Chapter 9 - An Awkward Place to Talk

"Red, it's me," Lee announced as he entered. "Show yourself."

Lee pushed open the stall doors one by one until he reached a locked one with nice legs showing. "I know you're in there. Come on out." Lee didn't wait but hopped up on the seat in the stall next door. He pitched himself halfway over the divider and grabbed Rachael's hand when he saw that she was attempting to pierce her jugular vein with her cluster insignia.

"Suicide by your rank insignia, Commander? That's just gauche."

"Leave me be."

"No, I am not going to let you kill yourself to avoid prosecution for something you didn't do."

"How can you be certain of that? Maybe I just put on a show for Roger's sake? You check my file. Registered psychopath. I almost got my silver cluster out of Johnson for acting like one."

"I'll dip this one in sterling if that's important to you, but you and I are walking out of here now!"

"You were always the bossy one."

"The sensible one too."

"I want out, Lee."

"You're no quitter."

"Things change."

"Then we'll change them back."

"You're as relentless as Roger."

"Maybe that's why you like us."

"I like Roger. You just piss me off."

"Okay, so keep being pissed off. Whatever it takes to keep you going."

A knock on the door stopped them both.

"Excuse me folks, but there's a military escort out here for you two."

"Nelson never lets me down. Maybe Johnson came through too. Come on, Red. Let's figure this out elsewhere."

Behind their escort, a naval lieutenant commander was arguing with Detective Black. "Admiral Johnson assures you that they will be at your disposal shortly."

"What the hell does that mean - today, tomorrow, a month from tomorrow?"

"They'll be on base here for the foreseeable future. You have Admiral Johnson's promise."

"I'll be permitted to see them when I want?"

"Yes."

Lee and Rachael moved out behind the ensign leading the entourage as the official conversation trailed off in the distance. Lee was directed to the front seat. Rachael was directed into the back, flanked by the ensign and a master-at-arms. Moments later, the lieutenant commander slid behind the wheel. "Let's get out of here fast, before Detective Black changes his mind."

Lee understood only too well why. "Commander, is Admiral Johnson in town?"

"No, he's in Washington."

"Damn."

"I have full authority to investigate."

"Are you with O.N.I.?"

"No, sorry. I didn't have time to introduce myself earlier. Saul Jackson, Special Agent, Naval Criminal Investigative Service." Jackson peered in his rear view mirror as he spoke his name.

"I thought N.C.I.S. had gone civilian. What's with the uniform?"

"The change just took effect recently, but the local cops don't know that much about us. There was no way that you two would have been released that fast into my custody without the reserve uniform."

"I see. Well, it's a pleasure to meet you. Mind if I ask you exactly what N.C.I.S.'s role will be?"

"Well, for a start, Detective Black and I are going to have a pissing contest."

"Seriously?"

"Yes. For the time being and much to the chagrin of the San Diego Police Department, N.C.I.S. will detain Commander MacAdam while we investigate the murder with the cooperation of the local police."

"Are you arresting Rachael?"

"No, it's more protective custody at the moment. I'm not prepared to instigate official proceedings yet based on what little I know."

"Which is what?"

"A recently fired gun with her initials was found at the scene."

"What if the police decide to press charges first?"

"The second pissing contest begins, this one a jurisdictional one. I'll win that one for certain. Now, how about if you bring me up to speed on the facts as you know them?"

Lee sat quietly a moment, wary of providing evidence against his friend and colleague.

Jackson whispered to Lee. "I take it by your silence that you have concerns she may have done it. So does Admiral Johnson."

"I think it's a frame."

"Then how about sharing what you know with me."

"What if Johnson is in on it?"

"Then she's probably screwed no matter what you tell me. Just know that I am not the enemy. I'm the farthest thing from it."

"How can I know that?"

"I suppose this can wait until we get to base." Jackson looked back briefly at Rachael as if expecting a response of some sort from her. None came.

They sat in relative silence until they arrived on base and exited at headquarters. The master-at-arms followed them until Lee, Rachael and Jackson entered through a door marked "N.I.S." and then into Jackson's office. Jackson answered the question before Lee could ask it.

"We don't have our civilian office up and running yet. That transition is coming in a few months as funding gets released." Jackson closed the door behind them.

Lee nodded, then whispered to Jackson. "I take it from our friend outside that you are aware of Commander MacAdam's status and that she needs special handling."

"I'm standing right here, asshole. What he means, Jackson, is that I'm on suicide watch. Again."

"Yes, Ma'am."

"I'm very resourceful, you should know."

"I am aware of that Commander."

"I hope you are up to the challenge."

"Commander, I don't wish to be challenged that way. You have served above what can be asked of any officer and it would be a tragic waste to end your own life."

"Maybe you're right. Firing squad might be a better choice. I plead guilty."

"Don't even think about it, Red."

"He's right, Commander MacAdam. With your service record and mental health history, no one - neither the state of California nor the Navy - would give you the death penalty."

"Damn it, Lee. Why didn't I know that before I shot the bitch? I mean, allegedly, shot the bitch."

"Stop it, Red. I know you don't mean it. Roger knows it too. Don't fake guilt because it's an easy way out."

"Sometimes you play the cards you're dealt."

"That's not the best scenario here. Let me help. Let us help." Lee held Rachael by both shoulders.

"I'm going to give you a few minutes alone. Try to talk some sense into her," Jackson backed out of the room.

"I can't be cooped up again, Lee. It brings back memories."

"Just give us some time. A window of opportunity."

Rachael paused a few moments before she answered. "Five days. I think that's about all I can take locked up. Then it's a crapshoot. Take the pins, the shoelaces, the silverware and I'll still surprise you."

"Maybe after five days of thinking you can find a nicer way to surprise me."

"I told you, Curly, that ship done sunk."

"I'm a sub driver. We just blow ballast and un-sink!"

Rachael leaned into Lee, smiling, and kissed him on the cheek. "That may be the single dirtiest thing I've ever heard you say."

Lee's face flushed in embarrassment.

"Okay, Red. Just tell me what about Melanie got under your skin so bad?"

"She was using Roger."

"Roger knew that. He's no dope."

"More than you think."

"Stop it. This isn't helping anyone. What's your specific beef with Melanie?"

"You might say she had more of a beef with me."

"What do you mean?"

"She was jealous."

"Of what?"

"Look, she may have been settling for two of three items on her checklist, but she hadn't given up on the rest!"

"What rest?"

Rachael reduced her voice to directly whisper in Lee's ear. "She thought she could turn him."

"Oh."

"If only I got out of the way."

"Seriously? Did you tell Roger?"

"No. He wanted what she had to offer. He knew he'd never make captain's rank until he had the whole package. Look at you."

"Hey, no fair. My issues are different, you know that. I'm only reserves now. Not very promotable."

"Yeah, if you say so."

"Red!"

"Curly," she cooed, "I've got news for you. Melanie was right about me. I am an albatross. You should cut me free. Leave the blade behind."

"Did Melanie threaten you?"

"You're joking?"

"No."

"I'm not sure I would have recognized what she considered a threat. She tried guilt."

"Sounds to me like she had a little success there."

"Go to hell."

"Did you ever say anything to anyone that's going to come back to haunt you?"

"D'uh. You heard me. I'm not exactly a model of behavioral control right now. Unless of course you have someone you want me to take care of, then I'm your gal."

"Rachael, you need to stop this."

"I can't. My head's screwed up. And let me tell you something else, Curly, Johnson likes it that way."

"Do you know anything about Melanie worth investigating?"

"Whose the daddy? Is there really a daddy? Follow the blow?"

"Do you know that for a fact?"

"I know way too much about way too many things, Lee. Johnson's not gonna let me out again, not unless he controls the situation."

Jackson, with the master-at-arms by his side, walked into the room just as Rachael mentioned Admiral Johnson.

"Give me something useful just in case Johnson's a problem. I know you must have something on him," Lee begged.

Rachael leaned into Lee's ear and whispered loudly enough for all to hear, "Ras al Hanout."

"That's a spice. You're not making sense, Red!"

"You've caught on at last. Bye, Curly." Rachael walked over to the master-at-arms and placed her arm on his. "Shall we go for a walk?"

"Stop it, Rachael."

"I do have some regrets, Lee. I never did get to see you blow ballast!" She pulled the master-at-arms a step outside the door. He planted his feet and looked towards Jackson.

"Go ahead," Jackson nodded. "I'll come see you soon, Commander."

Rachael studied Jackson's face for a moment. "I know you."

"I wondered how long it would take you to remember. Morocco."

"The beard suited you."

"That's what my wife said when she saw it, but the regs, you know." Jackson nodded and the master-at-arms escorted Rachael out the door.