| Subject: London Series - Part 8....Ace in the Hole |
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Maximus
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Date Posted: 08:57:08 09/14/06 Thu
In reply to:
Maximus
's message, "London Series" on 13:06:25 09/06/06 Wed
London Series: Part 8
Author: Maximus
Mostly Sarah’s POV
Part 8 Title: ACE IN THE HOLE
Library Command Center
Tuesday 30 August, 05
11:00 Hrs
I am waiting for Harriett to drop by to go to lunch and wonder what she has on her mind that is this important. She has been a real friend to both Harm and I. Sometimes I really believe to Harm more than I. Even when I had huge problems with him, she always maintained that he could walk on water. The Roberts have been like that since I first met them. Loyalty seems for most to have limits but not when it comes to loyalty to my husband. I am so glad he is mine and I am his.
Wow, what a week. Yesterday was about the largest rush I have had this year. Being able to help save Mary from something unspeakable was about the greatest. The sex we had when Harm came home this morning at 04:50, was the most tender and understanding we have ever experienced. It was as if he could see me where Mary had been and was thanking God I was safe. The man never ceases to amaze and impress me.
When I called Dr. Simms last Friday to let her know that my cycle had started, she told me that I had to come in today for abdominal shots. I guess they are necessary but shots and I are not usually friends. She said the shots would encourage my body to pass more eggs during ovulation. She says she needs at least three. I will do what is necessary to have a child if Harm and I can make it happen but shots……...ugg.
Our past weekend was great and we found time to have many of our friends over for Harm’s chicken on the grill. This was the first time that Hazel let Harm do his thing. She made her now famous rendition of “Beltway Burgers” inside to supplement the chicken for the little ones. I had really missed his chicken because he was the official cook every year at the JAG picnic and it was the absolute best. He will not even tell me how he makes his BBQ sauce, so we will need to stay married for at least 50 years so I can enjoy all I want. Everyone had a great time.
I need to call SECNAV later today to discuss the meeting about Golden Net. We have so much data and things that will need to be resolved. He sure was a happy camper last night when I called to let him know that we got Mary back thanks to a lot of help from him, the seal team, and others.
I was surprised this morning when I called the Seal team commander and thanked him for the team putting it on the line for me last evening. Evidently very few ever tell them how important what they do can be. Harm and I have a great appreciation for the difficult job they do. A simple “Thank you” seemed to mean a lot.
(Knock, Knock)
When I opened the door, Harriett stood ready to make an exit to Lucinda’s for our time together. I drove since I knew the way and we were ready for our 12:00 seating. We talked about everything but nothing important. Finally I asked her. “What was it that you wanted to talk to me about?”
Harriett took a long look at her water glass and finally opened up. “Sarah, you are one of my dearest friends and right now I am really miffed at you. Jennifer told me that she offered to be a surrogate mother for you and I guess you are thinking it over.”
“ Damn it, if anyone gets that honor I want it to be me !! I have explained to you how I feel about having children and you know I have enough to take care of with my four. Bud and I have been talking about helping you and I feel this is what I need to do for me as well as you.”
(S) I am going to the doctor today to get shots to try to get at least three eggs for implantation. They will try to implant them when she does the surgery for my endometriosis. The doctor believes I might be able to carry my own baby and I want to try.
(Harriett) What about a backup plan?
(S) What do you mean?
(Harriett) If you get more than three eggs, let me carry the rest. You could take care of more than one child couldn’t you? If we are both lucky enough to have one, you would end up with two. Could you do that ?
(S) I will need to talk to Harm. Are you sure you want to do this? Its nine months and you have told me some parts are not fun.
(Harriett) Please, just give me a chance to be part of your life for forever! You know I love you like a sister.
(S) Wow. I don’t know what to say. This is too much for me to grasp right now. Will you and Bud discuss this with Harm and I this evening.
(Harriett) How about 20:00 at our place so I can have the kids in bed.
(S) We will be there.
(Harriett) Thanks.
Northside Military Hospital
16:00 Hrs
This hospital trip in my new corvette is always so much fun. I haven’t really got to drive this 2005 much since I got it in April. It was a shame I wreaked the other one because it had been my baby, my first. Maybe that is wrong. Had I not wrecked it, Harm and I might not have opened up to each other like we did. Our love became so obvious to us during that time. Anyway, Harm and I will need to find a weekend soon to take it on a road trip.
The nurse quickly asked Sarah to put on a gown and had her prepped for the doctor. Sarah was astonished at the size and length of the needle Dr. Simms used to inject a drug starting with Cepta-something into her abdomen evidently into or around her ovaries. It was good she didn’t know much about this before hand or she might not have shown up. Thank God it was over quickly as she was ready to just run away. The next step was to collect the eggs at the right time. The Doctor gave her instructions on what and when to call back. Before leaving, Sarah asked and got the home number for Bonnie Rich so she could talk to her.
The trip back was extra nice because the outside temperature was ideal and she put the top down and enjoyed having her hair blown about. She stopped in and bought take-out chinese food and made a be-line for Harm’s office. She just knew he would enjoy a snack which brought back great memories of their time in D.C. He joined her on his couch with the food between them and they laughed about old times. She was so glad that those times were past because being married relieved them of all the feelings that had led to so many misunderstandings. This love was growing stronger by the day.
Library Command Center
18:00 Hrs
(phone ringing)
Rich residence!
(S) This is Sarah Rabb, is Bonnie there.
(Bonnie) Yes Sarah, this is a nice surprise.
(S) I wanted to check on how you were doing. How did your procedure go?
(Bonnie) I am having a lot of abdominal pain but the doctor thinks some of the eggs have implanted themselves. She said the pain will continue for another couple of weeks since she disturbed so much. How are you?
(S) I just had the abdominal shots today and am uncomfortable. Did the shots work for you?
(Bonnie) I had them every other day for a week. No fun. They evidently worked because we got 7 eggs. Thank heavens, they didn’t use them all.
(S) I was calling to find if you and your husband could have dinner with us some evening. Harm and I would enjoy getting to know you guys.
(Bonnie) We would like that. When would be convenient?
(S) How about 6:30 PM at Lucinda’s Italian Restaurant on Saturday, the third of September?
(Bonnie) Sounds great. We have been there before and loved the food.
(S) We will make reservations for 4 if that is OK?
(Bonnie) We will be there. Thanks for giving me a reason to get out of the house for a little while.
Rabb Home
19:00 Hrs
(phone ringing)
Edward Sheffield !!
(S) Colonel Rabb here sir. I am calling to discuss Golden Net as you requested sir. As you know our six weeks will end on September the 8th. I can be prepared with our major findings anytime after that. When and how did you want the meeting to be held?
(SECNAV) I have made plans to be there for it on September 15. I have asked AJ to set in on the meeting since he is over there. Can you accommodate the wife and I and Chedwiddden also?
(S) I think so sir. We should have the room. The weekend of the 11th is a major problem weekend about Mattie.
(SECNAV) What’s the problem? Maybe I can help.
(S) We are trying to work it out sir. We have it set up where Harm and Mattie would be able to return to Germany on a returning C-141 that had delivered dead and wounded to Andrews. The medical team which came from Germany on that plane could be there to watch over Mattie. The problem is that Mattie will have to remain in the hospital in Germany until another flight can be found to bring her to the Northside Military Hospital here in London. It leaves a lot to be desired but it is the best we have been able to do so far.
(SECNAV) Let me work on it. Tell Harm to go on with the plans you have for now.
I am looking forward to hearing the details of Golden Net on the 15th. Saving Mary has been almost enough by itself. We will be arriving on the 14th and could you get in touch with AJ to let him know our plans?
(S) Yes sir. We have his number and I will call him now. We are looking forward to seeing you, sir.
(SECNAV) Colonel, I have another high profile special assignment for you on the legal side so the quicker Golden Net gets resolved the better.
(S) I understand. Thank you sir.
(phone ringing)
Chegwidden!
(S) Admiral, this is Sarah Rabb. SECNAV is going to be here on the evening of September 14th and he asked that I call and tell you of his plans. He said he asked you to set in on Golden Net and we will meet on the 15th.
(AJ) How about me arriving on the 13th so I can enjoy London a day or two before it starts?
(S) That’s great with us. Call us so we can have our car pick you up at the airport. It is much safer that cabs right now.
(AJ) It will be good to see you guys again.
(S) Same here Admiral. Please remember to call.
Robert’s Home
20:30 Hrs
After pleasantries, Harm and Sarah asked for more details about what Harriett had proposed to Sarah. Since it involved Harriett’s health, safety and so much more, they could hardly believe anyone would or should want to do this for them.
Bud and Harriett went into detail about their discussions on the subject and indicated they truly wanted to help Sarah and Harm have a child like they had been so fortunate to have. The medical bills would be paid by the government or the same provider and everything would be ok. They did a good job of convincing Harm and Sarah how much they were looking forward to this. Surrogacy would intertwine the hearts of Harriett and Sarah forever.
Lucinda’s Italian Restaurant
Saturday, 3 September
18:30 Hrs
Harm and I had arrived a few minutes early to make sure we got one of the better tables so this would be special for Bonnie and her husband. We really did not know enough about either of them to know what to expect. It turned out that both John and Bonnie were about 10 years younger than us, were CPA’s, and had their own small accounting firm.
Harm led the early conversation asking many of the questions which we had and needed answers too. We found them friendly and very outgoing. They showed a lot of interest in the fact that we were attorneys since all of their work was based on the law. I felt a special connection to Bonnie since she was going through the same thing I was to endure. They had been trying for a child for 6 years but to no avail. It left me with the feeling that I was rushing things since we have only been married for a couple of months but our souls have been joined for years.
I explained what the doctor planned for me and asked Bonnie if we could stay in touch to compare notes and so I could follow how she was doing so I would know what to expect. She made me feel that we could go through this together even though I would be a couple of months behind her. We had made new friends that we shared something very special with.
Library Command Center
Thursday, 8 September 05
16:30 Hrs
Sarah had been experiencing dull stabbing pains in the midsection for the past 30 minutes and finally made the call to Dr. Simms office. After explaining this to the nurse she was told that she was to come in at 09:30 tomorrow to have the eggs harvested. After being assured that it was no big deal, she agreed. She called Harm and asked him to schedule tomorrow to be with her in the morning to go to the hospital.
Northside Military Hospital
Friday, 9 September
10:30 Hrs
As they sat in the hospital canteen discussing the procedure she had just completed, many questions kept coming to mind. Things were moving quickly and they were struggling to keep up. They heard their names being paged and returned to Dr. Simms office filled with anticipation.
Sarah and Harm were ushered back into the examining room and she had to put on another gown. Dr. Simms came in with her nurse in tow. The long needles were a dead give-away that things had not went well. After the doctor examined her again, she explained they had only gathered two eggs and would need to try another month to get more. Sarah stared at Harm as the shots were administered again. She was scheduled for shots once a week until ovulation occurred again. The two eggs collected today would be frozen to be ready next month. Since the doctor felt quite sure that she could collect enough eggs on her next ovulation, a tentative date for the endometriosis procedure was scheduled for October 13th with a collection and fertilization date of October 10th.
Sarah told the doctor about what Harriett had proposed and asked if that could happen. The answer was yes, in fact they would try to do the procedure the same day if Harriett’s cycle would allow. The two of them might be able to go through their pregnancies together. She warned Harm and Sarah that it would be possible to have multiple births from each resulting in more than 2 children. Wow, wouldn’t that be a trip.
Doctor Simms called Harriett while Harm and Sarah were still in her office and asked questions about her cycle and to determine if this offer was for real. She asked Harriett if she could come for an appointment with Sarah on her next shot date of Friday, September 16th. After the appointment was made, Sarah took the phone and thanked Harriett for being there for her and Harm.
London airport
18:00 Hrs
Harm’s flight to go get Mattie was scheduled out of London for D.C. at 19:00 and Manny had brought both Sarah and him to the airport a few minutes early not knowing what problems he might encounter through security. Harm was flying in jeans and sweatshirt to negate a military appearance. He had his laptop in his carryon along with his PDA and cell phone. They discussed what the SECNAV had told Sarah and she made sure he had SECNAV’s home number on his PDA because he was to call him after he got in D.C. to find if there had been a change in plans. Harm was going to be picked up and staying with Sturgis over night before he could be with Mattie. Sarah stayed until Harm was finally called for boarding and final hugs and kisses had to last until he got back home. This was the first time they would be apart for more than one night since the wedding.
As Harm was passing through the first class section on his way to business class, he noticed an old friend named Webb, seated in the window seat with his left arm around the top of the seat of a lovely lady in the aisle seat. As Harm passed, Mr. Webb opened his hand passing Harm an ear piece and a note. As Harm continued he read the note that said “take seat 74C and put on the ear piece.” Harm did as instructed.
After Sarah made sure that his flight got off safely, it was back to the limo and headed back for home. She flipped her cell phone open and called Mac. Mac was having major problems gathering and writing the summation for Golden Net and had asked Sarah to call. After speaking to her for a time, it was evident that Mac felt she needed help. Sarah explained that she had just put Harm on the plane to D.C. and asked Mac to pack up and come to the compound and stay in the guest room. Between Kate, Mac, and Sarah, they could have all the reports wrapped up before Harm came back on Monday. Besides that, Sarah had something else in mind for Kate and Mac.
The name of the Blue Moon club kept coming up in Golden Net data and of course it was where the male striper worked who had raped and sold Mary Neuman. A lot of money was being spent there by married ladies from JAG and Sarah wanted to know what was going on. She asked both Mac and Kate to wear a wedding ring and visit the club tonight and told them she would allot each up to $100 for spending to find out what was going on. It was an all expense paid night on the town and they quickly agreed.
When Kate and Mac arrived at the club they found it catered to “ladies only”. The club was in two parts with a general mixed bar atmosphere in the front and a larger area down the hall that catered to “lady players.” When they went down the hall they found male strippers were in great supply and were being very attentive. The outside wall of the room had 7 family style restrooms and a couple of regular men/ladies rooms. It didn’t take long for a couple of guys to start hitting on the two. After a little conversation they picked up on how everything worked. $10 to $15 dollars in the guys belt would give them enough touchy-feely to get quick relief but $50 would get them a while in a family restroom for the real thing. Since they each had $100 they decided on both but with different guys. The guys that invited them to the family restrooms insisted on credit card payment and even though they were surprised, they obliged. After all, it was in the interest of gaining needed information. They had to wonder if Sarah would see it that way. They sure were going to have an interesting report to write.
After about 4 hours into Harm’s flight, Webb’s voice came over the ear piece and brought Harm out of his daydream about Sarah. “I knew you were going to be on this flight. The three people in 72A through 72C including the lady I am with are believed to be ready to blow this flight out of the air. I have located and talked to the air marshal and the Captain. You are my ace in the hole. I believe my cover has been blown and the lady I am with knows what I am here for and she acts like she knows who the air marshal is but they don’t know you are here. Since you are not armed, I need to get a piece to you. After I go to the bathroom, get in line so you are the next. I will leave it in the trash bin. I will talk to you again.”
Harm waited for Webb to move and then he carried out the instructions. Webb had left a 9mm with silencer and 2 full clips which let Harm know this was for real. Harm was relieved that nothing was going on when he left the bathroom and he was able to relax again.
Harm heard Mr. Webb’s voice again in the 9th hour of the flight. Since they had not acted before this, he expected that they would try to take over the flight as it approached the U.S. (in the next 3 hours). Harm tried to keep cool and look detached.
At the end of hour 11, the Captain came on the intercom and explained that they were about an hour out of D.C. and would be slowly descending for an on-time arrival. Shortly thereafter the 3 people in 72A through 72C got up. Two went toward the back of the plane and one went forward. Harm responded immediately by going to the bathroom in the rear of the plane. After staying there for a while and having nothing happen, he came out of the bathroom and took a seat close to the door acting as if he was and had been sick.
The chain of events started when the lady in first-class disarmed Mr. Webb and knocked him out cold. She explained over the intercom she was taking over the flight in the name of Allah. The previous occupants of seats 72A through 72C went into action with guns drawn and grabbed the air marshal and disarmed her. They taped her hands to the seat and warned her not to move.
Their first mistake was when two of the three in business class went into first class to see the lady. One silenced shot took the remaining person down. Two servicemen in uniform watched as Harm made his shot and quickly moved the body into the middle row under some seats. When the two bad guys came from the front, a lot of confusion started. They wanted to find their friend but no one knew where he was. When the first went into the bathroom searching, Harm used one shot to take the other one down. Again the cleanup crew went into action and no sign was left. Harm was waiting when the door to the bathroom opened and
a strategically placed blow to the head rendered him unconscious.
Harm decided on a diversion to deal with the lady in first class. The two men in uniform agreed to his plan and recovered the body of the first man taken down. They each took a side with an arm from the dead man around them and started walking with him toward first class making a commotion as they went. They were making a fuss around him when the lady in first class noticed what was going on. In her rush into business class to help her friend, she didn’t watch her back and Harm silenced her with one sharp blow to the head. The count was 2 dead and 2 incapacitated and everyone else safe. Since Webb was now conscious, Harm turned the 2 over to him and the air marshal to find what their plan had been.
As had been the story of Harm’s whole life, Stuart Dunston of ZNN news stepped forward and asked Harm for the exclusive to the story. Since he had always had Harm’s trust, the deal was made. Harm was a bit reluctant since he just knew Sarah and the whole world would see his face all over the TV again. The flight landed safely and everyone disembarked to their family and friends. It felt like just another day in Harm’s Navy.
Harm was glad to see a familiar face when Sturgis approached. On the way home, they talked for a long time in the dining area at “Beltway Burger.” (which he was checking out to find if it was as good as Hazel’s version). They talked about HQ and London each catching up on the latest.
Harm took a minute to call Mattie to let her know he was in D.C. She was so excited and talkative. She said her move was to start at 07:00 on the 11th with a ride to Andrews in an EMS truck. Harm assured her that he would be there tomorrow and spend all his time with her from then on till they got to Germany.
Harm checked in with General Cresswell and found everything was under control. Harm gave him his cell number and told him where he was going to be until leaving early Sunday morning.
Sturgis understood how long it had been since Harm had slept and took him home to get his shower and then to bed. Harm smiled because Sturgis would be surprised when his face showed up all over the TV. After the shower, Harm called Sarah and warned her about what to expect. It was already being shown in London and Sarah acted as if she was not at all surprised. No one knew better than her that Harm was the go-to guy when help was needed.
Sturges’ apartment
Saturday, 10 September
12:30 Hrs
Harm had been kidded since waking up about his picture being all over TV and took it well since Sturgis was the one doing it. When Harm made his call to the home of the SECNAV, he was greeted with kind words about the rescue of the flight from the day before. He picked up quickly that SECNAV really was not surprised that he was the one responsible. He guessed that if you had to have a reputation, this one was not a bad one to have.
The SECNAV went over the flight changes that had been made which would have the C-141 fly directly into London airport and offload Mattie and him onto a waiting helicopter for the flight to Northside Military Hospital. It just couldn’t get much better than this. After voicing his thanks more than once, Harm was reminded by SECNAV that he would be arriving for Golden Net on the 14th and would enjoy a nice stay. A simple “thanks” did not seem adequate but it is all SECNAV would accept.
After much discussion, Sturgis took Harm to Bethesda to be with Mattie. Sturgis accompanied Harm to the room to see Mattie since it would be a while before she would be back in the states again. She showed her appreciation to Sturgis for all he had done and the visits he had made since Harm had been gone with a kiss on the cheek. They had had something in common for a long time because both knew Harm and Sarah loved each other before they seemed to know it themselves. As Sturgis said his goodbyes, both understood what this special bond meant between them.
The staff at Bethesda had brought in a long lounger for Harm since they knew he would be staying the night to catch the early move tomorrow. They had done so much for Mattie and she had made a lot of friends. It would be hard for Mattie to leave but she just couldn’t wait any longer to be with Sarah and Harm.
Bethesda Hospital
Sunday, 11 September
06:35 Hrs Local
As the final packing up and loading up was taking place, Harm placed a call to Sarah to tell her of the efforts made by SECNAV and asked her to be at Northside at 10:00 on Monday to see Mattie and be with them.
When Harm had said his goodbyes, Mattie took the phone and said hello to her new mother. Harm just about lost it. Sarah made sure Mattie understood how much she was looking forward to this and how important this was to her. Sarah also hinted to her about the possibility of a little brother or sister in the future. After hanging up, everyone was stoked to the limit and it would be hard for anyone to get any sleep today.
The EMS truck arrived on time and Captain Rabb and Mattie and her gurney were loaded quickly. The trip to Andrews was accomplished without incident. Mattie was loaded in the most comfortable area in the airplane (over the wing area) for the trip to London. The other bunks/racks placed throughout the aircraft would allow all of the tired overworked medical personnel some sleep on the return trip. They had been flying most of last night with many badly wounded marines.
Commander Adler was Mattie’s doctor for the return trip and was really happy with her physical condition. He administered a light sedative into her IV to allow sleep during the trip. Three medics would also be periodically checking on her. Harm was pleased with the attention being showered on her. He moved and took the bunk right next to her so they could be together for the entire flight. Shortly thereafter, Mattie drifted off in comfortable sleep leaving Harm to be one of the few still awake.
After about 5 hours, the pilot ( Lt. Cmdr. Smith) offered Harm a hot cup of coffee. Harm moved over and made room on the bunk. The pilot had noticed the wings being worn by the Captain and had also picked up a paper at Andrews and he now understood who this Captain Rabb was. They spent time telling war stories and enjoying the mutual respect only known to aviators. As the pilot turned to go back to the cockpit, he saluted Harm and thanked him for what he had done on Friday.
After Harm found himself alone again, he withdrew into his thoughts of Sarah and his new family and drifted softly into sleep. Tomorrow would be another important day for the Rabbs.
TBC.
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