Cherry Point, the Sequel

 

 

Author: Ava E-mail: mmmThatAJ@yahoo.com Rating:  PG-13 Disclaimer: JAG and all its characters belong to Belisarius Productions, Paramount, CBS, Viacom, and probably endless others. Summary: A sequel to my earlier story, Cherry Point.  More attacks at the Point; so Gunny & Mac head back down there to resolve the situation. Author's comments:  Characters' speaking parts are in double quotes ("text"); characters' thoughts are in single quotes ('text').

 

 

Tuesday, 21 August 2001
0930 EDT
JAG Headquarters 
Falls Church, Virginia

"JAG Ops.  Gunnery Sergeant Galindez," Gunny spoke into the phone.

"Vic!  How ya' doin', buddy?" came a voice over the line.

"Pete!  Good to hear from you.  How are things at the Point since I left?" Gunny asked his old friend.

"Pretty quiet.  It's nice not to have to worry about the women anymore.  Scuttlebutt has it that you're the one who collared him at the Sheraton.  Way to go, Vic!   He didn't hurt Lisa, did he? Someone said he grabbed her…"

"No, Lisa's fine.  She wasn't hurt at all.  Thank God."  Gunny looked around, hoping no one was listening to his conversation.  No one here knew about Lisa, or rather that Colonel MacKenzie played the part of Lisa, his girlfriend.  He saw the Colonel standing in Commander Rabb's office; they looked like they were in a heated discussion about a case.  'What else is new?'

"That's good.  And you're still seeing her, right?  God, she's gorgeous!  Hey, did you get those beach pictures I sent?  Bet you were surprised, huh?  Can't quite figure how a guy as ugly as you rates a girl like her..." he said laughing.

"Hey!  Watch it!  She's not a girl, she's a woman...a real woman." Gunny declared adamantly, but not actually answering his question.

"You oughta know, Victor!" Pete laughed.

"Pete, I'd like to talk, but I really have to get back to work.  Was there something you needed?"

"Yea, Vic, I'm calling to invite you and Lisa down for a BBQ Labor Day weekend.  It's a big deal here at the Point, and all the guys in your training groups told me to be sure I called to invite you back.  As a matter of fact, I heard that General Billington is trying to get you transferred here.  Seems he thinks you're a pretty good instructor."

"I am," Gunny said confidently.  "But I have no desire to do it, again, full time.  I like where I am, Pete.  I'm hoping to stay here for a good long while."

"Well, if the General has his way, and he usually does, you'll be back!  So, what about the BBQ?  Can you two come?"

"Which day is it, Pete?" Gunny asked hesitantly.

"The BBQ is actually on Saturday at noon on base.  But the party goes on all weekend at the beach.  It's kind of a 'drop in when you're not on duty' sort of thing.  What do you say?"

"I'll have to get back with you.  I'm not sure who's on duty here Labor Day weekend.  And I doubt that Lisa could; I'd have to 'batch' it."

"Ah, man!  Why not?  She looks great in a bikini!"

"You got that right.  She's got one with these yellow polka dots and..." Gunny stopped short when he looked up to see Colonel MacKenzie standing in front of his desk.  He jumped out of his chair and said, "Colonel!  Ma'am!" holding the phone away from his ear, praying that she hadn't heard his conversation.

"Gunny?" Mac started.  "Do you have the Albertson file I asked for?"

"No, Ma'am; it hasn't been sent up from Records yet, Ma'am," Gunny replied.

"Bring it in to me as soon as it's here, Gunny."

"Aye, Ma'am."  

Mac looked at Gunny for another few seconds before finally turning away and walking back to her office with the tiniest grin on her face.  'I wonder what we just got invited to for Labor Day?' she mused.

"Sorry, Pete.  I've really got to go.  That was one of the JAG lawyers," Gunny said as he took his seat, again.

"Sounded like Lisa's voice," answered Pete.

"Yea, the Colonel does sound a lot like Lisa, actually," agreed Gunny.  "I'll let you know about the weekend.  I think I remember hearing someone say we were having a picnic or something here at JAG.  I'll have to find out and get back with you."

"Okay, Vic.  And tell Lisa to bring the polka dot bikini when you come...and you'd better come!  She's a knockout in that suit!  Later, guy!" and the line was disconnected.

'How does he know that,' Gunny wondered.  'Wait a minute.  What pictures?'

Gunny had really enjoyed being with his old friends at the Point in July.  It was just a shame he'd had to lie to them about why he was there...and about the Colonel.  He knew they'd understand, but even after the Colonel caught Private Cole, he was still instructed not to divulge any information about the assignment, or about her.  So all his friends there, old and new, still believed that the Colonel was his girlfriend...Lisa.

'Don't think I'd make a good spy,' thought Gunny.  'Don't like all the deception.  Of course, the perks were great!' he thought as he remembered making love to the Colonel in the hotel room.  'God, is she good!'

"Gunny, here's that report you asked for," Lieutenant Harriett Sims said as she handed a folder to Gunny.  

"Lieutenant!  I could have gone..." Gunny started.

"Not a problem, Gunny.  I was already in the Records Room when they pulled the file and were ready to call you.  I just offered to bring it back up with me."

"Thank you, Ma'am.  I appreciate that, " Gunny said as Harriett walked back to her desk.  'She has to be the nicest person I've ever met.  And nothing is below her; if it needs doing, she does it, no questions asked...even when it's not her job.  She's amazing; sure makes a guy wonder how she ended up with the likes of him,' Gunny thought as he saw Lieutenant Bud Roberts hustling through the bullpen.  Not that Gunny didn't like Bud.  He was a great guy.  Just a little...well, klutzy most of the time.

Gunny rose from his desk and walked over to Mac's office.  He knocked on the doorframe and waited for her to look up.

"Yes, Gunny?" 

"I have the Albertson file, Ma'am.  Lieutenant Sims was downstairs and she brought it back up with her just now."

'That's one thing about Gunny, he always gives credit where credit is due.  He is one fine Marine,' Mac thought proudly.  "Come in, Gunny.  Close the door," she said.

As Gunny closed the door, he noticed Commander Rabb watching him.  'Well, it isn't very often you close the door when you're in here, you know,' he reasoned.  "Yes, Ma'am," he said.

Gunny handed her the file.  As Mac took it, their hands touched lightly.  Rather than jerking away, both of them looked up in to the other's eyes.  Gunny slowly removed his hand and averted his gaze.  "Will that be all, Ma'am?"

"No, Gunny, it won't.  Have a seat," she ordered.  "So tell me, what's going on over Labor Day weekend that 'Lisa' can't do?  Something to do with the beach or a pool, obviously," she said with an evil grin.  

He sat.  "Ma'am, that was Pete Nichols on the phone from Cherry Point.  He was inviting me and well, Lisa..."

"Me," she interrupted.

"Yes, Ma'am.  You.  He was inviting us to the annual Labor Day BBQ at the Point.  It's a pretty big party, Ma'am, and the guys from my training groups in July asked Pete to invite me...er, us."

"How nice, Gunny."

"Yes, Ma'am.  I told him..."

"I heard what you told him, Gunny," Mac stated.  "In fact, I heard you beginning to describe my bikini, didn't I?"

"Um, yes, Ma'am.  I'm sorry, Ma'am."

"Don't be.  I'd like to hear the rest of your description, Gunny.  You said, I believe, that it has yellow polka dots and...  And what, Gunny?" she said in a very sexy voice.

Gunny decided to tell her exactly what he was going to tell Pete.  "And it barely covers the necessities.  Ma'am."

"Is that good or bad, Gunny?"

"Both, Ma'am," Gunny said, his voice suddenly very husky.

Mac laughed.  "Good answer, Gunny."  She stood and turned to look out the window.  "Gunny, you do realize that I can't go?" she said wistfully.

"Of course, Ma'am.  I wasn't even going to mention it to you, Ma'am," Gunny offered.

"You were right.  And I shouldn't have asked you about what was obviously a private phone call.  My apologies, Gunny."

"Not a problem.  Will that be all, Ma'am?"

"Yes, Gunny.  Dismissed."

Gunny rose and opened her office door just as Commander Rabb was ready to knock.  "Commander," Gunny said in greeting.

"Gunny," Harm nodded.  "Mac, do you have the Bassett file?" he asked as he walked in her office.

"Excuse me, Colonel.  The Admiral would like to see you in his office ASAP," interrupted Petty Officer Tiner.

"I guess the file can wait," Harm said.

"Harm, the Bassett file is in one of my drawers...in the desk, I think.  You're welcome to look if you don't want to wait," Mac offered.

Harm entered her office and called to Gunny.  "Gunny, come help me find this file, would you?"  

They both took one look at her desk and chuckled.  "She has to be the most unorganized Lt. Colonel in the Marine Corps," Gunny said.  

"But God, is she great in the courtroom," replied Harm.

'And the bedroom... and the bathtub...'  Gunny added in his thoughts.  

Gunny had searched all the drawers on the left side of her desk when Tiner called him.  "Excuse me.  Gunny.  The Admiral wants you to meet a General Billington downstairs; he's supposed to arrive any minute now.  The Admiral wants you to give him a tour of JAG before you bring him up here to the Admiral's office."

"General Billington?  Wonder what he wants this time...?" Gunny pondered to himself as he left the Colonel's office.

Harm was in the last drawer on the right side of Mac's desk now.  He removed the pile of folders from the drawer and began to go through them.  When he opened the third folder, he was staring at a picture of a very handsome Marine in dress blues, with Mac...in a gorgeous black & white evening gown.  "My God!  It's Gunny!" Harm exclaimed.  

Harm looked at the picture carefully.  There was no doubt about it.  It was Gunnery Sergeant Victor Galindez, and he was standing behind Mac with his arms around her waist, her head leaning back against his shoulder.  'What the hell?' Harm wondered as he looked at the next picture.  This time they were facing each other; Gunny's hands were on her hips and hers were around his neck.  'At least they aren't kissing,' he thought.  Harm flipped to the last picture.  'Oh, God, Mac.  What have you done?'  In the last picture, Gunny held Mac close and they were dancing; he had a grin on his face, and she was laughing.

Harm was sick.  He couldn't believe that Mac would be involved with an enlisted man.  It was against regs.  As bad, or worse, than when she'd been involved with her CO in Okinawa.  As he flipped through the pictures, again, he turned them over.  There was printing on the back.  "Cherry Point Annual Enlisted Men's Ball, August 4, 2001, Sheraton Grand Hotel, New Bern, NC"   "August 4?  That was when Gunny was on TDY at the Point.  Hell, that was the weekend she took off early on Friday."  Harm starting putting it together in his head.  The other Fridays she took off were during July...again, while Gunny was at Cherry Point.  "Damn!"  He put the pictures back in the folder and returned the folder to her desk drawer.  He found the Bassett file, and left her office.  

Tiner came through the bullpen and distributed the morning's mail.  Harm found a padded envelope with his pile, and before he realized it wasn't addressed to him, he opened it.  "Pictures?" he thought aloud.  "Who's sending me pictures?"  He turned the envelope over and saw it was addressed to Gunny.  'Oh God, please don't let these be more pictures of him and Mac!'  But as soon as he began looking through them, he knew that's exactly what they were.  'Oh, God, Mac...this is really bad...'  He flipped through the pictures of Mac in that bikini.  'Ah, Mac...' Harm put the pictures back in the envelope, walked out to the bullpen, and placed it on Gunny's pile of mail. 'Now what?' he wondered. 'I should confront her with this…'

 

Tuesday, 21 August 2001
1030 EDT
JAG Headquarters 
Falls Church, Virginia

"So I take it you rather like it here, eh, Gunny?  Thank you for the tour, by the way," General Billington said.

"My pleasure, Sir.  And yes, Sir, I do like it here at JAG."

"And you don't mind being around so many squids?" he asked jokingly as they walked into the bullpen.

"Squids aren't quite as bad as I used to think, Sir.  Well, not all of them anyway, Sir."

"Ha!  They've brainwashed you!" General Billington laughed, and as he turned away from Gunny he saw Mac coming out of her office.  "Colonel MacKenzie!  Good to see you, again."

"General Billington.  Welcome to JAG, Sir.  The Admiral mentioned you were dropping in this morning."

"Dave!" Admiral Chegwidden said as he walked into the bullpen from his office.  "Good to see you, again.  Come on in my office."

"Hello, AJ.  Thanks for making time for me this morning.  I know you're busy," began the General.

"Who isn't?" laughed the Admiral as they headed to his office.

The Admiral and General Billington had just gone behind closed doors in the Admiral's office, so Gunny quickly looked through the mail on his desk, and finding a padded one from Pete, realized it was already open.  "I wonder who opened this?" he asked aloud, but no one answered him.  'Must be those pictures Pete was talking about,' Gunny mused.  As Gunny removed the small stack of pictures from the envelope, he grinned.  'These are good!  ...Oh God!  I wonder who already saw these?' he thought.  

He looked at the pictures, one by one.  'God, Pete!  How'd you get these shots without our knowing it?  He had to have a telescopic lens.'  The first one was of Mac lying on the beach blanket and Gunny was standing at her feet.  The next one was Mac hugging Gunny; the next they were headed out to the water.  'These are in sequence.  What'd he do, snap a whole roll of us that afternoon?'  The next picture was of them standing in the ocean, kissing.  In the next one he had his hands on her butt.  Then a couple of Gunny's putting suntan lotion on Mac's back with her top obviously missing.  Another one kissing, lying next to each other on the blanket.  'Damn, these are good.  But someone here has seen them.  I'd better tell the Colonel...and the Admiral. This could have serious repercussions.'

Meanwhile, in the Admiral's office, General Billington and Chegwidden and sat in the guest chairs in front of AJ's desk.  "What's on your mind, Dave?" AJ prompted.

"Couple of things, actually.  You know we thought Private Cole was working alone in those attacks this year.  Problem is, another young woman was attacked yesterday.  Only thing is, this time the girl was killed.  And Cole is still in the brig.  No way he did it."

"Could be a copycat."

"Or it could be there are two of them."

"What do you want from me?" the Admiral asked, knowing full well what Billington wanted.

"I want Galindez and MacKenzie back at the Point."

"How are you going to be able to cover his going back so soon?  Won't your people be suspicious?  I would be."

"Won't be a problem, AJ.  Unfortunately, it was one of my Gunnys' girlfriends this time.  They were engaged; supposed to be getting married in January.  I relieved him of duty; told him to take her body home and take some time for himself while we solved this."

"So having my Gunny go back won't seem at all implausible."  

"That's my thinking."

"Good thing we kept their last stint under wraps.  They can just step right back into their roles."

"Then you agree?" 

"I do.  He'll be there tomorrow," said Chegwidden.

"There's another thing I wanted to discuss, AJ.  I want Galindez at the Point.  Permanently."

The General explained his offer to the Admiral, and AJ agreed to present it to Gunny.   As they finished their conversation, they stood and shook hands.  

"What'd you think of those pictures, AJ?" the General asked before he opened the door to leave the office.

"Pictures?  What pictures?"

"Ask the Colonel about them.  And Gunny.  I had the formal portraits from the ball mailed to her.  They were really something.  And I heard scuttlebutt that there were some very...interesting...pictures taken of them at the beach, too.  I understand Gunny has those," Billington laughed at Chegwidden's surprised face.  Dave opened the door and they walked out toward the elevators.

"I'll check into that, Dave.  Thanks."  Billington got on the elevator.  Admiral Chegwidden stormed back through the bullpen on his way to his office.  "Colonel!  Gunny!  My office!  Now!"

'Oh God!  How did he find out?' wondered Harm as he was headed to the kitchen for a cup of coffee.

"Now what?" muttered Mac as she and Gunny headed to the Admiral's office.

"I don't know, Ma'am.  But I'll wager it has something to do with General Billington."

As they entered the Admiral's office, he barked, "Close the hatch!  Have a seat."

Mac and Gunny sat in the guest chairs opposite the Admiral and waited.

"I believe you both know Gunnery Sergeant Michael Sizemore."

"Yes, Sir," Mac answered for both of them. 

"And his fiancée, Melinda Britt?" he asked.

"Yes, Sir, she was at the ball on August 4," Mac answered again.

AJ nodded.  "Yes, well she was visiting, again, last weekend.  Sizemore took her to the train station in New Bern Monday morning, but he couldn't wait with her...he was due back on duty an hour before her train."  He hesitated, and looked straight at Gunny.  "She never got on the train.  Her body was found a mile from the station.  She's dead."

Mac gasped.  Gunny just stared back at the Admiral.  "When do I leave, Sir?" he asked.

"ASAP.  Billington put Sizemore on leave; you're taking his place."  AJ looked over at Mac and then back to Gunny.  "I'm sorry, Gunny.  I know Sizemore is a friend of yours."

"Admiral... Sir, I just spoke to another buddy of mine, Pete Nichols.  He and Mike are best friends. Pete didn't say a word about this; he said everything was quiet..." Gunny started.

"Doesn't know it yet, Gunny.  Billington wanted to keep this under wraps until he and I talked.  I'm sure your friends will know about it within the hour."

"Yes, Sir."

"Admiral?  I assume I pick up the role of Lisa, again, Sir?" offered Mac.

"Yes, Mac.  Oh, and you probably ought to give Gunny one of those portraits from the ball.  He should have it in a frame on his desk."

"Aye, Sir," Mac flushed as she agreed, wondering how the Admiral knew about the pictures.  Gunny looked over at her with questioning eyes.

"And Gunny, you might want to have one of the beach pictures in your bedroom," the Admiral added with a smirk.

"Aye, Sir," Gunny said.  Mac looked at him with questioning eyes this time.  'Well, at least I know who saw the pictures!' Gunny thought.  'Probably still ought to show them to the Colonel.  Especially now.'

"Dismissed," AJ said as he nodded.

"Gunny, keep your seat," the Admiral ordered as he and Mac stood.  Mac snapped to attention and turned to leave.  Gunny sat back down.  

'Uh oh,' Gunny thought.  'Now what?'

"Gunny, General Billington is quite impressed with your teaching abilities.  You had three training groups for one month, and every one of those Marines is in the top of their class now.  What you probably didn't know was that when you arrived, they were the worst at the Point!  Congratulations, Gunny."

"Thank you, Sir."

"Billington wants you back, Gunny.  Not just for this TDY.  Permanently," the Admiral stated flatly.

Gunny didn't say a word.  He just looked straight ahead, the way a Marine is trained.

"How would you feel about that, Gunny?" asked the Admiral.

"I'm a Marine, Sir.  I go where I'm told."

"Yes, Gunny, I'm aware of that.  And I could order you there.  But I want you here.  You're a damn good office specialist.  JAG Ops has never run as well as it has since you arrived."

"Thank you, Sir."

"I know it's not the kind of work you were trained to do, Gunny.  But you're damned good at it, and I'd hate to lose you.  I do not, however, want to stand in the way of advancing your career.  The offer is on the table:  Master Sergeant.  You'd be responsible for all automatic weapons training at the Point."

Gunny stared at the Admiral.  "Master Sergeant, Sir?"

"That's right, Gunny.  And it's an E-8.  I can't give you that here.  It wouldn't surprise me if in a couple of years you were Master Gunnery Sergeant over all weapons at the Point."

"Admiral, I don't know..."  Gunny faltered.

The Admiral rose and walked around to the front of his desk, sitting down in the seat next to Gunny.  "Don't have to give me your answer now, Gunny.  Use the time you're down there to think about it.  I can stall Billington as long you want.  He wants you, Son.  He'll wait for your answer.  As long as he thinks you're still considering accepting, he'll wait."

"Thank you, Admiral."

"Any questions?"

"No, Sir."

Admiral Chegwidden nodded, and said, "Dismissed."

Gunny rose and snapped to attention, "Aye, Sir!"  He turned on his heel and left the office.

 

 

Tuesday, 21 August 2001
1230 EDT
JAG Headquarters 
Falls Church, Virginia

'Master Sergeant Victor Galindez,' he thought to himself.  'Sounds good.  But do I really want to leave JAG?'  Gunny had a lot to consider.  He sure would like to discuss it with Maria.  But his sister was off on another fishing excursion with some city guy who didn't know a rod from a pole.  "He will when Maria's through with him," he said quietly as he sat down at his desk.  But not quite quietly enough that Mac didn't hear him as she moved from the kitchen back to her office with another cup of coffee.

"Who will what when Maria's through with him, Gunny?" she asked.  "I assume you're talking about your sister Maria?"

"Ma'am!  Yes, Ma'am."  Gunny started to stand up.

"Keep your seat, Gunny," Mac said.  "Is she off on another fishing excursion?"

"Yes, Ma'am.  She left on Sunday morning; won't be back home until next Sunday."

"How often do you get to see your sister, Gunny?" Mac asked.

"Not often enough, Ma'am.  Maria is a lot of fun.  She and I always got along well growing up, and I still enjoy her company, Ma'am.  She's always the one I call when I need..."  Gunny hesitated.  He shouldn't be saying this to the Colonel.

"When you need what, Gunny?" Mac prompted.

"When I need someone to talk to, Ma'am," he finished quietly.

"Do you need someone to talk to now?" she asked.

Gunny looked her straight in the eyes and said, "Yes, Ma'am, I do."

His frankness surprised her.  She fully expected him to say no.  "Will I do, Gunny?" she offered.  She thought she knew what he wanted to discuss.  The TDY at Cherry Point...his friend's fiancée's being murdered...

"No, Ma'am.  I'm sorry.  I couldn't possibly discuss this with you, Ma'am," he said very softly.  People kept walking passed Gunny's desk, heading for the kitchen.

"What about Lisa?" Mac asked so softly that no one could possibly hear her other than him.  He hardly heard her, in fact.

Gunny looked at her, smiled just a bit, and nodded.  Mac turned around and walked to her office.  'Damn!  I shouldn't have nodded.  I should have said no.  Now she's angry, and she has every right to be...'  Gunny's thoughts were cut short by the ringing of his telephone.

"JAG Ops.  Gunnery Sergeant Galindez," he answered.

When Gunny hung up the phone, he looked into the Colonel's office.  She was gone.

 

 

Tuesday, 21 August 2001
1315 EDT
Victor Galindez' Apartment 
Washington, DC

Mac paced the floor inside Gunny's apartment.  He should be here by now.  She knew the Admiral had told him to take off so he could pack and get down to Cherry Point before midnight.  What was taking him so long? 

Then she heard a key in the door and watched as it opened to reveal Gunny on the other side.  

"Hello, Victor," she said quickly. 

"Colonel!  Ma'am!  What are you doing here?  And how did you get in?" Gunny demanded.

"I was waiting outside; your super saw me and asked me what I wanted.  I told him I was your girl friend and I was waiting for you.  He winked at me and let me in."  She laughed. 

"Oh.  Well, that's a first.  He's usually pretty ornery.  Have a seat, Ma'am; make yourself comfortable.  Can I get you something to drink?"

"I'll get it.  What can I get for you?" she asked as she headed to the kitchen.

"Nothing for me, thanks," Gunny answered.  "Colonel, did you want to discuss our strategy for the Point, is that why you're here?"  He set the envelope of beach pictures down on the coffee table.  He noticed a large, flat box on the table that wasn't his.  He sat on the sofa.

"No, actually.  We could do that over the phone.  I came because you said you needed to talk.  To Lisa."  She returned with two glasses of iced water and handed one to Gunny.  She sat down next to him.  Close to him.  "I thought you might want some water."

"Thank you, Ma'am."

"Victor, you wanted to talk to Lisa.  So, talk," Mac offered as she took his hand in hers.

"Colonel..."

"Lisa," Mac insisted.

"Lisa.  First, I want to apologize for what happened at the hotel.  I..."

"Victor.  You have nothing to apologize for.  I enjoyed every minute of our time together in that hotel room.  Every single minute."

"But..."

"Every single minute, Victor.  Please don't tell me now that you're sorry for what happened.  That you didn't enjoy it.  Enjoy...me."

"Colonel, I..."

"Lisa."

"Lisa, I did enjoy it.  Every moment.  But we were undercover.  And now we're going back.  I don't know if I can do this, again...with you." Gunny said.

"We may have to, Victor."

"I know."

"You don't want to?" she asked softly.

"God, yes!" he replied hoarsely, and she smiled.

"Victor, the chances are pretty good that we won't be watched so closely this time...that no one will bug our room.  And if that's the case, we'll be fine.  If it's not the case, we'll still be fine.  We were pretty good together in that hotel room," Mac whispered.

"That we were," Gunny whispered back as he reached his hand up and cupped her face.  "I think my favorite part was the bathtub."

Mac smiled as she remembered.  She took his hand away from her face and turned to him, molding her lips to his.  They finally separated, both breathing very heavily.  "I brought the portraits.  And a frame.  Here," Mac said as she picked up the box from the coffee table and handed it to Gunny.

Gunny opened it and looked at the pictures.  "They're good, aren't they?" she commented.

"Very good.  I especially like this one," he said as he held up the picture of them dancing.

"That's my favorite, too," she smiled.

"Mind if I have it for my desk, as the Admiral suggested?" Gunny asked.

"That's what the frame is for," she offered.

"I have some pictures, too," he offered.  Gunny picked up the envelope from the table and handed it to Mac.

"Oh my!" Mac laughed.  "Who took these?"

"Pete.  I didn't know it.  He mentioned something about pictures on the phone this morning, but I didn't know what he meant.  Until these arrived in the mail today.  This one's my favorite," he said pulling out the picture of them in the ocean, his hands on her butt.

"I like this one," she said, showing him the one of their kissing in the ocean.  

"I think the Admiral has seen them," he said.  "The envelope was open when I got it this morning.  And he knew about the beach pictures."

"Good thing he knows about the assignment!" she laughed.  Gunny joined her laughter.  He'd been nervous about her knowing the Admiral had seen the pictures, but if she didn't care, why should he?

She set the pictures on the table and took his hands in hers.  "Victor, something's troubling you.  What is it?  What did you want to discuss with Maria?  Is it something I can help you with?"

"As Lisa?"

"Yes.  From now on until we finish this case, I'm Lisa with you, Victor."

Gunny opened up to her.  "There's an offer on the table from General Billington:  Master Sergeant.  I'd be responsible for all automatic weapons training at Cherry Point.  It's an E-8.  I can't get that at JAG.  The Admiral said it wouldn't surprise him if in a couple of years I was Master Gunnery Sergeant over all weapons at the Point."

"Victor, that's wonderful!" Mac gushed as she threw her arms around his neck.  Gunny's next words shocked Mac.

"Lisa, I don't want it."

She pulled back and stared at him.  "What do you mean, you don't want it?  How can you pass it up?  Victor, it's a promotion...and a fantastic opportunity!  How can you not want it?  Is it because of what's been happening at the Point, because if it is, we're going to..."

"I don't want to leave JAG," he interrupted her.  "I like it here.  It's completely different from anything I've ever done before.  I thought I was going to hate it, but I don't.  I actually look forward to going to work every day.  That's something I haven't had since I was fresh out of high school," Gunny explained.

"And you didn't enjoy last month at the Point?" she asked gently.

"Yes, I did."

"Okay, then.  So what's the problem?  Victor, you're perfect for this job.  It's a great acknowledgement of your prowess with weapons...and instruction.  It isn't every day that a General begs for an enlisted man."

"I know.  Of course, there's also the little problem of my not really having a girlfriend named Lisa.  I'll have some explaining to do there.  And now we're going back in with the charade; it's going to be that much harder to explain to my friends.  To the guys in my training groups.  I lied to them, and they're going to know it."

"And they'll understand.  We're trying to help them apprehend the men who are attacking their girlfriends!  They'll understand, Vic.  They will," she assured him.  "Something else is bothering you about this offer, Gunny.  What is it?" Mac asked.

"Gunny?  What happened to Victor ...and Lisa?"

She smiled at him and settled back into his arms.  "She's right here."

"There's nothing else.  Really.  I just needed to talk it out.  I always do.  I call Maria, and she yells at me for a while, and then I make the right choice.  Ever since high school, that's how it's been.  Thanks for listening to me, ...Lisa."  And Gunny leaned over and took Mac's face in his hands and kissed her.

As their lips parted, both of them moaned and tore their mouths away from the other.  "We can't do this," they both said.  Then they smiled.  Then they laughed.

"I'd better be going, Victor.  I need to get back to the office.  You need to pack.  Or can I help you?" Mac offered.

"No, I think you'd better go...while I'm still willing to let you leave," Gunny answered.

She laughed, kissed him once more, and left.

"I'll call you tonight, Lisa!" he yelled down the stairs as she reached the outside entrance to his apartment building.

 

 

Tuesday, 21 August 2001
2330 EDT
Sarah MacKenzie's Apartment 
Georgetown, Washington, DC

"I think that about wraps it up, Mac," Harm said as he got up off the floor.

"Yep.  I think we've got this one down.  Finally," Mac agreed.  "Excuse me a minute," she said as she headed for the bathroom.

Just as she shut the door, the phone rang.  "Harm!  Just let the machine pick it up!" she yelled to him, but not before he'd already grabbed the phone.

"Hello?"

No answer.

"Hello?" he said, again.

"This is Gunny, Commander.  Is the Colonel there, Sir?"

"Gunny!  Yea, she's in the bathroom.  Hey, I hear we're losing you, again, for a while," Harm probed.

"Yes, Sir.  I'm back at Cherry Point for a few weeks, Sir."

"I see.  And will the Colonel be visiting you, again, Gunny?"

"Harm!" Mac said as she walked back in the room and saw him on the phone.  "I told you to let the machine get it."  She grabbed the phone from him.  "Hello?" 

"It's Victor," Gunny said.

"Hold on a minute."  She set the phone on the table and turned to Harm.  "Okay, Flyboy.  Let's call it a night.  Out you go," she said as she pushed him toward the door.

"Mac, why is Gunny calling you at this hour?  And why..."

"Out!" she said as she opened the door.

"Mac..."

"Harm, I don't want to discuss this right now.  Good night," she said as she closed the door in his face.

She went back to the phone.  "Victor?  You still there?" she asked.

"I'm here.  Glad I called you on my cell phone.  I haven't quite made it to the base yet; I'm about 20 minutes out.  I didn't want to call you after midnight, so I'm calling from the highway."

"Sorry about Harm.  We just finished working on a case; he was about ready to leave..."

"When did you tell him about your trips to the Point?" Gunny asked.

"I didn't; he doesn't know."

"He asked me if you'd be visiting me while I'm TDY...again."

"He what?  Oh God, how did he find out...?" she mused.  "I'll talk to the Admiral in the morning; maybe he told him.  I don't know.  I sure don't want him throwing a monkey wrench into all this."

"So, when are you?" Gunny asked.

"When am I, what?"

"Coming down for a visit?"

Mac smiled.  "Miss me already, do you?"

"I've been missing you for two and a half weeks, Lisa," Gunny answered huskily.

"Is this weekend too soon or should I wait for Labor Day weekend?  Oh, hey!  This means we can go to the Labor Day BBQ, after all!" Mac said.

"Sure does.  And I think this weekend would be great."

"You'll get a room at the B&B, again?  For both weekends?"

"You like it there?  Or would you prefer something else?"

"No, the B&B is wonderful.  The beds are so comfortable."

"I wouldn't know," he chuckled.  "The sofas are..."

"You'll know this time, Vic," Mac purred.

"Is that a promise, Lisa?"

"Do you have to ask?  I'll be there on Friday in time for dinner."

 

Wednesday, 22 August 2001
0730 EDT
JAG Headquarters 
Falls Church, Virginia

"Good morning, Admiral.  Do you have a minute?" asked Mac as they each poured their morning coffee.

"Certainly, Colonel.  What's on your mind?" he replied.

"Sir, did you inform Commander Rabb about my Cherry Point...um... work, Sir?"

"Not quite sure what to call it, eh, Mac?  Not exactly a case; not exactly a TDY.  It's been more fun than work, though, hasn't it?" he joked as they headed back to his office.  "Sure would like to see those pictures of you and Gunny on the beach.  You have them?  Or does he?"

"He has them, Sir.  You mean you haven't..."

"What about the portraits, Mac?  Billington told me to be sure I saw those, too.  He says they're exceptional."

"Admiral, have you not seen the pictures of the beach, Sir?" Mac asked.

"No.  Why?"

"Oh, God.  That's it then.  It has to be," Mac mused.

"Colonel?" the Admiral reminded her of his presence.

"I'm sorry, Sir.  Evidently Commander Rabb has seen the beach pictures."

"What!?" yelled the Admiral.

"When Gunny received the pictures yesterday, the envelope was already open.  When you mentioned the pictures, he assumed you had gotten them first.  It must have been Harm."

"Why do you think that?"

"He was at my apartment last night when Gunny called.  And he asked Gunny if I'd be joining him at the Point...again."

"Uh oh.  Well, I guess we'd better let him in on the loop, Mac, or he's apt to follow you down there this weekend."

"Yes, Sir.  I suppose that would be best.  Speaking of this weekend, Sir, I told Gunny I'd be there..."

"In time for dinner?  Yes, Mac, you can leave at noon.  And plan on the same for next Friday...long weekend.  Most people will cut out of here early anyway."

"Thank you, Sir."

"You'll be back for the JAG Ops Labor Day picnic, I trust?"

"I'll try, Sir."

"Tell Gunny I'd like him to be here, too...just in case..." he stopped.

"In case he accepts, Sir?"

"He told you?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Damn, I hate to lose him," AJ mumbled.

"Me, too," Mac said sadly.

AJ snapped back quickly.  "Did you get your cell phone again in Lisa's name?"

"Yes, Sir, I took care of that yesterday afternoon."

"And you'll rent a car to drive down there, again, I presume?"

"Yes, Sir.  My story to Gunny's friends is that my car is so old, I'm afraid it won't make the long trip."

"Good, good.  Is that all, Colonel?"

"Yes, Sir."

"I'll talk to Rabb.  Dismissed."

Mac snapped to attention, and said, "Thank you, Sir."  She turned on her heel and left his office.

 

 

Wednesday, 22 August 2001
1430 EDT
JAG Headquarters 
Falls Church, Virginia

"Mac, you could have told me!" Harm was saying.  "Do you have any idea how I felt when I found those pictures of you at the Enlisted Men's Ball?  And then the ones of you on the beach.  Kissing him; his hands on your butt. And you barely had anything on.  God, Mac, I was..."

"No, Harm, I couldn't have told you," Mac interrupted.  "It was an assignment, an undercover assignment.  No one knew except the Admiral, General Billington, and NCIS."

"But after it was over, you..."

"Harm, we were under orders.  I don't know why; maybe because they were afraid Cole wasn't working alone.  Maybe because they knew we'd end up back down there, again."

"I don't like the idea of your working this kind of case without..."

"Gunny's there, Harm.  And he's good."  'Really good,' she remembered.

"I'm sure he is, Mac.  I'm just used to being the one who watches your six."

"Gunny can handle it, Harm."  'And he does handle my six...very nicely.'

"Okay.  But this time, for God's sake, wear a t-shirt on the beach, Mac!" Harm begged.

"I'm going to assume that's because you don't want me to burn, Flyboy!" Mac laughed as she left his office.

 

 

Friday, 24 August 2001
1830 EDT
The Dill House B&B
Morehead City, North Carolina

"Ready for dinner?" Gunny asked as Mac came out of the bathroom.  They weren't alone in the room; Pete Nichols and his girlfriend Michelle were there, too.  They were all going out for dinner together.

"Not quite."  Mac walked over to Gunny and slipped her arms around his neck, pulling his head down to hers.  "I haven't been properly welcomed yet," she purred.

"No?" he asked.

"No."

"Well, let's see if I can remedy that," he said huskily.  Gunny put his arms around Mac and pressed his mouth to hers.  They were completely lost in each other.  After a couple of minutes, they heard the door close.

Gunny lifted his head and looked around.  "Oops," he said.  And they laughed.  Mac grabbed her purse and they went outside to join Pete and Michelle.

 

 

Friday, 24 August 2001
1900 EDT
The Sanitary Fish Market
Morehead City, North Carolina

"So, Vic, you gonna stay this time?" asked Pete while munching on his sixth hushpuppy.

"What do you mean?"  Pete couldn't possibly know about the General's offer.  Was he fishing or had he just heard base scuttlebutt?

"You were supposed to be here on a 4-month TDY; you left after only a month.  Now you're back.  You gonna stay out your 4 months this time?"

"Not if I have anything to say about it!" Mac offered.  "I don't like his being so far away from home," she complained.

"You know, you could get married and then just come live here with him."

"Not on a 4-month TDY, you know that.  Has to be at least a year's assignment stateside before they'd move my family," Gunny countered.

"And I'm not ready for marriage.  Don't know if I ever will be.  Vic knows that," Mac added.

"Knowing it and agreeing with it are two different things, Lisa," Pete said.

"Vic knows if he leaves DC, our relationship ends.  I don't want a long-distance romance.  I want someone who's there for me.  In my bed, every night.  Well, at least almost every night," Mac purred as she leaned over and kissed him.

'She's setting the stage.  She's letting them know that she'll be out of the picture if I come down here permanently.  She's doing this for me.  So I don't have to tell them who she really is if I decide to take the promotion.  God, this woman is incredible!  Damn regs.' Gunny thought to himself.

"Well, we're all here now, so let's change the subject to something a bit happier, shall we?" requested Michelle.

The evening went very well; after they finished dinner, they strolled along the beach, each couple with their arms around each other.  

"Victor," Mac whispered in his ear.  "We're being watched."

He turned to face her with a questioning look.

"10 o'clock...the guy in the red shorts," she said softly.

"Hey, you two lovebirds!  Stop talking dirty!" Pete called back to them, and they all laughed.  This gave Gunny the opportunity to get a good look at the man Mac pointed out.  And sure enough, the man in the red shorts was watching them...through binoculars.

"Waterson," Gunny said softly.

"Hmm?" asked Mac.

"That's PFC George Waterson.  He was in the same training group as Cole."

"He could be..." Mac started.

"He sure could," Gunny answered before she even finished her thought.

"Well, I'm getting chilly!  The air off the ocean is cold at night," Michelle said.

"Honey, you don't know what cold is!" said Pete.  "But we can leave now.  I'll take you home and warm you up."

"And will you do the same for me, Vic?" Mac purred.

"Baby, you don't need to warm up.  You're hot.  Always hot," growled Gunny.

 

 

Friday, 24 August 2001
2200 EDT
The Dill House B&B
Morehead City, North Carolina

"All clear," Mac said as she finished checking the room for listening devices and hidden cameras.  "They never bugged the B&B before, but it's best to be sure, especially after seeing that guy tonight."  

"True," Gunny agreed as he headed to the bathroom.

"Is that your phone or mine?" she asked reaching for her purse.  "Mine.  Hello?"

"Mac?  Are you okay?  You make it to the Point without any trouble?"  Harm's voice came over the line.

"Harm, why are you calling?  I told you..."

"I just wanted to check and be sure..."

"Harm, do not call me, again.  You could blow the whole thing..."

"Hey, Lover!  Get back in this bathtub.  I'm getting cold!" Gunny yelled from the bathroom.

Mac smiled.  'I wonder if Gunny knows this is Harm I'm talking to?  Probably...'

"Mac!  Was that Gunny?  You were in the bathtub together?  And keeping his..."

"Harm, I'm hanging up now.  This assignment is none of your concern.  Do not call me, again.  You got it?" and she pressed the Off button twice, turning the phone off completely.

Mac opened the bathroom door and said, "I'm going to enjoy watching you talk your way out of that one.  That was the Admiral, you know."

"I figured it was either him or Commander Rabb...or Clayton Webb."  Gunny turned his attention back to the sink and his toothbrush.  "The Admiral, huh?"

"No, actually, it was Harm," she confessed.  "How did you know?" she laughed when she saw him smile.

"I didn't.  Truthfully, I thought it was Lisa's cell phone; I didn't know you brought yours with you.  You never did before.  And if it was Lisa's phone, it was probably someone from the base.  And they'd expect me to be here." Gunny explained.

"Ah, I see.  So you aren't really getting cold, hmm?" Mac teased.  She walked back out into the bedroom and gave Gunny some privacy.

She was glad to have a different room this time; the king-size bed would allow them to share without having to touch each other when they turned over. Touching would be too difficult, as much as she wanted him. But she was glad that he didn't have to sleep on the sofa like he had before.

 

 

Saturday, 25 August 2001
1030 EDT
On the Beach
Atlantic Beach, North Carolina

"So, you and Victor aren't going to get married?" asked Michelle.

"No, we're not 'lifetime' material," Mac said.

"How so?"

"We want different things.  Vic wants a family.  I don't...well, unless I adopt.  I work hard keeping this figure; I sure don't want to lose it just to have a baby!" Mac lied.

"I'd give up my figure in a heartbeat to have a baby."

"So when are you Pete going to tie the knot?" Mac asked.

"Actually, Melinda and I had talked about having a double wedding.  Pete and Mike are best friends, you know.  And I'd gotten to be kinda close to Mel.  Now, I don't know.  I don't think it's right to go ahead with the wedding that day.  It would just be too hard..." she faltered as the tears came.

"Oh, Michelle.  I'm so sorry.  I didn't know you were that close."  Mac gathered Michelle into her arms and rocked her.  "I'm so sorry; go ahead and cry, honey.  Let it out.  Cry all you want."

Gunny and Pete were out in the water swimming when Pete looked to shore and saw Mac holding Michelle.  He made a beeline for the shore, but before he got to them, Mac looked up at him and shook her head.  Her eyes seemed to say, "Don't, Pete.  Don't interrupt.  Let her be.  Let her cry."  So he did.  He stood there and watched, helplessly.  

Gunny was right behind him; he put his hand on his shoulder.  "She'll be okay, man," he offered quietly.

Michelle cried for several minutes, and then sat back rather embarrassed.  "I'm so sorry, Lisa."

"Hey, there's nothing to apologize for."

"I just wish they'd find the bastard!" she cried.  

"They will, Michelle."  'We will...and soon!' Mac promised her silently as she looked up at Gunny.

 

 

Saturday, 25 August 2001
1700 EDT
The Dill House B&B
Morehead City, North Carolina

Mac stepped out of the shower and dried herself off.  She walked into the bedroom to get her clothes.  As she did, the outer door slammed shut and she heard someone running away.  She grabbed a t-shirt off the bed and held it in front of her as she flung the door open.  She could see no one.  But someone had been in her room.  And that someone wasn't Gunny.  

 

 

Saturday, 25 August 2001
2330 EDT
The Dill House B&B
Morehead City, North Carolina

Mac had been able to talk to Gunny privately at dinner.  They were supposed to have joined a bunch of Gunny's friends for dinner, but Gunny sensed that Mac needed to talk to him.  So he begged off, and they ate alone.  She told him about the intruder in her room, and Gunny was instantly on guard.  

When they got back to the room, they searched it thoroughly, under the pretext of her having misplaced her favorite ink pen.  "It's a gold Cross pen, Vic; and my boss gave it to me for Christmas last year.  I have to find it!" she said as she threw the pillows off the sofa.

In reality, they were looking for a camera or a bug.  Now that there was a chance of a camera, they couldn't use the regular detector. They had almost decided there wasn't anything when a small red dot appeared and glared out at her from the bookcase.  'Ah ha!  There it is!  Oh God, and I'm staring right at it.'  "Victor, do you see this?  Look!  The little red light.  I hadn't even noticed it before.  They really can hide those smoke detectors well now, can't they!?" she said. "I'm glad; they really are an eyesore when they're stuck on the wall like they used to be."

"Here it is, Lisa.  Your pen, M'Lady," he said as he bowed with a flourish and handed her his Cross pen.

"Oh, Victor!  You're wonderful!  This deserves a very special reward."  And Mac fell to her knees as Gunny turned around in front of the camera.

 

 

Sunday, 26 August 2001
0630 EDT
The Dill House B&B
Morehead City, North Carolina

Gunny woke up lying on top of Mac.  

"I've died and gone to heaven!" Mac breathed.

"And taken me right along with you, Babe," Gunny whispered back hoarsely.

 

 

Sunday, 26 August 2001
1230 EDT
MCAS Cherry Point
North Carolina

Gunny and Mac were outside his temporary quarters on base.  They'd spent the better part of the morning working on a plan to flush the attacker out of the woodwork over the Labor Day weekend.  Now they just had to pray that he wouldn't make another move until then.

Now it was time for Mac to drive back to DC.  "You be careful driving home, Lisa," Gunny said to Mac as he held her in his arms.  He bent down and kissed her soundly.

"Mmm, I wish I didn't have to leave," she purred.

"Well, Gunny!  No wonder I haven't seen much of you on base this weekend.  I didn't know you had company," General Billington said as he approached them.  

Gunny quickly released Mac and came to full attention.  It was all Mac could do not to snap to, herself.  "General Billington, Sir!" Gunny said.

"As you were, Gunny.  And this is Lisa, if I remember correctly?" the General stated.

"That's right, General.  It's nice to see you, again.  I don't know that I ever had the chance to thank you for such a lovely ball earlier this month.  I had a wonderful time," Mac gushed as she extended her hand in greeting.

The General smiled and shook her hand. "I'm glad you enjoyed it, Lisa.  But I really had little to do with it.  I will, however, pass your thanks along, if I may?"

"Please do," she had to force herself not to add "Sir" to the end of every sentence.

"Gunny, I need to see you in my office when you're through here. Nice to see you, again, Lisa," the General added.

"Sir!  Yes, Sir!  I'll be right there, General."

"I'd better let you go, Honey.  You don't want to keep the General waiting.  I'll see you Friday, Lover."

Gunny took Mac in his arms for another hug and kiss.  "Call me when you get home, Babe," he said as she climbed in the driver's seat of her rental car.  

"I will.  Bye."  And she drove off, waving until she rounded a corner and could no longer see him.

"Man, that is one hot mama!" "Wouldn't mind having some of that." "Yea, like you'd have a chance with someone like her!" "Wonder if she has a sister?" "What, you gonna ask the Gunny if his girlfriend has a sister? You outta your mind, man?" Gunny could hear the men talking; they obviously had no idea that the wind was carrying their voices across the yard. He turned around to see who was in the group, and it didn't surprise him to see that Waterson was there.

 

 

Wednesday, 29 August 2001
1045 EDT
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

'Lisa's' cell phone rang as Mac was sitting in the Admiral's office with him and Harm. "You need to get that, Colonel?" the Admiral asked as it rang a second time.

"Yes, Sir. Gunny only calls during the day when there's a reason. Excuse me, Sir." She pressed the Talk button and said, "Hello?"

"Hey, Babe."

"Victor! Hi!" Mac gushed as though she didn't know who was calling her.

"You busy?" he asked.

"Yea, I am. The boss has me typing these stupid reports that no one's ever going to look at. Vic, I've got to find a new job. This one is just killing my nails. I broke another one this morning!" she whined. Mac looked over at the Admiral and Harm; they were grinning at her, shaking their heads. She certainly didn't sound like their kick-ass Marine right now!

"So quit. Come on, Babe. I want you here. With me. Quit and we'll get married, just like Pete said."

"Victor, you know what we talked about…" Mac couldn't quite figure out where this was going. Who was listening on that end?

"I know, Babe, but like you said, you hate your job. I love mine, and Pete's right. I think the General is going to ask me to stay on down here. Come and be with me. We'll get married, have a slew of kids, and grow old making love."

"Kids? Now, Vic, you know I don't want children…my figure…" She heard Harm's quick intake of breath.

"Okay, okay, you're right. I do rather like your figure. Especially when I'm touching that fabulous body of yours.  Can you feel it, Babe?  Can you feel me touching you now?" Gunny said huskily.

Mac gasped as she turned beet red. She looked up to see the Admiral and Harm staring at her with evil grins plastered on their faces. Here she was, sitting in her CO's office with her partner, and she was about to have phone sex with the Gunny! 'I don't believe this!'

"Mmmm, yea, I can...  Oh, damn! The boss just walked in. I've gotta go," Mac said.

"That man has the worst timing," Gunny countered.

"Yea, but I don't care about his timing. It's your timing that sends me over the top, Vic. Call me at home tonight and we can pick up where we left off. Bye, Lover."

"Bye, Lisa."

Mac pressed the Off button on the phone. "Sorry, Admiral," she said.

"What the hell was that all about, Colonel?" he asked.

"I don’t really know, Sir. Evidently there was someone within hearing distance or tapping the phone and Gunny wanted them to hear us."

"Do you two do that often?" he asked.

"He calls every night, Sir, if that's what you mean."

"And you have phone sex every night?" asked Harm. The Admiral looked sharply at Harm, and turned back to Mac, waiting for her answer.

"No, not every night," Mac emphasized.

"Just most nights?" Harm pressed. "God, Mac, don't you think that's taking this whole thing a little bit too far?"

"Harm, Gunny is a professional. He's a Marine, and he's on assignment. I'm aiding in that assignment. We do what we have to, and that's the end of this discussion," Mac stated.

"So, Colonel, are there any more leads?" the Admiral asked.

"No, Sir. Just Waterson. I've done some more checking on him this week, and he fits the profile. He was even arrested for assault two years before he joined the Corps, Sir. His best friend's fiancée. He also has a juvenile record. Gunny called in a few favors and had that record released. It seems he was also blamed for three assaults during his last year of high school, but none of the girls would press charges. They were all girl friends of his fellow football buddies," Mac explained.

"And now he's attacking his Marine buddies' girl friends," AJ muttered. "Damn!"

AJ stood and walked over to the window. As he gazed outside, he said softly, "So, what's your plan, Mac? Put yourself out there as bait this weekend?"

"Yes, Sir," she answered.

"Mac! You can't. You could get hurt…killed! This guy…" Harm cried.

"Commander!" the Admiral bellowed. "The Colonel is on an assignment, and she will do what has to be done!"

"Sir, yes, Sir," muttered Harm. He couldn't stand the idea of Mac being in danger…without his being there to protect her. "You just be sure Gunny watches your six, Mac!"

"He watches my six just fine, Harm," she said with an evil little smirk that made her eyes sparkle.

"I'll just bet he does," mumbled the Admiral, not quite quietly enough that they didn't hear him.

 

 

Friday, 31 August 2001
1130 EDT
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

Mac closed her office door behind her and headed for the elevator.

"Colonel!" Harriett called to her. "You will be back in town for Monday's picnic, right?"

"I'll try, Harriett, but I can't promise anything," Mac said.

"Try hard. Little AJ will be so upset if you aren't there," Harriett said.

"I'll do my best, Harriett."

"I have a call in to Gunny at Cherry Point, too. I'm hoping he can come up. It won't be a JAG Ops picnic without the two of you there!"

"Have a good weekend, Harriett. I'll see you on Tuesday…if not at the picnic." Mac stepped on the elevator and the doors closed behind her.

 

 

Friday, 31 August 2001
2100 EDT
On the Beach
Atlantic Beach, North Carolina

"This is the best fried chicken I've ever eaten! Who made this?" Mac asked.

"I did!" a bright young blonde chirped. "I'm glad you like it. Hi, I'm Betty Ann."

"Lisa," Mac offered her hand in greeting.

"You're here with Gunny Victor, aren't you?" Betty Ann asked.

"That's right. You know Vic?" Mac asked.

"I've seen him a couple times, but I haven't really met him proper-like. He's sure a good lookin' Mexican, isn't he? I don't usually think Mexicans are good looking, but him! Wow. I don't think I could go with a Mexican, though…you know, mixing races, and all that. It's just not natural…" she rambled.

"Victor isn't Mexican. He's of Hispanic origin, but he's from the state of New Mexico. He's an American, through and through," Mac stated. 'Not that there's anything wrong with being Mexican,' she thought.

"Isn't that the same thing, though? Mexican and Hispanic?"

"No, it isn't the same thing," Mac said, thinking 'God this girl is so backwards and prejudiced. Ugh! Get me away from her!'

"Lisa!" Pete called as he walked over to her and put his arm around her shoulders giving her a hug. "Glad you could make it. Victor's been a bear all week without you."

"I understand I've been pretty horrid, myself. My boss even asked me if I had PMS yesterday!" Mac laughed. "Excuse me, Betty Ann. Great chicken!" she added as she and Pete moved away from the girl.

"I see you met Betty Ann," Pete laughed.

"Yes. God, I didn't think there were still bimbos in the world like her. Can you believe she thought…" Mac started.

"You poor thing! Having to meet our backwoods Kentucky babe with no one to forewarn you!" Michelle piped up. "She gives us blondes a bad name," Michelle laughed. "Thanks for rescuing her, Honey."

"Blondes? What about us girls from Kentucky? We're not all like that, you know, Lisa," the young, svelte redhead said. "You probably don't remember me; we met at the ball earlier this month. I'm MaryEllen Drey."

"Of course I remember you. Well, I remembered you…just not your name. Sorry, I'm not the best with names," Mac lied. Actually, she was very good remembering names."

"Ladies, guys," Gunny greeted them all as he came up next to Mac and put his arm around her waist. "Hey, Babe." He bent down and kissed her full on the mouth. Mac turned into him and put her arms around his neck.

"Mmm, I missed you so much this week, Vic. How long do we have to stay here tonight?" she purred.

"We can leave anytime you want," he answered as he kissed the tip of her nose.

"Let's go!" she said. "Bye, everyone. We'll see you tomorrow!" Mac waved as she took Gunny's hand and pulled him with her.

Out of the corner of his eye, Gunny saw Waterson. He was watching them, definitely. He hadn't taken his eyes off of Mac since they arrived. 'Well, I guess now's as good a time as any,' he thought. He dropped Mac's hand and whispered, "Waterson is watching us. Let's do it." Then he spoke louder so others could hear, "Hold up, Babe. I need to talk to Pete for a minute." Gunny turned around and headed back to the little group of people. "Come on."

"No, you go on; my feet are tired and I want to sit. I'll just wait for you in the car, Lover. Don't be long."

"Okay, I'll just be a minute."

Mac walked up the sand and to the waiting car. She knew Waterson was right behind her; she could sense it.

"Hello there, Lisa," Waterson said as he put his arms around her waist.

She turned around and acted surprised, but not angry. "Well, hello there. Do I know you, handsome?"

"We've met."

"Have we? Oh, I think I'd remember someone who looks like you. I have seen you around, though, once or twice."

"That's right. And now I'm going to see you, all of you. Any objections?" he asked.

"All of me, eh? As in, you want to make love to me?" she asked sexily.

"That's about the size of it."

"I already have a boy friend, you know."

"He doesn't deserve you."

"And you do?"

"Oh, yeah. I definitely deserve you." With that he lowered his face to hers and bruised her mouth with his kiss, biting down hard on her lower lip.

"Ouch! That hurt," she complained.

"You like it rough, Babe. I know. I've seen you."

"Seen me what?" she played along.

"I've watched you with Galindez. You're really hot. Nothing like those others."  Suddenly, before Mac realized what was coming, he covered her face with a rag…and she fell unconscious in his arms. "No more watching, Lisa. This time it's my turn. When I'm finished doing you, you're gonna want to do me. You're gonna beg to do me! I'm finally gonna have me a woman who knows what to do with a man. Hot damn!" he mumbled as he dumped Mac into his car and sped away.

Gunny had watched the entire exchange from the bushes. He jumped in his car, and turned on the tracking station. Mac's beacon was coming in strong. As long as Waterson didn't strip her and leave her clothes somewhere, Gunny wouldn't have any trouble keeping up with their location. Mac wanted to put the beacon in her purse, but Gunny had insisted on sewing it into the hem of her shorts. She might not have her purse with her when Waterson abducted her. He certainly hoped she'd still have her shorts on! Gunny looked in the seat next to him. There sat her purse. He smiled.

The tracking beacon stopped moving. Gunny had followed them about 7 miles down Highway 58. The road was still busy for this time of night; it was the only road that led on and off the island. Waterson had turned on a side street and was parked in front of a small beach cottage. Gunny drove past the house slowly. He could see a man inside, going from window to window, closing the blinds. 'This is it!' Gunny thought. 'Better call for backup.'

Gunny opened his cell phone and dialed the number General Billington gave him his first day back. He was shocked when the General, himself, answered the phone. "Billington."

"General! Sir, this is Gunnery Sergeant Galindez. It's going down now, Sir. I need backup."

"Where are you, Gunny?"

Gunny gave the General the exact coordinates of the beach house, and the General told him to hold until he relayed the information.

"You'll have a detachment there in 5, Gunny. How's the Colonel? She's with him?"

"Yes, Sir, she's in there. As far as I can tell, she's okay. He knocked her out with something to get her in the car."

"Keep an eye out, Gunny. If she's in danger, do your damnedest to protect her!"

"That I will, General!"

"I know you will, Gunny. I'll send NCIS over there to clean up.  Call me when it's over."

"Aye, Sir."

 

 

Friday, 31 August 2001
2130 EDT
Highway 58
Indian Beach, North Carolina

"Look, guys, all I know is the General ordered us out here ASAP. Evidently there's a sting in process to catch the guy who murdered Melanie, and we're providing backup," explained Pete. "I just wish Victor hadn't left yet; he would've been great to have out here. He's done this kind of thing before…" he mumbled, but stopped as he pulled up behind Gunny's vehicle. "Oh my God! That's his car!" They climbed out and ran stealthily down the narrow road to meet Gunny. "Vic!" Pete whispered. "My God, man, are you involved in this?"

Gunny nodded. "Waterson is in there…with Lisa." At Pete's sharp intake of breath, Gunny added, "She's a Marine, Pete. They're alone; I've already done recon. Now here's the plan…" Gunny started. Just then, they heard a shot fired inside the house. Then another. "Go! Go! Go!" yelled Gunny as they stormed the house with their weapons drawn.

Gunny was the first one inside with Pete following fast on his heels. Another Marine came in behind them, while three others came in through the back entrance. They all stopped dead in their tracks and stared at the sight before them. There was Waterson, writhing on the floor in pain as he clutched his knee which was bleeding profusely.  And an almost naked Mac, standing in front of him with a gun trained at his head.

"About time you showed up," she said evenly, not even turning to see who was there. She already knew it was Gunny.

"Am I late?" he said as he went to the chair to get her t-shirt. "Here," he said as he tossed it to her.

"Thanks. And yes, I figure you were 1 minute and 32 seconds late," she said as she pulled the shirt over her head to cover herself.

Gunny laughed as he walked over to her. "But you're okay? He didn't hurt you?" he said as he put his hands on her shoulders and turned her to face him.

"Hurt me? Are you kidding? I wasn't going to let that bastard hurt me," she said as the Marines attempted to get Waterson to his feet.

"Excuse me, Gunny. Waterson can hardly stand. It's more than just his blown knee. It's like he's…"

"Hurt?" Mac said with an evil grin. The Marine nodded.  She replied, "He is hurt.  Badly.  Just not badly enough, in my opinion."  Mac turned and looked at Gunny and smiled. Then she turned and walked out the door.

Gunny turned and looked at Waterson. "Be glad you still have privates to be in pain, Waterson. She could just as easily have divested them for you. And believe me, she wanted to."

"My God, Vic!  Who is she?!" asked Pete.

"Lt. Colonel Sarah MacKenzie, JAG Corps.  One of the best," Gunny told him proudly.

"Lt. Colonel?!  Oh my God!" exclaimed Pete.  "And I said...  Oh, man!  Why didn't you tell me!  God, the things I said to her!"

"She was undercover, Pete.  She won't hold any of that against you.  Believe me," Gunny assured him.  He turned to the Marines who were holding up Waterson.  "NCIS will be here soon to take him into custody.  You men stay here with him until they arrive and take over.  I guess you'd better wrap his leg."

They heard the sirens in the distance and they were getting closer.  Gunny picked up the remainder of Mac's clothing and headed outside to find her; Pete followed him.  Gunny saw her sitting on the bumper of his car.  "Colonel?  Are you okay, Ma'am?" Gunny asked.

It sounded funny to Pete, hearing Vic address Lisa so formally.  He'd seen them together in several rather compromising situations, and they'd been so relaxed...so at ease with each other.  'Damn, so she really isn't Vic's girl friend.  Well, no...of course not.  She's an officer.  He's enlisted.  There's no way.  But, God, they were so good together!'

Mac looked up and saw that Gunny had her clothes.  "Oh good!  Thanks," she said as she reached for her garments.  "I really didn't want to have to see that bastard, again.  And I forgot to pick these up before I walked out."  She stepped into her shorts and put her sandals on her feet. 

"Those sirens will be NCIS arriving, Ma'am.  The General called them after I called him for backup."

"Better call an ambulance, too, Gunny.  I did shoot the bastard in the knee," she said.

"I believe one of the guys inside already called, Ma'am.  Colonel?  We heard two shots, Ma'am.  One hit his knee.  What about the other shot, Ma'am?  Yours ...or his?" he asked hesitantly.

"His, Gunny.  Actually, the gun went off while I was fighting him for it.  The slug is probably embedded in a wall someplace," she explained.  "Well, I guess I'd better call the Admiral and let him know what's happened."  Mac reached for her purse inside Gunny's car, pulled out her cell phone, and dialed.

"Chegwidden."

"Colonel MacKenzie here, Sir.  We took Waterson down tonight.  NCIS is just arriving to take him into custody, Sir," Mac explained.

"Anyone hurt?" he barked.

"Just Waterson.  I blew his kneecap out, Sir.  That bastard won't be running anywhere for a long while," she said proudly.

"Good; good.  Bring your report by the house on Sunday morning, Mac," the Admiral ordered.  He wasn't finished talking.  Just as he was ready to speak again, Mac spoke first.

"Actually, Admiral, I was rather hoping to stay down here tomorrow.  There's a big BBQ on the base tomorrow, and I'd..."

"Not a problem, Mac," he interrupted.  "Stay if you'd like.  But you will be coming home in time for the JAG picnic on Monday, yes?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Be sure Gunny comes, too.  I want him here on Monday.  Got that?"

"Aye, Sir; I'll tell him."

"Good work, Mac.  I'll see you on Monday," he said as he hung up the phone.

Gunny was talking to the NCIS agents, while Pete was directing the ambulance attendants inside the house.  When Gunny was finished, he walked over to Mac.  "You ready to head back to the B&B, Ma'am?  I imagine you'll want to get an early start for home tomorrow."

"Yes, I would, Gunny.  But I'm not going home tomorrow.  You promised me a  BBQ at the Point tomorrow, and I mean to hold you to it," Mac said.

"Yes, Ma'am!" Gunny answered.  "It will be my pleasure, Ma'am."

Mac climbed in the passenger side of Gunny's vehicle.  "Let's go!  I need a shower..." she moaned.

 

 

Friday, 31 August 2001
2345 EDT
The Dill House B&B
Morehead City, North Carolina

As Gunny and Mac entered her room at the B&B, she said, "Victor, disable the damned camera.  And sweep the place for bugs.  We're not on display now."

"Aye, Ma'am."

"Yes, I guess we are back to that, aren't we?" she said sadly as she headed for the bathroom.

By the time Mac had showered and wrapped herself up in the luxurious terry robe furnished by the B&B, Gunny had disabled the camera and found three listening devices that he promptly destroyed.  He was sitting on the edge of the bed when Mac came out of the bathroom.

"Ma'am, if you don't need anything else tonight, I'll be heading back to the base," Gunny offered.

"Nothing, thanks," Mac said quietly.  "Good night," she whispered as she turned her back to him.

"Colonel?  Are you sure you're okay?" Gunny asked, immediately concerned by her behavior.

"Fine."

"Did he hurt you?  Touch you?" Gunny probed gently as he walked up behind her.  He so wanted to put his hands on her shoulders and turn her to face him.  He wanted to take her in his arms and make love to her.  But he couldn't.  Not now.  The case was closed.  There was no more Lisa.

Mac turned around slowly until she faced Gunny.  "No, but you did," she said.

"I hurt you?"  Gunny was appalled.  How could he have hurt her?

"No, you touched me.  You touched me as I've never been touched before.  And I want that, again.  But I can't have it..."  The words were torn from her as she ran back into the bathroom and sobbed.  "Please go, Victor.  Please leave now," she begged as she sat on the lid of the commode.

"I can't leave you like this.  I won't leave you like this."  Gunny followed her into the bathroom and squatted on the floor in front of her.

"Then take me to bed.  Make love to me.  Let me be Lisa...your Lisa...for one more night."

"They'll be expecting me back at the EQ tonight, now that they know who you are..."

"So tell them we worked on our report until we fell asleep at the table," she suggested.  Gunny looked torn.  She knew it was wrong.  She shouldn't have asked.  "No, forget it.  Just leave.  Please, leave now."

"Is that what you really want?" he asked.

"Of course not.  But I can't have what I really want.  We aren't just Victor and Lisa anymore.  We're Gunnery Sergeant Galindez and Lt. Colonel MacKenzie.  We were on an assignment, and we did what we had to do.  But that doesn't mean I can't remember our time together and relish the memory of your touching me...of my touching you."

"Do you?  Relish those memories?  As much as I do?" he whispered.

"Yes, Victor.  I do."  She leaned forward, took his face in her hands, and kissed him.  "Now I think you'd better go."

"You're still coming to the BBQ tomorrow?" he asked hopefully.

"Do you want me to?"

"Yes, I do."

"Then I'll go with you."

"I'll pick you up at 1030."

"I'll be ready."

 

 

Saturday, 1 September 2001
1100 EDT
MCAS Cherry Point
North Carolina

Gunny pulled his car into the parking spot and came around to open Mac's door.  She stepped out, and a dozen catcalls were whistled in her direction.  Gunny was concerned that she would be offended, but Mac just smiled and waved at the men.  Gunny escorted her over to a picnic area where Pete, Michelle, and his other buddies were sitting.  The guys all stood and came to attention in Mac's presence.

"As you were, gentlemen," she said easily.  "Good morning, Michelle."  Mac smiled.  Lisa stood and walked over to her.  

"Thank you, Colonel.  Thank you for catching that bastard.  Thank you for caring enough to help us," she started to cry.  Mac reached out and embraced her.

"Hey, you.  I thought you cried all this out last Saturday!" she joked as she stroked Michelle's hair.

"I thought so, too.  But when Pete told me this morning what you did...how you let him take you prisoner...how he stripped you and...oh God!  Lisa, I'm so glad he didn't hurt you!"

"It's okay, Michelle.  It's okay.  I'm okay.  I'm fine.  He didn't hurt me.  I knew I could take him down if it came to that.  I didn't ever feel like I was really in danger.  Believe me.  It's okay."  Mac held her back out at arm's length.  "It's okay.  Really!" she assured her.

"Oh, you're not really Lisa, are you?  So, what is your name?  I know you're a Colonel; I guess that's really what I ought to call you anyway..."

"Sarah.  My name is Sarah, and I'd like it very much if you'd call me that."  Mac looked up at Gunny and smiled.  "That goes for you, too, Gunny.  And the rest of you.  I'm not on duty today.  And I'm not in uniform.  The name is Sarah.  That's an order," she laughed lightly.

"Aye, Ma'am...er, Sarah," Pete said.

Mac looked over Gunny's shoulder to see General Billington heading their way.  "Colonel MacKenzie!" he bellowed.  Everyone jumped; the Marines coming to attention.  "As you were, as you were!  This is a party, gentlemen!  And quite a celebration it is, thanks to you, Colonel," he said loudly as he embraced her in a big bear hug.  "You and Gunnery Sergeant Galindez, that is."  The General stuck his hand out to Gunny.  "We owe you both a debt of thanks."

Mac had a wonderful day at the BBQ.  By 1630, she believed that absolutely everyone on base must have come up and thanked her for her role in ridding the base of their plague.  She was never alone with Gunny, but she often found herself gazing at him while caught in a daydream.  'This isn't good.  How am I ever going to work with him, again?  Suck it up, Marine!  He's an enlisted man; there's no way!'

Gunny had a wonderful day, too.  All his friends, old and new, were very understanding about why he'd lied to them.  They didn't care; they were just thankful that both Cole and Waterson were off the base.  Gunny found himself watching Mac oftentimes during the course of the afternoon.  Sometimes she would suddenly focus her eyes and realize he was watching her; she blushed then.  'I wonder what she was thinking about?  Could it have been me?  Oh God!  How am I ever going to work with her, again?  Damn regs.'

 

 

Saturday, 1 September 2001
2100 EDT
The Dill House B&B
Morehead City, North Carolina

Gunny pulled in to the parking lot and turned off the car.  They sat there in the dark, neither moving, neither talking.  Finally, Gunny moved his right hand from his lap and took Mac's hand in his.  "Sarah, I enjoyed today.  Thank you for coming with me."  He pulled her hand up to his mouth and kissed it.

"You're driving home tomorrow, too, right?" she asked.

"No, I don't think so."

"Victor..."

"I'm going to accept the promotion.  I'm staying here at the Point," he said.

"I know," she said sadly.  "I'm going to miss you."

"And I, you."

"Victor, the Admiral really wants you to be at the JAG picnic on Monday.  Please come."

"Do you have any idea how hard that will be for us, Sarah?  It was one thing here, today, for me to call you Sarah.  It was accepted because of the circumstances surrounding your being here.  It won't be accepted at JAG.  It won't be accepted here the next time you come down.  It won't be accepted anywhere after tonight.  You know that."

"I know," she whispered.

"And you still want me to go to the picnic?"

"Yes."

"Then I'll go.  May I catch a ride up with you?  I'll fly back."

"Of course."

 

 

Sunday, 2 September 2001
1500 EDT
Victor Galindez' Apartment 
Washington, DC

"Thanks for the ride, Sarah."

"My pleasure...and you did all the driving."

"The pleasure was mine.  Believe me," Gunny said as he leaned over to kiss Mac on the lips.  He got out of the car and pulled his duffel from the back seat.  

The ride home had proven to both of them that Gunny was making the right choice in leaving JAG.  One of them would have to leave, they both knew that now.  They hadn't been on the road for two hours that morning when Mac reached over and placed her hand on Gunny's thigh.  She'd inched it up further and further until finally he'd ended up pulling the car off the next exit and into an empty field.  They laid the seat back and let nature take over.

"I'll pick you up tomorrow at..." she started to say as she got out and walked around to the driver's side of the car.

"No.  I'll get a ride with Tiner."

"It's not out of my way, Vic.  Please, let me..."

"No, Sarah.  It has to be this way.  You know that.  It's your career that would suffer here, not mine.  I'll see you at the park tomorrow.  Colonel," he said sadly.

Mac nodded.  "Okay.  I'll see you tomorrow.  Gunny," she replied just as mournfully.

 

 

Monday, 3 September 2001
1300 EDT
James Lee Park
Falls Church, Virginia

"Colonel, that is so incredible!  I can't believe you and Gunny were on an undercover assignment at Cherry Point!  And since July!  And I didn't figure it out.  I must be slipping," Harriett said, laughing.

"You must be, Harriett.  I thought surely you'd have figured it out before Rabb!" the Admiral joked as he slapped Harm on the back.

"I never would have known about it if I hadn't seen those damned pictures," Harm commented.

"Which I still haven't seen, by the way." the Admiral added.  

"Sir, I wouldn't suggest the beach scenes," Harm whispered.

"Why not?  I hear they are pretty incredible," AJ said back.

"Sir, I got aroused just looking at them!" Harm explained.

"Ha!  Then I do want to see those!!" laughed the Admiral.  Harm just looked at the Admiral like he'd grown two heads.

"Mac, I'm just glad you weren't hurt in any way through all of that ordeal," Harm said as he put his arm around Mac's shoulders.  

She stiffened instantly and jerked away from him.  "No!" she cried out and covered her face with her hands.

Gunny was instantly at her side.  "You okay?" he asked gently.  Mac was shaking, so he took her hands in one of his and cupped her cheek with his other hand.  He whispered to her, "Sarah?  Are you okay?  What is it?"

Mac's lips parted slightly as she looked into Gunny's eyes.  He smiled at her, and she smiled back.  "Mmm, I'm okay.  I just...I remembered..." and she slumped into Gunny's arms.  He picked her up and carried her to the blanket that Harriett had laid out on the ground for little AJ.  They were all standing just behind Gunny, not wanting to crowd them, but all very concerned.

"Gunny?" the Admiral asked as he squatted down next to them.  "What exactly did happen on Friday night?  Mac never actually said, and she hasn't given me her report yet."

Gunny was gently stroking Mac's hair and face.  "Waterson knocked her out with chloroform on a handkerchief; that's how he got her in his car, Sir.  He took her to a beach house and..." he hesitated.  "He stripped her.  We were just ready to go in, when we heard two gun shots; we stormed the house then.  We found Waterson on the floor clutching his knee; she'd shot him in the kneecap.  And she was holding a gun on him."

"She was naked, Gunny?" Harm asked.

"No, Sir.  Not...completely," Gunny said quietly.  "She told me that she'd come to just as he was ready to rip her...underwear off.  She kneed him pretty hard and he fell to the ground.  She got up, but then he pulled his gun on her.  She jumped him and fought for the gun.  It went off, didn't hit anyone.  She ended up with the gun and shot him in the knee.  That's when we stormed the house, Sir."

"Victor?"  Mac was trying to wake up.  "Victor!" she yelled as she thrashed her arms wildly.  Gunny grabbed her arms and pulled her close.  

"I'm here, Babe.  I'm here.  Shhh, it's okay."

'Babe?  Did he just call her Babe??' thought the Admiral and Harm...and everyone else.

"Mmm, Victor," she cooed.  "Come back to bed; I'm cold."  

Harriett gasped.  "Oh my God!"

"You're not in bed; you're not cold," Victor said gently, still holding her close to his chest.  "There's no camera.  Remember?  I dismantled it.  The case is over.  We're home now.  No more acting."

Mac woke up suddenly.  "Oh!" she exclaimed.  "Gunny!  Oh, I'm sorry.  I...oh..."  She pulled away from his embrace, completely embarrassed now.  She moved to stand up but stumbled.  Harm caught her.  

"Easy does it, Marine," Harm said.

"Mac?  Are you okay now?" the Admiral asked.  "Do you need to go home and rest?"

"Oh, no, Sir.  I'm fine.  Really.  I guess I just flashed back for a minute.  I... It was just..." Mac was flustered.  'Suck it up, Marine!  You're acting like a blithering idiot here!'  "I'm perfectly fine now, Sir."

"Auntie Mac sick?" little AJ asked.  He'd been quiet through the entire episode, but now he wanted to understand what was happening.  

"No, AJ.  Auntie Mac is just fine, Sweetie," Mac said as she bent down and picked up her godson.  "Come on!  Let's get some food!"  And she headed over to the picnic tables.

Several hours later, the Admiral called for everyone's attention.  "People, I have something to announce today.  It isn't something I'm glad to announce, by any means, but I'm definitely proud to do it.  Effective immediately, Victor Galindez is promoted to Master Sergeant..."

The entire JAG staff, save for Mac, erupted in applause and cheers.  "Way to go, Gunny!"  "That's great, Vic!"  "Wonderful news!"  Mac just stood next to Harm, perfectly still.  No one noticed except Gunny and the Admiral.

AJ continued when the noise quieted down.  "As I was saying, Victor is promoted to Master Sergeant and will be responsible for all automatic weapons training...at Cherry Point."

"Cherry Point?"  "You're leaving us?"  "What will we do without you, Gunny?"  They were all in shock.  They had no idea that Gunny would be leaving them.

Harm was the first to recover.  He stepped forward and shook Gunny's hand.  "Congratulations, Victor.  Promotion well deserved.  We're certainly going to miss you at JAG."

"Thank you, Commander.  I'm going to miss all of you, too."  Gunny chanced a glance at Mac and saw a single tear slip down her cheek. 

The Admiral saw it, too.  He walked over to Mac and said, "Walk with me."

When they were well out of sight of the others, the Admiral said gently, "Mac, are you really okay?"

"Yes, Sir."

"You don't look okay.  You don't sound okay."  He stopped and turned her to face him, cupping her face in his hands.  "What happened down there, Mac?  What happened that I'm not going to be reading in your report?"

"Undercover work isn't my favorite kind of assignment, Sir.  It takes a lot out of me."

"Mac, as you said, you were undercover.  You did what you had to do.  Let it go.  Leave it behind.  Don't let it consume you."

"Easier said than done, Sir."

"This is why Gunny accepted the position, isn't it?" AJ asked softly.  She looked up at him, startled.  "Don't look at me like that, Mac.  It's obvious."

"But, Sir, we..."

"Mac.  You were on an assignment.  There won't be any charges filed.  I won't let anyone besmirch your name or Gunny's for this.  But it has to end.  You know that."

"Yes, Sir."

"Has it?  Ended?"

"Yes, Sir."

"And that's why he's leaving?"

"Yes, Sir.  One of us had to," she said as she began to cry.  AJ pulled her into his arms and held her.

"Go ahead and cry, Sarah.  You need to let it out...and let it go."  And she did.  She cried while AJ cradled her in his arms.  When her tears were finally spent, he wiped her face with his handkerchief and they headed back to the picnic area.

"Thank you, Admiral," she whispered.

"You're welcome, Colonel," he smiled back.

"Harm!  You'd better have left me a piece of that chocolate cake!!" Mac yelled as she approached the table.

 

The End.