Chapter 8

Thursday

October 20th, 2005

1530 local

Police Department

San Diego

Harm may not have joined Mac and Jamie on their walk, but he sure as hell didn't let them out of his sights. To the person from the outside looking in, he probably would have looked like a stalker. Before seeing Jamie again, it never occurred to Harm to think of him as a suspect in Mac's attack, but after talking to Jamie out in the hospital hallway, he didn't miss the look in his eyes that told Harm he might be at least capable. After Jamie left, he called Bud and asked him if he was willing to watch Mac while he left. He explained to Bud that he didn't trust Mac's friend Jamie and that he was going to ask the police to look into his background. Harm told Bud not to leave Mac and Jamie alone in case he came back. Mac never mentioned to Harm before her memory loss that Jamie was a violent guy or that he did anything to threaten her, but Harm's beginning to think that maybe Mac didn't tell him everything. Harm also hoped that it wasn't just wishful thinking on his part. He really would like to think that he's not looking for something bad in a man just because he felt threatened by him. But to him, Mac's safety came first, if it turns out that he'll owe Jamie Scott an apology, then he'll be man enough to give him one.

Now Harm's found himself at the police department talking to Detective Summers. Detective Summers was a gruff police officer around his mid fifties. He was short and stocky, but from what Harm heard, he was a good officer. Harm also knew he didn't have much on Jamie, but he at least had to bring him up as a possible suspect.

"Look, detective, I know I'm basically just going on a hunch but could you please look into this guy for me? I have a bad feeling about him."

"Mr. Rabb, according to you, your fiancée never said anything about him that should lead you to believe that he's the brutal attacker. Sure she said to you that he's in love with her, but pardon my saying so, your fiancée's a very beautiful woman… it's not exactly implausible for a red blooded male to fall for her," Detective Summers said, laughing at his own joke.

"You don't understand, there was just something about him… something about the way he looked…"

Detective Summers interrupted Harm immediately, "Son, if we go about investigating people because there was something about the way they looked… well… let's just say we don't have the man power for that and nothing would ever get done. Surely you understand."

"Sir, I just have this gut feeling…"

"Harm… I'm going to give you a piece of advice my dad gave me when I was younger and prone to making decisions based on my emotions… He told me, 'kiddo, don't think wit' yer guts! It's an insult to yer brain God gave ye!'" the detective said.

The detective didn't miss the look of pissed-off that Harm had, and decided to get more serious. "Look Son, it takes a really sick bastard to do to your fiancée what her attacker did… If this Jamie guy's your fiancée's childhood friend, someone your fiancée's trusted for many years, then he really is an unlikely suspect. Miss MacKenzie has never filed a complaint against him previous to her memory loss, and you said so yourself that she's never mentioned him to be violent. Also, wouldn't she have remembered him as her attacker the moment she saw him again?"

"It could trigger her memory, but not necessarily. And that's assuming that Mac's memory loss is psychological. If it stems from a physical brain injury then, no."

"You're really giving me very little to go on here, son. And I'm also questioning whether or not it's your own jealousy that has prompted you to come here. You do realize that it's more likely that a disgruntled former client of hers was behind the attack don't you? I'm sorry Harm, but you're giving me very little to go on here."

"I know, I know… I've wondered about that jealousy thing myself… and my fiancée did seem really sad the other day when she thought she lost her friend for good after turning him down… but please, just for my peace of mind, look into this guy for me."

"You do realize that he's most likely not our guy. And asking me to look into him is going to take me away from investigating more likely suspects don't you?"

"Yes, I know… but please… it's been my experience too that a gut feeling can trump logic and reason. Please," Harm asked.

"Alright then. But keep this in mind, I don't normally indulge such baseless accusations, but the fact that we don't really have a solid lead on anyone… I suppose I won't be wasting too much time. I'll look into him and I'll get back to you."

"Thank you officer," Harm said, gratefully.

"That's detective to you, and remember, I don't expect to find anything… By the way, how is Miss MacKenzie?"

"Physically she's a lot better, but she hasn't remembered anything really."

"I'm sorry to hear that son, I can see how much you love her. But hey, I won't be a complete bastard and I'll go look this guy up for you. And before you thank me again, I'll remind you that I'm a husband and if someone did to my wife what was done to your fiancée, well, let's just say there's no rock he could hide under that I wouldn't find him. You're a good man Mr. Rabb and I will look into this for you. But I want you to know that if I don't find anything I'm not going to look into it further. I'm not going to let gut feelings dictate the way I run my investigations. Got it?"

"Yes detective, and thank you. You can reach me on my cell any time." And with that, Harm turned to leave.

1 hour later

Hospital corridor

Just outside Mac's room

Mercy Hospital

"Thanks again Bud for staying here with her. I really appreciate that," Harm said.

"It was my pleasure sir. So, about this Jamie guy, what's the story with him? I think Mattie mentioned that you guys had him as your dinner guest a while back. She spoke rather highly of him, said he was quite the handsome one…" Bud didn't finish what he was saying seeing the look on Harm's face.

"Mattie doesn't know the whole story. This guy tried to steal Mac from me, knowing she was already engaged. He seemed to have a hard time taking 'no' for an answer too, according to Mac."

"But you think he'd actually…"

"I don't know, Bud. But I spoke to him earlier, told him to keep his distance so to speak, but he ended up taunting me instead. It was like he knew something. I don't know… But anyway, I don't trust the guy."

"Sir… why don't you just tell the Colonel to stay away from him and that you don't trust him?"

"Because Bud, I don't know anything for sure. And if it turns out that my suspicions are based on nothing buy my own jealous insecurities, then Mac's really going to be pissed at me. Have you ever had a Marine pissed off at you, Bud?"

"Uhh… well…not that I can remember… but at least you're taller than her," Bud said, making Harm laugh a little.

"Anyway, I've spoken to Dr. Roshan on my way up here. He said I can begin giving Mac pieces of information. Nothing big, but little bits and pieces. Basically nothing that would shock her right off the bat. He said a little at a time."

"Well then I guess I'll leave you to that sir," Bud said, patting Harm on the shoulder and turning to leave.

Inside Mac's room

"Hey Ninja-girl, how're you feeling?" Harm said, stepping into the room.

"I'm feeling ok, I think I may have had some flashbacks, but nothing I can really get a grasp on."

"Oh yeah? Like what?"

"I got a flashback… Gen. Cresswell said something about my being assigned to Joint Legal Services Center, Southwest. I don't remember much else… but that's why I'm here isn't it? I live here now."

"Yeah, you live here now."

"So, can you tell me what you're doing here? In San Diego I mean, and what's the story with Mattie?"

"Well, I'm here because you're here," Harm said, rather vaguely. Mac wasn't quite sure how to interpret that. "Anyway, as for Mattie, after she got into her accident, a plane accident," Harm said, "Tom just fell off the wagon and w… er… I got custody of her."

"Oh, so you flew her down here too because she had no one to care for her back in DC?"

"Not exactly…"

"Oh… Well, why are Bud and Harriet here too?" Mac asked, changing the subject. It's been Mac's experience that Harm's never forthcoming when it comes to Mattie. She figured that once again, it was Harm's polite way of telling her that it was none of her business.

"Bud works for you now. Your second in command," this brought a smile to Mac.

"Well, at least I'm not entirely alone here," Mac said. "Anyway, you left so quickly earlier I never got to introduce you to my old friend Jamie."

"Actually, we've already met," Harm said, non too happily.

"Oh really? Anyway, it was nice to catch up with him. We've kept in touch by mail the last several years or so…"

"So I've heard," Harm muttered.

"Sorry, what did you say?"

"Oh, it was nothing. Sorry, continue."

"Anyway, we went for a long walk, about a couple of hours…"

"Two hours, eleven minutes and fifty four seconds," Harm mumbled.

This just got him a raised eyebrow from Mac. "Anyway, he's been really sweet and I'm just glad that he came to visit."

"What did you guys talk about?"

Flashback several hours earlier

"You know Sarah, I know how alone you feel right now, but I promise you, I'm not going anywhere."

"Thanks Jamie. I know Harm said the same thing… but I know he can't always be with me," Mac said, sadly.

"Umm… what do you mean?"

"Well, I overheard him and Harriet talking about postponing his wedding plans," Mac sighed. "He's moved on. I certainly don't want to be a burden to him and his new family. Lord knows he's already spent enough time with me and away from his fiancée and Mattie."

"Harm didn't tell you who his fiancée was?"

"It probably didn't occur to him. Or maybe he knows that I still have feelings for him and he doesn't want to rub it in. Either way…"

"Hey Sarah, listen, I've told you over the years that Harm's not the right guy for you. Besides you'll find someone better. Someone who'll love you more than he ever could… ever had."

"Oh yeah? And where would someone like that be?"

"Well… I wouldn't look too far if I were you," Jamie said, gently wiping a stray tear away. "So do your heart a favour and distance yourself from Harm as much as possible. It'll make things easier for you in the long run. Don't ask him about his personal life, you'll only be torturing yourself more. You know all you really need to know. And if he tries to explain, don't let him. It will only serve to hurt you even more. Sarah, you and Harm have danced around each other for so many years now. It's time to move on. Clearly he has."

"I don't know if I can. I love him so much…"

"But what can you do if he doesn't feel the same?"

"I don't know… I guess it's out of my hands."

"Exactly, but don't worry, Sarah. You don't have to go through this alone. I'll always be here for you."

"Thanks so much Jamie. It's nice to talk to a friend who isn't also Harm's friend. I mean, I suppose I could also spill my sorrows onto Harriet or Bud, but the truth is, they're Harm's friends too, and I guess in their eyes… well…"

"Hey, hey, I completely understand. Just know that I'm here for you… always," Jamie said, kissing Mac on the forehead. "By the way, do you know what's going to happen to your in regards to work?"

"No, but I'll probably be put on leave indefinitely until my doctor gives me clearance. But who knows when that will be. Although I probably will be allowed to go home in a few days. Also, I'm still ill at ease considering they haven't caught who did this to me."

"I'm sure the cops are on it. By the way, who'll be taking care of you when you're discharged from the hospital?"

"I suppose Harm would volunteer, but staying with him would amount to something like cruel and unusual punishment. Besides I really don't want to be a burden to him or anyone. Physically I'm fine. I can take care of myself."

"Sarah, I insist you stay with me. You know I have no one else in my life. I'd love to spend the extra time with you. You said so yourself, you're physically fine for the most part, you won't be a burden to me at all. But at least you'll have someone with you in case… well in case of anything."

"Are you sure…?"

"Absolutely! C'mon Sarah, it'll be like old times."

"It sounds good… let me think about it?"

End Flashback

"Oh, we didn't talk about much, just catching up on old times really. I mean, he just kept telling me that if ever I needed anything that he'd always be there for me."

"I'd always be here for you, Mac."

"Oh, I know, Harm. But I think what Jamie meant was that, since he doesn't really have any other responsibilities… you know the fact that he's not married, he's got no kids… well, that I shouldn't worry about being an imposition to him."

"Wait, and you think you'd be imposing on me?" Harm asked, sounding really mad. He was mad at Jamie and what he was clearly trying to do, but Mac didn't interpret it that way.

"Harm, please don't take it personally. You're my best friend and I know I can always turn to you…"

But Harm interrupted her, "Except that you'd turn to Jamie first!"

"Don't be like that, Harm. I'm just saying that will all the responsibilities you have… Never mind, I don't want to argue with you."

Harm immediately felt bad. He knew it wasn't Mac's fault, no one's really told her anything after all. Harm decided to change the subject.

"Hey, uhh… your doctor told me that you'll probably be released tomorrow or the day after that. He said that the swelling in your brain has gone down considerably."

"Yeah, he mentioned that to me too… I must say, the thought of getting out of here is rather appealing."

"By the way, Harm, can you do me a favour?"

"Of course, Mac, anything."

"I'm sure you know where I live, and I'm sure you have a spare key to my place… Could you pack me a bag, you know just every day clothes, and some personal items and bring them here?"

"You already have a change of clothes here for when you're discharged, Mac. Why would you need more?" Harm asked, clearly confused.

"Jamie offered to let me stay with him for a while… just a little while until I really get back on my feet. I decided to take him up on his offer."

"WHAT?" Harm practically roared. "Are you out of your mind?"

"Well, Harm, clearly I am. And I guess it wouldn't be such a bad idea to have some company for the first little while after I'm out of the hospital as a result."

"I thought it was a given that you'd be going home and that I'll be taking care of you."

"You've already done so much for me, Harm. Are you telling me that you're going to stay with me at my place?"

"Yes, that was my plan all along!"

"Well it's a stupid plan, Harm! You need to have your priorities straight. How responsible is it of you to play Florence Nightingale to me when there are other people who need your attention?"

"What are you talking about? Are you talking about Mattie? You've really lost me here Mac because right now, you're my only priority."

"I'm not talking about Mattie… entirely. Look Harm, I know you've always been drawn to 'damsels in distress' and I sure as hell seem like one right now, but really… go home to your family."

"My family? Ok Mac, clearly we're not on the same page… What exactly are you thinking?"

"Harm, having you here 24/7 is not fair to Mattie and your fiancée. I'm afraid I can't remember who she is at the moment… And now you want to spend more time taking care of me? It's not right Harm. I know your intentions are good but…"

"Whoa, whoa… who told you I had a fiancée? Did Jamie say that to you?!"

"No, I heard Harriet asking if your wedding would be postponed… It's because of me isn't it? Oh, Harm…"

"Mac, I had no idea you heard any of that… And yes, my wedding might have to be postponed because of you," Harm noticed the hurt look on Mac's face. "But not in the way you think."

"What do you mean?"

"Mac, there's something I need to tell you, well, actually a lot I need to tell you, but I want to clear it with Dr. Roshan first. Until then…"

Harm was interrupted by a knock on the door. It was Detective Summers.

TBC in chapter 9

Ok guys, thanks for sticking with me. A lot of you have e-mailed me voicing concerns that it seems really weird that Harm hasn't yet suspected Jamie. This chapter shows that he did, but that he really has nothing on him. Remember that Mac didn't tell Harm about Jamie's violent and overly pushy nature. It's one thing to know that Jamie's in love with Mac, but another huge leap entirely to jump to the conclusion that it was him who sent Mac to the hospital. In other words, it's one thing to be a slimeball, but it's another thing to be an almost-murderer. But anyway, to appease many readers, I had Harm ask the police to look into him, which actually works for my story for what I had in mind. Anyway, I'll start work on the next chapter tonight. If you guys have any suggestions please feel free to let me know. And keep the feedbacks coming because I do take them seriously and try to incorporate a lot of your suggestions into my story if it works with the plot I have in mind. Thanks again guys!