Author: Mac
Title:Revenge and Restitution
Rating: PG-13 (violence/language)
Spoilers: None that I've noticed
Summary: Palmer escapes and Harm deals with the pain of
loss again as Mac learns something about her fiancee.


Mac watched in horror as the man hit him across the head. Before she could do anything to prevent further injury to her friend, his assailant shot him twice in the chest.

“NO!” she screamed as all the fight went out of the young naval officer. “Harm!”

Mac sat up in bed sweating profusely. It was the fifth night in a row she had that dream. What could it mean? Was something really going to happen to her partner? Looking at her alarm clock, she noticed that it was twenty till seven.

“May as well just get ready for work,” she muttered standing. She looked at her hands and realized she was shaking. “Oh God, these nightmares have to stop!” Not only was she not getting any work done, she had slept a total of five hours the entire week. “Make that five hours and four minutes...”

************

Commander Harmon Rabb, Jr. sighed as he flipped through the papers on his desk. He was upset over his mother’s sudden illness. The doctors were still clueless as to what was wrong with her and a week had gone by.

Frank, Harm’s stepfather, told the Commander that there was no reason for him to come out. Trisha was a little weak, and she didn’t want her son to see her in such a condition. Harm decided to respect his mother’s wishes.

A knock on the door sent him out of his reverie. “Enter.”

“Uh, Commander, is there something wrong?” Lieutenant Bud Roberts asked.

Harm looked up. “And why would you think anything was wrong, Bud?”

“Well, uh... um, you...”

“You’re here before lunch time, Commander,” Mac said with a smile coming up behind the Lieutenant.

Bud turned around, “Good morning, Colonel.”

“Morning Bud. Harm, is everything all right?”

Harm nodded. “Look who’s talking? Mac you look like something the cat dragged in.”

“Gee, aren't we the charmer this morning?” Mac asked, chuckling.

Harm’s intercom buzzed. :::Sir, the Admiral would like to see you ASAP:::

“Thank you, Tyner,” Harm replied getting up.

Mac rolled her eyes. “What did you do now, Commander?”

“Me? I’m always good,” he said as he went to the Admiral’s office.

He knocked on the door. “Enter.” Harm looked at Mac one last time before shutting the door and standing at attention in front of his CO’s desk. “At ease, Commander.”

“You wanted to see me, Sir?” Harm said.

“Uh, yes, Commander. It’s hard for me to say this to you, but it was either me or the police from La Jolla over the phone.”

Harm’s eyes widened. “Police, sir? What do they have to do with anything?”

Chegwidden sighed and walked around his desk. How was he supposed to tell Commander Rabb that his mother had been poisoned and killed by someone they thought was in a mental hospital.

“Mr. Rabb, you may want to sit down for this.”

Harm did so. “Sir? What’s wrong?” The look in the Admiral’s eyes gave it away. “It’s about my mother, isn’t it?”

“Yes, Commander, it’s about your mother.”

“Is...is she all right?”

“Harm, your mother died last night.”

Harm felt like someone had just cut off his air supply. He couldn’t breath, speak, or focus. *Did he say what I think he just said?*

“Harm? Harm, answer me!” Chegwidden said as his intercom buzzed. “Not now, Tyner!”

:::But Sir, the Commander’s stepfather is here:::

“Very well, send him in. And Tyner, tell the Colonel to come in a few minutes.”

“Admiral,” Frank said as he entered. He then looked at Harm. He wasn’t moving. “Harm, it’s Frank. Harm?”

Harm blinked his eyes and focused on the voice. “Frank? What are you doing here?”

“What do you think I’m doing here, Harm?” Harm stood up and embraced his stepfather. “I’m so sorry I told you not to come. I didn’t think this would happen.”

“What did happen, Frank?” he asked, pulling away.

“Trish was poisoned, Harm. The doctors weren’t certain until last night just before she died. They had received a note from someone claiming responsibility.”

Frank handed it to Harm. “The police have reviewed it but they feel they should pass it on to the Navy to investigate since apparently, you know this man.”

Harm took one look at the name signed at the bottom of the paper and all color drained from his face. “Palmer...”

As suddenly as his face turned white, it was red. Harm ran to the fire place, picked up the poker and threw it like a javelin. It stuck in the wall opposite of him just as Mac walked in.

“Uh... Sir? You wanted to see me?”

**************

Mac watched Harm as he ascended the stairs to the second floor. She had no idea what she could do for him. “Just be there, Colonel,” Admiral Chegwidden said.

Mac turned around. “Sir?”

“Mac, we’re out of uniform, call me AJ.”

“Yes, Sir... AJ.”

“Excuse me,” Chegwidden said, walking over to Frank.

“Ma'am.”

“Yes, Harriet?” Mac replied.

“Do you think the Commander will be all right?”

“God, I hope so. I just don’t know. When he finally learned he would never see his father again, it nearly tore him apart.”

“Uh... Colonel...” Bud stuttered. Mac faced him. “Commander Brumby is outside. He wants to speak with you.”

“Mic? Here? Now?” Mac asked. Bud nodded as Mac went out the door.

“Oh dear, that can't be good,” Harriet said.

*************

“Mic, what are you doing here?” Mac asked.

“I heard about Commander Rabb’s unfortunate situation. I wanted to convey my condolences.”

Mac smiled and gave her future husband a hug. “Mic, that is so sweet of you.”

*I thought so.* “Where is he?”

“Upstairs resting.”

“I’m surprised he’s not going out halfcocked after the bastard.”

“Mic, don’t start,” Mac warned.

“Start what, Sarah?”

Mac sighed. “Nevermind.”

*************

Harm got up from the bed. He couldn’t sleep. The death of his mother hurt him to the core. “She was all I had left and I never got a chance to tell her what she meant to me,” Harm whispered as a tear escaped.

He walked over to the window just in time to see Brumby and Mac kissing. “Oh, that is all I need!” he growled, kicking the wall. Looking on the window sill, he saw a piece of paper with his name on it.

It read:
‘Harm, how ya doing, old buddy! Miss me? Perhaps you miss your dear mother? You know you have a chance to avenge her death. Meet me at the beach house a mile from your house-- you know what I’m talking about-- at 0200 hours. Come alone.'

Harm’s face turned bright red. “You’ll pay for this, Palmer!”

*************

After Harm calmed down, he went downstairs. Everyone was sitting on the porch in the back. Sighing, Harm sat on the couch. He got up quickly when Brumby entered the room. “Rabb.”

“Brumby,” Harm said with a nod.

The two just stared at one another for five minutes. Brumby broke the silence. “I came by to convey my condolences. I really am sorry about this, Commander. I’d also like to help you find the bastard.”

Harm smiled, well, more like grimaced, at the offer. “Thanks, but no thanks, Brumby. I think I can handle it.” Brumby chuckled then smirked, turning away. Harm grabbed his arm. “What was that for?”

Brumby shrugged out of his grasp and headed to the door. “You’ll see.”

Harm was seething. What did he mean by that? Maybe he was talking about his engagement to Mac.

Mac.

Why was it so hard for Harm to figure out how he really felt for her? He imagined the two on their wedding day, saying their vows on the alter. Harm then imagined him in Brumby’s place.

“Mac... I love her...” he whispered.

“Finally,” Bud said.

“Excuse me, Bud?” Harm said, turning around.

“Uh, well.. that is... you see...”

“Bud, I know what you said,” Harm replied with a slight smile.

“You do, sir?”

“Yes Bud, and you’re right. I only wish I could have seen it sooner.”

Bud put his hand on Harm’s shoulder. “Sir, she’s in love with you too, she just hasn’t seen it either. You should tell her.”

“No!” Harm snapped. Bud jumped back, eyes wide. “I’m sorry, Bud. I didn’t mean to snap at you like that. It’s just that...”

“You don’t need to apologize, Sir, or explain yourself.”

Harm nodded slowly and sat on the couch again. “Bud, I’m going to tell you something, but I’ll have to order you not to tell anyone. If you do, he’ll kill Mac.”

“What? Who will kill the Colonel?” Bud asked as he sat down.

“I have to meet Palmer later tonight. I’m not telling you where or when, but I have to go alone.”

Bud shook his head furiously. “Are you crazy, Sir? You might kill him! Worse than that, he might kill you!”

“Bud, quiet!” Harm admonished. “Do you want to get Mac killed?”

“No, but...”

“That’s enough, Lieutenant.”

“Yes, sir,” Bud said with a sigh.

**************

Mac sat on the edge of the bed, thinking about what she overheard Harm and Bud talking about earlier in the day. Harm was in love with her? How come she never saw it? She was in love with Harm? “No, I love Mic... don’t I?”

Looking out the window, she saw Harm running towards the beach. Apparently she hadn’t stayed for the entire conversation. “Where are you going, Harm?” Then it hit her. “Palmer!”

Mac dressed quickly and ran downstairs. She met Frank in the kitchen. “Where’s Harm going?” she asked him.

Frank shrugged. “Probably the old beach house he used to play in when he was younger. Trish said that Harm’s father would take him there to play whenever he had leave.”

“I have a bad feeling about this.”

“You have a right to, Colonel,” Bud said.

*************

Harm faced the surf in front of the beach house. The only light was the moon. He turned to his left at the sound of a gun cocking. “Harm, nice to see you again.”

“Palmer.”

“I’m so glad you remember me,” Palmer said sarcastically. “You know what I was just thinking about?” Harm just stared at him. “The last half hour of your mother’s life.”

“You bastard!” Harm screamed, holding back his tears. “Why the hell did you have to bring her into this? Your revenge is with me, not her!”

Palmer grinned smugly, inching closer to Harm. “You know why I brought her into this. Rabb, you have been a thorn in my side for the longest time. And you know what, after putting you through hell, I just may be ready to kill you. Oh, by the way. Would you like to know what I overheard your mother tell your stepfather?”

“What?” Harm asked through clenched teeth.

“’My son is the most worthless piece of shit on the face of this earth!’”

“You’re lying, Palmer!”

“Am I?”

************

Mac followed closely behind Admiral Chegwidden. *Harm, be careful!*

“Mac,” Chegwidden whispered as they got to the beach house. The lights were on inside but they could hear voices being carried around by the wind. “Go around the left side, I’ll take the right.”

“Yes, Sir.”

The two separated and Mac could hear Harm and Palmer talking. “Would you like to know what I heard your mother tell your stepfather?”

“What?” she heard Harm ask.

“’My son is the most worthless piece of shit on the face of the earth!’”

*Don’t believe it, Harm!*

“You’re lying, Palmer!”

“Am I?”

This had gone far enough. Mac was beyond pissed at this asshole. Just as she looked around the corner of the house, Palmer hit Harm across the face with the butt of the gun.

Mac realized with a start that her dream was coming true. *No! This time it will have a different ending!* She jumped out with her gun drawn. “Drop it, Palmer!”

“Ah, Sarah. So good of you to join us. It looks like I can have one more kill before I get rid of Harm.”

“It’s not going to happen, Palmer. Not tonight. Not ever!”

Palmer shook his head. “I guess you’re not as smart as I thought you were, Colonel.” Mac was confused. “You have no idea who got me out of Levenworth, do you?”

“No, I’m afraid I don’t. Believe me, when I find out...”

“Brumby!” Palmer shouted, interrupting her.

“What are you talking about?” Mac questioned. Mac turned to see Mic stepping out of the beach house. “Mic...?”

“I’m sorry Sarah. I had to do this. Rabb is such a pain in the ass that he had to be taken care of.”

“You bastard! How could you do this, Mic? I thought I knew you! I thought you loved me!”

Mac was near tears now. The man she thought she loved betrayed her and her best friend. She looked down at Harm and realized that he was the man she loved.

Mac moved towards him. “I don’t think so, Sarah,” Mic said, grabbing her arm. “Commander Rabb is about to buy the farm.”

“No!” Mac cried as she attempted to get out of Mic’s grasp. He tightened his hold and pulled the gun away from her.

“That’s enough!” Palmer yelled. “Brumby, bring her inside.” Palmer looked down at Harm. Little did he know that the Commander was quite conscious and had heard everything.

*I swear I’m going to kill Palmer and Brumby!* He decided on waiting a few more minutes. That turned out to be a bad idea, Palmer kicked him hard in the chest.

Harm suddenly had a rush of adrenalin and stood up. He then pulled his arm back and punched Palmer in the face. He heard bones cracking as he broke the man’s nose. “That was for my mother.”

************

In the house, Mac finally let her tears fall. “Mic, what in the hell possessed you to do that?”

“Sarah, give it a rest. Rabb needed to be dealt with, he had his eye on you. Besides, we can’t get married with him in the way!”

Mac was stunned. “Get married? I don’t think so! I am not going to marry you!” she yelled, throwing the engagement ring at him.

Mic slapped her across the face. “You will be marrying me, Sarah!” he growled as two shots were fired.

“Harm!” Mac kicked Brumby in the groin and ran out the door.

***********

When she stepped onto the beach, Mac gasped. Both Palmer and Harm were lying on the ground. She immediately ran to her partner and friend. “Harm, Harm can you hear me?” Mac tore his jacket open and saw blood pooling in his stomach region. “God, no. Harm!”

“Mac, is he all right?” the Admiral asked.

“I don’t know, Sir.” Mac suddenly remembered her ex-fiancee. “Sir, Mic!”

“I’m on it!”

Mac pulled out her cell phone and dialed 911 then Frank. When she was finished, Harm started coming to. “Harm,” she said, brushing a lock of his hair aside. “Harm, it’s Mac. Say something.”

“Mac...” Before he could finish, Brumby tore out of the beach house screaming. Mac turned just as the Admiral shot him twice in the back. She took a deep breath and turned back to Harm. “Mac... I’m sorry...”

“For what, Harm?”

“Brumby... I wasn’t unconscious after Palmer hit me...” he gasped.

“I know,” Mac replied. “Harm, don’t talk anymore, save your strength.”

“Mac... I love you,” he said slipping into the darkness.

***********

Mac paced back and forth deep in thought. It had been two hours since they had rushed Harm into surgery. With a sigh, she asked, "What is taking them so long?"

"Colonel, he'll be fine. Rabb's a fighter," Chegwidden replied. The Admiral got up from the chair he was sitting in and guided Mac to it.

"Sir..."

"No, Colonel. Sit down. That's an order."

Mac smiled sadly and sat down just as Clayton Webb turned the corner. "Webb?"

"Colonel Mackenzie, Admiral Chegwidden," the CIA agent said with a nod.

"What are you doing here?" Mac wanted to know.

"I'm visiting a friend. And..." Webb peered around the corner. "...Ma'am?"

The two Naval officers gasped. They were looking at Trish Burnett!

************

"Harm."

"Dad?"

"Yeah, it's me. What are you doing here? It's too soon for you, son."

"Too soon? What about Mom? Is she here too? Dad, you have to get her for me. I have to see her!"

"Harm calm down. Your mother is not here."

"She isn't? But... Oh God, she's not..."

Harm, Sr. smiled. "No, she's not there. She's on Earth. With a certain Marine who will probably kick your ass to Europe and back when you get better."

It was Harm, Jr.'s turn to smile. "Mac. Dad, I love her."

"I know, son. I know. Go to her, she needs you."

"I love you, Dad!"

"I love you too, Harm."

***********

Mac led Trish to an empty room and shut the door. "What kind of messed up plan did Webb have this time?" she asked angrily.

"Sarah, Mr. Webb did not come up with this plan... I did."

"You?" Mac was shocked.

"Yes, me. Mr. Webb came to me when he learned of Palmer's escape. He knew that Palmer was going to come after me next. He and the CIA didn't have a plan so I came up with one. Only Mr. Webb and myself new the plan."

Mac thought about Mic. "Does that mean that Webb knew about Mic's involvement with this whole thing?"

"Mic? Oh, Commander Brumby? If he did, Mr. Webb never told me." Trish sat down. "I didn't want to hurt Harm or Frank, but this seemed to be the only way to stop Palmer from killing him."

"Mmhmm..." Mac said distractedly. *Harm please be all right.*

"Sarah, you love my son, don't you?" Mac nodded. "Do you know how long Harm has been in love with you?"

"No," Mac replied sitting next to Trish.

"Since the day you met in the Rose Garden. That day, he called me. He told me he had met the woman of his dreams. He then told me that you looked exactly like Diane, who I met once before. At first we both thought that was what attracted him to you. It wasn't the case. He loves everything about you, Sarah. Your courage, your strength. Why do you think he returned to JAG? Because that is where you are."

Mac was amazed. "But if that were true, why didn't he say anything to me?"

"I asked him the same question. He said it was because you were happy with Mic. All he wanted was for you to be happy. Even if he couldn't be with you."

"I love him, Trish. With every fiber of my being. I thought I loved Mic, but there was always an empty feeling when he was around. Whenever Harm is around, I feel whole." Mac laughed. "Does that make any sense?"

"More than you know, Sarah," Trish said.

There was a knock on the door and Webb popped his head in. "Mac, Mrs. Burnett, the doctor is here."

***********

"Colonel Mackenzie, Trish Burnett, this is Doctor Martin Cooper," Admiral Chegwidden said. "Doctor Cooper, Commander Rabb's partner and mother."

Dr. Cooper nodded. "The surgery went very well. We were able to remove the bullet successfully. He lost a fair amount of blood so he'll be a little weak. Our main concern is the head injury.

Commander Rabb is still unconscious because of it. We thought, at first, that it was a result of the blood lost. We'll know more when he regains consciousness."

"Can we see him?" Mac asked shakily. The Admiral and Webb were surprised at Mac's demeanor.

*She's usually so collected* they both thought.

"Yes, Colonel. One at a time, though."

"Thank you, for taking care of my son, Doctor." Cooper nodded and took his leave.

"Colonel, I suggest you go first," Chegwidden said. "We don't want the Commander to go into shock upon seeing his mother."

Everyone laughed. "Aye, sir."

As Mac disappeared into the room, Frank, Bud, and Harriet arrived. "Trish!" Frank yelled. Bud and Harriet were confused. "I knew it! I knew it!"

"Knew what, Frank?" Trish asked hugging her husband.

"Clayton Webb, do not EVER play poker!"

"I don't, I always lose," Webb replied in a huff.

***********

Mac sighed and sat in the chair next to Harm's bed. She took his hand in hers. "So, Flyboy, when are you going to reward your Ninja Girl with one of those amazing smiles?" When he didn't comply, Mac frowned. "Do I have to wait another 4 hours 53 minutes and 28 seconds?"

"No, Colonel. Especially if it's an order."

"Harm?"

"Who'd you expect, David Duchovny?" he replied with a laugh. Bad idea. He put a hand to his stomach. "I feel like I was shot in the gut. Oh, I was."

"Well, I see your sense of humor is back. However bad it is..." Mac chuckled.

Harm looked at her. "Don't mock the injured, Colonel," he said with a smile.

"There you go! That's what I've been dying to see." Mac kissed his forehead. "I thought I was going to lose you."

"You can't get rid of me that easily."

She stood up and began pacing the room. "Next time, use your brains, Commander! I don't want to have to save your six again."

"I thought you liked my six."

"Laugh it up, but if it wasn't for me and the Admiral, you'd be dead by now."

Harm knew she was right. And he couldn't tell. Was she crying? Mac's back was slightly turned away from him. "Hey..." he whispered. "Come here, Mac."

"Oh God, Harm, I was so scared..." Mac couldn't finish.

Harm took her arm and pulled her to the bed. "Mac. I am so sorry for scaring you like that. Forgive me?" he asked, wiping her tears away.

"Of course, I forgive you. I... I love you."

Harm couldn't believe his ears. She had said the words he had been waiting to hear from her. "You love me?"

Mac rolled her eyes. "How many times am I supposed to say it, Flyboy?" she said playfully hitting his arm.

"Sorry. I love you too, Mac." She leaned over and kissed her partner on the lips. After a few minutes, they broke away for air.

"Harm, there is someone outside who'd like to see you."

"Who?" he asked as she opened the door. In walked Trish Burnett. "Mom? Oh God, Mom!" He wanted to run up to her and give her a hug, but certain injuries prevented him from doing so.

"Harm, I'm so glad you're all right!" she said, rushing to him. "Sweetheart, I'm so sorry for putting you through all that pain! When Mr. Webb told me about your predicament, I had to do something."

"Webb...?"

"Yes, Mr. Webb," Trish replied. She saw an odd look in her son's eyes. "Harmon Rabb, Jr, stop that this instant! It was my plan, not his!" She crossed her arms. "Goodness, why does everyone think Mr. Webb is to blame?"

"Because he usually is, Mom," Harm replied with laugh.
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