Summary: How old is "too old"? When is a man "robbing the cradle"? Doesn't it
really depend on how the couple feel about each other and not the difference in
their ages? Tracy and Mac both think so, and they convince Tom and AJ.
Monday, 20 January 2003
0655 EDT
Interstate 66 East
Centreville, Virginia
The silver Bonneville sputtered again and finally quit running all together. As
the car slowed, the driver was able to steer the car to the shoulder of the
highway before it came to a complete stop. "Wonderful!" she said aloud, though
no one heard her. She was alone in the car. "I can't believe this. I finally
decide to take a weekend trip home, and nothing goes right! Nothing!" Her eyes
welled with tears as she reached for her cell phone, wondering how long it would
take the AAA tow truck to arrive this time.
"Three hours?" she exclaimed into the tiny phone when her call was almost
complete. "Why would it take 3 hours? There's no snow. No ice. What's going on?"
"Ma'am, as cold as it is, lots of people's cars won't start this morning. Just
be glad there isn't any snow or ice! It would be afternoon before we could get
to you."
"Okay, okay," she relented. "Just send someone as soon as you can, please." She
wasn't looking forward to sitting in this car for three hours. As the dispatcher
said, it was cold... bitter cold. "I sure hope Daddy has a blanket in the trunk
of this car," she mused.
She flipped the levers under the dashboard to release the hood and the trunk.
Then she opened her car door carefully and stepped out of the vehicle. Walking
around to the front of the car, she slid her hand along the seam and found the
safety release. Pushing up on it, she lifted the heavy hood of the car so other
drivers would know her car was disabled. The traffic was very heavy on the
Interstate, and she didn't want to cause an accident. She walked around to the
back of the car and lifted the trunk lid. "No blanket. Great," she sighed. "So
now I get to freeze."
She returned to the safety and comparative warmth of the car's interior. She
tried to decide whom she should call next. With a temperature of only 8 degrees
outside, she knew the car would very soon be almost as cold as the air outside.
If she called her parents, it would take them over an hour to reach her from
their home outside of Front Royal. If she called one of her co-workers, even
though she was much closer to town than her parents' home, it would take them
just about the same amount of time because of rush traffic. "I can't believe
there's no blanket in here. Mama always keeps a blanket in the trunk during the
winter months," she mumbled as a chill ran down her spine. The car was already
losing warmth.
She was surprised when she heard a tapping on her window. She looked up to see a
man standing beside her car, bending over to talk to her. He wore a hat that
looked like a military cover, but the frost and fog was so heavy on the windows
already, she couldn't really tell. He called through the window, "You need some
help?"
She lowered the window a fraction of an inch so they could converse easier, but
not enough for him to take advantage of it... just in case. "The car just quit.
AAA is coming, but thank you for stopping," she smiled.
Before she raised the window, he said, "You're going to freeze in there. You
have a blanket?"
She shook her head. "No blanket."
"How long before AAA arrives?" he asked.
She sighed, "They said it'll be about 3 hours."
The man frowned as he stood up to his full height. He came to a quick decision,
bent back over, and spoke again. "You don't know me, I know that. But I'm a
Naval officer," he pointed to his cover. "I work at the Pentagon. I'll be glad
to give you a ride into town if you'd like." She looked wary, so he continued,
"Or I can give you a blanket. I have one in the back of my car that I'd be glad
to let you have."
"You have two of them?" she asked.
He shook his head. "No, just the one. But..."
She interrupted, "I couldn't possibly take your only blanket. What if you broke
down? Then you'd be the one freezing!"
The man muttered to himself, "I'm already freezing." Then he spoke louder to
her, "Look, I can't just leave you here with nothing. I'm going to go get the
blanket. I'll lay it on the top of your car," he patted the roof over her head,
"so you don't have to get out of the car to take it."
She realized that by his leaving it on the roof of the car, he also meant he
wouldn't be standing there when she reached for it... thereby letting her feel
safe. Before she answered him, he was already back at his car, opening the
trunk. She made a split-second decision that she knew could well cost her life.
But she chanced it. 'He is a Naval officer, after all,' she told herself. She
grabbed her purse from the seat next to her. Deciding to leave the Bonneville
unlocked so the tow truck could haul it off, she ran back to his vehicle. "Get
in!" she yelled over the din of passing cars as she opened the passenger door
and piled in, herself.
He looked up, surprised to see her falling into the front seat of his car. He
pulled the blanket out of the trunk and closed the lid. Opening the driver's
door, he tossed the blanket to her. "Bundle up in that until you stop shaking."
He tossed his cover into the back seat and climbed in beside her.
She smiled, "You're shaking worse than I am, you know," her teeth chattered.
"An old salt like me doesn't feel the cold," he lied.
She turned to thank him, "I can't begin to thank you... Oh!" she exclaimed
seeing the shoulder boards on his overcoat. "You're an Admiral!"
He chuckled. "You recognize rank insignia, eh? Pretty good. Yes, I'm an
Admiral... but only for another 25 days."
"Twenty-five days, Sir?" she repeated.
He nodded. "That's right. I'll be officially retired on 15 February."
"Congratulations," she smiled.
"Thank you. Now, where to?" he asked, putting the car in gear and pulling back
out into the traffic of the highway.
"If it's not too much out of your way..." she began.
"Not a problem at all. Wherever you need to go... well, around DC, that is," he
amended.
She laughed, "Oh, you don't want to drive me to Richmond?"
He turned to look at her. "Is that where you were headed? Richmond?" he asked
seriously.
She shook her head. "No, Sir. Oakton."
"Good," he replied. "Right on the way in." He turned the heater up full blast,
and she warmed up quickly. "That better?" he asked.
"Much, thank you. Nice car," she commented.
"It's old, but I like it too well to replace it. Hasn't given me a whole lot of
trouble."
"It's a Saab, isn't it?" she asked.
"That's right. A Saab 9000. Doesn't have that many miles on it for its age,
either. I spent a lot of years at sea, and the car sat in a garage." He changed
the subject. "Don't you know you should always carry a blanket in your car
around here in the winter?"
She nodded. "Yes, Sir, I do. And I always have one in the trunk... even in the
summertime."
He quirked his eyebrow. "The summertime? Why then?"
"Cars can be a problem at any time of the year, Admiral," she replied.
"True. But a blanket in the summertime?"
"To put on the ground so I can sit outside, of course. I hate to be cooped up in
a car when it's nice weather."
"I see," he nodded. "Good plan. So how does it happen that you don't have a
blanket today?"
"That's actually not my car, Sir. It belongs to my parents. And I can't imagine
why a blanket isn't in there... unless Mama took it out to wash yesterday and
forgot to put it back before I left this morning. They always have blankets in
their cars."
"Your parents live close by?" he asked.
"Outside of Front Royal, Sir," she replied. "I grew up there. It's a nice
location."
He nodded. "Yes, it is. Pretty country. And you can drop the 'Sir'; the name is
'Tom'." She started to protest, but he ignored her and continued, "Nice that
they're close enough you can go visit on the weekends, hmm?" he prompted.
"You'd think so. But I've been here since September, and this is the first
weekend trip home I've had the chance to make. Well, other than over the
holidays, I mean. And then I go and have car trouble... both directions!" she
sighed heavily.
"Both? How so?" Tom asked her.
"I was about 20 miles to the west of where you found me when my car conked out
on Friday night. I had to wait almost 2 hours for AAA that time. But they got
there and pulled my car up onto the truck... and we headed for Front Royal."
"Must have cost a pretty penny," he observed. "That's still quite a distance."
"Fortunately, I have AAA Plus, so I get up to 200 miles of towing for free." She
turned to face him. "Well, it's not free exactly... I mean I pay for the plan; I
just don't have to pay any extra for towing."
Tom nodded, "Understand."
"Daddy says my car has 'given up the ghost', so I'm going to buy a new one this
week. Meantime, he just let me take one of their cars. Now it's quit, too." She
turned and grinned at him, "I hope I'm not a jinx, Sir... or your car will die
now!"
He glared at her, and she was almost afraid of him. "Better not be!" he barked.
Then she saw his eyes start to crinkle and his mouth turn up. He was trying not
to smile! "Of course, if you are, I have a few people I'll introduce you to...
let you 'jinx' them!" She giggled then and his smile appeared fully on his face.
"So what kind of car are you going to get this time? 'Course, I don't even know
what kind you drive now," he realized.
"I have an old Plymouth Neon now. I'm thinking I might go for a GrandAm this
time. Or maybe a PT Cruiser."
Tom grunted. "Hate those things. Ugly cars."
She laughed outright. "People either love them or they hate them. I guess I
think they're kinda cute."
"Stocky things," he shook his head. "Now if you were my daughter, I'd suggest a
Toyota Camry or Solara. Nice cars. Solid..."
"Daughter?" she giggled. "How old do you think I am, Tom?"
He turned surprised eyes to her. "I'd say... 20?"
She smiled delightedly. "Try 32 tomorrow."
"Tomorrow? Happy birthday," he smiled.
"Thank you."
"Thirty-two, eh? Good age. You could still be my daughter, though," he told her.
"I served in 'Nam. Gives you an idea of how ancient I am."
"Oh!" she looked up and saw her exit. "Take this exit, please." Their minds
shifted back to the road. "And then keep to the left on Chain Bridge Road."
"Okay," he replied. "So what are you doing to celebrate your birthday tomorrow?
Anything fun?"
"We sorta celebrated it this weekend at home. Two of my brothers were home, too,
so we had a little party."
"But nothing with your friends here?" he asked. She shook her head. "That's a
shame. You ought to at least have a nice dinner."
She tried to smile. "I don't really know that many people here yet. And I don't
think the people at my office really like me that well." She continued her
directions, "Take your next left... on Oakton Manor Court."
Tom looked surprised. "Don't like you? What's not to like? You're a very nice
young woman, pretty, smart... well, except when it comes to cars..." he teased.
She laughed delightedly. "Thank you. I think," she bantered back. "Take the next
right, and my apartment is the second building."
Tom pulled up in front of the apartments and stopped. "Here you are," he said.
"Safe and sound."
"I can't thank you enough, Tom. Really, I do very much appreciate your
kindness."
"My pleasure..." he hesitated. "You never told me your name."
"Tracy."
"Well, it was my pleasure, Tracy," he said again. He got out of the car,
grabbing his cover and placing it on his head. He walked around to her side,
opened the door and offered his hand to help her out. "How are you getting to
work?"
"I'll just call a taxi," she said as she stood up and found that he towered over
her. 'Another giant,' she thought.
He nodded. "I wish I could wait and give you a ride to work..." Tracy started to
object, but Tom continued, "But I have a meeting at 0900 that I can't really put
off." Then he thought aloud, "But I could call and have a car..."
"Oh, but that's really not necessary. A taxi will be fine. But thank you," she
said, laying her hand on his arm.
Tom made another quick decision. "How about you let me take you out for a
birthday dinner tomorrow evening?" he smiled.
She looked up, surprised. "You want to..." she sputtered. "That's very sweet of
you, but I don't..."
His smile disappeared and he nodded. "Understand." He didn't really, though. He
wondered if she was just being cautious, or if his age was the deterrent.
'Probably both,' he thought to himself. 'Probably thinks I'm hitting on her.'
Then he wondered, 'Well, aren't you?' He answered his own thoughts, 'The hell if
I know!' He motioned toward the building, "You need to get inside; it's cold out
here. Go on; I'll just watch to be sure you get to your door all right."
She looked up at him. "That's kind of you, Tom."
"Normally I'd walk you to your door and see you safely inside... but I don't
want you to think I'm..."
She laughed lightly. "I trust you, Tom. How could I not with all those scrambled
eggs on your cover?" She turned and ran halfway down the path toward her
apartment. She stopped and called back to him. "I'd love to have dinner with you
tomorrow, Tom! What time?"
Tom smiled broadly. "I'll pick you up at 1900... um, 7:00!"
"I'll be ready. I'm in 1D, by the way!" Tracy turned and ran the rest of the way
to her door. She unlocked it, and turned to wave before she stepped inside...
and out of his line of vision.
Tom smiled as he sat back in his car and tossed his cover on the seat.
"Scrambled eggs?" he realized what Tracy had said. "How'd she know...? Must come
from a military family," he decided.
Monday, 20 January 2003
1345 EDT
The Pentagon
Washington, DC
Petty Officer Christa Lorenson knocked on her CO's door. "Admiral? I have that
phone number you wanted, Sir," she said as she walked inside. "Shall I get them
on the line for you?"
Admiral Tom Boone shook his head, "No, I'll do it. Thanks, Christa." As his
yeoman walked back out to her desk, Tom picked up the phone and dialed.
"Oakton Manor Apartments. May I help you?" a bright voice said over the wire.
Tom spoke, "Yes. I'm trying to find out the last name of one of your renters,
please. She lives in Apartment 1D."
"I'm sorry, Sir. I can't give out that kind of information," the woman replied.
"Good. Actually I'm glad you can't," Tom replied honestly. "Look, tomorrow is
her birthday... Tracy, that is. I'm taking her out for dinner, but I'd like to
send some flowers to her during the day." The woman didn't utter a sound. "Do
you happen to know who I'm talking about and where she works?"
The woman answered, "Tracy? Yes, I know her. And yes, I know where she works.
But I still can't..."
"No, I understand that. What I thought was maybe I could call the florist and
arrange for them to contact you... or you call them... and you could give the
address to them directly," Tom suggested.
"Oh, I don't think so," the woman replied. "But if you have them delivered here,
I'll see that she gets them."
"You mean you'd deliver them to her office yourself?" he clarified.
"Yes, I can do that. I wouldn't do it for just anyone, mind you... but for
Tracy? Yes. She's such a sweet little girl."
Tom chuckled. "You know she'll be 32 tomorrow?"
"No! Little Tracy? I thought she must be in her early 20s!" the woman said.
"That's what I thought, too. But she told me otherwise."
"Well, you go ahead and send those flowers here to me in the morning, young man;
my name is Alice... Alice Whitted. I'll see that she gets them at her office."
"Thank you, Alice," Tom replied, chuckling to himself. 'Young man?'
Monday, 20 January 2003
1555 EDT
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
Commander Harmon Rabb accepted the receiver from her and perched himself on
Lieutenant Harriett Sims' desk. "Rabb!"
"Hello, Harm. Tom Boone here. Question for you. You mentioned a restaurant a
couple of months ago... small, intimate, out-of-the-way... you said they have a
small dance floor... I think it was a guy's name..."
Harm remembered. "Chef John's in Arlington. Who's the lucky lady?" he asked
flippantly.
"That's it! Chef John's. Thanks, Harm," Tom said as he hung up.
Harm looked at the receiver in shock and stood up. "He hung up on me?"
Lieutenant Colonel Sarah MacKenzie and Lieutenant Commander Tracy Manetti
happened to walk past. As Tracy continued to her office, Mac spoke to Harm,
"Someone's finally getting smart, eh?"
"Admiral Boone. He just hung up on me," Harm said again.
"Aaah, poor Harm," Mac teased. "What did he call for?"
"He's got a date, evidently. And he couldn't remember the name of a restaurant I
told him about a few months back. I'll have to tease him about that next
month... after he retires!"
"Is he retiring again?" she asked. Harm nodded. "So, which restaurant?" she
asked.
"Chef John's. It's a really nice place... very romantic atmosphere," he said.
"Hey, Mac, want to go to dinner tonight?" he asked as Admiral AJ Chegwidden
passed them on his way to the break room.
Mac laughed. "What? You want to go and spy on Admiral Boone's date?" Mac shook
her head. "I don't think so, Harm."
AJ heard her reply and grinned to himself. 'Wise choice, Mac.'
"I guess you're right. That would be kind of obvious, wouldn't it?" Harm said,
leaning against a file cabinet.
"And are you sure it's tonight he's going there? Maybe he's just planning
ahead... Valentine's Day is in just a few weeks, you know," she reminded him.
"Some men actually plan for that night," she ribbed. She knew that Harm never
did. Not when he was dating Annie... nor Jordan... nor Renee.
'You're so right, Sarah. And what I wouldn't like to do with you that night,' AJ
thought to himself. 'Get a grip, Chegwidden. You can't have her... not only is
she still your subordinate, she's also too young for you.'
"Yeah, Valentine's Day and no girlfriend this year. Geez, you know, this is the
second year in a row, too," Harm whined.
"You're not alone there, Harm," Mac countered. "There are lots of people without
a special someone," she sighed. "Including me." She watched the Admiral
disappear into the break room and thought, 'If only I didn't work for you...'
Harm looked to his left when he heard a soft voice. "Pardon me, Commander. I
need to get in that file drawer, please?" He stepped aside and watched as Tracy
pulled out the drawer and gingerly fingered the file folders until she found the
one she needed. She pulled it out and closed the drawer. "Thank you, Sir," she
smiled.
Harm nodded and smiled his mega-watt grin. "Anytime, Tracy." Harm thought to
himself, 'Hmm, maybe I should ask Tracy for a date? Mac sure doesn't appear
interested anymore. I guess I kept her dangling too long. I wonder who she's
interested in now, though? She sure is preoccupied a lot these days.' Harm
watched Tracy walk back to her office. 'She's so little. Tiny, petite... and
God, did she look good in that towel with her hair down around her shoulders.'
Harm grunted just as AJ passed him with a mug full of hot coffee.
AJ followed his gaze and saw who Harm was lusting after. "I wouldn't suggest it,
Rabb," he advised quietly. "Her father and brothers would eat you alive." Then
AJ added to himself, 'Not to mention the SecNav!'
Harm's gaze immediately shifted from Tracy to his CO. "I'm sorry, Sir. I didn't
mean... I didn't..."
"Save it, Rabb. You've got 'lust' written all over that face of yours," AJ said,
returning to his own office.
Harm decided it might just be worth risking her family's wrath. He walked to
Tracy's office and knocked on the door frame. "Hi there," he said.
Tracy looked up, surprised. "Yes, Sir?" she said, jumping to her feet.
"It's Harm," he told her, motioning for her to keep her seat.
Tracy smiled as she sat. 'Well, I suppose if I can call an Admiral by his first
name, I can call a Commander by his.' "Yes, Harm?" she amended.
"Have dinner with me?" he asked.
"Excuse me?" she said, her eyebrows furrowing in confusion.
"I asked you to have dinner with me," Harm repeated. "I know this quiet little
place..."
Tracy shook her head. "I don't think that's a good idea, Sir. But thank you just
the same for the offer."
"Already involved with someone?" Harm asked boldly.
She smirked. "Hopin' to be," she confessed.
Mac poked her head inside Tracy's office. "Tracy, Harriett just told me you had
some car trouble this morning and had to take a cab in. You need a ride home?"
Tracy turned surprised eyes to Mac and jumped to her feet again. "I was just
going to call another taxi, Ma'am."
"No need for that," Harm said quickly.
But before he could offer, Mac said, "I'm leaving at 1730 today. I'd be glad to
give you a lift."
"That would be wonderful, Colonel. If you're sure it's not out of your way."
"Not a problem at all," Mac smiled. "See you in 73 minutes!"
Harm and Mac both left her office, and Tracy sat down heavily. "Wow! This has
been one incredible day," she said quietly. "First Tom... then the office
heartthrob asks me for a date... then the Colonel offers me a ride home." Tracy
shook her head. "I wonder if they put something in the water..." she giggled to
herself.
Mac and Tracy exited the building together at 1732. "Thank you so much for
giving me a ride home, Colonel," Tracy said.
"It's Mac, please," she smiled. "And it's no trouble at all."
They climbed in Mac's Corvette and Tracy sighed. "I don't know that I'll ever be
able to afford one of these again."
"Again?" asked Mac as she pulled out of the JAG parking lot.
"Daddy gave me a 'Vette when I finished high school."
"What happened to it?"
"One of my brothers wrecked it when I was on my first deployment," Tracy replied
sadly. "So my next car was a Plymouth Neon... it was all I could afford. It's
lasted me a good long time, though. But it conked out for good on Friday, so
I'll be car shopping this weekend."
"How are you going to get around until you buy something?" Mac asked.
"Oh, I called Daddy this morning... told him his car died on the highway. So he
arranged for a rental car to be delivered to me at home this evening."
"His car died, too?"
Tracy told Mac the story of how, first her own car died on the road on Friday
night, and then her father's car died this morning.
"What'd you do? It was way too cold to sit and wait for a tow truck this
morning!" Mac exclaimed. "Did you have a blanket in the car?" Tracy shook her
head. "Tracy, you should have called one of us..."
"I didn't really have time, actually. Almost immediately after I got through to
AAA, there was a man there to help me."
"From AAA? That fast?" Mac asked incredulously. "They always take forever..."
"No, not from AAA. They took over 3 hours to get there, I found out. No, this
man is an..." she hesitated, and decided not to give too much information. "A
Naval officer. So I felt I could trust him. I prayed I was right... and I guess
I was," she smiled at Mac's concerned expression. "He offered to drive me into
town or leave his blanket with me."
Mac smiled, "That was nice of him."
Tracy nodded, "I thought so. I decided to go with him. I really didn't want to
sit in the cold car... and I didn't feel I could take his only blanket. What if
he had trouble then?"
"And?" Mac prompted.
"He took me home and made sure I was safely inside before he left. He was really
quite the gentleman."
Mac grinned. "So is that who you're hoping to become involved with?" Tracy
turned surprised eyes to her. "Sorry. I overheard you say that to Harm."
Tracy apologized, "I'm sorry about that, Mac. I don't know why he asked me... I
mean, he never has before. I would never..."
Mac's smile reached her eyes, "Tracy, Harm and I are not an item." She saw the
surprise in Tracy's face. "Seriously, we're not. We're best of friends... but
there's no romantic involvement. Never has been. We've tried a couple of times,
and it just doesn't work. So, if you want to accept him next time, do."
Tracy smiled slightly. "I think he's a little out of my league, anyway. I'm not
used to someone who can just flash a smile and get a date."
Mac responded, "Yes, and he does that, too!"
"He seems to have a boyish charm about him, you know?" observed Tracy. "Even the
way he approaches new things. I saw him last week when Bud showed him a new
software program. He was as excited as a little boy with a new toy truck!"
Mac grinned. "Boyish. Infantile. Close enough." The women laughed together. "But
he does know how to show a girl a good time. And he's the best friend I've ever
had." Mac changed the subject, "But back to your rescuer..."
Tracy giggled. "He's a lot older than me. I really don't think he's
interested... but he did ask me out for dinner tomorrow night." She decided
against telling Mac that tomorrow was her birthday. Her brow furrowed, "But he
also commented a couple of times that I was young enough to be his daughter."
"Does the age difference bother you?" Mac asked.
"No. It doesn't. I've always liked dating older men, probably because I have so
many older brothers... I'm used to older men. Now, sure he'd be the oldest I've
ever dated, but still..."
"I think it bothers them more than us, actually," replied Mac. "So did you
accept? Are you going to dinner with him?"
Tracy nodded. "Uh huh." As Mac pulled into Oakton Manor Apartments, Tracy asked,
"So where do you live, Mac?"
"In Georgetown," she replied.
"Georgetown!? That's the opposite direction from work!" Tracy exclaimed. "Oh,
Mac! I should have just taken a taxi..."
"Absolutely not. This gave us a chance to gab and get to know each other a
little. I've been wanting to, and I just haven't made the time. So it was worth
it. And there's no reason for you to have to take a cab."
Tracy opened her door and stepped onto the sidewalk. "Well, thanks, again. See
you tomorrow."
Tuesday, 21 January 2003
1025 EDT
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
Alice pulled her van up to the guard gate and stopped. The Marine guard asked
her what business she had at JAG, and she replied, "I'm just delivering some
flowers to someone who works here."
The guard allowed her through the gate and she parked in an open spot. She
picked up the flowers and headed for the entrance. Lieutenant Bud Roberts was
just behind her walking in, and he reached in front of her, "Allow me, Ma'am,"
he said as he pulled the door open.
"Why thank you," she smiled. Alice carried the flowers inside and stopped at the
reception desk.
"May I help you, Ma'am?" a Marine Corporal asked.
"Yes, I have flowers here for Lieutenant Commander Tracy Manetti. Could you see
that they're taken up to her, please?"
Hearing the name of a fellow JAG officer, Bud stopped and turned back to the
desk. "You can take them up yourself, Ma'am," the Corporal said as he reached
for a visitor's badge.
"Oh, but I'd really prefer that she not see me. I'm her landlady, you
understand. And these are from a gentleman. I couldn't give him her work
address, but I told him I'd see that she got them before this evening." Alice
leaned over and whispered, "Today's her birthday, you know."
Bud walked back to her and said, "I work with Tracy, Ma'am. I'll be glad to see
that she gets the flowers."
"Oh, that would be just wonderful!" Alice gushed. Then she noticed his cane.
"But how will you manage?" she said worriedly.
Bud chuckled. "By telling the Corporal here to get someone to help me." Bud
turned and nodded to the Marine.
"Aye, Sir!" he snapped. He looked over to the corner and motioned for another
Marine to step forward. "Take these flowers upstairs for the Lieutenant,
Private."
Bud nodded his thanks to the Marines and said goodbye to Alice.
When they entered the bullpen, Harriett looked up. "Bud! Flowers? What on
earth?" she bubbled, delighted at the thought that her husband had brought her
such beautiful tulips.
Bud shook his head. "They're not from me, Honey. They're for Commander Manetti,"
he whispered. "Today's her birthday," he confided. "Did you know?"
Harriett gasped. "No! I didn't. Oh, dear, and I didn't bake anything. I wonder
if the cafeteria has any cakes?" she wondered as she picked up the phone to call
downstairs.
The Marine knocked on Tracy's door and she looked up. "Yes? Oh!" she exclaimed,
seeing the flowers.
"These were just delivered for you, Ma'am," he told her.
"Thank you, Private," she said, rising from her desk and taking the vase from
him. She set the flowers on her desk. "They're so beautiful. But who could they
be from?" she wondered. "Must be from Mama and Daddy." She found the card and
opened it, reading it silently.
Beautiful flowers for an even more beautiful woman.
Looking forward to our dinner this evening, Tracy.
Happy birthday!
Tom
Tracy sighed and clasped the card to her breast. She didn't notice that Mac had
stepped into her office.
"I take it those are from him?" Mac teased.
Tracy jerked her eyes up to see not only Mac standing in her office, but also
Harriett, Bud, Harm, and Sturgis! "Oh!" she blushed profusely.
"Yep, I'd say they're from him, all right," agreed Harm, causing the others to
laugh along with Harm.
Tracy smiled and nodded, her eyes twinkling. "They are. Aren't they beautiful?"
she cooed.
"That they are, Ma'am," agreed Harriett. "Special occasion?" she prompted.
Tracy glanced over at Mac. "I have a date this evening," she smiled shyly.
Admiral Chegwidden cleared his throat from behind his officers. "Is there a
party going on that I wasn't invited to?" he barked.
"Admiral!" "Sir!" they chorused and came to attention stance.
"As you were." He looked at the flowers on Tracy's desk. "Someone has good
taste," he commented. He smiled at Tracy. "I take it you have a date for your
birthday this evening?"
She looked surprised, but she nodded, "Yes, Sir."
AJ grinned. "Like I said, someone has good taste." Tracy smiled. That was the
first compliment her CO had ever paid her... even if it was rather an off-handed
one. AJ continued before heading for the break room, "Happy birthday,
Commander."
"Birthday!" "It's your birthday?" "Tracy, why didn't you say something?" the
others chirped after the Admiral left.
Harriett said, "Ma'am, I usually bake a cake for birthdays... but I didn't know
about yours being today. I'll bring one in tomorrow."
"Oh, Harriett, you don't have to do that," Tracy objected.
Harm interrupted, "Oh, Tracy! Never refuse one of Harriett's cakes... they're to
die for!"
Finally everyone left her office, and Tracy examined the tulips closely. They
really were magnificent. Large, full, and such bright colors! Tracy adored
tulips. "I wonder how he knew that? Then again, I wonder how he knew where I
worked!" She looked at the envelope the card had been in. It was her home
address. 'Strange,' she thought. 'How did they end up here?' She read the card
again and sighed. "I'm looking forward to it, too, Tom," she whispered to the
flowers.
Tuesday, 21 January 2003
1540 EDT
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
Edward Sheffield walked into the JAG Ops bullpen and straight to Tracy's office,
interrupting her meeting with Bud. "Tracy, my dear!"
When they looked up and saw the Secretary of the Navy standing in her doorway,
both of them jerked to their feet. "Mr. Secretary!" Tracy acknowledged.
"Happy birthday, Girl Babe," Sheffield said, using the family nickname and
walking around her desk and kissing her on the cheek.
"Thank you, Sir." She turned to Bud. "Have you met Lieutenant Bud Roberts, Mr.
Secretary?"
Sheffield looked at Bud. "I don't believe I have. But I've heard a lot about
you, Roberts. All good. That's impressive," he extended his hand in greeting.
Bud smiled his appreciation and shook the other man's hand. "Thank you, Sir." He
turned to Tracy. "Give me a call when you're ready to continue, Ma'am," Bud said
as he headed for the door.
Tracy almost objected, but Sheffield said, "She'll do that, Son." As Bud left,
Sheffield pushed the door closed... only it didn't latch, which neither Tracy
nor Sheffield realized.
Bud heard Tracy's voice, "Uncle Edward, what are you doing here?"
"Uncle Edward?" Bud said quietly. "Gosh, I didn't know they were related."
Admiral Chegwidden said just as quietly from directly behind Bud, "They're not,
Lieutenant. But their families are very close." Bud turned surprised eyes to his
CO and would have stumbled had AJ not extended his arms out to support him.
"Sorry, Bud. I didn't mean to startle you."
Just as Bud was about to reply, they heard Sheffield's raised voice, "You will
not go out with this man, Tracy! You don't know anything about him... not even
if he's really in the Navy!"
Then they heard Tracy's reply, "Uncle Edward, I will go out with anyone I
choose! I'm not a child; I'm 32 years old!"
"These flowers from him?" Sheffield asked.
Tracy nodded. "They are; aren't they beautiful?" she fingered one of the blooms.
"What is it about him, Tracy? This isn't like you."
She looked up and said, "He's not like anyone I've met before, Uncle Edward.
He's kind and generous. He wouldn't hear of my sitting in that car yesterday
with no blanket. So he was going to leave his... not give me his... leave it. On
the top of the car, so I wouldn't feel threatened. He was such a gentleman,
Uncle. Really. Every bit as much as Admiral Chegwidden. I felt perfectly safe
with him. Like he would protect me and not let anything happen to me. It was...
I was..." she sighed. "You couldn't understand. You're not a woman."
AJ remembered a time a few years back when he and Mac were in the break room. He
chuckled to himself, 'Mac said virtually the same thing!'
Sheffield replied, "I'm trying to understand, Honey. I just don't want you to
get hurt."
"Uncle, would you object if I wanted to go on a date with Admiral Chegwidden?"
Sheffield gasped... as did AJ and Bud outside the door. "No, no..." she hurried
to say. "I mean if I didn't work for him... if I'd never worked for him. Just
met him one day on the street. Would you object? Would Daddy object?"
"To Chegwidden? No, of course not. He's a little old for you, though, don't you
think?" Sheffield said gently.
"Why is age so important? Tom is probably close to Admiral Chegwidden's age,
maybe older, I don't know. But I think it's a good age. A sexy age," she
grinned. Then she giggled at his appalled expression. "Don't worry, Uncle... I'm
not going to invite Tom into my bed tonight." She sighed. "He probably wouldn't
accept if I did offer... he's that much of a gentleman."
'Don't be too sure about that, young lady!' Chegwidden said to himself. 'Even if
he's a gentleman, an offer like that is hard to refuse.'
Tracy continued, "And the only reason he invited me out tonight is because it's
my birthday and I told him that I wasn't doing anything to celebrate. More than
likely I won't even see him again after tonight." She turned back to the tulips.
"But I can hope..."
Sheffield pulled Tracy into his arms and hugged her close. "Okay, Girl Babe. But
you be careful, you hear me? Take your mace with you... just in case."
"Never leave home without it," she teased. "Now go on, get out of here. I have
work to do!"
Bud turned and headed for his office as quickly as he could. AJ just raised his
hand and knocked on Tracy's door, pushing it open as he did so. "Mr. Secretary?
I believe we had a 1545 meeting scheduled? It's 1550."
Sheffield nodded. "Yes, indeed, Admiral. Just checking up on my goddaughter."
AJ nodded to Tracy and smiled encouragingly. The two men headed for the
Admiral's office. "No calls, Tiner," AJ said as they entered and he shut the
door... firmly.
Sheffield turned around and faced AJ squarely. "AJ, would you ever consider
dating a woman as young as Tracy?"
AJ was surprised at the question, but he gave it some thought before he
answered. "I would consider it, Mr. Secretary. Whether I would actually do it? I
don't know the answer to that. I guess it would depend on the woman." AJ's
thoughts turned to Mac. 'She's older than Tracy... only about 6 years, but
still... she's almost 40. Is that too young for a 54-year old man?'
"I've been married so long, it would never occur to me to even look at a woman
as young as that," Sheffield said. "Some men do, I suppose." AJ nodded. "I guess
I just expected her to decide on someone closer to her own age. Someone like
Rabb, for instance."
AJ chuckled. "Rabb is a fine man, but he's not ready to settle down, I don't
think."
Sheffield looked at AJ. "You know, I think you just hit on it! Tracy has always
been mature for her age. She's never been one to be flighty or just out for fun.
That must be why she's attracted to older men. Because they're more stable...
more settled."
AJ nodded, "Could be." He motioned for his boss to have a seat and AJ leaned
against his desk. "So, Mr. Secretary, I'm sure you didn't set up this meeting
just so you could come and talk to Tracy. What really brings you here today?"
Sheffield cleared his throat. "I was looking through the personnel jackets on
everyone who reports to me last week, and I found something rather...
interesting... in a couple of them, AJ." AJ raised his eyebrow in question, but
didn't comment. "Commander Lindsey..." Sheffield noticed AJ immediately take a
defensive posture. "I noticed that he's been passed over for Captain a couple of
times. And the last time was two years ago. You were the lead on the Captain
Selection Board that year, I believe."
AJ nodded. "That's correct, Mr. Secretary." He thought to himself, 'Oh, God...
here we go again!'
"I'd like to find another position for Lindsey. He's been in his current
position now for quite a few years, and I think it's time for him to move on.
Any suggestions?"
AJ sighed, but he thought a moment before replying, "There are a couple of
positions that will be coming available in third quarter this year. They're both
overseas, though."
Sheffield's face clouded. "Overseas? Are they prime locations? Or...
out-of-the-way places...?"
"What exactly are you looking for, Mr. Secretary?"
Sheffield cleared his throat again. "Something where he..." He paused. "Oh hell,
AJ! You don't think he's worth anything either! That's obvious by what happened
in the last Selection Board. I want him out of my office... and moved someplace
where he won't do any harm."
AJ was shocked, to say the least. Sheffield's predecessor had doted on
Lindsey... thought the sun rose and set around him, practically. 'Maybe this guy
isn't as bad as I thought,' AJ thought of his new boss.
"AJ," Sheffield continued, "I've given the guy 35 assignments since I took
office last year. And he's completed 5 of them. Five. That's all. No more. And
he didn't complete even one of those in a timely fashion or to my satisfaction!
He's inept!" AJ tried not to laugh. "But I don't want him demoted. I don't want
him to realize that I'm getting rid of him."
"But you are," AJ said.
"I have to! The man can't do a blessed thing without screwing it up!" Sheffield
raised his voice.
AJ grinned. "Actually, Mr. Secretary, there is a posting available where he'd be
out of the way... but he'd also be in charge, thereby maintaining his level of
dignity."
"Where?"
"That's just it, Sir. The location itself always gives the appearance of
punishment."
"Where is it, AJ?" Sheffield pressed.
"Iceland. Nothing ever happens there... well, except at Christmas, when the
reindeer block the runways on Christmas Eve," AJ chuckled.
"How long has the post been open?"
"Five months, Sir. I haven't found the right person to send there," AJ said.
"That's perfect!" Sheffield said. "I'll tell him that I suggested him for the
posting because you needed someone with his leadership ability to handle that
isolated and strategic location." Sheffield glanced at AJ. "Sound good?" he
asked.
AJ almost laughed outright. "You should have been a used car salesman!"
"Good. Now that that's out of the way... his replacement," Sheffield continued.
"I have several officers who would do a fine job for you..." AJ started, but his
boss cut him off.
"I want Colonel MacKenzie," he stated.
AJ almost choked. "You what?" he bellowed.
"You heard me, Admiral. I want Sarah MacKenzie."
"She's my Chief of Staff! She's indispensable around here!" AJ argued.
"I can give her her eagles in September, AJ. You can't give them to her for
another 2 years," Sheffield told him bluntly.
"Mr. Secretary, I have several officers who would do a fine job for you..."
"You said that all ready, AJ. And I said I want Colonel MacKenzie," Sheffield
replied.
"But, Sir, Colonel MacKenzie is..."
"This is not up for discussion, Admiral."
AJ sighed. "Are you going to make it an order? Or may I give her the opportunity
to refuse?"
Sheffield debated on that for a moment... but not long. "Make it an order. She'd
never want to leave your command... not even for her eagles."
"I don't know about that, Sir..." AJ objected.
"I do. From all Tracy's told me about you and your people..." he nodded. "Cut
her orders, AJ. And Lindsey's. Make it effective the first of February. I'll
announce Lindsey's leaving tomorrow. Then we'll announce Colonel MacKenzie on
Thursday."
"Mr. Secretary, Colonel MacKenzie is a dedicated officer and a fine Marine. And
she's an even better lawyer. She loves the courtroom. She'll be miserable if she
can't litigate."
Sheffield ignored AJ's argument. "Cut the orders, Admiral. Effective February
1." He turned and left AJ's office.
Tuesday, 21 January 2003
1655 EDT
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
AJ buzzed his yeoman. "Tiner! Have Colonel MacKenzie see me before she leaves
today."
"Aye, aye, Sir!" Petty Officer Tiner knocked on Mac's office door and said,
"Excuse me, Colonel. The Admiral would like to see you before you leave today."
Mac looked up. "Okay, Tiner. I'll be right there." She and Harm finished their
conversation and she followed Tiner back to the Admiral's office. She knocked on
his door and at his command, she opened it and walked inside.
"Close the hatch, Colonel," AJ said heavily.
Mac didn't like that tone of voice. It didn't bode well. Either something really
bad had happened or was going to happen... and soon. Mac closed the door and
turned back to face her CO. "Sir?"
"Have a seat, Mac." Mac sat... and waited. AJ looked straight at her but didn't
speak. Then he rose and turned to look out the window. He crossed his arms over
his chest and sighed. Another 2 minutes passed before he finally turned around.
He sat back at his desk and looked at her again. "Colonel, you're being
reassigned, as of 1 February. You'll be Legal Counsel to the Secretary of the
Navy, replacing Commander Lindsey."
Mac gasped and tears sprang to her eyes, unbidden. She bit her lips together and
forced the tears back. She would not let them fall.
He looked at her sitting there stoically... trying so hard to contain her
emotions. He knew she must think he was punishing her... but surely she knew
she'd done nothing to be punished for. "Questions?" he asked. Mac shook her
head. AJ continued, "Just like a Marine. Never question your orders. Just follow
them," he said. "Mac, ask. You're entitled."
She looked up at him. "Why, Sir?" she choked out.
"Sheffield wants you. He's sending Lindsey to... Iceland." Mac looked startled.
"That's not announced yet... will be tomorrow." AJ stood and walked to the front
of his desk, sitting in the leather chair next to Mac. "Mac, he's not giving
either of us a choice in this. He wants you in his office. He instructed me to
cut your orders... and Lindsey's." Mac said nothing. "One good thing," he
continued. "You'll get your eagles this fall. If you stayed here, I couldn't
give them to you for another couple of years."
Mac looked deeply into his eyes and whispered, "I'd have chosen to wait for
them."
AJ almost smiled. "That's what Sheffield said you'd choose. That's why he
wouldn't give you the opportunity to decline the position."
"When will it be announced, Sir? You said Commander Lindsey..."
"Lindsey will be announced tomorrow. You'll be announced as his replacement on
Thursday," AJ informed her. "I'm sorry, Mac."
She nodded. "Understood, Sir." She took a deep breath. "Will that be all,
Admiral?"
He nodded. "Dismissed." His thoughts followed her out of his office, 'One other
good thing, Sarah... you'll no longer be under my command.' Then he cursed
himself for those thoughts. 'She doesn't want you anyway, you old fool.'
Tuesday, 21 January 2003
1855 EDT
Tracy Manetti's Apartment
Oakton, Virginia
Tom pulled his car into the parking lot for Tracy's apartment complex. He
wondered if the landlady had really delivered the flowers to her at her
office... or if she only received them when she got home. "What am I thinking?"
he said aloud to no one. "She's only 32 years old, for Christ' sake! She's 23
years younger than me. Geez, Boone, talk about robbing the cradle!" he berated
himself yet again.
All day long, Tom had battled his conscience about tonight. He had finally
decided that the only thing to do was take her out for dinner as he promised...
but treat her like a daughter or niece, not a date. That way she'd have a nice
birthday dinner, and maybe she wouldn't think of him as a dirty old man.
But when he went home to shower and dress for the evening, he found himself
taking great pains to look his very best. He even wore one of his ironed
undershirts! He never wore those for personal wear... only under his uniform.
As Tom sat in his car, he resolved yet again to treat this evening lightly. He
would treat Tracy well, but as though she were his daughter or his niece. 'I'm
sure that's how she's looking at this, anyway,' he told himself.
Thus determined, Tom climbed out of his car and walked up the path to Tracy's
apartment. He gently touched the doorbell and heard it ring inside. He stepped
back and waited. When Tracy opened the door, all his good intentions flew by the
wayside as he gazed at her. She wore a little black dress that was cut low in
the front and emphasized her small bosom to its fullest advantage. The short
dress was fitted and clung to her curves perfectly.
Tom caught himself before he groaned aloud. "You're absolutely beautiful,
Tracy," he said quietly with a hint of a smile gracing his lips. It was now very
obvious that she did not consider him too old... and she was on a date!
Tracy's face lit into a full smile and her whole countenance brightened. "Why,
thank you, Tom," she said liltingly.
"Happy birthday."
"Come in, won't you?" she invited. As Tom stepped inside her apartment, she
said, "The flowers were magnificent, Tom. Thank you so much." She confided in
him, "I love flowers, and tulips are my favorite. How ever did you know?"
He smiled. "I'm a good guesser."
Tracy laughed delightedly. "I wasn't sure where we were going for dinner. I hope
this is okay," she said almost self consciously, running her hands over her hips
and down her thighs.
"It's perfect," he breathed. "You're perfect." He caught a hint of shyness in
her expression, and realized what he'd said. He cleared his throat and
continued, "I thought we'd go to a little place in Arlington. Chef John's. Would
that be all right?"
"Oh! That would be lovely. I've never been there, but I've heard good things
about it," she replied.
He grinned, "Same here."
As Tom held her coat, she slipped her arms into the sleeves and turned around.
"Thank you," she almost whispered.
"Shall we go?" he asked, his voice husky. He'd been surprised to find that
Tracy's dress had almost no back to it. Tracy nodded and handed him her key to
lock the door as they left.
They were rather quiet during the drive to Arlington, both of them being a
little nervous. When Tom pulled into the parking lot of the small restaurant, he
quipped, "Here we are. I hope you're hungry, Birthday Girl."
Tracy giggled, "Oh, I am. I am." Tom opened her car door and offered his hand as
she climbed out of the car.
Tom approached the hostess and said, "We have a reservation. Boone is the name."
Tracy tucked that little piece of information away. 'Boone. Admiral Tom Boone.
I'll bet it's really Thomas. Admiral Thomas Boone.' She smiled to herself. 'I
like it. But where have I heard his name before...?'
They followed the hostess through the crowded restaurant. She seated them at a
small table in a quiet corner. "Busy place," Tom commented as they sat down.
The hostess nodded, "Oh, yes, Sir. Chef John's is a very popular place.
Especially for parties of two," she winked at him.
Tracy said, "I don't even see many tables bigger than for 2 people."
The woman nodded again, "We have a few. But most of our patrons are couples
wanting an intimate dinner."
"Precisely," agreed Tom, smiling at Tracy. The hostess took her queue and,
handing them their menus, returned to the entrance.
Tracy's heart was in her throat as Tom smiled at her. 'God, he has such a sexy
smile.' She picked up her menu and tried to concentrate on the words in front of
her.
Tom looked over his menu, also. "Anything look appetizing, Tracy?" he asked
quietly.
She glanced up from her menu and smiled, "Oh, yeah." Then realizing how that
sounded... and from the dazed expression on Tom's face, knew that's just how he
took it... she blushed lightly and said, "I do love Blackened Salmon."
Tom blinked hard, bringing his focus back to the menu. "Blackened Salmon? That
sounds good. I'm leaning toward the Santorini Shrimp & Scallops, myself."
They both relaxed. "Mmm, sounds delicious."
"How about the crab cakes as an appetizer? Or do you even like crab?" he asked.
"I love all seafood. Fish, shellfish... you name it. I eat it," Tracy said
lightly. "Crab cakes would be lovely."
Their waiter approached the table, and Tom ordered for both of them. Not knowing
what kind of salad dressing Tracy preferred, he glanced at her as he answered,
"House?" She nodded her approval, and the waiter left.
"So, tell me about yourself, Tracy," Tom requested.
Tracy smiled a shy grin. "Not much to tell, really. I'm 32. I'm from Virginia.
I'm a lawyer..."
"A lawyer?" interrupted Tom. "Really?"
She nodded. "We're not all bad," she quipped.
Tom laughed. "No, I know that. I'm just surprised. I have a few friends who are
lawyers. They're not too bad," he teased.
"It's amazing what a bad name we all have... just because of a few bad
apples..."
"A few?" Tom repeated. "I think it's more like the other way around, Tracy.
There are a few good apples..."
"Okay, you!" she scolded, laughing lightly. "What do you do? I mean... until
February?"
"As little as possible," he joked. Tracy laughed delightedly, and Tom smiled.
"You have a beautiful laugh."
Tracy closed her mouth and smiled shyly. "Thank you," she breathed.
The sommelier walked up to the table and sat a wine bucket to Tom's right. He
pulled out the bottle of '94 Kendall-Jackson Johannesburg Riesling and displayed
it for Tom. Tom nodded, and the young man opened the bottle and poured a tiny
bit into Tom's wine glass. Tom picked it up and tasted it. Again, he nodded, and
the sommelier smiled. He poured Tracy's glass half full and then poured Tom's.
When he replaced the bottle in the bucket, Tom picked up his glass and raised it
to Tracy. "To broken-down cars," he whispered. "Happy birthday." Tracy smiled
and touched her glass to Tom's before they both took a sip.
As they ate their appetizer and salads, they talked. Tracy told Tom about her
childhood, growing up in rural Virginia. Tom shared a few funny stories from his
own childhood in upstate New York. While they waited for their main course to
arrive, Tom asked Tracy to dance. When he pulled her into his arms on the dance
floor, his hands touched her bare skin and Tracy shivered slightly. "Okay?" he
asked. She nodded. "Tracy, we don't have to dance if you'd..."
"Oh, I love to dance, Tom," she countered. "Really, I do. I'm just... out of
practice."
"Me, too," he confessed. "I can't remember the last time I went dancing."
Tracy looked into Tom's eyes and smiled. 'That's not quite what I meant,' she
said in her head. 'I meant I'm out of practice having a man's hands on my body.
And I like the feeling. I like it very, very much.' She realized that it was
going to be difficult to keep her word to her godfather. She wanted nothing more
right now than to invite this man into her bed tonight.
Tom felt a surge of warmth flood his body and move directly to his groin as
Tracy beamed her smile at him. 'Oh, God... she is so lovely. So perfectly
beautiful. And that smile... there's something going on in her mind for her to
be looking at me like that. She's thinking about sex. I can tell. She has to be.
Look at the feral look in her eyes. Oh, God...'
The song ended and Tom escorted Tracy back to their table just as their entrees
arrived. They shared more of their lives with each other... talking about their
families, their first loves, even their most painful loss. Tom told her about
losing his best friend in Viet Nam. "Hammer was the first real friend I ever
had. I could always count on him."
"What happened to him, Tom?" she asked gently.
"He was shot down. Was MIA for a long time," Tom replied softly. "Left a wife
and young son behind."
"Is that why you never married?" she prodded.
Tom turned surprised eyes to her. "I didn't tell you I'd never been married."
She smiled. "Have you?" He shook his head. "I didn't think so."
"Am I that transparent?" he grinned.
"Like cellophane," she teased.
"Ha!" his laugh came out as almost a bark. She looked at him questioningly. "A
friend of mine says that now. Says he picked it up from someone at the office.
I'd never heard it before."
Tracy giggled. "My mother always says that. Has ever since I was a baby."
"A baby? I'll bet she even has a picture of you wrapped up in cellophane, hmm?"
he raised his eyebrow in a sexy way.
Tracy's smile turned into a sexy grin. "No, but I've always wanted one of me
that way."
Tom gulped. "Is that an offer?"
"Did you bring your camera?" she taunted him. Tom shook his head. "Next time,
then," Tracy giggled and broke the spell.
"Dessert?" Tom choked out.
She nodded. "Absolutely!"
Tuesday, 21 January 2003
2205 EDT
Tracy Manetti's Apartment
Oakton, Virginia
Tom held Tracy's hand as they walked up the path to her apartment. He unlocked
her door and pushed it open. "Tracy, I enjoyed this evening..."
"You will come in for a while, won't you?" she asked.
"I don't think I'd better," he whispered huskily. "I think we should say goodbye
here."
Tracy looked down at her feet. "I'm sorry, Tom. I didn't mean to be so
forward..."
"Oh, Tracy. No..." Tom put his finger under her chin and lifted her face.
"Please don't apologize for anything. You've been absolutely... perfect... all
evening. I just don't think it would be the best thing for you if I..." He
hesitated when he saw a tear welling in her eye. He leaned down and kissed her
forehead. "Tracy, we just met yesterday. I don't want you to feel like I've
taken advantage of you in any way. I don't want your family to feel that way
either. And I know if you were my daughter..." She frowned; he grinned and
continued, "or my niece... or my sister, for that matter... I would. Let's take
this a little slow. Do you mind?"
"You mean... you want to see me again?" she asked hopefully.
"God, yes!" he breathed, running his hands down her arms possessively. "Most
definitely. And a lot more of you..." he grinned, moving his arms around her
waist and pulling her to him. "Take that any way you want and you'll be right."
Tracy's face brightened into a smile. "I thought... when you said we should say
'goodbye'... I thought you meant you didn't want to see me again."
"How about tomorrow night?"
She sighed, "I can't tomorrow. I'm taking a class on Wednesday nights."
"Thursday?" he asked quickly. Then remembered, "Oh, no, I'm busy that night. How
about Friday night?" She nodded. "How do you feel about the theatre?"
"I love the theatre. I don't usually care for raucous comedies, but I've enjoyed
most of the shows I've seen," she confessed.
"There's one called 'Shear Madness' playing at the Kennedy Center on Friday
night. Interested?"
"I've heard of that, I think. Isn't it supposed to take place in Georgetown? In
a beauty salon?" Tracy asked.
Tom nodded. "That's the one. It's a comedy, but it's a murder mystery, I
believe. Shouldn't be too raucous."
"I'd love to go," she enthused.
"I'll check in the morning to be sure I can still get the tickets. Then I'll let
you know." He pulled her into his embrace and lowered his head. "Now I'm going
to kiss you good night before I change my mind and take you inside and ravage
you," he growled before lowering his mouth to hers.
Tracy opened her mouth to him and Tom moved his tongue inside. She moaned her
approval as he ran his tongue along the back of her teeth. Reluctantly, he
pulled away from her, and they both felt the loss. "I have to go, Tracy," he
whispered huskily.
"You'll call me?"
"Of course I will..." he paused, then he grinned. "If you'll give me your phone
number, that is." He took out a pen and the receipt from dinner.
"703-743-7325," she said as he wrote. "That's my cell number. Oh! How'd you find
out where I work?" She realized she'd never asked.
"I didn't."
"But the flowers... how did you...?"
Tom grinned. "I had them delivered here and your landlady offered to take them
to your office so you'd have them all day."
"That Alice! She's such a sweet woman," Tracy said.
"She thinks a lot of you, too, Tracy."
As Tom put the pen and slip of paper back in his pocket, Tracy said, "Tom,
there's something I haven't told you." She thought he must have known because of
the flowers. But evidently not. He looked at her quizzically. "I'm also in the
Navy. I'm a Lieutenant Commander," she almost whispered.
Tom smiled. "I knew you were a bright girl!"
"That doesn't bother you?" she asked. "That I'm a junior officer?"
"Why should it? You're not in my chain of command... nor will you ever be; I'm
retiring in a couple of weeks, remember?"
Tracy breathed a sigh of relief. "Good night, Tom."
He leaned in for another kiss. "Good night, Tracy. I'll call you tomorrow."
As Tracy closed the door, she leaned against it and hugged herself tightly. "Oooh,
he is SOOOO wonderful!"
Wednesday, 22 January 2003
1120 EDT
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
"So, tell me about your date, Tracy," prompted Mac from one of the stalls in the
ladies' room.
"Oh, yes! Do tell!" Harriett piped up from a second.
Tracy, in the third stall, giggled, "It was absolutely the best! I can't
remember ever having a better first date. I can't remember ever having a better
ANY date!" she giggled again. "Tom was such a gentleman. And God, he was dressed
to kill! He wore a gray suit with a black shirt and tie. He was so gorgeous! It
was absolutely perfect. He was absolutely perfect!" she gushed.
Mac, now at the sink, turned on the faucet and spoke above the running water.
"Where'd he take you?"
"It's a little place in Arlington. Chef John's. the food was excellent, and the
atmosphere... 'intimately romantic' would describe it best," she purred. "Almost
all of the tables are tables for two. And they have a lovely little dance
floor..."
Mac thought to herself, 'How big a coincidence is that? Chef John's? And Admiral
Boone just asked Harm about that on Monday... and his name is Tom... Hmm, I
wonder...'
Before Mac could probe any further, Harriett approached another sink and asked,
"What about after dinner?"
Tracy sighed, "He took me home... and he wouldn't come in."
"And did you want him to 'come in'?" giggled Harriett, forgetting for a moment
that she was addressing a senior officer. Tracy exited her stall and blushed
furiously at Harriett's question. She turned on the faucet at a third sink.
Mac joined in Harriett's laughter, and finally Tracy did, too. She said,
"Actually, I'd sort of promised my godfather that I wouldn't invite Tom into my
bed last night. So I guess it's good that he didn't come in the apartment."
Harriett and Mac laughed even harder. "Enter the apartment!" Tracy corrected.
The women cackled. "Walked inside!!" Tracy was laughing so hard, they could
hardly understand her. "Anyway, I know I wouldn't have let him leave until
morning."
"But he did leave?" Mac confirmed.
Tracy nodded. "Yeah, he did. But not before we made a date for Friday night.
We're going to see a play at the Kennedy Center."
"Oooh, a learned man, eh?" teased Mac. "And a Naval officer? Gosh, how rare is
that!?"
Harriett swatted her friend on the arm. "Hey!"
Mac giggled, "Okay, okay. I suppose there are one or two around. Let me think.
Bud. Yes, I'd have to say he's a learned man. And the Admiral. Yes, he's
definitely a learned man." Mac put her finger to her temple as though to think.
"Hmm, but you know? That's all I can come up with. Just those two."
Harriett and Tracy laughed. "Don't let Commander Rabb know you said that!"
teased Harriett.
"Must be three, then," Tracy said at the same time. "Unless, of course, you
meant my Admiral."
"Your Admiral?" giggled Harried. "What do you mean 'your' Admiral?"
"Tom is an Admiral," admitted Tracy. "He works at the Pentagon. He's retiring in
a few weeks."
Mac was sure now. Tracy's Admiral was Tom Boone. Had to be. Oh, God! Wait until
Harm finds out!'
Harriett asked, "Does he know your rank?"
Tracy nodded. "I told him last night. He said it doesn't matter. I think he was
more concerned about the difference in our ages than our rank, anyway."
"How old is he?" Harriett pressed.
"I don't know exactly, he never said. But I'd guess... probably 54 or 55."
"And that doesn't bother you?"
Tracy shook her head. "Not at all. I think men that age are incredibly sexy. I
mean, look at Admiral Chegwidden! He's the sexiest man in this entire building!"
"Tracy!" exclaimed Mac in surprise, although she certainly agreed with her.
"Well, it's true, Mac," agreed Harriett. "And don't you dare tell Bud I said
that!" she giggled as the 3 women left the ladies' room and headed back to the
bullpen.
AJ stood up and walked around to the front of his desk, perching himself on the
edge. "No problem at all, Tom," he assured his friend. "I got those tickets
months ago, when I was still seeing Meredith. I have no desire to go alone, and
there's no one I can take right now. You're welcome to them."
"Thanks, AJ," Tom replied. "I was really hoping you hadn't found someone to hand
them off to yet."
"Who are you taking? Or should I mind my own business?" AJ chuckled.
Tom grinned, "New girlfriend."
"How long have you been seeing her?" AJ prodded.
"Met her on Monday," Tom replied. "Early Monday morning, in fact. She looked
like a helpless teenager in that big car." AJ looked at him questioningly. "She
had car trouble on the highway. I stopped and gave her a ride home."
"Did you now?"
Tom grinned. "Yeah. And by the time we got to her apartment, I found out that
the next day was her birthday. She was 32 yesterday." AJ's ears started to get
hot. He was recognizing this scenario, only too well. "I took her out for dinner
last night to celebrate. She said she doesn't have that many friends around here
yet. Can't imagine why..." his thoughts trailed off.
AJ nodded. "Nice dinner?"
"Chef John's in Arlington. Great place. Harm recommended it."
"And afterward?" AJ prodded.
Tom grinned, "Now, AJ. What kind of man kisses and tells?" At AJ's chuckle, Tom
said, "No, actually, I went home... left her at the door. I didn't dare go
inside her apartment or I wouldn't have left." He sighed, "AJ, do you think
she's too young for me? I mean, I'm 23 years older than she is."
"What do you think?"
"I thought so... at first. I even decided that's how I was going to play it last
night. But, man! When I saw the dress she had herself poured into... God, that
was all it took. She is no child!"
"No, I'm sure she's not," AJ agreed.
Tom almost sighed. "And it was very obvious that she didn't think I was too old.
God, it felt good to have her in my arms on that dance floor." Tom grew serious.
"But you know, AJ, she was more than that. She was fun, sure. But she was easy
to talk to. Hell, we talked about our childhoods! When have I ever talked about
my childhood on a date? Never!"
"She have a name?" AJ already knew her name, he was sure. But maybe... just
maybe he was wrong.
"Tracy," Tom replied softly, as though he were caressing her name. "You'd like
her, AJ. She's a lawyer. And in the Navy, too. A Lieutenant Commander she told
me."
"How'd she like the flowers?" AJ asked.
"How'd you know I sent her flowers?" Tom asked.
"What kind of man wouldn't send a woman flowers on her birthday if he was taking
her out for dinner that night?" AJ retorted, standing up and walking to the
door. He knew that Tracy usually left the office right about now for lunch. She
was the only person in his office who took a lunch break at the same time every
day... well, except when she skipped it all together. And he really wanted to
see the interaction between these two when they saw each other. 'Evil, AJ...
you're just plain evil,' he knew.
AJ and Tom walked out into the bullpen just as Harm exited his office. "Admiral
Boone!"
"Commander Rabb," Tom said formally.
"How'd you enjoy Chef John's, Sir?" Harm asked.
Tom grinned. "The restaurant was very nice. Thanks for the recommendation."
While Harm and Tom were talking, AJ noticed that Tracy's office was empty.
'Damn. She's not there.' Then he heard laughter down the hall. Female laughter.
He watched as his 3 female officers walked toward the bullpen, obviously coming
from the ladies' room. 'Here it comes!' AJ grinned to himself.
Mac looked up and saw Tom standing between AJ and Harm. 'Oh, my God! Here we
go!'
The Marine guard opened the door to the bullpen when he saw the officers
approaching. The women walked into the bullpen just as the men looked up. Tracy
saw Tom at the same moment he saw her. But before either had the chance to say a
word, Harm spoke up. "Admiral Boone, I don't believe you've met the newest
member of the JAG staff. This is Lieutenant Commander Tracy Manetti. Commander,
Admiral Thomas Boone."
"Soon to be retired," Tom added as though he'd never met her before.
She was startled, but hid it well. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance...
Admiral."
"Likewise, Commander. Don't let Hammer's son give you any wooden nickels now,"
he said cryptically. At least it was cryptic to the others; Tracy knew exactly
what he meant. Harmon Rabb was the son that Tom's best friend, Hammer, left
behind when he went MIA. And her co-workers were obviously the friends of his
who are lawyers.
"I'll be very careful about that, Sir. Thank you for the advice," Tracy
acknowledged.
AJ and Mac were dumbfounded. Why on earth were they acting like they'd never met
before? They were both convinced they had them dead to rights. After a brief
conversation, AJ nodded to Harriett and Tracy, letting them know that they were
dismissed and didn't need to stand there any longer. Tracy returned to her
office.
Not 3 minutes later, Tom knocked on her doorframe. She looked up and smiled.
"What can I do for you, Admiral?"
Tom stepped inside and kicked the door shut. "Come here, you," he growled. Tracy
quickly moved from behind her desk, and Tom took her in his arms. Their heads
moved together and their kiss grew in intensity until they were devouring each
other. Tom's hands moved over her body, and Tracy cupped his butt, pressing him
into her. She could feel how hard he was already.
"I was so surprised to see you," she whispered.
"Good surprised?" he asked as he nibbled on her ear.
"Very... good... surprised," she panted as he backed her up against her desk.
"Nice flowers," he commented.
"Did I tell you how much I love tulips?" she mumbled as he kissed her again.
Just when he began to hike her skirt up, they heard AJ bellow, "Hey, Tom! Close
the blinds!"
They jerked apart and turned to see the entire office staff watching them, their
mouths gaping open. Only AJ and Mac stood with huge smiles on their faces.
Tracy blushed profusely, but Tom just grabbed her coat and said, "Come on; let's
go to lunch." She nodded, retrieved her purse from her desk drawer, and they
headed out.
As they passed through the bullpen, AJ slapped Tom on the back. "Way to go, old
man!" he whispered.
Harm stared after them. "But... but... They just met!"
"Obviously, he's got what it takes, Harm!" Mac teased. "Age, power, and sex
appeal." She and Harriett giggled, and Mac headed for her office humming.
AJ turned back to his own office, thinking, 'Age? Mac prefers an older man, too?
And what's that song she's humming? I should recognize that...'
Wednesday, 22 January 2003
1545 EDT
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
Harm knocked on Mac's door. "Did you hear the latest? Ted Lindsey is taking the
Iceland JAG position!"
Mac looked up. "Is he?" She didn't want to let Harm know that she all ready knew
that.
"Yeah. I just heard it from Tiner. The SecNav's secretary called him. Sheffield
had the Admiral cut his orders yesterday. Can you believe it?"
"Well, I guess it's true then," Mac said, shuffling her paper around on her
desk. She did not want to discuss this. She was trying to get things cleaned up
so she could hand off all of her cases and close out the paperwork on the
completed ones.
"Mac, what are you doing?" Harm finally asked.
"Trying to catch up on some paperwork, Harm. Is that so incredible?" she said
shortly.
"Geez, don't bite my head off," he complained. "I was just asking. You feeling
okay? You don't look so good, Mac."
She scooted back in her chair and moved to her file cabinet so that her back was
to Harm. "I'm fine, Harm," she lied. "I'm just really busy."
"Okay, I'll leave you alone. Hey, you want to grab some dinner later?" he asked.
She shook her head. "I don't think so. Not tonight, anyway. But thanks." She
felt bad taking out her anxiety on Harm. He was, after all, her best friend.
"Another time, then," Harm said as he left her office. "Hey, Bud! Did you hear
about Ted Lindsey?"
Mac could hear their conversation... and more and more people talking about it.
Mac closed her office door, but it didn't help. Oh, it helped drown out the
scuttlebutt, but it didn't drown out her thoughts... and the knowledge that she
was leaving JAG in another week. She felt the tears as they began to well in her
eyes.
"Mac?" AJ knocked as he opened her door and called to her.
Mac turned to face him, willing the tears away instantly. "Yes, Sir?"
"Why don't you pack up and go on home, Mac." He said it... it was an order, she
knew. He dropped the volume of his voice. "Get some rest tonight. We'll make the
announcement first thing in the morning so you don't have to..." he hesitated,
"hide. I know this is hard on you."
"Thank you, Sir."
"By the way, Mac... you seemed not to be surprised by Tracy and Tom. Did she
tell you?"
Mac genuinely smiled. "No, Sir. I figured it out just a couple of minutes
before. We were in the ladies' room, and she was telling Harriett and me about
their date. A few of the things she said... well, I just figured it out. Since I
know Admiral Boone, it was obvious."
AJ grinned. "That's how I knew. Tom had just confided a few things to me, too...
and well, because I know Tracy, it was obvious, as you said." AJ turned to leave
her office. "I just hope her family is okay with the age difference," he
commented.
"I don't see why people are so hung up about age," Mac replied. "So he's older
than her. What does that matter if they care for each other? What difference
does it make if he's 2 years older than her? Or 5? Or 16?" AJ's breath caught in
his chest. "Or 23?" she finished.
'Does she know that we are 16 years apart? Is that why she said 16?' he
wondered. "Let's hope her family shares that view, Mac. Good night. See you
tomorrow." AJ opened the door and returned to his own office, allowing Mac to
pack up and leave for the day.
Wednesday, 22 January 2003
2355 EDT
Tracy Manetti's Apartment
Oakton, Virginia
Tracy laid on her bed cradling the phone at her ear. "No, Admiral Chegwidden
didn't say a word to me about it, Tom. He grinned at me a few times this
afternoon, but he didn't say a word."
"He grinned, huh?" Tom asked over the wire.
"Yeah, he did. What'd you tell him, anyway?" she asked.
"Well he knows I didn't stay last night..." Tom said. Then he remembered, "Oh!
He was probably thinking of your dress."
"My dress?"
Tom chuckled. "Yeah. I told him that it... um..." he hesitated.
"What, Tom?" she prodded.
"I told him that it fit really well," Tom ground out. Remembering her body in
the form-fitting dress was having a distinct reaction on him.
Tracy giggled. "I rather hoped you liked the way it fit."
"Oh, I did... Believe me!" Tom breathed. "I can still remember how well it
clung... in all the right places."
Tracy purred, "I have another one very similar to it. I thought I'd wear it on
Friday night. You think that would be appropriate?"
Tom gulped. "At the Kennedy Center? Tracy, I think something a little more..."
he couldn't bring himself to say it.
"Conservative?" she supplied.
"Damn. Yes, that would probably be better for Friday night. Unless you'd rather
not go the play. We can certainly..."
"Oh, no! The play sounds wonderful. And I can always wear the dress another
time," she insisted.
"Okay."
"What are you planning to wear Friday night? That'll help me to know what to
choose for myself," she requested.
"I'll probably just wear a sweater and slacks," he said.
"Okay, that helps. Thanks.
"Tracy, I hate to say this, but I'm going to have to hang up my end now. I have
an early meeting in the morning, which means I have to be up by 0430. And I need
to get a little sleep."
"Oh definitely, Tom. You need to rest up. Because if I have my way, you won't
get any sleep on Friday night," she promised.
Tom groaned audibly, "Oooh, Tracy..." He could feel the blood rush to his groin.
"Just thought I'd leave you with that thought as you go to sleep. Good night,
Tom!" she teased, hanging up her end.
Thursday, 23 January 2003
0900 EDT
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
Petty Officer Tiner called for everyone's attention. "At ease," AJ told them.
"I'm sure you've all heard by now that Commander Ted Lindsey has been assigned
to the JAG posting in Iceland. He will be in charge of the legal affairs for
that entire region for the foreseeable future. With Commander Lindsey's
departure, that opens up the position of Legal Counsel to the Secretary of the
Navy... a very important position. And the SecNav expects it to be even more
high profile in the very near future." He thought to himself, 'Which is another
reason he wanted to get rid of Lindsey!'
AJ continued, "Secretary Sheffield was very specific in his choice of
replacement for Commander Lindsey. He wants someone who excels not only in the
courtroom, but also in day-to-day legal affairs. He wants someone others, not
only in the military but also in government, will recognize as knowledgeable and
dependable. He wants someone he can trust completely." AJ looked directly at Mac
and said, "He wants Lieutenant Colonel Sarah MacKenzie."
AJ paused as he heard several gasps around the room. Then he continued. "She
begins her new assignment on 1 February. I know you'll all wish her well." He
turned back to face Mac. "You will be missed, Colonel. Sorely missed." He turned
back to the crowd. "That'll be all." AJ returned to his office and closed the
door.
Throughout the day, people approached Mac and wished her well as the Admiral
said. Harm finally got Mac alone just about lunch time. "Mac, let me take you to
lunch."
Mac smiled. "Not today, Harm. I'm just not in the mood. I'm sorry."
"Mac, don't shut me out. You're my best friend. I don't want to lose that. Just
because you're going to be at the Pentagon..."
"I don't want to lose it either, Harm. I just really don't feel like discussing
my new job with anyone right now. Please."
"We don't have to discuss..."
"Harm, I know you say that. But I also know that's exactly what we'll end up
talking about. And I really need a break from thinking about it. Please
understand." Harm looked truly offended. "How about dinner tonight instead?" she
offered.
Harm brightened. "You mean it?" She nodded. "Okay! I'll pick you up about 1800?"
"Perfect," she replied. Harm started to leave, but Mac said, "And Harm?" He
turned back to face her. "Thank you."
As Harm walked out of Mac's office, Tracy walked in. "You free for lunch,
Colonel?"
Mac looked up. "Depends. We going to talk about my new job or your new
boyfriend?"
"I kinda thought... my new boyfriend?" she almost giggled.
Mac grinned. "Let's go!"
They returned to the office 72 minutes later, and Mac was laughing and smiling
again. Harm was delighted to see the change in her... as was AJ. "Guess I won't
have quite so much cheering up to do tonight. That's good," Harm said as they
watched the two women go to their respective offices.
"Tonight?" queried AJ.
"I'm taking Mac out for dinner tonight, Sir," Harm explained.
"Oh, I see." AJ turned back to his office. 'Well, I guess it was just a fluke
that she called out our difference in age yesterday. She's obviously still
interested in Harm. Just as well, I suppose...'
Thursday, 23 January 2003
2110 EDT
Sarah MacKenzie's Apartment
Georgetown, Washington, DC
Mac and Harm sat on the sofa in her living room, Harm's arm around her
shoulders. "Mac, I meant what I said earlier. Just because you'll be at the
Pentagon now doesn't mean we have to lose what we have together."
Mac smiled, "I know that, Harm. We'll just have to work at it a little harder, I
guess. It's easy to let a friendship lapse when you don't see each other every
day."
"We can still talk every day, though. Either on the phone or online."
"That's true, I suppose," she replied thoughtfully. "Do me a favor, Harm?"
"Of course. Name it."
"Pay a little more attention to Tracy when I'm gone."
"Tracy? Mac, she's dating Tom Boone!"
Mac chuckled. "I don't mean that kind of attention, Harm. I mean at the office.
Ask her to lunch once in a while... the way you always did me. Be sure she joins
everyone at McMurphy's or Benzinger's after work. I think she still feels like
an outsider."
"Really? Gosh, I never thought..."
Mac nodded. "I think a lot of it is my fault. I never really accepted her... her
first case at JAG, she was on the opposing side, and I never got past her
believing my client was guilty. I think I was predisposed not to like her." Harm
grinned. "But I've gotten to know her this past week, and she's delightful! I
really wish we had more time to work together."
"I'll do my best, Mac. She'll feel at home in no time," Harm promised.
Mac reached over and kissed Harm on the cheek. "Thanks, Flyboy. I knew I could
count on you."
"Mac?" Harm looked at her longingly. "I know I've been an idiot a few times when
you... well..."
Mac smiled indulgently. "It's too late, Harm. I think you know that."
He nodded. "Yeah, I know. It's a shame, too. We could have been really good
together, I think."
"I wish you'd thought that several years ago."
"So do I, Mac," he sighed. "So do I."
"It's getting late," she commented, knowing it wasn't even 2130 yet.
Harm stood, and agreed, "I should be going. I'll see you tomorrow, Mac." Harm
picked up his coat and shrugged into it.
She showed him to the door. "Thanks, again, for dinner, Harm. I enjoyed it. Good
night."
Friday, 24 January 2003
0925 EDT
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
Harm stepped off the elevator just as AJ came out of the men's room. "Nice of
you to join us this morning, Commander," AJ said crisply. He did not like it
when his people were late coming in to the office. Especially not his officers.
It did not set a good example for the enlisted personnel.
"Sorry I'm late, Admiral. Had a rather late night," Harm replied, thinking of
all he'd accomplished on his latest case after he got home from having dinner
with Mac.
AJ turned to see if Harm had a grin on his face. He didn't. 'Odd. I'd have a
grin on my face if I'd been with Mac last night,' he thought to himself. 'Stuff
it, Chegwidden!' he scolded himself.
Harm headed for his office and AJ, the bookshelf just outside the break room.
Tiner hadn't been able to locate the book AJ wanted, but there it was... right
in plain sight. AJ picked up the reference book and opened it, scanning the
Table of Contents for the right chapter. He heard Mac, Tracy, and Harriett
inside the break room, obviously gathered around the Friday morning donuts. He
couldn't help but overhear their conversation.
Mac said, "These chocolate-glazed ones are SOOOO good!"
Harriett asked, "So, Tracy, have you seen Admiral Boone since Wednesday?"
Tracy shook her head, "No, but we've talked on the phone every night."
Harriett giggled, "I remember those phone calls. Bud used to call me every night
while we were going out. God, the things that man could come up with to do to
each other over the phone!"
"Harriett!" Mac sounded appalled, until she burst into giggles herself... joined
by Tracy.
"So, has he taken it that far yet?" asked Mac.
Tracy shook her head, "No, not yet. He doesn't really sound comfortable on the
phone. I don't think he's used to them for personal calls. The first time he
called me, he was so... almost business-like. And he hung up after like 3
minutes!"
Mac smiled, "I'm sure he's just not used to it. A lot of men aren't. And he's
probably spent more time on a carrier and in the air than he has on dry land!"
"Oh, you're so right! Older men are really uncomfortable on the phone. My dad is
that way," offered Harriett. Tracy frowned. She didn't care to be reminded yet
again that Tom was so much older than she.
"I don't think it's just older men, Harriett," Mac countered, seeing Tracy's
expression. "Lots of men have that problem." She turned to Tracy, "But I'll just
bet you can fix that in no time!"
Tracy grinned, "We're getting there. I got him good last night. Well, actually,
the last two nights!"
"How so?" asked Mac.
"Let's put it this way... he didn't have any blood left in his brain when we
hung up," Tracy said in a sexy voice. AJ almost dropped the book he was holding.
Harriett and Mac laughed. "But when are you going to see him again?" asked
Harriett.
"We're going to the Kennedy Center tonight. And then... who knows?" she smiled.
"Oh, is that tonight?" asked Mac. Tracy nodded. "I know you'll enjoy the play.
It's hysterical."
Harriett giggled, "And if I don't miss my guess, you'll have company in the
morning, hmm?"
"One can hope!" Tracy replied.
"Oh, you are bad, Girl!" teased Mac.
AJ decided it was time to make himself known. He set the book back on the shelf
and rounded the corner, saying, "You should talk, Mac."
Mac blushed and sputtered, "What do you mean, Sir?"
He picked up a chocolate-glazed donut... the kind he heard Mac comment on. "Rabb
just got in. Said he had quite a late night." AJ raised his eyebrow, "And I
believe the two of you had a dinner date last night." He let the insinuation
hang in the air as he filled a mug with hot coffee.
Mac looked puzzled. "He left my place at 2124, Admiral. I don't know why he had
such a late night, but I assure you, I had nothing whatsoever to do with it."
AJ fixed his gaze on her. Harriett and Tracy chose that moment to scoot away
unnoticed. 'God, she's so beautiful... Focus, Chegwidden!' "He left that early
after a date with you?" he asked incredulously. Mac nodded. "Stupid man," AJ
muttered under his breath.
"Admiral," Mac said quietly. "Harm and I were not on a date... not an actual
date, I mean. We're friends. Not..." she hesitated. "We're not..." She tried
again, "We aren't dating, Sir. We aren't involved in that way..."
AJ raised his hand and shook his head, interrupting her. "Won't matter now
anyway, Mac, with your leaving. I won't have to make any special provisions...
There's nothing to keep you two apart now," he sighed as he turned and left the
room.
Mac thought to herself, 'But there is, AJ. There's you.'
Friday, 24 January 2003
2155 EDT
The Kennedy Center
Washington, DC
As the lights came up in the theatre for intermission, Tom and Tracy rose from
their seats. "Are you enjoying it?" Tom asked her.
She smiled, "Very much. You?" She thought it had to be obvious that she was
enjoying the play; she was laughing almost constantly. But Tom had only laughed
twice so far. She wasn't at all sure that he was enjoying himself.
Tom picked up her hand and raised it to his lips. He whispered, "I'm enjoying
watching you enjoy the play." Tracy blushed lightly. "Would you like something
to drink?" he asked.
Tracy nodded, "A glass of wine, maybe?"
"What's your pleasure?" He slipped her hand into his and escorted her out to the
foyer.
"White Zinfandel?" she proposed.
Tom approached the small bar and ordered, "White Zinfandel. Two."
Their glasses in hand, they turned and walked toward the balcony. It was far too
cold to go outside, but the lights were making a fabulous display, so they went
to enjoy the view from the windows.
"Tom?" a voice called. "Tom Boone?"
Tom turned around to see the former captain of the Seahawk. "Skipper!" Tom said
enthusiastically. The two men grasped hands in greeting.
"Tom, it's great to see you. It's been... what... 5 years?"
Tom nodded, "About that, Jake." He suddenly remembered Tracy at his side. "Oh,
pardon me," he said, turning to Tracy. He put his arm around her and said,
"Tracy, this is the former captain of the Seahawk, retired Admiral Jacob Evans.
Skipper, meet Tracy Manetti."
"A pleasure to meet you, Sir," Tracy said demurely, offering her hand in
greeting.
Evans reached for her hand and lifted it to his lips, kissing it lightly. "The
pleasure is all mine, I assure you, Miss Manetti." He released her hand and
looked back at Tom, raising his eyebrows in question.
"Actually, Jake, Tracy is a Lieutenant Commander. She's a lawyer... at JAG," Tom
told him.
Evans smiled his approval. "Working for AJ Chegwidden, hmm?" Tracy nodded. "Rabb
and MacKenzie still there, too?" he asked.
"Yes, Sir, they are. Well, until the first. Lieutenant Colonel MacKenzie has
been the Admiral's Chief of Staff for several years," Tracy informed him. "But
the Secretary of the Navy has requested her as his Legal Counsel now."
"Colonel?! Wow, she has done well for herself. Going to Sheffield's office, eh?
Must be smarter than he looks." Evans turned to Boone and grinned, "You ever
forgive MacKenzie for wanting to slap a sexual harassment charge on you, Tom?"
Tom laughed. "Yeah. She's okay."
Tracy was shocked. "Sexual harassment? You?"
Both men laughed. "Nothing came of it, Tracy," Tom assured her. "It wasn't a
valid charge, and Mac figured that out before she actually filed any charges.
I'll tell you about it sometime if you want to know. But it's nothing to worry
about." Tracy sighed her relief.
"So, have Rabb and MacKenzie ever gotten together? They married yet?" Evans
asked.
Tom chuckled, "No, Rabb is kinda slow there. And if he doesn't get his 'six' in
gear, she's going to find someone else."
Tracy offered, "I believe he's already lost his chance, actually. They're best
of friends, but that's all. And that's all Mac intends it ever to be."
Tom was surprised. "Really? I didn't realize that. Shame. They make a nice
looking couple."
Tracy held her tongue. She didn't actually think they did; she thought Admiral
Chegwidden and Mac made a much finer looking couple. But of course, that would
never come to pass.
Evans kept looking at Tracy... almost staring sometimes. Finally he asked,
"Manetti, did you say?" Tom and Tracy nodded. "Any relation to Antonio Manetti?"
he asked.
Tracy nodded. "My father is Tony Manetti, yes." Then she turned to Tom, "I
really need to visit the ladies' room, Tom. I'll be right back."
"Oh, here, I'll..."
"No, no... you stay and visit with the Admiral. I'll be right back," she
insisted. Tom nodded his agreement.
When she was out of hearing distance, Evans said, "Better watch your step with
this one, Tom. Her father could destroy you with the snap of his fingers." Tom
raised his eyebrow at such a statement. "You don't know who he is?" Tom shook
his head. "He's money, Tom. Big money. Tobacco money. And there's been
speculation that there's also Italian mob money in there, too."
Tom said, "I'm not dating her father, Jake. I'm dating Tracy."
"How'd you happen to get lucky with such a young thing, anyway?" Evans asked.
Tom grinned, "Haven't yet. This is only our second date."
"Second? You're slipping, Tom!"
The two men laughed. When Tom looked in the direction of the restrooms, he saw
Tracy talking to another man. "Who's that?" he asked, not meaning to speak
aloud.
Evans turned and saw them. "No idea. Looks vaguely familiar, though. They do
look rather... friendly," he observed.
"Not the word I'd have chosen," Tom said jealously as Tracy reached up and
hugged the man's neck. But when the man leaned down and kissed her, Tom said,
"Excuse me, Jake." He made his way over to them and said, "Tracy?"
"Tom!" she exclaimed. "I'm so glad you came over," she gushed. "I want you to
meet someone." She looked at Tom and was surprised to see something strange in
his eyes... he looked angry... no, something else... but what? She'd have to
ponder that later. But for now, she introduced the two men. "Admiral Thomas
Boone, may I present my oldest brother, Justice Michaelo Manetti. Mike, this is
Tom."
Tom tried hard not to show his shock. 'My God! Her brother is the new Supreme
Court Justice!?'
Mike stretched his arm out to Tom. "Good to meet you, Tom."
Tom shook the man's hand and replied, "And you, Sir."
"Oh, please, call me Mike. After all, you're Tracy's... um..." He snorted,
"'Boyfriend' hardly seems the appropriate word, now does it? I mean you're far
from being a 'boy'. In fact, don't you think you're a little old for my baby
sister, Admiral?"
"Michaelo!" exclaimed Tracy in mortification.
Tom surprised them both by answering, "Yes, actually, I do." Then he smiled at
Tracy and pulled her to his side. "But lucky for me, Tracy doesn't think so. And
I was taught to always give a lady what she wants. And I can assure you, Mike...
your sister may be the youngest in the family, but she is not a baby."
Tracy giggled and said, "Why, thank you, Tom!"
Mike grinned and slapped him on the back. "Couldn't have said it better myself!"
Tom looked surprised. "Thought I was gonna give you a hard time, eh?" Tom
nodded. "Nah. That's for you to give Tracy later," he winked. Tom almost lost
his composure at that statement. Tracy did: she blushed profusely. "You take
care of my sister, Admiral," Mike told Tom as he leaned in to kiss Tracy on the
cheek. "And you be careful, Girl Babe," he whispered.
The house lights blinked, indicating that the second half was ready to begin.
Tom and Tracy moved back inside and took their seats. "Girl Babe?" Tom said as
they sat down.
Tracy nodded. "Family nickname. Daddy says 'Girl Baby', but everyone else says
'Girl Babe'. Started when I was born... and it stuck."
Tom draped his arm across Tracy's shoulders and pulled her to him. She snuggled
closely against his side and laid her hand on his thigh, running it up as far as
his crotch and down as far as his knee. She felt him squirm a few times as her
hand brushed his groin lightly, but he didn't utter a sound. She chanced a
glance up at his face and his eyes were closed. He wasn't even watching the
play... he was totally consumed by what she was doing to him. She liked that.
She liked that a lot.
When the play concluded, Tracy whispered in his ear, "Let's skip the reception
and go home."
Tom grinned, "Gladly!" He led her quickly out of the building and through the
parking lot. When they reached his car, Tracy slipped her arms up and around
Tom's neck and pulled him down to her level. She kissed him soundly, running her
tongue along the seam of his lips until he parted them. She heard him groan, so
she moved one hand down from his neck and slipped it between them. She stroked
his length through his pants, and she knew he was already growing very hard for
her. "Tracy, you're killing me here," Tom ground out.
Finally on the road, Tom brought up the subject of Tracy's brother. "You know,
it never connected until I met him tonight."
"What never connected?" asked Tracy.
"Your brother. The latest appointment to the Supreme Court." Tom shook his head.
"I never put the two together."
Tracy smiled. "That's okay. I don't think anyone at JAG has yet either. Well,
except Admiral Chegwidden, of course. He gave me the afternoon off so I could go
to the swearing in ceremony earlier this month."
"How old is your brother?" Tom asked. "He sure doesn't look old enough to be a
Justice."
Tracy laughed lightly. "He's 44. Older than Justice Thomas was when he was sworn
in." Tom turned questioning eyes to her. "Really! Thomas was only 43."
The rest of the ride to Tracy's apartment was a fairly quiet one; each of them
was lost in their own thoughts and desires for the way this night would end.
Friday, 24 January 2003
2325 EDT
Tracy Manetti's Apartment
Oakland, Virginia
When they arrived at her apartment, Tom unlocked the door and pushed it open,
stepping aside to allow Tracy to enter first. He helped her out of her heavy
coat, and she took it from him to hang in the coat closet. Tom shrugged out of
his own coat, and Tracy hung it up, as well.
"Would you like some..." she started to say, but her words were cut short when
Tom turned her around quickly and took possession of her lips. His tongue delved
deep into the recesses of her mouth. Tracy threw her arms around his neck and
returned the kiss fervently. When they finally came up for air, she finished her
question... "Coffee?"
Tom chuckled, "No, thank you."
"Tea?"
He shook his head. "Nope."
"How about me?" she purred, leaning into his tall frame.
"Oh, yeah. Now that I definitely want some of."
Tracy smiled sexily. "I'm so glad." Tom leaned down and covered her mouth with
his, sliding his hands underneath her cardigan and up her back. She stiffened
slightly at his touch.
He looked into her eyes, "Is this okay?" he mumbled in her mouth as he pulled
her with him to the sofa and sat down. He kicked off his shoes, and Tracy
followed suit with hers.
She smiled and nodded, "Your hands are cold." She thought to herself, 'Well,
they are!' But she knew that wasn't why she'd reacted that way. Tracy wasn't
used to men touching her intimately... she wanted it, they just didn't seem to
want her. Not after they found out who her family was, anyway. But Tom already
knew that. And he'd reacted so well to her touching him earlier. He didn't
strike her as the kind of man who was going to run off... not even if her father
showed up. 'But if Daddy does that to me again, I'll... I'll...' She remembered
the last time she dared to have a man take her to bed. Her father had walked in
on them and threw the man out the front door... naked as a jaybird! Then he
threw the man's clothes out the window. She never heard from Bill again. She
clenched her fists and hit the sofa.
Tom looked up, surprised. "Tracy, is something wrong?"
Tracy shook her head and pulled his head back to hers. This time, she
participated fully in the kiss, opening her mouth to his tongue and delving her
own inside his mouth. When they came up for air, Tom said, "Tracy, what is it?
Are you having second thoughts about this? About us?"
Tracy looked almost hurt by his words. "No!" she said quickly. Then very
quietly, "Are you?"
Tom shook his head and reached for the buttons on her sweater. As he unbuttoned
the top one, he kissed her on her forehead. "No, I'm past the second thoughts,
Tracy." He unbuttoned the next one and kissed her on her nose. "I'm on fifth and
sixth thoughts..." The next button came with a kiss on her left cheek, "And the
answer is always the same." Another button, and the right cheek, "I..." Another
button, and the right side of her neck, "...want..." The last button, and the
left side of her neck, "...you." Tom looked into Tracy's misty eyes as he spread
the sweater apart.
Her lips parted as he moved his hands on her arms, pulling the sweater down and
off of her. She sighed audibly and shivered in anticipation. "Oh, Tom... I want
you, too," she whispered.
Tom looked down now at Tracy's body. Her tiny bra fastened in the front. He
reached for the clasp and gently unhooked it, pulling the scrap of lace away
from her body. Tom smiled as he saw her small, firm breasts, and he moved his
thumbs to rub over her tender nipples. Tracy closed her eyes, and Tom took this
as a good sign. He leaned her back on the sofa and quickly pulled his own
sweater and undershirt over his head, tossing them aside. Then he cupped his
hands and kneaded her breasts.
She moaned her ecstasy and pushed up into his hands. Tom lowered his head to her
breasts now. He lightly tweaked and twisted and pinched one nipple as he licked
and sucked and nibbled on the other one. Tracy wiggled beneath him and held his
head tightly to her, thrusting up into his mouth. He switched sides and Tracy's
breathing became short and shallow.
Tom moved his hands down to Tracy's waist. He unzipped and unbuttoned her pants,
and slid them down her legs. Tracy shivered again. "Is this okay?" he asked
quietly. "Are my hands still cold?" he teased.
She nodded, afraid of his next reaction. Her panties. Tracy had felt herself
"leaking" as she always called it. Her panties were soaked; she wondered if Tom
would find that appealing... or disgusting. The boys she'd been with in school
had never liked it. In fact, only one man had said anything nice about it... and
Bill was the one her father chased away!
Tom reached for his belt buckle and had it undone and his trousers off in less
than 3 seconds. He knelt over her and moved his hand to the juncture of her
thighs, stroking her through her wet panties. "Mmm," he grinned. "Feels like
someone is just a bit excited," he teased. She looked into his eyes and saw
pleasure, not disgust. Tracy smiled and nodded. Tom laid back on top of her and
kissed her, then said, "I just had my exit physical two weeks ago. They did a
complete blood work-up, including STD; I'm clean."
Tracy smiled. "I never expected anything different." She kissed him
passionately. "I was tested before coming to JAG last fall... and I haven't been
with anyone since. I'm clean, too."
Tom pressed himself into her and Tracy spread her legs and wrapped them around
him. "Oooh, Tom," she panted.
"Do I need to use anything for birth control?" he asked.
She nodded. "I quit taking the pill a few years ago... and I haven't needed
it..." she began to explain. "I'm sorry," she whispered.
"Shhh," Tom breathed into her ear. "Don't be sorry, Tracy." He licked her ear
and then kissed it, moving his mouth along her jaw line as he spoke, "I'll get
the box of condoms from my..." Tom stopped mid-sentence... and mid-kiss. "Damn,"
he swore, rolling off of her.
"What? What is it?" she asked, surprised at his action.
"My bag. It's in the trunk of the car." He shook his head. "I didn't bring it
inside yet." Tracy smiled as he continued, "I didn't want to seem too... pushy."
"Well, I suggest you put some clothes back on and go get your bag, Admiral,"
Tracy giggled.
Tom pulled his pants on and drew his sweater over his head. He slipped his shoes
back on and grabbed his coat and keys. "I'll be right back! Save my place," he
teased, kissing her on the nose. He tested the front door to be sure it was
unlocked and he'd be able to get back inside without her having to come to the
door practically naked.
As Tom let himself out, Tracy picked up her clothes and ran to the master
bathroom. She tossed the clothes in the hamper and was going to turn the
bedcovers down on her bed when she heard the front door open and slam shut...
and a familiar voice call, "Girl Baby? Are you okay?"
Tracy grabbed her chenille robe from the hook in the bathroom. "Just a minute,
Daddy!" she called. She walked out into the living room to find her father
standing there, his arms crossed over his chest. "Daddy! What ever are you doing
here at this hour?"
His eyebrows raised at the sight of his daughter in her bathrobe. "Checking on
you, of course. Michaelo called from the Kennedy Center a couple of hours ago
and said you were there."
"So you drove all the way over here? Daddy, there is such a thing as a
telephone, you know," she scolded. There was a light knock on the door. 'Oh,
God!' Tracy breathed. 'Please let him have seen Daddy and not have his bag with
him!' Tracy moved to the door and opened it.
Tom stood there, empty handed. "Tracy," he nodded. Then he looked over at her
father. 'Looks just like his picture,' Tom realized. 'Good thing I recognized
him, as dark as it is out there with just the path lights.' "I saw him come
inside; just wanted to be sure everything is okay before I left."
Tracy smiled brightly at him. "Yes, everything's fine. Actually," she drawled,
pulling Tom back in the apartment, "I'd like you to meet my father. Admiral
Thomas Boone, this is Antonio Manetti. Daddy, this is Tom."
"You're the guy I passed on the pathway just now?" Tony Manetti confirmed.
Tom nodded. "That's right, Sir. I was on my way to my car." Tom didn't lie; he
was on his way to his car. Granted, he was coming back... but her father didn't
need to know that. Tom looked at Tracy then and winked, "You sure changed
clothes fast; I just left!"
"It's late. I was going to bed," she said. Tracy didn't lie either; she was
going to bed. Granted, she expected to be going to bed with Tom... but her
father didn't need to know that either.
Tony walked up to Tom. "Pleasure to meet you, Tom," he extended his hand in
greeting.
Tom shook it, "Likewise, Sir."
"Call me Tony," the older man ordered.
"Thank you. Tony," Tom replied. He turned to Tracy, "I should go now, Tracy. I
just wanted to be sure everything was okay."
"I'm fine, Tom. Thank you," she said sweetly.
Tony patted Tom on the back. "And I thank you, too, Tom... for coming back to
check on my baby. Tells me just what kind of man you are," he nodded his
approval then turned to Tracy. "I'll just go put on a pot of coffee while you
two say good night again."
"Thank you, Daddy," she smiled. Tracy turned back to Tom, and he pulled her into
his embrace. She buried her face in his chest and whispered, "I'm so sorry,
Tom."
He lifted her chin and said, "Don't be. I left the box on the bathroom counter
at home."
Tracy giggled as Tom lowered his mouth to hers and all but swallowed her tongue.
"Good night, Tracy. I'll call you tomorrow."
Saturday, 25 January 2003
0915 EDT
Tracy Manetti's Apartment
Oakland, Virginia
Tracy and her father sat at the kitchen table eating breakfast when the phone
rang. He grabbed it and answered, "Hello?"
"Lieutenant Commander Manetti, please?" the male voice said over the line.
"Who's calling?"
"Daddy, it's my apartment. Give me the phone!" Tracy ordered, grabbing it from
his ear. "Hello?" she said.
"Commander Manetti, Ma'am?" the young man said.
"Speaking. Tiner, is that you?" she asked.
"Yes, Ma'am. Admiral Chegwidden asked that I call you. There's been an incident,
and he wants you and Commander Turner to head out to Yuma right away. Your
transport leaves Andrews at 1130, Ma'am."
Tracy repeated the orders back, and Tiner confirmed them. "Okay, Tiner. Thanks."
She hung up the phone and stood. "Well, I'm off to Arizona, Daddy," she sighed.
She leaned over and kissed the top of his head. "Give my love to Mama."
"What about your new boyfriend?"
"Duty calls," Tracy replied. "Tom's an Admiral, Daddy. He understands about my
work." Tracy went to her bedroom and packed her bag. Then she showered and
dressed. "You going to take me to Andrews?" she asked, when her father was still
there.
"If you'd like," he replied.
"That would be nice," she said. "I just want to call Tom before we leave and let
him know where I'll be." Tracy picked up the phone and dialed Tom's home. He
didn't answer, but his machine did, so Tracy left a message. "Hey, it's me," she
said softly. "I'm headed out to Yuma. Tiner just called. I don't know how long
I'll be gone, but I'll have my cell with me. Call me if you can. And Tom...
thanks again for last night. I had a lovely time." She hung up and they headed
out the door.
Monday, 27 January 2003
0845 EDT
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
Mac and Harriett were in the break room filling their coffee mugs and talking
about their weekends. "I wonder how Tracy's date went on Friday night?" Harriett
said at last.
Mac shook her head, "Haven't a clue. I haven't talked to her since that
afternoon. And she got called to Yuma early Saturday morning."
"Oh, what a shame... to have their weekend interrupted like that," Harriett
replied. "And Tracy had such hopes for..."
Tiner walked in with his empty coffee mug and heard their conversation. "Oh, no,
Ma'am. When I called the Commander's apartment on Saturday morning, her father
answered the phone."
AJ was right behind him. "Her father, Tiner?" he chuckled. "You sure you'd know
Tom Boone's voice in the morning after a night of..." he stopped and raised his
eyebrow at Tiner. He did not want to finish that statement with the women
present.
"Well, Sir, I did hear her say... and I quote, 'Daddy, it's my apartment. Give
me the phone!' I wouldn't think she would call Admiral Boone 'Daddy'... at
least, not yet," he added with a smirk.
Mac and Harriett giggled, but AJ replied, "No, I'm sure she doesn't call him
'Daddy'. Not as sensitive as he is about their age difference."
"I wondered about that, Sir. It's a pretty big one, isn't it?" asked Tiner.
He nodded. "23 years."
Harriett piped up, "But if they really care for each other, what does it
matter?"
Mac agreed, "I still say that men make more of an issue out of age than women
do."
AJ looked at the two female officers. "You don't count, Harriett, because you're
already married... to a man very close to your own age, by the way," he said.
"But, Mac... you mean to tell me that you'd consider dating someone 23 years
older than you?"
"That would make him 61 this year," she figured in her head as AJ nodded. She
thought for a moment and then looked back at AJ. "He'd have to be someone very
special. But yes, Admiral, I would."
Tiner gulped. "You would? 61? Wow, Ma'am... that's old!" AJ frowned at Tiner,
and the younger man scurried back to his desk.
Mac continued, "I've dated men a lot younger than I am, too, Sir. I guess I just
don't think about age when I'm looking at a man. I look at their maturity
level." Then she added under her breath, "Which, I suppose, is why Harm and I
never worked."
AJ tried to hide his grin; he knew she didn't intend for him to hear that last.
But he was glad he had. Very glad, indeed. Maybe what she said before was really
true. They're not involved, and Mac doesn't plan ever to be involved with the
cocky flyer.
Bud rounded the corner saying, "Colonel? You have a call on Line 2, Ma'am. It's
Commander Turner calling from Yuma."
"Thanks, Bud," Mac replied, heading for her office.
AJ returned to his office, mug in hand. "Tiner, get me Admiral Boone."
When Mac finished providing Sturgis with the information he required, she said,
"Is Tracy there?"
Sturgis chuckled, "I'm sure she is, Mac, but she's in her own room. It's not
quite 0700 here, you know."
"Oh," Mac laughed. "Sorry about that, Sturgis."
"Not a problem, Mac. You want me to try and transfer you in there?" he asked.
"If you can, that'd be great," Mac replied.
"Okay, hold on. If I lose you, she's in the BOQ Room 5. I'm in 7," he told her.
Mac knew the transfer was successful when she heard Tracy's sleepy voice. "Good
morning, Sunshine!" Mac laughed.
"Mac?" Tracy asked.
"Did I wake you?"
"No, no... I'm awake... I'm just not up yet. Is something wrong?"
"No, Harriett and I were just wondering how your date went Friday night," she
said. "I know... I'm just being nosey, and you don't have to tell me... but I
was..."
Tracy laughed. "Okay, okay! The play was good... funny. I enjoyed it... well,
most of it."
"Most of it? Not all of it? Did something happen?" Mac pressed.
"Weeeell," Tracy drawled, "the last hour or so, I didn't really concentrate on
the stage. Tom and I kind of... well... enjoyed each other more than the play,"
she confessed.
"Oooo! Sounds interesting!" Mac purred. "What about after?"
"We went back to my apartment."
"Tracy..." Mac pleaded. "Come on... give!"
Tracy giggled then. "Things got a little hot and heavy..."
"Even better," Mac added, knowing that Tracy was hesitating. "You don't have to
tell me any more, Tracy. Really. I'm just being nosey... and it's none of my
business."
Tracy continued, "Well, I wish I could tell you that something happened... or
that something did happen so I could tell you to mind your own business," she
laughed, "but actually... nothing did happen. I mean, not really. We were ready
to... but..." Tracy sighed heavily. She didn't really want to tell Mac that Tom
forgot the condoms... that would make him look foolish. "My father showed up."
Mac gasped. "Your father? At your apartment? Oh, my God, how awful!"
"Yeah, it's not the first time he's done this to me, either. My oldest brother
was at the Kennedy Center and saw us there. So he called Daddy and told him.
Daddy, in turn, drove all the way up from Front Royal to check us out... and be
sure Tom wasn't staying the night."
"Oh, Tracy..." Mac said sympathetically.
"Well, needless to say, Tom didn't stay. Daddy did. And then Tiner called me the
next morning, and I've been out here since," Tracy explained.
"Have you talked to him?" Mac asked. "Was he angry?"
"Yes, I have. He's called several times since I left. And no, he's not angry.
Tom is a very patient man." Tracy sighed happily.
Meanwhile, in AJ's office... "Damn, AJ, her father showed up! Her father! Hell,
if I hadn't forgotten the damned condoms, he'd have walked in on us screwing on
the sofa!" Tom complained into the receiver.
AJ laughed, "So, did you pass muster with her father?"
"I guess so. Met her brother Mike, too... the oldest one..."
"The new Justice?" AJ confirmed.
"That's him," Tom agreed. "He seemed to think I was okay."
"Wait until they get to know you!" AJ joked.
"When are you going to let my woman come home, AJ?" Tom asked.
AJ chuckled. "As soon as they wrap up their investigation, Tom. Probably
Thursday."
"Good!" Tom replied. "I want her back in my arms again... and soon! Before she
decides I'm too old for her," he muttered this last to himself. But AJ heard
him.
"I don't think she's going to decide that, Tom," he told his friend. "To hear
the women talk around this office lately, they all seem to prefer men who are
older than them. Considerably older, in fact."
"How've you happened to hear those conversations, AJ?" Tom asked.
"Break room chats. And I happened to walk in on a couple of them."
"Mac?" Tom said the name quietly. He'd wondered at one time if he dared ask Mac
for a date. But then he decided against it; Harm was always in the picture...
and Mac never seemed interested in anyone else. Maybe now she was.
"Yeah. Said this morning that she'd consider dating someone 23 years her senior.
That would make him 61," AJ said with a hint of hope in his voice.
"Tracy mentioned that she's given up on Harm," Tom told him.
"That's what she says," AJ agreed.
"You thinking what I think you're thinking, AJ?" asked Tom cautiously.
AJ sighed, "Can't do it, Tom. Sure, she's going to be out of my chain of command
come Saturday, but still... it would look suspicious. And someone would be bound
to file a grievance."
"Give it some time then... let her be out of your command for a year or so. Then
make your move," Tom suggested.
"A year," AJ repeated. "And what makes you think she'll still be alone in a
year?"
"Then don't wait. Call her on Saturday."
"I'll think about it," AJ answered. They hung up and AJ said aloud to himself,
"You might think about it, Chegwidden, but you'll never do it."
Wednesday, 29 January 2003
0730 EDT
The Pentagon
Washington, DC
Tom sat in his office, the telephone receiver at his ear, listening as his call
connected across the country. Ring. Ring. And finally a sleepy male voice
answered, "Hello?"
Tom was startled. A man? What the hell is a man doing in Tracy's room at this
hour? He hung up quickly. 'And here I thought she was so special... so...'
"Damn!" he swore, slamming his fist on his desk. Then he thought... could that
have been her father? Or one of her brothers? But no, she's in Yuma! Surely they
wouldn't have flown all the way out there to check up on her. "This guy is
probably why I couldn't reach her last night!" he realized.
'What do you really know about her? Nothing! You picked her up on the side of
the road, for God's sake. Sure, she comes from an important family... but
doesn't that usually spell disaster in relationships, you idiot?' he told
himself. "Damn!" he swore again, this time kicking the garbage can over and
sending it flying across the room. "You are an old fool, Boone!"
Christa knocked on her CO's door. "Admiral? Are you all right, Sir?" she called
through the locked door. He didn't answer. "Admiral?!"
Tom barked, "I'm fine, Petty Officer!"
"Sir, I heard a loud bang... are you sure..."
"Come in, Christa," he relented.
She quickly unlocked the door and opened it. She saw her CO, a very odd look on
his face. It wasn't one she'd ever seen before. He wasn't angry. He wasn't
exhausted. Was he... hurt? "Are you sure you're all right, Admiral? You look..."
Tom turned to look out the window. "I'm fine, Christa. Just had a...
disappointment, that's all."
'Oh, no!' she thought. 'What's happened? He's been so happy for the last week.
Surely he and Commander Manetti haven't already parted ways?' She saw the trail
of litter from his desk to where the garbage can now lay on its side by the file
cabinet. "I'm sorry, Sir. I forgot to move the trash can to the hall last
night," she said, bending over and retrieving the can. Then she picked up each
piece of trash and put it back in the can. "I'll just dump this and be right
back, Sir."
Christa returned a moment later with the empty can. "Can I get you anything,
Admiral? Coffee? A donut? Bagel?" He didn't answer; he didn't even move. It was
like he didn't hear her. She walked up behind him and whispered, "Sir?"
Tom turned his head slightly. "Coffee would be perfect, Christa. Thank you," he
answered.
At 0945, Tom was doing his best to concentrate on the file in front of him, but
he wasn't having much luck. Christa knocked on his doorframe. "Excuse me, Sir.
You have a call on Line 1." Tom moved his hand to the phone set, until Christa
continued, "It's Lieutenant Commander Manetti."
Tom didn't even look up. He moved his hand back to the file and said, "I'm busy,
Petty Officer. Take a message."
"Sir?" she asked, surprised.
"You heard me; I'm busy," he said without emotion.
Christa nodded, "Of course, Admiral."
As she turned away, Tom called out, "No more interruptions, Petty Officer. And
close the hatch!" Christa reached back and pulled the door closed. As it
latched, Tom closed his eyes and rested his head in his hands. "Tracy... Oh,
Tracy..."
Wednesday, 29 January 2003
1255 EDT
The Pentagon
Washington, DC
Tom finally buzzed his yeoman. Christa grabbed the receiver, "Yes, Sir?"
"I'm getting ready to head out for lunch, Christa. Any calls I need to return
before I go?" he asked brusquely.
"No, Sir," she replied. "But Lieutenant Commander Manetti..."
"Good. Then I'll be back in an hour," he interrupted. He did not want to hear
that Tracy had called again. He had to get his feelings under control before he
could talk to her again. 'How did I let myself get so involved so fast? I
haven't done this in... hell, 30 years!' He snapped off the intercom before
Christa could reply. Tom grabbed his coat and cover and opened his door. He
started to walk past Christa's desk when he noticed someone jump to her feet.
His jaw fell open in shock. "Tracy?" his voice rose almost an octave.
She smiled. "Hello, Tom," she whispered, stepping forward.
"What are you doing here?" he choked out.
"I was hoping you'd be free for lunch," she purred.
"But... you're..." Tom shook his head. "You're in Yuma!"
Tracy giggled. "I was in Yuma. Commander Turner and I finished up last night
around midnight. And a transport just happened to arrive about that time... and
they were leaving again at 0200. Lucky me! Sturgis knew I really wanted to get
home, so... he agreed and secured us seats. We packed our stuff lickety-split
and hopped on board. Good thing, too, because they needed our rooms for the guys
who came in on the transport." Tom's face was still showing disbelief. "I tried
to call you when we landed, but Christa said you were busy. So I just showed up
and waited... hoping you'd free up at some point," she smiled. "I thought maybe
we could have lunch together. Admiral Chegwidden gave me the day off," she
hinted.
"How long have you been here?" he asked hoarsely, knowing that if she was here
now, she couldn't possibly have been in Yuma at 0730.
"Only since 1055."
"Two hours?" he replied incredulously. He turned to Christa. "Why didn't you let
me know she was here?" he barked.
Christa stood immediately and came to attention stance at the tenor of his
voice. "Sir, you requested that you not be disturbed..." she began.
Tracy interrupted, "And when she told me that, I wouldn't let her disturb you."
Tom turned back to Tracy. He took her hand and pulled her into his office,
kicking the door closed behind him. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her
hard. "Oh, Tracy," he breathed. "God, what I thought... I'm so sorry..."
Tracy looked up, confused. "What do you mean? What did you think? I don't..."
Tom released her and walked over to his window, staring outside. He sighed, "I
kept calling last night and never could reach you."
"I'm sorry about that, Tom... we got so involved in the case..." Tracy started.
"No... no... you were working. Never apologize about that... not to me," he told
her. Then he continued. "I called again this morning at 0730... 0530 out there."
He looked her in the eyes then. "A man answered. I hung up." Tracy saw the look
of hurt... and was that jealousy?... in his eyes. "I jumped to a conclusion,
Tracy..."
She smiled, walking up to him and sliding her hands up his chest. "You thought
he was with me... in bed?" Tom nodded. "Oh, Tom," she purred, pulling his head
down to her level and giving him an Eskimo kiss with her nose, rubbing it back
and forth over his. "No," she breathed. "There's been no one I've even remotely
been interested in... in so long... years, really. Until you." He pulled her
into his arms again and kissed her soundly.
"Forgive me?" he asked huskily.
She smiled as tears welled in her eyes. A man asking her forgiveness? Oh, this
one is a keeper, all right! She nodded, "Of course."
He kissed her again, with more passion than he'd ever put into a kiss before.
When they parted lips, he reached over and pressed the Intercom button. Christa
answered, "Yes, Sir?"
"Cancel my afternoon, Petty Officer. I won't be back after lunch... and I won't
be answering the phone."
"Very good, Sir." Christa disconnected the line and smiled to herself, "Very
good, indeed!"
Continue to Part II |