Men in Black - JAG Style (Part 2)

Friday, 12 July 2002
2200 EDT
Cineplex Odeon Fairfax Square
Vienna, Virginia

AJ and Brenda sat in the last row on the far side of the movie theater.  AJ had slipped his arm around the back of Brenda's seat as soon as the movie started.  He gradually moved it to her shoulders, and she leaned into his side.  The movie was good.  Stupid.  But funny.  He could certainly understand now why the children had stared at him so on Thursday.

AJ glanced down at Brenda; she was moving her hand up and down his thigh.  He liked it.  He liked it a lot.  He used his left hand and stroked her cheek, bringing her face closer to his.  He kissed her hard and she moaned.  "Shh, Darlin'," he said in her mouth.   "You have to be quiet in here.  You want to just leave?"  

She stood up and pulled on AJ's arm.  "Yes, let's go."

AJ took her hand in his and led her out of the dark theater and to his waiting vehicle.  Before they'd even reached the exit of the parking lot, Brenda was leaning over in the seat, her head in AJ's lap.  "Oh God..." AJ groaned.  "Brenda, we should wait until..."

"Oh no.  I'm not waiting another minute." AJ saw a wide spot in the road where he could pull over, and Brenda finished what she was doing. But now that it was over, she felt awful.  'Oh my God.  What have I done?  He must think I'm a total slut!  I only just met the man, and I just... I just...  Oh God...'

AJ felt Brenda tense, and he knew she was regretting what happened between them.  "Brenda, I'm sorry.  This was all my fault.  I should never have..."

She interrupted him.  "Your fault?  How could it possibly be your fault?  I'm the one who let you fondle me in the theater.  I'm the one who forced you to sit there while I..."

"Brenda, you didn't force me to do anything."

"You must think I'm a total slut," she cried.

"I don't think anything of the kind," AJ replied quickly.

"I don't know how you couldn't."

"Brenda..."

"AJ, I'm not.  I'm not a slut.  Really.  This is the first time... It's been so long... I haven't been with anyone... not since Ben died..." her tears flowed freely down her face as she tried to explain through her sobs.

"Darlin', it's okay."  AJ pulled her into his embrace and cradled her as best he could with a steering wheel in the way.  After her sobbing died down, he spoke gently.  "Let me take you home now.  Tell me where you live."

She shook her head.  "My car should be at JAG by now.  Just take me there and I'll go home myself."

"Brenda, I don't think you should be alone tonight.  Not now."  She looked up at him, her eyes bright with tears.  "I won't touch you, Darlin'.  I'll just be there in case you need someone.  We'll get your car tomorrow.  Okay?"

She bit her lip and nodded.  "I live in Arlington," she sniffed.  AJ pulled back onto the road and headed in that general direction.  She mumbled to herself, "Slut.  That's what you are.  How could you..."

"Brenda, I don't want you to ever say that about yourself again."  AJ reached over and laid his right hand on Brenda's knee.  "You are not a slut.  Far from it."

She turned and looked at him.  "You really mean that, don't you?" she hiccupped, and then giggled because of it.  "Excuse me."  AJ smiled and wiped the tears from her cheeks with his right hand. 

"Yes, I do.  I don't know what happened between us tonight.  I certainly didn't expect this.  I don't as a rule end up with my hands all over a woman the first time we go out.  But there's just something about you... something that draws me to you.  I felt it yesterday at the toy store when I first saw you.  Then again this morning in my office.  And tonight, it was murder keeping my hands to myself at Bud and Harriett's."

"You felt it, too?" she asked.  AJ nodded.  "I couldn't believe it.  I've... I've not felt this way about a man since Ben died."

"Brenda, I'm considerably older than you are," AJ said.

"You couldn't be much older than Ben was," she said.

AJ grinned.  "You're right.  I'd forgotten that.  He was 45 when he died, wasn't he?"  

She nodded.  "Mmm hmm... just turned 45, in fact."

"That means he was 3 years younger than me."

"I had no problem with 11 years difference.  Fourteen years isn't a big jump from there."

AJ reached his hand up to her cheek.  "I'm glad."

"Take the next left," she instructed him.  Three minutes later, they were at her house.  Before they climbed out, Brenda reached her hand to AJ's thigh.  "AJ, I want you to stay the night."

He nodded.  "I planned to.  Don't want you to be alone tonight.  But I'll sleep on the sofa."

"No.  I want you in my bed.  I want you to make love to me.  Please, AJ.  Say you'll stay with me."

"Are you sure that's what you want, Brenda?"

She nodded in the darkness.  "I'm sure."

Saturday, 13 July 2002
0405 EDT
Alexander Residence
Arlington, Virginia

AJ awoke feeling a warm soft body next to him.  But his neck felt strange... wet.  'Wet?' he wondered.  He turned his head slightly and realized that the pillow was wet, too.  'Tears!  She's crying...'  Then he heard her soft whimper.  AJ moved his hand and rubbed her back gently.  "You okay, Darlin'?" he whispered.

Brenda sniffed and nodded into AJ's neck and chest.  "I had a dream."

"Must not have been a good dream if you're crying," AJ said gently.

She shook her head.  "It wasn't."

"You want to talk about it?" he offered.

"No," she said quickly.  "I want you to take me again.  Is that okay?" she sniffed.

AJ chuckled.  "Oh, that'll be just fine, Darlin'."  AJ scooted out from under her and eased himself over her.  He made love to her slowly and gently this time.  They'd been rather fast and furious earlier, rougher than he usually was with a new partner.  But she wanted it that way, so he obliged.  He kissed her lightly.  "You're so beautiful, Brenda," he whispered in her mouth.

Saturday, 13 July 2002
0925 EDT
Alexander Residence
Arlington, Virginia

When AJ awoke the next time, Brenda wasn't there.  When he smelled coffee, he decided she must be in the kitchen.  He got up, visited the bathroom, and then joined her at the kitchen table.  "Good morning," she said quietly.

"Yes it is.  A very good morning," AJ smiled as he leaned over and kissed her soundly.  He knew from her response to his kiss, or rather... the lack of response, that something was wrong.  "Brenda?"

"Can we go get my car soon, please?" she asked.

"Of course we can, Darlin'.  We can do anything you'd like."  AJ had a feeling he knew what was coming next.  Her next words proved him right.

"I made a mistake last night, AJ.  I'm not ready for this.  I'm sorry," she said quietly.

AJ closed his eyes and sighed inwardly.  Then he squatted in front of her.  "No, Brenda.  I'm the one who's sorry.  I'm sorry for taking advantage of you."  She tried to argue with him; she honestly didn't believe that he took advantage.  But he kept talking.  "I should have realized you were in a vulnerable state, what with all that's going on right now... the charges against your husband, and all.  I shouldn't have pursued you.  Not yet, anyway."  He leaned forward and kissed her forehead.  "I'll go get dressed, and we can leave right away."

Saturday, 13 July 2002
1045 EDT
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

The ride to JAG Ops was a quiet one.  Whenever AJ attempted to start a conversation, Brenda would turn and stare out the side window.  A minute or so later, he would hear her sniff, and he knew she was battling tears again.  Finally they reached the JAG parking lot, and her car was there waiting for them.  AJ walked around to the passenger side and helped Brenda out of his large vehicle.  He walked her to her car and had her pop the hood so he could check the new battery.  As he dropped the hood in place, she started the ignition.

AJ walked to the driver's window and leaned over.  "Brenda, please believe me when I tell you I don't do this regularly.  I'm not much of a ladies man."  He watched Brenda smile slightly.  "You don't believe me?"

"I believe you," she almost whispered.  She didn't really though.  'This gorgeous man?  Women must be all over him... just like I was last night.  Oh, Brenda... what must he think of you?'

"I don't want you to be a one-night stand.  Please, Brenda.  When you're ready, call me."

She nodded her agreement, but somehow AJ knew she'd never call him.  If he wanted to have a relationship with this woman, he would have to do the calling.  'Give her enough time and then call her.  But how much time is enough?  He's been dead for 4 years.'

AJ watched her drive away.  Since he was already there, he decided to go on up to his office and do some more catching up from last week's absence.  He noticed Mac's car in the parking lot, so he wasn't surprised to see her hard at work when he walked through the bullpen.

"Admiral!" she called to him.  "Do you have a minute, Sir?"

AJ nodded and walked into her office.  "Sure, Mac.  What's up?"

"Sir, I just came across something in my research of Commander Alexander."  AJ raised an eyebrow and waited for Mac to continue.  "Sir, evidently he was accused on more than one occasion of beating his wife."

"What?!" AJ bellowed.  He grabbed at the file in Mac's hand.  "Let me see that!"

"Each time, he was cleared before it ever went to formal charges," Mac explained as she handed him the folder.  She let him read for a couple of minutes before continuing.  "It was always the same person accusing him... a Daniel Heyer."

"Where is this Heyer now?" AJ asked.

"That's the interesting thing, Sir.  Daniel Heyer is stationed here in DC.  And he just happens to be..."

"Don't tell me.  Related to the jerk filing the charges against Alexander now?" AJ interrupted.

Mac nodded.  "Yes, Sir.  Heyer is Lieutenant Dreiver's brother-in-law."

"The plot thickens," AJ mumbled.  He looked up at Mac.  "Talk to Mrs. Alexander.  Get her to tell you about those accusations.  Find out if there was any basis for them.  And find out if she knows either Heyer or Dreiver."

"She doesn't know Lieutenant Dreiver, Sir.  I asked her that yesterday."

"Well, find out about the other one," AJ said as he turned to leave Mac's office.

"Aye, Sir."

Monday, 15 July 2002
0825 EDT
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

An irate Brenda Alexander marched into the JAG Ops bullpen and headed straight for Mac's office.  "What the hell do you mean by asking me that!?" she screamed.  "Who the hell told you about those accusations?  They were completely and totally unfounded and they were supposed to have been stricken from Ben's records!  So how did you find out about them!?"

All activity in the bullpen ceased at Brenda's outburst.  AJ heard a disturbance and left his office to investigate.  When he opened his office door, he heard Brenda's voice.  He walked into Mac's office and said, "Is there a problem here?"

Brenda spoke as she turned around, "Damn straight, there's a problem..."  When she saw it was AJ, she paled and then burst into tears.

"Colonel, if you would give us a minute, please?" AJ said as he took Brenda in his arms and rocked her.  "Shhh, now, Darlin'.  It's okay," cooed AJ to her.

Mac quickly left her office and shut the door behind her.  Harm was just outside her office, and they looked at each other askance.  "Did you know that they're involved?" Mac asked Harm.

"Involved?!  No!  They only just met..." said Harm.

"I don't know when they met," offered Harriett who walked up behind them, "but they were like a sweet little family on Friday night at our house."

"What?!" cried both Harm and Mac.  

Harriett nodded.  "Yes, the Admiral made his regular visit to Bud and brought Brenda and Alan along with him.  Alan even stayed the night with little AJ.  The Admiral took Brenda to a movie and then home."

"Oh my God.  He can't be over the case..." Harm began as Mac's office door opened and AJ and Brenda stepped out.  AJ pointed in the direction of the bathrooms, and Brenda went straight to the ladies room.  

AJ turned to Harm.  "I'm not, Commander.  I relinquished that responsibility for this case on Saturday afternoon.  Admiral Morris is over this case, should the need arise."  Then he turned to Mac.  "Heyer is a sleezeball, Colonel.  Brenda just told me that he made repeated attempts to break up the Alexander's marriage because he was infatuated with her.  The assault accusations were supposed to help him get rid of Alexander.  Alexander always managed to reason him out of bringing charges.  Brenda isn't sure, but she believes Ben told him that she wouldn't want Heyer even if Ben was dead.  Her husband never abused her, verbally or physically.  He was a perfect gentleman."

"Well, now that her husband is dead, I'm surprised Heyer hasn't tried to..." started Harm.

"Oh he has, Commander.  For 3 years, he repeatedly made a nuisance of himself to Brenda.  He even kidnapped Alan once and then 'rescued' him... hoping to secure her favor.  Alan's not a stupid kid.  He told his mother exactly what happened.  Brenda told Heyer if he'd just leave them alone, she wouldn't press charges against him.  That was last year.  She hasn't heard from him since."

Mac reasoned, "So he called his brother-in-law to ruin her husband's name.  If he couldn't have her, he wanted her to suffer even more than she already did."

AJ nodded.  "That'd be my guess.  But it's your job to prove it."  Mac grinned.  "You're grinning, Colonel."

"Am I, Sir?" she quipped.  Then smiled even bigger.  "Something else about Heyer and Dreiver, Admiral.  They're both very eager to move up in the ranks.  Very eager, indeed."

Harm caught on to Mac's thought process immediately.  "It'll be interesting to see their reaction when they know they're picking on a 2-star's girlfriend."

AJ sighed.  "Not quite, people.  But if you want to use that as leverage, be my guest.  Just don't let Brenda hear you."

"What do you mean, 'not quite', Sir?" asked Harriett.  "You were so happy together on Friday night."

AJ nodded.  "That was Friday, Lieutenant."  And he walked to his office leaving his officers a bit puzzled.

Wednesday, 17 July 2002
1535 EDT
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

AJ looked at the phone on his desk and willed it to ring.  "Come on, Darlin', call me," he said aloud.  Suddenly the phone rang.  He grabbed it, "Chegwidden!"

"Admiral, this is Colonel MacKenzie."  AJ groaned audibly.  "Is this a bad time, Sir?  I can call back," she offered.

"No, Colonel.  It's fine.  I was just hoping for..." he stopped.  He didn't need to tell Mac that he was hoping for Brenda to call.  "What is it you need?"

"Admiral, I've been trying to reach Brenda Alexander since Monday afternoon, and I haven't gotten through.  I'm at her house now, and it looks like she hasn't been here in a couple of days."

"She didn't tell you she was going anywhere?" AJ asked.

"No, Sir.  In fact, I was hoping that she had told you..."

"No, Mac.  I haven't seen or spoken to her since Monday morning in your office," he said sadly.

"I'm sorry, Sir."  Mac paused.  "Admiral, do you know if she has a cell phone?"

"Yes, she does.  But I don't know the number.  Wait!  Harriett.  She gave it to Harriett on Friday night."  AJ buzzed Tiner on the intercom.  "Tiner, send Lieutenant Sims in here right away."  He clicked it off, not even waiting for Tiner's response.

A minute later, Harriett knocked on the door and entered.  AJ didn't wait for her to speak.  "Harriett, the card Brenda gave you on Friday night... with her cell phone number on it.  Do you still have it?"

"Yes, Sir, I'm sure I do.  It's on the refrigerator door at home," Harriett replied.  'Oh good, he's going to call her!' she thought.  'He's been so miserable this week.  He really misses her.'

"Call Bud and get the number.  Then bring it to me.  Colonel MacKenzie needs it right away," AJ ordered.

"Sir, Bud is at physical therapy this afternoon; he's not home.  I can run home and call it back in, though," she offered.

AJ nodded.  "Go.  And make it fast, Lieutenant."

"Aye, aye, Sir."

AJ spoke into the phone, "Come on back here, Mac.  Harriett's going home to get the number."

"Aye, Sir.  I'll be there in 20 minutes."

Harriett called with the number, and Mac dialed.  She was surprised by the small voice that answered it.  "Hello?"

"Hello.  Is Mrs. Alexander there, please?" Mac asked.

"Mommy isn't talking to anyone right now," the little boy said.

"Is this Alan?"

"Uh huh.  Who are you?" the frightened voice asked.

"Alan, my name is Colonel MacKenzie.  I'm a friend of your Mommy's.  Is she okay?  Is she sick or hurt?"

"She's sick.  Mommy's sick.  The aliens came and took her voice away.  All she does is lie there and cry."

"The aliens?" Mac asked, puzzled.  AJ's ears perked up and he punched the speaker phone so they could both hear Alan.

"Uh huh.  They came to the house and took her voice away.  Then they left.  They scared me.  I think Mommy was scared, too.  She threw our stuff into a bag and we ran away.  They haven't found us yet.  I just hope Agent Zee finds them first.  Or finds us."

"Agent Zee?"  Mac asked.  

"Uh huh.  We know him.  He's really nice.  He let me keep my memory even though I saw him drive out an alien."

Mac realized now the child was talking about the 'Men in Black' movie.  She assumed he was making it all up.  

But AJ knew differently.  "Alan, this is Admiral AJ.  Does your Mommy answer you when you talk to her?"

"No, Sir.  She just turns away and hugs herself."

AJ was more than a little worried.  "Alan, did the aliens hurt her?  Did you hear your Mommy scream when they were there?"

"Yes, Sir.  She screamed a lot.  And then she didn't scream anymore at all.  They took her voice away.  Admiral, can you find Agent Zee?  Can you tell him that we need his help?"

"Yes, Alan.  I know how to find Agent Zee.  He'll help you very soon."  AJ didn't notice Mac's startled look.  "Alan, can you tell me where you are?"

"Oh no.  If I do that, the aliens might hear me.  And then they'd find us before Agent Zee," the child explained.

"Alan, help me here.  I have to tell Agent Zee something.  Did you see anything on the side of the road as you were going where ever you are?"

Alan thought for a moment.  "Uh huh.  I saw a cigarette.  A really, really big one.  I've never seen one so big."  AJ knew immediately to what the child referred.  "But Mommy says I'm never to smoke cigarettes.  They're bad for me."

"That's right Alan.  They are bad for you.  Alan, how much longer did you ride in the car after you saw the big cigarette?" AJ asked.

"Not long.  A couple of minutes.  I didn't have time to finish my GameBoy game."

"Okay, Alan.  You just sit tight.  We'll find you soon."

"You'll call Agent Zee?" the child insisted.

"As soon as we hang up.  Don't worry.  We'll be there soon, Son."

They hung up and AJ turned to Mac.  "They're in Richmond.  Let's go!" he said hurriedly as he grabbed his cover and headed out of his office.

Mac followed him out to his car; he was almost running.  "Admiral," she said as she climbed in and closed the door.  "I don't understand.  Who is Agent Zee?"

"I am."

"Sir?"

"Alan thinks he met one of the Men in Black last week.  Well, it was me.  You'll recall that you and Rabb commented on my attire on Thursday?  Well, I'd just been at the mall and met Alan and Brenda.  I couldn't convince him I wasn't MIB, as he calls it.  He's really hooked on that movie."

"Sir, what about Brenda?  And who are the aliens he's talking about?"

"Most likely Heyer and Dreiver.  They probably broke into the house and frightened Alan.  They obviously hurt Brenda if she's not talking to her son.  The question is, HOW did they hurt her?"  AJ muttered under his breath, "If those bastards raped her, I'll kill them with my bare hands."

Mac heard his threatening words and shuddered.  She knew he could do it.  And she knew he would do it.  'God, please don't let them have raped her.'  The last thing she wanted was the Admiral to be charged with murder!

AJ broke all the speed limits as they tore down the Interstate toward Richmond.  Mac wasn't positive, but she was almost sure she'd seen the speedometer register 120 mph!  And it felt it, too.  Things were flying past them.  She'd never ridden this fast in an automotive vehicle before.

It took no time at all to reach Richmond at that speed, and AJ took the exit next to the Phillip Morris tobacco plant.  Mac saw the large cigarette standing tall in front of the building.  "That's the big cigarette he saw," she realized.

"That's it," AJ confirmed.  He pulled down another street and said, "Okay, start looking for her car.  It's a red Grand Am."  Mac nodded and began scanning the area.  "There are a few motels right along this stretch.  They're probably at one of them.  We'll drive through the parking lots and see."  

"There's one, Admiral!"

"Wrong state," he replied.  "Virginia plates, Mac."

She nodded.  Two motels later, she said again, "Admiral, there!"

"I see it, Mac."  AJ pulled up behind the car.  "Yep, that's it.  I remember the plate number, now that I see it."

AJ parked the vehicle and went to the office, Mac following close on his heels.  The little high school girl behind the front desk was scared silly when she saw a 2-star Admiral walk in.  She told him instantly what he wanted to know.

"Room 345," AJ mumbled as they walked out.  "She's smart.  Didn't park near the room."

They went back to the Escalade, and AJ drove over to that wing.  He knocked on the motel room door, and he heard Alan's voice.  "Who is it?"

"It's Admiral AJ, Alan.  And I have Colonel MacKenzie with me."

Alan swung the door open wide and fell into AJ's arms in tears.  "I'm so glad you came!!  I was so scared.  And I'm hungry!"  He looked past AJ and Mac.  "Where's Agent Zee?"

"He told us how to find you, Alan," said AJ.  He looked up at Mac and nodded toward the bed.  Mac understood.  She walked over to the bed and the prone form of Brenda Alexander.

"Brenda?" she said quietly.  "Brenda, it's Mac.  Can you hear me?"  Nothing.  No movement.  Mac put her finger just below Brenda's nose and could feel air passing.  She looked up at AJ's pale face.  "She's alive, Sir.  I'd say she's in shock."

"Take Alan down and get him something to eat," AJ instructed.  Mac nodded and left with the child.  AJ sat on the edge of the bed.  "Brenda?  Can you hear me, Darlin'?"  Nothing.  AJ laid his hand on her cheek.  "Brenda?  Look at me, Darlin'."  Still nothing.  "Alan's not here now.  Mac took him down to get something to eat.  Are you hungry?  Do you want anything?"

She blinked.  

"Brenda, do you know who I am?  Do you recognize me, Darlin'?"  She turned her head and stared at him, still not uttering a sound.  "Brenda, it's AJ."

"Ben," Brenda's voice was so small, AJ almost didn't hear it.

"No, Darlin'.  I'm not Ben.  I'm AJ."  Brenda said nothing more.

When Mac and Alan returned, AJ had thrown everything of theirs into the travel bag and was ready to leave.  "Mac, you take the bag; I'll carry Brenda.  Alan, you take Mac's hand, okay?"

"Yes, Sir."  "Aye, Sir," they replied at the same time.

AJ lifted Brenda off the bed with almost no effort.  She made no protest.  He laid her across the back seat of the Escalade.  Mac climbed in the back seat with Alan and let AJ lay Brenda's head on her lap.  He got behind the wheel and headed for D.C. 

Thursday, 18 July 2002
0245 EDT
Bethesda Naval Hospital
Bethesda, Maryland

AJ sat in the waiting room with Alan on his lap.  The boy was sound asleep, and his face was buried in AJ's chest.  Mac sat next to them, stroking the boy's head once in a while.  Harm paced back and forth; he was never very patient in a hospital.  Finally the doctor returned.  "Admiral Chegwidden?" he addressed AJ.  

AJ nodded to him but didn't move.  He didn't want to disturb Alan if he didn't have to.  "Well?" he asked quietly.

The doctor pulled a chair over and sat across from AJ.  "Sir, Mrs. Alexander is definitely in shock, as you know."

"What else?"

"She has no bruises on her body, nor any scratches or evidence of having been beaten."

"What else?"  AJ knew there was more.  

"Admiral, you want to know if she was raped, and I can't tell you that.  You said it was Monday night when all this happened.  That was 2 days ago.  It's too long to make a definite determination.  All I can tell you is that she has apparently had sexual relations in the last week.  There is evidence of micro abrasions, which could mean she was raped.  But they're faint.  Very faint.  I wouldn't expect them to have faded so much if it was rape.  They could also have been caused simply by rough sex.  I don't know; it's impossible to tell.  You said there was no husband anymore; do you know if she has a boyfriend?"

AJ glared at him.  "I'd hardly call myself a 'boy', Doctor."

The doctor straightened in his chair.  "My apologies, Sir.  I didn't know... I didn't mean anything disrespectful..."

AJ just shook his head and changed the subject.  "So, what do we do to bring her out of this?"

The doctor shifted in his seat.  "Well, Sir.  That sort of depends."

"On?" AJ barked.

"Admiral, your first name isn't Ben, is it?"

"No.  It's AJ.  Ben was her husband."

"She's mumbling in her dazed state.  And she's saying his name.  Can you find him?"

"He died 4 years ago, Doctor," whispered Mac.  She laid her hand on AJ's arm.  "Admiral, she trusts you.  She obviously cares for you.  Maybe if you sat with her for a while, talked to her...  Maybe she'd come out of this on her own."

The doctor agreed, "That's the only way she will come out of this, Colonel... on her own."

Alan stirred in AJ's lap, so he took advantage of it and moved Alan to a prone position on the sofa.  He leaned over and kissed Alan's forehead.  Then he turned around and said, "Mac, I expect you and Harm will take care of Alan?"  Mac nodded.  "You might want to call Harriett; Alan and little AJ get along quite well.  And you'll be in charge at the office today."  He shifted his attention to the doctor.  "Lead the way."

AJ sat with Brenda through the rest of the night.  He talked to her.  He touched her gently.  He even sang softly.  Just as the sun was peeking out above the horizon, AJ stood up for the first time since he took his place next to her.  He walked into the small bathroom and relieved himself.  He didn't know that tears slipped down Brenda's face when she no longer felt his presence next to her.

While he was in the bathroom, the doctor entered and checked Brenda's vitals. Brenda's eyes fluttered open and a small smile appeared on her lips.  "You came back," she whispered.  "Oh Ben, you came back."

"Mrs. Alexander, I'm Doctor..." the doctor began, but she didn't listen.  

"I'm so glad.  I need to explain."

"Ma'am, I'm your doctor.  You've had a rough..."

"You probably already know all about it, Ben.  I suppose in Heaven you can see everything that goes on down here?"

The doctor was startled.  As was AJ.  But AJ hung back.  He didn't want Brenda to see him; it might send her back into shock.  Then again, she might still be in shock; he wasn't sure.  

"Ben, dear, you know I love you.  I always have.  But Darling, you told me you wanted me to go on with my life if anything happened to you.  You told me you wanted me to love again.  To find someone who would love me and love our son."  Brenda began crying.  "I thought I found him, Ben.  I was so sure.  He's so wonderful.  He's so..."  She turned her head away from the doctor.  "Why, Ben?  Why did you tell me you wanted me to love again if you didn't really?"

The doctor didn't say anything.  Brenda turned back to face him.  "Ben?  Answer me.  Please," she begged.  "Why are you haunting my dreams?  Is it because he's an Admiral?  He's too good for me, is that it?  Surely you wouldn't want me to end up with that horrible man Heyer."

The doctor shook his head in confusion.  Brenda took it as a response to her question.  "I'm so glad, because I couldn't ever do that, Ben."  She reached out to take the doctor's hand.  "I won't ever do it again, Ben.  I'll never be unfaithful to you again.  I'm so sorry.  Please forgive me for misunderstanding you.  Forgive me, Ben.  Forgive me..." and she drifted back to sleep.

The doctor gently laid her hand back on the bed and turned to face AJ.  AJ asked, "Was she really awake?"

The doctor nodded.  "I'm afraid so, Admiral."

AJ sighed.  "So she'll remember talking to 'Ben'."  The doctor nodded again.  "Then I shouldn't be here when she wakes up."

"Admiral, I think..."

"I'll have Colonel MacKenzie come down and sit with her.  She'll be more at ease with her here," AJ continued.  "Thank you, Doctor."  AJ turned to leave.  "Oh, but I would appreciate a status report on her condition.  Twice a day." 

Continue to Part 3