Chapter 53

AJ restrained himself from telling Secretary Sheffield that he'd already been at his desk for two hours. Instead he said, "I'm calling to let you know my retirement papers should be on your desk this morning. I would like tomorrow to be my last day. Since the offices will be closed for the next two weeks with the holidays I am hoping that won't be a problem."

"Retirement?! Would this have anything to do with the attempts on your life that I've heard about?"

"In a round about way Sir. The perpetrator was captured last night after making another attempt on both myself and Colonel Mackenzie. It was during the course of the events last night that Colonel Mackenzie and I discovered that we have feelings for each other."

"Good God man! I know she's an attractive woman, but is she worth giving up your career for?"

"Yes Sir she is! I love her and hope one day very soon to make her my wife."

"So I'm to assume she feels the same way?"

"Yes Sir, she does."

"Then the two of you shouldn't be working together any longer!" Sheffield snapped.

"We're not Sir. Sarah is taking two vacation days and she is perfectly capable of taking over the office after the holidays until a replacement can be found."

"I think I know just the man for the job AJ. How do you think your Colonel would like working under another Marine?"

"I'm sure she will work with whomever you appoint Sir, but on a personal note, I'm sure she will enjoy that."

"Well don't tell her, let it be a surprise."

"Yes Sir, and about my retirement?"

"I will accept it, but you sure seem eager to be out of there."

"I've loved her for ten years Sir. I don't want to waste any more time."

"Good God man! Why didn't you do something about it before now if you've loved her that long?" Sheffield demanded.

"Because, until last night I had no indication that she had any feelings for me at all."

"Well alright then. It was a pleasure working with you Admiral. Good luck in your future. You do know that one day Colonel Mackenzie could hold that position of yours?"

"Yes Sir, I do, and she will be a wonderful JAG."

"I thought you might think that. Have a good life AJ, you deserve it, you've been a great service to your country."

"Thank you Sir. I have every intention of having a fantastic future."

"Well be sure to invite me to the wedding."

"I will Sir. Good-bye."

"Good-bye AJ."

AJ made the announcement at the staff meeting that he was retiring and that Mac would be in charge after the holidays until his replacement arrived. He also told them that Lieutenant Commander Vukovic would arrive January 3rd to join their ranks. He didn't say, as Harm's replacement, but they all knew the new guy would have some big shoes to fill. They felt the same way with who ever was to take over for the Admiral.

AJ also told them about the latest attempts on his and Mac's lives and about Vicky's capture. He explained that Mac's injuries were why she was taking a few vacation days.

Reminded of Vicky's capture, AJ placed a call to the McLean police department when he got back to his office and gave them his statement of the events at his house. He also informed them of Vicky's confession of all the other men she'd killed. They promised to look into it and asked him to stop by and sign his statement. AJ said he would on his way home that evening.

The rest of his morning was spent clearing up loose ends and he was glad when lunchtime arrived. He ordered a sandwich to be delivered and as soon as he was alone, placed a call to Sarah. She was surprised, but pleased to hear from him. They spent the hour chatting. Both of them said 'I love you' several times during the conversation and that reminded AJ of the bank account he wanted to set up. It hadn't even been twenty-four hours since they'd discovered they loved each other, but he started the account with $33. The bank teller questioned the odd amount, but AJ just said it was what he wanted. Once the account was set up he knew he could transfer funds into it via his computer. Bud had shown him how.

To be continued…..