You Sent For Me, Sir?

by

Harm Comes To The Sloans

Harmon Rabb comes to LA to investigate an apparent crime by a marine, but when he is almost immediately seriously injured it is up to Mac & the Sloans to find out the truth about the crime & Harm’s accident, in this JAG/DM crossover. For those who have not read my previous fanfic Mark now lives in the smaller downstairs apartment at the Beach House.

The characters of Mark Sloan, Steve Sloan, Ellen, Jesse Travis, Amanda Bentley, Cheryl, Harmon Rabb, Sarah MacKenzie, Admiral Cheggwidden, Bud & Sturgis are not mine they are only borrowed.

Washington DC JAG Headquarters

“You sent for me sir?” “Yes come in & shut the door Harm,” said Admiral Chegwidden. “ I have a job for you in LA.  A marine, Peter Davis, has been arraigned for the murder of Mandy Stephens by the LAPD. The Marine Air Station at Malibu Point, where he was stationed, has investigated & says he did it, but his mother is accusing them of everything from bullying to vindictiveness where her son is concerned. I don’t think there’s anything wrong, but” “but you don’t want anyone to say we haven’t covered everything,” said Harm with a grin. “OK I’ll go & double check everything & get back to you sir.”

Within a couple of hours Commander Harmon Rabb was in the air on the way to LA. On his arrival at LAX he was met by the personnel officer from the base & taken straight there. “We’ve put a room at your disposal & anyone who you want to speak to will be available when you require them sir,” the personnel officer explained. For the next 3 or 4 hours Harm was busy checking on the statements & clarifying details. Then he sent for the personnel officer,  “Right I think I’ve finished here,” he said. “Now I just need to see Peter Davis.” “He’s in the custody of the LAPD sir but we have his statement,” said Bill Jones, the personnel officer, “Maybe, but I want to see him for myself,” Harm interjected. “Very well, but its too late to arrange today I’ll set everything up for you for tomorrow morning if you’re certain you want to see him,” said Bill grudgingly. “See to it,” said Harm & went off to get a meal.

 Next morning Bill came into Harm’s quarters & said, “Vehicles ready for you sir & they are expecting you at police headquarters in 20 minutes.” “Thanks,” said Harm & set off rapidly in the Humbee for headquarters. He hadn’t gone far when he felt a problem with the steering & tried to pull up but the brakes failed him completely & struggle as he could, the inevitable happened, & he slammed into another vehicle, not just a car but a huge truck, The shattered jeep rolled over & over before coming to rest upside down. The ensuing silence was broken by the sound of the truck driver calling for help over his CB & asking for 911.

“You fool I said to find a way to stop him seeing Peter Davis until we had made sure he wasn’t going to talk, not nearly kill him & get him sent to a civilian hospital.” The speaker was Colonel Jacobs, the commander at the base. “Now we’ll have more JAG people here.” He continued.

“Well sir we may be lucky there, we’ve retrieved the vehicle & stripped it down so there’s nothing to find there & the hospital have just asked us for details of his next of kin, & informed us he is not likely to live through the night. LAPD think it was an accident & if he dies no one will know any different.”  “We’ll see,” said the Colonel. “Dismiss.”

 “Could I have your attention please.” All eyes in the room swivelled round to face Admiral Chegwidden as he appeared at the door to his room, looking very grave, People came out from the offices & everyone waited to hear what he had to say. “I’m very sorry to have to inform you that Commander Rabb has been critically injured in a road accident in LA.” Amidst the gasps of horror Budd asked, “How bad is it Sir?” “I’m afraid its about as bad as it can be,” replied the admiral, “they have asked us for next of kin, & inform us he is not likely to live till morning. Now his mother is seriously ill herself & we are overstretched here, so I can only afford to send one person. Colonel MacKenzie could you please go & stay until either he is out of danger or we lose him? I’m sorry to ask you but…” “I’m on my way sir,” said Mac as pale & shaken she dashed off to sort herself out & get to LA ASAP.

On arrival at LAX Mac was also met by personnel from the Marine Air Station. “ Is Commander Rabb still alive,” demanded Mac as she climbed into the car. “As far as I know Colonel, now I’ll take you to the base to settle in & leave your things & then I’ll run you to Community General to visit the commander. “You’ll do no such thing,” snapped Mac you will take me directly to the hospital, now” “Very well, I was only trying to help,” said Bill Jones. “Sorry I’m worried about Harm I didn’t mean to snap.” Mac apologised, “Don’t worry, I can understand that,” smiled Bill, “We’ll be at the hospital in less than 15 minutes now Colonel.”

When they arrived at the hospital Bill offered to wait in the car park while Mac went to visit Harm, “You’ll have a long wait,” she said, “I intend to stay here until Harm is …..” she hesitated for a moment then straightening her shoulders she said firmly, “is out of danger & on the road to a full recovery. Now go back to the base & I’ll call you when I need you.” Bill was not happy with this idea, but there was nothing he could do so reluctantly he drove back to the base leaving Mac to enter the hospital alone.

As she stepped through the doors of the hospital, she was hailed by an older white haired doctor, “Hello there” he said, “ I see you’re a JAG, have you come to visit Commander Rabb?” “How is he, is he still alive,” Macs words almost ran into one another in her anxiety. “Relax”, said Mark “I’m his doctor, Dr Mark Sloan & not only is he still alive, but while he’s certainly not out of the woods yet, he has stabilised & every hour he stays with us is a good sign.” “Thank you,” Mack whispered. “I’m Sarah MacKenzie, but my Friends call me Mac she continued shaking hands with Mark.

When she entered the ICU room where Harm was Mac couldn’t help gasping in horror, he had so many tubes coming in & out of his body & there was a tube down his throat obviously breathing for him. She crossed to the bed & took his hand. “Harm, I’m here,” she whispered, “please come back to us, we need you.” “I know all this looks a little frightening,” said Mark who had followed her into the room, “but it is helping to keep him alive. If he continues to make progress we will take him off life support in a few days & see if he can maintain his breathing on his own.” “How long can I stay?” queried Mac. “As long as it takes,” replied Mark with a gentle smile, “but I suggest you stay till about 10 o’clock tonight & then if he is still stable you go & have a sleep so that you will be here for him when he needs you.” “I really ought to visit the LAPD & find out about the accident,” Mac said “but I am reluctant to involve the base, I’m getting bad vibes from that area. If he is still improving in the morning I think I’ll go & see if I can have a word with Lieutenant Sloan.” “Can I ask why that particular officer?” queried Mark. “Well I got his name from Lt. Colonel Sally McPherson,” explained Mac. “She said she was most impressed with him when she was here dealing with a murder at his restaurant committed by 3 of the personnel at the base.” “Oh I see,” laughed Mark, “Well if you want to see Lieutenant Sloan at work you’ll have to wait till Monday.” Mac looked at him in amazement, “Do you know the schedule for every officer on the LAPD?” she enquired. “Is this a requirement for doctors in Los Angeles?” Mark chuckled & shook his head “No, no, he replied. “The lieutenant is my son & at the moment he’s in Hawaii on his honeymoon. They are due home tonight, but he’s not due back in work till after the weekend.” Now it was Mac’s turn to laugh. “Well I think I’ll see it as fate & do nothing till Monday,” she said. “If you like, seeing as how you’re not happy at the base, if you want you could come back to the house & meet Steve there,” suggested Mark. “I’m sure the last thing your son will want is a stranger in his house when he returns from honeymoon,” Mac said. “Perhaps you’re right,” laughed Mark but at least come to my flat, that’s part of the house & shower & change & have a rest.” “Thanks,” smiled Mac, “but I’m not sure about leaving Harm.”

Mark looked closely at Sarah, he was sure there was more here than one JAG officer’s concern for another, but for now he let it rest. Realising how determined she was to stay with him, Mark then organised a cot in his room & a meal for Mac & made sure she had everything she needed before setting off for home.

As he turned into the drive Mark was pleased to see the lights on in the house, indicating that his son & daughter in law were safely back from Hawaii. He let himself into the house calling out as he did so “Steve, Ellen I’m home.” “Hi Dad,” said Steve peering round the bedroom door,

“Be with you in a minute, Ellen’s in the kitchen. As if to prove this statement, at that moment Ellen’s head popped round the kitchen door & said, “Dinner in 10 minutes Dad & I’ve done enough for three, please eat with us.” “If you’re sure,” said Mark “I’d love to.” Over dinner Steve & Ellen regaled Mark with tales of the honeymoon, Ellen taking the opportunity to thank him once again for arranging for his yacht, that Bee & the other wives had given him after he found who had murdered their husband, to be in Hawaii so they could use it for their honeymoon. “I’m glad you enjoyed it,” he said “I always feel that we don’t use it enough, & it’s good to feel its been of use.”

 Next day Mark was up early &, although not officially on duty, after a quick breakfast popped down to the hospital to check on a couple of patients he was concerned about. One of these was Harm, & as he entered the room he saw Mac asleep in the chair next to the bed, holding Harm’s hand. Gently he went across & woke her. “Sorry” she said, moving quickly so he could examine Harm. “Hey I put that cot there so you could have a comfortable place to sleep,” said Mark, smiling across at her as he checked the readings & looked at Harm’s chart. “I did spent part of the night in the cot, honestly,” said Mac “but about dawn I felt he needed me so I came & sat here.” “Well his results are remarkably improved this morning, whatever was happening earlier,” as he said this Mark beamed across at Mac, “whatever you’re doing keep it up.” Mac smiled back & sat chatting to Mark. She really liked the doctor, who she felt was the kind of Dad she had dreamed about & she found herself telling him about her ESP gift & how she had saved Harm’s life by telling the search parties where in the ocean to search for him. She admitted that she & Harm were really close friends, but explained that something always seemed to stop it going any further. “Well personally I can’t think of anything more important than a close friend,” said Mark, “keep up the good work.” So saying, he set off for home to spend some part of the day with Steve & Ellen.

When he got home they were just eating breakfast, so Mark went down & got changed, got himself a cup of coffee & joined them in the den, where they were watching the video they had taken in Hawaii, all 20 minutes of film Mark noted to show what had happened in three weeks, but he kept these thoughts to himself.

 Instead he told them about Harm & Mac & her doubts about the base & her desire to see Steve. “I tell you what,” Steve suggested I’ll see what I can find out about the accident when I get to work tomorrow & then come & have lunch with you & see this Colonel MacKenzie while I’m there, save her coming to the station.” “Thanks son,” smiled Mark. “Hey, I thought you were so busy you wanted to brown bag it all week, same as me,” said Ellen indignantly. “True darling,” said Steve with a grin, “but just think, if that were me in there, wouldn’t you prefer someone came to you rather than you have to leave me & go to them.” To Mark & Steve’s amazement Ellen’s response was to fill up with tears & whisper, “Don’t even suggest such a thing in fun.” “Darling I wasn’t being critical,” said Steve, gathering her in his arms, & giving his father a look, that said now what have I done, over her head. Mark just shrugged, being as surprised as Steve by Ellen’s response. “Sorry darling, guess I’m just still overtired,” Ellen murmured, smiling shakily up at Steve, “think I’ll get an early night tonight as we’ve all got work in the morning.” “Steve is Ellen all right?” queried Mark, after she had left the room. “As far as I know, but that response was not what I expected,” replied Steve, but she may well be tired we haven’t had a lot of sleep since the wedding.” “Too busy sightseeing eh son,” grinned Mark. “That’s it Dad, you’ve got it in one,” said Steve with a twinkle in his eye. They spent the rest of the day chatting & lounging about. True to her word Ellen went to bed early & after a brief snack & a drink together on the patio Mark & Steve retired to bed also.

Next morning Steve & Mark were up early, but Ellen decided as she didn’t have to be in work till 10 that she’d sleep in. Before he went to work Mark took Ellen some breakfast. “A little treat,” he said, “breakfast in bed. Now eat up I have to go duty calls.” So saying he walked out of the room & set off for work so he didn’t see Ellen turn a pale shade of green & disappear rapidly into the bathroom, nor was he there to see her wrap up the breakfast & put it in the trash before washing up the plate. Hastily getting dressed she set off for the offices of the LA Constitution, where, thanks to Mark. She now worked as one of their news reporters.

She was very pleased to have made the move from her previous job, with a magazine, which was more interested in bizarre headlines than truth, & therefore very anxious to make a good impression & prove her journalistic skills.

At the station Steve was as good as his word, as soon as he arrived he asked to see the captain & explained about the request from the JAG officer, “Well,” the captain said, “the men who attended wrote it up as an accident, but we don’t want to upset JAG, so by all means take a look at the files & go & liase with this Colonel McKenzie, as long as it’s in your lunch hour & doesn’t interfere with anything else you are responding to.” “Thank you Sir,” Steve replied & turned to leave, astonished to hear Captain Newman say as he walked out, “ Glad to see you back from your honeymoon Lieutenant & raring to go.”

“Thank you Sir,” he repeated, as he hurried back to his seat & began chatting with Cheryl about the marines. “Welcome back partner,” she said with a grin, “trust you to come back with extra work for us, on top of that lot.” As she said it she nodded at a pile of files stacked up on their desks. “Oh come on,” he replied, with one of his lop sided smiles & puppy dog looks, “what’s one more case to the best partnership in the whole of LA.” Cheryl responded with a good-natured slap on his arm as they settled down to work.

 When Steve arrived at the hospital Mark was waiting for him with Mac at the canteen & they sat & chatted as they ate. Steve told them that everything appeared to agree with the fact that Harm’s accident had been just that, an accident. “The only thing which seemed a little strange was that what was left of the humbee was taken straight to the base, & the marines did the checks on it. They said, as it was a complete write off & as their mechanics knew it inside out, it would be best for them to go over it. Their note says it appears a tyre blew & this caused the Commander to lose control, but they could not find anything else mechanically wrong,” he went on to explain, “I’m sure they were right, but I’d have been happier to have independent checks.” “Couldn’t agree more, it seems odd to me,” said Mark.  “Yes but feasible,” said Steve, “now how’s the Commander this morning?” “Great news on that score, he’s so much improved that, an hour ago, we took him off life support & he is maintaining his own breathing & doing really well.” As he said these words Mark beamed at his son & Mac. “The coma is lightening & I hope within a couple of days he may regain consciousness, if he continues to improve in this way.” “Oh that’s great Dad,” said Steve who knew how personally Mark felt about every patient. “Then perhaps we’ll be able to find out more about this incident.”

 Three days later when Steve came into the kitchen in the morning, his Dad was there but Ellen decided not to join them as she had a headache. “Sorry love, but I don’t feel too good this morning,” she said, “Must have been that meal we had last night. We were back too late for me to do your sandwiches, but I’ve put you half of my quiche for your lunch.”

 Steve didn’t say anything, as he didn’t want to hurt Ellen’s feelings but he was just preparing to make himself a couple of rolls to take when his pager went & he had to dash off with the quiche, no rolls & no breakfast.

After a really hectic morning Steve was glad to get back to his desk & the paperwork about midday. He was really hungry & decided to eat his lunch so he pulled out the quiche. Just as he was about to start eating John Michaels who was sat at the desk next but one to his said, “ Oh that wife of mine I don’t believe it.” “What’s up John?” asked Steve. “My wife has given me a couple of rolls with chilli in them, & she knows I hate spicy foods,” moaned John. “Swap you,” said Steve holding out his quiche.

Steve & John then proceeded to swap meals but Steve had only had time for one bite of the roll when Cheryl came in & said, “Homicide just come in down by the docks. Come on partner you’ll have to leave that for later.” With a moan Steve put the rolls in the desk & rushed out after his partner. As they jumped in the car she passed him a milk shake & said, “This will have to do you for now sunshine, you can finish eating later.” When they arrived at the murder site it was to find that the murderer was already apprehended, &, as there were over 20 witnesses, & he had confessed, there was not a lot for them to do. Within a few minutes they were on their way back. As they reached the car Steve turned to Cheryl & said, “You drive I’m not feeling a hundred percent.” “It’s probably lack of food,” laughed Cheryl. As they were driving back to the station Steve kept yawning. “Hey Cheryl,” he said, “Have you got a drink, my mouth’s really dry?”  Cheryl cast a glance at her partner, concerned by the huskiness of his voice. He looked quite pale & was staring at her as though he couldn’t quite see her properly, so she pulled in to a shopping mall & said, “I’ll just pop in & get a can, won’t be a second.” “I’ll go said Steve, It’s airless in here,” & went to get out of the car. As he did so he staggered & had to grab hold of the car to prevent himself falling. Cheryl dived round the car & helped him back into the seat, surreptitiously feeling his pulse as she did so, alarmed to feel it bounding & rapid. “Come on I’m taking you to the hospital,” she said, fastening his seat belt & dashing back round to the driver’s seat, even more concerned when he didn’t argue with her. With lights flashing & sirens blaring she drove as fast as she could to Community General & dashed in shouting for help & a gurney. Jesse was standing at the nurse’s station & swung round with alarm recognising her voice. “Cheryl,” he called “what’s the matter?” “Quick,” she shouted, “it’s Steve, he’s been taken ill.” As they dashed out to the car with a couple of porters & a gurney she explained to Jesse what had happened, so that by the time Steve was on a table in the ER Jess knew as much as Cheryl about what had occurred. By now his face had reddened & he had a rash started.

“I’m not sure but it could be poison,” said Jesse in a worried tone. While Steve was still semiconscious he was obviously really ill & in a lot of distress. Jess immediately pumped his stomach & sent the contents to the lab, then paged for Mark. “What do you want Jess I’m in the middle of rounds,” Mark phoned down to Speak to Jess. “I’m so sorry Mark but it’s Steve” Mark could hear the worry in Jesse’s voice as he spoke & visions of his son shot or stabbed flashed before his eyes. “What’s happened Jess is he badly hurt,” Mark clutched at the phone as he waited for Jesse’s answer. “He hasn’t been hurt he’s been taken ill, & I need your diagnostic skills, I think it may be poison, but I’m not sure & I certainly don’t know what poison” explained Jess.

 Mark put down the phone without even stopping to answer & dashed down to the ER. When he arrived Jess explained all that Cheryl had said as he examined his son. “Dad I don’t…..” Steve’s voice tailed off “Don’t try & talk son we’ll soon have you feeling better,” said Mark, then swinging round he said “Jess call the lab & tell them to test for atropine first.” Jess leapt to obey then turned back to Mark. “Right,” said Mark now you’ve already washed his stomach out, but in case it has got further give him a colonic irrigation. We can’t do any more till we hear from the lab, but have amyl nitrate ready for inhalation & morphine.” He paused “Any thing else?” questioned Jess. “Just have the life support equipment standing by,” said Mark with a sigh. At this moment Ellen dashed in through the door, white & shaking “What’s wrong?” she said “We’re not sure but we think its atropine poisoning, that’s deadly nightshade,” said Jess They were interrupted by the phone ringing. It was the lab & Jess put it on speakerphone so they could all hear. “You were quite right Mark,” said Amanda’s voice, “it is atropine, & the good news is, it doesn’t look as though it was quite enough to kill him, so all should be well.” Mark let out an audible sigh of relief as he turned to give his son the amyl nitrate & the first of the small doses of morphine to complete his treatment. “It must have been something he ate at dinner time,” he said. “But he had one half of the quiche & I had the other,” said Ellen puzzled “& I’m fine.” “He wasn’t eating quiche,” interrupted Cheryl, “it smelt like chilli dogs to me.” They heard a groan & turned to see Steve looking a little embarrassed, “I swapped meals with John,” he said. “Sorry Ellen darling.” Cheryl gave a gasp “You only ate one bite of those rolls before we had to dash down to the docks,” she said. Grabbing her phone she asked someone at the station to collect the rolls from Steve’s drawer & bring them down for analysis.

Within three quarters of an hour Amanda had confirmed that the poison was in the rolls & that there was enough poison to kill 6 people at least in the two of them. Immediately Cheryl shot off to John’s house to bring his wife in for questioning, praying as she went that she got there before John got home from work.

Back at the hospital Mark checked on Steve pleased to see his pulse was far steadier, & his voice sounded better. “I’m feeling much better now Dad, I’ll soon be ready to go home,” said Steve. “Think again son,” Mark said, with a grin at his impetuous son, “the furthest you are going is three floors up to a bed in room 432. “Oh Dad I don’t need to stay here,” moaned Steve. “Well I’m the doctor & I say you do,” Mark replied. “If you behave yourself & the tests show you are clear you may be out of here tomorrow night, we’ll see. Now in the meanwhile I’m putting you in the same room as Commander Rabb, so you can have a further chat with Colonel MacKenzie while you’re here & so can Cheryl.”

Steve knew it was no good arguing with his father so he lay back & waited for the orderlies to come & move him.

“Dad can you let me have a word before you move him?” asked Ellen. “Of course I can, but if your going to go mad at him for swapping meals, please wait till he’s fully better,” replied Mark. “Oh don’t be so stupid,” snapped Ellen. Mark looked startled “Ellen I know there’s something wrong, but leave it till he’s better please,” he said. Ellen gave a sigh. “It’s a good job your diagnostic skills were better on Steve than me,” she said. Mark just stared at her, with a puzzled frown. “Come on Dr Sloan,” she continued, “if a woman presented herself to you with violent mood swings, hormones all over the place, feeling sick in the mornings, but eating for two by night, what would you say.” A broad grin spread across Mark’s face as he realised what she was telling him. “I was actually here in the hospital having it confirmed when I heard about Steve, that’s why I was so quick. Now can I go & tell him?” Mark just nodded & his grin, if possible got even wider.

When Cheryl arrived at the Michaels’ house she was relieved to see that John’s car was not there. She went up to the door & when Jenny Michaels answered she introduced herself showing her badge. “Come in,” said Jenny, “John’s not here but he shouldn’t be long.” “Mrs Michaels I’m here to take you in for questioning for the attempted murder of your husband.” When Cheryl said this Jenny gave a gasp & her 9-year-old daughter Gill said, “Is Daddy very poorly?” “Don’t worry your Dad’s fine he’ll soon be home to look after you,” said Cheryl. “Unfortunately it was my partner Lieutenant Sloan, just back from his honeymoon, who ate the poison & is now in the hospital.” Gill began to cry; as Jenny went to comfort her & tell her it was all a mistake & would soon be sorted out,

she looked up tearfully & said, “Sorry Mom I didn’t want anyone else to get hurt, specially Uncle Steve, Sharon said at school that if I put the berries in Dad’s lunch it would make him very sick & punish him for not letting me go to her sleepover.” Cheryl & Jenny gasped as they realised what had happened. “Gill there was enough poison in those rolls to kill 6 grown ups, you’re very lucky neither Steve nor your daddy died.” As Cheryl said this Gill sobbed louder & Jenny said anxiously “How is Steve?” “Well it was a bit hairy for a time, but he’s recovering well. Thank God I was with him when he fell ill & was able to get him to the hospital in time,” Cheryl replied. At this moment the door opened & John Michaels walked in. When he heard what had happened he was appalled, “You are very lucky that you didn’t kill someone, young lady,” he shouted at his daughter. “There are no sleep over parties when you are in a home for naughty children.” “I promise I’ll never do such a thing again,” sobbed Gill. “Well you’ll go to your room now & write a letter to Steve & you’ll give it to him in person,” snapped John.

“I’ll take her to Steve’s tonight, after dinner & make her give him the letter & say sorry in person,” said John turning to Cheryl. “You’ll have to go to Community General then,” said Cheryl, “he won’t be out of hospital until tomorrow night at the earliest.” “All the better,” John replied, “seeing him in the hospital might make her realise what a very dangerous & stupid thing she has done.

Back at the hospital everybody involved was horrified & amazed when Cheryl got back & told them what had happened at the Michaels’ house. “When John brings Gill down to the hospital tonight I’ll make sure that she learns her lesson,” said Mark. “Just make sure that she sees you at your worst Steve; really ham it up.” “Will do Dad,” said Steve & then introduced Cheryl to Mac. Mark went off to his office & the others stood around Steve’s bed chatting both about what had just occurred & about Harm’s accident.

 While Steve would never admit it, the strain of events had exhausted him & as they chatted he fell asleep. The three women continued chatting in soft tones so as not to wake him. They considered moving, but as he had fallen asleep holding Ellen’s hand & was still holding it they decided that moving was more likely to wake him than soft voices. As they chatted they suddenly heard a soft voice whisper, “ OK what’s he got that I haven’t then?” Swinging round startled Mac stared into the amused blue eyes of Harm, awake & obviously alert. “Well even asleep he’s more interesting than you’ve been lately,” she said with a grin, but her expression belied her casual answer, pure joy & relief reflected on her face. She walked across & put a hand on his shoulder, “Welcome back to the land of the living Harm,” she continued. “How do you feel?” 

Harm considered her question. “This is going to sound stupid,” he said, “but I feel weary, as though everything is an effort, & my throat hurts.” “Well that’s not surprising considering you had a tube down it for four days,” said Mac. Harm’s eyes widened & he stared at her, “How long have I been here?” he asked. “A very long week,” replied Mac. “And she should know she’s been here nearly the same time,” interrupted Cheryl. “She wouldn’t leave your bedside.” “Well that was my orders from the admiral,” said Mac defensively. “He told you to stay till I was conscious,” said Harm astonished. “Well actually at the time we didn’t expect you to pull through, I was sent to be here until you either died or came of the danger list.” Mac shuddered as she remembered her dash to get to LA & her eyes clouded over. “Can you remember the accident Harm?” she asked. I remember getting in the vehicle to drive to the police station to see Peter Davis,” said Harm, frowning in concentration. “Then a tyre blew,” he continued. “ So the base were correct.” Cheryl voiced what they were all thinking.

“And, when I tried to stop, the brakes were no use, “ continued Harm, “I was slamming my foot on the pedal & nothing was happening.” “I knew there was something wrong with the information from the base. My vibes were right, you see,” said Mac. “As soon as the doctor has examined you I’ll get in touch with the admiral & let him know what is happening.”

As she was speaking they heard footsteps in the corridor & Steve, who had woken up & been lying listening to the conversation, gave a wink at Ellen & a squeeze of her hand & flopped back, closed his eyes & let his head drop sideways. Even though she knew that he was putting it on for Gill the thought of what might have been, in her emotional state, was enough to allow a couple of tears to trickle down Ellen’s cheek. Mac had just got time to hiss at Harm, “Don’t say anything I’ll explain later,” when the door burst open & Gill stood in the doorway with her mother & father & Mark behind her. Gill stopped in the doorway, horrified at the sight in front of her. Mark had shown her some people who were very sick & Amanda had explained things to her about CJ’s daddy dying, so she had already realised just how stupid she had been, but these had been                                       people she didn’t know. She had known Steve since she was five & been to his wedding, so to see him was so much worse. “Come on in Gill,” said Ellen & gently shook Steve saying, wake up darling Gill’s here. Steve half opened his eyes & smiled at Gill. “Hello young lady I hear you have been very silly,” he whispered. “I’m so sorry Steve I’ve got a letter to say sorry,” sniffed Gill, holding out the letter. “Thanks sweetie but you will have to read it to me, the nasty berries have made my eyes fuzzy & I can’t see to read, “Steve explained. So Gill read the letter out & put it on Steve’s locker, “Will your eyes get better soon?” she asked. “I hope so, poppet,” Steve answered.

Then John sent her with her mother to the hospital cafeteria, telling them to wait there & have a drink & he’d fetch them after he had a word with Mark & Steve. When they were out of earshot Steve grinned & said “Don’t worry John I’m not as bad as I made out, just wanted to make sure she learnt her lesson. The thing about my eyes is true though I’m having trouble focussing. “And you were fit to go home,” said Mark accusingly. “Dad I went home when I was completely blind & you left me there alone with a crazed cop killer on the rampage. I hardly think being a bit blurry compares do you?” Steve grinned as he said this, Harm & Mac’s eyes got wider & even Ellen looked amazed. “Is that true?” she asked Mark. “Well yes, but we didn’t know she was still alive, we thought she’d killed herself, after she failed to kill Steve the first time,” replied Mark defensively, “now lets get on to other matters. Was someone going to tell me my patient had regained consciousness?”

Everyone looked startled & guilty, while they had had been busy finding out what Harm remembered, not one of them had thought about paging Mark & letting him know.  After Mark had given him a quick medical check-up Steve then introduced John to Harm & explained who he was.

 “What a coincidence,” John exclaimed, I was the chief officer on that case. Strange business, fellow admitted he’d killed the girl but kept saying she fell & it was an accident, but she was strangled, so his confession makes no sense.” I had heard there was a JAG officer checking into the case, but I didn’t know you were coming to see me that day.” “They told me you were expecting me,” said Harm, startled by this statement. “And that’s why they tried to kill you,” exclaimed Mac. “I don’t think they did,” said Harm & Mark concurred. “They couldn’t have known that a tyre would blow as a truck was coming in the opposite direction,” Mark continued “and it would only lead to another JAG officer coming & more questions. I suspect they just wanted you to have a minor problem with the brakes, & delay your visit to Peter Davis for some reason.” “You could be right & we need to know why. Can you arrange for me to visit Peter Davis tomorrow?” Mac asked turning to John. “I tell you what I’ll organise it for you & Cheryl to visit him tomorrow,” he promised & set off to collect his wife & daughter to take them home. “Aren’t you going to be in trouble for not keeping your office up to date, or going back after the Commander was no longer on life support?” Steve queried. Mac looked at Harm & chuckled, “If we could avoid serious trouble for actually disobeying an order when Bud was injured, I should think we should manage to find some loophole to avoid trouble on this one. After all until Harm regained consciousness I could not be sure he would not take a turn for the worse & die now could I Dr. Sloan?” she asked with a grin. Mark just laughed & nodded his head.

Then he suggested he took Ellen & Mac home to the Beach House for the night, so everyone could get a good night’s sleep. They arranged to meet Cheryl at the hospital, in the morning, so that she could drive Mac to the prison to interview Peter Davis & all went their respective ways leaving Steve & Harm to get to know one another a little better & to get their good night’s sleep.

 The first person to arrive next morning was Amanda, bearing bags with breakfast in them. Steve grabbed one & helped himself & Amanda offered some to Harm. “You’ve got a lot here,” he commented. “There’ll be enough for Mac & Ellen as well. “Don’t expect Ellen will want any,” laughed Amanda, “She’s not coping well with food in the mornings & I should think Mark & Mac will have had breakfast at home.” “In that case I hope you have a very good appetite Steve,” Harm said, “or there’s going to be a lot left. I can’t eat half of this lot, or even a third.”

“His appetite is pretty good,” laughed Amanda, “but he’ll need to eat up quickly before a certain hollow legged doctor appears or there’ll be none left.” At that moment, as if to prove her point Jesse appeared in the doorway, & to Harm’s astonishment before he had finished checking Steve’s notes he had eaten one muffin & was half way through another. He lay watching the banter between the three, thinking how like the rapport between people at JAG it was. He could understand this, as far as Amanda & Jesse were concerned, but Steve didn’t seem the type to fit into the group, yet fit he certainly did. Then the door opened & in came Mark, Ellen & Mac. Everyone sat chatting & Harm realised that Mark was the kingpin on which the group revolved & realised that this was the reason that Steve & Ellen fitted so easily into the group. Even so he was amazed when he learnt that Steve & Jesse also owned a BBQ restaurant together. He found himself drawn into the group & felt that here were a group that he would be happy to call friends even if he weren’t grateful for all they had done to help Mac & he could understand why she had so quickly trusted Mark & been able to call on him for help & support.

Mac told Harm that before they had come in that morning she had updated the admiral on what was happening & made sure that no information went to the air station from headquarters. She had permission to follow up both Harm’s accident & Peter Davis’ arrest. She went on to tell him that the admiral had offered to send Sturgis to assist her, but she had declined as she felt it would be easier to work with Cheryl & the LAPD.

It wasn’t long before Cheryl popped her head round the door & explained that it was all arranged for them to visit Peter Davis at the prison that morning. Mac then went off with her to interview Peter, & also to do a little essential shopping as she had not expected to be away so long & needed a few things.

When they got to the prison Cheryl left the bulk of the questioning to Mac, & as she watched her work on him, her admiration grew. She felt that she & Steve were good at eliciting information from prisoners, but Mac was in a class on her own, using all her lawyer & feminine skills until Peter had got into a complete muddle & eventually had to admit he had been lying all along.

“Right now we’ll have the truth about what happened,” ordered Mac. “If I tell you they won’t give my Mom the money each week,” muttered Peter. “Don’t be so stupid, nothing will upset your Mom more than you getting the death penalty,” snapped Mac. “But they promised that wouldn’t happen, they’re getting me a good lawyer, & the worst it will be is manslaughter,” explained Peter. “Dream on sunshine,” laughed Cheryl, “you don’t stand a chance of it being reduced to manslaughter.” Peter stared at her white faced and sweating. “Is that true?” he asked Mac.

“Absolutely true,” she replied. “Right” he said, “I’ll tell you everything. He then went on to explain that there were a group of marines out on the town & they met Mandy Davis, who knew a couple of the group, & she invited them back to her place. A row blew up & the Colonel’s son, Martin Jacobs, pushed her & she fell & banged her head. Another marine Phil Du Pont examined her & told everyone she was dead. They then all ran off & left her with Martin & Phil. Later back at the air station he was persuaded to pretend that he had done the pushing, as he didn’t care whether he stayed in the marines or not & Martin Jacobs was desperate to do well & make it his career. “This doesn’t make sense Peter, Mandy was strangled,” Mac interjected, “she didn’t die from the blow on the back of her head. It looks as if something happened after you left, but after all the lies you’ve told its going to be one person’s word against another,” she continued, then turning to Cheryl she said. “Looks as though proving there was a crime committed in the Commander’s case is going to be instrumental in proving that it’s not just Peter who’s been lying.”

The two women then left to go back to the hospital & report what they had found out to Harm & Steve, before Cheryl went & reported in at the police station. On they’re way the stopped at the mall & bought a few essentials.            

When they arrived back at the hospital, just as they were about to go in through the door, a voice said, “Is the Commander better then as you’ve been out.” Quick as a flash Mac replied, “Well he’s a little improved, but my friend & I have been for a little retail therapy, it can be very boring sitting by an unconscious patient for hour after hour you know.” As she said this she held up the carrier bags from the mall. “I’m not ready to come to the air station yet,” she continued. “I’ll call you when I am.”

After they had gone inside she muttered under her breath to Cheryl,

“That’s a dratted nuisance, now they’ll be suspicious that something is going on.” When they got back to the room & reported what had happened to Steve & Harm they agreed that the base would now be wondering if anything was happening. “I think I feel a relapse coming on,” said Steve. Cheryl looked at him alarmed, & Mac & Harm also looked worried. “What’s the matter Steve?” Cheryl exclaimed. “Nothing,” laughed Steve, “But when Dad hears about this he’s not going to allow me to go home & leave Harm alone tonight. You just see if I’m not right.” “Steven Sloan don’t panic me like that again,” said Cheryl giving him a mock punch. She then went to find Mark & update him on what was happening.

After lunch Mark came in to Steve & Harm’s room with Jesse, Amanda, & Cheryl for, as he called it, a case conference. Ellen was not with them; she felt that she must stay at work as she had already had a lot of time off, and would need more as her pregnancy continued.

  “The problem is if they think your still here, they will just wait another day to do something & even if they don’t know you’re here we don’t know what they will do or when,” explained Mac to Steve. “Then we need to seize the initiative & force their hand,” Mark said. “Now here’s my idea,” he continued. “First we let it be known to everyone, including people back at the station, Cheryl, that Steve has had a relapse & we are worried about him, that way they will dismiss him from the equation. I don’t want anyone knowing the truth except on a strict need to know basis. Then we give out a message to the base that Commander Rabb is off life support & showing real signs of a lightening of the coma, so tomorrow he is being transferred to Bethesda Naval Hospital. This means that if they want to do something they have got to do it tonight. Now I know its boring & frustrating but I need both of you to make sure nobody but the people in this room & Ellen know any different. I still remember, when our fooling around when Jesse was meant to be in a coma, nearly cost Amanda her life.” “But that was different, that was someone at the hospital who was trying to murder Jess & me,” interjected Amanda. “True but we don’t know if any of these nurses have friends at the air station,” said Mark & it only takes one hint to ruin everything.” Everyone could see the point of this argument & agreed that this was the way to go, Steve’s only proviso being that he was allowed another meal before ‘his relapse’, a request that caused considerable mirth. Fortunately because of the things going on & their own presence in the room no nurses knew that Harm was actually conscious, as on the two occasions when a nurse was in the room he had been asleep. 

Cheryl went back to the police station & asked for a meeting with John, partially to update him on what they had found out about Peter Davis, but also to warn him about their plans so he would not be too upset when the message came through about Steve’s ‘relapse’. About 5 o’clock, the phone went on Cheryl’s desk, it was Mark, updating her on what they had told the marine air station, & telling her to begin the deception. “Oh no Mark, I’m so sorry,” she said into the phone. “What’s up Cheryl?” asked John. “Steve’s had a relapse, & fallen into a coma,” Cheryl explained, “and they don’t know why. Mark Jesse & Amanda are going to spend the evening, indeed all night if necessary in the lab, trying to find out the reason & how to help him” Many of the people in the room were saddened by the news, & Cheryl felt a little guilty & wondered if her actions were necessary. Later she was to learn that it was indeed effective, as a young officer heard the information on the grapevine & told her boyfriend, a marine from the air station, all about it. He told his room mate & within a couple of hours it was all round the station, & had come to the ears of Phil Du Pont & Bill Jones. They were meeting to discuss what to do about the news about Harm.

“I don’t see we can do anything,” said Bill “When he comes round we can say he was mistaken about the brakes, & hope we are believed, but we can do nothing else. “We can,” said Phil, “we can find a way to silence him tonight, a hand over his face or an air bubble in his fluid lines & who will know. It will be a tragic outcome, but nothing more.” It took Phil about half an hour, but in the end he had persuaded Bill that this was the thing to do, pointing out that the doctors who might have been suspicious & done tests would be too busy trying to find out what was causing the illness to Dr Sloan’s son, & so would not intervene in the situation, also it would prevent more trouble for the colonel’s son.

So about 10 o’clock that evening Bill & Phil walked into Community General. Seeing a nurse he knew slightly Phil went across & explained that he had heard that Commander Rabb was being flown to Bethesda hospital the next morning & he wanted to leave something for him, as he would not be able to come in the morning. She helpfully took the parcel & put it under the counter, first putting the room number on it. The two men then appeared to leave but actually slipped into the toilets by the entrance to wait until the coast was clear. As soon as there was no one either of them knew in the hall they pulled on white coats put stethoscopes round their necks & walked up to the room where they now knew Harm to be.

They entered the room silently & crept up to where Harm was lying. “Freeze.” Steve rose from the other bed & pointed his gun at the two men, Bill froze immediately, but Phil moved slowly & almost imperceptively towards the door. “Keep still,” shouted Steve, moving across towards the two men. Just at that moment the door opened & Jesse came in, having been monitoring the actions, by listening in at the nurse’s station. "Well done Steve We’ve….”, as Jesse was speaking Phil leapt across & grabbed him, hitting him over the head with a vase, & knocking him unconscious. Before anyone could move he had plunged the syringe into Jesse’s arm, & was holding him in front of him like a shield. “Shoot, I push this air into him, & he dies” Phil warned. Steve paused, he wasn’t sure how long the air would take to kill Jesse & he dare not risk shooting. Harm who was much nearer to Phil threw himself at him, but, in his weakened state, he didn’t have the strength to overpower him & was flung off across the room. Even as he fought off Harm’s attack Phil kept one eye on Steve, but what he did not expect was an attack from a different source; suddenly the hand holding the syringe was seized, & a fight ensued. Immediately Steve took off in a flying leap & knocked Phil off his feet & sent him flying into the corner. Here he was overpowered & handcuffed, then Steve dived back to Jesse’s side.

 “Did he have time to depress the plunger?” he asked Bill, for this was where the unexpected help had come from. “I don’t think so, but I can’t be sure I stopped him in time,” replied Bill.

Steve stopped & looked round him, the room looked more like a battlefield than a hospital room. As quickly as he could he paged his father, knowing that as soon as he saw who was paging him, he’d come to the room as fast as he could. He could not do any thing to help Jesse so he went across to help Harm up from the corner where he had landed. “Are you hurt anywhere?” he queried. “Don’t think so only my pride,” said Harm with a rye smile. “Surprising how weak lying in bed makes you,” said Steve. I’ve done the same thing myself, but luckily for me, help was at hand.” “Lucky for me the same could be said,” replied Harm smiling over at Bill. As Bill & Steve helped Harm back to bed Mark, Mac & Amanda raced into the room, & Mark fell to his knees next to Jesse’s inert body. “Dad I’m not sure if that ***** over there injected him with an air embolism,” Steve explained. “It’s very doubtful.” Mark replied, “we’d have seen signs by now, but we’ll link him up to a heart monitor in case. After Mark had checked out Jesse physically Steve picked him up & put him on the bed, & as he did so Jesse gave a groan & his eyes flickered. “Jess, can you hear me, are you all right?” queried Steve. “I’ll let you know when this man with a hammer gets off my head,” muttered Jesse not opening his eyes. Mark laughed, “That’s good, patient’s sense of humour intact & a clear assessment of the situation,” he said.

“Well thank you too,” grunted Jesse. In spite of his casual reactions to Jesse’s state, Mark ordered several tests & scans to check on him, but thankfully they all came back clear.

Next morning after a disturbed night because of regular checks which involved nurses waking him Jesse was anxious to be up & working, but Mark insisted he stayed in bed, or sat in a chair by the bed, for at least another day. After that argument he prepared for another with his son. He was happy for Steve to go home at some point during the day, but he was not prepared to let him go back to work. To his amazement Steve seemed perfectly happy with this arrangement. “Aren’t you going to try & persuade me to let you go back to work son?” he queried. “No way,” replied Steve with a grin, “the ramifications of the business at the marine air base are going to involve the most horrendous paperwork & I’m quite happy to let John & Cheryl deal with that lot. In a couple of days time when its all sorted out I’ll go back & help with interviewing the two men who were here last night, & give my statement as a material witness. Till then I’m quite happy to spend a couple of days at home.

Besides” he added with a grin, “I don’t think I’d better go into work the day after a serious relapse or it will mean too many explanations to Captain Newman about why I didn’t let him in on our deception.” “Good point,” said Mark. “Oh I do have them occasionally,” Steve remarked dryly.

In spite of Harm’s protests that he had not been further injured Mark ordered an MRI scan & chest x-rays, as it was his head & chest that had sustained the major injuries in the crash, & to his joy they proved no damage had been done. Indeed the MRI indicated that his head wounds were recovering more rapidly than anyone believed possible.

Mark went into Harm’s room to give him the good news, & to talk to him about what had happened. He informed him that the Colonel’s son had now been taken in for questioning, & although Peter may well still be charged with withholding evidence & giving a false statement, he was due to be released from prison immediately. “Mark I’ve got a problem with all this,” Harm volunteered. “You don’t think Martin Jacobs is the murderer either, do you?” queried Mark. “You think the same?” exclaimed Harm. They then sat & discussed the situation for some time, both discovering that the other believed that Phil Du Pont was guilty of the original murder, as well as the cover up.

Steve had been quite right about the complications of what was military & what LAPD & all the paperwork involved with this. However he was to discover that he was not going to avoid this completely. As Harm & Mark were talking Mac & Cheryl popped their heads round the door, obviously looking for someone.

“Have you seen Steve,” Cheryl inquired, “I’ve tried at the Beach House, but he’s not there.” “Try the lounge or the canteen,” said Mark with a laugh, “I won’t let him drive yet, so he’s having to wait till Ellen or I can run him home, much to his annoyance.” “Hey, before you disappear, what’s happening?” Harm queried. “Well John & I are dealing with the original murder & have the Colonel’s son in for questioning,” said Cheryl. “We also have Phil Du Pont in for questioning about the attempted murder here last night, but Bill Jones & the Colonel are being dealt with at the base. I’m appointed as prosecutor & Sturgis is coming as Defence attorney.” “Well send Sturgis to me, because I want to give evidence for Bill Jones.” Said Harm. “But he was the cause of your accident, how can you want to give evidence FOR him, “exclaimed Mac. “ Even if he knew about the brakes he wasn’t trying to kill me & I think he was only trying to help the colonel,” Harm explained, “Besides I think he has been fooled by Phil Du Pont, like everyone else.” At this moment Steve & Jesse came through the door. “Dad we’ve been thinking while we were in the canteen,” Steve began, “And you’re not sure Martin Jacobs committed the first Murder,” laughed Mark. “How did you know?” Steve said startled. “Because the Commander & I had come to the same conclusion,” Mark answered.

“Please don’t add to the complications,” moaned Cheryl. “Sorry Cheryl, but stop & look closely ay the whole sequence of events, & I think you’ll see it our way,” Mark went on. They then sat as a group first listening to Mark outlining all the events & how they linked to show Phil as the killer, & then looking at each piece of evidence & how it linked back to Phil. “Well thank you very much arrest number three & the third lot of paperwork,” muttered Cheryl, “and,” she added turning to Steve, “don’t think you’re going to get out of it all partner, I’ll be round with the laptop & you can write up your own reports.” “Thanks Cheryl that’s really kind of you,” Steve said sarcastically. “Foiled son,” chuckled Mark, “still you can do it in the comfort of your own home.” “Big deal,” grumbled Steve, “nothing to interrupt & you know how well I get on with computers.” At this everyone laughed & the meeting broke up with everyone going his or her own way.

Within two weeks Bill had been arraigned for the murder of Mandy Davis & the attempted murder of Harmon T Rabb Junior, while the Colonel, his son & Bill Jones were being dealt with at the base by the military for the lesser offences. As Harm was required as a witness at both trials he had an open invitation to stay at the beach house when he was required to be back in LA, an offer he jumped at, delighted at the thought of being back with his new friends. While the base would probably be a necessity for the military proceedings the civilian trial was a different matter & he would be far happier not staying at the base for this.

As for Steve, he found that having a wife who could type fluently & work a laptop like the pro she was, was a decided advantage, as Ellen not only typed up all his statements for Cheryl & Mac, but collected his paperwork from his desk at the station & brought that all up to date as well, so when he returned to work everyone had the amazing site of Steve with an empty desk, a sight they had not seen before & were unlikely to probably ever see again.

While Mac, Harm & for that matter Sturgis were around for the trials the group became very friendly, often meeting for informal get-togethers at BBQ Bobs. So close did the friendships become  that each had open invitations to visit the other, & the LA group had been offered a tour of the JAG offices if ever they were in the vicinity & indeed when, nine months later, Katherine Carol Sloan was born, her 2 Godmothers & a Godfather were Jesse, Amanda & Colonel Sarah MacKenzie.              

The End