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McRose - the writing team of highplainswoman and janlaw
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Date Posted: 07:34:42 05/04/07 Fri
In reply to:
McRose
's message, "Doppelgänger" on 19:52:35 04/06/07 Fri
Once again, grateful appreciation to the friends who’ve given so generously of their time and expertise to assist with certain details: Mkim and doc, Colie and Mimi, and annamae. Also, thanks, all of you you’ve made comments or sent personal emails.
Doppelgänger -- Epilogue
The Canterbury Hotel
Indianapolis
December 12, 2009
Standing to the side of the beautifully decorated-for-the-holidays lobby waiting for Mac and Mahara, Harm absently admired the festive decorations and reflected on the past few years.
Funny, he’d just had his 46th birthday, but he felt younger, not older! Some of his high school and Academy classmates were already grandmothers and grandfathers ….then there was Keeter – still the perennial bachelor (!) ….and then there was him, proud parent of Mattie and Chloe – juniors in college; and Mahara – all of 3 ½! Nothing like carrying 50 pounds on your shoulders or racing alongside a bicycle with training wheels to keep you fit! He and Mac still ran five miles at least three days a week, ten once or twice a week.
Harm and Mac had debated whether to come to this wedding where they wouldn’t know more than a couple of people during the hectic month between Thanksgiving and Christmas, but had decided to come. They were curious – what would it be like – meeting a “twin” again? The decision to bring Mahara had been harder – Mattie and Chloe had been invited too, but had first quarter final exams beginning next week. This was Trish’s busy season at the gallery, and she was nearly 70; Frank was 82 but still worked part time as a consultant and was leaving Monday for three days of meetings in Tokyo – not the best time to ask and of them to take care of their adored granddaughter or little sister, even though they’d all offered. It would have been nice to get away alone, especially to this charming hotel, but he and Mac were taking a week around the Martin Luther King’s birthday holiday and going to the Galápogos – a once-in-a-lifetime trip to see the giant tortoises, birds and other species they’d only seen in pictures. They were both so excited about the spectacular trip on the small luxury cruise ship that they’d planned for nearly a year. They'd managed to take advantage of the hotel’s sitter service after arriving last night, and had dinner at the famed St. Elmo’s, then walked to the new Harry & Izzy’s for dessert and coffee.
Harm’s attention focused as a voice thankfully not at all like his hailed him:
“Harmon Rabb. ‘Long time no see.’” The two men shook hands as men do, each frankly studying the other. It hadn’t been a mistake – a figment of the press’s imagination that got carried away. Same height. Same build. Same blue-green eyes- exactly the same, staring at each other’s identical face. Jimmy’s hair still a tad longer, a trifle darker. Anyone looking quickly would see what others had seen 2 ½ years ago ….identical “twins.” It didn’t help that they were each in a dark tuxedo, only their ties a different color – Harm’s a dark burgundy to nearly match Mac’s dress; Jimmy’s a midnight blue.
“I asked my folks,” Jimmy spoke first – the words bursting out nervously. “My mother insisted that she’d never given up a kid for adoption and that I look like her brothers and their father – I’m an only child – they all died years ago. My father just laughed his head off.”
“My mom and dad – stepdad - saw us on TV and in the newspaper pictures but just shrugged it off too. I think they figured it was just a general resemblance,” Harm admitted. “Anyway, congratulations again! Oh, and also - before you ask again – nope, – this Sailor’s a salt water guy – not interested in the “3rd coast,” no matter how wide the Mississippi!”
Both men laughed. Shortly after Jimmy was elected Indiana’s Attorney General in November 2007, he’d called Harm to offer him a job as head of the Special Investigations Unit; when Harm said “no thanks,” he’d offered head of his choice of any of the litigation units – civil, criminal, or appellate. When Harm had again said “thanks but no thanks” Jimmy upped the ante - he’d offered Harm and Mac a “package deal” – they could each have their choice, recognizing from Annabeth’s feedback that this was a “ team” couple in every way! He still called a couple of times a year.
“How’s the family?” Jimmy wouldn’t admit it, but he’d followed Harm and Mac’s careers with interest after meeting Harm and realizing that in many ways they were “kindred spirits,” both wanting the same results – the result that served justice. And of course, Annabeth had returned from her trip to observe Petty Officer Morrison’s trial raving about both Harm and Mac. He’d really been looking forward to seeing Harm again, and meeting Mac, who he’d spoken to a few times on the phone.
“Doing great!” Harm beamed, his broad grin lighting the lobby, even as his hand automatically started to fish for his wallet with its sheaf of photos – the proud husband and father multiplied by four. Chuckling, he took his hand out of his back pocket – empty …“Mac and Mahara’ll be here in a moment - bathroom break after the ceremony. We debated bringing her - I know she’s a bit young for a big “do” like this.”
“I don’t think it’s a problem. There’re other kids here too,” Jimmy shrugged. “Hailey’s just a year or so older, right?”
“Uh-h-h…yes, though you’d never know it.” Harm laughed ruefully. “She’s 3 ½ but she’s as tall as a typical 7 or 8 year old; she’s starting first grade in January. We’ve put it off as long as we can – the preschool staff’s insistent that there’s nothing more they can teach her, she’s off the charts on the tests just like she’s off the charts on height and weight….we finally gave in - the clincher was when we found her doing her best friend’s homework for him and explaining it to him – he’s 10 ½! Jimmy, she’s so smart it’s scary; she looks like an older kid, she talks like an older kid – I keep having her remind myself – she’s only 3 ½ years old, she’s still my little girl!”
“Dadddeee!” The dulcet tones of his youngest daughter intruded into their conversation, as a pint-sized vision in dark green velvet and lace pranced into view.
“Mahara – where’s your --? – Harm’s question was cut off as the child stood between the two men, looking uncertainly from one to the other.
“Daddy???” The little girl’s voice trembled a bit and both men gasped – realizing that she actually wasn’t sure which one of them was her father!
“Honey, don’t be scared - this is Mr. Conlon – we’ve told you about him – I know we look like each other, just like AJ and Jimmy look very much like each other, because they’re brothers, and Nikki and Mickey, because they’re twins. Mr. Conlon and I aren’t brothers, we just look a lot alike ….look,” Harm bent down to the child’s level – still a long ways, tall as she was for her age – “we don’t sound at all like each other when we talk, and my tie’s red, like Mom’s dress, remember.”
’Kay,” the little girl’s voice brightened. “You’re Daddy!” She looked carefully at the other man, studying his face and his clothes as he looked a bit uncertainly at her. Finally, she smiled widely.
“I’m Mara O’Hara.” Amazed at the self-assured voice and manner, Jimmy bent to grasp the small hand held out to him. “I’m Jimmy Conlon. I’m so glad to finally meet your father’s daughter.”
“Mahara, where’s your Mom?”
“Talking to Ms. Annabeth …look, look, there’s Hailey …she looks bee-you-ti-ful. Can I go, Daddy?”
“Sure, but remember what we talked about – no running or yelling – there’re lots of grown-ups here.” Harm smiled indulgently as the two men watched the child dash across the lobby to grab and hug young Hailey Chase. The two little girls – the one blond and the other brunette -- whirled about, obviously admiring each other’s dresses.
“I see what you mean,” Jimmy chuckled. “Hailey’s 4 1/2 and no midget, but your daughter’s so much taller. Is your wife very tall too?”
“Mac’s five–nine, so I guess we shouldn’t be surprised if Mahara ends up six feet or more – I assume it’s in the genes! It’s the towering intellect that really frightens me, though,” Harm confided.
“Harm? Did Mahara find you? I told her she could find you and then Hailey.” The two men turned as Mac came into view. As always, Harm’s eyes gleamed with that combination of lust and love that was uniquely his. In a crowd of glittering beauties, all dressed to-the-nines, his wife stood out – and not just because of her height. Curls falling softly around her lovely face, her deep burgundy gown – his favorite color on her – shimmered against her tanned skin; high heeled sandals emphasized her long slender legs, and rubies sparkled at her ears and throat. Heads turned admiringly as the crowd flowed into the room where the wedding reception would be held. In her 20’s, before he’d met her, Mac had surely been pretty; in her 30’s, she’d been beautiful -- at 44, she was magnificent.
“Mac” – leaning forward, Harm brushed her lips lightly, knowing she had fussed over her hair and makeup for the occasion, “you missed it – Mahara wasn’t sure who her daddy was for a moment.” He could laugh now, but for a moment ….she saw the flash of – what? – not pain exactly, but more bewilderment - as though he hadn’t known who he was - “you’ve spoken to Jimmy on the phone, I know – meet Jimmy Conlon in the flesh. Look carefully – his tie’s blue!”
Mac thought she’d prepared herself for this meeting. Even as she held out her hand, a smile firmly on her lips, she was nearly as disconcerted as Mahara had been. She too took stock of the handsome man staring back at her.
The real surprise though, was Jimmy’s reaction.
Now, Jimmy had remembered that Annabeth had commented on Mac’s resemblance to Dani McKinnen, but he’d also remembered that she’d said that it wasn’t a “twin,” a “double” – it was more like the resemblance between an older and younger sister or between cousins. While Jimmy knew that Dani was Chiara’s “twin” - at least physically - he somehow just hadn’t connected the dots. Now, seeing Mac, the faces blurred as he blinked – there was Chi – 24 years old – her face frozen in his distant memory - Dani – 39 in 2 weeks – it had taken a long time, but he no longer saw Chiara every time he saw or talked to her.
His face worked convulsively as he tried to speak and Harm reached out and grabbed his arm, worried about his sudden pallor – Jimmy almost swayed before he caught himself. Mac had told Harm what Annabeth had said about her and Dani – the police lieutenant whose team she sometimes worked with. Was there more of a resemblance than Annabeth had let on?
“Jimmy?” Mac was uncertain what to say. “Annabeth had told me I look a little like someone you all worked with but I didn’t think she was saying it was really all that much of a resemblance – are you okay?”
Fighting to control his emotions, Jimmy managed –“no, it’s not you and Dani, not really …there was someone else - a long time ago.”
Now it was Harm and Mac’s turn to stare at each other, at Jimmy, and at each other again. They were so in tune with each other – in a few weeks it’d be 13 years since they’d met and become partners, they’d been married for 4 ½ years now …. their ability to communicate silently – to have a whole conversation with their eyes or just a word or two -- was stronger than ever.
What was this all about? Neither believed in Bud’s theories about “parallel universes.”
Now it was Harm’s turn to laugh nervously – very nervously. “I hope her name wasn’t Diane?”
“No, …no …it was Chi – Chiara. We were friends in law school. Please …please excuse my bad manners. Mac, I’ve really been looking forward to meeting you.” Jimmy tried hard to regain his equilibrium – this was a wedding celebration, after all!
“Somehow, somewhere” Harm’s voice was low and contemplative, “I think we may have even more in common that we’d ever thought. Maybe we can talk later?”
“Yes. Thank you - I’d like that. I want you two to finally meet Dani – she got a call just as we got here from the ceremony. Crime never stops, not even for weddings!”
“We’d better collect our daughter and go in” – Harm nodded to the room set for the reception – “they’ll eat without us and if I know my women, that will not be acceptable!”
“Hey! I ran at least five miles all through White River Park while you watched cartoons this morning.” The banter came easily as it always did now. “It’s a great place – maybe we can take Mahara to the Zoo before we head to the airport tomorrow. So, where’s the food? I’m hungry!”
Jimmy chuckled, glad at the change of subject. “They won’t start without me. But c’mon, let’s go in. Dani’ll find us.”
***************
“James – I’m sorry. …one of my informants was found dead. ‘Mouse’ may have roared once too often after having a few, or it might have just been a heart attack …life on the streets can do that to snitches.” Dani McKinnen turned her attention to the couple preparing to sit at their table as Jimmy stood by chatting with Ed and Ray. “You must be ….” she’d seen Jimmy and Harm at the press conference after the decision was made to ship Morrison back to the Navy, and Annabeth had mentioned her resemblance to Harm’s wife, but seeing the two together was almost like looking into a mirror, as Jimmy put his arm around her and made the introductions.
Just as Harm and Jimmy had, the two women frankly stared at each other, each taking stock of the other. Annabeth had been right, not twins exactly, more cousins or sisters. Definitely more than a passing resemblance!
Finally, Dani McKinnen held out her hand, smiling impishly, “I don’t have any sisters, just brothers, and no cousins. Want a kissin’ cousin or a sister?”
“You’re on.” Mac’s warm laugh had Harm relaxing. The two women chatted, finding common ground in their work and likes, as the tables filled.
“Mommy! Daddy! Can I sit with Hailey?” This time, Mahara was prepared – Hailey had told her that her mommy’s friend looked like her mommy. Staring straight at Dani, she cocked her head and stated firmly, “you’re not my mommy, she’s wearing a red dress and has curls like mine.” At that, Harm choked slightly, and the child turned to him, her face falling slightly.
“I’m sorrrrreee, Daddy, I didn’t mean to make us late, I just wanted curls too. Can I sit with Hailey? Ms. Annabeth said I can.”
Mac shrugged, “if you’re sure her mother said okay – people are supposed to sit where their names are today, and Hailey was the flower girl – I’m sure she has a place she’s supposed to sit. Umm-m-m, I’ll go with you to see.”
“Oh wow, she is something … where can I get one like that?” Like everyone who met her, Dani was immediately taken with Harm and Mac’s daughter.
“Her name is unusual? I noticed you called her ‘Mahara’ but she introduced herself to me as ‘Mara O’Hara.’” Like most people who don’t know each other very well, one or the other’s children are always a safe topic.
“Ahhh”….Harm chuckled ruefully, “I told you, she’s so smart it scares me – she knows my name is Rabb and Mac’s name is Mackenzie. Her name is Mackenzie O’Hara Rabb – Matt O’Hara is Mac’s uncle – we met on a case because of him. She insists she wants her own name – ‘MacKenzie Rabb O’Hara’ – Mara O’Hara.”
“Bragging about our kid again, Sailor?” Mac was back, waving to Mahara and Hailey, now seated several tables away with a group of older children. Slipping into her seat, she picked up the story, “we’ve told her, she can call herself ‘Mara’ if she really wants, but she has to answer to what her teachers call her in school and to us if we forget and call her ‘Mahara.’ When she’s 18, she can decide…that got us a lesson in making even half promises, believe me.” Mac’s chuckle was self-depreciating, remembering the “discussion” with the stubborn little girl. She shrugged, “whatever. What’s in a name, and all that…though, we did put a lot of thought into her name when we named her.”
Dani was still fascinated with the child. “If I ever have a little girl, she’ll look like her!”
“You could do worse,” Jimmy’s tone was low and intimate, and Harm and Mac exchanged glances – another story here, here, their wordless conversation said. “What does she like to do?” Unlike Dani, he had a number of cousins.
“You won’t believe it - the coincidence.” Now it was Mac’s turn. “Her godparents took her to see “Stars on Ice” last summer with their children. That was it- we heard nothing but “ice skating” for weeks on end ’til we agreed to let her take lessons. There’s a large indoor rink at the mall nearest us. It’s just so eerie, watching her and remembering that tape of the Olevenowskis’ skating…” Mac’s voice trailed off as she remembered the case that had brought Harm and Jimmy together. Dani sobered. That case had been a nightmare – it had haunted her and everyone who’d touched it for a long time.
“Is she good?” Dani had loved to skate as a kid.
“Her teacher says so.” Harm shrugged. “She’s so tall, they want to pair her with an older boy already – so she coaxed her friend – our godson - the 10 ½ year old -- into taking lessons too. We’ll see what happens.”
The four of them were silent for a moment, reflecting on the events that had set the stage for their meeting – the coincidences and …what? Fate?
“Whether in this universe or another ….” Harm’s laugh was just a trifle shaky, “whether we were fated to meet or not, we’re glad we did and we’re glad to be here.”
“Hear, hear.” Raising his glass in salute, Jimmy rose. “and, that’s my cue.”
“Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention…” Waving towards the middle able, he continued, “now, I know it’s traditional for the best man to offer the first toast, but nothing’s traditional about this wedding party. The bride has no bridesmaids or maid of honor and the groom has no best man and groomsmen – instead we have the ‘best people!’”
As the guests roared with laughter, the wedding party rose. Her golden hair shimmering about her shoulders, Annabeth was alight with happiness, flanked by her “best people” – Ed and Ray. On her other side was her groom, flanked by his “best people,” snowflake twins Chris and Becca. Gregory Vukovic was in his new home, having resigned his commission to take a job as an Assistant United States Attorney in Indianapolis. He would continue his Naval service as a Reservist.
The end.
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