Author:
Rising Sun
Author E-mail: jagrslc@yahoo.com
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at URL: http://www.geocities.com/jagrslc
Rated: PG-13
Classification: JAG
Story/Adventure
Summary:
Porter Webb becomes Henry Higgins to Mac’s Eliza Dolittle.
Disclaimer: JAG
characters portrayed belong to JAG, CBS and Paramount Television. No copyright
infringement intended. All other
characters depicted are purely fictional and any similarities to actual people
are purely coincidental.
Feedback: Would be
nice.
Story Written
December 2001
1300 LOCAL
OFFICE OF THE JAG
“Let me see if I
understand this correctly.” Colonel
Mackenzie said. She sat facing CIA
Agent Clayton Webb. “You want me to
pose as some rich…” she searched for an appropriate word to use in the presence
of Admiral AJ Chedwiggen.
“Bitch?” AJ
suggested.
“Thank you sir.”
She was grateful he had slipped in. “… to catch an arms dealer?”
“Got it in one.”
Webb confirmed.
“Permission to
speak freely sir.” The Colonel asked the Admiral.
“By all means.” He
granted the request.
She face Webb
again. “Why me? Are there not CIA Agents available for this?”
“Yes.” He conceded.
AJ spoke before
Mac. “Webb! What the hell are you doing
in my office?!”
Mac added, “Not to
mention why are you not using CIA people but you want JAG folk!”
“We had an
operative but she was killed. We need you Mac.”
“Why!” She demanded
“So far you are only giving reasons for me to say no.”
Webb passed her a
file as she read parts she couldn’t believe saw. “Webb there is no time. This character you have created is a real
sophisticate…”
“But you fit the
physical profile, multilingual and trained to kill.” He pleaded.
“I repeat why me?”
Webb was finally
faced with playing his ace. “You are
investigating a double murder at the moment.
The murder weapon was supplied by Justin Saint Claire.”
“Your arms dealer
supplied the murder weapon in my case.” She said coldly. Her eyes narrowed into slits while AJ
swelled to twice his size. “Webb you just want a stalking horse and you are
picking Mac to be it.” He took a
calming breath. “Mac?”
“I want it sir.”
Her CO paused. “What is your plan Webb?”
“Our agent was
killed because Saint Claire suspected she was a plant and back up was not close
enough. This time I am going in as her assistant. I’m also having Rabb assigned
to me from Bobbie Latham’s office to be the second aid to Mac. This way Mac can deal with her two trusty
aids in tow.”
“How did you
explain the agent?” Mac asked.
“Communication is
by e-mail so we said we … meaning you… had to be cautions so apologies but you
will show up in person next time.” Webb answered.
“And next time is
when?” AJ asked.
“According to the
file in three weeks.” Mac supplied the info.
“Uh huh.” Was all
AJ’s response.
“Mac will need to
be relieved of all cases and be assigned to me so as to brief her completely.”
Webb was pushing it.
“Go get the SOB,
Mac… dismissed.” AJ said.
“Aye sir.” She left
the two men.
“Webb.”
“Yes.”
“You take care of
her.” He growled.
Webb gulped. The
last time AJ Chedwidggen has said that to him Mac had dodged him and gone to
Chechnya in a taxi.
==========================================
WEEK ONE
1300 LOCAL
ALEXANDRIA,
VIRGINIA - WEBB RESIDENCE
At first Mac
thought that Webb had been toying with her but he was deadly serious when he
had told her to report to his mother.
So here she was. She rang the
doorbell and the butler opened.
“Ah welcome Colonel
Mackenzie.” He said in a cultured voice.
“Mrs. Webb is expecting you.
Leave your luggage here it will be taken care of. Follow me.”
Mac did as she was
told on all points.
She was led into a
beautiful room filled with sunlight.
Tastefully done, simple and it screamed “MONEY!” at her. She did know
what to do. Webb was waiting and
introduced the two women.
“Mother. I’d like
you to meet Lieutenant Colonel Sarah Mackenzie…. Mac my mother Mrs. Porter
Webb.” The two exchanged pleasantries.
“Mother is a former
operative and knows what you need for this mission.” He said.
“And what is that?”
Mac asked.
“To ooze money.”
Porter replied. “You need for someone to look at you and without asking know
that you are filthy rich. You need to regard money as a tool. The way you
regard your gun. Right now you are not
comfortable in this room, house or setting. When I am done with you I expect
you to be able not only be at home here but to show me the faults here too.”
“In three weeks!”
Mac was aghast. “Why all this for one
encounter?”
“The last operative
lost her life because Justin Saint Claire knew she was not money.” Webb
explained. “The rich not only talk
different but move different view life different. Saint Claire is of that world and thinks that his contact is too.
Now that you are in do it right Mac. Your life depends on it.”
“We are already
half way there. You are multi-lingual.”
Porter said.
“I am” Mac
confirmed.
“Good. Next week we
take a European tour and before you say that you know the place. I shall show you the place from a new
angle.” Mrs. Webb the tutor said. “It
will also fine tune what we do here this week and act as a test.”
Mac took a deep
breath and gave it her all. “I am in your hands. Call me Mac.”
“Heavens that will
not do. I shall call you Sarah and you can call me Porter.” The woman smiled,
“Clayton leave us.”
Webb leaned over
kissed his mother, tapped Mac on the shoulder and left.
==========================================
WEEK ONE
WEBB RESIDENCE
Porter had shown
her to her room and got down to business. “So Sarah do you ride?”
“Proficiently.” Mac
had replied. She had to get used to
this Sarah business.
“Side saddle?” The
older woman inquired.
“Not needed in the
Military ma’am”
“I suppose not and
it’s Porter.” She corrected.
“Of course.” Mac
smiled her apology.
And thus had begun
week one. A week of lessons in walking,
talking, eating, and riding supplemented by visits to museums, theatre, opera
and shopping.
+ + +
“Today we go
shopping.” Porter announced.
“What’s this?” Mac
asked as Porter handed her a titanium credit card. “And don’t tell me a credit card Porter.”
“Well that is what
it is. You are a quick student Sarah but now we need to work on your attitude and
your relationship to money. And that…”
She pointed to the card “… is the means to that end.”
Mac looked at the
card as if it was about to burn her.
Porter caught the
look. “And the intimidation you feel for that card is what we have to over
come. I suspect what I am about to say
next will not make it easier. There is
no limit on that card.”
“You mean that I
can do what I will but the limit will not be met.” Mac struggled with the
concept.
“No.” Porter
corrected. “I mean there is no limit to the card.”
“You are right I am
intimidated me a Marine Colonel at that.” She gave a nervous laugh.
“Have no fear I am
here to cure you of that.”
“Do I dare ask
where this limit less cash is coming from?” Mac asked.
“I will tell you
one day but not today. How’s that for an answer?” Porter replied.
“Irritating but
fair.” Mac smiled “Shall we?”
“By all means.”
Porter called for the Rolls.
==========================================
WEEK TWO - TRAVEL
Mac didn’t think
that she and money would ever be friends but by week two they were getting
there fast. It was indeed an attitude adjustment and with Porter’s help a new
Sarah Mackenzie was emerging.
First stop
Montecito - The Webbs had a residence in Montecito and that was the first stop
on the tour of Mac’s enlightenment.
Montecito is considered Southern California's answer to East Hampton and
is a mixture of rich townies that treasured the Oceanside commune's tempo
verses the new money in the form of the Hollywood types. It was a skill navigating the two sides of
the street Mac felt safer in Bosnia.
With Porter Webb’s guidance she navigated the waters and emerged a hit
in the town. They were on their way!
Second stop London
- The last time Mac was in London she haad used the train to get her from
Heathrow to the city. This time there was no such hustle or hassle. The driver handled the numerous bags and
they headed for the Webb Residence in Knightsbridge, London via stretch
limousine.
They were in the
old country now and the lessons in talking, and eating, were continued and
enhanced by visits to the multitude of museums, theatres, and operas that made
up the London scene. Porter even
managed to get them to the Royal Premiere of the latest Bond Film. Mac managed not to embarrass herself or
Porter when Prince William stopped to chat with her. She was certainly getting
the hang of this.
The shopping
continued.
They didn’t stay
long in London, as there was still Paris, Munich and Rome to visit with a week
and a half to go.
Third stop Munich:
There they stayed in the exclusive area (where else!) of Nymphenburg. It was
really a group of châteaus and a large park, Munich, Bavaria. There was a main
building of the Nymphenburg château (built 1664–1728), which belonged to the
dukes (later the kings) of Bavaria. The
schedule here was no different. Wine
and dine, meet and greet then shop!
“The best education
is travel.” Porter had said and she was right Mac thought, especially if in the
company of someone like Porter Webb.
Mac’s last visit to
Italy had not got her to Rome and even if it had she certainly had no time to
see the works of Michelangelo, Bernini etal.
==========================================
WEEK THREE
EN ROUTE TO
HEATHROW
Mac boarded the
flight from Michelangelo International to Heathrow and settled in first class
with Porter Webb at her side. It had
been a whirlwind three weeks. Porter had become Henry Higgins to her Eliza
Dolittle.
As Porter slept Mac
reflected on the past three weeks. She
had been exposed to a world she knew had existed but never believed she’d
glimpse. Now here she was cultured, expensive, knowledgeable and licensed to
kill. This mission so far had been
interesting if nothing else. The
steward walked up to her and asked “Gradite una bevanda?” [Would you like a
drink?]
“Sì vogliate un
vino bianco.” [Yes please a white wine.] Mac replied.
The humdinger had
been the source of money. Clayton had
provided her with a credit card that spent the confiscated money of drug
Barons. No wonder there was no limit… how could there be? Somehow as a lawyer
it smelt of money laundering… but if Uncle Sam said spend who was she not to?
The wine arrived.
==========================================
WEEK THREE
1513 LOCAL - JAG HQ
Tiner never heard
when the woman walked in. “Yes ma’am may I help you?” She was a stunner and
looked familiar. He couldn’t tell for
she was wearing a scarf and wide brimmed hat that covered most of her face and
she had kept her sunglasses on. The Petty Officer smelt money.”
“Clayton Webb is
expecting me.” She said in a husky cultured voice.
“This way ma’am.”
He led her in.
Webb was already
seated. He jumped to his feet when the woman walked in. AJ did the same. “Dismissed Timer” He said as the PO hovered.
She smiled to herself.
Webb held the chair
as she sat. “Mother may have molded you
but that sense of timing will never leave you. On time as always Mac.”
Webb had warned him
of the transformation in the Colonel but he still was not ready for this. She removed the hat, scarf and sunglasses
and grinned at her CO. Her hair was
longer than he had ever seen it she had been due for a hair cut but it
obviously hadn’t manifested. She had always been a confident woman but now…
now! And the sex appeal that the
uniform had tried to keep in check was now oozing from every pour.
“No one recognized
you?” He asked.
“Not a soul.”
“Jesus Mac I hardly
recognize you even with the hat removed.” He confessed. “Your husband see you
yet?”
“No sir I came here
straight from Dulles.” She reported. “We all go down to Miami tomorrow. Clayton
I am assuming that the meeting is still scheduled.”
“It is.” Webb
confirmed. He noted that the Webb had
been substituted for Clayton. Damn! His
mother was good! “Well this was the last test. I’m off.”
“You may go to
Mac.” AJ dismissed her.
“Aye sir.” For a
moment the old Mac flashed.
Webb offered her
his arm, she replace the headgear took he arm and walked out. AJ remained stunned.
==========================================
1318 LOCAL
MIAMI BEACH
All players were in
character from the moment they left the Rabb Residence. No one knew if they were being watched so
they erred on the side of caution. At Miami Beach the stretch limousine pulled
up outside the mansion. Mac raised her
head from the magazine she had been scanning.
“Isn’t this the
Visache residence?” Harm asked Webb.
“It is.” Webb
replied.
Mac said nothing
but remained seated watching the two men.
Harm and Webb finally got out with Webb moving to open the gate while
Harm offered his hand to Mac. She took it and stepped out giving her husband a
full bird’s eye look at her long legs.
The chauffer a CIS
agent took care of the luggage.
Miami Beach was
used to the comings and goings of all kinds and usually ignored the folk. This day the bustle paused. Mac remained the center of focus for the
masses as Webb purposefully fiddled with the key. “Sorry ma’am having a
problem.”
She ignored
him. Harm remained by her side in
bodyguard mode. Finally the lock
clicked. On hearing it she turned and swept through the threshold.
Webb turned to the
crowd “OK show over!” he turned and followed the group in locking the gate
behind him.
One man moved away
to make a phone call. “Yeah she’s here. Classy and dammed good looking too.” He
reported.
As Webb entered the
main room the phone rang. “Yes!” Webb
said into the instrument, the turned.
“A man named Saint Clair for you ma’am”
Mac was seated and
indicated for him to bring her the phone to her. He did. “Hello?”
Harm and Webb
listened to Mac as she played with Saint Clair. “Unfortunately Justin...” They
were already on a first name basis. “… I go nowhere without my assistants.” She
chuckled “For all you know their duties extend there too.” She scanned Harm as
she spoke. They all knew where the conversation had moved to.
“So Justin do we
have a date?” She cooed. “Good… By all means.” She hung up.
“Is my lady steward
here yet?” Mac inquired, “I have an engagement at seven o’clock tonight.”
“She’s here.” Webb
assured her. The woman was also an operative.
“Good.” She walked
out onto the grounds Harm and Webb followed.
She stopped under a tree and Webb pulled out a pen, which hid a jamming
device. He nodded to her.
“OK the game is
on. Saint Claire will be meeting me
tonight at eight. I assume it’s to ensure that he is dealing with the real
McCoy.” Mac said.
“So far we are
fine. Last time we had to go to London. This time he came here.” Webb informed
them.
“Do you have enough
to grab him?” Harm asked.
“Yes but not to
keep him.” Webb replied. “We need to
catch him with the weapons.” He said, “You ok Mac?”
“Uh huh.” She
replied. “If there is nothing else I am off for a rest before the night’s
festivities.”
==========================================
1926 LOCAL
PRIVATE ISLAND OFF
MIAMI BEACH
Harm and Webb
played the body guard role to its fullest. Harm in particular had a vested
interest in the outcome. His wife was involved.
Mac had thanked
Porter Webb for sharing her world with her and training her. As she faced Saint Clair she thanked her all
over again.
Justin Saint Clair
was a charmer and Mac matched him pace for pace. They discussed world events, arts, sports, global business,
travel and philosophy among many other topics. He kept switching languages on
her… but she kept up. It was easy to
see how the first operative had been caught. The profile on the character they
had to play called for a level of sophistication not to be believed. Damn Webb! But to be fair to catch this man
a person had to be his equal … and that was not easy.
Three weeks of
training had come down to this night and all their lives depended on how well
she carried off the charade.
“Shall we dance?”
he stood and offered his hand.
Mac took it and walked
into his arms. Harm put his poker face
on and reminded himself that this was a mission and Mac’s life depended on his
keeping his emotions under control.
“You are an amazing
woman Cassandra.” Justin said. Cassandra was the name Webb had used for the
fictitious character that she now was giving life.
“Thank you Justin.
It is not often that I encounter a man as yourself. Knowledgeable, charming and deadly.” She lied. That description
fit Harm to a tee.
“You find that
attractive?” He glided her across the floor to the Johnny Mathis being played.
“Particularly the
deadly part.” She dropped her voice an octave.
He sighed “Which
brings us to business.”
“So soon?” She
pouted.
“I know my dear,
however if we get the business out of the way now then we have all the time in
the world for the pleasure.” They locked eyes and he bent his head and kissed
her. She kissed him back all the while feeling Harm’s eyes on her.
She was wrong. Harm
recognized what was about to happen and had a coughing fit. As a matter of
courtesy he turned his back to finish the fit. By the time he turned back the
kiss was over. There were some things a
man didn’t need to see even if he knew.
Justin raised his
head. “I repeat you are an amazing woman Cassandra.” He snapped his fingers and
two men appeared. She in turn beckoned
to her assistants. The six stood as one
group and Saint Clair gave instructions. “We have got the business of the
matter that Cassandra came for to attend to.” He kept his arm protectively
round Mac’s waist. “You all will follow.”
“Not happening.”
Harm said. “She travels with us.”
Saint Clair looked
to Mac to contradict. She didn’t, “I told you Justin they go EVERY where with
me.” He looked at her. “There too.” She
confirmed. She touched his cheek. “Patience my dear. Business first pleasure later.” She disentangled herself.
“Get the car.” She
instructed Webb. To Saint Clair she said, “You lead I follow.” She winked at
him then walked out with Harm in tow.
==========================================
2318 LOCAL
PRIVATE WAREHOUSE
The six entered the
warehouse. Webb did a quick walk around the facility to ensure that they were
alone. They were.
“Your men are
dedicated to their work.” Saint Clair observed “Or maybe not.” He ran his eyes
over the figure-hugging outfit that Mac had on, the slit in the dress allowing
a glimpse of well-defined legs as she walked.
She returned the
look then said “The weapons?”
“This way.” They
moved to a set of crates. One of Saint
Clair’s men opened one. Harm stepped forward and handed the weapon to Mac. She
cranked it “Good balance.” She
observed.
“Check the rest.”
She instructed Harm and Webb.
Twenty minutes
later. “They check out.” Webb reported.
Still handling the
weapon she said, “Pay the man.”
“Yes ma’am.” Webb
went to collect the money Harm took his place at her side. The end was coming and who knew how it would
go down.
Webb was at the
back of the limo removing the case of money when all hell broke loose.
“Freeze! No body
move! FBI!”
“Shit!” Harm said.
“You double crossed
me!” Saint Clair accused.
“Collect yourself
Justin. I’m about to be arrested just like you.” She replied. That gave him pause, by that time the five
were surrounded and indeed arrested.
==========================================
0118 LOCAL
MIAMI POLICE
STATION
Mac and Saint Clair
were in one room with the “hence men” in another. The door opened and an Officer called for Mac to follow him.
“Where are you
taking her!” Saint Clair demanded.
“Don’t worry you’ll
follow soon enough.” The Officer assured him.
Mac was shown to
another room where Harm was already seated.
They maintained the charade.
At last Webb walked
in. “I finally got this mess worked out. You are free to leave.”
Harm leaped forward
at the CIA Agent and pinned him to the wall. “You telling me that the CIA
didn’t tell the FBI that there was an operation going on!?”
“Harm! Let him go!
Harm!” Mac ordered, “Kill him and you’ll really have to stay here.”
Harm abruptly let
him go. “Now what.”
Webb adjusted his
clothes and smiled “We did it! Mac you were great! Despite the mess up at the
end we got Saint Clair!”
“Oh good.” Mac
said. “Then take me home. Playing other people makes me tired.” She walked
out. The men looked and each other “You
heard the lady.” Harm said.
THE END