Author's note: Fair warning. If you even sort of like Mic or Renee do not read any further. Frankly, although I wrote every stinking word, this chapter makes me gag and the next one's not much better. - Dix

Chapter 10 - Merger

Mic Brumby was shirtless and sweating when his cell phone rang. Joe's Gym was a tiny facility a couple of blocks from the hole in the wall that carried the lofty name Brumby and Brumby. It suited him though. There was room to work out and there were sparring partners, who had spent considerable time in the ring before moving on to more lucrative careers. He dropped the skipping rope and grabbed his towel. He rubbed it across his face and down his arms before picking up the phone.

"Brumby." He answered simply. His breathing was still laboured, so he began to pace in the small space beside the ring.

"Mic?"

"Yeah." He said. He couldn't place the voice, although she certainly sounded familiar.

"Renee Petersen."

"What's up?" He said mopping the damp spots off his chest. Two calls in one day piqued his curiosity.

"Any chance I could buy you a beer tonight?."

"When?" Mic replied.

"I'll be back in DC about 10."

"Bit late don't you think?"

"It can't wait. Do you know Earnesto's in Georgetown?"

"Sure. 10 is it?"

"Thanks. See you then."

He closed the phone thoughtfully. The only reason Renee would invite him out was that she had finally figured out what Mic had known all along; that Harmon Rabb Jr. was more than a little bit in love with Mac. The question in Mic's mind is what the two them might be able to do about it.

It wasn't his practice to keep a lady waiting, but Mic Brumby wanted to make an entrance. He'd been careful to dress in such a way that he wouldn't fail to impress her. He wore a silvery gray knit shirt over dark grey trousers. A dark blue jacket cut the evening chill and topped the outfit. He spotted her immediately. She was sitting at the bar, turned to keep an eye on the door. He raised his hand in greeting and made his way across the room. He ordered and they carried their drinks to a table at the far end of the room.

When they were seated he said "So is this a date or do you need a lawyer?"

"Neither." She said. "You know that Harm crashed his airplane."

"Mac told me."

"You know she's been with him; sitting by his bedside."

"Sure," Mic said with a shrug. "They're friends."

"More than friends," Renee said.

"He's laid up. In hospital. Can't be more under the circumstances."

"Look Brumby don't be so thick. I was there today. He gave me the push. He says Mac's about to do the same to you, so they can be together." It was pure embellishment on Renee's part, but right on the money as it turned out.

"No way. We're engaged."

"You are?"

"Last week."

"Well, it might not be enough to hold her. He was the most direct I've ever seen him and she wasn't wearing any rings when I saw her." More embellishment, but she had his attention.

"Bloody hell." Mic said under his breath. The news rattled him. He'd been sure that he had the deal all sewn up and now it looked like he was going to lose her to Rabb after all. They sat in silence for a few minutes while the news sunk in.

"Why are you telling me this?" His eyes narrowed and his big hands wrapped around the icy glass.

"You don't like Harm. You don't want Mac to end up with him. Right?"

Mic was surprised at Renee's superior analysis. Everyone at JAG had assumed Rabb would end up with Sarah. Rabb had been so confident that he'd let her slip out of his grasp.

Mic shrugged. "Ok. But you make it sound like the decision is already made."

Renee shrugged. "So unmake it."

"You have a suggestion I take it."

"Sure." She said. "A couple."

Mic raised his hand to signal the waitress for another round, then leaned in to hear what she had in mind. He found her logic impeccable and her strategy without flaw. It wasn't fool proof, but if it worked, it would pry Mac out of Harm's grasp forever and Harm wouldn't know what hit him.

"It might just work." Mic ventured.

"It'll require a delicate touch." Renee said in response.

"I'll manage." Brumby said sipping from the glass. He really thought her plan was a bit complex for his liking. He liked a more straight forward approach. As a rule he preferred to use the tools at hand. He looked from his glass to the blonde across the table. She was hurt and angry. Perhaps not dumb enough to manipulate, but smart enough to know how to rub salt in an open wound.

"What will you do now?" He asked.

Renee shrugged, swirling the liquid and melting ice in the bottom of her glass. "Move on." She said simply.

"Want help?" He replied reaching across the table to run his fingers over the back of her hand.

She appraised him silently with raised eyebrows. "Once to seal the deal?"

"Sure" he said with a broad grin, pleased with his tactics.

They left the bar together then, but it was hours before Mic put the key into the lock of Mac's apartment.

Thanks for reading. I'm guessing this all seems a little scattered because I keep having to jump from scene to scene. Hope you can follow along. - Dix