Part Two
Author: AD
Rating: PG
Category: Humor (hopefully)
Pairing: Webb/Mac
Spoilers: Everything up to "A Girl's Best Friend"
Disclaimer: Apologies to Viacom, Paramount & Belisarius Productionsfor borrowing some JAG characters and taking them in a really different direction. Okay, let's be honest---JAG would never go in this direction.
Previously, in Chapter 1: Following a productive Christmas holiday, Webb and Mac have been unavoidably separated by his month- long mission in Iraq. Meanwhile, back in Virginia, Mac has been dealing with a disgruntled CO, a well-intentioned Petty Officer, and a personal event that has become increasingly difficult to ignore.
Author's Note: I'm still intent on spreading the `joy' of pregnancy <vbeg>�
===============================================================
JANUARY 30, 2004
MAC'S OFFICE AT JAG HQ
FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA
As Mac waited for her call to connect, she re-read the message Coates had handed her. A wide grin reluctantly emerged when she realized that Webb must have dictated that last part to Jennifer--- it was in quotation marks and underlined twice.
Mac closed her eyes, picturing him in her mind's eye. "Yeah, I'll `update you' once we make "brush contact' too, Clay," she whispered.
Pressing the rumpled paper against her still-flat tummy, she barely heard the peremptory knock before the door swung open behind her. Quickly hanging up the phone, Mac stuffed the note into her skirt pocket and turned around to face her visitor.
"Admiral?" Mac was surprised by AJ's presence in her office. Glancing towards the open blinds lining her office windows, Mac could see the curious faces observing them. AJ noticed them too. He shot them a warning glare before shutting the door. Almost immediately, all activity in the bullpen resumed.
"Mac," he acknowledged. "Got a minute?"
"Yes---of course. Please have a seat�.uh---," Mac looked around her office, unaccountably flustered. Patting the note safely hidden in her pocket, she finally settled into her office chair.
The sudden shift in elevation, after standing for so long, brought on an unexpected wave of nausea. Pressing lightly on her abdomen, Mac fought it down. She tried a couple of shallow breaths before refocusing on the Admiral. When she did, AJ was leaning forward with a concerned look on his face.
"Damnit, Mac. Don't tell me you've got it, too."
"What, sir?"
"Damned flu is what. Took down Sturgis this morning."
"What?"
"The Commander decided to make his morning run despite a high fever. Ensign Rogers found him unconscious on the side of the road not four miles from here. The docs say he's dehydrated and needs a round of antibiotics, but will bounce back. In any case, it looks like Turner'll be out of commission for a few days," AJ explained.
"Oh Admiral, that's terrible." Mac unconsciously reached across the desk in a gesture of sympathy. "Is there anything I can do? Does he--?"
"Taken care of, Mac," was AJ's matter-of-fact response. "Chaplain Turner's already on his way and Harm's filing continuances on his most immediate cases."
Hearing a dismissal in the Admiral's tone, Mac leaned back in her chair. "Well, if anything further is needed, I'm here, sir."
AJ nodded and stood up, prompting Mac to do the same. "Just wanted you to know what was going on. I've assigned Roberts as opposing counsel on the GCM we briefed on this morning. You'll both be going to Little Creek to question Estevez this afternoon, so bring him up to speed. You might want to---aw, hell, you know the drill. Carry on." The Admiral was already out the door when he turned and stuck his head back in.
"Oh, and Mac?"
The nausea had returned in full force. Clutching her stomach, Mac frantically considered her immediate options. They weren't good. "Sir?" she faintly asked.
The Admiral's lopsided smile made an appearance. "Just don't get sick, that's an---Mac!"
AJ looked on helplessly as his Chief of Staff sank to her knees, emptying the contents of her stomach into a trashcan. Running a brisk hand over his bald head, AJ heaved a resigned sigh before turning to face the bullpen.
"Sims! Assist the Colonel, please. The rest of you---as you were!" AJ waited for Harriet to reach Mac before he stalked towards his own office. As he passed Coates' desk, he barked, "Get Rabb in here!"
"Already on his way, sir." Jennifer was fielding another incoming call, so AJ didn't even spare her a glance.
Approaching his desk, he saw that a box of samples from the stationary store had been placed in the center. Picking it up, he casually tossed it into his waste basket.
A tap on his doorframe announced Rabb's presence behind him. AJ walked around the desk until he was facing the Commander. Although Rabb's eyebrows were raised, he said nothing about what he'd just witnessed. AJ sat down and ordered, "Close the hatch."
Rabb complied and stood at attention.
Retrieving his reading glasses from a shirt pocket and putting them on, AJ searched his desk for another case folder. "Well. Commander, it looks like you've inherited the Colonel's GCM. Pull up a chair and I'll being you up to date."
"Aye, sir." Harm took a seat and waited for the assignment. He was bothered by the Admiral's hostile attitude towards him.
"Admiral, have I done something to `get your dander up,' so to speak?" Harm asked warily.
"Depends. Do you feel dizzy, nauseous, or otherwise ill?" AJ snapped out.
"No, sir," Harm assured him.
"Been around any sick people in the last forty-eight?" AJ continued.
Harm's response was thoughtful, "Not knowingly."
"Well, keep it that way and we're fine." The Admiral opened his file. "Harm, we've got a situation at Little Creek Naval Base. Seems one of their instructors stands accused of raping his yeoman's
fianc�e�. "
************
While the Admiral was briefing Harm, Harriet was assisting Mac to her chair and passing a wet paper towel over her face.
"Ma'am, we'll have you feeling better in no time. Did it come on all of a sudden?" Harriet sympathized.
Mac's head lolled against the back of her chair as the question registered. "Felt it come and go all morning. Been like this for almost a month," she muttered.
"A month!" Harriet exclaimed. She placed the back of her hand over Mac's forehead, certain the Colonel was delirious. Although a bit clammy, Mac was cool to the touch.
Standing, Harriet searched around the cluttered office before she found a discarded plastic bag. She loosely covered the small trashcan with it before turning back to the Colonel. Cautioning Mac to stay where she was, Harriet hurried to the break room and snatched a Sprite from the refrigerator.
Hurrying back to the Colonel's office, she was surprised to see how quickly Mac had recovered. Gratefully accepting the cool soda from her friend, Mac momentarily raised the can to her forehead before popping the top and taking a sip.
Downing half the can in three swallows, she could see the concern swirling in Harriet's eyes. Feeling totally drained, Mac attempted a weak smile and sat forward. When Harriet offered her a ride home, Mac declined, assuring her that the nausea would pass.
"Ma'am, the flu is nothing to dismiss. Just this morning Commander Turner---," Harriet began, only to be waved off by Mac.
"I heard Harriet. And trust me, if I had the flu I'd take appropriate action. I don't have the flu."
"Then what�?" Harriet gestured toward the trashcan then brushed some of Mac's limp hair back from her brow.
With her defenses down and Harriet hovering over her in a motherly fashion, tears welled up in Mac's eyes. Dropping her head into her hands, she fought the myriad of emotions that were nearly overwhelming her. Intending to make some off-hand remark about a healthy constitution, Mac surprised herself by answering Harriet with a question.
"Is morning sickness always this bad?" she asked wearily.
Harriet's surprise lasted only a moment before she hugged Mac's shoulders and offered her congratulations. It took the man in the doorway much longer to regain his composure. By the time he had, both women had finally noticed him standing there.
"Congratulations, Mac. Who's the lucky guy?" Harm asked.
Mac rolled her eyes in disgust and swiveled her chair to face the window. The abrupt motion reactivated her nausea. "Now is not a good time, Harm," she warned him.
Harriet gawked at him in disbelief. "Commander, you ought to be ashamed of yourself! You know that Clayton Webb and Colonel MacKenzie are�have been�that for the past eight months�since all of you got back from�well, you just know!" An indignant and flustered Harriet blocked Harm's access to Mac.
Although she was grateful for the Lieutenant's loyalty and defense, this new wave of nausea became the focus of Mac's considerable willpower. She was vaguely aware of the raised voices behind her when Harm appeared in her line of vision.
"Mac, I'm sorry. It just slipped out. I'm happy for you--- really." Harm squatted down in front of her chair, holding on to both arms for balance.
His presence, combined with a sickening waft of aftershave, interrupted the restraint she was exerting over her tense stomach. Feeling her control slip, she tried to warn him, "Harm, go away. Now!"
Not noticing her pallor or Harriet's anxious tug on his sleeve, Harm shook the chair. "Not until we clear this up. C'mon Mac, I'm sorry. Webb wouldn't be *my* choice, but if you're happy---."
"Not. now, Harm! Move!" Mac pleaded.
Harriet had already reached for the plastic bag, but Harm wouldn't move out of the way. "Commander---Harm! Can't you see she's gonna�!"
But it was too late. All Harm could do was look down at Mac's shaking head as she decorated his dress shoes. Absently patting her back as the heaves eased a little, Harm looked up at Harriet in disbelief.
"Well, sir, she did warn you." Harriet reminded him.
===============================================================
JANUARY 30, 2004
ABOARD THE USS TRITON
SOMEWHERE OFF THE COAST OF VIRGINIA
Webb was just completing his last action report when Commander Amandes approached his table. Setting his coffee down, the Commander hooked a chair with his foot and straddled the seat.
Noting the date after his signature, Webb closed the folder and nodded his welcome.
"Well, Webb, it looks like we can get you on the next helo to Hampton. That close enough for you?" The Commander pushed back the bill of his hat and crossed his arms ever the back of the chair.
"Better than I'd hoped for, John" Webb assured him. John watched as Webb secured the folder within a sealed pouch and stuffed it into the battered field carrier.
John Amandes had become pretty well acquainted with the special agent three years ago. He'd been the Naval liaison during the tribunal fiasco. Although he'd admired Webb's patience and tenacity throughout the four weeks of interrogation, it was the personal sacrifices that had impressed Amandes. Going on very little sleep himself, Webb had steadily hammered away at Kabir, trying every means possible to extract information from the terrorist leader.
When word had come down to introduce the pharmaceutical components, he'd felt the agent's frustration. They'd both known that drug- induced confessions were rarely admissible. Their only hope was that they'd be able to extract information that would prevent future terrorist acts. When Kabir had killed himself, Webb had blamed himself for not anticipating it. To add insult to injury, an arrogant JAG prosecutor had actually accused Webb of killing the bastard.
"I know where you were Webb," John confessed with a triumphant grin.
Webb grinned back. "Oh, really?"
"Yeah, I figured they'd send the best. Don't get all cocky and tight- assed about it though," John warned him.
"I have no idea what you're referring to, my friend. And for the record, I am never tight-assed," Webb assured him.
"Yeah, right. Anyway, I just wanted you to know that we appreciate what you guys are doing. Now," John changed the subject, "what's waiting for you back in DC that's keeping you from enjoying our
hospitality? The Captain was hoping to win a few bucks off of you at poker tonight. Me, too, for that matter!"
Both men shared a laugh before Webb corrected him. "Not `what'--- `who'. Someone's waiting for me and I'm long overdue."
"Never figured you for a family man, Webb. Wife and kids?" John's curiosity was genuine and, for the second time in a year, Webb found himself describing Sarah to an outsider. That she was actually in his life and not a fantasy made his eyes glow and his voice vibrate with eagerness.
"It's taken me a lifetime to find Sarah. She agreed to marry me before I went on this op. I just hope she's still wants to after such a long separation," Webb confided.
"I know what you mean. Every time we pull into home harbor, I wonder if Leslie's forgotten me or�well, you know."
Webb nodded his head, "I'm beginning to, John. I take it Leslie's your wife?"
John held up his left hand where a sturdy gold band was proudly displayed. "Two years and counting."
Webb grinned and sipped his coffee. Before they could continue their conversation, John was paged that Webb's helo was ready to take off.
John waited for Webb to grab his gear before escorting him to the deck. Just before Webb ran towards his transport, John yelled, "Invite me to the wedding!"
"You're on!" Wide smiles broke out over both of their faces as they shared a handshake to seal the deal. Giving him a thumbs-up, Webb crouched low and ran for his ride.
===============================================================
THREE HOURS LATER
MAC'S APARTMENT
GEORGETOWN
Once on dry land Webb had debated whether or not to call Mac or just show up on her doorstep. Opting for the doorstep approach, he'd rented a car and driven straight to Georgetown. Now, standing in front of her apartment, he was disappointed not to find her at home. Pulling out his cell phone, he tried her office number, but his phone kept cutting off mid-ring. Frustrated, he finally noticed that the weak-battery light was flashing on his cell.
Checking out the hallway from both directions, he palmed the spare key from Mac's hiding place and entered her apartment. Not bothering to cut on a light, Webb made a bee-line for her cordless and punched in Mac's cell number.
He impatiently tapped his fingers on her desk as he waited for her to pick up. The recording was not altogether unexpected. "Damn, Sarah, you cut it off. What's the use of a cell phone if you keep cutting it off," he muttered.
Walking over to the window, Webb eased back the curtain and used the streetlight to illuminate the handset. Thoughtfully, he punched in the JAG HQ number from memory. Evidently, he was off by a digit because he got the switchboard instead. He was just being informed that Colonel Mackenzie had left for the day when he heard voices outside the door.
Automatically hitting the disconnect button, Webb heard a key scrape against the lock. He froze in anticipation as the door opened and the light was flipped on. The sudden illumination made him blink and then wonder at what he was seeing.
There before him stood Mac, Simms, Roberts, Harm, a young petty officer and a teenaged girl. Rubbing at his eyes, he realized that every last one of them was holding a large white bags of some sort--- the kind of bags that made him realize it had been a long time since his last meal. Before his sluggish brain could compute the significance, Mac ran to him and sloshed a styrofoam take-out cup around the back of his neck.
Returning her embrace, Webb pressed the forgotten telephone into the small of her back, matching her kiss for kiss. Neither noticed as Mac's milkshake dripped down Webb's shoulder and splattered to the carpet. The cordless soon followed, cracking on impact.
Mac's hands were in his hair and Webb's were just reaching for her assets when an irritating noise reverberated throughout the living room.
"Ahem!" Harm loudly repeated.
Webb and Mac reluctantly broke apart, ready to confront their crowd of visitors, only there was no crowd. Lots of laughter and loud voices could be heard coming from the vicinity of Mac's kitchen, but the only person ready to confront the happy couple was Harmon Rabb, Jr.
Mac rubbed her cheek against Webb's shoulder, aware that they were going to have to wait for their visitors to leave before she could offer Clay a proper welcome. Her eyes were twinkling when they met Webb's, "Long time, no see, Clay."
Webb kept his arm around her shoulders as he brushed her hair back and kissed her forehead, "Too long, Sarah."
When it looked as though they might just ignore him and keep staring into each other's eyes, Harm clapped Webb on his shoulder. "So, Webb, you two picked out any names yet?"
Clay was still absorbing Sarah into his senses and missed the warning glare Sarah gave Harm. "Names?"
Sarah broke away from Clay's embrace and placed her hands on her hips, "Harm, don't. I'm warning you."
"You mean you haven't even told him yet?" Harm asked with exaggerated surprise.
Sarah took a menacing step towards her tormentor, "Harm�!"
"Okay, Rabb," Sizing up the situation, Clay stepped between them. "That's enough. Whatever Sarah needs to tell me, she'll tell me. Whenever she's ready, she'll choose the time---not you. You stay out of it." Clay wanted to emphasize his point with a poke to Rabb's chest, but restrained himself.
Harm merely grinned, taking no offense, "Clay, sometimes you can suck all the fun out of life."
Okay, this was territory Clay recognized. Not missing a beat, he got into the game, "Sorry---I know that's your job."
Harm winced, "Touch�. So, how long have you been gone this time? Couldn't have been over a month."
Clay cast a questioning glance in Sarah's direction, but she missed it. "About four weeks. Why this sudden interest in me, Harm?"
Before Harm could answer, Harriet called them all in to the dining room, "Hey you guys, everything's out and ready. Anything that's not out you'll either have to get yourself or do without."
As they all began to eat and Clay was formally introduced to Mattie and Jennifer Coates, Harm asked Bud where Jimmy and Little AJ were.
"Oh, I called the babysitter and extended our time. We don't normally do that, but we just couldn't miss out on this celebration, could we, Sweetie?" Bud looked over at Harriet and received a confirming smile.
"Are we celebrating something?" Clay asked.
Sarah got a panicked look on her face, but Harm and Jennifer were the only ones who saw it. When Harriet chose to answer for them, Mac released a sigh of relief. Bud wouldn't mean to, but he'd never been known for keeping secrets.
Harriet's laughter filled the room, encouraging smiles from everyone. "Mr. Webb---I'm sorry---Clay�of course we're celebrating. We're just so happy for both of you!"
Clay smiled and put his arm around Sarah. "So she told you about the engagement? I was wondering if she would. I noticed that she's still wearing the ring�."
Clay broke off when he realized that everyone was staring at Sarah's left hand. The diamond solitaire had been a little loose when he'd slid it on her finger over a month ago. Afraid of losing it, Sarah had wanted to get it re-sized right then and there. Not knowing of any reputable jewelry store open on Christmas Day, Clay had simply slipped her OCS ring off of her right hand and onto her left one. It had seemed symbolic at the time: combining her simper fidelis to the Corps with her promise to him.
Looking down at her hand, he realized she'd worn both rings just as he'd placed them, one protecting the other. Being loosely fitted, the diamond kept slipping to the palm of her hand. Clay raised that hand to his mouth, kissing both the ring and her palm while Sarah stroked his cheek with her thumb.
The tender moment was broken when Harriet began congratulating them again. Iced tea refills were poured all around as Harriet encouraged Bud to offer up a toast. Standing up, Bud cleared his throat and lifted his glass:
"Congratulations to two of the most courageous people I know. From the ashes of tragedy you have brought back life. You found each other when you both were lost to the rest of the world. From friendship to love, may your hearts overflow. May your marriage bring you the joy you deserve---and may your baby extend that joy!"
The tea glasses clinked against one another as everyone added their own laudatory comments. Clay and Sarah accepted them all with good- natured thanks and implored everyone to eat up before all the food got cold.
Harm watched Clay for any sign of surprise or shock, but detected none. Jennifer did the same but when she could only perceive pure joy in the special agent's eyes, she relaxed. She'd grown good at reading people and Clayton Webb was a good man.
Under the table, hidden from prying eyes, Clay's left arm encircled Sarah's waist until his hand gently rested on her abdomen. It was a protective and loving gesture that brought out those irritating tears she tried to blink away.
Covering his hand briefly with her own, Sarah looked over at Clay. Catching his attention, she silently nodded. He answered with a long blink of his eyes and began to lightly rub his thumb over her abdomen. Leaning towards her ear, Clay whispered, "Yours, mine, and ours, Sarah. Just wait `til I get you alone, Colonel."
Sarah giggled, drawing Harm's attention. He watched as she leaned into Clay's shoulder and angled her mouth towards his jaw. Whatever she whispered into his ear elicited a deep-dimpled grin from Clay.
Looking away from the happy couple, Harm focused on the rest of the table and felt his own heart melt. He'd missed these `family' get-togethers over the past two years. Digging into his tempeh, Harmbegan to laugh at a story Bud was telling about his first date with Harriet.
~~~~~~~~~~TO BE CONTINUED�..