Title: “Tropical Interlude”
By: Anne Taul and Ami Ballard
Classification: Story, Romance (Harm/Mac)
Rating: PG-13
Spoilers: Washington Holiday, Rendezvous, Yesterday’s Heroes
Disclaimer: Jag, and its character, premise, etc. are the sole and exclusive property of Bellasarius and Paramount Productions and CBS Television. This usage constitutes a purely recreational activity. No profit is being made, or sought. No infringement of copyright is intended.
SUMMARY: During a tropical vacation, Mac and Harm end up working, and dodging the good-natured matchmaking attempts of friends, or succumbing?
TROPICAL INTERLUDE
(PART1)
Two uniformed officers enter JAG headquarters. The woman, an attractive blonde, says to her companion, “ Now don’t forget, Bud, we have to convince them both to come with us.”
He responds, “I don’t know, Harriet. Maybe it’s not such a good idea for us to interfere.”
“But Bud, we’re not interfering…. Well, not really. We’re just sort of helping them see the inevitable.”
“I still don’t know why you’re so sure that there’s something going on between them. I mean… they’re just friends. They work together. Why do you think everybody ought to fall in love? Commander Rabb and Major MacKenzie have never acted like they were in love. Why do you think they are?”
“Bud, it’s so obvious. Haven’t you seen the way that they look at each other?”
“No.”
“Well, open your eyes and look. I’m telling you, they’re perfect for each other, and they certainly have feelings that they’re not admitting to.”
“Harriet, if they do, there’s probably a reason. They’re our friends, but their private lives are none of our business.”
“You don’t really believe that, Bud Roberts. How can you even say it? Have you forgotten that they were the ones that helped us get together and discover our feelings? Do you remember the NATO ball?”
“Of course, but we had already found out that we liked each other.”
“And they will, too. They just need a little help. If they can get away from here for a few days into a beautiful, romantic setting, they’d soon see how they really feel. Don’t you want them to be as happy as we are?”
“Sure I do. But, I want to make sure that they both stay our friends. We can’t afford to alienate them.”
“Bud, eventually they will thank us.”
“If you say so.”
“Well, I do. You just convince Commander Rabb to come with us. I’ll take care of Major MacKenzie. For now, we won’t tell either of them that the other is coming.”
“Okay. I’ll see you at lunch.”
LATER—Harm’s office
Harm sat pouring over a stack of folders on his desk. The door opened and Lt. Roberts knocked while poking his head in.
“I have the file on the Cochran court-martial, Sir.”
“Good, Bring it on in, Bud.”
Bud laid the folder down and looked at his superior, “Sir, what are your plans for the long weekend?”
“Oh, I don’t know. I’ll probably just knock around and try to catch up on some of the things I keep putting off. I hear you and Harriet are going away, though.”
“Uh, yes sir. One of her father’s business partners has a beach house down in St. Lucia that they hardly ever use. We’re going to go there for the four day weekend –leaving first thing in the morning. It’s really supposed to be beautiful down there…. you know, the scenery and the water and everything.”
“I’m sure it is. Have a good time.” Looking up, he noticed that Bud was still standing there. “Is there anything else, Lieutenant?”
“No, sir…. I mean, yes, sir.”
“Spit it out, Bud.”
“Sir, would you like to come with us?”
“You want me to come on your vacation? Bud, you and Harriet are married, you don’t need a chaperone.”
“No, sir. I just thought that since you’ve been working so hard lately, it would be good for you to get away. It’s a big house with plenty of room.”
“I appreciate the offer, Bud, but I don’t think so.”
“Too bad, sir. I could’ve used your help.”
“My help?”
“Yes, sir. Since we’re going to be down there, I said that I’d try to take care of a few of the repairs that the place needs.”
Oh. I’m sorry, Bud.”
“If you change your mind, let me know, sir.”
MAC’S OFFICE
“Yes, ma’am. You see it’s a really beautiful island. I’m looking forward to it, but Bud doesn’t like to go shopping or just lie on the beach. It would be more fun if I had another woman to do some of those things with. Besides, my parents are keeping the baby, so I’ll need a diversion.”
“Oh, Harriet, it would be fun. And I appreciate the invitation, but I don’t think so, not this weekend. I’m going to try to get some of my case notes caught up.”
“Major, you need to get away.”
“The thought is tempting.”
“Then, come with us.”
“No. I have to pass, Harriet, but it was so sweet of you to invite me.”
THAT EVENING AT QUITTING TIME
Harm and Mac walked to the parking lot together.
He held her briefcase while she unlocked her car door. “Hey, Mac, what are you going to do this weekend?”
“Nothing special. What about you?”
“the same”
“You know, Bud actually asked me to come to the Virgin Islands with him and Harriet.”
“Really? Isn’t that interesting! Harriet asked me to come along too.”
“She did? Why didn’t you go?”
“Probably the same reason you didn’t. It’s not right to hone in on their vacation.”
“Yeah. Say, Mac, if they invited us both, you don’t think that they’re trying to fix us up or something?”
“You and me? Surely not. Where would they get an idea like that?”
“Well, you know what a romantic Harriet is. She’s always saying stuff like ‘everybody should be in love.’”
“Oh, no. Harm, I bet that’s it. They invited us to St. Lucia, because they thought they could get us together.”
He grinned broadly. “We could get together here.”
“You’re awful. I’m serious, they think there’s something going on between us. We’ll have to work hard all weekend and get everything done just to show them that they’re wrong.”
“Let’s see how much we get done tomorrow before we trash the weekend.”
“Okay, see you here in the morning.”
THE NEXT MORNING
Harm sauntered into Mac’s office. “Where are the depositions for the Henderson case?”
“You should have them.” She answered.
“No, Mac, they’re not in my office. I’m sure that Bud brought them in here last night.”
“They are definitely not here, Harm. I’ve looked through every file in this office. Stop. Don’t touch that, you’ll mess up my system.”
He stepped back from the desk, holding his arms up in the air.
She sighed heavily, “Where are Bud’s notes on the Baxter case?”
Harm shrugged his shoulders.
“You’ve got to have them, Harm. He took them to you to get your signature.”
“I have no idea. But I’m sure you have the Henderson depositions.”
“Nope.”
LATER
Mac brought her closed fist down on top of the file cabinet in frustration.
Harm, coming up beside her, observed, “is it really that bad?”
She turned to face him with a sigh, “I know that Harriet filed the court petitions in the Glaxson case. I watched her do it. But now I can’t find them. They’re not under “G.” Where on earth could they be?”
“Did you check under “P” for petitions?”
She returned to the cabinet, looking again.
“No, not there. I thought with Bud and Harriet gone today, that I’d really get a lot of work done, but I’m just going in circles. I’m not accomplishing anything. I can’t seem to find what I need – any of it. You?”
“I’m not getting much done either. It’s frustrating, isn’t it?”
“Very.”
“Maybe we should have gone with them. We’re not doing any good here.”
A smile creeped over her face. “Harm, are you thinking what I’m thinking?”
“I don’t know, Counselor. I’m thinking that maybe you and I could use a change of scenery for a couple of days.”
“Even if they’re trying to fix us up?”
“It’s a vacation in a beautiful place. If we have to endure a little togetherness, well …. So be it.” As he said it, he dropped an arm, mockingly around her shoulders.
“Okay. Let’s talk to the admiral. Harm, I think we should go to St. Lucia.”
We’ll go home and each pack a bag. You call the airline, and I’ll pick you up in about an hour.”
“I’ll be ready.”
ON THE AIRPLANE
Harm picked up Mac’s carry-on bag from under the seat, and began looking through it.
“Hey! What are you doing?” she challenged.
“I’m just checking to see if you brought any sunscreen. I don’t want you to get french-fried.”
“Yeah? Well, you’re the one who’s likely to burn.”
“Hey! What’s this?” he said as he pulled a skimpy bikini top out.
“That’s a bathing suit. Now, I’ll thank you to stay out of my things!”
“That’s some bathing suit.” He held it up as if he were trying to visualize it on her. “I can’t wait to see this on you.”
She turned a bright shade of crimson. As she felt the heat rising in her cheeks, though, she knew that it was less from modesty than from the thought of him delighting in looking at her. By denying that she cared what he thought for so long, she’d almost forgotten. Why was it creeping up on her now? Why did Harm have that kind of power over her? He was definitely unlike any other man she’d ever known.
When the flight attendant served them their meals, she commented on what a lovely couple they were. She asked if they had just gotten married. Honeymooning, perhaps?
Harm, suddenly and unexpectedly grasped her hand tightly in his, and answered, “No. We’ve been together for a while, now.”
Her jaw dropped when she turned to look at him, but the silly grin on his face threatened to melt her heart.
TROPICAL INTERLUDE (PART 2)
When they arrived, Bud and Harriet met them at the airport, all in a dither, “Ma’am, Sir, we’re so glad you decided to come!”
The house was beautiful. It was large and spacious, and every window seemed to offer a more breathtaking view than the last. There was a beach right out the front door, part of which was private, and part of which joined the largest public beach on the island. On the other side of the private strip of beach, was an inlet lagoon, equipped with a sailboat and a small motorboat, as well as a private pier. Woods and a hill surrounded the back side of their home.
Harriet showed them around the interior of the house. She placed Mac’s suitcase in one room, then left Harm’s bag in the room right next door. “The bathroom’s across the hall, you’ll have to share that, if that’s okay?”
“I think we can manage,” Mac assured her, “Thanks, Harriet.”
Bud spoke to his wife, “Harriet, we better get going if we’re going to make it into the town to pick up those things you wanted before everything closes.”
“Bud,” Mac said, “You just picked us up in town, why didn’t you get it then?”
“No, ma’am, that was the city. This is just the small town nearby, it’s a village, really, but it’s the closest thing. Say, while we’re there, we’ll make dinner reservations. You guys can get unpacked while we’re gone, then we’ll all go out to dinner to celebrate your arrival.”
“That sounds good.” Harm interjected.
After their friends left, Harm and Mac busied themselves with their unpacking chores. Harm had almost finished when Mac appeared in his doorway. “Hey, Harm, do you mind if I take the first shower? We should be ready to go when they get back.”
“No, go ahead.” Then he followed her out into the hall before asking, “Hey, Mac, do you need any help in there?”
“What?” she asked.
“Do you want me to help you take your shower?”
“Not this time, but I’ll keep you in mind for later.” She replied, flashing him a seductive smile.
It was all he could do to keep his eyes off her as she disappeared behind the bathroom door.
On the ride into “the town” for dinner, they learned that this journey was about 10 miles along the road by car. Bud told them, however that if you followed the path from near the back of the house, through the woods and over the hill, it was only about ½ to ¾ of a mile. He recommended that they try that some time during their stay, as the scenery along that route was incredible.
***
The restaurant was full of ambiance. They ate fresh shellfish and steamed vegetables to candlelight and soft music. Afterward, the moonlight flooded the bay near the restaurant, casting a shadow over all the area. Harriet commented that it was terribly romantic and pulled Bud away, admonishing him to stay away and let Harm and Mac be alone.
“Don’t push it, Harriet!” he whispered.
She shot him an annoyed glance. “Bud, you’re clever, think up something that we have to go and do so that they’ll be left alone for a few minutes.”
“Well,” he began, “we could always go down by the marina to get some information about that day trip to the nearby islands that Mr. Coleman told us about. They stay open down there pretty late, so now might be a good time.”
“Thanks, I love you.” She gushed, as she reached up to plant a quick kiss on his cheek.
Bud informed their friends of his and Harriet’s plans to go investigate this, saying that they’d stop back to pick them up in an hour or so.
Harm said, “Bud, I appreciate it, but it’s really a great night. I think the Major and I will take that walk overland the back way that you told us about. That is, if you’re up to it, Mac?”
She glanced at him over her shoulder and replied, “Just try to keep up with me, Flyboy!”
As Bud and Harriet got into the car, they started off up the trail.
***
The moonlight formed shadows and patterns along their path as it filtered through the trees, and it glistened on the surface of the water all around them. There was a plethora of interesting rock formations and groves of trees and flowers to be found all along the way. Sheer cliffs of solid volcanic rock dropped off sharply to the ocean below at several points. They enjoyed the scenery as they walked and talked quietly, until they came to a place overlooking a cove and a bay below.
The dense brush and overgrowth formed a kind of archway over the area, but still the water, coming slowly into the bay and ebbing there created an entrancing view. Mac stopped near the edge, looking down into the depths below.
“What are you thinking about?” Harm inquired, noticing that she had gotten suddenly quiet.
“I’m wondering why you did that on the plane.”
He laughed. “Well, I guess I’m just clumsy.”
“What’s that got to do with it?”
“It explains, or at least I think it does, why I spilled my orange juice on the flight attendant.”
“That’s not what I mean.”
“Then what?”
“When the flight attendant ask if we were honeymooners, you let her believe we were married.”
“I did not say that! She just drew her own conclusions. All I said was that we’d been together for a while.”
“But she thought you meant that we were a couple.”
He smiled. “Mac, people think whatever they want to.” His mind began to wander. The moonlight was reflecting off her hair, accentuating the lighter highlights in her mostly dark mane. She was silhouetted against his view of the water, and he thought that it vastly improved the quality of the horizon. Lately, he’d been noticing things like that a lot when she was near.
His daydream was interrupted when she exclaimed, “Hey, look!”
He moved up close behind her and followed her pointing finger to see the lights of a small boat moving into the cove below them. The craft slowed as it came near the edge of the outcropping at the side of the bay.
“Probably just some kids out for a joy ride.” He observed. “They’re probably trying to sneak back in before anyone misses the boat.”
“Harm, you’re cynical.” She pronounced.
He gripped her shoulders in his hands. “Mac, we’re on vacation. You’re wound up tight as a drum, you’ve got to relax.”
“Oh, that feels good.” She sighed as his hands gently massaged her muscles. She leaned back into the movements.
He was aware of her nearness, but dismissed it.
When she turned to face him, her first urge was to wrap her arms around his neck, but she couldn’t do that! Instead she pushed him goodnaturedly and said, “It’s getting late, we better go.”
He followed her back onto the trail, but commented on how lovely this spot was, and how they should come back here again.
She agreed.
*******
Arriving back at the house, they let themselves in, then noticed a light coming from the living room.
“The car wasn’t here, so Bud and Harriet aren’t back. “ he whispered.
“But we didn’t leave that light on.” She countered.
“Somebody’s here.” Harm deduced. “You wait here.”
“You are NOT going in there alone.” She demanded.
“Shh.” He shot her an annoyed look, then headed silently toward the front of the house.
Of course, she followed right behind him.
They stopped in the doorway. They could see the back of a head. It’s owner was sitting in a desk chair, facing away from them.
Harm placed the tip of his finger up against his lips, signifying for her to be quite, then addressed the intruder, “Turn around slowly. Keep your hands where I can see them. Who are you? What are you doing here?”
Hands moved out on either side of the swivel chair and it slowly turned around to reveal…..
TROPICAL INTERLUDE ---PART 3
Harm instinctively raised a protective arm in front of Mac, until he recognized the intruder.
Clayton Webb’s eyes sparkled, as he grinned at them.
“Webb, what are you doing here?” Harm challenged.
“Nice to see you too, Commander. Major.”
“Clay, you startled us.” Mac confessed.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to, but it’s better if nobody knows that I’m here.”
“Better for whom?” Harm was almost hesitant to ask.
“For everybody. I wanted to let the two of you know that an old friend of yours from Miami is in town.”
“We don’t know anybody from Miami, do we , Mac?”
She thought for a moment. “Well, there was Artemus Sullivan and his gang of geriatric avengers.”
“They’re old men, Mac.” He countered, “I don’t think they’re likely to turn up in St. Lucia. It’s a long way from home.”
Webb rose and walked around to sit on the front of the desk. He smiled, “Right game, wrong team.”
Harm glared at him. “Clay, it’s late. We’re in no mood for a bunch of cryptic nonsense. Just tell us what you want.”
“Do you remember Bronco Mendoza?”
Mac sighed and rolled her eyes. “Drug runner, smart aleck rich kid, murderer….?”
“That’s him.” Webb confirmed.
“What about him?” Her question was almost tentative.
“He’s here. Even though no charges were brought against him in Miami, the American authorities have been alerted of his activities by the D. E. A., so he can’t do his business on American soil, right now. We know that he’s importing his merchandise and storing it somewhere here on the island. I guess when he has enough and things have blown over in Miami, he’ll go back there.
“I really hate to ask this,” Harm began, “but what does this have to do with us?”
“I’m glad you asked.” Clay commented. “My office has got to figure out where he’s keeping the stuff, and then catch him with it, so the British agents can arrest him.”
“British agents?” Mac queried.
“Yeah, Mac. St. Lucia is a British colony.” Harm informed her.
“And I suppose you want our help.” Harm was a bit sarcastic.
“Well, since you’re here anyway. You two have the perfect cover. You really are here on vacation.”
“Webb, I don’t know.” Harm eyed him intently. “Every time you suck us into one of your schemes, it ends up being trouble.”
“You don’t have to do anything, Rabb. I talked to Chegwidden, and he’ll give you temporary duty here to work on this, but it’s strictly voluntary.”
Mac was a little more forgiving, “What would we have to do, Clay?”
Harm raised his eyebrows and gave her an exasperated glance.
“Well, Major, I have several of my people here and I’m going to be working on this one myself, but I need you two to make some inquiries, as tourists, of course. Poke around a little. Maybe socialize visibly with a few of our suspects. What’d you say, it could be fun – and a great way to prolong your vacation a couple of days.”
“We’d have to discuss it, Webb.” Harm stated, waving his finger between himself and Mac to indicate that he wanted to talk to his partner.
“Go in the kitchen. Take your time, I’ll be right here. But, remember, if you’re still discussing when the Roberts get back, there won’t be any way to avoid involving them.”
Harm pulled Mac gently by the arm, into the kitchen.
“What do you think?” He asked.
“Harm, we can’t let Bud and Harriet get involved in this.”
“Right. So, let’s just tell him to forget it.”
They whispered. “Harm, he needs our help.”
“Mac, he always needs our help. Don’t you remember how much trouble he gets us into.”
“But he looks so sincere, this time.”
“So, you want to do it?”
“Well, the admiral approved it, so he must think it’s a good idea.”
“Or Webb bullied him.”
“Nobody bullies the admiral.”
“What do you want to do , Mac?”
“Don’t you have an opinion?”
He lay a hand lightly on her shoulder. “You’re my partner. I’m with you.” He smiled
“I say we tell him that we will help him, at least for a few days. It can’t hurt.”
“I hope you’re right, Major.”
They returned to inform the CIA agent of their decision, then sat down to start planning out their approach.
****
OUTSIDE
Harriet and Bud came slowly up the front walk, holding hands, talking quietly and giggling.
Harriet pointed to the light that shone from inside the house. “See, I told you, they’re still up.”
“Harriet, that doesn’t mean that they’ve fallen madly in love.”
“If not, then it’s just a matter of time, Bud.”
Bud placed his hands squarely on his wife’s shoulders, “I love you.” He whispered.
“I love you too, Bud. And I want the Commander and the major to be as happy as we are.”
“I know you do. Let’s go inside and see what they’re doing.”
***
INSIDE
“Mr. Webb, what are you doing here?” Bud asked.
“Nothing, Lieutenant. I was just here digging up some background information, so I thought I’d drop by to say hello to all of you. How are you, Bud?”
“Fine, Sir. You remember my wife, Harriet?”
“Yes. How are you Lieutenant Sims.”
“Fine, sir, thank you. Can I get you anything, a drink, some coffee?”
“No, thank you. I need to be on my way. It’s good to see all of you. Enjoy your vacation.”
Thank yous and goodnights were said before Clay exited.
------
After a few minutes of small talk, Mac announced that she was going to turn in, and excused herself.
Harm yawned. “Bud, Harriet, it’s been a long day, what with the jet-lag and all, so I think I’ll try to get some sleep too.” He followed Mac down the hallway.
As she opened the door to her room, he stepped in front of her, blocking her path.
“What are you doing, Harm?”
“This may be a dangerous assignment. So, I want you to know that if you get scared, I’m right next door.”
She laughed. “I won’t get scared, but if you do, I’ll be right here.”
He touched her face with the backs of his fingers, “I’ll remember that.”
She pushed him away, entered her room and shut the door.
He leaned against the door frame for just a moment before going into his own room.
TROPICAL INTERLUDE –PART4
THE NEXT MORNING
Mac raised her arms over her head in a stretch, then glanced back over her shoulder and yelled to Harm, “Get the lead out, Flyboy. And don’t tell me the sand’s slowing you down!”
They were running down the private beach in front of the house.
Harm managed a sudden burst of energy and caught up with her. He was too out of breath to speak, so he grabbed her shoulders and pulled her down after him, onto the sand.
“What’d you do that for?” She was a little surprised. “You just couldn’t stand it that I was faster than you, huh? You had to stop me before anyone else could see!”
“Mac, it’s a private beach. We’re the only ones here.”
“Yeah, it’s really nice to have it all to ourselves, isn’t it?”
“Did you notice the sailboat out there?”
“Don’t tell me that you think you can operate it?”
“Sure, why not. I am a sailor, remember?”
“I bet you’ve never even been on a boat like that.”
“Sure I have. My step-father had one when I was growing up. That one’s a deluxe model. It has a 100 horse power motor, reinforced sails and sleeping quarters below deck. We should take it out while we’re here. I’ll show you how to sail.”
“Maybe, if we have time.”
“You wanna get in the water?”
“After you, Commander. Hey, look, somebody’s coming.”
“Who is it?”
“It looks like Webb.”
“What would he be doing here?”
“I invited him to stop by.”
“You, what?? Why’d you do that?”
“Well, Harm, he is our friend.”
“Oh, yeah, I forgot.”
“Be nice!”
Mac and Harm joined Clay where he stood, further up the beach. Mac noticed, appreciatively, that Clay favored the bikini swimming trunks, in contrast to Harm’s baggier ones.
“What can we do for you this morning, Webb?” Harm asked, in an almost sarcastic tone.
“This afternoon, you should check with the harbor master to see who’s been renting boats and what their destinations were. They wouldn’t give out any information to agents, but since you’re just tourists, you might be able to find something useful.”
“O.K., we’ll go down there this afternoon.” Mac agreed.
“By the way, “ Clay continued., “I’ve booked you on a tour of the island in the morning, so you can be familiar with the geography. It leaves at 9, so don’t be late.”
“Island tour. We can do that.” Harm said.
“One last thing, before I get out of this sun and keep from burning,” he hands Harm a piece of paper, “here’s the phone number where I can be reached while I’m on the island. Keep it, you might need it.”
Harm was a bit embarrassed, as he realized that his swimming trunks had no pocket in which to put this paper.
Mac, sensing her partner’s discomposure, dropped the number into the canvas beach bag that she had carried from the house.
She smiled broadly, “Come on, you guys, let’s go swimming.”
“I don’t know …..” Clay began.
Harm cut him off, “You go on in, Mac. We’ll be there in just a minute.”
She agreed and headed down toward the water.
Both men watched her retreat. Clay leaned close to Harm’s side and commented, “She sure is lovely.”
Now, Harm couldn’t deny (at least not to himself) that he had certainly noticed that about his partner, but he wasn’t entirely sure that he wanted Clayton Webb looking at her that way. The thought stirred something up inside of him, so he said, “It’s just Mac.”
“Don’t fool yourself, Rabb. Mac is an incredibly beautiful woman.”
“Maybe.” That was the most Harm was going to acknowledge to the CIA agent at this moment.
“Go swimming with her. I’ve got to go. I’ll be in touch.” With that, he was gone.
***
Around noon, Harriet and Bud showed up with a picnic basket. The four of them enjoyed a quiet lunch together.
Bud broached his subject very carefully, “Commander Rabb, I was thinking that this afternoon I might replace some of the broken tiles on the back patio of the house. I figure since the Forresters are letting us use the place, it’s the least I can do. Would you care to help me, Sir?”
Harm gave him a stern look. “Bud, we’re on vacation together. While we’re out like this, away from the office, you don’t have to exercise military protocol. Call me Harm …. And you can call her, Mac.”
“Yes, Sir. Thank you, Sir.” Bud gushed with a satisfied look on his face.
“And, Bud….”
“Yes, Sir, oh , I mean Yes, Harm.”
“I’d be happy to help you with the tile work.”
Harriet and Mac decided that this activity wasn’t going to be to their liking, so they decided to hit the main public beach for the afternoon.
****
*****
*********
LATER
“No, Harriet, I don’t think so. I just wouldn’t be comfortable doing that.” Mac protested to her friend.
“Oh, come on, Mac. This guy used to live in Tahiti. He’s supposed to be really good. This is the only place in the Carribbean where you can take hula lessons. It’s good exercise. It’ll be fun, I promise.”
Despite her objections, Mac found the young lieutenant’s case too strong to deny. She ended up in a small group of tourist women, decked out in grass skirt, and swaying to Polynesian music. Harriet had been right, she was having fun.
Tiling work at the house had taken less time than Harm and Bud had estimated, so they headed off to the beach to find the women.
As they came around the side of a hotdog stand, Harm extended an arm stopping Bud. “Look over there.” he said, pointing to the women dancing in hula skirts.
Both men laughed.
Then, they watched, silently, until Bud observed, “Isn’t she beautiful!”
Harm looked at him with a surprised and shocked expression. “Bud, you’re a married man.”
“Yes, I was talking about Harriet. Who’d you think I meant?” After a pause, “Oh, you were looking at the major, weren’t you, Harm?”
He didn’t want to commit himself to this, so he just said, “I don’t know, maybe.”
The fact was that that was exactly what he was looking at. He watched as her hips swayed to the music and her arms danced in front of her. She was so graceful! He could have watched her forever.
After the hula lesson had ended, the four friends reunited. Mac was rather embarrassed that Bud –and Harm – had been watching the dance, but Harriet convinced her not to say anything.
Harm announced plans to go to the harbor master to check on launching and docking sites for boats, as well as who was renting water craft for use on the island. Bud wanted to come along, but Harm discouraged him.
“It’s not going to be dangerous, you’re only looking for information. Let me come.”
Harm acquiesced, especially after Harriet said that she and Mac had something to do and would like to have the men out of the house for a while.
On their way back to the house, Mac asked her, “Harriet, what on earth do we have to do, without them?”
“We’re going to cook them diner, not just any dinner, a great dinner.”
And great it was! Harm and Bud returned to the pleasing aroma of a wonderful dinner. The four of them dined on fresh white fish in a delicate wine sauce, salad and a cornucopia of fresh vegetables and fruit.
(
When they’d all eaten their fill, Mac began clearing the table. Harm rose to help her, giving Harriet an idea.
She announced that she and Bud just had to run an errand immediately, if Harm wouldn’t mind helping Mac with the dishes.
Of course, he agreed, so Bud and Harriet, happily left them alone.
When kitchen cleaning was done, Mac observed that it was a beautiful night and asked him to go for a walk.
They left a note for their companions, knowing that Harriet and Bud would be pleased that they were spending even more time together.
Moonlight and stars were in full force, as they found themselves back at the cove where they had stopped the previous night.
They looked out over the water, then noticed the lights of several small boats moving in and out of the area.
“This must be a really good docking place,” Harm commented, “when we go out on the sailboat, we’ll come here.”
“There is a lot of traffic, but, Harm, this place isn’t on the map you showed me of docking places for boats.”
“Mac, it must be.”
He took the map from his pocket, while she produced a small flashlight. They hunched over the map, trying to see it.
Suddenly, a gust of wind blew the map from their hands. They both knelt to the ground, reaching for it. When his hand touched hers, in the darkness, he held it a bit longer than was really necessary.
Quickly, she withdrew it.
He stood up first, peering back out over the cove. When she tried to stand up, either she stepped in a hole or she simply lost her balance, but she stumbled.
Mac extended her arm, bracing to break the impact of her coming fall, but she never hit the ground.
****
TROPICAL INTERLUDE –PART 5
A pair of strong arms encircled her waist, stopping her.
Harm, instinctively, drew her up against his chest to keep her steady. “Whoa!” he said.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Even as he said it, Harm experienced an unsettling sensation. The feel of her that close to him threw him off, just a bit. She felt soft and natural there, so he unconsciously pulled her closer.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Mac, for her part, was mesmerized by the strong grasp he had on her, and the firm muscles of his chest as she was held against it. Something felt very “right” about this, but she dismissed the feeling.
They stood like that for several minutes, until he pointed across the cove and exclaimed, “Look at that! Three of them are coming in at once. See, over there? They all seem to be landing at that same point.”
She lifted her head to follow his pointing finger, causing her head to come into extremely close proximity to his face. Their eyes met.
Mac’s knees almost buckled. She was glad that Harm was holding her up. It would have been really embarrassing to fall , now. His gaze seemed to look right through her, into the hidden recesses of her very soul.
In the dim light, Harm thought that he, perhaps, was seeing her more clearly than he’d ever seen her before. Had she always been this beautiful. He knew that she was an attractive woman, but this he hadn’t noticed quite this way in the past. Her eyes sparkled in the moonlight.
Their heads came closer together, and she closed her eyes in anticipation of the kiss she knew was coming, but ….
Harm brought his mouth toward hers. All he could think about was how sweet her lips were going to taste. But then, he had a sudden burst of reality … this was Mac. She was his partner, his best friend. No, he wouldn’t kiss her, it just wouldn’t be right.
He pulled away.
Soon he had also released her from his embrace. He felt a little uncomfortable, so he didn’t even try to apologize.
She, too, recovered quickly. “We need to tell Webb about all this activity. There must be something going on here.”
“Yeah,” he said.
They turned to walk back to the house, each in their own thoughts about what had happened – and what hadn’t happened.
(TROPICAL INTERLUDE---PART 6)
The next morning came too soon. Mac and Harm were still having coffee on the patio with Bud and Harriet when Clayton Webb arrived.
Harm passed on all the information about boat launching and docking places from the trip to the harbor master’s. Then, he proceeded to tell about the movements he and Mac had observed at the lookout ridge, above the cove, during the night.
Harriet sounded surprised, “You were out there during the night?”
“Yeah,” Mac told her, “when we went for that walk after dinner. It was kind of late when we came back. We didn’t want to wake you and Bud.”
Harriet gave her husband a triumphant smile. This was working as well as she had hoped it would. They were spending lots of time together. Soon they’d come to realize their shared feelings, she was sure of it.
****
At the appropriate time, Harm and Mac left for town to catch their tour – the one Webb had signed them up for.
It was actually a rather pleasant excursion. Many of the sights they hadn’t had a chance to see.
Mac noticed, with a trifle of annoyance, that several of the single women constantly congregated around Harm.
She couldn’t blame them, but her partner did nothing to discourage them. He’s such a flirt!!
One of the last stops on their tour was at the cove where she and Harm had visited in the evenings. She had already begun to think of it as “their place.” However, it had a name and a history all its own.
The place was Ablooha Bay. It had been a favorite haunt of pirates and racketeers, in days past. This was due to the fact that ships could pass in and out of it easily without being seen from the settlements on the island. Treasure and booty had supposedly been stored in caves in the side of the cliff near where they stood.
There was even a local legend about Ablooha Bay. It seems that about a hundred years ago, a pair of young lovers found each other here. The girl sent her lover away, not wanting to marry him right away. He went to sea, to try to mend his broken heart. When the girl heard that his ship had gone down, with no survivors, she regretted her decision. After that, she came every night to stand atop this ridge overlooking the cove where she had been courted by the young man to watch the ocean, and pray for his miraculous return. One night he did return, telling her that the captain of his ship had spread word of their demise, so that they could escape from the pirates who were chasing them. Once reunited, the lovers were married and lived happily ever after.
Now locals believe that if a young woman watches the sea from this bluff, she will find her true love.
The guide laughed as she told them that at certain times of the year, many young girls come to stand above Ablooha Bay, seeking its magic.
“What an enchanting story!” Mac whispered to Harm, as they again boarded the tour bus.
“Yeah, Mac. Maybe you should come out here to look for a man.”
She shot him a “drop dead” glance.
****
*****
Later in the afternoon, all four of the vacationers began to think about having to leave soon.
“We’ve already been here longer than our original weekend.” Mac observed.
“Yeah, but couldn’t you just stay here forever.” Bud countered.
“We have to get home to the baby, Bud. Called my mom, and she said that everything’s okay, but I miss him.”
“Yeah, me too.” Bud confessed. “I guess we’ll all be headed home as soon as this case is wound up for Harm and Mac – then they’ll be back to being the Commander and the Major.”
“Only at work.” Harm assured him.
Harm told Mac that they’d take the sailboat out in the morning, so that time wouldn’t run out, before they had the chance to do that.
She agreed, and Harriet developed a gleam in her eye that Bud didn’t like.
Webb showed up at about the time that Harm and Bud had begun to repair the screens on the kitchen windows.
His operatives had traced some shipping records and boat movements from the coast guard. What they found was that there had been a lot of traffic in and out of Ablooha Bay, just as Harm and Mac had observed – none of it authorized. The investigators had found Mendoza’s stash of drugs, crates and crates of illegal substances out of South America. No arrests could be made, because they needed to catch Mendoza and his people in the act of moving the goods into international waters to make the charges stick. The CIAs agents were monitoring all activity around that area, but the actual arrests would have to be made by British secret service, UN investigators and Interpole – since this wasn’t United States territory.
They had enough agents to monitor activities, until the time that the bust was to go down, then they’d have to have some extra personnel to make sure the merchandise didn’t get removed by alternate routes. Clay asked if Harm and Mac wanted to be involved in this. It was almost certain that the drugs would be moved within the next few days.
Harm thought that maybe they didn’t need to be involved any more, but Mac said that they had done this much, so they might as well see it through.
Webb left them with their assignment. When he got word to them (as soon as the goods were being moved), they would go immediately to the ridge at Ablooha Bay – a place they already knew – and sit watch there. As agents moved toward the caves to make their arrests, Mac and Harm would make sure that none of the drug runners carried boxes of stuff up the ridge, to transport it inland. It seemed like a simple enough assignment. The worst part was that they had to be ready at a moment’s notice.
When their business was concluded, the foursome decided to take advantage of the waning afternoon sun, for a quick swim at the beach.
Mac couldn’t help but admire Harm’s broad, strong chest, as he walked toward her. His back and chest were full of muscular definition. The muscles rippled when he walked and stood out even more when his skin was wet. Yes, she was thoroughly enjoying this vacation, though she knew that this was not what she should be enjoying.
Harm watched Mac in her bright purple bikini. The color stood out against her olive skin. It was very flattering, accentuating all the right places. She was truly a beautiful woman. He was embarrassed to be having this kind of thought about her, after all she was his partner – and friend.
Harriet enjoyed watching them watch each other, even though Bud rebuked her for it.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>…<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
At 0225, Harm was in Mac’s room, standing over her with his hand placed firmly on her shoulder. “C’mon, Mac, wake up.” He whispered urgently.
Mac heard her name, recognized the voice and smiled. “Harm.” She whispered, in her sleep.
“Yeah, it’s me. Wake up.”
Instinctively she turned toward the sound of the voice and reached for him.
When she came up empty, she opened her eyes. “Harm, what are you doing up there?”
He ignored the question. “Get up, Mac. It’s time.”
“Time for what?”
“Time to go get the bad guys. Webb’s people are counting on us. Get up.”
“Oh, yeah.” She slowly became conscious and began to get up.
“I’ve got to get dressed.” She said, reaching for her clothes.
“Do you mind?” she gave him an exasperated look.
“You want me to leave?”
“While I dress.”
“Mac, we don’t have any time to waste. We’re in a hurry here.”
“Okay, then turn your head, at least.”
He obediently turned to face the wall, leaving his back toward her.
Standing there, with his arms crossed, he was keenly aware of the sound of her movements in the room. He imagined watching her dress. He had to tell himself to stop it. It just wasn’t right. No matter what kind of feelings he had, she was his partner, and he respected her. Besides, he was very sure that she felt nothing but friendship for him.
********
On the bluff, high above Ablooha Bay, they crouched side by side, passing a pair of high resolution binoculars between them.
For just a moment, Mac wished he weren’t so close, to distract her, then, at the same time, she wished he were much closer. Why was she having these feeling about him all of a sudden. After all, this was Harm! He was her best friend!
From time to time, they saw some movement about half way down the ridge in front of them, but they couldn’t really see what was going on.
She got up and went to stand a little closer to the edge, gazing absently toward the ocean.
He loved the way she looked, silhouetted against the moon. He moved to stand behind her, placing his mouth just above her ear to whisper, “I told you it would come to this. Here you are at Ablooha Bay, trying to invoke the legend.”
She laughed quietly.
“How’d you know?”
“I know you Sarah MacKenzie.”
“Yeah, you do, better than anyone else.”
He came a bit closer, looking over her shoulder.
She turned, partially, “Harm ….”
“Hmmm?”
“Oh, nothing. I don’t know.”
“Look at the stars.” He instructed.
A blanket of brilliant heaven covered the sky.
When she looked up, their light was reflected in her eyes.
Standing close behind her, he unconsciously slipped his arms around her waist.
To his surprise, she leaned back into his embrace.
“Sarah?” he began.
She turned, in his arms, and led him back to their observation place. They both sat down.
She again leaned against him, inviting his arms to encircle her, which they did.
The conversation was light and covered a variety of topics. She talked about how important their relationship was to her. He mentioned how appreciative he was of all the times that she had come through for him, when nobody else would have.
They reviewed all the times and adventures they had shared.
When the talk had gone on for a little while, she turned, still in his arms, and softly brushed her lips against his.
His hand came up to the back of her head, tangling itself in her hair. He pulled her head in close and initiated a deep, passionate kiss.
Without thinking about it, she felt herself responding.
This one was followed by several more, until the sound of Clayton Webb’s voice, over the small communication device he’d given Harm, alerted them that he needed more back up.
They both started toward the path that led down the face of the bluff.
Harm turned and ordered, “You stay here.”
“Not a chance, sailor.”
When they reached the mouth of the cave, gunshots were already being fired.
Harm drew his sidearm, taking cover behind a boulder. He pushed Mac down behind him
A shot was aimed in their direction, and he fell back against her.
After that, it was all over quickly.
The authorities rounded up the bad guys. She looked down to see blood gushing from a wound in Harm’s shoulder.
“Harm, you’re hit.”
He reached up to touch her face.
She grabbed his hand, kissed the palm and held it tightly against her cheek.
“How bad is it?” she asked him.
“Oh, it’s just a flesh wound.” He replied, moving to get up.
“Thank goodness,” she said, helping him. “You had me worried, there, Flyboy.”
Webb introduced them both to the head of the St. Lucia branch of the British secret service, who thanked them for their help.
TROPICAL INTERLUDE—(PART 7)
A quick trip to the hospital confirmed Harm’s assessment that his injury was minor. Mac breathed an audible sigh of relief, as they headed back to the house. They still ha time for a couple hours sleep before they would have to get up.
They were careful to avoid any unnecessary noise, so they wouldn’t wake their friends. He walked her to the door of her room, then grasping her face between his hands, he gave her a passionate, meaningful goodnight kiss. “This is wonderful, Sarah. I can’t wait to see you in the morning.”
Lying alone in his room, Harm remembered what it felt like to hold her in his arms and to kiss her deeply and passionately. Mac wasn’t like all the other women he’d ever known. He knew that if they really did start something between them, it would be something that they would have to finish. He had realized tonight that he cared deeply for her. But he wasn’t sure he could offer her what she needed. Of course, she didn’t feel the same way. Mac always knew what she thought. If she were in love with him, she’d have said so before now. No, he wasn’t what she needed, nor what she wanted, but they were, if it was possible to be, even closer now. He would find a way to get her to talk about it. He fell to sleep seeing hr beautiful face painted on the inside of his eyelids.
Mac had been startled by how he had responded to her kiss. It had just been an impulse, but one that she had yearned to give in to for a long time. Of course, the only reason she had done that was because of the moonlight and the incredible sensation of his arms around her. Still, she couldn’t keep but relive, over and over, how strong and inviting his embrace had been, or how sweet his kiss tasted. After all, he was the one who had kissed her goodnight, who had said that this was wonderful. She thought about that with a smile, until the explanation occurred to her.
Of course he was in a romantic mood. Look at where they were. This was one of the most beautiful places she’d ever seen, it would give anybody romantic ideas. That’s what she was to Harm right now, just a vacation infatuation. If it weren’t her, it would be somebody else. He didn’t feel anything for her, he was just responding to his circumstances. She was a summertime romance – a vacation fling.
As she went to sleep, she was upset with herself for loving him. Why did she feel that way? Well. She better get over it in a hurry, because the vacation was almost over.
She had figured out, some time back that she was actually in love with Harm. He was so gentle and caring. It was probably her feelings that Harriet, the matchmaker, kept picking up on. Mac had vowed that she wouldn’t tell Harm how she felt about him, because she knew he didn’t feel the same way.
TROPICAL INTERLUDE—PART 8
At breakfast, Harm and Mac couldn’t seem to help the looks that passed between them. They just hoped that Bud and Harriet weren’t noticing them.
When she got up to pour more coffee, Mac leaned a little closer than necessary to Harm, while filling his cup. He was acutely aware of this, and grinned at her.
Harriet furiously pulled her husband into the kitchen. They spoke in low tones.
“See, Bud, it’s working. They’ve gotten a lot closer since they’ve been here.”
“I don’t know”
“Well, I know. Trust me.”
“Harriet, I don’t think…..”
Something must have happened on that stake out last night. Did you see the looks they were exchanging?” Now she was excited.
“Harriet, maybe we should….”
“:That sailboat trip this afternoon is perfect. They’ll be out thee alone with the sun and the sea, and…..who knows?”
“At least you’re going to leave them alone.”
“No, I think they need a little more help.”
“Haven’t you done enough already?”
“Bud Roberts! These are our friends. Have you forgotten everything they’ve done for us?”
“No, but…”
“There’s no but to it, Bud. There isn’t too much that we can do to help them be happy.”
“Well, when you put it that way…….”
“I know what we’ll do.” She pulled her husband close and whispered into his ear.
MEANWHILE, BACK AT THE TABLE…..
Harm reached for Mac’s hand, under the table. She grasped his warmly, and smiled broadly.
“So, do you think they’re talking about us?” she guessed.
“Yeah, probably. We could give them something to really talk about.” He offered, suggestively.
She shot him a seductive glance. “Harm, do you think we should tell them that their plan worked – that we have gotten closer.”
“No, not yet. Let’s see what they’ll do.”
As he said that, he leaned over to steal a quick kiss.
She giggled, but dropped his hand as Bud and Harriet reentered the room.
TROPICAL INTERLUDE –PART 9
“Harriet, are you sure that you and Bud don’t want to come along?”
“Thanks, Mac, but no. We have to get the house closed up and winterized before we all leave tonight.”
“I’m gonna miss this place.”
“Yeah, me too. It’s so beautiful. But you have this sailing trip before you go. The weather’s perfect. I’m sure you’ll have a great time.”
“Yeah, it’s a great day, and Harm assures me that he knows how to work the boat, so it should be fun.”
“Have fun.” Harriet called as she turned back toward the house.
Mac began walking down the pier, carrying a basket full of picnic supplies.
Back at the house, Harriet picked up another basket, which she handed to her husband.
“Here are the rest of their picnic supplies, Bud. Take them to the boat, please. And you know what to do.” She winked at him.
“Harriet, I don’t know. It seems dishonest.”
“This is important, Bud. Trust me they’ll thank us for it. Now, just do it.”
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Harm was below deck making some kind of adjustment to the engine –just in case the wind didn’t cooperate. Mac was putting perishable foods into the cooler. Bud came down the stairs, bearing his basket.
“Harriet asked me to bring this down.” He explained.
Mac took his load and thanked him.
After he had wished them “smooth sailing,” he made his way back up and out.
As Bud exited to the deck, he closed the hatch after him. Then he reached down and carefully turned the latch that would secure it.
TROPICAL INTERLUDE –PART 10
Harm helped Mac finish unpacking the provisions, then asked if she was ready to go.
She responded with a grin that he knew might melt his heart. Yes, he really was looking forward to this voyage. He desperately wanted to be alone with her, to get her to open up and talk about the feeling between them.
“Okay, first mate. Hang on! We’re going to shove off now.”
He reached to open the hatch, but it didn’t budge.
“What’s wrong, Harm?”
“It’s stuck. Come here, give me a hand.”
He almost wished that he didn’t need her help, because when she came to stand close and help him push against the door leading to the deck, he could smell her hair, and another faint aroma that he hardly recognized. The combination was vaguely intoxicating.
“Push harder!” she admonished him.
He did, but finally he told her, “It’s no use. It must be locked. We’re stuck for a while.”
“Say, Harm, you don’t think that Bud and Harriet….”
“Yeah, probably.”
“So much for ‘let’s wait and see what they’ll do.”
“It could be worse. We’ve got food and supplies.”
“What are we going to do until they come to let us out?”
He grinned mischievously. Suddenly, he grabbed her around the waist, pulling her close. His lips found hers, without a message from his sensory-overloaded brain. The kiss was passionate, and lingering.
When it finally did end, he smoothed her hair back and laughed. “I don’t know, Major. Have you got any ideas?”
She answered by encircling her arms around his neck, then initiating another kiss.
He led her to the built-in couch, and they sat down.
Harm wasn’t exactly sure how to start. “Sarah, do you want to talk about all of this?”
“I didn’t think that talk was what you had in mind, Sailor.”
“Yeah. We should explore these feelings.”
“Don’t worry, Harm. I’m not expecting anything. I know that when we get home that none of this will have ever happened.”
“That’s exactly what I don’t want, Mac.”
“But I know you’ve got girlfriends at home –lots of them. This is just a vacation thing for you. I understand, after all this is paradise.”
“No, Sarah. It can never be that casual between us. Now that we’ve started, we have to finish – to see where it goes.”
He paused and took a deep breath before he continued, “Sarah, I love you.”
Her heart jumped into her throat, or maybe it was her stomach. She did feel a little nauseated. She had heard men say that before, but never a man like Harm. He was too good. He was what she couldn’t ever really have. She’d known that since her early childhood. This was terrible. Everything was going wrong!
“Don’t say that, Harm! It’s not true, so don’t even say it!”
“Oh yes, it’s true! Wait a minute, what’s wrong? Why would you think it wasn’t true?”
All of a sudden, a lifetime of insecurity and self-blame broke loose in her. It was accompanied by a torrent of tears and sobbing.
“Harm, men don’t love girls like me, not good, decent men. I’m not the kind of girl that can really be loved.”
His jaw slacked open, and his arms gathered her up to hold her. “Why would you think that?”
“I just know that. I’ve had a whole lifetime of bad relationships with the wrong men.” She swallowed hard, before continuing, “My own father didn’t even love me.”
“Oh God, Sarah!” He held her head against his chest and whispered quietly into her ear, while encouraging her to ‘let it out.’
When he finally felt her relax a little, he pulled her back, to look deeply into her tear-stained eyes. “just because your father was cruel and cold to you doesn’t make you unworthy or unlovable. That was his problem, it wasn’t your fault. I had no idea that you had all that built up inside you.”
“Yeah, well now that you do, you can just get away!” She pushed him even farther away.
He lay his hand gently against her cheek. “Sarah, you can push me away forever, but I’ll still love you. I do, and I can’t stop – forever.”
“Why?”
“That’s the same as asking me why I breathe air. I don’t know, it’s just part of me.” He pulled her back against his chest.
“You just want to sleep with me, like all your other women.”
“That’s not true.” He moved his hands away from her, holding them up in the air. “I won’t touch you again, until you want me to.”
She looked up at him, through her tears, and said, “Really?”
“Really.”
“Well, in that case, please hold me.”
He smiled, as his arms enveloped her slender frame.
Harm just hated that her experience with men had always been that they wanted her when they mentioned love, instead of treasuring her – the way she should be. He despised her father, a man he’d never net, for giving her so many insecurities and self-doubts. He knew that Mac had been through healing processes, but apparently some of her wounds were still fresh. He vowed that he would help her heal, that he would love her and encourage her, that he would make her feel worthy.
Her head came up off his chest, and her mouth moved to cover his, as she kissed him, with more emotion than he had dreamed possible.
His hand moved beneath her chin, and he said, “Darling, you don’t have to.”
“I want to.” Was her only reply.
Soon she fell asleep in his arms. The last few days had been exhausting. He just held her – and loved her.
TROPICAL INTERLUDE—PART 11
About an hour later, Bud and Harriet opened the hatch to let them out.
Bud had a goofy-looking smile on his face. “I’m sorry, Harm. The lock must have accidentally caught when I shut it.”
“Must have, Lieutenant.” He replied.
Harriet moved toward Mac, noting Harm’s arm around her waist. “Are you alright, Ma’am?”
“Yes, Harriet, I’m fine.” She said, but she never let go of Harm’s hand.
TROPICAL INTERLUDE – EPILOG
Harm and Mac, walking arm in arm, bid goodbye to Bud and Harriet at the airport.
Bud asked, “Since its an hour and a half until your plane leaves, what are you guys going to do?”
Harriet nudged him in the ribs.
“Well, actually, “ Harm began, “I talked to the admiral, and told him that since we ended up working, we hadn’t had a chance to see all the sights, so we’re staying over an extra night.”
Harriet beamed.
Bud stammered, “But sir, the house is all closed up, where will you stay?”
“We’ll get a hotel, Bud.”
Mac was surprised by all this. After their friends’ plane left, she looked up at him and accused, “You never even asked me about this. What if I have other plans?”
“Then they’ll wait. You’re right, I should have asked you. But I plan to spend the next 24 hours proving to you how much I love you.”
She gazed deeply into his eyes, then realizing that she had never said it, confessed, “I love you, Harm.”
THE END