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| Dedication: This story is dedicated to all the troops fighting to protect us. *************** "You're free to go, Commander." Harm stared at the Marine. "Come on, Sailor, you don't really want to stay in there, do you?" "Mac?" She shook her head. "Who did you expect? Harriet's awake and things are remotely back to normal." Harm followed her out of his cell. "What do you mean, 'remotely'?" "I'll start with Harriet. Bud brought Little AJ in to visit her. He talked to her as if she would answer. Bud said it was the most amazing thing he had ever witnessed. Harriet woke up five minutes later, worried about you and AJ." It was Singer who shot her. She was approached by someone we both know. He wanted to get back at you for saving me. He..." Mac trailed off. "I'm sorry, I still can't believe he was back in our lives and we didn't even know it!" "Who, Mac?" "Coster." "That bastard!" Mac nodded. "Well, we don't have to worry about him anymore. The police caught him trying to flee the scene of murder." "Murder?" "Singer," she replied. "From what Detective Hardy's gathered, he was going to have her kill Harriet, but she didn't want to. Coster was worried she would talk so he killed her." Harm was amazed by the turn of events. One minute he was heading for court martial, the next he was scott free. "There's something else, isn't there?" "Nothing big. Singer left letters for you, Harriet, and me though. They're in my car. I was going to drop off Harriet's after I picked you up. Lets read them then head over to the hospital." 'Colonel Mackenzie: I never thought I would stoop as low as I did. When Coster first came up to me and offered a chance to go up in the world, I didn't hesitate. I hate myself for what I've done. I only hope that if Lieutenant Sims survives, she will be able to forgive me. I hope you can too. -Loren Singer' 'Commander Rabb: I don't even know what to say about all of this. I can't even believe I pulled the trigger and shot Harriet Sims. I can't believe I framed you for it. If you forever curse my name and the day I came to JAG, I'll understand. You deserve everything that comes your way. Again, I am deeply sorry for what I put you through. -Loren Singer' Harm and Mac looked at one another. Singer was going to confess, they could through these letters. "So, in a way, Sturgis was right. She did shoot Harriet to try and frame me, but she couldn't kill her. I think if she wanted to, she would have done so from the start." Mac nodded. "She was afraid Coster would kill her if she didn't do what he said. However, she found enough courage to try and stand up to him. That's something we have to give her credit for." "And we will," Harm replied. "I'm going to say a few words about her at work on Monday." "Is my Sailor getting all emotional?" "YOUR sailor?!" Mac glared at him. "Shut up, Harm." ************ "How are you feeling, Mommy?" AJ asked. Harriet smiled. "Much better now that you're hear, sweetheart. Have you been a good boy for Daddy?" "Yep!" AJ replied. "We had pizza and watched TV!" Bud smiled sheepishly. "It was the only thing I could do to keep his mind off of the things." "Don't worry about it, Bud. I'm just happy he's safe." She smiled again as he placed a tender kiss on her lips. "I love you." "I love you too, Harriet." "Okay, don't get all mushy in front our Godson!" Harm exclaimed. AJ grinned, holding his arms out to Harm. "Hi!!" Harm readily picked him up. "Are you taking good care of your Mom?" "I am! I gave her a kiss and everything! She said I helped her a lot!" "I'm glad to hear that," Harm answered. Mac walked to her side. "How are you feeling, Harriet?" "Well, thank you, Ma'am. I'm judging by your expressions that everything is taken care of?" "Just about," Harm said, handing her the letter from Singer. "Mac and I got one each as well." Harriet nodded and opened it. 'Lieutenant Sims: I don't have anything to say that will justify my actions. I still can't believe I actually shot and nearly killed you. I hope that one day you'll find it in your heart to forgive me. In a few minutes, I'm leaving here to speak with Admiral Chegwidden. Whether or not you're awake to exonerate Commander Rabb won't matter because I'm going to confess to your shooting. I wish you and your family good luck and long lives because I know I won't have either. -Loren Singer.' "I can't believe that woman!" Bud exclaimed. "Thinking a simple letter is going to convince you to forgive her! It's ridicu--" "I do forgive her, Bud." He stared at her. "You do?" "Of course I do. I think Loren was genuinely sorry she did what she did. She tried to make things right and I respect her for that." Mac looked at Harm, who nodded. "We're taking AJ out for some dinner. He'll stay with one of us tonight." "You, Lieutenant Roberts, will be staying here tonight. The Admiral's already cleared it." Bud smiled. "Thank you, sir, Ma'am." The two left and Bud took Harriet's hand in his. "It's time we worked on getting them together," she said. Her husband nodded in agreement. |
