Chapter 28
AJ went still, all movement stopped, it was almost as if he had stopped breathing. Then it seemed like he was moving in slow motion as he turned to face her, "Do you know that was the second time that someone died in an attempt on my life? And if today's attempt had been successful, whoever it was would have killed you too!"
Stunned it took Mac just a moment to remember what he meant. When it hit her she stepped forward and placed her hand on his arm, "AJ, Laura Delaney's death wasn't your fault, and neither is Harm's! How can you blame yourself for some psychopath's actions?"
"Because those psychopaths were after me and instead, innocent people got in the way! They would both be alive today if not for me! And on top of that you could've died today as well."
"I'm alive because you're an amazing driver. Your would-be killer doesn't know you very well if they didn't know that. But you still can't blame yourself for this persons actions."
"This person hates me enough not to care who they accidentally kill on their way to me. How can that NOT be my fault?"
"Because as a lawyer you should know that you can't be held responsible for another's actions! But be that as it may, we should be trying to figure out who this person is and why they want you dead rather than placing blame."
"I thought you'd decided you knew who it was?" he asked turning back to the stove to make sure the meat didn't burn.
"But you were sure I was wrong about that," she replied, hurt that he'd turned away from her.
"I just couldn't see any motive Vicky might have had."
"I understand, but she was the only other person there that day. At least let me have Bud do some checking on her? You know he can be discreet."
With a resigned sigh AJ nodded, but added, "Be sure I'm kept informed of anything you find."
Mac readily agreed and changed the subject back to what he was making.
AJ was glad of that and explained what he was doing. She was amazed at how easy he made it look and she made mental notes so she could make it again on her own. A short time later they sat down to eat and Mac told him how wonderful the meal was.
"It really is as simple as you saw."
"Well I thank you for teaching me to make it. My cooking skills have always been lacking."
"But you have so many other talents Mac. Not everyone can excel at everything."
"Thank you," she smiled and added, "It's always nice to know you're appreciated."
"Mac you're a fantastic lawyer, a wonderful Chief of Staff, and an all around credit to the Corps!"
Blushing at the compliment, but regretful that he only saw her in the light of work, not as a woman, she dropped her head and said softly, "Thank you again AJ. That means a lot to me." But as she said that she was thinking, 'It means more than you'll ever know!' Before he could see the tears that his words had caused, Mac got up and began to clear the table.
Getting to his feet to help her, AJ protested when she told him he didn't have to, "I know you don't want me as a friend Mac. But I want you to know that I still consider you one and I told you when we arrived that I didn't want to be treated as a guest."
Mac couldn't let him know that she wanted him to be so much more than a friend, so all she could say was, "I don't know where you got the idea that I don't want you…as a friend, but I do think of you that way, even if regulations frown on it."
Surprised at just how pleased her words made him feel, AJ said, "Then I must have misunderstood. I'm glad Mac."
They finished cleaning up and walked back into the living room together. AJ went over to the window to look out. The weather hadn't improved at all while they were eating. "It looks like you're stuck here for a while," Mac said walking up behind him to look out too.
"Is that a problem Mac?"
"No, not at all. Would you like to watch a movie?" I have several good ones."
They chose a movie and sat down to watch it, after it was over they put in another because the weather was still bad. "AJ, if this doesn't clear up soon, you might have to spend the night."
To be continued…..