| peter |
Headaches |
April 14, 2004 |
1200 hours
8 Aug 2002
Pentagon
Allison had been back at JAG for two weeks. She had been very busy catching up with what was happening in Washington during her time away. She met a few old friends at the pentagon to find out what they knew about the prominent players at JAG.
One friend in particular was Commander Teddy Lindsey. She was surprise to see that he was still a commander. She thought he would have made captain by now, after all he had been working for the Secretary of Navy for quite a few years.
“Ted, how are you doing? It’s so nice to see you again.” greeted Allison with a smile. “Allison, it’s nice to see you again too I’m doing okay. What are you doing back here in Washington?” asked Ted.
“I’m back here at JAG Headquarters. I’m in charge of training the young lieutenants in the finer art of prosecution.” smiled Allison “Sounds interesting Allison. I’m surprise that the Admiral had a spot open for you. I’ve been trying to get back to JAG for the last three years.” replied Ted a little angrily.
“You still working for the SecNav?” asked Allison. “Yeah, I thought it would be a good opportunity for career advancement at the time, unfortunately it seems to have had the opposite effect.” Ted replied disappointedly.
“Yeah, I am surprise to see you haven’t made Captain yet.” agreed Allison. “I don’t know why I haven’t for sure, but if I had to guess there are two possibilities.” answered Ted.
“I don’t understand Ted, you are a good officer. You have a good record with no dings. You keep your nose clean.” snarled Allison. “That’s true, but my record dealing with the poster boy of the navy and poster girl of the marines aren’t.” answered Ted.
“What do you mean Ted? Who are you talking about?” asked a confused Allison. “Well I’m sure you are well aware that Commander Rabb is the navy poster boy. They even did a commercial with him a few years ago representing the best that the navy has to offer.
Even though he has screwed up many times, he has become a folk hero around Washington Saving the life of the Romanian Princess, Admiral Tom Boone, saving the battle fleet in the Arabian Sea from the dirty nuke last spring, just to name a few.” explained Ted.
“So what’s your problem with him? You were his CO as acting JAG for a few months.” pondered Allison. “That’s the real problem I believe. While I was the acting JAG, Commander Rabb sort of ran all over me convincing me what he was doing was in the best interest of the navy.
But what I believe now is, Admiral Cheggewidden thought I was a poor commanding officer since I couldn’t control Rabb. I believe it’s been a black mark in his eyes ever since.” explained Ted.
“Nobody can control Commander Rabb. The Admiral certainly couldn’t when I was here before.” laughed Allison. “You’re maybe right about the Admiral, but there has been one person who has been able to control him” replied Ted.
“No way Teddy. Rabb is uncontrollable, he’s a loose cannon. He always does something to screw up. Who is this person who’s supposedly can control him?” asked Allison in total disbelief. “One Lieutenant Colonel Sarah MacKenzie, known as Mac to the JAG staff.” replied Ted.
“Impossible Teddy, there’s no way Rabb would allow a marine to keep him in line.” yelped Allison. “Believe it Allison. She’s as pigheaded and stubborn as he is. They have been partners for six years. While Rabb has screwed up, it hasn’t been very often in the last six years.
Commander Rabb is considered the best lawyer in JAG, but there are many who think Colonel MacKenzie may actually be better. That’s why she made Lieutenant Colonel before Rabb made Commander. It’s why she is the Admiral’s Chief of Staff, not Rabb.” replied Ted.
“No way Ted. I’m the best prosecutor in the Navy. That’s why the Admiral assigned me the duties to train the young lieutenants of JAG how to become better prosecutors.” argued Allison.
“There’s no doubt that you are one of the best prosecutors in the navy Allison, but don’t underestimate Colonel Mackenzie. She is very good.” answered Ted. “What’s your trial record Allison?” He wanted to prove a point how good Harm and Mac really were.
“I win about ninety percent of my cases I prosecute.” replied Allison “That’s very good Allison, but Colonel MacKenzie wins about ninety seven percent of her cases. All but one or two of the cases she has lost have been to Commander Rabb. She beats everyone else.” replied Ted.
“And Commander Rabb has a better record then Colonel MacKenzie?” asked Allison in total disbelief. “Yep, Commander Rabb wins just under ninety nine percent of his cases, having lost only once to Colonel MacKenzie.” answered Ted.
“So you can see they are very good. They have a lot of pull with the Admiral. That’s why Colonel MacKenzie is the chief of staff and you’re not. Also consider this, you’re mainly a prosecutor, MacKenzie and Rabb can prosecute and defend equally as well.” finished Ted.
Allison got into her car. She had a lot to think about. She found it very hard to believe what she was hearing about Harm and Mac. Nobody was that good. She might have to work a little harder to gain the Admiral’s complete trust again.
1145 hours
10 Aug 2002
JAG Headquarters
A few days later Allison knocked on Harm’s office door before entering. Since it seem that Harm was the only one capable of beating Mac, she believe she should seek him out and get some tips. It was as good as any excuse she thought to see Harm.
“What can I do for you Captain?” asked Harm warily as he saw that look in Allison’s eyes. The one he hadn’t seen in six years that said “I want your body.”
“I was looking over some personnel files. I’m looking for the best candidate to assist me on a case I’m prosecuting against Colonel MacKenzie’s client. I would like to go over some files over dinner with you, maybe even come up with a plan of attack against the Colonel’s defense.” smiled Allison.
“Sorry Captain, no can do. I have plans for tonight.” replied Harm. “How about lunch then?” asked a disappointed Allison as she continued to push. “As long as you keep it business, then yes.” replied Harm.
“As for helping you against Mac, you’re on your own. I try to stay away from going up against her. She’s too hard to beat.” smiled Harm “That’s not what I heard.” replied Allison. “What have you heard?” asked Harm warily.
“That you never lose Commander.” replied Allison. “Who told you that?” asked Harm shaking his head. “It’s the general consensus around Washington.” flirted Allison. “You shouldn’t believe everything you hear Allison.” replied an amused Harm.
Two hours later Harm was in Mac’s office to talk about what she wanted to do after work. “What do you want to do tonight Harm?” asked Mac with a smile. “Not having dinner with Allison. After six years she still wants to jump my bones.” laughed Harm.
“What did she do Harm?” asked an annoyed Mac. “She wanted me to go to dinner with her. She used the pretext of going over personnel files and developing a strategy to use against you in court.” smiled Harm.
“What is it with you and blonds Harm?” replied Mac shaking her head. “I told her I would go to lunch with her since you were in court all day” smiled Harm. “Don’t worry I know how to handle her I’ll let her down gently.”
“From what I heard from Meg, she likes the hard to get. She enjoys pain. Just keep her out of our personal life okay Harm.” urged Mac. “Yes Ma’am!” replied Harm with a grin.
Friday
1600 hours
15 Aug 2002
JAG Headquarters
“Do you do any kick boxing Allison?” asked Mac curiously. “Yeah, a little. Usually after I spend a day with a difficult client who doesn’t want to see the light.” grinned Allison. “I’m not very good, but I do like working up a sweat. I usually feel better after a workout”
“I’m going down to the local gym after work to work out. You want to come along for some sparring?” smiled Mac. When I get through with you, you won’t be feeling better. You’ll be hurting.
“Sure, what time?” asked Allison excitedly. She thought this would be a good time to find out more about Mac. She wasn’t too concern. Mac looked more like a beauty queen than the typical muscle bound jarhead. She might even have to take it easy on her.
“How about in a hour. I’ll give you directions to the gym.” smiled Mac. She was going to enjoy this. It had been a long time since she had to teach another woman a lesson about staying away from her flyboy.
She hadn’t had this much fun since she kick that young Russian officer’s six a couple of years ago. It always amazed her how many people underestimated her. Even though she wasn’t the biggest woman around, Meg proved that, she wasn’t exactly little either.
She was five feet nine inches tall, considered tall for a woman. She also had long arms and legs, ideal for kick boxing. She was going to enjoy wiping that smug look off Allison’s face.
1700 hours
Goldie’s Gym
A hour later after some stretching and warming up exercises Mac and Allison began their sparring session. Mac decided to take it easy on Allison at first. She wanted to size her up. She also didn’t want to hurt her too early.
That might lead to Allison leaving too soon before she could administer a thorough and proper beating. She decide to be methodical early. Hit Allison hard and steady enough to know she was being hit, but not too hard for her to realized how much she was going to be hurting the next morning.
Over the first fifteen minutes Allison hardly laid a glove on Mac. Her kicks were easily blocked by Mac’s five inch reach advantage. Meanwhile Mac would double up on her jabs before a right cross to Allison’s face followed by a couple of hard kicks to the ribs or thighs.
They continued this routine for another fifteen minutes. Allison was becoming very frustrated She knew she wasn’t the best kick boxer in the world, but she usually was able hold her own against most women. It seemed to her that Mac was only toying with her.
Just then Allison momentarily loss her focus and found herself hitting the floor. Wow! She thought, that hurt as she rubbed her jaw. She got back up quickly noticing the large grin on Mac’s face. “Sorry Allison.” smiled Mac as she shrugged her shoulders.
“Are you ready for some serious boxing now? I think we’re both warmed up sufficiently now.” grinned Mac. Allison just stood there in disbelief rubbing her jaw. She’s got to be kidding. She’s only been warming up.
I haven’t even laid a glove on her. I’m already hurting. How much better can she be? “Let’s go!” yelped Allison hoping the beating that she knew was coming wouldn’t be too severe. She tried working on improving her defensive position.
Twenty minutes later Allison had had enough. Mac had knocked her down another six times with as many different combinations, many Allison didn’t see coming. Hell she didn’t know moves like the one Mac used, even existed.
“How in the world did you get to be so good Mac?” asked Allison as she rubbed her jaw. “I’m a marine Allison.” replied Mac grinning. “You don’t learn those moves in the marines. I’ve been to enough combat training courses to know that.” admired Allison
“True. I’ve seen a lot of Jean Van Damme movies. I practice the moves on my training partner.” smiled Mac. “Wow! Must be some training partner. You must do quite a number on your partner.” replied an amazed Allison.
“No, not really. He usually blocks most of my punches and kicks. He’s just so damm big. But it alright, I enjoy beating on him, especially when he’s been a pain in the royal six.” grinned Mac. “I even thinks he enjoys it.”
“Who’s your training partner?” asked Allison hoping she could maybe train with him to become better herself. “Do I know him?” “Of course you do, it’s Commander Rabb. Didn’t you notice he was wearing his long sleeve shirt at the beginning of the week. That’s because his arms were bruised.” laughed Mac.
Later Allison was sitting on the bench in the locker room thinking. I’m glad it’s Friday, I’ll have the whole weekend to hopefully recover God I hurt all over. If I didn’t know any better I’d swear she bruised every muscle of my body.
I can hardly stand up. A quick shower and a long soak in the tub should help. She could already see the bruises forming on her arms and legs. She didn’t want to take a look at her chest. It was hurting the most.
Mac had already taken a quick shower and left. She was very please with herself. She had thoroughly beaten Allison to a pulp methodically. And it was all legal. She had sent a strong, but subtle message to Allison about messing with her.
She couldn’t wait to get home to tell Harm all about it. Harm had promised to take her out tonight for dinner and some dancing. It would be a good way to unwind from her triumph. She was so pump.
Monday
0900 hours
18 August 2002
JAG Headquarters
After spending a glorious weekend filling Harm in about her training session with Allison, Mac was ready to begin her defense of Major Heartburn. He had been accused of killing his wife and disposing of her body.
Although the authorities had not found her body or any other signs of a murder, they were convinced by the woman’s family that Mrs. Heartburn was indeed dead. Major Heartburn had explained that his wife was away at a retreat getting counseling and didn’t want to be disturbed.
They had gathered in the courtroom to begin the trial. Allison, being the prosecutor, was the first to give her opening statement. She got up very stiffly to move in front of the jury. Admiral Morris, the judge, looked at her with concerned.
“Captain Krennick, are you alright? What happened to you? You don’t look too good.” he asked with concerned. “I was on maneuvers last weekend. I failed to take proper cover. But I’m okay Sir.” replied Allison. “Proceed then Captain.” ordered Admiral Morris. Mac was barely able to hold in a snicker.
“This case is about the cold blooded and well thought out murder of a defenseless woman. The prosecution will prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Major Heartburn with premeditation killed his wife and buried the body where it wouldn’t be found.” declared Allison.
As Allison walked gingerly back to her chair. Mac got up to present her opening argument. “The prosecution’s case like the prosecutor is shaky at best.” There was a moment of light laughter throughout the courtroom as everyone understood the link to Allison’s physical condition.
There is no body because there was no murder. Mrs. Heartburn needed time away from her meddling family. She took an extended vacation. She had been in communication with her husband and children during this time. This is all an exorbitant hoax perpetrated by her mother, sisters, and brothers to break up her family and gain control of her children.” declared Mac.
Allison spent the week calling her witnesses. They were all Mrs. Heartburn’s sisters and brothers. They pretty much all gave the same story. They had done nothing wrong, but were being denied the right to see Sammy and Caitlin, the Heartburn’s children.
They also testified that they usually talked to their sister, Mrs. Heartburn, several times a week. It had been over six weeks since the last time any of them had seen or talked to her. They all missed their sister and missed having her children play with their children.
Allison called several cousins and family friends to the stand. They all gave similar testimony All saying they had been in constant contact with Mrs. Heartburn over the years That it was unlike her to simply disappear without telling anyone.
Allison’s last witness was Mrs. Heartburn’s mother. She gave the performance of her life. She was in tears most of the time as she described the pain of losing her daughter and not being able to see her grandchildren.
Mac could see that the jury was very moved by her testimony. That she would have to work very hard to discredit her testimony without coming across as being insensitive. She whispered a few words with her client.
Mac had reserved the right to cross examine all the witnesses until it was time to present her defense. She didn’t want to tip off Allison that her witnesses, while well intended, were a major disruptive force to Mrs. Heartburn’s relationship with her husband and children.
That Mrs. Heartburn’s extended family and friends didn’t like Major Heartburn. They were trying to destroy their marriage by planting seeds of doubt and anguish to Mrs. Heartburn.
Mac came up with a simple plan. She asked them all the same few questions: “Do you believe Mrs. Heartburn was happy? Do you believe she loved her husband? Who was responsible for you not seeing the children? What advice did you give her? Was she getting a divorce? How well did you get along with Mrs. Heartburn?”
Their answers were all pretty much the same. The jury murmur with a lot of surprise to hear similar answers from each of them. Admiral Morris was wondering why there were so many witnesses if they were all going to give the same testimony.
Their common answers were: She was very unhappy. She didn’t love her husband He kept them from seeing Sammy and Caitlin. They all advised her to get a divorce They all got along great with her. That she had finally decided to get a divorce That’s why they believed her husband killed her.
When Mac got the mother back up on the stand Mac varied her attack by asking the questions: Who was her divorce lawyer? Did she get a restraining order against her husband? Did she tell him she was going to divorce him?
The mother was stunned by the questions. She couldn’t think let alone cry. She struggled through the questions finally answering them: She didn’t know who her lawyer was. There was a restraining order against her husband. And finally she believed her daughter told him she wanted a divorce.
Everyone in the courtroom suddenly saw Mac smile. They wondered what was going on. Mac held up two papers. “I have two restraining orders here. The first one was filed three months ago. It asks that no member of Mrs. Heartburn’s extended family be allowed to see Sammy and Caitlin.
It was taken out by not Major Heartburn, but Mrs. Heartburn. A second restraining order was taken out by Mrs. Heartburn. But what is interesting, it’s after the date that Major Heartburn was accused of killing his wife.” There was a murmur through out the courtroom. They were all sensing a cover up of some kind by the dead woman’s family.
“I have here ten letters written to the children by their mother. I also have a number of emails that were sent to her husband. All were received after her suppose death. All have been confirmed by an expert as been written in her handwriting.
Allison’s face was becoming very pale now. It looked like any time she was going to puke her guts out. Her once very credible witnesses were beginning to look like a vindictive group of spoiled children.
On Friday Major Heartburn finally took the stand. He testified that his wife’s family never liked him. They were telling his wife from day one that he wasn’t good enough for her. Many of them hadn’t even come to their wedding.
The truth was his wife didn’t look forward to seeing any of her family. They would offer unsolicited advice that was detrimental to her mental health. His wife had been seeing someone on post about her dysfunctional family.
Her pain had gotten so bad that she had to take out a restraining order forbidding any of them from coming over to visit her and their children. Finally she had to get away She had gone to a spa to recuperate and would soon be coming home.
Allison tried to grill him into making a mistake, but she couldn’t. Major Heartburn was a seasoned marine officer. He had seen combat before. He wasn’t easily intimidated. Marine officers didn’t crack under pressure from navy squids
When his testimony was finished Admiral Morris asked Mac “Do you have any more witnesses Colonel?” She replied “Yes Sir, I have one more, but the witness isn’t scheduled to arrived here until Monday morning Sir.”
Admiral Morris was tired from hearing the strange testimony that came forth today from the allege dead woman’s family. He had originally thought this case was going to be an easy open and shut case. He had thought wrong.
Once again he had forgotten there must have been a reason why Admiral Chegewidden had put one of the dynamic duo as a defense counselor in this case. They hardly ever lost. So there must be something he wasn’t privy to that was going to happen on Monday.
He decided to recess till Monday 1000 hours. He was ready for a long weekend as were the others in the courtroom. He needed to be ready for the unexpected. God only knew what that was going to be.
1000 hours Monday
25 August 2002
Courtroom
Monday morning finally came. Admiral Morris took a couple of aspirin before walking into the courtroom. He knew today wasn’t going to be easy, but at least he didn’t have to deal with Commander Rabb. That man could give a dead man a headache.
“Are you ready to call your last witness Colonel?” asked Admiral Morris “Yes Sir, I would like to call Mrs. Heartburn to the stand.” replied Mac. A murmur spread throughout the courtroom at the news. It couldn’t be, could it? Was she really alive as the defendant had testified to.
“Is this some kind of joke Colonel? You’re not trying to pull some stunt like Commander Rabb, are you?” asked a befuddled Admiral Morris. “No Sir, it will all become very apparent in a few moments.” answered Mac.
Mrs. Heartburn was sworn in. Mac got up and began to ask her a few questions. “Are you the wife of Major Heartburn? Where have you been for the last seven weeks? Have you asked your husband for a divorce? Do you want a divorce? How is your relationship with your mother, sisters, and brothers? Why are we here?”
Mrs. Heartburn first looked at her husband and then her mother. Her gazed went from one of love to one of resentment. “Yes, I’m the Major Heartburn’s wife. I needed to get away from Norfolk. My mother was driving me crazy.
All she could talk about was how disappointed she was in me. How I could have done so much better selecting a mate. That I should divorce my husband and move in with her. After a while I couldn’t take it anymore.
I told her that unless she changed her attitude about my husband and how I lived my life, she would no longer be welcomed in my life or my children’s. My therapist recommended that I go to a spa in Arizona to regroup and find myself again.
I didn’t want to go and leave the children, but my husband told me not to worry That he could take care of the children and handle the in laws while I was gone We exchanged letters every couple of days.
Anything of importance we covered by e-mail daily. I love my husband with all my heart. I want to spend the rest of my life with him. I don’t want a divorce. We are a happy little family. Unfortunately my extended family is the family from hell.
I have disowned them until they get their act together and accept my husband and the life I have chosen to live. I will miss them, but right now I can’t have them in my life.” answered Mrs. Heartburn.
“Sir, I ask that all charges against my client to be dismiss.” beamed Mac. “Any objections Captain?” asked Admiral Morris. “No Sir.” replied a disappointed Allison. She thought she had this case won from the get go. She couldn’t understand how she could have lost.
“Case dismissed. Colonel, excellent job.” smiled Admiral Morris. “Thank you Sir.” replied Mac smiling. She had beaten the dragon lady and was quite happy. “Good job Colonel, you got pretty lucky there. Mrs Heartburn could have chosen to stay away.” offered Allison. “Luck had nothing to do with it Captain. I always do my homework so I’m well prepared. I don’t take anything for granted.” smiled Mac.
Four weeks later
23 Sep 2002
Admiral’s office
The Admiral buzzed Tiner on the intercom. “Tiner, I need to see Rabb, MacKenzie, Krennick, and Austin in my office ASAP.” bellowed the Admiral. “Yes Sir” replied Tiner as he jumped out of his chair.
Tiner had been around long enough to know something big was going down by the tone of the Admiral’s voice. Maybe it had something to do with what happened in Afghanistan over the weekend.
He figure he go to Commander Rabb’s office first. If he was lucky Colonel MacKenzie would be there too. It was still early in the morning. They had the tendency to be together first thing in the morning talking over a cup of coffee.
It would be one less place he would have to go. Sure enough as he approached the door the Colonel was in the Commander’s office talking. Commander Austin was in there too. Maybe today wouldn’t be so bad after all.
He knocked on the door. “Enter!” called out Harm. “Commander, the Admiral would like to see the three of you in his office Sir.” requested Tiner after entering the office. “Thank you Tiner, we’ll be right there.” replied Harm.
Tiner hustle out of the office to find Captain Krennick. “What do you think the Admiral wants?” Harm asked Mac. “Don’t know, maybe we should go and find out.” smiled Mac. “I knew there was a reason I kept you around.” grinned Harm.
Meg had been back for a few months now. She and Caitlin had spent many hours observing and talking about Harm and Mac. It amazed her how easily the two of them bantered back and forth. There was a certain seductiveness to their bantering.
The innuendos that one heard if one was listening closely boggled the mind. She had always thought Caitlin was pretty good when she bantered with Harm. Caitlin could usually give as well as she received, but she was hardly very subtle with her approach.
She even thought she was pretty good at keeping Harm on his toes, but neither one of them was as good as Mac when it came with dealing with Harm. She was a maestro. But then again Mac had six years of practice that neither she nor Caitlin had.
But she had to admit it was fun to watch them go at it. She had never seen two people who were meant to be together more than the two of them. She hope some day to find someone who would love her like Harm love Mac.
She came out of her daydream quickly to follow Harm and Mac to the Admiral’s office where Allison was already waiting for them.
A few minutes later they were all sitting in the Admiral’s office. He was beginning to explain what had happened over the weekend. He wasn’t very happy. He was walking back and forth behind his desk.
End