Chapter 2

16 days earlier…

Thursday, April 1, 2004

1100 EST

JAG Headquarters

Falls Church, Virginia

It was a late Thursday afternoon at JAG Headquarters, and heavy rains were hiding the view out of the Admiral's long windows. The tall man standing with his hands clasped behind his back didn't notice the rain, but was listening to the annoying man seated behind him.

"AJ, I'm telling you we have inside information that a baby ring is being operated on Navy property," the man said as he rose to his feet, and walked to the fireplace, running his hand through his hair.

AJ turned and rested his hands on the back of his chair. "Webb, you're talking about someone using a Naval Clinic to buy and sell babies, just who is your informant?"

Shaking his head Webb replied, "AJ, you know I can't tell you. It's..."

"Yes, Webb, it's need-to-know! Well, I'm telling you that before we go any farther, I need to know more!"

Dropping back down in one of the chairs, Webb replied, "All right. One of the doctors at the clinic was one of our men, before we could pull him out of there after getting the information, his body was found in the trunk of his car. He had been shot through the heart. So, AJ, that makes it Murder One, not just buying and selling babies now. Will you help us or not?"

"What do you need from us, Webb? Which one of my people do you want to put their life on the line this time?" growled AJ.

"The director talked to the SECNAV, and they both agree that the perfect couple to go undercover are you and Colonel Mackenzie."

"Damn it, Webb, this had better not be your idea of some warped April Fool's Day joke, or you're just begging for that nose to meet my fist again!" bellowed AJ.

"Now, AJ, stop and think about it for a minute. An older gentleman, married to a younger woman, who wants a baby that he can't give her," explained a nervous Webb.

"Webb! I could impregnate any woman I wanted!" yelled AJ, as spun away from the window to face Clayton Webb. Unfortunately, the three people right outside of his door heard this comment, too. PO Coates had been talking to Colonel Mackenzie and Commander Rabb, at her desk, when they overheard this comment.

AJ had not been himself since he had caught his fiancée, in bed with another man. So, this subject was not a good one to broach with a man who was still hurting and touchy about his manhood.

"AJ, I didn't say you couldn't, I just said it would make a great cover. Just give it a chance so we can end this soon and catch these murderers," pleaded Clay.

Going over to his desk and sitting down, AJ reached for the intercom, "Coates, get Colonel Mackenzie in my office, ASAP!"

"Thanks, AJ, you won't regret this-I promise," sighed Webb.

"Sit down and shut up, Webb." AJ, scowling at his uninvited guest, remarked, "I've heard those words before, and lived to regret giving into any request you've made."

There was a knock at the door. "Enter!" bellowed AJ.

The door opened and Colonel Sarah Mackenzie and Commander Harmon Rabb came inside and stood at attention.

"Commander, what are you doing here?" demanded AJ.

"Well, Sir, I saw Webb, and when you asked for the Colonel I assumed you wanted both of us, since we're a team," Rabb calmly replied.

"Commander, when I want your six in my office, I'll order it in here. You would do well from now on to remember that! You and Colonel Mackenzie will not be 'a team' in this operation. Dismissed!" ordered an aggravated AJ.

"Sir, yes, Sir," replied a stunned Commander as he came to attention and left the office.

"At ease, Colonel."

"Yes, Sir," Mac said, glancing at Webb.

"Mac, have a seat and make yourself comfortable, how would you like to be the mother of my child?" as AJ asked this, a shocked Mac, sank down into one of the chairs and looked at her CO with a stunned expression on her lovely face.

To be continued….