Return To Me

by Radiorox

COMPLETE Harm and Mac went to separate ends of the world and never stayed in touch. Four years later, when Harm returns to the States, he and Mac find that you can’t fool destiny. That friendship is the road that leads to the heart.

25. Sweet and Sticky

This part has a few more paragraphs of material unsuitable for FFnet if you want it, message me with your e-mail address and I will send it on over.

Enjoy!
Jackie

Part 25 – Sweet and Sticky

Labor Day
0750 Local
Mac and Harm's House
San Diego, California

"Mmmm. . .Harm." Mac said with a sleep laden, breathy voice. His cheek, slightly covered with stubble was teasing her shoulder. Nuzzling her there, Harm then inhaled her scent. Damnit, she smelled good. This was all entirely too good. "That's the spot." She purred, wrapping an arm behind her, holding his head on a particular point. There was an electricity between them that she felt to her toes. It was early, she could tell by the way shadows were cast in the room, her internal clock always seemed to go on hiatus the moment his body came intimate contact with hers "What time is it?"

Harm propped open one eye and glanced over her shoulder to the clock on the nightstand. "Oh-Seven-Fifty." As if she were stung, Mac tensed in his arms. He felt an instant zap of cold as she sat up, then jumped out of bed.

"OH shit. . ." Mac picked up various articles of clothing trying to find her underwear. "Where are my undies?"

At first, he really didn't notice any type of dilemma, he was much too busy watching her naked body. Fishing around under the covers, Harm found the underwear and held it out, letting it balance on his index finger. She was acting completely bizarre to him. "Erm? Mac?"

Giving him an odd look, she grabbed the underwear from him and proceeded to put it on. "I'm so late."

Amused, he rose himself up on his elbow, there was something cute about seeing her all flustered and out of sorts. So cute he wanted to kiss the daylights out of her. Fact was, he wanted to kiss her all day long if possible. "Mac? It's Labor day, you're off today, I am too."

Raising her head, Mac stared at him as if he'd spoken some foreign language. "It is?"

"Uh huh." He slid to the edge of the bed and reached a hand out to her. "In fact, I was going to make you breakfast. . ." Grinning, he pulled her back into bed and made quick work of the little clothing she'd managed to put back on. "Well. . .Maybe brunch." He kissed her soundly as she relaxed into his arms again. "Although, you and a little maple syrup does sound mighty tasty."

"Ewww. I'd be all sticky." She pointed out, making a face that clearly stated she wasn't too fond of the sticky substance.

Harm kissed the tip of her nose. "There are ways. . .NICE ways to clean you up." He waggled his eyebrows suggestively, then pinned her beneath.

They didn't move from the bedroom for a good two hours, eventually succumbing to Mac's rumbling stomach. And, even when they headed down to the kitchen, the playfulness didn't stop. Harm was shirtless, barefoot and wearing only a pair of faded blue jeans. Mac was wearing his shirt. It was rather distracting when your half naked lover kept the kind of eye contact that meant they wanted you as desert. "Sailor, I'm going to cut my finger off if you keep looking at me like that." She was chopping veggies for two omelets.

"Moi?" Harm said, pointing towards his chest with a whisk that he was using to mix the pancake batter. "You're the one that keeps on shaking that six of yours and TRUST ME, it's a six that is worth watching." Purposely, she moved her hips, causing that shirt to rise enough to give him a peek of black lace. Harm groaned his frustrations, "Argh, Maaaac!"

"Suck it up, flyboy." She giggled, then slid the egg mixture into a pan.

He turned fully towards her, leaning against a counter. "Oh, don't tempt me, MacKenzie. . ."

"Or what?"

"No pancakes for you." Turning around swiftly, he poured some batter into a flat pan, making rather large pancake circles.

Mac laughed. "Uh huh, you wouldn't want to play with a hungry Marine. . .It could be detrimental to your love life." She winked at him.

"So you say. . ." Reaching up, he pulled open a cabinet and frowned. "Where are the chocolate chips?"

She placed her pan on the stove next to his, then reached over, purposely rubbing intimately against him as she reached for the chips. "Right here, you just didn't see them." Mac grinned impishly.

"Right here behind the toaster? Ah, yes, how could I have missed them?" He poked her playfully, then pulled her body close to his. "Were you trying to make me beg, Mac?"

"Pleading the fifth."

He tightened his hold, lowered his head and stopped just short of kissing her. "Thought so." With a passive look, Harm released his hold and stepped away. Chuckling at Mac's protests. "Suck it up, Marine."

Breakfast was rather uneventful save for a few innuendos and heated gazes. It was, when they were washing dishes, that the long awaited maple syrup came into play. "Harm!" Mac tried to protest when he slathered some of the gooey liquid on her neck. "Ooooh." Somehow her arguments about disliking sticky things came to an abrupt end. His kisses had that effect on her, they always had. Every single kiss they'd shared, no matter how chaste, how friendly or how wrong, turned her to mush. In the past, she needed to keep going and pretend that it didn't happen. Now, she wouldn't live like that. "Harm. . ." Mac breathed out softly as she arched her body against his. Thank God he was holding her because she swore her legs would have given out.

"Just feel." Harm rasped against the soft skin of her shoulder. One of his legs slid between her own, moving upwards so that his thigh brushed Mac intimately. It made her putty in his hands. "That's right. . .relax." His hands roamed her body freely, coming over his shirt to cup her breasts as kisses left a trail of fire from Mac's ear to her shoulder.

She sighed happily, God the things that man were doing to her had to be illegal in some part of the world. "I think I'm falling for you all over again."

"I already have." Harm whispered, letting Mac go so that she could turn around. Her expressive eyes drank him in, making him feel empowered, wanted, loved. Maybe that whole soul mate thing actually had it's merits? For a fact, he'd never felt this way about someone and doubted that he ever would. No man would pine around for years over just any woman. And Mac wasn't just any woman.

Mac looked into his eyes, which had always drowned her, and those lips, which were just entirely too good to kiss. "Are you trying to seduce me, flyboy?" The tone of her voice left no room for misunderstanding – either he was seducing her or she was seducing him – any way you looked at it, something was going to happen. Reaching out, she splayed a hand on his shoulder and then slowly ran a finger downwards, over his throat, to his pecs. She traced the median plane of his abdomen, coming to stop just above the waist of his jeans. Her fingers toyed around his waist.

"Looks like you're trying to seduce me." Harm groaned.

"You can't seduce the willing. And, it's obvious you're more than just a little willing." Earlier in the morning, she was in the bathroom and hadn't seen that Harm had slipped the jeans on without his boxers. "Hmmm. . .No briefs, no boxers, just nada, huh?"

"Not usually, but I decided to surprise. . ." Any other words died as she began to massage his chest gently.

Not much longer later, Harm had her pinned up against the wall, both of the, laughing and enjoying the change of pace to the usual love making. Sated, the remained like that for a while, each trying to catch their breaths.

Harm rested his forehead on Mac's, letting out a tired but satisfied sigh. "Damn, Mac. . .That was pretty intense."

She nodded in agreement, then pushed him back slightly, a mischievous grin tugging at her lips. "Think you can make it to the sofa or did I wear you out?" Mac kissed his chin, then trailed her tongue over the small bit of syrup that was still there.

"Eww, Mac, maple syrup on a sofa?" By now, they were both sticky, sweaty and in need of a serious shower.

She laughed at the look of utter disgust on his face. "Hey, you're the one with the bright ideas. . .I'm just following your lead. . .After this, I might not have a problem with the sticky stuff anymore."

"You're incorrigible." He chastised, taking a deep breath as he momentarily thought about a different option. "How about the shower?"

"Oooh, I hadn't thought of that." Her face lit up, obviously liking his idea to get a little naughty in the shower. "We can fill the tub, snuggle up together." Yes, the ideas were endless.

Harm frowned, though the bathtub was big enough to technically hold two people, his tall frame would likely just hang off an end. It would be uncomfortable, they would fight over the soap and that would be that. "A shower would do just fine, Mac. I mean, the only way we can fit in your tub is if you lay on top of. . .me." He hadn't really given it much thought until the words were coming out of his mouth. And suddenly, Harmon Rabb realized there were worst things than having a sexy as hell female Marine splayed over his body, in warm water, rubbing his chest with some nice smelling soap of some sort. "Oh second thought, a bath sounds wonderful."

"I knew you'd come around." She teased, then groaned as they lost contact. Mac removed the clothing she was still wearing and then, taking his hand, led Harm across the house and up the stairs, the pair of them completely naked.

"I could get used to this." He said, watching her closely as he made it up the stairs in tow. "I mean, do you normally run around naked?"

When they reached the landing she turned around, placing her hands on his chest. "Only for you, flyboy, only for you."

1035 Local
Lt. Commander Greg Vukovic's Apartment
Ocean View, California

Vic walked across his apartment, tying his robe in the process. The banging on his door grew fiercer and without reservation he knew who would be on the other side. "Hold your horses, man." He undid the several latches then took a peak. Yup, right on the money, it was Jarvis. "Don't you ever call first?"

Jarvis pushed on through, handing Vic a brown paper bag with, what had to be, a bottle of something. "What fun would it be if I called?" He went to the sofa, crashing down with a loud sigh.

"Don't you sleep?"

"What is this? Twenty questions?" Annoyed, Jarvis stood up, took the bag from him and headed into the kitchen. Pulling out the bottle, Vic was surprised to find it was scotch and a pricey one at that. "No, I don't sleep much. . .Waste too much time if you sleep." Rummaging through the cabinets, he tried searching for a small glass to pour the drink. "Dude, don't you have something smaller?"

These visits from Jarvis were beginning to be a royal pain in the butt. The man would walk into Vic's apartment, act as if it were his own and then, to top it off, boss him around. "Look, I think you should leave."

"Yea, right." Snorting, Jarvis turned to another cabinet, digging around that one as well. "Aha!" He pulled out two glasses, washed them and then proceeded to pour the scotch. "Breakfast of champions."

Vic kept his distance, this was probably going to get ugly. "I mean it Jarvis, get the hell out!"

A protest died on Jarvis' lips the moment a disembodied female voice called from the bedroom. "Greg?"

"I'll be back in a minute." He yelled at the woman in his bed.

Spinning towards the bedroom Jarvis took note of what he heard. Vukovic with a woman? "Ah, you got a dame here, do you?" He grinned mischievously, then handed Vic the drink. "Using her until you can get at MacKenzie?" His rich laughter echoed in the apartment. "That's cute. . .Get rid of her, Vic. We have things to discuss."

"No."

Sighing, Jarvis chucked the glass against a wall shattering it into a million pieces "I said, get rid of the bitch."

"Greg?" The woman, a dark haired, dark eyed beauty stepped out and glanced between the two men. She clutched the bed sheet around her a little tighter when she realized they weren't alone. "Hi?" It was disturbing how much she resembled Mac.

Vic stepped to her, wrapping his arms around her as he cooed. "Tara, go back to bed, Jarvis and I are just talking shop. . .It's alright." She giggled then gave him a sloppy wet kiss on the lips. The one difference between her and Mac was that Tara was a ditz. He'd met her the night before at a bar and decided there were worst things than taking a willing, beautiful woman home.

The thought of writing the encounter off was very tempting but, true to Jarvis' form, he couldn't. Instead, he gave Tara a once over and then some. He made a clicking sound with his tongue behind his teeth then gave Vic a sickened look. "You're one sick puppy, Vukovic. . .I mean she can pass for. . ."

"You can't boss me around, Jarvis."

"I don't like your tone, Vukovic."

Shrugging, Vic hopped on one of the barstools and downed the other half of the drink. It was way too early for this, but he needed to be more 'manly.' The alcohol would also calm his nerves some and God knows he needed all of the calming he could get. "I don't care what you like or don't like. . .This is MY place, get the hell out!"

"You're going to ruin everything just for a little piece of tail?"

"Everything? What do you mean by 'everything?'" And what exactly was he ruining? No real plans were in effect. The documents stolen had no real bearings on anything, just facts and figures about Rabb's Naval career which wouldn't help anyone for squat. Vic had done his part and as far as he could tell, all Jarvis' promises to 'help out' in regards to ousting Rabb and getting Mac had been completely empty. "I don't need you anymore. . .I can handle things myself."

"Oh you can, can you?" Jarvis chuckled. It was still amusing to him how stupid people could be. How he could play them like a fiddle and none would be the wiser.

On Sunday he'd already decided to take things into his own hands in regards to Harm and that's how it would have to be. "Jarvis, you haven't done shit for me. . .I've let you into JLSS. I've stolen documents and I haven't even gotten an inch from you." He poured himself more scotch, downed it and then slammed the glass on the bar. "What did you need all of that shit for, anyway? Because if you wanted to screw with Rabb, there are easier ways to go about it. What did he do to you that you needed to seek revenge?. . .This is what it is, right? Revenge?"

Casually, Jarvis leaned against a wall, a smirk well in place. Was it about revenge? Yes and no. Yes, he was pissed that Rabb had gotten rid of him. He needed to be in that office to dig up more information. No, it really wasn't revenge because he needed those documents in order to find a way to exploit Rabb. And now he had it, all in black and white. Now he and Manda could broaden their empire with the help of a Naval Aviator. It was perfect. "It isn't all about revenge, no. . .But, that part is none of your business."

"Essentially, I am your partner and as such, I need to know."

It was a fair thing to ask, but Jarvis wasn't willing to let someone in, especially a man like Vic who he didn't trust. "Vic, you're a nice guy, alright. . .You helped out and for that, I promise, you will be compensated. But, don't try to sink any farther into this. . .It's a lot deeper and dirtier than it looks."

Just what had he stepped in? What deadly game was he playing with a man he knew nothing about? "Deeper and dirtier? Just what are you into, Jarvis?"

"Illegal things and we'll just leave it at that." With a sigh, he refilled his glass and downed half. "Look, I need one final favor and that is that."

"A final favor? You're joking right?"

He shook his head. "Nope. . .It's a simple one." Taking out a small legal pad and pen from his pocket, he tossed it on the coffee table. "Jot down names." It was a simple request, something that meant he wouldn't have to spend more time researching.

"Names? Of what?" This was truly turning out to be confusing and it wasn't just the alcohol on an empty stomach talking.

"Rabb's friends, family. . .Give me numbers and addresses if you got them."

Vic shook his head, unwilling to comply. It was now that he realized just how much Jarvis had an air about him that screamed 'mafia.' Vukovic was no saint, he never would be, but while he had his own plans in the works to oust Rabb, he wasn't going after anyone else. This little fact consoled him late at night when he tried to make himself believe he was a good guy. "No. . .First of all, this sounds more than just illegal, it sounds dangerous. . .Second, I am not friends with Rabb. We barely speak to each other so I wouldn't know his family or friends. . ."

"Oh, c'mon Vic, you have to know SOMETHING."

"He has a ward, Mary. . .Mandy. . .something like that. . . I believe she joined the Naval Academy."

Jarvis shrugged. "A bit out of the question but if necessary she would do. . .Write it down." He instructed, pointing at the paper and giving Vic a look that meant business. "Anything about him I should know that weren't on the files?"

"No." He scribbled on the paper and tossed it at Jarvis. "There. . .Now tell me what you're going to do."

The legal pad was stuffed into his breast pocket for safe keeping. No, he really wasn't planning on hurting anyone, but a little insurance was in order. True, if he needed to use someone, he'd use the best available source in the form of one sexy, female Marine Colonel. "Look, the less you know the less involved you are. . .Just back off, let me do what I am gonna do and you can reap the riches and snag MacKenzie."

"Riches?"

Jarvis nodded. "I promised I would compensate you for your help and I will, just give me time." He patted Vic on the face and winked. "Thanks Vic. . .Oh, and keep the bottle, consider it an I.O.U of sorts."

1845 Local
Mac and Harm's House
San Diego, California

"Beautiful night, isn't it?" They were sitting on a blanket that had been spread out on the sand. The soft crash of waves creating a pleasant soundtrack for their evening. The day had been exhausting and for good reason, it was impossible for either Harm or Mac to keep their hands to themselves. So now, as the day wound down and the sun set, the pair sat together amongst the goodies for a picnic.

"Yea, it is." Harm replied with a smile. It was amazing how, out of the blue, things between them were simple, wonderful and uncomplicated. It felt as if they'd made huge strides with relationship issues. But, still, things bothered him to no end. One of those things being Vukovic's questions about him drinking around her. "Mac, do you have a problem with me drinking?"

The question caught her by surprise. "Drinking? What do you mean?"

"Beer, bourbon, you know? Just alcohol. Do you have a problem with me drinking alcohol?"

It was an odd question, he'd never brought it up before and it confused her as to why he would bring it up now. "Well, I'm going to tell you the same thing I told you years ago: 'It's your drink. Not mine.'"

There was no tension to her reply, nothing to tip him off as how he should play it. Her answer really didn't clarify things that he needed to know. "But, uh. . .Does it bother you if I drink? You being an. . .uh alcoholic. . .it has to bother you somehow."

But, it didn't bother her. There was temptation, occasional regret about her choices, but it never really full out bothered her that other people drank around her. It's something that she was accustomed to. "Well, you want to know what really bothers me? The fact that I would have been sober for 20 years and yet, I've only been sober for 10." Had she not fallen off the wagon because the stress of life combined with Dalton's murder maybe she wouldn't have doubted herself so much in the last few years.

Harm remembered that time with a vivid clarity that disturbed him. He recalled too well having some sick pleasure at knowing that she was having relationship problems with the man. Then there was another feeling, one that came with its own little green monster. "I was jealous of Dalton, you know. . .Surprised that you felt so much for him it led you to drink."

Turning to him, Mac smiled slightly at his admission. Though several issues between them had been put into perspective, there were so many things left unsaid. So many insecurities and misgivings which would eventually come to the surface. This was one of them. "It wasn't Dalton that made me drink. . .It was the situation. . . Having blood on my hands, being so out of control that I needed to lose myself and I knew, from experience, that the only way that would happen was alcohol."

Unconsciously, he breathed a sigh of relief. He understood now, finally, after letting it burn him for so many years. Curiously, he stared at her for a moment, considering yet another thing. "Have you been tempted?"

"Yes. . .There have been many times that things are sketchy and having a drink crosses my mind." The last time was the day they'd met again at the Starbucks in downtown San Diego. Seeing Harm had stirred up so many wanted and unwanted emotions that numbness was the only thing Mac sought out.

"So it does bother you when other people drink? When I drink?" He stubbornly asked the question only to receive a chuckle from her end. "I'm not giving up on this, Mac." Harm said sternly expecting her to finally give him an answer.

As expected, she tossed another question at him. "Does it bother you when other people smoke? "

Really, he should have seen something like that coming. No matter what changed, they were still Harm and Mac – a little cryptic tactic was in order. "No, that's different."

"How is it different? Smoking is just as bad. . . maybe worse. It's an addiction. It makes you sick. A lot of people don't like it."

"Touché." Alright so he couldn't argue with that, smoking wasn't any better but when he smoked he didn't hurt those that he loved. "I just don't want to do anything stupid or inconsiderate. . .And it's that. . .I don't want to lose. . ."

Mac touched her hand to his mouth, stopping another wave of rambling that he was sure to give her. "Harm, I understand and to answer you completely and without mixed messages – No. It does not bother me when you drink. . .I don't even care if you have some in the house."

"Are you sure?" He asked because he wasn't sure himself.

The way he croaked the question out worried her immensely. There she was thinking again that something happened. And no, it wasn't a trust issue, it was a concerned issue. And she would remain concerned until Manda was fully out of the picture. "Why are you asking all of this now? What happened?"

Vic happened. Harm thought to himself, sighing loudly as he turned away from her for a moment. Telling her the truth would, no doubt, make things in her office a little worse. The man was a prick that deserved everything he had coming to him, but that didn't mean he needed to put Mac in another tight spot. So he treaded carefully. "You know that little scuffle I had with Vukovic yesterday? It was about you. . ."

"Yea, I figured as much." She finally had the man she wanted and he was still having to fight with another over her? When would it all end?

"He told me I was. . .I guess he implied I was inconsiderate because I was drinking around you. . .And because I kissed you with alcohol on my breath."

Mac's facial features belied the anger that was coursing inside of her. Knuckles were turning white as she fisted a corner of the sheet they lay on, it was her only show of distress. "Why would he say that?" Neither of them had to verbalize the answer, it was slightly clear. "I wonder what his agenda is?"

Slightly clear and to Harm, clarity was fading fast. "Maybe he doesn't have one, maybe he just. . .needs a friend?"

Her laughter broke through the quietness of the evening, echoing far down the beach. But, when she assumed Harm would join in and didn't, Mac was more than just a little worried. "I don't want to be Vukovic's friend." She grunted out, settling herself closer to Harm in a territorial fashion.

"I don't disagree that he's an ass, but maybe we judged him prematurely? . . I see a little bit of a younger me in him."

Alright, so had she, but still, there were higher principles involved. "You've gotta be kidding me, right?"

"Maybe the reason why he's still an ass is because he's never felt like he's part of the team?" Maybe he was rationalizing things just a teench bit too much? When Mac didn't answer, Harm flopped to his side, propping his head up on his hand. Scared, annoyed and confused expressions all passed through her beautiful face. Then finally, she settled on a gaze that clearly said he'd lost his mind. "Don't give me that look."

"How can I not, he's a creep." She blurted out, feeling just a tiny bit of remorse for saying it, but it was true.

"You don't know that."

It was all she could do to not reach out and feel his forehead. "Yes, I do, and the only reason he's saying stupid shit like that to you is because he's trying to find a way to get to me." She knew it sounded self appreciating and narcissistic, but the words wouldn't have come out of her mouth if she didn't believe them to be true.

Harm still didn't see her point. "Look, I know he's attracted to you. . .But, what man isn't?" His other hand snuck across the blanket, under her t-shirt to the smooth skin of her abdomen. A satisfied grin spread across his lips as he noticed her eyes closed, her lips slightly parted. The electricity was back, just with one touch. "You're incredible. . .You're sexy." And just like that, the gentleness of his voice ceased and so did his ministrations on her flesh. "Doesn't mean that, you know. .. he wants to bed you or something? Maybe he really just needs a friend."

She groaned her disappointment in both his lack of touching and continuance on this foolish subject. Annoyed, she sat up, reached for the water bottle, took a long gulp and then settled her gaze on him. "Harm, this is noble of you, it is. . .But I am not giving him a chance. I don't trust him and I never will."

"Funny, you used to trust him."

Was that resentment she heard in his voice? Another badge of their past that was floating to the surface just to wreak havoc on their wonderful time? "No, I used to have to mentor him. . .And, alright, I'll admit that, at first, he attracted me in some level." I must have been losing my mind. No, she wasn't losing her mind, she needed someone and the one person she could turn to had things of his own to worry about. It almost choked the life out of her, having to need someone so badly and not being able to ask for help. Yes, it was her fault for not telling him, for not accepting what he was offering, but truthfully, she didn't know any better. "I'm worried now how it must have looked like. . .Especially if you're still hung up on it." Had she really been flirty with Vic? So much that it bothered Harm so much? Had her attempt to tame the younger officer been that misconstrued?

Damnit. He officially wanted to kick himself. Because of Vuckovic he was ruining their perfect night. Maybe Mac had been right all along? Maybe there was a reason to Vic's sudden concerns. "Mac. . .I didn't mean it that way. . .I was jealous, yes. . .and."

"I wasn't ever planning on sleeping with him. I never had fantasies of me and him."

"It was the way you said it though." He interrupted, unconsciously stopping in mid thought as memories from the past bubbled up. They were in his office at JAG HQ. He'd been dealing with Mattie's accident, something that left him vulnerable and wounded. His walls, the ones that were so perfectly built, were torn to shreds.

"Said wha-"

"I haven't slept with him. . .You told me that." Memories recalled, oh too well, that her look was completely impassive yet, the only emotion – hurt – flashed through Mac's eyes. "Even today I wonder if you were, maybe. . .slightly interested?"

Was there ever a time when the past wasn't going to be an issue for them? Her teeth clenched, her heart broke slightly. "I didn't mean to hurt you." Mac's voice hitched slightly as she swallowed down the lump at her throat. Damnit, what had they done to each other over the years? "Damnit." Cursing, she stood up and walked onto the still warm sand.

If there was a surgery to keep that foot out of his mouth, Harm would take it. It was the constant problem in his life, something that neither time nor wisdom seemed to fix. He stared up at Mac for a moment, contemplating whether to ask for forgiveness or question her answer. Instead, he chose another route. "I can't remember the whole context of that conversation, Mac. . .But, why did you tell me that?"

"We were talking about Vukovic. You were asking me how it was to work with him. .. I can't remember exactly what you said, but I can remember the look in your eyes." She turned slightly to him, almost as if to check if he was listening, then turned away. "You didn't have to say much. . .It was the look in your eyes – accusing, jealous. . .So many things." She sighed, why could they only see the bad in their eyes and never the good? "I didn't mean to hurt you. . .I just wanted to clarify that Vuckovic and I didn't. . ." The idea repulsed her, even back then. Sure, the man was good looking, but she needed someone who had more than just good looks.

Carefully, Harm stood up and walked to her, stopping just a foot short. Not that it mattered how far he stood, she could feel the heat radiating off of him. "Bringing that up may have been the dumbest thing I've done."

"No, you've done dumber things." She couldn't help the hurt tone of her voice. Unconsciously, her hands came around her body as she felt a cold wind that wasn't quite there before. "This is what he wanted from us, Harm. . .To make you doubt me and make me doubt you."

"I'm not doubting you. . .I mean, I was, back then, but. . ." Annoyed at himself, Harm threw his hands up in the air. "Damnit, can't I ever say anything right?"

Mac turned on her heel and faced him, giggling slightly at his aloof expression. "Harm." She watched with curiosity as he dug out a shell with his toe, bent down to pick it up and then chucked it towards the water. "Harm."

He was still beating himself up. "Damnit, I can convince a hard ass judge not to send a guilty man to prison, but I can't ever say the right thing to you."

"Harm, I'm not mad at you." Taking his hands in hers, she pulled him close. One of her hands trailed upward, raising his chin so that she could look at him. "I'm not mad at you." And she wasn't, not really. "I'm mad at the situation. . . Actually, I am fucking pissed off, that's what I am. . .Pissed off that five years later someone else is causing waves between us."

For a moment, he stood there and just looked at her. Whatever this was, he felt it was something that would just pass by, something that wouldn't really had a barring on the future. "They aren't waves."

"Oh no?"

"Alright, they are waves, but tiny ones." He indicated the size with his fingers and grinned.

Mac sighed. The only thing she wanted was to get through to him on the present. The past with Vuckovic was no longer an issue. "Look, he's up to something, I know he is. . .I just can't put my finger on it."

Harm sighed as well, he would give her an inch and maybe even look into it just to give her a piece of mind. "How do you know?"

"My gut tells me so. . .I've been wanting to investigate unofficially. . .But, that's difficult to do."

"Then let me do it."

Getting Harm involved in one of her problems again was the last thing she wanted. And Vic was certainly HER problem. Then there was also the guilt she'd feel at having an outside source investigating one of her own. That thought wouldn't sit well with some of her coworkers. Still, if Harm investigated it would be one less problem at her doorstep, it would allow her to concentrate on other things. "Alright, I have some files inside the house. . . Maybe an impartial eye is all it takes."

He agreed. "Let's pack up and have a looksy."

Twenty minutes later, they were both settled on the sofa. Harm held one service record in his hand with a name that sounded entirely too familiar. "Staff Sergeant Angel Van Edee?"

"Yes, I think he and Vic are up to something. . .I didn't hire him, he didn't go through Bud, which is chief of staff, and yet he wound up working at JLSS for a few days. . ."

"That's kinda odd. . .Think maybe the former SECNAV has something to do with it?"

Mac shook her head. "I don't know. . .Since I've been in this position, I've always felt they wanted me ousted. . .That's fine, most female in command positions feel that way. . .It's just strange that the SECNAV would approve sending Vic over to me when both myself and General Cresswell have repeatedly denied him. . .Also, he wasn't up for promotion, he wasn't on any list and then, all of a sudden, he is pushed through?"

"You can come up with a lot of different assumptions about Vic, Mac. . .But they are just that. . ." He paged through the Staff Sergeant's information, ignoring all of the military jargon that basically said he was a bad Marine. "Assuming he is there to spy – what would be the point?"

She shrugged. "To see how I react in situations? To see if women could do the job better than men? Remember, the new SECNAV is a woman. . .You should know, very damned well, from our friend Bobbi Latham that sometimes women have a harder agenda than men."

"Ain't that the truth." He sighed, then shook his head. "Mac, this sounds like something out of that G.I. Jane movie, frankly. . .There are better people they could have brought in to spy other than Vic." Opening another set of Van Edee's files, he scanned through some of the more standard information. "You know, Van Edee is a weird name, only heard it once before."

"Oh yea?"

"Our first secretary's name was Marie Angela Van Edee. . .Jarvis had the major jones for her."

"What happened to her?"

Harm shrugged. "I'm not too sure, one day she said she just had to quit. . . I never saw her again." As he flipped a page, a black and white picture slipped out, falling onto his lap. He picked up the photo, staring at an image of a man he knew too well. "Oh my God. . .Jarvis."