PART FOUR

Webb was the first to move, going over to where Mac was standing with the doorknob still in her hand. "Sarah," he said smoothly, slipping easily into his suave, super-spook persona. "That didn't take long."

"Don't try to change the subject, Clay; I heard what you two said," she glanced over at Harm. "All of it."

"But, how?" Webb replied in confusion. "We didn't talk that long."

She held up empty hands. "I forgot my purse; we never even got out of the building."

Harm groaned silently. He hadn't wanted to talk to Webb. The conversation has just started and after they'd gotten going the whole thing had taken on a life of it's own. Mattie left Mac's side, coming over to stand next to him, wrapping her arm around his waist in support. He glanced down at her and she gave him an encouraging smile. At least someone in the room was on his side.

"I think it's time for us to go, Sarah," Webb said, retrieving his coat. He moved over to her, extending his hand. "Come on."

Mac looked at his proffered hand, and then back at Harm.

"Sarah," his voice held warning. "We don't want to keep Mother waiting."

"I'm not leaving."

Webb looked stunned. "Why, because Rabb finally told you want you've wanted to hear after all these years?"

"No, Clay, because you finally showed me who you really are."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

She turned away from him, and Harm had to resist the urge to go to her. "You used me, Clay. You manipulated me and the situation to get what you wanted." She turned back to him. "You used me, and that's something I don't think I can forgive you for."

"What, so now that Rabb's admitted his feelings all we had doesn't matter anymore? Sarah, I want you, and I think you want me, too."

"That's not enough for me. I need more."

"Then tell me what you want, and I will get it for you. Just don't throw away everything that we have built together."

"What have we built? You are never here when I need you, and you can't tell me where you go, or when you'll be coming back. I can't live like that anymore."

"You knew that was the way it was going to be going into this, Sarah. It's my job."

"And your job is always more important to you than me. I thought things had changed when we came back from Paraguay, but the minute you went back to active duty, I became secondary to you."

Webb sighed in frustration. "Sarah, I can't drop everything just because you need to talk to me. You of all people should understand what government service entails."

"I know what it means, Clay. God, do I ever. But you just vanish at the drop of a hat, without a word or an explanation. How am I supposed to have a relationship with you when you won't let me in at all?"

"Like he ever did?" Webb growled, pointing at Harm.

"Leave, Harm, out of this; this is about you and me."

"I wish I could, but he's always around, sticking his nose into everything. Damn it, Sarah. We can't turn around without bumping into him half the time. You're with me now, why do I always have to compete with him for your affection?"

"Careful, Webb," Harm warned.

"No, you had your say, now it's my turn." He stepped close to Mac. "Sarah, is mine, we were happy, and once we get past this we will be happy again. You stay out of her life. Quit trying to destroy what we have."

Mac stared at him like he had grown two heads. "Is that how you really see me? As your property?"

"That's not what I meant, Sarah. He just makes me so angry with all his holier-than-thou attitude."

"I think it's time to leave," she said quietly.

"Finally," Webb replied. "Let's go, Sarah." He took her hand, but she pulled away from him

"No, Clay, just you."

Webb stepped back as if struck. "You don't mean that."

"Yes, I do." She looked up at him, tears streaming down her face. "You don't love me–you want me, sure, but you don't love me–I don't think you ever did. I don't think you even know how."

His face darkened in rage. "Oh, I get it. Now that Rabb's told you he wants you, you're dropping me for him. Was that all I was to you? A distraction until Rabb was ready for you?"

"Please, Clay," she said sobbing. "Don't make this anymore difficult than it already is."

Webb grabbed her arm, pulling her towards him. "This isn't over; you're mine now, and I am not going to give you up," he looked at Harm. "Not because of him."

Harm looked down at Mattie. "Go into the bedroom," he said. She nodded, letting go of him and disappeared into the other room. When she was gone, Harm turned his attention back to Webb. "Let her go, Clay. Now!"

"Oh, look everyone, it's Harmon Rabb, here to save the day again," Webb said with a sneer. "The white knight has returned."

"You don't want to do this, Webb; let her go and leave."

"Or you'll do what? Kill me?"

"Don't say I didn't warn you."

Webb laughed, and stepped towards the door, pulling Mac with him. He had taken one step when Mac went to work. Webb's legs shot out from under him as Mac pulled him towards her and tossed him over her hip. He hit the floor with a thud and a grunt of expelled air. She shook off his hand from where it was still holding her coat-sleeve and stepped away.

"Never mess with a Marine," Mac said.

Harm came over to stand above him, a silly smile on his face. "I wasn't trying to protect you from me," he glanced over at Mac, chuckling. "I was trying to save you from her." He reached down and yanked the dazed spook to his feet. Throwing the man's coat over his shoulders, he shoved him towards the open door. "Do what the lady said, Webb. Go away and leave her alone."

Webb nodded groggily as Harm gave him a shove out the door, closing it quickly behind him. He turned to face Mac, who was staring at the floor, "Are you, Okay?" Harm asked tentatively. He wanted to take her into his arms, but he knew that now was not the time.

She nodded. "Yeah." Taking a deep breath she raised her head to look at him. "I can't believe how stupid I was."

"It wasn't your fault, Mac," Harm said taking a step towards her. "If anything, it was mine."

She gave him a quizzical look. "Why would you say that?"

He shrugged. "Well, if I hadn't opened my big mouth, none of this would have happened."

"That's true," she agreed. "But if you hadn't said anything, I would still be living a lie."

"I'm sorry," he said. "I wish there was more that I could do."

Mattie's head peeked around the frosted glass wall that divided his bedroom from the living room. "Is it safe to come out?"

Harm smiled at her. "Yeah, Mats, everything's fine."

Mattie came down the stairs, going over to Mac. "Are you alright?" she asked. "Can I get you something; coffee, water?"

Mac shook her head. "No, thanks, Mattie. I'm fine."

"Are you sure?" She pointed at the bedroom. "Do you want me to disappear–you know–so you two can talk?"

Mac smiled. "No, we can talk later."

"Are you sure, it's no trouble, really."

She nodded. "Yes, I'm sure. This is your day with, Harm," she turned to give him a small smile. "I don't want to intrude; I think I'll just go home."

"No!" Both Harm and Mattie shouted as one.

"Please, Mac," Mattie said. "Stay. I want you to stay."

"How about you, Harm?" Mac questioned.

"I never wanted you to leave when you were here this spring. Nothing's changed." He treated her to his best Flyboy grin.

He could have sworn that Mac blushed, but Marines didn't blush, just like they didn't duck, either. "If that's what you both want?"

"It is," Mattie said enthusiastically. "Please?"

Mac grinned, nodding her head. "Okay."

Harm sighed in relief as Mattie helped Mac with her coat. His ward hung the garment on the hook by the door and then grabbed both their hands, leading them over to the living room. Pulling them to a stop by the couch, she turned. "You two sit down, I'll go down to the store and get that ice cream."

"Mattie," Harm warned.

"What? We still need dessert. I'll just be a few minutes,. It's no trouble, really."

"Do you want me to go with you?" Mac asked.

"No, no, you stay here, I can manage." She turned towards the door and then stopped. "Harm, do you have any money? I don't have any on me."

Mac laughed, and Harm rolled his eyes. Like he'd said, it was going to be interesting to have her living here. "Sure, Mats, my wallet is on the night stand in my bedroom."

"Cool," Mattie said, vanishing into the bedroom. She returned a few seconds later with a twenty dollar bill in her hand. "How long do you think I should take?" Harm closed his eyes and shook his head. She was going to give him and Mac time alone regardless of what they said.

He looked at Mac. "Twenty minutes?"

She nodded. "That should be enough to start with, though I think we have a lot more talking ahead of us."

Harm nodded. "Yeah, no doubt, Marine." He turned to Mattie. "Be back in twenty minutes, and don't hang out around front trying to give us more time; I'll just come looking for you if you're late."

Mattie rolled her eyes. "Yes, Dad," she said sarcastically, and all three of them laughed.