Divine Intervention - Part 1

Thursday, 2 August 2001
1003 EDT
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia 

Commander Harmon Rabb rushed in to the courtroom, taking his seat next to his client.  Lieutenant Bud Roberts, acting as co-counsel on this case was relieved to see him.  Bud wasn’t sure what new evidence the Commander had uncovered, but Bud was sure that whatever it was, it would blow this case right out of the water.

Lieutenant Commander Sam Field was also relieved when the Commander finally arrived.  His defense was shaky at best; he couldn’t believe this had gotten so out of hand. 

‘Guess I’m going to have to have another talk with Rabb; why is he always late to court?’ mused Admiral AJ Chegwidden.  The Admiral didn’t often sit in on court cases, but this one intrigued him, and the accused was a SeAL.  That, in itself, was reason enough for him to be there. 

Admiral Morris was none too pleased that Rabb was late to his courtroom…again.  ‘Rabb always pulls something in my court.  I wonder if it’s just me or if he does it to all the judges?’ he mused as he remembered his first encounter with the then Lieutenant Commander Rabb…and he’d only been up from Lieutenant for a couple of months!  ‘I still can’t believe he fired that weapon in this building.  My God, any fool knows better than that!’  He decided to get this trial back underway.  “Commander Rabb, nice of you to join us.” 

“My apologies, your Honor; unavoidable,” replied Rabb. 

“Do you have any more witnesses to call, Commander, or are you ready for closing arguments?” asked the judge.  

“I have one more witness to call, your Honor.  The defense calls Mrs. Julia Kensington.” 

‘Julia?  Isn’t that the name of the woman Field said stopped to help him?  The woman whom he then allegedly raped?  Good God, Rabb!  What are you up to now?’ AJ wondered. 

Lieutenant Colonel Sarah MacKenzie was quick to jump to her feet, but not quite as quick as her co-counsel, Lieutenant Lauren Singer.  “Objection!  There is no Julia Kensington on the witness list.”  Mac just glared at Singer. 

“Sit down, Lieutenant,” Mac hissed in a whisper.  Singer sat; she learned months ago it was best not to ignore the Colonel when she spoke in that way. 

“Your Honor, I was only able to locate Mrs. Kensington late last night.  There wasn’t time to add her name to the witness list nor to make the prosecution counsel aware of my intent to call her this morning,” Harm explained.  “Your Honor, one of the charges being brought against my client is ‘attempted rape’.  Mrs. Kensington is here to refute that.  She was the alleged victim,” he added with emphasis. 

“Sidebar,” Admiral Morris requested.  Harm and Mac approached the bench, along with Bud and Singer.  “Commander Rabb, you’re telling me that you located the alleged victim of the attempted rape?” 

“Yes, Sir.”   

"And she says she wasn't attacked?"

"That's correct, Sir."

“But Admiral, how do we know that’s who she is?  Can he prove…” asked Singer, as Mac glared at her, again, and interrupted her. 

“Lieutenant, I think it will be easy enough to determine if this Mrs. Kensington is the party in question.  We do have an eyewitness who can identify her,” answered Mac.  “Your Honor, I don’t have a problem with Mrs. Kensington taking the stand; I do, however, have a problem with my not having the opportunity to talk to her beforehand.” 

“Actually, Sir, I haven’t had the opportunity to talk to her either, about the alleged crime, I mean.  She only just arrived in the building as this morning’s proceedings were ready to start, which is why I was a minute late coming in.  I had to make sure she could at least prove her identity.” 

Mac looked at Harm and whispered, “Three.  You were three minutes late.” 

“And you’re going to call her to the stand without knowing her story, Commander?  Doesn’t sound like a smart move to me,” Admiral Morris offered. 

Harm answered, “No, Sir, but I have every confidence in my client, Sir.  And the very fact that Mrs. Kensington came forward to testify…well…  Actually, Sir, if I may suggest an alternative.  We could recess until this afternoon.  That would give both the Colonel and me the opportunity to talk to Mrs. Kensington before she takes the stand.” 

“Yes, it would, Commander.  However, you called her to the stand and were ready to let her testify not knowing what she’d say.  Request for recess denied.  Call your witness, Commander,” ordered the judge. 

“The defense calls Mrs. Julia Kensington,” Harm repeated. 

The doors to the courtroom opened, and a woman of medium height and build entered the room.  She wore her dark auburn hair in an upside-down French braid and was attired in a tea-length blue dress with short sleeves.  She wore Birkenstock sandals on her feet, and exquisite gold jewelry at her neck, wrists, fingers, and ankle. 

‘About 35, I’ll guess,’ thought AJ.  ‘Nice figure…not too skinny; gives a man something to hold on to.  Damn, I sure hope Rabb knows what he’s doing.  First-year law student knows better than call a witness he hasn’t…’ 

‘About 40, I’ll bet,’ thought Mac.  ‘Ooh, I didn’t know Birkenstock made black patent “Gizehs”. I’ll have to check out the Web site.’  

‘She’s 45 if she’s a day,’ mused Singer.  ‘And look at the way everyone’s staring at her.  God!  Even Field…and he tried to rape her.  He’s begging her with his eyes not to rat on him.  I’ll break through that!’ 

‘Look at that gold bracelet!  Wow, Harriett would love something like that.  I wish I could ask Mrs. Kensington where she got it,” Bud thought. 

Julia Kensington approached the front of the courtroom; she turned and looked at Sam Field and smiled. 

‘She’s going to tell them the truth.  Thank God!  I’m going to get out of here and back to work!’ Sam was hopeful now for the first time in weeks. 

After the preliminary oath and stating her name for the record, Harm began questioning the witness.  “Mrs. Kensington, how long have you known the defendant, Lt. Commander Sam Field?” 

“Four months,” she answered in a confident voice that belied her nervousness. 

‘Hmm, she’s from the South.  Hasn’t lived there her whole life, though.  Sounds like North Carolina,’ mused AJ. 

“And during that time, did Commander Field ever make improper sexual advances to you?” Rabb asked. 

“Improper?” Julia smiled.  “No, Sir.  Sam didn’t make any improper advances.  He didn’t make any sexual advances, proper or improper.”  She looked over at Sam and gave him a big smile. 

Sam glowed.  It was going to be okay.  He’d be off and out of here today. 

“Mrs. Kensington, please tell the court how you met Commander Field.” 

“Certainly.  It was on Thursday, April 5.  I was driving home from Crossroads shopping center.  That’s in Cary, North Carolina, where I live…” 

‘I was right.  She is from North Carolina,’ AJ was pleased with himself. 

“I was driving on Highway 64, and I saw a car pulled off on the side of the road.  The hood was up, and there was a man standing off to the side with his hands on his hips.” 

“Commander Field?” 

Julia nodded.  “Yes, it was.  I pulled over, got out, and walked back to see if he needed to call someone.”

“Do you stop like that very often, Mrs. Kensington?” 

“No, actually.  I’m usually alone in my car, and it just isn’t safe.  I’ve only stopped one other time that I can remember.” 

“When was that?” 

“In 1984. I was on my way home from work, and there was a car on the side of the road.  A young woman was standing next to the car, and I could see a car seat in the back.  I stopped to see if she needed help.  She’d run out of gas, so I took her to a gas station, we got some gas in a little container, and I took her back to her car.  Never saw her again.” 

“You felt no danger in stopping?” 

“No, I didn’t.  As I said, I don’t usually stop.  But that time, I just felt like God was telling me ‘Stop and help her.  She needs you.’  So I stopped.  Same thing happened with Sam.  That’s why I stopped.” 

Harm didn’t like that answer.  He didn’t want a repeat of the Sergeant Major Crone trial.  He decided to change tactics; with any luck, Mac wouldn’t bring up the ‘voice of God’ in her cross. 

“Mrs. Kensington, Lt. Commander Field is being charged with attempting to rape you on April 5 of this year.  Did he or did he not attempt to rape you on that date?” 

“Did not.” 

“Did he attempt to force any attention on you at all?” 

“No, Sir.” 

“Did he kiss you?” 

She smiled.  “No, Sir.” 

“So, as far as you are concerned, Commander Field did not try to hurt you in any way nor force any attention on you.  Is that a correct statement?” 

“Yes, it is, Commander.” 

“Thank you, Mrs. Kensington.  No further questions.”  Harm turned and walked back to his seat.  Before he sat down, Julia caught him by surprise. 

“Excuse me, Commander?” 

“Yes, Ma’am?” he looked up at her.  ‘Uh oh.  Now what?’  

“May I ask you a question now?” 

AJ liked this woman.  She had spunk.  Anyone knows that a witness doesn’t ask the lawyer questions! 

“I don’t understand how this all happened.  I don’t understand why someone would have accused him of attempted rape.  And who would have done such a thing…naming me as the victim?  And then for no one to contact me; I had to hear about it on the news.  It’s so bizarre!” 

“Mrs. Kensington,” Admiral Morris interrupted.  “I understand that you’re confused about this case.  Hearing you testify, so am I now, quite frankly.  But we will find the truth, and we’re glad you’re here to help us do just that.  Now, I believe Colonel MacKenzie has some questions for you, too.” 

“Yes, of course,” Julia replied. 

Mac stood and walked over to the witness stand.  “Good morning, Mrs. Kensington.  Thank you for coming.” 

Julia just smiled.  She was no fool.  This was the prosecution attorney.  ‘She’s going to try to twist my words around and make it sound like Sam really did try something.  On guard, Jules…be on guard!’ 

“Mrs. Kensington, let’s go back to your hearing God talk to you,” Mac began.  Harm groaned inwardly.  He was really hoping Mac wouldn’t go there, but he knew better.  “Do you often hear God’s voice telling you things?” 

Julia smiled.  “No.  Only four times in my life that I recall.” 

“Four times?  You’ve heard God speak to you four times?” Mac pressed.  Harm was on edge now. 

“Not exactly.  I never actually heard a voice.  It was more of a…feeling.” 

“A feeling?” 

“Yes.” 

“Tell us about the first time you had this ‘feeling’,” Mac requested.  ‘This is going to be good’, she thought to herself. 

“It has nothing to do with this case, and I would prefer not to say.  It's private... personal," replied Julia.

"Your Honor?"  Mac waited for Admiral Morris to either insist she answer the question or let it go.

"Mrs. Kensington, I'm not going to insist that you answer the Colonel's question.  I will advise you, however, that by not answering, you cast doubt on your own testimony," Morris said.

Julia was quiet for a moment.  "Fine.  Then, I’ll tell you.  I think you’ll see that I’m not a crazy woman, which is what you’re driving at, isn’t it, Colonel?” Julia said with a small smile.  “My husband was killed in an automobile accident some years ago.  My world came crashing in around me.  I was only 20.  When I tried to go to sleep the night of the funeral, I couldn’t.  I was crying.  My mother came in to my room and sat with me for a while, hugging me.  I stopped crying, and she left.  As soon as the door closed, I started, again.  This time my father came in…then my sister…then my brother.  Each time, I’d stop while they were there, and then start, again, as soon as they left.” 

Mac felt awful.  She should never have pressed the issue.  This really didn’t have anything to do with the case, just as Mrs. Kensington said.  It was personal... and private.  And Mac wasn’t so sure now that she wanted to hear how God spoke to this woman. 

Julia continued, “Finally I was alone.  I cried so hard my body ached.”  Tears began to form in Julia’s eyes.  “It felt like my heart was literally being torn in half.  I felt like my insides were being twisted and wrenched from my body.”  She lifted her eyes to Mac and said, “And then I felt it.  It was like I could actually feel God’s reaching His arms down from Heaven and folding me into His embrace.  And He spoke to me, in my head…not aloud.  He was saying ‘It’s all right, My child.  I love you and I’ll never let you go.  You are safe; you are loved; and I’ll hold you until you’re able to stand on your own, again.  I’ll carry you through this time.  Hold on to Me, Julia.’ “  The tears were freely flowing down Julia’s cheeks by now.

But she wasn’t alone.  In fact, there wasn’t a dry eye in the courtroom…except, of course, for Lt. Singer. 

“I’m sorry,” Julia offered.  “I didn’t mean to become so emotional.  It’s difficult to talk about that; it isn’t something I’ve told many people.  As I said, it's private."

“Do you need some time, Mrs. Kensington?” asked Admiral Morris. 

“No, Sir, I’m fine…really.   I'm sure you want to know about the second time, right?"

Mac could only nod her head in agreement.

"For about a year after my husband died, I wanted to die myself.  I actually wanted to kill myself, but it had to look like an accident.” 

Bud gasped. 

“You see, I couldn’t have my family know that I killed myself.  It would hurt them too much.  The only thing I could think of was to wreck the car, and the ideal place was on the Saw Mill River Parkway.  I was living at my parents’ home in New York, and I took the parkway a lot.  It had lots of very sharp curves, a killer guardrail, and the traffic went at break-neck speed."  

Admiral Morris nodded his head.  He knew the Saw Mill River Parkway only too well.

"It should have been easy.  Several times I drove along the parkway, increasing my speed…faster and faster, and then I’d try to turn the wheel into the guardrail.” 

This time Mac and Bud gasped.  

“I tried with all my strength, but the wheel wouldn’t turn.  The car just followed the road.  I couldn’t understand it.  Why couldn’t I just die?”  Julia’s tears were streaming down her face, again.  She brushed them away with her hand and continued.  “Then one day when I was planning to try once more, it felt different.  I increased my speed, but as I was ready to try to turn the wheel, I heard God in my head, again.  This time He said, ‘If this is what you really want, Julia, then I won’t stop you.  When you turn the wheel this time, you will crash.  You will die.  I won’t stop you, again.  It’s your choice now.’ “ 

The room was quiet now.  The only noise was that of Bud’s watch beeping the hour. 

“You obviously didn’t turn the wheel?” offered Mac in a choked voice. 

Julia smiled through her tears.  “No, I didn’t.  I pulled off the next exit and sat on the side of the road and bawled.  I probably sat there and cried for an hour.  When I was finally spent, I pulled back on the parkway and headed for home.  I never tried it, again.  And I’ve never thought about killing myself, again.” 

“Thank God!” breathed AJ softly. 

“And the third time you heard what you believe was God’s prodding was in 1984 when you stopped to help the young woman on the side of the road.  Is that correct, Mrs. Kensington?” Mac asked. 

“Yes, Ma’am.” 

“And the fourth and last time was when you stopped to help Commander Field?” 

“That’s correct.” 

“The last two weren’t nearly as emotional, were they?” Mac asked gently. 

“Good thing!”  Julia laughed, breaking the somber mood that had settled over the court as others laughed lightly along with her. 

Discrediting this witness was not going to be easy.  ‘I wonder if she’s really telling the truth?  It certainly sounds like it!’ Mac wondered.  “Mrs. Kensington, you said you’ve been involved with Commander Field for four months?” 

“No, Ma’am.  Actually I said I’ve 'known him' for four months.” 

“Of course.  So, how would you classify your relationship?” 

“I’d say we’re somewhere between acquaintances and friends.” 

“Would you elaborate on that, please?” Mac requested. 

“Sam and I spent the evening together on April 5, which was the day we met, and I haven’t seen or heard from him since.  But we did have a pleasant evening, and he left me his number and told me to call him if I ever needed him.” 

“You said you spent the night together.  What, did you have dinner together?” 

“Actually, I said 'evening', not 'night'.  Yes, we went to The Olive Garden restaurant.  I love Italian food.” 

‘Good choice,’ AJ mused.  'And she's not letting Mac change her story either.  Good for you, Julia!'

“And did you share dessert later?” Mac asked with a suggestive inflection in her tone. 

“Share dessert?  You’re kidding, right?!” Julia said incredulously.  She looked over at Commander Field and saw him stifling a laugh.  “I never share dessert, Colonel.  We stopped at Goodberry’s Creamery after dinner, and Sam got a small vanilla cone.  Boring.  I had a chocolate Concrete with Oreos and Butterfingers.  Mmm!” she said as she licked her lips and rolled her eyes.

“And afterwards?” Mac suggested. 

“Afterwards, we went to the Hampton Inn in Apex.  Sam got a room, and I went home.” 

“Did you go to his room with him?” 

“No, I didn’t.  I went home.” 

“Mrs. Kensington, are you absolutely certain that Commander Field did not make any advances to you?” 

“I’m certain.” 

“He didn’t even so much as hold your hand?”  Julia shook her head no.  “Hug you?”  Again, she shook her head no.  “Kiss you?”  

She smiled, again, at this question.  “No, Colonel,” Julia replied.

"Mrs. Kensington, that's the second time you've smiled as you answered that question.  Let me rephrase it, if I may.  "Did you kiss him?"

“No, Colonel, I didn't.  And because you don't know me, you don't know that I have a nervous smile.  I often smile at the most inopportune moments.  I have no control over it; my face just likes to smile."  She chuckled.  "Believe me, Sam Field had no desire to kiss me, and I don't go around kissing men I don't know.  For that matter, I don't kiss men I do know..." she finished lamely.

"You don't kiss men?  And the reason for that would be...?" inquired Mac.

"Colonel, what does this have to do with anything?  I’m not the kind of woman who attracts men.  I’m someone they feel comfortable with as a friend... like a sister... and that’s all.  There’s never any physical attraction…just…never,” she replied. 

The men in the room were startled.  ‘What is she talking about?’  ‘Doesn’t attract men?  Is she crazy?’   

“Thank you, Mrs. Kensington.  No further questions, your Honor,” Mac replied. 

“Redirect, your Honor?” Harm requested. 

Admiral Morris nodded, and Harm stood. 

“Mrs. Kensington, did you notice anyone watching the two of you that evening?” he asked, while he really wanted to ask her out for dinner.  'I could show her just how attractive she is to the opposite sex.'

“You know, a couple of times I thought I noticed a guy watching us at the restaurant.  But I didn’t really think anything of it until I saw him at the hotel.  He pulled into the parking lot as I was saying goodbye to Sam.  I thought it was quite a coincidence.” 

“Did you mention it to Commander Field?” Harm asked. 

“I don’t think so…  No, I’m sure I didn’t.” 

“Would you recognize the man if you saw him, again?” 

“Probably.  I’m good at remembering faces.  Not very good at remembering names or details like what someone is wearing, eyes, hair color.  But faces?  I’m good with faces.” 

“Thank you, Mrs. Kensington.  No further questions, your Honor.  The defense rests.” 

Admiral Morris picked up his gavel and announced a break for lunch.  “We’ll reconvene at 1400 hours for closing arguments.”

Thursday, 2 August 2001
1230 EDT
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia 

“Julia, thank you so much for coming,” Sam Field said as Julia left the witness stand and approached the defense table. 

“Sam, I really don’t understand all this.  How could this have happened?  Who would do this to you?  And why didn’t you call me to testify for you?” Julia badgered. 

“I have my suspicions who is behind it, Jules.  And with Harm’s help, we’ll get to the bottom of it,” he explained.  "It's more complicated than it appears."

“But, Sam, why didn’t you call me?  Or have Commander Rabb call me?” she persisted. 

“You won’t believe this, Julia.  Remember how I gave you my card so you could call me if you needed anything?”   

“Yes, of course.  I have it in my purse,” she said as she tapped her hand on the side of her bag. 

“You were going to give me your card, but if you’ll remember, you were out of them.  Not a one in your purse.” 

“Oh my!  You’re right; I’d forgotten that.  But still…” 

“But nothing, Julia!  All I knew was your first name and that you lived somewhere in the Raleigh area.  You never said your last name; you never said your address.  I didn’t have a clue how to find you.” 

“Oh, Sam, I’m so sorry.  I am just so glad I saw the little blurb on the news last night.  I don’t usually watch the news; too depressing.  But I was flipping through the channels last night and I saw your picture on the screen.  When I heard the story, I couldn’t believe it!  I tried calling your number, but I didn’t get an answer… not even voice mail.  So I called my cousin at Fort Bragg to find out what I should do and who to call.” 

“Well, I'm just glad you're here.  You hungry, Jules?  Let’s go get some lunch,” offered Sam. 

Harm, Bud, Sam, and Julia left the courtroom together and headed for the elevators. 

“Sam!” Julia leaned close to his ear and whispered urgently.  “That’s him!  That’s the man who followed us; I’m sure of it!” 

Harm and Bud heard what she said, and they followed her gaze until their eyes rested on the prosecution’s eye witness, Seaman Davis Johansen.  Johansen was talking to Mac and Singer, waving his arms wildly.  Before they knew it, Julia had quickly stepped away from the men and walked right up to Johansen. 

“You!  You’re the man who followed Commander Field and me back in April.  You’re the one who’s accusing him of trying to rape me, aren’t you?  What’s wrong with you?  He never touched me!  Why are you doing this?” 

AJ happened to walk out of the bullpen the moment Julia began to verbally accost Johansen.  AJ made a beeline for her, put his arm around her waist, and pulled her away…back toward the bullpen. 

“Mrs. Kensington, please.  You really shouldn’t take risks like that,” AJ began. 

“Risks?  What risks?” asked Julia innocently. 

“If what you said in the courtroom today is true…” 

“If?  What do you mean, if?” she cried. 

“…and I believe it is,” he continued as though she hadn’t interrupted him, “Seaman Johansen lied under oath.  That means he’s in a very precarious situation right now, and he’s just finding it out from Colonel MacKenzie.  That makes him a very dangerous man.  Stay away from him,” he ordered. 

“Oh,” Julia replied meekly.  “I didn’t think of it that way.  I’m sorry, Admiral…Chegwidden,” she finished as she looked at his name badge.  Of course, she also couldn’t help but look at his chest while she was at it.  It was such a nice broad chest.  ‘Look at all those ribbons.  And he’s a SeAL, to boot!  I’m impressed.’   His arm around her had felt so good; made her feel so safe.  ‘Mmm, I’d like to get to know this one.  Yea, right.  He’s probably married with a slew of kids.’  

“Admiral, we’re just going down to grab some lunch.  Would you like to join us?” Julia asked politely. 

Harm, Bud, and Sam were standing just behind Julia now, and they were dumbfounded when they heard her ask the Admiral to join them for lunch.  AJ, on the other hand, was quite delighted.  ‘Damn shame I’ve got a meeting…’  he thought.  What he said was, “Thank you for the invitation, Mrs. Kensington, but I have a meeting at the Pentagon this afternoon.  I need to be heading out.”  He smiled at her, bid her goodbye, and left. 

Thursday, 2 August 2001
1545 EDT
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

"Based on the evidence presented, I find that there is insufficient evidence to refer this case to court martial.  Further, this court charges Seaman David Johansen with lying under oath.  Colonel MacKenzie, you're to draw up the official charges.  This hearing is concluded," Admiral Morris stated.

"Congratulations, Sam!" Harm said as he shook his new friend's hand.  

"Thank you for getting me off," Sam said.  "Now to find out what was behind all this."

"Sam, I'm so relieved."  Julia reached up and hugged him.  He hugged her back and held her a little longer than necessary.  Sam leaned forward to kiss her, but Julia was already backing away, turning to Harm.  "Harm, thank you so much for helping Sam.  You, too, Bud," she added.  "Well, I guess I'd better be heading out of here.  I have a long drive back home."

"You're not leaving now?" Sam asked.  "You have to stay and celebrate with me."

"Oh, Sam.  I know perfectly well what kind of celebration you'd like.  You go ahead to whatever bar there is around here and celebrate.  I'm going home," Julia answered.

"Julia, you drove all the way here this morning.  Now you're going to turn around and drive all the way back?  Why not just stay the night?  Drive back in the morning." Sam insisted.

"Sam, I don't need to stay..."

"Of course you do.  And you brought clothes for tomorrow in case you had to stay for a second day in court, so you can't use that as an excuse.  I want you to stay.  Help me celebrate.  Come on.  Harm, talk to her.  Make her stay."

"I have a great idea.  I'll have everyone come over to my place tonight for a celebratory dinner," Harm offered as they left the courtroom.

"I heard that, Flyboy!  Does that include me?  Or is it just a private party?" piped in Mac as she approached them.

"Of course it includes you, Mac.  And Bud and Harriett," Harm added.

"And AJ?" asked Bud.

"Of course," answered Harm as they entered the bullpen.

Julia leaned over to a young sailor who had just walked up and asked quietly, "Who's AJ?"

"That's Admiral Chegwidden, Ma'am," answered Petty Officer Tiner.

Julia smiled.  'Mmm, maybe I will stay after all,' she decided.  "Okay, I'll stay," she said to Sam and Harm.

"Wonderful!" exclaimed Sam.  'And I'll show you, lovely lady, just how attractive you are to men... after dinner when I take you back to my hotel room!'

"Did you need something, Tiner?" Harm asked the Admiral's yeoman.

"Sir, Admiral Chegwidden called to find out the outcome of the Article 32 hearing.  I'm supposed to call him back with the verdict," Tiner explained.

"Insufficient evidence, Tiner.  No court martial," Harm explained.

"The Admiral will be pleased," Tiner said.

"So, dinner at my place at 1800?  How's that for everyone?" asked Harm as Tiner was heading back to his desk in the Admiral's outer office.

"Admiral Chegwidden?"  Tiner was used to getting AJ's voice mail, so it startled him when the Admiral's voice was actually live.  "Sir, this is Tiner.  The verdict was insufficient evidence, so the case will not go to court martial."  

"Good news, Tiner. Tell Rabb I want the full report on my desk when I get back this evening at 1800."

"Umm, yes Sir.  I'll tell him, Sir."

"Problem, Tiner?"  AJ knew when Tiner was hedging.  He was keeping something from him, and he wanted to know what.

"It's nothing, Sir."

"Tiner..."

"It's just that I overheard Commander Rabb talking with the Colonel, Lieutenant Roberts, Commander Field, and another woman.  They're planning to have dinner this evening at his apartment.  But I'm sure..."

"What woman, Tiner?" AJ asked.

"I believe she was a witness this morning, Sir.  I heard Commander Field call her 'Julia'."

AJ surprised Tiner by asking, "What time is dinner?"

"1800 hours, Sir."

"Very good, Tiner.  Never mind about the report.  Tomorrow is good enough."  And he hung up.  'Dinner at Rabb's?  And Julia will be there?  Hmm, maybe I'll just have to crash the party.'

'Interesting.  Very interesting,' Tiner mused.  

Thursday, 2 August 2001
1815 EDT
Harmon Rabb's Apartment
North of Union Station, Washington, DC

"Harm, this smells wonderful!" exclaimed Julia.  "What's for dessert?"

"You better have dessert, Harm.  That's Julia's favorite part of the meal!" Sam explained.

"Harriett said she'd bring a cake," Harm said as he went to answer the doorbell.  "And here she is!  What kind of cake did you bring, Harriett?"

"Chocolate, Sir.  AJ, put that down!" Harriett called to her little boy as he ran across the room and immediately picked up a picture frame that was on the coffee table.

'She's yelling at the Admiral?  I don't think so...' Julia wondered as she came out of the kitchen.  "Oh, you are an adorable little guy!  And what's your name?" she asked as she squatted next to Harriett and Bud's little boy.

"AJ," he answered.

Julia looked up with questioning eyes to Harriett.  "You're the Admiral's wife?  Somehow I thought you were married to... Bud?  How did I get that so mixed up?" she wondered aloud.  'I knew it was too good to be true.'

Everyone laughed at her question as Harriett blushed.  "Oh, I am.  Married to Bud, I mean.  Little AJ is our son.  We named him after the Admiral because he's been so good to us and has had such an impact on our lives," Harriett gushed.

With that, the doorbell rang, again.  "Are we expecting anyone else, Harm?" Mac asked.  

"No, I don't think so..." Harm answered as he opened the door to find Admiral Chegwidden standing on the other side.   "Admiral, Sir!  This is a surprise."

"May I come in, Commander?" AJ asked.

"Uh, yes, Sir.  I'm sorry.  Of course, please..." Harm stuttered as he backed away and let the Admiral walk inside.

"Looks like you have a full house... again."  The last time he'd just shown up like this was when Harm was dating Annie Pendry.  

"Yes, Sir, Admiral.  We were just about to sit down and eat... again, Sir."  Harm smiled.  "Would you care to join us, Sir?"

AJ looked around the room and finally spotted her.  "Yes, Commander, I would.  Thank you."

"Adm'l!" cried little AJ as he ran and jumped in big AJ's arms and showered him with hugs and kisses.

AJ was delighted with the attention he was getting from his namesake.  Julia walked over to them and smiled.  "Good evening, Admiral.  You've certainly got your hands full.  Would you like me to take your jacket and cover?" she offered.

"It's AJ.  And that would be helpful, thank you," AJ replied.  As he shifted little AJ from one arm to another, Julia helped him get out of his uniform jacket.  "I'm curious, Mrs. Kensington.  Not many civilians know that a military headpiece is called a 'cover'.  And I noticed you seem to know your rank insignia, too.  Another rarity among civilians."  He didn't actually ask her a question, so Julia wondered if she was supposed to answer him.  She decided she would.

"Julia, please.  I have two cousins in the Army, which is how I know the term 'cover'.  As for the insignias, I don't really know those.  Well, I know that stars are Generals and Admirals.  But the others... no.  I do know the bars, though... mostly from watching TV."  And they laughed together.

'They seem rather comfortable with each other,' Harriett mused.  'I think I'll move the place settings around a little.'  "Admiral, why don't you sit here at the head of the table... like before?  And Julia, you sit here on the Admiral's right," Harriett directed.  She was going to seat Sam down toward the other end of the table, but he took the seat to Julia's right.

As Mac looked up from her dinner, she looked at the Admiral and thought, 'I wonder what surprise he'll pop on us tonight?  Last time he was here, we found out he'd been married before!' 

"So tell me, AJ, what exactly does the JAG do?" Julia turned her attention fully on the Admiral as he explained his role.  

As everyone finished their dinner, Harriett excused herself to go change little AJ.  "Then I have to frost the cake; it was still too warm when we left to come."

"I'll do that for you, Harriett.  You go ahead and change the little guy, and dessert will be ready in a jiffy!" Julia offered as she stood and began clearing the table.

AJ rose, too, deciding that he would assist Julia with dessert.  Sam was about to get up, but AJ looked directly at him with a look that said, 'don't even think about it'.  So Sam reluctantly stayed put.

Julia was in the kitchen uncovering the cake and looking around for a spatula.  AJ opened the drawer next to the stove and handed one to her.  "Bachelors," he explained.  "I guess we all keep things in the same place."  Their laughter carried out into the dining room.

"You don't have to do this, you know.  You're a guest," Harm said as he brought the last of the food to the kitchen.

"I know that, Harm.  Now get back to the table, and let me frost the cake!" Julia ordered.

"Yes, Ma'am," he laughed.  "The coffee is ready; I put it on a timer so it'd be finished brewing in time for dessert." 

"He takes orders well," she said as Harm left the kitchen.

"Not from me!  You'll have to tell me your secret!" commented AJ.

Julia finished frosting the cake and picked up the large knife as she turned on the kitchen faucet.  As she cut a piece of cake and plopped it on a plate, she ran her left index finger gently along the blade to wipe the frosting off.  Then she stuck her finger in her mouth and licked the frosting off.  She stuck her hand under the water, washing her finger, and repeated the process for each slice.  Cut the cake, swipe the knife, lick the finger, wash the hand.  "Mmm, this is so good!" she murmured.

"I like frosting, too, you know," he said.

"You'll get yours on your cake, AJ," she said decidedly.

When she cut the fifth piece of cake and was ready to swipe the frosting off the knife, he grabbed her hand and took the knife from her, swiping his finger along the blade to get the frosting.  But Julia was too quick.  She grabbed his hand, pulled it to her face, and stuck his finger in her mouth.  AJ was shocked!  Here he was, standing in Rabb's kitchen, with his finger in a woman's mouth.  'Oh God, what she's doing to that finger!'

Harriett walked past the kitchen just then with little AJ in her arms.  As she shifted his weight to her other arm, she glanced in to see if Julia needed any help.  'Nope!  I guess not!' she grinned.

Julia sucked and licked all the frosting off his finger before she pulled it out of her mouth with a laugh.  She wasn't at all embarrassed, which he fully expected her to be.  She didn't even seem to realize how provocative that had been.  'How can she possibly think she's not attractive to men?' AJ wondered.

She cut the next piece of cake, and this time she let AJ take the frosting for himself.  They alternated back and forth as she cut the remaining slices.  When all the plates were ready, AJ carried them in to the dining room on a tray, and Julia followed with the coffee pot.

"Harriett, this cake is wonderful!" gushed Mac.  "You know how much I love chocolate!"

"The frosting is my favorite part," said Julia as she reached over to AJ's plate and swiped some of his frosting on her finger.

"Hey!  That's my frosting!" AJ exclaimed as he grabbed her hand.  Without hesitation, Julia let him guide her finger to his mouth.  He held her gaze as he sucked and licked her finger clean.  When he finally released her finger, she tore her eyes away and looked around; all eyes at the table were fixed on them.  Sam and Harm had scowls on their faces, Mac and Harriett looked very pleased, and Bud looked completely bewildered.  She looked back at AJ and smiled.  

"So, who wants more cake?" Harriett asked to break the tension.

"Cake!  Mo' cake!" little AJ pleaded.

Thursday, 2 August 2001
2245 EDT
Harmon Rabb's Apartment
North of Union Station, Washington, DC

"We're going to have to say good night now, I'm afraid, Sirs... Ma'ams," Harriett said.  "I need to get little AJ into his own bed.  I promised him a trip to the Zoo tomorrow, and I don't want him cranky."

"Tomorrow, Lieutenant?" asked the Admiral.

"Yes, Sir; tomorrow is Friday, Sir.  You remember..." Harriett started.

"Yes, yes, I remember," AJ answered.  "I just thought you might like some company.  Julia, have you ever been to the National Zoo?"

"No, in fact I haven't.  And I'd love to tag along, if I wouldn't be intruding, Harriett."

"Intruding?  Oh no!  I'd love to have the company!  Bud's not going; it's just little AJ and me.  And you!  How wonderful.  We can get to know each other better."

"I'd like that, Harriett," Julia said.

"Come help me get little AJ's stuff together and we'll decide how to meet up tomorrow, okay?" Harriett said as they rose from the sofa and headed toward Harm's bedroom.

The two women came back out of the bedroom to hear Sam announce that he and Julia would be leaving now so he could take her back to JAG to get her car.  'Of course, that's not where we'll really be going until tomorrow morning,' Sam hoped.

"Oh, Sam.  That's so out of your way.  You said your hotel is on the north side of DC," Mac said.

"Not a problem.  I'll be taking Julia to her hotel," AJ instructed.  "Are you ready, Julia?"

"But, Sir, I'll be happy to..." Sam started.

"Not open for discussion, Commander," the Admiral insisted.  "Julia?"

"Ready," she answered.  'What is going on here?  It's almost like they're fighting to take me home!  Yea, right.  Dream on, Jules!  Two gorgeous hunks of male fighting for me?  No, they're just playing through the "top dog" syndrome.'

Thursday, 2 August 2001
2315 EDT
Chegwidden's Cadillac Escalade
Washington, DC

"Where to?" AJ asked as they buckled in.

"Back to JAG, I guess, to get my car," Julia answered.

"No reason to get your car at this hour.  I'll just take you to your hotel.  Where are you staying?"

"I don't know.  Sam told me earlier that he'd take care of that for me, but when I asked him before we left, he said he hadn't made a reservation anywhere yet.  I don't know where he planned to put me up tonight," she explained.

'He planned to put you up in his hotel room - on the dresser... the bathroom counter.... and any number of other places, if that look he had all night is any indication,' AJ fumed.  "So you don't have a reservation anywhere?"

"I'm afraid not.  I'm sure there's a motel nearby with a vacancy, though.  Just take me to my car and I'll drive around until I find one," Julia said.  "I'm used to fending for myself."

AJ pulled out his cell phone and dialed a number.  "Evelyn?  AJ Chegwidden.  You have a room available tonight? ... That'll be fine, thanks. ... We'll be there in 5.  Thanks, Evelyn."  He turned to her and said, "You now have a room."

"So I heard," Julia laughed.  "Where?"

"At the Naval Guest House.  It's run by the widow of an old friend of mine, Admiral Dickson.  Evelyn just loves keeping the house.  She makes a fabulous breakfast, too.  Don't skip it," AJ ordered.

"Sounds wonderful, AJ.  Thank you."

"You'll have fun at the Zoo tomorrow with Harriett.  She's a wonderful young woman."

"She seems to be.  And, yes, I'm sure we'll have a blast.  I love zoos, and I love to see children's reactions to the animals.  I was so surprised when Harriett told me his name is AJ."

"I heard about that.  Thought I had a gorgeous young wife, did you?" AJ chuckled and Julia laughed outright.  "Could've knocked me over with a feather when they told me they were going to name him after me," AJ remembered.  "Never felt so honored in my life."

"I'm sure it was very special."

"Still is."

They turned and smiled at each other.

"Here we are," AJ said as he pulled his SUV into the driveway.  He saw the car pull in behind them and nodded to the driver.

Thursday, 2 August 2001
2345 EDT
Naval Guest House
Arlington, Virginia

"Thank you so much, Mrs. Dickson.  This room is just beautiful!" exclaimed Julia as she walked from the sitting area into the bedroom.

"Please, call me Evelyn.  I'm glad you like it, dear.  This is my favorite room in the whole house," Evelyn cooed.

"Thanks, Evelyn.  I do appreciate this," said AJ.

"Look at this bathroom!  It's incredible!  You could fit four people in this bathtub!!" cried Julia.

"Well, I don't know that there have ever been four in there, but it definitely fits two quite nicely," offered Evelyn, as she winked at AJ.  "I'll leave you to get settled.  If you need anything, there's an intercom button by the phone.  Just press it and I'll answer you.  Good night."

"Good night, and thanks, again," Julia said as she came back in to the sitting area.

"AJ, this room is magnificent.  I've stayed in some pretty swank hotel rooms before, but this!  Wow!"

"It is nice, isn't it," AJ agreed.  "Evelyn calls this the Admiralty Suite.  Only rents it to Admirals.  Not even Generals get to stay in this room!" he laughed.  "Oh, she left a tray of refreshments over here by the TV.  Would you like anything?"

"Food?  Ooo, what's there?" Julia was reaching for the chocolate chip cookie just as AJ grabbed it.  "No fair!  That's mine!" she hollered.  

"I'll split it with you," AJ offered as he laughed at her.  He broke the cookie in two, stuffed half in his mouth, and handed her the other half.  

She opened her mouth and took the cookie from his fingers.  "Mmm, good!" she laughed.

AJ was already getting uncomfortable, and Julia didn't even realize she was turning him on.  'Can she be that naive?', he wondered.  'But she's been married!  Surely she's been with men since her husband died...'

"Can you stay and chat for a while longer, AJ?" Julia asked.

"If you'd like," AJ agreed.  She motioned for him to sit on the sofa while she went back to fetch a couple of drinks from the snack table.  AJ reached his arm out and set it on the back of the sofa.

"Would you like Coke, Sprite, or Root Beer?"

"Coke is fine."  She handed him the glass she filled and then sat down at the other end of the sofa.  "Do you think I'm going to bite you?"

Julia looked up at him.  "Excuse me?  Why would I think that?"

"You're sitting all the way over there."

"Oh.  Where would you prefer I sit?" she asked hesitantly.

"How about right here?" he suggested as he patted the cushion next to him.  She moved to that spot on the sofa and leaned back.  "That's better," he said as he dropped his arm from the back of the sofa to her shoulders.  She tensed her shoulders immediately and sat forward slightly.  "I promise, Julia," he said softly.  "I won't bite."

She laughed as she turned to look at him.  "I'm sure you won't, AJ.  It's just been a while since I've had a man's arm around me," she tried to explain. 

"Would you rather I left now?" he offered.

"No, I really do want to talk," she said.  'What I really want is for you to take me in your arms and kiss the very life out of me!'

"Okay, let's talk.  Any particular subject?" he smiled.  'How about the things I'd like to be doing to you right now?'

Julia and AJ sat on the sofa for hours, talking.  Every now and then she would get rather animated in her stories, and she would sit forward and turn to face him.  But she always sat back into his embrace when she finished.  By  0200, Julia was resting her head on AJ's chest and their left hands were entwined on his lap.  By 0400, they were sound asleep.

Friday, 3 August 2001
0530 EDT
Naval Guest House
Arlington, Virginia

AJ awoke slowly, unusual for him.  When he realized where he was and who he was with, he smiled.  'First time I've ever slept with a woman and didn't make love to her,' he thought.  'And this is one incredible woman.'

AJ slipped his arms under her so he could extricate himself.  Then he laid her down on the sofa.  'No sense moving her to the bed now.  She'd probably wake up.' He went in the bathroom to relieve himself, and as he came out, he saw Julia sitting up on the sofa.  "I'm sorry.  I tried not to wake you."

"I got cold.  You give off a lot of body heat," she said with a smile.  "You're leaving?"

"I always go for a 5-mile run before going to the office.  And I need to go home to shower and change," AJ apologized.

"Of course."

"I'll call you later," AJ promised.

Julia smiled.  It was her nervous smile, he could tell.  He'd finally figured out the difference early this morning around 0130.  Her nervous smile is always twitches into existence; then she tries to squelch it, but that doesn't always work.  Her big "real" smile just explodes into existence and lights up her whole face; people can't help but smile back.

"Julia?"

"Hmmm?"

"It would help if you gave me your phone number," AJ prodded.

"Oh!  Of course."  She found her purse and pulled out one of her personal cards, handing it to AJ.

"I will call you, Jules.  I want to see you, again." 

"That would be nice, AJ.  But I'll understand if you're too busy.  I enjoyed last night, very much," she whispered.

"So did I."  He took her in his arms and kissed her gently.  When she responded by putting her arms around his neck, he deepened the kiss.

He finally broke apart, telling her to get in bed and go back to sleep. 

"I'll just lie back down on the sofa.  No point in messing up the bed for just a couple of hours," she said.  'Besides, the sofa still smells like you.'

AJ put his arm around Julia and they walked to the door.  AJ took her in his arms, again, and kissed her soundly.  "Stay for the weekend, Jules.  Stay with me."

"I can't, AJ.  I..."

"At least think about it.  Don't answer me now.  I'll call you at 0930."

"AJ, I really can't stay.  I have several commitments at home this weekend that I really need to keep.  I wish I could stay."

"I understand," he said sadly.

Julia took his face in her hands.  "I want to stay, AJ.  Truly I do.  I haven't wanted anyone... I mean, anything... more in a very long time."  Julia blushed at her slip.

AJ smiled.  "I rather liked it when you said 'anyone'."

"Don't tease me, AJ," she scolded lightly.

"Oh, but I plan to tease you... a lot.  You don't like teasing, you won't like me," AJ warned her.

"Too late," she whispered.  AJ lowered his mouth to hers, again.

AJ opened the door and as he walked out, he said, "Lock it, and don't open it for anyone other than Evelyn or me.  Understood?"

Julia nodded her agreement.  She wondered why he said that, but she didn't pay it much heed.  She watched him walk down the hall to the staircase.  Then she turned to go back in the room.  "Oh!"  She was startled seeing a Marine standing next to her door.  "How long have you been there?"

"All night, Ma'am."

"All night?  Outside this door?"

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Why?"

"Orders, Ma'am."

"Oh."  Julia went back in the room, closed and locked the door, then ran to the front window.  She saw AJ walking to his SUV.  He stopped to talk to someone... another Marine!  'What on earth?'

Friday, 3 August 2001
0845 EDT
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

"Tiner!  Where the hell is my damn cell phone?" barked Admiral Chegwidden as he exited his office.

"Sir, I haven't seen it this morning.  Are you sure you brought it to the office today?" Tiner hesitated in suggesting that his CO might have forgotten something.  He seldom did.  And he did not like being told when he did.

"Of course," he groused.  "I had it in my hand as I walked out...  Oh.  Never mind.  I know where I left it." AJ remembered leaving Julia's room this morning.  He had set the cell phone on the table next to the door as he took her in his arms for that last kiss.  He smiled.  'Nice kiss.  God, I wish she'd stay for the weekend...'

"Admiral?  Sir?"  Tiner repeated.

"What?"  AJ didn't like someone's interrupting his thoughts, especially not these thoughts.

"You have a call on Line 2, Sir.  It's Mrs. Kensington, Sir.  She was the witness at yesterday's hearing..." Tiner started to explain.

"I'll take it in my office, Tiner.  What the hell is she doing up already?" AJ muttered as he headed for his office and some privacy. 

"The Admiral knows who she is, Tiner," said Mac as she walked up to him.  "She was at dinner with us last night at Harm's place."

"The Admiral really crashed the party, Ma'am?" Tiner asked incredulously.

"Did you know he planned to crash, Tiner?"

"Well, Ma'am, he called just after I heard you all talking about dinner at the Commander's apartment.  The Admiral asked that the paperwork be on his desk by 1800 yesterday, and I guess I hesitated because he asked me if there was a problem," Tiner rambled on.  "That's when I told him I'd overheard you all talking about going over for dinner.  He asked who was going, and I told him.  When I said Mrs. Kensington, he asked what time dinner was... and then said to forget about the report, today was soon enough." 

"So he did know we were all there.  I didn't think he ever gave a reason for just dropping by last night.  Now we know why!" she laughed.

"We know why, what?" asked Harm.  "Why Julia's car is still parked in the lot?"  

"It is?  How do you know?  You know what kind of car she drives?" Mac asked.

"Chevy Cavalier convertible.  Cute little car.  Has her name on the front tag.  And it's still out there in the same spot as yesterday," Harm answered.

"The Admiral knew we were all having dinner at your place last night... and that Julia would be there.  He crashed the party on purpose, Harm!"

"I figured as much; he never told me why he dropped by, and the Admiral doesn't just 'drop in' to say hello.  I can count on one hand the number of times he's been to my place."  

"So the Admiral is smitten with Julia Kensington.  How delightful!" said Mac.  "I wonder if he took her home with him or if he took her to a hotel?"

"Actually, Ma'am, he's on the phone with her now.  She was calling from the Naval Guest House... the Admiralty Suite," Tiner offered.  

Meanwhile, in AJ's office... "Julia!  You should still be asleep," he admonished.

"You're working on only 90 minutes of sleep yourself, AJ.  I, at least, had about 4 hours.  Hey, I found a cell phone on the table by the door; is it yours?" she asked.

"I'm a SeAL; we don't need sleep.  And yes, the phone is mine.  I set it on the table the last time I kissed you," AJ replied.

"Oh, I hope it wasn't the last time, AJ," Julia said softly.

AJ smiled.  "Not a chance, Jules," he assured her.

"Thank you for sending my overnight bag to me.  I don't think I want to know how you got it out of the trunk," she teased.

"Easy as opening a beer can.  So, what time are you and Harriett going to the Zoo?"

"I'm supposed to call her at 9:00 so we can choose a place to meet.  Since I didn't know where I was staying, it was a little difficult to make any definite plans last night."

"I suggest you just come meet here at JAG," he offered.

"Isn't that a little out of the way, AJ?"

"Yes, but I want to see you, again.  Soon," he growled.

Friday, 3 August 2001
0930 EDT
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

"Excuse me, Admiral.  Mrs. Kensington just arrived, Sir," Tiner said as he buzzed the Admiral on the intercom.

"Send her in, Tiner."

"Uh, Sir.  She's out in the bullpen talking with the staff; she hasn't actually come into your office area yet.  Should I go..."  Tiner was surprised when the Admiral's door suddenly opened and he headed directly out to the bullpen.

"Harm, your parmesan was wonderful last night; I was just saying that I prefer a little meat with my noodles and sauce!" Julia said.

They were all laughing as AJ walked up behind Julia and said, "But you certainly prefer your frosting without the cake, don't you?"

The laughter quieted instantly, except for Julia's.  "Too true, AJ!"  Then she whispered in a conspiratorial voice, "Actually, I prefer my frosting with fingers!"  

"I think that can..." AJ started but was interrupted as Harriett entered the bullpen with little AJ in tow.  

"Good morning, everyone!" she chirped.

"Adm'l!  Adm'l!  Little AJ squealed and ran to hug big AJ's legs.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Sir!" Harriett exclaimed as she tried to extricate her son from her CO's legs.  "AJ, let go of the Admiral.  Honey, come on now... let go!"

"AJ, do you want to go to the Zoo this morning?" Julia asked, squatting down to his level and opening her arms to him.

"Zoo!  Wanna go zoo!" little AJ replied happily as he let go of the Admiral's legs and ran to Julia's open arms.  

Julia scooped him up and stood.  "Would it be okay if I came along?  I love zoos."

"Zoo!  Love zoo!  Mama!  Jule go zoo?" little AJ begged.

"Yes, Sweetie.  Miss Julia is going with us to the Zoo this morning," Harriett told her son.  "And we can leave any time you're ready, Julia."

"I'm ready now."

"Give us just a minute, Harriett," the Admiral said.  "Julia, may I have a moment of your time before you go?" AJ motioned for her to join him, and he led her to his office.  As they reached his outer office, he said "Tiner, no calls."

"Tiner?" Julia stopped.  "You're AJ's yeoman?  Well, it's nice to meet you.  I'm Julia Kensington," and she stuck her hand out to shake.  

Tiner took her offered hand and shook it.  "Nice to meet you, too, Ma'am."

"Julia?" AJ said smiling, standing in the doorway to his office.

"Excuse me, Mr. Tiner."  Tiner nodded as he smiled at her.

AJ pushed the door closed behind him, but before it shut, Tiner saw him take Julia in his arms and kiss her.  'Hmm, so the Admiral has a lady, now!' Tiner mused.

"God, I needed that!" AJ breathed in Julia's ear.

"Mmm, I could get used to this," she said back to him.

"You will."  And he kissed her, again.  "So, have you changed your mind about staying for the weekend?"

"AJ, I really can't.  I've had these things scheduled for weeks, one of them for months.  I can't just not show up or cancel at the last minute.  It's not right," Julia explained.

"Of course not," AJ reluctantly agreed.  "I understand."

"Can you come to the Zoo with us?" she asked.

AJ laughed.  "Right!  I can see the headlines of the next Navy Times now:  'Judge Advocate General plays hooky to visit National Zoo!'  That'll go over well with the SecNav."

"I figured at your level, you could just take off any time you want," Julia explained.  "I'm sorry, I didn't realize it would be such a problem; I should never have suggested..."

"Julia, I was teasing," AJ soothed as he rubbed his hands up and down her arms.  "It isn't a problem, and yes, at my level, I can take off just about any time I choose.  This morning just isn't a good one for that.  And I don't really think Harriett would appreciate my tagging along, anyway."

"She would love it, AJ.  She adores you, and so does little AJ."

"She adores me?" he laughed.  "And how would you know that?"

"She so much as told me that last night, AJ.  You've evidently done a lot for her and for her little family.  She looks up to you; from what I can tell, you can do no wrong in her sight."

AJ smiled.  "That's nice to know.  I thought Harriett was still afraid of me," he said softly.

"Well, she is that, too, I think," Julia said with a smile.  "I'd better get out there so we can leave.  I need to be on the road headed home by 4:00, and I want to see a lot of the Zoo!"

AJ opened the door, and they walked out, AJ's hand on the small of her back.

"Harriett, I'm going to run in the ladies room before we leave.  I had one too many cups of tea at the Guest House this morning, I'm afraid.  I'll be right with you and we can head out," Julia said.

Julia left the bullpen and walked across the hall to the ladies room.  She noticed the Marine standing outside the bullpen entrance as he moved from the right side of the doorway to the left.  'My, he gets around... that's the same man who was at the Guest House this morning.' she mused.

"Back to work, people!" the Admiral bellowed.  "Lieutenant Sims, you are aware of the situation with Mrs. Kensington, I trust?" the Admiral asked quietly.

"Situation, Sir?"

"Seaman Davis Johansen wasn't working alone in his attempt to discredit Commander Field.  There's a lot more to it than meets the eye, and I can't go into it with you.  When Julia... Mrs. Kensington... appeared yesterday and refuted his testimony, it put him in the spotlight.  A bad place to be when you're a foreign agent."

"Oh my God!" Harriett exclaimed.  "Sir, is Julia in trouble?"

"There is a possibility ('no possibility to it, Chegwidden... it's a given!') that Johansen will try something.  I posted a Marine detail to Mrs. Kensington yesterday.  She's been under guard since 1400 yesterday.  She just doesn't know it."

"Oh, so that's why you stayed with her last night, Sir," Bud chimed in.  "To protect her.  I saw Corporal Timmons this morning, and he said you stayed... in the Admiralty Suite... at the Guest House... all night..." Bud stammered, not quite being able to stop his words, but knowing he should.  He knew by the look on the Admiral's face that he had put his foot in it, again.  'Oh God, I'm a dead man!'

All eyes were on the Admiral now.  The Admiral was glaring at Bud.  "Lieutenant, I don't do guard duty," was all AJ said.  With that, he turned and walked back to his office.

"Oops," Bud said.

"The Admiral spent the night with her?" Harm asked incredulously.

"Oh, wait until Sam Field hears that!" Harriett said.  

"I sure don't want to be anywhere around!" laughed Mac.

Harriett saw Julia exit the ladies room, so she grabbed little AJ's hand and they left.

Continue to Part 2.