A JAG '24'
Chapter 2
Disclaimers: as previously stated.
Spoilers: The season 9 episodes 'Persian Gulf' and 'Take It Like A Man.'
A/N: The terms National Naval Medical Center and Bethesda Naval Regional Medical Center are the same location. This facility has been called 'Bethesda' by the old timers for most of their careers. Sadly, the Admiral fits into that category. The facility is now formally referred to as the National Naval Medical Center, in Bethesda Maryland.
A/N: Many thanks to Karen for her beta reading and input.
Rating K+
The following takes place between the hours of
2 a.m. and 3 a.m.
A thin layer of fog had settled over the grounds of the National Naval Medical Center. Webb and Kershaw continued their surveillance of the hospital. Webb's cell phone silently indicated a call. He answered without identifying himself, "Yes."
Kershaw watched him as he listened to his caller for a few moments then he spoke. "Thank you." He turned toward Kershaw. "We have another alias for Sadiq."
"Well?"
"Manuel Garcia. He has a working visa under that name. He is also working for a medical refuse disposal company that happens to have contracts with the Navy."
Kershaw pondered what he said for a moment. "He could be on any number of bases in Virginia alone. Do we have the name of the company?"
"MARVA Medical Waste Disposal. They have a contract with the Navy at this hospital."
"Sadiq could be inside the hospital right now. We need to get Rabb and Mackenzie out of there."
Webb looked at him, fearing the whole operation would be ruined. They were so close. "I think we need to get Sadiq first. No one will get to Rabb if Colonel Mackenzie is there."
Kershaw looked at him sharply, wondering who was looking out for Colonel Mackenzie. The Colonel had not officially been let in on the details of this case. If Webb was involved with Mackenzie, Kershaw thought, he didn't seem to feel the need to protect her. Webb seemed to read his thoughts.
"I have every confidence in the Colonel's ability to handle this situation and detach herself emotionally from it. She doesn't need anyone, she's tough." He was also confident that she'd kill anyone who threatened Harmon Rabb.
"Let's go." Kershaw began to get out of the vehicle on his side.
They had back up personnel already in place inside the building.
Webb phoned one of them as he exited the vehicle on his side. "We may have him."
He explained the details of Manuel Garcia/Sadiq Fahd's connection. Webb listened as he walked across the parking lot. His face revealing nothing of what he was hearing, he closed his cell phone and as he caught up with Kershaw.
"MARVA is the contractor here; Manuel Garcia is on the employee roster."
Kershaw quickened his pace. He flashed his badge and identified himself to the Gunnery Sergeant assigned to the main desk in the lobby. He instructed him to notify his commanding officer and to contact the main gate.
"No one is to enter or leave without a full search." Kershaw barked the order at the Marine and started to pass him, but the Marine swiftly moved in front of him, blocking his path.
'I'm sorry sir; but you have no authority to change the level of security on this base."
"Then get your commanding officer on the phone now." He said it in a controlled and firm voice. "Where do your waste disposal contractors enter the building?"
"Sir…I"
"Just tell me Marine. Have you seen this man in the building?" He had reached inside his coat and handed a picture of Sadiq to the gunnery sergeant. Just then Kershaw looked down the hallway and saw a man with MARVA written in large letters across the back of his shirt.
Webb was already on the phone with someone who could always be counted on in a situation like this. As he listened he heard, "Chegwidden."
"Clayton Webb, Admiral."
Admiral AJ Chegwidden looked at the clock at his bedside and knew this couldn't be good. "What the hell is it now, Webb?"
"I'm at Bethesda, and we've got a problem."
"Is it Rabb?" The Admiral knew of Mac's suspicions about the origin of the explosion in Rabb's vehicle.
"Not yet."
"Spit it out, Webb, I don't have time for riddles." Damn, he was tired of this man, and of the whole damn mess.
"We have reason to believe Sadiq Fahd is in the building, we need an increase in security here."
The admiral answered impatiently as though he already knew what was happening. "And you have no authority to do so. Tell me Webb, did it occur to you to bring NCIS into this…at all?"
Silence on the line.
"Alright …Webb. YOU get the commanding officer there at Bethesda on the line and he will notify NCIS." The realization dawned on the Admiral what Webb had done once again. He had used Rabb as bait to draw out someone he was pursuing. Webb had to have known this would happen. Security should have already been in place. He just didn't want to hand this case over to NCIS; he wanted the credit for apprehending Sadiq himself.
"You've done it again, haven't you? You've used another one of my people, hung Rabb's ass out there so you could get Sadiq…isn't that right Webb?"
"Look Admiral, Colonel Mackenzie is watching Rabb's back. I'm not hanging anyone out…"
The Admiral was suddenly furious and didn't let him finish "Who the hell is looking out for Mac, Webb? I'm not aware of giving my permission for Mac to be part of this."
The Admiral was out of bed and already walking across the room. He understood that once again, Mac didn't know either.
"I'm on my way. And believe me, Webb, if anything happens to Rabb or Mackenzie, you'll wish you were in Tierra del Fuego."
This was it, as far as the Admiral was concerned. He didn't care if he had to go all the way to the president. Webb would pay for this; so much for interagency cooperation. Things were supposed to be better in that regard. Right at this moment, it seemed to him, nothing had changed at all.
The Admiral closed his phone and ended the call.
Webb hadn't answered him at all as he stood with Kershaw in front of the Gunnery Sergeant. He still thought it was a huge mistake to make a former SEAL an admiral, certainly not a JAG, despite his membership in the Maryland and Virginia bar association. They just didn't have the temperament for it.
Kershaw who could hear the Admiral plainly, though he stood 3 feet from Webb, addressed the Marine again. "Gunnery Sergeant Smith, can we at least get an increase of security on the patient floors? We have reason to believe that a known terrorist is in the building. We believe he is pursuing a commander who was wounded in an explosion at JAG headquarters today."
Another Marine approached the Gunny and came to attention. "Sir, Vice Admiral Brown is on the line."
"Thank you Private." The Gunnery Sergeant looked at Kershaw directly, as he lifted the phone to his ear. He repeated what Kershaw had told him. After a long moment he answered the Admiral, "Yes, sir, will do. Yes, sir."
The Gunny handed the phone to Kershaw. He hesitated then put the phone to his ear. "Mr. Kershaw…You may remain in the building for the time being, but you will not interfere with any Navy and Marine personnel as they attempt to apprehend this suspect. NCIS will be notified immediately and be on scene shortly thereafter. You will give them your full cooperation. You and your people may not attempt to apprehend this Sadiq Fahd in anyway, am I understood?"
"Admiral Brown…"
"That will be all, Mr. Kershaw, and I expect a full explanation from you and your superiors once this matter is under control."
The Gunnery Sergeant in the meantime had increased the security level on the hospital grounds as per the commanding Admiral's orders, and Marine personnel had already begun a floor to floor search for Sadiq/Manuel.
As Kershaw placed the handset on the receiver the Gunny had returned to where he stood. "Gentlemen, you will remain here, I suggest if you have any other personnel inside the hospital that you have them stand down immediately. If any of our security personnel encounter any interference with this security sweep, I have orders to restrain them by any means necessary."
Webb started to walk away from him. "That order includes you, Mr. Webb."
Webb looked at him sardonically but said nothing.
"Would you like me to demonstrate the way in which I will restrain you, sir?" The Gunny's expression told him he would brook no opposition.
Webb opened his cell phone and called the two other agents he had placed inside the hospital, ordering them to stand down.
At that same moment…
Sadiq Fahd had just finished his work on the 4th floor; he made his way down the hall to an open waiting area. To anyone watching him, he looked like someone just sitting for a moment, taking a short break. The sitting area was located in close proximity to a stairwell; one that Sadiq knew would allow him access to the 5th floor.
He was so close to reaching his goal. This would be even better than his ability to attack the Commander in his JAG headquarters parking lot. This was like striking at the heart of the military. Inside this hospital where they kept their wounded…where their children were born. He would shake them all to their very heart when he killed the Commander were he slept, in this well guarded military hospital. Then, there was Sarah Mackenzie, when she saw what he was able to do and how easily he had accomplished his task, she would see that he could protect her. She would be his; and she would realize her true destiny.
He stood and looked down the hallway toward the nurse's station. No one seemed to be looking in his direction. He quietly stepped over to the doorway of the stairwell and slipped inside. The stairwell was still and silent, the closing door echoing down the stairwell.
As he quietly climbed the stairs he was sure there was no one inside the stairwell but himself. He was mistaken, for just 2 floors down; there was a team of six Marines stealthily making their way up the stairs. Sadiq's entrance to the stairwell had been heard. The team leader's instincts told him to it was time to increase awareness of all medical personnel on the patient floors. If it turned out that no one was apprehended, it would be a good drill. Though he did not know exactly who had entered the stair well, the team leader waited until he heard another door open and close and spoke into the mouthpiece of his headset.
"Alert all personnel on patient floors 2 though 15, secure all patients, we are at Level 3." He and his team continued to make their way up the stairs.
The following takes place between the hours of
3 am and 4 am
Mac came suddenly and completely awake. The hair stood up on the back of her neck and she stood up quietly. She looked down at Harm who immediately came awake when she stood up and their eyes locked. They spoke without words. Mac's premonition had come to fruition. Harm understood, believed her, and trusted her instincts. He started to try to sit up, but Mac put one hand on his shoulder and another on his arm, silently imploring him to stay where he was. She then crept quietly toward the doorway. The feeling of apprehension she had about Harm's safety had increased tenfold.
Mac could see the petty officer talking on the phone at the nurse's station. She also saw what looked to her to be a janitor walking down the hall, using his keys to open a closet on the other side of the hall.
The petty officer at the nurse's station turned to look at her. He had just received his order to secure all patients and go to level 3 security. 'Damn,' he thought. His friend had been right earlier, Chief Heathers was going to have his ass. If she got wind of a visitor being on the patient floors during this security alert, being put on report would be the least of his worries.
"Ma'am, please step back and close the door." The corpsman stood and walked toward Mac.
"What is going on, Petty Officer?"
"I have orders to secure all patients on this floor, ma'am. We have gone to security level 3. I need to close this door." He reached past Mac for the door so that he could pull it toward him.
Mac had known it. Sadiq or someone who worked for him was here. "Petty Officer…"
"Ma'am, with all due respect, I'm going to be in a lot of trouble for allowing you to stay as long as you have. Security is sweeping the building, you cannot leave now ma'am, and you must stay here until we get the all clear. I'll let you know as soon as that happens, and then ma'am, you must go."
Mac said nothing and the corpsman closed the door of Harm's room leaving her standing there in the dark. She stepped over to the bathroom, flipping on a light. Wanting to avoid attention, she pulled the door closed leaving it open just enough, so that she could see Harm.
Harm had sat up while she was talking to the petty officer. He started to stand, holding onto the bed as he eased himself up to his full height. He looked at Mac, his eyes questioning though he did not speak. Mac picked up the board and wrote that there was a security alert. Harm allowed her to gently ease him back down to sit on the side of the bed.
She turned, took her sidearm out of her purse, and took the safety off.
Harm frowned. He placed his hand on her arm, his touch gentle but firm.
Mac looked at him with eyes that suddenly held a hard gleam. "Stay here." She turned and approached the door with her weapon ready.
Harm watched as she walked to the door and eased it open slightly. He carefully stood up again, his balance still somewhat compromised by his sudden hearing loss. Holding on to the chair at his bedside, he inched to the wall on the other side of the door. He'd be damned if he was going to allow Mac to do this alone. Whatever he couldn't finesse, he could make up for with strength and size. He still out weighed her. She looked at him for a moment and when he returned her look, it was understood, he was there to stay.
Mac looked out into the hallway again. She saw 3 Marines making their way down the hallway. She heard one of the Marines speak sharply to the petty officer.
"Get that janitor out of here, petty officer, the order is to secure this floor."
The petty officer looked at the janitor who stood, seemingly frightened, holding onto the doorknob of the housekeeping closet. He nodded meekly and stepped inside the closet and shut the door behind him.
The 'janitor' sat down on a stool inside the closet. Sadiq/Manuel could not believe his good fortune. If the authorities were aware that he was in the building, the security detail didn't recognize who he was. He had been provided a place to hide while the Marines cleared the floor. Standing, he began to unzip his coveralls bearing the name of his company. He would have to ensure that they would not connect Manuel Garcia to him before he left the building.
At that same moment…
Special Agent Jethro Gibbs made his way up the stairwell. He had arrived just minutes before. Director Morrow had filled him in on the details of the situation while he was enroute to Bethesda. If Sadiq Fahd was in the building, Rabb or Mackenzie had to be his target. While the Marines finished their task on the floors above them, he would make sure that both the Commander and the Colonel had not encountered Sadiq.
The Marines had secured the 5th floor just minutes before. He approached Rabb's room and when he reached the door, he found that it was slightly ajar. He drew his weapon and eased the door opened slowly. He stepped inside slowly and silently, holding his weapon in front of him, as he swung around the open door.
Mac had heard someone swiftly approaching the door, she moved to the other side of the door in front of Harm and she saw it open. She observed the weapon being held in front of the intruder. Raising her weapon, she very nearly shot Gibbs as he turned his weapon toward her. She and Harm stood against the wall on the other side of the door.
Gibbs holstered his weapon; he looked at both of them and shook his head. "You two look really dangerous." Harm was leaning heavily against the wall and Mac was looking thin, pale and almost hollow eyed. Mac answered him.
"I nearly shot you, Special Agent, I think that's dangerous enough, don't you?" Mac had lowered her weapon and stepped over to the chair to return it to her purse.
Gibbs ignored her comment and got to the point. "Colonel Mackenzie, are you working with the Company in the pursuit of Sadiq Fahd without the knowledge of your CO?"
Mac looked at him sharply, "Of course not. I came to make sure….to be sure that the Commander was…" She certainly wasn't going to tell Gibbs that she couldn't sleep until she knew Harm was alright.
Gibbs knitted his brow and gave her an amused grin, waiting for her answer.
Mac regained her composure quickly; she didn't appreciate condescension from anyone, certainly not this man.
"Sadiq Fahd had threatened to kill us both after our encounter in Paraguay last year. After the explosion at JAG this afternoon, I believed it was just a matter of time until he made his way back to the Commander to finish what he started."
Harm was carefully making his way back to his bed when Gibbs spoke to him. "What's your take on this Commander, do you think you need a bodyguard?"
"He can't hear you. The explosion caused temporary hearing loss."
Gibbs frowned. The colonel might be right, extra security might be in order.
"So your commanding officer isn't aware of your presence here tonight?"
"We've been partners a long time. I didn't feel security was adequate given the events of this morning. This was a personal matter." Mac was getting uncomfortable under the special agents scrutiny. She'd had too little sleep and she was talking too much. " No, I haven't discussed this with the Admiral."
"Think your boss will buy that?"
Before Mac could answer Admiral Chegwidden knocked on the open door of Harm's room. "I would say so…yes."
"So your personnel aren't in on this CIA operation tonight, being conducted in NCIS jurisdiction?"
"That's right, Special Agent. It appears there is a communication problem tonight and for once….its not these two." He gestured at Harm and Mac.
Harm looked confused and Mac flushed from embarrassment.
"Given their history, you have to admit, it looks pretty likely." Gibbs had turned attention to the admiral and spoke as if Harm and Mac weren't there.
"Not if you knew what I know Gibbs. Come with me, I think we need to have a conversation with a couple of Company men downstairs." The Admiral motioned for the Special Agent to follow him out of Harm's room.
Mac spoke up, "Admiral, sir, if I may ask, CIA operation?"
"Right Mac, Mr. Webb and Deputy Director Kershaw were surveiling someone they believe to be Sadiq Fahd."
"So Webb is in the country." She spoke her thoughts aloud to no one; it suddenly made Mac furious that she seemed to be the last to know.
"It appears so, Colonel."
Mac turned to look at Harm, who appeared to be getting more frustrated by the minute, since he could not understand what was being said. He could hear their voices, but it was unintelligible.
"Can we get a security detail assigned to the Commander until he leaves the hospital?" Mac wasn't satisfied with the security sweep of the hospital. She felt he would need some type of security detail until Sadiq was apprehended or Harm had completely recovered.
"I think that may be a good idea." The Admiral looked at Gibbs, indicating that he should arrange this immediately. Gibbs merely nodded his acquiescence. They both left the room without further discussion.
The following takes place between the hours of
4 am and 5 am
Mac looked at Harm who stood holding onto the back of the reclining chair that sat at his bedside. She still felt a sense of unease, the danger to him was close, it was almost overwhelming her. She walked toward him and took his arm.
As Mac helped him to his bed he looked down at her face, reveling in her touch and her closeness. "We're a pair aren't we Mackenzie?" Too loudly again.
Mac laughed, "Yes we are…" She mouthed, "Too Loud" There was no need to alarm him with the apprehensive feelings she had. She would just breathe easier when the security detail arrived.
Harm grinned sheepishly. "Sorry."
They both sat down on the side of his bed side by side. Mac arm was still linked in his. He gave in to the impulse to take her hand.
Mac smiled at him, her countenance was calm and reassuring. "I'm going to stay until your security detail is in place." She saw a familiar light in his eyes and felt it to her heart. She gave his hand a nervous pat and then released it. She stood and went back to the chair. "You should go back to sleep."
"I don't think that's going to happen tonight, Mac." He grinned and leaned forward. "I heard you just now…you know." He wasn't shouting, but his voice was still about one octave too loud.
"Harm, that's great." Mac's tired features suddenly brightened.
"It's very faint sounding, but I can hear when it is just one voice, and it helps when I look at your…lips" It was nice having an excuse to look at them and not have to explain himself. If she only knew how much he wanted to kiss them.
Mac shook her head at him, still focused on how loudly he was still speaking. She once again put her finger to her lips and reminded him to tone it down.
"Okay, okay."
She smiled at him.
He reached for her hand again. His first impulsive move made him bolder. "Thank you for this, Mac."
Mac blushed pink and looked away for a moment. "You're welcome."
Outside Harm's room in the hallway…
Sadiq/Manuel had changed his identity once again. He wore a khaki uniform complete with ribbons and surface warfare pin. His hair was shorter than was necessarily required for a military man but he had kept it extremely short so that he could change his identity at will. He wore an anchor with one star above it on each side of his collar, indicating his rank as senior chief. Opening the door slightly, he saw no one in the hall so he slipped quietly out of the housekeeping closet. Pushing the button from inside the door, he pulled it closed, locking it and any evidence of his identity as Manuel Garcia hidden inside.
He walked toward the nurse's station and boldly asked the corpsman. "Has this floor been secured petty officer?" His accent gave no hint of his true identity; he could have been born any where in America. He also spoke with the authority of his rank, leaving no doubt that he was as he appeared.
"Yes, Senior Chief." The petty officer answered respectfully.
"Very well, carry on."
He walked back toward Harm's room, and as he approached it he felt the knife he carried in his pocket. Sadiq meant to cut the Commanders throat before he knew he had entered the room. Sarah was courageous, but she was no match for him. He had nearly reached room 504 when he saw a two man security detail coming toward the room from the opposite direction. He walked past the room, and the security detail, walking toward the stairwell he had used to come up to this floor.
He was disappointed that he would not be able to finish what he had begun. Rabb would be under more intense security now. No matter, he had incapacitated him enough to keep him from thwarting his plans. Rabb had been responsible for the deaths of many of his brothers in arms in the Chaco Boreal.
Killing the Commander would have given Sadiq a great deal of satisfaction, but he was too close to achieving his goal, he could not let revenge impede his mission. The permissive action link he would soon be purchasing, would exact a revenge that would likely involve the eventual death of the Commander, as well.
Sadiq walked at an even pace down the stairs, all the way down into the lobby of the hospital.
He looked across the lobby and recognized Clayton Webb immediately. Though Webb looked directly at him, he did not recognize him at all. It was difficult not to laugh at his ignorance. He had placed his cover on just as he entered the lobby and pulled it low over his eyes. Sadiq walked quietly across the lobby and out of the building.
The following takes place between the hours of
5a.m. to 6 a.m.
Admiral AJ Chegwidden and Special Agent Gibbs made their way back up to the 5th floor. Gibbs would see that the Commander was accompanied home by a NCIS agent, and that his apartment would be under close surveillance until Sadiq Fahd was apprehended.
The CIA had been 'dismissed' from the building shortly after the Admiral and Gibbs had spoken with them
As they approached Harm's room they heard his attending physician, Captain Henderson finishing his conversation with him. They waited for a moment until the Captain completed his visit.
Mac was also present as Captain Henderson finished up with Harm. . The Captain would be releasing him shortly, after rounds. He was going over what to expect with both of them, speaking a bit louder for Harm. As he finished he said, "Colonel Rabb, your husband should be back to normal in about 24 hours." He looked down at Harm and said, "You're a lucky man, Commander."
The Captain had been referring to his recovery and the fact he hadn't been injured more permanently, but Harm was thinking something else entirely.
Before Mac could correct the Captains assumption, Harm answered him, loudly, "Don't I know it, sir" He gave Mac a mischievous grin, thinking, 'Colonel Rabb… I like it.'
Mac decided it would have been more awkward to correct the Captain at this point. She would deal with Harm, later.
The Captain stepped away and back toward the door, he looked at Mac and said, "The corpsman will be with you shortly, you will need to complete just a bit of paperwork before he is released."
"Yes, sir," giving Harm a mock glare after the Captain stepped out of the room.
The Admiral and Special Agent Gibbs entered the room immediately after the Captain left.
"It looks like you're out of here, Commander." The Admiral looked at Harm, then at Mac.
"Yes sir." Harm looked at Special Agent Gibbs. "Gibbs"
Admiral Chegwidden told Harm about his security detail and about the surveillance. He thought the Commander might be more cooperative if it came from him.
Mac was relieved, she wasn't sure how she felt about leaving Harm on his own after he left the hospital. She felt as though she could leave now. For the time being, the danger had passed and Harm had all the security he needed. She walked up beside Harm where he sat on his bedside.
She placed her hand on his shoulder causing him to look up at her. "I'm going to go now."
Harm couldn't say what he felt with Gibbs and the Admiral in the room. He looked up into her face and was amazed at how beautiful she seemed suddenly. The emotion in her eyes and the warmth of her touch on his shoulder seemed to be amplified. Maybe the loss of one of his senses made the other four seem sharper. He held her gaze and nodded.
The Admiral sensed the intimacy of the moment and decided it was time to focus on the task at hand. "Did the Captain give you any indication of when the Commanders hearing would return?"
Mac answered him since she wasn't sure Harm had heard him, because he was still looking at her, in a way that made it difficult to look away.
"Captain Henderson said he should be fine in 24 hours. He should be back to normal and able to report to JAG Headquarters by Monday morning."
The Admiral and Gibbs listened as Mac spoke and both silently took note of Mac's hand softly stroking Harm's shoulder and back as she spoke. Mac didn't realize she had been doing it, but Harm had and he didn't care who was in the room. He didn't care if she never stopped.
Mac looked back down at Harm and then at her hand. She removed it, trying not to call too much attention to it and feeling the blush creep up her neck. "Well, I'd better get going, staff call is at 0830."
"See me in my office at 0800 Colonel; we need to discuss the Marvalis case."
"Yes, sir"
She walked swiftly out the door, glancing over her shoulder at Harm as she left the room. He sat watching her leave with a very satisfied grin on his face.
At that same moment…
Sadiq pulled onto the Capital Beltway and after he had done so he opened his cell phone to call his gracious host Fardad.
"Fardad, my boy, I am so sorry to inconvenience you, my business required that I stay overnight. I was unable to get away to contact you."
"That is quite alright, it was no inconvenience, you may think of my home as your own."
"You are too kind." Sadiq looked through the tinted windows of his Mercedes Sedan. He had once again changed his identity, as the chameleon he was. He was once again the visitor from Iran, a friend of Fardad's family.
Sadiq pushed the accelerator and began to weave through traffic on the Beltway, there was much to do and he had very little time now.
TBC