Disclaimer: The characters of JAG don't belong to me. I just borrowed them from Bellisarius Productions, Paramount and CBS for this story. No infringement intended.

Love You to Death

1309 ZULU
Harm's apartment
North of Union Station
Washington DC



The ringing of the phone on the nightstand woke Harm. He forced his eyes open and rolled over to grab the phone sitting not far away and blaring for attention.

" Hello?" he croaked out sleepily, rubbing his eyes at the same time.

" Harm? Where the hell are you?" Mac fumed on the other end. "We had a client meeting at 0800 sharp - which was 9 minutes and 45 seconds ago. And I am sitting here without any files since you took them home with you last night."

Harm shot up like lightning and stared at his alarm clock in disbelieve. The numbers were blinking, showing 03:42.

" Sorry, Mac. Seems like we had a power outage that reset my clock. I'll be there as fast as I can."

" You better hurry!"

Harm smashed the phone back down on the nightstand, then sprung out of bed to get dressed as fast as possible. He grabbed his white summer uniform, put it on, took his cover, quickly stuffed the folders lying on his desk into his briefcase and was out the door and on his way to his car about 10 minutes later.

Taking the stairs, he hurried down to the ground floor, passed two of his neighbors without greeting them and was out the door. He unlocked the SUV with his remote control, threw the briefcase onto the passenger seat and climbed it.

Putting the key into the ignition, he turned it - and nothing happened. Cursing the damn car to hell, he turned the key again and again, but the car wouldn't even make a sound, not even sputter. He bashed the steering wheel, then grabbed his briefcase and climbed out of the car.

Calling a tow truck was not an option right now, neither was calling Mac to pick him up. A cab, that was what he needed. Remembering the taxi stand at Union Station, he clutched his briefcase to his chest and his cover to his head and started running down the 2 blocks towards Union Station.

He groaned audibly when he noticed the line of people waiting for an empty cab. He took his place at the end of the line, all the while trembling impatiently and constantly tapping his fingers on his briefcase, making
everyone around him nervous with that. Glancing at his watch, he noticed he was running out of time. 15 minutes had passed since Mac had called, and in a cab it would take him at least 45 minutes to get to JAG HQ.

The line moved ever so slowly, two men dressed in dark suits and both carrying a suitcase like him still waiting in front of him, and only one cab in sight. Much to his dismay, he noticed he obviously had stepped into a puddle of water at the construction side a block from his apartment building. His white summer shoes were covered with mud and black water stains all over. He bent down to wipe them away when suddenly a shot rang out, hitting the guy waiting behind him right between his eyes.

What happened next played in slow motion for Harm. He turned over his shoulder to see what had happened. Behind him, a man in his mid 40s had been waiting in line. He saw him loosen his grip on the metal briefcase he was carrying which fell on the ground with a loud bong right before the man hit the ground as well.

Harm dropped his briefcase right were he was crouching on the floor behind a cab, called out for everyone else to search for cover and then bent over to check on the wounded man. He didn't notice the screams around him and people huddling on the ground as he checked the man's vital signs for breathing and a pulse, but couldn't find any. He knew that the gunshot wound to his head probably had been fatal, killing him before he hit the ground.

"An ambulance, get an ambulance here!" he exclaimed, for the first time noticing all the onlookers that just gaped at them without helping.





1423 ZULU
Union Station
Washington DC



Mac had parked her car a block north of Union Station, and now was on her way to find Harm. She showed her JAG ID to be able to pass the police barrier, and finally found Harm leaning against one of the police cars.

" I came as fast as I could when you called. The Admiral wasn't very pleased with me though when he saw I handed our client interview over to Bud, and you were still not in your office." she uttered breathlessly, for the first time taking in the scene around her. "What happened here anyway?"

"Someone was killed." Harm said shortly, not even looking at her.

"Killed?" she inquired. "As in hit by a car?"

"No, as in hit by a bullet." Harm sucked in a deep breath before he continued. "I was just bending down to clean off my shoes when the guy waiting in line behind me was shot right between the eyes. Died immediately."

"That sounds horrible. Are you sure you are okay?"

"Yeah, I am fine. Just a little bit shaken, that's all."

Harm's glance wandered over to the corpse being lifted into the coroner's car a couple of feet away from where they were standing. Mac noticed the strange look on his face, a look she couldn't quite identify. She'd never seen him like this before, not even after one of their few near-death experiences.

"Let's get out of here, okay?" she suggested and placed her hand on his upper arm. "My car is parked a block from here. Why don't I just give you a lift back to JAG?"

Harm turned back to face her and nodded silently.




2335 ZULU
Harm's apartment
North of Union Station
Washington DC



Harm had left JAG Ops early that afternoon. After his talk with Sgt. Maxwell, he had shut down completely. Somewhere out there on the streets, there was a woman who hated him enough to kill him. Not knowing who she was and not knowing why she did what she did almost made Harm go crazy.

A man had died because of him, a woman had lost her husband, three children their father. And why? He had no idea why. Why would someone - especially a woman - hate him so much that she wanted to see him dead? He had always thought he was a very decent guy, and had treated any woman with the respect she deserved.

Mac's earlier question still played in his head, if he had ever rejected a woman. Truth was, the only woman he had every told he was not ready for anything more than friendship was Mac, and that hurt bitterly. Those were not the words he had intended to say, it was more like she had put them right into his mouth when he was looking for the right words.

And then when he had found the strength to finally tell her that everything was a mistake, that those words were not the words he had been looking for during that ferry ride, he had to see that she had accepted another man's ring. She had worn that ring for several months, Mic Brumby had moved his life from Sydney to DC to be with her, she had agreed to marry him, but still, one day the ring was gone.

Harm remembered Mic's bitterness clearly when he appeared at JAG one day. He had accused him of stealing his Sarah, that the only reason she couldn't commit to him being the reason that her heart was filled completely with her love for a certain Naval Aviator. 4 days later, Mic Brumby had returned to Australia - but not before he had convinced Renee that for Harm, she wasn't more than just a bed companion.

The same day Mic Brumby entered a plane to Sydney, Renee Peterson was gone out of Harm's life for good. No angry words were spoken, she knew it probably was for the better that they went separate ways from that point on. 'It was fun while it lasted,' she had said, 'but you can't live from fun all your life.'

An idea suddenly crossed his mind - maybe Mic and Renee....? No, he ruled out that thought as fast as it had come to mind. Though he knew Mic Brumby hated him, he knew exactly that he would never kill anybody just out of revenge. He'd rather go on legal terms first, sue him for whatever he could find. Then maybe start a little brawl, but killing him? No, that was not Mic Brumby.

And Renee? Heck, she didn't even know how to handle a gun, not to say she didn't know how to aim. Besides, she had left him, on good terms though. He could see no reason she'd set out to kill him.

His life was a mess, that was for sure. Slowly, Mac and him were regaining their friendship, they had started communicating again, but they still were thousands of miles away from what they had before he had left JAG so abruptly for flying, and she had accepted Mic Brumby's ring.

And what was he doing now? He'd started to shut her out again. Two years ago, it wouldn't have been a problem for him to tell her, ask her for help, but now? So many things had changed.

He looked outside the window and saw the black unmarked police car that had been parked in front of the building drive away after a tow truck that brought his SUV to the police compound for further inspection.

Finally, he had made it clear that he didn't need anybody for protection - not Mac, not Bud, not the police, and most of all not Webb and his men. He still couldn't believe Mac had called him because of this. What the hell had she been thinking?

It was his problem, his problem alone. It was him this woman was after. He was already feeling bad enough that an innocent man had died because of him, he didn't need anymore people killed, most of all not one of his friends while trying to save what was left of his once so great life. Whoever had done that needed to pay for ruining one family's life, and for attempting to ruin his as well.

The ringing phone broke him out of his reverie, and he reached for the cordless on his desk.

"Hello?" he groaned, letting everyone know he was not in a very good mood right now.

"Hello?" he asked again when no one answered on the other end.

A clicking sound told him he was hung up on, so he placed the phone back on his desk together with his briefcase and cover. He was just about to change out of his uniform when someone knocked at his door. He swung it opened and stared right into the janitor's face.

"Mr. Rabb, these are for you." he said, handing him a bouquet of white lilies, looking like they were to be delivered for a funeral. "A delivery boy left them for you."

"I think you must be mistaken."

"I don't think though. He said he was paid 20 extra bucks to take them to you right away. Commander Harmon Rabb JR, that's you, isn't it? So who's the lucky lady?"

"Thank you, Eddie." Harm replied tersely, not even attempting to answer the question.

He closed the door, trying to get rid of Eddie as fast as possible. Spying the card attached to the flowers, he picked it up and slid the card out of the envelope. No words, no name was written on it, just a pair of lips pressed on the paper with bright red lipstick.

Groaning, Harm crumbled the piece of paper and threw it across the room. He was about to stuff the lilies into the dust bin when the phone rang again. He crossed the room towards his desk and picked up the phone. Before he even could answer, he heard that whoever had been on the other end had already hung up. Harm hesitated for a moment, but then dialed a familiar number.

"Mackenzie." Mac answered on the other end.

"Hey Mac, it's Harm. Did you just call me?" he inquired.

Actually, he knew already that she hadn't been the one who had called. He didn't know what force had driven him to call her. Maybe he just needed to talk to a friend, maybe he only needed to hear her soothing voice and her reassurance that everything was going to be all right.

"Uhm, no. I was just outside with Jingo." Mac replied.

"Well, it wasn't important anyway. Want to go see a movie with me tonight?"

Harm bit his lower lip, not knowing why on earth he had said out loud what he had just been thinking. They hadn't gone out to see a movie in ages, not to say that their friendship was still not how it had been when they had gone out to the movies years ago.

"I'd love to." Mac stammered, not really knowing what she should think about Harm's sudden change. As much as he wanted to go see a movie with him and get his mind off of those terrible things, even only for a couple of hours, she forced herself to give him the answer she had to.

"I'd love to, really, but Jingo desperately needs a bath. He took a quick dip in the pond at the park a block from here." Mac paused, quickly coming up with a new idea for tonight's plans to brighten his mood at least a little. "How about you pick up a movie and bring it over? You can help me with Jingo, and then we'll watch a movie together. I'll even make popcorn."

"No, I think I'll just stay here then. You give Jingo his bath." Harm replied, his voice reflecting all the sadness this day had brought with it.

"I could do it real fast, and we'll still be in time for the late movie. How does that sound?" Mac offered, knowing that in his current mood he better shouldn't be alone at all. Especially not with a killer out there trying to put a bullet into his head.

She didn't know why she hadn't gone after him when he had left JAG that day. Maybe because she knew that he probably wouldn't have appreciated her presence at that point? Maybe because she knew that Harmon Rabb JR was too proud to accept help though he needed it?

Truth was, she couldn't handle the rejection anymore. She was tired of trying and trying and always running into a wall. This wasn't only about what had happened at Union Station that morning, she was aware of that.
Somehow, they had lost track of what real friendship meant.

"No," she heard Harm start to say, "I am fine alone, you don't have to come over, Mac. I don't even know why I asked in the first place. It was a bad idea."

"You shouldn't be alone tonight, Harm." she reasoned as she absentmindedly ruffled Jingo's fur.

The old dog looked up at her and crooked his head to his side, obviously sensing that his master was torn between staying home and doing what Harm had told her, or going over to his place and probably worsen things with him.

"I am not alone, Mac." he lied to her, hoping his voice would not betray him. "I am being taken good care of, I can see a car with two police men parked outside."

"You absolutely sure you don't want me to come over?" Mac asked again.

"I am fine, really. See you tomorrow at work. Night, Mac."

Harm didn't even wait for her reply before he clicked off the phone. Sighing, he stared out the window a couple more minutes, contemplating about what his life had become.

Little did he know that right at this moment he was being watched - being watched by woman not far away. She put her binoculars down, and started to laugh evilly.

"Soon, Rabb, soon you will be dead."




1310 ZULU
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, VA


Mac carefully knocked at Harm's office door. He'd already been in when she'd arrived 20 minutes earlier. His face was buried behind a thick folder, the blinds partially drawn, the door fully closed. This was unusual for Harm. His office - like hers - always was an open space, welcoming each and everyone with an open door. Apparently not today though.

Mac knocked again when she didn't get a response. Harm didn't even look up, obviously ignoring her. Finally, she just opened the door and stepped into his office. His head shot up when he heard the door open.

"Never learned to knock, Colonel?" he asked roughly, and buried his nose in the folder again.

"I did twice, Commander." Mac replied annoyed.

"Maybe it never occurred to you that I am busy?"

"Oh yeah?" Mac snatched the file out of his hands to have a look at it. "Hanson? I thought this might have been labeled wrong. Harm, those charges were dropped 2 weeks ago."

Harm ripped the file out of her hands, giving her a look that could have killed.

"You can run, but you can't hide, Harm. Eventually, you will have to deal with this. There's a killer out there for God's sake, and it's you she's after. Dwelling in self-pity will not help you in any way."

"I am not pitying myself. I just don't want to talk about it, all right? I rather want to be left alone."

"Fine!"

Mac turned to leave the office, but bumped into Tiner who was holding Harm's and her mail in his hand.

"Thanks, Tiner." she uttered, and took the mail from his hands.

She smashed down Harm's pile on his desk, and quickly sorted through her own stack of letters, while Harm searched through his, groaning his disapproval of her staying. However, Mac didn't even think about leaving. Burying himself in work and self-pity was the wrong way, she knew from experience.

Glancing over the edge of one letter, she found Harm absorbed in a letter, his eyes wide as he read. When he noticed that she was watching him, he put the letter back in the envelope, and stuffed it in the pocket of his pants.

"An old friend." he answered her unspoken question. "He's asking if I could pick him up from the airport this morning. He's never been in DC before."

His voice was betraying him, telling Mac he was lying to her. She just nodded at him though. She knew there was no way he was going to tell her about the real contents of that letter, and whatever she may ask about it
would just push him further into his shell.

She watched him rose from his chair silently, no words about what to tell the Admiral where he was. She looked after him as he left his office, crossed the bullpen and vanished through the double swing doors. Knowing what she had to do, Mac sprung up from her chair.





1415 ZULU
Unknown Location
Washington DC



Harm pulled his SUV into an empty parking lot in front of an old, deserted apartment building. Reaching over to the glove department, he opened it and pulled out his gun which he had stored in there shortly after the police had returned his car the previous night. He quickly checked the loaded weapon, before he got out of his car.

He checked the address he had been given in the letter again, then entered the vacant building, his gun always drawn. Silence surrounded him as he first searched through the rooms downstairs, then slowly crept up the stairs, his back securely turned towards the wall for cover.

He reached the 2nd floor, all doors wide open, inviting him to look inside. No one was to be seen anywhere, and all he heard was his own rapid breathing . His heart pumped fast, adrenaline rushing through his veins as he put his foot on the first step up to the last floor.

He climbed up to the 3rd floor, again finding all doors open - except one which was securely closed. It was like an invisible power was dragging him towards this door, maybe it was his curiosity, maybe it was something else. Placing his hand on the doorknob, he was about to turn it, but then decided to check the other rooms first.

He quickly peaked into the empty rooms, finding a couple of pigeons sitting in a broken window in one room. Scared by the sudden intruder, they started to coo, their wings fluttering wildly in the morning sun, and they took off flying around in the room.

Harm backed out into the hallway, pulling the door close behind them and turned around. There it was again, the closed door that had had all his attention just a minute earlier. What was behind that door? What mystery was this room bearing? This was the last room in this rotten house, the last place to meet whoever had sent him the letter.

Again, he placed his left hand on the doorknob, and carefully turned it. His right hand was trembling, though he was having a tight grip on his gun. Slowly, he turned the knob, then kicked the door open with his foot. A shot rang out, and Harm immediately returned the fire.

1 shot, 2 shots, 3 shots - then he stopped when he realized that everything had been a setup. A rifle had been set up across the room, a wire running from the trigger, over the back of a chair towards the handle of the door. Pushing the door open, he had pulled the trigger himself.

The rifle was not aimed at the door though. On the wall right next to the doorframe, the outlines of a man had been painted with white chalk, a big shothole adoring the middle of the drawn head.

Harm sucked in a deep breath, when suddenly there was a noise behind him. He whirled around, his gun aimed at the doorframe. There in the hallway, Mac was standing, her gun drawn and aimed at him.

She immediately lowered her gun when she recognized Harm, but he didn't. Sweat was pouring down his forehead and he was panting loudly. His hands were trembling, his fingers still wrapped tightly around his gun.

Mac slowly stepped forward and placed her hand on his gun, taking it out of his hands. Harm blinked a couple of times, then pushed passed her out of the room and down the stairs.

Mac scanned her surroundings, the rifle in the back of the room, the white chalk drawing at the wall, and the hole the rifle had created. Then she ran out of the room, and after Harm. She caught up with him outside the house.

He was standing next to his SUV, his eyes fixed on a photo that had been pinned behind one of the wipers. Looking into his own face on the picture, he reached for it and slid it out under the wiper. Horror played on his face when he realized that the picture had been taken only a few days earlier at JAG.

Mac saw what he was looking at, and she didn't like what she saw. Never had she seen Harm so silent. Ever since the shooting at Union Station he was not himself. She barely knew him at all. The strong Navy Officer had retreated into a shell, trying to battle his demons alone though he knew exactly he was going to lose if he didn't ask for help.

"Give me your keys, Harm." Mac demanded, holding her hand out towards him.

She knew he was in no condition to drive, and she didn't want to give him a chance to escape her. She'd asked Gunny - who'd been on his way into town - to take her, and after she'd made clear that there were no questions be asked, Gunny had quietly complied, and without saying a word, had dropped her off and driven off.

Harm looked at her blankly, not one emotion visible on his face. Mac wagged her fingers, indicating for him to give his keys to her right away. Silently, Harm reached in his pocket and handed her his car keys.

"Fine." she said and stored the key securely in her purse, then retrieved her cell phone. "Now we will call Maxwell and Webb. And while we wait for them, you will talk to me."

"There is nothing to talk about." Harm exclaimed.

"There is. And I will not leave your side until you have told me what is on your mind. Harm, you're on the road to self-destruction. I've been there myself as well. Do you know what made me stop and turn around, getting my life back into my hands? That was you. You, Harm. Let me help you. I am not your enemy here, I am your friend."

"Friends," he sighed, "it's been a long time since I heard you refer to us as friends."

"We've never stopped being friends, we only stopped communicating. How did you once say, now and then there are just a few bumps in the road. Don't let this become one of it, please. We had so many of those already."

Harm smiled lightly as he reached his hand out towards her to touch her cheek, but pulled back almost instantly when he felt her warm skin underneath his fingers. Instead of letting this slide, Mac reached for his
hand and gently squeezed it.

"It's going to be all right." she soothed him. "Together we'll pull through this, okay?"

"Okay." he agreed. "I think Maxwell will have a blast dusting the whole place for fingerprints."

"I see you didn't lose your sense of humor at all." Mac teased, and held out her cell phone towards him, their hands still joined. "Your call. I don't want to be the one to be cursed to hell and back for your one man
investigation."

Harm handed her the photo, and took the cell phone to make his call. While he was on the phone, Mac studied the picture, and found a very little mark attached the right corner on the back. She looked at it closely, and finally identified it as a D and a P.

"What are you looking at?" Harm asked after he had finished his call and looked over her shoulder.

"This little insignia here. A D and a P. Did you ever see that before?"

Harm shook his head, "Photographers do add their insignia to their pictures, but that looks more like it was taken by a paparazzi."

"I think I might know what this is. Do you want to give this to Maxwell, or do you want to have some fun playing good cop, bad cop with me?"

"As long as I can be the bad cop, I am all in, Colonel."

1545 ZULU
2214 17th Street
Washington DC



They had talked to Sgt. Maxwell what had happened in that house and had reassured him that Harm didn't need anyone for protection. Maxwell had promised to call the moment they found out anything about who the rifle was registered to and the fingerprints found on it belonged to.

Now, they were sitting in Harm's SUV in front of an office building, staring up at a window on the 6th floor that clearly read 'Dallas Pike, Private Investigator'. One of the many signs to tell them they probably had to
expect a filthy guy without much integrity.

"How comes you know that guy anyway?" Harm asked and climbed out of the passenger seat.

"I don't know him personally." Mac replied and locked the car. "Mic hired him now and then when he needed his help on a case. That insignia we saw on the picture, it's printed on his business card and on his letterhead as well. I saw it at Mic's place a couple of times."

"Doesn't surprise me Brumby would call in someone with an office in this area. Scum calling scum for help."

Mac glared at him, and bumped him into his side with her elbow for that comment.

"I am sorry. That was uncalled for." Harm excused himself and held the door open for Mac. "Am I forgiven?"

"Yes, you are." she answered, smiling, and stepped inside the building.

They found Dallas Pike inside his small, one room office. The door was open, inviting them to enter right away. Harm took a deep breath, and after looking over at his partner and see her nodding at him, he stormed into Pike's office.

Dallas Pike - a man in his late 40s with a mustache and fairly light hair, almost white - was taken aback but the sudden intruder who was now leaning on his desk. He backed away in his chair, and raised his hands in defense.

"Whatcha guys want, I ain't having done anything illegal." he croaked out, obviously not liking the look Harm gave him.

"Lt. Col. Mackenzie, Cmdr. Rabb." Mac introduced them and proceeded her ID out of her purse to show it to Pike. "We're with the Judge Advocate General Corps."

"We have a few questions that you will answer us." Harm went further and pulled the photo out of an envelope, placing it on the desk right in front of Pike. "You know this picture?"

"Possible, dude." Pike answered, having only looked at the picture for a mere 2 seconds.

"That's not how it works." Harm groaned, pointing his index finger at the photo. "It's either yes or no. And you maintain the respect due an officer. You will address me as sir, and the Colonel as ma'am, understood? So, yes or no, Pike?"

"You ain't got no right comin' in here. I didn't hear no knocking at the door, you ain't givin' me the respect I deserve." Pike shot back at Harm.

Harm lost it completely now. He reached out to grab Pike by his shirt and pulled him out of his chair. Then he turned to the open window, and forced Pike to look outside, and down on the ground, glancing after a pen Harm had grabbed from his desk, and which was now sailing through the hot air down onto the street.

"Wanna go grab your pen, Pike?" Harm exclaimed, and pulled him back into the room.

"He ain't threatening me?" Pike asked, his eyes wide with fear, to Mac who still stood in front of the desk, her arms crossed in front of her chest.

"Are you threatening him, Commander?" she asked, turning to her partner who nodded at her. "Yes, he's threatening you."

"I's gotta call my lawyer."

Pike reached for the phone, but Harm pulled him away from it immediately, his fist drawn, ready to hit him once he was trying to pull another stunt.

"I don't think you will need a lawyer. See, the Colonel and I, we are both lawyers. We know all about your rights. We also know that if you don't answer my question right away, we can easily sue you. And that is not going to be very pleasant for you."

"I think that was a fair warning, Mr. Pike."

"Hit me, Commander. I's got me a witness."

"Close your eyes, Colonel." Harm uttered through gritted teeth, pulling his fist farther away to aim right at Pike's jaw.

Pike pulled away from Harm, ripping his shirt as he seeked for shelter in the corner of the room. His arms were raised in defense, and he was about as ready as he could be if Harm decided to attack him again.

"You're intimidatin' me. He ain't no right." he complained to Mac, shifting his eyes from one to the other

"For the last time, do you know that picture?" Harm growled, taking a step closer to the frightened PI. "Yes? YES?"

"Yes!" Pike shrieked at Harm's cold tone.

"I want to know when you took that picture, why you took it and who paid you for taking it."

"I ain't got no right tellin' you that."

Instead of saying anything, Harm raised his fist again, causing Pike to duck and cover his head with his arms.

"That dang broad told me you was a thief!" Pike exclaimed.

"A thief? In a Navy uniform? In front of JAG Headquarters?" Harm turned to Mac, "Colonel, do we believe him?"

"Not one bit." Mac replied, and leaned on the desk. "Can you tell us just who that 'dang broad' is, Mr. Pike?"

"I ain't never seen her. She called 'n' send the money. I gots to mail it to a box. It ain't only that pitcher."

Harm finally lowered his fist, feeling that pressure wouldn't be necessary anymore.

"How many pictures, Pike?"

"Fifty or so. Coulda been more." Pike replied.

"Is it possible for us to get that PO box address?" Mac asked, and picked up the photo from the desk to put it back in the envelope she had stored it in.

"50213, DC. I ain't knowin' anythin' else, ma'am."

"Good," Harm glared at him and tapped his finger on his chest, "'cause if I find out you know more than what you just told us, I will be back, Pike. And next time, I will come alone."

Then he turned and left the office, Mac following him. Outside on the hallway, they stopped in front of the elevator, waiting for their transport down to the 1st floor.

"For a moment there, I really had the impression you were ready to hit him." Mac uttered, turning around to face her partner who was standing behind her.

"I was this close, Mac. If there is anything in this world that I hate, it's scum like Pike."

The elevator doors opened with a ding, and they stepped in, Harm pushing the button for the ground floor. They rode in silence, probably because Mac knew that she hadn't had that much self-control Harm had had in there. If she'd been chosen to play the bad guy, Pike now would be sitting in his office with a bloody nose, maybe even a shiner.

1656 ZULU
City Post Office
Washington DC



A call with the US Postal Services had told them that box 50213 was to be found at the City Post Office. Harm parked his SUV, and then entered the large building, Mac following him. As there was no one waiting in line, they approached the counter right away.

"I am Cmdr. Rabb, this is Lt. Col. Mackenzie, we're with the Judge Advocate General." Harm uttered firmly and showed his ID to the young lady standing behind the counter. "We need information on one of your PO boxes, #50213."

"I will get my boss, he will be able to help you." she stuttered, probably a little taken aback by the uniforms and the ID.

She turned, and vanished in an office at the back, returning with a man in his early 30s a short time later.

"I am Patrick Seawell," he introduced himself, "how can I help you, Colonel, Commander."

"We need to know to whom one of your boxes is registered. The number is 50213." Harm said.

Seawell immediately reached for a book lying under the counter, and searched through it.

"I hope you know that I am only allowed to give you the name of the owner, but I am not allowed to open the box for you." he uttered while flipping pages.

"That will be enough for us."

"Ah, here." Seawell turned the book for Harm and Mac to read the name. "I think that is what you are looking for."

"Rented to Harmon Rabb JR?!" Mac read out loud, then turned to look at Harm.

"I think you must be mistaken." Harm said to Seawell, the confusion visible on his face.

"That's what the book says, registered to Mr. Rabb." Seawell repeated, pointing at the name in the book again. "The box was rented for two weeks until yesterday. It's empty now. We received the key by mail this morning."

"Mr. Seawell, I am Cmdr. Harmon Rabb JR, and I did not sign up for this box."

"I am sorry, sir, but that is what the application said. I would really like to show you the paper so you can see for yourself, but I am not allowed to do that without a search warrant or a court order."

"Do you know who was picking up the mail?" Mac asked, before Harm could say anything.

"No, ma'am." Seawell shook his head. "As you can see, the mail boxes are not visible from this area. We also offer access to the boxes during the time the counter is closed."

"How about surveillance cameras?"

"They are only in the counter area, not in the lobby where the boxes are located."

"Can you think of anything that might help us in any way?" Harm spoke in frustration.

"I am sorry, sir. We have so many clients coming in each day, I doubt that there is anyone here who could help you. I wish I could have been of more help to you."

"Thank you, Mr. Seawell."

Mac turned, and grabbed Harm's arm to let him know to follow her. Outside in the lobby, he suddenly stopped, and went over to the mail box labeled #50213. He waved for Mac to come over. Shaking her head slightly, she joined him in front of the box a moment later.

"You don't happen to have some make-up powder in your purse, do you?" Harm asked without even looking at her.

"You want to take fingerprints, Sherlock Holmes?" she chuckled. "What then? Take them to Maxwell and tell him we withheld crucial evidence? Tell him we threatened a PI and got his statement under physical pressure?"

"Okay, bad idea." he sighed.

"Harm, Maxwell has a good set of fingerprints he can work with. We will find this woman, and we will find her soon, okay?" she said, a soothing tone in her voice. "Let's get out of here and buy this hungry Marine some lunch."

1723 ZULU
Roberto's Restaurant
Washington DC


Harm and Mac sat at a table in the back of the small Italian restaurant. Roberto - the owner of the restaurant, whose actual name was Robert Flinch and didn't even have one bit Italian in his blood - had taken their order. His niece Romi now served them their drinks. She had a smile on her face when she placed Harm's water in front of him, but the smile faded when she served Mac her soda.

However, this went unnoticed by both Harm and Mac whose subject of conversation was a female killer out on the streets who had set out to kill Harm.

"A woman in love with a man who doesn't return the same feelings. Rejection can make them dangerous. I hope you know that some are capable of doing almost everything to get their object of desire."

"I do know now." Harm replied picked up his glass of water from the table." I just don't understand, she seems to love me in some sick way, but why does she want to see me dead then?"

"I asked you yesterday, and I will ask you now. Did you ever reject a woman?"

Harm sipped at his water and just stared at Mac. It was time for the truth, he knew that. Putting the glass on the table, he first took a deep breath before he started to talk.

"I did once, and I know I hurt her with what I said. Funny though, those were not the words I wanted to say to her. She put them into my mouth, and I guess it was just easier that way."

Mac knew he was talking about her, she had known the moment he had looked her straight into the eyes. This subject had been untouched between them ever since that night in Sydney. Maybe it was time to talk about it, time to finally 'let go' - for both of them.

"What did you want to tell her?" Mac probed. "Why do you think she put the words right into your mouth?"

"Mac, please." Harm pleaded, turning his gaze away from her.

"No, Harm, I want an answer. What did you want to tell her?"

"I don't know what I wanted to tell her." Harm replied, facing her again. "I just never expected her to tell me she wanted more than just friendship. I was stunned, and I guess she just supplied the right words for me to get out of this quickly. We were miscommunicating."

"Miscommunicating? What was it I didn't understand?" Mac blurted out. "That you didn't want me?"

"I never said that. At one point, we were talking about Webb and his many girlfriends, and the next moment you were talking about a relationship beyond friendship. I guess I was scared at that point. We had had such a good friendship once, I considered you my best friend. I simply didn't want to ruin what was left of that by jumping head over heels into a romantic relationship with you. All that 'letting go' crap was easier than trying to explain all that."

"Didn't you realize that you were hurting me but not saying anything? By just letting me supply the words? I was pouring my heart out to you on the ferry."

"I know I hurt you, and God knows that was the last thing I ever wanted. But do you know how much you hurt me when you showed up at the airport with another man's ring? I felt like I was hit by a brick wall full force."

"Why didn't you ever say anything?"

"Mac, you were wearing another man's ring. Who was I to interfere? Besides, after really thinking about it, I thought that after that ferry ride you didn't want me anymore. And I was so stupid to push you right into Brumby's arms with what I said. Here," Harm pointed at his chest where his heart was," in here it hurt badly every time I saw you kiss, every time you told him you love him."

"I guess then you know how much it was hurting me to see you together with Renee."

Mac dropped her gaze to her fingers which were nervously playing with the edge of the table. Ham reached out his hand and placed his finger under her chin, tilting her head up to look at him again.

"Mac, you need to understand, back in Sydney, I never meant to push you away, and I didn't mean to tell you that I didn't want you with what I said. But at that point, it didn't feel right to me to go further into a romantic
relationship. For me love is based on trust most of all, and friendship. Our friendship had suffered from my going back to flying, and I somehow felt you were not trusting me completely anymore. I didn't want to base a relationship on that as I knew it was meant to blow up into pieces. With you, I wanted a relationship for the rest of my life, and not some short fling that was not meant to be. I wanted to tell you all that, but you never
gave me a chance to. I asked you out to dinner the following night, you remember? But you had plans with Mic. That night, I wanted to open my heart to you like you did to me, but instead, you took a ring from another man without even hearing my point."

"We make quite a pair, don't we?"

"Yes, I think we do. We both have lousy timing. We really need to work on that."

"That we do. Harm, I want you to know one thing though. I always trusted you with my life, that never changed. I do now, and have back in Sydney. I am sorry if I did anything that let you believe I didn't trust you anymore."

"Can we agree on something, please? No more talk about what was and what could have been, okay? What is important is here and now. We can have a new start, and make it right now."

Mac smiled, and extended her hand in Harm's direction. "Lt. Col. Sarah Mackenzie, it's a pleasure to meet you."

Harm took her hand and nodded, "Cmdr. Harmon Rabb JR, and it's a pleasure meeting you as well."

They both started to laugh as they shook hands. Finally, after all those months, they had set their hearts free, ready to work on their once lost friendship, maybe even to work on more. But for the time being, they both
knew friendship had to come first.

Harm let go off her hand when he saw Romi approach the table with their lunch. Carefully, she placed the Fettuccini Carbonara she was carrying in front of Harm, then turned towards Mac, placing the Spaghetti Primavera on the edge of the table. The dish fell, and landed right in Mac's lap, spilling its contents over her uniform skirt.

Mac jumped up when the hot meal dropped onto her lap, frantically trying to get rid of the burning sauce tripping down her legs, and wiping off the stains on her skirt.

"Oh gosh, I am so sorry." Romi stammered, reaching for a napkin on the vacant table behind her to help Mac clean up.

"Romi!" Roberto called and came running over to the table. "What did you do?"

He grabbed her by her shoulder and pushed her towards the kitchen. Romi first glared at her uncle, then at Mac before she retreated to the kitchen.

"Mr. Rabb, I am so sorry for this. Ma'am, if you would like to go clean up, the restrooms are this way."

"It's fine," Mac started, "I have to take these to the dry cleaners anyway."

"Please, accept my apologies. We will pay the dry cleaner's bill. And the meal is on the house. If you just let me go back to the kitchen, I will bring you new spaghetti right away."

"No, thank you. I need to get out of this uniform right away."

Muttering silently, Mac pulled at the hem of her uniform jacket which was covered with stains of white spaghetti sauce as well. She was so absorbed in her messed up uniform that she didn't see Harm talk to Roberto, neither see Roberto leave the table.

"C'mon, Marine, let's get you into a clean uniform." Harm said to her and placed his hand on the small of the back. "Roberto has a large pizza topped with mushrooms and ham ready in the kitchen for another table. Is it okay with you if we take that with us for lunch?"

"Fine," Mac replied, "I just want to get out of this messy uniform."

On their way outside, they picked up the pizza, then left the restaurant to head for Mac's apartment.

0613 ZULU
Mac's apartment
Georgetown, DC


Jingo lay on his blanket, sleeping peacefully when the cracking noise of the front door woke him. He first lifted his head, then got up on his feet when he saw the front door opening and a figure dressed in pitch black clothes entering the apartment.

Barking loudly to wake Mac, he tried to stop the intruder, but didn't have much luck. Mac rolled over onto her stomach in her sleep, groaning loudly when suddenly a hand covered her mouth and grabbing her hair, pulled her head up and put a knife to her throat.

Mac's instincts kicked in immediately, and though she was not in a good position to fight herself, she punched her attacker in the stomach with her elbow. But that didn't cause the cry of pain that was heard, it was Jingo biting the intruder into the leg.

Mac's assailant let go of her, dropping the knife onto the bed. Mac got up as fast as she could, but other than Jingo running out of the room loudly barking, she couldn't see anyone. Reaching for her robe, she put it on quickly and raced after Jingo. The dog stood in front of the elevator, barking loudly at the closed door.

"Off, Jingo." she called and grabbed the dog by his collar to pull him back into her apartment.

She turned on the lights and let the dog inside first. After Jingo told her no one was in there, she entered as well and closed the door behind her. She leaned against the door, her hand going to her throat, rubbing it gently. She jumped when the phone began to ring.

Slowly, she approached the phone sitting on her desk, then picked it up. First, there was silence, then a female voice started whispering.

"You slut, leave my man alone."

"Who are you talking about?" Mac croaked out, her voice shaking slightly.

"I am talking about Harm. Leave him alone or you will die!"

The line was disconnected. Not knowing what else to do, Mac dialed a familiar number.

0702 ZULU
Mac's apartment
Georgetown, DC


When Harm stormed into Mac's apartment, he found Maxwell and his men busy working on fingerprints in the whole apartment. Mac sat on the sofa. Her arms were wrapped around her legs, and her chin was resting on her knees while she watched the commotion around her. Jingo was curled up next to her on the sofa.

"You okay, Mac?" Harm asked and sat down on the coffee table opposite her.

"I am fine, don't worry. I am just tired and want to go back to bed, that's all."

"You didn't see her, did you?"

Mac shook her head, "One second I am off in dreamland, the next I am forcefully woken with a knife at my throat. Jingo bit her before I even realized completely what was going on."

Maxwell exited Mac's bedroom, and nodded at Harm when he saw him.

"We found a couple of prints on the front door and the knife that we yet have to see if those are yours or those of the phantom we are looking for. She picked the door with a lockpick. I think she has to be an expert. For your own safety, I will put two of my men in front of the house."

"I think that won't be necessary." Harm said and got up from the table. "She will stay with me."

"Mr. Rabb, sir, with all due respect," Sgt. Maxwell interrupted him, "I don't think this is a good idea. We are dealing with a psychopath here. The only reason she attacked Ms. Mackenzie was that she saw a threat in her concerning you. We are not quite sure yet, but she may be watching you. I doubt it would do any good if she saw you taking Ms. Mackenzie to your apartment for spending the night."

"Harm, I'll do fine." Mac reasoned. "Jingo will sleep with me in the bedroom. I know he will take good care of me."

"Mac..."

"Please!"

"Can we talk in private about this?"

Maxwell got the hint and called for his men, "We're finished here for the time being. Two of my men will stay outside the building, no matter what you say, Mr. Rabb. Nothing you will say will make me pull them off. Hopefully by tomorrow we will have the results of the fingerprints on both the rifle in the abandoned house, and the knife. I will call you as soon as I have any news. I suggest you both get some rest now. You'll need it."

With that, Maxwell ushered his men out of the apartment, closing the door behind him, leaving Harm and Mac alone.

"Mac, before you say anything, please let me say this." Harm took a deep breath before he continued. "What happened tonight is all my fault. I mean, this woman, she's obsessed with me, and you have to suffer. I would feel a lot better knowing that you are safe. The last thing I need right now is another person getting hurt because of me. Please, let me make sure that you are being taken care of, that you are safe. I know Maxwell was right with what he said, that taking you to my apartment would probably be a bad idea, but I can bunk on the couch."

"You know that you don't have to do that, but if you feel better, then the couch is all yours for tonight. Let me get you a blanket and a pillow."

Mac started to get up, but didn't get far when Harm reached for her wrist and pulled her back towards him and into a big hug. After a few seconds, he released her. Mac looked at him, surprised and stunned.

"Sorry, I guess I just had to make sure you really are all right. Sometimes, I wish I could wake up any time soon to find this to be a bad dream only."

"Get some sleep, okay? You could really need it."

Mac leaned in a placed a tender kiss on his cheek before she retreated to her bedroom to get a blanket and a pillow for him. Harm plopped down on the sofa next to Jingo, and ruffled the dog's golden fur.

"You're a good dog, Jingo. I am glad you were here tonight for Mac. I don't know what I would have done if I had found out she was hurt in any way."

The dog hopped down from the sofa when he saw Mac coming out of the bedroom with a blanket and pillow for Harm. She placed them on the empty spot Jingo had occupied earlier. Then she reached into the pocket of her robe, and handed her gun to Harm.

"I thought you might wanted to have this, just in case."

A small grin appeared on Harm's face as he reached to his back and pulled his gun out. He looked at it from all angles, then sighed.

"Funny, it hadn't touched this in almost two years. And suddenly, I feel the urge to carry it around with me 24 hours a day."

"Mine was locked away for about the same amount of time. A little voice told me to get it out this morning and put it into my briefcase."

Mac stored her gun back in the pocket of her robe. Smiling at Harm one last time, she started walking back towards her bedroom.

"Mac." Harm called for her.

She stopped in the doorway and turned towards him.

"Thanks for letting me stay tonight."

"You're welcome. It's good to know that I have someone watching out for me tonight. And I didn't mean Jingo with that."

Harm couldn't help but smile, "Sleep tight, Marine."

"You too, Sailor."




1332 ZULU
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, VA



"Commander, how come I was never told you were being stalked?" AJ Chegwidden fumed. He was leaning over his desk, looking down at Harm and Mac who were sitting in two chairs.

"A Sgt. Maxwell called me this morning, informing me that a police car would be parked in front of JAG HQ to guarantee both your and the Colonel's safety during work. Of course, I had to ask what on earth you two have gotten yourself into now. First, I have to find out that your Tuesday morning being late was caused by nearly being shot. Then I was told, both your Wednesday morning absence was caused by a psycho requesting your presence in DC. And not enough, I am being told that the Colonel was attacked in her apartment last night by the woman stalking you. Why was I not informed about this?"

"Sir, I can explain..." Harm started, but immediately was cut off by his CO raising his hand.

"I give a damn about your explanation, Rabb. And do you know why? I am tired of hearing your 'I am sorry, sir' here and 'I can explain, sir' there. At one point, it just doesn't cut it anymore, Commander."

AJ was interrupted by the ringing phone. Growling, he picked it up.

"Tiner," he barked into the receiver, "I thought I made it clear that I didn't want to be disturbed right now... put it through."

He pushed the speaker button, then silently handed the receiver over to Harm, who first shrugged his shoulders, but then took the phone when he heard the person on the other end speak up.

"Harmon darling, is that you?" a female voice whispered.

"Yes." Harm croaked out.

"I hope your slut is listening? If not, tell her that once I get my hands on that mutt she calls a dog, he will be dead - just like her next time our paths cross."

"Why are you doing this to me? And why are you doing this to her?"

The voice chuckled, "I love you, Harmon darling, can't you see that? You are mine, mine alone. You belong to me."

"You have a very strange way of showing your love."

"I only want you all for myself." Suddenly, the voice turned grim and dark,"If you won't get rid of Sarah Mackenzie, I will. Just when you think you are safe, when you don't expect it at all, I will kill her right in front of
your eyes."

"I thought you wanted to kill me."

"Yes, you as well. But your slut will be first. It is fun playing with you, Harmon, but remember - the cat always gets the mouse."

With that, the line was disconnected. Harm handed the receiver back to his CO who hung up.

"I assume that was her?"

"Yessir." Harm nodded. "She's been calling me on and off the last few days, at work and at home. Usually she hangs up on me, but now and then I get such nice messages from her."

"Spare me your sarcasm, Commander." AJ started to pace the floor, "I know that this is the responsibility of the DC police, but assuming that they work as slow as ever, I decided that this matter needs a little
investigation on our side as well. Gunnery Sergeant Galindez will be at your service until this is solved. And no one-man investigations anymore. I want to know about everything about this case, not only as your CO, but also as a friend. Did I make myself clear?"

"Yessir!" Harm and Mac replied at the same time.

"Good. Now go back to work. You both need a little distraction from this. I will also call this Sgt. Maxwell and tell him that we here at JAG are were much capable of ensuring our personell's safety and that a police car
waiting out front won't be necessary. Dismissed."





2242 ZULU
Harm's apartment
North of Union Station
Washington DC



Harm walked into his apartment after a rather long and hectic day at work. After Chegwidden had chewed Mac and him out for not talking to him about Harm's stalking problem, they had left for Quantico to interview a witness crucial to one of their current cases.

Two hours stuck on the Beltway on their way back by over 90°F in a car property of the Navy with a broken air conditioning wasn't a pleasure at all. They had dropped off the car at HQ shortly before 1700, and Mac had promised to stop by around 1830 with dinner and a pile of case files to go through.

Harm dropped his briefcase and cover on his desk when his cell phone began to ring.

Opening his briefcase, he reached for it and answered it immediately,"Rabb."

He heard Bud's voice on the other end, talking about a problem with a lost case file. Harm rolled his eyes and made his way over to the fridge to get himself something to drink. Suddenly, all he heard on the phone was static, and Bud was gone. Making a step backwards, Bud's voice was penetrating into his ear again.

"Bud, can you hang on for a minute?" he asked and turned towards the lamp standing behind him.

And again, all he could hear was static on the phone. He walked backwards, and the static was gone.

"Ah, Bud, listen," he started, "if you need any help on this, Webb will be your man."

"Webb? Clayton Webb?" Bud uttered on the other end of the line. "Sir, I don't quite understand, why does he... is anything wrong with you, sir?"

"Yes, Bud." Ham replied, peeking under the lampshade to look for a possible wire, "call Webb and tell him I said he could help you."

"You want me to call Mr. Webb for you, sir, got it. I also assume you can't talk at the moment. Is anyone with you? Do you want me to call DC police as well?"

"No, and that won't be necessary."

"Okay. You are alone, but you can't talk. Did you find a wire in your apartment?"

Harm sighed a breath of relief, "That's exactly what I've been trying to tell you, Bud. Make that phone call and all your problems will vanish into thin air."

"All right, I will call Mr. Webb and have him sent a team over. Do you want me to call Col. Mackenzie as well?"

"No, that is taken care of. Thanks for doing this for me, Bud. Bye."

Harm hung up the phone, praying that Clayton Webb would understand what he wanted him to do.





2331 ZULU
Harm's apartment
North of Union Station
Washington DC



When Mac entered the apartment, she found several CIA Agents working in Harm's apartment. They didn't take much notice of her when she made her way over to the kitchen counter to drop of the bag with Chinese food, and a couple of file folders. Turning around, she stared right into Clayton Webb's face.

She was about to say something, but Clay cut her off immediately by raising his hand. Nodding his head to his left, he guided Mac into the bathroom. There on the vanity table, Harm sat. He nodded at Clay and turned on the water in the sink before Clay left them alone.

"What's going on here?" Mac asked. "I come in here to find Clay and his men remodeling your apartment."

"I found a wire. It's safe to talk in here. Clay's men couldn't find any wires, and if there is one, she wouldn't understand anything because of the running water."

"So she's not only watching you, but also listening in on you. So that's how she learned so much about you. You think your phone is tapped as well?"

"It is." Harm hopped from the table, "Look, Mac, I want to trap her, but I need your help."





1312 ZULU
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, VA



"Colonel, Commander!" Tiner called when he saw Harm and Mac entering the bullpen. "Mr. Webb and a Sgt. Maxwell from DC police were asking for you. They are waiting in the meeting room with the Admiral."

"Thanks, Tiner." Harm replied, "Can you take care of me for that?"

He dropped his briefcase and cover onto Tiner's arms, then reached for Mac's briefcase and cover, handing it over to him as well. Tiner nodded and trotted off in direction of the officer's offices while they took the stairs upstairs to the meeting room.

"Commander, Colonel, nice of you two to finally meet with us." AJ spoke up and pushed the door close behind them.

"I assume this is about the woman stalking me." Harm uttered.

"Indeed, it is." Sgt. Maxwell began. "Mr. Webb called me last night after he had left your apartment to learn about our current progress in this case. He offered his help."

"What I didn't tell you last night, Rabb, the wires you found, they were CIA standard."

"Excuse me, did I hear this right?" Mac butt in. "CIA standard? You are not trying to tell us that this is Palmer who is after Harm. He's still locked up in Leavenworth, isn't he?"

"He is, Mac. It's not him, that we are sure of." Clay replied. "However, CIA still is involved in this, though it's not on purpose. When I called Sgt. Maxwell last night, I wasn't really sure if this wasn't more than just a
woman being crazy in love. We identified the finger prints though."

Clay pushed a thick folder over the table which Harm immediately picked up and opened it, Mac reading over his shoulder.

"Her name is Ramona Phillips, CIA specialist in high risk underground operations. She was with the Agency until about half a year ago when she suddenly vanished. The Agency has been trying to locate her ever since then, but her current location is unknown. You know her?"

"Yeah, indeed we both do." Mac replied.





1453 ZULU
Roberto's Restaurant
Washington DC



Harm and Mac strolled into the empty restaurant to find Robert's daughter Shannon cleaning off one of the tables.

"Sorry, we're closed." she called when she heard the small bell attached to the door starting to ring.

"We're looking for Romi. Is she around?" Harm asked.

"Commander, nice to see you." Shannon smiled and finally looked up. "And sorry, I can't help you with Romi. She's gone, all of a sudden."

Harm raised his eyebrows and looked at Mac. Somehow, he had expected to get this answer, but part of him was still hanging on to finding Romi by questioning her cousin.

"Do you have any idea where she went?" he inquired.

"Nope." Shannon replied and started working on the next table. "After that little incident yesterday, Dad got really mad at her and nicely told her to get lost. So she packed her stuff and left. She was supposed to show up at 6 last night to take over my shift, but she never did. When I came home, mom told me she'd cleaned out her room. Left without a note."

"Just like that?" Mac uttered.

"Just like that, Colonel." Turning to Harm, Shannon grinned at him, "I figured we had to ask you where she might be, Commander."

Harm shrugged his shoulders, "Why me?"

"Wasn't there something going on between you two? After her birthday, you know what I mean."

"Her birthday? Help me."

Shannon finally stopped cleaning the table, "She always talked about you, placed your roses there by the bar."

"What?" Harm gasped. "She said I sent them?"

"Yep."

"Oh, now I'm beginning to understand this."

"Did you ask her out on a date, Harm?" Mac asked, obviously being slightly amused about this.

"No, I did not." he gruffed. "I ran into her at McMurphy's a couple of weeks ago and paid her a beer, that was it. Ten minutes, not more."

"Then how come she told me that you spent 5 dollars on the jukebox to play your song?" Shannon inquired. "Or do you want to tell me that's a lie as well?"

"Have you been at McMurphy's lately? The jukebox is broke, and has been for almost half a year now."

"Yeah, well, this is really strange." Shannon turned her attention back to cleaning the tables. "But then, Romi has always been strange, even when we were kids. Was surprised she found this well paid job that sent her all around the world. Didn't even finish college to start with."

Harm was about to say something, but then stopped himself. Well paid job? Maybe they didn't know she had working for the CIA. And if they didn't, he didn't want to break the news on them.

"Thanks, Shannon." Harm quickly uttered and slipped one of his business cards out."You'll give me a call when you hear anything about Romi, okay?"

"Yeah, sure. I doubt we'll ever see her again though. At least not for the near future. But if I do hear anything, I'll let you know, Commander."

Harm and Mac said the goodbyes and left the restaurant. Behind Harm's SUV, there was a black unmarked police car waiting in which Clay and Sgt. Maxwell were waiting. Harm waved for them that Romi was not there before he unlocked his car and opened the passenger door for Mac. She stepped closer, but before climbing in, turned around and looked at Harm

"Tell me," she started, "why do I have this strange feeling that she didn't only listen in on you, but also watched you from nearby 24/7?"

"I just wanted to ask you the very same thing."





2205 ZULU
Harm's apartment
North of Union Station
Washington DC



Mac sat on the couch, a small device sitting on the table in front of her. She stared at it intently, while Harm stood at the window, looking outside with a pair of binoculars.

"What do you see?" she asked, getting up from the couch and joining him at the window.

"A woman watering her plants, a boy playing violin, and ooh, a couple making out in the kitchen."

"If I didn't know it any better, I'd say you are a voyeur, Mr. Rabb." Mac chuckled and looked over his shoulder to get a good view herself, even without the binoculars.

"You turned on the scanner? Webb said it would beep and the red light would flash once she turns them on."

"Scanner is on, red light is off."

"Mac, I am..." Harm was cut off by the beeping sound of the scanner sitting on the coffee table.

Immediately, they retreated from the window, but still stood visible for anyone who might be watching them. Harm coughed, before he started to talk about what came to his mind first, trying to make his stalker jealous.

"True, I've never been someone for long-term relationships," he started, his voice slightly shaking and sounding very nervous, "but that all changed the moment I met you. I have changed. I mean together with you, my life is wonderful."

Since his back was turned towards the window, he knew she couldn't see his face, so he started to mischievously grin at Mac.

"How many women have you told that?" she played along, crooking her eyebrows.

"What I feel for you is something special. No words can express what you mean to me."

Harm practically beamed at his clever reply to make his assailant jealous, but when he heard Mac's reply, the grin on his face slowly vanished, and his expression turned deadly serious.

"Why did you never tell me that?" Mac asked.

"My grandma always told me, actions mean more than words. I guess I wasn't very good at talking, neither at showing what you mean to me. I may have never said it out loud, but that doesn't mean that I don't want you in my life forever. What we have, I don't think of it as a short fling. For me, it is more than spending the night together and then going separate ways. It is comfort I find, and trust."

His eyes locked with Mac's, and suddenly, she didn't know anymore if what he said was only made up, or if he spoke from his heart. His voice told her that he meant every single word he said, but her mind kept screaming at her that they were only playing a game of hide and seek. As much as she wanted to believe his words were true, she couldn't bring herself to.

"You never told me you love me." she croaked out, now directing this conversation in the way she wanted it. "All I need is to hear that from you. Not right now, but in the weeks, months, and years to come that I want to
spend together with you."

"I have never said 'I love you' very easy. Maybe because I had never found my soulmate until I met you, Sarah. Every time we are apart, I have to think about you. My last thought when I go to bed, and the first thought when I get up is you."

"I feel the same." Mac replied, her voice soft and tender, almost a whisper."When I am sitting at home with Jingo curled next to me in bed, I wish that was you, Harm."

They had stepped closer to each other as they talked, closing in on the distance between them, and never breaking eye contact.

"I would like to hold your hand like teenagers in love do. I would like to caress your smooth hair and silk skin. I would like to kiss your velvet lips while inhaling your sweet, womanly scent."

Harm stopped talking when he realized he was standing only a few inches away from Mac. Her eyes were still locked with his, shining at him like he had only seen once before, on a ferry in Sydney. Feeling his hesitation to go on, Mac shortly nodded, telling him to continue.

"Sometimes, I would like to rip your clothes from your body, and kiss every inch of your body, Sarah."

Again, Mac's answer was almost a whisper, "Then why don't you do it?"

Harm blinked at her, not really knowing what to answer to that when a shot rang out, shattering the glass of one of the windows. Harm lunged forward towards Mac, bringing her down on the floor with him. He quickly pulled her between the couch and the coffee table for safety, his body always between the window and her.

Another shot rang out, hitting one of the pillows on the couch.

"Can you see where she's shooting from?" Mac called and tried to peek over Harm's shoulder, but he pushed her back down.

"3rd floor, window to the left." he answered. "On the count of three, we'll run to the door. One - two - three."

They both sprung up and raced across the room towards the front door when two more shots rang out. Harm pulled the door open, and out on the hallway they both were. Reaching for their guns, they made a mad dash down and towards the building across the street.

Two police men and three CIA Agents who had been waiting in their cars joined them outside the building, rushing inside before they got a chance to.

"3rd floor, apartment on the left!" Harm called after the CIA Agents when they were held back by the police.

He didn't make an attempt to go after the Agents, simply because at this time he couldn't trust himself anymore, and he wasn't sure if he would shoot his stalker right on the spot for what she did to him, and most of all Mac.

5 minutes passed, 10 minutes. Backup had been called, and still the Agents hadn't left the building. Harm and Mac were getting impatient, the fear that something had gone wrong always on the mind. They both breathed a sigh of relief when the Agents finally left the building.

They guided a young woman whose hands were cuffed behind her back. She first glared at Mac, then at Harm.

"You may have won the battle, but not the war." she cried as she was pushed towards an awaiting police car.

"You need help, Romi." Harm said tersely.

He watched after the police car driving off with blaring sirens. His gaze was fixed on the slowly vanishing object at the horizon when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

"It's over." Mac said. "Let's get going."





0245 ZULU
Mac's apartment
Georgetown, DC


Mac was half asleep while watching the last few minutes of the movie on TV. Jingo was huddled on the floor in front of her, mainly because his usual spot on the couch was taken. Mac's head was resting against Harm's shoulder while his arm was draped over her back to hold her close for comfort.

"Why don't you go to bed, Mac? It's been quite a hectic week, and it's getting late."

"No, I want to see how the movie ends." she objected, forcing her eyes to stay open.

"It will end like it always ends. Guy gets girl, guy tells girl he loves her, and guy and girl stay happily every after."

"Is that really like it always ends?"

"Always, Mac." Harm reassured her, kissing the top of her head. "Always."