Harm stood up, and Mac began to panic, then he turned and got down on one knee.
Chapter 22
"Sarah, I knew that when we first met I was attracted to you because of your resemblance to Diane," He shushed her as she started to say something, "Let me continue. Diane and I never got the chance to find out if there was something between us, and I know now that what I felt for her was an infatuation. You and Diane are completely different people."
Mac's body language relaxed, infinitesimally, and Harm knew he needed to choose his words carefully.
"You are the bravest, brightest, most desirable woman I've ever met, I know that tend to say with actions more than words, but I've loved you for years, Sarah."
He took her hand and held it. "I would like the honor of becoming your husband, if you will take this currently unemployed, former convict to be your spouse."
"Yes, I will," She was crying and she was laughing, "I'll marry you, even if you are an unemployed ex-con. Besides, you already said Chegwidden is working to get everything restored so you won't be unemployed, or an ex-con, for long." She kissed him, and he kissed her back. It took the laughter of two young boys and the need for oxygen to break the kiss. Mac's stomach chose that moment to growl and they both started to laugh.
"Come on Marine let's go fill that stomach of yours."
They headed over to the cantina where Mac used her Spanish to order for both of them. She asked the waitress what the requirements were for marriage in Paraguay. It turned out that Harm's high school Spanish was even rustier than his German so he understood only a few words. While eating their late lunch Harm asked Mac what she'd asked of the waitress. "If we're going to get married before you get back to JAG, we don't have very much time, so I asked her what all was needed to get married here in Paraguay."
"I'd think you should be able to be debriefed here, their section chief, Hardy, will do that. I was talking to him earlier, Mac, you don't have any proof of citizenship on you, he needs to get provide you with everything with your real name on it before we can do anything." Harm told her, deflating her hopes a little bit, but the CIA could help when they wanted to.
"If everything works out, we can even have a honeymoon, if you're interested." Mac had faith that everything would work out.
"Oh, I'm interested, but let's not put the cart before the horse, the admiral isn't going to give me any time off, things have got to be crazy with both of us gone. AJ said he hadn't been able to get anyone there for the long term to replace me, otherwise I know I wouldn't have a chance go back to JAG."
It seemed weird to Mac to hear Harm call the admiral by his first name, instead of his rank. It underscored to her just how different things were within a couple of months. They finished their meal and were on their way in a matter of minutes. Within two hours, they were in the capitol and approaching the American embassy. Harm had called ahead and gave them the license plate and vehicle information so they could get into the embassy without delay. He was the only one with proof of citizenship. The Jane Williams's passport had been taken by Fahd.
When they were ensconced in the ambassador's office, they found out Webb and Galindez were already on a plane headed towards the States. Webb had somehow survived his ordeal, but still he needed to be debriefed, and undergo minor surgery, and for that, he needed people who had the necessary security clearance. It was possible he still may not survive his injuries, they needed to debrief him; if it took debriefing on the plane then they would, and so they did. Hardy continued, "in any case his career with the agency is over, the way he handled this mission finally showed his incompetence, and he'll have to answer to his superiors for not acknowledging his relationship with Lt. Singer. He was the biological father of her unborn child and he used undue influence to get you assigned to this mission." Hardy informed her, bluntly.
Mac was thoroughly disgusted with Clay; he'd tried to bed her, repeatedly, yet he'd never said anything about even knowing the deceased Lieutenant, much less having a sexual relationship with her. While she was waiting in the ambassador's outer office for her debriefing she had time to think, she was trying to process the fact that the same woman that nearly everyone had thought of as an ice queen had, in fact, been juggling multiple men in her life. Mac knew of at least three; Ted Lindsey, Clayton Webb and Sergei. Who knew how many others there possibly were. Harm had told her Sergei told him his encounter with singer was a 'one-stop-shop'.
Mac's debriefing went late into the evening hours, as they were able to use the secure channel in the ambassador's office. She was relieved to hear she didn't have to report back, in person, to Langley, until Monday, nearly a week later. She then called Chegwidden to inform him the mission had been completed.
To her surprise she was told "Take the rest of the week off, and I don't want to see you on Wednesday of next week, so until then consider yourself on leave." He then hung up without giving her a chance to acknowledge his order.
She was surprised, but wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth, what she didn't know, after Harm's debrief, he'd gone first, his was much shorter in length than hers, that he'd called the admiral and informed him of their engagement, and their intent to marry while in South America. It was obvious Harm had done his homework. If they were married before his re-assignment to JAG they could both work there, provided they were not under the same command.
The admiral was grateful that there was about to be an opening in the judiciary, as one of the senior judges was retiring. He'd transfer Mac to judiciary. In any case, Harm wouldn't be back at JAG for at least a couple of weeks, it would take some time to get all the paperwork through the various systems. All the admiral had to do was just make sure they didn't work together; either opposing each other in court or appearing before each other if either was a judge. With Mac on leave, he had time to get that squared away.
After his debriefing and call to the admiral Harm left word where to contact him when she was done and he returned to the hotel, and the suite the Burnett's were ensconced in, He told them what he could, only that the mission had been successful and gave them the packages from Hans Mueller. As he was doing that, he asked Trish, "Mom, do you know of anyone here in Paraguay that could design jewelry?"
"Harm, I do." She had the feeling he might be asking her this question while on the trip if he found Mac. "When Frank went and got our passports from the house I had been bring a couple of things as well. One is the ring your father that gave me when we were engaged, the other was given to me by my grandma Sullivan. You take a look at both of them, and I won't be hurt if you choose to get something different for Sarah." Trish walked over to the small safe they carried with them, and took out both rings. One of the rings jumped out at him; not literally of course, and he looked at it more closely. He doubted the ring needed to be resized, as his mother's hand was close in size to Mac. He recognized the ring from pictures from his childhood.
"We can get wedding bands tomorrow." What Harm didn't know is his father had left his wedding ring behind when he'd returned to Vietnam for that last tour of duty. Trish put it into a safety deposit box for safekeeping until his return. When he'd gone missing she'd left it there and never told Harm about it, she also had that ring with her, knowing that it would fit her son. She'd give Mac the ring, if she were interested, for the Marine to give to her son at the ceremony.
While they were eating supper Harm received a phone call, which disappointed him greatly as Mac had decided to spend the night at the Embassy, she was utterly exhausted and she still had a good three hours left to complete the debrief. There were accommodations for her; she asked if someone would get her some clothing to change into in the morning. "Mom, I think you need to take point on this," Harm said at this request and he gave the phone to his mother who gently asked what sizes and colors she needed. It was a subtle way to find out what sizes her future daughter-in-law wore. "We can go shopping tomorrow but I'll get you something to where when you leave the embassy. Mac, I've always wanted a daughter to go shopping with." Trish said this with a laugh, which told Frank and Harm that the shipping excursion could get very expensive for the person paying.
Chapter 23
Mac had wanted to make a good impression on Trish, whom she'd only briefly met when Harm had ejected into the Atlantic just before her aborted wedding to Mic. She was able to get something decent to wear for the night, thanks to a helpful embassy staff and grateful to be in clean clothing when Harm arrived at the embassy with a shopping bag. Trish had called down to the boutique in the lobby of the hotel and got her the basics; underwear and a pants and a shirt. She quickly went to the restroom in the embassy, and changed, and they left. The embassy had a passport ready for her, stamped on the day she'd actually entered the country. Taking a taxi, they met his parents at a specific address at a certain time. He'd acquiesced, even though he had wanted to go directly to City Hall to get married that morning. They found their way to the address given them and found it was an upscale boutique.
Introductions were made, as Frank hadn't ever met Mac. "Welcome to the family" Trish said as she gave Mac a big hug.
"While Harm was catching up with you, I met with an up-and-coming artist, in fact her studio is a block away, but I stumbled across this place. I swear every dress here has a pair of shoes that goes with it."
"Shoes?!" Mac actually squealed in glee. Harm just grinned. The Mac he knew and loved was back. Trish knew she had a kindred spirit when it came to shoes.
Frank told his stepson. "Why don't we stroll down to that cafe" he pointed to a location a block away, "while they shop...unless you want to go with them?" The look on Harm's face was priceless, and Frank wished he'd his video camera with him. He didn't want to go into a shoe store with his mother and his love; he'd never get out of there alive.
It turned out it was the very first dress Mac tried on that she bought to wear for their wedding. It was a very pale rose color with very small red roses in the print. It was as if it were made exactly for her, as it needed no alterations whatsoever.
Before they'd entered the store Trish told her, "I know you don't have your cards with you, so let me treat you today. And in a few hours you'll be family, legally. It's not everyday a gal gets married." The embassy had been able to get her a new passport, but not any credit cards.
"Okay." Mac acquiesced.
Trish knew Mac felt the need to be self-sufficient because of her upbringing, but vowed to spoil her as much as she could get away with.
Harm also wanted to get something nice to wear for the wedding. Thankfully one of the guards at the embassy was six four and knew where to go to get something dressy. The departure from the states had been so quick he'd not been able to get more than the basics. Coincidentally it was close to city hall and Frank went back to the boutique and told Trish to meet them at city hall.
They went to city hall and paid the fee for the wedding license. While at the cafe, Frank had been on the phone to the embassy. One of the Marine guards, in civilian clothing, came with a camcorder. For some odd reason Harm was surprised when the woman who officiated did not do it in English, even though it was quite apparent to the official that the couple and the witnesses spoke English. The wedding was in Spanish Frank translated as needed. It was a brief ceremony and Harm was very glad they had taped it. Because what little Spanish he knew seemed to have flown the coop. He only parroted what Frank told him to say. He and Mac had already decided to renew their vows later in the summer, back in DC, and would be entirely in English if Harm had anything to say about it.
Chapter 24
The Burnett's had already checked out of their hotel so all they had to do was head to the airport. The jet was fueled, and ready to go. "We'll go as far as Rio I've got a meeting that I need to be back in San Diego for, Friday." Frank told them as they settled in for the flight. "As our wedding gift to you two, we've arranged for you two to stay at a private resort near Ipanema, and your travel arrangements back to the states."
"The Hodges?" Harm queried. The Burnett's neighbors, Everett and Esther, Hodges had gone down to Rio every summer (Summer in Rio that is). The couple was getting up in years, a good ten years older than Frank who was older than Trish, and the Burnett's doubted they'd keep the place much more than another year.
"Yes, when we get back to LaJolla we'll get your things onto a truck and back to DC." Trish said, reminding Harm that he didn't have anywhere to live.
Harm really wanted to join the mile high club with Mac, but he didn't want to do it while his parents were on the plane, he had very distinct memories of being caught with the girl from down the street when he was seventeen, so both rested on the short flight to Rio. It obvious that both newlyweds were exhausted by the ordeal of the past few months, and would need the rest they knew they wouldn't be getting much sleep for the next few days.
Getting the address of the condominium from Trish, Mac called Harriet from the plane and had her express her wallet and credit cards to their destination. "The mission is over, and the Admiral gave me some leave time, call only if the earth is ending" was all she told the younger woman despite the fact she wanted to let Harriet in on the news she and Harm had eloped. She wanted to spend her own money while on her honeymoon, not that she expected they'd get out much. She was adamant about that with Harm; she didn't mind the gift of the honeymoon and transportation home from the Burnett's but she also knew Harm. They would be responsible for any other expenses occurred during the time they'd be in Brazil. She knew they couldn't afford a five star resort for an entire week and took the gift as it as intended.
When they arrived in Rio Harm and Mac took a cab to their location, the Burnett's to a hotel, they'd return to the states on a commercial flight. The pilot hadn't minded the break the Burnett's had offered him and saw the sights while he waited for Sunday to arrive. He had been in the service when he was younger, and was pretty sure what the real story was to the trip to South America. The layover in Rio was a vacation for him, but he didn't contact the Rabb's. Harm and Mac did a little bit of sightseeing, but for the most part, they stayed in. When they were getting ready to leave for the airport on Sunday, Harm was surprised to see, that instead of plane tickets, they were to take the Burnett plane to DC. The co-pilot for the trip north was an old friend of his he met that week, thus the Burnett's didn't need to hire someone for the flight.
Harm got his wish; he was able during the twelve-hour flight, to join the mile high club.
Chapter 25
After breakfast one morning that week, they came up for air and took the time to talk frankly about where they wanted to live. Harm knew he couldn't return to the loft as it had quickly sold. He needed to find somewhere to store his belongings that would be winding their way back to DC. It looked like he'd need to find a storage facility. Mac told him the renewal on her lease was coming up in the next few months, she needed to let the building owner know whether she wanted to renew or move. This gave them had a little time to decide whether they wanted to stay in Georgetown or find a place, maybe even a house, on their own.
When they arrived back in DC, they thanked the pilot for the smooth flight, and made their way to her apartment. The only calls they made were to Trish and Frank to thank them again for the use of the plane and the wonderful honeymoon and to Leavenworth, Mac called in a marker, so she was able to inform her Uncle Matt of her marriage. He wasn't at all surprised, and he had good news for them; he'd been told that he'd be released in early 2007.
The real world then intruded on them; on Monday, Mac had to go to Langley to complete her debrief. She'd been given a few pieces of jewelry by the CIA and needed to return them. She'd be gone all morning.
Harm had to go into JAG. There was a message on Mac's answering machine for him to do so. Harm needed to sign the paperwork to be completely reinstated into the Navy and the bar. That could have been done as soon as he'd been released from prison but he put Mac's safety ahead of getting his career back on track. Until he signed the papers, the reinstatement was in limbo. The admiral told him he'd be in touch when Harm was to return to work, until then he was to enjoy the late spring weather. While he was in the admiral's office Mac arrived, and it was obvious to both men that she'd been crying. She been informed by Kershaw that Clayton Web had survived the trip back to the States, only to die on the operating table, of a massive heart attack. She was saddened by the news but knew she'd of have had nothing to do with the man after hearing what he'd done to get her alone with him, even if she hadn't married Harm.
Chapter 26
Harm was saddened by the news of the passing of his one-time friend; at one time, he would have considered Clayton just that. However, through Clay's recent actions and inactions, the friendship would have been finished. Clayton could have easily told NCIS, or the court, that he was the father of Lauren's baby. After all, Clayton had been in the courtroom during the trial. It was possible sharing that information may have prevented his conviction. The only person Harm felt sorry for was Porter. By stepping up to the plate and admitting the truth about the paternity of the deceased baby, she'd been more of a man than her son. Harm knew while he was sorry for the man's passing, he couldn't really grieve for the man. Not yet.
Harm took the advantage of being of his status as civilian at JAG so he was able to keep his hands in his pockets while he was in the public areas of the building. He'd timed it right, as most of the staff was in court or busy with their work, he'd made it to Chegwidden's office without having to talk to anyone. The admiral had suggested, as Mac was in uniform, to wear a sling, and wrapped her hand, hiding the rings she now wore. Everyone had assumed her injury had occurred while on her mission, and that was all that they knew, she'd been on classified mission. The admiral had told her that until the wedding was publicized she was to wear it. She wouldn't be going anywhere for a while anyway. She was considered to be on light duty. This would ease her into the swim of things. If anyone asked she'd been told to say that was that her mission was successful, and she'd taken a few days to recuperate. Bud and Sturgis, specifically, were told Harm was taking time to decide what he was going to do.
Tuesday Harm slept in a little bit as he was still trying to catch up on his sleep after a couple of months in the brig and prison before heading back to Falls Church. The day before he'd gone into JAG wearing jeans, but today he had on a suit. On one of their excursions out of the condo, they'd gone shopping, Mac had been able to persuade him to buy a suit. He knew he looked good in it, if the looks he'd received in Rio were any indication. Any weight he'd gained while behind bars had quickly disappeared by the hectic pace he'd had lately. As it had been the day before it felt weird not to salute. Mac had gone in early, so that she was at work before anyone else, so she was able to pull off the ruse regarding her supposedly injured hand.
Harriet was the first one to spot him as she was just coming into work; her doctor had her work a limited schedule, keeping an eye on her because of her miscarriage at the end of her pregnancy a couple of years earlier. As they took the elevator he told her the truth "Harriet I'm working on coming back to JAG; it's one of the reasons I'm here today. I'm sorry I haven't had a chance since my release but I want to thank you very much for the card you sent me, it's what I needed. Ibrahim, my bunkmate could tell you that it took a prominent place in my cell. Everyone said that my godson was the next Picasso." Harriet took the thanks as any mother would.
Chapter 27
They reached the floor they wanted and exited the car Harriet went toward her desk while Harm headed to the Admiral's office. "Tiner, I believe the admiral wanted to see me again today."
He'd timed it right; his arrival was as 'ordered' by Chegwidden. The admiral was just exiting his office and he was not alone. SecNav Edward Sheffield and Deputy Harrison Kershaw from the CIA were with him. "Attention on deck" Tiner got everyone's attention and they all stopped what they were doing.
"I'm calling an all-staff meeting in five minutes, I've arranged for courts to be delayed for a few minutes this morning. I realize Mr. Rabb you are not a member of the military, but I'd like for you to join us." That was directed to Harm. Soon everyone was in the one room that was large enough to accommodate the entire staff. "We're here today to honor Lt. Colonel Sarah MacKenzie for her efforts in the war on terrorism. As many of you know, she was recently involved in a mission. That mission was to find and destroy weapons of mass destruction. For this she is to be awarded this medal."
There was a murmur amongst the people, they figured that she hadn't been sent on any investigation or trial; or she'd have kept in contact with several of the staff if that were the case. The next words out of Chegwidden's mouth stunned most everyone in the entire room. "I'd like for her husband to come forward at this time." Even though everyone was in military mode, quite a few gasps escaped at the word husband.
Harm strode from where he'd been standing quietly in the back of the room. The look on several faces was almost comical. Sturgis had the cat that ate the canary look; he'd been sworn to secrecy about Mac's love for the attorney/aviator, so he'd earned the right to have that 'I'm not surprised' look.
What Harm didn't know, and wouldn't for several days, Sturgis had just realized he'd won the pool which had been growing for years. The admiral had given him an envelope when he arrived at work with the order to wait to open it, he'd know when the time to open it was. The cryptic orders now clear; he wondered what the amount was. He was actually relieved because he'd thought he was being transferred out of DC.
Harriet had figured it out; Harm hadn't hid the ring quite as well as he'd thought. She wore a smile on her face that would light up the city of DC for a week.
Bud, couldn't figure out why Harriet was smiling, he'd been annoyed to hear that the colonel had married someone. Didn't she know that Rabb cared deeply for her. When he saw Harm, he realized that the two had finally become a couple. But when did they get married?
"Mr. Rabb, you know what to do." He didn't have to explain to Rabb what the protocol was for this situation, and for this he was grateful. The kiss he gave wasn't nearly as passionate as the one he'd given Mac as she'd left for work that morning but it was enough to let the others know their relationship had definitely changed
"That is all people; I do believe that Commander Sturgis has a question."
"Before we get back to work I think I speak for nearly everyone here. When and where did you do get married?" Sturgis said this knowing the admiral might admonish him later, especially as they had the deputy director of the CIA and the SecNav in attendance. Chegwidden was expecting the question and had chosen Turner for the level-headedness that came from most submariners.
Mac took over, "We got married in Asuncion, Paraguay and honeymooned in Rio. We're going to renew our vows sometime in August so you can attend. Stay tuned while we finalize those arrangements."
That seemed to satisfy everyone and they headed out of the courtroom they'd gathered in and head back to work. Harm was walking out with Mac when Chegwidden stopped him, and the anvil that Harm had been feeling fall landed at his feet. "Mr. Rabb, if you will join Director Kershaw, Secretary Sheffield and myself."
It might not have been phrased as an order, but it was an order.
"Yes sir."
The three went to the Admiral's office and after getting settled Kershaw began "I don't like to have to admit this, but we were duped by Webb. Your wife shouldn't have been on that mission, as there were several qualified agents he could have chosen. The agency is also admitting that due to pressuring NCIS to quickly wrap up the investigation into the death of Lieutenant Singer when it wasn't yet completed led to your conviction.
I've talked with the Attorney General, if you do not bring suit against the government we will give you fifty thousand dollars tax-free. We know you've had unexpected expenses due of the governments haste in your case and Webb's deceit. Once you sign the agreement that is it, no amendments.
He looked at it, and read it. "Until there is mention in the media of my innocence I will not sign it. My name has been impugned and I want the public to know I've been cleared on all charges. Then I'll sign it." Harm told the older men, two who were surprised at his stance, the other wasn't, he'd expected Rabb to want vindication.
Sheffield took point, over the visible reaction of Kershaw. He'd long been a politician, he knew Harmon Rabb could and would cause a stink about this if necessary. "Agreed, I'll leave it to you and the admiral to work out the legalese." Sheffield and Kershaw then left the building.
Chapter 28
"As I told you yesterday, it'll be several days before you'll get back in the Navy. I'd love to offer you a civilian contractor position in the interim but there isn't one available currently. So, I'd advise you to enjoy your downtime. With the Iraq war, I have the feeling I'll be losing people to tours of duty over there." Chegwidden admitted. They discussed the wording that Harm wanted entered before he'd sign the agreement, and soon Harm left Chegwidden's office. As he was leaving the admiral received a phone call that must have been on some import, because Chegwidden turned a peculiar shade of red. Harm was glad his meeting occurred before that news. He didn't want to be the object of Chegwidden's wrath.
Since Mac had no old cases to deal with because of the mission she'd been given one at the staff meeting and with the declaration of the marriage she took off the sling and bandage she'd worn that morning. They could now see her engagement and wedding rings.
Unfortunately, she didn't have time to talk with anyone, as she needed to drive to Baltimore; she'd been assigned the case of a Marine corporal who'd been arrested on manslaughter charges. "I would love to talk, but I have to interview someone in Baltimore, and if I leave now, I will make it there on time." She only had a chance to tell Jennifer to tell Harm she'd be home for dinner. Before she left, she stopped by the personnel office, to add Harm to her insurance, as he currently had none; until he was re-instated, he'd be on her account, and ordered new nametags as she'd decided to go by MacKenzie-Rabb at work.
The night before, when discussing what his plans were for the next day, Harm had told Mac he'd go and work on the biplane and so he had a change of clothes in the corvette. He'd been unwilling to give it up when he'd been sentenced and had held onto it, but the Lexus had gone quickly. He hadn't spent time working on Sarah since last fall. The closest to the plane he'd been in months was when he'd gone to the funeral of the owner of the airfield and his daughter had taken over the business. There was a teen at the office; she appeared to be in charge of the business. "Mom's not here today, so any questions you have will have to wait til you can talk to her."
Chapter 29
"I've been out of town, I have a couple of things to talk to her regarding my contract, will she be back today?" The kid seemed familiar, he just couldn't figure out why.
"I don't think so,she had several errands to run today. If you leave your name and number I can have her call you and set up a time to talk."
She was not about to tell this handsome stranger the errand her mother was on was chemotherapy.
The very same car accident which had instantly killed her father months after her beloved grandfathers death had been a not been a blessing in disguise, as tests revealed her mother had cancer, it would likely be fatal, "if chemo doesn't kill me first" her mother had said repeatedly.
The teen had been home-schooled since their move to Leesburg, so no one, in authority aka the commonwealth, was aware she'd been the one who'd actually been running the company for a couple of months.
Mac was able to get back to JAG shortly before the end of the workday and the admiral laid a bombshell on her. "It's come to our attention Commander Carolyn Imes has not actually passed the bar."
The loophole that had initially allowed Imes to join JAG before passing the bar had been closed, however she'd failed the exam each time she'd taken it. A simple security review brought it out in the open. Chegwidden had told the staff, and relayed the news to Mac. "Each and every one of the cases she's been involved with, especially those she lost, will have to be reviewed, your husband faced her in court more than anyone else. We're going to have to have him come in. He will be compensated for his time. I checked with the bar association, and they have cleared him for the review. Colonel, for tonight I need you to not say anything to him, we need to see just how big a disaster this will be. Imes is currently in the brig."
That night during dinner, she seemed slightly preoccupied and when Harm asked Mac told Harm "Something occurred, I found out at the end of the day, I'm sorry I can't tell you anything, but this will set JAG on its ear. Trust me on this." Hearing the word yet, he didn't pursue it further. He was disappointed, but he'd worked with the military long enough to know sometimes one had wait. He knew Mac, or maybe the admiral, would tell him as soon as possible.
The next morning Harm first went to the Roberts household to see young AJ. "Mommy said you are back from your time-out."
"I am, I missed you little buddy. I have big news for you. Auntie Mac and I got married, and we talked it over with your parents, we want you to come and stay with us before your little brother or sister comes."
"Yippee" was the youngster's response. He liked it when he spent time with his godparents, as they spoiled him, even though Uncle Harm made him eat his veggies. Even mommy wasn't as strict as Uncle Harm was about eating his vegetables.
Before heading to Leesburg Harm stopped and bought a cellphone. The one he had was still in the evidence locker; besides, it was time for him to get a new one. Keeping the old number thankfully, he called Mac to let her know he had a new cell, but as it needed to be charged, he wanted to let her know he was headed to work on Sarah. If she needed to get hold of him and couldn't reach him by cell to call the airfield.
The teen was there again today; when he arrived, she was dealing with a crop duster, so he got right to work on the Stearman. An hour or so later Harm needed to take a break, and headed to the vending machine located near the office for a soda. Hearing another, older female voice coming from the office; he figured that the owner was on the door he opened the door a bit, sticking his head in, just in case she was unavailable. He froze when he saw who it was. "Kellie, it's been quite awhile. I didn't know you worked here." It was at this very moment the teen came into the office,
"Mom, the pilot Poppa hired last year for crop dusting" the teen stated and her mother nodded, implying she knew who her daughter was talking about, "is drunk I had to let him go---we really need to keep that account." The teen came across as all business.
Harm surprised both of the females with what he said. "If you need a pilot, I can do it; I can show you my license."
Kellie sat there, still in shock from seeing Harm for the first time in years, but she recovered quickly. "We pay two hundred a day, minus any payroll taxes."
"You got yourself a deal."
Kellie was now glad she'd been on the phone when the tall man came into the office because her daughter had conveniently 'forgotten' to mention Harm had been by the day before. She also knew it would not take very long for Harm to put two and two together and get three. She'd been meaning to contact him, it was imperative to get hold of him. But to do that meant she had to admit to herself she had terminal cancer. She needed to contact Harm, something she hadn't done--ever.
It wasn't because she didn't trust him. She trusted Harm. It was that everyone just assumed Tom Johnson, her late husband, was Mattie's father. At the time of her daughter's conception, she and Tom were legally separated and she met a young ensign, on leave after his first tour of duty after flight school. The two of them had a brief and intense physical relationship; it had ended when he reported for duty. Neither of them had contacted the other, until today.
