"Darker Days"
Jenny D.
Classification: H/M shipper, a little angst
Summary: Clark Palmer, need I say more
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: JAG and characters belong to Donald Bellisario and CBS. Please
don't sue me.
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Leavenworth Prison
Fort Leavenworth
No sound could be heard in the dark hallways as Clark Palmer carefully slid
the paper clip inside the lock of the cage that held him.
He had waited for the perfect moment and this was it. A smile crossed his
face. Wouldn't Rabb be suprised. He thought he was safe. He thought
wrong.
He had been working on this plan for months inside of this hellhole. It
would only take him a few days to get things in order once he was free.
Harmon Rabb would pay. He would pay dearly.
JAG Headquarters
4 Days Later
Falls Church, Virginia
"Harm, do you have the Bradley file?"
Lt. Cmdr. Harmon Rabb looked from his desk. His partner, Major Sarah
MacKenzie stood in the doorway. He quickly picked up a folder and held it
out.
"This Bradley file?"
"Cute, Harm. Remind me again why you have my case in your office"
"You wanted my opinion. I made some notes"
"Oh yeah. That was this case wasn't it"
Harm rolled his eyes,
"Marines"
"Watch it, sailor"
Harm smiled as he rested his elbows on the desk,
"Did Mic find you?"
"Brumby...no. Was he looking for me?"
"Isn't he always?"
"Jealous?"
"Yeah, you wish"
Mac smiled,
"Watch the ego. What did he want?"
Harm shrugged,
"Who knows. It was while you were in that client meeting about an hour ago"
"Ok, thanks for the help"
Harm nodded as his gaze returned to his own work,
"No problem"
Mac smiled and returned to her own office.
The janitor walked by her. He lifted the brim of his cap and watched her go
into her office. Clutching the mop handle he smiled. Everything was almost
set. Another day or two and he'd be ready for action.
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Mac's Apartment
Georgetown
Two Days Later
Mac's internal clock told her that she was running 5 minutes and 46 seconds
later than she had originally intended. The ringing phone was not helping,
"Hello"
"Mac, glad I caught you. Don't forget the Gregory file"
"Got it"
"K, see ya when you get here"
"Ok, bye"
"If I ever get there"
Mac mumbled the last statement under her breath.
Mac grabbed her cover and placed in under her arm. Picking up her
briefcase, she locked the door and stepped out into the hall. That was all
that she remembered. She didn't even remember when the hand shoved the
cloth over her face.
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, VA
1 Hour Later
"Where is Major MacKenzie!"
Harm cringed at the booming voice of his CO.
"I don't know, sir. I tried her cell phone but nothing"
"Admiral, Cmdr., I think that you'd better take a look at this"
Bud Roberts directed their attention to the news broadcast that was on the
television monitor overhead.
Smoke. A burning building that lay in a pile of rubble. Harm's eyes
focused on the area around the building. The Admiral turned to Bud,
"Lt., what exactly am I looking at?"
The young officer's eyes widened,
"Sir, that's Major MacKenzie's building"
That was all that Harm needed.
Mac's Building
Georgetown
"Sir, you can't go past the tape"
Harm looked blankly past the stern police officer at a cluster of victims,
"I'm looking for someone. A resident"
"Name?"
"Sarah MacKenzie"
The officer checked a list that was held together by a clipboard.
"She's not on my list"
"What does that mean?"
"If they've found her, she wasn't conscious. She may be one of those taken
to the hosptital"
"You mean they haven't found everyone yet"
"These things take time. Look I suggest you go to the hospital and wait.
She'll be there now or later"
Harm nodded and ran back to his car.
Hospital
Washington D.C.
"Sir, we're still waiting on two ambulances. There's a chance your friend
is in one of them"
The ER doors burst open and the paramedics rushed in with a stretcher. Harm
held his breath but it wasn't her. In the distance, he could hear the wail
of the last known ambulance. It just had to be.
Once again the doors opened. His eyes watched them bring in the stretcher.
It was Mac.
He barely had time to see her before they rushed her into one of the small
rooms. Doctors crowded about her yelling things to each other that were
foreign to his ears.
He did know one sound. The sound of a monitor flatlining. The sound he was
hearing now...
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Part 3
Hospital
Washington D.C.
Harm felt his heart lurch in his chest when he heard that damn consistent
beeping noise. None of the doctors or nurses paid him any attention as they
skillfully and nimbly worked over Mac.
Harm closed his eyes and prayed, for the first time in a long time.
"Plese don't take her...please"
Harm opened his eyes. Nothing was different.
His heart began to sink again. Then, almost as if in answer to his simple,
short prayer there was a blip on the screen.
His eyes moved upward and he smiled slightly.
"Cmdr."
Harm wheeled around startled that someone had intruded into his personal
thoughts,
"Bud! You scared me"
"Sorry, sir. The Admiral wanted me down here. I mean...I wanted to come
too...I didn't mean that I..."
"Bud!"
"Sir"
"I get it"
"Sorry, sir"
"How is she?"
Harm looked downtrodden,
"She's alive"
Bud nodded understandingly.
"Sir, do you want some coffee or something?"
"No"
His eyes never left his unconscious partner. A doctor noticed his intense,
worried expression and he walked towards the glass door where Harm lingered.
"Sir, are waiting for information on this patient"
Harm nodded briskly,
"Are you family"
Harm shook his head,
"No, I work with her. She's my friend"
The man hesitated but one more look at Harm's face erased any doubt that he
had that this man needed information on this woman.
"Come, sit down please"
Harm followed the man over to a pair of seats and sat down facing him,
"Your friend, Miss MacKenzie, suffered severe head trauma. There was some
internal bleeding that we have stopped. What has me concerned is the head
trauma. There's so much swelling that we're almost working blind until the
swelling goes down"
Harm nodded, maintaining his composure,
"Will she live"
The doctor met his gaze for the first time. His aged face somber and
unusually honest for a doctor,
"I don't know. It's too soon to tell"
The doctor waited for a moment and then rose from his seat before he briskly
made his way back towards the room.
Harm watched him go, every ounce of his strength draining from him in one
moment...
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Part 4
Hospital
Washington D.C.
Harm had lost all sense of time. He never thought to glanced at his watch.
He never thought to look from where he sat still as a statue in the poorly
cushioned blue hospital chair.
He was oblivious to the bustling around him. To the sound of people
laughing, children crying. To the smells of a hospital. That smell of
disinfectant. That smell of sickness than sickens even those with the
strongest of stomachs.
"Cmdr. Rabb?"
Harm lifted his eyes. They met those of the doctor who had spoken to him
earlier.
"Yes?"
"Would you like to see her"
That was what he'd been wanting to hear. What he'd been waiting for. He
didn't even need to answer. The sudden spark of life in his eyes told the
doctor all that he needed to know.
"She's still out so don't expect too much"
Harm nodded as he walked slowly inside the dimly lit room. She was laying
on the hospital bed. The crisp white sheets were pulled up to her stomach.
Both arms extended out from under and were laid in almost perfect symmetry
on the thin bed.
The only noise that could be heard inside the room were the machines that
were hooked up to his partner. The room was as still as a funeral home at
midnight. A depressing silence hung above the simple noises.
Harm pulled a chair over beside the bed and sat down. At this moment,
nothing else the world existed. Only the two of them. Nothing else.
"Mac"
His voice choked. He couldn't help it but at the sight of her. Her dark
hair was held back from her face in a bandage that was wrapped all the way
around her head.
Her usually nicely tanned face seemed oddly pale, especially against the
stunning paleness of the sheets. The eyes that usually held so much
expression were shut.
Her breathing was slow. One had to stare closely and for several seconds to
see her take a breath. Harm lightly traced the bones that marked her
cheekbones and her ears.
He was completely unaware of the single tear that slowly traced it's way
down his cheek and dropped off his chin onto the sheet leaving a single dark
circle where it had fallen.
He couldn't find any words. He didn't need any words. If she was at all
aware of her surroundings, then she would know that he was here. He gently
took one of hands and carressed it. He was hoping for a response. A
movement. Something.
Nothing.
In his state, he was always unaware of the passing figure that lingered
momentarily in the doorway. He was unaware of the smirk that darkened the
face of the man who stared in and then continued on his way...
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Part 5
Hospital
Washington D.C.
Dark had come. It reflected Harm's mood. Dark. Dreary. Cold. Harm still
sat dazedly in Mac's room. The reality of it all had hit him two hours
earlier and now he was emotionally drained.
"Cmdr...Harm?"
Harm looked up to see Harriet standing in the doorway.
"How is she?"
Harm's blank eyes clouded over,
"Same. No change"
"Sir, maybe you should go and get some rest"
Harm shook his head,
"I can't leave her here alone"
"Sir, I'll stay with her. At least go and get something to eat"
He was finding it hard to say no to Harriet. Nodding he rose from his seat,
"I'll just run home and grab a shower and some clean clothes and I'll get
something to eat"
"Yes, sir"
He smiled for the first time,
"If anything happens..."
"I'll call you"
"Thanks, Harriet"
Harm's Apartment
North of Union Station
Warm water had never felt so good to Harm. Stepping out of the shower he
towelled off his hair and pulled on fresh jeans and a t-shirt.
Rooting through the refrigerator,he settled on a leftover shrimp salad.
Harm ate quickly, the whole time, keeping his eyes on the clock.
Dumping the empty take out container in the trash, he grabbed his keys and
was out the door.
Hospital
Washington D.C.
"Sir, this was propped up on the bed after I got back from the bathroom"
Harriet handed Harm the small envelope. It had his name on the outside.
Tearing it open he read the small note,
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your friend and colleague.
No name. Nothing. Harm looked at Harriet,
"You see anyone"
"No, sir"
"Some kind of a sick joke? Dammit!"
Harm tried to keep his temper under control. Someone was sick. Someone was
very sick.
It was then that Harm saw the figure of a man walk by the door. Too slowly.
Harm ran out into the hall and grabbed the man's arm. He shoved the man
against the wall.
"Rabb!"
A look of confusion passed over Harm's face,
"Webb!"
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Part 6
Hospital
Washington D.C.
Clayton Webb jerked loose.
"What in the hell is your problem"
"Sorry, I...what are you doing here?"
"Mac's in the hospital"
The look on Harm's face plainly told him that he was believed.
"Webb, surely you have an agenda. Something strike you as a little odd
about all of this?"
"What do you mean"
Harm grabbed Webb by his coat and pushed him into the bathroom. He held up
the letter,
"This"
Webb took it and read it.
"And don't you dare lie to me, Clayton. If someone did this to her, I want
to know about it"
Webb looked around and nodded,
"Harm, Palmer broke out of prison"
"When?"
"A few days ago"
"And you've known for how long?"
"The day it happened"
Harm slammed his fist against the wall. He was madder than Webb had ever
seen,
"You mean to tell me that Clark Palmer escaped from Leavenworth and you to
avoid looking bad kept it from everyone including me, when you know that man
has it out for me and is capable of most anything"
"Harm, I didn't..."
"Don't tell me what you didn't want to tell me. You tell me what you plan to
do about it and how fast you intend to catch him"
"Harm..."
"You find him, Webb, or so help me, I will"
With that he went slamming out of the bathroom.
------------------------
Darkness seemed to cover everything. Pain ceased through her entire body as
she made an attempt to move. Mac managed to force her eyes open. She
blinked a little and tried without success to sit up.
Everything was still dark. She struggled to move.
Mac felt a hand touch her skin and she jumped. She couldn't see anything.
------------------------
When Harm opened his eyes he saw her. Her eyes were wide open and she
looked frantic. She jumped when he touched her arm as if she didnt' see
him.
"Mac?"
Her head cocked slightly,
"Harm"
Her eyes moved irradically as if they were searching for something.
Something she couldn't find.
"Mac, what's wrong"
Mac's hand moved to her face. Her voice was barely above a whisper.
"I can't see"
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Part 7
Hospital
Washington D.C.
Watched in anticipation as the doctor in his white coat moved a light back
and forth in front of Mac's eyes. Placing the small light back in his
pocket he studied the Marine.
"Well?"
Mac turned her head slightly,
"In layman's terms, Major, there's swelling in the tissue behind your eyes
and it's putting pressure. That's what causing the blindness"
"Is it permanent"
"It's too soon to tell. We'll have to wait for the swelling to go down"
"How long will that take?"
"There's no way to tell. Experience has shown us that these sort of things
tend to take their own time from as many as a day or two to a few weeks"
Mac fell silent.
"But it could be permanent?"
"I don't want to draw any conclusions just yet but yes it could be"
A heavy silence hung in the room. The doctor excused himself leaving Harm
and Mac alone in the room.
Mac could hear Harm sit down on the chair. She knew he was watching her.
Examining her face. Checking out her emotions.
"Harm, you don't have to baby-sit me"
"Mac, I'm not baby-sitting. I'm just worried about you"
"I'm fine"
She heard him get up and move over to the bed. She could feel the warmth
from his body as he sat next to her and placed one of his hands over her
gently.
"Mac"
Mac was fighting the tears with all of the strength that she had but with
Harm sitting this close offering his shoulder and comfort, it was a losing
battle.
Harm touched her face gently,
"You're not alone. You know that, don't you?"
She nodded silently. Then turned her head away.
"You should go home"
"Why?"
"Harm, you haven't been home have you? You sound exhausted, you must look
it"
"I don't want to leave you alone"
"Harm, I'm a big girl. I can keep my self company. You need to get some
rest so that you can go to work. I'm pretty sure our cases are piling up"
"The Admiral redirected our cases to Mattoni and Imes. Bud's helping out
too"
"Still..."
"Don't argue with me, Mac!"
"At least go home and get some decent sleep. I need some too, so we'll be
even. Please?"
That voice she ended her statement with was the one thing he had no
resistance.
"Ok, I'll go. But I'm coming back as soon as I catch a few Z's and change
clothes. You need anything"
"Nothing you can get"
There was something bitter in her voice. Mac layed back on the bed and
turned her face away.
Harm cast one more glance in her direction and shaking his head, he walked
away...
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Part 8
Harm's Apartment
North of Union Station
Harm fiddled for his key and stopped short when he saw Clayton Webb
lingering outside his door.
"She's awake"
Harm nodded,
"Yeah"
"Have you heard from Palmer?"
Harm shook his head,
"No, but I know that it's him. This is some sick game. He likes to see me
squirm. To be in pain"
Webb nodded,
"Harm, I'm doing everything I can to find him"
Harm heard a tone he'd never heard from Clayton. He just couldn't place it.
There was an uncharacteristic softness in his eyes. Mac could get to any
man he guessed.
"Thanks, Clay"
Webb nodded and shoved his hands into his coat pockets. Without another
word, he was gone.
Harm went inside with the sole intention of eating. Sitting on the couch,
he fell right to sleep.
The next thing Harm knew, it was morning. He rubbed his eyes vigorously and
glanced around. He had slept the whole night sitting up and his back was
now cramping.
Jumping in the shower, Harm pulled clean clothes. He'd go see Mac this
morning. The Admiral had given him a few days off.
Hospital
Washington D.C.
"They're letting you leave?"
"Don't sound so suprised. The doctor told me to come back in two days for a
checkup but other than this(waving at her eyes)I'm fine and healthy"
"Mac, where are you going to go"
Mac shrugged,
"Hotel I guess"
"I don't think so"
"Harm.."
"You're staying at my place"
"Harm, I don't need..."
"You need a place to stay and you DO need someone to help you, Mac, I don't
care what you think you do or don't need"
Mac wasn't used to hearing such force in his voice and she fell silent,
"Fine. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to get dressed"
"Where'd you get the clothes"
"Harriet"
Harm nodded and walked outside shutting the door behind him.
-------------------
Harm's Apartment
North of Union Station
Mac walked slowly from the shower. One hand was sliding along the wall as
she walked, the other was slightly extended and was being wary of anything
she might walk into.
"Hungry"
Mac shook her head,
"No thanks....Harm, stop staring at me"
Harm was shocked.
"How did you..."
"I'm may not be able to see but know you and I know you're staring at me.
Why"
Harm couldn't very well tell her that he thought she looked really sexy in
his button down shirt that showed just enough leg.
"You're shirt....the buttons"
She's missed a button.
Mac suddenly felt Harm's hands on the front of her shirt. Ever so light, up
near her neck.
Mac felt her face flush and she jerked away,
"I can dress myself"
"I didn't mean to imply otherwise"
Mac felt bad,
"Harm, I'm sorry. I had no right to snap at you like that"
"Mac, it's ok"
"No, it's not ok. None of this ok. My home and everything that I own has
been destroyed and now this"
Her voice was shaky and dangerously close to tears. Harm tentatively
touched her arm,
"Mac..."
It was all he had to say. Mac leaned into his arms, allowing him to hold
her against his strong chest.
Harm rested his head on top of hers,
"I'm so sorry, Mac"
He heard her muffled reply but it was lost in his shirt...
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Part 9
Harm's Apartment
North of Union Station
Harm came out of the shower drying his hair. He stopped in his tracks when
he saw Mac standing in front of the window as if she was looking out.
"Mac?"
She remained motionless and for a moment or two, Harm's mind began to race.
The doctor had been unsure....
"It's not that much of a view anyway"
"What?"
"The view from this window. It's a street, so I don't guess I"m missing
anything, huh?"
"Mac..."
Mac held up her hand,
"Please...no speeches"
"There's something I need to tell you"
He took her arm and pulled her gently towards the couch. Mac carefully
lowered herself.
"Mac, I think I know who is responsible for all of this"
She was looing in his direction following his voice.
"Who?"
"Palmer"
Mac's brow wrinkled,
"I thought that he was in Leavenworth. You escorted him"
"I know. He got out"
"How do you know?"
"Webb was at the hospital"
Mac let out a sigh,
"I might've known...Webb. But why would Clark Palmer blow up my building?"
"To get to me"
"I don't suppose they've caught him"
"Hardly. I can't let this happen anymore, Mac, I..."
"You aren't going after him, Harm. That's what he wants you to do. Don't
walk into his trap"
"I can't just sit on my hands while he...while he does this to people that I
care about"
"He'll show himself. You know he will. He wants to see you sweat, to be
afraid. He wants you to be scared of him. That's his high, Harm. He'll
show himself when he's ready."
"So I do nothing"
"No, you wait. Wait for him to make his next move. It's like a game of
chess. Check out your opponent"
Harm smiled at her analogy,
"Play much chess"
Mac smiled,
"I just thought it sounded good"
"How'd you get so smart?"
Mac shrugged,
"Lucky, I guess"
"Maybe you learned it from your peers"
Mac rose from the couch,
"If it makes you feel good, flyboy, you keep right on believing it"
"What do you say we go and get some breakfast"
Mac nodded,
"Sounds like a plan"
Harm lightly took her hand as they walked out of the apartment.
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Part 10
Clark Palmer sat in the dimly lit hotel room. So far, so good. Based on
what he'd seen and heard, Rabb knew this was all his doing. Based on what
he had seen in the hospital restroom, Rabb was mad. Very, very mad.
Now he sat at the small table in the single chair in the cramped room of the
small, back alley hotel.
He smiled out the partially open window. Tomorrow his plan would go into
full swing. Tomorrow.
He lay back on the bed. Anticipation was sweet he thought. But not as
sweet as revenge. But then, nothing was that sweet...
Hospital
Washington D.C.
The Next Day
Once again the doctor moved the light over Mac's eyes, his eyes searching
her blank ones.
"No change?"
"I'm afraid not but it's only been two days Miss MacKenzie. I told it could
take over a week for the swelling to go down."
"There's still no guarantee, I know"
The doctor glanced at Harm who stood in the corner observing. He'd so been
hoping, for at least a little good news.
Mac stood up and felt for her jacket. Finding it, she slipped it on.
"Harm?"
He straightened up and reached out to touch her arms,
"This way"
Mac, step by step made her way to where his voice told her he was standing,
patiently waiting for her. Harm had known her long enough to know that she
preferred to do things on her own.
They rode in silence for a while, Mac's head leaning on the passenger side
window.
"Harm?"
"Yeah?"
"Do you think I'll get my sight back?"
She heard him shift under the restraint of his seatbelt and she knew his
face would hold a perplexed expression.
"I think, Mac, that it's a good possibility"
"You're an opitmist as I recall"
Harm smiled,
"When you're a pilot, optimism helps a bit"
Harm's Apartment
North of Union Station
"Want anything imparticular for dinner?"
Mac shook her head,
"Not really. Whatever you have is fine with me"
"Boy are you easy to please"
Mac started to reply when the phone rang. Harm reached over and grabbed it,
"Hello"
He listened for a minute.
"Sure thing"
Harm hung up. Mac heard him move.
"Who was that?"
"Webb, they've found where Palmer is hiding out"
"How? Where?"
She heard rustling as Harm pulled on his leather jacket.
"I'll explain when I get back. Will you be ok?"
"Yeah, go on"
He grabbed his keys and was out the door.
Alone in the apartment, Mac noticed how quiet it was. Too quiet. Very
carefully, she made her way towards the CD player. Running her hands down
the front of it, she found the power switch and turned it on.
Soft strands of instrumental music now filtered sweetly from the from the
two speakers on each side.
Mac lowered herself back onto the couch and lay down. She knew without
having to see to a clock that it was 24 minutes and 56 seconds after 5.
Closing her eyes, Mac allowed herself to drift off.
Clark Palmer stepped from the shadows. That would keep Rabb busy for a
while. He slid the tape recorder back into his pocket and left the phone
booth.
His eyes made their way up the side of the building where he knew she was.
Smiling, he opened the door to the building and headed for the elevator...
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Part 11
Street Corner
Washington D.C.
Harm checked his watch yet again. Webb had told him to meet him here in
this very spot but oddly enough, Webb wasn't here.
Pulling out his cellphone, Harm dialed.
"Webb!"
"Webb, where the hell are you"
"Rabb, what do you want?"
"I'm here"
"You're where"
"You...wait a minuite! Didn't you just call me about Palmer"
"NO"
Harm looked incredulously around and the sick realization sunk it. It was a
trick. It was all a trick and he had walked right into it.
He hit the 'End' button on the cell phone and jammed it back into his
pocket.
Harm's brain began to run over and over the voice. He could swear it was
Webb. But why would Palmer want him here unless...Harm felt his blood run
cold.
"Mac!"
Harm's Apartment
North of Union Station
Same time
Mac's eyes popped open. She heard the door knob jiggling. Sitting up, she
turned her head in the direction of the door. SHe knew that it was locked,
so when she heard it creak as it opened, she made a natural assumption.
"Harm?"
She was met only by silence. Then she heard heavy footsteps coming closer
and closer.
"Harm?"
He reached out and took her hand. A gesture Harm had been using to greet
her. He said nothing.
"Well? Did you meet with Webb"
That was when she heard his voice,
"No"
It was Harm's voice.
"But I thought..."
She was silenced by two fingers pressing lightly on her lips,
"Sshh"
Mac could feel his breath close to her face. She felt a chill run up and
down her spine like a gusty January wind.
His hands were on her hips, guiding her closer. Mac stiffened.
"Harm, what..."
His lips closed over hers swiftly and her question was lost in unexpected
kiss. Mac's hands went up his chest and she attempted to pull away.
His grip tightened.
"Harm!"
Mac jerked away. Something was wrong. Something was very wrong. She
stepped backwards and tripped over the coffee table. She lost her footing
and her rump hit the ground hard.
Mac shoved herself back on her hands and knees. This wasn't...couldn't be
Harm.
She could hear him. He moved closer to him. Mac moved her hands about
wildly searching for something...anything that she could grab onto.
She backed into the wall. Mac leaned on it and stood to her feet. The
kitchen. The drawer where Harm kept his weapon.
Mac was caught off guard when he grabbed her from behind. Swinging out her
leg, Mac heard him grunt as he fell back. Using the wall for a guide, Mac
swiftly made her way towards the kitchen.
She fumbled in the drawer. He was getting back up. Mac's Marine training
had taken over and now she was operating not off of fear but off of a need
to survive.
She felt the gun and slid her hand around the cool handle. Pulling it up
she leveled it.
Mac heard movement and swung the gun towards it. Mac backed away until she
felt the cabinet push into her back. She was in the kitchen back up against
the counter.
She listened. Nothing. No sound at all.
Outside....
Harm squealed the car to a stop and jumped out. He had tried to call but
the phone was off the hook.
He ran to the elevator and waited impatiently as it took him to his floor.
Harm stopped and listend. He heared nothing. There was no light shining
under the door. Turning the knob, he opened the door and stepped inside...
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Part 12
Harm's Apartment
North of Union Station
Mac's blood ran cold when she heard the door open again. She wasn't sure if
he was leaving or it someone else was coming. Then she heard the second set
of footprints.
"Mac?"
Mac turned her head towards the voice. That had to be Harm!
"Harm?"
Harm flipped on the light,
"Mac, what the..."
He couldn't even finsh the question. Her face was as white as a sheet and
in her slightly shaking hands, she held his gun.
"Harm"
"Mac, what is going on?"
"He's here"
Harm looked around the now brightly lit apartment. He focused on his open
window,
"He's gone"
He took the gun from Mac's hands and brushed the hair from her eyes,
"Are you alright"
"I thought he was you but it wasn't"
Her voice was slightly shaky but true to form she was maintaining control
over her emotions.
"I"m so sorry. It was a trap. It wasn't Webb"
"You mean he..."
"Tricked me and I walked right into it"
"Harm, you didn't know"
"No, but I should have"
Mac reached out and touched his arm gently,
"It's ok"
He glanced down at her and covered her hand with his own.
"I'm still sorry"
Harm walked over and shut and secured the window. He stared out it for a
moment before turning away.
Mac stood uneasily in the middle of the floor,
"Somehow I don't think I'm going to be able to sleep tonight"
Harm smiled,
"I know the feeling"
She laughed a little and the tense mood in the room lightened a bit.
Later...
Harm stared down at his sleeping partner whose head rested in his lap.
They'd stayed up talking both unadmittedly not wanting to be alone.
Finally, Mac had drifted off. Sleep still would not find Harm. Every time
his eyes closed, the least little sound made him come to full alert.
Harm's hand gently pushed a few strands of hair from Mac's face. With his
index finger he lightly traced the outline of her cheekbone.
Mac's head moved slightly and her eyes opened. Sadly enough, they still
could not focus on his face.
"Harm"
"Hmmm?"
"You're not asleep"
"I'm not tired"
"Liar"
Mac sat up and repositioned herself sitting next to him. Harm's eyes were
still focused on her face. Even at this hour and with all this strain, he
still thought she was gorgeous.
"What?"
Harm snapped from his gaze,
"Huh"
"You're quiet"
"Oh it's...nothing"
Harm reached up and brushed his palm against her cheek. Mac felt goosebumps
rise up on her skin at his touch.
Harm very slowly leaned against her shoulder. Mac felt his warm breath on
her neck, then she felt his kisses.
"Harm, I..."
She was silenced by his lips closing gently over hers. Her mind flashed
back to Palmer but Mac pushed those visions away. This kiss was different.
Harm was so gentle, so careful.
Harm was a little suprised when she reacted by kissing him back as fervently
as he was kissing her.
"Sarah"
He whispered her name against her cheek as he pushed her back onto the
couch...
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Part 13
Harm's Apartment
North of Union Station
4:30am
Harm rolled over and nearly rolled off the bed. Sitting up, his mind began
to whirl. He looked at the spot next to him and saw only empty wrinkled
sheet.
He ran his hand over the outline of where her body had lain. It was still
warm. Harm rolled off the bed shuffled towards the living room.
His breath caught in his throat. She was standing near the window. The
light from a full moon poured in. The bluish light reflected beautifully
off of Mac's dark hair and it made her skin take on an incadesent glow.
She heard him and turned her head,
"Harm?"
"Yeah, it's me"
"What are you doing?"
"Well I'm obviously not looking at the view"
Her voice was thick with bitter sarcasm.
"Mac, what's wrong"
He was now standing behind her. Harm started to pull her into her arms but
she pulled away as if his very touched burned her skin.
"Please don't"
"Don't what?"
"Don't make this more than it is"
"And what is it?"
"A mistake"
Harm's jaw dropped,
"Why do you think that it's a mistake"
She smiled slightly,
"I'm not stupid, Harm"
"NO one said you were"
"You don't have to feel as though I need you to look after me. I can take
care of myself"
"I know that. And I don't feel like I have to do anything. I wanted what
happened to happen"
Mac shook her head,
"Please don't say that"
"Why? Are you so afraid of love and being with someone"
"Love? Harm, I will not let you throw away your life on me. I won't allow
it"
Harm was dumbfounded,
"What exactly is that supposed to mean"
"You don't need to be with someone who can't even see how to get around
alone, yo..."
"First of all..."
Harm's voice was more forceful than usual,
"It wouldn't be throwing my life away. Secondly, where do you get off
telling me I can't love you. It's too late..."
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Part 14
Harm's Apartment
North of Union Station
The Next Morning
Harm watched her from the hallway. Mac had spent the rest of the night
after his admission sitting on the couch in her own private world of
blackness.
He now stood, fully dressed waiting for some kind of a reaction. She had
asked for time, he was giving her time.
Hotel
Washington D.C.
Clark Palmer smiled at his own reflection. He had them scared now. He had
penetrated thier haven. He knew Rabb wanted to kill him. He knew how Rabb
felt about his partner.
Now he had pushed them into a wall. They had to react. And when they did,
he would be ready.
Harm's Apartment
North of Union Station
"Are you ever gonna talk to me again"
Mac set down her coffee cup.
"I need a favor"
"What's that?"
"I need you to read me the classifieds for apartment rentals"
Harm felt his heart drop,
"Mac...this is a bad time for your independent streak to kick in"
"Harm, it's time for both of us to face reality. I may not get my sight
back. I can't stay here for ever"
"You can't go anywhere until we catch Palmer"
"Oh..I can't"
"You know what I mean. Mac, I could have the Admiral..."
Mac held up her hands as if in surrender,
"Harm, I'm only looking. No matter how this turns out, sight or no sight,
I've got to have a place to live"
Harm grumbled something about stubborness under his breath as he left the
room in search of the morning paper.
Mac felt for the table to stabilize herself as she stood to go and shower.
A piercing pain cut it's way through her head and sent her reeling.
The coffee cups slipped from her fingers and crashed and splintered to the
floor. Harm came rushing out of the bathroom,
"What the...Mac!"
She was on her knees clutching at her head as if it were in unbearable pain.
Tears were streaming down her face.
"Mac? Mac!"
She managed to look up at him, fear flooding her eyes. Harm grabbed for his
car keys and pulled Mac to her feet. In one swift movement, he lifted her
off the ground and down to the car. He began the drive to the hospital...
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Part 15
Hospital
Washington D.C.
"Can't you give her something for the pain?"
Harm looked at his partner. Her face told the story and he could read it
like a book.
The doctor shook his head,
"I don't want to give her anything until we're sure of what is wrong.
They're coming to get her now to take her for some tests"
"What kind of tests"
"Tests to find out what is making her head hurt the way it so that we can
alleviate her pain and her problem"
As if on cue, two orderlies arrived with a stretcher. They moved Mac to it
from her temporary bed and rolled her off leaving Harm alone waiting and
wondering.
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
"Have you heard anything else from Cmdr. Rabb"
Lt.(jg) Harriet Sims shook her head,
"No, sir, nothing"
Admiral Chegwidden glanced at the clock,
"Lt. Sims, please go down to the hospital and try and get us an update on
the Major's condition."
That was what Harriet had hoped he would say,
"Yes, sir!"
Hospital
Washington D.C.
"Cmdr. Rabb"
Harm looked up to see the doctor standing over him,
"Yes?"
Harm all but jumped out of his seat,
"Calm down, son"
"The swelling is going down. The pain was caused by the pressure being
lifted and the eyes readjusting to the sensation"
Harm wrinkled his brow,
"Can she see?"
"No, not yet. This kind of thing takes time and there may be some damage to
her eyes. There's no guarantee that she will regain her sight. She may not
get all of it back either"
Harm let out a deep sigh,
"We've bandaged her eyes in case sight does return. That would be too
overwhelming. It's better to keep them covered for a day or so and then
take them off with a physician present to keep her calm."
"Can I see her?"
"Yes, but I warn you, she's been given medication for the pain so she's...a
little disoriented"
Harm nodded and walked to the room the doctor directed him too. She was
laying in bed. There were heavy bandages over both eyes blocking any
indication of whether or not she was sleeping,
"Mac"
His voice was gentle, calm. She turned her face in his direction,
"Harm, you didnt' have to come here"
Harm sat on the side of the bed,
"I was worried about you. The doctor told me what's going on"
Mac nodded slowly,
"My eyes could be ruined for good. Harm, what will I do if I can't see"
Her voice was weak, her emotional state he acredited to the meds pumping
through her system.
"We'll worry about that if it comes to that. Take it one step at a time,
Marine"
"We?"
"You don't think I'm going to let you go through this alone do you?"
"Harm, why are you so good to me? I don't deserve it"
"You deserve the world and besides I..."
Harm's voice faltered. He didn't want to burden her with anymore emotional
worries right now. She was in no condition.
"...I worry about you."
He arranged the sheet around her shoulders,
"Now you, missie, go to sleep and get some rest. I'll be back later"
Bending over he planted a soft kiss on her warm, moist forehead and smiled
as he walked away.
As he walked out, a fierce anger came over him. This wasn't fair. She had
done nothing to deserve this and Clark Palmer had done it to get to him.
He hated that man. He wanted to kill that man...
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Part 16
Harm's Apartment
North of Union Station
That night
Harm sat in his apartment. Only one lamp was lit. He was staring blankly
at the window. Suddenly, he snapped from his deep, thoughtful stare and
stood up.
He walked over to his counter and opened the drawer. Pulling out his weapon
he set it on the counter and looked at it.
His mind drifted...
...his apartment a year and a half year and a half ago. He was tied to a
chair while he listened to Palmer go on and on about how good he was at what
he did...kill people.
...the time Webb faked his own death and Harm had found him, then Palmer
arrived. He had tried to kill them both. He had threatened to kill Jordan.
...the cruelest trick of all just months earlier when he had made Harm
believe that his father was in some form watching him, talking to him.
But nothing compared to this. Nothing infuriated him so much as to what
that bastard had done to Mac.
Harm reached back into the drawer and pulled out the box of clips. He
loaded the gun and set it back on the table.
He hoped that Palmer would show up. This was going to be the last time, he
messed with Harm...
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Part 17
Harm's Apartment
North of Union Station
That Night
Harm lay idly in bed. He really wanted to be at the hospital with Mac but
with all this sudden developments with her eyes, he wanted to be sure she
was getting plenty of rest which meant him not being there hovering.
He stared at the clock which now read 2:34 and smiled because he knew Mac
would have been able to tell him even the second.
Thinking of Mac made him smile. Rolling over, he leaned on one arm and
reached into his nightstand. Shuffling through various papers and other odd
items, he pulled out a small album.
Harm propped himself up on the pillow and flipped open the pages. The album
held a variety of pictures including some snapshots of his father and
grandmother. But tonight he wasn't interested in those.
He flipped to the back page. There is was. A picture of him and Mac at Bud
and Harriets wedding. He couldn't even remember who had taken it but they
wanted a shot of the best man and the maid of honor.
They were standing outside in the bright sunlight that reflected beautifully
off of Mac's dark head and seemed to even further illuminate her smile.
His arm was casually draped over her shoulders and her arm was around his
waist. It was just a quick pose but it had seemed like the most natural fit
in the world.
Closing the book he placed it back in the drawer and rolled off the bed.
Pulling on a long sleeved shirt and a pair of jeans, Harm quickly donned his
shoes.
Sleep was not coming. He'd go for a ride. Maybe that'd relax him.
Hospital
Washington D.C.
The door opened slowly. The eyes looked into the room. The covers were
pulled all the way up to her neck and the only motion was the slight rise
and fall of her chest as she slept soundly.
He crept into the room and stood over her. A smile crossed his lips. This
was far to easy...
Harm's Apartment
North of Union Station
An hour Later
Harm knew something was wrong the minute he opened the door and it wasn't
locked. He grabbed his weapon and walked carefully through the apartment.
Whoever had been here was gone now.
He noticed the drawer in his bedroom was open. The photo album was sticking
out.
Grabbing he flipped through the pages searching. On the last page was the
picture only Mac's half was torn off. Harm stood his arm around nothing...
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Part 18
Hospital
Washington D.C.
That Night
Harm's shoes squeaked as he ran down the hall of the otherwise quiet and
peaceful hospital. When he reached Mac's room, he knew something was wrong.
There was already a doctor, a nurse, and a security guard.
Harm stopped catching his breath,
"Where is she?"
"We don't know, Cmdr. The nurse came to check and she was gone. Security
is questioning everyone on this floor and near all the exits but so far
nothing"
Harm leaned against the wall,
"You won't find him"
The security guard looked over at him,
"Do you know who did this"
Harm nodded and walked away ignoring any farther comments. There was
nothing they could do. The ball was in Clark Palmer's court.
Harm's Apartment
North of Union Station
"I got here as fast I as could"
"Thanks, Webb"
Clayton Webb felt sorry for the man that stood before him. He looked like
he was about to become physically ill right here in the living room.
"Listen, Clay, I don't want a lot of people involved in this. You know how
Palmer is. Cops get after him and they'll both disappear. He's playing a
game with me and we've got to play along"\
Harm spoke freely with the comfort of knowing that Webb had already searched
the room for bugs the way the room in Iran had been swept.
"We'll get her back, Harm, and we'll take down Clark Palmer"
"I would rather kill Clark Palmer"
"It may very well come down to that knowing him"
Silence hung in the room as the two men waited. They knew he would call and
as much as each of them hated it, right now, they had to play it Palmer's
way.
Mac's life depended on it...
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Part 19
Harm's Apartment
North of Union Station
The phone rang! Both Clay and Harm were suddenly on full alert. Harm
placed his hand over the phone. Taking a deep breath he picked it up,
"Hello"
He could barely choke out the words.
"Rabb, I figured you'd pick up on the first ring"
"What do you want"
"To get reacquainted with an old friend. Besides, there's someone else here
who I think you'll want to see"
"If you touch her..."
"I won't...for now. Not until you get here anyway. We're waiting for you."
"Where?"
"The shipyards of course"
The line went dead.
Harm grabbed his keys,
"The Naval Shipyards in Norfolk, Clay. We can't afford to involve any of
your friends"
Webb nodded,
"You go, I'll get the Admiral. He'll help us"
Harm was already gone.
Naval Shipyards
Norfolk, VA
Mac listened intently to the sounds around her. She had a pretty good idea
of where she was based on the noises of the water and the length of the
ride.
The bandages were still tightly wrapped over her eyes and Palmer had her
tied with her back up against the wall. Her feet were bound as well.
Mac heard footsteps clinging over the floor.
Harm stepped cautiously onto the ship. His gun was drawn and his senses on
overdrive as he made his way down the darkened hallway.
He saw and open doorway. Looking carefully through, he could see Mac. She
must've heard him as her head turned toward the sound of his feet.
"Mac"
His voice was barely above a whisper but she heard him. She made no reply
but a calm seemed to wash over her face. It was a short-lived calm.
Mac heard a grunt, a slight laugh, and a body drop to the floor...
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Part 20
Naval Shipyards
Norfolk, Virginia
Harm's head was pounding. So was his heart. He managed to force his eyes
open despite the urge to slide back into darkness. He shook his head
slightly trying to clear it.
He waited briefly as his eyes adjusted to the dimness of the poorly llit
room.
His gaze found Mac. He was unable to see her eyes and she sat very still.
Her head was leaning up against the wall. Harm's first thought was that she
was unconscious.
His eyes searched harder looking for Palmer. The room was quiet and empty.
They were alone.
"Mac?"
Her head came upright,
"Harm! YOu ok?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. You?"
"Ok"
"How long have I been out?"
"1 hour and 34 minutes"
"Do you know where Palmer went?"
"No. He just left"
"Can you move, Mac?"
"He's got these ropes tied pretty tight, Harm. I've been working on them but
I haven't made too much progress"
Harm pulled at his own bound hands,
"Tight they are"
Harm quickly fell silent at the sound of footsteps coming closer and closer
from the outside. The door opened and Clark Palmer walked in.
He surveyed the two officers and smiled at Harm,
"Glad to see you're awake, Rabb. Sure knocked you out good. Have a nice
nap?"
Harm chose not to answer. He only gave Palmer a cold stare. This only
widened Clark's smile.
"How you feeling over there, Major?"
Mac's head cocked at the sound of his voice but she too chose to remain
silent.
Palmer pulled a bag from inside of his jacket and made his way over to a
chair. Sitting down he pulled out a wrapper that was obviously from a deli.
As he unwrapped it, the smell of fresh bread and turkey came to both of the
officers reminding both of them that it had been a while since thier last
meal.
Palmer proceeded to eat the sandwich slowly almost as if he were trying to
make them hungrier than he knew they had to be. Finally he finished.
"Well, that was filling. So how are you two feeling?"
He laughed,
"You look a little hungry"
"Go to hell"
This remark came from Harm. Palmer turned his gaze on Harm,
"You'll regret that remark, Cmdr. Rabb. Believe me you will"
Getting up he reached for a bag. From it he pulled a gun...a smile
spreading over his hate filled face...
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Part 21
Naval Shipyards
Norfolk, Virginia
Harm stiffened when he saw Palmer's hand around the gun. All fell silent.
Mac was unsure of what was happening. She heard Palmer's oddly calm voice
shatter the silence,
"So, Cmdr. Rabb, you're awfully quiet now. Don't want her to die do you.
Like Lt. Shonke?"
Mac felt her blood run cold. She knew exactly what expression was on Harm's
face. Pure, intense hatred.
"You son-of-a..."
He stopped short. Mac felt the gun against her head pressing painfully into
her temple. Mac's breath caught in her throat as she waited.
Palmer released her head and walked away. Mac heard Harm let out a deep
sigh.
"You don't have the nerve to kill me, Palmer. You just like to scare
people"
She knew what he was doing. Getting Palmer's attention off of her. Mac
took advantage of Palmer's preoccupation with Harm. She leaned her head
back on the wall and began to slide it up and down as if she was nodding.
Palmer hauled Harm up off the floor and put the gun to his face,
"You don't think I have the nerve?"
He dropped Harm back to the floor,
"But you are right, Cmdr., I do li..."
"Don't move"
Palmer looked towards the door. Mac stopped what she was doing, she knew
that voice,
"Clayton Webb"
Palmer lingered on every syllable. There was a smug undertone to his voice.
"Put down the gun or I'll kill you now"
"You'll kill me"
There was a slight mocking tone in Palmer's voice.
Mac continued her work.
Palmer pointed his gun at Harm,
"You shoot me and before I die I shoot him"
Webb looked from Harm back to Palmer,
"I'd risk the lives of a thousand people to take you down"
Palmer smiled at Harm,
"Well you know where you stand now with him, huh, Rabb"
Harm looked away.
"I mean it Palmer! Put it down"
Palmer made no move to lower his gun. He simply smiled.
"What is so damn funny?"
"This whole situation. It reminds of the last time the three of us were
together on a ship. If I recall correctly, I won that time too"
"You're not gonna win this time"
Palmer's smile only widened,
"Oh I beg to differ. You see I always come prepared."
Palmer walked over to the table. Reaching into the bag he pulled out what
was unmistakably a bomb. A bomb with a timer.
"You see, I'll kill you all and myself if that's what it comes to Webb so I
really think that you'd better drop the gun"
Webb looked from Palmer to Harm and placed his gun on the floor.
"Now slide it that way"
Webb gave the gun a shove. Mac heard it slide across the floor and stop
against the wall.
Finally the bangages slipped off of her eyes and fell down around her neck.
Mac was met with a piercing pain slicing through her head as what little
light there was poured into her eyes.
Mac squinted against the pain but forced her eyes to open. She could see!
It was vague though. All she could make out was the three figures. She
couldnt' distinguish one face from the other.
Mac twisted her arms. She had been rubbing the ropes against the wall as
she was her bandages and it had weakend the ropes. Pain filled her wrists
as she managed to jerk one out.
Mac ingnored the fact that both of hands raw and bleeding. She rubbed at
her eyes fiercely hoping her vision would clear up. She could see Palmer
walking towards Webb.
She looked in the direction of the gun. She could must make it out. Mac
looked back towards the men. She was starting to feel dizzy from the pain
in her head. She would have to move quick. Palmer would notice such a
large movement. She'd have to fire on him before he could fire on her or
worse yet set off the bomb.
Mac felt the adrenaline begin pumping through her as she gathered herself
for the action...
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Part 22
Naval Shipyards
Norfolk, Virginia
Palmer raised the gun at Webb,
"I should have done this a long time ago. If I had just eliminated
you...I'd have had a lot less problems"
Clay stared at Palmer stone faced. Years in the Agency had prepared him for
this moment and he would not give this man the satifsction of seeing him beg
now. He would take it like a true Agent.
Harm felt himself growing nauseous. As soon as he killed Webb, his most
likely target would be Mac. He could not stomach the idea of watching
someone hurt his partner...his friend. His eyes remained fixed on Webb's
solid expression. He was giving Palmer nothing.
Mac closed her eyes and opened them again. The pain was pulsing in her
head. She had to hold out long enough to do this. He was going to kill
Clay.
Mac wiped her sweaty palms on her jeans and gathered herself. Palmer aimed
the gun at Webb and smiled.
Now!
Mac slid across the floor. Her hand found the gun. The sudden movement
startled Palmer. He wheeled on Mac suprise masked his usually calm face.
He fired twice. Mac felt a bullet grace her side. Raising the gun she
fired. Her eyes cleared just enough for her to get one true shot that sent
Clark Palmer crumpling to the ground.
Webb was on him in seconds. He retrieved the gun and felt Palmer's neck.
"He's dead"
The reason was as obvious as the red stain that was spreading over Palmer's
shirt.
Mac lay up against the wall breathing heavily. Her feet were still bound
preventing her from standing. Webb slid over and quickly untied Harm. He
was at Mac's side in seconds. Unbinding her feet he helped her to her feet.
Harm felt something warm and wet on his hand. He glanced down at it.
"Mac! You're bleeding"
Mac looked at her side. Her knees buckled. Harm quickly lifted her off the
floor as he and Webb ran off the ship...
Hospital
Washington D.C.
"How you feeling, Marine?"
Mac smiled up at her partner,
"Good."
"Lucky from what I hear. Doctor said if that bullet had hit a few inches to
the side and we'd be at a funeral right now"
Mac shook her head,
"It just grazed me, Harm"
He smiled back,
"Well anyway, I owe you one, Mac. Thanks. Clay too. He said thank you but
you know he's not gonna show up here and tell you that so I'm doing it for
him"
Mac nodded,
"I know, Harm. I know"
Harm sat on the edge of the bed. Mac's eyes met his. They held a more
serious tone this time,
"He's dead, Harm"
"Yes he is"
She nodded as if she had needed the extra confirmation. She looked away.
Harm reached up and touched her eyes,
"Got your sight back"
Mac closed her hand over his,
"You never stopped believing in me, Harm"
He smiled,
"It was nothing"
Her fingers wound tightly through his.
"Yeah, Harm. It was."
"Does that make us even?"
Mac thought and smiled,
"Yeah I think so"
The End