A/N: Before late season 8 / season 9, Webb was a character that I sort of liked. But after Paraguay, I hated the character almost as much as I did Bugme.

Wicked Game

JAG Headquarters
December 18, 2003
1630 Local

Mac rubbed the bridge of her nose in an attempt to fight the nagging headache that had started before lunch. She'd had a rough day in court, facing Sturgis in a case of willful disobedience and conduct unbecoming.

She'd known she faced an uphill battle as defense counsel and had done her best to defend Lt. Mason, but Sturgis had a strong case. After speaking to her client. She'd approached Sturgis with an offer to settle, but he wouldn't go for it.

"If that's the best you can do, Mac, I'll see you in court," he had said.

Although her opening statement was adequate, Mac could tell the members had their doubts about her client's innocence. She wished she could have done better, but you make do with what cards you've been dealt. She reached in her desk for a bottle of aspirin.

"Hello, Sarah."

"What are you doing here, Clay?"

"You've been avoiding me. Figured if I wanted to see you, then coming here gave me the best chance."

"Clay, I haven't been avoiding you."

"Yes, you have. You've ignored my calls. And I know you were home last night but wouldn't come to the door."

"I wasn't in the mood for company."

"Oh? Busy pining for your flyboy?"

"That's none of your business."

"So, you don't deny it. I thought we had something special going on, Sarah. But I've barely seen you the last month."

"I've been busy. We're short-handed here."

"Wouldn't have been that way if Harm had accepted the admiral's offer."

Mac's eyes widened. "Did he tell you about that?"

"No, but I have my sources. I don't talk to Harm unless it's necessary. Go out with me tonight."

"I can't. I have to work late on a case. Some other time."

"Damn it, Sarah. When will be the right time? You know I could get called out of town any minute."

"Don't let me stop you."

"It is Harm, isn't it? You changed after you saw him with Kate Pike at the Willard. He's moved on, Sarah. From what I hear, they're still an item."

"Kate isn't even in town. She's back at Pearl."

"Doesn't mean they aren't seeing one another. Harm always volunteers for missions involving Hawaii. Good thing his 'wife' is understanding. I've heard he and Catherine have an open marriage."

"Harm didn't really marry Catherine Gale."

"Not what I heard, but I'm not going to argue with you. Now, are you going out with me tonight or not?"

"No! I told you I'm busy. Now do me a favor and get out of my office." Mac spoke louder than she intended, attracting the attention of Sturgis, who happened to be passing by.

"Everything okay?"

"Thanks, Sturgis. Everything's fine. Webb was just leaving."

"No, I wasn't."

Sturgis remained outside Mac's office.

"Get out Clay. Now!"

Clay rose to leave but stopped at the door. "This isn't over. I will be back."

"You all right, Mac?"

"I will be. Thanks, Sturgis."

"Didn't do anything."

"Yes, you did. Thanks for being a friend."

Sturgis went into his office, closing the door behind him. He wasn't sure what had happened between Harm and Mac in Paraguay. Neither of them would talk about it, and both were too stubborn to admit fault. He had a feeling both of them were to blame.

But ever since Harm testified in the Imes' court-martial, Mac had seemed down. Sturgis knew Harm had left without so much as a backward glance, and that had upset Mac. She'd tried to hide her tears, but she wasn't fooling him. Harm had done something to hurt her deeply.

It was time to talk with his old academy buddy.

JAG Headquarters
December 19, 2003
1400 Local

A J Chegwidden looked through the stack of personnel folders on his desk, hoping to find one person who would be an asset to headquarters. There were lots of good lawyers within JAG, but there wasn't a single one whom he felt was ready to step up and fill Rabb's shoes.

He'd made a mistake months ago when he expedited Harm's resignation. Even worse was his comment about the senior attorney not being a team player. Yes, Rabb was often controlled by his emotions, but maybe that wasn't always a bad thing. Since his departure, the rest of the JAG crew only seemed to be going through the motions.

If only he'd been able to convince Harm to return, he wouldn't need to go through these files. Bringing Kate Pike back wasn't an option. She'd made it clear she had no desire to return to headquarters. Meg Austin had enthusiasm but lacked courtroom skills.

Allison Krennick? No way. Why borrow trouble when you already have enough? If he were to bring her in, she and Col Mackenzie would be butting heads within hours. Besides, he'd seen and heard things from Krennick's time here before that he didn't like. The woman spelled trouble with a capital t.

Tracy Manetti had gone to bat for the office with the SECNAV, disproving Ted Lindsey's report, but A J couldn't help but wonder if she would provide information to Sheffield if asked. Maybe he could convince Alan Mattoni to return to active duty.

The intercom buzzed. "What is it, Coates."

"Clayton Webb here to see you."

Chegwidden rubbed his bald head. "Tell him I'm busy. It'll have to wait."

"He says it's urgent, Sir."

A J sighed. A terrible thought crossed his mind. He hoped Webb didn't have bad news." "All right, Coates. Send him in."

Webb entered the room, dressed in his usual three-piece suit. "Thanks for agreeing to see me, A J.

"This had better be good, Webb."

"I want Col. Mackenzie reassigned to the CIA again. I need her for a mission."

"Denied."

"It's a matter of national security. Surely you can spare—"

"That important, huh?"

"Yes. I need her. Besides, she's agreeable."

"Is that so? Well, you can find somebody else. I'm already down one attorney, and I don't need to lose another one."

"You won't let Sarah go?"

"No."

"Don't make me go over your head, A J."

"And don't make me break your nose again. I still regret letting Mac go with you last spring. You can go pleading to the SECNAV all you want. I'm damn tired of you using my people for your screwed-up missions. Now get out of my office and stop wasting my time."

"You're going to regret this."

The former SEAL rose, rushed to Webb, and grabbed him by the collar. "I don't take kindly to threats, Webb. The agency will be hearing about this. Now get out while you can still walk."

"Okay, okay."

"Damn right, you are. If you stop in ANYONE'S office, I will have the MPs escort you out."

"I'm going. No need to get sore about it." Webb left, slamming the door behind him.

Chegwidden waited a few minutes before buzzing Coates. "Tell Col. Mackenzie I need to see her right away."

"Yes, sir."

Two minutes later, Mac knocked on his door.

"Enter!"

"You wanted to see me, Sir?"

"Have a seat, Mac. I just had an interesting conversation with Clayton Webb."

"Sir?"

"Yes, he requested you be reassigned temporarily to the CIA."

"He did? Why?"

"Some mission. Said you were agreeable."

"Sir, I have not spoken to Webb about any such matter."

"You haven't?"

"No, Sir. And I don't think it's a good idea for me to leave headquarters right now."

"Agreed. I denied his request."

"Thank you, Sir. Will there be anything else?"

"No, Colonel, that will be all. Close the hatch behind you."

"Yes, sir."

A J waited for her to leave, then picked up the phone. Kershaw was going to hear about this.

A/N: Wicked Game by Chris Isaak