Title: JAG Case
Files #118
Rated: PG-13
Classification: JAG Story/Adventure/Romance: Harm/Mac
Spoiler: Dialogue from Trinity and JAG-A-THON
Summary: A missing person report at Roosevelt
Road Navy Base, Puerto Rico turns out to be more than the JAG team anticipated.
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 November 25, 2001
MONDAY
1300 LOCAL
JAG
HQ
“Sir
why would JAG be brought in on a missing persons report?” Harm asked. “Can’t
NCIS handle that?”
“They
were until foul play began to be suspected.” Admiral Chedwiggen – Judge
Advocate General replied.
“Sir. According to the report - Commander Hubert
and her husband had an argument he stormed out, when he returned, she was gone
and clothes missing. Where in there is
the foul play?” Mac concurred with her
partner.
AJ
handed her a file. “The latest.” As she
scanned it, he continued. “It is insisted by all including the husband Colonel
Hubert, that Commander Hubert was too good of a mother to abandon her children
and run off with some lover. But more
scientific than that… this morning her clothes were found abandoned. This one is ours on all fronts… Marine and
Navy living on Navy property, Marine married to Navy and suspected foul play on
Navy property. NCIS has agreed to hand
over to us. Happily I may add, as their workload is heavy enough. I want to know what happened, so go find
out.”
“Yes
sir.” The team replied.
“You
leave for PR in four hours. Dismissed.”
“Aye
sir!”
===============================================
LATER
EN
ROUTE TO PUERTO RICO
Harm
closed the file. “Can you imagine it? A
Marine Colonel married to a Navy Commander, and with kids too! Life must be hell for someone.”
Mac
paused before she answered. “That
sounded like the first shot in an upcoming war.”
Harm
looked confused, so she explained “Harm, we don't always pick the people we end
up with. It just sort of happens.”
“You
know, Mac, I never had you pegged for such a romantic.”
“How
else am I going to get the good man on my list?” she turned away and settled
into the seat to get some sleep.
As
she closed her eyes Harm studied her and wondered what it really would be like
for a Marine Colonel to be married to a Navy Commander. For this Marine Colonel
to be married to this Navy Commander.
“Harm
your staring.” She said and hadn’t even opened her eyes.
He
blushed and said “Sorry.”
===============================================
TUESDAY
– 0800 LOCAL
ROOSEVELT
ROAD NAVY BASE, PUERTO RICO
“Commander
Harmon Rabb and Lt. Colonel Sarah MacKenzie reporting sir!” Harm and Mac reported
to the Commanding Officer of the Base; Colonel Porter Hubert.
“At
ease. Tell me Commander what is your plan of action regarding this
investigation?” The Colonel asked.
“The
usual Sir to track down the truth no matter where it leads.” Harm responded.
“I
see you will have a unique perspective on the situation.” He looked at Mac.
“Sir?”
Harm played dumb.
“You
and your partner are the reverse of my wife and I.” Hubert explained. “Hope you
keep him in check Colonel.” He smiled.
“Oh
I do sir.” She smiled back.
Hubert
got back to business. “Track down this … this person people and bring my wife
back to me. The personnel on this Base
have been given orders to cooperate. Dismissed.”
“Aye
sir!” They snapped to and left.
===============================================
TUESDAY
– 1100 LOCAL
NCIS
OFFICE
ROOSEVELT
ROAD NAVY BASE, PUERTO RICO
Harm
and Mac were shown into the office of NCIA Agent Gabriella Lopez y Hernandez.
“Agent
Hernandez, I am Commander Harmon Rabb and my partner Lt. Colonel Sarah
MacKenzie we’re from JAG here to relieve you of the Hubert case.”
“Welcome.
Call be Gabby less of a mouthful. Have seat.” She offered. “I assumed that you
have been briefed on the case.”
“Yes…
we were informed that the victim’s clothes were found?” Mac sort confirmation.
“Yes
near Río Camuy that’s about an hour and a half from San Juan. It’s a popular tourist spot known for its
caves. Commander Hubert’s clothes were
found near the river.”
“May
we see the place?” Harm asked.
“Of
course.”
“Are
you operating on the assumption that if the clothes were found there that a
body may not be too far away?”
“Seemed
like a good theory.” The agent confirmed.
“Now
that the profile of the case has changed.
Who is the prime suspect.” Mac
asked.
“The
husband.” Came the instant reply.
Before
Mac came to the instant defense of the Marine Colonel Harm stepped in. “Why?”
“The
file indicates that the couple had an argument. True. That emerged as part of the missing persons investigation.
You will soon find a particular pattern to indicate that there may be more to
this than meets the eye.” She slapped her desk. “SO! Shall we go see the
site? We have done nothing there
pending your arrival and assumption of the case.”
They
stood.
“By
the way. Do you require a translator?” she asked.
Harm
looked to Mac for guidance. “Gracias no.”
Mac replied.
Gabby
flashed a smile at her “Ah! Tú hablas español!” The two women walked away chatting leaving Harm to wonder at just
how many languages Mac knew. Having
been in Panama with her he knew that Mac spoke Spanish but it still amazed him
the ease with which she shifted from English to non-English communication.
===============================================
TUESDAY
– 1600 LOCAL
RÍO
CAMUY
At
about fifty feet from the entrance to the caves Gabby stopped her vehicle and
the three got out. “The duffle bag was
found over there.” Gabby pointed into the bushes. “As if thrown out.”
She
watched as Mac and Harm walked the site.
A suspicion grew.
Mac
had moved forward stopped, stopped and was staring into nothing as her brain
began to work on the problem of the Naval Commander’s disappearance. Harm stooped and faced her profile. Yep he
thought the woman is a beauty from any angle.
He was close enough for her to feel him breath.
“Mac”
he said softly.
“Mmm”
Absently as she focused on the case.
“My
gut tells me that the body if there is one … will not be far from here.” He
imparted his thoughts.
She
turned to face his and their eyes locked. “I agree.” Her eyes held his. “My guess is that it may be found in the cave.”
“Only
one problem.” He breathed. “This is a
very public place. The logistics of
this had to be well timed.”
Unconsciously
she licked her lips. Without realizing it he mirrored the move. “I agree but I
still recommend a search of the caves.”
“We
should go.” He said, he stood and offered his hand, which she took it and
stood. They returned to the
vehicle. “We need to see the caves.”
Mac said.
“Sure.”
Gabby said and looked from one to another but offered no comment. The suspicion
grew.
They
arrived at the The Río Camuy, which ran underground for part of its course. As
the third largest subterranean river in the world it boasted a number of
stalactites, stalagmites and, of course, plenty of bats. Harm was not happy with this crime scene. As
a pilot he enjoyed open skies not dark holes.
Was
communication necessary? But Mac said it any way. “We need a search and a
forensic pathologist.”
“I
know only one.” Harm replied.
“Then
that’s the one.” Mac said.
They
returned to the Base.
===============================================
THRUSDAY
– 1600 LOCAL
BOQ
- ROOSEVELT ROAD NAVY BASE
Lt.
Commander Teresa Coulter had flown in and was supervising the search of the
caves but there were many and the longer it took to locate a body the colder
the case became. In the mean time Harm
and Mac had been conducting interviews and were now seated on the lawn about to
review notes.
“This
feels like when I was studying at College.” Mac said. “Every now and then
during great weather … the weather had to be great … I’d sit under some tree
with my notes and watch the world go bye.”
“Sounds
relaxing.”
“It
was.” She got serious “What have we got?”
“An
apparent pattern of argument and violence.” He manfully flipped the file as Mac
leaned against the tree unaware of his fight to focus. “I had Bud interview her
family Stateside and her mother insists that the husband did it.”
“I
have a statement from her partner saying that he was there one night when the
Colonel pulled a gun on her.” She opened her eyes and looked at directly at
him. “What kind of marriage is this?”
“One
I hope I never have.” He said.
She
internalized, “All I ever wanted was a good, man a great career and lots of ….
“
“…
comfortable shoes.” They finished together.
She
smiled, “You know me so well.”
“I
do.” He said gently.
“You know I don't know why we couldn't work things out with
us Harm.” She said.
“My fault. Australia, Admiral’s Balcony, USS Guadalcanal...
my fault.” He really regretted his
inactions.
“That sound like regret flyboy.” She teased.
“Sounds like what it is.” He stared at her still leaning on
the tree. “You are a beautiful woman
Mac.”
She waited “What not buts in there?”
“No. Just fact.”
That shocked her into silence. She just stared at him then
her eyes narrowed with suspicion. “OK what are you up to. Why are you being
nice to me?”
“Cause.” He shrugged.
“Cause! Cause! Harm since when has cause been an answer to
anything.” Mac admonished.
“Why do you think!” the best defense was always an offence.
“Where you are concerned I no longer think.” She replied. “So if you have something to say... say
it. But I know you as well as you know
me and I don’t think you will ever say it. So stop spoiling my stay on this
beautiful Caribbean isle. ”
“Mac you are investigating a possible murder. How can I
spoil it with a declaration of my feelings for you?” He pointed out.
“And what feelings may that be Commander?” she challenged
but didn’t hold her breath.
“This…” he leaned over to kiss her. Their eyes locked his lips quivered and she
licked hers in anticipation.
“Ah there you are!” A voice interrupted.
“Damn it!” Mac heard Harm curse.
“Sorry did I disturb?” Gabby asked, her suspicion no longer
in doubt. Although she had missed the
near kiss the sexual tension between these two was tangible. “I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d
drop by and see how the case was going.”
“The whole Base is your neighborhood.” Harm grumbled.
“We are awaiting the report form the pathologist.” Mac
explained.
“The search continues?”
“Yes but not for long.
We’ll probably give it one more day.” Mac assumed.
“Before you do… we had a man come into the office
today. He’d been off island and only
returned yesterday and heard the news.
Seems he had to catch an early flight two weeks ago and as he drove down
Route 129 and approached the entrance to the Río Camuy complex he saw a man
with a wood chipper, entering the area.”
“How early.” Mac asked.
“0220” Gabby replied.
“A chipper?” Harm asked.
“That’s what the man said. Here’s his card. Talk with him.” Gabby passed a business card
over. Then stood. “Well I’ll be on my
way. See ya round.”
“Thanks Gabby.” Mac
called.
“De nada.” She waived.
Mac stood to leave. “Mac.” Harm wanted to talk.
“Lost moment flyboy. Let’s go chat with…” She looked at the
card. “Enrique Velasquez.”
===============================================
FRIDAY
– 0700 LOCAL
MESS
HALL
Commander
Coulter joined Harm and Mac for breakfast. “Teresa any luck?” Harm asked.
“So
far none Harm. If we find nothing today
then this will have to be my last day.”
Her pager went off. “Excuse me.”
She left to find a phone.
As
they finished up Coulter returned “They found the wood chipper.”
===============================================
MONDAY
1021 LOCAL
JAG
HQ
Mac
was reporting to Admiral Chedwiggen.
“With the discovery of the wood chipper the case unraveled like a old
woolen sweater. Based on the discovery of
the wood chipper Commander Teresa Coulter extended her search by one day. “
“That
is when the body was found?” AJ interrupted.
“Eh
no sir.” Harm replied.
“No!
How can you charge the Commanding Officer of the Base with murder and have no
body!” He thundered.
“Well
sir Commander Coulter found two teeth, a left thumb, some strands of hair and
some bone chippings.” Mac listed.
“Say
again? No don’t” AJ changed his mind.
“What the hell happened out there Colonel?”
“Sir
we believe that Colonel Hubert killed his wife at home placed her in the
freezer of their house, then at a certain point took her and the tree chipper to
the caves where he ran the body through the chipper.” With each detail she gave
AJ’s face registered deeper disgust.
“The
evidence supports the theory sir. He rented the tree chipper. The thumb is that
of Commander Hubert, the freezer in their garage has blood typed to her despite
his attempts to clean it out and the chipper too has her blood and traces of
flesh.”
“Enough!”
AJ bellowed. They both paused. AJ felt
sick. “Sir you don’t look too well.”
Mac ventured. He gave her a daggered
look. “Alright people I assumed that
you have charged him with Article 118 murder.”
He said.
“To
begin with sir.”
“Good
work people. Keep me informed. Dismissed.”
“Aye
sir!”
===============================================
MONDAY
1101 LOCAL
JAG
BULLPEN
“Mac
before you get down to that pile of paper I see on your desk mind stepping into
my office?” Harm asked.
“Sure
flyboy... lead on” She was in a good mood.
He
held the door open as she stepped through.
In one flowing motion he closed the door, swung her round and kissed
her. The kiss faltered as she was not
expecting such a display from him and second she was just plain surprised. But the Marines had trained Mac thoroughly
and she rose to the challenge. She
reached up to bring him closer, closed her eyes and depended the kiss.
When
the kiss broke Harm buried his face in her shoulder and hugged her. “I am told that action speaks louder that
words. Did I say enough?”
She
leaned back to look at him but couldn’t.
“Look at me.” She ordered and he complied.
“The
duel.” She said as she stood still in his embrace. She was going to reek of his cologne and he of her perfume.
“For
you.”
“Sweet
Jesus.” She breathed in dismay.
“You
know me better than anyone I know. Give me a chance I’ll to where you need me
to be.” Harm asked.
“Harm.”
She breathed “You just branded me with a kiss and you are still clinging to
me. Not that I object.” She said
hastily “I think if you continue with messages like these we can work something
out.”
He
gave her his best flyboy grin.
THE END
===============================================
USMJ Article 118.
MURDER
Any
person subject to this chapter whom without justification or excuse, unlawfully
kills a human being, when he- -
(1)
has a premeditated design to kill;
(2)
intends to kill or inflict great bodily harm;
(3)
is engaged in an act which is inherently dangerous to others and evinces a
wanton disregard of human life; or
(4)
is engaged in the perpetration or attempted perpetration of burglary, sodomy,
rape, robbery, or aggravated arson;
is
guilty of murder, and shall suffer such punishment as a court-martial may
direct, except that if found guilty under clause (1) or (4), he shall suffer
death or imprisonment for life as a court-martial may direct.