Chapter Six
xxxxx
1230 ZULU or 0730 EST
HILTON HOTEL 16TH STREET
WASHINGTON DC
As Harm was going through his morning routine after his shower, Mattie knocked on the door adjoining their rooms. "Enter" Harm called.
"Hey what is for breakfast?" Mattie asked flopping down on the bed to wait for Harm to come out of the bathroom.
Harm entered wiping the leftover shaving cream from his face with a hand towel. "Whatever you want," he responded, as he grabbed his under shirt and slipped it on while returning to the bathroom.
Mattie answered a knock on the hallway door. Annie entered the room, "I thought we would eat breakfast together?" she asked Mattie.
"Sure sounds good," she replied. I'm hungry what do you think Harm?" Mattie raised her voice to get his attention.
Harm came into the room, "What are you yelling about?" Harm realized quickly that Annie was standing there assessing him and that he was not really dressed appropriately in his sleeveless undershirt un-tucked and his dress pants open, he swiftly grabbed his dress shirt and retreated into the bathroom. Mattie watched Annie intently, she was majorly blushing and unable to take her eyes off Harm as he retreated. Mattie was more than a little curious; first this woman has been a real pain in the butt as far as Mattie was concerned but Harm had defended her when Mattie brought up the subject. There was something more to this than 'just friends' or 'just doing his job.'
Embarrassed Annie quickly left the room telling Mattie they would meet them downstairs in the restaurant.
Harm came out of the bathroom trying to fix his tie; Mattie came to his rescue, "Here let me help you with that."
"Hey, I knew I adopted you for something," Harm joked. Mattie teasingly punched him. "Come on before you starve to death and besides you need to get back to school." Harm wrapped his arm around Mattie and they left the room.
xxxxx
At the restaurant the foursome ordered breakfast. Mattie was moaning to Harm about having to leave. "Oh by the way did you call mom?" Harm inquired.
"Well . . ." Mattie started.
"That's a no."
"Come on Harm give me a break."
"Give you a break never, I would be shirking my fatherly duties, call," he ordered as he hand her his cell. After Mattie talked with Mac, she handed the phone to Harm. Harm answered as he rose from the table and walked over to a French door window.
"Hey . . . yeah is he there . . . put him on the phone . . . hey buddy . . . Connor, daddy misses you. Sarah, God I miss you too. Yeah I think we will go back to my old apartment and check again. The older couple who lives down stairs saw a young man and a little girl, the day before yesterday. So it may have been Josh hunting for me."
"Where else did you look?" she asked.
"We went to the wall last night and checked out the visitors. I really cannot figure out where to look."
"The wall so you figured he would go there to try to find you, because you go there to be close to your dad?" Mac asked.
"That's it Mac, you figured it out. You are a genius. God I love you. I will call you later I promise," Harm responded and then disconnected the call. He made his way back to the table. "I have another idea, let's finish up." He grabbed his cup of coffee and finished it quickly. "Mattie you better get going, I will call you tonight." He gave her a hug and walked her to the parking lot. After she was in her car he squatted down by her window. "I miss you so much Mattie. As soon as this is over I will come down to see you. I love you." He leaned in and gave her a kiss.
"Where are we headed you said you figured out a place to look do you think it is where the kids are? Please Harm," Annie pleaded.
"Annie I have an idea, I cannot promise a miracle. Let's just see how it works out," he added, all the time praying that he was right and asking for God's help in finding these two children as they crossed the Memorial Bridge from DC to Virginia.
1330 ZULU or 0830 EST
ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA
He turned the car into the entrance at Arlington Cemetery. Harm stopped at the Visitors Center briefly to assure he knew the correct location. They then proceeded into the cemetery. He brought the car to a halt looking across the rows of gravestones he saw Josh and a young girl kneeling by a grave-site. Harm exited the car and he opened the door for Annie who immediately broke into a run towards the kids. Paul Harrison exited his side walked around the car and started toward his family. He stopped and looked back at Captain Rabb who continued to stand beside the car. Harm flashed a smile at him and nodded. Paul hesitated and then continued. As he approached he could hear Annie was fussing over the kids, hugging them repeatedly.
As Harm watched the scenes unfold he studied the little girl memorizing her brown shoulder length hair, sparkling eyes, and beautiful smile. Then his attention was diverted as Annie began to argue with Josh. Their voices became louder and Josh broke from the group and ran towards the road. When he realized that Harm was now ten feet in front of him he stopped.
"Are you going to keep running from your problems? . . . I am starting to realize that it is not a personal trait of someone that I want to recommend for a position at the Naval Academy? What do you think?" Harm asked calmly as he continued to look out over the sacred ground on which he stood.
Josh stared at the ground at his feet he could hear his parents and sister approaching.
"Josh, you will listen to me," Annie snapped as she grabbed his arm.
Josh jerked out of her grip, "No mom, maybe it's time you listened to me for once . . ."
"Mr. Pendry," Captain Rabb's authoritative voice interrupted the argument. Josh's eyes had snapped over to Harm. "Walk with me," Harm indicated with a tilt of his head, as he started walking. Josh immediately fell in at his side. Paul Harrison watched the pair in stunned silence. Josh exuded a respect for the captain that he had rarely, seen from the teenager. He knew there was a lot more to this story than Annie had told him.
As they walked slowly up the paved roadway, Josh waited for the captain to initiate the conversation. When it was obvious he was not. Josh apologized, "I'm sorry Harm."
"For what are you apologizing?" Rabb asked quietly.
"You don't understand," Josh expressed almost moaning.
"Then explain it to me so I will understand," Harm looked at him as they continued to walk.
"I wouldn't even know where to start sir," he responded.
They walked for a few more minutes. Harm finally asked, "Josh do you love your mother?"
"Of course I love my mother. I just cannot stand that she always treats me like I'm still eleven years old. She tries to make all my decisions for me. I want to join the navy like my father, she cannot stop me," his voice rising then falling off.
"Have you tried to tell your mother your feelings?"
Josh threw his hands in the air, "A million times, we end up in the same stupid argument and her telling me what I cannot do."
"Why do you want to join the navy?" Harm asked.
"Because of my father, you know that Harm," answered Josh.
"Is that the only reason?" Harm continued.
"No . . . maybe because of you. Some of my favorite memories I have growing up were of you. You always were there for me and then you quit coming around. Mom said I couldn't see you anymore, and I couldn't understand what I did to . . . to make you go away."
Harm let his eyes close briefly, "Josh You never did anything wrong. I did. I challenged your mother's decisions of how she was raising you. I had no right to do so. Do you understand that?"
"I don't understand any of this. Why couldn't you be my friend? Why weren't you there to tell me about my father and to spend time with me? And then there is my sister . . ." Josh's voice drifted off.
1445 ZULU or 0945 EST
TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER
ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA
Harm left him to contemplate what he had begun to say. They continued to walk without speaking. They approached the Tomb of the Unknown. At the tomb Harm came to attention approached, performed a perfect salute, took a step backward, executed an about face, and departed at attention. Josh watched in awe. This is what he wanted to be a part of this brotherhood was his dream, why couldn't his mother understand this? Harm looked intently at Josh he finally could see what he had missed before, a genuine yearning and respect for the navy.
"Now I'm convinced," the Captain acknowledged.
"But I didn't even say or do anything," said Josh looking confused.
"You didn't have to. Your eyes just showed me something that only comes from the heart. I think the next step is to sit down and talk with your mother, no arguing, talking understand?" Harm clarified.
"Harm I think you should know something . . ."
"Josh I think I already know," Harm interrupted him.
"Mom told you? Wow that's a surprise she tried to convince me that I was mistaken and I knew better."
"Well, she hasn't really come out and said it, but I figured it out," Harm admitted.
"She's my sister and she needs to be told," Josh explained.
"So you haven't told her?" Rabb asked.
"No I wanted you to be there when she was told. And she is really smart, I'm pretty sure she has a good idea."
"Josh this is not our decision, in a few years she will be older and able to handle this a little better." Harm paused then continued, "Paul seems like he would be a good father." This was painful but necessary, he would not hurt Karissa further by forcing a rift with her mother out into the open, hopefully in the future she would understand that what he was doing was for her benefit.
"Paul's a nice guy and everything but he's a banker. He makes mom happy I guess."
"Well that's for her to decide not anyone else, right?" Harm inquired.
"Yeah, I guess you are right but Harm I am an adult. I should be able to make my own decisions to what I am going a do with my life. I really think my future is with the navy. I do not want to go to a business college. I have no interest in business, it's boring," Josh complained.
"Joshua, may I point out that you need to act like an adult to be treated like one. . . Come on we need to get back. I will try to give you some pointers on how to talk with your mom, I promise. However, right now I need to call into JAG." They turned and made their way back toward the car and his parents as Harm pulled his cell phone from his pocket.
xxxxx
General Cresswell smiled as he hung up the phone he knew Rabb could find the kids. The captain had an excellent track record due to his investigative prowess. Now he could contact the SecNav and tell him these new developments. Unfortunately when he called the SecNav's office his aide informed the general that the SecNav was headed to a meeting and probably would not be back for several hours. Cresswell was frustrated he wanted to clear all the paperwork before the news media caught wind of this incident.
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1545 ZULU or 1045 EST
THE PENTAGON
WASHINGTON DC
On Capital hill, the SecNav was leaving the Capitol to go back to the Pentagon when he was sidelined by a reporter from CBS. "Mr. Secretary can you tell us, who the naval officer is that currently is under investigation for the kidnapping of two children?" The other reporters went into a frenzy. The SecNav struggled for order. "Ladies and Gentleman of the press, I assure you that if any evidence of wrong doing is uncovered a general court martial will be ordered. I guarantee that the well being of these children is our first and foremost concern." A multitude of questions were thrown towards the SecNav again. One reporter questioned, "Mr. Secretary if this an above board investigation why would you hesitate to inform the media who may be able to help you locate these children or is this just another navy cover up and whitewash?" "Please if you will excuse me I need to get to an important meeting with the Joint Chiefs. I assure you, I will check on this investigation as soon as possible. And as soon as I have further developments, I will supply you with any pertinent information. Naval investigators as well as the police are working to bring these children home, excuse me," the SecNav offered as a type of apology.
Inside the car in route to the Pentagon the SecNav angrily dialed JAG headquarters. When he was put through to General Cresswell, he was informed that the children had been found unharmed and had been returned to their parents. "Good, good, That should get the news media off my tail. Have you figured out all the circumstances surrounding this incident yet? Is Rabb, the one responsible for this mess? And will there be charges filed?" the SecNav blurted out.
"Mr. Secretary I do not have all the details yet. Captain Rabb and the Harrison's are currently returning to JAG. They should arrive within the next half hour. I will gather all the information on their return and I will inform you immediately of any and all developments," the general assured him.
"I have already been accused of a whitewash over this incident general. I do not want to be making any more excuses to the press over this mess, get me some results quickly."
"How did the press get wind of this already?" the general asked.
"I'm not sure but we need to get them some answers that will satisfy them and be quick about it." The SecNav ordered.
xxxxx
1615 ZULU or 1115 EST
MEMORIAL BRIDGE
VIRGINIA TO WASHINGTON DC
In the car on the way back to JAG, Josh sat upfront with Harm and the Harrison's kept Karissa in between them in the back seat. Harm had smiled at the little girl as they entered the car and she had given him a beautiful smile in return. Josh had been staring out the window until they exited the cemetery. He looked over at Harm. "So how much trouble are you in? . . . I really didn't think they would blame you for any of this," Josh apologized.
Harm concentrated on the highway, mulling over a response to Josh's question. He briefly glanced over and met Josh's eyes. "It is what it is Josh. You and your sister are back, neither of you are hurt really that is all that matters at this point, the rest will work itself out. You need to learn to trust the system." He steeled himself against looking in the rear view mirror as he drove across the Memorial Bridge. He knew Annie was watching him intently. He could almost feel her eyes. The rest of the trip back to JAG headquarters was relatively quiet. Harm pulled into a parking space. He exited the car affixing his cover and opened the rear door for Annie and Karissa. He gave Karissa a small smile as she exited and then closed the door.
"I hope it is okay with everyone if I make another quick call." Harm reached into his jacket pocket pulled out his cell phone and hit the speed dial as he crossed the parking lot.
Sarah answered, "Harm."
"Hey . . . I just thought I would call quickly and let you know Josh and his sister are safe," he said.
"Thank God they are okay. Where were they?" Mac asked.
"In Arlington Cemetery you helped give me the idea, remember?" he asked teasingly.
"I did?" she inquired.
"Yes you did . . ." They were interrupted by a shrill scream "DADA" Connor wailed.
"Whoa," Harm broke into a huge grin, "did he just say what I thought he said?" Harm inquired almost choking on the words.
"Oh I am afraid so, and it's constant," she groaned.
"Wow, I think we need to do some celebrating. Hey, sorry to cut this short but I got to go I can't really talk right now. I will talk to you real soon, I promise," he added as he closed his cell phone and put in back in his pocket.
He returned a salute to a marine who was coming out of the building as they were entering. Harm allowed the Harrisons, Karissa, and Josh to enter the building and then the elevator before him. It also allowed him a moment to take another look at Karissa, she seemed familiar to him. Was it their genetic link? Exiting the elevator Harm motioned toward the bull pen. The general's aide buzzed the intercom and announced their arrival before they reached the doorway. "Send them in," ordered the general. Captain Rabb rapped on the door-frame. "Enter" Harm opened the door and allowed the others to enter. He then proceeded to the front of the general's desk and came to attention, "Captain Rabb reporting as ordered sir."
"I am very happy to see the Harrison family reunited. Joshua I am glad to see that you took good care of you sister, but I do hope you have learned a lesson and realize that this was not a good scenario.
"Yes sir I do. I really did not mean to get Captain Rabb blamed for any of this. He really had no idea of my plans. He should not be held responsible sir for my actions."
General Cresswell raised his eyebrows and released a breath. "We shall discuss this matter in full detail a little later Joshua, but I will keep your feelings in mind."
Captain Rabb your investigative instincts have served you again."
"Thank you sir," Harm responded.
"Now if you would please wait in the outer office. I will call you when I am ready. Dismissed," the general ordered.
"Aye aye sir," Harm responded clicking his heels together doing an about face and exited the room.
XXXXX
Sorry, I just had to do the 'Mattie showing up at just the right time,' I really like her character, and it was a kind of 'up yours' if you get my drift. But I also realize it was pretty predictable. The Sarah/Mac name-game, when I checked the responses you guys are probably as split as I am. My perspective: I thought privately he would call her Sarah but in public with people around Mac. The AWOL slip that was just me being me, sorry that is what I would say, whoops. As it was pointed out it should have been unauthorized absence. I will fix that later.
Onto other problems, first my extended vacation, a very hurried return as the hurricane hit, subsequent flooding of the likes we have not seen since Agnes. And now I am having severe problems with my computer, email is basically down, so I am currently using my alternate email account, and my internet is spotty at best. Icing on the cake, I found a plot hole in the next chapter I am trying to mend, ugh. And I am trying to upload this with my laptop, which appears to be a little temperamental. All that being said let's move on with the story. Please keep your reviews and PM's coming. You are helping me, more than you realize.
Thank you for your patience,
Lyn