A/N: And now we come to chapter thirteen. Good thing I'm not superstitious, or it could be bad luck for someone. Or will it?
Without You
George Washington University Hospital
January 12, 2004
0900 Local
For the second time that morning, Mac entered Harm's hospital room. Maybe she was imagining things, but he didn't look as pale as he had earlier.
"I'll give some time alone," Dr. Spitz said.
Mac smiled at the physician. "Thank you."
Once she was alone, she walked to Harm's bedside and took his hand. "What are you trying to do, Flyboy? You gave everyone a scare—most of all, me. Do that again, and you won't need one of Webb's screwed up missions to kill you."
Her attempt at humor fell short, and she soon felt tears running down her cheeks. "Harm, I can't imagine what my life would be like if you weren't in it. I don't want to live without you."
Mac wasn't sure if Harm could hear her, but she continued to hold his hand. After a few minutes, a respiratory therapist and a nurse came into the room. "Sorry, but I'm afraid we're going to have to ask you to leave."
"It's okay. I understand." Turning back to Harm, she whispered. "I'm going now, but I'll be back soon. I love you."
She felt a slight squeeze of her hand.
JAG Headquarters
January 12, 20004
1730 Local
Admiral A J Chegwidden pressed the intercom button on his desk. "What is it, Coates?"
"Sir, Director Kershaw is on the line for you."
"Thanks, Coates. What can I do for you, Director?"
"I have some more information. Under most circumstances, I wouldn't share anything about a classified mission, but I owe you a few favors."
Damn straight. "What did you learn?"
"You were right about Clayton Webb. He botched the mission. Had it not been for his 'interference,' it's doubtful Rabb would have been shot. Not only that, but Rabb and Vance were also supposed to bring Sadik Fahd in alive. Because of Webb, Vance had to shoot him."
"What are you going to do about Webb?"
"As of today, he's fired. There's just one problem."
George Washington University Hospital
January 12, 2004
1800 Local
"Ms. Mackenzie?" Dr. Spitz walked into the waiting room.
"Yes?"
"Are you ready to talk to someone?"
"Harm's awake?"
"He is. We still have him on oxygen, and he still has the chest tube. But if he continues to improve overnight, we'll move him to a regular room tomorrow."
"That's great."
"He's still a little groggy, so you can't stay more than fifteen minutes. After that, why don't you go home and get some rest?"
Mac hesitated. "I'm not sure. I want to be here in case he needs me."
"You can't be in the room tonight. We have your phone number in case something happens, but I don't anticipate anything. Once he's moved out of ICU, you can stay with him. Go home, get a good night's sleep, and you'll be fresh for in the morning."
"Thank you, doctor. I'll consider your suggestion."
A couple of minutes later, she approached Harm's room. He turned at the sound of her entering.
"Hi, Mac."
His voice was not much above a whisper, but he managed to smile. Not quite his patented flyboy grin. Right now, it was the most wonderful thing in the world to Mac.
"Hey, Flyboy. What's the idea of giving me such a scare? Do you remember what happened?
"Some. My chest hurts like hell."
"You were shot in the chest."
He grimaced, then tried to sit up. He reached for the oxygen tube. "Sadik. He's here in DC. Mac, you could be in danger. I've got to get out of here."
Mac looked at the monitor and noticed his heart rate started to increase. "Harm, relax. Sadik is dead. I'm okay. I'm safe."
"Thank God." Harm laid his head back on the pillow and closed his eyes. He remained that way for a while, two minutes and thirty-six seconds to be exact. Mac thought he had gone back to sleep.
She took his hand, then whispered. "I'll let you get some sleep now, but I'll be back in the morning." When she started to move away from the bed, Harm grasped her hand.
"Wait, Mac. Don't go yet. I need to tell you..." His raspy voice trailed away. "Hurts…to talk."
"You can tell me in the morning. I promise I'll be here bright and early."
He motioned to a cup sitting on the bedside table. "Ice chips."
Mac took the cup, put some ice on a spoon, and fed it to him. After he'd had a few sips, he nodded. "That's better."
She placed the cup back on the table, then bent to kiss him. "My time's almost up. I need to go now."
"I love you, Mac. I had to tell you that before you go."
She smiled. "I love you too, Harm."
SICU Waiting Room
January 12, 2004
1840 Local
When Mac walked out of the ICU, she was surprised to see none other than A J Chegwidden standing in the waiting room. He stood as he saw her approach.
"Admiral! I'm surprised to see you here. Is something wrong? I've had my cell phone turned off. I'm sorry, you probably needed me."
"Relax, Mac. How is Harm?"
"Much better. He's off the ventilator. They'll probably move him to a regular room tomorrow. Visiting hours aren't restricted there. I plan to be back here no later than 0700. Unless you need me at JAG."
"Mac, I already told you to take whatever time you need. I'm here as a friend. And there is also something I need to tell you. Why don't we sit down?" He nodded to an area where no one sat.
"Sure."
"I spoke with Director Kershaw. He confirmed what happened was Webb's fault."
Mac huffed. "Of course, he'll get away with another slap on the wrist. Or at the most assigned to a less than ideal location."
"Not this time. Kershaw fired him. Or at least he would have."
"What do you mean would have?"
"Webb was involved in a multi-vehicle pileup on I-95 south of Richmond. His car caught on fire… Mac, Clayton Webb is dead."
A/N: Without You by Harry Nilsson