| charS |
The Master Key |
December 24, 2002 |
Author Notes: Thanks to CatMom for her military knowledge and to Pretz for beta-reading!
Spoiler: Anything up to and including The Killer.
Wednesday December 18th
JAG Headquarters
1647 hours local
The invitation read "First Annual JAG Christmas Party, Saturday
December 21st,
Monarch Hotel, Eight o'clock in the evening" in embossed gold letters
on ivory parchment paper.
The Admiral, actually Meredith, was planning a swanky party this year,
in addition to the Roberts' annual dinner Christmas Eve. She thought a
more formal event with dinner and dancing would add some classiness to
the holiday. Harm smirked at the thought of this. Harm could picture
Meredith "talking" Admiral into this and his reluctance to say no to
her. Well, actually, he would have said no if he could get a word in
edgewise.
Harm fingered the invitation, wondering if it was worth the effort.
Mac was still TAD to the Seahawk, and he was unsure if she'd arrive home
in time to go. He didn't want to go alone, yet he felt obligated to
attend. Frankly, he hadn't mentioned it to her. It slipped his
mind-sort of. Truth was, he didn't want to be disappointed if she couldn't be
there.
Harm reread the invitation. The RSVP date was today, Wednesday,
December 18th. He had to make a decision one way or the other. After giving
it another thought, Harm checked off the "will attend" box. I better
go, he thought, the Admiral's going to need back-up if prior experience
with Meredith is any indication of what's in store.
In the space for "guest's name" Harm wrote "none" and slipped the
response card into the envelope. If he couldn't take Mac, he wasn't taking
a date. Besides, who would he take? The only person he saw with any
regularity was Mac. But, they never used the D word-DATE. Harm sighed
at the thought, making a mental note to change that condition when Mac
came home. Taking the response card, Harm left his office and sought
out Tiner to give it to him, since Meredith had enlisted his help with
the party as well.
AJ was headed out of his office as Harm approached Tiner's desk. "What
can I do for you, Commander?"
"I'm just dropping off my RSVP for the party, sir. I almost forgot
about it."
"And, you will be attending?" AJ queried, crossing his arms across his
chest. "Don't even think of backing out Rabb!"
"I, um, wouldn't miss it, sir" Harm stammered, trying to sound
convincing, yet silently wishing for a blizzard that night.
"Good thing, Commander. You know there would be repercussions if you
don't go" AJ replied. Harm knew what he was implying and simply nodded.
He had nightmares from Meredith's flying experience and hoped he'd
never have to do that again.
"Carry on, Rabb" he said, and with that the Admiral swiftly headed
toward the elevators.
Since Tiner had already left for the day, Harm placed the envelope on
his desk and returned to his office, checking his email one last time
before heading home. No new messages-at least in the 15 minutes since he
checked it last. He hadn't heard from Mac today. She emailed him
regularly, but nothing since Monday. Not that he was worried about the
general state of her well being, he was slightly concerned that there
might be another underlying factor. They hadn't fought or had a
disagreement that he could remember. Well, except for his poor behavior when she
was judge for the War Games trial. He gave his best apology-sort
of-truth be told, he never really came out and said "I'm sorry". How do you
say "I'm sorry for being an ass" and leave with your pride intact? It
just doesn't happen, especially for Harm. But, he did his best and it
left him hoping she wasn't holding this against him. Sighing, Harm
made sure his office was secure before getting his things and heading for
home, with thoughts of Mac filling his head.
Same time
USS Seahawk
Mac smacked the computer a little harder this time. Knowing it
wouldn't make a difference, yet it did make her feel better. She had been
trying to access her email for the past 12 hours with no luck. No
outgoing mail-no incoming mail. Damned computers. Whatever was wrong, they
promised to have it fixed soon. Except soon meant different things to
different people. Soon to Mac meant yesterday. Soon to the Petty
Officer assigned to fix the damn thing meant maybe tomorrow, at the
earliest. Mac sighed and gave up. She knew she should have emailed Harm
sooner but, she was incredibly busy tidying up files for the next JAG
officer filling Singer's billet. Well, we'll be docking in Norfolk Friday.
He can certainly wait a few days, she thought.
PO Coates walked into the JAG office and noticed Mac's frustration.
"Ma'am, with all do respect, computers aren't intimidated by frustrated
Marines beating the daylights out of it."
Mac laughed, "Jenn, if I knew that would have worked, I'd have tried it
sooner. I just wanted to email Harm to let him know I'll be home in
time for the Christmas party the Admiral and Meredith planned."
"You've had that invitation for 3 weeks. I thought you responded?"
"I did. I just forgot to mention it to Harm."
"Is everyone from the JAG office going?"
"Harriet said everyone was, with the exception of Singer. She took 30
days leave and won't be back until after the New Year." Pausing, Mac
snickered, "I guess everyone was afraid to tell the Admiral no. Lord
knows he'll need backup on this one."
"Why don't you just call, Ma'am?" Jenn offered.
"I could, but I won't. We'll be docking in Norfolk day after tomorrow.
He can wait; it'll do him some good. Besides, patience is a virtue and
Harm needs all the help he can get," Mac laughed.
"I'm really sad to see this tour come to an end, Ma'am. It has been a
pleasure serving with you, even though it was brief," Jenn said.
"Likewise, Petty Officer," Mac replied. "Now, let's get this office in
order. I still have some packing to do."
"Yes, Ma'am!"
Norfolk VA
Friday, December 20th
1530 hours local
The Seahawk was beginning the last leg in her journey home. She had
entered the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay and was making her way into port
at Norfolk Naval Base. Mac had never had the opportunity to be
on-board any vessel upon its return to port and was eager to view the
festivities. She zipped her flight bag closed and headed to the weather deck
to get a better view. Mac was overwhelmed at the sight of all the
sailors lined up on deck, anxiously waiting to disembark.
Once the Seahawk was docked and tied to her moorings, Mac listened as
their CO dismissed them. She watched the crew disembark the carrier in
search of their loved ones in the waiting crowd. The new fathers
exited first, eager to see their babies, who had been born while the carrier
was deployed. The shouts of joy from all the sailors and their
families echoed through the base. Their bliss brought tears to her eyes.
Mac couldn't help but feel a little saddened by the sight. She had no
one waiting for her on the docks. Harm had no idea when she'd return.
It was her own fault for being deliberately vague last week when he
asked her. Mac left the weather deck to gather her belongings and say her
farewells the CAG. She also needed to locate PO Coates, as she was her
ride home. Mac hurried, eager to get off the carrier, but mostly
excited about going home, and the party tomorrow.
Mac's Apartment
Friday December 20th
1850 hours local
The ride home took longer than either of them planned. Traffic was
horrible once they hit the Beltway. PO Coates dropped Mac off at the
front door, since she still had to drive to Baltimore. Mac was relieved
to be home. She had made a mental list of what she needed to do in the
trip home, but once she got there the first and only item on the list
that was accomplished was a nice, long, hot, bath.
Feeling refreshed and relaxed after her bath, she picked up the phone
to call Harm. It had been a while since she heard his voice and spent
time with him. She missed him more than he could ever imagine. And
with Christmas being next week, she had some catching up to do. Before
she went TAD to the Seahawk, they had made plans to shop for little AJ
together. A trip to the mall and dinner, she recalled. Guess you could
call it a date-although they never used that word. Might be nice
though, she thought. Actually, the Christmas party could have been a
perfect occasion to use the D word. Let's save that for another time, she
thought. Putting more thought into it, she decided against calling him.
He doesn't expect me home so let's keep it that way, she smiled.
Another 24 hours won't kill him; besides, absence does make the heart grow
fonder.
Mac's Apartment
Saturday December 21st
1920 hours local
Taking her dress from its bag, Mac slipped it on over her lingerie and
went to her jewelry armoire to select something appropriate to go with
her evening attire. She gently took a choker of pearls from its
velveteen wrap and placed them around her neck, with the matching cuff
bracelet curving around her right wrist. Mac briefly fretted over what
earrings to wear before deciding on a pair of diamond and pearl button
earrings. The final touch was the strappy new pair of black Gucci suede
heels she found before she went TAD. She walked over to the full length
mirror on her closet door and checked her image. She smiled, pleased
with her choices for the evening. She couldn't wait for the look on
Harm's face when he saw her. Making a mental note of the time, Mac grabbed
her wrap and her purse. She wanted to get to the hotel early, before
Harm. Locking the door behind her, she scurried to her car.
Mac slid in behind the wheel, eager to get going. But as she turned
the key in the ignition, the car whined a little and then nothing. Damn.
Of all nights for something like this to happen! Mac got out and
slammed the car door, cursing. She hurried back into the apartment hoping
to reach someone for a ride. The sitter answered at Bud and Harriet's,
telling her they had already left. Next she tried Sturgis-5 rings and
the answering machine. Cursing her bad luck, she opted for a cab. The
earliest one would be there was 2015. Fine, I'll take whatever I can
get at this point, she muttered to herself. Better late than never. Of
course, walking was not an option in these heels, she thought. Mac
resorted to pacing the apartment to keep occupied while she waited for the
cab to arrive, minus the shoes for obvious reasons.
The Monarch Hotel
M Street, Washington DC
2035 hours local
The party was in full swing when the cab finally dropped her off at the
Monarch. She could hear the laughter of the guests above the music
that filled the air. She removed her wrap and surrendered it to the coat
check girl. She was in awe of the breathtakingly beautiful hotel
decorated for the holidays. Mac approached the doorway, looking into the
room where the JAG staff was gathered.
The cozy banquet room was adorned with lavish decorations. A bejeweled
Christmas tree stood in the corner of the room, and each table had
poinsettia topiaries that were illuminated by dozens of candles. The door
to the courtyard had pine bough swags above it with white twinkle
lights and a gold bow. The band, with two vocalists, a man and a woman, was
in the corner near the door to the courtyard, playing a mixture of
Christmas music and old standards.
It didn't take her long to find Harm amongst the group. He was seated
at one of the tables next to Harriet, engaged in a lively conversation
about something. He looked incredibly striking in a dark three piece
suit with a white shirt and a royal blue tie that enhanced his gorgeous
eyes. Mac stood there unbeknownst to the group, watching Harm. His
animated facial expressions amused her-the little lines that formed around
his eyes, the dimples in his cheeks, the way his eyes danced when he
laughed. Even though she had burned the image of him into her memory, he
was still a welcome vision to her. She could stand there forever and
look at that handsome face.
Harm was about to take a sip of his glass of champagne when he caught
sight of her standing in the doorway. The long-sleeve cranberry velvet
dress she wore hugged her body in all the right places, flirting out
just above her ankles, which were wrapped with the black strap from the
heels she wore. Harm's glass never made it to his lips. He set it down
and stood up from the table. Harriet turned to see where Harm was
going, smiling as she watched Harm walk toward Mac.
Mac tried to maintain her composure and resisted the urge to run across
the room to him. God, how she missed him. He seemed to walk in slow
motion toward her, his blue eyes sparkling like the crystals hanging on
the chandeliers above them. As he approached her, a warm smile filled
Harm's face as he regarded the stunning woman before him. In all the
years of their partnership, their friendship, he had never seen her look
more exquisite than she did tonight. As he closed the distance between
them, Mac fidgeted nervously, twisting the satin cord from her evening
bag around her fingers. Harm was now standing in front of her,
speechless. He couldn't help but notice her every curve in that dress. He
fought to maintain some self-control, even though his heart and the little
voice in his brain were telling him to sweep her off her feet and
ravish her with kisses.
They stood there silently for what seemed like minutes, unable to tear
their eyes away from one another. And as if reading the others mind,
they both spoke at the same time "I guess we should . . . ." both
laughing at their timing. Harm made sure he was the first to speak, "I'm
glad you're here," he said with his trademark smile. The huskiness in his
voice made Mac melt. The only words she could find were "So am I". He
offered her his arm and she gladly linked her arm through his, as he
escorted her across the room.
AJ stood up as he saw Harm approach with Mac.
"Colonel . . . . Mac, I'm happy to see that you could join us tonight.
When did the Seahawk dock?" AJ asked.
"Friday afternoon, sir. Petty Officer Coates gave me a ride to DC on
her way to Baltimore."
"Well, they're just about to serve dinner. Please, join us at our
table. I believe Meredith has saved a spot for you here."
"Where is Meredith?" Harm hesitantly asked.
"Probably giving cooking tips to the chef," AJ said, humorlessly.
Harm started to chuckle, but AJ shot him a look.
"This is a beautiful place to have a party," Mac remarked.
"I can take none of the credit for this, Mac. Meredith planned
everything. She used to be a party planner. I learn something new about her
every day," AJ said with the slightest hint of sarcasm.
As if on cue, Meredith walked into the room followed by an entourage of
wait staff and the Maitre'd, who announced that dinner was to be
served.
"I better see to my seat," Harm said, his eyes pleading to spend time
alone with Mac.
Understanding his silent wishes, Mac said, "We'll talk later, Harm"
before taking her seat next to Meredith.
Harm was a little disappointed to be separated from Mac during dinner.
But from his vantage point at his table, he could see her clearly. He
watched her every move-loving how the pearl choker wrapped around her
slender neck, enhancing the "V" shape of the neckline, and the earrings
shimmering in the light as she pushed a stray hair behind her ear. As
she fingered her neckline, he almost forgot to breathe. It was
becoming very painful to sit across the room from her. He tried very hard not
make his staring at her noticeable, but his obvious attraction to her
was hard to mask. Sturgis watched Harm, amused by his distraction.
Sturgis whispered something to Bud and then turned to his friend and
asked, "Harm, do you think there are Super Bowl tickets in your future
this year?" knowing Harm had his attentions elsewhere. When he didn't
respond, Sturgis kicked his leg under the table, "Earth to Rabb."
"Ow!" Harm responded, his head spinning around to see who the culprit
was.
"Yep, he's still alive, Bud," and both men laughed heartily as an
embarrassed Harm muttered something unintelligible.
Mac struggled to contain her laughter after watching the brief exchange
amongst the three men from her seat at the Admiral's table. She knew
all along Harm had been watching her from across the room. Mac would
occasionally sneak a subtle look in his direction, a little less obvious
than Harm, and see him staring at her. And when she didn't, she could
feel the warmth of his eyes from across the crowded room.
Dinner concluded and dessert was being served; the band began to play a
Christmas tune, signaling the start of dancing, as the lights in the
room dimmed. Bud led Harriet onto the dance floor. In doing so, a few
of their friends erupted into applause, embarrassing the couple as
others took the floor. The rest of the guests started mingling. Harm was
grateful dinner was over as he was eager to spend time with Mac.
Again, trying not to be too obvious, he worked his way through the crowd to
the Admiral's table to join in on the conversation, hoping to steal Mac
away eventually.
As the evening progressed, Mac had several turns on the dance floor
with the Admiral, Sturgis and even Bud and Tiner. The band played
everything from big band to rock to country. She was a little disappointed
that Harm had sat out every dance thus far. And whenever it seemed that
they would be left alone, someone else would stop by to socialize.
Harm had grown tired of the music selection and was finally ready to
take matters into his own hands. He excused himself from the table while
Mac was in the ladies room and made his way to the area where the band
was, to request something "appropriate", as he told Meredith.
Mac had just sat down and placed her evening bag on the table as the
band began playing. Harm came up from behind her and placed his hand on
her shoulder; the soft velvet of her dress under his fingertips aroused
his senses. Mac turned to face the owner of the hand, knowing it was
Harm, his touch familiar to her.
"May I have this dance?", he whispered into her ear. Needing no words,
Mac stood as he took her hand, intertwining their fingers, and led her
to the dance floor. He effortlessly slipped his right hand around her
into the small of her back and pulled her close, her perfume enveloping
his senses. Being this close to her was what he wanted all evening.
The feel of her hand in his awakened him. The melodic sound of the male
vocalist crooning the tune Harm requested filled the air around them:
When somebody loves you
It's no good unless he loves you...
All the way
Happy to be near you
When you need someone to cheer you
All the way
AJ and Meredith had been watching the couple dance from their table.
"You can't get better couples therapy than this, AJ," Meredith remarked,
smiling.
AJ thought for a moment and then said, "To quote Oliver Wendell Holmes:
'Love is the master key which opens the gates of happiness' ". Looking
at Harm and Mac as they were lost in each other, he couldn't help but
feel relieved that these two were finally going to get it right this
time.
Taller than the tallest tree is
That's how it's got to feel
Deeper than the deep blue sea is
That's how deep it goes if it's real
When somebody needs you
It's no good unless he needs you
All the way
Mac had waited all evening for this moment-being wrapped in the arms of
this handsome sailor. Feeling his hand on her back, pulling her into
him, she felt electrified.
Through the good or lean years
And for all those in between years
Come what may
She closed her eyes, placing her head on his chest under the crux of
his chin. As he floated her around the dance floor, she cherished this
moment. They softly swayed to the music, becoming oblivious to the rest
of the party guests. Harm, completely lost in the thought of her,
softly sang with the song as he held Mac tightly,
Who knows where the road will lead us
Only a fool would say
But if you let me love you
It's for sure I'm gonna love you
All the way
All the way....
It made Mac weak in the knees as she heard him sing those words to her.
She pulled away from him slightly, just so she could see him, her eyes
glistening. As he looked down at her, she could see the emotion
reflected on his face, in his eyes.
The last strains of the song were wafting through the room; Harm took
Mac's hand and led her off the dance floor and through the door into the
courtyard, before anyone could notice that they left. Mac never
thought to question his motives, she was just as eager to be alone with him.
Entering the courtyard, Mac could see all the trees adorned with
twinkle lights. Snowflakes were gently falling around them, creating a
picturesque winter wonderland that no greeting card could recreate. Mac
shivered as the cold evening air briefly swirled around them. Harm
instinctively removed his suit jacket and placed it around her shoulders as
he enveloped her in his arms, shielding her from winter's grasp. They
could hear the soft strains of music trailing on the occasional breeze
as it moved through the courtyard.
He held her for the longest time in the stillness of the night air.
Neither of them spoke, not wanting to break the spell of this moment
alone. Concerned about Harm's lack of a coat, Mac was the first to break
the silence, "Aren't you cold?" she asked him, without moving from where
she was nestled in his arms.
"Not as long as I have you to hold," was his response, in a deep,
sensuous voice that made Mac catch her breath. Harm reluctantly released
her from his arms, wanting to see her beautiful face, the one he saw in
all his dreams.
"I've missed you," he said, bringing his hand to her face, softly
stroking it before cupping it with his hand. Mac leaned her head into his
touch, loving the feel of his skin against hers.
The falling snowflakes gently dusted both of them as they stood in the
courtyard. Mac reached up to brush them off his shoulders, and as she
did this, he took her hand and brought it to his lips, kissing her
palm. They were engrossed in this new dance they began. It was as if they
were seeing each other for the first time.
Taking Mac by the hand, he took her over to a bench under one of the
trees adorned with twinkle lights. Harm brushed the snow from the bench
so they could sit. But instead of putting his arm around Mac, he took
her hands in his, facing her.
"We've been through a lot together, Sarah," he began. "I've taken many
roads and detours to get to this point. I've wanted so much . . ."
Harm's voice trailed off, as he nearly lost his composure.
Mac reached up and touched his cheek. Finding her voice, she quietly
asked, "What do you want most?"
Smiling, he remembered a time when she asked that same question of him,
a moment he relived over and over in the part of his mind where he kept
the could-have-beens.
"What I want most is . . . . . . . to love you forever."
Time stood still as those four little words hung in the winter air,
warming them heart and soul. Harm's jacket fell from Mac's shoulders as
she moved forward toward him. She paused briefly to look deeply into
his eyes, seeing that she was reflected in them. She whispered "I love
you" before kissing his lips. The power of her gentle kiss consumed him
and he pulled her deeper into his embrace, knowing that he would never
let her go again.
Once again, the winter wind swirled through the courtyard, stirring the
snowflakes that carried the remains of a song through the night air,
All I want is to hold you forever
All I need is you more every day
You saved my heart
From being broken apart
You gave your love away
I can't find the words to say
That I'm thankful everyday
For the gift.
THE END
Song credits: All the Way-Frank Sinatra; The Gift-Jim Brickman with
Collin Raye and Susan Ashton.