Chapter 12
Reluctant to mention the two minor incidents, but knowing that Bud should be aware of the truth, AJ sat down with a sigh and said, "Do you remember the night I threw a party to introduce my daughter, Francesca to everyone at JAG?"
"Yes Sir."
"Mac was upset because Dalton had been killed by the man who was stalking her and I was trying to comfort her. In a moment of weakness, I almost kissed her."
"Hadn't she been drinking that night, Sir?"
"She had," he reluctantly admitted.
"So you saw it as a chance to take advantage of her, isn't that right Sir?" Bud questioned even though he hated the words that were coming out of his mouth. He wouldn't be doing his job if he didn't pursue this line of questioning.
"I didn't take advantage of her, Lieutenant, the kiss didn't happen! I stopped myself when I realized what I was about to do. And just for the record she was sober by the time she got to the party."
"And that was the ONLY time that something like that happened?"
"No, there was one other occasion. After we had saved Josh Pendry's life, she kissed me…"
"She kissed you Sir?" Bud interrupted.
"Yes, and on the cheek at that. It was a kiss of celebration that we found the child alive."
"Those were the only times that the two of you had contact like that?"
"Well, if you want to get technical, I have held her in my arms on two separate occasions!" AJ told him with a frown.
"And that was when, Sir?" Bud asked taking notes.
"On the night of her engagement party when we danced and the other was also on the dance floor at some reception that we were all attending! I don't think anyone could have considered either of the occasions 'groping' and neither of them took place in a supply closet!"
"You do understand that I have to ask you these questions Admiral?" Bud almost apologized for doing his job almost too well.
"Yes I do, Lieutenant, and I commend you for your professional attitude in a situation that is as uncomfortable as this one. Are there any more questions that you want to ask me?"
Bud looked hesitant, but then nodded, "Maybe I should ask for an explanation of what I heard as I came up to the door, Sir?"
With a half smile, AJ said, "I was wondering if you would. Ma…Colonel Mackenzie called to assure me that she had not been the one to instigate the charges and we were talking about finding a way to convince you that they were unfounded. She was telling me that she had tried to deny the charges to you and that every time she did you thought she was in fear of what I would do to her career if she talked. I told her that I had never known her to fear anyone, even me. She made a comment that she didn't believe that I could ever hurt anyone and my answer to her was what you heard. I was of course talking about my SEAL days and what I'd had to do in the line of duty. And of course I am angry about these charges because they aren't true and no one will tell me who has even filed them against me!"
"Sir, the report came in as an anonymous tip to the sexual harassment hot line. And even though we now have a name of the person that made the report, I am not at liberty to reveal it at this time."
"As much as that frustrates me Bud, I do understand."
"Well I think that's all I need for now, Sir. Is there anything I can do for you, that doesn't involve the case?"
"Did you ever discover where those anonymous emails were coming from?" AJ asked him.
"Yes Sir they were sent from the bullpen. I was able to track them to the far desk in the corner that no one is assigned to right now."
It was then that AJ remembered Ensign Yancy and the fact that she had been in the office early on a few occasions. Could she be the one sending the anonymous emails? "This morning when I came into work, Ensign Yancy was already there, and then I remembered that she had also been there early a few days last week. That would have given her time alone to send them."
Hearing the name, Bud gave a start of surprise; he covered it well and said to AJ, "I'm not sure that I can discuss this with you anymore, Sir."
To Be Continued….