Will You Always Be There?
Chapter 68
Disclaimers: I don't own any of the JAG characters. I don't own any product or label mentioned for the purposes of telling this story. Any similarities to situations or persons living or dead are purely coincidental.
Spoilers: Anything up to and including 'JAG San Diego'. Any spoilers floating around out there on any of the various boards are fair game as well.
A/N: Many thanks to aerogirl for her beta reading skills and her excellent input.
A/N: NLSO: Naval Legal Services Office.
1310
Sunday
April 10
Starbucks
E Street
Washington D.C.
Mike sat across from Faith, trying to figure out just what he was going to say to Commander Rabb. This was going to be so awkward. He wouldn't have agreed to this if Faith hadn't already called him.
"I still can't believe you called him about this, Faith."
"Michael, we have to take care of this before tomorrow morning. You know Vukovic will probably have contacted the general already. I think you should be proactive on this. He is counting on our keeping silent about this."
"But the commander?" He noticed that she said 'our' She spoke of this as though she were in it too. He wasn't alone in this situation.
"You said yourself that he was a fair man."
He nodded in agreement; he did say that. He just hadn't known at the time that his career might be riding on that belief. He looked up at her. He hated that they would have to explain Lieutenant Robbins's remarks, or at least that he would have to tell the commander about them. How was she going to react to that? Had she even thought about it?
"Are you going to be okay talking with the commander about the….personal side of this?"
She hadn't given it very much thought. Until just now. This wasn't going to be easy. All she had been thinking of was how to make sure that Michael would be in as little trouble as possible. She looked away from him, watching the light Sunday traffic pass outside the window.
"I think so." She looked down at her coffee. "We can keep the discussion pretty generic." She looked at him. "I can be pretty good at that."
Mike gave her a knowing smile. "Yes, you can." It had taken her forever to tell him what had happened. He was so glad to have her trust, especially now.
She looked at her watch. "We'd better go if we want to be there on time." The commander told them to come at two o'clock.
1410
Sunday
April 10
Harm and Mac's apartment
North of Union Station
Harm and Mike sat at the dining room table, and Faith stood back from them, leaning on the kitchen island. Mac had offered them coffee, and she brought two mugs for Harm and Mike and placed them in front of them. Tension was thick in the air.
Harm nodded toward Mike. "Maybe you'd better begin, Major."
Faith without thinking had stayed near the kitchen; somehow feeling less conspicuous if she wasn't sitting there facing the commander too. Mac seemed to sense this and decided not to sit down just yet either. She busied herself in the kitchen as the major began.
Mike leaned forward in his chair. "Sir…I…"
Harm could see small beads of sweat forming on Mike's brow. "Relax, McBurney – it can't be that bad."
"Just tell him, Michael." Faith couldn't stand watching him struggle with this. She wasn't exactly sure how the commander would react, but she knew they stood a lot better chance of being heard fairly if they spoke with him first.
Mike did finally begin. He started with Vukovic's odd behavior just after he had seen them at McMurphy's. He left out the part about thinking that Vukovic may have seen him kissing Faith in the parking lot. He told him about his suspicions about Vukovic tampering with evidence. Mike started to tell Harm about Lieutenant Robbins, but hesitated. He didn't want to say anything that would make Faith uncomfortable so he looked at her as though he were seeking her permission.
Faith decided this part was her story to tell, so she began.
"Apparently Lieutenant Vukovic and a lieutenant with whom I served at JAG San Diego are old acquaintances." She folded her arms across her chest. "This lieutenant…Robbins and I have a history." She was silent for a moment.
Mike picked up the rest of the story…there was no need for her to say more.
"Some comments were made about the commander personally and about myself. Most things that were said could be taken either way. I had intended to walk away. I was going to follow up on my concerns about the case." Mike folded his hands on the table. "I would have, but as I left their parting comments became more insulting and accusatory to the commander and myself. I lost my temper." Mike was quiet for a moment.
"And?" Harm gave him a questioning look.
"I hit Lieutenant Robbins."
"And Lieutenant Vukovic?"
Mike looked down at his folded hands and then at Faith. She nodded, telegraphing 'go on'.
"I...hit Lieutenant Robbins with…Lieutenant Vukovic."
"What?" Harm leaned forward, frowning, but Mac could see the amusement dancing in his eyes. Suddenly this struck her as so comical that she turned to open the refrigerator door for a bottle of water, just so that she could hide her smile.
Faith had pressed her lips together in a tight line so that she wouldn't smile. She knew that as funny as this all sounded, it was very serious.
Harm looked up at Faith, knowing she was probably biting the inside of her cheek to keep from smiling.
"I have to say, McBurney... that was creative." He looked back at Mac and raised his eyebrows. She covered her mouth to keep from laughing. Harm stood up and walked over to where Mac was standing as she composed herself. He leaned against the kitchen sink and folded his arms.
"I'm glad you both came and talked to me about this, although you will have to see the general. If he doesn't summon you first."
"Yes, sir." Mike still sat rigidly in his chair.
"There are a lot of things at play here." He looked at Faith and Mike. "I think you should deal with the things we know are true first."
"Yes, sir." He had not moved.
"I think you should talk to the general only about what happened at the bar in San Diego. If what you believe about Lieutenant Vukovic's conduct is true there will be serious consequences. You need to go in there with more than a gut feeling. You have to be able to prove what you believe."
"Yes, sir."
Faith looked at him still sitting almost rigidly in the chair. She furrowed her brow and said, "Lighten up, Michael."
With that comment everyone in the room looked at her and the room fell silent. Faith's face flushed red with embarrassment and the irony of the situation struck Harm. Commander Coleman was telling someone to 'lighten up?' It made him laugh out loud, and Mike and Mac joined him. Faith's face broke into a smile.
"I'm sorry."
"Not at all, Faith. I think that's good advice for the moment." Harm hoped that they would both relax more when they were in his and Mac's presence, at least outside the office.
The tension in the room came down to a tolerable level. Mike and Faith didn't have the same comfort level with the commander and the colonel that most people at JAG had, but they were both breathing easier now that this was out in the open. Mike stood and looked at Faith, silently thanking her for her good idea. She smiled at him.
"Sir, we won't take any more of your time."
Harm walked up to him and shook his hand. "Not a problem – I'm glad I could help. I hope you understand I'm not saying I don't believe you about the possibility of evidence tampering. You just need to be prepared if you intend to pursue this."
"I understand, sir." He looked at Mac, who had joined them walking toward the door. "I should have been prepared for this, given his behavior toward the colonel the first time he was before her in court."
Harm opened the door to the apartment and Mike and Faith passed through. Harm frowned and asked, "His behavior toward the colonel?" He looked from Mike to Mac.
Mike knew immediately that the colonel had never told him about Vukovic's inappropriate behavior the first time they had been before her in court. He looked at Mac, and she gave him a tight smile. 'Oh God...what have I done now?' he thought.
Mac walked up beside Harm. "A minor problem; but we handled it, didn't we, Major?" She looked up at Harm and then at Mike.
"Yes, ma'am." Mike's face turned pale.
Mac looked at Faith and then back again at Mike. "I thought you were told to lighten up."
They all laughed at that, and Mike and Faith made their escape. Faith decided that if she were to become a friend of anyone at JAG besides Michael that the colonel would be the person she would choose.
Harm closed the door and turned to look at Mac. "What kind of problem did you have with Vukovic in your courtroom, Mac?"
Mac turned to walk back to the kitchen.
"Oh, the lieutenant had a little eye problem and I spoke with he and the major about it." She looked back at him. "I haven't had any problems with him since." She raised her brows and smiled at him smugly.
Harm grinned at her. "An eye problem?"
"It's not a big deal, Harm."
"If it's not a big deal, tell me."
Mac placed her hands on her hips and gave him an exasperated look. She hadn't told him about this because she didn't want Harm to hold it against him. She saw Vukovic as an immature but harmless person who just needed a bit of time to grow into his position. The general seemed to feel that he had a lot of potential. Though, given what McBurney had just told them, what kind of potential he had still remained to be seen.
"It was Vukovic's first case before me – he sat second chair to McBurney. After court adjourned one day, I happened to look in his direction and he…winked at me."
"What?" Harm narrowed his eyes. He didn't look angry; disgusted would have been a better word.
"I called them both into my chambers and informed the lieutenant that I noticed his 'problem' with his eyes. I advised him that if he didn't get the 'problem' taken care of that his fellow officers and subordinates might misunderstand his actions. He got the message, end of story."
Harm raised his eyebrows and a grin spread slowly across his face. "I would have liked to have seen that."
"Oh, yeah?" She laughed.
Harm closed the distance between them. "Yeah." He pulled her into his arms.
"So, do you want to go out for dinner or stay in?" She smiled at him mischievously.
He kissed her and lifted her slightly off of the floor, walking her back toward their bedroom. "Mmmm… let's stay in."
1530
Sunday
April 10
Faith's Apartment
Alexandria, Virginia
Mike sat with Faith in front of her apartment. He did not turn off the ignition. He knew he had better get back to his place. Suddenly he felt self-conscious about being alone with her. He felt as though someone might be watching and misconstrue even the most innocent display of affection.
"You're not coming up?" She gave him a hopeful look.
Mike looked at her, trying to convey his friendship and something else that he hadn't been able to name as yet.
"I think I'd better not, Faith. I've already compromised you in that I made you a part of this stupid fight."
"It wasn't a fight, Michael. You only hit them once." She tried to joke, but it hadn't come out right.
He tried to smile but tomorrow was weighing heavily on his mind.
Faith reached over and placed her hand over his on the steering wheel. "It's going to be okay, Michael. You're a good officer and an excellent attorney. You have an exemplary record. That has to count in your favor."
He looked at her, feeling so grateful for her support and her belief in him. "Thanks, Faith." He covered her hand with his own.
"You only have to tell the truth."
"The truth is I lost my temper and I struck a junior officer. I fully intend to tell the truth. I just don't know how the general will react to it."
"A good man once said, 'the truth is all that matters,' and I think that's true in this case."
Mike smiled at her. "I know."
Deep down, Faith felt responsible for this mess. He had been goaded into that altercation because of his friendship with her.
"Michael, I'm so sorry that I even told you about Lieutenant Robbins. I hate it that your friendship with me has gotten you into this mess."
"Hey, my temper got me into this mess. Don't blame yourself." He turned toward her, keeping her hand in both of his.
Faith looked into his eyes and saw the warmth, sincerity and honor that had drawn her to him in the first place. She didn't even realize she had begun to lean toward him.
Mike saw what was coming, and he would have liked nothing more than to kiss her. Her touch was comforting to him, soul deep. He looked at her lips, and as he started to lean in to kiss her, but then Vukovic's nasty comments about his melting the 'iceberg' echoed in his head. He drew back immediately.
"I had better go, Faith. If I don't, I won't keep my word to you or myself that I'm not going to do anything to make this situation worse."
Faith recovered quickly, leaning back into her seat. "I know." She squeezed his hand. "Good luck tomorrow." With that she got out of the car.
Mike put the car in reverse and backed out of the parking space. Faith watched him leave and waved to him in his rearview mirror, and he returned a salute. She felt as though her heart were going with Michael as he drove away. 'Oh God… no….I love him.' She turned and placed her hand on her chest as she walked up the steps. She all at once felt so happy that she thought her heart would burst and so terrified she wanted to scream.
0730
Monday
April 11
Harm and Mac's apartment.
North of Union Station
Mac placed her coffee mug in the top rack of the dishwasher and closed it. "Come on, Sailor. I don't want to be late today."
Harm was coming down the steps from their bedroom. He straightened his tie and picked up his uniform jacket. "Yes, ma'am," he teased.
They were on their way in less than a minute. Since they had been married Harm hadn't been late for one staff call or appointment. It didn't even seem like the natural order of things anymore. He and Mac were once again a beautiful team. Harm smiled at the thought.
"What are you smiling about, Sailor?"
Harm was pulling away from their apartment building. "I'm thinking about what a great team we make."
"I have to agree." She was thoughtful for a moment. She was thinking of another 'team' just now. Major McBurney could be in a good deal of trouble.
He had gotten into a fight with not one, but two junior officers. He hadn't had the luck that Harm and Mic had with Bud. He hadn't blamed either of them, and had even defended them to both of their superior officers. Somehow she didn't think that would happen in this case.
Harm noticed that her expression had turned serious. "What are you thinking about, Mac?"
"I'm thinking about Major McBurney. I don't envy him today."
Harm raised his eyebrows. "I don't either. I am glad he came and spoke to me about it before seeing the general today."
"I think Commander Coleman had a lot to do with that."
"Yeah, I think they make a pretty good team too. I mean…they're not exactly like we were but they do seem pretty close."
Mac was quiet for a moment. "They do remind me of us, in a way."
"Maybe." Harm was looking in his blind spot as they merged into traffic on the Beltway.
"They seem to bring out the best in each other. I know that I see Commander Coleman in an entirely different way than I did when was first in my courtroom."
"I agree; McBurney seems a little less full of himself and Faith is a little more approachable on a personal level." She had been a good partner on the Graham investigation.
Mac nodded. "They are both excellent attorneys."
"She seems more squared away than he does most of the time." She was one of the most by-the-book naval officers he had ever met. Mac was pretty squared away, but that didn't count; she was a Marine.
"That's another reason they remind me of us." She gave him her best Cheshire cat smile.
He looked over at her quickly. "Hey, not funny, Marine."
0900
Monday
April 11
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
General Creswell finished staff call by asking Lieutenant Vukovic and Major Mc Burney to report to his office immediately following the meeting.
Vukovic followed McBurney out of the conference room. Harm hung back purposely to observe both officers.
"Well, I wonder what that is about." Vukovic passed McBurney, smirking smugly.
McBurney looked at him and said nothing. He went to his office and left his case file on his desk. He looked across the bullpen into Faith's office. She gave him a reassuring look and a secret thumbs up. Vukovic was standing near Jen's desk, waiting to go in to see the general. He saw the look that was exchanged between Mike and Faith.
Mike walked up to Jen's desk. "The general is expecting us." He did not acknowledge Vukovic at all.
"I'll let him know you're here, sir." She buzzed his office. "I have Lieutenant Vukovic and Major McBurney for you, sir."
"Send them in."
Mike and Vukovic came to attention in front of the general. "At ease."
He stood and folded his arms looked intently at both men. "I received a call this morning…from NLSO North Island. The commanding officer there reported to me that not one but two of my judge advocates were involved in an altercation with one of the judge advocates under his command."
He was silent.
Mike remained eyes forward. He knew his whole future hinged on his behavior in this moment.
Lieutenant Vukovic's turned his head sharply toward Mike and then to the general.
"Sir, I was not the aggressor in that fight. I did not strike anyone. The major..." His voice died in his throat when he saw the look on the general's face.
"Snap to, Lieutenant." Vukovic came to attention. The general walked over and stood in front of him. "Did I ask you a question, Lieutenant?"
"No, sir." He swallowed hard. This was not going to be as easy as he thought it would be.
"You will remain silent, Lieutenant, and speak only when you are spoken to: is that understood?"
"Yes, sir."
He walked over to where Mike stood and looked at him directly. "I expected more from you, Major."
"Yes, sir."
"What do you have to say about this?"
"I have no excuse, sir."
"Have you spoken to anyone about this incident?"
"I spoke with Commander and Colonel Rabb about this yesterday."
Vukovic turned to look at him but did not speak. The general gave him a stern look and he resumed eyes forward.
"May I ask why you thought that was necessary?"
"I spoke with Commander Rabb upon the advice of Commander Coleman. Colonel Rabb was present when I spoke with him."
The general walked around behind his desk.
"Go on."
"I was ashamed of my conduct, sir, and concerned about its consequences; Commander Coleman believed that Commander Rabb would give me good counsel on the best way to proceed."
The general listened and considered what he had said.
"Lieutenant Vukovic, you may –now – report your side of this situation."
"Sir, I had gone to the bar with the major in what I thought was friendship and he attacked me for no reason at all. The major took offense to a remark that was made by and old acquaintance of mine. He attacked both of us afterward." He looked at Mike with a self-satisfied sneer. "The major seems to be a bit sensitive when it comes to Commander Coleman."
Mike did not return his look but he visibly clenched his jaw. 'That son of a bitch!' he thought. Mike closed the fist that he held behind his back as he stood at ease.
The general studied the lieutenant for a moment and then looked at the major.
"Is that true, Major?"
"Sir, the commander is a close friend and fellow officer. The remarks made were very personal and derogatory. I admit that I overreacted to them…."
Vukovic interrupted before he could continue. "I never said anything about the commander, you did over react and you are –a lot- more than –close friends-. I saw..."
"Lieutenant Vukovic!" The general was right back in his face. "You will stand down!"
He looked at the lieutenant with an almost incredulous expression. This was no time or place for gossip and innuendo. The general did not want to know too much about anyone's personal life here. His only concern was the way it affected this office. Even in this situation there were personal things that he didn't care to know.
This was a side of the lieutenant he had not seen. He had believed the young man had the makings of a fine officer, but his behavior in this situation was beginning to make him reconsider that assessment.
The general walked back around his desk and stood behind it. He looked at both men for a long moment.
"I will consider what actions will be taken regarding this incident." He folded his arms across his chest. "Make no mistake, gentlemen. There will be consequences. You are dismissed."
They came to attention. "Aye, aye, sir."
Without a look at each other, both men left the general's office.
The general sat down at his desk. He leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers.
He leaned forward and buzzed Jen's desk. "Petty Officer Coates, have Commander Rabb report to my office ASAP."
"The commander is in court all morning, sir."
"What do I have this afternoon, Coates?"
"You have a meeting with your chief of staff at 1400 and you are clear thereafter, sir."
"Have the commander report to my office at 1500."
"Yes, sir."
1345
Monday
April 11
Rabb Farm
Mrs. Rabb sat on her front porch steps. She had just come from the hospital. She sat her purse and keys on the porch next to her because she just did not want to go indoors. She had been sitting there for some time. The day was overcast and a bit cool. It seemed fitting because she had just lost one of her oldest and dearest friends. Jack O'Reilly had died and she was heartbroken. They had thought he had been turning a corner in his recovery, but he had suffered another series of strokes from which he could not recover. She was still in shock; she'd thought Jack would go on forever or at least as long as she did.
She did not want to go inside that quiet house alone. Since her friend's stroke she had felt more and more lonely. She had never had a problem being alone before; she relished her own space and time to do what she wanted to. Now she felt she understood the phrase 'the silence is deafening.' Now when she switched on a radio or heard her own voice in the house it seemed too loud.
It was not like she and Jack spoke every day – it was more about knowing he was there, that she had known him almost all of her life. He was the last person in this community who remembered her David. He was as real a person to Jack O'Reilly as he was to her. He was just a picture to anyone else, even to his own grandson.
She heard someone driving up the gravel driveway. Kathie O'Reilly, Jack's daughter-in-law, pulled up in front of the house. She got out of her car.
"Sarah?"
Mrs. Rabb got up from the step and brushed the seat of her pants off.
"Are you all right, honey?" Kathie O'Reilly's brow furrowed with concern.
Mrs. Rabb thought that she must not look very good. She remembered just then that she had been at the hospital all night.
"Yes, I'm okay."
"How long have you been home?"
She looked at her watch. "About an hour, I guess. Do you want to come in for some coffee?"
Kathie was beginning to worry about Mrs. Rabb. She would go in with her to make sure she settled in and then she would call her grandson. She wasn't acting like herself. Kathie didn't think this community could stand to lose both her father-in-law and Mrs. Rabb.
1500
Monday
April 11
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
Harm walked up to Jen's desk. "The general is expecting me." Jen buzzed the general, and he told her to send him in.
Harm came to attention. "At ease, Commander, be seated."
"Sir." Harm sat down.
"I have spoken with Lieutenant Vukovic and Major McBurney about an incident about which you may be aware."
"Yes, sir." Harm sat forward on his chair and knitted his fingers together.
"What is your assessment of the situation?"
"I think the major engaged in bad conduct when he was in San Diego and he deeply regrets it. He has accepted his responsibility in the matter, sir."
The general considered what he said for moment.
"The major said as much this morning. Lieutenant Vukovic sees the whole incident as being the major's responsibility. However, the lieutenant also demonstrated some difficulty this morning with military decorum, which leads me to believe his statement may not be entirely true. "
Harm listened, thinking that the general had missed his first apparent breach long ago. He was beginning to think Mac should have busted him then. The more he heard about this guy the less he liked him.
"I had considered having you take the lieutenant under your wing." The general looked at Harm directly. "Then I reconsidered it."
Harm stomach knotted at the thought.
The general got up from his desk and walked toward the fireplace.
"The lieutenant, if he is to become a good officer, is going to have to learn to be more disciplined in his conduct. While you are a good officer and have contributed much to this office…" He turned back toward Harm. "You have been rather unorthodox in your methods."
Harm could not keep from smiling. "Yes, sir."
The general walked back to his desk and stood behind it. "I am considering giving this task to Commander Turner."
"Excellent choice, sir." If anyone at JAG was by the book without question it was Sturgis.
"Thank you for your input, Commander. You are dismissed."
Harm stood came to attention and left the room.
1645
Monday
April 11
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
Jen buzzed Harm in his office. "You have a call on line 6, Commander."
"Thank you, Petty Officer." He picked up the handset. "Rabb."
"Harmon?" The voice on the other end of the line didn't sound familiar or sure of herself.
"This is Commander Harmon Rabb, yes."
"I'm sorry – I'm Kathie O'Reilly, Sam's wife. I'm sorry to bother you at work but I thought I should call."
Harm remembered her now. "That's not a problem. How can I help you?"
"I think you know my father-in-law, Jack O'Reilly. He passed away early this morning."
"I'm sorry to hear it." Jack had been his grandmother's oldest friend.
"Thank you, but the reason I'm calling is your grandmother."
"What about her?" Harm remembered his last conversation with his grandmother; he had been worried about her since then.
"She just seems to be taking this harder than I thought she would. She has always been so strong. I never have seen her like this. She is not overly emotional – that's not her. It's like she's disconnected from us…I can't explain it."
Harm sat forward in his chair and looked at his calendar. "When will the funeral be held?"
"Wednesday. I was hoping you and your wife could get away. She just lights up when she talks about you two. She's not sick or anything, Harmon, I just…I just don't want to lose her too." She had known Mrs. Rabb better than she had her own mother-in-law.
"I understand. We may not both be able to get away, but she won't go through this alone." Harm paused for a moment. "Thank you for calling me about this, Kathie."
Harm managed to get in to see the general before he left for the day. He had gotten two days' leave beginning Wednesday. Mac hadn't wanted to request it since she had been out for so many medical problems. Harm understood and he knew his grandmother would too.
1730
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
The general followed Harm out of his office and they both saw Major McBurney still at his desk in his office. Harm walked back to his office to get his cover and secure for the day.
"Major McBurney." The general's voice carried loudly across the mostly deserted office.
Mike looked up quickly. "Yes, sir?"
"See me in my office." With that the general walked back into his office, leaving the door open.
Mike stood and walked into the bullpen, closing the door to his office behind him as he went. He looked up and saw Harm as he was leaving. Harm nodded as he left, hoping to telegraph some reassurance. Harm knew there was no way he would walk away from this without something in his record. But surely his exemplary conduct so far would ensure that he would be given some leniency. Mike returned the nod and walked into the general's office to meet his fate.
Chapter 69
Disclaimers: I do not own any of the JAG characters. I don't own any product or label mentioned for the purposes of telling this story. Any similarities to situations or persons living or dead are purely coincidental.
Spoilers: Anything up to and including 'JAG San Diego.' Any spoilers posted on numerous spoiler boards may also be 'loosely' referred to.
1830
Monday
April 11
Mike's apartment
Alexandria, Virginia
Mike drove toward his apartment in solemn silence. He seldom drove without the radio or CD player on. The last three days had taken their toll on him. He had barely slept, and the level of stress he had been feeling kept him from relaxing anywhere. He would not be going to mast. No charges would be leveled against him.
Mike had known it was the general's discretion as to how they would proceed. He would have a letter of admonition in his record. He had hoped that would be the case, instead of charges being leveled by the general or the commanding officer at NLSO North Island. After he learned the general's decision, he was relieved but also ashamed that that would be a part of his personnel file for the rest of his career. He'd made the decision to knock Robbins and Vukovic's heads together; he deserved the admonition. He just felt as though he had let his family and himself down by letting this happen. The tradition of service in his family went back for generations.
Mike pulled the keys from the lock on his door and closed it behind him, exhaling loudly. He felt as though he had been holding that breath all day. Tossing his keys on the counter, he headed straight for the shower. He would call Faith after he finished. He showered quickly and picked up his handheld phone, taking a seat on the edge of the bed. He lay back on the bed for just a moment and before he realized it he was asleep.
1925
Same evening
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
General Creswell replaced the receiver on the handset of his phone. JAG Ops was deserted with the exception of himself. He had just spoken with Captain Stevens, the commanding officer of NLSO North Island. He had informed him of his decision in the matter concerning their 'fighting judge advocates.'
Apparently Lieutenant Robbins had been a significant problem to the captain's command for some time. He had failed to advance the last two times he was eligible. He had barely escaped dismissal in another incident involving a possible conduct unbecoming charge. During the past year the DOD was doing what amounted to 'cleaning house.' You had to do what the old Marines he'd come up with had advised: 'fill your uniform,' or expect to be processed out. The general definitely did not see this as a bad thing.
The general turned off all the lights in his office but his desk lamp. He called his wife to let her know he would be later than usual and sat down with Lieutenant Gregory Vukovic's personnel file. He was sure that the lieutenant had great potential – a man with 'fire in his belly.' He had not given up on the young man just yet. He would, however, ensure that he was supervised more closely. Vukovic would have a letter of counseling placed in his personnel record. Commander Turner was going to supervise some EMI for the lieutenant on military decorum.
He had seen the lieutenant as a kid from the streets that had pulled himself up by his bootstraps and made something of himself. He admired his ambition, and knew that this ambition could affect him one of two ways. Which way it would eventually go did not seem clear at the moment.
2045
Same night
Faith's apartment
Faith paced back and forth inside her apartment. She would look at the phone periodically, trying to will it to ring. Why hadn't Mike called? She had been beside herself worrying about him and had not heard one word. She thought that they were becoming closer in their relationship. He could at least let her know what the general had to say. They were friends, after all.
She paced for another half an hour when she couldn't take it anymore and dialed Mike's number. It rang a few times, then she heard someone pick up and then the sound of the phone hitting the floor.
"What the hell?...Owww!" Mike had been startled awake by the phone and had no lights on in the house. He had picked up and promptly dropped the phone on his foot as he sat forward to stand up.
"Hello!"
"Michael?" She hadn't even thought that he might be asleep.
"Faith?" His voice was still gravelly with sleep. "Oh, man, I was going to call after I got out of the shower. What time is it, anyway?"
"It's nearly nine o'clock." Faith couldn't seem to shake the visual of him wrapping a towel around his waist and falling back on his bed.
"I was going to call you as soon as I got in. Some friend, huh?"
Faith felt entirely ashamed of herself for thinking he had been inconsiderate. In truth he had been exhausted.
"You are a good friend, Michael. I was just worried about you. What did the general have to say?"
Mike told her about his letter of admonition and that he wouldn't be going to mast. He knew she would be relieved about that; she had said over and over how responsible she felt.
"What about Vukovic?"
"I don't really know what the general has planned for him. I would like to think he would get no less punishment than I did. I was just glad to get out of Creswell's office with my skin."
"I have to say it – Vukovic's a weasel, Michael."
Mike chuckled deep in his chest. "I can't argue with that. I don't think he did very much to recommend himself during our meeting this morning. Whatever good impression Vukovic had made with the general appears to be in serious jeopardy."
"Good," she said definitively.
Mike yawned hugely. "Man, I'm sorry."
"It's okay, I'm sorry I woke you up. Go back to sleep."
"I will, but I'm glad you called, Faith." He lay back on the bed again, his eyelids already getting heavier.
"I had to. I couldn't stand the suspense." She laughed nervously. When he said her name it sounded like an endearment.
"Hey, there it is, she's still laughing." He sounded so sleepy. "Seriously, thank you… for everything." He yawned again, making Faith yawn too.
"Stop it, Michael. Hang up and go to sleep."
They ended the call, both feeling better about their future at JAG but resolved to keep a wary eye on Vukovic.
2200
Tuesday
April 12
Interstate 76 west
Somewhere in Pennsylvania
The Chrysler 300 C class seemed to be gliding down the highway and around the curves that seemed to come out of nowhere. Jack Keeter looked over at his friend and former shipmate. Harm looked pensively out the window at the dark landscape.
"You okay, Harm?"
"Yeah, just thinking about my grandmother. You know I forget that she's over 80 years old sometimes."
"Maybe you should bring her back with you for a while, Harm. It couldn't hurt."
"Our apartment is so small. It's just right for us, but there really isn't a lot of room for having company overnight. I wouldn't feel right having my grandmother stay alone, even someplace like the Willard."
"She's your grandmother, Harm. I would think about it if I were you. Sometimes when older people lose someone close to them like that…they fail really quickly. She's all alone out there, Harm."
"You're worried about her too, aren't you?"
"Yeah."
"She's independent, Keeter – if she thinks were managing her she will kick us out of there so fast it will make our heads spin."
"What happened to the old Rabb charm?" He gave him a sidelong glance.
"It doesn't work on other Rabbs." He never could get anything past his grandmother. The younger Sarah Rabb had always been hard to charm too.
"Oh."
1430
Wednesday
April 13
Rabb Farm
Belleville, Pennsylvania
Harm and Keeter walked on each side of Mrs. Rabb. They had just returned from the graveside service. She was supporting herself all right, but she seemed to need someone to guide her along. Kathie O'Reilly had been right. Harm had never seen her like this before. He looked over her head at Keeter, who returned his look.
"Grandma, why don't you come back to Washington with us?"
She looked at him and frowned. "No, Harmon…You don't want me underfoot. You and Mac are so busy you barely have time for each other."
"She just doesn't want to ride back to Washington with me, Harm."
Keeter was trying to get a rise out of her and he gave Harm a wink. He was willing to try anything to get her to talk to him like she used to. Jack hadn't realized how much he enjoyed the lighthearted barbs they threw at each other, or how much he missed them.
She looked up at Keeter and smiled sadly. "Rascal," she said in a soft voice. She hadn't said it with her gentle pinch on the arm or tap on the back.
Keeter gave Harm a worried look behind her back. "Hey, I know…I'll let you drive the Chrysler again. You know you can't turn that down."
Harm gave Keeter a sharp look; he didn't want to take those curves out of nowhere with his grandmother driving.
He said quickly disagreeing, "Oh, Keeter, I don't think she would want to…"
His grandmother had stopped and looked at Harm with her sad smile still in place…"I'll think about it, Harm."
She touched his arm lightly and walked up the stairs of her porch. She knew what they were doing. Everyone had been fussing over her. It was almost embarrassing but she was all right. She was mourning her friend. She had to admit she had been distracted, but she would be fine.
Keeter and Harm stood on the stone pathway to the house watching Mrs. Rabb go inside. Harm looked at his friend.
"You were right, Keeter. I am not leaving her here alone."
1530
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
Petty Officer Coates was restocking the last of the staples for the break room. She was standing on a small step ladder. Lieutenant Vukovic walked into the break room, startling her. She dropped a box of Sweet and Low packets, sending them flying everywhere.
"Oh! I'm sorry, sir." Jen stepped down and immediately began picking them up.
"Not a problem, Petty Officer." He looked at her from behind, admiring the view.
Jen stood and replaced the packets in the box. "I'm all thumbs sometimes, sir."
"Oh, I'll bet you're really good with your hands, Petty Officer." He stood a bit too close and winked at her.
Gunny had been walking toward the break room to get his second cup of coffee of the afternoon. He heard the last part of this conversation. He froze just before he rounded the corner into the doorway.
Jen had seen Vukovic's type before, and she had developed a sure fire way of rebuffing that kind of behavior. She stepped slightly closer to the door and spoke a bit louder than necessary.
"Why yes, sir, I am good with my hands." Jen made sure her voice would carry outside the room. "I have been able to get my typing speed up to 90 words per minute." She smiled demurely. "That's what you meant, isn't it, sir?"
Vukovic had not charmed the petty officer as he thought he would. He cringed as he imagined who in the bullpen had heard her repeat his exact words. Her voice carried very well in the tone she had used.
"Yes, Petty Officer, of course." He just wanted to end this conversation as quickly as possible. All he needed was for Commander Turner to pop up out of nowhere. He had been doing that a lot lately.
Outside the break room as Gunny considered whether or not to interrupt this 'scene.' A grin spread slowly across his face. Jen handled that with grace and not a little humor. He chuckled under his breath. They were definitely going 'out' for dinner tonight. He turned to go back to his desk. He would wait until the lieutenant cleared the break room.
Jen looked at the lieutenant sincerely. "Will that be all, sir?"
"Yeah...I mean yes, Petty Officer."
She nodded, offering a quick "Sir," and left the room.
She rounded the corner and passed Gunny on his way back to his desk. They looked at each other for a moment and their eyes locked. She then passed him and walked on to her desk. Jen knew Victor wanted their relationship kept completely out of the office and she understood.
Gunny went to his desk and called her. He said only "McMurphy's tonight, Petty Officer."
"Are you buying?"
"That's affirmative."
"In that case, I'll be there."
"By the way, I just wanted to say I -heard- about the great job you did getting the break room squared away."
"You did?" Jen understood his meaning. She was hoping –someone- had heard.
"I did. Outstanding, Petty Officer." Gunny was grinning from ear to ear.
"Thank you, Gunnery Sergeant."
They ended their call, giving each other a quick glance before carrying on with their day.
1930
Wednesday
April 13
Rabb Farm
Belleville, Pennsylvania
Harm stood in the kitchen and replaced the handset on the telephone. He had just spoken to General Creswell. He was to return to JAG first thing tomorrow morning. He would be flying back to the Persian Gulf. There had been an incident involving Iraqi fisherman approaching an oil platform. Since a similar situation last year resulted in an insurgent attack with a number of American and Iraqi casualties, the ROE needed to be revisited in this situation.
Harm shook his head as he turned to walk into the living room and tell his grandmother what he had to do, and then it occurred to him. He could ask his grandmother to stay while he was away. Since Mac had that little episode of pain at her incision site, he had worried more about her. He had hoped that he wouldn't have to leave her for an extended period of time until after the baby came. He knew his grandmother would step right in and assume the caregiver role, however minor. It was as much a part of her as flying was to him.
0015
Thursday
April 13
Gunny Galindez's apartment
Alexandria, Virginia
Jen lay on her side, watching Gunny sleep. They had gone out to dinner at McMurphy's, danced, and had gotten back late for a week night. He had seemed more open with her tonight than he had ever been. She knew he cared for her and there was no doubt of his attraction to her. Tonight there was something more, something she couldn't quite put her finger on.
They had talked about what had happened with Lieutenant Vukovic. He had said over and over how impressed he was with how she had handled the situation. When they sat at their table, he sat closer to her. He was more openly affectionate, holding her hand, leaning in closer when he spoke. Something was definitely going on here.
She had strong and very special feelings for Victor, though she wasn't quite sure if there was a future in them yet. She was going to be cautious because she didn't want to be hurt anymore by anyone. She knew that he was a good guy but she just wasn't sure it was worth it to risk her whole heart.
She watched him sleep. He lay there on his side, facing her. He looked handsome even with the slight frown he had on his face. His arms were folded across his chest, slightly forward, almost shielding his face and upper chest. She wondered if he ever slept any other way. He had probably done that to be able to sleep anywhere he had to be, she thought. In a barracks, on the ground…with someone he wasn't sure he wanted to let in too closely…maybe it was a way to keep someone at arm's length.
She thought she might just lean across and kiss his arm or touch him. Suddenly she wanted to so badly, but then she though she had better not. He was a Marine, after all.
Gunny took a deep breath as he began to wake and opened his eyes slightly. "Jen?"
"Hey, I'm sorry I woke you. I couldn't fall asleep." She smiled at him and leaned forward, tucking her hand inside his folded arms, kissing his forearm.
He smiled at her sleepily.
"I was thinking about doing that while you were asleep but I was afraid you might think I was a scorpion and kick me out of bed." She laughed softly.
He unfolded his arms and gathered her in.
"Oh…I don't think you have to worry about that." He kissed her and rolled her onto her back. He clasped both of her hands in his own as she slipped beneath him.
"So… you're not sleepy?"
He dipped his head down, kissing her neck, opening his mouth to taste the skin from below her ear to her shoulder to her collar bone.
"Mmmm, no…no, not really." Her breathing deepened and she knew without a doubt that she was becoming addicted to this man. She'd never believed she would, but she felt an attraction for him that she hadn't felt for any man before. He was the most decidedly masculine man she had ever met. He was her complete opposite, and when they made love she had never felt more whole in her life.
"Round two?" He returned to her lips, nipping them and grinning at her devilishly.
"Mmmm …don't know…" She couldn't believe how much she wanted him. They had made love, showered and gone to bed just an hour ago. Yet for all she felt for him she could have been without him for days. He was truly ruining her for anyone else.
He stopped kissing her and looked directly into her eyes. "Oh I think you do."
An hour later they slept; this time Jen was tucked into Victor's arms, where she remained until they woke the next morning.
0630
Thursday
Interstate 76 east
Somewhere in Pennsylvania
Jack Keeter focused on the road ahead. He was paying more attention than usual, as the morning fog had not burned off yet. He glanced every now and then in his rear view mirror to check on Mrs. Rabb.
She had barely said a word that morning. She was up before they were, with coffee made and her bags packed. It was the first time Keeter could remember that she hadn't baked anything or tried to feed them both more food than they would ever need, though. She had agreed to come with Harm and stay while he was away, only on the promise that Keeter would bring her back to the farm as soon as Harm returned. She hadn't wanted to be 'in the way.'
Harm was lost in his own thoughts that morning. He and Keeter had remained quiet so that Mrs. Rabb could sleep. She had fallen asleep not long after they left the farm, or so they thought. Mrs. Rabb had leaned back and closed her eyes only to keep Harm and Keeter from feeling like they had to entertain her. She knew she was truly blessed to have them, to have Mac and the new baby on the way. She knew she needed to shake this off and go on. Her friend Jack O'Reilly would have said the same thing. She smiled at the thought. She and David and Jack had been a handful when they got together. After she had lost David, Jack had been her mainstay in those first few years. He stepped in as a father figure after Harmon Sr.'s grandfather passed away. She sighed heavily.
She opened her eyes slightly to see Keeter looking at her in the rearview mirror.
"Jack Keeter, stop spying on me, young man." She teased, feigning irritation.
Jack was startled. "Oh…I'm sorry, Mrs. Rabb."
Mrs.Rabb chuckled and Harm laughed at him. Mrs. Rabb reached over the front seat and rested her hand on Harm's shoulder.
"You two stop worrying about me. I'm all right."
Keeter laughed at himself along with them. "Okay, I'll stop worrying….when you start giving me a hard time again."
She folded her arms across her chest and turned toward the car window on her side of the vehicle. She put her head back and closed her eyes.
"I'll think about it." She thought for a moment. "You two stop being so quiet. It's not normal."
Harm and Keeter looked at each other; each with a sheepish grin. Keeter turned the radio on, and as they sped toward Washington, Mrs. Rabb fell into a peaceful sleep.
1130
Thursday
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
Harm strode down the hallway toward Mac's office hoping that he would be able to see her before he left. He had gone home, gotten into his uniform and picked up his gear. He didn't think he would be away for a very long time but lately you just never knew. Mac turned the corner on the opposite end of the hall and when she saw him she gave him a radiant smile. She was starting to show now, even in uniform. Somehow, the knowledge that this smart, accomplished and beautiful woman was his wife and that she was carrying his baby made him walk a little taller and push his chest out a bit further.
She had opened the door and waited for him to come inside. She closed it behind him and leapt into his arms. "I missed you."
"I missed you." He kissed her hair and her neck. He pulled back to look at her. "I'm sorry, I have to go again. And I'm sorry about bringing my grandmother back with me on such short notice."
"It's all right, Harm. From what you've told me I'm glad we could be there for her. I'll never be able to repay her for what she did for me, Harm." Her expression was serious. "Will she be okay while I'm here, do you think?"
"She's not that bad, Mac. She's just so quiet. You'll see what I mean when you see her. Keeter is going to take her to lunch and show her some of the sights."
"Oh, poor Sarah."
They both chuckled at that but then the urgency of the situation came back to the surface. He had to go. She hugged him close again.
"Do you think you'll be able to get your F/A-18 quals out of the way?" She pulled back for a moment, waiting for the gleam to show up in his eye. She wasn't disappointed.
"You can't wait, can you?"
He smiled in spite of himself. "I am looking forward to getting back to a carrier for a while. You know me too well for me to deny it."
"I don't want you to deny it, Harm." It was just another part of Harm that she loved.
"Bud says I have a very large inner child."
"I would have to agree."
She laughed at him and her laughter drew him in like a magnet. He kissed her goodbye and all thoughts of military decorum left him. It was a kiss he wanted to keep with him until he got back.
When he broke the kiss, she kissed him again. She said, "You know, you're going to have to stop kissing me like that when I have to go to court."
He loosened his embrace and stepped back from her.
"I will if you will." He kissed her forehead and took one last look. He walked back down the hallway and out of the building. He was due at Andrews by 1300.
An hour later, Harm waited to board the C-130, starting the long trip to the Kennedy in the Persian Gulf. He remembered that he hadn't told her he loved her before he left. He looked at his watch and thought he might catch her before court resumed. Mac answered on the first ring.
"Colonel Rabb."
"Hey, I forgot something."
He smiled sheepishly and turned around so that his fellow passengers might not hear him. He suddenly felt as though everyone in the group waiting to fly over could hear him.
"I was wondering if you would remember." Mac sat at her desk in her chambers, waiting until she was ready to go to court.
"Ah…now I'm in the middle of a crowd of people"
Mac knew why he called. "When are you going to board?"
"Any minute."
"Well, honey…what is it?" She feigned ignorance.
"Stop giving me a hard time, Marine. You know why I called."
She laughed at him, enjoying one more little zing before he left.
The group had started to board and he followed, hanging back slightly. "Okay, I love you. Got to go, bye."
"Love you." Mac heard him end the call. She already missed him.
TBC