A/N: Getting close on this one. I finally have an idea of how I want the story to end. Maybe two, three more chapters at the most. (Yes, Darcey, I say that as well and almost always end up writing more.) I haven't proofed this yet, so please forgive any typos.

Reconnected

Somewhere Over the United States
1830 Local

A. J. Chegwidden leaned his head against the back of the first-class seat and tried to relax. They'd been in the air a little over two hours, with another four to go. He'd been on lots of flights, both military and commercial, but he couldn't ever remember being this impatient to reach his destination.

When the flight attendant served drinks, A. J. asked for bourbon. He hoped the amber-colored liquid would help him relax, but it only served to make him even more uneasy.

After contacting his old friend Tim Fawkes, A. J. learned that Catherine's fears about Webb going rogue weren't unfounded. The agency had kept him under close surveillance for several months. Tim arranged a secret meeting between the admiral, Catherine, and Kershaw. Like Catherine, he feared there was a mole at headquarters who was possibly working with Webb.

The Deputy Director had not approved Clay recruiting Harm for any missions and was unaware of Harm's involvement. Webb had lied about the entire thing. Why Webb confided in Catherine was anyone's guess, but they feared Webb might come after her as well. Kershaw sent her to a "safe" location until Webb was located.

Kershaw and Chegwidden devised a plan to get Rabb out of Mexico. There was no "official" CIA involvement, but Kershaw thought it would be best if Tim was involved. No one had seen or heard from Webb in weeks. If he suspected anything, he might try to get to Rabb before they did. It was hoped Tim's presence might smooth a potentially volatile situation since Clay had once looked up to the older man.

A. J. couldn't help but feel a little sadness over the fact Clay had at one time been a caring person. At least he'd been a loyal friend to Tim. If not for Webb, Tim might not be alive today. What went wrong? What caused a person to turn on their country? And what would happen if Webb reached Harm first?

He downed another swallow of bourbon and willed his mind not to go there.

Hernandez Beach House
0830 Local

Mac had a restless night. She'd tossed and turned and dreamed of Harm. There were times when she was certain she heard him call her name. For the first time since Harm's accident, she felt a sense of closeness to him. He was nearby. She could feel it.

But just as things often look better in the light of day, the morning also brought the realization that Harm wasn't coming back. Everything she'd experienced during the night had been a dream. But it all seemed so real…

But the man she saw on the beach yesterday was real. No doubt about that. Mac wondered if he'd be back today. There was only one way to find out. She hurried to dress, then strolled down to the beach to wait.

David's Bungalow
0830 Local

He'd dreamed of her all night long.

Mac…

Sarah…

They had been close. Intimate. Of that, he was sure. But why couldn't he remember everything? Was she Sarah? Why did he often think of her as Mac? What kind of name was that for a woman?

Some of his dreams last night had left him with unfulfilled desires that cold showers wouldn't take care of.

They were together on a beach. The sun was setting, and she walked out of the house wearing a string bikini that left little to the imagination. The triangles of cloth barely covered her nipples, leaving most of her ample breasts exposed. As far the bottom thong, well he knew she waxed otherwise…

He pulled her into his arms, plundering her mouth with his tongue, then cupping her bare cheeks before reaching to untie her top. Before long, both of them were naked. They frolicked and played in the ocean before returning to the beach where they made love.

"To think I once called you a prude," she had said.

The dream brought another memory. They were standing on a ferry. She wore a flared skirt and a green top. It was obvious she wasn't wearing a bra.

"Harmon Rabb you are a prude."

He'd awakened with a start. The pounding heading started again, so he got out of bed to swallow some painkillers. Fortunately, they made him drowsy, and he quickly fell asleep. The dreams started again.

"What's eating at you? You've acted grumpy ever since we left Washington."

"Mac, we've been on this carrier a week. Do you have any idea what it's like knowing you're sleeping in the next room? I want to make love to you, and I can't do a damn thing about it."

"You could always sneak into my room, flyboy."

"In case you've forgotten, I'm bunking with Sturgis. I'm pretty sure he already suspects something is going on with us and need I remind you, he's a stickler for military rules and discipline?"

"Harm, this tribunal won't be last forever. And I promise I'll make it up to you when we get home."

Another dream. This time he was in a Tomcat. He was in the pilot's seat. It was night, and he was preparing to land on the deck of a carrier.

"Eject! Eject! Eject!"

He awoke with a start. Aircraft carriers? Tribunals? Tomcats? A vague memory surfaced. He had been in the military. But why couldn't he remember his name?

David jumped out of bed, then hurried to put on his running clothes. He needed to clear his mind and the best way to do that was a run on the beach.

The Beach at Mesilla
0917 Local

Mac had been at the beach for exactly forty-two minutes and sixteen seconds. It was getting warmer. She wished she had an umbrella or some protection from the sun. She'd been in such haste to get to the beach, she hadn't even put on sunscreen. She thought about going back to the beach house for something, but she didn't want to take a chance on missing Harm.

If it was Harm. Just because the person she saw the day before bore a strong resemblance to him, didn't make it so. It wasn't like she'd seen him up close.

Why am I getting my hopes up? I've just come to terms with the fact he isn't coming back. Am I going to react this way every time I see a man that bears a faint resemblance to Harm? I can't go back to where I was before. I can't keep putting myself through this.

It was foolish for Mac to remain on the beach. She rose, then turned to walk back to the beach house.

Harm is alive.

She stopped.

No. You want him to be alive. He's not coming back. He died in South America.

He's nearby.

"No. I can't go on this way." Mac started to walk away when she caught a glimpse of a man in the distance running near the shore. She stopped. Turned. Walked to where she was in the man's direct path. He was tall. Over six feet. Had dark hair. Could it be…

It didn't take long for him to draw near. He stopped when he saw her, a look of confusion on his face. "Mac?"

"Harm! It's really you. You're alive."