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�We�re co-workers and good friends of hers,� Mac said, wanting more than anything to reach out and grip Harm�s hand. But she didn�t.
The doctor looked down at his feet and then back up at the JAG lawyers. �Miss Simms� injuries were extensive. We did everything we could, but she lost too much blood and the trauma was too much for her body,� he said gently. �She is wearing a wedding ring. Do you know how to get in touch with her husband?�
Harm nodded sadly. He was glad Bud hadn�t come with them to wait outside the trauma room. �We�ll tell him. He should hear this from friends, no some stranger.�
�Understood. He can go in and see her once she�s been� cleaned up a little,� the doctor said softly. �I�m truly sorry for your loss,� he said gently before heading off down the hallway.
�How are we going to tell Bud that she�s gone?� Mac asked Harm desperately. Then another thought struck her. �How is Bud going to tell little AJ?�
�I don�t know,� Harm said, his voice tight with tears. He pulled Mac back into his arms, partially for her comfort and partially for his, and they stood there holding each other, crying into the wool of dry-cleaned uniforms while the world continued spinning around them.
�How� why� sir, ma�am, please say that she isn�t really gone,� Bud said weakly.
�I�m sorry, Bud,� Harm said gently, putting his hand on his friend�s shoulder.