Keep One Eye on the Road

Chapter 25

"One of the neighbors around the bend went to the chemists for his wife earlier this evening and saw this car just sitting by the side of the road." He tilted his head, nodding at the car a few feet behind him. "He had to fix a flat tire before returning and got concerned when he saw the car still sitting here. Normally these roads are dead quiet after dark."

Harm looked at Baskin, both were impatient for the man to get to the point.

"The neighbor decided to call the police about the suspicious vehicle. Spotted those two walking away from the wall as we pulled up. Looked to me like one of them tossed something into the backseat as we got closer."

This time when Baskin and Harm glanced at each other, their eyes were bright with hope. They couldn't have been that lucky?

"Turns out these two jokers came from The Lakelands, without permission, if you know what I mean."

"Got any proof?" Baskin asked anxiously.

"Caught them red-handed. They tossed the bag of jewels in the back seat. Worth more money than I'll ever see in my lifetime," the older man shook his head.

Gunny, Mac, Meg, and Lord and Lady Brighton walked up behind Harm. The Brightons had tried to wait behind for news, but curiosity had gotten the better of them. They had pulled up shortly after Inspector Baskin.

"A party in my own front garden and I wasn't invited," Sadie teased.

"Beg your pardon Lady Brighton, but we caught these two blokes trying to make off with your belongings," the officer announced proudly.

"Well done. I always knew we were safe in your hands." Sadie winked knowingly at her brother, then turned to fully face him. "I suggest you do what ever you have to do, we'll move the rest of this little gathering inside."

It wasn't long before Sadie had everyone settled with a drink in hand. "I'm sorry that took so long." She handed the last drink to Gunny. "Obviously there's no help at two o'clock in the morning," she shrugged one shoulder.

"You should have let us help," Mac repeated.

"Nonsense. I'm perfectly capable of making a few drinks." Sadie took a seat by her husband.

"The policeman mentioned they caught the boys with your jewels, but I thought Darrel had said you were putting them in the bank vault?" Harm directed at Sadie.

"We did. What they snatched were copies. Good copies, but copies. I rarely leave England with the real things. Whenever we travel abroad, I bring the faux pieces."

"Sorry that took so long." Darrel Baskin came rushing into the room.

"How does it look?" Mac asked, setting her drink down.

"We've got them. What is that expression...dead to rights?"

"That's the one," Mac grinned from ear to ear.

"You can expect paperwork at your office in the morning. All charges against Seaman Moore will be dropped expeditiously. Here's to finally nabbing Britain's most elusive duo." Baskin raised his glass.

"Cheers," the room chorused.

London Headquarters

Following wednesday

Harm's office

"You have no idea how much I'm going to hate seeing you leave." Harm leaned back in his chair.

"It's nice to know we still make a good team," Meg smiled. "Any word on replacements?"

"I'm expecting a file this afternoon on who will be taking your place. Actually, who's replacing Lt. Phillips. I'm still waiting to hear on my other requests for personnel."

"Harm, things are really coming together since I've been here. Gunny has the office running like clockwork. Even Perkins is starting to catch on."

"I've got you to thank for that. I could talk to him till I'm blue in the face. Even though he seems to be gleaning a small amount of understanding from watching you, it's not enough. I need a couple of good versatile attorneys. Ones that can lead an investigation when necessary. JAGman investigations are still something this office is required to do."

"Well, you know I love being closer to Tom I certainly wouldn't object to coming back after Captain Harding returns from maternity leave. I mean, you have to admit, things always seem to happen when you're around," Meg's eyes twinkled brightly as she grinned at her old friend and colleague.

"So, I've been told," Harm chuckled back.

"I've got a few more things to take care of before I secure for the day. Everyone is briefed on the pending cases. Just in case, I only gave Perkins prosecution cases."

Harm rolled his eyes, but said nothing.

"My flight leaves at 1600, so..." Meg stood up to make her leave, when Harm came walking around the desk.

"It's been fun, take care, Meg." Harm stepped up close to her.

"You too, Harm. You too." Ignoring protocol and falling back on a longtime friendship, Meg threw her arms around Harm for a goodbye hug.

Pulling back, Meg started for the door when Beth buzzed him on the intercom, "Sir, Mrs. Rabb is here. She says it's important."

"Send her right in," Harm replied.

Having already reached the door, Meg pulled it open before Mac had grabbed the doorknob.

"Perfect timing," Harm smiled at his wife. "Meg was just leaving."

"I'm glad I caught you. I know we did this last night, but." Mac reached out and gave Meg a hug as well. "You take care of yourself, and next time you and ... have some leave time, give us a call."

"Will do, Mac." Nodding her head at her old friend and his wife, Meg made a hasty exit before she started to do something really stupid, like cry.

"What's up? Beth said it was important?" Harm moved closer to his wife.

"Well, it's not necessarily life or death important," Mac smiled out of one corner of her mouth.

Dropping her hands on Harm's chest, she let her fingers slowly walk up to his shoulder boards. Snaking her arms around his neck, she pulled him down for a slow, sweet kiss.

For just a moment, Harm forgot where they were. Wrapping his arms tightly around her waist, he dragged her snuggly against him, willingly falling into the fire of her kiss. He had to force himself to pull back slightly, and catch his breath. The things running through his mind at the moment were totally inappropriate for the CO's office, and with a few more minutes of a kiss like that, he wouldn't care.

"You should know better than to greet me like that at work. I'm going to have to carry my briefcase in front of me the rest of the day." Harm took a slow, deep breath. Just looking at this woman could send him into orbit. A kiss like that would have him ready for action at the drop of a hat.

"I was hoping I could convince you to come home for lunch." Mac was smiling fully now, her arms still draped around Harm, resting on his hips.

Harm looked at her curiously. This was the first time Mac had ever showed up at his office in an obviously romantic mood.

Her fingers now doodling lazy circles across his six, her mouth placed a moist, noisy kiss on the v of his chest, before she let her tongue slip out and lick a slow trail along his collarbone.

All the blood in his brain had rushed south. Whatever Harm had scheduled today for the Navy, suddenly had no importance of any kind. The only thing he wanted at the moment was to take his wife someplace very private, and eating lunch had nothing to do with it.

Taking another deep breath, Harm looked down at his wife. "What's up?" rolling his eyes, "Besides me."

"It's time." Mac grinned with a bright twinkle in her eye.

"Time?"

"You know, to put all that practice to work." Mac raised an eyebrow.

All the blood in his body was still pooled in his groin. Harm couldn't have come to a valid conclusion if his life depended on it. Staring at her blankly, he saw her chuckle and roll her eyes at him.

"I took the little test. I'm ovulating," Mac explained more clearly.

Harm's eyes opened wide in understanding. Pulling away from Mac, he walked around to his desk and looked down at his calendar. Nodding his head, he grabbed his cover and his wife's hand. Kissing her quickly on the forehead, he led her out the door. He knew if he'd dared to kiss her on the mouth they'd have to inaugurate his desk.

"James, cancel my appointments for the rest of the day. Unless there's an explosion at the White House, I don't want to be disturbed." Harm tried not to grin too broadly. As much as he loved making love to his wife, the thought of making a baby was sending a giddy thrill up his spine that overwhelmed him with an insane urge to skip out of his office.

"Understood, sir." Beth bit her lower lip. She wasn't sure, but she had a feeling the only business on her bosses mind was monkey business.

Slipping out the side door of the building towards their street, Harm took firm hold of Mac's hand. "Ready to make a baby, Mrs. Rabb?"

"Ready, Mr. Rabb."

The End, for now.