" Two things, sir. One, we're assuming that the guy who killed Commander Sheldon also killed Commander Hodgins, for all we know the two crimes aren't even related."
" That would be one hell of a coincidence Commander."
" Yes sir." Harm stared at the floor a moment, " The other is personal sir, I'd like to ask for a favour from you."
AJ frowned, " Go ahead Commander."
Clayton Webb, a fairly young, troubled CIA agent, had been friends with Harm for a long time, but the two men were only just learning to trust each other. There was an easy raport between the two, but it was obvious that they were both on edge. Mac and Harm met Clay in a cafe in DC, he already had a mug of coffee and was sitting back, almost relaxed, only his tense muscles giving away his nervousness. Harm figured that the loss of his father as a child had adversly affected Clay, making him even more paranoid than most CIA agents. However, Clay was also more moral than most CIA agents and could almost always be counted to defy his superiors and give you a hand if you were in a bad situation. He'd certainly saved Harm's six on a number of occasions, for which Harm would be eternally grateful to him for.
He slid into a seat opposite Clay and grinned, " Long time no see."
" Likewise." Clay leaned forwards, " Okay, whadaya want?"
" Okay, what do you know about the project Commander Jack Sheldon and Commander Grant Hodgins were working on? I know it has something to do with flying test planes because the guy in charge of the operation tried to draft me into it but Admiral Chegwidden wouldn't let him."
Clay sighed and leaned back, " Nothing. Harm, what's going on?"
" Both of them were murdered. Before he died, Sheldon said 'they' were trying to kill him, and something about a plane. We think it was the test plane." Mac answered for her partner, slightly offended that she was being left out of this conversation.
Webb sat back in his chair, " Fine. I'll see what I can do, but I can't promise results. If this is the project I think it is, then it's pretty heavily classified. I'll call ya."
He got up, throwing some change down on the table and walked off. Harm leaned back, " Well, that was friendly of him."
The two lawyers left soon after Clay, returning to where Harm had left his car. They climbed in and Harm closed his eyes after putting the key in the ignition. Then, without a word, he started the car and drove off. Mac watched him from the other seat. He looked as if he hadn't slept for a couple of days, there were dark bags under his eyes and he looked pale.
" Harm, you okay?" Mac asked.
" Yeah, fine." But the reply lacked the conviction she needed. She sat back with a sigh. He'd tell her when he was ready. She hoped.
Sorry for the short chapter but it had to be short for impact. More soon. Promise. Meanwhile, reviews keep a writer happy; and the happier the writer, the faster the writer! Go on, press the button, you know you want to!!