Celia's Notes: There's a saying that goes something like this:  Doing what you love is therapeutic enough, but doing it with someone you love is even better.  If that's true, I'll never need therapy for as long as I live.  Nic, I've said it before and I'll say it again:  words simply cannot express how much you've come to mean to me.  Thank you for letting me spread my wings and letting me know you'll be there to catch me when I fall.  I also have to thank my BSU crew and unwavering support; I love you guys.

Nicole's Notes:  Writing this story has brought so many emotions to the surface for me: anger, sadness, loneliness, happiness and fear.  But as always, writing with Celia has been one big therapy session and I came out on the other side, better for the experience.  Thank you once again, darling, for letting me live my fantasies through Mac, Harm and the rest of our little gang.  A little thank-you also goes out to Trisha, Faith, the Chicks and everyone else who inspired me to keep going this past month.
-----
Last time . . .

Harm watched her closely.  "FBI, CIA, and JAG.  What's next, the DOD or the NSA?"

Leslie grinned.  "Nah, the NSA boys aren't as fun as we are."  Plopping down next to Ashley, she said, "I'm Special Agent Leslie Shannon.  You two interested in working an international serial murder case?"
-------
Ashley groaned. "That's our Leslie. Beats around the bush all the time, one of her worst traits."

Harm glanced at Mac, then looked over at Leslie. He sank to the sand. "Actually, ma'am, I was more interested in spending some time with my new *wife* here," he jerked a thumb at Mac. "I'm on leave, y'see."

Before Leslie could come back with one of her smart-ass remarks, Ashley jumped in and said sympathetically, "I know. And we apologize for our methods. But this case is of the utmost importance, to the Navy, the Marines, and to the US. Will you at least hear us out before you make your decision?"

Harm glanced at Mac. "I guess after all they put us through, it would be nice to find out why, right?"

Mac nodded slowly. "Go ahead."

Ashley nodded. "Over the last five years, more than twenty Naval and Marine personnel have been declared missing while stationed in the Middle East. The official story was that they were killed in training missions and whatnot. The truth is, we have a serial killer on our hands. And he's escalated."

Leslie spoke up at Ashley's brief pause. "His name is Mansur Abdulan. The CIA kept tabs on him throughout the period in question, but somehow, he slipped out from under their noses a few months ago. The killings in the Middle East stopped, but they started up here. We've tracked him to a rightist group in Montana. That's where you come in. Because no one knows Abdulan exists, he was able to forge records and enlist in the Marine Corps to stake out his victims. We need you two to infiltrate the Montana setup and apprehend Abdulan."

Harm exhaled slowly. "Shit." He thought for a long moment, then raised one eyebrow at Terri. "Why'd you have us under surveillance this whole time? Why not just ask us outright?"

Leslie ran a hand through her hair, sneaking a glance at her partners. "Well," she began, "We needed to make sure you could pull off what we need. We also needed recent photos of you, just in case something goes wrong."

At these words, Mac blanched. "Will something go wrong?"

Leslie shook her head. "Absolutely not."

Ashley interrupted quietly. "This is a huge responsibility, guys, and if you backed out now, we would understand."

Mac looked at Harm, a question in her eyes.

Harm stared back at Mac for a long moment, trying to read in her eyes what she wanted. "Why us? We're just lawyers," he said quietly.

"That's why we need you." Ashley said, staring out to sea. "You're not too highly recognizable, but you've dealt with Clay and this level of risk before. Clay trusts you, and we feel we can as well." Rising and dusting the sand off of her bartender's outfit, she turned to the other four. "We'll give you time to think about this. You can contact Terri or me when you've made a decision. Come on girls, let's get moving."

Terri followed Ashley with a small smile towards the couple. "We're really hoping you can help us out here. We're at the end of our rope."

Harm nodded. "We'll get back to you as soon as we've made a decision." As the agents left, he turned to Mac and held out his arms. "C'mere," he said softly. "We have a lot to discuss."

Scooting into his embrace, Mac wrapped her arms around him and hugged him fiercely. "Not exactly what I imagined my honeymoon to be," she chuckled quietly.

Harm added his own chuckle to hers. "Me either. But we should've learned to expect stuff like this, shouldn't we? Seems like every time we think we're gonna get a break, something else goes wrong." Harm sighed, tightening his arms around Mac.

"What do you want to do?" Mac asked, laying her head on his shoulder.

Harm thought a long moment before replying quietly. "I want to do it. You know me, I'm always up for something like this. But not if it's going to put you in danger," he murmured, kissing the top of her head.

Mac sighed and tightened her grip on him. After a long pause, she leaned back and looked at him. "I think we should do anything we can to help. And Clay knows that if anything happens, he'll have the entire Justice Department, not to mention the Admiral, to answer to."

Harm nodded slowly. "You're right, as usual. I guess we should tell the girls." Despite the fact that they were trained professionals, who probably had higher security clearance than he had wet dreams about, Harm couldn't help thinking of the young agents as "girls".

Mac nodded. "Maybe tomorrow? Right now I'd just like to go up to the room and cuddle or something. This is a lot of information to digest."

Harm nodded understandingly. "Sure, sweetie. Whatever you want." He stood and reached down a hand to help Mac up.

Grasping his hand, Mac pulled herself up and brushed herself off. Wrapping her arms around Harm, she sighed and laid her head on his chest, looking out at the ocean. She realized getting involved in this case was very much like the ocean; it looks safe and no matter what you do to protect yourself against it, the undertow can be quick and fierce and end it in a heartbeat. Looking up at Harm, she kissed him gently. "Let's go." she said.

Harm, unaware of Mac's thoughts, was doing some wondering of his own. He kept trying to picture the worst-case scenario, to steel himself for the possible horrors. But he couldn't, because each of them ended with Sarah hurt or---no. He couldn't think like that. Negative thoughts brought negative energy. He smiled at Mac, pushing those thoughts away. "I love you," he whispered as they walked along the sidewalk towards the hotel.

Mac laced her fingers through Harm's as they walked up the path to the hotel. "I love you, too, Harm. Always and forever. And don't you forget it."

Harm chuckled softly, bringing her hand to his lips and kissing Mac's palm gently. As they stepped into the elevator, he leaned across her to press the button. His lips met hers in a tender expression of his love and devotion. "Never," he murmured against Mac's mouth.

"Good." Mac murmured back, separating from him as the doors dinged! open. "Should we call Webb and let him know we're in, or wait for the girls to do that?"

"I don't want to give him a chance to gloat," Harm said, his ego deflating slightly. "Let Terri and Ashley do it."

Mac nodded, going to the bureau and grabbing one of Harm's dress shirts. "Can I wear this to bed?" she asked quietly, not looking at him.

Harm walked up behind Mac and slid his arms around her waist. "You don't even have to ask, baby. What's wrong?" he prodded gently, kissing her bare shoulder.

Buttoning the shirt, Mac turned in his embrace. "I don't know, Harm...part of me is torn in wanting to help, but the other part is screaming to run far, far away from this. I don't want anything to happen to you or to our marriage this early on, you know?"

Harm nodded. "We'll both be careful, we won't take any unnecessary risks. We'll watch each others' sixes, okay?" He held her tightly. "And as for our marriage...you've survived six years with me, Mac, how could a little trip to Nevada change that?" he grinned, kissing her cheek gently.

"True. I'm sure I'm just overreacting." Sighing, Mac extricated herself from Harm's arms and climbed wearily into bed. "Can you just hold me tonight?"

Harm lay down next to Mac and pulled her close. "Can you do me a favor, Mac?" he asked quietly.

"Of course." Mac said, leaning back to look in his eyes, a question lacing her voice.

"Stop second guessing yourself, and me," he murmured, trying to say it kindly. "I didn't marry you just to have sex with you every night," he teased tenderly. "I love holding you. I love just *being* with you," he whispered, kissing her nose. "And try to remember that with me, you don't ever have to ask for anything again. Just *tell* me what you want, and it's yours, insofar as it's possible. Okay?" he asked gently.

Mac's eyes filled with tears at his kind words. "Thank you," she whispered, kissing him gently. Snuggling under the blankets, Mac wrapped her arms around Harm, inhaling his scent, allowing it to soothe her to sleep.

Harm hummed softly to himself as Mac drifted off to sleep. After her breathing had slowed and evened, he waited about fifteen minutes, staring at the ceiling. Slowly, he extricated himself from Mac's arms, slipping a pillow under her head. Harm pulled his robe on and walked out to the small balcony attached to the room. He leaned against the railing, staring up at the yellow-gold moon, silhouetted against an indigo sky. *What are we getting into? * He wondered silently. *And as much as I want to, can I really protect her if something goes wrong? Who am I to put her in danger like this?* the little voice inside his head asked. Another voice responded, *But she's a grown-up, Harm. She's a *Marine*. She can handle this. And she made the decision herself.* The first voice continued to argue. *Did she decide for herself, or did she decide to go when you said you wanted to?* Harm put his hands to his temples, hoping the battle inside him would cease.

Immediately missing her husband's warm breath on her ear, Mac stirred and opened her eyes slowly. "Harm?" She called.

Harm turned, pasting a small smile on his face. "Hey. Go back to sleep, jarhead, everything's fine."

"I may be half asleep, but I'm not stupid. What are you worrying about now?" Mac said, yawning, and sitting up in bed.

Harm chuckled softly. "Go back to bed, dammit. You need your rest."

"So do you. And don't order me around, I'm higher in the food chain. What's up, flyboy?"

"Food chain?" he murmured. "We'll see who gets eaten." Walking slowly over to her, Harm dropped his robe and climbed back in bed. "Nothing I want to discuss," he said quietly, taking Mac in his arms.

Sighing, Mac closed her eyes. "All right, sailor. But I don't want you to keep anything from me, or feel like you have to protect me. Tell me what's up, okay?"

Harm shook his head, again amazed by his wife's courage and persistence. "I'm not protecting you, I just don't want to go into it right now. It's just needless worrying."

"All right." Mac relented. "I love you." She said quietly as she drifted off to sleep.

Harm smiled to himself. "I love you, too, Sarah."
 

Harm woke up slowly, and opened his eyes to peek at Mac.

Without opening her eyes, the already awake Mac said, "It's really unnerving feeling someone watch you wake up."

Harm laughed softly. "I'm not watching you, I was just waiting to see if you were up." He leaned over and tickled her stomach with his fingers.

Giggling, Mac opened her eyes and swatted his hands away. "Now, you stop that, young man," she said with a grin.

Harm laughed, tickling her harder. "I don't think so, ma'am."

"Harm!" Mac squealed, trying to kick him gently off of her. "You're such a meanie!" Realizing what she had just said, Mac cracked up harder. "You're...so...bad!" She gasped between laughter.

Harm rolled over on top of Mac, kissing her neck. "I know. And you love me for it!"

Before Mac had a chance to answer, the room phone rang. Looking over at it and then back at Harm. "Should we answer it?"

Harm smiled. "What choice do we have?" Without moving off of Mac, he leaned over and answered the phone with, "This better be important."

"It's Leslie. We have a situation."

"What kind of situation?" Harm asked warily, climbing off Mac and sitting beside her on the bed.

"Can you meet us in the bar in ten minutes? It's safer."

Harm sighed softly. "Fine. Ten minutes." He hung up abruptly. "I'm regretting this already," he said, shaking his head. Harm stood and walked over to the dresser, grabbing a shirt and his jeans. "You better get dressed, we're meeting the agents in ten minutes."
Flying into action, Mac donned a spring dress, and moving into the bathroom to brush her teeth called out, "What's going on?"

"I have no idea. Leslie just told me to meet her. She said there was 'a situation'."

Five minutes later, they were in the bar, glancing around for Leslie.

Ashley put down her cup of coffee and poked Leslie. "They're here."

Leslie motioned for the couple to join herself and the other agents. "Sorry to drag you out of bed this early," she said, "But Abdulan's killed again. Marine General, outside of Vegas. We need to get on him and keep him in one place, and fast. You interested?"

Harm glanced at Mac, waiting for her cue. They still had three days left in Barbados, but if she was willing...

Mac looked back at Harm, and then back at Leslie, Ashley and Terri. "We're in."

Ashley clapped her hands once. "Excellent. We really appreciate this, guys, thank you. Now," she said, leaning down and pulling out three manila folders out of her briefcase, "This is Abdulan's dossier, and your two personnel files. We're putting you undercover and under the strictest surveillance." She handed the folder marked "Jack" to Harm and the folder marked "Karen" to Mac.

"Jack and Karen?" Mac said, amused.

Leslie smiled. "Terri likes the two of them on 'Will and Grace'."

Harm forced a smile, as he took his ID in hand and glanced over his new information.

"Wait--how is this going to work? Mac and I are *married*," he pointed out. "Are we going to be able to act like it?"

Ashley pointed to the dossier. "Nah, we wouldn't be that cruel, Mr. and Mrs. Burton. You both have the same birth dates and wedding date. Your social security numbers obviously have changed, and so have your emergency contacts, to our aliases. Now, we have contacts in every state should you get into trouble. In Nevada, you'll be meeting up with Detective Shelby Marks, who will show you around and guide you through the process."

Harm nodded, listening carefully. "Sounds like a plan. When do we leave?"

Leslie spoke up. "Well, *I* wanted you to leave right away, but these two schmooks decided you needed another day in beautiful Barbados, so you fly out tomorrow. We'll have more information on Abdulan by then. Can we brief around 6 tomorrow night?"

Harm glanced at Mac, watching her face carefully as he spoke. "Sure, 6 it is. Now, if you don't mind, my wife and I will enjoy what little is left of our honeymoon." He smiled civilly and stood, holding his arm out to Mac.

Mac rose as well, gathering their dossiers, but not saying anything.

"Harm, Mac," Ashley said before they could leave, "I'm sorry for sounding like we don't care we're ruining your life. But the truth is, we've been covering this guy for five years. Leslie's been doing this since she got out of the Academy. We know you're the ones that can solve this, and even if we seem bitchy and ignorant, we really do appreciate that."

Harm smiled, grateful for the words of encouragement and appreciation. "We know that," he said softly, wrapping his arm around Mac's waist. "It's just that we went through a lot to get here, and to have it cut short, well..." he trailed off, shrugging. "That's life, I guess, right, jarhead?" he murmured. "Thanks girls, we'll see you tomorrow." He led Mac off silently.

Sighing, Ashley plopped herself down in a chair. "Are we doing the right thing?"

Leslie patted her hand. "Yes. Shelby will protect them."

"But what if she can't? What if they figure out this is bigger than all of us?"

Leslie didn't have a reply.

On the way back up to the room, Mac looked out over the terrace. Turning to Harm, she said, "I'd like to go for a walk on the beach."

Harm smiled. "Sure. Let's just drop our stuff off in the room first, okay?"

Mac nodded, running her fingers over the dossier. She and Harm would have to memorize all the pertinent information so they could play their undercover parts well, but now...now was just for being Harm and Sarah Rabb.

Harm tossed the dossiers into his suitcase, and locked the hotel room door behind them.
He reached out for Mac's hand. "Hey, Mac?" he murmured.

"Hmmm?" Mac said as she grabbed her sweater.

"I love you, now and forever, no matter what."

Mac crossed the room to him, placing her hand on his cheek. "I know. And I love you, come what may." Cocking her head to the door, she said, "You ready?"

Harm nodded quickly, following Mac outside and down to the beach. As they walked, he felt the cool sand beneath his feet and he concentrated on the sensation. He slowed his breathing and tried to clear his mind of everything but right here, right now, the setting sun, the sand, the water and his wife.

Going to the water's edge, Mac looked out across the lagoon that encased the private beach of the hotel. She thought back to her earlier metaphoric thought, and the pit that was threatening to take up permanent residence in her stomach returned as she walked slowly through the crashing waves.

Harm walked beside Mac, letting her think uninterrupted. When he couldn't stand the silence any longer, he spoke softly. "Whatcha thinking?"

Mac tilted her head to look at him. Shrugging, she looked back out to sea. "I don't know...I just feel a little apprehensive about this whole case...my gut's telling me something's going to happen."

"We can still call it off, Mac," Harm reminded her. "Say the word, we go back to JAG with a clear conscience."

Sighing, Mac shook her head. "No, we couldn't. They need our help, Harm, and if we turned back now...how many more innocent lives are we willing to risk?"

Harm sighed softly, standing with his hands shoved deep into his pockets. "If it means risking you, I don't want to do it."

Mac looked up at the sky, contemplating. Finally, she looked at Harm. "We need to do this, Harm. We don't have a choice in my mind. But we need to be protected, too. We should make some of our own regulations for them to follow."

"All right. You name it, we'll do it."

"Well, we need weapons. We're also going to need some sort of way to get in touch immediately with the girls, like a bat-phone or something. And I think there should be listening devices in certain rooms, and code phrases." Mac chuckled. "I sound like Dragnet or something."

Harm smiled slightly, glad that Mac seemed to be breaking out of her funk. "That sounds a lot safer than just being on our own."

Mac nodded. "But we'll have to make sure there's no listening device in the bedroom," she said, her voice lowering. "Because, technically, we're still newlyweds...and I intend to keep up the age old adage about newlyweds and sex."

Harm chuckled, stepping closer to Mac. His hands remained in his pockets as he shifted his weight forward. Harm's sweet breath tickled Mac's earlobe as he spoke softly, "I was kind of hoping you'd say that."

Lacing her arms through the crooks of his elbows and lacing her fingers behind his back, Mac looked up at him. "Well, what do you want to do on our last night in Barbados, sailor?" she said huskily.

"You."

Mac grinned. "Well, then, let's go."

"Woohoo!" Harm cheered, and took off running down the beach. A dozen or so yards away, he stopped and turned with a grin, waiting for Mac. "Come on, slowpoke!" he teased.

Laughing, Mac jogged to catch up with him. As she reached the point where he was standing, she took off at full speed, calling over her shoulder, "Catch me if you can!"

Harm put all his strength into his long legs and caught up with Mac in a few moments. He gave a Tarzan yell, tackling her to the sand gently. "Gotcha!"

Mac squirmed under Harm with a silent grin.

Harm started to kiss Mac, gently but thoroughly reminding her with every passing second how much he loved her.  As the moments passed unnoticed, he tenderly made love to his wife, every sweet kiss and gentle touch making him realize more and more that she was his forever love.

Mac was seeing stars. Literally. She marveled at how Harm could reduce her to Jell-O but never make her feel inadequate. She thought back to her past lovers...Dalton, Chris, even John Farrow...none of them loved her with this much tenacity, or this much simple sweetness.

Harm glanced up at Mac. She was unusually quiet for this point in the game. "Are you okay?" he murmured, stopping his movements for a moment. "Something wrong?"

Mac shook her head quickly. "Oh, no, Harm, I'm amazing. Actually, you are...I was just thinking how lucky I am that I found you...or rather, that the Admiral found us, but that's beside the point...okay, I'm rambling." She finished with a smile. "I just love you is all." Motioning with her hand and lying back on the sand, she said, "You may continue your conquest, sailor."

Harm chuckled softly. "The conquest is over, Mac. You planted your flag in my heart a long time ago." He lowered his mouth and kissed her breathlessly.

Sighing contentedly, Mac closed and focused on the best feeling in the world: her and Harm, here, like this. She listened to the quietness of the night, the waves crashing against the shore, and Harm's hurried breathing mixing with hers.  Grinning from ear to ear, Mac ran her hand through his hair and down his cheek. "I love you so much," she whispered, tears filling her eyes.

Harm dipped his head and kissed away the tears as they reached her cheekbones. "I love you, too," he managed to say around the lump in his throat. "Forever and a day." Harm lay there on top of Mac, propped up on his elbows, reluctant to move.

Grinning and shifting uncomfortably under him, Mac said, "Um, darling, as much as I'm loving this whole ambiance thing, I think there's a shell taking up permanent residence in my back."

With a laugh, Harm rolled onto his back, pulling Mac with him. "Better?" he teased.

Rubbing her back, Mac nodded, swooping down to kiss him. "Much." She said. Laying her head on his chest, Mac looked back out to the ocean. "We are going to be so gross and sandy in the morning," she said sleepily.

Harm chuckled softly. "We're going to shower tonight, lazy bones." He gently pushed Mac until she was sitting up, still on him. "Let's head back to the hotel and do that now, okay?" he grinned. "I've got sand in my six."

Mac giggled. "Kinky." Standing up and stretching languidly, Mac brushed the sand off of herself, readjusted her dress and held her hand out to Harm. "Come on, sailor, let's get you cleaned up."

Harm laughed aloud, standing next to Mac and trying to dust off a little. "Yes, ma'am!" He saluted and took Mac's hand, leading her to the hotel and into the elevator.

Mac wrapped her arms around Harm's waist as he opened the door to the hotel room. "I love you." She whispered into his back, burying her nose in his shirt...and then sneezing at the sand that was residing there.

Harm brushed some sand off of Mac's nose with a chuckle. "I love you too and god bless you." He wrapped his arm around her waist and led Mac towards the bedroom, using his free hand to unbutton his shirt as they went. He tossed it on the floor, clicking the bathroom light on.

Shaking her head, Mac separated herself from his embrace and picked up his shirt. "You're so sloppy," she called, unzipping her own dress, itching her back at the sand there.

Harm chuckled. "Only on vacation," he corrected her. He slid a hand across her bare back, gently brushing some errant grains of sand off. Harm leaned around her and turned the hot water on. "Bath or shower?"

"Mmm, bath sounds wonderful." Mac said, tilting her neck forward, encouraging his soft touch on her aching muscles. "It'll loosen these tense muscles I seem to have pulled over the last few days."

Harm began to knead Mac's neck gently, his strong fingers working at the kinks in her neck, as the tub filled with hot water. "Mmmm....you're really tense..." he murmured, kissing the back of Mac's neck.

"Well, that's why I married you...for your big strong hands...among other big parts," Mac said with a grin. Leaning over and turning off the water, Mac climbed in, sighing at the warm water on her aching muscles.

Harm chuckled, sliding into the spa-sized tub across from Mac. He leaned back against the cool tile, watching her with his baby blues half-lidded.

After rinsing for a few minutes, Mac sloshed her way over to Harm's side of the tub.
Placing her arms on either side of his waist, Mac settled herself on his lap, kissing his neck.

Harm grinned, grabbing the soap and a plastic souvenir cup they'd bought that week. He scooped up some warm water and poured it down Mac's back. Then he rubbed the soap over her gently, lathering until the bubbles covered her back. Harm moved his hands to her front, rubbing bubbles up between his hands and gently covering her tanned breasts in white soapy lather.

Giggling at the bubbles on her breasts, Mac leaned over and kissed him, running some of the bubbles over Harm's chest as well. "We definitely need a big ol' bathtub in the new house."

Harm nodded vigorously. "It was going to be surprise, but I can't keep secrets from you," he grinned. "The tub's bought and paid for, it's in storage." He cupped some water between his hands and poured them down Mac's chest, exposing her breasts to his hands and lips once again.

Mac's mouth dropped open in delighted surprise. "Harm!" She exclaimed. "Are you serious?"

Harm flashed his trademark flyboy grin. "Of course. It's my wedding present to you. The salesman said it's big enough to fit three, so..." He made a motion to indicate that when Mac was pregnant with their child, they'd still be able to fit.

"Only Harmon Rabb would buy me a bathtub prior to getting me the house to put it in!" Mac said, delighted. Kissing him thoroughly, Mac hugged him. "Thank you seems so inadequate for everything you've given me, but thank you."

Harm laughed as Mac read his thoughts again. "You're welcome." He hugged her back. "Oh, and speaking of a house, I sort of have that covered, too."

"Excuse me?!" Mac said, nearly falling off his lap in shock. "What on God's green earth did you *do*?"

Harm had been waiting for this discussion since the day they'd arrived in Barbados. He reached over to his shirt, with a smile, and pulled a wrinkled piece of paper out of the pocket. "My real estate agent has my permission to make an offer on this." He handed her the paper. "Pending your approval, of course, ma'am."

Mac dried off her hands and took the paper. "Describe it to me, Harm."

Harm grinned as Mac unfolded the little picture. "It's a little ranch house, split level. It has four bedrooms, for kids and guests," he smiled. "There are three bathrooms, a living room, a den, a screened-in swimming pool and a huge backyard. It even has a room big enough to put workout equipment or a small office in. Whaddya think, Mac?" he asked quietly.

Mac stared at the picture, her hand covering her mouth in utter shock. Eyes filling with tears, she looked back at Harm. "So," she finally said with a watery chuckle, "Does this thing have a big kitchen for you *not* to make your meatless meatloaf?"

Harm nodded vigorously. "Yup, big enough for my lasagna, and my eggs," he smiled, "which I know you love. And, oh!" he exclaimed. "I almost forgot, there's a big dining room and a breakfast nook!"

Mac could no longer contain her tears. Staring at the little piece of paper Harm had handed her, she realized, *My God, this is our house. Our house.* Looking back up at Harm, tears falling down her cheeks, she whispered, "Wow."

Harm brushed her tears away with his finger, kissing her cheek. "And there's a basketball hoop in the driveway, so I can teach our kids to play." He smiled at the thought. "Get ready for this, Mac. It has a white picket fence around the front yard." He waited for her reaction.

Mac let out another set of chuckles, shaking her head at him. "You've just planned it all, haven't you?"

Harm smiled broadly. "It's still awaiting your go-ahead, Mac. I wouldn't do something this big without talking to you."

"It's perfect." Mac whispered, looking at him. "Absolutely perfect." She leaned over to kiss him, dropping the picture over the side of the tub. "Well, I suppose since you've gotten me a house and a bathtub, I need to get you something too, hmm?"

Harm grinned and winked at his wife. "Well, we do have a whole room to set aside a nursery. Maybe you could work on an occupant?"

"I think that can be arranged," Mac said grinning.

Harm smiled, pulling Mac further onto his lap and kissing her neck. "I guess I should call the real estate agent when we get home, huh?"

Mac nodded vigorously. "Yes. And let's work on that occupant thing, okay?"

Harm laughed softly, kissing her hard. "Now?" He pretended to be exhausted.
Rearing back from him, Mac regarded him with a semi-serious gaze. Running her finger slowly up and down his chest, inching towards his waist, Mac clucked her tongue. "Well, if you don't *want* to..."

Harm moaned softly, directly into Mac's ear. "I could be convinced."

Afterwards, they lay together, a tangle of legs and arms.  Harm smiled broadly, cuddling her close.  "I love seeing you smile," he murmured.

Kissing him lightly, Mac turned on her side, her back facing Harm. Bringing his arms up and wrapping them around her, Mac sighed contentedly. "I'm glad the girls are allowing us to stay married while we're undercover," she said quietly. "I couldn't go without this, even by force."

Harm's fingers idly traced patterns on Mac's bare stomach. "I know. I don't know how I'd survive without you."

Lacing his left hand with hers, Mac raised their entwined hands to the light, watching the light reflect off of their wedding rings. Craning her neck to look at him, she couldn't contain another smile. "I can't believe how good we are at this marriage thing."

Harm chuckled softly. "Baby, this is only the honeymoon. We have a lot more of this 'marriage thing' to contend with." He kissed her neck gently. "But I do agree, we're pretty good for amateurs." Harm bit his lip as he realized what he'd said. Mac *wasn't* an amateur at marriage--she'd been with Chris long before she was his.

Watching his expression change, Mac ran a hand up and down his face. "Don't even think about Chris and me as being 'married', Harm," Mac said sternly. "That was nothing compared to this. He could never compare to you, to the love I feel for you, okay?"

Harm nodded, a little unsure. But he knew Mac wasn't lying to him. It just bothered him that she'd been Mrs. Ragle, if even for a little while.

Reading his mind, Mac kissed him thoroughly and tenderly on the mouth. "Being Mrs. Rabb is *much* better than being Mrs. Ragle, okay?"

Harm let out a tiny chuckle at his wife's clairvoyance. "Okay. Hey, Mac?"

Laying her head back down on his chest, Mac replied, "Hmm?"

"I love you," he murmured, kissing the top of Mac's head.

Smiling and making a very pleased sound, Mac grinned. "I love you too. But we have to meet the girls in 7 hours, 36 minutes, so we should probably get some sleep."

Harm grinned, tangling his legs with Mac's as they drifted off to sleep. "Oooh, and I get to fly tomorrow," he murmured. "Yay."

"Yay indeed." Mac said. "Goodnight, love."

Harm stuck his tongue out at Mac silently and closed his eyes tiredly.
--------------------------------------------
Mac stirred around 0803 the next morning to some very suspicious noises outside the hotel room. Wary of what had transpired over the last few days, Mac disengaged herself from Harm's arms and donning Harm's discarded shirt and boxers, slowly crept to the door. Placing her ear cautiously up to the door, she nearly burst out laughing when she heard Terri, Leslie and Ashley yelling in whispers at each other.

"Ow!" Ashley yelped. "Terri, watch where you're steering that breakfast cart!"

"I could steer better if Leslie would stop stealing the damn sausage." There was a loud smacking sound from the hall. "Get off! Ashley, will you make her stop?"

Harm shifted slightly, missing Mac's weight on his arm. "Mac?" he whispered, immediately alert. "What's wrong?"

Mac covered her mouth with her hand and motioned to the door. Walking back over to him, she said quietly, "The girls are apparently trying to bring us breakfast."

Ashley waved her hand at her colleagues. "Leslie, you already ate this morning! Now come on, we need to get them up...if you haven't already done that, you goofs!"

"Trying? How hard is it?" Harm asked, tugging at her hand, hoping Mac would join him in bed again.

Terri sighed long-sufferingly. "It's all *her* fault."

Mac shook her finger at him. "Not with an audience." Crossing back to the door, she opened it before Ashley or Leslie had a chance to respond to Terri.

"Good morning." Mac said good-naturedly.

Ashley looked at her colleagues for a split second before cracking up. "Good morning," she managed, grabbing the end of the cart and wheeling it into the room. "We brought breakfast."

Harm smiled. "Ladies, would you do me an enormous favor and turn around while I find my skivvies?"

The four girls erupted into peals of laughter. Nodding, Ashley ushered Terri and Leslie out of the room. "We just wanted to see if you were up and all that...we'll leave you two to eat and we'll meet you downstairs in an hour, okay?"

As the girls departed, Harm lifted the blanket slightly. "Yup, I'm up," he teased.

Mac stopped her investigation of breakfast to throw one of the decorative pillows at him. "You are terrible!" She admonished. "Ooh, French toast!"

Harm sighed and peered under the blanket again, speaking directly to his penis. "Looks like we've lost out to Eggs Benedict, fella. Sorry."

Cracking up, Mac pulled the cart over to the little table and chairs that were in the room. "Fella?" She said in between mouthfuls.

Harm nodded. "Yeah. He and I go way back." He stood and wandered into the bathroom. "I need a shower," he called out over the sound of rushing water. "Think you can leave me a piece of wheat toast?" Harm teased.

Mac contemplated, holding her fork up to her chin. "Possibly." She said with a smile.

Harm didn't really expect to get any of that lovely breakfast spread the Agents had brought. He knew his wife well enough after five years to know that if you didn't get it while it was hot, you didn't get it, period. Harm smiled to himself, lathering up and rinsing the suds off slowly. He started to sing something under his breath.

Taking an extra plate, Mac spooned some of the eggs, French and wheat toast, and fresh fruit onto it, putting it off to the side for Harm. Normally she wouldn't, but she figured he wouldn't expect it, so what the hell? She finished her own plate and moved to get dressed, smiling at the song that was reverberating from the bathroom.

Harm sang a little louder as the water rushed over his ears and he couldn't hear.
"Sometimes a melody, can bring back a memory. Take us to another place in time, completely change your state of mind..." He turned the water off and wrapped his bottom half in a towel, wandering out to the bedroom. "Hey, you saved me some!" Genuine surprise and gratitude colored Harm's voice. "Thanks," he grinned, bending down to kiss the top of Mac's head as she squatted next to the dresser.

Mac looked up, grinning. "Hey, no problem." Grabbing another of her new Ann Taylor dresses, she set it aside and neatly placed the rest of her clothes in her suitcase. "We need to be packed and downstairs in 42 minutes." she said, moving to the bathroom to brush her teeth.

Harm laughed quietly, watching Mac disappear around the corner. "You're adorable, you know that?" he called. Harm leaned over the dresser drawer, pulling out his outfit for that day. He shimmied into the jeans, tugging them up over his butt, and drew the Marine green tank top over his head. Packing his suitcase quickly, Harm found he had enough time to sit and enjoy his quickly cooling breakfast.

Finishing in the bathroom, Mac did a final check of the room. Seeing the dossiers on the bureau, the butterflies returned. She picked them up and held one in either hand. She said casually to Harm, "Want to see who we're going to be portraying for the next few weeks?"
Harm nodded slowly. "I guess we'd better." He took his dossier and opened it, skimming the contents.

"Karen Alaina Burton, née Wexler," Mac read aloud. "Same birth date, different social security number. My mom's name was Dorothy, my dad's name was Jason." Mac laughed and looked at Harm. "I have three sisters and a brother, all younger. I love that."

Harm grinned. "I have a younger sister, that's pretty cool. I wonder if she looks like my mom," he glanced down, "Renee?" he smiled.

Mac smiled. "Says here I'm a substitute teacher." A confused look crossed her face. "What on earth am I going to teach?"

Harm chuckled softly. "Math."

"Math?" Mac said, sitting on the bed. "I hate math. Maybe English or gym or something.
That'd be fun." Leaning over the bed's brass railing, Mac asked, "What do you do?"

Harm laughed. "You're good with numbers, you should teach math, Mac." He checked his folder. "Says here I'm the head of new recruit training. Awesome, infantry!" Harm's ego perked *right* up.

Mac grinned. "You and the new recruits? I think this is a setup...if any of my students give me problems, I send them to your boot camp to be straightened out."

Harm chuckled. "Sounds like a plan. But hey, if you're a substitute teacher, then you don't even have to work, right?" He grinned at the thought of Mac being a stay-at-home wife. Somehow, it just didn't suit her.

Mac stuck her tongue out at him. "The girls probably want me to have a flexible schedule in case they need help with the investigation."

"What's the tongue for?" he smiled innocently. "I was just trying to be helpful."

"Suuuuure you were," Mac said disbelievingly. Motioning to him, she said, "Come on, it's time to go meet the girls."
--------------------------------------------
0900 hours
Hotel Ballroom

Leslie absentmindedly added sweetener to her coffee as Mac and Harm walked in. Smiling, she nudged Ashley and Terri and waved Harm and Mac over.

"Enjoy your breakfast?" She asked Harm sweetly.

Harm smiled slightly. "Yeah, it was wonderful. What's the plan?" he asked, pouring two cups of coffee and handing one to Mac.

Leslie leaned down and picked up her briefcase, setting it on the table, open. "I'm assuming you've read your dossiers."

Mac nodded. "Yes."

Leslie nodded. "Good. The plan is you're on a commercial flight to Tampa International, then on to Las Vegas. Shelby will meet you in the airport and drive you out to Ellston, where you'll be staying for the duration of the mission. The house is fully equipped, with a car for each of you, as well as further instructions for your jobs. Shelby will be able to answer any questions you may have, and she'll be your emergency contact while you're in Vegas. Tomorrow, Harm, you're to report to the Henderson Base at 0700 to start your new recruit training. Mac, you'll be staying home to wade through the files Shelby and her 'associate', who is posing as a realtor are going to give you." Leslie looked at the couple. "Am I going too fast?"

Harm shook his head, glancing at Mac for confirmation. He saw the comprehension in her eyes. "Nope, we're clear. We're leaving for the airport as soon as we're done here, I'm flying us to Tampa."

Leslie nodded, smiling. "I would expect nothing less. Now, Harm, Abdulan is going by the name of Gunnery Sergeant Craig Miner. Befriend him, get any kind of information you can. Shelby's expecting discreet weekly reports, via government email accounts we've set up for you, or through Mac. The house is wired for sound, but there are security panels to shut off the mikes in certain rooms. Those will be in the files Shelby gives you. Now, you won't be able to reach us directly, but you can through Shelby and through your 'family members', as those names and numbers are actually members of our firms prepared to get you through any crisis." Leslie paused, thinking.

Ashley took advantage of the silence, saying, "Everything will be explained in Shelby's files. Do you have any more questions?"

Mac shook her head. "I don't. Harm?"

Harm thought a long moment. "Only one. What's this guy's motive for killing Marines?"

Leslie looked at Ashley and Terri, then back at Harm. Shaking her head, she looked him dead in the eye. "We're not sure. We can't even figure out how he's picking his victims, and none of them have anything in common, except for the fact they were working on high security projects for the Corps and the Government, but Abdulan could have no knowledge of that. All we want you to do is keep an eye on him and at the first sign of trouble, get us out there."

Harm nodded. "We'll be sure to do that." He stood and reached out his hand for Mac. "It's been a pleasure, as always, Agents."

Leslie smiled, rising along side her colleagues. "Shelby knows how to contact us if you need anything. Anything at all, you just ask." She held out her hand to Mac, who accepted it, and then to Harm. "Thank you again."

Impulsively, Ashley leaned across the table to hug Mac after Leslie had released her hand. "Godspeed and for crying out loud, be safe!" She said with a smile.

A surprised Mac hugged Ashley back and then released her. "We're always safe." She said with a knowing smile.

Ashley grinned. "I know. That's what I'm afraid of." Stepping back, she saluted Harm.
"Best of luck, Commander."

Harm shook each girl's hand in turn, then snapped off a salute to Ashley. "Thank you, Agent DiMattia." He slipped his fingers in between Mac's. "I have a feeling we'll need it."
---------------
As they settled into their seats (in first class again, thanks to the Agents), Harm smiled at Mac. "Wow, time sure flies, doesn't it? It seems like yesterday we were on a flight like this to Key West. Now we're an old married couple," he laughed.

Mac grinned back, taking his hand in hers. "Harm, I hate to break it to you, but we've been 'an old married couple' for a long time now. We've just figured out the side bonuses."

Harm laughed aloud. "Uhm, yeah. And those are some damn big bonuses." He rested his hand on Mac's thigh, squeezing it gently.

Leaning across the console, Mac placed a kiss on his cheek. Resting her head against the back of her chair, she closed her eyes and said, "The flight is going to take 6 hours, 23 minutes. I have a feeling we're going to be sleep deprived for a little while, so take advantage of this time while you can."

Harm smiled, staring at Mac while she rested. He knew that sleep wouldn't recharge his batteries, but being with her always did. So while her head rested on the seat and her eyes were closed, Harm simply drank in the grace and power that was inherent in his beautiful wife.

Before drifting off to sleep, Mac laced her fingers through Harm's and squeezed them gently, not letting go as her exhaustion took over and she fell fast asleep.

Harm held her hand gently as she slept. After a few minutes, he lifted the console and slid one leg behind Mac. He rested against the plush armrest and drew Mac to him, wrapping his arms around her. Then he was finally able to close his eyes.

Mac stirred in Harm's arms approximately 3 hours, 24 minutes later. Opening her eyes, she felt Harm's deep and even breaths stirring her hair and she smiled. One of the stewardesses had placed a blanket over them, and Mac slowly moved it, sitting up and stretching her back out. Looking back down at Harm as she rose to go to the bathroom, she smiled again.

"You're very lucky," a voice said behind Mac. She turned and saw an older woman sitting in the seat behind her, smiling knowingly.

Mac smiled and replied quietly, "Yes. I am." Excusing herself, Mac headed to the forward galley to use the bathroom.

Harm opened one eye as Mac walked down the tiny aisle. He looked at the woman behind him and flashed her a flyboy grin. "Actually, *I'm* the lucky one."

The woman chuckled. "Don't start any fights over that now," she said with a glint in her eye. "How long have you been together?"

"We've been partners professionally for about six years. We've been married for a week and a half."

The woman beamed at Harm. "That's how my Jacob and I met. We worked together, couldn't admit the attraction, but when we finally did, we were married 52 years."
"Wow. 52 years is a long time," Harm smiled. "It took us six years to admit it, but now that we're together, I think it's forever." He paused. "No, I *know* it's forever," he corrected himself.

The woman smiled brightly. "That's wonderful, young man. I wish you every happiness." Yawning, the woman covered her mouth and looked back at Harm sheepishly. "Excuse me. When you get to be my age, it's very difficult to keep your stamina up."

Harm smiled. "Thank you," he said softly, swiveling his head to look for Mac.

Mac finished in the washroom, running a hand though her hair and trying to readjust her appearance from sleepiness to wakefulness. Returning to her seat, she saw Harm was awake. "Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you." She said as she sat down and buckled her seatbelt.

Harm grinned, kissing her cheek. "I sleep with you like I did when I used to baby-sit the neighbor's infant. Every little sound, every sigh wakes me up. It's not your fault."

Mac smiled at him and then sobered. "Speaking of infants...a thought struck me. Harm," she said, her voice breaking, "I'm not sure if it would be possible for you and me to conceive and carry to full term. I'm almost 36 and you're almost 40. That's high risk right there. Plus, I'm an alcoholic, and although I haven't had a drink in ages, it's still in my system. And don't even get me started on genetics...my mom is overweight, which poses the problem for diabetes..." She trailed off, tears filling her eyes. "Oh, God, Harm, what if we can't?"

Harm unbuckled Mac's seat belt and pulled her against his side. "Sarah, sweetheart, calm down," he said softly. "First of all, I thought of all that, too, before we ever got married. And I don't care. I'd love for us to be able to have a baby together, but if it doesn't happen, we'll be fine." He tilted her head up to look at him. "And secondly, you don't have to be able to carry a baby to term for us to have children, you know. This is the twenty-first century, there are plenty of other options. There's surrogacy, and adoption, which I personally prefer. And if none of those appeal to us, hell, we can just stay the two of us forever. We'll figure something out, okay? I don't want you making yourself sick over this." Harm's fingers gently stroked her arm as he spoke, and his eyes conveyed the love he felt for Mac.

Mac nodded and wiped the tears from her eyes, then covered his hand with hers. "I know. I just wanted a child, *our* child, and the thought of not being able to have that just scared me."

Before Harm had a chance to answer, the soft voice returned from behind them. "I'm sorry to keep interrupting you, but I couldn't help but over hear. Darling," the old woman said to Mac, "I had 4 high risk pregnancies, and about 8 miscarriages. But my children survived, and so will you. I promise."

Mac smiled obligingly at the old woman, feeling an odd sense of calm wash over her. "Thank you, Mrs..."

"Johnson. Grace Johnson." Nodding, she closed her eyes once again and said a quiet prayer for the young couple.

Mac looked at Harm, a question in her eyes. "What was that about?" she said quietly.

Harm smiled gratefully at the older woman. "Thank you," he mouthed. He looked back at Mac, staring into her eyes. "I don't know," he murmured, "but she's right. Mac, I want a baby of our own, too, but not if it means putting you at risk. I love you too much." His blue eyes filled with fear at the thought of something happening to her. "Let's cross that bridge when we come to it. No use worrying unless you actually get pregnant, right?"

Mac smiled. "Well, we may know in about 5 days."

Harm was silent for a long moment. "We what?"

"We'll know if I'm pregnant. Which is a *huge* long shot, flyboy. My period comes like clockwork, and I'm due in about 5 days. So I suppose we'll know then."

Harm couldn't breathe. "So soon? My god, what if it happens?" He smiled broadly. "Can you imagine trying to explain that one to Bud and Harriet? 'Yes, she got pregnant on the honeymoon. No, I didn't marry her because she was knocked up.' " Harm chuckled softly. "The Admiral would kill me."

Mac grinned. "No, I think he'd kiss you. He wants us to have kids as much as your mom does."

Harm grinned. "Don't let him kiss me, Mac!" He pretended to be scared at the very idea. "Grandpa AJ, hmmmm?" he mulled the idea.

Mac smiled again and then sobered. "Harm, we need to realize the odds...us getting pregnant during the first week of our marriage, and after such a short time of being intimately involved...they're astronomical. We shouldn't get our hopes up."

Harm nodded. "I know, and I'm not expecting it to happen this quickly. I'm just fantasizing, I guess." He kissed her cheek gently. "I love you, no matter what. Remember that, okay?"

Mac placed a hand on his cheek, holding him to her. "I will. And I love you too."

"Good." Harm grinned. "How long till we get there?"

Mac smiled. "2 hours, 47 minutes. Wanna play cards?"

"Sure. Strip poker?" Harm suggested, leaning forward to dig the playing cards out of his bag.

Mac grinned. "I was thinking more along the lines of gin or something, dear. We've already shared intimate details about us to the rest of the plane, we need to save something for the return flight."

Harm chuckled. "Oh, fine," he said in mock-disappointment. "But you'll owe me one when we get 'home' to Nevada."

Mac held out her hand. "Deal."

Harm turned it over and kissed her palm. He proceeded to deal each of them seven cards
with a knowing little smile.

Picking up her cards, Mac sat Indian-style and regarded him. "What are you smiling about?"

"Oh, I'm just picturing the way you pay me back," he said, organizing his cards.

Mac laughed, looking at her own hand. "You're terrible," she admonished.

Harm smiled, watching Mac blush a little. "You keep saying that, but you never ask me to stop. Now I know what Mic meant." He idly picked up a card and dropped one from his hand.

Nearly dropping her hand, Mac looked at him with a surprised expression. "What did Mic say?"

"Oh, nothing of importance," Harm brushed the comment off like a fly buzzing around his head. "Your turn."

Trading cards, Mac looked at him. "Harm," she whined, "Tell me what he said!"

"Eeek," he laughed. "That's really unattractive, hearing you whine." He dropped a card and picked up three.

Pondering over her move, Mac drew two from the pile. "All right. If I win this game, you need to tell me what he said."

"What do I get if I win?" Harm bargained.

"You get...the satisfaction of knowing you won?" Mac said with a smile.

"I don't think so," Harm grinned. "Let's see...if you win, I tell you what Mic said. If I win..." he tried to think of something he wanted. "You have to eat vegetarian for a week!"

Mac shook her head, sighing. "Fine. But you're cooking it, not me."

Harm smiled. "I wouldn't let you near the kitchen if you paid me, love. You and your thinking cup o' soup is a meal," he scoffed, dropping another card. One more and the game was *his*.

"It *is* a meal." Mac said, dropping her last card. Triumphantly, she set her cards down. "Gin."

"Cup o' soup is not now, and never will be, a meal in any home of mine," Harm said forcefully, though he was smiling. He picked the cards up and began to shuffle them. "Play again?"

Mac shook her head. "Not 'till you tell me."

Harm dealt a fresh hand and grinned. "It's not that big a deal. I just asked him once why he kept pursuing you. He told me."

Picking up her cards, Mac motioned for him to continue. "And?"

Harm mimicked Mic's voice. " 'Because for all her protesting, mate, she never tells me to stop.' "

Mac groaned as she rearranged her cards. "I told him to stop a few times," she said quietly.

Harm shrugged. "Did you say, 'Mic, stop this. You're making me uncomfortable'? If you said anything even a little more vague than that, he might've taken it the wrong way."

Mac looked out the window behind him. "I don't know if I was that explicit...I guess I liked the attention." Looking Harm straight in the eye, she said, "But it would never have gone anywhere. I was waiting for someone else."

Harm smiled broadly. "Thanks."

Mac shrugged, returning her attention to her cards. "Well, it's the truth."

"Yeah, ditto," he murmured, taking his turn with the cards. "What are the stakes on this hand?"

Mac smiled, thinking. After a moment, she said, "If I win, you show me what was in that bag you brought over to my apartment a few months ago. I never did get to see what was in there."

Harm's eyes widened in surprise. "Oh, that's right!" he exclaimed softly. "Hmmm....that sounds like a win-win situation. I'll keep the same bet--if I win, you go vegan. Deal?"

Mac made a disgusted face. "Fine. But only for a week." She dropped two cards and picked up two more, her stomach dropping at the unhelpful hand.

Harm grinned at the look on Mac's face, picking up two really good cards and dropping one. "Hope you like veggies," he teased.

Sticking her tongue out at him, Mac pondered her next move, biting her lip thoughtfully. She replaced one card, furthering herself away from victory. "Damn." She muttered softly.

Harm watched her tongue with a smile. He picked up another card and dropped one. "Aha!"

Mac took a chance and replaced three of her cards. She had bettered her hand, but she knew Harm had won. "Your move."

Harm made his move and fanned his cards out on the console. "Gin," he said, stretching

Mac threw her head back and groaned. "Promise to go easy on me?" She asked, grinning.

Harm nodded with a smile. "I won't even make you start until tomorrow, okay? You can stock up on bloody animal remains tonight."

Leaning across, Mac kissed Harm full on the mouth. "Thanks." Gathering up the cards, she shuffled them thoughtfully. "Wanna build a house of cards?" she teased.

Harm smiled. "I thought we did that years ago," he said, referring to their little pseudo-marriage.

Mac smiled at his reference. "True." After a minute, she continued. "We have 2 hours, 7 minutes before we land. Wanna cuddle?" she said with a leering grin.

Harm laughed, leaning over and whispering into her ear. "Well, you know, we never did really join the mile high club."

Without a word, Mac looked up and down the aisle through first class. Everyone was pretty much asleep during the early morning flight, and the stewardesses were in the coach cabin serving breakfast. Mac rose and headed to the front of the plane and the washroom, not locking the door in anticipation of its next occupant.

Harm waited a minute and a half, then stood, and strode quickly towards the bathroom. He slid into the tiny space, nearly bumping his head on the ceiling. "Wow, this should be a challenge," he murmured, locking the door. "Good thing you like challenges."

Grinning, Mac crooked her finger at him. "Good thing I *love* challenges."

"Good thing I love you," Harm teased, kissing her soundly.
--------------------------------------------
As they exited the plane, Mac took Harm's hand and threw him a knowing look. They entered Las Vegas International Airport, and Mac nearly burst out laughing at the decor. Slot machines lined the middle of the terminal and Faith Hill's "Let's Go to Vegas" was playing over the airport speakers. She noticed a young woman in the middle of the boarding area with a sign that said "BURTON". Mac wordlessly pointed her out to Harm and they started to make their way over to her.

Harm chuckled at the design of the airport as well. Just the way he remembered it. "Oh, good, our ride's here," he smiled, squeezing Mac's hand. "Ready, Karen?"

Smiling, Mac nodded. "Sure am, Jack."

The woman holding the sign grinned. *Just like Les said.* "Mr. and Mrs. Burton? I'm with Ashley Travel Company. We'll be escorting you during your trip."

Harm smiled broadly. "Oh, good. I wasn't exactly sure where everything was around here."

Smiling and holding out her hand, the young woman said, "I'm Kate. I'll be escorting you to our headquarters, where our director will be able to answer any questions you have about Las Vegas. Do you need to go to baggage claim?"

Harm nodded. "We have a few things to pick up."

Smiling, Kate motioned for them to follow her. "Right this way." After they had left the crowded boarding area, she said quietly, "Shelby'll meet us at HQ. It'd be too obvious for her to pick you up, so they sent me. Did Leslie and the girls answer your initial questions okay?"

"Yeah, we've got enough information to start with, I think, right Mac?"

Mac shot him a look at his slip. "We should remain undercover at all times, *Jack*."
Kate nodded, looking around. "The walls have ears. This is a very sensitive matter you're working on here, higher than they're letting on, if you catch my drift. At any rate, Shelby will be able to go into much further detail at HQ." They reached baggage claim and waited patiently for their bags to be unloaded.

Harm sighed. He hated this already. Harm stood in silence, and as the bags came through one by one, he picked them up and placed them on the floor by his feet. When all of them were secured, he turned silently to the ladies.

Mac watched Harm's demeanor change and was immediately concerned. She reached down to pick up her bags, brushing her hand across his in what she hoped was a comforting manner. Straightening, she turned to Kate. "We're ready."

Kate nodded. "Follow me, please. Can I take anything for you?"

Harm's stomach churned at the touch of Mac's hand. On the outside, he was as confident as could be about this mission, but inside, he was scared to death something would happen to her.  He shook his head silently at Kate.

Following Kate out the exit to short-term parking at the airport, Mac looked up at Harm. "Stop worrying about me." She admonished quietly. "I love you, and I know we'll be fine."

Harm turned his head to look at her. "That's only half of it," he said, going back to his silent contemplation.

Mac didn't have a chance to reply, as Kate unlocked her Lincoln Navigator. Opening the hatch, she motioned for them to put their suitcases in. "Police HQ is only about 20 minutes away," she said. "Then we'll get you settled in your house in Ellston, which is about an hour outside the city."

Mac held Harm's hand the entire ride to the police station, trying to figure out what was going on in that head of his. He seemed angry, but Mac couldn't figure out why he would be. Kate turned down a dusty driveway and screeched to a halt. Looking in the rearview, she grinned. "End of the line!" she said cheerily, trying to lighten the mood.

Harm smiled slightly, releasing Mac's hand as they exited the car. He reached for her again automatically as soon as they were out.

Kate smiled at the newlyweds' penchant for contact. Opening the door to the station, she held it for them as they passed through. She followed them in and grinned at the guard stationed at the desk. "Hey, Hal. These are a few friends of mine. Can I show 'em around?"

The elderly deputy smiled back and pressed a buzzer, opening the door to the back part of the station for them. Kate nodded her thanks and ushered Mac and Harm to a conference room. Waving them in, she said, "There's coffee and tea over there. Help yourself. I'm gonna go get Shelby." Kate turned on her heel, leaving Mac and Harm alone.

"Harm..." Mac began, not sure what she wanted to say.

Harm squeezed Mac's hand and spoke softly. "Sorry."

"Don't apologize. Just tell me what's going on."

"I'm just worried." *Say it, Harm. You're *scared*. What a wimp.* "That's all."

Mac nodded, understanding. Looking down at her hands, she whispered, "I'm petrified."

"You don't have to be," Harm murmured, pulling her into his embrace. "I'm here."

Mac clutched him to her, reveling in his strength and ability to calm her down. She pulled away and searched his face, his gaze. "It's okay if you're scared, Harm. In fact, it would make me feel a lot better to know I wasn't getting all insane over nothing."

"You're not," was all Harm could say to reassure her. "But don't be worried, okay?" He knew Mac needed him to be calm and strong and pretending to be almost made him feel those things.

Sighing, Mac didn't reply, silently worried at his inability to confide in her. She extracted herself from his arms at the sound of a clearing throat. Turning, she saw another woman, in her mid 30s, with long blonde hair, jeans and a black blazer standing before them. She spoke, holding out her hand. "I'm Shelby Marks."

Mac rose, holding out her own hand. "Sarah Mackenzie."

Harm squeezed Mac's left hand tightly. "Harmon Rabb."

Shelby motioned for them to sit down. "Before we get down to business, let me first thank you for agreeing to come out here to help us, especially given the fact you were just married. I got married last year, and let me tell you what, I would have told Leslie to go fuck herself had she asked me to do this a week after my wedding."

Harm burst out laughing. "You were a uniform, weren't you?" he chuckled, leaning back in his chair. His entire body was relaxed now.

Shelby grinned, flashing what Mac swore was the female equivalent of Harm's flyboy grin. "Hell no. But my dad was a Navy Captain for many years, and my brother's a kick ass Marine. I decided to investigate dead people instead. We have fun family reunions."

Harm chuckled, finally able to get a mental picture of what his and Mac's children would be like. "My father was Navy, too," he explained. "And I married a Marine. I have a penchant for masochism," he grinned.

Mac groaned and rolled her eyes as Shelby burst out laughing. "Oh, you two are gonna be fun." Shelby reached around behind her and produced more file folders. Opening them, Mac saw a picture of a man, mid forties, obviously Middle Eastern. "This is Abudlan. As the girls have told you, he's working out of Henderson, where you'll be going, Harm. He's been a pain in my ass since he moved to my jurisdiction, so when you get rid of him, I'll have to treat you to a Siegfried and Roy show or somethin'. At any rate, just be on the lookout for him, Harm. He'll be meeting you tomorrow, as he's in charge of special ops training, and he always checks out the new recruits. Mac, you'll be at home tomorrow. Expect phone calls from Kate and emails from me and the girls. Kate's very important to this equation, she's your undercover liaison. You are to have no official contact with me, especially no phone calls, but work everything through her, okay? The security systems are all in place, instructions are at the house, and there's a small weapons stash in the basement, should you need 'em. Just don't go shootin' birds or anything. The neighbors hate that."

Harm snapped his fingers in disappointment. "Ya'll mean I cain't go a-huntin'?" he said in a redneck accent. "Shoot. Kin I at least bring my chawin' terbaccy?"

Shelby grinned and looked at Mac. "How do you deal with him?"

Mac smiled and said, "Patience. Lots of patience."

Harm poked Mac in the side. "Oh, be quiet you, or I'll make you sleep on the couch."

Shelby smiled knowingly. "Nah. The place we're putting you in, she's got multiple choices other than the couch." Lowering her voice to a whisper she said, "I gave you a house with a lot of locations to um, practice certain things."

Harm gasped for breath between chuckles. "Good. How big is the bathtub? That's her favorite."

Mac's jaw dropped and Shelby laughed again. "It's great. There's even a his and hers bathroom...the hers is much nicer, of course. Jacuzzi and everything. We're putting you in a well-to-do neighborhood with security and everything. Plus, a lot of the residents are off skiing in Switzerland or digging for bones in Egypt, so you won't stand out too much. The neighbors on your right side are the McCreadys, Cindy and Rob. Rob's FBI and Cindy is former FBI, so they're in on our little game. But other than that, you're Jack and Karen Burton to everyone. Credit cards, IDs, car keys, cell phones, everything's at the house. Any questions?"

Harm shook his head. "Nope, don't think so. How 'bout you, love?"

Mac shook her head. "How big's the kitchen?" she asked randomly.

Shelby nodded with a grin. "Huge, they tell me. I married a chef, so I don't even know where to start in there, but my husband was envious when we scoped out the house."

"All *right*!" Harm clapped his hands together and rubbed them evilly. "I just won a bet, and she has to eat all vegetarian for a week," he explained. He murmured into Mac's ear, "Big counters for other activities, too, I hope."
Shelby laughed and looked sympathetically at Mac. "My God, you and I would get along famously. My husband is a notorious vegan, I hate it. Give me steak any day!"

Mac ignored Harm's leer and concentrated on Shelby. "Amen to that!" She said with a smile.

Harm groaned. "Give your husband my phone number, please. I'll need support."

Shelby smiled. "I'll send him over. You two can swap recipes or something. You guys ready to get a move on?"

"Sounds good. Ready?" Harm held out his hand to Mac.

Mac laced her fingers through his and followed Shelby out of the back door of the station, laughing at the detective's antics. "Whoa, crazy, but it feels all right, baby thinking of you, Hal, keeps me up all night!" Shelby sang to the deputy. She high-fived all the police officers and tangoed with Kate. Mac looked at Harm, barely containing her laughter. "Should we be concerned this is who is responsible for our safety?"

Harm nodded gravely. "I think so." His face broke out in a grin. "I love seeing you happy," he commented, squeezing her hand.

"Ditto." Mac said, finally laughing as Shelby climbed in her Jeep Wrangler and turned the radio up loud. "You're part of my heart, there's nothing I can do, oh you're the one that keeps me warm, my baby you're where I belong!" She sang, motioning to Harm and Mac. "Who wants shotgun?"

Harm bowed slightly, indicating that Mac could have it.

Shelby continued to sing as Kate stuffed the suitcases in the tiny hatch and backseat. She leaned over and pulled the seat forward, allowing Harm to climb in the backseat. "Any sign of rain, Pinky?" Shelby asked Kate, looking out of the Jeep's convertible top.

"Not a sign, Brain."

Shelby clapped her hands and moved the seat back to allow Mac to get in. "Yippee." Donning her sunglasses, she yelled a thanks to Kate and looked at her passengers. "You ready to roll?"

Harm nodded. "Ready!" he bellowed.

Mac chuckled and motioned for Shelby to get going. Shelby took off out of the parking lot and into downtown Las Vegas. "You guys ever been here before?" she called over her Trisha Yearwood CD.

Harm held onto the "oh-shit handle" for dear life. "Once, a long time ago."

Mac shook her head. "Nope."

Shelby grinned. "It's a great town. Much more family oriented than it was 20 years ago. Hey, Dwayne!" She hollered at a passing patrol car, who honked in return. "After y'all are done saving Leslie's ass again, let me know, I'll take you out on the town. It's hysterical."

Harm laughed aloud. "Her ass isn't what's in trouble!" he yelled over the song.

Shelby grinned and started bellowing along with Trisha to "Wrong Side of Memphis".

Mac simply regarded Harm, who was finally smiling and seemed somewhat carefree.

Harm sang along, smiling at Mac. "I've been living on the wrong side of Memphis," he hollered.

Mac laughed and joined Shelby in the next line. "Really breaking away this time!"

"Full tank of gas and a sixty-nine Tempest!" Harm yelled.

Shelby burst out laughing. "I know. Let's screw this assignment and put on our own lounge act."

Mac nodded emphatically. "Sounds good to me."

Harm chuckled. "Two girls, a guy, and a karaoke machine?"

Mac laughed and turned around to look at him, her eyes dancing. Shelby grinned as well, and took the turnoff for the highway. "I'm leaving Las Vegas..." she sang, flashing a grin in the rearview.

"Oy," Harm laughed.

Shelby simply continued to smile, calming as they headed out onto the desert highway. "Now, *this* is Nevada." she said happily.

Harm looked around in despair. "I'm Navy, remember? I like the *water*."

Mac shot him a look, and then looked at the surrounding scenery. The sun was beating down on the little car, and Shelby was pushing the odometer up to about 70, sending her long blonde hair, as well as Mac's, flying. "You forget Vegas is in the middle of a desert."
Shelby nodded. "And people also forget how big Nevada is. There is life outside of Vegas, and I love it. I think you will too. Very quiet, peaceful...and stars like you've never seen before."

Harm smiled again. "I can deal with stars. Does the house have a pool?" he asked, hopefully.

Shelby grinned. "Sure does. Even screened in, to keep the scorpions and snakes out, and adding that little bit of privacy I know newlyweds like to have."

Harm chuckled, thinking of more and more evil ways to seduce Mac with every passing minute. "Wonderful."

Mac playfully rolled her eyes. "Stop encouraging him!" she said to Shelby, who simply continued to smile.

Harm reached around the seat belt to pat Shelby's shoulder. "Please don't," he grinned. "It's only been a week, but I need new ideas already."

Mac scoffed at him, sending Shelby into a fit of giggles. "My husband and I were absolutely insatiable our first year, so I understand. But I always say classic never gets outdated."

Harm laughed. "Insatiable doesn't begin to describe it. In fact, I wouldn't thank us for our help just yet, ma'am. We may not get out of the house at all."

Mac leaned across the seat to thwap him in the arm.

Shelby shook her head at their antics. "You guys are hysterical." She sobered, looking out over the expansive terrain. "I have to thank you guys again for coming out here. This case has a lot of personal meaning to me...my brother's best friend was killed by this Abdulan asshole. Jake, that's my brother, was devastated...and so was I. Mikey was a brother to us. So any help you can give me, or his family, God, would that help."

Harm swore under his breath. "This is unbelievable. I mean, killing military personnel with no obvious motive...it's like something out of a movie."

Shelby nodded, pushing her sunglasses up her freckled, Roman nose. "A fucking bad movie...like 'I still know what you did last summer' or something like that." She shook her head in disbelief. "Mikey was such a youngin', too, only 25. His mother cried for weeks. Mine cried when I got this case."

Harm reached between the seats for Mac's hand. His mind flashed to Bud' brother, Mikey. He was barely as old as the kid Shelby was describing, and he tried to imagine Bud having to deal with losing him...God, how awful.

Knowing precisely what he was thinking, Mac laced her fingers through his. "Do you have any thoughts, Shelby?"

Shelby looked at her, and then back at the road. "It has something to do with their security clearance," she said finally. "Leslie probably told you they had no idea what the connection was, right?"

Harm spoke up. "Yeah. I asked what the motive was behind the killings and she said they didn't have a clue."

"That's a crock of shit and she knows it. God damn bureaucrats!" Shelby said angrily.
Taking a deep breath, she said, "I'm sorry. But they're so concerned with protecting their asses that they forget this son of a bitch killed sons, husbands, fathers. They were all working on something big. Something so top secret only Leslie knows about it, I doubt if Ash and Terri do."

"Wait, Shelby," Harm interrupted her train of thought. "You said "husbands, sons, fathers." These were *all* men?"

Shelby looked at him in the rear view mirror. "Yeah, they were all men, with clearance levels 5 or above. They all had tattoos, too, somewhere on their bodies. Now, I know that unofficially, so..."

"Gotcha," Harm said quickly. "Tattoos, level 5 security, all men. Any idea what kind of project they'd be working on?"

Shelby shook her head as she changed lanes and took the Ellston exit. "Officially, all I know is that they were high level Marines."

"And unofficially?" Mac asked.

Shelby sighed and twiddled her wedding ring nervously. "I really shouldn't tell you my thoughts...they're all speculation and hearsay."

Harm smiled. "That's all we have to go on right now, Shel."

Shelby smiled wistfully at the nickname. "Must be you Navy types to call me that...that was my pet name from my dad." Taking another deep breath, Shelby continued. "The only thing I can think of is that all of these Marines served under, or served under someone who served under, some guy named Delancey. There's no official record of him in any database, and all the research I've done has yielded me nothing."

Harm's ears perked up. "Mac, remember that, okay?" he murmured into her ear. "Once we get home, I want to sit down and go through the files, combing for info."

Mac nodded, intensely watching Shelby. "There's something you're not telling us."

Shelby's head snapped around, her hair blowing wildly from the wind and the sudden movement. "What makes you say that?"

Mac shrugged. "Woman's intuition."

Shelby was silent for a moment, concentrating on maneuvering the car off the main highway and onto a side highway into Ellston. Finally she said quietly, "This isn't just a terrorist thing. He's not killing for information. He's killing because he likes it."

"Jesus Christ," Harm murmured with a gasp. "We need a psychologist to work with, can you get us one?"

Shelby nodded as she turned into downtown Ellston. "Well, Terri's a psychologist, and Leslie has profilers coming out her ass, among other things, but I'll get one of my people on it, too. You just call Kate and ask. Come to think of it, I'm going to have my tech boys set up a secure and secret line from me to you, just in case, okay?"

Harm nodded, laughing softly at the image of profilers coming out Leslie's ass. "Thanks."

Shelby nodded. "Welcome to Ellston, Nevada, population about eight and a couple of groundhogs. This is the lovely downtown area. On the left, we have our dry cleaners, our bakery, our barbershop, and the ubiquitous Friendly's."

"On the right?" Mac asked.

"Stay with the tour!" Shelby bellowed, causing a few pedestrians on the street to jump. Giggling, she pointed out the supermarket, the liquor store and the town library as she turned onto Schoolhouse Lane. Mac looked with amazement at the manicured green lawns and flowerbeds and absolutely breathtaking homes. Shelby signaled at the stop sign at the end of the road and turned into the gated community known as Rockhurst. She smiled and flashed her ID at the guard, who opened the gates. "Welcome home, Mr. and Mrs. Burton." Shelby said, turning down the first street in the development, Surrey Lane. The car continued down to the cul-de-sac and number 287, a spectacularly large white home with a two-car garage and a large half oval bay window above the front door.

"My God!" Mac gasped. "It's amazing!"

Shelby turned into the driveway, killing the engine. "Told you my husband was jealous." She said with a grin. Opening her door, she waved the pair to hurry up. "Come on, it's time to explore!"

Harm followed, silently, nodding in appreciation at the beautiful house.

Shelby pushed open the large front door, causing Mac to gasp at the beauty of the home's interior. The foyer was marble, with a large ascending staircase to a landing above. On the right was a formal living room done in cherry wood, on the left a formal living room. Through the foyer was the kitchen--and it was, as Shelby had said, amazing. It was done in a dark cherry wood with dark marble countertops, all electrically furnished. The kitchen included the ever popular breakfast nook, which overlooked the large backyard. The kitchen extended into the family room, where a big screen TV and entertainment center sat. Down a short hallway was a guest powder room and an office, where all of Harm and Mac's pertinent information was stored on a desk. Mac stood in the space between the kitchen and the family rooms, hands on hips, and said, "Wow."

Harm walked into the kitchen and ran his hand over the cool, smooth countertops. A look ran across his face that was akin to the one Mac produced when she ran *her* hand across certain places.

Shelby grinned and flopped down on the oversized couch in the family room. "I'm glad you like it. Upstairs has three bedrooms, all with full bathrooms, plus the master, that has the aforementioned Jacuzzi and a separate shower, and one hell of a view. We can add another office instead of a bedroom if you like...oh! Come with me." Shelby ran around to the staircase, opening a door Mac hadn't seen when they entered the house.

Harm followed slowly, barely able to tear his eyes from the kitchen. It was heavenly. "What?"

Mac laughed and offered her hand to him. "Come on flyboy, you can gawk later." Shelby was already down a set of stairs and turning on a light. Motioning with her hand, she said, "Ta-da!"

Mac's jaw dropped open. In the basement were about seven computers, each hooked up to its own terminal. There were cables coming out of every wall, all color coded and taped to the floor. Shelby jumped like a kid at Christmas over the cables, heading to the far wall. She placed her hand on a scanner and said, "Hello wall!" cheerily. After a minute, a synthesized voice that sounded vaguely familiar to Mac said, "Hello Shelby" and, like in a science fiction movie, the wall moved upwards, showing a panel not unlike a fuse box in the basement. "This is the security system mainframe. You just scan your hand in here and say hello to the wall and flick whichever system you want off here. There are two other keypads in the house for the alarm system; if you just lift the faceplate up, you'll see one of these puppies. You can turn any part of the house off, and also hit this red panic button. That'll send all of our duckies toddling off to you within 3 and a half minutes." She placed her hand back on the scanner and said, "Goodbye wall!", stepping away.

"Holy shit," Harm murmured to Mac, clutching at her hand. "It's the fucking FBI dream house."

"It's 'The Matrix' gone horribly wrong, and yet so cool!" Mac replied with a grin.

Shelby walked around, checking all the computers. "Now, whatever you do, don't touch these things, okay? There's a maintenance schedule for our techies to come over, it's in the folders I left in the office." Putting her hands on her hips, she quirked her mouth, thinking. "I think that's it. Oh yeah!" She said, brightening. "Have to show you the cars."

Harm brightened. "Tell me it's little, red and faster than Satan?"

Shelby snapped her fingers at him. "Very good!" She bounded up the stairs, taking them two at a time, skidded through the kitchen, pas the pantry Mac hadn't noticed and threw the garage door open. Inside was a cherry red BMW Z3 and a blue Jeep Cherokee. "Now, Harm, you need to share the Beemer with the Missus," Shelby said with a grin.

Harm's mouth dropped open. "Not a chance in hell, Shelby. She can have the Jeep."

Mac scoffed at him. "We're *sharing* the cars, Harmon, dear." Looking at the cars, she said, "But that blue *is* amazing..."

Shelby grinned and hopped down the three stairs into the garage. "Each is equipped with CD and tape, air, automatic, Mac has a sunroof...god, I sound like Jimmy Bryant or something."

Harm grinned broadly. "You look better in blue, anyway, Mac," he protested, fondling the door handle for a moment before climbing into the BMW. Harm placed his hands on the wheel and drew a deep breath slowly. "Oh, god."

Mac shot a look at Shelby, who shrugged. "Why is it boys always need speed and to beat the shit out of stuff?" She murmured, causing Mac to snort in response.
"Makes them feel powerful, I guess."

Shelby just shook her head at Harm. Rolling her eyes, she turned to Mac. "Wanna go explore the upstairs?"

Mac grinned. "Sure." Turning back to Harm, "You gonna leave me for a car, sailor?"

Harm glanced up slowly at Mac, still drooling over the car. "Huh? No. I can have both," he winked, getting out and following the ladies upstairs. He realized this was a dream come true. He'd have all his passions under one roof: a car that could go faster than the speed of sound, a kitchen big enough for Emeril Lagasse, and Mac. Yum.

Mac followed Shelby upstairs. They took a left on the landing, Shelby opened the double doors. "Good, they set up the gym." She moved aside so Mac and Harm could see. Mac whistled. "It competes with Quantico!"

Harm nodded silently.

Shelby continued with her real estate agent spiel. "Two treadmills, weight machine, bike, oh, and my personal favorite, a little TV to watch while you're running. I love that!" She turned on her heel and continued down the hallway. She turned into the master bedroom, complete with four-poster bed and big screen TV, plus a little sitting room with two armchairs. "Welcome to the master suite." She opened more double doors into the expansive bathroom. "On the left, we have her side, and on the right, his side." She pointed down a tiled hallway. "Jacuzzi, potty and shower. I'll let you guys deal with that later." She turned around again, nearly knocking the two over and headed back onto the landing. "The other two bedrooms are down the hallway." She looked at her watch. "Shit. I have to go. Let's get you unloaded from my car and then I'll leave you alone." Walking down the staircase, she called, "Kitchen's stocked, everything's in the office. Any questions? And yes, Harm, I know you're going to have fun in the bed, just turn off the sound first."

Harm chuckled. "Yes, ma'am."

Shelby bounded out to the car, hefting out the suitcases and setting them on the driveway. "Oh yeah, there's a stereo system for the whole house out of the family room, I stocked it with some of my favorites that I'm sure you'll like too."

Harm grinned. "I brought some of my own, I'm sure we'll survive. Thanks again!" he waved as she climbed into the car.

Shelby waved back. "All the contact numbers are in the folders. I'll have the techies set up a direct line from me to you...and call Kate, day or night if you need anything. Have fun kids! And use protection!" She hollered as she revved her engine and pulled out of the driveway.

Mac laughed and wrapped an arm around Harm's waist. "What a character."

Harm chuckled madly. "Yeah, I like her." He turned towards the house. "Let's go explore our little hut, shall we?"

Mac nodded. "But first, I'm starved! It's 2109 Eastern time, and we haven't eaten since the plane. Wanna show me your culinary skills?"

"Hell yeah!" Harm said, bounding off into the kitchen like a kid in a candy store.

Mac laughed, shutting the expansive door behind her and throwing the lock, for good measure. She kicked off her shoes and padded into the kitchen. "What did they leave us to eat?"

Harm was standing in front of the open fridge, staring. "Everything. This is like heaven, Mac! There's not a damn thing missing. "What do you feel like having?" Harm asked, leaning over to peer into the crisper.

Mac hoisted herself up on one of the barstools that surrounded the marble countertop.

"Well, since I lost that hand of gin today, I suppose you'd better choose."

"No, darlin', this is your last meal with meat in it for a *week*, you'd better pick."

Mac joined him at the fridge, peering in. "Hmmm." Straightening, and wrapping her arms around his waist from behind, she murmured into his back. "Chicken divan."

Harm smiled at the feeling of her arms around him. "I can do that." He pulled a package of frozen chicken breasts out of the freezer and went searching in the fridge and pantry for the rest of the ingredients. "Can you see if they left us any beer or wine?" he called from inside the huge pantry.

Mac reopened the fridge. "Bottle of Merlot. A good one, by the looks of it. And water. Lots of water. Need to keep hydrated out here."

"Awesome. Will you pour me a glass?" Realizing what he'd asked, he turned with a pained expression. "I'm sorry, forget that, I'll pour it." He hurried over to her.

Mac rolled her eyes at him. "Harm, I do have some self control." Opening a cabinet, she said with a chuckle, "Although, with all these cabinets, it might take two of us to get you a wineglass."

Harm smiled, relieved. "I know you have self-control, Mac. I just didn't mean to put that temptation in front of you. Here, let me." He reached around her to open another cabinet, by a miracle finding the glasses there. He pulled one down and placed it on the counter.

Mac leaned up and kissed his cheek. "Thank you for caring so much, Harm, but really. I'll be okay." Walking back to the fridge, she triumphantly held up a bottle of Evian. "They even got the good kind."

"Woohoo." Harm walked over to kiss Mac's cheek gently. "Thank you for being so wonderful," he whispered against her soft skin.

Twenty minutes later, Harm smiled over towards Mac. "Can you set the table? Dinner's almost done." He sliced into another veggie.

Mac nodded, hopping down from her perch at the counter. Again, she opened all the cabinets until she found plates, and all the drawers until she found silverware. She moved around Harm, setting the table, amazed at their ability to work as a team even in the simplest things. Impulsively, she leaned up and kissed him lightly, then continued on with her task without a word.

Harm smiled broadly, and walked up quietly behind Mac as she leaned over to put a fork down. He placed his hands on her hips and kissed her neck tenderly. "I love you," he whispered.

Grinning like a fool, Mac turned, wrapping her own arms around his neck. Leaning up and giving him an Eskimo kiss, she said with a chuckle, "I love you too. But there's enough time for that later--I'm starved!"

Harm rumbled with laughter. He was noticing that he did that a lot more than he used to, since being with Mac--and he loved it. "Is there ever a time when you're *not* starved?" he teased, pulling a wooden spoon out of the drawer. "I declare, I married a garbage disposal!" Harm chuckled, scooping chicken and vegetables onto a platter. He carried it over to the table, setting it down with a flourish.

Mac grinned back, picking up a fork. "Thank you, Emeril. And the reason that there's not a time I'm not hungry is because *someone* has this inane ability to *make* me hungry."

"Oh, really? Wonder who that could be." Harm sounded totally innocent as he sat down across from Mac and lifted his wine. "To new beginnings?" he toasted.

Mac raised her Evian bottle. "To new beginnings." She replaced the bottle on the table and took a mouthful of dinner. "Mmm!" She said appreciatively. "It's wonderful, as usual."

"Thank you." Harm didn't eat at first, he sat and watched Mac as she enjoyed his cooking.

Mac continued to dig in to her plate, raising her eyes once to look at the staring Harm. "Darling, as much as I love you 'reveling' in my presence or whatever it is you do when you stare at me, it gets really freaky sometimes."

Harm's face broke into a grin. "I was just making sure I didn't undercook the chicken."

Mac laughed, motioning to her nearly empty plate. "I think you did it just fine, Harm."

"Good. You want more?" he asked eagerly. No one had ever enjoyed his cooking quite as much as Mac did, and he was loving finding little ways to take care of her--this was one of them.

Mac nodded, passing her plate. "Not too much more, though, I'll have to run extra on those treadmills tomorrow morning."

Harm grinned. "I'm sure we can find a way to work off the calories tonight. Besides, it's chicken and vegetables--nothing I make is too high-fat." He heaped her plate with more chicken, finally eating some of his own dinner.

Mac giggled at his innuendo. "Yes, I'm sure we can find a way." She took another bite and sighed in happiness. "Almost beats Cecile's." She said with a grin.

Harm's grin widened. "I'll have to keep trying. Oh!" he exclaimed. "That reminds me, I spoke to Bud this morning and he said he and Harriet had some good news, but they didn't want to tell us until they were sure. But apparently they're sure now, 'cause he spilled the beans." Harm grinned wickedly.

"What is it?" Mac said around a mouthful of dinner.

"Harriet's pregnant again."

Mac dropped her fork on the counter. "You're kidding!" She clapped her hands in delight.

"That's *wonderful*! Oh, I wish I could call her."

"You can," Harm smiled. "Just use the cell and don't talk long."

"No, Harm, I can't, darling...it's past midnight in DC."

"Oh, right! Well, we'll call her tomorrow." Harm shook his head. "Thank god for you and your internal clock, or we'd perpetually be late."

Mac scraped the last of her chicken divan off her plate and went to put it in the dishwasher. "Thank god for your culinary skills, or I'd be perpetually starved."

His blue eyes sparkled as Harm followed Mac into the kitchen and added his plate to hers. "We make a good pair," he observed quietly, taking her hand and leading Mac toward the foyer, and their suitcases. "We always have."

Hefting her suitcase and overnight bag, Mac grunted. "I think we brought the Barbados beach back with us." She commented as they ascended the staircase to the master bedroom.

Harm smiled, reaching out his free hand and taking Mac's large suitcase. "Here, let me get that," he said. He placed her bags in front of a low dresser, and took his own across the room to the vertical bureau.

Mac smiled, bending over to open her suitcase and beginning to take her clothes out. She made a pile of things to be hung up, searching around for the closet. Finding a door near the TV, she opened it, nearly falling over. "Harm! We could get lost in this closet!"

He went over to look and sighed. "Wow. We could fit four kids in there!" he laughed.

Mac ventured in the divided closet, amazed at its sheer size. She laughed again and looked at Harm in wonder. "Think we can afford to keep this as a winter house?" She asked as she began to hang her dresses up on what she had deemed her side of the closet.

"No," Harm shook his head, carrying some of his own clothes into the huge walk-in closet. "But ours isn't that much smaller."

Mac shot a look at Harm through the shoe and tie rack in the middle of the closet. "Huh. I guess the picture didn't do it justice." She walked over to his side and wrapped her arms around his waist, taking a deep breath of his scent. "I can't wait to see it for myself."

Harm kissed Mac's forehead. "I can't wait to show it to you. No, the picture didn't do it justice at *all*. Oh, uhm, that reminds me of something else. While you were in the bathroom in the airport, I called the realtor. We should know within a week if we got the house." Harm smiled at her.

Mac grinned, impulsively throwing her arms around him. "You're too good to me, Harmon Rabb."

"Nothing is too good for you, Sarah," Harm whispered seriously. "And nothing in this world makes me happier than giving you as much as I can."

Mac leaned back, looking at him for a moment and then leaned up and kissed him thoroughly. She separated herself from him, resting her forehead against his chest, and yawned loudly. "I think the jetlag caught up with me this time."

Harm tilted his head back and smacked himself dramatically on the forehead. "Dammit," he groaned. "I can't believe I forgot!"

Mac looked up at him curiously. "What?"

"Well, this is technically our first house, so I should've carried you over the threshold." Harm sighed softly, amazed at his lack of short-term memory.

Mac couldn't contain her laughter. "Harm, love...I would much rather have you carry me over the threshold of *our* house, not some assignment, okay?"

Harm nodded with a small sigh. "Still....."

Mac shook her head and placed her hands on either side of his face. "Thank you for caring so much about me...but don't beat yourself up over this, hmm?" Mac kissed him quickly, then moved around to her side of the closet. Rooting through the drawer she had filled, she pulled out a pair of pajamas. "You have to be at work early, dear, we'd better get some sleep." She said with a smile.

Harm grinned when Mac called him "dear". It was still so new to him, hearing those pet names directed at him. No one had ever had the courage to stand up to him before, like Mac did, in so many ways. He'd never been anyone's "Flyboy" before, and it both scared and excited him. "All right, jarhead, off you go." He patted her behind as they passed each other, and he grabbed his own pajamas.

Mac grinned again, heading to the expansive bathroom to change and brush her teeth. After she was done, she headed back to the bedroom and pulled down the sheets. She moaned in appreciation. "A down comforter and linen sheets! Does it get any better than this?"

Harm joined her a few minutes later, teeth brushed and pajamas donned. "I can think of a few ways," he grinned. "And you'd better stop making those noises, or jet-lag notwithstanding, you're going to find yourself in a heap o' trouble," Harm winked.

Mac grinned and shook her head at him, sliding further under the covers. "This is one of those cuddle nights, I think. We can christen the bed tomorrow."

"You say that now, but if you keep making those little moans, you're going to find a very disturbed sailor lying next to you." Harm laughed, pulling the comforter up around them and opening his arms for his wife.

Mac rolled over on her side, facing Harm, wrapping her own arms around his waist. She laid her head down next to his, closing her eyes at the comfort that immediately washed over her. Suddenly, a thought struck. "How funny is it that we've been married a week and we're already in bed by 9?"

Harm chortled. "Well, we did have a hectic week," he pointed out. "And not many married couples go undercover on their first week. Under *covers* yes, but not undercover."

Mac smiled sleepily. "You have a point there." Stirring under the covers, she stretched herself out like a cat, then buried herself closer to Harm and deeper under the covers. "What time are you getting up tomorrow?"

Harm watched Mac's movements with an appreciative eye. Whatever else one might say about his wife, she had the grace and lithe agility of a panther, and she moved as if the very wind in the trees guided her footfalls. "0530," he whispered, kissing her forehead, still in awe over the angel he had managed to let fall for him.

Mac nodded and yawned again. "Okay." She was very still for a moment and then, as her breathing began to even out, whispered, "I love you."

"I love you, too, Mac," Harm whispered before drifting off to sleep, the sweet scent of her skin tickling his nose pleasantly.
--------------------------------------------
Harm was already up and making breakfast when he finally heard noises upstairs. He turned down the heat under the French toast and jogged up the steps. "Hey, sweetie, you up yet?" he whispered, not wanting to wake Mac if she wasn't already.

Mac called from the bathroom, "Yeah, I'm up. Hang on one second."

Harm headed into the closet to find his 'Marine' uniform, which Shelby had arranged to have waiting for him at the house. "Okay!" he called.

Mac finished changing out of her pajamas into her workout outfit and met him in the closet as she searched for her running shoes. Seeing him in a Marine uniform, she grinned. "Now *that* beats dress whites and gold wings any day."

Harm laughed quietly. "I don't think so, ma'am, but it *is* easier to move in these things." He headed out of the bedroom, calling over his shoulder. "Breakfast should be just about done, Mac, come on down when you're ready."

"What time are you leaving, Harm?" Mac called from the closet as she tied her shoe.

Harm flipped the French toast, and as it browned, he took out plates and forks. As he heard Mac's bellow, he winced visibly. "0630, but couldn't you have asked that from down here?"

Mac giggled as she hung over the railing, looking down on the family room and the end of the kitchen. "Maybe. But in a house as big as this, it's much more fun to hear your echo, don't you think?" She turned on her heel and jogged down the stairs into the kitchen with a smile on her face.

"No," Harm murmured, smiling at Mac as she appeared in the kitchen. "I hope you wanted French toast, 'cause that's what you got." He set a plate and a glass of milk in front of her with a grin. From behind his back, Harm produced a small, crystal bud vase with a single long-stemmed yellow rose and he placed it in front of Mac, silently.

Mac cocked her head and looked at him, smiling. Shaking her head, she said, "You spoil me too much. Now I'm going to have to run twice my daily amount, thanks to dinner and breakfast."

"It's impossible to spoil you, Mac, because you don't think you deserve it," Harm pointed out realistically. "And besides, I know how much energy you burn during the day, you need to stock up during breakfast."

Mac held up her fork at him. "True, true. This is wonderful, as usual, Harm. Did you eat already?"

"Nope," Harm said, piling his own plate high with the crisp French toast. He poured the syrup on liberally and took a bite. "Damn, I'm good," he muttered with a grin.

Mac chuckled. "Yes, dear. Of course, dear. Anything you say, dear." Noticing where he was standing, she said, "Come over here and eat with your wife."

"Yes, ma'am." Harm complied and they ate in companionable silence.

Mac finished her breakfast and happily placed a sticky kiss on Harm's cheek as she moved to put her dirty dish in the dishwasher. "I have no idea how I'm going to spend an entire day doing absolutely nothing."

Harm shook his head in empathy. "I'd die of boredom. But I'm sure you'll find something to do, you're creative."

"Maybe I'll go visit Mrs. McCready and find out her little secrets or something." Mac said thoughtfully. "I'll also tackle those file folders in the office." Shooting him what she hoped was a sexy and enticing look, she said, "You gonna leave me the Beemer?"

Harm crossed his arms in front of his broad chest. "You're smart, what do you think?"

"Aw come on, Harm. Please? For me?"

"Not even for you, my love." Harm kissed Mac's lips gently as he grabbed the keys to the BMW off the hook.

Swatting him on the butt, Mac followed him out to the garage. "Have a good day at the office, dear," she said with a grin.

"Have fun, Mac," he called, climbing into the little red sports car. This was going to be interesting.

Mac shook her head as she pressed the garage door opener. "Don't get any speeding tickets, Mr. Burton!" She said with a laugh as she watched Harm start the car.

Harm laughed, and called over the roar of the engine. "I won't, *Karen*. Bye!" He peeled out of the driveway and down the quiet residential street.

Mac shook her head again, closing the garage and then walking back into the house.
Walking over to the entertainment center, she turned on the radio, filling the house with a pop radio station. Singing to herself, Mac went up to the workout room and ran her 15 miles on the treadmill. Quickly showering and dressing in jeans and a marine green short-sleeved shirt, Mac padded downstairs and decided to go visit her neighbors. Grabbing a house key and her shoes, she walked down the front path and onto the sidewalk until she saw a large brick house with a mailbox that said "285 Surrey Lane--McCready". Again amazed by the sheer size of these homes, Mac walked up the path and rang the doorbell.

Cindy McCready opened the door with a civil smile. When she saw Mac, her eyes widened slightly at the unfamiliar face. "Good morning, can I help you?"

"Mrs. McCready? I'm Karen Burton...my husband Jack and I just moved in next door."

Cindy smiled, recognizing the name. "Welcome to the neighborhood, Karen," she said, opening the door wider. "Come on in!"

Mac said a quiet, "Thank you," and stepped inside the immaculate home, very similar to her own. She waited for Cindy to usher her further into the house, and as she stood in the foyer, two black labs came skidding into the foyer, one jumping up on Mac's chest.
"Blackie, Andrea, get down! Don't scare the new neighbor!" Cindy admonished, grabbing the dogs by their collars and gently pulling them away from Mac. "Sorry about that, they're just big puppies," she smiled. "Follow me," Cindy grinned, leading the way into the kitchen, patting her hip so the dogs would come along. "Can I get you something to drink?"

"Water would be wonderful, thank you." Mac said, following Cindy into the expansive kitchen. Harm would be happy to know theirs was a tad bigger. Mac took notice of the numerous FBI awards and recommendations hanging on the foyer walls, pleased to know qualified agents were associated with their case.

Cindy filled two glasses with ice and filtered water and handed one to Mac. "You like them?" she asked with a smile, gesturing to the framed certificates.

Taking the offered glass, Mac nodded. "They're very impressive."

"Nah. The FBI claps every time an agent takes a piss," Cindy laughed.

Mac laughed, not knowing how to respond to that certain remark. "May I ask how long you and your husband worked for the Bureau?"

"He's still with them. I quit four years ago."

Mac nodded, not sure how much Cindy knew about who she and Harm really were, or how much Cindy's husband had told her about the case. "This is a wonderful home, Mrs. McCready."

"Thanks, but you can call me Cindy, Sarah." She smiled. "You're probably wondering how much I know, and the answer is everything. I'm your backup," she grinned, taking a sip of her water. "I'm not with the Bureau anymore, but I still know how to shoot to kill. If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to call, okay?"

Mac let out a short breath. "Thank you, Cindy. I wasn't really sure how to approach that particular subject."

"No problem." Cindy smiled. "It's a tough one. So what do you like to do, Sarah? You'll have a lot of free time for the next couple of weeks, believe me."

Mac laughed. "Well, I'm hoping Shelby will put my apparent teaching skills to work, and I'm sure I'll be knee-deep in research."

"Yeah, sure," Cindy laughed. "And what will you do with the other 23 hours of the day?"

Mac laughed again, feeling very comfortable in Cindy's presence. Shaking her head, she said with a smile, "I'm not sure. Do you have any suggestions on how to pass the time here in beautiful Nevada?"

"Actually, I do. There's the shooting range," Cindy paused in thought, "the movie theater, the quilting club, if you're into crap like that." Her tone indicated that Cindy McCready was most certainly *not* your stereotypical 55 year old woman. "And then there's Intel," she laughed.

Mac's ears perked up. "Intel?"

"Intel," Cindy repeated. She lowered her voice to a whisper, mostly for the dramatic effect. "Basically, I eavesdrop on the neighbors, the base, anyone who has a CB, cell phone or portable. You want in?"

Mac laughed. "Sure. If I start to go stir crazy, I'll head on over and bring the popcorn."

"Oh, don't wait that long! Come on," Cindy stood, heading for the back of the house.
Curious, Mac followed Cindy to the screened in porch, where all sorts of equipment was set up, rivaling the basement of the Burton home. "My God, Cindy--is this legal?" Mac could resist asking.

Cindy shrugged. "I worked for the government. Even *they* don't follow their laws." She flipped a switch and something crackled, something buzzed and something beeped. "Ahhhhhh," Cindy sighed in delight. "What's your pleasure? Neighbors or Marines?"

"Hmmm," Mac said, "A tough choice. Which one is more interesting?"

"Usually the neighbors, but since you and your husband arrived, the Marines have been chatting up a storm. Get a load of this," Cindy said, handing Mac a set of headphones and flipped a switch. A deep male voice immediately started speaking. "I can't believe it, man. This new guy's coming in here, bustin' in on my territory." Another guy broke in. "Man, let it go, you're only a staff sergeant. He's a Major, it was bound to happen." Cindy let the conversation flow as Mac listened. "Wait one more minute, the good part's after this." She was listening on her own headphones. "Ah, here it is!" The first male began to speak again. "Did you hear Miner talking about the new guy yesterday? That's one pissed Gunny."

Mac's ears immediately perked up at the name. Quietly, she asked Cindy, "Do you know who those voices are?"

Cindy shook her head. "The closest I can come is narrowing it down to someone's office. The bugs are planted all over the base, courtesy of the Company."

Mac nodded. "Can you do that for me? I'll have Harm look into those men."

"No problem." Cindy pressed a few buttons and listened carefully. "That's from the office of a Corporal Malcolm Evans. He's the direct assistant to Gunnery Sergeant Miner, if I remember correctly."

Mac committed the name to memory. "Thanks. Have they said anything else pertinent to the case, about Miner or about Harm?"

"Not much of interest, hon. Just that Miner's not happy about a new Marine coming in, especially one who seems so tight with the brass already."

Mac smiled. "That's Harm for you." She paused for a moment, collecting her thoughts. "I know your husband has told you all about this case...what are your thoughts?"

Cindy shook her head slowly. "I try not to think much, Sarah. I go on instinct--but my gut tells me this Abdulan's a sick bastard, and we're going to nail his ass to the wall." She grinned wickedly.

Mac smiled along with her. "Somebody's been talking to Shelby Marks, I think."

Cindy laughed softly. "Oh, you don't know, do you? Shelby's my daughter."

Mac smiled. "I figured it was something like that. So your husband was Navy as well?"

"Yes, god rest his soul," Cindy spoke softly, and crossed herself quickly at the mention of her deceased husband. "Andrew and I were together for twenty years, and had Shelby and her brother, before he was killed in the service." Her voice broke talking about him, even now.

Mac placed her hand on Cindy's. "I'm so sorry."

Cindy smiled in gratitude. "Thanks, but he died doing what he loved, so I don't have many regrets. I do wish he could've seen Shelby now...so passionate, so full of conviction. She's just like Drew in so many ways." Cindy sighed, shaking her head. "Anyway, on to the neighbors. The most fun are the Parkers up the road a bit, but the O'Dell's on your left aren't bad, either."

Mac nodded. "Shelby said a lot of people were out of town as well."

"Yeah, or away on missions. This block and the next are crawling with cops, Agents and Company families," Cindy explained.

Mac reared back in surprise. "Wow. I had no idea."

Cindy nodded with a small smile. "Yeah, it's kind of a fun little group."

Mac smiled back. "I'm sure neighborhood barbecues must be fun, with all the men comparing the sizes of their SIGs and all the women trading secrets on how to get those stains out of Kevlar vests."

Cindy broke into peals of laughter, clutching her sides. "Oh...yeah...." she gasped. "And when the men start fighting about whose badge is shiniest, you know it's time to break up the party."

Mac laughed along with Cindy. "I should probably get going, your daughter left me quite a pile of folders to wade through. Would you and your husband like to join Harm and me for dinner sometime this week?"

"We'd love to, thanks," Cindy smiled warmly. "Come on over anytime you're bored, and don't forget," she tapped the console of the eavesdropping devices, "I'll keep an eye on you."

Mac chuckled. "Between you and your daughter, Harm and I have to be the safest people in the world right now. Thank you for your hospitality." Mac headed towards the front door, leaning down to pat the dogs on their heads. "Thanks again, Cindy."

"Quite welcome, Karen!" Cindy called for the benefit of those beyond her soundproofed walls. "See you around!"

Mac smiled and headed back to her own house, chuckling at the thought that it was 'hers'. She walked in and habitually checked the answering machine, surprised to see the little red light blinking. Pressing the button, she smiled at Harm's voice saying hello.

"Hey, baby, it's me. Where'd you go so soon?" Then there was a long pause. "Oh, well, I guess I'll talk to you later. I have a meeting with Miner in ten minutes, so I should be back in my office around 3. Give me a call? 864-8312." His voice dropped to a whisper. "I love you, darlin'."

Mac smiled, kicking off her shoes as she picked up the phone. Hearing Harm's voicemail click on, she left a cheery message. "Hi sweetheart, it's me. I got your message, I was out running some errands. I'm gonna hang out in the house for the rest of the day...maybe try and cook. Wouldn't that be a sight! Heehee. Anyway, give me a call when you get a chance. Love you! Bye." She set the phone back in the cradle and set off to try and find something for her lunch.

Harm was halfway down the hall to Abdulan's office when he heard his phone ring. He would've dashed back to grab it, knowing it had to be Mac, but being late was not a good first impression. He rapped on the Gunnery Sergeant's door with a knot in his well-trained stomach.

Mansur Abdulan, aka Craig Miner, leaned back in his oversized office chair. Upon hearing the knock, he cleared his throat, preparing to speak with an English accent rather than his native Arabic. "Enter." He barked.

Harm stepped into the office and snapped to attention briefly. Even though the man was of lower rank than he, Abdulan was in a position of higher authority, and Harm wanted to stay on his good side for as long as possible. "Good morning, Gunnery Sergeant."

"At ease, Major Burton." Abdulan said. Motioning to the chairs in front of his desk, he continued, making sure he forced his accent. "Have a seat."

Harm seated himself and smiled tightly. "Thank you, sir."

Abdulan nodded. "How is your first day going, Major? The men treating you all right?"

"Yes, sir. Thank you, they're good men." Harm kept his answers short and direct.

With a tight nod, Abdulan spoke again. "Yes. They're an exceptional group. I should know, I trained them. We have a high level of expectation around her, Major, one that my superiors assure me you'll be able to keep up. Your record reflects highly, as do your recommendations. But I like results, Major, not coddling of our recruits."

Harm nodded sharply. "Understood, sir, and I agree wholeheartedly. I'm here to turn out Marines, not pussies."

Impressed by his decorum, Abdulan leaned back in his chair, more relaxed. "Excellent."
Noticing Harm's wedding ring, he asked, "How long have you been married, Major?"

"Almost two weeks, Gunnery Sergeant." Harm covered his ring with his right hand, as if to protect it from the terrorist's contamination.

"Ah, a newlywed. How's the wife adjusting to military life?" Abdulan said, continuing to size Harm up.

"Wonderfully. But then, Karen's been around Marines most of her life, so she's used to us jarheads." Harm was not enjoying the conversation at all, but he continued to fake it.

"Well, that's wonderful." Nodding once, Abdulan turned and pulled out a stack of folders from his filing cabinet. "This is all the necessary information on our recruiting and training program. I think you'll find it helpful. Staff meetings are Fridays at one o'clock. Have you been briefed on security yet?"

"Yessir, fully." Harm took the file folders and raised them slightly. "I'll get right on these."

"Excellent. Is there anything else, Major?"

"No sir." Harm stood and extended his hand. "Thank you for the welcome."

Abdulan rose with him, shaking his hand firmly and Marine-like. "Welcome aboard, Major."

"Thank you," Harm repeated, turning on his heel and heading for the door.

Abdulan sat back in his chair, watching his newest staff member leave. He fit in well at the base. Almost a little too well.

Harm shut the door to his office with a silent sigh of relief. He immediately picked up the phone and dialed home.

Mac leapt up from the couch and "The Ainsley Harriot Show" and ran to the kitchen, snatching up the phone on the third ring. "Hello?"

"Oh, am I glad to hear that silky voice," Harm groaned as a hello. "How was your morning, love?"

Mac grinned, taking the portable and sinking into the way too comfortable couches.

"Hysterical. I met Cindy McCready and apparently all our neighbors are licensed to carry concealed firearms. Then I finished unpacking and reorganizing our closet, sat down to watch Springer and now am watching some crazy black British man scare the hosts of 'Later Today' with fire. How's your morning gone?"

Harm heard Mac's voice disappear for a moment. "Hey, Mac, are you being beeped?"

Mac took the phone away from her ear and looked at it. Returning to Harm, she said, "I guess so. Hang on." Pressing the flash button, she said, "Hello?"

Cindy's voice answered her sharply. "Get on a landline or watch what you say, *Karen*," she emphasized Mac's 'name'. "Please."

Surprised, Mac didn't reply for a second. "Yeah, I'll do that. Thanks, Cindy."

"You're welcome." Click.

Mac pressed the flash button and said, "Jack? Can I call you back in a few minutes?"

"Sure, love."

"Thanks. Be right back." She hung up the phone, pulling the cord out of the wall. Setting the portable on the kitchen table, Mac went downstairs to where she had seen a stash of regular phones. Bringing the pile upstairs, she set the extra phones next to the discarded portable. Plugging the regular phone in the wall, she listened for a dial tone and any clicks for listening devices. Satisfied, she dialed Harm's office number.

Harm picked up immediately. "What was that all about?"

"Phone troubles, darling. Bad connection or something. So, how's your day going?"

"Not bad. Met my supervisor, Sergeant Miner," he spoke softly, but kept his words neutral, as if he knew nothing, just in case. They couldn't really talk freely anywhere but inside their home. "Seems like a nice enough guy. So did you attempt to cook dinner like a good housewife would?" Harm teased.

Mac laughed, twirling the phone cord in her finger. "Nah, I just heated up one of those Lean Cuisine things. I can do those well."

Harm chuckled. "I can see you'd starve without me, love. I'll be home around 5:15, can you possibly set the water to boil before then?"

"Possibly, if you're really nice." Mac smiled. "I love you."

Harm grinned to himself. "I love you, too, baby. It's not about me being nice, it's about you not wanting to survive on Lean Cuisine. Trust me, it's not a pretty existence."

Mac chuckled. "Hey, I survived six years without you cooking for me, I think I can go another six hours."

"I doubt it. Before me, you didn't know what real food, or real love was." Harm stopped grinning long enough to be serious. "Neither did I. But hey, I'm at work, I can't get mushy," he chuckled.

"Yeah. You're a Marine, Jack, Marines have to remain neutral at all times," Mac said with a grin, loving this banter.

Harm laughed softly. "Exactly, Karen, but when I get home, I'm just your husband and I'm gonna tickle your tan fanny until you cry for mercy."

Mac burst out laughing. "Oh, if only your superiors had heard that one, Jack."

"Maybe they did," he shrugged with a chuckle. "Who cares anyhow? You're my girl, I can do what I want. Right?" He almost made it sound like he was asking permission.

Mac pretended to think about it, even though Harm couldn't see her. "Maybe. Maybe not. I could take you, Burton, you just name the time and the place."

"Tonight, 5:30, the kitchen. You, me, christening the table. Till then." Harm hung up with a satisfied smile on his face.

Mac's jaw dropped open, not believing he said that. Replacing the phone in its cradle, a smug grin flitted across her face. 5:30? She'd be there. With nothing but bells on.
--------------------------------------------
At exactly 5:17, Harm strode through the front door of his new home. "Honey, I'm home!" he called with a grin. "Where're you hiding?"

Mac grinned from the upstairs closet. "Just a second!" She ran a quick hand through her hair, grinned once more at her attire, and headed down the staircase. "How was your day, dear?" she said, walking into the kitchen with nothing but a grin and one of Harm's dress shirts, buttoned *very* low.

Harm dropped his briefcase on one of the kitchen stools and loosened his tie as he turned around. "Not bad really, consi----" His jaw dropped when he saw Mac standing there, her hips barely covered by the short blue shirt, her legs tan and inviting, her smile beckoning him. "My god," he breathed.

Mac looked down at her attire innocently. "I tried to put on the boiling water but ended up spilling it all over myself. So I borrowed one of your shirts...was that okay?" She asked huskily.

Harm feigned concern. "You didn't burn yourself, did you?" he asked, his voice low and throaty with desire. He stepped closer to Mac, running a hand down her arm slowly.

Mac nodded, pouting. Moving the collar of Harm's shirt down off of her shoulder, she pointed to her collarbone. "It splashed me right there. Hurt like a bitch."

Harm stepped closer, so that he was a breath away from Mac. "Oh, sweetie, I'm sorry." He bent his head to kiss her boo-boo, lingering a little longer than necessary. "All better?"

Mac shook her head and pointed to her mouth. "Some splashed right here, too."

Harm wrapped his arms around Mac's waist gently and pulled her to him. He dipped his mouth and his lips brushed hers softly. "Better?" he murmured against her mouth.

Mac pretended to think about it for a minute and then slowly shook her head. "I think it may need a few more treatments, Doctor."

"Tell Harm where it hurts, baby," Harm murmured.

Pulling his shirt from his pants, Mac spoke against his mouth. "I think a full examination will be necessary."

Harm grinned. "I was hoping you'd say that. Oh, wait," Harm said, grabbing Mac's hand. "Which rooms did you turn off? I mean, the security and stuff."

"Everything except the office, just in case."

"God, I love the way you think, Mac," Harm growled, pushing her up against the wall gently and kissing her hard.

Mac nodded enthusiastically. "But um, honey? Could we move this to something a tad more comfortable?"

Harm nodded, taking her hand. "Let's go to bed, Mrs. Rabb," he grinned.

Mac took off running through the foyer and bounded up the stairs. "Catch me if you can, *Marine*!" she called with a chuckle.
----------------------
Three days later, Harm had had a few encounters with Abdulan but nothing to give him any indication as to why the terrorist was interested in Marines or their security clearance levels. In fact, nothing of note had happened in over 72 hours, and Harm was beginning to wonder if this whole case was barking up the wrong tree.

Harm entered his unusually silent house with a sigh. "Hey, Mac?" he called. "What do you say we have dinner out tonight? I'm not in the mood to cook." When he didn't get a reply momentarily, Harm called again. "Mac? Sarah?"

In their bathroom, Mac heard his calls, and knew she should probably answer him, but couldn't bring herself to do it. She simply drew her knees further towards her chest as fresh tears entered her eyes.

Harm raised his voice in case Mac had the stereo or TV on, though he couldn't hear anything. He headed up the stairs, taking them two at a time. "Sarah, are you home?" he called as he made his way into the bedroom. "Sarah?" he said quietly, hoping to God she was all right.

Mac couldn't move or speak, simply laying her head back down on her knees, the tears falling down her face at an alarming rate.

Harm saw the closed bathroom door and knocked gently. "Mac, are you in there?" he asked softly, knowing she was, and praying she was conscious. He had visions of a horrible accident.

Mac's head shot up at his knocking, as if she had just realized he was home, and realizing she needed nothing more than to have her hold him. She cleared her throat and said quietly, "It's open."

Harm opened the door and stood there, as if waiting for permission. "Are you okay?" he whispered.

Mac raised her head and slowly shook her head. Her breath hitched in her chest when she tried to speak again, causing the dam to break, nearly making her hysterical.

Harm fell to the floor beside Mac, putting his arms around her and holding her to his chest as she cried. "Shhhhh," he murmured softly. "It's okay, I'm here. Whatever happened, it's over."

Mac shook her head and looked up at him. "That's just it. It never started."

"What didn't, darling?" Harm lifted one hand to wipe away her tears.

Mac sighed. "I got my period this morning."

"Oh, Mac," Harm whispered, relieved. "It's okay." In his mind, he wanted to say, *That's all?* But he knew how big a deal this was to his wife, and he didn't want to minimize the pain she must be feeling. On the other hand, he was so relieved that *she* was all right, he could barely contain it. "It's all right, Mac, come on. We knew this would happen," he rationalized. "We've only been intimate for a few months, and with all the excitement and stress, how could we possibly conceive?"

Mac's rational side agreed wholeheartedly with Harm, but she still could not contain her face from crumbling again. "I *know* that," She said, "But just the thought of it...I wanted nothing more than to meet you downstairs with that little pink stick in my hand..." She shook her head, hastily wiping her eyes. "I guess the disappointment mixed with regular period hormones just got to me. I'm fine."

"Hey now," Harm said, tilting Mac's head up so she looked directly at him. "This is me, your husband. You don't have to be strong. If you need to cry, go ahead." He kissed her forehead, rocking her slightly in his strong arms. "And one day, who knows? You might just surprise me at work with a little pink stick."

Mac laid her head down on his chest, feeling the tears start to bubble up again, but refusing to let them flow. "I'm sure AJ'd *love* that."

"Yeah," Harm murmured. "Forget about everyone else, okay? They're not us. It's just you and me right now."

Mac smiled at his attempts to get her to open up. "I just let my romantic side get the better of me today, I guess," she said quietly, looking off at a tile in the wall. "What do you think about seeing fertility specialists when we get back home?"

Harm took her chin in his hand and gently moved her head back. "I think we need to wait more than two stress-filled weeks before we declare ourselves sterile, Mac. Let's give it six months or so on our own, and then we'll see."

Mac paused a moment, considering. Finally she nodded. "Can we get a puppy instead? Jingo needs a playmate." She said, a smile breaking through.

"Anything you want, sweetie," Harm agreed readily, relieved to see the beautiful smile on his wife's face. "Now, why don't you wash your face and I'll take you out to dinner. If you're up to it?" he asked considerately.

Mac slowly shook her head. "Would it be okay if we ordered in? Chinese or something? Cindy brought over the numbers of a few take-out places...I'd just rather curl up in my sweats with you and watch old movies."

"That's fine, honey. You change into your sweats and I'll go order dinner." Harm stood, reaching a hand down for Mac.

Grasping it, Mac wrapped her arms around his waist, burying her nose in his uniform shirt. "Thanks," she said simply, nervously running a hand through her hair.

Harm held Mac close to him for a minute, savoring the feeling.

Mac smiled briefly and then patted him on the butt, trying to send him on his way so she could try and compose himself. "Cindy says there's a really good Indian place nearby."

Harm held onto Mac's hand tightly. "Mac," he said softly. "I know you're a Marine, and I know you're tough and all, but you don't *have* to be. Just let go, okay?" He kissed her nose and turned to leave the room.

Mac felt a fresh batch of tears build up in her system, but refused to let them flow. She needed to get over this, to concentrate on the case. She hated the loss of control these emotions made her feel. Walking over to the sink, she doused her face with water and looked at her reflection. Her eyes were red and puffy and her nose was enflamed as well. She dried off with a towel and headed into the closet, searching for Harm's Navy sweatshirt. Finding it, she quickly pulled it on, along with a pair of sweatpants. Feet bare, she walked downstairs slowly, taking a few deep breaths to try and calm herself a little more. She walked into the kitchen and headed to the fridge, getting a bottled water out. Sitting at the table, she got lost in her own thoughts as she played with the bottle cap.

Harm stood across the kitchen, phone in hand. "Yes, and one large hot tea. Uh huh. Great, thank you." He turned to Mac with an expressionless face. "It'll be here in about half an hour. I'm gonna go change, will you find a movie or something on TV?" he asked quietly.

Mac nodded, padding over to the TV. Sinking down into the couch, she flipped until she found a movie that she knew would bring a smile to her face. Grinning at Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze, she took a sip of water and spread out her legs on the couch.

Harm trudged up the stairs, his entire body weighing heavily on his frame. He found a pair of sweatpants and a Navy tee, and threw them on mechanically. He sank onto the bed and stared at the bathroom, his eyes unfocused. Silently, Harm lowered his head into his hands and let the tears flow. He wasn't upset over the baby---well, yes, he was, if he admitted it. But more than that, it was everything. Being strong over the last few weeks, even as their honeymoon was cut short and their lives put in jeopardy over a man they'd never met. Not letting Mac see how scared he was that everything about this case, and their marriage, would come crashing down. Being afraid over that very thing. And being terrified that something like the inability to make a baby could break him now, where it never would've before. He was vulnerable and that scared Harm more than anything else.

Mac looked up at the landing, waiting for Harm to come downstairs. Her Harm radar kicked in, and she carefully went up the stairs, trying not to alert him to her presence. She heard a few sounds coming from the bedroom--was he crying? Mac stepped in the doorway of the bedroom and saw him on the edge of the bed, face buried in his hands. Walking quietly in, she said, "Harm?"

Harm didn't move. He couldn't let her see him like this. Discreetly, he wiped the tears from his cheeks and looked up with a smile. "Fine."

Mac stood frozen in place, a sudden surge of anger coming over her normally calm demeanor. "Fuck you, Harmon Rabb!" she seethed. "I just spent the better part of a day in that bathroom trying to figure out what my life means, crying over a child that may never be. But I showed you how fucking scared I was, I *let* you in! And now you're going to hide it from me? How dare you!"

Harm stood up, his face flushing red. "Goddamn, Mac, I'm trying to do what *you* seemed to want! You didn't want me to see you cry again, so I left the room. I *assumed* that meant you didn't want to see me cry. Are you happy?" he asked, tears trailing down his cheeks. "I'm fucking scared to death, is that what you wanted to hear?" his voice was low and lethal.

"Yes!" Mac screamed, her chest heaving. She walked slowly over to him, lowering her tone. "I felt so lost today, Harm. I was so confused, so scared...and then you came home and the barriers automatically went back up. You fell in love with a Marine, not some woman who spends all day on the bathroom floor crying about her period. But when you hide your feelings from me, Harm, it just makes me feel...more inadequate, I guess. It makes me think that you don't feel the same way, and that just makes me feel worse."

"I fell in love with *you*, Mac," Harm whispered, tears falling down his face freely. "All of you. The strong part, the weak part, the woman and the Marine. I thought you needed me to be strong, that's what you seemed to want." Each word brought him a step closer to his wife, until he was standing an inch away, still not touching her. "Of *course* I'm disappointed. I wanted you to be pregnant almost as much as you did. But I love you, and no crying fit or period is going to change that."

Mac's hands itched to touch him, but she didn't want to jump the gun and cut him off from this rare moment of raw honesty. "I don't need you to be strong just for me, Harm," she said quietly, not meeting his gaze. "I just need you to be honest, truthful. About *everything*. It's like you said...I married all of you; the lawyer, the pilot, the strong one, and the sap that lurks somewhere in there." She finally looked at him, tears filling her own eyes. "I just need *you*." She whispered.

Harm reached out a hand and left it hanging mid-air, between them. "I need you, too." He stared into Mac's deep brown eyes. "I think that's the first time I've ever said that to anyone, when I didn't add "to fuck me" mentally."

Mac laughed, raising her hand to meet his. Flattening her palm against his, she marveled at how the softness and delicate nature of her hands meshed with the large and protecting side of his hand so well. She looked up at him, intertwining their fingers. "Are we okay?"

Harm sighed softly. "I don't know if I've ever been okay, Mac," he quirked one corner of his mouth in an imitation of a smile. "But I think so." He reached out and pulled Mac to him, crushing her in a tight hug, silently.

Mac wrapped her arms around his waist, running her hands up and down his back. She let out a deep, shuddering breath, contemplating. "I'm sorry I yelled at you," she said, her voice muffled by his tee-shirt.

Harm's voice was muffled by Mac's hair when he finally managed to speak through his tears. "I deserved it."

Mac chuckled. "Yes, you did."

Harm pushed Mac away and pouted dramatically. "Well, look at that." He turned his head towards the bedroom window as if watching something go past.

Mac leaned around him. "What?"

"The apology I was going to give you. That was it, flying out the window."

Mac leaned back and smacked him lightly on the arm. "You're terrible."

Harm laughed aloud, the chuckles drifting from his throat down to his very core. Just then, the doorbell rang. "I'll go get that," he said softly, wiping his tear-tracks away and kissing Mac gently.

Mac wiped her own eyes and followed him down the stairs. "You got money?" She asked, moving into the kitchen to get plates out.

"Of course," Harm said, pulling two twenties out of his pocket and opening the door.
"Hi." He took the bag, paid the guy and closed the door, taking the food into the kitchen and spreading the boxes out on the counter.

Mac placed some plates and utensils on the countertop. "Mmmmm," she said, savoring the smells wafting from the boxes. "What'd you get?"

"A little bit of everything. I knew you'd be starving." Harm winked, teasing Mac. He piled both their plates high with food and handed one to her.

Mac grinned. "Good idea. Mmm, this curry smells amazing!" Motioning over to the TV, she said, "Want to eat in front of the TV tonight? 'Dirty Dancing' is on."

"Sure." Harm picked up his plate and balanced it on one arm, grasping both their cups in his other hand. He put everything down on the coffee table and sank into a corner of the couch with a long sigh. "Ahhhh....." Harm opened his arms for Mac. "C'mere, I'll feed you," he laughed, letting her decide whether that appealed to her or not.

Mac nodded. "Sure."

Harm perked right up, balancing his plate on the arm of the couch. He tugged Mac's arm until she was settled between his legs, reclining against him. He lifted a forkful of rice and lowered it towards her open mouth.

Mac took the offered fork, closing her eyes at the warmth she was feeling, not only from the rice, but from Harm as well. She kissed his hand, then put her feet on the coffee table, in between where his long legs were sprawled.

Harm slipped his feet under Mac's, so that her legs were resting on his and he wiggled his toes against the soles of her feet. He scooped up some noodles and a piece of meat, lowering the fork again.

Mac giggled as Harm hit her ticklish spot, but opened her mouth again, chomping happily on the spicy noodles. She pointed to the screen. "I love this part! This is where they go to the river and he tries to teach her lifts."

Harm nodded, watching Mac more than the movie. He fed her a few more bites, stealing a couple in between for himself.

Mac settled herself more comfortably, resting her head against Harm's collarbone. "You gonna share or am I going to have to fight you for it?" she asked with mock seriousness.

"I am sharing, that's *my* plate you're devouring," Harm kidded, scooping up more noodles and aiming them at her mouth.

"Hey, I'm your wife. What's yours is mine and what's mine is mine too." Mac grinned and then obligingly opened her mouth again. A random thought about a mother bird feeding her babies flew through her mind, but she settled on thinking about the great food and company instead.

Harm chuckled softly. "Yeah, yeah." He turned the food away from Mac and ate it himself. "Haha," he laughed, spearing more for her, and letting her have it.

Mac took the mouthful and then craned her neck up to look at him. Picking up food with her own fork, she maneuvered her arm around and silently offered Harm some off of her plate.

Harm smiled and wrapped his lips around the noodles, trying to look seductive. He failed miserably, as one noodle hung down his chin and he tried valiantly to suck it back in.

Mac lifted her finger and caught the noodle with its underside, allowing him better access.
"Such a messy eater," she admonished quietly.

Harm opened his mouth slightly, sucking on the tip of Mac's finger. "Sorry," he murmured, swallowing.

Mac didn't move her finger, simply resting it against his lips. She looked up at him, still worried her earlier outburst had angered him, even if he deserved it.

Harm kissed her fingertip gently, as if reading her mind. "Sarah, what's wrong?" He hoped that using her first name would get her to open up.

Mac sighed, putting her plate on the coffee table. She shifted in his lap to try and look at him more fully. "I don't know what's wrong," she confessed. "I just have this feeling you're mad at me or disappointed or something."

Harm turned slightly, facing Mac. "Not at all," he whispered. Taking her face in his hands, Harm gently kissed Mac's lips, showing her the best way he knew. "I love you, always. Through fights, broken dishes, cursing and screaming...I'm yours, sweetie." He kissed her again, gently tangling his fingers in her hair.

Mac kissed him back and closed her eyes, relieved. Returning to her earlier position, she returned her attention to the movie, wrapping Harm's around her, running her hands up and down his arms, her body relaxing at the comfort she felt.

Harm shivered as Mac's hands caressed his arms. "Stop that," he murmured, "or you're going to miss the rest of the movie."

Mac smiled, lacing her fingers with his and wrapping his arms tighter around her. *Nothing beats a Harm pillow and blanket*, she thought with a smile.

Harm chuckled softly. "You're a wonderful blanket, you know that?"

Mac looked up at him, surprised. "You reading my mind again, sailor?"

"Yup," Harm nodded. "I guess so." Twisting his neck slightly, he kissed Mac gently, biting at her lower lip.

Running her hands through his hair, Mac shifted her position, raising herself to straddle him on the couch. Prodding his mouth open with her tongue, she ran it lightly over his teeth, grinning against his kiss.

Harm smiled back at Mac, his teeth bumping hers slightly, now that their lips weren't in the way.

Mac wrapped her arms around Harm's neck, playing with the hairs at the nape. Resting her forehead against his, she sighed, not sure what to say, but not wanting to move, either.

Harm leaned in and kissed the sigh away even as Mac was breathing it. He didn't say a word, just brushed his lips to hers in the lightest of kisses.

Mac smiled against his mouth and then hearing Patrick Swayze start his ending scene dialogue, squealed in delight, scrambling to turn herself around. "I *love* this part!" she said with a laugh. "All we need is to get you some leather pants and dance lessons, and you'd be a hundred times hotter than he is right there."

Harm chuckled softly. "Me, in leather pants? I don't think so, darling."

Mac craned her neck up to look at him briefly before returning her gaze to the screen. "Aw come on, Harm, I think it'd be sexy as hell."

Harm smiled, ruffling Mac's hair a little with his breath. "All right, for you, I'll try it."

Mac leaned up and kissed his chin. "Aw, how sweet are you?" Laughing and pointing at the screen, she said, "Watch this part, they get the lift right."

Harm blushed. "About as sweet as you taste," he murmured, unable to concentrate on the movie, still feeling the tingle where Mac's lips had pressed to his. "Sure, okay."

Mac shook her head. "Nah, I wouldn't want to pressure you into anything, even if it would have given me one hell of a rise."

Harm smiled broadly, kissing the back of Mac's neck. "No pressure. You know me, Mac, I don't do anything I don't want to. Besides," he added quickly, "you'd owe me."

"True on both counts," Mac said with a grin. "But not today, darling...can we just hang out and watch 'Millionaire' and watch Regis say 'Is that your *final* answer?'"

Harm shook his head violently. "No, no, and more no. You can, but I'll be somewhere out of hearing range."

Mac laughed as the credits rolled. Picking up the remote, she handed it to Harm. "Fine. Then you find something you want to watch."

Harm flipped to the guide channel and skimmed the listings. "Ah, perfect!" He pressed the buttons and Richard Gere appeared on the screen. "An Officer and a Gentleman," he murmured into Mac's ear, in case she didn't recognize the film. "A classic."

Mac grinned. "I like 'A Few Good Men' better, but I digress."  The rest of the evening was spent in companionable silence, and when the movie ended about 11:15, Mac got up and stretched. "You ready to head to bed, sailor?"

Harm nodded, unfurling his long legs and moaning softly. "My leg's asleep!" he complained, hobbling a little. "Damn."

Mac leaned down and massaged his leg. "Poor baby. Want me to carry you upstairs?"

Harm laughed. "No, but that feels good." He shook his leg gently and the tingles began to dissipate. "There. I'm cured!" He grinned, taking Mac's hand and kissing her palm. "You're a miracle worker, love." Harm led her up the stairs, their fingers entwined.

Mac grinned. "Nah, not really, only when it comes to you." Moving into the bedroom, Mac removed her clothes, haphazardly and uncharacteristically placing them on one of the armchairs. Climbing into bed without a word, she looked at Harm, waiting silently.

Harm stripped quickly, tossing his clothes on top of Mac's pile. He slid under the covers and opened his arms to his sweet wife.

Resting her head on his shoulder, she kissed his collarbone gently and played with the outline of his broad chest. "I love you," she said quietly.

Harm smiled, his fingers trailing up and down Mac's soft skin, tracing the muscles in her arm. "I love you, too. Always?" he asked her, searching her eyes for the answer.

Mac raised her gaze to his. "Always." Said quietly, but with absolute conviction.

"Good. Me, too." Harm sighed softly as his eyes drifted closed from sheer emotional exhaustion.

Mac watched him fall asleep before allowing her own eyes to slip shut, a smile playing on her lips.
--------------------------------------------
Mac was roused into wakefulness by the incessant ringing of the phone, which just happened to be located next to her ear. Groaning, she fumbled and picked up the receiver. "Hello?"

"It's Leslie. Abdulan's done it again."

Mac bolted upright in bed, shaking Harm's arm. "What? When?"

"A first lieutenant at the base. But there's a catch."

Mac waited impatiently for Leslie to continue.

Finally, Leslie spoke again. "A janitor surprised 'the attacker', who ran off...and the lieutenant's alive.

Harm looked at Mac inquisitively. "Who is it?" he mouthed, although he knew instinctively.

"Harm's going to be getting a call in 4 minutes. Get him over to the base, and head over to Cindy's, and wait there. Got it?"

Mac nodded even though Leslie couldn't see her and waved a hand at Harm. "Got it." At Leslie's subsequent hangup, she turned to Harm. "Apparently Abdulan attempted another murder last night, but didn't get a chance to finish."

Harm yawned and stretched, climbing reluctantly out of bed and grabbing his uniform. As he headed towards the bathroom, he called back over his shoulder to Mac. "Hey, who was the intended victim, anyway?"

Mac climbed out of bed as well, calling back a reply before she headed into the closet to get dressed. "A first lieutenant. She didn't give me a name."

"First lieutenant?" Harm turned, his mouth agape. "Mac, a first lieutenant has wet dreams about a level five security clearance! There's no way this fits the MO. Are they sure it was Abdulan?"

Mac stopped, thinking. "That's what Leslie said..." she trailed off. "What if the lieutenant was exposed to sensitive information and Abdulan had to get rid of him?"

"No way. There's no way on Earth that this guy had any information Abdulan was after. Maybe it'll fit once I talk to the profiler Leslie set us up with. I certainly hope so." He turned and headed into the bathroom, showering quickly.

Mac went into the closet, grabbing a pair of jeans and a gray ribbed turtleneck. Setting them on the bed, she headed into the bathroom, opening the shower door and stepping in without a word.

Harm spun around and when he saw Mac, his face broke into a smile. "Hey, baby." He heard the phone ringing behind them but decided it wasn't as important as the water nymph standing in front of him, nude as the day she was born.

"Hey, sailor." Hearing the phone, she sighed. "That's the base, you're going to have to answer it and feign sleepiness."

Harm smiled and flipped open a panel in the shower. "I found this yesterday," he grinned, pulling the cordless out of the wall. "I love this house!" He turned the water off and clicked the phone on and murmured, "'Lo?"

Abdulan cleared his throat. "Major Burton? It's Gunnery Sergeant Miner."

Harm coughed as if he were just waking up. "Good morning, sir. What can I do for you?"

"We have a situation at the base. Can you report by 0600?"

"Of course. I'll be there." Harm hung up the phone and turned the warm water back on, letting it pour over his shoulder and onto Mac. "There, we have half an hour."

Mac grinned and leaned her head back, wetting her hair. Straightening, she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him. Smiling, she unhooked her arms and started to wash her hair, concentrating on herself rather than what she'd like to do with Harm.

Harm pulled Mac's hands down gently and massaged her scalp with his fingers. He didn't speak, just drew his lips in a curve around Mac's neck to the hollow of her throat, kissing her tenderly as his hands worked the shampoo through her dark hair.

Mac smiled and closed her eyes at the sensation. "Don't forget the walls have ears, Harm, and you only have half an hour," she whispered.

"I disconnected the bedroom and bathroom our second night, Mac, I'm not a fool," he grinned. "And we've done more in less time." He pulled Mac back against his chest, tilting her head gently and rinsing the bubbles out. He bent his head, trailing tiny kisses along her neck and circling her earlobe with his tongue.

Mac turned in his embrace once more and wrapped her arms around his waist, closing her eyes as the spray hit her in the face. She tried to speak, but the water rushed in and she sputtered, then cracked up. Moving her back to the stall's wall, she pulled Harm with her so that the spray hit between their bodies. "Much better," she said with a grin. "And thank you for disconnecting those bugs...I knew there was a reason I married you."

As Harm started to kiss her, Mac groaned loudly, not at Harm, but at the phone that started to ring. Sighing, she said, "You want to get it or shall I?"

Harm cursed softly, turning off the water again and breaking away from Mac. "Burton," he snapped, barely remembering not to break his cover.

"Don't tell me I interrupted snuggle time, Rabb," Clayton Webb said with a grin.

"Fuck, Webb, make this quick," Harm sighed, reaching out a hand to pull Mac close. He tilted his head, trapping the phone between his ear and his shoulder, and freed up his hands to caress Mac's back and down her thighs. *No sense wasting time,* he thought, as he grinned at his wife.

Mac grinned back as Clay continued. "Change of plans, if you're up to it."

"Speed it up, what's the deal?"

"Abdulan screwed up this morning...he's itching for a kill. We need to get him before anything else happens. Would you be up to playing bait?"

"Sure, no problem," Harm agreed distractedly. "I'll call you in about half an hour. Bye." He hung up quickly, focusing his attention on Mac. "I'm not leaving in the middle of this, so we'd better hurry up," Harm grinned.

Mac groaned, reaching out in the vicinity of Harm's hips. Guiding him to her, she looked up at him with heavy lidded eyes and smiled. "You have 19 minutes, sailor."

Harm grinned broadly, feeling Mac's hands on his hips. He took a step closer to her. "That should be just about enough time to make you see stars," he smiled.

"I've always been a fan of astronomy." Mac said with a smile.

As promised, Mac saw stars--beautiful golds and reds and oranges danced across her closed eyelids, very much like the sunsets they had shared in Barbados.

When they'd both recovered a little, Mac grabbed the soap and handed it to him. "If you wash my back, I'll wash yours."

Harm sighed softly, hating to come back to reality after ten minutes of heaven. "Sure, sweetie." He lathered up his hands and gave the soap back.

Mac turned her back to him, not minding the cooling water as much. She worked up a good lather herself and waited for Harm to be finished with his task.

Harm finished and declared, "Done." He turned around so Mac could rinse, and lather him up.

Mac turned, quickly rinsing and began to move her hands up and down his broad back. Sighing, she finished, not wanting to leave the security of this private time together. "All clean." She finally said, quietly.

Harm turned and rinsed off, his face solemn. "I hate leaving," he whispered. "Especially after yesterday."

Mac placed a comforting hand on his back. "I know. But as long as we're okay, you don't need to worry." She looked up with him with an equally solemn expression. "We're okay," she said, her voice strong. "We're okay."

Harm turned and echoed her. "We're okay. Of course we are." He bent and kissed Mac gently.

Mac smiled against his mouth. "You need to get a move on, Marine." She opened the shower stall and grabbed her towel, quickly drying off. Moving into the bedroom, she called, "What did Webb want?"

Harm followed her with a soft sigh. "You're going to yell at me," he warned, slipping into his boxers.

Mac paused midway in pulling her tee-shirt over her head. "What did you do now?" She said, the garment muffling her reply.

"I signed myself up to play bait."

Mac yanked her shirt over her head, her hands flying immediately to her hips. "You *what*?"

Harm sighed softly. "I told Webb I'd try to lead Abdulan into attacking me, so we can catch him."

Mac opened and shut her mouth, unable to reply. Finally, she sighed and sat down on the bed. "How did I know you were going to inevitably do that?"

Harm walked over and squatted between Mac's knees. He placed a hand on each of her thighs to steady himself. "I have to," he said quietly, his blue eyes pleading with her to understand. "I can't let one more good serviceman die under this son-of-a-bitch's knife."

Mac looked away from him, her eyelids fluttering in her attempt not to cry. Finally, she looked back at him, placing a hand on his cheek. "I understand. I may not like it, but I understand."

Harm reached up and stroked Mac's cheek with his thumb tenderly. "Thank you for being so amazing, Mac. Not many other women would understand why I have to do this. But," he added with a flyboy grin, "I will come back to you in one piece, I promise."

Mac shook a finger at him. "You'd better." She leaned down and kissed him. "How are you going to pursue Abdulan?"

Harm saluted quickly, knocking himself backward. He fell with a soft thud and laughed. "I'm not. I'm going to let him come to me."

Mac silently reached out a hand to him to help him up off the floor. "Webb's increasing your security clearance?"

Harm nodded, taking the offered hand and standing, brushing his behind off dramatically. "Yes. By 1300, the papers will be on Abdulan's desk, and by 1700, he should be after me." Harm turned and pulled a shirt on quickly.

Mac sighed, pulling on her own jeans. "Please be careful," she said quietly.

Harm turned, zipping up his Marine-camouflage jacket. "Of course," he said softly. "You know me."

Mac chuckled. "Yes, I do. That pilot's ego of yours is going to push the envelope, and inevitably, I'm going to have to come along and save the day. Now, this is supposed to be our *honeymoon*, I'd rather not work, okay?" She joked.

Harm smiled broadly, kissing Mac's nose and pulling her into a tight hug. "Okay, okay, I get the point." He released her reluctantly. "How long do I have before I have to leave, my lovely walking Timex?"

"Four minutes, 38 seconds. And I'm a Swatch watch."

"A Swatch? Those little plastic ones from Sweden where the girls used to change colors every day? I loved those!" Harm chuckled. "Sorry I don't have time to make you breakfast today, sweetie, I'll make up for it with dinner."

Mac shook her head. "Don't worry about it, I'll find something on my own. And I promise not to burn the house down, okay?" she patted him on his butt. "Get a move on."

"Please, Mac," Harm begged, "I'm begging you, go to Burger King or something. Don't risk life and limb over eggs."

Mac rolled her eyes. "O ye of little faith. They stocked the cupboards with Frosted Flakes."

Harm burst out laughing as he headed down towards the garage. "Thank god for small favors." He grabbed his keys off the hook and called out, "I love you, Mac!" as he slipped into the BMW.

Mac followed him and took up her perch at the garage steps, waving goodbye. "Love you too. Be *careful*!"

Harm waved as he pulled out. "Always!" He headed for the base.

Mac shut the door and looked up at the ceiling. "God, if you're up there...please protect him. He's all I have."
--------------------------------------------
Harm pulled into the parking lot and slammed the sports car into park. As much as his testosterone-driven self loved this action and adventure, it was a lot more fun before he had Mac. Now that he had a wife, and please god, children someday, Harm was a little more reluctant to play human cat-and-mouse games.

Within the Marine barracks, Mansur Abdulan was calmly speaking to Detective Marks about that morning's attack. "It's a shame."

Shelby nodded her head. "Yes, it is." She wrote something in her notebook and then looked back at the tall man in front of her, goosebumps sprinkling her flesh. "Have all your senior officers reported yet, Sergeant Miner?"

Abdulan noticed Harm walking up and motioned to him. "This is Major Burton. Burton, this is Detective Marks from LVPD. She'd like to speak to you for just a minute."

Harm nodded. "Good morning, Gunnery Sergeant. Detective, nice to meet you. I overheard your question, and I was just about to do a roll call, if you'd like to accompany me?"

Shelby nodded, holding out her hand to Abdulan. "Thank you for your assistance, Gunnery Sergeant Miner."

Abdulan nodded, a strange look crossing his face. "Anything to help, my dear. Anything to help."

Shelby motioned for Harm to step away from the crowd of base personnel and police presence. She began to write in her notebook and finally spoke. "Major Burton, please commence with your roll call so I can see who's all here."

Harm nodded slowly. "Company, front and center!" he barked. "Roll call. Now!"

"Barker!"

"Estin!"

"Naylor!"

"James!"

"Koch!"

"Andrews!"

"Hardy! Sir, as squad leader, I submit that all are present and accounted for, sir!"

Shelby jumped a little bit as the roll call began, but took down the names as they were
being called. Turning to Harm, she asked, "May I address your squad, Major?"

"Yes, ma'am. Attention in the ranks!" Harm snapped out, taking one step back.

Shelby nodded her thanks. "At ease." She stated with military crispness. "Did any of you know the injured, 1st Lieutenant Christopher Jackson?"

Corporal Naylor raised his hand. "Ma'am, yes, ma'am!"

Walking over to the Corporal, Shelby said, "How so?"

"He was my bunkmate, ma'am," Terrence Naylor said softly. "I knew him pretty good after going through boot camp together."

Shelby nodded, writing this information down. "Were you aware of his current assignment, Corporal?"

"No, ma'am. I knew he was working on some stuff he didn't talk much about, but that's the end of it."

Shelby didn't reply immediately, but stepped back and looked at the squad. "Did any of you know the nature of Lieutenant Jackson's duties?"

Private Koch raised her hand. "Ma'am, yes, ma'am, slightly."

Shelby walked over to the young woman, whose eyes were darting back and forth nervously. "What did you know, Private?"

Private Koch glanced from Harm to Shelby nervously. "Well, ma'am, I knew he was working on a top-secret project. Something about jets and a new fuel, but that wasn't the half of it. Lieutenant Jackson and I went out for a beer a few times, and he told me some of it, but not much. Chris was a real quiet guy." Koch's eyes filled with unshed tears.

Shelby nodded, writing quickly in her notebook. "Did he ever talk about his bosses or who he was working for, Private?" she asked quietly.

"No, ma'am."

Shelby nodded and stepped back next to Harm and addressed the company. "Is there any other information you can share with me? Even the slightest piece of information you would deem insignificant could be a big help."

The entire company was silent until Corporal Naylor spoke up. "I do know that he was unhappy, ma'am. Jackson was trying to get a transfer. He said something about the project just didn't sit right with him."

Private Koch nodded her agreement. "It was odd, too, because he was about to get a big promotion, according to the base grapevine."

Shelby tried to contain her surprise. "What else was the base grapevine saying?"

"Just that Chris was going to get a big promotion, ma'am. To leader of his area, or something, I think. A lot more pay, but a lot more responsibility, too."

*And with a promotion comes more power, and more room to blackmail.* Shelby thought, eyeing the company in front of her. "Corporal, you said the project Lieutenant Jackson was working on didn't sit right with him. Can you expand on that?"

"Not much, I'm afraid, ma'am. I just knew that Jackson wasn't happy with the risks some of the higher-ups were taking. He even talked about getting some people moved once his security clearance and promotion were processed. But since it was all conjecture up till now, he couldn't really do much." Naylor shrugged.

Shelby had to hold herself back from looking at Harm. She nodded to the company. As she turned to thank Harm, she glanced back at the Marines standing in front of her. "Who would want to hurt Lieutenant Jackson?" she asked quietly, waiting for a reaction.

Private Koch shook her head, a single tear falling down her cheek. She made no move to hide it. "I don't know, ma'am. Chris was the sweetest guy I ever met. Real easy to talk to, you know? Made friends wherever he went."

Shelby nodded once. "I'm going to leave my business card with Major Burton. Please, if you hear anything, don't hesitate to contact me." She turned on her heel and saluted Harm. "Major, when you have a minute..."

Harm saluted back, with a sharp nod. "If you'll wait in my office, ma'am, I'll follow you in a moment." Harm turned to his company. "All right, thank you for your help," he said slowly. "It's much appreciated. Because of the tragic incident last night, and the uncertainty of Chris Jackson's condition, you'll be released today. Those of you who want to visit him, passes will be granted by the guards at the gatehouse. If they give you any trouble, send 'em to me. Company dismissed!" Harm turned on his heel and followed Shelby quickly.

The company broke up slowly, with murmurs of questions and wonderment going among the young men and women.

Shelby paused to speak with a few of her investigators and then turned to wait for Harm to show her the way to his office.

Harm gestured to Shelby. "This way, ma'am."

Shelby nodded and followed him up a few flights of stairs to his office. She noticed on the way up she kept looking over her shoulder, as if she were waiting for Abdulan to jump out from behind her and attack her as well.

Harm whispered, "I've got your back."

Shelby smiled briefly but gratefully and opened the door marked "Major J. Burton". She sank gratefully into one of his chairs, waiting for him to take his own seat.

Harm sat down behind the expansive desk, shaking his head slowly. "This is such a tragedy," he said softly.

Shelby nodded. "I know. Major, is there anything you can think of that would trigger this attack?"

"No, ma'am. I can't think of a damn thing." Harm reached for a small pad of paper and a pen. He scratched out a quick note and slid it over to Shelby. 'When, where and how do I set this up?' it asked.

Shelby sighed as if she were trying to think of another question. "Did you know the Lieutenant?" She asked as she wrote 'He's losing one of his concentrations to your new status. Go ask him a question about it.'

Harm nodded regarding the note. "Not very well, I'm afraid. We had brief encounters, but nothing too extensive."

Shelby sighed dramatically in case anyone was listening. She rose, handing Harm her business card. "I want to get down to the bottom of this, Major, and any help you could give me is greatly appreciated." She paused and then mouthed, 'Say hi to Mac'.

"Yes, ma'am. My entire company, including myself, is at your disposal." Harm wrote one more note with a smile in his eyes. 'Will do. Dinner, Sunday night?'

Shelby grinned. 'Hell yeah.' She held out her hand. "Thank you for your help, Major."
"You're welcome, Detective. Goodbye."

Harm waited until Shelby was clear of the parking lot, watching her from his office window. As she climbed into her Jeep, Harm headed down the hall to Abdulan's office. "Sir?" he poked his head around the half-open door.

Abdulan swung around from his perch at the window. "Major," he stammered. Calming himself, he continued. "Please, come in."

Harm took note of Abdulan watching Shelby and swore mentally. He was *not* taking out that woman. "Gunnery Sergeant, I just spoke to Colonel McCowan. He's Chris Jackson's CO, and he's a man short since the incident last night. I have some experience in the areas involved, so he asked if I could fill in for Jackson for a while. Would you be willing to take over my company in the next couple of weeks, just until Jackson's back on his feet?"

Abdulan nodded. "Of course, Major, I'd be more than happy to. I'm assuming you'll take care of all the necessary paperwork?"

"Yessir." Harm produced a document from behind his back. Webb had faxed it over right before Shelby left. "Except I need you to sign the official papers, so my security clearance can be raised."

A spark ran through Abdulan's body as he touched the paper. It was acceptance, a decree to allow him to continue his work. With a shaking hand, he signed it and handed it back to Harm, hoping his dark eyes were not relaying the sudden burst of excitement. "Of course, Major. Is there anything else?"

Harm shook his head, taking the paper and trying not to look as scared as he felt. "I'll make an announcement to the Company this afternoon at chow that you'll be their CO starting tomorrow. Thank you." He turned to leave.

Abdulan turned back to the window, looking at the police presence on the base. "That Detective Marks...an interesting character, don't you think, Major?"

Harm turned slowly, watching Abdulan's back. "Yes, quite a character. I wouldn't want to be the one to run into her in a dark alley, though," he warned. "She's one tough cookie."

Abdulan turned halfway, a smirk dancing across his features. "We are not always what we seem, Major. We all bleed."

"Not her," Harm cautioned. "She bleeds Navy blood. And if anyone were to spill that, they wouldn't make it out without a good deal of spillage themselves."

Abdulan turned back to the window. "Perhaps you are right, Major." He turned back and faced Harm, placing his hands on his desk. "I look forward to working with your Company."

"They're good kids, Gunnery Sergeant. Teach them what you know." Harm left the office and slipped into his own, dropping into the chair with a sigh. He absolutely hated putting his kids (and he already thought of them as *his*) in the hands of that psychopath. But he knew Abdulan would be too busy coming after *him* to mess with them.

Abdulan turned back to the window, watching Shelby's Jeep finally drive away. "We all bleed, Navy or Marine." He said softly. "And as long as it bleeds, my mission will be complete."
--------------------------------------------
He accepts the darkness, and it accepts him. He blends right in, sneaking up the wall, clutching his talisman in his left hand and his weapon in his right. The quiet is eerie, and he must control his footfalls so he does not alert his prey. Quickly, deftly he flies up the corridor with the speed of a cheetah and the slyness of a fox. He spots the prey and his pulse quickens, the exhilaration settling in his stomach. The prey is unaware, the best kind, he thinks with a smirk. It is over before it begins and the prey is incapacitated on the floor. Smiling, Abdulan reholstered his Glock and looked at Harm's lifeless body on the floor. "Major," he says cordially, "Your time has come."
--------------------------------------------

1806 PM
Home of Karen and Jack Burton

Mac took a deep breath and settled on the couch. *He's stuck in traffic, Sarah, he's fine,* she repeated the same mantra that had been running in her head for the past hour. She went to the phone again and called Harm's cell and his office, slamming it down in frustration when she got no response. She walked around the kitchen counter several times and finally returned to the phone, dialing Shelby.

"Marks." Shelby's alto reverberated in Mac's ear.

"Shelby?"

"Whoa, hang on there a sec, kiddo. Crappy connection." Mac heard a few clicks and then Shelby came back on the line. "Had to make sure my boys did their job. What's up?"

"Harm's not back yet, and I was wondering..." Mac trailed off. "It's so stupid, Shelby, I'm sorry to have bothered you at home."

"No! No, it's okay. Do you want me to go check out the base? I have clearance 'cause I'm a special, special girl."

Mac laughed. "Can I go with you? I just have this feeling..."

"Say no more. My mom has the same one. I'll be over in 20, okay?"

"Thanks, Shelby." Mac heard the click and went to wait by the front door.

True to her word, Shelby flew up the driveway twenty minutes later. Mac was already out the door and bounding towards the Jeep before Shelby had a chance to put the car in park. Shelby pulled out of the driveway as fast as she had pulled in, and the women said nothing as they headed towards the base. They cleared security with no problem and headed up to where Harm's office was located.

"There's his car." Mac said, defeated.
parked her Jeep and patted Mac's hand. "He's probably up to his ears in paperwork and lost track of time. Let's go find him, shall we?" They got out of the car and headed up the two sets of stairs to Harm's office. As they entered the hallway, Mac took a sharp intake of breath. "Oh, God, no!" she cursed quietly, pointing out a splattering of blood on the wall.

Shelby bent down and unholstered her ankle weapon, handing it to Mac. Unholstering her police issued gun, she motioned for them to follow the few spots along the floor in an effort to find Harm.

Harm's chest heaved with the effort to breathe. He sucked in a deep breath, wincing at the pain. "Mac," he whispered uselessly. Harm thought he was screaming--the tightness in his chest, he was sure, was from the exertion. But the pain was making his mind foggy, and he could barely tell anymore where he ended and the floor began.

The blinds of the window are open, allowing a small stream of moonlight to filter into the room. He sits in the middle of the room where the beams end, cross-legged and murmuring quietly. This is my destiny. He is my sacrifice. This is my mission. I will do all you ask to repay the debts of my brother. This is my future, as he is your future. This is my destiny.

Shelby and Mac crept slowly down the base hallway, listening for any sign of either Abdulan or Harm. The blood blots trailed to a stop at the far side of the seemingly endless hallway, and Shelby took a deep breath, cocking her head and her gun. She nodded to Mac to take up the other side of the door and began to count backwards. "Three..."

Harm groaned silently. Ow.

He finishes his mantra, looking out at the window and the stars, the gentle rustling of the leaves, he is certain, the whispering voices of those he was trying to protect and those who could not be saved. He walks quickly over to the man, saying a silent prayer for his soul as well. He raises the gun and closes his eyes.

"Two..." Shelby said quietly as her heart beat loudly in her chest.

"O Israel, I offer this sacrifice..." He begins the well-rehearsed prayer, hoping against all hope this would be the last one.

"One!"

The door bursts open, the dragon breathes fire and the resulting booms are louder than any thunder a storm could produce.

The fog clears and only one is left standing.

Mac's hand shook as she lowered the gun, which true to all the cliches, was still smoking. She ran a hand across the wall, searching for a light switch. Finding one, she flicked it on, immediately looking for Harm. Running over to him, she ran a hand through his hair, softly calling his name.

Harm opened his eyes, straining to see through the haze. "Mac?" he whispered with great effort.

Mac ran a hand up and down his face, trying not to scream at the trickle of blood that her hand felt. "Hey, sailor." She said, her voice filled with worry. "How are you feeling?"

"I'll survive." Harm tried to continue, but a choking cough wracked his body. "Are you okay?"

"Fine. But we've got to get you to a hospital. Shelby?" Mac called, not taking her gaze from Harm's face. "Shelby?" She turned her head to see a pool of blood overcoming Shelby's body. "Oh, God!" Mac cried, running over to her limp form. Doing a quick check, she was relieved to find a faint pulse, but saw the gaping wound in the detective's chest. "Don't you dare die on me, Shelby Marks, you hear me? Your mom would take me out and let the coyotes at me." She fumbled around Shelby's pockets, relieved to find a cell phone. She dialed 911 and informed the dispatcher of the situation, pleading for two ambulances as she held her hand over Shelby's chest to stop the bleeding and looking worriedly at Harm. After the dispatcher hung up, Mac looked out the window, feeling the summer breeze bring an odd sense of calm over the room, as one final audible breath was taken. Mac, tears in her eyes, looked at Harm, who was, thank God, still breathing, and she could feel Shelby struggling for oxygen. Mac looked off in the corner and saw the man who had caused all this as his eyes fluttered closed and as the wind stopped, leaving the blinds beating against the window at the loss.

Harm fought to lift his head but found it was leaden. "Mac, what's wrong? Shelby?" he whispered, staring helplessly at the ceiling.

Mac held out a hand to him, keeping the other on Shelby's chest. "Abdulan got a shot off, hit her square in the chest. But she's going to be fine, Harm, just like you are. You still owe me dinner, I'm starved. Hang in there, okay? Stay awake and talk to me." She pleaded, silently begging for the ambulances to arrive.

Harm whispered, clutching weakly for Mac's hand. "I would never leave you hungry, sweetie. You'd never forgive me." A faint trace of a flyboy grin crossed Harm's mouth, before utter exhaustion forced it to disappear. "I love you, Mac," he said softly. "I want you to know, just in case."

Mac couldn't contain a sob. "Don't *say* that," she admonished. "You're going to be fine, God dammit, you're a fucking Marine!" she said with a watery chuckle. "Harm...I love you...please don't do anything else stupid. Not tonight."

Harm lolled his head slightly to the side, locking eyes with Mac. "I just want my bases covered," he murmured, fighting the fog that threatened to overtake him.

Mac squeezed his hand, tears flowing freely down her face. "Don't leave me now, Harm, I swear to God...if you do, you'll be in for a major ass kicking in a few years." The end of her reply was cut off by the loud sirens of the ambulances and the paramedic crew, who came upon one woman trying to hold her world together with her bare hands.
--------------------------------------------
Mac sat unmoving amidst the sea of chaos of Las Vegas General Hospital's Emergency Room. She sat in the insanely uncomfortable waiting room chairs for what seemed like hours, her head buried in her hands. The paramedics had whisked Shelby and Harm away extremely quickly and no one had been down to inform Mac of their conditions. Normally, Mac would have been in the staff's faces regarding her husband, but the weight of knowing it was her gun that killed Abdulan had started to affect her.

She visibly jumped when a young man stopped in front of her and spoke. "Are you Sarah Mackenzie?"

Mac's head shot up and she regarded the man, who had sandy blond hair and tired green eyes. She cleared her throat and said with a raspy voice, "Yes."

He sat down next to her, extending his hand. "I'm Sebastian Marks, Shelby's husband. Have you heard anything?"

Mac shook her head. "No, I'm sorry, they haven't said anything about Shelby or my husband."

He nodded and stared at the vending machines in the ER waiting room, tears filling his eyes. "I always told her this was going to happen. I always warned her."

Mac placed a comforting hand on his arm. "Sometimes things happen. We just need to be strong for them, okay?"

Sebastian nodded, but said nothing.

A shadow passed between Mac and Sebastian, and the doctor cleared her throat. "Good afternoon," she said softly. "I'm Doctor Parker, the cardiologist on Shelby Marks' case. Are you her husband?"

Sebastian rose and nodded. "Yes, I am. Is she all right, Doctor?"

"Unfortunately, the person who shot your wife knew where he was aiming, Mr. Marks. Shelby lost a great deal of blood, and one of her lungs was punctured by a bullet.
*Fortunately*," Dr. Parker emphasized, "her heart escaped without a scratch. If she wakes up in the next 36 hours or so, she should recover fully."

Sebastian sank down in his seat, partly relieved but still worried. "What if she doesn't?"

"Then there's not much we can do, I'm afraid." The lines creasing the doctor's forehead revealed her worry, even as her voice was calm. "But the surgery went well, and it looks good."

Sebastian nodded. "Can I see her?"

"Absolutely. Go up to the Nurses' Station, they'll direct you to Shelby's room."

Sebastian nodded and rose again, squeezing Mac's hand. As he headed off to find Shelby,
Mac looked up at the young doctor. "Dr. Parker, is there any word about my husband, Harmon Rabb? He was brought in with Shelby."

Dr. Parker looked confused. "You mean, no one's...oh my god. Excuse me." She turned towards the nurses' station and spotted the Charge Nurse. "Elaine, tell Dr. Crop his ass is mine!" she hissed. Turning back to Mac, Dr. Parker smiled gently. "Your husband has been out of surgery and in his own room for over an hour. I'm so sorry no one came to inform you. Come with me, I'll take you to him."

Mac sighed with relief and rose out of the chair, her back cracking. She shifted her jacket from one arm to the other and waited for the doctor to take her to Harm. "What's his condition?"

"He's awake, but still a little groggy from the anesthesia. Fortunately, your husband's wounds weren't as complicated or as deep as his lady friend's." Dr. Parker pushed the door to Harm's room open with a gentle creak. "Mr. Rabb? You have a visitor," she said with a little smile.

Harm opened his eyes wearily. "Thanks," he whispered.

Mac was at his side in a split second, dropping her coat on the chair. She leaned over her husband, her eyes filling with tears of relief. She ran a hand gently through his hair. "Hey, sailor." She whispered, taking his hand, being careful not to disturb the IVs.

Harm smiled faintly. "Hey, jarhead. How's Shelby?" There was no concern for his own condition, only for his loved ones. That was just the way Harm's mind worked.

Mac continued to run her hand through his hair soothingly. "Abdulan hit her square in the chest," she said gently, "And she lost a lot of blood. But she made it through surgery just fine...she's a trooper. Her husband's with her. How are you feeling?"

Harm nodded slightly, grateful for a little good news. "Like a Mack truck ran me over," he teased.

Mac smiled and sobered. "You sure had me worried there for a minute." She said quietly, the tears threatening to spill over.

Harm reached up slowly to caress Mac's cheek. "Sorry. Didn't mean to."

Mac closed her eyes and leaned into his palm. She replaced his hand next to his side and sat down in the chair. "You should rest, Harm. I'm not going anywhere."

"Yes, you are," Harm said softly, but firmly. "You're going home, and you're going to sleep."

Mac shook her head. "No way. I'm not leaving until you come with me. And don't even *think* about arguing, sailor."

Harm's eyes pleaded with Mac. "You know I won't sleep as long as you're here, sitting in that horrible plastic chair, worrying over me. Please go home?" he murmured, caressing her hair.

Mac shook her head. "I'm not going anywhere." She repeated. "I can't leave you right now." Her voice was just above a whisper.

Harm sighed softly. "Mac...."

Mac held up her hand, the tears finally falling down her cheeks. "I nearly lost you today," she whispered. "It may seem irrational, but I have this nagging feeling that if I leave you now, when I come back, you won't be here." Her voice broke on the last few words. "I just need to stay, for your sake and mine."

Harm's heart broke as he watched Mac's face crumple. "All right," he gave in. "C'mere." With a groan, Harm shifted his weight to one side, making room on the bed for Mac. "You're not sleeping in that fucking chair."

Mac bolted out of the chair as he tried to move. "Harm, you're going to tear out your stitches," she admonished. "I'll get one of the nurses to get me a cot...will you stop moving, damn it?"

Harm stuck his tongue out at Mac with a grin. "I'm not tearing anything, now get up here, Marine."

Mac sighed in defeat and toed off her shoes, climbing up into the hospital bed, carefully avoiding the IVs and tubes that were hooked up to her husband. "You're going to get me in so much trouble..." she warned.

"Pssh," Harm dismissed her worries with a grin. "I'll just flash the nurses a flyboy smile and they'll forget why they were mad. It always works with you." He laughed, carefully wrapping his arm around Mac and sighing in happiness. "Now this is more like it."

Mac closed her eyes and breathed in her husband's comforting scent. After a moment, she opened her eyes and looked at him. "I love you so much, Harm," she said, her throat constricting with unshed tears. "And if a day goes by that I don't tell you that, check me into an asylum or something."

"Hey," Harm said softly, kissing the back of Mac's neck gently, "I love you, too. But you can stop worrying, I'm not going anywhere."

Mac chuckled. "I'll never stop worrying about you. It's in your gene pool to be constantly in trouble."

Harm chuckled softly, ignoring the pain in his side. "You're in a hell of a lot of trouble when we have kids, then, sweetie. 'Cause they'll be half-Rabb, and then you'll have to deal with me *and* them."

Mac shook her head. "I can just pray all your genes will be recessive. Did you know there are some things you can do to make a child more like her mother? I was thinking of trying some of those when the time comes."

Harm burst into laughter and stopped quickly, groaning involuntarily. "You do that, sweetie," he whispered.

Mac turned on her back so she could look up at him, immediately concerned. "Are you okay? Did you pull something? Do you want me to get a nurse?"

Harm shook his head, trying to look stronger than he felt. "I'm okay," he whispered. "Relax." Harm stared into her worried brown eyes and smiled despite the pain. "You're so cute when you're taking care of me."

"Which basically means I'm perpetually cute." Mac said, still looking at him. "You don't have to try and protect me from your pain, Harm," she said quietly, lacing his hand with hers.

"Perpetually," Harm echoed, reaching to kiss Mac's nose. "I'm not. Okay, I am," he admitted. "But it's for your own good."

Mac shook her head. "I'm not going to think less of you if you admit you need help or you're feeling weak. In fact, I'd think *more* of you, which believe me, is hard. Just be honest, Harm...no matter what happens, I'm here."

Harm smiled, one of those "Oh my god, I just fell more in love with you than I thought possible" smiles. "You want to hear that my tummy hurts?" he kidded.

Mac nodded. "Yes. Because then I get to make you feel better," she said with a smile. "Just don't be afraid to admit anything to me, hmm?"

Harm nodded slightly. "This is so amazing," he marveled. "I've never felt comfortable showing weakness to anyone. You know that. But with you, it's just...it feels okay, you know?" Harm cut himself off. "Sorry, didn't mean to ramble," he murmured with a little wince.

Mac smiled. "I love hearing you ramble. Then I know you're sharing all of you with me." She gently placed a hand on his stomach, moving in light circles. "Close your eyes and rest, Harm. We've had a long day."

Harm sighed delightedly at the soft caresses on his aching stitched stomach. "You're the best medicine, Mac," he murmured, letting his eyes flutter closed. "I love falling asleep with you," he added.

Mac continued her soothing ministrations, watching him fall asleep. She kissed his forehead. "Sleep, darling." She whispered.

"You, too," Harm murmured before allowing sleep to overcome him.
--------------------------------------------
Mac stepped back and admired her reflection in the floor length mirror in the closet. She genuinely smiled for the first time in weeks, readjusting the creme and gold embroidered Ann Taylor suit on her body. She nodded once and headed downstairs to the kitchen, searching for Harm. "It's way too quiet down here, flyboy, you're worrying me." She said jokingly, rounding the corner.

Harm's mouth fell open as Mac came into the kitchen and he almost dropped his spatula. "Honey, you look amazing!"

Mac grinned. "Thank you. How are you feeling?"

"Fine," Harm said for what seemed like the millionth time that week. Mac had been as protective as a mother hen since he'd come home from the hospital, and while it was cute at first, it was starting to wear on the independent Harmon Rabb.

Mac smiled at his curt answer. She leaned up and kissed him on the cheek. "Need me to do anything?"

Harm smiled, turning his head to capture Mac's lips in a gentle kiss. "Actually, yes. Will you go upstairs and grab my pain pills? I've been okay all day, but it's starting to wear on me."

Mac nodded. "Of course. What time are Shelby and Sebastian supposed to be here?" She asked as she headed out of the kitchen.

"1900," Harm called after her. "And that was Cindy on the phone earlier, she said she'd be over in two minutes, and that she had a surprise for us." Just then, the doorbell rang. "I'll get it," Harm called unnecessarily, swinging the heavy oak door open. "You must be
Cindy," he smiled. "Nice to finally meet you."

Cindy McCready smiled broadly. "You're as cute as your wife said." She leaned up and kissed Harm on the cheek. "Thank you for helping my daughter."

Harm blushed a little. "Anytime, ma'am. Won't you come in?" He opened the door wider, and blinked rapidly as he saw Cindy's 'surprise' standing behind her. "Terri!" he chuckled. "Well, it's old home week!"

Terri grinned broadly and held out a little gift basket of fruits and cheeses. "A little thank-you for your help with the Abdulan case, Commander."

Harm smiled. "Thanks." He took the basket and turned to call Mac. "Hey, darlin', come see who's here!"

Mac bounded down the stairs, pain pills in hand. "Hi, Cindy! Terri!" she said with a smile. "Come on in!" She looked past the women and grinned as she saw Ashley and Leslie staring up at the house, mouths agape. "Hi girls!" Mac called, laughing.

Ashley shook her head. "God damn, I *so* have to join the military!"

Harm laughed, heading back into the kitchen. "It's not ours, hun. We just get to play pretend for a while." He stopped to take his pills from Mac, kissing her cheek. "I love you," he murmured, for her ears alone.

Mac smiled lovingly up at him, ushering the group inside. She nearly closed the door on Shelby's crutch, causing the detective to cry out, "Hey! Watch where you're putting that thing!"

Mac swung the door open, laughing. "Somebody's in better spirits."

Shelby shook her head and eased her way into the house. "I am going to remain cranky until I can get back in that car of mine and scream Dixie Chicks at the top of my lungs." A satisfied look crossed her face. "That way I can share my singing talents with everyone, not just Sebastian here."

Sebastian groaned. "And I, for one, will be a happy camper when I can stop listening to "Sin Wagon" over and over and *over*. I love my wife, but she can't sing for shit." He ducked the crutch swinging at his head with a practiced grin. "Oh, hell, you know it's true, Shel!"

Shelby stuck her tongue out at her husband. "I don't *need* a voice when I have this much soul, darling," she said sarcastically. "Hi, Mom!" she said, hobbling over to Cindy and kissing her cheek.

"True enough," Sebastian murmured with a smile. He kissed Cindy's other cheek, making her a lovely little sandwich between himself and his wife. "Hey, something smells great!" he said, distracted by the rumbling in his stomach. "Whatcha cooking?" Sebastian asked Harm, peering through the glass oven door.

"Since we're in Nevada, I decided to try some new recipes: Southwestern Pot Pie and Cheese Enchiladas. The appetizers are one of my specialties, stuffed mushrooms." Harm lowered his voice conspiratorially. "It's all vegetarian, but I thought maybe we could try sneaking it by the girls, and see if they catch on."

Sebastian's grin broadened. "I think I like you already, Navy man."

Harm winked. "Thanks. Hey, everybody, appetizers are up! Dinner in fifteen!"

Mac quickly hugged Leslie, Terri and Ashley, ushering them in the dining room. She helped the still-healing Shelby ease into a chair, causing Shelby to cluck her tongue. "I never woulda figured I'd have to get shot in order to get treated like the princess I am!"

Mac laughed as she headed into the kitchen. "What are you two plotting?" she asked Harm and Sebastian as she went to get a bottle of wine out for her guests and water for herself and Shelby.

Harm smiled innocently. "Nothing, my sweet. Sebastian's just giving me tips on how to cook for a carnivore." He shuddered delicately. "Who'd have ever imagined *I'd* be saying that?" Harm shook his head with a teasing smile.

Mac stuck her tongue out at him. "Technically, you're still an invalid, so I can't make fun of you, so I'll let that little comment slide for now." She got some wine glasses down and turned to smile at Harm sweetly, batting her eyelashes. "Come, dear, we have guests to entertain," she said in an annoyingly syrupy voice.

Harm made a low gagging noise in the back of his throat. He turned to Sebastian with an exaggerated look of horror. "Can you believe this?" He pointed at Mac. "I thought I married a Marine, she turns out to be Donna Reed!"

Mac laughed as she rejoined her guests. Terri and Ashley were deep in conversation about Trisha Yearwood's upcoming album and Cindy, Shelby and Leslie were comparing battle scars from attacks they had endured in the line of duty. Mac turned and shot a grin at Harm, seating herself at one end of the table and grabbing a dinner roll.

Harm watched the ladies talking, and nudged Sebastian gently. "They're adorable, aren't they?" he murmured, his eyes shining with utter happiness.

Shelby turned her head away from the conversation and patted the seat next to her. "Hey, Whipping Boy, I think it's time for the happy pills!" she called with a grin to Sebastian.

Sebastian broke out into a grin. "They sure are," he muttered back to Harm. "Yes, *ma'am*," he said aloud, trotting over and sliding into the seat next to Shelby. He wrapped an arm around her and kissed her soundly.

Shelby scrunched up her nose like a rabbit and held out her palm. "Hook me up, baby!"
Sebastian pulled out a bottle of pills and handed one to Shelby. "You're insane, you know this?"

Shelby grinned and swallowed the pill, chasing it with the water Mac had given her. "Hell yeah. It's part of the charm."

Sebastian chuckled, rolling his eyes at Cindy. "You didn't tell me about *any* of this before I married her."

"Hell no!" Cindy laughed. "You think I wanted you to turn and run screaming into the night, bucko? Then *I'd* still be stuck with her!"

Harm interrupted momentarily. "Hey, Mac, give me a hand with the platters?"

Shelby stuck her tongue out at her mother. Turning to Terri, Ashley and Leslie, who were seated across from her, she asked genuinely, "What's not to love?"

Mac laughed and followed Harm wordlessly to the kitchen. "What do you want me to take?"

Cindy laughed, shaking a finger at Shelby. "Put that thing back where it belongs, young lady, or I'll do it for you."

Terri laughed. "Too many things to mention, Shel. But we love you, anyway." The agent patted her friend's hand with a grin.

Harm handed Mac the plate of pot pies, steaming hot, and he took the lighter plate of enchiladas.

Shelby made an indignant face at her mother as Harm and Mac reentered the dining room.

Mac excused herself over Sebastian and placed the hot pan in the middle of the table. "We need anything else?" she asked Harm.

Harm shook his head silently, slipping into the empty seat beside Mac's place. He waited until she sat down and then reached for her hand, and on the other side, held up an open palm for Ashley. "I'm not a religious man, but I think after everything that's happened the past few weeks, we should give a little thanks, if that's all right with everyone?"

Mac overcame her initial shock to nod, along with the rest of the clan. Even Shelby quieted, lacing her fingers through Sebastian's and her mother's.

Harm squeezed Mac's hand gently before speaking. "The past few weeks have been crazy, to say the least. Some of us have been shot," he glanced up at Shelby, "Some of us have been through hell and back." His eyes slid from Shelby to Sebastian, who nodded imperceptibly. Harm smiled warmly at Cindy before glancing over at Mac, his baby blues tracing the lines of her face. "And we've all come out on the other side, with relatively little damage. I think that the love and courage around this table is unlikely to find a match anywhere else in the world. And I think, somewhere, we all must have guardian angels watching us, to have survived everything we have. I'll shut up now, since I know you're all hungry, but I just had to thank whoever's up there for getting us all through this assignment and for introducing Mac and me to six new friends. Thanks."

Mac felt her lip tremble but smiled instead, refusing to let herself cry. The others, however, weren't as lucky; Shelby stole Sebastian's handkerchief and blew her nose loudly and even Leslie had tears in her eyes. Ashley held up her wineglass in a toast. "To guardian angels."

Mac nodded, still looking at Harm. "To guardian angels," she whispered, squeezing his hand.

"To loved ones," Harm added, leaning over to kiss Mac gently. "And to enchiladas!" he laughed, lifting up the tongs. "Who wants dinner?"

Shelby handed the used handkerchief back to Sebastian with an evil grin. Holding up her plate, she said, "Invalids first!"

Harm laughed. "Me and you, baby," he grinned, putting an enchilada on her plate. "Pass her a pot pie, sweetie?"

Sebastian tucked the dirty handkerchief away with a groan. "Girl, bring your own Kleenex next time, that's disgusting," he whispered with a grin, not wanting to gross out the rest of the guests.

Mac grinned and rose to place the other half of dinner on Shelby's plate. She did the same for the other guests, finally serving herself and Harm. Sitting back down, she unfolded her napkin and marveled at how close they had all come in such a short amount of time.

Leslie took a bite of her dinner. "Damn, Harm, this is wonderful!"

Harm grinned broadly. "Thanks, Les. It took me practically all day to put this together, but it was worth it."

Leslie dug back into her plateful of food and Mac smiled at Harm. "Nice to know I've got you trained, sailor," she said with a grin.

Harm laughed. "Like Pavlov's dog, jarhead."  He smiled to himself. Leslie was right: dinner was wonderful, but not just the food. The company, the warmth around the little dining room table was something Harm had always dreamt of, but never realized was so close. He looked around the circle of friends, from Terri, to Ashley, over to Shelby and Sebastian. His eyes finally landed on Mac and he leaned over to his wife. "This is great," he whispered, "But does it feel like something's missing to you?"

Mac looked at him, confused for a minute, but recognizing that expression adorning his face. "Yes," she said conversationally.

Harm couldn't pinpoint what was missing, and as he sat and tried to, the phone rang. He put a hand on Mac's shoulder. "Stay, I'll get it." He walked slowly over to the kitchen phone, lifting it off the hook. "Rabb," he said into the receiver. "Bud! It's good to hear from you. How's Harriet?" Harm smiled over at Mac as Bud jabbered into his ear. "Uh huh. Good. Well, listen, Mac and I are in the middle of dinner, so we'll just see you tomorrow when we get back to DC, all right? Okay, Bud. Goodnight." Harm slipped back into his seat and leaned over to Mac again. "That's what was missing."

Mac smiled. "When you're right, you're right, sailor. We have to make a trip out to Baby Gap for the newest Roberts addition when we get home, too, don't forget."

"Oh, yeah," Harm smiled. "Maybe we can stop by Ann Taylor while we're at the mall? You know how I love those dresses of yours."

Hearing only half his comment, a strange expression crossed Sebastian's face. "Commander, you shop at Ann Taylor?"

Shelby smacked Sebastian on the arm. "And you say *I* can't shop there! Sheesh!"

Sebastian chuckled softly. "Only because you spend about a thousand dollars every trip, Shel."

Harm laughed. "No, I just love their little sundresses and stuff. Doesn't leave much to the imagination--I like that in an outfit," he winked at Sebastian.

Shelby threw her hands up. "Do you think it's easy to look this good?"

Mac raised her glass. "Amen to that!"

Harm laughed, reaching a hand under the table to squeeze Mac's thigh gently. "As long as you do it, we don't care *how*, right, Sebastian?"

Sebastian nodded enthusiastically. "Hell, yeah!"

Shelby rolled her eyes. "You boys have no appreciation for what we go through just to make ourselves look good for your warped little selves. Just once, I'd like to come into the bedroom in a potato sack and get the same whistle I do when I come in wearing something from Vickie's Closet."

Harm smiled broadly. "If you looked as good as Mac, you would."

Sebastian pelted Harm in the head with a dinner roll.

Mac held up her hands. "All right, all right, retreat to your corners, boys. What is it with you and bread products?" she asked Harm quietly.

Harm snorted with laughter. A chuckle worked its way up from his toes until he was roaring with laughter.

Sebastian quirked an eyebrow at Shelby, as if to ask what was so funny about a dinner roll.

Harm opened his mouth to explain, but found he couldn't. It was as if years of buried fears and hurts were being washed away by the tears of laughter rolling down his face. "I...don't...know..." he finally gasped.

Mac nearly fell over laughing as well, causing everyone else in the room to wonder if someone had spiked the water.

Shelby looked at her mother questioningly. "I thought you said it was safe here!" she hissed good-naturedly.

Cindy laughed softly. "It is, they're just insane. They're not dangerous."

Mac took a shaky breath and faced her guests. "We, uh, we have issues with a few bread products," she said, her voice threatening to break into laughter again.

"I'd say you have a few more issues than bread products, "Ashley commented with a grin.
Harm nodded enthusiastically. "Oh, yeah. There's mixed drinks, and breadsticks. Now dinner rolls. And Faith Hill's music, and..." he glanced at Mac. "What else?"

Mac thought long and hard. "Well, there's the aforementioned obsession with Ann Taylor, breakfast, chicken divan and Monopoly tournaments."

"True enough. Don't forget gin and airplane bathrooms," Harm added with a nostalgic smile. "Biplanes and Tomcats and Stearmans all fit in the category of "issues", right?"

Mac rolled her eyes. "Yes, unfortunately."

Shelby regarded them with her jaw almost on the floor. "And you guys have only been married a *week*?" she looked at Sebastian, her eyes twinkling. "Hey, buddy, you've got a lot to make up for."

Sebastian laughed softly. "We have our own issues, if you'll stop and think. Remember the incident at the Palace Restaurant?"

Shelby snorted. "Oh, we are *so* not going there."

Leslie piped in. "Can we go back to your little floor show at the Mirage? *That* was hysterical."

Sebastian laughed. "Yeah, didn't that involve a glass of water, someone pretending to be a dummy and a lot of weird looks?"

Shelby buried her head in her hands. "Oh, don't remind me!" she moaned, sending Ashley into a fit of giggles.

"I think we should remind everyone of the Funger Hall incident."

Shelby leaned back in her chair, tears streaming down her face. "We are *so* not recounting that one. Ever!"

Sebastian chuckled. "Oh, come on, Shel, I'm sure the military people won't respect you any less once they know you danced shirtless with a lampshade on your head."

Terri shook her head. "No, 'Bastian, that wasn't Funger Hall, that was Blue Ridge. Funger Hall was the incident with the cop and the stripper."

Shelby groaned. "Stop!" She cried, covering her ears.

Mac set her fork down and leaned on her elbows, interested in the conversation. "No, don't stop. I'm very interested in hearing these stories. Aren't you, Harm?"

Harm nodded vigorously. "Oh, hell yeah. Anything that starts with 'So Shelby, this cop and this stripper walk into a hall' *has* to be good."

Mac nodded and Shelby groaned again. "Moooooom," she whined, pleading with Cindy. "Make the mean kids stop!"

Sebastian laughed, putting a protective arm around his wife. "Let's just say Shelby had an interesting few years before she married me."

Cindy piped up. "Yeah, like 25 of 'em!"

The banter was interrupted by Shelby's pager. She leaned around and removed it from its holder on her waist and looked at it. She pressed a few buttons and then looked at Harm and Mac with pride in her eyes. "Seems a few of us are going to be receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor in a few months."

Harm's eyes widened. "Congratulations, Shelby!" he smiled. "You definitely deserve it."

Shelby shook her head and then paused to consider his words. "Well, yeah, I do...but apparently, you, Mac, and the three amigas here are also taking over my national holiday."

"Us?" Harm looked stunned, though he probably shouldn't have been. "You mean I have to pin another damn medal on my uniform every time the dry cleaners returns it? Shit."

Mac chucked her napkin at Harm. "You oaf."

Ashley looked with wide eyes at Terri and Leslie. "Cool!" She cried. "I have to call my mom!"

Terri smiled back, silent pride in her eyes.

Mac looked at Harm, beaming with pride.

Shelby nudged Sebastian. "Hey, dude, my leg's cramping, did you bring the non-cramping medicine?"

Sebastian nodded, taking another bottle of pills out of his pocket. "This is your last one of the day, baby."

Shelby shifted uncomfortably. Releasing a shallow puff of air, she looked at Mac. "I'm sorry, it does this sometimes as a result of the blood loss." She swallowed the pill and then looked at Sebastian, nodding almost imperceptibly. "I hate to bring the evening to an end, but I really need to get home and put this leg up."

Harm nodded empathetically. "We understand, it's fine." He stood up slowly, reaching for Mac's hand. "It's getting late anyway, and we all need our sleep. We have more bad guys to catch." He grinned at Ashley, Terri and Leslie with a knowing wink. "Thank you all for coming, this was a wonderful last night in Nevada."

Shelby, with the help of her husband, rose and on the way out to the foyer, stopped to hug Harm and Mac. "I'll be fully healed by the time we come to DC, and I'm expecting a full tour, kay?"

Harm patted Shelby's back gently. "Sure thing. Hell, I'll even spring for a shopping trip to Ann Taylor for the girls. How's that?" He stepped back and grinned at Sebastian.
Sebastian chuckled softly, his arm around Shelby's waist. "Sounds good. The military must pay really well," he added with a laugh.

Mac gingerly hugged Shelby and then embraced Sebastian as well. "Nah, I'm just spoiled, so he doesn't complain about it."

Sebastian chuckled. "I know the feeling. C'mon, Cindy, quit gossiping and let's go."

Cindy backed into the hallway, trailed by the three entranced young agents. "And then, the guy pulls a gun and starts screaming obscenities. So of course I shot him." She smiles and turns to Harm, shaking his hand firmly. "You did nice work on this case. Don't think I didn't notice." Cindy turned from Harm to Mac, and smiled gently. As she hugged Mac to her, she whispered, "I know what you went through on this case, and I want you to know how brave I think you are. It takes a strong woman to be a hero, but it takes a stronger one to stand by while her lover does it."

Mac hugged Cindy back fiercely, saying quietly, "Thank you for everything."

As Mac and Cindy parted, Mac was attacked by the three girls in a massive group hug.

"You guys kick such ass." Leslie said sincerely.

Ashley nodded. "Thank you doesn't seem sincere enough for everything you've done."

Mac smiled, leaning out of the circle. "Don't be strangers in DC, hmm? Come visit us, just to tick Clay off."

Harm laughed. "Yes, please! Anything that ticks Clayton Webb off is a good thing."

Mac laughed, as did the girls, who followed Shelby, Sebastian and Cindy out the door.
Mac stood in the doorway watching them leave, the gentle summer breeze tickling the fine hairs on her arms. She waved as the cars pulled out of the driveway and shut the door, looking at Harm. "I can't believe it's over." She said with a smile.

Harm slipped his arm around Mac's waist. "I know. Now maybe we can get back to the business of being married."

Mac looked up and grinned at him. "Why don't you go rest while I clean up?"

Harm smiled wearily. "Thanks," he said, accepting help without a fight, for once. "I love you." Harm turned and walked slowly upstairs. Heading into the bedroom, he undressed and slid into bed, laying his head on his arms and awaiting Mac.

Mac slipped off her shoes and began to clear the dishes off the dining room table and put them in the dishwasher. She looked up from her pre-wash rinse and saw the stereo beckoning her. Smiling she walked over and pressed play on the CD player, smiling at the strains of "It Will Be Me" that filled the room. She stood in front of the entertainment center, marveling at how much had changed in her life since the first time she heard this song, all those months ago at Cecile's. She hurried back to the kitchen to finish cleaning up. Five minutes, 12 seconds later, she started the dishwasher, turned off the lights and CD player and headed upstairs. Quickly changing into her boxers and Harm's Navy sweatshirt, she slid into bed with Harm, a smile on her face. *What a way to come full circle.* She thought.

Harm smiled at the feeling of Mac's body next to his. "I heard the song," he whispered into her hair, his strong arms encircling her and pulling Mac close to him.

Mac smiled. "I figured it was better than me trying to sing."

"Never," Harm grinned. "I love your voice, you know that. In fact," he added, his fingers caressing her arm gently, "I love everything about you, Mac."

Mac smiled. "And I love you." She yawned. "I can't wait till we get home tomorrow."

Harm nestled himself as close as possible to her, drawing lines up and down her arm with his fingertips. "I know. I'll be so happy to get back to our apartment and...oh, by the way," he added with a grin. "I forgot in all the excitement. I got a call from my realtor yesterday. We got the house."

Mac grinned. "Wonderful! I can't wait!"

"Me either," Harm said softly. "We finally have a home, Mac. You and I, the way it was meant to be."

Mac laced his fingers with hers. "The way it was meant to be," she echoed.

THE END

Feed our mailboxes!
 Email Nicole
 Email Celia