Snapping the latch shut on his briefcase, Harmon Rabb Jr. turned to his opposing counsel.
“I’m still willing to talk deal.” Harm had delivered another exemplary oration in his closing arguments, but wasn’t really confident that he’d succeeded in convincing the jury.
“Not this time. My client is innocent and we’re going to wait for the verdict.” Colonel Sarah MacKenzie shook her head as she followed Harm out of the courtroom.
“You have a flimsy case, built strictly on circumstantial evidence and you know it.” Mac began as she and Harm walked through the bullpen.
“Colonel, Commander.” Petty Officer Jennifer Coates interrupted at first sight of her superior officers.
“The Admiral wants to see you in his office.” Extending her hands, “Let me take those for you sir, ma’am, I believe he’s in a hurry.”
Recognizing that look of ‘don’t mess with the Admiral today’, Harm and Mac handed Jennifer their briefcases and headed directly to the Admiral’s office.
Finding the door wide open, Harm knocked lightly on the frame. Admiral Chegwidden had been standing by the window when he heard the knock.
“Enter.”
“You wanted to see us, sir.” Harm and Mac stood at attention.
“Be seated.” The admiral sat down as well.
“People, a situation has been brought to my attention. It appears one of the Sec Nav’s friends has recently taken early retirement. This officer still had a bright future ahead of him.”
Harm and Mac sat patiently waiting for the balance of information.
“Apparently, this officer has confided in the Sec Nav as a friend that he is being blackmailed. There are some suggestions of impropriety that would have devastating affects on his marriage as well as his career. He has implied there are other officers who are facing similar situations, some choosing to pay, others choosing to retire as he has. None, however, are willing to come forward officially to stop the blackmailer.”
The admiral paused to consider his officers and what he had to say next. “I’m sure you’re aware that scuttlebutt has a way of making rounds in Washington regardless of whether or not there’s any factual basis.”
“Yes, sir.” The two chorused.
The Admiral nodded his head. “Good, then what I have to say will not come as a total surprise to you.”
Harm and Mac glanced at each other sideways in silent communication. This wasn’t sounding good.
“The Sec Nav seems to think the two of you are the best ones to handle this case, he insists on it. His idea is to set a trap for the blackmailer or blackmailers. Due to the long standing working relationship you have, and the many years of scuttlebutt that have come from a misunderstanding of that relationship, he feels the two of you could easily become the next target.”
“Sir?” Harm asked.
The admiral walked around to the front of the two officers, and leaned back against his desk.
“He wants you to give the impression of impropriety,” sighing heavily, “fraternization in particular.”
“Excuse me, sir. I think I’m missing something here.” Mac spoke, concern evident in her voice. Posing as Webb’s pregnant wife was one thing, but cozying up to Harm was definitely playing with fire.
“Colonel, surely you must be aware that half of Washington has suspected something inappropriate between you and the Commander for years. Lindsey’s report to the Sec Nav last year practically came right out and accused you of it.”
Mac’s mind flashed instantly to the night in McMurphy’s many moons ago when Carolyn Imes had refused to believe that she and Harm had never, well never.
“Obviously, because of your ranks you can not be charged with fraternization, but none the less, two officers having an illicit affair under the same command can be considered detrimental to good order and discipline and is most definitely frowned upon.” The Admiral took a deep breath.
“Since we have no leads as to who the source of this problem might be, it could take an enormous amount of time before questionable conduct among any other officers would reach the attention of our alleged blackmailer. With the help of some minor changes in behavior and a few ‘slips’ from well placed friends, confirmation of your relationship would be scuttlebutt all over Washington within hours.”
“You’re thinking my history with the article 32 and the admiral's mast will make me an excellent target. Both for believability, as well as another mark on my record could scuttle my career.” Mac was beginning to agree the Sec Nav might be right. It wouldn't be a stretch for someone to think if she'd had an affair with an officer before, why not again.
The Admiral nodded his head.
“Sir, exactly who would these well placed friends be?” Harm asked, not completely convinced this was such a good idea. He also knew playing house with Mac could prove to be more than he could handle.
“Mostly your closest friends. Lt. Roberts and Sims, Commander Turner,
Senator Latham, and Petty Officer Coates.”
“Harriet would definitely be good for this type of operation, sir.” This was the first thing Harm had found amusing since he and Mac came into the office.
“Lt. Roberts will quietly dig around the Sec Nav’s friend, Captain DeNicholo. Hopefully he will come up with something more substantial for us. In the meantime, I want to make something clear. I’m not asking for blatant conduct unbecoming. This needs to appear as though your relationship has not changed. Any behavior has to appear as accidental confirmation of long time suspicions.”
“Sir, is all this really necessary?” Mac asked.
“Colonel, we simply do not know how far reaching this situation is. With only hearsay from one source, we have no way of knowing how high ranking the other victims are, or more important still, if money isn’t the only thing these people are interested in. I realize this is asking a great deal of you and the Commander, for personal, as well as professional reasons. I can’t promise you there won’t be long term effects on the rumor mill. I can, however, guarantee you this will not in anyway affect your official records.”
“Yes, sir. Understood.” Mac relented. The admiral was right, as long as there was even the slightest of chances that high ranking officers could be trading top secret information to hide past or present indiscretions, it was her duty to do what ever she could to stop it.
“I will leave it up to you to decide how to proceed with this assignment. Dismissed.”
“Aye, aye.” Harm and Mac turned on their heels to leave. Both flabbergasted beyond words, wondering how they were going to handle what they’d just gotten themselves into.
The absurdity of this entire situation was beginning to give AJ a major headache. He knew how these two felt about each other and wasn’t sure if this was exactly the kick in the pants they needed to finally come to their senses or if it would be the straw that broke the camels back and would end the relationship once and for all.
Following Mac into her office and closing the door behind them, Harm took a seat in front of Mac’s desk.
“Any ideas how we’re going to go about this?” Mac asked, leaning back against her chair.
Rubbing his hands through his hair quickly. “No, how about you?” Harm asked leaning forward.
“Well the Admiral doesn’t want this to appear obvious, so at least that eliminates checking into a sleazy motel.” Mac almost cracked a smile.
Harm looked up at Mac, a sliver of an idea forming.
Mac noticed the odd gleam in his eye. “What are you thinking?”
“The Admiral said we couldn’t outright change our behavior because it needed to appear that this is something that has been going on all along. It’s critical our behavior appear to be a casual slip. Right?”
Mac nodded her head waiting for him to go on.
“If we were to start spending the night at each other’s apartment, or kissing publicly in some out of the way restaurants, or occasionally hold hands discreetly someplace in uniform, all of those things would be out of character for the way we’ve behaved over the last eight years.”
“I would think that’s pretty obvious, we haven’t been having an affair all these years.” Mac couldn’t see where Harm was going with this.
“Exactly, anything we try under normal circumstances would look suspicious to an intelligent person and it’s best not to underestimate this blackmailer from the start. Now, don’t say no until you hear me out.” Harm waited for Mac to agree before continuing.
“What if we pretend you’ve gotten pregnant? Intelligent, mature, educated people get pregnant accidentally all the time. No birth control is guaranteed to work 100% of the time. It would force us to behave differently and certainly would provide new ammunition for the rumor mill.”
Mac sat there, her eyebrows touching the ceiling, her jaw kissing the floor. The man had lost his mind.
Harm could tell this wasn’t going over well, but at least she wasn’t screaming no.
“Think about it Mac, an unplanned pregnancy among two officers having an affair definitely constitutes a slip up.”
Mac had to admit this most certainly would count as a slip up. To be more precise, the mother of all slip ups.
“Lets, for just a minute, say I agree with you. Exactly what do you have in mind?” Mac’s mind flashed to those horrible weeks in Paraguay wearing that horrendously uncomfortable and heavy maternity suit.
“Well, we’d probably have to talk to Harriet, but you could fake some of the symptoms. Pretend you’re ill and go to the ladies room. People are always quick to assume the worst.”
A small grin began to grow out of the corner of her mouth. “I suppose your going with me to the gynecologist would raise a few eyebrows.” The grin was now full blown.
Harm had to pick his jaw up off the floor. Payback was payback. “Could be.” He grinned.
“Is it a plan then?” Harm asked timidly.
“How about this, let’s invite Bud and Harriet over to my place tonight and we can discuss it with them. If Harriet can come up with some good ideas, and I don’t have to wear another suit, yeah, maybe this idea could work.”
Mac’s
apartment
Georgetown
Later that evening
“Wow, how long has this been going on?” Harriet asked astonished.
“That’s part of the problem. No one knows. We’re all going into this rather blindly.” Harm answered.
“I even called Clay to see if the company had any info that might help us out. No wind of any blackmailing rings involving officers is blowing at Langley.” Mac added.
“You called Webb?” Harm questioned, rather sternly.
“You’re just upset you didn’t think of it first.”
“No, but at least we know everyone at Langley is on the same page. Harm smiled innocently at Mac.
“Catherine?”
“Catherine.” He nodded.
Bud and Harriet looked at each other confused as to what their superiors found so amusing.
“It looks like it’s up to you Bud, we’ll need you to keep us posted on any new info you’re able to get from Captain DeNicholo.” Harm informed Bud, his lips pressed tightly at the seriousness of the situation.
“That could be a while. I made some preliminary phone calls as soon as the Admiral gave me the assignment. DeNicholo was definitely on the right track career wise. Rumor has it he was on the short list for Military Liaison to Homeland Security. There also seems to be some scuttlebutt before he retired regarding himself and a female other than his wife. Unfortunately, the good Captain and his family are on a cruise. I won’t be able to talk to him and confirm anything for at least another week.” Bud sighed, silently requesting his friend’s understanding.
“In that case, let’s get down to business.” Harriet began. “There are a couple of things you could do right away that will eventually create suspicion. Firstly, you need to start using the ladies room more often. By the time any woman is nine months pregnant, she is intimately familiar with every restroom in a 500 mile radius.”
Mac looked at Harriet curiously. “I never noticed you using the restroom that often.”
“You’re not a busy body. Besides, don’t you remember that Saturday we went antiqueing outside of town when I was pregnant with AJ and you found it amusing that the first thing I did at every location was ask where the bathroom was just in case?”
“I’d forgotten about that.” Mac smiled, wondering if this might just work.
“If you change some eating habit, that would help. Stop eating burgers and start eating salads, or maybe stop drinking coffee and drink tea. There are two sides to the eating change. One is pregnant women try to avoid certain things, like caffeine. The other is, pregnancy often turns you off of an old favorite food or onto another. I crave mint sauce when I’m pregnant.” Harriet shrugged.
“If you walk into the break room and someone is heating up something smelly, put your hand on your stomach and act nauseous excusing yourself from the room. That will send rumors flying so fast, you’ll find yourself home nursing triplets before you know it.” Harriet paused scanning her memory banks for more symptoms.
“You can help too, sir.” Bud interjected. “Start doing more for the Colonel.” Noting Harm’s confused expression Bud went into more detail.
“Don’t let her carry anything heavy. Even something light like her briefcase. Offer to get her food all the time. Bring her tea or juice without her asking. Offer her a chair, or suggest shouldn’t she be resting when you see her standing.” Bud paused to think of more possibilities.
“You’re trying to get me killed aren’t you?” Harm teased.
“No, sir.” Bud chuckled, understanding full well that as a marine, Mac didn’t take well to being coddled.
“Sir, it shouldn’t be that hard for you. Try to convince yourself that the Colonel really is pregnant. Then just do what comes naturally, the same way you did things for me.” Harriet pointed out. “Remember, every time you saw me carrying a stack of files, you’d pull them away from me and ask, “should you be carrying those?” Harriet smiled at the recollection.
The rest of the evening was spent mapping out the details of the change in Mac and Harm’s behavior as well as opportunities for the insiders to encourage the rumors. Quietly Harm and Mac wondered to themselves, what had they gotten into?
JAG
headquarters
The following week
Mac had been the first to start her assignment. She was sneaking at least 64 ounces of water in an 8 hour time period to ensure frequently needing to use the ladies room. Mac had also made it a point to be in the break room often during lunch, turning her nose up at the smell of food whenever possible. After only one week the rumor mill had begun buzzing.
Taking advantage of the unusually warm spring day, Mac and Harriet sat at an isolated table out on the patio enjoying lunch together for the first time since the plan had been put into operation.
“I haven’t heard anyone suggest anything specific yet, but when I was in the ladies room yesterday, I overheard Petty Officers Jennings and Maroney chatting about how odd your behavior has been and wondering what could be causing it.” Satisfied with her report, Harriet leaned back in the chair.
“I thought I’d noticed a few people stop talking as I get closer.” Mac commented. “I wasn’t sure if maybe I was being paranoid. I guess not.”
“It’s probably time to move on to the food changes, and soon have Harm start doting.” Harriet picked up her sandwich to take a bite.
“I hope this doesn’t take too long.” Mac took a sip of her drink, her frustration showing already.
“Look on the bright side, if this were real, you’d have at least eight more months ahead of you.” Harriet giggled merrily.
“Gee, thanks.” Mac snorted. Deep down she couldn’t help being reminded about their deal. As much as she complained, she’d like nothing more than to be expecting a baby with Harm. Absentmindedly, her hand dropped to her stomach. Both she and Harriet were unaware of the prying eyes not far away.
“Have you and the Commander come up with any other ideas to help this along?” Harriet took a bite of her lunch.
“Not really, Harm and I have had dinner together every night except Tuesday at either his place or mine.” Mac paused to roll her eyes. “God, that sounds like such a tired cliché.” She and Harriet giggled quietly.
“We’ve made it a point to leave really late, but who knows if it’ll make any difference yet. We’re pretty much just playing it by ear, depending on how the rumor mill works out. I think you’re visit with Bobbi will be the next catalyst.” Mac shrugged.
The two women finished their lunch while Harriet entertained Mac with more maternity stories to hopefully help Mac ‘feel’ the part.
Senator
Latham’s office
Washington DC
Next day
“Marge, have I gotten that background info yet on the next USO tour?” Bobbi Latham carefully inquired through the intercom.
“Yes, ma’am. A Lt. Harriet Sims is waiting for you now.” Marge replied. She’d wondered for several days how her boss got roped into doing PR for the USO. Whatever the reason, there was bound to be a crusade to be won somewhere.
“Great, send her in.” Bobbi stood at her desk as Harriet closed the door behind her and made herself comfortable in one of the large chairs.
“Do you really think this will work, ma’am?” Harriet shifted in her seat.
“Trust me, Harriet. Marge is the biggest blabbermouth on the hill. If we want scuttlebutt to start churning from both ends of the city, Marge is the one to start it.”
“If you say so.” Harriet wasn’t convinced, but she was willing to try.
“I think five more minutes and we should be ready to start. You know what to do right?” Bobbi kept her eyes on her wristwatch.
“Ready when you are.”
Waiting the suggested five minutes, Bobbi hit the key on her intercom. “Marge, come in here, please.”
Paying careful attention to the office door, Harriet waited until the precise moment she saw the doorknob begin to turn.
“They’ve been so careful all these years. I can’t imagine what this will do to their careers if it’s true.” Harriet tried to look serious.
As Marge made her way to the desk, Bobbie held up her hand to Harriet feigning the need for privacy.
“Marge, I need you to get me everything you can on Commander Harmon Rabb Jr. and Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie. Both official and off the record, and keep this on the QT.” Bobbi knew full well, that last request alone would spark Marge’s curiosity if nothing else had.
“Right away, Senator.” Marge turned quickly, wondering if the scuttlebutt for all these years had finally come to a head.
Once the door was closed. “I think we got her. I’d recognize that stalking cat look from a mile away. She’ll find out what you’re talking about and all of Washington will know within the week.” Bobbi smiled, satisfied with their plan.
“I certainly hope so. The Colonel is already tired of playing pregnant. If she has to wear another one of those suits, none of us may survive this.” Harriet chuckled, only partly teasing.
“YOU hope this is over soon? Not that I don’t want to help, but I have too much on my plate already. If this whole thing isn’t settled quickly, you’re looking at the new Congressional Liaison for the USO.” Bobbi laughed, shaking her head.
Few
days later
JAG ops
Harm was coming out of Mac’s office. He had been looking for her for over 15 minutes when a panicked Petty Officer O’Reilly practically knocked him over rushing to her office.
“Whoa, slow down Petty Officer.” Harm admonished, momentarily forgetting about his search for Mac.
“Sorry, sir. It’s just that Colonel MacKenzie is 10 minutes late for court and Admiral Morris is about to eat everyone alive if we don’t find her, sir.” Standing at attention, the Petty Officer’s eyes darted towards Mac’s office.
“Carry on, Petty Officer.” Harm nodded, fear instantly erupting. Glancing around the bullpen, Harm turned towards the Admiral’s office just as Coates came around the corner.
“Sir, do you know where the Colonel may have gone?” Jen asked, barely slowing down.
“I was just coming to ask you the same thing.” This wasn’t like Mac. She was never late for court, unless…
“Jennifer you check the cafeteria, I’ll check the law library.” Looking over, Harm called across the bullpen to Harriet. “Lt. Sims.”
Harriet recognized the look in Harm’s eyes. Something was wrong. Hurrying to his side, “yes, sir.”
“Check and see if Mac is in the ladies room. She’s late for court.” Harm didn’t need to say anything else. Harriet knew as well as anyone, Mac was never late for court.
Harriet raced to the ladies room. A wave of dread had spread across the bullpen in minutes. Personnel were scattering around the building checking all the likely, and unlikely, places the Colonel might be.
Shoving the heavy door open, Harriet came to an abrupt stop at the sight before her. ‘Oh, this is too good to be true.’ She thought.
Popping her head out the door, she called down the hall. “I found her, someone get Commander Rabb.”
Normally Harriet would never have sent for Harm just yet but she couldn’t let the opportunity slip by. Turning to her friend, draped across the floor, wearily embracing the commode, Harriet grabbed some paper towels and ran them under the cold water.
Stepping up to the stall Mac was in, “what’s this?”
Before Mac could answer, another bout of nausea struck and she lost what little else was left in her stomach.
Ensign Smith entered the ladies room to tell Harriet that Harm was on his way from the law library just in time to hear the wretched sounds coming from Mac’s stall. Cringing slightly at the sound, “The Commander will be here momentarily, ma’am.”
“Thank you Ensign. Better have someone tell Admiral Morris the Colonel will not be able to make it today.” Harriet ordered, delighted to have a witness to Mac’s miserable condition.
“I know marines are supposed to be gung ho, ma’am. But don’t you think this is carrying an assignment a bit too far?” Harriet grinned.
“I know marines are supposed to be gung ho, ma’am. But don’t you think this is carrying an assignment a bit too far?” Harriet grinned.
“Harriet, if I didn’t love you so much, I’d deck you for that comment.” Mac let out a deep sigh.
“What’s wrong, Mac?”
“I must have the flu. I was a little tired this morning and didn’t feel like breakfast. I barely made it into the ladies room once my stomach started doing summersaults. Every time I think I can get up and leave, everything comes up again.” Mac had been vomiting off and on for almost an hour, her stomach ached and she was exhausted.
Harm tapped lightly on the door before peering in. “Is the coast clear?”
“Yes, sir. Come on in.” Harriet called. “You’re partner here has impeccable timing. It seems she’s chosen now to catch only the second stomach flu she’s had in nine years at JAG.” Harriet couldn’t resist smiling at how opportune this flu was.
“You look terrible, marine.” Harm couldn’t remember ever seeing Mac such a nice shade of green.
“Sweet talk will get you nowhere.” At least Mac hadn’t totally lost her sense of humor.
“If you can help the Colonel up, I’ll go get a trash can so you can take her home.” Harriet stood up to leave, pausing near the doorway. “This is just too good to be true!” She announced enthusiastically before continuing out the door.
“Does she always have to be so cheerful?” Mac asked, trying to straighten up a little.
Grinning broadly, “Well, that’s our Harriet. Part of being an over achiever. Are you up to the ride home?”
“Probably not, but if I have to develop a relationship with a toilet, I’d rather it were mine.” Mac smiled roughly.
“Understood.” Harm nodded.
Once Harriet had returned with the trashcan, Harm helped Mac off the floor. Carefully wrapping his arm around her waist, Mac leaned against him, hugging the waste can tightly against her.
Coates met them outside the ladies room door. “I have your covers, should I get your briefcases too?”
“Thank you, yes, Jen. I’ll take the covers, you go get the briefcases. I’ll meet you at the car.” Harm reached out with his spare hand to receive the two covers.
Harm and Mac had barely made it down the hall when the bullpen began buzzing. Harriet and Jen winked at each other. They couldn’t have asked for more. Since her visit to Bobbi Latham’s office, the scuttlebutt had already begun to use the P word. She was sure after today their job was done. Now all they needed was for it to get back to the blackmailer.
JAG
Parking Lot
Same time.
Patiently he stood on the sidewalk, blending in with the military scenery. His eyes were carefully aware of every movement around him. He’d been through more than a pack of cigarettes waiting for the first sighting of his targets. These military types were such fools. Not a single person had taken notice of his hovering. As long as you look the part, no one gives you a second glance.
Harm never released his hold of Mac as they exited the building. They couldn’t have drawn a larger audience to their departure if they’d published an invitation in the Navy times. Eyes followed them from doorways, windows, and around corners. Shortening his stride, Harm breathed a sigh of relief when they finally reached his car.
“If you’re not feeling better tomorrow, I’ll arrange for someone to bring your car home.” Slowly, Mac eased into the front seat of his car. Without giving any thought to being in uniform or on military property, Harm leaned over and gently kissed Mac on the forehead. “I’m sorry you feel so awful.” He smiled.
Stepping around to the driver’s side of the vehicle, Harm never noticed the telephoto lens protruding through the shrubs, nor the scrawny little man in fatigues operating it.
Mac’s apartment
Harm had led Mac immediately to her bedroom. They had only needed to stop once on the way home from work and Harm was thankful when they finally made it to her room.
“Do you need some help getting out of that uniform or can you handle it on your own?” Harm asked sincerely.
“I’m nauseous Harm, not crippled.” Mac rolled her eyes. “But, you can get me my pajamas from the back of the bathroom door.” She began undoing the buttons on her uniform blouse, she felt too miserable to worry about a sense of modesty.
Harm paused slightly at the sight of Mac’s blouse half unbuttoned when he returned to her bedside. “Here you go. Anything else?” He hoped she said no, he didn’t really want to still be there when the blouse came off. Well, he did but that was better left to another time.
“No thanks,” Mac smiled weakly, watching Harm leave the room. She could have sworn he was almost blushing.
Mac fell asleep almost immediately after crawling into bed. Deciding now was as good a time as any to finally read that book everyone was talking about. Harm picked up Mac’s copy of the DeVinci Code and made himself comfortable on the sofa.
Almost an hour had passed when Harm heard Mac heaving. Having long ago taken off his jacket, he rolled up his sleeves and quickly headed for Mac’s room. Unable to do much else other than watch, Harm stepped into the bathroom in search of a washcloth. When he returned to Mac’s bedside with the moist cloth, Mac had already curled up on her side, her eyelids heavy with sleep.
Gently he caressed her face with the small damp towel, wiping away the sweat and exhaustion until she was sound asleep.
A few hours later Harm heard Mac calling his name. Carrying a tray of toast and ginger ale, he smiled at his marine. Even sick she was still beautiful.
“Whatya got there?” She was still a little groggy.
“My mom says once you haven’t thrown up for at least two hours I can start feeding you dry toast and ginger ale.” He set the tray on the nightstand before sitting next to her.
“You’re mother taught you that?” She was startled at his nursing skills.
“Not really, I called her and asked her what to do.” Harm flashed her a broad smile.
Mac simply rolled her eyes. It was bad enough she felt so awful, she wasn’t thrilled about having it broadcast from coast to coast.
“You’re actually looking much better.” Harm put his hand on her forehead.
“I feel much better.” She was more surprised than Harm at how much better she was after a little sleep. “Maybe this is just one of those twenty four hour bugs.”
“I certainly hope so. It’s no fun watching you be sick.” Harm shook his head slightly.
“It’s no picnic for me either, Flyboy.” Mac couldn’t get angry with him, he’d been so good to her already.
“I don’t like seeing you in discomfort, Mac.” Harm held out a piece of toast. “Mom says you have to eat something. Oh, and that reminds me, Harriet is sending Bud over with some homemade chicken soup.”
Mac let out small chuckle. “The American cure all.”