Ch. 3: Old and New Faces
For both people, time seemed to stand still. Neither could move, as they looked each other in the eyes for the first time since that terrible day in December a year ago. Mac's eyes were as soft and friendly as they had always been, with a slight glimmer of hope at seeing this face from her past. Harm's eyes, however, held nothing but shock, anger and bitterness.
Mac smiled, "Hello Harm."
Harm nearly scoffed. 'After all that's happened, that's all she can say? 'Hello Harm?'
At that moment, Webb walked up, being followed by a tall man.
"Ah, I was just looking for you Harm." Webb pointed to the other man, "Harmon Rabb, Michael Brumby."
The two men shook hands.
"One hears a great deal about Harmon Rabb in Casablanca." Mic remarked, with a friendly though wary grin.
"And about Mic Brumby everywhere." Harm replied, his face never losing its sullen look.
Mic looked around with an appraising glance. "This is nice spot." He said,
"I congratulate you."
Harm nodded, accepting the courtesy, "And I congratulate you."
"What for?" Mic asked.
"Your work."
Mic chuckled modestly, "Thank you, I try."
Harm scoffed at his modesty, "Everyone tries you succeed."
Mic turned to Mac "Where are my manners? May I present…"
Harm stuck out his hand. "Hello Sarah."
Mac shook it, "Hello Harm."
"You know each other?" Webb and Mic asked at the same time.
Harm and Mac looked at each other and then their companions. Neither was eager to answer the question.
Mic and Webb might have pushed further, had a waiter not arrived on the scene and handed a card to Mic.
"It came from a gentlemen at the door sir. He said that he would be unable to meet you."
Mic quickly skimmed the card and stuffed in the pocket of his jacket, before Webb could glimpse at it.
"It's time we were going." Mic said. He held out his arm for Mac who took it. Webb said his goodbyes and headed towards the bar. Harm said nothing as he watched the couple walk away, the same never-changing look on his face.
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Mic and Mac hailed a cab and made their way to their hotel.
"Who was that man with Harm?" Mac wanted to know.
"Clayton Webb, Chief Inspector of the Free French Police."
Mac shivered slightly, "Do you think he knows why we're here?" She asked.
Mic smiled ruefully, "I'd wager that every German and French officer stationed in this town, from the highest commander to the lowest clerk, knows why you and I are here."
At Mac's worried look he kissed her affectionately on the forehead, "Don't worry about it. This Harm is a very strange bloke. What kind of man is he?" Mic asked.
Mac turned away slightly, unable to meet his gaze. "I can't say, though I saw a great deal of him in Hong Kong."
Not wanting to go further, she leaned into Mic's embrace as they drove off. Mic held her close, watching the streets. Hoping that no one was following them.
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More coming soon