't want to go back to Blacksburg. I want to stay here … with you."
He smiled. "Ok."
"Just like that?"
He laughed. "No, not just like that. Need to convince your dad that staying here is what you want and is best for both of you --." He was thinking ALL OF US.
"Maybe he could move in down stairs." Mattie suggested.
"Please … we have enough of a commune going here as it is."
"I guess."
"And then we need to convince the judge."
"How hard will that be?" She was really asking, she had remembered last time that the judge was pretty rigid until Mac stepped in.
"Well, if we put up a unified front … if the three of us have a plan, then she would more than likely allow it."
There was a knock at the door.
"PIZZA!" Mattie jumped off the couch, grabbed the money sitting on the table and ran to the door.
Harm knew the discussion was pretty much over for the night. Now all he needed to do was figure out how to approach Tom the next day. He really wished Mac were there. She was able to speak to him last time and convince him what was best. He couldn't even call her and ask for advice.
2348 EST – Wednesday, July 7th
Rabb Residence
North of Union Station
Harm was not asleep but he was in bed. He had been staring at the ceiling and thinking about Mattie and Tom and how he was going to handle the next couple of days. He really wanted to talk to Mac. Actually he really wanted her there. For the first time in weeks he actually thought that maybe he wasn't going to lose Mattie. If she wanted to stay, it was a matter of making it happen.
The phone rang and pulled him back to reality.
"Rabb." He said quickly.
"Hi." Said the sweet familiar voice he was hoping to hear.
"Hey!" He leaned back in the pillows. "It is so good to hear your voice even if it is a half a world away. How's it going?"
"I could use your help on this, Harm. These guys have a code that I don't think I can break. You speak their language."
"I have some code breaking to do myself and could use your help here."
"So are you sorry that you recommended me for this job?"
"Mac … please … I didn't … I wasn't trying …" He couldn't find the right words. "Damn it!"
"Hey. I was just kidding. I know you weren't trying to get rid of me." She said. "But it sure felt that way this morning."
"Mac, I will never try to get rid of you."
"You couldn't – even if you tried."
He was stunned by such an admission. "Really?"
"Really … but don't test me." She laughed. "So how did it go with Mattie?"
"She wants to stay with – here." He was going to say 'me' but 'here' was more precise. "She is not ready to move back with him – yet."
"Good. Now you just have to clear that with Tom."
"Got any tips on that score?"
"Be honest and real with him. He is not a stupid man. He must know that Mattie and he are not ready to be a family again." She took a short breath. "In fact he might be relieved that she wants to stay with you for a little while longer."
"I wonder."
"When was that last time you talked to him?"
"Over a month ago … I mean other than 'hellos' and 'goodbyes'."
Harm remembered the last night he talked to Tom. It was the day after the Admiral's dining out, when he was called out to Guadalcanal – after he and Mac had that thing. Tom was nervous about watching out over Mattie, if Harm's recollections of that day were at all accurate, but he had things on his mind other than what Tom was feeling.
"I am going to pick him up early for dinner, so we can talk first." Harm went on.
"That is probably a good idea."
"I am really sorry you won't be here."
"Me too." Her voice got soft. "Listen, I have to go. I am thinking about you."
"Me too." He said. "Thanks for calling."
"Harm?" She called with hope in her voice.
"I love you, too." He heard her and answered her question.
0730 EST – Thursday, July 8th
Rabb Residence
North of Union Station
Harm was nearly dressed, he was planning on getting to work early so he could leave early to meet Tom before dinner.
A knock at the door prevented him from finishing tying his tie.
"Jennifer? Good morning." He stepped back.
"Good morning, sir." She was still not consistent calling him 'Harm' and home and 'commander' at the office.
"Come on in. Coffee?"
"No, thank you." She answered. "Has Mattie left yet?"
"Susan and her mom picked her up about ten minutes ago. Why?"
"Chloe just called for her and really needed to talk to her … I am sure it can wait. I am sorry to bother you, sir." Jennifer started to leave.
"Wait, Jen. Can I talk to you for just a moment?"
"Sure." She looked a little nervous. She knew the hearing was on Friday but was unsure how it would affect her living situation. She actually had suggested to Mattie that she move out and let Tom move it. Mattie nixed that idea in the bud.
"You know about the hearing tomorrow."
"Yes, sir."
"I just want to ask if … well … I guess I need to know something first."
"What is that?" Jennifer had no idea what would come next.
"How is it going for you?"
"Me sir?"
"Yeah, I have placed a lot of trust and responsibility in you … I rely on you quite a bit. More than I have a right to."
"It is fine, sir."
"But you are young and single, do you really want to be roommates with a fifteen year old kid and to live down the hall from me? I mean we get enough of each other at the office. And then there is that … secret that we asked you to keep." He looked genuinely concerned. "It is really not fair to you, Jennifer."
Jennifer sat down on the stool. "I will have some coffee, Harm." She smiled. "If we are going to have this kind of discussion."
"How about a couple of eggs or French toast?" He taunted "World famous Rabb French Toast … I even have fresh strawberries."
Jennifer laughed. "Sounds good, sir."
"Good." Harm went to the kitchen to make them breakfast. "So talk to me."
"Harm, I am very happy with they way things are. I have had roommates my own age … what a nightmare … Mattie is more mature than anyone of them. She is easier to talk with and she cleans up after herself. I like her taste in music, she respects my privacy – as do you – and we get along. She is like a sister to me."
"You don't feel like you are babysitting 24/7?"
"No, not at all. You have been very fair with her setting down rules and she doesn't push the envelope. I don't have to say a thing. She is a good kid." She smiled. "As for my role and responsibility … well … you know it probably is more than what I signed up for … probably more than most people would do … but on the other hand, I am getting a lot out of it."
"How so?" He leaned against the counter to really hear her.
"Harm, you have asked me to be a part of your family … it is quite an honor. I never had a real family before … not like this. Not where people really cared about each other. Between my work at JAG, the JAG family and you and Mattie and now Mac … I have found a home." She smiled nervously worried that she might have said too much.
Harm nodded, he did think of Jennifer as family. "You are family, Jennifer."
"Mattie is like a sister to me. It doesn't feel like I am being taken advantage of."
He really scanned her face to see if she were telling the truth. "Would you tell me if you thought you were?"
"Harm, I owe you a lot … more than you think I do, I know, but please believe me when I tell you … if I thought you were taking me for granted … I would tell you."
He smiled. "OK … I believe you and I will hold you to that."
"Now, sir?" She laughed. "My French toast?"
"Right." He went back to work making breakfast. "Jennifer can I ask you to come with us tomorrow? I am sure that your name will come up and the Judge will want to speak with you."
"Of course sir." She grinned. "I have already asked for the time off."
He nodded. She was a very forward thinking person. He liked that about her. "And tonight … if all goes well with Tom this afternoon, can you join us for dinner or just dessert? If you have other plans, I understand. It is late notice."
"Absolutely." She really felt like she was being included and valued. "Can I say something about Tom, Mr. Johnson, sir?"
Harm put the plate and a fork down in front of her. "Please."
"He is still afraid of Mattie."
"Afraid?"
"He gives her too much power." She took a bite of the toast. "Excellent." She continued. "I know how it is Harm. I have seen it." She laughed a little. "Not that my dad gave me too much power, but he did with my mom. But I have seen it first hand with Mattie and Tom. She is calling all the shots and he is just rolling over … tripping all over himself to do whatever she wants."
Harm nodded. He hadn't really seen that. He had spent very little time with Tom of late and almost no time with Mattie and Tom since they had been talking.
"It is too much for a kid. Too much power. They have lost that father daughter thing … you and Mattie have not. She respects you. She doesn't respect him … she is only really learning to like him. If she goes back with her Dad now, the whole thing will blow up in their faces."
Harm nodded. "I hope that both Tom and the Judge see it that way."
"Me too sir … I would hate for Mattie to lose all she has gained."
"Thank you Jennifer." He refilled her coffee. "Thank you for everything."
"You're welcome." She liked that she was able to give back to him.
"One more thing." He spied her out of the corner of his eye. "About this boyfriend of yours … What is his name? How old is he? What does he do? When do I get to meet him? What are his intentions?" He smiled but he wasn't kidding. He wanted to know about the boyfriend as he related to Mattie, but more so as a protective brother or father to Jennifer.
Jennifer got to feel the over protective Harm and it wasn't so bad. "His name is Jack … he is at the Academy with Mike Roberts …"
2145 EST – Thursday, July 8th
Rabb Residence
North of Union Station
Harm's phone was ringing when he let himself in from driving Tom home. When he picked it up there was no one there. He checked the caller ID and it said 'private number'. He had apparently gotten several calls in the last hour all from private numbers or the same private number.
"Leave a message next time." He dropped the phone back into the cradle.
The discussion before and during dinner with Tom went well. Tom was not relieved about Mattie's decision to stay with Harm. He was actually very hurt. He had worked very hard too over the past six months and particularly over the last month or so. There was a part of him that felt like Harm was stealing his daughter. But after a long discussion about more time spent with Mattie, he began to see the wisdom in the choice. He was not losing his daughter; he was able to really focus on getting his life together for them and they could actually build a better relationship slowly. He also understood about Mattie's schooling and that it would be unwise to have her change schools again after she had worked so hard that year. Which meant that he needed to find a better job, and a better apartment in the same school district. Both of which could be done in the next six months when undoubtedly the judge would want to review the case again. The four of them, Tom, Harm, Mattie and Jennifer felt that they could convince the judge that they were in agreement and it would be best for all concerned.
It was a very stressful evening and more times than he cared to mention he had wished Mac were there as the levelheaded, dispassionate planner that she was.
Harm needed a run. He felt guardedly good about all that had happened that night, but he still needed to let out a little energy. He quickly changed and was out on the street stretching before his phone rang again. He thought he had heard it and even thought it might be Mac but decided that it was probably a wrong number – again. He had talked to Mac before he picked up Tom. She wouldn't be calling again that night.
0616 EST – Friday, July 9th
Dr. Gates Madden's Office
CIA Headquarters
Gates hung up the phone. She was wringing her hands and looking down at an open file on her desk. She checked her e-mail again scanning for something from Mac. Nothing. She tried her home machine to see if she had gotten a voice mail. Nothing.
"WHERE THE HELL IS SHE?" Gates gritted her teeth.
"Dr Madden." Kershaw was standing in her doorway. "What are you doing here so early?"
Gates flipped the file closed. "Working. What are you doing? Wife throw you out again?" She tried to sound casual, but Kershaw wasn't buying it. She was hiding something.
He ignored her comment about his wife, but Gates was not far from the truth. "How was Boston?" He asked.
"Great." She knew it wasn't going to be enough. "Great chowder, great lobster and they swept the series."
"They?"
"Boston … I was there for Red Sox and --."
"Didn't know you were such a baseball fan." He was moving toward her.
"I'm not." She challenged him to ask why she went then.
He didn't. "And what work are you doing at this early hour?"
"I had a page from an agent who needed to talk, thought I would do it from here. So … if you will excuse me." She gestured toward the door.
"Which agent?" He stopped.
She shook her head and grinned at him "Need to know, Kershy."
"Do I need to know?"
"I know my job and I know what my responsibilities are." She glared at him. "If there is something you need to know … I will tell you."
"Just so long as we understand each other, Gates." He was backing out the door.
"We understand each other perfectly, Kersh."
He nodded and left … leaving the door open.
"Snake." She spit. She picked up her cell phone and dialed a new number. Her voice was trembling. "Hi, it's me … I am sorry to wake you … yeah, thanks … I need to speak to you … no, really … nothing like that … actually it is pretty important … there is no one else I can talk to about this … I am not even sure I can trust you, but I have to … I'll see you then. … Thanks." She hung up.
She looked down at the file on her desk. She unlocked her drawer and pulled out another one. She took them both over to the shredder and shredded them. She looked around her office quickly, relocked all her files and left.
