Disclaimer: JAG and its characters belong to Donald P. Bellisario, CBS, and Paramount. No profit is being made.
Author Notes: I'd like to thank my partners in crime, John and ~*HarmsAngel*~, for helping me with my writing. You
guys are awesome. Thanks also to Lee for giving me computer assistance.
I'd like to dedicate this story to David James Elliott and Catherine Bell. You two do such an amazing job
bringing Harm and Mac to life every week. Thank you. (OK, I know that they'll probably never read this, but I'm
writing it anyway!)
Chapter 1
1705 (5:05 p.m.)
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
“Your Honor!” Lieutenant Colonel Sarah “Mac” MacKenzie jumped to her feet. “Lieutenant Haler stated earlier that
he was at his weekly bowling class the night of the murder.”
The judge nodded. “You’re right, Colonel. Commander Rabb, don’t try that tactic again.”
“No, Your Honor.” Commander Harmon “Harm” Rabb, Jr. turned to face the judge. “I have no further questions.” He
returned to his seat, throwing a glare at Mac.
“Due to the late time, we will resume this trial on Monday at 0900. Court is in recess.” The gavel fell.
Mac got up out of her chair again and started packing up her paperwork. Harm came over and gave her a soft pinch on
the arm. “Thanks a lot,” he told her. “I could’ve gotten a really good point across if you had kept your little
prosecution mouth shut.”
Mac looked up at him triumphantly. “I’m going to win this case, so don’t expect any leeway from me.”
Harm rolled his eyes. “Come on, let’s go.” He picked up his briefcase and followed Mac out of the courtroom.
Five Minutes Later
Mac’s Office
Harm knocked on the doorjamb of Mac’s office. “Mac, I was wondering… hey, where are you going?” he asked, watching
her quickly stuff her paperwork into her briefcase and collect her cover.
“I have to pick Chloe up at the airport in 69 minutes,” Mac told him, shutting her computer down.
“Chloe’s visiting you this weekend?! You never told me that.”
“Yeah, Sunday’s her birthday. Her grandmother surprised her with a plane ticket to DC to visit me. I only found out
on Tuesday.”
“But that was three days ago,” Harm pointed out. “And you never told me,” he added under his breath.
“Hey, I’m sorry, I’ve been busy with the case. And by the way, I was wondering if you wanted to come over to my place
tomorrow for dinner. I’m throwing Chloe a small party and I’ve already invited Harriet and little A.J., and Sturgis
is coming with Bobbi Latham. You can bring Sergei, too, if you want.”
Harm nodded. “Sounds good. How old is she going to be?”
“Thirteen. She’s officially a teenager in a little over 48 hours.”
Harm whistled. “Her poor grandmother,” he said.
“I know. Well, I better get going. I have to fight rush hour traffic as it is.” Mac tried to walk out of her office,
but Harm blocked her way. “Harm! Let me out.”
“Only if you let me come with you to pick her up. I need to buy her a present anyway, so you can fill me in on what
she’d like on our way to the airport.”
“That’s easy- anything to do with N Sync or horses. But if you want to come along that badly, be my guest. I have to
warn you, though, I get a little… testy when I’m driving during rush hour.”
“Hey, I’ve seen you in every other mood you’ve been in. I think I can handle your road rage mood,” Harm told her
with a grin.
“OK. Now, let me out of my office. Go get your stuff, and meet me at your car in two minutes.”
“Why do we have to take my car?”
“Because if you want to come along, that will make three people in the vehicle once we pick up Chloe. My ‘Vette only
holds two. Your Lexus has five seats. Now, outta my way.”
“Aye, aye, ma’m,” Harm replied, stepping aside to let her pass.
1819 (6:19 p.m.)
Dulles International Airport
Washington, DC
“Well, Mac, I’ll say you definitely made it in time,” Harm said wryly, looking at his watch. Chloe’s plane wasn’t
originally supposed to arrive for another ten minutes, but there had just been an announcement over the PA system
that the flight had been delayed and was twenty minutes behind schedule.
“I know, I just didn’t want to keep Chloe waiting all by herself,” Mac told him. “And besides, I didn’t know that the
plane was delayed.”
“Yeah, but you didn’t have to yell at that guy on the highway, either,” Harm said. “Poor kid probably just got his
license, and you nearly ran into his bumper.”
“I did not,” Mac protested.
“Yes, you did. Plus, you were going ten miles over the speed limit.”
“Five.”
“Whatever, you were still speeding and you still almost rear ended that kid.”
“Did not.”
“Did, too. I still can’t believe that I let you drive. I don’t know what I was thinking.”
“Because I’m a better driver, and besides, I didn’t actually have an accident. Anyway, while we’re waiting, why don’t
we go shopping at some of the airport stores? Maybe you can find something for Chloe’s birthday.”
“OK,” Harm agreed, rising out of the hard plastic chair he’d been sitting in. “Lead the way.”
Twenty Minutes Later
1839 (6:39 p.m.)
Gifts 4 Kids Store, inside Dulles International Airport
Mac was examining a pair of earrings when Harm walked up to her. He’d gone off to the other end of the store to look
for a gift for Chloe.
“How’s this?” he asked, holding out a bag that was quite full.
Mac took the bag and looked inside. “Harm!” she exclaimed. “How many things did you buy?!”
“Well, you said that she liked N Sync, so I got her some stuff with N Sync on it. It’s just a T-shirt, a keychain,
a notebook, and a teen magazine with that Justin guy on the front.”
Mac shook her head. “OK, Harm. Chloe is going to love you forever when she sees this.”
“She already loves me,” Harm protested.
Mac rolled her eyes. “Come on, let’s go get some coffee. It’s just about time for Chloe’s plane to arrive, and we’ll
have just enough time to buy a couple cappuccinos.”
Harm nodded. “OK.”
He had already paid for the gifts, so they left the store and headed for the coffee shop. But when they arrived, they
saw a huge line in front of the counter, much to their dismay.
“Well, Mac, I guess you’ll have to skip the coffee for now,” Harm told her.
“I’m not leaving here without a cappuccino,” Mac said stubbornly. “Harm, why don’t you go meet Chloe’s plane, and I’ll
be over in a few minutes. I’ll buy your coffee.”
“All right, just please don’t buy me another decaf grande soy latte,” Harm begged, starting towards the gate where they
were supposed to meet Chloe.
“I won’t,” Mac told him, throwing him a dirty look.
Seven Minutes Later
“Harm!” Chloe Madison dropped her backpack and ran up to Harm, throwing her arms around him. She was grinning from
ear to ear.
“Hey, kiddo.” Harm took her into his arms and gave her a warm hug. “How are you?”
“I’m great!” Chloe exclaimed. “Where’s Mac?”
“Right here,” Mac called, walking up behind Harm.
“Mac!” Chloe cried, hurrying to give her a hug.
Mac handed Harm the two cups of coffee she had been carrying and gave Chloe a huge squeeze. “How was your flight?”
she asked, as she and Chloe rubbed noses like they always did.
“It was great. The hostess was really nice, and guess what? She’s seen N Sync in concert four times, and she has an
Appaloosa that she was telling me about. And she liked me so much that she gave me an extra soda, and not one, not
two, but three bags of peanuts.” Chloe got an angelic look on her face. “And I didn’t even have to beg.”
Harm and Mac laughed. “Well, that’s great,” Mac said. “Now, grab your backpack and let’s go get the rest of your
stuff. Harm and I have decided to take you to dinner as an early birthday present.”
“Goody! I’m starved.” Chloe slung her backpack over her shoulder. “Where are we going to eat?”
“Wherever you want,” Harm told her. “You get to pick.”
“Really?!” Chloe asked, her face lighting up.
“Really,” said Harm.
“Cool! But now, how am I gonna decide? There’s Burger King, and Wendy’s, and McDonald’s…” Chloe started naming her
favorite restaurants to herself.
“Um, Chloe, you might want to try for something a little nicer than fast food,” Harm told her.
“OK, that’s fine! Hmm, Pizza Hut, TGI Fridays…”
Harm and Mac just shook their heads at each other as the three of them headed for the luggage pickup.
Thirty Three Minutes Later (7:19 p.m.)
“Mac!” Harm nearly choked on his coffee. “What on earth is this stuff?!”
“It’s a French Vanilla latte,” Mac told him, keeping her eyes on the road while trying not to laugh at Harm’s reaction
to the coffee.
“It’s disgusting.” Harm rolled the window down and dumped the coffee out. “And why, oh why, did I let her drive again?”
he asked himself under his breath as Mac changed lanes in an amount of time that even Jeff Gordon would be impressed
at.
“OK, Chloe, we’re coming up to our exit. Which restaurant do you want?” Mac asked, flipping the turn signal on.
“Red Lobster,” Chloe said immediately.
“All right, Red Lobster, it is!”
1955 (7:55 p.m.)
Red Lobster Restaurant
Georgetown
“What can I get for you folks tonight?” asked their waitress, a pretty young blonde with a pencil stuck behind
her ear.
“I think I’ll have the fried shrimp,” said Mac, looking up from her menu. “With extra cocktail sauce.”
“All right.” The waitress whipped her pencil out from behind her ear and scribbled a few words down on her
notepad. “Sir?”
“Steamed lobster, caesar salad, and mashed potatoes.” Harm handed her his menu.
“OK.” She jotted it down, then looked expectantly at Chloe. “What about you, sweetie?”
“Popcorn shrimp and cheese sticks, please,” said Chloe, “and a big glass of Coke.”
“No problem,” the waitress replied, adding Chloe’s order to the check.
“Thank you,” Chloe told her.
“You’re welcome,” said the waitress with a smile. “You have a very sweet daughter,” she told Harm as she took Mac
and Chloes’ menus.
Harm opened his mouth to tell her that Chloe wasn’t their daughter, but decided against it and just smiled at
the waitress. “Thank you,” he said.
As the waitress nodded and walked off to get Chloe’s Coke, Mac raised her eyebrows at Harm.
Harm just threw her his flyboy grin.
2145 (9:45 p.m.)
Mac’s Apartment
Georgetown
Chloe sighed happily as she flopped onto Mac’s couch a few hours later.
“What’s that for?” Mac asked, sitting down beside her.
“What’s what for?” Chloe asked, confused.
“Your big sigh.”
“Oh, nothing,” Chloe replied. “I’m just happy to be back here. Seems like it’s been forever since I visited
you last.”
“It’s only been since Christmas,” Mac told her. “But I know what you mean.”
“Yeah.” Chloe was quiet for a little while, then asked, “Mac, are you and Harm dating yet?”
Mac chuckled. “No, we’re not.”
“Well, you should be,” Chloe informed her, turning to gaze up at Mac.
“I know, I know. We just haven’t decided it’s the right time… yet.”
“But he’s your best friend. There isn’t much difference between best friends and boyfriends, are there? I mean, Rick
and I have been dating for months, and we still act the same around each other,” Chloe said with a grin.
“It’s harder than it sounds, Chloe.”
“But you love him, don’t you?”
Mac sighed. “Yeah, I do.”
“Then tell him!”
“It’s not that simple. Both of us have had a lot of problems to deal with this past year, and it takes a while to
get over them.”
“You mean Mic?”
“Well, he’s one of the reasons. But Harm and I are working on it, don’t worry. We’re still best friends.”
“I’ll say,” Chloe said under her breath. “You two are practically joined at the hip.”
“I heard that.” Mac gave Chloe a small whack on the arm.
“I just wish you guys would hurry up and get together.”
“Why?”
“So you’d be happy,” Chloe told her, looking even more intently at her big sister.
Mac smiled at her. “All right.” She reached over and gave Chloe a hug. “Now you better go get ready for bed. We’re
going shopping in DC tomorrow.”
“Really?!” Chloe exclaimed happily.
“Yup. Now, scoot.” Mac gave her a small slap on the butt, and Chloe hurried off to the bathroom to brush her teeth.
Thirty Minutes Later (10:15 p.m.)
Mac poured herself a cup of decaf, and was heading to the living room to watch TV when the phone rang. Hoping the
loud noise wouldn’t wake Chloe, she picked up the receiver.
“Lieutenant Colonel MacKenzie,” she said into the phone.
“Mac, it’s Mrs. Madison.” The voice of Chloe’s grandmother came from the other end of the line.
“Oh, hi! How are you?”
“I’m just fine. I just wanted to call and inform you that I’ll be coming to see Chloe tomorrow- with her father.”
“I’m sorry?” Mac asked, confused.
“Chloe’s father’s ship just came in port down there. He’s been granted weekend leave. I’m going to pick him up and
we’re going to come surprise Chloe tomorrow.”
“But Chloe never said anything about her father coming home.”
“We didn’t tell her, in case he wasn’t given leave. But he has, and I’m going to drive down there and pick him up
tomorrow. We’re both going to be able to come and help Chloe celebrate her birthday.”
“But, Mrs. Madison, that’s an awfully long drive. You’ll have to drive across four states to get here. Would you
prefer that I pick her father up?”
“Oh, no, this is fine,” the woman insisted. “I’ve driven long distances in the dark before. All I have to do is
pack my suitcase, and I’ll be on my way.”
“You’re starting tonight?!”
“Yes.”
“All right,” Mac relented. “I’m throwing a small party for Chloe at about six tomorrow. Will you be here by then?”
“That sounds fine. We’ll be there.”
“OK. Have a safe trip.”
“Thank you. Can you give me directions to your place from the highway?”
Mac gave them to her.
“Thank you, Mac. See you tomorrow.”
“You’re welcome, Mrs. Madison. Good night.”
“Good night.”
As Mac hung up the phone, she thought about how thrilled Chloe would be when she saw her father. It’s a better
surprise than I could ever give her, she thought.
Chapter 2
1000 (10:00 a.m.)
Lakewood Mall
Washington, DC
“Mac, look!” Chloe hurried up to a shop window and pressed her face to the glass.
“What is it?” Mac asked, walking over to the window to look inside the store.
“Those platform sandals,” Chloe told her, pointing. “They would look awesome with your new outfit.”
“You think so?”
“I know so. Come on, let’s go see what size they are.” Chloe headed inside the store, and Mac had no choice but to
follow her.
The two of them walked through the shop to the window, and Chloe lifted the pair of sandals from their shelf.
“Size 9,” she announced triumphantly. “Try them on!”
Mac handed Chloe the bags she was carrying, and Chloe gave her the sandals. She kicked off her sneakers and tried
the platforms on.
“They look great!” Chloe exclaimed happily. “You have to get them.”
Mac smiled. “OK. Sure feels weird wearing platforms again. I haven’t owned a pair of these since I was in
high school.”
“In other words, a thousand years ago,” Chloe commented as Mac put her sneakers back on.
“Hey!”
“OK, a hundred years.”
Mac just rolled her eyes as the two of them made their way to the checkout.
Five Minutes Later
Mac and Chloe were on their way out of the mall when Chloe stopped short in front of the Ticketmaster booth.
“Mac, is that Harm?” she asked, gesturing to a tall, dark haired man in jeans who had his back turned to them.
Mac took one look and nodded. “Yup, that’s him. Hey, Harm,” she called.
Harm whirled around in surprise. “Mac! Chloe! What are you two doing here?”
“Raiding stores. How about you? Are you buying tickets for something?”
“Oh, uh, yeah.” Harm looked slightly worried.
“What are you buying tickets for?” Chloe asked curiously. “A concert?”
“Um, just an event.” Harm was trying to appear nonchalant, but was failing miserably. So, he decided to change
the subject. “What did you get?” he asked, pointing at the bags that Mac was carrying.
Mac opened her mouth to answer, but Chloe jumped in. “You’ll see tonight,” she told Harm with a grin.
“Is it a surprise?”
“Yes,” Chloe said mischievously.
Harm smiled at the young girl and Mac. “Well, I can’t wait to see what it is.” He picked an envelope up off the
counter, which Mac and Chloe eyed suspiciously. He turned slightly red and stuffed the envelope into his shirt
pocket. “I better get going,” he told them. “I have a couple more errands to run.”
“All right,” Chloe replied, reaching up to give Harm a hug. “See you later.”
“Bye, sweetie.” Harm gave her a warm squeeze and gave Mac a small punch on the arm. “See you two at the party.”
“Bye,” they called to his retreating form.
“Did you see that envelope?” Chloe asked as soon as Harm was out of earshot.
“Uh-huh,” Mac replied, “and I want to know what’s inside.”
“Nope. We’re going to have to find out ourselves.”
“But how are we going to do that?”
“Chloe, I didn’t spend all that time with Clayton Webb without learning at least a few trickery methods.”
“You mean we’re going to trick him into telling us?”
“Yep. If he doesn’t tell us by tonight, we’ll find out using one of Webb’s techniques.”
Chloe nodded. “Deal,” she said.
1805 (6:05 p.m.)
Mac’s Apartment
Georgetown
Lieutenant Harriet Simms was setting a bowl of potato chips on the refreshment table when there was a knock on
the door. Since Mac was in the kitchen pouring drinks, and Chloe was trying to find her Martina McBride CD, she
decided to answer it. She popped a chip into her mouth and headed for the door.
“Commander! Sergei!” she exclaimed happily when she opened the door.
“Hey, Harriet.” Harm smiled down at his friend as she stepped aside to let the two men inside the apartment.
“My word, sir, what on earth did you get Chloe?” Harriet asked, eyeing the huge present Harm was carrying.
Harm’s eyes twinkled. “You’ll just have to wait and see. Where should I put it?”
“Here, I’ll get it.” Harriet took the present from Harm.
Sergei walked over to the couch where little A.J. was playing with his Legos, and Harm headed to the kitchen, looking
for Mac. He found her pouring sodas into plastic cups.
“Hey, Mac,” he told her.
“Hi, Harm.”
“Where’s Chl…” Harm’s voice trailed off when Mac turned around to face him. “So THAT’S the surprise outfit!”
he exclaimed.
Mac grinned sheepishly. She was dressed in a silver short-sleeved shirt, black bellbottom-style pants, and of
course the black platform sandals. Her toenails were painted neon blue. “Chloe helped me pick it out.”
“Doesn’t it look great?” Chloe asked, walking into the kitchen.
Harm was speechless. Mac grinned- it wasn’t every day that she got to see her partner tongue-tied.
But Chloe’s grin was biggest of all, as she looked from Harm to Mac, then at Harm again. Her plan had worked. Harm
was obviously impressed by Mac’s outfit, and Mac was enjoying it. Chloe couldn’t wait to see what would happen
between the two during the party.
Thirty Minutes Later
By 6:30, the party was in full swing. Mac leaned against the refreshment table, watching the activity in front
of her.
Harm and Sturgis were sitting on the floor, playing with little A.J. Chloe was teaching Sergei the movements of
the Electric Slide, and Harriet and Bobbi Latham were discussing their significant others.
Mac smiled as she took a drink of her Coke. She had gotten a call from Mrs. Madison about an hour earlier, and
the older woman had told Mac that she and Chloe’s father would arrive at about 7:00. Mac couldn’t wait to see the
expression on Chloe’s face when her dad walked through the door.
She was deep in thought when Chloe walked up, breathless but smiling. “Man, Sergei’s great at the Electric Slide,”
she told Mac, reaching over and picking up a cup of soda.
Mac grinned at Chloe. “Is he wearing you out?”
“Nope.” Chloe took a swallow of Coke, then asked, “Mac, can I put some music on?”
“Sure. Which CD would you like?”
“Well, I found my Martina McBride CD. How about that?”
“Sounds good. I’ll get everybody to clear the living room floor.” Chloe nodded and headed to the guest room to
retrieve her CD.
“OK, everybody!” Mac called. “Chloe’s going to teach you all the Electric Slide, so I’m gonna need everyone to
stand up.”
Amid groans from Harm and Sturgis, the group obediently stood up.
Twenty Minutes Later
“Whew!” Mac collapsed onto the couch with Sturgis right beside her. “I think we just set a record for the number of
times the Electric Slide’s been danced in a row.”
“I’ll say,” Sturgis agreed, but he was smiling. “Chloe and Sergei sure have hit it off, haven’t they?”
Mac nodded, watching the two people in question as they continued to dance across the living room floor. Sergei
accidentally made one too many steps to the left and bumped into Chloe, who was dancing next to him. She elbowed
him, he playfully pushed her, and then they continued with the Electric Slide.
After about two more minutes the song ended and a new one started playing. Mac smiled as she realized it was a
slow song.
If there were no words
No way to speak
I would still hear you…
“Well, if you’ll excuse me, Mac, I think I see an available dance partner,” said Sturgis, rising and walking over
to Bobbi. The couple began dancing, and before long Sergei and Chloe joined them.
If there were no tears
No way to feel inside
I’d still feel for you…
“Mac?” Harm walked up to the couch and offered his hand.
Mac’s face lit up and she happily accepted his hand. Rising off the couch, she followed Harm to where the others
were dancing.
Harm took Mac into his arms, and Mac placed her hands on his shoulders. They started slowly moving to the music,
listening to the song.
And even if the sun refused to shine
Even if romance ran out of rhyme
You would still have my heart
Until the end of time
You’re all I need
My love
My Valentine…
Almost without realizing what she was doing, Mac intertwined her fingers around Harm’s neck as he gently pulled her
closer to him.
All of my life
I have been waiting for
All you give to me
You’ve opened my eyes
And shown me how to love unselfishly…
Harm’s hands slowly moved to wrap around her back, holding her warmly.
I’ve dreamed of this
A thousand times before
In my dreams I couldn’t love you more…
Listening to the soft, soulful song, Mac laid her head against Harm’s chest as they danced. She heard him
sigh softly.
I will give you my heart
Until the end of time
You’re all I need
My love
My Valentine…
Harm looked down at the woman in his arms, and he knew at that moment that he loved her with every ounce of
his being.
And even if the sun refused to shine
Even if romance ran out of rhyme
You would still have my heart
Until the end of time
‘Cause all I need
Is you
My Valentine
Ooohh…
“Hey, look,” Chloe whispered to Sergei, looking over his shoulder at Harm and Mac.
Sergei followed her gaze to his brother and his partner. Grinning, he asked in his Russian accent, “Do I sense love
in the air?”
Chloe nodded. “Yeah, you do, Sergei,” she told him softly.
You’re all I need
My love
My Valentine…
As the song ended, Mac lifted her head off of Harm’s chest and looked up to see him gazing down at her. He smiled
at her, and the look in his eyes was soft and warm. She smiled back at him, and he released her.
Twenty Five Minutes Later
Chloe decided to open her presents before eating cake, so everyone gathered around her in the living room. She sat
down cross-legged on the floor, and to Mac’s surprise, Harm sat down beside the young girl.
“Here you go, sweetheart,” said Harriet as she handed Chloe a large package wrapped in blue paper.
“Thank you!” Chloe exclaimed, taking the gift. She read the card, then hurriedly tore the paper and opened the box.
“Wow!” she cried, lifting a book of horse facts and an N Sync poster from the package. “This is wonderful! Thank
you, Ms. Harriet!”
“You’re welcome.” Harriet reached down to give Chloe a hug.
Next was Sturgis and Bobbi’s gift. Chloe’s face lit up as she opened the package to find an autographed picture of
the five boys from N Sync. “Happy Birthday, Chloe” was written at the top in what was unmistakably Justin’s
handwriting.
“Oh my word!” Chloe clutched the picture to her chest. “I can’t believe this! I love it! Thank you!”
“Where on earth did you two get an autographed picture of N Sync?” Mac asked incredulously.
Bobbi grinned. “I have my ways.”
Now came Mac’s gift. Chloe opened the purple bag Mac gave her with a curious expression on her face. What she lifted
out of the bag brought a smile that stretched from ear to ear: a gift certificate to a popular teen store. “Thank
you, Mac!” she said happily, giving her big sister a hug.
“You’re welcome, Chloe,” Mac replied, squeezing her tightly. “Happy birthday.”
Last was Harm’s present. Chloe’s eyebrows flew up as soon as she saw it.
“Here you go, honey,” Harm told her, giving her the package.
Chloe eagerly opened the box, and gasped with joy as she pulled out an N Sync T-shirt, an N Sync keychain, a notebook
with N Sync on the front, and the magazine with Justin on the front. “Wow!” Chloe’s eyes lit up. “Thank you, Harm!
Thank you so much!”
Harm nodded. “You’re welcome. But, there’s one more thing.”
“There is?” Chloe peered back into the box. “Where?” She stuck her hand into the box and rustled the tissue paper.
An envelope fell out.
“There’s the envelope from the mall!” Chloe cried, grabbing it.
Sturgis looked at Mac with a puzzled expression. “‘The envelope from the mall’?” he asked.
Mac nodded without taking her eyes off the envelope. “Never mind- it’s complicated. We’ll just have and see what’s
in it.”
Chloe tore open the envelope, and two pieces of paper appeared. She pulled them out and looked at them closely, then
let out a scream. “TICKETS TO THE N SYNC CONCERT NEXT MONTH!” She turned and gave Harm such a large hug that she
nearly knocked him over.
Mac grinned. So that was what Harm had been trying to hide from them earlier.
Chloe finally let go of Harm and stared down at the tickets in her hand. “Thank you so much! I can’t believe it… but
who’s gonna take me?”
“Don’t look at me,” Mac told her. “I hate pop music. I don’t know how you can stand listening to that stuff.”
Chloe looked expectantly up at Harm.
“Uh…” Harm stammered.
Mac crossed her arms over her chest and glared at Harm. “Harmon Rabb, Jr., don’t even think about making excuses.
You’re the one who bought the tickets.”
“OK,” Harm agreed. “I’ll take you, Chloe.”
Chloe grinned happily, then her brow wrinkled in thought. “Hold on a second, how am I gonna get back here for the
concert?”
“I already checked with your grandmother, and you have school break that week. She and I are going to pool our
money and get you a plane ticket.”
Chloe’s face lit up again. “Harm, you’re the greatest!”
“And he knows it,” Mac piped in, giving Harm a smile.
Harm just grinned.
Then the doorbell rang. ‘Chloe’s father and grandmother’, thought Mac. She rose from the couch and walked over to the
door, while the rest of the group headed for the kitchen to get slices of cake.
Mac opened the door, expecting to see Chloe’s family. Instead, she was greeted by two grim-faced police officers.
“Are you Sarah MacKenzie?” asked the taller officer.
“Yes, I am,” Mac told him.
“Were you expecting a Petty Officer Anderson and a Mrs. Madison?”
“Yes,” replied Mac, starting to get an awful feeling in the pit of her stomach. “Where are they? Are they all
right?”
“I’m sorry to tell you this, ma’m, but Petty Officer Anderson and Mrs. Madison have been killed.”