My Sister's Keeper

Wednesday, 21 April 2004
1315 EDT
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

Commander Harmon Rabb pulled his vintage 'Vette into the parking lot.  He saw an empty space and he headed straight for it.  He saw the backup lights on the new Celica two spots up from the empty, and he assumed the driver saw him, too.  Evidently not.

Harm slammed on the brakes, but it was too late.  He got out of his car, shaking his head is dismay.  "I don't believe this," he muttered under his breath.  He checked the damage to his car and found it wasn't extensive.  "That's good, at least."  He checked the Celica; it had less damage than his.  'Damn,' he thought to himself.  Then he walked up to the driver's side of the Celica.  

The driver was just opening the door as Harm began, "You always back out of a parking space without... umm.... uh..."  His words caught in his throat as he saw two very long, slender legs swing out from the low-slung vehicle.  His gaze traveled up her legs as she slowly stood.  When he reached her face, she was grinning at him.  "...looking?" he gulped the final word of his question.

She put her hands on her hips.  "I did look.  When I started backing out, you were just coming through the guard gate.  What'd you do, step on the gas when you saw me pulling out?"  Her sultry voice accused.

"No, I... I didn't.  I just... I..." Harm faltered as he stared at her gorgeous face that was framed by perfectly coiffed blonde hair.  He knew he was grinning like an idiot; he tried not to:  this wasn't the time to go gaga over a woman.  But he couldn't help it.

"What are you staring at?" she asked boldly.

"The most beautiful woman I've ever seen," he breathed.  As the woman smiled and laughed lightly, Harm's eyes widened in shock as he realized he actually spoke those words.  

"Why, thank you, Commander," she teased.  He raised an eyebrow.  He didn't find many civilians who could read rank.  "Don't be too impressed," she said, reading his mind.  "I only know Naval officer insignia.  If you'd been in any other uniform, I wouldn't have tried."

Harm smiled at that.  "Navy's the best, anyway.  Why bother learning the others?" he quipped.

The woman walked to the back of her car and examined the damage.  "Well, it's not too bad.  Won't even meet the deductible, I'm sure."  She walked back to the driver's side and sat down.

"Wait a minute!" Harm finally got his wits about him.  "You hit me!  I need to get your insurance information and..."

"Now look," she interrupted him.  "I was already backing out of this space when you came barreling into the parking lot.  How can you possibly say this was my fault?"

Harm had a vague notion of déjà vu.  Remembering back a few years, he recalled that something very similar happened in this very parking lot.  He cocked his head and looked at her.  "You don't happen to be another daughter no one knows about, do you?" he blurted out.

She looked surprised and affronted.  "I beg your pardon?"  She closed the door, but she did lower the window.

He grinned.  "A similar thing happened to me a few years ago, and the woman ended up being Admiral Chegwidden's daughter that none of us knew he had."  The woman's eyes laughed.  "You don't happen to be his daughter, too?"

She laughed outright.  "No, I can assure you.  I am not your Admiral's daughter."

Harm chuckled, "Well, that's good."  He squatted down and folded his arms in the window opening, resting them on the door.

"Why?" she cocked her head in question.

"Because if you were, I wouldn't ask you out for dinner tonight," Harm surprised even himself by asking.

The woman's eyes opened wide in surprise.  "Are you asking me out for dinner tonight?"

Harm nodded.  "That I am.  Orsatti's?"

"I prefer Filomina's, myself."

"The little place in Georgetown?"

"The very one," she purred.

"1900?"

"What is that in English?"

"Sorry.  7:00?"

"You've got yourself a date, Commander."

"Where shall I pick you up?"

"I'll meet you there."

"But..."

"I'm staying with someone this week; I don't live around here anymore.  And I'm not good at giving directions.  It'll be much easier this way, believe me," she insisted.

"I don't even know your name," Harm realized.

She smiled brilliantly.  "Adele.  Adele Lyman."

"Harmon Rabb," he replied.

"Yes, I know."  When he looked surprised, she tapped the nametag on his chest.  

Harm stood up smiling.  "Until tonight then... Adele."

She rolled up the window and waved.  Harm walked back to his car and quickly moved it into the still-empty parking space.  By the time he climbed back out of his vehicle, Adele was passing the guard gate.  "Wait a minute.  My nametag only says 'Rabb'."  He raised his eyebrows in wonder and walked inside the building.

Wednesday, 21 April 2004
1530 EDT
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

"Excuse me, Colonel."  Admiral AJ Chegwidden picked up the receiver, interrupting his meeting with his Chief of Staff.  "Chegwidden!" he barked into the phone.

"AJ, this dog simply refuses to obey me!  Doesn't she know any commands?" 

AJ laughed.  "She knows lots of them.  She just chooses which ones she obeys."

"That's no way to let an animal behave," the female voice scolded him.

"Darlin', if you can get her to change her ways, I'll be forever indebted to you.  Half the time, I can't even get her off my bed at night."

The voice giggled and teased, "You mean when you have female guests?"

"I'm gonna lock her in your room tonight and see how you like being licked in the face at 0300!" AJ growled.

She laughed.  "I don't think so, Dear.  By the way, the reason I'm calling is to let you know I won't be here for dinner tonight."

"Oh?  Did you finally reach your old neighbors?" AJ asked.

"No," she answered.  "I have a date!"

"What!?" he roared.

"A date, AJ.  You know, when a man and a woman go out together for dinner..."

"Where'd you meet this guy?"

"Does it matter?"

"It certainly does matter!  I want to know who my baby sister is going out with!"

"Oh, I don't think you'd approve, Brother dear.  So I'll just keep it to myself a little longer.  Bye now!  Don't wait up for me!"

"Adele!"  But when he heard the dial tone in his ear, he knew she was gone.  He slammed the receiver down.  "Damn!"  Then he looked up and saw Lieutenant Colonel Sarah MacKenzie smiling at him.  "Sorry about that, Mac."

"Your sister's in town, Sir?"

"Yes, she got here on Sunday and apparently she's met someone.  We just had lunch and she didn't know this guy.  Where'd she meet him since she dropped me off here at 1315?" AJ grumbled.  "Since Adele's husband died, she has terrible taste in men.  She always picks the losers."

"Maybe this time it'll be different," Mac suggested.

"I doubt it.  She said I wouldn't approve of him."

"Oh," Mac made a face.  Then she thought again.  "Admiral, have you ever approved of anyone she's dated?  Even her husband before they married?"

AJ looked surprised.  He thought for a moment.  "No.  Come to think of it, I haven't."  Mac smiled, which made AJ laugh.  "I guess Big Brother is a mite overprotective, hmm?"

Rather than agreeing, Mac asked, "How old is your sister, Sir?"

"Fifty.  Well, 49.  She hits 50 in two months.  She's not looking forward to it," he chuckled.  Mac bit her lips together.  "Okay, come on.  Out with it," he prodded, knowing that look.

She grinned, "Forty-nine or 50, don't you think she's old enough to decide for herself whom she dates?"

"I suppose," he sighed heavily.  "Don't guess I have much to say in the matter anyway," he grumbled.  "It's just that she's so good looking.  And she doesn't look her age either; to look at her, you'd swear she wasn't even 40.  Men can't seem to see past her beauty to the precious person she is.  And that bothers me."

"I can understand that.  I think it's sweet that you care.  I don't think many men care a whole lot what their sisters do."

They finished their meeting, and Mac left his office.  As she passed Harm in the bullpen, she noticed a smile on his face.  "Hey, Flyboy.  What's on your mind?"

Harm almost blushed at her question.  "Huh?" was all he managed.

Mac laughed, "Oh, my!  He's met another one!"

Harm watched Mac walk to her office.  Suddenly he looked up and called after her, "Mac!"  He followed her to her office and leaned against the doorframe.  "You know that little restaurant in Georgetown called Filomina's?"  She nodded.  "Is it any good?"

"I think so.  It's Italian food."

"Dressy?" he asked stepping inside her office.

Mac shook her head, "Not terribly.  You don't have to wear a coat and tie, if that's what you're asking.  But I wouldn't go in jeans."

Harm grinned, "I don't wear jeans on a first date anyway, Mac."

"I wouldn't know," Mac mumbled.

"Hmm?"  He knew she said something, but he didn't quite catch it.  When she didn't repeat herself, he asked, "You and Webb ever go there?"

"No, Harm, we don't.  Clay and I prefer Orsatti's."  She decided to tease him a little.  "So, where'd you meet her?"

Harm didn't catch the glint in her eye, "In the parking lot."

"Here?" she asked incredulously.

Harm nodded.  "Yeah, just this afternoon.  God, is she gorgeous," he breathed heavily.

Mac's mouth turned up into a half grin, "I'll just bet.  Let me guess.  Tall, blonde, blue eyes...  Am I close?"

Harm nodded.  "I don't know about the eyes yet, though.  She had sunglasses on.  But I'll find out tonight."  He turned and headed out of her office.  "You can bet I'll find out tonight..."

"Hey, Romeo!  What's her name?"

Harm leaned back around the doorframe.  "Adele," he grinned broadly and disappeared.

Mac's jaw fell open and she started to laugh.  "Oh, my God!"  She thought at first she should tell him, but then she decided against it.  Then she wondered if she should tell the Admiral.  She shook her head at that idea, too.  'They'll both find out soon enough.'

Wednesday, 21 April 2004
2145 EDT
Filomena Ristorante
Georgetown, Washington, DC

Harm and Adele had finished their meal and dessert long ago, but because the restaurant wasn't extremely busy, they weren't being rushed out the door.  Their waitress kept their coffee cups filled, but other than that, made herself scarce.  Harm held Adele's hand across the table, now and then playing with her fingers.  

"I've told you all about me," Harm said.  "Now it's your turn.  Tell me about you."

Adele smiled, "There's not much to tell.  I married Jerry when I was 23; he died when I was 30.  We never had children, so I'm nobody's mom.  Always wanted to be, though," she sighed.  "I've always enjoyed the theatre, and I tried my hand at it for a while when I was younger.  But Jerry preferred I not act, so I quit when we married."

"What about after he died?  Did you go back to it?"

She shook her head, "Not really.  Oh, every now and then I'll do a summer stock role, and I thoroughly enjoy that.  But it's not how I make my living."

"How do you make your living?"

"Preying on young Naval officers," she said very seriously.

Harm decided to play along.  He was sure she wasn't serious.  She couldn't be!  "Is that why you were coming out of JAG today?  Because one of those young Naval officers pressed charges against you?"

She nodded, "That's right.  He charged me with an Article 94 and 133!  Can you believe it?"

Harm laughed outright at that and choked out, "A 94 and 133?"

"Amazing, isn't it?"  At Harm's nod, she continued, "Well, I told him that if he charged me with those, I'd charge him with an Article 93 and 99!"

Harm just about doubled over laughing at that.  Adele looked quite pleased with herself.  But as she looked around the room, she saw that the other patrons of the restaurant weren't so delighted with the man laughing hysterically at her table.  "Perhaps we should go?" she hinted strongly.

"How about a walk?" Harm managed to say.

"Sounds delightful.  Then I can prey on you for a while longer," she teased, sliding her chair back.

"Oh?  Do I count as a young Naval officer?"

Adele smiled.  "Definitely."  

Harm put his arm lightly around Adele's waist and directed her toward the exit.  "I couldn't be much younger than you are.  In fact, I would have said I was a year or two older than you," he offered as he opened the door and they walked outside together.

"Well, you said that you hit the big Four-0 last year, right?" she asked him.  He nodded his confirmation as they started down Wisconsin Avenue.  She wondered if she should tell him the truth.  When he put his arm around her shoulders, she decided against it.  "Then I'm right.  You are a young Naval officer."

"Oh, come on, tell me.  How old are you?  41?"  She shook her head.  "42?"  And again.  He pulled her tighter against his side.  "You're not 43, I know it," he insisted.

She laughed lightly, "You're right.  I'm not."  Then to change the subject, she pointed up in the sky.  "Look!  A shooting star!"

Harm looked up.  "No, actually, that was an F-18.  Probably on its way from Andrews out to a carrier."

"Oh well.  Can't make a wish on a fighter jet, I suppose."

Harm stopped walking, which meant Adele did, too.  "Did you want to make a wish?"

"Mmm hmm," she smiled up into his face.

"What would your wish be?"

"Oh, if I tell you, it won't come true," she informed him quite seriously.

"But you didn't get to actually make the wish."  Harm moved his hands to her shoulders and pulled her close to his chest.  He whispered huskily, "How can I make it come true if you don't tell me what it is?"

"Oh, I don't think you'll have any trouble making it come true, Harm," she purred, lifting her chin slightly.   Harm gazed into her deep blue pools and was lost.  He lowered his mouth and covered her lips with his own.  She responded immediately, pressing herself closer to his body.  Harm moved his arms around her and held her tightly; she could feel his hardness against her and it felt good.  "No, I don't think you'll have any trouble at all," she mumbled in his mouth.

At her words, Harm turned her around and they headed back to the parking lot.  He opened the passenger door of his Corvette and Adele slipped inside quickly.  Harm was in the driver's seat almost instantly, and they headed for Union Station... and his apartment.      

Thursday, 22 April 2004
0115 EDT
Harmon Rabb's Apartment
North of Union Station, Washington, DC

Adele opened her eyes and found Harm laying on his side, his head propped on his hand.  The sheet was covering him from his waist down, but his chest was bare.  He was watching her.  "Do you like what you see?" she asked, almost embarrassed and not at all sure if her body was covered.

"Oh, definitely," Harm smiled, erasing her embarrassment as she looked down and saw that indeed, the sheet covered her naked body completely.  

"I'm glad.  'Cause I definitely like what I see," she replied.  Harm could almost feel the heat building in his body.  She moved her hand and laid it on his chest, drawing circles in his hair and around his nipples.  "Mmm, I do love a man's chest."

"I'm glad you don't have one, though," Harm teased as he reached forward and cupped her breast through the sheet.

"Mmm," she moaned in pleasure.  She wiggled closer to him and pulled his head down.  "Kiss me," she begged.

Harm lowered his mouth to hers and parted her lips with his tongue.  He staked his claim on her mouth and then moved to her neck, leaving marks that he knew she'd have trouble hiding.  She didn't seem to mind; in fact, she seemed to thrive on it.  Every time he sucked on her neck, she pressed herself closer to him... until finally she yanked the sheet away and covered him with her own body. 

Thursday, 22 April 2004
0900 EDT
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

Harm sat in his office with a satisfied grin on his face.  He hadn't done a bit of work since he arrived 30 minutes ago; he was still completely absorbed in his thoughts and memories of his intense night of making love.  He hadn't had anyone like Adele in years, if ever.  She was amazing.  He saw Mac pass his office on her way to the Admiral's office.  'I wonder if Mac is like that?'  He sighed in resignation, "I guess that's something you'll never know, Rabb."

"You'll never know what, Commander?"

Harm jerked out of his reverie to find Petty Officer Coates standing in front of his desk.  "Nothing!" he answered curtly to hide his embarrassment at being caught daydreaming.

Coates just smiled.  "The Admiral wants to see you in his office, Sir.  The Colonel is already there."

Harm nodded, "Thanks, Jennifer."  Then he remembered, "Oh, and thanks for keeping Mattie company last night.  I appreciate it."

Jen replied, "Mattie saw her leave this morning, Sir."

Harm cringed.  "She did?"

"Mmm hmm.  She described her departure in... full detail," Jen smirked.

He blushed.  "Oh, God.  I guess I have some explaining to do tonight," Harm said as he passed Jen on his way out of his office.

"You might want to put some shorts on the next time you see someone down to a cab.  Even if it is only 0545."  Jen's voice held a note of levity to it, such that Harm didn't dare turn around to answer her.  He just hurried to the Admiral's office.

The Admiral was faced away from the door, looking out the window.  "She didn't come home until 0615, Mac!  Where the hell was she until 0615?  No, don't tell me.  I don't want to know.  Damn it, I already know.  I know her."

"You sent for me, Sir?" Harm thought it best to let the Admiral know he was there now.

AJ turned around and nodded to the second red leather guest chair.  Mac occupied the first one.  "Have a seat, Commander."  Then he continued talking to Mac.  "0615!  I was worried sick about her all night!"

"I'm sure she was in... capable hands, Sir," Mac tried not to smile.

AJ growled, "That's what I'm afraid of!  And now she tells me she won't be home again tonight.  Where'd she meet this gigolo, anyway?"

Harm ventured, "Who is it we're talking about, Admiral?  Your goddaughter?  Lisa, isn't it?"

AJ shook his head.  "No.  My sister."

Harm looked surprised.  "I didn't know you had a sister, Admiral."

Mac grinned, "Sure you did, Harm.  Remember back in '97 when Osborne was..."

Harm interrupted.  "Oh yeah!  I remember now.  Your sister pretended to be the Chief's wife when Bud went to see her, didn't she?"

AJ nodded.  "That's right.  She's always enjoyed doing summer stock."

Harm grinned, "My new girlfriend enjoys that, too."

Mac bit her lips together.  'Uh oh.'

AJ raised an eyebrow.  "You have a new girlfriend?"

"As of yesterday, Sir."

"I look forward to meeting her," AJ offered... to which Mac almost choked.  "Mac?  You okay?" he asked as Harm patted her on the back.

"Mac?  You need some water?"

She shook her head.  "No.  No, thanks.  I'm fine.  I just... I um... breathed the wrong way, I guess."

"You sure you're okay?" asked AJ.

"Fine, Sir."

"Okay, let's get down to it..."

Mac was relieved.  'I guess they won't find out right now.'

Twenty minutes later, their meeting concluded.  As Harm and Mac walked back through the bullpen she asked, "So!  I take it you're seeing her again?"

Harm grinned.  "You know it.  This one I'm not going to let get away."

"She's that good, hmm?"

"Better," Harm said before he realized it.  Mac raised her eyebrows at his confession.  "Mac, I think I could really fall in love with her.  She's absolutely perfect."

"Harm, what do you really know about her?"  Mac really didn't want to be the one to tell him he was screwing the Admiral's sister.

Before he could answer, his phone rang and he excused himself to go answer it.  

Thursday, 22 April 2004
1400 EDT
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

Harm stood in front of the Admiral's desk hoping he was in a better mood than this morning.  "I wondered if I might take a day of leave tomorrow, Sir."

"Tomorrow?  That's mighty short notice, Commander," AJ barked.

"Yes, Sir, I'm aware of that.  It's just that... well, my girlfriend called and said that she was free all day tomorrow, but that she's already busy the rest of the weekend.  I was hoping I could show her... the sights around Washington tomorrow, Sir."

"If I read you right, Commander, I'd say the only sight she's going to see is the bedroom of your apartment.  Am I right?"

Harm's mouth turned up into a half grin.  "If I have my way, Sir?  Yes."

AJ chuckled.  "Sure, go ahead.  You haven't had any time off for a while now.  You probably need a good lay... " he hesitated, "a good lady's company."

Harm's grin covered his face now.  "Had that last night, Sir.  Best ever, too."

"Enjoy yourself tomorrow."

"Oh, I plan to, Sir.  And I plan to enjoy tonight, too," he quipped as he left.

Friday, 23 April 2004
1225 EDT
Army and Navy Club
Farragut Square, Washington, DC

Harm and Adele enjoyed a casual lunch at the Officer's Club.  As they waited for their desserts, Adele said, "Harm, you laughed so on Wednesday when I joked about those Articles.  What are they exactly?"

Harm couldn't help but laugh again as he remembered.  "Well, let's see.  I believe you said your young officer charged you with an Article 94 and 133."  She nodded.  "Article 94 is a charge of mutiny.  I can see how you might have caused that... you did usurp authority from me a couple of times last night..." Adele giggled lightly.  "And Article 133 is a charge of conduct unbecoming an officer.  So unless you were commissioned..."

Adele's laugh rang out loud and clear through the entire room.  "What about the others?  I charged him with... what?  I think I said 93 and 99."

Harm nodded.  "You charged him with cruelty and maltreatment as well as misbehaving before the enemy."

Adele squealed her delight at such a preposterous idea.  "What fun!  I charge you with an Article 87!"

Harm choked on his glass of water.  "Well, I suppose I might have missed movement once or twice last night," he said in a cocky voice.

Adele blushed lightly.  "No, Harm.  I don't think you did," she cooed. 

Harm pierced her with an intense gaze, "Let's get out of here."

"And go where?" she asked in a sultry voice.

"That's what I'd like to know!"  They both turned to see AJ towering over their table, hands on his hips, and a very angry scowl on his face.

"Admiral!" Harm gulped as he pushed his chair back and scrambled to his feet.  "Sir, I can explain... I mean... Sir, this is... Um..." he bumbled along.  When he finally got his wits about him, he said, "Admiral, I'd like you to meet my new girlfriend, Adele Lyman.  Adele, this is my commanding officer, Admiral AJ Chegwidden."

Adele stayed seated and looked up into AJ's angry eyes.  She smiled, "Actually, Harm, I'd like you to meet my brother."  When Harm turned shocked eyes to Adele and then the Admiral, she said, "Now, boys, play nice!" 

Friday, 23 April 2004
1315 EDT
Army and Navy Club
Farragut Square, Washington, DC

The threesome stood in the parking lot, both men standing ramrod straight with Adele standing between them.  "Adele, I can't believe you did this.  Rabb works for me!"

"Yes, and you've often said how much you think of him!  So obviously, I knew I could trust him," she informed her brother.

"You knew who he was, but you didn't tell him who you were!  That wasn't exactly the kosher thing to do, you know."

She turned to Harm.  "If I'd told you on Wednesday that I was your CO's sister, would you have asked me out?"

Harm looked at her and then the Admiral... then back to her.  He shook his head.  "No, I wouldn't have."

"You see?" Adele said turning to her brother. 

"And that's how it should be!" roared AJ.

"Well, it's too late for that now," insisted Adele.  "Harm and I have gone out.  We have slept together.  And we're going to again, if I have my way."  She turned to look at Harm, a question in her eyes.  But his eyes were guarded; she couldn't tell what he was thinking.  Still looking at Harm, she addressed her brother, "Go away, AJ.  I'll be home tomorrow and you can scold me all you want.  But today belongs to Harm.  I just hope he still wants my company now that he knows who I am."

"Adele," AJ started.

"Please, AJ.  Please go away," her voice was almost begging.  He'd never heard her speak quite like that.  "Please, Dear."

He sighed heavily.  "Very well."  He hugged her tightly and said, "I love you, you know."

She smiled and patted his cheek, "I know you do.  I love you, too." 

As AJ walked away, Harm felt Adele's hand slip around his waist.  "Shall we go?" she whispered.

He turned her to face him.  "Are you sure about this, Adele?"

She nodded.  "But there is something else I should tell you.  I leave for Europe on Monday."

"Vacation?"

"No.  I'm moving to Europe.  To Switzerland."

"So this.... this was all just a... a fling?"

"It was supposed to be, Harm.  But now I really wish I weren't moving."  She lifted her face and kissed him lightly.  "Shall we go?" she asked again.

Harm put his arm around her shoulders.  He knew he'd have to answer to the Admiral come Monday morning, but Adele was worth it.  Even for just a few days, she was worth it.  "Absolutely!"  They walked back to his 'Vette and climbed in.  Harm had barely put the car in gear when Adele slipped her hand inside his pants.  "Oh, God..."

The end.