Hospital

Harm was sitting in the waiting room looking over his notes when Mac came in. He up as she approached, and sat when she took the seat next to him. He took one glance at her and froze, noticing the ring of red around her eyes, and other telltale signs that she had been crying.

"Mac what's wrong?"

She looked down, slightly embarrassed. "Nothing but a bit of sympathy. How did your interview go?"

"Very interesting. I'll fill you in when we get to a more private place."

She nodded, then looked toward the hallway. "How's he doing?"

"I don't know. When I got here the doctor was in there. They said it would be about a half hour before he could have any visitors. Francesca went to get some lunch."

"Maybe we should do the same," Mac suggested.

A familiar voice behind them said.,"Great we'll join you."

Harm and Mac simultaneously looked and saw Bud and Harriet standing in the doorway. "Hey," They said in unison.

"How is he?"

"I believe the last official report I got was 'hurting, but stable'," Harm answered.

"Did you two just get in?"

Bud nodded. "We came here first thing. But it doesn't sound like we'll be able to see him for a while. Why don't we all go get a bite to eat, and you can fill us in on what you've got."

Restaurant

They sat in a darkened corner of an almost deserted Mom and Pop hole in the wall restaurant. When they couldn't decide on a place to go, Mac decided for them by declaring that she needed her 'brain food'.

"What food is that Ma'am?" Harriet asked.

"Cheese fries," Harm and Bud answered in unison.

This little place just happened to announce 'The best cheese fries in town' in colored chalk on the board outside the door. Harm was delighted to find that there were more healthy things on the menu as well.

He handed a file to Bud. "Here's what we've gotten so far on Alexandra Williams. According to her CO, she could do no wrong in the air or on the ground. He said he didn't know much about her private life, but I'm not sure I believe him. Something's off about him, but I just can't put my finger on it." He paused as Bud read some of the stats on her time in the service.

"She certainly does look like the model officer. Did you talk to any of her co-workers?"

"Mac interviewed her partner while I was talking to her CO. When the women are finished stuffing their faces with cholesterol, I'm sure she'll tell both you and Harriet all about it."

Simultaneously two healed shoes kicked Harm under the table. "OUCH!" He said, throwing a glare at Mac and then Harriet.

They smiled sweetly back at him. "Hey, I'm eating for three," Harriet told him.

"And I'm eating for me," Mac said. Then wiped her mouth as she finished off the last fry. "Okay, here's what we've got so far on Lt. Williams partner. Lt. William Logan. He's also an exemplary officer. No disciplinary action listed at all for either of them, even while at the academy. They're both ace pilots. I made notes on what he told me about her, and about the accident as well. I believe him. He's an above board kind of guy."

Harriet didn't glance at the file sitting halfway between her and Bud on the table. "He was in love with her wasn't he?"

"Yes," Mac replied.

Harm raised his eyebrows. "How can you know that?"

"I just do." Was all the response he received. He knew better than to question her further.

"Do we have anything from forensics yet?" Bud asked, as he scanned Mac's notes in the file.

"No, it's too soon Bud, you should see the shape that stadium is in. I wouldn't be surprised if it takes a week to get any results that are worth anything out of there."

Mac nodded in agreement. "Harriet can you take care of the research end of it?"

"Of course."

"Good we need backgrounds on all the players. Mercer and Hart were performing with them at the air show. We also need to find any and all background on Logan and Williams, that may not be in the files.

Harriet nodded.

Bud studied the file in front of him. "Ma'am, have you talked to any of the forensics people since you interviewed Lt. Logan?"

Mac's brow creased. "No, why Bud?"

He tucked in his lips. "I'm not sure, I just have a feeling about something. Would you mind if I talked to them?"

"Not at all, I'll call and make sure they know you have clearance."

"Thank you Ma'am."

"Just let us know what you find out," Harm said. "And be sure to steer clear of the reporters. They're everywhere."

Bud nodded. "I'd imagine they're coming in droves."

"Of course they are." Harm said with a derisive snort. "They smell blood."

At that they stood and prepared to return to the hospital

TBC…